UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDERPURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarter ended: Commission File Number: 
   September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 1-13816 

Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

          Delaware 22-3263609 
(State or other juris- (IRS Employer Identification 
diction of incorporation Number) 
or organization) 

477 Martinsville Road
Post Office Box 830
Liberty Corner, New Jersey 07938-0830
(908) 604-3000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive office)


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 the filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES   X       NO       

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in ruleRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES          NO   X    

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

   Number of Shares Outstanding 
                  Class  at NovemberMay 1, 20032004


Common Stock,Shares, $.01 par value  1,000 

The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction H of Form 10-Q.




EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

Index To Form 10-Q

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                  Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 (unaudited)3 
                     and December 31, 20022003
 
                  Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income4 
                    for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)
 and 2002 (unaudited)
 
                  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder'sStockholders’ Equity for the5 
                      three and nine months ended September,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002(unaudited)
 (unaudited)
 
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and ninemonths6 
                             months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)
 
                  Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)7 
ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF  
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSOPERATION21
ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES35
PART II21 
  
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURESOTHER INFORMATION36 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS37
  
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS36
ITEM 2.CHANGES IN SECURITIES, AND USE OF PROCEEDS36
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIESNone
  
ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIESNone
 36 
ITEM 4.SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF
                  SECURITY HOLDERSNone
 36 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATIONNone
ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION36 
ITEM 6.EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K38
  37



Part I- Item 1

EVEREST RE HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share)

  September 30,December 31, 


    2003  2002 


ASSETS:   (unaudited)
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value  
  (amortized cost: 2003, $5,353,275; 2002, $4,569,844)  $5,621,150 $4,805,976 
Equity securities, at market value (cost: 2003, $82,915 ; 2002, $79,791)   91,400  72,468 
Short-term investments   195,300  130,075 
Other invested assets   54,437  42,307 
Cash   112,968  116,843 


          Total investments and cash   6,075,255  5,167,669 
 
Accrued investment income   86,036  61,708 
Premiums receivable   889,942  639,327 
Reinsurance receivables unaffiliated   1,161,644  1,104,827 
Reinsurance receivables affiliated   994,699  735,248 
Funds held by reinsureds   142,680  121,308 
Deferred acquisition costs   199,763  161,450 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums   311,437  149,588 
Deferred tax asset   140,078  144,376 
Other assets   137,276  95,763 


TOTAL ASSETS  $10,138,810 $8,381,264 


LIABILITIES:  
Reserve for losses and adjustment expenses  $5,686,964 $4,875,225 
Unearned premium reserve   1,249,353  809,813 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties   438,707  399,492 
Losses in the course of payment   57,679  38,016 
Contingent commissions   2,149  4,333 
Other net payable to reinsurers   323,291  147,342 
Current federal income taxes   (7,970 (16,365)
8.5% Senior notes due 3/15/2005   249,850  249,780 
8.75% Senior notes due 3/15/2010   199,223  199,158 
Revolving credit agreement borrowings   70,000  70,000 
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities  
  of subsidiary trusts holding solely subordinated debentures  
  ("trust preferred securities")   210,000  210,000 
Interest accrued on debt and borrowings   3,830  13,481 
Other liabilities   145,962  90,261 


          Total liabilities   8,629,038  7,090,536 


STOCKEHOLDERS' EQUITY:  
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200 million shares authorized; 
     1,000 shares issued in 2003 and 2002 --
Additional paid-in capital   261,317  259,508 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of  
  deferred income taxes of $97.3 million in 2003 and  
  $75.1 million in 2002   180,712  139,486 
Retained earnings   1,067,743  891,734 


          Total stockholders' equity   1,509,772  1,290,728 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  $10,138,810 $8,381,264 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
    March 31,  December 31, 

(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share)   2004  2003 

    (unaudited) 
ASSETS:  
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value  
  (amortized cost: 2004, $5,389,510; 2003, $5,649,269)   $   5,718,282  $    5,942,899 
Equity securities, at market value (cost: 2004, $253,671; 2003, $146,407)   268,664  154,381 
Short-term investments   469,606  113,186 
Other invested assets (cost: 2004, $60,236; 2003, $59,183)   61,178  59,801 
Cash   29,755  142,094 

          Total investments and cash   6,547,485  6,412,361 
Accrued investment income   79,253  83,023 
Premiums receivable   1,008,842  988,039 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated   1,214,077  1,245,891 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated   1,160,068  1,156,615 
Funds held by reinsureds   134,924  142,775 
Deferred acquisition costs   212,079  220,677 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums   342,949  353,764 
Deferred tax asset   149,757  159,758 
Other assets   143,943  106,462 

TOTAL ASSETS   $   10,993,377  $   10,869,365 

LIABILITIES:  
Reserve for losses and adjustment expenses   $     6,041,460  $     6,227,078 
Unearned premium reserve   1,369,466  1,357,671 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties   407,291  450,936 
Losses in the course of payment   26,492  2,577 
Contingent commissions   5,246  3,811 
Other net payable to reinsurers   316,085  370,604 
Current federal income taxes   39,384  40,945 
8.5% Senior notes due 3/15/2005   249,899  249,874 
8.75% Senior notes due 3/15/2010   199,269  199,245 
Revolving credit agreement borrowings   70,000  70,000 
Junior subordinated debt securities payable   546,393  216,496 
Interest accrued on debt and borrowings   4,169  13,695 
Other liabilities   160,356  119,569 

          Total liabilities   9,435,510  9,322,501 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:  
Common stock, par value: $0.01; 200 million shares authorized;  
      1,000 shares issued in 2004 and 2003   --  -- 
Additional paid-in capital   268,270  263,290 
Treasury shares, at cost; 0.5 million in 2004 and 0.5 million  
      shares in 2003   (22,950) (22,950)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of  
  deferred income taxes of $125.6 million in 2004 and $112.2  
  million in 2003   233,250  208,305 
Retained earnings   1,079,297  1,098,219 

          Total stockholders' equity   1,557,867  1,546,864 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $     10,993,377  $   10,869,365 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements  

3

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

   Three Months,  Nine Months,     
   Ended September 30,  Ended September 30, 
   2003  2002  2003  2002   
    (unaudited)  (unaudited)   
 
REVENUES:  
Premiums earned  $776,895 $456,387 $1,974,187 $1,366,112 
Net investment income   70,491  64,402  210,627  194,673 
Net realized capital (loss)   (11,843) (7,074) (23,922) (45,944) 
Net derivative expense   --  (1,009) --  (1,259)
Other income (expense)   625  540  1,202  (3,941)




Total revenues   836,168  513,246  2,162,094  1,509,641 




CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:  
Incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses   571,914  328,831  1,419,312  966,981 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees   158,158  107,872  418,380  333,107 
Other underwriting expenses   20,973  16,581  60,012  45,980 
Distributions related to trust preferred securities   4,121  --  12,364  -- 
Interest expense on senior notes   9,733  9,730  29,197  29,186 
Interest expense on credit facility   327  966  1,035  2,728 




Total claims and expenses   765,226  463,980  1,940,300  1,377,982 




INCOME BEFORE TAXES   70,942  49,266  221,794  131,659 
Income tax expense   10,451  14,463  45,785  27,993 




NET INCOME  $60,491 $34,803 $176,009 $103,666 




Other comprehensive (loss) income , net of tax   (74,279) 68,840  41,226  59,346 




COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME  $(13,788)$103,643 $217,235 $163,012 




The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  
        Three Months Ended
        March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003 

                       (unaudited)
REVENUES:  
Premiums earned   $   800,719  $   531,691 
Net investment income   65,823  67,714 
Net realized capital loss   (27,046) (10,075)
Other (expense) income   (17,260) 355 

Total revenues   822,236  589,685 

CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:  
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   593,223  376,190 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees   168,674  104,706 
Other underwriting expenses   19,262  18,218 
Interest expense on senior notes   9,736  9,731 
Interest expense on junior subordinated debt   4,419  4,249 
Interest expense on credit facility   324  360 

Total claims and expenses   795,638  513,454 

INCOME BEFORE TAXES   26,598  76,231 
Income tax expense   19,258  16,643 

NET INCOME   $         7,340  $      59,588 

Other comprehensive income , net of tax   24,945  21,128 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME   $        32,285  $       80,716 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements  

4

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)



  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended    
  September 30,September 30, 


   20032002 2003 2002   




  (unaudited)(unaudited)
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):  
Balance, beginning of period   1,000  1,000  1,000  1,000 
Issued during the period   --  --  --  -- 




Balance, end of period   1,000  1,000  1,000  1,000 




COMMON STOCK (par value):  
Balance, beginning of period   --  --  --  -- 
Issued during the period   --  --  --  -- 




Balance, end of period   --  --  --  -- 




ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL:  
Balance, beginning of period  $259,711 $259,411 $259,508 $258,775 
Common stock issued during the period   1,606  21  1,809  657 




Balance, end of period   261,317  259,432  261,317  259,432 




ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME,  
  NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:  
Balance, beginning of period   254,992  66,509  139,486  76,003 
Net (decrease) increase during the period   (74,280) 68,840  41,226  59,346 




Balance, end of period   180,712  135,349  180,712  135,349 




RETAINED EARNINGS:  
Balance, beginning of period   1,007,252  845,494  891,734  776,631 
Net income   60,491  34,803  176,009  103,666 




Balance, end of period   1,067,743  880,297  1,067,743  880,297 




TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD  $1,509,772 $1,275,078 $1,509,772 $1,275,078 






The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF  
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
        Three Months Ended
        March 31,

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)   2004  2003 

              (unaudited)
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):  
Balance, beginning of period   1,000  1,000 
Issued during the period  -- -- 

Balance, end of period   1,000  1,000 

COMMON STOCK (par value):  
Balance, beginning of period   $                     --  $                 -- 
Issued during the period   --  -- 

Balance, end of period   --  -- 

ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL:  
Balance, beginning of period   263,290  259,508 
Tax benefit from stock options exercised   4,935  -- 
Dividend from parent   45  -- 

Balance, end of period   268,270  259,508 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME,  
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:  
Balance, beginning of period   208,305  138,156 
Net increase during the period   24,945  21,128 

Balance, end of period   233,250  159,284 

RETAINED EARNINGS:  
Balance, beginning of period   1,098,219  891,734 
Net income   7,340  59,588 
Dividends paid   (26,262) -- 

Balance, end of period   1,079,297  951,322 

TREAURY SHARES AT COST:  
Balance, beginning of period   (22,950) (22,950)
Treasury shares acquired during the period   --  -- 

Balance, end of period   (22,950) (22,950)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, END OF PERIOD   $          1,557,867  $      1,347,164 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

5

EVEREST RE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

  Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
  September 30,September 30,


   2003 2002 2003 2002 




CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:  (unaudited)(unaudited) 
Net income  $60,491 $34,803 $176,009 $103,666 
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by  
    operating activities:  
    Increase in premiums receivable   (60,278) (51,001) (249,742) (148,862)
    (Increase) decrease in funds held, net   (646) 44,077  15,836  76,910 
    Increase in reinsurance receivables   (134,764) (88,498) (306,787) (157,057)
    (Increase) decrease in deferred tax asset   (6,906) 16,993  (17,819) 7,019 
    Increase in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses   374,912  91,407  780,262  230,065 
    Increase in unearned premiums   117,403  100,647  435,631  266,115 
    Decrease in other assets and liabilities   (35,154) (22,511) (82,211) (166,603)
    Accrual of bond discount/amortization of bond premium   (1,050) (2,169) (5,456) (6,332)
    Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes   46  42  135  124 
    Realized capital losses   11,843  7,074  23,922  45,944 




Net cash provided by operating activities   325,897  130,864  769,780  250,989 




CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale   182,695  155,982  451,886  340,555 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale   88,168  157,604  402,181  610,234 
Proceeds from equity securities sold   7,759  --  8,056  19,940 
Proceeds from other invested assets sold   3  4  244  3,064 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale   (577,342) (292,701) (1,624,881) (1,025,585)
Cost of equity securities acquired   (6,095) (22,978) (10,254) (32,276)
Cost of other invested assets acquired   (5,197) (4,529) (6,757) (6,368)
Net purchases of short-term securities   (36,318) (145,586) (63,580) (206,169)
Net increase (decrease) in unsettled securities transactions   45,147  (11,327) 65,742  56,326 




Net cash used in investing activities   (301,180) (163,531) (777,363) (240,279)




CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Common stock issued during the period   1,606  21  1,809  657 
Borrowing on revolving credit agreement   --  25,000  --  45,000 
Repayments on revolving credit agreement   --  (5,000) --  (25,000)




Net cash provided by financing activities   1,606  20,021  1,809  20,657 




EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH   (7,231) 2,807  1,899  7,582 




Net increase (decrease) in cash   19,092  (9,839) (3,875) 38,949  
Cash, beginning of period   93,876  116,297  116,843  67,509 




Cash, end of period  $112,968 $106,458 $112,968 $106,458 




SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION  
Cash transactions:  
Income taxes paid, net  $818 $12,747 $46,856 $6,052 
Interest paid  $23,731 $20,291 $52,112 $41,461 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  
   Three Months Ended
   March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003 

           (unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:  
Net income  $7,340 $59,588 
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by  
    operating activities:  
    Increase in premiums receivable   (108,057) (138,607)
    Increase in funds held, net   (47,213) (5,907)
    Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables   21,947  (72,908)
    Increase in deferred tax asset   (3,442) (14,799)
    Increase in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses   296,003  168,546 
    Increase in unearned premiums   106,911  207,997 
    (Decrease) increase in other assets and liabilities   (53,878) 8,378 
    Amortization of bond premium/accrual of bond discount   152  (1,717)
    Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes   48  44 
    Realized capital losses   27,047  10,075 

Net cash provided by operating activities   246,858  220,690 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale   106,932  135,794 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale   226,025  214,575 
Proceeds from equity securities sold   1,317  120 
Proceeds from other invested assets sold   3  10 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale   (595,644) (539,515)
Cost of equity securities acquired   (108,230) -- 
Cost of other invested assets acquired   (126) (1,548)
Net purchases of short-term securities   (356,572) (67,850)
Net increase in unsettled securities transactions   37,272  60,600 
Net proceeds from branch sale, net of cash disposed   (2,744) -- 

Net cash used in investing activities   (691,767) (197,814)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Tax benefit from stock options exercised   4,935  -- 
Dividend from parent   45 
Proceeds from junior subordinated notes   329,897  -- 

Net cash provided by financing activities   334,877  -- 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH   (2,307) (1,587)

Net (decrease) increase in cash   (112,339) 21,289 
Cash, beginning of period   142,094  116,843 

Cash, end of period  $29,755 $138,132 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:  
Cash transactions:  
Income taxes paid, net  $19,528 $5,451 
Interest paid  $23,957 $24,034 
Non-cash financing transaction:  
Non-cash dividend to parent  $26,262 $-- 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

6





EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002

1. General

As used in this document, “Holdings” means Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.,; “Group” means Everest Re Group, Ltd.,; “Bermuda Re” means Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., a subsidiary of Group; “Everest Re” means Everest Reinsurance Company, a subsidiary of Holdings, and its subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires); and the “Company” means Everest Reinsurance Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentationstatement of the results on an interim basis. Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The year-endyear end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The results for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 2001 and 20002001 included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filing.

2. Capital ResourcesNew Accounting Pronouncement

On June 27,In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 addresses whether certain types of entities, referred to as VIEs, should be consolidated or deconsolidated in a company’s financial statements. During October 2003, the FASB deferred the effective date of FIN 46 provisions for VIEs created prior to February 1, 2003 to the first reporting period ending after December 15, 2003. During December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46R, replacing FIN 46. FIN 46R is effective, for entities that had not adopted FIN 46 as of December 24, 2003, no later than the end of the first reporting period that ends on or after March 15, 2004. The Company adopted FIN 46R in the first quarter of 2004, resulting in the deconsolidation of Everest Re Capital Trust (“Capital Trust”) and Everest Re Capital Trust II (“Capital Trust II”). The 2003 consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations and comprehensive income have been restated to reflect the deconsolidation.

Capital Trust II and Capital Trust are wholly owned finance subsidiaries of Holdings that issued trust preferred securities on March 29, 2004 ($320 million of trust preferred securities) and November 14, 2002 ($210 million of trust preferred securities), respectively.

The proceeds of the March 29, 2004 and November 14, 2002 trust preferred securities offerings, together with Holdings’ investments in Capital Trust II ($9.9 million) and Capital Trust ($6.5 million), which are held as equity investments on the consolidated balance sheets, were used to purchase from Holdings $329.9 million of 6.20% junior subordinated debt securities and $216.5 million of 7.85% junior subordinated debt securities, respectively.

7

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

The impact of the deconsolidation effectively substituted Holdings’ junior subordinated debt securities, which are held by Capital Trust and Capital Trust II, for the trust preferred securities previously reported.

3. Capital Transactions

Group filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission which was subsequently amended on September 10, 2003 and(“SEC”) that provides for the issuance of up to $975$975.0 million of securities. Generally, under this shelf registration statement, Group is authorized to issue common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants and hybrid securities, Holdings is authorized to issue debt securities and Capital Trust II and Everest Re Capital Trust II and III (“Capital Trust III”) are authorized to issue trust preferred securities. As of the date of this Form 10-Q filing, theThis registration statement was not yet effective.declared effective by the SEC on December 22, 2003.

oOn March 29, 2004, Capital Trust II, an unconsolidated affiliate, issued trust preferred securities resulting in a takedown from the shelf registration statement of $320 million, leaving a remaining balance on the registration statement at March 31, 2004 of $655 million. In conjunction with the issuance of Capital Trust II’s trust preferred securities, Holdings issued $329.9 million of 6.20% junior subordinated debt securities due March 29, 2034 to Capital Trust II. Part of the proceeds from the junior subordinated debt securities issuance was used for capital contributions to Holdings’ operating subsidiaries.

On July 30, 2002, Group filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which providedSEC, providing for the issuance of up to $475.0 million of securities. Generally, under this shelf registration statement, Group was authorized to issue common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants and hybrid securities, Holdings was authorized to issue debt securities and Everest Re Capital Trust (“Capital Trust”) was authorized to issue trust preferred securities. This shelf registration statement became effective on September 26, 2002. The following securities were issued pursuant to that registration statement.

oInOn November 14, 2002, pursuant to a trust agreement between Holdings and JPMorgan Chase Bank, the property trustee, and Chase Manhattan Bank USA, the Delaware trustee, Capital Trust, completed a public offering of $210.0 million of 7.85%an unconsolidated affiliate, issued trust preferred securities resulting in net proceedsa takedown from the shelf registration statement of $203.4$210 million. The proceeds ofIn conjunction with the issuance were used to purchase $210of Capital Trust’s trust preferred securities, Holdings issued $216.5 million of 7.85% junior subordinated debt securities of Holdings that will be

7

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

                 held in trust by the property trustee for the benefit of the holders of the trust preferred securities.

Holdings used thedue November 15, 2032 to Capital Trust. The proceeds from the sale of the junior subordinated debt securities issuance were primarily used for general corporate purposes and made capital contributions to itsHoldings’ operating subsidiaries.

o On April 23, 2003, Group expanded the size of the remaining shelf registration to $318 million by filing a post-effective amendmentPost-Effective Amendment under Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and General Instruction IV of Form S-3 promulgated thereunder.there under. On the same date, Group issued 4,480,135 of its common shares at a price of $70.75 per share, which resulted in $317.0 million in proceeds, before expenses of approximately $0.2 million. This transaction effectively exhausted the September 26, 2002 shelf registration.

On November 7, 2001, Group filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with8

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the SecuritiesThree Months Ended March 31, 2004 and Exchange Commission, which provided for the issuance of up to $575 million of common equity. On February 27, 2002, pursuant to this registration statement, Group completed an offering of 5,000,000 of its common shares at a price of $69.25 per share, which resulted in $346.3 million of proceeds, before expenses of approximately $0.5 million. On October 2, 2002, Group filed a post-effective amendment to this registration statement that removed the remaining securities from registration.2003

On March 14, 2000, the Company completed public offerings of $200.0 million in principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due March 15, 2010 and $250.0 million in principal amount of 8.5% senior notes due March 15, 2005.

3.4. Contingencies

The Company continues to receive claims under expired contracts, which assertasserting alleged injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos. The Company’s asbestos claims typically involve potential liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos. The Company’s environmental claims typically involve potential liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damages caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water.

The Company’s reserves include an estimate of the Company’s ultimate liability for asbestosandasbestos and environmental (“A&E”) claims for which ultimate value cannot be estimated using traditional reserving techniques. There are significant uncertainties in estimating the amount of the Company’s potential losses from A&E claims. Among the complicationsuncertainties are: (a) potentially

8

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

long waiting periods between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or property damage; (b) difficulty in identifying sources of asbestos or environmental contamination; (c) difficulty in properly allocating responsibility and/or liability for asbestos or environmental damage; (d) changes in underlying laws and judicial interpretation of those laws; (e) potential for an asbestos or environmental claim to involve many insurance providers over many policy periods; (f) long reporting delays, both from insureds to insurance companies and from ceding companies to reinsurers; (g) historical data on A&E losses, which is more limited and variable than historical information on other types of casualty claims; (h) questions concerning interpretation and application of insurance and reinsurance coverage; and (i) uncertainty regarding the number and identity of insureds with potential asbestos or environmental exposure.

With respect to asbestos claims in particular, several additional factors have emerged in recent years that further compound the difficulty in estimating the Company’s liability. These developments include: (a) continued growth in the aggressivenessnumber of theclaims filed, in part reflecting a much more aggressive plaintiff bar; (b) a disproportionate percentage of claims filed by individuals with no functional injury from asbestos claims and with little to no financial value;value but that have increasingly been considered in jury verdicts and settlements; (c) the growth in the number and significance of bankruptcy filings by companies as a result of asbestos claims;claims (including, more recently, bankruptcy filings in which companies attempt to resolve their asbestos liabilities in a manner that is prejudicial to insurers and forecloses insurers from the negotiation of bankruptcy plans); (d) the growth in claim filings against defendants formerly regarded as “peripheral”; (e) concentrationsthe concentration of claims in a small number of states that favor plaintiffs; (f) the growth in the number of claims that might impact the general liability portion of insurance policies rather than the product liability portion; (g) responses in which specific courts have adopted measures to ameliorate the worst procedural abuses; (h) an increase in settlement values being paid to asbestos claimants; and (h)(i) the potential that the U.S. Congress or state legislatures may consideradopt legislation to address the asbestos litigation issue.

9

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

Management believes that these uncertainties and factors continue to render reserves for A&E losses significantly less subject to traditional actuarial methodsanalysis than are reserves for other types of losses. Given these uncertainties, management believes that no meaningful range for such ultimate losses can be established. The Company establishes reserves to the extent that, in the judgment of management, the facts and prevailing law reflect an exposure for the Company or its ceding companies.

In connection with the acquisition of Mt. McKinley Insurance Company (“Mt. McKinley”), which has significant exposure to A&E claims, Prudential Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“Prupac”), a subsidiary of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“The Prudential”), provided reinsurance to Mt. McKinley covering 80% ($160.0 million) of the first $200.0 million of any adverse development of Mt. McKinley’s reserves as of September 19, 2000 and The Prudential guaranteed Prupac’s obligations to Mt. McKinley. Through September 30, 2003, cessionsCessions under this reinsurance agreement have reducedexhausted the limit available remaining limits to $54.4 millionunder the contract at December 31, 2003.

The following table shows the development of prior year A&E reserves on both a gross and net of coinsurance.retrocessional basis for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003 


Gross basis:  
Beginning of period reserves  $765,257 $667,922 
Incurred losses   66,000  17,673 
Paid losses   (25,408) (18,635)


End of period reserves  $805,849 $666,960 


Net basis:  
Beginning of period reserves  $262,990 $243,157 
Incurred losses   4,187  8,465 
Paid losses   32,644  (8,256)


End of period reserves  $299,821 $243,366 


At March 31, 2004, the gross reserves for A&E losses were comprised of $137.2 million representing case reserves reported by ceding companies, $113.9 million representing additional case reserves established by the Company on assumed reinsurance claims, $335.8 million representing case reserves established by the Company on direct insurance claims including Mt. McKinley, and $218.9 million representing incurred but not reported reserves (“IBNR”).

Mt.     McKinley is a reinsurer of Everest Re. Under a series of transactions dating to 1986, Mt. McKinley reinsured several components of Everest Re’s business. In particular, Mt. McKinley provided stop-loss reinsurancestop loss protection, in connection with the Company’s October 5, 1995 initial public offering, for any adverse loss development on Everest Re’s June 30, 1995 (December 31, 1994 for catastrophe losses) reserves, with $375.0 million in limits, of which $103.9 million remains available (the “Stop Loss Agreement”). The Stop Loss Agreement

9

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

and other reinsurance contracts between Mt. McKinley and Everest Re remain in effect following the acquisition. However, these contracts became transactions with affiliates effective on the date of the Mt. McKinley acquisition, and their financial impact is thereafter eliminated on consolidation.acquisition. Effective September 19, 2000, Mt. McKinley and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement, whereby Mt. McKinley transferred, for what management believes to be arm’s-lengtharm’s length consideration, all of its net insurancereinsurance exposures and reserves to Bermuda Re.

10

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

Due to the uncertainties discussed above, the ultimate losses may vary materially from current loss reserves and, depending on coverage under the Company’s various reinsurance arrangements, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The following table shows the development of prior year asbestos and environmental reserves on both a gross and net of retrocessional basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002:

(dollar amounts in thousands)  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, September 30, 
   2003 2002 2003 2002 




Gross basis:  
Beginning of period reserves  $646,159 $639,102 $667,922 $644,390 
Incurred losses   56,323  --  73,996  30,000 
Paid losses   (9,702) (22,148) (49,138) (57,436)




End of period reserves  $692,780 $616,954 $692,780 $616,954 




Net basis:  
Beginning of period reserves  $237,529 $262,602 $243,157 $276,169 
Incurred losses   5,154  --  13,620  1,885 
Paid losses   (11,839) (11,609) (2,255) (27,061)




End of period reserves  $254,522 $250,993 $254,522 $250,993 




At September 30, 2003, the gross reserves for A&E losses were comprised of $130.9 million representing case reserves reported by ceding companies, $75.6 million representing additional case reserves established by the Company on assumed reinsurance claims, $263.4 million representing case reserves established by the Company on direct excess insurance claims including Mt. McKinley, and $222.9 million representing incurred but not reported reserves.

10

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’s rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements and other more general contracts. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other disputes,matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. Such disputes are resolved through formal and informal means, including litigation and arbitration.

In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. The Company also regularly evaluates those positions, and where appropriate, establishes or adjusts insurance reserves to reflect its evaluation. The Company’s aggregate reserves take into account the possibility that the Company may not ultimately prevail in each and every disputed matter. The Company believes its aggregate reserves reduce the potential that an adverse resolution of one or more of these matters, at any point in time, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that adverse resolutions of such matters in any one period or in the aggregate will not result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company does not believe that there are any other materialsmaterial pending legal proceedings to which it or any of its subsidiaries or their properties are subject.

The Prudential sold annuities, which were purchased by property and casualty insurance companies to settle certain types of claim liabilities. In 1993 and prior, years, the Company had a business arrangement with The Prudential wherein, for a fee, the Company accepted thesettled claim payment obligationobligations of thesecertain property and casualty insurers and, concurrently, became the owner of the annuity or assignee of the annuity proceeds.proceeds funded by the property and casualty insurers specifically to fulfill these fully settled obligations. In these circumstances, the Company would be liable if The Prudential were unable to make the annuity payments. The estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 was $153.6$154.6 million.

In 1990,11

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

Prior to its 1995 initial public offering, the Company had purchased annuities from an unaffiliated life insurance company with an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) to settle certain claim liabilities of the Company. Should the life insurance company become unable to make the annuity payments, the Company would be liable for those claim liabilities. The estimated cost to replace such annuities at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 was $15.7$16.4 million.

11

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

4.5. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised as follows:

(dollar amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended   
 September 30, September 30, 
 2003200220032002

Net unrealized 
 (depreciation)/appreciation 
 of investments, net of 
 deferred income taxes ($69,979)   $69,735 $31,168  $57,903
Currency translation 
 adjustments, net of deferred 
 income taxes (4,301)   (895) 10,058  1,443

Other comprehensive income/(loss), 
 net of deferred 
 income taxes ($74,280)   $68,840 $41,226 $59,346

5. Credit Line

On December 21, 1999, the Company entered into a three-year senior revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders (the “Credit Facility”). On November 21, 2002, the maturity date of the Credit Facility was extended to December 19, 2003. Wachovia Bank, National Association (“Wachovia Bank”) is the administrative agent for the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is used for liquidity and general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to $150.0 million with interest at a rate selected by the Company equal to either (i) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (ii) an adjusted London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin. The Base Rate is the higher of the rate of interest established by Wachovia Bank from time to time as its prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Credit Facility depends upon the Company’s senior unsecured debt rating. Group guaranteed the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.5 to 1 to maintain its statutory surplus at $850.0 million plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions. As of September 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

12

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, Holdings made no payments and no borrowings on the Credit Facility. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, Holdings made payments on the Credit Facility of $5.0 million and $25.0 million, respectively and had new Credit Facility borrowings of $25.0 million and $45.0 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, Holdings had outstanding Credit Facility borrowings of $70.0 million. Interest expense incurred in connection with the borrowing was $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and $1.0 million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Effective October 10, 2003, the Company entered into a new three-year, $150.0 million revolving credit facility (the “New Credit Facility”), under similar terms, with a syndicate of lenders. Wachovia Bank is the administrative agent for the New Credit Facility. The required debt to capital and minimum interest coverage ratios have remained the same while the Everest Re statutory surplus requirement was increased to $1.0 billion plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions and Group no longer guarantees Holdings’ obligations under the New Credit Facility. This New Credit Facility will replace the existing Credit Facility which would have expired on December 19, 2003 and will continue to be used for liquidity and general corporate purposes. A $70.0 million borrowing under the New Credit Facility was used to pay off the $70.0 million indebtedness under the old Credit Facility.

  Three Months Ended   
   March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003 


Net unrealized appreciation  
   of investments, net of deferred income taxes  $27,616 $17,393 
Currency translation adjustments, net of  
   deferred income taxes   (2,671) 3,735 


Other comprehensive income, net of  
 deferred income taxes  $24,945 $21,128 


6. Letters of Credit

The Company has arrangements available for the issuance of letters of credit, which letters are generally collateralized by the Company’s cash and investments. Under these arrangements, at September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003, and 2002, letters of credit for $77.9$0.0 million and $11.3$65.9 million, respectively, were issued and outstanding, generally supporting reinsurance provided by the company’sCompany’s non-U.S. operations.

Effective January 1, 2004, Everest Re sold its United Kingdom branch to Bermuda Re, a Bermuda insurance company and direct subsidiary of Group. The following table summarizes the Company’soutstanding letters of credit supporting reinsurance provided by the London branch were transferred to Bermuda Re as part of September 30, 2003. All dollar amounts are in thousands.

Year of
BankCommitmentIn UseExpiry

Citibank (London)Individual$     88612/31/2003
Citibank (London)Individual$  3,20601/28/2005
Citibank (London)Individual$67,79112/31/2006
WachoviaIndividual$  5,00212/31/2003
WachoviaIndividual $  1,04503/31/2004

    Total$ 77,921

13

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

sale transaction.

7. Trust Agreements

The Company has established a trust agreement as security for reinsurance recoverables of a non-affiliated ceding company, which effectively uses Company investments as collateral for reinsurance recoverables. At March 31, 2004, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $18.7 million.

8. Senior Notes

During the first quarter ofOn March 14, 2000, the Company completed a public offeringofferings of $200.0 million in principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due March 15, 2010 and $250.0 million in principal amount of 8.5% senior notes due March 15, 2005.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes was $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

12

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2002 and $29.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

8. Trust Preferred9. Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Payable

Capital Trust is a wholly owned finance subsidiaryOn March 29, 2004, the Company issued $329.9 million of Holdings. Holdings6.20% junior subordinated debt securities due March 29, 2034. The Company can redeem the junior subordinated debt securities before their maturity at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest as of the date of redemption, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions at any time on or after March 30, 2009; or at any time, in whole, but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence and continuation of specific events.

On November 14, 2002, the Company issued $216.5 million of 7.85% junior subordinated debt securities due November 15, 2032. The Company can redeem the junior subordinated debt securities before their maturity at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest as of the date of redemption, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions at any time on or after November 14, 2007; or at any time, in whole, but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence and continuation of specific events.

The Company considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the trust preferred securities, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Holdingsthe Company of Capital Trust’sTrust and Capital Trust II’s payment obligations with respect to thetheir respective trust preferred securities.

There are certain regulatory and contractual restrictions on the ability of Holdings’ operating subsidiaries to transfer funds to Holdings in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The insurance laws of the State of Delaware, where Holdings’ direct insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, require regulatory approval before those subsidiaries can pay dividends or make loans or advances to Holdings that exceed certain statutory thresholds. In addition, the terms of the Holdings’ credit facilityCredit Facility (discussed below) require Everest Re, Holdings’ principal insurance subsidiary, to maintain a certain statutory surplus level. At December 31, 2002, $986.32003, $1,561.1 million of the $1,290.7$2,264.0 million in net assets of Holdings’ consolidated subsidiaries were subject to the foregoing regulatory restrictions.

In November 2002, pursuant to a trust agreement between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, the property trustee, and Chase Manhattan Bank USA, the Delaware trustee, Capital Trust completed a public offering of $210.0 million of 7.85% trust preferred securities, resultingInterest expense incurred in net proceeds of $203.4 million. The proceeds of the issuance were used to purchase $210 million of 7.85%connection with these junior subordinated debt securities was $4.4 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

10. Credit Line

Effective October 10, 2003, the Company entered into a new three year, $150.0 million senior revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, replacing its December 21, 1999, senior revolving credit facility. Both the October 10, 2003 and December 21, 1999 senior revolving credit agreements, which have similar terms, are referred to collectively as the “Credit Facility”. The Credit Facility is used for liquidity and general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to $150.0 million with interest at a rate selected by the Company equal to either (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) an adjusted London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin. The Base Rate is the higher of the Company that will be held in trustrate of interest established by Wachovia Bank from time to time as its prime rate or the property trusteeFederal Funds rate plus 0.5% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the benefit ofCredit Facility depends upon the holders of the trust preferred securities. The Company used the proceeds from the sale of the junior subordinatedCompany’s senior unsecured debt securities principally for capital contributions to its operating subsidiaries.rating.

Holdings may elect to redeem the junior subordinated debt securities, in whole or in part, at any time after November 14, 2007. If such an early redemption occurs, the outstanding trust preferred securities will also be proportionately redeemed. If there is no early redemption, Everest Re Capital Trust will redeem all of the outstanding trust preferred securities when the junior subordinated debt securities are paid at maturity on November 15, 2032.

Capital Trust will redeem all of the outstanding trust preferred securities when the junior subordinated debt securities are paid at maturity on November 15, 2032. The Company may

1413

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003

The Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and 2002

electa minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.5 to redeem1 and requires Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $1.0 billion plus 25% of aggregate net income and capital contributions earned or received after January 1, 2003. As of March 31, 2004, the junior subordinated debt securities,Company was in whole orcompliance with these covenants.

During the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, the Company made no payments on and had no additional borrowings under the Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had outstanding Credit Facility borrowings of $70.0 million. Interest expense incurred in part, at any time after November 14, 2007. If such an early redemption occurs, the outstanding trust preferred securities will also be proportionately redeemed.

Distributions on the trust preferred securities are cumulativeconnection with these borrowings was $0.3 million and pay quarterly in arrears. Distributions relating to the trust preferred securities$0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003, were $4.1 million and $12.4 million, respectively.

9.11. Segment Reporting

The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in four segments: U.S. Reinsurance, U.S. Insurance, Specialty Underwriting and International. The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the United States.U.S. The U.S. Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance primarily through general agent relationships and surplus lines brokers within the United States.U.S. The Specialty Underwriting operation writes accident and health (“A&H”), marine, aviation and surety business within the United StatesU.S. and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies. The International operation writes property and casualty reinsurance through the Company’s branches in London, Canada and Singapore, in addition to foreign business written through the Company’s Miami and New Jersey headquarters and Miami office.offices.

These segments are managed in a carefully coordinated fashion with strong elements of central control, including with respect to capital, investments and support operations. As a result, management monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting gain or loss (“underwriting results”). The Companyutilizes inter-affiliate reinsurance and such reinsurance does not impact segment results, since business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced. Underwriting results include earned premium less incurred losslosses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. The Companyutilizes inter-affiliate reinsurance, but such reinsurance does not impact segment results, as business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced.

The Company does not maintain separate balance sheet data for its operating segments. Accordingly, the Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data.

Group has recently announced that one of its subsidiaries,Effective January 1, 2004, Everest Re has reached agreement, subject to regulatory approval, to sellsold the net assets of its United Kingdom branch to anotherBermuda Re, a Bermuda insurance company and direct subsidiary of Group’s subsidiaries,Group, for $77.0 million. In connection with the sale, Everest Re provided Bermuda Re. BusinessRe with a reserve indemnity agreement providing for this branch is currently reported throughindemnity payments of up to 90% of £25 million in the International segment. Upon completionevent December 31, 2002 loss and loss adjustment reserves develop adversely. The impact on the financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was a dividend to Group of $26.3 million as net assets sold exceeded the purchase price, an underwriting gain of $10.9 million due to the sale related adjustments of the transaction,2003 and 2002 quota share cessions and an increase in the current period incurred losses of $36.8 million relating to liability under the reserve indemnity agreement. Business for the UK branch business will no longer bewas previously reported in Holdings. However, this will not have a material impact on the operating resultsas part of the company.Company’s International segment.

1514

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002

The following tables present the relevant underwriting results for the operating segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.segments:

U.S. Reinsurance
         Three Months Ended
            March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003

Gross written premiums  $367,932 $342,415
Net written premiums   294,288  256,111
  
Premiums earned  $294,965 $193,044
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   211,773  131,839
Commission and brokerage   78,284  41,569
Other underwriting expenses   5,727  4,870

Underwriting (loss) gain  $(819)$14,766

U.S. Insurance
            Three Months Ended
              March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003

Gross written premiums  $353,705 $310,699
Net written premiums   264,175  233,220
  
Premiums earned  $173,421 $158,546
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   144,848  115,314
Commission and brokerage   9,793  29,519
Other underwriting expenses   11,125  7,885

Underwriting gain  $7,655 $5,828

                                                                                      U.S. Reinsurance

(dollar values in thousands) Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
  2003 2002 2003 2002 




Gross written premiums $ 533,497 $ 254,083 $ 1,259,026 $ 589,841 
Net written premiums 412,614 201,264 951,193 508,380 
          
Earned premiums $ 336,747 $ 153,940 $ 786,943 $ 458,587 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment 
 expenses  266,010  113,282  597,590  327,425 
Commission and brokerage  80,828  32,786  188,385  112,707 
Other underwriting expenses  4,935  4,538  15,341  13,797 




Underwriting (loss) gain ($  15,026)     $     3,334 ($  14,373) $     4,658 




                                                                                      U.S. Insurance

(dollar values in thousands) Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
  2003 2002 2003 2002 




Gross written premiums $ 221,604 $ 196,527 $ 808,297 $ 616,937 
Net written premiums  135,145  123,535  563,565  430,515 
          
Earned premiums $ 173,680 $ 118,352 $ 505,448 $ 324,848 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment 
 expenses  131,843  87,762  368,927  230,237 
Commission and brokerage    21,152   30,868    81,221   78,895 
Other underwriting expenses      9,231    5,861    25,714   16,788 




Underwriting gain (loss) $   11,454($     6,139) $   29,586 ($     1,072) 




1615

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002

                                                                                      Specialty Underwriting

(dollar values in thousands) Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 
 September 30,September 30,
  2003 2002 2003 2002 




Gross written premiums $ 124,090 $ 109,345 $ 393,762 $ 346,090 
Net written premiums  94,316  97,450  301,388  320,233 
          
Earned premiums $ 91,688 $ 89,239 $ 295,538 $ 307,786 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment 
 expenses 58,649 71,484 202,747 238,082 
Commission and brokerage 23,427 23,368 78,128 86,699 
Other underwriting expenses 1,473 1,584 4,392 4,476 




Underwriting gain (loss) $   8,139($   7,197) $     10,271 ($  21,471) 




                                                                                      International

(dollar values in thousands) Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
  2003 2002 2003 2002 




Gross written premiums $ 275,798 $ 133,673 $ 645,462 $ 358,280 
Net written premiums  198,598  101,311  431,927  297,893 
          
Earned premiums $ 174,780 $   94,856 $ 386,258 $ 274,891 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment 
 expenses 115,410 56,303 250,048 171,237 
Commission and brokerage 32,751 20,850 70,646 54,806 
Other underwriting expenses 4,221 3,053 11,491 9,374 




Underwriting gain $   22,398 $   14,650 $   54,073 $   39,474 




Specialty Underwriting
            Three Months Ended
              March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003

Gross written premiums  $122,057 $131,805
Net written premiums   100,693  95,086
  
Premiums earned  $99,653 $91,317
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   63,866  75,632
Commission and brokerage   27,854  24,824
Other underwriting expenses   1,699  1,338

Underwriting gain (loss)  $6,234 $(10,477)

International
              Three Months Ended
            March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003

Gross written premiums  $148,472 $176,407
Net written premiums   116,106  100,290
  
Premiums earned  $113,865 $88,784
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   58,989  53,405
Commission and brokerage   21,781  8,794
Other underwriting expenses   2,718  3,146

Underwriting gain  $30,377 $23,439

The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income before tax as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, with all dollar values presented in thousands:income.


 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended 
 September 30,   September 30,
  2003 2002 2003 2002 

Underwriting gain $ 26,965 $ 4,648 $  79,557 $   21,589 
Net investment income   70,491  64,402    210,627    194,673 
Realized (loss)    (11,843)   (7,074)     (23,922)     (45,944)
 
Net derivative expense            -   (1,009)           -       (1,259)
Corporate expenses      (1,115)  (1,545)      (3,074)       (1,545)
Interest expense    (14,181)(10,696)    (42,596)     (31,914)
Other income (expense)         625      540       1,202       (3,941)

Income before taxes    $ 70,942 $  49,266 $  221,794 $  131,659 

















            Three Months Ended   
                 March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003 


Underwriting gain from segments  $43,447 $33,556 
UK branch sale and related transactions   (25,894) -- 


Underwriting gain  $17,553 $33,556 
Net investment income   65,823  67,714 
Net realized capital loss   (27,046) (10,075)
Corporate income (expense)   2,007  (979)
Interest expense   (14,479) (14,340)
Other (expense) income   (17,260) 355 


Income before taxes  $26,598 $76,231 


1716

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003

The comparability of the International segment underwriting results has been impacted by the sale of the UK branch from Everest Re to Bermuda Re. In order to provide comparability, the 2003 results for the International segment need to be adjusted to exclude the UK branch activity. Effectively these adjustments remove the UK branch from 2003 in the International segment underwriting results allowing for the comparability of the results period-over-period. The following table reflects the underwriting results for the International segment for as reported for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2002

proforma for the three months ended March 31, 2003:

  InternationalInternational 
   Segment  Segment
    2004  2003 
   As Reported  Proforma

(Dollars in thousands)  
Gross written premiums  $148,472 $97,706 
Ceded written premiums   (32,366) (52,729)

Net written premiums   116,106  44,977 
 
Premiums earned  $113,865 $41,901 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   58,989  22,219 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees   21,781  4,220 
Other underwriting expenses   2,718  2,221 

Underwriting gain  $30,377 $13,241 

The Company produces foreign business in its United StatesU.S. and Internationalinternational operations. The net income and assets of the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company’s financial records. The largest country, otherOther than the United States, in which the Company writes business, is the United Kingdom, with $86.2 and $219.9 million of gross written premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. NoU.S., no other country represented more than 5% of the Company’s revenues.

10.12. Derivatives

The Company has in its product portfolio a credit default swap, contract, which it no longer writes.offers. This contractproduct meets the definition of a derivative under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 133”). The Company’s position in this contract is unhedged and is accounted for as a derivative in accordance with FAS 133. Accordingly, this contract is carried at fair value withand is recorded in “Other liabilities” in the balance sheet and changes in fair value are recorded in the statement of operations.operations and comprehensive income.

11.13. Investments — Interest Only Strips

Commencing with the second quarter of 2003 and continuing in the third quarter of 2003, the Company has invested in interest only strips of mortgage-backed securities (“Interest Only Strips”interest only strips”). These securities give the holder the right to receive interest payments at a stated coupon rate on an underlying pool of mortgages. The interest payments on the outstanding mortgages are guaranteed by various entities.entities generally rated AAA. The ultimate cash flow from these investments is primarily dependent upon the average life of the mortgage pool. Generally, as market interest rates and more specifically market mortgage rates decline, mortgagees tend to refinance which will decrease the average life of a mortgage pool and decrease expected cash flows. Conversely, as market interest rates and more specifically mortgage rates rise, repayments will slow and the ultimate cash flows will tend to rise. Accordingly, the market value of these investments tendtends to increase as general interest rates rise and decline as general interest rates fall. These movements are generally counter to the impact of interest rate impactmovements on the Company’s other fixed income investments. The total market value of the Interest Only Stripsinterest only strips was $175.6 million at September 30,March 31, 2004.

17

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was $151.6 million.

The Company accounts for its investment in Interest Only Stripsinterest only strips in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 99-20, Recognition“Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on PurchasedPurchases and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, ("Assets” (“EITF 99-20"99-20”). EITF 99-20 sets forth the rules for recognizing interest income on all credit-sensitive mortgage and asset-backed securities and certain prepayment-sensitive securities including agency interest-onlyinterest only strips, whether purchased or retained in securitization, andas well as the rules for determining when these securities must be written down to fair value because of impairment. EITF 99-20 requires a decrease in the valuation of residual interests in securitizations to be recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the residual interests through a charge to earnings, rather than an unrealized loss in stockholdersstockholders’ equity, when any portion of the decline in fair value is attributable to, as defined by EITF 99-20, an impairment loss. As such, the Company recorded a realized capital loss from impairments on its Interest Only Stripsinterest only strips of $13.7 million, net of income tax benefit of $7.4$43.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003.

18

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

12. New Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“FAS 142”). FAS 142 established new accounting and reporting standards for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. It requires that an entity determine if other intangible assets have an indefinite useful life or a finite useful life. Goodwill and those intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization and must be tested at least annually for impairment. Those with finite useful lives are subject to amortization and must be tested annually for impairment. This statement is effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The Company adopted FAS 142 on January 1, 2002. The implementation of this statement has not had a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“FAS 150”). The Company adopted the accounting treatment in accordance with FAS 150, and have reclassified its Trust Preferred Securities as a liability in its financial statements beginning with the period ending June 30, 2003.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46”). FIN No. 46 addresses whether certain types of entities, referred to as variable interest entities (“VIEs”), should be consolidated in a company’s financial statements. During October 2003, the FASB deferred the effective date of FIN 46 provisions for VIEs created prior to February 1, 2003 to the first reporting period ending after December 15, 2003. The Company is awaiting the final rules before implementing FIN 46. Based on the current provisions, the Company believes that the implementation of FIN 46 will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position.March 31, 2004.

13.14. Related-Party Transactions

During the normal course of business, the Company, through its affiliates, engages in reinsurance and brokerage and commission business transactions, which management believes to be at arm’s- length, with companies controlled by or affiliated with onecertain of itsGroup’s outside directors. These transactions are on terms as favorable as could have been obtained from unrelated third parties. Such transactions, individually and in the aggregate, are immaterialnot material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

18

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

The Company engages in business transactions with Group, Bermuda Re and Bermuda Re.Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”). Effective January 1, 2003,2004, Everest Re and Bermuda Re entered into arenewed the 2003 Quota Share Reinsurance agreement, for what management believes to be arm’s-length consideration, whereby Everest Re’s Canadian Branch cedes to Bermuda Re 50% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal property business written during the terms of this agreement. Effective January 1, 2004, Everest Re and Bermuda Re amended the existing Quota Share Reinsurance agreement (the “whole account quota share”), through which Everest Re previously ceded 25% of its business to Bermuda Re so that effective January 1, 2004 Everest Re will cede 22.5% to Bermuda Re and 2.5% to Everest International of the net retained liability on all new and renewal covered business written during the term of this agreement. Effective January 1, 2003, Everest Re and Bermuda Re revisedamended the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement,whole account quota share, whereby Everest Re cedes to

19

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

Bermuda Re 25% of the net retained liability on all new and renewal policies written during the term of this agreement. For policies effective January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002, Everest Re ceded 20% of the net retained liability to Bermuda Re. Management believes the quota share arrangements for both years were entered into as,on an arm’s-length basis and reflect,reflects arm’s-length pricing. For premiums earned and losses incurred for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002, Everest Re, Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company entered into an Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement with Bermuda Re, for what management believes to be arm’s- lengtharm’s-length consideration, covering workers’ compensation losses occurring on and after January 1, 2002, as respects new, renewal and in force policies effective on that date through December 31, 2002. Bermuda Re is liable for any loss exceeding $100,000 per occurrence, with its liability not to exceed $150,000 per occurrence. Effective October 1, 2001, Everest Re and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio reinsurance agreement, whereby Everest Re transferred all of its Belgium Branch net insurance exposures and reserves to Bermuda Re for what management believes to be arm’s-length consideration and subsequently closed its Belgium Branch. Effective September 19, 2000, Mt. McKinley and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement, whereby Mt. McKinley transferred, for what management believes to be arm’s-length consideration, all of its net insurance exposures and reserves to Bermuda Re.

19

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(continued)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

The following table summarizes the premiums and losses ceded by the Company to Bermuda Re:

     
  Three Months EndedNine Months Ended    
  September 30, September 30 

    (dollar values in thousands) 2003 2002 2003 2002 

    Ceded written premium $ 269,487 $ 122,562 $ 704,579 $ 252,114 
    Ceded earned premium $ 218,663 $   93,124 $ 561,902 $ 172,626 
    Ceded losses and LAE $ 140,868 $   59,344 $ 361,083 $ 123,301 
 

14. Subsequent Events

Effective October 10, 2003, the Company entered into a new three-year, $150.0 million revolving credit facility (the “New Credit Facility”), under similar terms, with a syndicate of lenders. Wachovia Bank is the administrative agent for the New Credit Facility. The required debt to capitalRe and minimum interest coverage ratios have remained the same while the Everest Re statutory surplus requirement was increased to $1.0 billion plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions and Group no longer guarantees Holdings’ obligations under the New Credit Facility. This New Credit Facility will replace the existing Credit Facility which would have expired on December 19, 2003 and will continue to be used for liquidity and general corporate purposes. A $70.0 million borrowing under the New Credit Facility was used to pay off the $70.0 million indebtedness under the old Credit Facility.International, respectively:

               Bermuda Re      
   Three Months Ended
   March 31,


(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003 


Ceded written premiums  $16,613 $233,777 
Ceded earned premiums  $35,857 $187,372 
Ceded losses and LAE  $54,622 $121,726 
               Everest International      
   Three Months Ended
   March 31,


(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003 


Ceded written premiums  $6,240  $         - 
Ceded earned premiums  $2,811  $         - 
Ceded losses and LAE  $1,609  $         - 





20

Part I — Item 2

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSOPERATION

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Industry Conditions

The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive yet cyclical by product and market. The terrorist attacksCompetition with respect to the types of reinsurance and insurance business in which the Company is engaged is based on September 11, 2001 (the “September 11 attacks”many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, A.M. Best Company’s (“A.M. Best”) resulted in losses which reduced industryand/or Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“Standard & Poor’s”) ratings of the reinsurer or insurer, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and were of sufficient magnitude to cause most individual companies to reassess their capital position, tolerance for risk, exposure control mechanisms and the pricingcoverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions at which they are willing to take on risk. The gradual and variable improving trend that had been apparent through 2000 and earlier in 2001 firmed significantly. This firming generally took the form of immediate and significant upward pressure on prices, more restrictive terms and conditions and a reduction of coverage limits and capacity availability. Such pressures were widespread, with variability depending on the product and markets involved, but mainly depending on the characteristics of the underlying risk exposures.reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written. The magnitude ofCompany competes in the changes was sufficient to create temporary disequilibrium in some markets as individual buyersU.S. and sellers adapted to changes in both their internal and market dynamics.

Through 2002, the Company’s markets, andinternational reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous international and domestic reinsurance and insurance companies. The Company’s competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies and domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’s. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than the Company and have established long-term and continuing business relationships throughout the industry, which can be a significant competitive advantage. In addition, the potential for securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provides an additional source of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

For the three months ended March 31, 2004, the improved market conditions, which developed during 2000 through 2003, have continued generally sustaining attractive pricing, terms and conditions. There are signs that pressures for incremental firming have abated for some classes and some property pricing has declined modestly while pricing for most casualty classes remain firm. More broadly, the industry remains exposed to fundamental issues that negatively impacted its aggregate capacity in general,2002 and 2003, including weak investment market conditions and adverse loss emergence. Both of these tend to depress the industry’s aggregate financial performance and perceptions of financial strength of industry participants and thereby reduce the accumulation of competitive pressures as respects pricing, terms and conditions. These factors suggest that the current attractive market conditions are likely to persist through 2004 and into 2005.

21

Through 2003, reinsurance and insurance markets generally continued to firm, reflecting the continuing, although diminishing, implications of losses arising from the terrorist attacks of September 11, attacks as well as2001 and more broadly, the impact of aggregate company reactions to broad and growing recognition that competition in the late 1990s reached extremes in many classes and markets, which ultimately led to inadequate pricing and overly broad terms, conditions and coverages. The effect of these extremes, which has becomebecame apparent through excessive loss emergence, variesvaried widely by company depending on product offerings, markets accessed, underwriting and operating practices, competitive strategies and business volumes. Across all market participants, however, the aggregate general effect has been impairedwas depressed financial results and erosion of the industry capital base. Coupled with deteriorating investment market conditions and results, and renewed concerns regarding longer term industry specific issues, including asbestos exposure and sub-par capital returns, these financial impacts introduced substantial, and in some cases extreme, pressure for the initiation and/or strengthening of corrective action by individual market participants. These pressures, aggregating across industry participants, resultedreinforced the trend established in 2000 through 2003 toward firming prices, more restrictive terms and conditions, tightened coverage availability across most classes and markets and increasing concern with respect to the financial security of insurance and reinsurance providers.

Thus far in 2003 these general trends have continued,The Company has been generally sustaining upward pressure on pricing, continued constriction of terms, conditions and coverages and constrained capacity. There are signs that pressures for incremental firming may be abating for some property classes, but these are offset by clear signs that pressures for incremental firming continue to build for casualty classes in general. More broadly, the industry remains exposed to fundamental issues that negatively impacted 2002, including difficult investment market conditions and adverse loss emergence, both of which have continued to erode the industry’s aggregate financial performance and perceptions of the financial strength of industry participants. These factors indicate the current strong market conditions are likely to persist until further corrective actions, possibly combined with improved investment conditions, restore more normal competitive conditions.

21

These current trends reflect a clear reversal of the general trend from 1987 through 1999 toward increasingly competitive global market conditions across most lines of business, as reflected by decreasing prices and broadening contract terms. The earlier trend resulted from a number of factors, including the emergence of significant reinsurance capacity in Bermuda, changes in the Lloyd’s market, consolidation and increased capital levels in the insurance and reinsurance industries, as well as the emergence of new reinsurance and financial products addressing traditional exposures in alternative fashions.

Many of these factors continue to operate and may take on additional importance as the result of the firming market conditions that have emerged. As a result, although the Company is encouraged by recent industry developments, which operatehave operated to its advantage, and more generally,broadly, by continued attractive current market conditions,conditions. However, the Company cannot predict with any reasonable certainty whether and to what extent these favorable conditions will persist. In particular, changes in the Lloyd’s market and the potential reemergence of a market share orientation amongst some industry participants, combined with improving and in some cases strong financial results, introduce uncertainty about the level of competitive pressures, which may emerge over 2004 and 2005.

22

Financial Summary

The Company’s management monitors and evaluates overall Company performance based principally upon underwriting and financial results. The following is a summary of consolidated underwriting results and net income for the three months ended March 31:

(Dollars in thousands)   2004  2003 


Gross written premiums  $992,166 $961,326 
Net written premiums   915,013  684,707 
  
Premiums earned  $800,719 $531,691 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   593,223  376,190 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees   168,674  104,706 
Other underwriting expenses   21,269  17,239 


Underwriting gain   17,553  33,556 
 
Net investment income   65,823  67,714 
Net realized capital loss   (27,046) (10,075)
Corporate income (expense)   2,007  (979)
Interest expense   (14,479) (14,340)
Other (expense) income   (17,260) 355 


Income before taxes   26,598  76,231 
Income tax expense   19,258  16,643 


Net Income  $7,340 $59,588 




Loss ratio   74.1% 70.8%
Commission and expense ratio   21.1% 19.7%
Other underwriting expense ratio   2.4% 3.4%


Combined ratio   97.6% 93.9%


The comparability of the above financial results has been impacted by the sale of the UK branch from Everest Re to Bermuda Re and the associated Everest Re and Bermuda Re reserve indemnity agreement as well as sale related adjustments to the 2003 and 2002 quota share cessions. In order to provide comparability of the financial results between the years, the 2003 results need to be adjusted to exclude the UK branch activity wherein gross written premiums, net written premiums, premiums earned, incurred losses and LAE and underwriting expenses would decrease by $78.7 million; $55.3 million, $46.9 million, $31.2 million, and $5.5 million, respectively, resulting in a net decrease in underwriting gain of $10.2 million. Additionally, in order to provide comparability of the financial results between the years, the 2004 results need to be adjusted to exclude the one time effects associated with the branch sale wherein ceded written premiums would increase by $139.8 million and net written premiums, premiums earned, incurred losses and LAE and underwriting expenses would decrease by $118.8 million, $113.7 million and $31.0 million, respectively, resulting in a net decrease in underwriting gain of $25.9 million. Effectively these adjustments remove the UK branch from 2003 underwriting results and adjust 2004 underwriting results to exclude the one-time effects related to the sale. The following tables reflect a reconciliation from reported to proforma underwriting results for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

23

     Sale   
    2004  Related  2004 
  As ReportedTransactionsProforma



(Dollars in thousands)  
Gross written premiums  $992,166 $-- $992,166 
Ceded written premiums   77,153  (139,751) 216,904 



Net written premiums   915,013  139,751  775,262 
 
Premiums earned  $800,719 $118,815 $681,904 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   593,223  113,747  479,476 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees   168,674  30,962  137,712 
Other underwriting expenses   19,262  --  19,262 



Underwriting gain  $19,560 $(25,894)$45,454 



Loss ratio   74.1% 70.3%
Commission ratio   21.1% 20.2%
Other underwriting expense ratio   2.4% 2.8%


Combined ratio   97.6% 93.3%


         
    2003 UK branch  2003 
  As ReportedAdjustmentProforma



(Dollars in thousands)  
Gross written premiums  $961,326 $(78,701)$882,625 
Ceded written premiums   276,619  (23,388) 253,231 



Net written premiums   684,707  (55,313) 629,394 
 
Premiums earned  $531,691 $(46,883)$484,808 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   376,190  (31,186) 345,004 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees   104,706  (4,574) 100,132 
Other underwriting expenses   18,218  (925) 17,293 



Underwriting gain  $32,577 $(10,198)$22,379 



Loss ratio   70.8% 71.2%
Commission ratio   19.7% 20.7%
Other underwriting expense ratio   3.4% 3.6%


Combined ratio   93.9% 95.4%


In the remainder of this Financial Summary section and the following Segment Information section, all analysis relates to the comparable proforma information except where indicated.

As indicated in the preceding Industry Conditions section, the reinsurance and insurance industry has experienced favorable market conditions in recent years. The favorable market conditions, coupled with the Company’s financial strength, strategic positioning and market and underwriting expertise, enabled it to increase its volume of business. As a result, gross written premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2004 increased by 12.4% compared with the three months ended March 31, 2003. Due to the nature of its businesses, the Company is unable to precisely differentiate the effects of price changes as compared to the effects of changes in exposure. Similarly, because individual reinsurance arrangements often reflect revised coverages, structuring, pricing, terms and/or conditions from period to period, the Company is unable to differentiate between the premium volumes attributable to new business as compared to renewal business. Management believes however, that on balance, the Company’s growth is reasonably balanced between growth in exposures underwritten and increased pricing and/or improved terms and conditions. Management believes further that market conditions are generally more favorable for casualty business classes than for property business classes; however, management notes that it continues to see business opportunities in most product classes and markets. Although premium volumes have increased, the Company continues to decline business that does not meet its objectives regarding underwriting profitability.

24

The components of the underwriting gain (loss) are highly correlated to the level of premium volume. The amount of net written premiums reflects gross written premiums less ceded premiums. Premiums ceded were $216.9 million (21.9% of gross written premiums) and $253.2 million (28.7% of gross written premiums) for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in ceded premiums was principally attributable to the sale of the UK branch in which the business no longer resides with the Company; therefore, no cessions on that book of business are made in conjunction with the quota share agreement.

Premiums earned increased to $681.9 million from $484.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2003. The change reflects period-to period changes in net written premiums and business mix together with normal variability in earnings patterns. Business mix changes occur not only as the Company shifts emphasis between products, lines of business, distribution channels and markets but also as individual contracts renew or non-renew, almost always with changes in coverage, structure, prices and/or terms, and as new contracts are accepted with coverages, structures, prices and/or terms different from those of expiring contracts.

Incurred losses and LAE increased primarily as a result of the increased premium volume. Premiums earned increased 40.7% and incurred losses and LAE increased by 39.2% reflecting that part of the premium increase, represented improvement in pricing, terms and conditions, as opposed to an increase in exposures. Partially offsetting the impact of improved pricing was the effect of prior year loss reserve strengthening. The increase in losses relating to prior period reserve strengthening was $24.6 million and $27.5 million for three months ended March 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Commission, brokerage and tax expense increased $37.6 million or 37.5%, as a result of the increasing premium volume and earnings, which generally vary in direct proportion to premium. Expenses also increased slightly due to the increase in business.

Net investment income decreased $1.9 million to $65.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $67.7 in the three months ended March 31, 2003 due to $6.0 million decrease from the sale of the UK branch, partially offset by increases in cash and invested assets. The Company’s cash flow from operations was $246.9 million and $220.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

25

Net realized capital losses of $27.0 million and $10.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, were primarily the result of the impairment of interest only strips in accordance with EITF 99-20 and write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other than temporary basis, partially offset by realized gains.

The Company generated an income tax expense of $19.3 million and $16.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, principally reflecting one time tax expenses related to the sale of the UK branch.

The decrease in net income to $7.3 million from $59.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, is primarily due to the sale and related transactions discussed above.

The Company’s stockholders’ equity increased to $1,557.9 million as of March 31,2004 from $1,546.9 million as of December 31, 2003. This increase is primarily due to net income for the period and an increase in unrealized appreciation on the Company’s investments. Management believes that the Company generally has sufficient capital and resources to meet its obligations.

Segment Information

The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in four segments: U.S. Reinsurance, U.S. Insurance, Specialty Underwriting and International. The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the United States.U.S. The U.S. Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance primarily through general agent relationships and surplus lines brokers within the United States.U.S. The Specialty Underwriting operation writes accident and health,A&H, marine, aviation and surety business within the United StatesU.S. and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies. The International operation writes property and casualty reinsurance through the Company’s branches in London, Canada and Singapore, in addition to foreign business written through the Company’s Miami and New Jersey headquarters and Miami office.offices.

These segments are managed in a carefully coordinated fashion with strong elements of central control, including with respect to capital, investments and support operations. As a result, management monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments principally based upon their underwriting results. The Company utilizes inter-affiliate reinsurance, but such reinsurance does not impact segment results, as business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced.

Group has recently announced that one of its subsidiaries,Effective January 1, 2004, Everest Re has reached agreement, subject to regulatory approval, to sellsold its United Kingdom branch to anotherBermuda Re, a Bermuda insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Group’s subsidiaries, Bermuda Re. BusinessGroup. Prior to 2004, business for this branch is currently reported throughwas previously included in the results of the International segment. Upon completionThe comparability of the transaction,financial results has been impacted by the sale of the UK branch business will no longer be reported in Holdings. However, this will not have a material impact on the operating resultsfrom Everest Re to Bermuda Re. In order to provide comparability of the Company.financial results between the years, the 2003 results for the International segment need to be adjusted to exclude the UK branch activity wherein gross written premiums, net written premiums, premiums earned, incurred losses and LAE and underwriting expenses would decrease by $78.7 million; $55.3 million, $46.9 million, $31.2 million, and $5.5 million, respectively, resulting in a net decrease in underwriting gain of $10.2 million. Effectively these adjustments remove the UK branch from 2003 International underwriting results allowing for the comparability of those results period-over-period. The following table reflects reconciliation from reported to proforma underwriting results for the three months ended March 31, 2003 for the International segment:

Group also announced that another subsidiary, Everest National Insurance Company, has opened a regional office26

   International    International 
    Segment   Segment
    2003  UK branch  2003 
   As Reported AdjustmentProforma



(Dollars in thousands)  
Gross written premiums  $176,407 $(78,701)$97,706 
Ceded written premiums   (76,117) (23,388) (52,729)



Net written premiums   100,290  (55,313) 44,977 
 
Premiums earned  $88,784 $(46,883)$41,901 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses   53,405  (31,186) 22,219 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees   8,794  (4,574) 4,220 
Other underwriting expenses   3,146  (925) 2,221 



Underwriting gain  $23,439 $(10,198)$13,241 



Loss ratio   60.2% 53.0%
Commission ratio   9.9% 10.1%
Other underwriting expense ratio   3.5% 5.3%


Combined ratio   73.6% 68.4%


All the comparative analysis in Californiathis Segment Information section relates to better serve its western U.S. Insurance business. The additional office will not affect segment reporting.the proforma information in the above table except where indicated otherwise.

22

Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2002

Premiums.    Gross written premiums written increased 66.6%12.4% to $1,155.0$992.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 from $693.5$882.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002,March 31, 2003, as the Company took advantage of the general firming of rates, terms and conditions and selected growth opportunities, while continuing to maintain a disciplined underwriting approach. Due to the nature of its businesses, the Company is unable to precisely differentiate the effects of price changes as compared to changes in exposure. Similarly, because individual reinsurance arrangements often reflect revised coverages, structuring, pricing, terms and/or conditions from period to period, the Company is unable to precisely differentiate between the premium volume attributable to new business as compared to renewal business. Management believes however that, during the period, the more significant element of its period to period growth related, for most of its operations, to growth in exposures underwritten, with a lesser but still significant element relating to increased pricing and/or improved terms and conditions. Management believes further that market conditions are generally more favorable for casualty business classes than for property business classes although pricing for the latter generally remains at/or above attractive levels. As each of the Company’s operations monitors conditions for the products they offer in the markets they serve and adjusts its marketing and underwriting activities opportunistically, the current period reflected growth across all operations. Although premium volumes have increased significantly, the Company continued to decline business that did not meet its objectives regarding underwriting profitability.

Premium growth areas included an 110.0% ($279.4 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, principally related to a $201.5 million increase in treaty casualty business and a $72.7 million increase in treaty property business. The International operation increased 106.3%52.0% ($142.150.8 million), primarily due to a $93.4 million increase in premiums from the London branch, a $27.8$41.6 million increase in international business written through the home officeMiami and New Jersey offices representing primarily Latin American business and an $18.1$8.2 million increase in Canadian business. The U.S. Insurance operation grew 12.8%13.8% ($25.143.0 million), principally as a result of a $16.2$46.7 million increase in excess and surplus lines insurance andprogram business outside of the workers’ compensation class, partially offset by a $7.4$3.7 million decrease in workers’ compensation business. The U.S. Reinsurance operation grew 7.5% ($25.5 million), principally related to a $99.0 million increase in errorstreaty casualty business, partially offset by a $52.6 million decrease in treaty property business and omissions exposures.a $20.2 million decrease in facultative business. The Specialty Underwriting operation increased 13.5%decreased 7.4% ($14.79.7 million), resulting primarily from a $24.7$9.3 million increasedecrease in accidentA&H business and health businessa $1.5 million decrease in marine and aviation, partially offset by an $8.1 million declineincrease in marine business.surety business of $1.1 million.

Ceded premiums increaseddecreased to $314.3$216.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $253.2 million in the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2003 from $169.9and net written premiums increased by 23.2% to $775.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002. This increase was principally attributable to $269.2 million of ceded premiums relating to quota share reinsurance agreements between Everest Re and Bermuda Re. Under these agreements Everest Re cedes 25% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal policies written for underwriting year 2003, Everest Re cedes 20% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal policies written for underwriting year 2002, and Everest Re’s Canadian branch cedes 50% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal property policies written for the 2003 underwriting year. Ceded premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2002 included $4.5 million and $11.9 million in adjustment premium relating to claims made under the 2001 and 2000 accident year aggregate excess of loss elements of the Company’s corporate retrocessional programs, respectively. There were no such adjustment premiums ceded under the Company’s corporate retrocessional program in the three months ended September 30, 2003.

23

Net premiums written increased by 60.6% to $840.7March 31, 2004 from $629.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $523.6 millionMarch 31, 2003. This increase in the three months ended September 30, 2002, reflectingnet written premium reflects the increase in gross written premiums written, combined with the growthdecrease in ceded premiums.

27

Premium Revenues. Net premiums earned increased by 70.2%40.7% to $776.9$681.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 from $456.4$484.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003. Contributing to this increase was an 118.8%a 171.8% ($182.872.0 million) increase in the International operation, a 52.8% ($101.9 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, an 84.3%a 9.4% ($79.9 million) increase in the International operation, a 46.7% ($55.314.9 million) increase in the U.S. Insurance operation, and a 2.7%9.1% ($2.48.3 million) increase in the Specialty Underwriting operation. All of these changes reflect period-to-period changes in net written premiums and business mix, together with normal variability in earnings patterns. Business mix changes occur not only as the Company shifts emphasis between products, lines of business, distribution channels and markets, but also as individual contracts renew or non-renew, almost always with changes in coverage, structure, prices and/or terms, and as new contracts are accepted with coverages, structures, prices and/or terms different from those of expiring contracts. As premium reporting, earnings, loss and commission characteristics derive from the provisions of individual contracts, the continuous turnover of individual contracts, arising from both strategic shifts and day to day underwriting, can and does introduce appreciable background variability in various underwriting line items.

Expenses.     Incurred losslosses and LAE increased by 73.9%39.0% to $571.9$479.5 in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 from $328.8$345.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003. The increase in incurred losses and LAE was principally attributable to the increase in net premiums earned, the impact of changes in the Company’s mix of business andearned.

Net prior period reserve adjustments for prior period losses.

Net reserve adjustments for non-asbestos and environmentalnon-A&E exposures for the three months ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004 were $46.2 million, and are$20.4 million. The adjustments were comprised of $26.7an $8.8 million relatedincrease relating principally to the casualty and, in particular,exposures (including directors and& officers liability exposures ofexposures) in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, $8.2and an $11.6 million related mainlyincrease relating principally to the casualty exposures of the Londongeneral liability ($7.5 million), and Canadian branch units of the International operation, $8.3 million relating to the workersa lesser extent medical malpractice and workers’ compensation exposures ofin the U.S. Insurance operation and $3.0 million relating to the surety exposures of the Specialty Underwriting operation.

The increase for the U.S. Insurance operation relates to the 2001 and 2002 accident exposure years and all other reserve adjustments relate to the 1996-1999 accident exposure years.

Netnet prior period reserve adjustments related to asbestos and environmentalA&E exposures were $5.2$4.2 million and $8.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company has asbestos and environmentalA&E exposure principally relatingrelated to contracts written by the Company prior to 1986 and commutations thereof.to claim obligations acquired as part of the Mt. McKinley acquisition in September 2000. The development on business written by the Company, net of reinsurance, was $ 5.2$4.2 million and the net development on the acquired business was $0.0 million. Substantially all of the Company’s asbestos and environmentalA&E exposures relate to insurance and reinsurance contracts with coverage periods prior to 1986.

In all cases, the prior period development reflects management’s judgment as to the implications of losses reported during the period on the Company’s reserve balances.

Incurred losses and LAE include catastrophe losses, which include the impact of both current period events and favorable and unfavorable development on prior period events, and are net of reinsurance. Catastrophe losses are net of specific reinsurance, but before recoveries under corporate level reinsurance and potential incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserve offset. A catastrophe is ana property event that causes a pre-tax loss on property exposureswith expected reported losses of at least $5.0 million before corporate level reinsurance and has an event date of January 1, 1988 or later.taxes. Catastrophe losses, net of contract specific cessions were $6.5$1.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003, relating principally to hurricanes Fabian and Isabel,March 31, 2004, compared to $10.2$0.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003.

2428

Incurred losses and LAE for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 reflected ceded losses and LAE of $186.9$137.3 million compared to ceded losses and LAE in the three months ended September 30, 2002March 31, 2003 of $130.4$115.2 million. Ceded losses and LAEThe increase in the three months ended September 30, 2003 include $131.6 million of ceded losses relating tois primarily the quota share reinsurance transactions noted earlier between the Company and Bermuda Re. The ceded losses and LAE for the three months ended September 30, 2002 included $9.6 million and $22.0 millionresult of fluctuations in losses ceded under the 2001 and 2000 accident year aggregate excess of loss component ofspecific reinsurance coverages purchased by the Company’s corporate retrocessional program, respectively. There were no comparable losses ceded to the accident year aggregate excess of loss components of the Company’s corporate retrocessional program in the three months ended September 30, 2003.U.S. Insurance operation.

The segment components of the increase in incurred losses and LAE in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 from the three months ended September 30, 2002March 31, 2003 were an 134.8%a 165.5% ($152.736.8 million) increase in the International operation, a 60.6% ($79.9 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, an 105.0% ($59.1 million) increase in the International operation, and a 50.2%25.6% ($44.129.5 million) increase in the U.S. Insurance operation, partially offset by a 18.0%15.6% ($12.811.8 million) decrease in the Specialty Underwriting operation. These increaseschanges generally reflect the increasesfluctuations in premiums earned, premiums, modest reductions in the current year loss expectationassumptionsexpectation assumptions for most segments reflecting continued improvement in market conditions and pricing, and the prior period reserve development discussed above. Incurred losses and LAE for each operation were also impacted by variability relating to changes in the level of premium volume and mix of business by class and type.

The Company’s loss and LAE ratio, (“loss ratio”), which is calculated by dividing incurred losses and LAE by net premiums earned, increaseddecreased by 1.50.9 percentage points to 73.6%70.3% in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 from 72.1%71.2% in the three months ended September 30, 2002,March 31, 2003, reflecting the incurred losses and LAE discussed above.

The following table shows the loss ratios for each of the Company’s operating segments for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003. The loss ratios for all operations were impacted by the factors noted above.

Operating Segment Loss Ratios
Segment Loss RatiosSegment Loss Ratios

Segment 2003 2002   2004 2003



U.S. Reinsurance 79.0%73.6%  71.8% 68.3%
U.S. Insurance 75.9%74.2%  83.5% 72.7%
Specialty Underwriting 64.0%80.1%  64.1% 82.8%
International 66.0%59.4%  51.8% 53.0%

UnderwritingSegment underwriting expenses increased by 43.9%36.5% to $179.1$159.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 from $124.5$116.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by $50.3$37.6 million, principally reflecting an increase of $134.0 million in expenses due to premium volume which was partially offset by an increaseand changes in ceded commissionsthe mix of $83.7 million. Otherbusiness. Segment other underwriting expenses increased by $4.4 million as the Company expanded operations to support it’s increased business volume.$5.0 million. Contributing to the $54.7 million increase in expenses was a 180.4% ($11.6 million) increase in the International operation, an 129.8%80.9% ($48.437.6 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance operation and a 54.7%13.0% ($13.13.4 million) increase in the InternationalSpecialty Underwriting operation, which were partially offset by a 17.3%44.1% ($6.316.5 million) decrease in the U.S. Insurance operation and a 0.2% ($0.1 million) decrease in the Specialty Underwriting operation. The changes for each operation’s expenses principally resulted from changes in commission expenses related to changes in premium volume and business mix by class and type and, in some cases, changes in the use of reinsurance, including with Bermuda Re, and the underwriting performance of the underlying business. The Company’s expense ratio, which is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses by net premiums earned, was 23.1%23.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 compared to 27.3%24.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003.

2529

The Company’s combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss and expense ratios, decreased by 2.62.1 percentage points to 96.7%93.3% in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 compared to 99.3%95.4% in the three months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003.

The following table shows the combined ratios for each of the Company’s operating segments for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003. The combined ratios for all operations were impacted by the loss and expense ratio variability noted above.

Operating Segment Combined Ratios  
Segment Combined RatiosSegment Combined Ratios



Segment 2003 2002   2004 2003



U.S. Reinsurance 104.5%97.8%  100.3% 91.9%
U.S. Insurance 93.4%105.2%  95.7% 96.3%
Specialty Underwriting 91.1%108.1%  93.7% 111.5%
International 87.2%84.6%  73.3% 68.4%

Investment Results.Net investment income increased 9.5%decreased 2.8% to $70.5$65.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 from $64.4$67.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002, principally reflecting the effects of investing the $944.0March 31, 2003 due to $6.0 million of cash flow from operations in the twelve months ended September 30, 2003, and $203.4 million of net proceedsdecrease from the issuancesale of trust preferred securities in November 2002,the UK branch, partially offset by the effects of the lower interest rate environment.increases in cash and invested assets.

The following table shows a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:

 2003 2002 

Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested
  assets at September 30, 2003 and 20024.7%5.6%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested
  assets at September 30, 2003 and 20023.9%4.4%
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and
  invested assets for the three months ended
  September 30, 2003 and 20025.0%5.6%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and
  invested assets for the three months ended
  September 30,2003 and 20024.0%4.4%

26

    2004 2003

Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets at  
  March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003   4.5% 4.7%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets at  
  March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003   3.7% 3.8%
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested  
  assets for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003   4.3% 5.3%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested  
  assets for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003   3.5% 4.3%

Net realized capital losses of $11.8$27.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004 reflected realized capital losses on the Company’s investments of $22.5$44.1 million which included $1.2$43.9 million relatingrelated to the write-downs in the value of securitiesinterest only strips deemed to be impaired on an other than temporary basis and $21.1 million related to the impairment on Interest Only Strips in accordance with EITF 99-20, partially offset by $10.6$17.0 million of realized capital gains, which included $5.3 million of realized capital gains on the Interest Only Strips, compared to netgains. Net realized capital losses of $7.1were $10.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002. The net realized capital losses in the three months ended September 30, 2002 reflectedMarch 31, 2003 reflecting realized capital losses of $18.4$15.9 million, which included $8.7$14.1 million relating to write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other than temporary basis, partially offset by $11.3$5.8 million of realized capital gains.

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $10.1 million compared to $10.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2003 reflected $9.7 million relating to the senior notes and $0.3 million relating to borrowings under the revolving Credit Facility. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2002 reflected $9.7 million relating to senior notes and $1.0 million relating to borrowings under the revolving Credit Facility.

Distributions on the trust preferred securities are cumulative and pay quarterly in arrears. Distributions relating to the trust preferred securities for the three months ended September 30, 2003 were $4.1 million. The securities were issued in November 2002.

Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $0.6 million compared to other income of $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. This change is primarily due to recognition of gains previously deferred under retroactive reinsurance agreements with affiliates, partially offset by higher foreign exchange losses.

The Company has in its product portfolio a credit default swap, contract, which it no longer writes.offers. This contractproduct meets the definition of a derivative under FAS 133. There was no net derivative expense from this credit default transaction for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and a $1.0 million derivative2003.

Other expense for the three months ended September March 31, 2004 was $17.2 million compared to other income of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. This change is primarily due to a deferred gain adjustment on the retroactive reinsurance agreements with affiliates.

30 2002.

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was $14.5 million and $14.3 million, respectively. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2004 included $9.7 million relating to the senior notes, $4.4 million relating to the junior subordinated debt securities and $0.3 million relating to borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2003 included $9.7 million relating the senior notes, $4.2 million relating to the junior subordinated debt securities and $0.4 million relating to borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

Income Taxes. The Company recognized income tax expense of $10.5$19.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 compared to an income tax benefitexpense of $14.5$16.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003. The decreaseincrease in taxes generally resulted from an increase in realized capital losses,relates principally to the sale of the UK branch, which is partially offset by improved underwriting and investment results.the tax benefit of the realized capital losses.

Net Income. Net income was $60.5million in the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to a net income of $34.8$7.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2002,March 31, 2004 compared to net income of $59.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003, reflecting the factors noted above.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002

Premiums.    Gross premiums written increased 62.6% to $3,106.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $1,911.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002, as the Company took advantage of the general firming of rates, terms and conditions and selected growth opportunities, while continuing to maintain a disciplined underwriting approach. Due to the nature of its businesses, the Company is unable to precisely differentiate the effects of price changes as compared to changes in exposure. Similarly, because individual reinsurance arrangements often reflect revised coverages, structuring, pricing, terms and/or conditions from period to period, the Company is unable to precisely differentiate between the premium volume attributable to new business as compared to renewal business. Management believes however that, during the period, the more significant element of its period to period growth related, for most of its operations, to growth in exposures underwritten, with a lesser but still significant element relating to increased pricing and/or improved terms and conditions. Management believes further that market conditions are generally more favorable for casualty business classes than for property business classes although pricing for the latter generally remains at/or above attractive levels. As each of the Company’s operations monitors conditions for the products they offer, and in the markets they serve and adjust its marketing and underwriting activities opportunistically, the current period saw growth across all operations. Although premium volumes have increased significantly, the Company continued to decline business that did not meet its objectives regarding underwriting profitability.

27

Premium growth areas included an 113.5% ($669.2 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, principally related to a $418.3 million increase in treaty casualty business, an $181.1 million increase in treaty property business and a $59.0 million increase in facultative business. The International operation increased 80.2% ($287.2 million) primarily due to an $192.2 million increase in premiums from the London branch, a $40.5 million increase in international business written through the home office representing primarily Latin American business and a $43.9 million increase to Canadian business. The U.S. Insurance operation grew 31.0% ($191.4 million) principally as a result of an $83.9 million increase in workers’ compensation and a $53.9 million increase in excess and surplus lines insurance. The Specialty Underwriting operation increased 13.8% ($47.7 million) resulting primarily from a $47.8 million increase in accident and health business.

Ceded premiums increased to $504.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $354.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This increase was principally attributable to $700.8 million of ceded premiums relating to quota share reinsurance agreements between Everest Re and Bermuda Re. Under these agreements Everest Re cedes to Bermuda Re 25% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal policies written for underwriting year 2003, Everest Re cedes to Bermuda Re 20% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal policies written for underwriting year 2002, and Everest Re’s Canadian branch cedes to Bermuda Re 50% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal property policies written for the 2003 underwriting year. In addition, ceded premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 included $20.0 million in adjustment of the Company’s corporate retrocessional programs, while ceded premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 included $5.1 million and $11.9 million in adjustment premium relating to claims made under the 2001 and 2000 accident year aggregate excess of loss elements of the Company’s corporate retrocessional programs, respectively.

Net premiums written increased by 44.4% to $2,248.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $1,557.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002, reflecting the increase in gross premiums written, combined with the growth in ceded premiums.

Premium Revenues. Net premiums earned increased by 44.5% to $1,974.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $1,366.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Contributing to this increase was a 71.6% ($328.4 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, a 55.6% ($180.6 million) increase in the U.S. Insurance operation and a 40.5% ($111.4 million) increase in the International operation, which was partially offset by a 4.0% ($12.2 million) decrease in the Specialty Underwriting operation. All of these changes reflect period-to-period changes in net written premiums and business mix, together with normal variability in earnings patterns. Business mix changes occur not only as the Company shifts emphasis between products, lines of business, distribution channels and markets but also as individual contracts renew or non-renew, almost always with changes in coverage, structure, prices and/or terms, and as new contracts are accepted with coverages, structures, prices and terms different from those of expiring contracts. As premium reporting and earnings and loss and commission characteristics derive from the provisions of individual contracts, the continuous turnover of individual contracts, arising from both strategic shifts and day to day underwriting, can and does introduce appreciable background variability in various underwriting line items.

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Expenses.     Incurred loss and LAE increased by 46.8% to $1,419.3 in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $967.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase in incurred losses and LAE was principally attributable to the increase in net premiums earned, the impact of changes in the Company’s mix of business and reserve adjustments for prior period losses.

Net reserve adjustments for non-asbestos and environmental exposures for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $105.5 million, which amount is net of a 2000 accident year cession of $35.0 million, and are comprised of a $66.0 million increase relating principally to the casualty exposures including, directors and officers liability exposures in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, an $18.0 million increase relating to the surety exposures in the Specialty Underwriting operation, a $13.2 million increase relating mainly to the casualty exposures of the London and Canadian branch elements in the International operation and an $8.3 million increase relating to the workers’ compensation exposures in the U.S. Insurance operation. The increase for the U.S. Insurance operation relates to the 2001 and 2002 accident exposure years and all other reserve adjustments relate to the 1996-2000 accident exposure years.

Net reserve adjustments related to asbestos and environmental exposures were $ 13.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The Company has asbestos and environmental exposure principally related to contracts written by the Company prior to 1986 and commutations thereof. The development on business written by the Company, net of reinsurance, was $ 13.6 million. Substantially all of the Company’s asbestos and environmental exposures relate to insurance and reinsurance contracts with coverage periods prior to 1986.

In all cases, the prior period development reflects management’s judgement as to the implications of losses reported during the period on the Company’s reserve balances.

Incurred losses and LAE include catastrophe losses, which include the impact of both current period events and favorable and unfavorable development on prior period events, and are net of reinsurance. A catastrophe is an event that causes a pre-tax loss on property exposures of at least $5.0 million and has an event date of January 1, 1988 or later. Catastrophe losses, net of contract specific cessions, were $23.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 relating principally to May 2003 tornado and hailstorm events and hurricanes Fabian and Isabel, compared to $11.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

29

Incurred losses and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 reflected ceded losses and LAE of $473.0 million compared to ceded losses and LAE in the nine months ended September 30, 2002 of $263.7 million. Ceded losses and LAE in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 include $348.7 million of ceded losses relating to the quota share reinsurance transactions noted earlier between Everest Re and Bermuda Re. The ceded losses and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 included $35.0 million of losses ceded under the 2000 accident year aggregate excess of loss component of the Company’s corporate retrocessional program. The ceded losses and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 included $11.0 million and $22.0 million of losses ceded under the 2001 and 2000 accident year aggregate excess of loss component of the Company’s corporate retrocessional program, respectively.

The segment components of the increase in incurred losses and LAE in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from the nine months ended September 30, 2002 were a 82.5% ($270.2 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, a 60.2% ($138.7 million) increase in the U.S. Insurance operation, and a 46.0% ($78.8 million) increase in the International operation. These increases were partially offset by a 14.8% ($35.3 million) decrease in the Specialty Underwriting operation. These increases generally reflected the increases in earned premiums, modest reductions in the current year loss expectation assumptions for most segments, reflecting continued improvement in market conditions and pricing, the increase in catastrophe losses and the prior period reserve development discussed above. Incurred losses and LAE for each operation were also impacted by variability relating to changes in the level of premium volume and mix of business by class and type.

The Company’s loss and LAE ratio (“loss ratio”), which is calculated by dividing incurred losses and LAE by net premiums earned, increased by 1.1 percentage points to 71.9% in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from 70.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2002, reflecting the incurred losses and LAE discussed partially offset by the general firming of rates, terms and conditions.

The following table shows the loss ratios for each of the Company’s operating segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. The loss ratios for all operations were impacted by the factors noted above.

Operating Segment Loss Ratios

              Segment2003 2002 



U.S. Reinsurance75.9%71.4%
U.S. Insurance73.0%70.9%
Specialty Underwriting68.6%77.4%
International64.7%62.3%

Underwriting expenses increased by 26.2% to $478.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $379.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by $85.3 million, principally reflecting an increase of $244.9 million in the expenses due to premium volume which was partially offset by an increase in ceded commissions of $159.6 million. Other underwriting expenses increased by $14.0 million. Contributing to the $99.3 million increase in expenses were a 61.0% ($77.2 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance operation, a 28.0% ($18.0 million) increase in the International operation, and a 11.8% ($11.3 million) increase in the U.S. Insurance operation, partially offset by a 9.5% ($8.7 million) decrease in the Specialty Underwriting operation. The changes for each operation’s expenses principally resulted from changes in commission expenses related to changes in premium volume and business mix by class and type and, in some cases, changes in the use of reinsurance, including with Bermuda Re, and the underwriting performance of the underlying business. The Company’s expense ratio, which is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses by net premiums earned, was 24.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to 27.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

30

The Company’s combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss and expense ratios, decreased by 2.4 percentage points to 96.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to 98.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The following table shows the combined ratios for each of the Company’s operating segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. The combined ratios for all operations were impacted by the loss and expense ratio variability noted above.

Operating Segment Combined Ratios

              Segment2003 2002 



U.S. Reinsurance101.8%99.0%
U.S. Insurance94.1%100.3%
Specialty Underwriting96.5%107.0%
International86.0%85.6%

Investment Results.Net investment income increased 8.2% to $210.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $194.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002, principally reflecting the effects of investing the $944.0 million of cash flow from operations in the twelve months ended September 30, 2003 and $203.4 million of net proceeds from the issuance of trust preferred securities in November 2002, all partially offset by the effect of the lower interest rate environment.

The following table shows a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:

  2003 2002 

Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested 
 assets at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 4.7%5.1%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested 
 assets at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 3.9%4.2%
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash 
 and invested assets for the six months ended 
 September 30, 2003 and 2002 5.2%5.8%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash 
 and invested assets for the six months ended 
 September 30,2003 and 2002 4.2%4.5%

Net realized capital losses were $23.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, reflecting realized capital losses on the Company’s investments of $41.4 million which included $15.3 million relating to write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other than temporary basis and $21.1 million related to the impairment on Interest Only Strips in accordance with EITF 99-20, partially offset by $17.5 million of realized capital gains, which included $5.3 million of realized capital gains on the Interest Only Strips, compared to net realized capital losses of $45.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The net realized capital loss in the nine months ended September 30, 2002 reflected realized capital losses of $79.8 million, which included $65.6 million relating to write-downs in the value of securities, of which $25.7 million was for WorldCom, Inc., deemed to be impaired on an other than temporary basis, partially offset by $33.9 million of realized capital gains.

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Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $30.2 million compared to $31.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 reflected $29.2 million relating to the senior notes and $1.0 million relating to borrowings under the revolving Credit Facility. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 reflected $29.2 million relating to the senior notes and $2.7 million relating to borrowings under the revolving Credit Facility.

Distributions on the trust preferred securities are cumulative and pay quarterly in arrears. Distributions relating to the trust preferred securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $12.4 million. These securities were issued in November 2002.

Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $1.2 million compared to other expense of $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This change is primarily due to recognition through amortization of gains previously deferred under retroactive reinsurance agreements with affiliates, partially offset by higher foreign exchange losses.

The Company has in its product portfolio a credit default swap contract, which it no longer writes. This contract meets the definition of a derivative under FAS 133. There was no net derivative expense, essentially reflecting changes in fair value, from this credit default transaction for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to the $1.3 million derivative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

Income Taxes. The Company recognized income tax expense of $45.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to an income tax expense of $28.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase in taxes generally reflects the improved underwriting and investment income results.

Net Income. Net income was $176.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to a net income of $103.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

Market Sensitive Instruments. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Financial Reporting Release #48 requires registrants to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments, and other financial instruments (collectively, “market sensitive instruments”). The Company does not enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

The Company’s current investment strategy generally seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, taxable and tax-preferenced fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. The Company’s mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted continuously, consistent with its current and projected operating results, market conditions and tax position. The fixed maturities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities. Additionally, the Company invests in equity securities, which it believes will enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio. The Company has also engaged in a credit default swap, the market sensitivity of which is believed not to be material.

32

The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with the Company’s capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which the investments of the Company provide liquidity. This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration, and credit quality. The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the year, with minor changesperiod including the acquisition of interest only strips in which market value increases as interest rates rise and decreases as interest rates fall. The addition of these securities to the portfolio mitigates the impact of potential interest rate shifts in the underlying risk characteristics.overall portfolio.

The $6.1Company’s $6.5 billion investment portfolio is principally comprised principally of fixed maturity securities, thatwhich are subject to interest rate risk and foreign currency rate risk, and equity securities, thatwhich are subject to equity price risk. The impact of these risks in the investment portfolio is generally mitigated by changes in the value of operating assets and liabilities and their associated income statement impact.

31

Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity portfolio, including short-term investments, due to change in market interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $382.1$578.5 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $5.8 billion$5,718.3 million fixed maturity portfolio, which could result is lower reinvestment rates.portfolio. Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.

The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on the fixed maturity portfolio as of SeptemberMarch 31, 2004 based on parallel 200 basis point shifts in interest rates up and down in 100 basis point increments. For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually. To generate appropriate price estimates on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account. For legal entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios. All amounts are in U.S. dollars and are presented in millions.

As of March 31, 2004
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points






   -200 -100 0 100 200






Total Market Value  $6,899.8 $    6,533.3 $    6,187.9 $    5,884.0 $5,538.9
Market Value Change from Base (%)   11.5% 5.6% 0.0% -4.9% -10.5%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation  
After-tax from Base ($)  $462.8 $       224.5 $          --  $      (197.5) $  (421.8)
-

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As of September 30, 2003           
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points 






  -200 -100 0 100 200






Total Market Value $   6,552.5 $   6,159.4 $   5,816.5 $   5,471.9 $   5,131.2 
Market Value Change 
 from Base (%)     12.7%     5.9%     0%     (5.9)%     (11.8)% 
Change in Unrealized 
 Appreciation After-tax 
 from Base ($) $     478.4 $     222.9 $    0 ($   223.9) ($   445.4) 

Foreign currency rate risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of the Company’s foreign operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Generally, the Company prefers to maintain the capital of its foreign operations in U.S. dollar assets, although this varies by regulatory jurisdiction in accordance with market needs. Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates. The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. The Company mitigates foreign exchange exposure by a general matching of the currency and duration of its assets to its corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 52, the Company translates the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar. This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income. The primary functional foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the Euro and the British Pound Sterling. As of September 30, 2003, there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2002.

As of March 31, 2004
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent

   -20% -10% 0% 10% 20%

Total After-tax Foreign  
Exchange Exposure  $(27.7)$(15.2)$-- $17.2$35.8

Equity risk is the potential change in market value of the common stock and preferred stock portfolios arising from changing equity prices. The Company invests in high quality common and preferred stocks that are traded on the major exchanges in the United StatesU.S. and funds investing in such securities. The primary objective in managing the equity portfolio is to provide long-term capital growth through market appreciation and income. As of September 30, 2003, there has been no material change in exposure to changing equity prices as compared to December 31, 2002.

As of March 31, 2004
Change in Equity Values in Percent






   -20% -10% 0% 10% 20%






Market Value of the Equity Portfolio   $    214.9 $    241.8 $    268.7 $    295.5 $    322.4
  
After-tax Change in Unrealized     
   Appreciation   $    (34.9) $     (17.5) $       --  $      17.5 $      34.9

3433

Safe Harbor Disclosure.This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The Company intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “plan”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” and “intend”. Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding the Company’s reserves for losses and LAE, including reserves for asbestos and environmentalA&E claims, the adequacy of the Company’s provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of the Company’s catastrophe exposure, and the effects of catastrophecatastrophic events on the Company’s financial statements and the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends. Forward-looking statements only reflect the Company’s expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from the Company’s expectations. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from its expectations include the uncertainties that surround the estimating of reserves for losses and LAE, those discussed in Note 34 of Notes to theConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) included in this report and the risks described under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K Part II, Item 7. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Part I – Item 4

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission’sSEC’s rules and forms. The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.

3635

Other Information

Part II – Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’s rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements and other more general contracts. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other disputes, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. Such disputes are resolved through formal and informal means, including litigation and arbitration.

In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. The Company also regularly evaluates those positions, and where appropriate, establishes or adjusts insurance reserves to reflect its evaluation. The Company’s aggregate reserves take into account the possibility that the Company may not ultimately prevail in each and every disputed matter. The Company believes its aggregate reserves reduce the potential that an adverse resolution of one or more of these matters, at any point in time, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that adverse resolutions of such matters in any one period or in the aggregate will not result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Part II - Item 2. Changes in Securities, and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None

Part II – Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Part II - Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

Part II – Item 5. Other Information

None

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Part II - Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a)     Exhibit Index:

ExhibitDescription 
10.1Credit Agreement, dated October 10, 2003, between Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., The Lenders Named 
Lenders Named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association providing for a $150 million revolving credit facility, 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Everest Re Group, Ltd. Report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended September 30, 2003. 
31.1Section 302 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto 
31.2Section 302 Certification of Stephen L. Limauro 
32.1Section 906 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto and Stephen L. Limauro 

Omitted from this Part II are itemsExhibit No.Description

      31.1                             Section 302 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto

      31.2                             Section 302 Certification of Stephen L. Limauro

      32.1                             Section 906 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto and Stephen L. Limauro

b)     Reports on Form 8-K:

        A report on Form 8-K was filed on March 19, 2004, under Item 7, attaching as an exhibit the consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the incorporation by reference in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s report dated January 29, 2004 relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedules, which are inapplicable or to whichappears in the answer is negativeCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period covered.year ended December 31, 2003.

38        A report on Form 8-K was filed on March 30, 2004, under Item 7, attaching as exhibits certain agreements, legal opinions and consents relating to the issuance of trust preferred securities by Capital Trust II, which exhibits were filed with reference to and thereby incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed,inter alia, by the Company and Capital Trust II.

37




Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.Inc..

Signatures

        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.

 Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.
 (Registrant)
  
  
 /S/ STEPHEN L. LIMAURO
 
 Stephen L. Limauro
 Executive Vice President and Chief
   Chief Financial Officer
  
 (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal
Financial Officer)
 Financial Officer)













Dated: November 14, 2003May 17, 2004