PROASSURANCE CORPORATION
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007 or                     
     
o   Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 0-16533
ProAssurance Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Delaware   63-1261433
     
(State or Other Jurisdiction of   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation of Organization)    
     
100 Brookwood Place, Birmingham, AL   35209
     
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
(205) 877-4400
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
(Former Name, Former Address, and Former Fiscal Year,
if Changed Since Last Report)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ      No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer þ       Accelerated Filer o       Non-Accelerated Filer o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o       No þ
     As of April 27, 2007 there were 33,335,826 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
 
 

 


Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements
     Any statements in this Form 10Q that are not historical facts are specifically identified as forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon our estimates and anticipation of future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from the expected results described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “hope”, “hopeful”, “intend”, “may”, “optimistic”, “preliminary”, “project”, “should”, “will” and other analogous expressions. There are numerous important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Thus, sentences and phrases that we use to convey our view of future events and trends are expressly designated as forward-looking statements as are sections of this Form 10Q that are identified as giving our outlook on future business.
     Forward-looking statements relating to our business include among other things: statements concerning liquidity and capital requirements, return on equity, financial ratios, net income, premiums, losses and loss reserves, premium rates and retention of current business, competition and market conditions, the expansion of product lines, the development or acquisition of business in new geographical areas, the availability of acceptable reinsurance, actions by regulators and rating agencies, court judgment, legislative actions, payment or performance of obligations under indebtedness, payment of dividends, and other matters.
     These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors that could affect the actual outcome of future events:
  -   general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market area, that are worse than anticipated;
 
  -   regulatory and legislative actions or decisions that adversely affect our business plans or operations;
 
  -   inflation and changes in the interest rate environment;
 
  -   performance of financial markets and/or changes in the securities markets that adversely affect the fair value of our investments or operations;
 
  -   changes in laws or government regulations affecting medical professional liability insurance;
 
  -   changes to our ratings assigned by rating agencies;
 
  -   the effects of health care changes, including managed care;
 
  -   uncertainties inherent in the estimate of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and reinsurance, and changes in the availability, cost, quality, or collectibility of reinsurance;
 
  -   bad faith litigation which may arise from our involvement in the settlement of claims;
 
  -   post-trial motions which may produce rulings adverse to us and/or appeals we undertake that may be unsuccessful;
 
  -   significantly increased competition among insurance providers and related pricing weaknesses in some markets;
 
  -   our ability to achieve continued growth through expansion into other states or through acquisitions or business combinations;
 
  -   the expected benefits from acquisitions may not be achieved or may be delayed longer than expected due to, among other reasons, business disruption, loss of customers and employees, increased operating costs or inability to achieve cost savings, and assumption of greater than expected liabilities;
 
  -   changes in accounting policies and practices that may be adopted by our regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and
 
  -   changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans.
     Our results may differ materially from those we expect and discuss in any forward-looking statements. The principal risk factors that may cause these differences are described in various documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Registration Statement filed on February 15, 2006 and updated on June 2, 2006, as well as in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our current reports on Form 8-K, and our regular reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, particularly in “Item 1A, Risk Factors.”
     We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and advise readers that the factors listed above could affect our financial performance and could cause actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements. Except as required by law or regulations, we do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

2


TABLE OF CONTENTS

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


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data)
                 
    March 31   December 31
    2007   2006
    (Unaudited)        
Assets
               
Investments
               
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
  $ 3,080,872     $ 3,136,222  
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value
    49,665       49,218  
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value
    6,898       7,220  
Equity securities, trading, at fair value
    8,217       7,638  
Short-term investments
    326,611       184,280  
Business owned life insurance
    59,293       58,721  
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries
    10,198       9,331  
Other
    72,530       39,468  
     
Total investments
    3,614,284       3,492,098  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,477       29,146  
Premiums receivable
    123,204       113,023  
Receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    373,374       370,763  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    18,766       18,954  
Deferred taxes
    109,039       112,201  
Real estate, net
    23,079       23,135  
Other assets
    194,233       183,533  
     
 
  $ 4,457,456     $ 4,342,853  
     
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Policy liabilities and accruals:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,633,624     $ 2,607,148  
Unearned premiums
    288,994       253,773  
Reinsurance premiums payable
    110,355       106,176  
     
Total policy liabilities
    3,032,973       2,967,097  
Other liabilities
    81,221       78,032  
Long-term debt
    179,288       179,177  
     
Total liabilities
    3,293,482       3,224,306  
Commitments and contingencies
           
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share 100,000,000 shares authorized, 33,456,764 and 33,398,028 shares issued, respectively
    335       334  
Additional paid-in capital
    501,020       495,848  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $866 and $62, respectively
    1,605       111  
Retained earnings
    661,070       622,310  
     
 
    1,164,030       1,118,603  
Less treasury stock, at cost, 121,765 shares
    (56 )     (56 )
     
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,163,974       1,118,547  
     
 
  $ 4,457,456     $ 4,342,853  
     

3


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
                                 
            Accumulated            
            Other           Other
            Comprehensive   Retained   Capital
    Total   Income (Loss)   Earnings   Accounts
     
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $ 1,118,547     $ 111     $ 622,310     $ 496,126  
 
                               
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    2,670             2,670        
 
                               
Net income
    36,090             36,090        
 
                               
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments
    1,494       1,494              
 
                               
Common stock issued as compensation
    2,736                   2,736  
 
                               
Stock-based compensation
    2,253                   2,253  
 
                               
Common stock options exercised
    184                   184  
     
 
                               
Balance at March 31, 2007
  $ 1,163,974     $ 1,605     $ 661,070     $ 501,299  
     
                                 
            Accumulated            
            Other           Other
            Comprehensive   Retained   Capital
    Total   Income (Loss)   Earnings   Accounts
     
Balance at December 31, 2005
  $ 765,046     $ (8,834 )   $ 385,885     $ 387,995  
 
                               
Net income
    137,276             137,276        
 
                               
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments:
                               
Continuing operations
    (15,652 )     (15,652 )            
Discontinued operations
    373       373              
 
                               
Common stock issued as compensation
    2,477                   2,477  
 
                               
Stock-based compensation:
                               
Continuing operations
    1,995                   1,995  
Discontinued operations
    642                   642  
 
                               
Common stock options exercised
    114                   114  
     
 
                               
Balance at March 31, 2006
  $ 892,271     $ (24,113 )   $ 523,161     $ 393,223  
     

4


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
    2007   2006
     
Revenues:
               
Gross premiums written
  $ 185,302     $ 182,187  
     
Net premiums written
  $ 171,459     $ 172,632  
     
 
               
Premiums earned
  $ 150,685     $ 152,748  
Premiums ceded
    (13,508 )     (10,318 )
     
Net premiums earned
    137,177       142,430  
Net investment income
    42,571       32,881  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    867       1,481  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
    (3,162 )     144  
Other income
    1,424       1,255  
     
 
               
Total revenues
    178,877       178,191  
 
               
Expenses:
               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    129,601       121,598  
Reinsurance recoveries
    (30,554 )     (10,466 )
     
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    99,047       111,132  
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    26,827       26,453  
Interest expense
    2,959       2,556  
     
 
               
Total expenses
    128,833       140,141  
     
 
               
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    50,044       38,050  
 
               
Provision for income taxes:
               
Current expense (benefit)
    11,598       13,474  
Deferred expense (benefit)
    2,356       (3,259 )
     
 
    13,954       10,215  
     
 
               
Income from continuing operations
    36,090       27,835  
 
               
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          109,441  
     
 
               
Net income
  $ 36,090     $ 137,276  
     
 
               
Basic earnings per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.08     $ 0.89  
Income from discontinued operations
          3.51  
     
Net income
  $ 1.08     $ 4.40  
     
 
               
Diluted earnings per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.02     $ 0.84  
Income from discontinued operations
          3.21  
     
Net income
  $ 1.02     $ 4.05  
     
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    33,294       31,155  
     
Diluted
    36,157       34,050  
     

5


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended
    March 31
    2007   2006
     
Comprehensive income, after tax:
               
Continuing operations:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 36,090     $ 27,835  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments
    1,494       (15,652 )
     
Comprehensive income, continuing operations
  $ 37,584     $ 12,183  
     
 
               
Discontinued operations:
               
Income from discontinued operations
  $     $ 109,441  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after tax, net of reclassification adjustments
          373  
     
Comprehensive income, discontinued operations
  $     $ 109,814  
     

6


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
    2007   2006
     
Continuing Operations:
               
 
               
Operating Activities
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 36,090     $ 27,835  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,923       5,591  
Net realized investment (gains) losses and net purchases of trading portfolio securities
    2,892       (446 )
Stock-based compensation
    2,253       1,995  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Premiums receivable
    (10,181 )     (7,159 )
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    26,477       52,261  
Unearned premiums
    35,222       29,501  
Reinsurance related assets and liabilities
    1,756       (745 )
Other
    (11,410 )     6,963  
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    87,022       115,796  
     
 
               
Investing Activities
               
Purchases of:
               
Fixed maturities available for sale
    (370,347 )     (768,140 )
Equity securities available for sale
    (95 )      
Other investments
    (1,571 )     (364 )
Proceeds from sale or maturities of:
               
Fixed maturities available for sale
    400,629       713,564  
Equity securities available for sale
    315       235  
Other investments
    53        
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments
    (142,331 )     (431,154 )
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of sales expense paid of $4,080
          371,037  
Other
    (1,469 )     (51 )
     
Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations
    (114,816 )     (114,873 )
     
 
               
Financing Activities
               
Cash received from options exercises
    116       119  
Excess tax benefit from options exercises
    9       602  
     
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations
    125       721  
     
 
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (27,669 )     1,644  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    29,146       34,506  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,477     $ 36,150  
     
 
               
Significant Non-cash Transactions:
               
Fixed maturities securities received as proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
  $     $ 24,819  
     
Fixed maturity securities transferred, at fair value, to other investments
  $ 34,732     $  
     

7


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
1. Basis of Presentation
     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ProAssurance Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (ProAssurance). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2006 report on Form 10-K.
Reclassifications/Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
     In 2007, due to anticipated changes to the significance of the amounts involved, ProAssurance has separately reported its investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and its equity in the earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Previously, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries were included as a component of other investments, and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries were considered as a component of net investment income. Prior period balances in this report have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation. The reclassification had no effect on income from continuing operations, net income or total assets.
     Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries consist of ownership interests in non-public investment entities. ProAssurance uses the equity method of accounting for investments in entities in which its ownership interest does not require consolidation but for which ProAssurance’s ownership interest is a greater than minor interest. ProAssurance includes its proportionate share of the income (losses) of its unconsolidated subsidiaries in its results of operations as a separate line item in its Consolidated Statements of Income.
Accounting Changes
     In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48), to create a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. ProAssurance adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 increased retained earnings and reduced tax liabilities by $2.7 million.
Recent Accounting Developments
     In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). The standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is applicable to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements but does not require any new fair value measurements. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. ProAssurance will adopt SFAS 157 on its effective date, and does not expect the implementation of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on its results of operation or financial condition.

8


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
1. Basis of Presentation (continued)
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 allows many financial assets and liabilities and other items to be reported at fair value that are not currently measured at fair value; unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected would be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 also establishes new disclosure requirements with respect to fair values. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. ProAssurance will adopt SFAS 159 on its effective date, but has not completed its determination of the effect, if any, of adoption on its results of operation or financial condition.
2. Acquisitions
     ProAssurance acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. (PIC Wisconsin) on August 1, 2006 as a means of expanding its operations geographically. PIC Wisconsin is an insurance company that focuses on medical professional insurance; its largest premium states are Wisconsin and Iowa.
     The acquisition was a stock-for-stock transaction accounted for as a purchase transaction in accordance with SFAS 141. The aggregate purchase price of $103.7 million was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill of $42.7 million was recognized equal to the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired.
     For additional information regarding the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2006 Annual Report on Form 10K.
3. Discontinued Operations
     Effective January 1, 2006 ProAssurance sold its wholly owned subsidiaries, MEEMIC Insurance Company, Inc. and MEEMIC Insurance Services (collectively, the MEEMIC Companies) to Motors Insurance Corporation, a subsidiary of GMAC Insurance Holdings, Inc., for total consideration of $400 million before taxes and transaction expenses.
     The MEEMIC Companies were the only active entities of ProAssurance’s personal lines operations. In accordance with SFAS 144, the assets, liabilities and operating results attributed to the personal lines operations are reported as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2006, income from discontinued operations consists solely of the gain recognized on the sale of $164.0 million net of related taxes of $54.6 million.
     For additional information regarding the sale of the MEEMIC Companies see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2006 Annual Report on Form 10K.

9


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
4. Investments
     The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and equity securities are as follows:
                                 
    March 31, 2007
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   (Losses)   Value
    In thousands
Fixed maturities
  $ 3,080,759     $ 20,468     $ (20,355 )   $ 3,080,872  
Equity securities
    4,536       2,383       (21 )     6,898  
     
 
  $ 3,085,295     $ 22,851     $ (20,376 )   $ 3,087,770  
     
                                 
    December 31, 2006
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
    Cost   Gains   (Losses)   Value
    In thousands
Fixed maturities
  $ 3,138,648     $ 22,725     $ (25,151 )   $ 3,136,222  
Equity securities
    4,618       2,602             7,220  
     
 
  $ 3,143,266     $ 25,327     $ (25,151 )   $ 3,143,442  
     
     In January 2007, ProAssurance transferred high yield asset backed bonds (previously considered as available-for-sale securities) having a fair value of approximately $34.7 million to an investment fund created for the purpose of managing such investments. ProAssurance maintains a direct beneficial interest in securities originally contributed to the fund, and the securities are included in the ProAssurance Balance Sheet at fair value ($31.5 million at March 31, 2007) as a component of other investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2007 ProAssurance recognized other-than-temporary impairments of $4.2 million related to the securities contributed to the fund.
     Cash flows from this initial investment will be re-invested in an undivided interest of the fund. The equity method of accounting will be used to account for this undivided interest, as the investment will be considered an investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary.
     Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are $326.6 million and $660.7 million, respectively, including proceeds from sales of adjustable rate, short-duration fixed maturities of approximately $239.0 million and $588.3 million, respectively. Purchases of those securities approximated $128.3 million and $623.7 million during the same respective periods.
     Net realized investment gains (losses) are comprised of the following:
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
    2007   2006
    In thousands
Gross realized gains
  $ 442     $ 723  
Gross realized (losses)
    (182 )     (67 )
Other than temporary impairment (losses)
    (4,174 )     (571 )
Trading portfolio net gains (losses)
    752       59  
     
Net realized investment gains (losses)
  $ (3,162 )   $ 144  
     
5. Income Taxes
     The provision for income taxes is different from that which would be obtained by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before taxes primarily because a portion of ProAssurance’s investment income is tax-exempt.
     ProAssurance adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. In accordance with the guidance provided in the

10


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
5. Income Taxes (continued)
statement, the cumulative effect of adoption, a $2.7 million reduction in tax liabilities, was recorded as an increase to beginning retained earnings.
     ProAssurance recognizes tax-related interest and penalties as a component of tax expense. No interest or penalties were accrued or paid during the three months ended March 31, 2007 nor was there any liability for such amounts at March 31, 2007.
     ProAssurance files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. With few exceptions, ProAssurance is no longer subject to examinations by authorities related to its U.S federal or state income tax filings for years before 2003. Currently, no income tax returns are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service or any state or local taxing authority.
6. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
     Costs that vary with and are directly related to the production of new and renewal premiums (primarily premium taxes, commissions and underwriting salaries) are deferred to the extent they are recoverable against unearned premiums and are amortized as related premiums are earned. Income from continuing operations includes amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions earned, of $13.6 million and $13.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
7. Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
     ProAssurance establishes its reserve for losses based on estimates of individual claims and actuarially determined estimates of future losses based on ProAssurance’s past loss experience, available industry data and projections as to future claims frequency, severity, inflationary trends and settlement patterns. Estimating reserves, and particularly liability reserves, is a complex process. Claims may be resolved over an extended period of time, often five years or more, and may be subject to litigation. Estimating losses for liability claims requires ProAssurance to make and revise judgments and assessments regarding multiple uncertainties over an extended period of time. As a result, reserve estimates may vary significantly from the eventual outcome. The assumptions used in establishing ProAssurance’s reserves are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes available. Changes to estimates of previously established reserves are included in earnings in the period in which the estimate is changed.
     ProAssurance recognized favorable net loss development of $15.6 million related to previously established reserves during the three months ended March 31, 2007. The favorable development reflects reductions in the Company’s estimates of claim severity, principally for the 2003 through 2005 accident years, as well as the impact of the quarterly reevaluation of the Company’s loss reserves for verdicts in excess of policy limits.
     Favorable net loss development of $4.0 million was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2006, to reflect slight reductions in estimated claim severity for accident years 2003 and 2004.

11


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
8. Long-term Debt
     Outstanding long-term debt, as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, consists of the following:
                         
            March 31   December 31
            2007   2006
            In thousands
Convertible Debentures due June 2023 (the Convertible Debentures), unsecured, principal of $107.6 million bearing a fixed interest rate of 3.9%, net of discounts of $1.9 million at both March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.   $ 105,750     $ 105,677  
 
Trust Preferred Subordinated Debentures (the 2034 Subordinated Debentures; the 2032 Subordinated Debentures), unsecured, bearing interest at a floating rate, adjustable quarterly.                
 
3/31/2007                  
Due
Rate                  
December 2032
  9.35 %       15,464       15,464  
April 2034
  9.21 %       13,403       13,403  
May 2034
  9.21 %       32,992       32,992  
 
Surplus Notes due May 2034 (the Surplus Notes), unsecured, net of discount of $0.3 million, principal of $12.0 million bearing a fixed interest rate of 7.7%, until May 2009.     11,679       11,641  
             
 
          $ 179,288     $ 179,177  
             
Convertible Debentures
     Holders of the Convertible Debentures may convert their debentures during the following quarter if the market value of ProAssurance common stock exceeds the product of the conversion price (currently $41.83) multiplied by 120% for 20 of the last 30 trading days of a quarter. Upon conversion, holders will receive 23.9037 shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of debentures surrendered for conversion. During the quarter ended March 31, 2007 the criterion allowing conversion was met and holders may convert through June 30, 2007. To date, no holders have requested conversion. If converted, ProAssurance has the right to deliver, in lieu of common stock, cash or a combination of cash and common stock.
Additional Information
     For additional information regarding the terms of outstanding long-term debt of ProAssurance see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in ProAssurance’s December 31, 2006 Annual Report on Form 10K.
Fair Value
     At March 31, 2007, the fair value of the Convertible Debentures is approximately 128% of their face value of $107.6 million based on available independent market quotes. At March 31, 2007, the fair value of the Surplus Notes approximates 98% of their face value of $12.0 million based on available third party valuation information. The fair value of the 2034 and 2032 Subordinated Debentures approximates the face value of the debentures.
9. Stockholders’ Equity
     At March 31, 2007 ProAssurance had 100 million shares of authorized common stock and 50 million shares of authorized preferred stock. The Board of Directors has the authority to determine the provisions for the issuance of shares of the preferred stock, including the number of shares to be issued, the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such shares. At March 31, 2007, the Board of Directors had not authorized the issuance of any preferred stock nor determined any provisions for the preferred stock.

12


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
9. Stockholders’ Equity (continued)
     As discussed in Note 1, ProAssurance adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. In accordance with the guidance provided by the interpretation, ProAssurance has reported the cumulative effect of adoption as an increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $2.7 million.
     As discussed in Note 13, subsequent to March 31, 2007 the ProAssurance Board authorized a common stock repurchase program.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
     As a result of the acquisition of NCRIC, ProAssurance assumed the risk of loss for a judgment entered against NCRIC on February 20, 2004 by a District of Columbia Superior Court in favor of Columbia Hospital for Women Medical Center, Inc. (“CHW”) in the amount of $18.2 million (the “CHW Judgment”). The judgment is now on appeal to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. ProAssurance has established a liability related to the judgment of $21.0 million, which includes the estimated costs associated with pursuing the post-trial motions or appeal of a final judgment and projected post-trial interest, $19.5 million of which was established as a component of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the allocation of the NCRIC purchase price. ProAssurance has posted a $20.5 million appellate bond to secure payment of the CHW judgment plus interest and costs, in the event the judgment is ultimately affirmed and paid.
     ProAssurance is involved in various other legal actions arising primarily from claims against itself related to insurance policies and claims handling, including but not limited to claims asserted by policyholders. Such legal actions have been considered by ProAssurance in establishing its reserves. The outcome of all legal actions is not presently determinable for a number of reasons. For example, in the event that ProAssurance or its insureds receive adverse verdicts, post-trial motions may be denied, in whole or in part; any appeals that may be undertaken may be unsuccessful; ProAssurance may be unsuccessful in legal efforts to limit the scope of coverage available by its insureds; and ProAssurance may become a party to bad faith litigation over the amount of the judgment above an insured’s policy limits. However, ProAssurance’s management is of the opinion, based on consultation with legal counsel, that the resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on ProAssurance’s financial position. However, to the extent that the cost of resolving these actions exceeds the corresponding reserves, the legal actions could have a material effect on ProAssurance’s results of operations for the period in which any such action is resolved.

13


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
11. Earnings Per Share
     The following table provides detailed information regarding the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for each period presented:
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
    2007   2006
    In thousands, except per share data
Basic earnings per share calculation:
               
Numerator:
               
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 36,090     $ 27,835  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          109,441  
     
Net income
  $ 36,090     $ 137,276  
     
 
               
Denominator:
               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    33,294       31,155  
     
 
               
Basic earnings per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.08     $ 0.89  
Income from discontinued operations
          3.51  
     
Net income
  $ 1.08     $ 4.40  
     
 
               
Diluted earnings per share calculation:
               
Numerator:
               
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 36,090     $ 27,835  
Effect of assumed conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments
    742       742  
     
Income from continuing operations–diluted computation
    36,832       28,577  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          109,441  
     
Net income–diluted computation
  $ 36,832     $ 138,018  
     
 
               
Denominator:
               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    33,294       31,155  
Assumed exercise of stock options/issuance of nonvested stock awards
    291       323  
Assumed conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments
    2,572       2,572  
     
Diluted weighted average equivalent shares
    36,157       34,050  
     
 
               
Diluted earnings per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.02     $ 0.84  
Income from discontinued operations
          3.21  
     
Net income
  $ 1.02     $ 4.05  
     
     In accordance with SFAS 128 “Earnings per Share", the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding includes an incremental adjustment for the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options. Stock options are considered dilutive stock options when the option exercise price is below the average stock price during the quarter and the assumed conversion of the options, using the treasury stock method as specified by SFAS 128, produces an increased number of outstanding shares. Approximately 247,000 and 104,000 of ProAssurance’s outstanding options were not dilutive for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

14


Table of Contents

ProAssurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2007
12. Stock Options and Share-based Payments
     ProAssurance provides performance-based stock compensation to employees under the ProAssurance 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the ProAssurance Corporation Incentive Compensation Stock Plan. Share-based compensation expense of approximately $2.3 million and a related tax benefit of approximately $760,000 were recognized during the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
     During the three months ended March 31, 2007 ProAssurance granted approximately 135,000 options. The weighted average fair value of each option, as of the date of grant, is estimated as $17.80, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following assumptions:
         
    2007
Weighted average assumptions:
       
Risk-free interest rate
    4.4 %
Expected volatility
    0.24  
Dividend yield
    0 %
Expected average term (in years)
    6  
     ProAssurance also granted Performance Shares awards to employees in March 2007 under the ProAssurance 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The awards were issued to two groups of employees: key executives and management. The Performance Shares vest at 100% on December 31, 2009 based upon continued service and attainment of one of two Performance Measures. For both groups one Performance Measure is achievement of a specified financial goal; the other Performance Measure requires achievement of a specified peer group ranking. The number of Performance Shares that will be awarded if vesting criteria are met can vary between approximately 56,000 shares and 94,000 shares, depending upon the degree to which Performance Measures are attained. The fair value of each Performance Share was estimated on the date of grant as $51.48 per share, based on the market value of ProAssurance common stock on that date.
13. Subsequent Event
     The Board of Directors of ProAssurance authorized $150 million to repurchase shares or debt securities on April 2, 2007, effective immediately. The timing and quantity of any purchases are dependent upon market conditions and the changes in ProAssurance’s capital requirements, as well as limitations imposed by applicable securities laws and regulations, and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. As of April 27, 2007 ProAssurance had repurchased approximately 155,000 common shares at total cost of $8.1 million.

15


Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto accompanying this report and ProAssurance’s Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which includes a Glossary of insurance terms and phrases. Throughout the discussion, references to ProAssurance, “we,” “us” and “our” refers to ProAssurance Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The discussion contains certain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. As discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements,” our actual financial condition and operating results could differ significantly from these forward-looking statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
     Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported therein. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis based on current and historical developments, market conditions, industry trends and other information that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will conform to our estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operations will not be materially affected by changes in these estimates and assumptions.
     Management considers the following accounting estimates to be critical because they involve significant judgment by management and the effect of those judgments could result in a material effect on our financial statements.
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (reserve for losses or reserve)
     The largest component of our liabilities is our reserve for losses and the largest component of expense for our operations is incurred losses. Net losses in any period reflect our estimate of net losses incurred related to the premiums earned in that period as well as any changes to our estimates of the reserve established for net losses of prior periods.
     The estimation of medical professional liability losses is inherently difficult. Ultimate loss costs, even for similar events, vary significantly depending upon many factors, including but not limited to the nature of the injury and the personal situation of the claimant or the claimants’ family, the outcome of jury trials, the judicial climate where the insured event occurred, general economic conditions and the trend of health care costs. Medical liability claims are typically resolved over an extended period of time, often five years or more. The combination of changing conditions and the extended time required for claim resolution results in a loss cost estimation process that requires actuarial skill and the application of judgment, and such estimates require periodic revision.
     In establishing our reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses management considers a variety of factors including historical paid and incurred loss development trends, the effect of inflation on medical care, general economic trends and the legal environment. We perform an in-depth review of our reserve for losses on a semi-annual basis. Additionally, each reporting period we update and review the data underlying the estimation of our reserve for losses and make adjustments that we believe the emerging data indicate. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in the then-current operations. Due to the size of our reserve for losses, even a small percentage adjustment to these estimates could have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which the adjustment is made.

16


Table of Contents

Reinsurance
     Our receivable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represents our estimate of the amount of our reserve for losses that will be recoverable under our insurance and reinsurance programs. Our estimate is based upon our estimates of the ultimate losses that we expect to incur and the portion of those losses that we expect to be allocable to reinsurers based upon the terms of our reinsurance agreements. We also estimate premiums ceded under reinsurance agreements wherein the premium due to the reinsurer, subject to certain maximums and minimums, is based on losses reimbursed under the agreement. Our estimates of the amounts receivable from and payable to reinsurers are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes available. Given the uncertainty of the ultimate amounts of our losses, these estimates may vary significantly from the eventual outcome. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in then-current operations. Due to the size of our reinsurance balances, even a small adjustment to these estimates could have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which the adjustment is made.
     We evaluate each of our ceded reinsurance contracts at its inception to determine if there is sufficient risk transfer to allow the contract to be accounted for as reinsurance under current accounting guidance. At March 31, 2007 all ceded contracts are accounted for as risk transferring contracts.
     Our assessment of the collectibility of the recorded amounts receivable from reinsurers considers both the payment history of the reinsurer and publicly available financial and rating agency data. Appropriate reserves are established for any balances we do not believe will be ultimately collected.
Investment Valuations
     We evaluate our investments on at least a quarterly basis for declines in fair value below cost for the purpose of determining whether these declines represent other than temporary declines. Some of the factors we consider in the evaluation of our investments are:
  -   the extent to which the fair value of the investments is less than its cost basis,
 
  -   the length of time for which the fair value of the investment has been less than its cost basis,
 
  -   the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer underlying the investment, taking into consideration the economic prospects of the issuer’s industry and geographical region, to the extent that information is publicly available, and
 
  -   our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
     A decline in the fair value of an investment below cost that we judge to be other than temporary is realized as a loss in the current period income statement and reduces the cost basis of the investment. In subsequent periods, we base any measurement of gain or loss or decline in value upon the adjusted cost basis of the investment. Generally, adjustments to the cost basis of fixed maturity securities are accreted to par over the remaining life of the security.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
     Policy acquisition costs, primarily commissions, premium taxes and underwriting salaries, vary directly with, and are primarily related to, the acquisition of new and renewal premiums. Such costs are capitalized and charged to expense as the related premium revenue is recognized. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred policy acquisition costs and any amounts estimated to be unrecoverable are charged to expense in the current period.

17


Table of Contents

Accounting Changes
     We adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48) as of its effective date, January 1, 2007. FIN 48 creates a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 increased retained earnings and reduced our tax liability by $2.7 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Guidance
     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). The standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is applicable to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements but does not require any new fair value measurements. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. We will adopt SFAS 157 on its effective date, and do not expect the implementation of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on our results of operation or financial condition.
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities–Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 allows many financial assets and liabilities and other items to be reported at fair value that are not currently measured at fair value; unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected would be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 also establishes new disclosure requirements with respect to fair values. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, unless early adopted. We will adopt SFAS 159 on its effective date, but have not completed our determination of the effect of adoption on our results of operation or financial condition.
Recent Significant Events
     Effective January 1, 2006, we sold our personal lines operations and recognized a gain on the sale of $109.4 million after consideration of sales expenses and estimated taxes. Additional information regarding the sale is provided in Note 3, “Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
     Effective August 1, 2006 we acquired Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. (PIC Wisconsin) in an all stock merger. The acquisition of PIC Wisconsin allowed ProAssurance to expand its medical professional liability business into the state of Wisconsin and adjacent states and into Nevada. This transaction strategically expanded our geographic footprint and is in keeping with our desire to expand our professional liability operations through selective acquisitions. A more detailed description of the merger transaction is provided in Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
     During the first quarter of 2007 we reached a confidential settlement that will end all litigation and appeals stemming from, and related to, a $217 million malpractice verdict against insureds of one of our subsidiaries. Judgment on the verdict was entered in Tampa, Florida in October 2006. The effect of the settlement is reflected in the current quarter.
     On April 2, 2007 our Board authorized $150 million to repurchase shares or debt securities, effective immediately. The timing and quantity of any purchase is dependent upon market conditions and the changes in ProAssurance’s capital requirements, as well as limitations imposed by applicable securities laws and regulations, and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. As of April 27, 2007 we had repurchased approximately 155,000 common shares at total cost of $8.1 million.
     On April 26, 2007 ProAssurance Corporation announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, A. Derrill Crowe, M.D. will retire as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1, 2007. Dr. Crowe will remain as non-executive Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors has elected W.

18


Table of Contents

Stancil Starnes to succeed Dr. Crowe as CEO. Prior to October 2006, Mr. Starnes, an attorney, served as the Senior and Managing Partner in Starnes & Atchison, and was extensively involved with ProAssurance and its predecessor companies in the defense of its medical liability claims. Mr. Starnes has most recently served as President, Corporate Planning and Administration, of Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, a large commercial construction firm.
Reclassifications
     Because we anticipate changes in the significance of the amounts involved, we have separately stated our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and our equity in the earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Previously, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries were included as a component of other investments, and earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries were considered as a component of net investment income. The reclassification had no effect on income from continuing operations, net income or total assets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources and Financial Condition
Overview
     ProAssurance Corporation is a holding company and is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. Because it has no other business operations, dividends from its operating subsidiaries represent a significant source of funds for its obligations, including debt service. The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to limitation by state insurance regulations. See our discussions under “Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from Our Operating Subsidiaries” in Part I, and in Note 15 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our December 31, 2006 Form 10K for additional information regarding dividend limitations. At March 31, 2007 we held cash and investments of approximately $269 million outside of our insurance subsidiaries that are available for use without regulatory approval.
Cash flows
     The principal components of our cash flow are the excess of net investment income and premiums collected over net losses paid and operating costs, including income taxes. Timing delays exist between the collection of premiums and the ultimate payment of losses. Premiums are generally collected within the twelve-month period after the policy is written while our claim payments are generally paid over a more extended period of time. Likewise timing delays exist in the collection of reinsurance recoveries.
     Our operating activities provided positive cash flows during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 of $87.0 million and $115.8 million, respectively. Excluding PIC Wisconsin, which we estimate contributed positive operating cash flows in 2007 of approximately $3.7 million, operating cash flows were reduced due to a decline in premium and an increase in payments for losses partially offset by growth in cash flows from investment earnings.
Investments
     We manage our investments to ensure that we will have sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations, taking into consideration the timing of cash flows from our investments as well as the expected cash flows to be generated by our operations. At our insurance subsidiaries the primary outflow of cash is related to the payment of claims and expenses. The payment of individual claims cannot be predicted with certainty; therefore, we rely upon the history of paid claims in estimating the timing of future claims payments. To the extent that we have an unanticipated shortfall in cash we may either liquidate securities or borrow funds under previously established borrowing arrangements. However, given the cash flows being generated by our operations and the relatively short duration of our investments, we do not foresee any such shortfall.
     We held cash and short-term securities of $328.1 million at March 31, 2007 as compared to $213.4 million at December 31, 2006. The increase in cash and short-term securities is principally attributable to a reduction in our investments in variable rate demand notes. While, from an asset allocation perspective, we view such securities as short-term investments, accounting rules require that

19


Table of Contents

we classify such securities as fixed income. During the quarter we reduced our investment in such securities and invested in other securities classified as short-term.
     Our investment in other investments increased from $39.5 million at December 31, 2006 to $72.5 million at March 31, 2007. In January 2007 we contributed high-yield asset backed bonds with a carrying value of approximately $34.7 million from our available-for-sale investment portfolio to a fund that manages such investments. We maintain a direct beneficial interest in securities originally contributed to the fund, which are included in our Balance Sheet as a component of other investments at fair value ($31.5 million at March 31, 2007). During the three months ended March 31, 2007 we recognized other-than-temporary impairments of $4.2 million related to the securities contributed to the fund. Cash flows from our initial investment in the fund will be re-invested in an undivided interest of the fund. The equity method of accounting will be used to account for this undivided interest, as the investment will be considered an investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary.
     As of March 31, 2007 our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities of $3.08 billion comprise 85% of our total investments. The $55 million decrease as compared to our December 31, 2006 holdings principally reflects the transfer of high-yield bonds to an investment fund, as previously discussed, and the re-investment of a portion of the proceeds from sales/maturities of fixed maturities into short-term securities, offset by the investment of excess cash flows for the quarter. Substantially all of our fixed maturities are either United States government agency obligations or investment grade securities as determined by national rating agencies. Our available-for-sale fixed maturities have a dollar weighted average rating of “AA+” at March 31, 2007. The weighted average effective duration of our fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2007 is 4.01 years; the weighted average effective duration of our fixed maturity securities and our short-term securities combined is 3.68 years.
     Changes in market interest rate levels generally affect our net income to the extent that reinvestment yields are different than the yields on maturing securities. Changes in market interest rates also affect the fair value of our fixed maturity securities. On a pre-tax basis, at March 31, 2007 our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities had net unrealized gains of approximately $100,000 with unrealized losses totaling $20.4 million and unrealized gains of $20.5 million. At December 31, 2006, on a pre-tax basis, our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities had net unrealized losses of approximately $2.5 million with unrealized losses totaling $25.2 million and unrealized gains totaling $22.7 million. Almost all of the unrealized loss positions in our portfolio are interest-rate related. Due to the short duration of our portfolio and our strong operating cash flows, we believe we have the ability and intent to hold these bonds to recovery of book value or maturity and do not consider the declines in value to be other than temporary. In general, bond interest rates are lower at March 31, 2007 than at December 31, 2006 and the increase in the net amount of unrealized gains during 2007 is primarily interest rate related. For a discussion of the potential effects that future changes in interest rates may have on our investment portfolio see Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”
     Equity investments represent approximately 0.4% of our total investments and approximately 1.3% of our capital at both March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. At March 31, 2007, the carrying value of our equity investments (including equities in our available-for-sale and trading portfolios) totaled $15.1 million as compared to $14.9 million at December 31, 2006.
Debt
     Our long-term debt at March 31, 2007 is comprised of the following (in thousands, except %):
                 
                First
    Rate   2007   Redemption Date
     
Convertible Debentures
  3.9%, fixed   $ 105,750     July 2008
2034 Subordinated Debentures
  9.2%, Libor adjusted     46,395     May 2009
2032 Subordinated Debentures
  9.4%, Libor adjusted     15,464     December 2007
2034 Surplus Notes
  7.7%, fixed until May 2009     11,679     May 2009*
 
               
 
      $ 179,288      
 
               
 
*Subject to approval by the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance
     Our Convertible Debentures may be converted at the option of holders when the price of our common stock exceeds a specified price during 20 of the last 30 days of any quarter (see Note 8 to the

20


Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Upon conversion, holders will receive 23.9037 shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of debentures surrendered for conversion. The criterion allowing conversion was met during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and holders may convert through June 30, 2007. To date, no holders have requested conversion. If converted, we have the right to deliver, in lieu of common stock, cash or a combination of cash and common stock.
     A more detailed description of our debt is provided in Note 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reinsurance
     We use reinsurance to provide capacity to write larger limits of liability, and to stabilize underwriting results in years in which higher losses occur. The purchase of reinsurance does not relieve us from the ultimate risk on our policies, but it does provide reimbursement from the reinsurer for certain losses paid by us.
     Our risk retention level is dependent upon numerous factors including our risk appetite and the capital we have to support it, the price and availability of reinsurance, volume of business, level of experience and our analysis of the potential underwriting results within each state.
     We purchase reinsurance from a number of companies to mitigate concentrations of credit risk. Our reinsurance broker assists us in the analysis of the credit quality of our reinsurers. We base our reinsurance buying decisions on an evaluation of the then-current financial strength, rating and stability of prospective reinsurers. However, the financial strength of our reinsurers, and their corresponding ability to pay us, may change in the future due to forces or events we cannot control or anticipate.
     We have not experienced any significant difficulties in collecting amounts due from reinsurers due to the financial condition of the reinsurer. Should future events lead us to believe that any reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations to us, adjustments to the amounts recoverable would be reflected in the results of current operations.
Litigation
     We are involved in various legal actions arising primarily from claims against us related to insurance policies and claims handling, including but not limited to claims asserted by our policyholders. Legal actions are generally divided into two categories: Legal actions dealing with claims and claim-related actions which we consider in our evaluation of our reserve for losses and legal actions falling outside of these areas which we evaluate and reserve for separately as a part of our Other Liabilities.
     Claim-related actions are considered as a part of our reserving process under the guidance provided by SFAS 60 Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises. We evaluate the likely outcomes from these actions giving consideration to appellate issues, coverage issues, potential recoveries from our insurance and reinsurance programs, and settlement discussions as well as our historical claims resolution practices. This data is then given consideration in the overall evaluation of our reserve for losses.
     For non-claim-related actions we evaluate each case separately and establish what we believe is an appropriate reserve under the guidance provided by SFAS 5 Accounting for Contingencies. As a result of the acquisition of NCRIC, ProAssurance assumed the risk of loss for a judgment entered against NCRIC on February 20, 2004 by a District of Columbia Superior Court in favor of Columbia Hospital for Women Medical Center, Inc. (CHW) in the amount of $18.2 million (the CHW judgment). The CHW judgment is now on appeal to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. ProAssurance has established a liability for this judgment of $21.0 million, which includes the estimated costs associated with pursuing the post-trial motions or appeal of a final judgment and projected post-trial interest, $19.5 million of which was established as a component of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the allocation of the NCRIC purchase price.
     There are risks, as outlined in our Risk Factors, that individual actions could be settled for more than our estimates. In particular, we or our insureds may receive adverse verdicts, post-trial motions may be denied, in whole or in part, any appeals that may be undertaken may be unsuccessful; we may be unsuccessful in our legal efforts to limit the scope of coverage purchased by insureds; and we may

21


Table of Contents

become a party to bad faith litigation over the settlement of a claim. To the extent that the cost of resolving these actions exceeds our estimates, the legal actions could have a material effect on ProAssurance’s results of operations in the period in which any such action is resolved.
Overview of Results–Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
     Earnings from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased by 30% to $36.1 million or $1.02 per diluted share as compared to $27.8 million or $0.84 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The improvement in earnings is largely attributable to the recognition of favorable loss development of $15.6 million during the first quarter of 2007 whereas the development recognized in the same period of 2006 was $4 million. An $9.7 million increase in net investment income also contributed to the overall increase in earnings.
     Our gross premiums written grew by $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2007; however, increased competition affected our retention rates and the amount of new business written. Net premiums earned decreased from $142.4 million for the first quarter of 2006 to $137.2 million for the same period in 2007, reflecting the overall decline in premiums written which occurred in 2006 and in the first quarter of 2007 as well as higher ceded premiums in 2007. Our current accident year net loss ratio reflects a small increase in 2007 due to variations in the mix of risks insured during the period but remains within our targeted range. Our calendar year net loss ratio, which includes the effect of changes in losses for prior accident years, decreased due to reduced loss estimates for those prior accident years.

22


Table of Contents

Results of Operations–Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
     Selected consolidated financial data for each period is summarized in the table below.
                         
    Three Months Ended March 31
                    Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands
Revenues:
                       
 
                       
Gross premiums written
  $ 185,302     $ 182,187     $ 3,115  
     
 
                       
Net premiums written
  $ 171,459     $ 172,632     $ (1,173 )
     
 
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 150,685     $ 152,748     $ (2,063 )
Premiums ceded
    (13,508 )     (10,318 )     (3,190 )
     
Net premiums earned
    137,177       142,430       (5,253 )
Net investment income
    42,571       32,881       9,690  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    867       1,481       (614 )
Net realized investment gains (losses)
    (3,162 )     144       (3,306 )
Other income
    1,424       1,255       169  
     
 
                       
Total revenues
    178,877       178,191       686  
     
 
                       
Expenses:
                       
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    129,601       121,598       8,003  
Reinsurance recoveries
    (30,554 )     (10,466 )     (20,088 )
     
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    99,047       111,132       (12,085 )
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    26,827       26,453       374  
Interest expense
    2,959       2,556       403  
     
 
                       
Total expenses
    128,833       140,141       (11,308 )
     
 
                       
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    50,044       38,050       11,994  
 
                       
Income taxes
    13,954       10,215       3,739  
     
 
                       
Income from continuing operations
    36,090       27,835       8,255  
 
                       
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          109,441       (109,441 )
     
Net income
  $ 36,090     $ 137,276     $ (101,186 )
     
 
                       
Continuing Operations:
                       
Net loss ratio
    72.2 %     78.0 %     (5.8 )
Underwriting expense ratio
    19.6 %     18.6 %     1.0  
     
Combined ratio
    91.8 %     96.6 %     (4.8 )
     
Operating ratio
    60.8 %     73.5 %     (12.7 )
     
 
                       
Return on equity*
    12.6 %     13.4 %     (0.8 )
     
 
*Annualized

23


Table of Contents

Premiums
                                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
                    Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)
            $ in thousands        
Gross premiums written
  $ 185,302     $ 182,187     $ 3,115       1.7 %
             
 
                               
Premiums earned
  $ 150,685     $ 152,748     $ (2,063 )     (1.4 %)
Premiums ceded
    (13,508 )     (10,318 )     (3,190 )     30.9 %
             
Net premiums earned
  $ 137,177     $ 142,430     $ (5,253 )     (3.7 %)
             
Gross Premiums Written
     Gross premiums written have increased in 2007 due to the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin; however, the increasingly competitive market resulted in a reduction within our organic book of business. These results are consistent with our strategy to grow through selective acquisitions and to maintain our underwriting and pricing discipline in periods of market softening.
     For the purposes of this discussion and analysis we have segregated our premiums into three major categories: physician premiums, non-physician premiums and tail premiums.
     Physician premiums are our most significant premium source and represent approximately 89% of gross written premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2007 (88% for the three months ended March 31, 2006). Physician premiums total $164.4 million and $161.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Approximately $27.2 million of 2007 physician premiums are attributable to the PIC Wisconsin acquisition.
     Offsetting the additional physician premiums from PIC Wisconsin is a decline in physician premiums in our organic book of business of approximately $24.0 million. This decline is attributable to several factors. Competition for physician business continues to be strong, both from long established providers and from more recent market entrants, including off-shore providers, self-insurance arrangements and risk retention groups. The competition in our markets is frequently focused on price and this has both reduced our retention rate and has made it more difficult for us to attract new business.
     We remain committed to an adequate rate structure in a competitive rate environment and will continue our policy of foregoing any business that cannot be written at our profit goals. We base our rates on expected loss costs and, in recent years, we increased our rates to compensate for increased loss costs. As loss costs moderated, the pace of our rate increases slowed. While rates vary from state to state based on loss expectations, in general, we do not expect premiums written in 2007 to reflect significant rate increases. In fact, where warranted by expectations of improved loss costs, we have filed for lower rates (some of which have become effective during the quarter) or held rates constant in a number of our markets. We do not believe that the rate decreases will reduce our underwriting profitability since the rate changes are premised on corresponding decreases in loss costs, and may allow us to improve retention rates or increase the amount of new business that we write. Our overall retention rate (exclusive of PIC Wisconsin) for the number of standard physician risks that we insure is 85% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to 87% for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Our rate increase for physicians renewing during the three months ended March 31, 2007 (exclusive of PIC Wisconsin), on average, is less than 1%.
     Premiums written for non-physician coverages are $15.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (8% and 7% of gross written premiums, respectively). Premiums for hospital and facility coverages are the most significant component of non-physician coverages and represent approximately 4% of gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 3% of gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The acquisition of PIC Wisconsin contributed $3.8 million of non-physician premiums in the first quarter of 2007, including premiums for hospital and facility coverages of $3.1 million.

24


Table of Contents

     We are required to offer extended reporting endorsement or “tail” policies to insureds that are discontinuing their claims-made coverage with us. As competition has increased, it has become common for insurers to offer prior acts coverage to new insureds which negates the need for tail coverage for the insureds and has reduced the amount of tail premium that we write. Our preference is to sell less rather than more tail coverage since it represents a long-term liability with increased pricing risk. Tail premium decreased by $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.
Premiums Earned
     Because premiums are generally earned pro rata over the entire policy period, fluctuations in premiums earned tend to lag those of premiums written. Our policies generally carry a term of one year. Premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as compared to the same period in 2006 reflects changes in written premiums that have occurred during 2006 and 2007, on a pro rata basis. Tail policies are 100% earned in the period written because the policies insure only incidents that occurred in prior periods.
     Earned premiums decreased in the first quarter of 2007, as compared to 2006, principally due to a $3.5 million decrease in tail premium written during the quarter, which was somewhat offset by an increase in earned premiums from non-tail policies of approximately $1.4 million. Exclusive of tail premiums, earned premium is relatively flat as compared to 2006 because the increase in earned premiums from the PIC Wisconsin acquisition (which is approximately $19 million) is largely offset by a decline in earned premiums from our organic book of business of approximately $17.7 million. As discussed under premiums written, premiums growth was fairly flat during the first quarter of 2007 and may remain flat or even decrease during the remainder of 2007. Unless there is significant growth in premiums written during the remainder of 2007, earned premiums will continue to reflect little growth or may decline as compared to the same periods in 2006.
     In the twelve months that follow the acquisition of an insurance subsidiary, our premiums earned include premiums earned related to the subsidiary’s unexpired policies on the date of acquisition (unearned premium). Such premiums are earned over the remaining term of the associated policy. In 2007, earned premium includes approximately $6.2 million related to the unexpired policies acquired in the PIC Wisconsin transaction. In 2006, earned premium includes approximately $6.1 million related to the unexpired policies acquired in the NCRIC transaction.
Premiums Ceded
     Premiums ceded represent the portion of earned premiums that we pay our reinsurers for their assumption of a portion of our losses. The premium that we cede to our reinsurers is determined, in part, by the loss experience of the business ceded to them.
     The reinsurance expense ratio (ceded premiums as a percentage of earned premiums) for the first quarter of 2007 is 9.0%. The small increase in the ratio, as compared to the adjusted 2006 ratio (see below), is primarily due to premiums ceded by PIC Wisconsin under its reinsurance agreements.
     In the first quarter of 2006 we commuted all our outstanding reinsurance arrangements with the Converium group of companies for approximately $4.2 million. The transaction resulted in a decrease in ceded premiums for the first quarter of 2006 of approximately $2.7 million. After adjustment for this item, our first quarter 2006 reinsurance expense ratio is approximately 8.5%.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
     The determination of calendar year losses involves the actuarial evaluation of incurred losses for the current accident year and the actuarial re-evaluation of incurred losses for prior accident years.
     Accident year refers to the accounting period in which the insured event becomes a liability of the insurer. For occurrence policies the insured event becomes a liability when the event takes place; for claims-made policies the insured event generally becomes a liability when the event is first reported to the insurer. We believe that measuring losses on an accident year basis is the most indicative measure of the underlying profitability of the premiums earned in that period since it associates policy

25


Table of Contents

premiums earned with our estimate of the losses incurred related to those policy premiums. Calendar year results include the operating results for the current accident year and any changes in estimates related to prior accident years.
     The following table summarizes net losses and net loss ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 by separating losses between the current accident year and all prior accident years.
                                                 
    Net Losses   Net Loss Ratios*
    Three Months Ended March 31   Three Months Ended March 31
    2007   2006   Change   2007   2006   Change
    In millions                        
Current accident year
  $ 114.6     $ 115.1     $ (0.5 )     83.5 %     80.8 %     2.7  
Prior accident years
    (15.6 )     (4.0 )     (11.6 )     (11.3 %)     (2.8 %)     (8.5 )
         
Calendar year
  $ 99.0     $ 111.1     $ (12.1 )     72.2 %     78.0 %     (5.8 )
         
 
*Net losses as specified divided by net premiums earned.
     Net losses increased by approximately $17.4 million due to the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin; however, this PIC Wisconsin increase was largely offset by a decrease in the net losses attributable to our other insurance subsidiaries. This decrease is principally due to the decline in earned exposures by those subsidiaries and favorable prior year loss development of $15.6 million.
     Our consolidated loss ratio for the current accident year increased in the first quarter of 2007 because of the acquisition of PIC Wisconsin, which generally operates at a higher loss ratio, and because the mix of premiums earned in 2007 was more heavily weighted to states where higher loss ratios are expected. PIC Wisconsin’s current accident year net loss ratio is higher than that of our other subsidiaries primarily because rate increases implemented in 2006 and 2007 have not yet been fully reflected in earned premiums.
     We recognized favorable development of approximately $15.6 million in 2007 related to our previously established (prior accident year) reserves. The favorable development reflects reductions in our estimates of claim severity, principally for the 2003 through 2005 accident years, as well as the impact of the quarterly reevaluation of our loss reserves for verdicts in excess of policy limits.
     During the first quarter of 2006 we recognized favorable development of $4.0 million related to our previously established (prior accident year) reserves, primarily to reflect reductions in our estimates of claim severity, within our retained layer of risk, principally for the 2003 and 2004 accident years.
     Assumptions used in establishing our reserve are regularly reviewed and updated by management as new data becomes available. Any adjustments necessary are reflected in then current operations. Due to the size of our reserve, even a small percentage adjustment to the assumptions can have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which the change is made.
                 
    March 31, 2007   March 31, 2006
Paid to incurred ratio
    75.9 %     56.4 %
Paid loss ratio
    54.8 %     44.0 %
     The increase in the paid to incurred ratio and the paid loss ratio in the first quarter of 2007 is the result of normal fluctuations in the payment patterns of losses as well as the natural progression of claims as our growth rate flattens and our book of business matures.

26


Table of Contents

Net Investment Income, Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
                                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
                    Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)
            $ in thousands        
Net investment income
  $ 42,571     $ 32,881     $ 9,690       29.5%
     Net investment income is primarily derived from the interest income earned by our fixed maturity securities and includes interest income from short-term, trading portfolio and cash equivalent investments, dividend income from equity securities, earnings from other investments and increases in the cash surrender value of business owned executive life insurance contracts. Investment fees and expenses are deducted from investment income.
     The 2007 increase in net investment income is due to several factors, the most significant being higher average invested funds. The PIC Wisconsin merger and positive cash flow generated by our insurance operations significantly increased average invested funds during the first quarter of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.
     Rising market interest rates of the past several years have further contributed to the improvement in net investment income. We have been able to invest new and matured funds at higher rates, which has steadily increased the average yield of our portfolio. Our average yields for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
    2007   2006
     
Average income yield
    4.6 %     4.3 %
Average tax equivalent income yield
    5.3 %     5.0 %
     Net investment income by investment category is as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31  
    2007     2006  
    In thousands  
Fixed maturities
  $ 36,318     $ 27,885  
Equities
    62       62  
Short-term investments
    3,863       3,957  
Other invested assets
    2,883       1,276  
Business owned life insurance
    572       573  
     
 
    43,698       33,753  
Investment expenses
    (1,127 )     (872 )
     
Net investment income
  $ 42,571     $ 32,881  
     
     The increase in investment income from fixed maturities and the increase in investment expenses are both principally due to the increase in invested funds, including those acquired as a result of the PIC Wisconsin transaction.

27


Table of Contents

     The components of net realized investment gains (losses) are shown in the following table.
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31  
    2007     2006  
    In thousands  
Net gains (losses) from sales
  $ 260     $ 656  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (4,174 )     (571 )
Trading portfolio gains (losses)
    752       59  
     
Net realized investment gains (losses)
  $ (3,162 )   $ 144  
     
     The 2007 other-than-temporary impairment losses above were recognized to reflect a significant loss in the fair value of our investment in high yield asset backed bonds, particularly those with sub-prime loan exposures, as further discussed in Liquidity and Capital Resources.
                                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
                    Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
  $ 867     $ 1,481     ($ 614 )     (41.5%)
     Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is derived from our ownership interest in the earnings of investment entities that are accounted for on an equity basis.
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
     Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses reflect a small increase for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006. The underwriting expense ratio also increased in 2007 as a result of the decline in net earned premiums in 2007 and higher commission and premium tax charges.
                                                         
    Three Months Ended March 31
                                    Underwriting Expense Ratio
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
    $ in thousands                        
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
  $ 26,827     $ 26,453     $ 374       1.4%     19.6 %     18.6 %     1.0  
     In both 2007 and 2006 the first quarter period includes expense of approximately $2.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, that relate to the expensing of stock based compensation. Approximately $1.0 million of this expense in both periods relates to awards made during the period to retirement eligible employees. Under SFAS 123R awards issued to retirement eligible employees are expensed when awarded rather than over the vesting period of the award.
     Guaranty fund assessments (net recoveries) totaled approximately ($45,000) and $65,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In 2007, we began to recoup, via premium surcharges to our Florida insureds, the $2.3 million of assessments previously paid to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association. The recouped amounts recognized to-date are approximately $57,000.

28


Table of Contents

Interest Expense
     The increase in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006 is primarily due to the debt of $11.6 million that we assumed in our acquisition of PIC Wisconsin in August 2006.
Taxes
     Our effective tax rate for each period is significantly lower than the 35% statutory rate because a considerable portion of our net investment income is tax-exempt. The effect of tax-exempt income on our effective tax rate is shown in the table below:
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31
    2007   2006
     
Statutory rate
    35 %     35 %
Tax-exempt income
    (7 %)     (9 %)
Other
          1 %
     
Effective tax rate
    28 %     27 %
     

29


Table of Contents

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
     We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of market risk related to our investment operations. These risks are interest rate risk, credit risk and equity price risk.
     As of March 31, 2007, the fair value of our investment in fixed maturity securities was $3.1 billion. These securities are subject primarily to interest rate risk and credit risk. To date, we have not entered into transactions that require treatment as derivatives pursuant to SFAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended and interpreted.
Interest Rate Risk
     Our fixed maturities portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. As interest rates rise, market values of fixed income portfolios fall and vice versa. Certain of the securities are held in an unrealized loss position; we have the current ability and intent to keep such securities until recovery of book value or maturity.
     The following table summarizes estimated changes in the fair value of our available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities for specific hypothetical changes in interest rates as of March 31, 2007.
                                         
    March 31, 2007   December 31, 2006
    Portfolio   Change in   Effective   Portfolio   Effective
    Value   Value   Duration   Value   Duration
Interest Rates   Millions   Millions   Years   Millions   Years
 
200 basis point rise
  $ 2,867     $ (264 )     4.45     $ 2,911       4.31  
100 basis point rise
  $ 2,999     $ (132 )     4.36     $ 3,057       4.20  
Current rate *
  $ 3,131     $       4.01     $ 3,185       3.89  
100 basis point decline
  $ 3,252     $ 121       3.61     $ 3,306       3.55  
200 basis point decline
  $ 3,368     $ 237       3.46     $ 3,422       3.51  
 
*Current rates are as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
     Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including the maintenance of the existing level and composition of fixed income security assets, and should not be relied on as indicative of future results.
     Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the computation of the fair value of fixed rate instruments. Actual values may differ from those projections presented should market conditions vary from assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of individual securities, including non-parallel shifts in the term structure of interest rates and changing individual issuer credit spreads.
     ProAssurance’s cash and short-term investment portfolio at March 31, 2007 was on a cost basis which approximates its fair value. This portfolio lacks significant interest rate sensitivity due to its short duration.

30


Table of Contents

Credit Risk
     We have exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed income securities. We control this exposure by emphasizing investment grade credit quality in the fixed income securities we purchase.
     As of March 31, 2007, 99.7% of our fixed income portfolio consisted of securities rated investment grade. We believe that this concentration in investment grade securities reduces our exposure to credit risk on these fixed income investments to an acceptable level. However, in the current environment even investment grade securities can rapidly deteriorate and result in significant losses.
Equity Price Risk
     At March 31, 2007 the fair value of our investment in common stocks was $15.1 million. These securities are subject to equity price risk, which is defined as the potential for loss in market value due to a decline in equity prices. The weighted average Beta of this group of securities is 0.94. Beta measures the price sensitivity of an equity security or group of equity securities to a change in the broader equity market, in this case the S&P 500 Index. If the value of the S&P 500 Index increased by 10%, the fair value of these securities would be expected to increase by 9.4% to $16.5 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the S&P 500 Index would imply a decrease of 9.4% in the fair value of these securities to $13.7 million. The selected hypothetical changes of plus or minus 10% do not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios and are used for illustrative purposes only.

31


Table of Contents

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

32


Table of Contents

Part II – Other Information
ITEM1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     See “Risk Factors” in Part 1, Item 1A of the 2006 Form 10K.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
     
31.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer of ProAssurance as required under SEC rule 13a-14(a).
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer of ProAssurance as required under SEC rule 13a-14(a).
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer of ProAssurance as required under SEC Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer of ProAssurance as required under SEC Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended (18 U.S.C. 1350).

33


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
 
  PROASSURANCE CORPORATION    
 
       
May 9, 2007
       
 
       
 
  /s/ Edward L. Rand, Jr.    
 
       
 
  Edward L. Rand, Jr., Chief Financial Officer    
 
  (Duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)    

34