UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED:

June 30, 2008March 31, 2009

 

Commission file number:

1-14527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

22-3263609

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 registrantregistrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YES

X

 

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES

NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”,filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Fileraccelerated filer

 

Accelerated Filerfiler

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

X

     Smaller reporting company

 

 

(Do                 (Do not check if smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 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:date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class

 

Number of Shares Outstanding

at AugustMay 1, 20082009

Common Stock, $.01$0.01 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 (unaudited) and

December 31, 20072008

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Incomefor

 

 

 

 

for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity for the three

 

 

 

 

three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and six months ended

 

 

 

 

ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)

5

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation  

17

 

Results of Operation

19

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

3734

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

3734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

3834

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

3834

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

3835

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

3835

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

3835

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Other Information

3935

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

3935


PART I

 

Part I

 

 

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share)

 

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

 

(unaudited)

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value

 

$       6,783,466

 

$       5,998,157

$         5,636,635

 

$        5,511,856

(amortized cost: 2008, $6,735,025; 2007, $5,830,676)

 

 

Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2008, $9,897; 2007, $9,897)

 

9,897

 

9,897

(amortized cost: 2009, $5,645,672; 2008, $5,610,483)

 

Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value

47,391

 

43,090

Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2009, $15; 2008, $15)

10

 

16

Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value

 

551,592

 

815,372

109,788

 

119,815

Short-term investments

 

436,689

 

1,327,391

725,824

 

918,712

Other invested assets (cost: 2008, $463,440; 2007, $439,285)

 

465,007

 

441,742

Other invested assets (cost: 2009, $356,674; 2008, $400,498)

347,124

 

392,589

Other invested assets, at fair value

 

307,529

 

253,791

294,535

 

316,750

Cash

 

103,901

 

146,447

95,608

 

92,264

Total investments and cash

 

8,658,081

 

8,992,797

7,256,915

 

7,395,092

Accrued investment income

 

88,200

 

86,129

77,546

 

82,860

Premiums receivable

 

750,737

 

800,211

700,928

 

714,035

Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated

 

630,908

 

644,693

653,157

 

637,890

Reinsurance receivables - affiliated

 

1,785,392

 

1,698,454

2,508,099

 

2,480,016

Funds held by reinsureds

 

143,622

 

132,443

149,239

 

147,287

Deferred acquisition costs

 

204,037

 

234,719

176,259

 

192,096

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

425,021

 

433,271

465,080

 

456,180

Deferred tax asset

 

412,840

 

279,302

463,419

 

518,042

Federal income tax recoverable

 

66,017

 

88,330

96,774

 

70,299

Other assets

 

243,901

 

153,180

167,087

 

172,825

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$     13,408,756

 

$    13,543,529

$       12,714,503

 

$      12,866,622

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Reserve for losses and adjustment expenses

 

$       7,491,141

 

$      7,538,704

$         7,342,639

 

$        7,419,993

Unearned premium reserve

 

1,224,880

 

1,368,096

1,172,063

 

1,176,834

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

127,112

 

117,404

137,841

 

134,698

Losses in the course of payment

 

51,723

 

50,047

28,884

 

35,805

Commission reserves

 

44,802

 

47,953

43,230

 

45,531

Other net payable to reinsurers

 

417,369

 

374,929

408,106

 

378,800

8.75% Senior notes due 3/15/2010

 

199,751

 

199,685

199,857

 

199,821

5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014

 

249,708

 

249,689

249,738

 

249,728

6.6% Long term notes due 05/01/2067

 

399,641

 

399,639

238,346

 

399,643

Junior subordinated debt securities payable

 

329,897

 

329,897

329,897

 

329,897

Accrued interest on debt and borrowings

 

11,217

 

11,217

12,821

 

11,217

Other liabilities

 

350,823

 

288,770

262,707

 

281,687

Total liabilities

 

10,898,064

 

10,976,030

10,426,129

 

10,663,654

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:

 

 

 

Common stock, par value: $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2008 and 2007)

 

-

 

-

1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2009 and 2008)

-

 

-

Additional paid-in capital

 

312,924

 

310,206

317,033

 

315,771

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes of

 

 

$46.0 million at 2008 and $87.9 million at 2007

 

85,459

 

163,276

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred income tax benefit of

 

$18.1 million at 2009 and $38.8 million at 2008

(33,583)

 

(72,063)

Retained earnings

 

2,112,309

 

2,094,017

2,004,924

 

1,959,260

Total stockholder's equity

 

2,510,692

 

2,567,499

2,288,374

 

2,202,968

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

$     13,408,756

 

$    13,543,529

$       12,714,503

 

$      12,866,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

June 30,

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$          471,414

 

$         565,426

 

$         971,444

 

$    1,135,264

$              438,445

 

$              500,030

Net investment income

106,981

 

106,852

 

194,958

 

202,786

39,659

 

87,977

Net realized capital (losses) gains

(50,795)

 

89,585

 

(152,695)

 

123,459

Net realized capital losses

(68,184)

 

(101,900)

Realized gain on debt repurchase

78,271

 

Other expense

(2,717)

 

(13,277)

 

(23,990)

 

(14,440)

(114)

 

(21,273)

Total revenues

524,883

 

748,586

 

989,717

 

1,447,069

488,077

 

464,834

 

 

 

 

CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

359,112

 

315,332

 

668,817

 

641,347

289,195

 

309,705

Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees

111,563

 

121,927

 

221,454

 

235,902

88,219

 

109,891

Other underwriting expenses

30,752

 

27,114

 

63,025

 

51,861

32,626

 

32,273

Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense

19,746

 

24,192

 

39,488

 

41,605

19,633

 

19,742

Total claims and expenses

521,173

 

488,565

 

992,784

 

970,715

429,673

 

471,611

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

3,710

 

260,021

 

(3,067)

 

476,354

58,404

 

(6,777)

Income tax (benefit) expense

(9,942)

 

74,830

 

(21,359)

 

131,845

Income tax expense (benefit)

12,740

 

(11,417)

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

$             13,652

 

$         185,191

 

$           18,292

 

$        344,509

$                45,664

 

$                  4,640

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(58,135)

 

(47,086)

 

(77,817)

 

(50,234)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

38,480

 

(19,682)

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

$           (44,483)

 

$         138,105

 

$        (59,525)

 

$        294,275

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

$                84,144

 

$             (15,042)

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

1,000

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

1,000

Balance, end of period

1,000

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$         311,489

 

$        301,373

 

$       310,206

 

$      300,764

Share-based compensation plans

1,435

 

3,212

 

2,718

 

3,821

Balance, end of period

312,924

 

304,585

 

312,924

 

304,585

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME,      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

143,594

 

124,646

 

163,276

 

332,578

Cumulative effect to adopt FAS No. 159, net of tax

-

 

-

 

-

 

(204,784)

Net decrease during the period

(58,135)

 

(47,086)

 

(77,817)

 

(50,234)

Balance, end of period

85,459

 

77,560

 

85,459

 

77,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

2,098,657

 

1,949,144

 

2,094,017

 

1,585,042

Cumulative effect to adopt FAS No. 159, net of tax

-

 

-

 

-

 

204,784

Net income

13,652

 

185,191

 

18,292

 

344,509

Balance, end of period

2,112,309

 

2,134,335

 

2,112,309

 

2,134,335

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD

$      2,510,692

 

$     2,516,480

 

$    2,510,692

 

$  2,516,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$        13,652

 

$      185,191

 

$        18,292

 

$      344,509

   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Decrease in premiums receivable

2,038

 

21,997

 

49,337

 

51,492

   Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net

1,424

 

13,805

 

(1,016)

 

16,227

   Increase in reinsurance receivables

(126,206)

 

(28,528)

 

(70,611)

 

(87,778)

   (Increase) decrease in deferred tax asset

(30,956)

 

5,642

 

(91,637)

 

22,128

   Decrease in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

(17,046)

 

(32,438)

 

(40,300)

 

(159,415)

   Decrease in unearned premiums

(62,346)

 

(93,203)

 

(142,005)

 

(106,561)

   Change in other assets and liabilities, net

3,832

 

(31,938)

 

51,838

 

37,689

   Non-cash compensation expense

1,427

 

-

 

2,633

 

-

   Amortization of bond premium/(accrual of bond discount)

2,593

 

(1,935)

 

2,668

 

(2,015)

   Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes

45

 

41

 

88

 

80

   Net realized capital losses (gains)

50,795

 

(89,585)

 

152,695

 

(123,459)

Net cash used in operating activities

(160,748)

 

(50,951)

 

(68,018)

 

(7,103)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value

94,255

 

182,237

 

263,662

 

347,120

Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value

71,435

 

6,822

 

86,146

 

11,947

Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value

-

 

506,501

 

-

 

672,560

Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value

33

 

-

 

229,055

 

-

Distributions from other invested assets

1,036

 

3,933

 

11,211

 

23,732

Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value

(846,454)

 

(91,092)

 

(1,279,528)

 

(133,118)

Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value

(6)

 

(102,453)

 

(40,964)

 

(231,912)

Cost of other invested assets acquired

(11,762)

 

(58,404)

 

(20,104)

 

(90,493)

Cost of other invested assets acquired, at fair value

(24,901)

 

-

 

(125,738)

 

(200,080)

Net change in short-term securities

918,172

 

(747,504)

 

885,455

 

(822,285)

Net change in unsettled securities transactions

(54,372)

 

(22,450)

 

(5,710)

 

(4,490)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

147,436

 

(322,410)

 

3,485

 

(427,019)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

8

 

3,212

 

85

 

3,821

Net proceeds from issuance of long term notes

-

 

395,637

 

-

 

395,637

Net cash provided by financing activities

8

 

398,849

 

85

 

399,458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

3,561

 

(7,325)

 

21,902

 

(6,551)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash

(9,743)

 

18,163

 

(42,546)

 

(41,215)

Cash, beginning of period

113,644

 

77,157

 

146,447

 

136,535

Cash, end of period

$      103,901

 

$        95,320

 

$      103,901

 

$        95,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Income taxes paid, net

$        53,523

 

$      120,955

 

$        58,345

 

$      134,784

   Interest paid

$        25,087

 

$        16,138

 

$        38,974

 

$        34,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash financing transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Non-cash tax benefit from share-based compensation

$                 8

 

$          3,212

 

$                85

 

$          3,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

 

 

 

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

2009

 

2008

 

(unaudited)

COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

1,000

 

1,000

Balance, end of period

1,000

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$            315,771

 

$          310,206

Share-based compensation plans

1,262

 

1,283

Balance, end of period

317,033

 

311,489

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME,              

 

 

 

NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

(72,063)

 

163,276

Net increase (decrease) during the period

38,480

 

(19,682)

Balance, end of period

(33,583)

 

143,594

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

1,959,260

 

2,094,017

Net income

45,664

 

4,640

Balance, end of period

2,004,924

 

2,098,657

 

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD

$         2,288,374

 

$       2,553,740

 

 

 

 

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)

2009

 

2008

 

(unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

Net income

$             45,664

 

$              4,640

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    

 

 

 

    Decrease in premiums receivable

11,328

 

47,299

    Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net

506

 

(2,440)

    (Increase) decrease in reinsurance receivables

(52,970)

 

55,595

    Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset

33,904

 

(60,681)

    Decrease in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

(48,536)

 

(23,254)

    Decrease in unearned premiums

(879)

 

(79,659)

    Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships

34,093

 

6,061

    Change in other assets and liabilities, net

1,107

 

41,945

    Non-cash compensation expense

1,262

 

1,206

    Amortization of bond premium/(accrual of bond discount)

2,271

 

75

    Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes

46

 

43

    Realized gain on debt repurchase

(78,271)

 

-

    Net realized capital losses

68,184

 

101,900

Net cash provided by operating activities

17,709

 

92,730

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value

109,235

 

169,407

Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value

5,570

 

-

Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value

44,778

 

14,711

Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value

3,492

 

-

Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value

1,634

 

229,022

Distributions from other invested assets

12,293

 

10,175

Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value

(261,238)

 

(433,074)

Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value

(13,310)

 

-

Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value

(8,976)

 

(40,958)

Cost of other invested assets acquired

(2,562)

 

(8,342)

Cost of other invested assets acquired, at fair value

-

 

(100,837)

Net change in short-term securities

188,866

 

(32,717)

Net change in unsettled securities transactions

1,646

 

48,662

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

81,428

 

(143,951)

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

-

 

77

Net cost of debt repurchase

(83,026)

 

-

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(83,026)

 

77

 

 

 

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

(12,767)

 

18,341

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

3,344

 

(32,803)

Cash, beginning of period

92,264

 

146,447

Cash, end of period

$             95,608

 

$          113,644

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

Cash transactions:

 

 

 

   Income taxes paid

$               3,146

 

$              4,822

   Interest paid

17,808

 

13,887

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008 and 2007

 

1. General

 

As used in this document, “Holdings” means Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware Company and direct subsidiary of Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland) Limited (“Holdings Ireland”); “Group” means Everest Re Group, Ltd. (Holdings’(Holdings Ireland’s parent); “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 Holdings and its subsidiaries.

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008 and 2007 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results on an interim basis. Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The year end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The results for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008 and 2007 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, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filing.

 

2. New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - including an amendment to FASB Statement No. 115” (“FAS 159”). FAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The Company adopted FAS 159 as of January 1, 2007.

In MarchDecember 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 132(R)-1 “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (“FAS 132(R)-1”). FAS 132(R)-1 requires additional disclosures about plan assets. Additional disclosures include investment policies and strategies, fair value of each major plan asset category, inputs and valuation techniques used to develop fair value and any significant concentrations of risk. This FASB Staff Position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company will adopt FAS 132(R)-1 for the reporting period ending December 31, 2009.

On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 161 “DisclosuresFAS 157-4 “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157-4”). FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with FAS 157 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and to identify circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. In addition, FSP FAS 157-4 emphasizes that the objective of the fair value measurement remains the same, to arrive at a price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and is applied prospectively. The Company will adopt this FSP effective April 1, 2009 in conjunction with the second quarter reporting period. The Company does not believe that adopting this FSP will have a material impact on the Company’s financial results.

On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2”). FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 amends the other-than-temporary guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and is applied prospectively with an adjustment to reclassify the non-credit portion of any other-than-temporary payments previously recorded through earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company will adopt this FSP effective April 1, 2009 in conjunction with the second quarter reporting period. The Company has not completed its analysis of the impact on the financial statements upon adoption of this FSP.

5


On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and FSP APB 28-1 “Interim Disclosures about Derivative InstrumentsFair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and Hedging Activities - an amendment ofAPB 28-1”). FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends FASB Statement No. 133 (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires entities107 “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and APB Opinion No. 28 “Interim Financial Reporting” to provide additionalrequire complete disclosures on derivativein both the interim and hedging activities regarding their affect onannual financial position, financial performance and cash flows.reporting. This statementFSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal yearsinterim and interimannual reporting periods beginningending after NovemberJune 15, 2008.2009, and is applied prospectively. The impact of a JanuaryCompany will adopt this FSP effective April 1, 2009 adoption should be immaterial.in conjunction with the second quarter reporting period. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is for disclosure only and has no financial statement impact.

 

3. Investments

The amortized cost, market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available for sale, market value fixed maturity and equity security investments are as follows for the periods indicated:

 

At March 31, 2009

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Market

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

 

Appreciation

 

Depreciation

 

Value

Fixed maturities - available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. government agencies and corporations

$       135,659

 

$         14,954

 

$                (2)

 

$      150,611

  Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions         

3,805,262

 

136,841

 

(103,028)

 

3,839,075

  Corporate securities

547,564

 

17,178

 

(79,449)

 

485,293

  Mortgage-backed securities

331,722

 

9,719

 

(14,408)

 

327,033

  Foreign government securities

432,140

 

29,565

 

(6,248)

 

455,457

  Foreign corporate securities

393,325

 

7,357

 

(21,516)

 

379,166

Total fixed maturities

$    5,645,672

 

$       215,614

 

$     (224,651)

 

$   5,636,635

Equity securities

$                15

 

$                   -

 

$                (5)

 

$               10

 

At December 31, 2008

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Market

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

 

Appreciation

 

Depreciation

 

Value

Fixed maturities - available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     U.S. government agencies and corporations

$       139,776

 

$          15,456

 

$                   - 

 

$       155,232

  Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions         

3,846,754

 

113,885

 

(164,921)

 

3,795,718

  Corporate securities

496,328

 

18,411

 

(69,061)

 

445,678

  Mortgage-backed securities

231,631

 

4,838

 

(19,352)

 

217,117

  Foreign government securities

467,935

 

32,538

 

(7,776)

 

492,697

  Foreign corporate securities

428,059

 

6,602

 

(29,247)

 

405,414

Total fixed maturities

$    5,610,483

 

$        191,730

 

$      (290,357)

 

$    5,511,856

Equity securities

$                15

 

$                   1

 

$                   - 

 

$                16

6


The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturities are shown in the following table by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities generally are more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the total for mortgage-backed securities is shown separately.

 

At March 31, 2009

 

Amortized

 

Market

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

 

Value

Fixed maturities – available for sale                                                 

 

 

 

   Due in one year or less

$               288,798

 

$               293,220

   Due after one year through five years

981,503

 

1,012,635

   Due after five years through ten years

1,154,927

 

1,176,019

   Due after ten years

2,888,722

 

2,827,728

   Mortgage-backed securities

331,722

 

327,033

Total

$            5,645,672

 

$            5,636,635

The changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the Company’s investments are derived from the following sources for the periods as indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2009

 

2008

Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost of                       

 

 

 

  investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:

 

 

 

     Fixed maturities

$         89,589

 

$      (37,659)

     Equity securities

(6)

 

-

     Other invested assets

(1,641)

 

(1,798)

     Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax

87,942

 

(39,457)

     Deferred tax (expense) benefit

(30,780)

 

13,809

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net of deferred

 

 

 

  taxes, included in stockholder's equity

$         57,162

 

$      (25,648)

The Company frequently reviews its investment portfolio for declines in market value and focuses its attention on securities whose fair value has fallen below 80% of their amortized value at the time of review. The Company then assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary. In making its assessment, the Company evaluates the current market and interest rate environment as well as specific issuer information and the Company’s ability and intent to hold to recovery. Generally, a change in a security’s value caused by a change in the market or interest rate environment does not constitute an other- than-temporary impairment, but rather a temporary decline in market value. Temporary declines in market value are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income. If the Company determines that the decline is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value and a realized loss is recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s assessments are based on the issuers current and expected future financial position, timeliness with respect to interest and/or principal payments, speed of repayments and any applicable credit enhancements or breakeven constant default rates on asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts.

7


The components of net realized capital losses are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2009

 

2008

Fixed maturity securities, market value:                                               

 

 

 

   Other-than-temporary impairments

$               (560)

 

$               (770)

   Losses from sales

(28,094)

 

(348)

Fixed maturity securities, fair value:

 

 

 

   Gain from sales

96

 

-

   Losses from fair value adjustments

(42)

 

-

Equity securities, fair value:

 

 

 

   Losses from sales

(446)

 

(11,596)

   Losses from fair value adjustments

(16,923)

 

(55,058)

Other invested assets, fair value:

 

 

 

   Losses from fair value adjustments

(22,215)

 

(34,128)

Total net realized capital losses

$          (68,184)

 

$        (101,900)

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were $48.3 million and $14.7 million, respectively. Gross gains of $1.5 million and $0.9 million and gross losses of $29.6 million and $1.2 million were realized on those fixed maturity securities sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Proceeds from sales of equity security investments, fair value, for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were $1.6 million and $229.0 million, respectively. Gross gains of $0.2 million and $2.1 million and gross losses of $0.7 million and $13.7 million were realized on those equity sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Included in net realized capital losses for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.

4. Fair Value

 

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted and implemented FAS 159 for its actively managed equity securities and equity shares of its parent. In conjunction with the Company implementing a more active management strategy for these securities, FAS 159 provided guidance on accounting and presentation of these investments in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Upon adoption of FAS 159, the Company recognized a $204.8 million cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, net of $110.3 million of tax. The Company records fair value re-measurementre-measurements as net realized capital gains or losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.income (loss). The Company recorded $46.9$39.2 million and $136.1$89.2 million in net realized capital losses due to fair value re-measurement on thefixed maturity and equity securities and other invested assets, at fair value, for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The Company’s fixed maturities and equity securities are managed by third party investment asset managers and market and fair values for these securities are obtained from third party pricing services retained by the investment asset managers. In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers. The investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may obtain additional price quotes for verification. In addition, the Company recorded $96.2 milliontests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source. In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and $129.0 millionrisk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.

Fixed maturities are categorized as Level 2, Significant Other Observable Inputs, since a particular security may not have traded but the pricing services are able to use valuation models with observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and prices for similar fixed maturities in net realized capital gainsterms of issuer, maturity and seniority. Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk) are categorized as Level 3, Significant Unobservable Inputs. These securities include broker priced securities and valuation of less liquid securities such as commercial mortgage-backed securities.

8


Equity securities in U.S. denominated currency are categorized as Level 1, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, since the securities are actively traded on an exchange and prices are based on quoted prices from the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are categorized as Level 2 due to potential foreign exchange adjustments to fair value re-measurement on the equity securities and otheror market value.

Other invested assets, at fair value, are categorized as Level 1, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, since the threesecurities are shares of the Company’s parent, which are actively traded on an exchange and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.the price is based on a quoted price.

5


 

The following table presentstables present the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value as of the periods indicated:

 

 

Fair Value Measurement Using:

 

Fair Value Measurement Using:

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

in Active

 

Significant

 

 

 

in Active

 

Significant

 

 

 

Markets for

 

Other

 

Significant

 

Markets for

 

Other

 

Significant

 

Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

 

Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

(Dollars in thousands)

 

June 30, 2008

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

March 31, 2009

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

Assets:

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$            6,783,466

 

$                    -

 

$   6,766,334

 

$            17,132

Fixed maturities, market value

 

$          5,636,635

 

$                     -

 

$        5,629,171

 

$                7,464

Fixed maturities, fair value

 

47,391

 

-

 

47,391

 

-

Equity securities, market value

 

10

 

10

 

-

 

-

Equity securities, fair value

 

551,592

 

543,669

 

7,923

 

-

 

109,788

 

109,399

 

389

 

-

Equity securities, market value

 

9,897

 

-

 

9,897

 

-

Other invested assets, fair value

 

307,529

 

307,529

 

-

 

-

Other invested assets, fair value

294,535

 

294,535

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement Using:

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2008

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Fixed maturities, market value

 

$              5,511,856

 

$                     -

 

$       5,500,889

 

$             10,967

   Fixed maturities, fair value

 

43,090

 

-

 

43,090

 

-

   Equity securities, market value                                 

 

16

 

16

 

-

 

-

   Equity securities, fair value

 

119,815

 

119,092

 

723

 

-

   Other invested assets, fair value

316,750

 

316,750

 

-

 

-

 

9

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement Using:

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2007

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Fixed maturities

 

$            5,998,157

 

$                    -

 

$   5,919,448

 

$            78,709

   Equity securities, fair value

 

815,372

 

801,611

 

13,761

 

-

   Equity securities, market value

 

9,897

 

-

 

9,897

 

-

   Other invested assets, fair value

 

253,791

 

253,791

 

-

 

-

6


 

The following table presents the fixed maturity investments for which fair value was measured under levelLevel 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, for the periods indicated:

 

Fair Value

Measurements Using:

2008

 

2007

Significant

 

Significant

Unobservable

 

Unobservable

Three Months Ended

Inputs

 

Inputs

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

(Level 3)

 

(Level 3)

2009

 

2008

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance at January 1

$            78,709

 

$            24,024

$            10,967

 

$            78,709

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)

(2,314)

 

55

(25)

 

(338)

Included in other comprehensive income

(588)

 

(379)

181

 

(937)

Purchases, issuances and settlements

(5,204)

 

(342)

2,975

 

(6,043)

Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3

(53,471)

 

(2,107)

(6,634)

 

(37,299)

Ending balance at June 30

$            17,132

 

$            21,251

Ending balance at March 31

$              7,464

 

$            34,092

 

 

 

 

The amount of total losses for the period included in earnings

 

The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings

 

 

 

(or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized

 

 

 

 

gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date

$            (4,061)

 

$                      -

gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date

$               (131)

 

$               (387)

The fixed maturities valued under level 3 were valued by investment brokers for which the Company believes reflects fair value, but was unable to verify that inputs to the valuation model were observable.

 

4.5. Capital Transactions

 

On December 1, 2005,17, 2008, Group and Holdings filed arenewed their shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”(the “SEC”), as a Well Known Seasoned Issuer. This shelf registration statement wascan be used by Group to register common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants, share purchase contracts and share purchase units; by Holdings to register debt securities and by Everest Re Capital Trust III (“Capital Trust III”) to register trust preferred securities.

 

On April 26, 2007, Holdings completed a public offering of $400.0 million principal amount of 6.6% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes with a scheduled maturity date of May 15, 2037 and a final maturity date of May 1, 2067. The net proceeds from the offering were used to redeem all of the outstanding 7.85% junior subordinated debt securities on November 15, 2007 and for general corporate purposes.

5.6. Contingencies

 

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, reinsurance and other contractual agreements. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation. In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that any of these matters, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity. However, an adverse resolution of one or more of these items in any one quarter or fiscal year could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in that period.

 

7


The Company does not believe that there are any material pending legal proceedings to which it or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their properties are the subject.

 

The Company continues to receive claims under expired insurance and reinsurance contracts asserting injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos. Environmental claims typically assert liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damage caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water. Asbestos claims typically assert liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos.

 

The Company’s reserves include an estimate of the Company’s ultimate liability for asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) claims. As of June 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, approximately 12%10% of the Company’s gross reserves were an estimate of the Company’s ultimate liability for A&E claims. The Company’s A&E liabilities emanate from Mt. McKinley Insurance Company’s (“Mt. McKinley”), a direct subsidiary of the Company, direct

10


insurance business and Everest Re’s assumed reinsurance business. All of the contracts of insurance and reinsurance under which the Company has received claims during the past three years, expired more than 20 years ago. There are significant uncertainties surrounding the Company’s reserves for its A&E losses.

 

A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy. The following table summarizes incurred losses with respect to A&E on both a gross and net of retrocessional basis for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

Gross basis:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period reserves

 

$        901,040

 

$        632,239

 

$       922,843

 

$       650,134

$          786,842

 

$         922,843

Incurred losses

 

-

 

40,000

 

-

 

40,000

-

 

-

Paid losses

 

(30,042)

 

(34,351)

 

(51,845)

 

(52,246)

(18,081)

 

(21,803)

End of period reserves

 

$        870,998

 

$        637,888

 

$       870,998

 

$       637,888

$          768,761

 

$         901,040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net basis:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period reserves

 

$        524,063

 

$        303,985

 

$       537,549

 

$       313,308

$          485,296

 

$         537,549

Incurred losses

 

-

 

16,475

 

-

 

16,475

-

 

-

Paid losses

 

(10,547)

 

(14,364)

 

(24,033)

 

(23,687)

(10,087)

 

(13,486)

End of period reserves

 

$        513,516

 

$        306,096

 

$       513,516

 

$       306,096

$          475,209

 

$         524,063

 

At June 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the gross reserves for A&E losses were comprised of $147.4$153.0 million representing case reserves reported by ceding companies, $150.4$151.2 million representing additional case reserves established by the Company on assumed reinsurance claims, $163.3$127.3 million representing case reserves established by the Company on direct excess insurance claims, including Mt. McKinley and $409.9$337.3 million representing incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves.

 

With respect to asbestos only, at June 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the Company had gross asbestos loss reserves of $816.4$718.7 million, or 93.7%93.5%, of total A&E reserves, of which $563.8$524.4 million was for assumed business and $252.6$194.3 million was for direct business.

8


 

Management believes that these uncertainties and factors continue to render reserves for A&E and particularly asbestos losses significantly less subject to traditional actuarial analysis than 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.

 

Due to the uncertainties, the ultimate losses attributable to A&E, and particularly asbestos, may be subject to more variability than are non-A&E reserves and such variation, 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.

 

In 1993 and prior, the Company had a business arrangement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“The Prudential”) wherein, for a fee, the Company accepted settled claim payment obligations of certain property and casualty insurers, and, concurrently, became the owner of the annuity or assignee of the annuity 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, which has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), was unable to make the annuity payments. At June 30,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable was $151.8 million.$152.8 million and $152.1 million, respectively.

 

Prior to its 1995 initial public offering, the Company had purchased annuities from an unaffiliated life insurance company with an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best to settle certain claim liabilities of the company. Should the life insurance company become unable to make the annuity payments,

11


the Company would be liable for those claim liabilities. At June 30,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the estimated cost to replace such annuities was $22.2 million.$23.2 million and $23.1 million, respectively.

 

6.7. Other Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss)

 

The following table presents the components of other comprehensive lossincome (loss) for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

Net unrealized depreciation of                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   investments, net of deferred income taxes

$    (52,308)

 

$    (57,181)

 

$  (77,956)

 

$  (60,117)

Currency translation adjustments,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   net of deferred income taxes

 

(6,461)

 

10,095

 

(495)

 

9,883

Pension adjustment

 

634

 

-

 

634

 

-

Other comprehensive loss,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   net of deferred income taxes

 

$     (58,135)

 

$    (47,086)

 

$   (77,817)

 

$   (50,234)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2009

 

2008

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities

 

$             87,942

 

$          (39,457)

Tax (expense) benefit

 

(30,780)

 

13,809

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

 

57,162

 

(25,648)

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(28,742)

 

9,178

Tax benefit (expense)

 

10,060

 

(3,212)

Net foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(18,682)

 

5,966

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes               

 

$             38,480

 

$          (19,682)

 

7.8. Credit Line

Effective August 23, 2006, Holdings entered into a five year, $150.0 million senior revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, referred to as the “Holdings Credit Facility”. Citibank N.A. is the administrative agent for the Holdings Credit Facility. The Holdings Credit Facility may be used for liquidity and general corporate purposes. The Holdings Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to $150.0 million with interest at a rate selected by Holdings equal to either, (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate plus an applicable margin. The Base Rate means a fluctuating interest rate per annum in effect from time to time to be equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest publicly announced by Citibank as its prime rate or (b) 0.5% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate, in each case plus the applicable margin. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Holdings Credit Facility depends upon Holdings’ senior unsecured debt rating.

The Holdings Credit Facility requires Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $1.5 billion plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2005, which at March 31, 2009, was $1,837.9 million. As of March 31, 2009, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.

At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, there were outstanding letters of credit of $28.0 million under the Holdings Credit Facility.

Costs incurred in connection with the Holdings Credit Facility were $26,328 and $25,791 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

12


9. Letters of Credit

 

The Company has an arrangement available for the issuance of letters of credit, which letters are generally collateralized by the Company’s cash and investments. The Citibank Holdings Credit Facility involves a syndicate of lenders (see Note 12)8), with Citibank acting as administrative agent. At June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, letters of credit for $17.2$28.0 million with a date of expiry of December 31, 2008 were issued and outstanding. The following table summarizes the Company’s letters of credit collateralize reinsurance obligations of the Company’s non-U.S. operations.at March 31, 2009.

 

9


(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Bank

Commitment

 

In Use

 

Date of Expiry

Citibank Holdings Credit Facility

$           150,000

 

$             27,959

 

12/31/2009

Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility                          

$           150,000

 

$             27,959

 

 

 

8.10. Trust Agreements

 

A subsidiary of the Company, Everest Re, has established a trust agreement, which effectively uses Everest Re’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to a non-affiliated ceding company. At June 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $22.0$20.8 million.

 

9.11. Senior Notes

 

On October 12, 2004, Holdings completed a public offering of $250.0 million principal amount of 5.40% senior notes due October 15, 2014. On March 14, 2000, Holdings completed a public offering of $200.0 million principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due March 15, 2010.

 

Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes was $7.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and 2007 and $15.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.2008. Market value, which is based on quoted market price at June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, was $220.8$212.5 million and $235.3$186.2 million, respectively, for the 5.40% senior notes and $208.0$201.2 million and $215.9$156.8 million, respectively, for the 8.75% senior notes.

 

10.12. Long Term Subordinated Notes

 

On April 26, 2007, Holdings completed a public offering of $400.0 million principal amount of 6.6% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes with a scheduled maturity date of May 15, 2037 and a final maturity date of May 1, 2067. During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest will be at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years. During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years. Deferred interest will accumulate interest at the applicable rate compounded semi-annually for periods prior to May 15, 2017, and compounded quarterly for periods from and including May 15, 2017.

 

Holdings can redeem the long term subordinated notes prior to May 15, 2017, in whole but not in part at the applicable redemption price, which will equal the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount being redeemed and (b) the present value of the principal payment on May 15, 2017 and scheduled payments of interest that would have accrued from the redemption date to May 15, 2017 on the long term subordinated notes being redeemed, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at a discount rate equal to the treasury rate plus an applicable spread of either 0.25% or 0.50%, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holdings may redeem the long term subordinated notes on or after May 15, 2017, in whole or in part at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest; however, redemption on or after the scheduled maturity date and prior to May 1, 2047 is subject to a replacement capital covenant. This covenant is for the benefit of certain senior note holders and it mandates that Holdings receive proceeds from the sale of another subordinated debt issue, of at least similar size, before it may redeem the subordinated notes.

 

13


On March 19, 2009, Group announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.60% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes. Upon expiration of the tender offer, the Company had reduced its outstanding debt by $161.4 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain on debt repurchase of $78.3 million.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these long term notes was $6.6$6.5 million and $13.2$6.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $4.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.respectively. Market value, which is based on quoted market price at June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, was $288.0$118.1 million and $349.8 million for theon outstanding 6.6% long term subordinated notes.notes of $238.3 million and $168.0 million on outstanding 6.6% long term subordinated notes of $399.6 million, respectively.

 

10


11.13. Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Payable

 

On March 29, 2004, Holdings issued $329.9 million of 6.20% junior subordinated debt securities due March 29, 2034 to Everest Re Capital Trust II (“Capital Trust II”). Holdings may redeem the junior subordinated debt securities before their maturity at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest as of the date of redemption. The securities may be redeemed in whole or in part, on one or more occasions at any time on or after March 30,31, 2009; or at any time, in whole, but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence and continuation of a determination that the Trust may become subject to tax or the Investment Company Act.

 

On November 14, 2002, Holdings issued $216.5 million of 7.85% junior subordinated debt securities due November 15, 2032 to Everest Re Capital Trust (“Capital Trust”). Holdings redeemed all of the junior subordinated debt securities at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest on November 15, 2007.

Fair value, which is primarily based on quoted market price of the related trust preferred securities, at June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, was $248.2$220.7 million and $250.8$222.2 million, respectively, for the 6.20% junior subordinated debt securities.

 

Interest expense incurred in connection with these junior subordinated notes was $5.1 million and $9.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and 2007, respectively, and $10.2 million and $18.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.2008.

 

Capital Trust II is a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Holdings. Capital Trust was dissolved upon the completion of the redemption of the trust preferred securities on November 15, 2007.

 

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

 

Capital Trust II will redeem all of the outstanding trust preferred securities when the junior subordinated debt securities are paid at maturity on March 29, 2034. The Company may elect to redeem the junior subordinated debt securities, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 30,31, 2009. If such an early redemption occurs, the outstanding trust preferred securities would also be proportionately redeemed.

 

There are certain regulatory and contractual restrictions on the ability of the Company’s operating subsidiaries to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The insurance laws of the State of Delaware, where the Company’s direct insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, require regulatory approval before those subsidiaries can pay dividends or make loans or advances to the Company that exceed certain statutory thresholds. In addition, the terms of the Holdings Credit Facility (discussed in Note 12)8) require Everest Re, the Company’s principal insurance subsidiary, to maintain a certain statutory surplus level as measured at the end of each fiscal year. At December 31, 2007, $2,595.12008, $1,745.6 million of the $3,248.5$2,735.2 million in net assets of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries were subject to the foregoing regulatory restrictions.

 

12. Credit Line

Effective August 23, 2006, Holdings entered into a new five year, $150.0 million senior revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, referred to as the “Holdings Credit Facility”. Citibank N.A. is the administrative agent for the Holdings Credit Facility. The Holdings Credit Facility is used for liquidity and general corporate purposes. The Holdings Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to $150.0 million with interest at a rate selected by Holdings equal to either, (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate plus an applicable margin. The Base Rate means a fluctuating interest rate per annum in effect from time to time to be equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest publicly announced by Citibank as its prime rate or (b) 0.5% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate, in each case plus the applicable margin. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Holdings Credit Facility depends upon Holdings’ senior unsecured debt rating.

11


The Holdings Credit Facility requires Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $1.5 billion plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2005. As of June 30, 2008, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.

At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, there were outstanding letters of credit of $17.2 million under the Holdings Credit Facility.

Costs incurred in connection with the Holdings Credit Facility were $34,370 and $26,542 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and $60,161 and $53,083 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

13.14. Segment Results

 

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 U.S. The U.S. Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance primarily through general agents and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. The Specialty Underwriting operation writes accident and health (“A&H”), marine, aviation and surety business within the U.S. and

14


worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies. The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and offices in Miami and New Jersey.

 

These segments are managed in a coordinated fashion with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.

 

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. Underwriting results are measured using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.

 

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.

 

12


The following tables present the underwriting results for the operating segments for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

U.S. Reinsurance

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

 

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

Gross written premiums

$      200,348

 

$      271,670

 

$     434,067

 

$     626,022

$           264,331

 

$           233,719

Net written premiums

131,096

 

202,995

 

278,515

 

463,976

139,432

 

147,419

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$      161,891

 

$      238,970

 

$     360,007

 

$     502,155

$           146,333

 

$           198,116

Incurred losses and LAE

84,230

 

80,436

 

205,279

 

167,318

90,141

 

121,049

Commission and brokerage

45,549

 

61,142

 

98,289

 

115,789

31,919

 

52,740

Other underwriting expenses

6,887

 

7,321

 

15,660

 

13,812

7,562

 

8,773

Underwriting gain

$        25,225

 

$        90,071

 

$       40,779

 

$     205,236

$             16,711

 

$             15,554

 

 

Three Months Ended

U.S. Insurance

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2009

 

2008

Gross written premiums

$           204,717

 

$           210,460

Net written premiums

121,152

 

110,170

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$           111,972

 

$           143,096

Incurred losses and LAE

81,144

 

95,899

Commission and brokerage

12,018

 

20,748

Other underwriting expenses

17,281

 

14,342

Underwriting gain

$               1,529

 

$             12,107

 

U.S. Insurance

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

June 30,

Three Months Ended

Specialty Underwriting

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

Gross written premiums

$      190,977

 

$      161,637

 

$     401,437

 

$     379,010

$             58,923

 

$             54,911

Net written premiums

104,182

 

94,492

 

214,352

 

234,075

32,605

 

36,921

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$      121,114

 

$      121,580

 

$     264,210

 

$     262,145

$             36,836

 

$             35,550

Incurred losses and LAE

161,680

 

84,084

 

257,579

 

225,113

25,383

 

18,215

Commission and brokerage

22,892

 

17,149

 

43,640

 

38,322

10,067

 

9,977

Other underwriting expenses

15,900

 

12,013

 

30,242

 

24,378

1,845

 

2,411

Underwriting (loss) gain

$     (79,358)

 

$          8,334

 

$    (67,251)

 

$     (25,668)

$                (459)

 

$               4,947

Specialty Underwriting

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

Gross written premiums

$        84,202

 

$        76,377

 

$    139,113

 

$     131,058

Net written premiums

57,302

 

55,602

 

94,223

 

92,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$        55,451

 

$        56,346

 

$       91,001

 

$        94,960

Incurred losses and LAE

25,917

 

36,935

 

44,132

 

66,778

Commission and brokerage

11,781

 

9,371

 

21,758

 

18,675

Other underwriting expenses      

1,834

 

1,775

 

4,245

 

3,364

Underwriting gain

$        15,919

 

$          8,265

 

$       20,866

 

$          6,143

 

1315


 

Three Months Ended

International

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

 

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

Gross written premiums

$     218,984

 

$      202,626

 

$     405,362

 

$     375,970

$           250,750

 

$           186,378

Net written premiums

133,164

 

142,762

 

249,450

 

264,034

135,356

 

116,286

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$     132,958

 

$      148,530

 

$     256,226

 

$     276,004

$           143,304

 

$           123,268

Incurred losses and LAE

87,285

 

113,877

 

161,827

 

182,138

92,527

 

74,542

Commission and brokerage

31,341

 

34,265

 

57,767

 

63,116

34,215

 

26,426

Other underwriting expenses

4,747

 

4,332

 

9,801

 

8,050

4,620

 

5,054

Underwriting gain (loss)

$          9,585

 

$        (3,944)

 

$       26,831

 

$        22,700

Underwriting gain

$             11,942

 

$             17,246

 

The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

June 30,

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

Underwriting results

$     (28,629)

 

$      102,726

 

$       21,225

 

$     208,411

Underwriting gain

$           29,723

 

$           49,854

Net investment income

106,981

 

106,852

 

194,958

 

202,786

39,659

 

87,977

Net realized capital (losses) gains

(50,795)

 

89,585

 

(152,695)

 

123,459

Net realized capital losses

(68,184)

 

(101,900)

Realized gain on debt repurchase

78,271

 

-

Corporate expense

(1,384)

 

(1,673)

 

(3,077)

 

(2,257)

(1,318)

 

(1,693)

Interest expense

(19,746)

 

(24,192)

 

(39,488)

 

(41,605)

Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense

(19,633)

 

(19,742)

Other expense

(2,717)

 

(13,277)

 

(23,990)

 

(14,440)

(114)

 

(21,273)

Income (loss) before taxes

$          3,710

 

$      260,021

 

$       (3,067)

 

$     476,354

$           58,404

 

$           (6,777)

 

The Company produces business in the U.S. and internationally. The net income deriving from and assets residing in the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company’s financial records. Based on gross written premium, other than the U.S., no other country represented more than 5% of the Company’s revenues.

 

14.15. Related-Party Transactions

 

During the normal course of business, the Company, through its affiliates, engages in reinsurance and brokerage and commission business transactions with companies controlled by or affiliated with one or more of its outside directors. Such transactions, individually and in the aggregate, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

The Company engages in reinsurance transactions with Bermuda Re and Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”), affiliates, primarily driven by enterprise risk and capital management considerations,consideration, under which business is ceded at market rates and terms. These transactions include:

 

Effective September 19, 2000, Mt. McKinley and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement, whereby Mt. McKinley transferred all of its net insurance exposures and reserves to Bermuda Re.

 

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.

16
 


14


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, 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 January 1, 2002 for the 2002 underwriting year, Everest Re ceded 20.0% of its net retained liability to Bermuda Re through a quota share reinsurance agreement (“whole account quota share”).

 

Effective January 1, 2003, Everest Re and Bermuda Re amended the whole account quota share, through which Everest Re previously ceded 20.0% of its business to Bermuda Re so that effective January 1, 2003 Everest Re ceded 25.0% to Bermuda Re of the net retained liability on all new and renewal policies underwritten during the term of this agreement. This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2003.

 

Effective January 1, 2003, Everest Re entered into a whole account quota share with Bermuda Re, whereby Everest Re’s Canadian branch ceded to Bermuda Re 50.0% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal property business. This remained in effect through December 31, 2006.

 

Effective January 1, 2004, Everest Re and Bermuda Re amended the whole account quota share through which Everest Re previously ceded 25.0% of its business to Bermuda Re so that effective January 1, 2004 Everest Re ceded 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. This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2005.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, Everest Re, Bermuda Re and Everest International amended the whole account quota share so that for all new and renewal business recorded on or after January 1, 2006, Everest Re ceded 31.5% and 3.5% of its casualty business to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively, and Everest Re ceded 18.0% and 2.0% of its property business to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively. However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re and Everest International relating to any one occurrence on the property business exceed $125.0 million. The property portion of this amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2006. The casualty portion remained in effect through December 31, 2007.

 

Effective January 1, 2007, Everest Re and Bermuda Re amended the whole account quota share so that for all new and renewal business recorded on or after January 1, 2007, Everest Re cedes 60.0% of its Canadian branch property business to Bermuda Re.

 

Effective January 1, 2007, Everest Re, Bermuda Re and Everest International amended the whole account quota share so that for all new and renewal property business recorded on or after January 1, 2007, Everest Re ceded 22.5% and 2.5% to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively. However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re and Everest International relating to any one occurrence on the property business exceed $130.0 million. This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2007.

 

Effective January 1, 2008, Everest Re, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into aamended the whole account quota share whereby, for all new and renewal casualty and property business recorded on or after January 1, 2008, Everest Re cedesceded 36.0% and 4.0% to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively. However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re and Everest International relating to any one catastrophe occurrence on the property business exceed $130.0 million or in the aggregate for each underwriting year for all property catastrophes exceed $275.0 million. This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2008.

 

1517



Effective October 1, 2008, Everest Re and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement, whereby Everest Re transferred a percentage of its net loss reserves ($747.0 million) corresponding to all existing open and future liabilities at December 31, 2007, arising from policies, insurance or reinsurance written or renewed by or on behalf of Everest Re during the period of January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2007, classified by Everest Re as casualty.

Effective January 1, 2009, Everest Re, Bermuda Re and Everest International amended the whole account quota share whereby, for all new and renewal casualty and property business recorded on or after January 1, 2009, Everest Re cedes 36% and 8% to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively. However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re and Everest International relating to any one occurrence exceed $150.0 million or in the aggregate for each underwriting year for all occurrences exceed $325.0 million.

 

The following table summarizes the premiums and losses ceded by the Company to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively, for the periods indicated:

 

Bermuda Re

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended March 31,

June 30,

 

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

2008

Ceded written premiums

$       206,681

 

$       180,840

 

$    420,820

 

$    374,890

$                284,766

$                214,139

Ceded earned premiums

218,156

 

193,069

 

424,114

 

384,011

274,068

205,958

Ceded losses and LAE (a)

114,534

 

146,790

 

210,935

 

249,082

140,867

96,401

 

 

 

Everest International

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

June 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

Ceded written premiums

$          21,516

 

$         18,746

 

$      43,700

 

$      39,323

Ceded earned premiums

22,623

 

19,889

 

43,778

 

40,279

Ceded losses and LAE

11,709

 

12,315

 

22,256

 

23,185

Everest International

Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2009

2008

Ceded written premiums                                                                         

$                  38,348

$                  22,184

Ceded earned premiums

34,336

21,155

Ceded losses and LAE

19,400

10,547

 

(a) Ceded losses and LAE include the Mt. McKinley loss portfolio transfer that constitutes losses ceded under retroactive reinsurance and therefore, in accordance with FAS 113, “Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts,” a deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance is reflected in other expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

 

Everest Re sold net assets of its UK branch to Bermuda Re and provided Bermuda Re with a reserve indemnity agreement allowing for indemnity payments of up to 90% of £25.0 million of the excess of 2002 and prior reserves, provided that any recognition of profit from the reserves for 2002 and prior underwriting years is taken into account. The limit available under this agreement was fully exhausted at December 31, 2004.

 

15.16. Income Taxes

 

The Company uses a projected annual effective tax rate in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“FAS 109”), to calculate its quarterly tax expense. Under this methodology, when an interim quarter’s pre-tax income (loss) varies significantly from a full year’s income (loss) projection, the tax impact resulting from the income (loss) variance is effectively spread between the impacted quarter and the remaining quarters of the year, except for discreet items impacting an individual quarter.

 

The Company recognizes accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income taxes. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the Company accrued and recognizedexpensed approximately $0.4$2.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in interest and penalties.

 

1618


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

 

Industry Conditions.

The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market. As a result, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, high rates and strong profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, low rates and constrained profitability. Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best Company and/or Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written. Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to reinsurance and insurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.

 

We compete in the U.S. and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors. Our 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 we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships, which can be a significant competitive advantage. In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and the potential for securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

 

WeStarting in the latter part of 2007, throughout 2008 and into 2009, there has been a significant slowdown in the global economy. Excessive availability and use of credit, particularly by individuals, led to increased defaults on sub-prime mortgages in the U.S. and elsewhere, falling values for houses and many commodities and contracting consumer spending. The significant increase in default rates negatively impacted the value of asset-backed securities held by both foreign and domestic institutions. The defaults have led to a corresponding increase in foreclosures, which have driven down housing values, resulting in additional losses on the asset-backed securities. During the third and fourth quarters of 2008, the credit markets deteriorated dramatically, evidenced by widening credit spreads and dramatically reduced availability of credit. Many financial institutions, including some insurance entities, experienced liquidity crises due to immediate demands for funds for withdrawals or collateral, combined with falling asset values and their inability to sell assets to meet the increased demands. As a result, several financial institutions have failed or been acquired at distressed prices, while others have received loans from the U.S. government to continue operations. The liquidity crisis significantly increased the spreads on fixed maturities and, at the same time, had a dramatic and negative impact on the stock markets around the world. The combination of losses on securities from failed or impaired companies combined with the decline in values of fixed maturities and equity securities has resulted in significant declines in the capital bases of most insurance and reinsurance companies. While there was some slight improvement in the financial markets during the first quarter of 2009, it is too early to predict the timing and extent of impact the capital deterioration will have on insurance and reinsurance market conditions. There is an expectation that these events will ultimately result in increased rates for insurance and reinsurance in certain segments of the market, but there is no assurance that this will not be the case.

19


Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to see increased competition duringbe very competitive. Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand. We noted, however, that in many markets and lines, the second quarterrates of 2008 with generally lower rates, higher commissionsdecline have slowed, pricing in some segments was relatively flat and demands by cedants for improved terms and conditions. The extent of the increased competitionthere was upward movement in some others, particularly property catastrophe coverage. Competition and its effect on rates, terms and conditions variedvary widely by market and coverage but wasyet continues to be most prevalent in the U.S. casualty insurance and reinsurance markets. In addition to demanding lower rates and improved terms, ceding companies are retaining more of their business by reducing quota share percentages, purchasing excess of loss covers in lieu of quota shares, and increasing retentions on excess of loss business. We have also experienced reduced quota share premiums, particularly on catastrophe exposed business, due to increased purchases of common account covers by ceding companies, which reduces the premiums subject to the quota share contract. There was also increased competition in theThe U.S. insurance market,markets in which we participate were extremely competitive as well, particularly in the workers’ compensation, public entity and contractor coverages; however,sectors. While our growth in existing programs has slowed, given the specialty nature of our business and our underwriting discipline, we believe the impact on the profitability of our business towill be less pronounced than on the market generally. In addition, we continue to opportunistically add new programs and lines of business to enhance growth and profitability.

 

Rate decreasesRates in the international markets have generally been less pronouncedmore adequate than in the in U.S. markets, and we have seen some increases, particularly for catastrophe exposed business. We have grown our business in the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. We are expanding our international reach by opening a new office in Brazil to capitalize on the recently expanded opportunity for professional reinsurers in that market and on the economic growth expected for Brazil in the future. International results have also benefited from the weaker U.S. dollar since the foreign currencies convert to higher dollar amounts resulting in favorable year over year premium comparisons.

 

The reinsurance industry has experienced a period of falling rates and volume. Profit opportunities have become generally less available over time; however the unfavorable trends appear to have abated somewhat. We are unable to predictnow seeing smaller rate declines, pockets of stability and some increases in some markets and for some coverages. As a result of very significant investment and catastrophe losses incurred by both primary insurers and reinsurers over the impact on future market conditions from increased competitionpast year, but principally in the last six months of 2008, industry-wide capital declined and legislative initiatives. In addition to these market forces, reinsurers continue to reassess their risk appetites and rebalance their property portfolios to obtain a greater spread of risk against the backdrop of: (i) recent


revisions to the industry’s catastrophe loss projection models, which are indicating significantly higher loss potentials and consequently higher pricing requirements and (ii) elevated rating agency scrutiny increased. There is an expectation that given the rate softening that has occurred over the past several quarters, the industry-wide decline in capital combined with volatile and unreceptive markets and a looming recession, will lead to a hardening of insurance and reinsurance marketplace rates, terms and conditions. It is too early to gauge the extent of hardening, if any, that will occur; however, it appears that much of the redundant capital requirementshas been wrung out of the industry, and the stage is set for many catastrophe exposed companies.firmer markets.

Both January and April, 2009, renewals rates, particularly for property catastrophes and retrocessional covers and in international markets were generally firmer compared to a year ago.

 

Overall, we believe that current marketplace conditions offer profit opportunities for us given our strong ratings, distribution system, reputation and expertise. We continue to employ our strategy of targeting business that offers the greatest profit potential, while maintaining balance and diversification in our overall portfolio.

 


20


Financial Summary.

We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income, ratios and stockholder’s equity for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

Percentage

 

Six Months Ended

Percentage

Three Months Ended

 

Percentage

June 30,

 

Increase/

 

June 30,

 

Increase/

March 31,

 

Increase/

(Dollars in millions)

2008

 

2007

 

(Decrease)

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Decrease)

2009

2008

 

(Decrease)

Gross written premiums

$          694.5

 

$        712.3

 

-2.5%

 

$        1,380.0

 

$        1,512.1

 

-8.7%

$               778.7

 

$               685.5

 

13.6%

Net written premiums

425.7

 

495.9

 

-14.1%

 

836.5

 

1,054.1

 

-20.6%

428.5

 

410.8

 

4.3%

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$           471.4

 

$        565.4

 

-16.6%

 

$           971.4

 

$        1,135.3

 

-14.4%

$               438.4

 

$               500.0

 

-12.3%

Net investment income

107.0

 

106.9

 

0.1%

 

195.0

 

202.8

 

-3.9%

39.7

 

88.0

 

-54.9%

Net realized capital (losses) gains

(50.8)

 

89.6

 

-156.7%

 

(152.7)

 

123.5

 

-223.7%

Net realized capital losses

(68.2)

 

(101.9)

 

-33.1%

Realized gain on debt repurchase

78.3

 

-

 

NM

Other expense

(2.7)

 

(13.3)

 

-79.5%

 

(24.0)

 

(14.4)

 

66.2%

(0.1)

 

(21.3)

 

-99.5%

Total revenues

524.9

 

748.6

 

-29.9%

 

989.7

 

1,447.1

 

-31.6%

488.1

 

464.8

 

5.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

359.1

 

315.3

 

13.9%

 

668.8

 

641.3

 

4.3%

289.2

 

309.7

 

-6.6%

Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees

111.6

 

121.9

 

-8.5%

 

221.5

 

235.9

 

-6.1%

88.2

 

109.9

 

-19.7%

Other underwriting expenses

30.8

 

27.1

 

13.4%

 

63.0

 

51.9

 

21.5%

32.6

 

32.3

 

1.1%

Interest expense

19.7

 

24.2

 

-18.4%

 

39.5

 

41.6

 

-5.1%

Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense

19.6

 

19.7

 

-0.6%

Total claims and expenses

521.2

 

488.6

 

6.7%

 

992.8

 

970.7

 

2.3%

429.7

 

471.6

 

-8.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

3.7

 

260.0

 

-98.6%

 

(3.1)

 

476.4

 

-100.6%

58.4

 

(6.8)

 

NM

Income tax (benefit) expense

(9.9)

 

74.8

 

-113.3%

 

(21.4)

 

131.8

 

-116.2%

Income tax expense (benefit)

12.7

 

(11.4)

 

-211.6%

NET INCOME

$             13.7

 

$        185.2

 

-92.6%

 

$              18.3

 

$           344.5

 

-94.7%

$                 45.7

 

$                   4.6

 

NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point

 

 

Point

 

 

 

 

Point

RATIOS:

 

Change

 

 

Change

 

 

 

 

Change

Loss ratio

76.2%

 

55.8%

 

20.4

 

68.8%

 

56.5%

 

12.3

66.0%

 

61.9%

 

4.1

Commission and brokerage ratio

23.7%

 

21.6%

 

2.1

 

22.8%

 

20.8%

 

2.0

20.1%

 

22.0%

 

(1.9)

Other underwriting expense ratio

6.5%

 

4.7%

 

1.8

 

6.5%

 

4.5%

 

2.0

7.4%

 

6.5%

 

0.9

Combined ratio

106.4%

 

82.1%

 

24.3

 

98.1%

 

81.8%

 

16.3

93.5%

 

90.4%

 

3.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At

 

At

 

Percentage

 

 

 

 

 

At

 

At

 

Percentage

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

Increase/

(Dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

Increase/

2009

 

2008

 

(Decrease)

Balance sheet data:

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments and cash

 

 

 

 

$         8,658.1

 

$        8,992.8

 

-3.7%

$           7,256.9

 

$           7,395.1

 

-1.9%

Total assets

 

 

 

 

13,408.8

 

13,543.5

 

-1.0%

12,714.5

 

12,866.6

 

-1.2%

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

 

7,491.1

 

7,538.7

 

-0.6%

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

7,342.6

 

7,420.0

 

-1.0%

Total debt

 

 

1,179.0

 

1,178.9

 

0.0%

1,017.8

 

1,179.1

 

-13.7%

Total liabilities

 

 

10,898.1

 

10,976.0

 

-0.7%

10,426.1

 

10,663.7

 

-2.2%

Stockholder's equity

 

 

2,510.7

 

2,567.5

 

-2.2%

2,288.4

 

2,203.0

 

3.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM, not meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Revenues.

Premiums. Gross written premiums decreasedincreased by $17.8$93.3 million, or 2.5%13.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, reflecting a declinean increase of $47.1$99.0 million in theour reinsurance business, partially offset by a $29.3 million increase in the U.S. insurance business. Gross written premiums decreased by $132.1 million, or 8.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007, reflecting a decline of $154.5$5.7 million in the reinsurance business, partially offset by a $22.4 million increase in the U.S.our insurance business. The decreaseincrease in our reinsurance isbusiness was primarily attributable to continued competitive conditionsincreased rates on property business, in both the propertyinternational and casualty sectors ofU.S. markets, the market, especially in the U.S., combinednew crop hail quota share treaty business, expanded participation on renewal contracts and new writings as ceding companies continue to favor reinsurers such as Everest, with our intention to write only that business which we expect to produce acceptable returns.

 

21


strong financial ratings. The decrease in insurance premiums were primarily the result of primary casualty rates that were generally down. Net written premiums decreasedincreased by $70.1$17.7 million, or 14.1%4.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by $217.6 million, or 20.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to the decreaseMarch 31, 2008. The 13.6% increase in gross written premiums and anin conjunction with a 27.5% increase in cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement, generated the increase of net written premiums ceded to third parties and affiliates. Correspondingly, net premiumspremiums. Premiums earned decreased by $94.0$61.6 million, or 16.6%12.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by $163.8 million, or 14.4%, forMarch 31, 2008. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared toresult of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the six months ended June 30, 2007.coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded on the initiation of coverage.

 

Net Investment Income. Net investment income was relatively unchangeddecreased by 54.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007.March 31, 2008, primarily due to net investment income from our limited partnership investments. The annualizedlimited partnership investment losses this quarter were primarily from limited partnerships that invested in non-public securities, both equity and debt, which report to us on a quarter lag. As such, these specific partnership results reflected the results incurred for the fourth quarter of last year. Net pre-tax investment portfolio yieldincome as a percentage of average invested assets was 2.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was 4.9%March 31, 2009 compared to 5.1%4.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.March 31, 2008.

Net investment income decreased by 3.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to decreased income from our limited partnership investments, particularly from those partnerships which invested in public equity securities, and lower short-term interest rates. The annualized pre-tax investment portfolio yield for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was 4.6% compared to 4.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

 

Net Realized Capital (Losses) Gains.Losses. Net realized capital losses were $50.8$68.2 million and $101.9 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, compared to netrespectively.

Net realized capital gains of $89.6 millionlosses for the three months ended June 30, 2007. March 31, 2009 continue to reflect the influence of the global financial market credit crisis. As such, our equity security portfolio decreased $16.9 million and our other invested assets decreased $22.2 million as a result of fair value adjustments. In addition, we recognized $28.5 million of net realized capital losses from the sale of fixed maturity and equity securities we owned as we reduced exposure to certain credit risks and our fixed maturity securities decreased $0.6 million due to other-than-temporary impairments. We report changes in fair values as realized capital gains or losses in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - including an amendment to FASB Statement No. 115” (“FAS 159”), and we report realized capital losses on our fixed maturity securities from other-than-temporary impairments as realized capital losses in accordance with FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments and Its Application to Certain Investments” (“FAS 115-1”).

Net realized capital losses were $152.7 million for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2008 compared toincluded $55.1 million from fair value adjustments on our equity securities and $34.1 million of other invested assets as a result of the decrease in worldwide equity markets. In addition, we recognized $11.9 million of net realized capital gainslosses, principally from sales of $123.5equity securities.

Realized Gain on Debt Repurchase.On March 19, 2009, we announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.60% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes due 2067. Upon expiration of the tender offer, we had reduced our outstanding debt by $161.4 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The $140.4 million and $276.2 million variances for the three and six months, respectively, were primarily the resultwhich resulted in a pre-tax gain on debt repurchase of declines in the market values of our worldwide equity portfolio. We report changes in the fair values of our public equity portfolios as realized gains or losses per FAS 159, irrespective or whether or not the securities have been sold.$78.3 million.

 

Other Expense. We recorded $2.7expense of $0.1 million and $13.3$21.3 million of other expense for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, and 2007, respectively, and $24.0 million and $14.4 million of other expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The changes, period over period,which were primarily due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates andthe deferrals on retroactive reinsurance agreements with affiliates.affiliates and change in foreign currency exchange rates over the corresponding periods.

 


22


Claims and Expenses.

Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. The following table presents our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for all segments for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Three Months Ended March 31,

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

Pt Change

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional (a)

$       291.2

$      55.1

$      346.3

 

$    302.5

$   (38.0)

$     264.5

 

$    (11.3)

$     93.1

$       81.8

$       257.4

 

58.7%

 

 

$          20.2

 

4.6%

 

 

$       277.6

 

63.3%

 

Catastrophes

12.0

0.8

12.8

 

33.2

1.1

34.4

 

(21.2)

(0.3)

(21.6)

9.1

 

2.1%

 

 

2.5

 

0.6%

 

 

11.6

 

2.7%

 

A&E

-

-

-

 

-

16.5

16.5

 

-

(16.5)

(16.5)

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

Total segment

$       303.2

$      55.9

$      359.1

 

$    335.7

$   (20.3)

$     315.3

 

$    (32.5)

$     76.2

$       43.8

$       266.5

 

60.8%

 

 

$          22.7

 

5.2%

 

 

$       289.2

 

66.0%

 

Loss ratio

64.3%

11.9%

76.2%

 

59.4%

-3.6%

55.8%

 

4.9

15.5

20.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional (a)

$       583.1

$      60.6

$      643.6

 

$    607.5

$   (21.4)

$     586.0

 

$    (24.4)

$     82.0

$       57.6

$       291.9

 

58.4%

 

 

$            5.5

 

1.1%

 

 

$       297.3

 

59.5%

 

Catastrophes

16.8

8.4

25.2

 

37.5

1.4

38.8

 

(20.7)

7.0

(13.6)

4.8

 

1.0%

 

 

7.6

 

1.5%

 

 

12.4

 

2.5%

 

A&E

-

-

-

 

-

16.5

16.5

 

-

(16.5)

(16.5)

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

Total segment

$       599.9

$      69.0

$      668.8

 

$    644.9

$     (3.6)

$     641.3

 

$    (45.0)

$     72.6

$       27.6

$       296.7

 

59.3%

 

 

$          13.1

 

2.6%

 

 

$       309.7

 

61.9%

 

Loss ratio

61.8%

7.1%

68.8%

 

56.8%

-0.3%

56.5%

 

5.0

7.4

12.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2009/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional (a)

$      (34.4)

 

0.4

pts

 

$          14.7

 

3.5

pts

 

$       (19.7)

 

3.9

pts

Catastrophes

4.3

 

1.1

pts

 

(5.0)

 

(0.9)

pts

 

(0.8)

 

0.2

pts

A&E

-

 

-

pts

 

-

 

-

pts

 

-

 

-

pts

Total segment

$      (30.1)

 

1.5

pts

 

$            9.6

 

2.6

pts

 

$       (20.5)

 

4.1

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.

(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and LAE increasedwere lower by $43.8$20.5 million, or 13.9%6.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2007. Increased prior years’ adverse reserve development driven2008. Attritional losses were lower by a $70.0$19.7 million reserve strengthening for an auto loan credit program which is in run-off, accounted for most of the increase. This factor was partially offset by lower premium volume, reduced catastrophe losses and the absence in 2008 of any A&E prior years’ reserves strengthening.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by $27.5 million, or 4.3%, for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2007. Prior years’ reserve strengthening for an auto loan credit program in run-off of $85.3 million accounted for most2008, which were largely the result of the increase, which was12.3% decline in premiums earned, partially offset by lower premium volume and the absence in 2008 of anylarger prior years’ attritional loss reserve strengthening for A&E.development.

 

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees decreased by $10.4$21.7 million, or 8.5%19.7%, for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by $14.4 million, or 6.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007.same period in 2008. The decrease in net earned premiums was the principal driverchange in this directly variable expense with some offset due towas influenced by the change in the mix and blend of business, decreased premiums earned and increased commission rates as a result of competitive market conditions, certain contract terms and higher commissions on new insurance programs.cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.

 

Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $3.6March 31, 2009 were $32.6 million or 13.4%, compared to $32.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and other


underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $11.2 million, or 21.5%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007. These increases were principally due to higher compensation and benefits expense and increased staff count, primarily in the U.S. Insurance segment.March 31, 2008. Included in other underwriting expenses were corporate expenses, which are expenses that are not allocated to segments, of $1.4$1.3 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, and 2007, respectively, and $3.1 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense. Interest and other expense was $19.7$19.6 million and $24.2$19.7 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, and 2007, respectively, and $39.5 million and $41.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These decreases were primarily due to the acceleration of issue cost amortization for the retired junior subordinated debt securities in 2007, with no such expense in 2008.

 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Expense.. Our income tax was a benefitan expense of $9.9 million and $21.4$12.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, compared toMarch 31, 2009, principally as a result of the realized gain on the repurchase of debt and income from operations, partially offset by net realized capital losses and tax-preferenced investment income. We had an income tax expensebenefit of $74.8 million and $131.8$11.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. The tax benefit inMarch 31, 2008, compared to tax expense in 2007 was principallyprimarily due to lower pre-tax net income resulting from operations being more than offset by net realized capital losses in 2008 compared to net realized capital gains in 2007 and a higher loss ratio in 2008.tax-preferenced investment income. Our income tax benefit /expense is primarily a function of the statutory tax rate coupled withreduced by the impact fromof tax-preferenced investment income.

23


 

Net Income.

NetOur net income was significantly lower at $13.7$45.7 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, compared to $185.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007and $18.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $344.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007.respectively. The decreases wereincrease was primarily the result of lower earnings from our insurancethe gain on debt repurchase and reinsurance underwriting operations period over period and after-taxlower net realized capital losses, partially offset by lower underwriting gain and investment income coupled with higher tax expense in the 2008 periodsfirst quarter of 2009 compared to after-tax net realized capital gainsthe same period in 2007.2008.

 

Ratios.

Our combined ratio increased by 24.33.1 points to 106.4%93.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to 82.1%90.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by 16.3 points to 98.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 81.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.March 31, 2008. The loss ratio component increase 20.4increased 4.1 points for the three month comparison and 12.3 points formonths ended March 31, 2009 compared to the six month comparison,three months ended March 31, 2008, principally due to the increase inhigher prior years’ adverseattritional loss development, partially offset by a decrease in current year catastrophe losses. The commission and brokerage ratio component increased 2.1 points for the three month comparison and 2.0 points for the six month comparison due to competitive market conditions. The other underwriting expense ratio component increased by 1.8 points for the three month comparison and 2.0 points for the six month comparison primarily due to increased compensation costs associated with increased staff and the allocation of certain corporate charges to segments starting in the fourth quarter of 2007, which had been previously retained in corporate expense.reserve development.

 

Stockholder's Equity.

Stockholder's equity decreasedincreased by $56.8$85.4 million to $2,510.7$2,288.4 million at June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $2,567.5$2,203.0 million at December 31, 2007, principally2008, due to $78.0$57.2 million of unrealized depreciation,appreciation on investments, net of tax, on investments,at market value, net income of $45.7 million and $1.3 million of share-based compensation transactions, partially offset by net incomea loss on foreign currency translation adjustments of $18.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.$18.7 million.

 


Consolidated Investment Results

 

Net Investment Income.

Net investment income was relatively unchanged at $107.0decreased 54.9% to $39.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $106.9March 31, 2009 from $88.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Net investment income decreased 3.9% to $195.0 million for the six months ended June 30,March 31, 2008, from $202.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to decreased income fromlosses incurred on our limited partnership investments, particularlyinvestments. The limited partnership investment losses this quarter were primarily from thoselimited partnerships whichthat invested in publicnon-public securities, both equity securities, and lower short-term interest rates.debt, which report to us on a quarter lag. As such, these specific partnership results reflected the results incurred for the fourth quarter of last year.

 

The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

June 30,

March 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

Fixed maturities

$             77.9

 

$              75.8

 

$           152.0

 

$           151.0

$             70.3

 

$             74.1

Equity securities

1.7

 

1.8

 

3.4

 

4.6

0.7

 

1.7

Short-term investments and cash

6.6

 

13.3

 

19.5

 

22.9

2.2

 

12.9

Other invested assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limited partnerships

21.3

 

16.5

 

19.7

 

24.8

(34.1)

 

(1.6)

Other

1.9

 

1.2

 

4.6

 

2.9

2.8

 

2.7

Total gross investment income

109.4

 

108.6

 

199.2

 

206.2

41.9

 

89.8

Interest credited and other expense

(2.4)

 

(1.7)

 

(4.2)

 

(3.4)

(2.3)

 

(1.8)

Total net investment income

$           107.0

 

$           106.9

 

$           195.0

 

$           202.8

$              39.7

 

$             88.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)

 

24


 

The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:

 

At

 

At

At

 

At

June 30,

 

December 31,

March 31,

 

December 31,

2008

 

2007

2009

 

2008

Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets

4.5%

 

4.6%

4.0%

 

4.3%

Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets

3.6%

 

3.6%

3.3%

 

3.5%

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

March 31,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

2009

2008

Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets

Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets

4.9%

 

5.1%

 

4.6%

 

4.8%

2.1%

4.1%

Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets

Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets

3.8%

 

3.9%

 

3.6%

 

3.8%

2.1%

3.2%

 


Net Realized Capital (Losses) Gains.Losses.

The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital (losses) gainslosses for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

March 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

 

% Change

2009

 

2008

 

Variance

(Losses) gains from sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, market value

 

Gains

$     0.2

 

$     0.4

 

$        (0.2)

 

-50.0%

 

$       1.1

 

$     1.0

 

$          0.1

 

10.0%

$              1.5

 

$              0.9

 

$              0.6

Losses

(4.1)

 

-

 

(4.1)

 

NM

 

(6.1)

 

-

 

(6.1)

 

NM

(29.6)

 

(1.2)

 

(28.4)

Total

(3.9)

 

0.4

 

(4.3)

 

NM

 

(5.0)

 

1.0

 

(6.0)

 

NM

(28.1)

 

(0.3)

 

(27.8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

Equity securities, fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

-

 

0.5

 

(0.5)

 

-100.0%

 

2.1

 

2.6

 

(0.5)

 

-19.2%

0.2

 

2.1

 

(1.9)

Losses

-

 

(7.4)

 

7.4

 

-100.0%

 

(13.7)

 

(9.1)

 

(4.6)

 

50.5%

(0.7)

 

(13.7)

 

13.0

Total

-

 

(6.9)

 

6.9

 

-100.0%

 

(11.6)

 

(6.5)

 

(5.1)

 

78.5%

(0.4)

 

(11.6)

 

11.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net realized (losses) gains from sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net realized losses from sales

 

Gains

0.2

 

0.9

 

(0.7)

 

-77.8%

 

3.2

 

3.6

 

(0.4)

 

-11.1%

1.7

 

3.0

 

(1.3)

Losses

(4.1)

 

(7.4)

 

3.3

 

-44.6%

 

(19.8)

 

(9.1)

 

(10.7)

 

117.6%

(30.3)

 

(14.9)

 

(15.4)

Total

(3.9)

 

(6.6)

 

2.7

 

-40.9%

 

(16.6)

 

(5.5)

 

(11.1)

 

201.8%

(28.5)

 

(11.9)

 

(16.6)

 

Other than temporary impairments:

(0.6)

 

(0.8)

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

                   

 

(Losses) gains from fair value adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, fair value

(9.0)

 

70.0

 

(79.0)

 

-112.9%

 

(64.1)

 

101.0

 

(165.1)

 

-163.5%

(16.9)

 

(55.1)

 

38.2

Other invested assets, fair value

(37.9)

 

26.2

 

(64.1)

 

-244.7%

 

(72.0)

 

28.0

 

(100.0)

 

-357.1%

(22.2)

 

(34.1)

 

11.9

Total

(46.9)

 

96.2

 

(143.1)

 

-148.8%

 

(136.1)

 

129.0

 

(265.1)

 

-205.5%

(39.1)

 

(89.2)

 

50.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net realized (losses) gains

$ (50.8)

 

$   89.6

 

$    (140.4)

 

-156.7%

 

$ (152.7)

 

$ 123.5

 

$    (276.2)

 

-223.6%

Total net realized losses

$          (68.2)

 

$       (101.9)

 

$            33.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM, not meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, weWe recorded $46.9$39.1 million and $136.1$89.2 million ofin net realized capital losses respectively,due to fair value re-measurements on our equity securities and other invested assets at fair value due to fair value re-measurements. Forfor the three and six months ended June 30, 2007,March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, we recorded $96.2other-than-temporary impairments of $0.6 million and $129.0$0.8 million offor the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These net realized capital gains, respectively,losses were influenced by the continuing financial liquidity crisis and related global economic downturn. This continues to impact both the equity and credit markets. Equities are trading at multiyear lows, spreads on our equity securities and other invested assets at fair value due to fair value re-measurements.fixed maturity

 


25


securities have been at unprecedented levels and many securities have been downgraded by rating agencies.

Segment Results.

Through our subsidiaries, we operate 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 U.S. The U.S. Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance primarily through general agents and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. The Specialty Underwriting operation writes accident and health (“A&H”), marine, aviation and surety business within the U.S. and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies. The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and offices in Miami and New Jersey.

 

These segments are managed in a coordinated fashion with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.

 

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by earned premiums.premiums earned.

 

Our loss and LAE reserves representare our best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including all prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, recently reported loss claim experience and trends related to prior periods. Such re-evaluations are recorded in incurred losses in the period in which the re-evaluation is made.

 


The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated:

 

U.S. Reinsurance.

The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

% Change

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

% Change

2009

 

2008

 

Variance

% Change

Gross written premiums

$     200.3

 

$   271.7

 

$      (71.4)

-26.3%

 

$   434.1

 

$   626.0

 

$    (191.9)

-30.7%

$        264.3

 

$        233.7

 

$           30.6

13.1%

Net written premiums

131.1

 

203.0

 

(71.9)

-35.4%

 

278.5

 

464.0

 

(185.5)

-40.0%

139.4

 

147.4

 

(8.0)

-5.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$     161.9

 

$   239.0

 

$      (77.1)

-32.3%

 

$   360.0

 

$   502.2

 

$    (142.2)

-28.3%

$        146. 3

 

$        198.1

 

$        (51.8)

-26.1%

Incurred losses and LAE

84.2

 

80.4

 

3.8

4.7%

 

205.3

 

167.3

 

38.0

22.7%

90.1

 

121.0

 

(30.9)

-25.5%

Commission and brokerage

45.5

 

61.1

 

(15.6)

-25.5%

 

98.3

 

115.8

 

(17.5)

-15.1%

31.9

 

52.7

 

(20.8)

-39.5%

Other underwriting expenses

6.9

 

7.3

 

(0.4)

-5.5%

 

15.6

 

13.8

 

1.8

13.0%

7.6

 

8.8

 

(1.2)

-13.8%

Underwriting gain

$       25.2

 

$     90.1

 

$      (64.9)

-72.0%

 

$     40.8

 

$   205.2

 

$    (164.4)

-80.1%

$           16.7

 

$          15.6

 

$             1.2

7.4%

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

Point Chg

Loss ratio

52.0%

 

33.7%

 

 

18.3

 

57.0%

 

33.3%

 

 

23.7

61.6%

 

61.1%

 

0.5

Commission and brokerage ratio

28.1%

 

25.6%

 

 

2.5

 

27.3%

 

23.1%

 

 

4.2

21.8%

 

26.6%

 

(4.8)

Other underwriting expense ratio

4.3%

 

3.0%

 

 

1.3

 

4.4%

 

2.7%

 

 

1.7

5.2%

 

4.4%

 

0.8

Combined ratio

84.4%

 

62.3%

 

 

22.1

 

88.7%

 

59.1%

 

 

29.6

88.6%

 

92.1%

 

(3.5)

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)

 

26


 

Premiums. Gross written premiums decreasedincreased by 26.3%13.1% to $200.3$264.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $271.7$233.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, primarily due to a $46.4an $18.0 million (28.5%(26.1%) decreaseincrease in treaty propertycasualty volume and $17.3 million from several new crop hail quota share treaties, partially offset by a $13.7$6.1 million (35.8%(22.4%) decrease in facultative volume and an $11.0 million (15.7%) decrease involume. Our treaty casualty volume. Property premiums were lower due to increased common accounthigher as we are writing more quota share business, which we believe is driven by the capital concerns of our ceding company costumers looking for broader reinsurance protections on some Floridasupport. The crop hail business is a new line for us and non-renewalwe anticipate similar volume in each of several agreements. The treaty casualty market remains highly competitive with lower rates, demands for higher ceding commissions, relaxed terms and higher retention levels by ceding companies resulting in their retaining a greater proportionthe remaining quarters of gross premiums.2009. Net written premiums decreased by 35.4%5.4% to $131.1$139.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $203.0$147.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, primarily due to increased cessions under the decrease in gross written premium and increasedaffiliated quota share cessions with affiliates. Net premiumsagreement. Premiums earned decreased by 32.3%26.1% to $161.9$146.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $239.0$198.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, in line with theMarch 31, 2008. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums.premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded on the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Gross written premiums decreased by 30.7% to $434.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $626.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to a $111.9 million (30.6%) decrease in treaty property volume, a $43.9 million (25.5%) decrease in treaty casualty volume and a $35.9 million (41.0%) decrease in facultative volume. Net written premiums decreased by 40.0% to $278.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $464.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Net premiums earned decreased by 28.3% to $360.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $502.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Variances for the six months were driven by the same factors as for the three month periods as discussed above.


Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presentstables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Three Months Ended March 31,

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

Pt Change

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$        76.3

$      0.1

$       76.4

 

$      99.4

$ (29.0)

$       70.5

 

$   (23.1)

$    29.1

$         5.9

$         73.5

 

50.2%

 

 

$         16.5

 

11.2%

 

 

$         90.0

 

61.5%

 

Catastrophes

6.0

1.9

7.9

 

-

(6.5)

(6.5)

 

6.0

8.4

14.4

-

 

0.0%

 

 

0.2

 

0.1%

 

 

0.2

 

0.1%

 

A&E

-

-

-

 

-

16.5

16.5

 

-

(16.5)

(16.5)

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

Total segment

$        82.3

$      2.0

$       84.2

 

$      99.4

$ (19.0)

$       80.4

 

$   (17.1)

$    21.0

$         3.8

$         73.5

 

50.2%

 

 

$         16.6

 

11.4%

 

 

$         90.1

 

61.6%

 

Loss ratio

50.8%

1.2%

52.0%

 

41.6%

-8.0%

33.7%

 

9.2

9.2

18.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$     188.8

$      4.5

$      193.3

 

$    213.5

$ (48.5)

$     164.9

 

$   (24.7)

$    53.0

$       28.4

$       112.5

 

56.8%

 

 

$           4.4

 

2.2%

 

 

$       116.9

 

59.0%

 

Catastrophes

6.0

6.0

12.0

 

-

(14.1)

(14.1)

 

6.0

20.1

26.1

-

 

0.0%

 

 

4.1

 

2.1%

 

 

4.1

 

2.1%

 

A&E

-

-

-

 

-

16.5

16.5

 

-

(16.5)

(16.5)

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

Total segment

$      194.8

$   10.5

$      205.3

 

$    213.5

$ (46.2)

$     167.3

 

$   (18.7)

$    56.7

$       38.0

$       112.5

 

56.8%

 

 

$           8.6

 

4.3%

 

 

$       121.0

 

61.1%

 

Loss ratio

54.1%

2.9%

57.0%

 

42.5%

-9.2%

33.3%

 

11.6

12.1

23.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2009/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$      (39.0)

 

(6.5)

pts

 

$         12.0

 

9.0

pts

 

$      (26.9)

 

2.5

pts

Catastrophes

-

 

-

pts

 

(4.0)

 

(2.0)

pts

 

(4.0)

 

(2.0)

pts

A&E

-

 

-

pts

 

-

 

-

pts

 

-

 

-

pts

Total segment

$      (39.0)

 

(6.6)

pts

 

$           8.1

 

7.1

pts

 

$      (30.9)

 

0.5

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and LAE increasedwere lower by 4.7% to $84.2$30.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $80.4 million forMarch 31, 2009 compared the three months ended June 30, 2007. Incurred losses were 18.3 points higher for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2008, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007. Development on prior years’ attritional reserves was slightly adverse in the second quarter of 2008 compared to $29.0 million favorable in the second quarter of 2007, which contributed 12.2 points to the increase. In addition, catastrophe losses, period over period, for both the current year and prior years’ losses increased 7.6 points, as we incurred losses on May 2008 U.S. tornadoes and strengthened reserves for 2005 hurricanes. Current year attritional losses were 5.5 points higher in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. Partially offsetting the above was 6.9 pointsprimarily due to no reserve adjustments for A&E losses for the 2008 quarter as compared to the same perioda decrease in 2007, which experienced adverse development.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 22.7% to $205.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $167.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Incurred losses were 23.7 points higher for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007. Of the 23.7 points, 10.9 points were due to unfavorable reserve development on prior years’ attritional losses compared with favorable development in 2007, 9.9 points due to increased current year attritional losses and 6.1 points dueof $39.0 million attributable to current andthe decrease in premiums earned. Partially offsetting the decrease was an increase in prior years’ catastropheyears attritional losses partially offset by a 3.3 point decrease due to no reserve adjustments in 2008 for A&E losses, which experienced adverse development in 2007.of $12.0 million (9.0 points).

 

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 25.5%39.5% to $45.5$31.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $61.1$52.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by 15.1% to $98.3 million for the six months ended June 30,March 31, 2008, from $115.8 million for the six months


ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to the decrease in netpremiums earned premium volumein conjunction with the change in the mix and type of business written and the changes inincreased cessions under the business mix, partially offset by higher commission rates due to a more competitive market.

affiliated quota share agreement. Segment other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 decreased slightly to $6.9$7.6 million from $7.3$8.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. For the six months ended June 30,March 31, 2008, segment other underwriting expenses increased to $15.6 million from $13.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to the allocationdecrease in allocations of certain corporate charges to segments starting in the fourth quarter of 2007, which had been previously retained in corporate expenses.share-based compensation from corporate.

27


 

U.S. Insurance.

The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Insurance segment for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

% Change

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

% Change

2009

 

2008

 

Variance

% Change

Gross written premiums

$     191.0

 

$   161.6

 

$       29.4

18.2%

 

$     401.4

 

$     379.0

 

$        22.4

5.9%

$        204.7

 

$        210.5

 

$           (5.7)

-2.7%

Net written premiums

104.2

 

94.5

 

9.7

10.3%

 

214.4

 

234.1

 

(19.7)

-8.4%

121.2

 

110.2

 

11.0

10.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$     121.1

 

$   121.6

 

$        (0.5)

-0.4%

 

$     264.2

 

$     262.1

 

$          2.1

0.8%

$        112.0

 

$        143.1

 

$         (31.1)

-21.8%

Incurred losses and LAE

161.7

 

84.1

 

77.6

92.3%

 

257.6

 

225.1

 

32.5

14.4%

81.1

 

95.9

 

(14.8)

-15.4%

Commission and brokerage

22.9

 

17.1

 

5.8

33.9%

 

43.6

 

38.3

 

5.3

13.8%

12.0

 

20.7

 

(8.7)

-42.1%

Other underwriting expenses

15.9

 

12.0

 

3.9

32.5%

 

30.2

 

24.4

 

5.8

23.8%

17.3

 

14.3

 

2.9

20.5%

Underwriting (loss) gain

$     (79.4)

 

$       8.3

 

$      (87.7)

NM

 

$    (67.3)

 

$     (25.7)

 

$     (41.6)

161.9%

Underwriting gain

$            1.5

 

$          12.1

 

$         (10.6)

-87.4%

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

Point Chg

Loss ratio

133.5%

 

69.2%

 

 

64.3

 

97.5%

 

85.9%

 

 

11.6

72.5%

 

67.0%

 

5.5

Commission and brokerage ratio

18.9%

 

14.1%

 

 

4.8

 

16.5%

 

14.6%

 

 

1.9

10.7%

 

14.5%

 

(3.8)

Other underwriting expense ratio

13.1%

 

9.8%

 

 

3.3

 

11.5%

 

9.3%

 

 

2.2

15.4%

 

10.0%

 

5.4

Combined ratio

165.5%

 

93.1%

 

 

72.4

 

125.5%

 

109.8%

 

 

15.7

98.6%

 

91.5%

 

7.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM, not meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

                    

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)

 

 

Premiums. Gross written premiums increaseddecreased by 18.2%2.7% to $191.0$204.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $161.6$210.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Our newer programs, most notablyMarch 31, 2008. Rates on primary casualty were down between zero and five percent and the Brownstone program, plus growth in the CV Starr program, more than offset declines in our more mature programs, principally therate increase anticipated at year end for California workers’ compensation and contractors business.have not materialized. Net written premiums increased by 10.3%10.0% to $104.2$121.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $94.5$110.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007.March 31, 2008. The increase in net written premium increasepremiums was less than the increase in gross written premiums primarily due to increasedthe change in third party reinsurance cessions on select larger new programs and increased quota share cessions to affiliates. Net premiumswhich vary program by program. Premiums earned decreased slightly21.8% to $121.1$112.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $121.6$143.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007.March 31, 2008. The change in net premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are reflectedrecorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 5.9% to $401.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $379.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Net written premiums decreased by 8.4% to $214.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $234.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Net premiums earned increased slightly to $264.2 million for the six months ended


June 30, 2008 from $262.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Variances for the six months were driven by the same factors as for the three month periods as discussed above.

 

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presentstables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Insurance segment for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Three Months Ended March 31,

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

Pt Change

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$         91.6

$      70.3

$      161.9

 

$      93.2

$    (8.9)

$        84.3

 

$       (1.6)

$      79.2

$        77.6

$         80.0

 

71.5%

 

 

$           1.1

 

1.0%

 

 

$         81.1

 

72.5%

 

Catastrophes

-

(0.2)

(0.2)

 

-

(0.2)

(0.2)

 

-

-

-

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

Total segment

$         91.6

$      70.1

$      161.7

 

$      93.2

$    (9.1)

$        84.1

 

$       (1.6)

$      79.2

$        77.6

$         80.0

 

71.5%

 

 

$           1.1

 

1.0%

 

 

$         81.1

 

72.5%

 

Loss ratio

75.7%

57.8%

133.5%

 

76.7%

-7.5%

69.2%

 

(1.0)

65.3

64.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$      181.1

$      76.7

$      257.8

 

$    190.6

$     34.8

$      225.4

 

$       (9.5)

$      41.9

$        32.4

$         89.4

 

62.5%

 

 

$           6.5

 

4.5%

 

 

$         95.9

 

67.0%

 

Catastrophes

-

(0.2)

(0.2)

 

-

(0.3)

(0.3)

 

-

0.1

0.1

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

 

-

 

0.0%

 

Total segment

$      181.1

$      76.5

$      257.6

 

$    190.6

$     34.5

$      225.1

 

$       (9.5)

$      42.0

$        32.5

$         89.4

 

62.5%

 

 

$           6.5

 

4.5%

 

 

$         95.9

 

67.0%

 

Loss ratio

68.5%

29.0%

97.5%

 

72.7%

13.2%

85.9%

 

(4.2)

15.8

11.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2009/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$        (9.4)

 

9.0

pts

 

$        (5.3)

 

(3.5)

pts

 

$       (14.8)

 

5.5

pts

Catastrophes

-

 

-

pts

 

-

 

-

pts

 

-

 

-

pts

Total segment

$        (9.4)

 

9.0

pts

 

$        (5.3)

 

(3.5)

pts

 

$       (14.8)

 

5.5

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28


 

Incurred losses and LAE increaseddecreased by 92.3%15.4% to $161.7$81.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $84.1$95.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, asMarch 31, 2008, primarily driven by the segment loss ratio increased by 64.3 points to 133.5%. The increase of 64.3 points included 57.8 points, $70.0 million, of unfavorable development on prior years’ losses on an auto loan credit insurance program, which is21.8% decrease in run-off. The recent deterioration in general economic conditions and its apparent adverse impact on loan performance nationally, particularly sub-prime loan performance, has resulted in unfavorable increases in loan default rates and claim amounts. We have recently commuted our remaining liability on this program with the largest policyholder, representing approximately one third of the remaining loss exposure. Therefore, given the magnitude of our current reserves, the maturity of the remaining insured portfoliopremiums earned and the reduced principal exposure, we believe future adverselower prior years loss development related to this program should not be material.in 2009.

 

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 14.4% to $257.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $225.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, as the segment loss ratio increased by 11.6 points to 97.5%. The increase is principally due to the increased adverse reserve development in 2008 compared to 2007. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, we strengthened reserves for an auto loan credit insurance program by $25.6 million more than for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

Segment Expenses.Commission and brokerage expenses increaseddecreased by 33.9% to $22.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $17.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by 13.8% to $43.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $38.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, principally due to higher commission rates on new programs. Segment other underwriting


expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased to $15.9 million as compared42.1% to $12.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 andMarch 31, 2009 from $20.7 million for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2008, principally due to the decrease in premiums earned in conjunction with the change in the mix of business written. Segment other underwriting expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2009 increased to $30.2$17.3 million as compared to $24.2$14.3 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2007. These increases wereMarch 31, 2008, primarily due to increased compensation costs associated with increased staff and the allocation of certain corporate charges to segments starting in the fourth quarter of 2007, which had been previously retained in corporate expenses.staff.

 

Specialty Underwriting.

The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Specialty Underwriting segment for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

% Change

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

% Change

2009

 

2008

 

Variance

% Change

Gross written premiums

$       84.2

 

$     76.4

 

$          7.8

10.2%

 

$   139.1

 

$   131.1

 

$          8.0

6.1%

$          58.9

 

$          54.9

 

$              4.0

7.3%

Net written premiums

57.3

 

55.6

 

1.7

3.1%

 

94.2

 

92.1

 

2.1

2.3%

32.6

 

36.9

 

(4.3)

-11.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$       55.5

 

$     56.3

 

$        (0.8)

-1.4%

 

$     91.0

 

$     95.0

 

$        (4.0)

-4.2%

$          36.8

 

$          35.6

 

$              1.3

3.6%

Incurred losses and LAE

25.9

 

36.9

 

(11.0)

-29.8%

 

44.1

 

66.8

 

(22.7)

-34.0%

25.4

 

18.2

 

7.2

39.4%

Commission and brokerage

11.8

 

9.4

 

2.4

25.5%

 

21.8

 

18.7

 

3.1

16.6%

10.1

 

10.0

 

0.1

0.9%

Other underwriting expenses

1.8

 

1.8

 

-

0.0%

 

4.2

 

3.4

 

0.8

23.5%

1.8

 

2.4

 

(0.6)

-23.5%

Underwriting gain

$       15.9

 

$       8.3

 

$          7.6

91.6%

 

$     20.9

 

$       6.1

 

$        14.8

242.6%

Underwriting (loss) gain

$          (0.5)

 

$             4.9

 

$            (5.4)

-109.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

Point Chg

Loss ratio

46.7%

 

65.6%

 

 

(18.9)

 

48.5%

 

70.3%

 

 

(21.8)

68.9%

 

51.2%

 

17.7

Commission and brokerage ratio

21.2%

 

16.6%

 

 

4.6

 

23.9%

 

19.7%

 

 

4.2

27.3%

 

28.1%

 

(0.8)

Other underwriting expense ratio

3.4%

 

3.1%

 

 

0.3

 

4.7%

 

3.5%

 

 

1.2

5.0%

 

6.8%

 

(1.8)

Combined ratio

71.3%

 

85.3%

 

 

(14.0)

 

77.1%

 

93.5%

 

 

(16.4)

101.2%

 

86.1%

 

15.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM, not meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)

 

 

Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 10.2%7.3% to $84.2$58.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $76.4$54.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, primarily due to a $21.0$3.8 million (70.4%) increase in marine premiums, principally due to two new accounts, partially offset by a $10.3 million (86.5%) decrease in aviation premiums and $3.1 million (11.6%) decrease in A&H premiums. Net written premiums increaseddecreased by 3.1%11.7% to $57.3$32.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $55.6$36.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due toMarch 31, 2008, as a result of the increase in gross written premiums, partially offset by an increase inincreased cessions under the affiliated quota share cessionsagreement. Premiums earned increased by 3.6% to affiliates. Net premiums earned decreased by 1.4% to $55.5$36.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $56.3$35.6 million for the same period in 2007.three months ended March 31, 2008. The change in net premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are reflectedrecorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

29

 

Gross written premiums increased by 6.1% to $139.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $131.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to a $25.1 million (58.0%) increase in marine premiums and a $1.9 million (11.0%) increase in surety premiums, partially offset by a decrease of $13.6 million (67.5%) in aviation premiums and a $5.4 million (10.8%) decrease in A&H premiums. Net written premiums increased by 2.3% to $94.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $92.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Net premiums earned decreased by 4.2% to $91.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $95.0 million for the same period in 2007.


The reasons for the variances, period over period, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, were the same as those discussed for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.


Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presentstables present the incurred losses and LAE for the Specialty Underwriting segment for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Three Months Ended March 31,

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

Pt Change

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$         45.1

$   (19.2)

$        25.9

 

$      30.5

$       0.3

$        30.9

 

$       14.6

$   (19.5)

$        (5.0)

$         22.6

 

61.3%

 

 

$           0.9

 

2.4%

 

 

$         23.5

 

63.7%

 

Catastrophes

-

-

 

-

6.1

 

-

(6.1)

-

 

0.0%

 

 

1.9

 

5.2%

 

 

1.9

 

5.2%

 

Total segment

$         45.1

$   (19.2)

$        25.9

 

$      30.5

$       6.4

$        36.9

 

$       14.6

$   (25.6)

$     (11.0)

$         22.6

 

61.3%

 

 

$           2.8

 

7.6%

 

 

$         25.4

 

68.9%

 

Loss ratio

81.4%

-34.7%

46.7%

 

54.2%

11.3%

65.6%

 

27.2

(46.0)

(18.9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$         65.0

$   (22.2)

$        42.7

 

$      53.8

$       0.3

$        54.1

 

$       11.2

$   (22.5)

$     (11.4)

$         19.8

 

55.8%

 

 

$         (3.0)

 

-8.4%

 

 

$         16.8

 

47.4%

 

Catastrophes

-

1.4

 

-

12.7

 

-

(11.3)

-

 

0.0%

 

 

1.4

 

3.9%

 

 

1.4

 

3.9%

 

Total segment

$         65.0

$   (20.8)

$        44.1

 

$      53.8

$     13.0

$        66.8

 

$       11.2

$   (33.8)

$     (22.7)

$         19.8

 

55.8%

 

 

$         (1.6)

 

-4.6%

 

 

$         18.2

 

51.2%

 

Loss ratio

71.4%

-22.9%

48.5%

 

56.6%

13.7%

70.3%

 

14.8

(36.6)

(21.8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2009/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$           2.8

 

5.5

pts

 

$           3.9

 

10.8

pts

 

$           6.6

 

16.4

pts

Catastrophes

-

 

-

pts

 

0.5

 

1.3

pts

 

0.5

 

1.3

pts

Total segment

$           2.8

 

5.5

pts

 

$           4.4

 

12.2

pts

 

$           7.2

 

17.7

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and LAE decreasedincreased by 29.8%39.4% to $25.9$25.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $36.9$18.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007March 31, 2008, primarily due to higher attritional and by 34.0% to $44.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008catastrophe losses in 2009 compared to $66.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Overall, the loss ratio was lower by 18.9 points for the second quarter of 2008 and by 21.8 points for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. These variances were the result of favorable development on prior years’ attritional loss reserves for both the three months and the six months of 35.3 points and 24.8 points, respectively, as favorable development on aviation, surety and A&H was partially offset by unfavorable development on marine reserves, for the six months ended June 30, 2008. In addition, development of both the three and six months prior years’ catastrophe losses decreased to relatively insignificant levels for the 2008 periods, which contributed 10.7 points and 11.8 points, respectively, to the decrease.

 

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 25.5%slightly to $11.8$10.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $9.4$10.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by 16.6% to $21.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $18.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as increased competition has driven commission rates higher.

March 31, 2008. Segment other underwriting expenses remained unchanged atdecreased to $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $4.2March 31, 2009 from $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $3.4 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, primarily due to the allocationdecrease in allocations of certain corporate charges to segments, which had been previously retained in corporate expenses.share-based compensation from corporate.


International.

The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

% Change

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

% Change

2009

 

2008

 

Variance

% Change

Gross written premiums

$    219.0

 

$     202.6

 

$       16.4

8.1%

 

$   405.4

 

$   376.0

 

$       29.4

7.8%

$        250.8

 

$        186.4

 

$           64.4

34.5%

Net written premiums

133.2

 

142.8

 

(9.6)

-6.7%

 

249.5

 

264.0

 

(14.5)

-5.5%

135.4

 

116.3

 

19.1

16.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$    133.0

 

$     148.5

 

$     (15.5)

-10.4%

 

$   256.2

 

$   276.0

 

$     (19.8)

-7.2%

$        143.3

 

$        123.3

 

$           20.0

16.3%

Incurred losses and LAE

87.3

 

113.9

 

(26.6)

-23.4%

 

161.8

 

182.1

 

(20.3)

-11.1%

92.5

 

74.5

 

18.0

24.1%

Commission and brokerage

31.3

 

34.3

 

(3.0)

-8.7%

 

57.8

 

63.1

 

(5.3)

-8.4%

34.2

 

26.4

 

7.8

29.5%

Other underwriting expenses

4.7

 

4.3

 

0.4

9.3%

 

9.8

 

8.1

 

1.7

21.0%

4.6

 

5.1

 

(0.4)

-8.6%

Underwriting gain (loss)

$        9.6

 

$       (3.9)

 

$       13.5

NM

 

$     26.8

 

$     22.7

 

$         4.1

18.1%

Underwriting gain

$          11.9

 

$          17.2

 

$          (5.3)

-30.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

Point Chg

Loss ratio

65.6%

 

76.7%

 

 

(11.1)

 

63.2%

 

66.0%

 

 

(2.8)

64.6%

 

60.5%

 

4.1

Commission and brokerage ratio

23.6%

 

23.1%

 

 

0.5

 

22.5%

 

22.9%

 

 

(0.4)

23.9%

 

21.4%

 

2.5

Other underwriting expense ratio

3.6%

 

2.9%

 

 

0.7

 

3.8%

 

2.9%

 

 

0.9

3.2%

 

4.1%

 

(0.9)

Combined ratio

92.8%

 

102.7%

 

 

(9.9)

 

89.5%

 

91.8%

 

 

(2.3)

91.7%

 

86.0%

 

5.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM, not meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)

 

 

Premiums.Gross written premiums increased by 8.1%34.5% to $219.0$250.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $202.6$186.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by 7.8% to $405.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $376.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Approximately $1 million and $13 millionMarch 31, 2008. As a result of these increases were due to currency movement for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 compared to the periods ended June 30, 2007, respectively. In addition, we wrote new business in Latin America and the Middle East and experienced some growth from existing business in Asia, in local currency terms. However, premiums from our Canadian business were down somewhat asstrong financial strength ratings, we continue to see our Canadian cedants retain more risk and corresponding premium.increased participations on treaties in most regions, new

 

30


business writings and preferential signings, including preferential terms and conditions. In addition, rates, in some markets, also contributed to the increased written premiums. Premiums written through the Brazil, Miami and New Jersey offices increased by $53.7 million (46.3%) and the Asian branch increased by $14.4 million (49.5%), while premiums for the Canadian branch decreased by $3.6 million (8.8%). Net written premiums decreasedincreased by 6.7%16.4% to $133.2$135.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $142.8$116.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by 5.5% to $249.5 million for the six months ended June 30,March 31, 2008, compared to $264.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to the increase in gross written premiums, which were partially offset by increased cessions under the affiliated quota share cessionsagreement. Premiums earned increased by 16.3% to affiliates. Net premiums earned decreased by 10.4% to $133.0$143.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $148.5$123.3 million for the same period in 2007 and by 7.2% to $256.2 million for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2008, compared to $276.0 million forconsistent with the same period in 2007. The changeincrease in net premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are reflected at the initiation of the coverage period.premiums.

 


Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presentstables present the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Three Months Ended March 31,

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

Pt Change

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$         78.2

$        4.0

$        82.2

 

$      79.3

$    (0.4)

$        78.8

 

$      (1.1)

$        4.4

$          3.4

$         81.3

 

56.7%

 

 

$            1.7

 

1.2%

 

 

$         83.0

 

57.9%

 

Catastrophes

6.0

(0.9)

5.1

 

33.2

1.8

35.0

 

(27.2)

(2.7)

(29.9)

9.1

 

6.3%

 

 

0.5

 

0.3%

 

 

9.5

 

6.7%

 

Total segment

$         84.2

$        3.1

$        87.3

 

$    112.5

$       1.4

$      113.9

 

$    (28.3)

$        1.7

$     (26.6)

$         90.4

 

63.1%

 

 

$            2.2

 

1.5%

 

 

$         92.5

 

64.6%

 

Loss ratio

63.3%

2.3%

65.6%

 

75.7%

0.9%

76.7%

 

(12.4)

1.4

(11.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Variance

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

 

Current

Prior

Total

(Dollars in millions)

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

 

Year

Years

Incurred

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$      148.3

$        1.5

$      149.8

 

$    149.6

$    (8.0)

$      141.5

 

 $      (1.3)

$        9.5

$          8.3

$         70.1

 

56.9%

 

 

$         (2.4)

 

-2.0%

 

 

$         67.7

 

54.9%

 

Catastrophes

10.8

1.2

12.0

 

37.5

3.1

40.6

 

(26.7)

(1.9)

(28.6)

4.8

 

3.9%

 

 

2.1

 

1.7%

 

 

6.9

 

5.6%

 

Total segment

$      159.1

$        2.7

$      161.8

 

$    187.0

$    (4.9)

$      182.1

 

 $    (27.9)

$        7.6

$     (20.3)

$         74.9

 

60.8%

 

 

$         (0.4)

 

-0.3%

 

 

$         74.5

 

60.5%

 

Loss ratio

62.1%

1.1%

63.2%

 

67.8%

-1.8%

66.0%

 

(5.7)

2.9

(2.8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2009/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$         11.2

 

(0.1)

pts

 

$            4.1

 

3.1

pts

 

$         15.3

 

3.0

pts

Catastrophes

4.3

 

2.4

pts

 

(1.6)

 

(1.4)

pts

 

2.7

 

1.1

pts

Total segment

$         15.5

 

2.3

pts

 

$            2.5

 

1.8

pts

 

$         18.0

 

4.1

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and LAE decreasedincreased by 23.4%24.1% to $87.3$92.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to $113.9$74.5 million for the same period in 2007 and by 11.1% to $161.8 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $182.1 million for the same period in 2007.March 31, 2008. The segment loss ratio decreasedincreased by 11.1 points and 2.84.1 points for the three and six month periodsmonths ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 compared to the same periodsthree months ended March 31, 2008, primarily due to an increase in 2007, respectively. The principal driver of the favorable variances was lower current year catastrophe losses in 2008 compared to 2007 for both the three and six month periods. The principal current year catastropheincreased development on prior years’ loss in 2008 was the snowstorm in China, while the largest 2007 catastrophe losses included the winds and floods in New South Wales and floods in Jakarta.reserves, period over period.

 

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expense decreased by 8.7%expenses increased 29.5% to $31.3$34.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 from $34.3$26.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and by 8.4%March 31, 2008. The increase was principally due to $57.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $63.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, which weregrowth in linepremiums earned in conjunction with the decrease in premiums earned.

blend of business mix. Segment other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased to $4.7March 31, 2009 were $4.6 million compared to $4.3$5.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and to $9.8 million compared to $8.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to the allocationMarch 31, 2008, as a result of certain corporate charges to segments, which had been previously retaineda decrease in corporate expenses.allocations of share-based compensation from corporate.

 

Market Sensitive Instruments.

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) 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”). We do not generally enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

 


Our current investment strategy 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. Our mix

31


of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted continuously,periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results, market conditions and our tax position. The fixed maturities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities. Additionally, we investhave invested in equity securities, which we believe will enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio.securities.

 

Our overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments 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 period.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Our $8.7$7.3 billion investment portfolio at June 30, 2008 isMarch 31, 2009 was principally comprised of approximately 78% fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and 2% equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk. Approximately 11% of the portfolio was represented by cash and short-term investments. The impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is largelypartially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.

 

Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $673.1$327.0 million of mortgage-backed securities.securities in the $5.7 billion fixed maturity securities 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 our fixed maturity securities portfolio (including $436.7$725.8 million of short-term investments) as of June 30, 2008for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates. 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.

 

Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points

 

Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points

At June 30, 2008

 

At March 31, 2009

(Dollars in millions)

-200

 

-100

 

0

 

100

 

200

 

-200

 

-100

 

0

 

100

 

200

 

Total Market Value

$   7,964.7

 

$  7,612.3

 

$  7,220.2

 

$  6,780.4

 

$   6,353.1

 

Market Value Change from Base (%)

10.3

%

5.4

%

0.0

%

-6.1

%

-12.0

%

Total Market/Fair Value

$  7,084.7

 

$  6,752.8

 

$ 6,409.9

 

$ 6,078.1

 

$ 5,772.8

 

Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)

10.5

%

5.3

%

0.0

%

-5.2

%

-9.9

%

Change in Unrealized Appreciation

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After-tax from Base ($)

$      484.0

 

$     254.9

 

$             -

 

$   (285.9)

 

$   (563.6)

 

$     438.7

 

$     222.9

 

$            -

 

$  (215.6)

 

$  (414.1)

 

 

We had $7,491.1$7,342.6 million and $7,538.7$7,420.0 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively. These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money. Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value. As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the


present value increases. These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of

32


investments. While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid. Our fixed income portfolio has an expected duration that is reasonably consistent with our loss and loss reserve obligations.

 

Equity Risk. Equity risk is the potential change in fair and/or market value of the common stock and preferred stock portfolios arising from changing equity prices. Our equity investments consist of a diversified portfolio of individual securities and exchange traded and mutual funds, which invest principally in high quality common and preferred stocks that are traded on major exchanges. The primary objective of the equity portfolio iswas to obtain greater total return relative to bonds over time through market appreciation and dividend income.

 

The table below displays the impact on the fairfair/market value and the after-tax change in fairfair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the period indicated. All amounts are in U.S. dollars and are presented in millions.

 

 

Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Values

                                                                      

At June 30, 2008

(Dollars in millions)

-20%

-10%

0%

10%

20%

Fair Value of the Equity Portfolio

$          449.2

$          505.3

$        561.5

$         617.6

$        673.8

After-tax Change in Fair Value     

$         (71.7)

$         (35.9)

$                -

$           35.9

$          71.7

 

Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values

 

At March 31, 2009

(Dollars in millions)

-20%

-10%

0%

10%

20%

Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio          

$      87.8

 

$        98.8

 

$   109.8

 

$     120.8

 

$     131.8

After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value

$    (14.3)

 

$       (7.1)

 

$           -

 

$         7.1

 

$       14.3

 

Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of our non-U.S. (“foreign”) operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Generally, we prefer to maintain the capital of our 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 our foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with FAS No. 52 “Foreign Currency Translation”, we translate 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. As of June 30, 2008March 31, 2009 there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2007.2008.

 

Safe Harbor Disclosure.

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking-statementsforward-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 our reserves for losses and LAE, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our catastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic events on our financial statements and the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends. Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations. Important factors that could cause our actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include the


uncertainties that surround the impact on our financial statements and liquidity resulting from changes in the global economy and credit markets, the estimating of reserves for losses and LAE, those discussed in Note 56 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) included in this report and the risks described under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, PART I,

33


ITEM 1A. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Market Risk Instruments.See “Market Sensitive Instruments” in PART I – ITEM 2.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief FinancialPrincipal Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act)Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on their evaluation, and solely because of our failure to file the required Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K when it was filed on March 31, 2008, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief FinancialPrincipal Accounting Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were notare effective as ofto ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. We remedied this failure by amending our Annual Report on Form 10-K to provide the required report of management.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expectreports that our disclosure controls will preventwe file or detect all errors. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that disclosure requirements may be misinterpreted and judgments in decision-making may be inexact.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

As required by Rule 13a-15(d)submit under the Exchange Act ourare recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief FinancialPrincipal Accounting Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our 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, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.

 

 


PART II

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine our rights and obligations under insurance, reinsurance and other contractual agreements. In some disputes, we seek to enforce our rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to us. In other matters, we are resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation. In all such matters, we believe that our positions are legally and commercially reasonable. While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that any of these matters, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity. However, an adverse resolution of one or more of these items in any one quarter or fiscal year could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in that period.

In May 2005, we received and responded to a subpoena from the SEC seeking information regarding certain loss mitigation insurance products. Group, our parent, has stated that we will fully cooperate with this and any future inquiries and that we do not believe that it has engaged in any improper business practices with respect to loss mitigation insurance products.

Our insurance subsidiaries have also received and have responded to broadly distributed information requests by state regulators including among others, from Delaware and Georgia.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

No material changes.

34


 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit Index:

 

Exhibit No.

Description

 

31.1

Section 302 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto

 

31.2

Section 302 Certification of Craig EisenacherKeith T. Shoemaker

 

32.1

Section 906 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto and Craig EisenacherKeith T. Shoemaker

 

35


 


Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report

report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ CRAIG EISENACHERs/ KEITH T. SHOEMAKER

 

 

 

Craig EisenacherKeith T. Shoemaker

 

 

 

Executive Vice President and Comptroller

 

 

 

 

Chief FinancialPrincipal Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: August 14, 2008

May 15, 2009