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:
SEPTEMBER 30, 2009March 31, 2010
 
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 registrant:registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YESX NO 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website,Web site, 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 for such 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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer 
 
Non-accelerated filer
X 
 
Smaller reporting company
 
(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  NOX

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

  Number of Shares Outstanding
Class At NovemberMay 1, 20092010
Common Shares, $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.

Table of Contents
Form 10-Q


Page
PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Table of Contents
Form 10-Q
Page
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
Item 1. Financial Statements 
     
   
   1
    
   
   2
     
   
   3
     
   
   4
     
  5
     
Item 2.  
   2526
    
Item 3. 4441
     
Item 4. 4441
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

     
Item 1. 4442
     
Item 1A. 4442
    
Item 2. 44
42
    
Item 3. 44
42
    
Item 4. 44
42
    
Item 5. 45
42
    
Item 6. 45
42


 


Part I

ITEM  1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


 September 30, December 31, March 31,  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share) 2009 2008 2010  2009 
 (unaudited)    (unaudited)    
ASSETS:            
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value $6,363,908  $5,511,856  $6,423,902  $6,463,168 
(amortized cost: 2009, $6,090,136; 2008, $5,610,483)        
(amortized cost: 2010, $6,210,288; 2009, $6,255,759)        
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value  52,815   43,090   65,307   50,528 
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2009, $15; 2008, $15)  12   16 
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2010, $15; 2009, $15)  12   13 
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value  158,456   119,815   394,548   380,025 
Short-term investments  645,096   918,712   250,127   261,438 
Other invested assets (cost: 2009, $365,500; 2008, $400,498)  363,205   392,589 
Other invested assets (cost: 2010, $398,189; 2009, $387,200)  397,829   386,326 
Other invested assets, at fair value  364,841   316,750   406,933   382,639 
Cash  125,128   92,264   107,737   107,480 
Total investments and cash  8,073,461   7,395,092   8,046,395   8,031,617 
Accrued investment income  79,124   82,860   79,327   83,705 
Premiums receivable  768,273   714,035   767,884   769,744 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated  606,226   637,890   631,814   618,081 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated  2,526,007   2,480,016   2,686,134   2,492,152 
Funds held by reinsureds  158,366   147,287   158,154   156,223 
Deferred acquisition costs  186,828   192,096   181,444   183,498 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  557,751   456,180   580,923   562,146 
Deferred tax asset  290,211   518,042   212,462   210,493 
Federal income tax recoverable  13,992   70,299   131,045   135,682 
Other assets  121,548   172,825   166,016   136,234 
TOTAL ASSETS $13,381,787  $12,866,622  $13,641,598  $13,379,575 
                
LIABILITIES:                
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $7,246,981  $7,419,993  $7,613,758  $7,300,139 
Unearned premium reserve  1,274,240   1,176,834   1,258,574   1,239,320 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties  155,096   134,698   179,303   175,257 
Losses in the course of payment  49,051   35,805   45,416   42,633 
Commission reserves  37,927   45,531   47,027   50,897 
Other net payable to reinsurers  479,454   378,800   583,219   444,535 
8.75% Senior notes due 3/15/2010  199,931   199,821   -   199,970 
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014  249,759   249,728   249,780   249,769 
6.6% Long term notes due 05/01/2067  238,347   399,643   238,349   238,348 
Junior subordinated debt securities payable  329,897   329,897   329,897   329,897 
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings  12,821   11,217   12,092   9,885 
Unsettled securities payable  45,915   1,476 
Other liabilities  231,856   280,211   257,318   240,151 
Total liabilities  10,551,275   10,663,654   10,814,733   10,520,801 
                
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)                
                
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:                
Common stock, par value: $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized;                
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2009 and 2008)  -   - 
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2010 and 2009)  -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  319,887   315,771   322,459   321,185 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense of        
$105.7 million at 2009 and tax benefit of $38.8 million at 2008  197,560   (72,063)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax expense of        
$96.2 million at 2010 and $89.9 million at 2009  178,724   166,978 
Retained earnings  2,313,065   1,959,260   2,325,682   2,370,611 
Total stockholder's equity  2,830,512   2,202,968   2,826,865   2,858,774 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $13,381,787  $12,866,622  $13,641,598  $13,379,575 
                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                

1


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



 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) 
REVENUES:                  
Premiums earned $438,320  $449,892  $1,337,539  $1,421,336  $414,134  $438,445 
Net investment income  65,492   97,305   179,667   292,263   85,107   39,659 
Net realized capital gains (losses):                
Net realized capital losses:        
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities  -   (63,793)  (5,510)  (67,854)  -   (574)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities                        
transferred to other comprehensive income  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Other net realized capital gains (losses)  101,394   (44,859)  61,661   (193,493)
Total net realized capital gains (losses)  101,394   (108,652)  56,151   (261,347)
Other net realized capital losses  (5,307)  (67,610)
Total net realized capital losses  (5,307)  (68,184)
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   -   78,271   -   -   78,271 
Other income (expense)  15,081   7,951   7,801   (16,039)  5,112   (114)
Total revenues  620,287   446,496   1,659,429   1,436,213   499,046   488,077 
                        
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                        
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  241,992   446,996   777,295   1,115,813   427,004   289,195 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  77,259   73,816   252,401   295,270   67,841   88,219 
Other underwriting expenses  39,864   32,769   109,226   95,794   32,714   31,308 
Corporate expenses  2,226   1,318 
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  17,073   19,745   53,779   59,233   16,340   19,633 
Total claims and expenses  376,188   573,326   1,192,701   1,566,110   546,125   429,673 
                        
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  244,099   (126,830)  466,728   (129,897)
Income tax expense (benefit)  79,958   (47,931)  128,423   (69,290)
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE TAXES  (47,079)  58,404 
Income tax (benefit) expense  (2,150)  12,740 
                        
NET INCOME (LOSS) $164,141  $(78,899) $338,305  $(60,607)
NET (LOSS) INCOME $(44,929) $45,664 
                        
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  162,343   (145,996)  285,123   (223,813)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax  11,746   38,480 
                        
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $326,484  $(224,895) $623,428  $(284,420)
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME $(33,183) $84,144 
                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                        


2


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


 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) 
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):                  
Balance, beginning of period  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
Balance, end of period  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
                        
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:                        
Balance, beginning of period $318,492  $312,924  $315,771  $310,206  $321,185  $315,771 
Share-based compensation plans  1,395   1,671   4,116   4,389   1,274   1,262 
Balance, end of period  319,887   314,595   319,887   314,595   322,459   317,033 
                        
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),                        
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:                        
Balance, beginning of period  35,217   85,459   (72,063)  163,276   166,978   (72,063)
Cumulative adjustment of initial adoption(1), net of tax
  -   -   (15,500)  - 
Net increase (decrease) during the period  162,343   (145,996)  285,123   (223,813)
Net increase during the period  11,746   38,480 
Balance, end of period  197,560   (60,537)  197,560   (60,537)  178,724   (33,583)
                        
RETAINED EARNINGS:                        
Balance, beginning of period  2,148,924   2,112,309   1,959,260   2,094,017   2,370,611   1,959,260 
Cumulative adjustment of initial adoption(1), net of tax
  -   -   15,500   - 
Net income (loss)  164,141   (78,899)  338,305   (60,607)
Net (loss) income  (44,929)  45,664 
Balance, end of period  2,313,065   2,033,410   2,313,065   2,033,410   2,325,682   2,004,924 
                        
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD $2,830,512  $2,287,468  $2,830,512  $2,287,468  $2,826,865  $2,288,374 
                        
(1) The cumulative adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes and retained earnings represents the effect of initially adopting ASC 320-10-65-1
        
(FASB Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, "Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments").                
                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                     

3


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                  
Net income (loss) $164,141  $(78,899) $338,305  $(60,607)
Net (loss) income $(44,929) $45,664 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                        
(Increase) decrease in premiums receivable  (1,371)  (3,405)  (51,192)  45,932 
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net  9,624   (221)  9,459   (1,237)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables  146,809   (48,135)  (6,656)  (118,746)
Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset  41,994   61,482   74,970   (30,155)
(Decrease) increase in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses  (35,920)  194,584   (218,365)  154,284 
Decrease in premiums receivable  3,330   11,328 
Decrease in funds held by reinsureds, net  2,210   506 
Increase in reinsurance receivables  (209,177)  (52,970)
(Increase) decrease in deferred tax asset  (8,294)  33,904 
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses  303,114   (48,536)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums  95,297   7,476   91,611   (134,529)  17,379   (879)
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships  4,423   6,167   36,548   (9,095)  (9,414)  34,093 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net  (161,038)  (79,464)  83,477   (12,364)  107,975   1,107 
Non-cash compensation expense  1,384   1,201   4,091   3,834   1,195   1,262 
Amortization of bond premium  3,824   3,141   8,802   5,809   3,546   2,271 
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes  48   45   142   133   42   46 
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   -   (78,271)  -   -   (78,271)
Net realized capital (gains) losses  (101,394)  108,652   (56,151)  261,347 
Net realized capital losses  5,307   68,184 
Net cash provided by operating activities  167,821   172,624   236,770   104,606   172,284   17,709 
                        
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                        
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value  130,349   106,558   324,432   370,220   172,263   109,235 
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value  -   -   5,570   -   -   5,570 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value  34,602   52,180   87,696   138,326   165,485   44,778 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value  4,010   -   12,012   -   2,497   3,492 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value  23,028   -   23,028   - 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value  11,310   151,801   23,535   380,856   21,342   1,634 
Distributions from other invested assets  4,448   30,035   24,573   41,246   8,165   12,293 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value  (256,130)  (64,455)  (865,910)  (1,343,983)  (275,526)  (261,238)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (2,548)  (11,444)  (19,101)  (11,444)  (14,194)  (13,310)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (12,948)  (115,399)  (32,244)  (156,363)  (20,739)  (8,976)
Cost of other invested assets acquired  (9,780)  (35,804)  (26,122)  (55,908)  (9,740)  (2,562)
Cost of other invested assets acquired, at fair value  -   (25,007)  -   (150,745)  (47,032)  - 
Net change in short-term securities  (86,179)  (197,914)  284,738   687,541 
Net change in short-term investments  12,085   188,866 
Net change in unsettled securities transactions  18,522   (58,944)  42,856   (64,654)  16,323   1,646 
Net cash used in investing activities  (141,316)  (168,393)  (114,937)  (164,908)
Net cash provided by investing activities  30,929   81,428 
                        
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                        
Tax benefit from share-based compensation  11   469   25   554   79   - 
Net cost of senior notes maturing  (200,000)  - 
Net cost of debt repurchase  -   -   (83,026)  -   -   (83,026)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  11   469   (83,001)  554 
Net cash used in financing activities  (199,921)  (83,026)
                        
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH  3,411   (8,130)  (5,968)  13,772   (3,035)  (12,767)
                        
Net increase (decrease) in cash  29,927   (3,430)  32,864   (45,976)
Net increase in cash  257   3,344 
Cash, beginning of period  95,201   103,901   92,264   146,447   107,480   92,264 
Cash, end of period $125,128  $100,471  $125,128  $100,471  $107,737  $95,608 
                        
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                        
Cash transactions:                        
Income taxes recovered $(18,847) $(107,359) $(2,488) $(49,014)
Income taxes paid $3,766  $3,146 
Interest paid $13,892  $13,887  $51,464  $52,861   13,899   17,808 
                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                        

4


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008

1.  GeneralGENERAL

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

2. Basis of PresentationBASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 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 December 31, 20082009 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 nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 are not necessarily indicativeindicat ive 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, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007 included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filing.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform to the 2010 presentation.

Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Codification

Financial Accounting Standards Board Launched Accounting Codification

TheCodification.  In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. Thisauthoritative guidance establishesestablishing the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“Codification” or “ASC”) as the single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmentalnon-governmental entities.  Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  The Codification supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered,no n-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative.

Following the Codification, the FASB will notno longer issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. Instead, the FASB will issue Accounting Standards Updates, which will serve to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance and provide the basis for conclusions on the changes to the Codification.

GAAP is not intended to be changed as a result of the FASB’s Codification, but it will change the way the guidance is organized and presented.  As a result, these changes will have a significant impact on how companies reference GAAP in their financial statements and in the accounting policies for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The Company’s adoption of this guidance impacts the way the Company references U.S. GAAP accounting standards in the financial statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes

Subsequent Events. In May 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for subsequent events, which was later modified in February 2010, that addresses the accounting for and disclosure of subsequent events not addressed in other applicable U.S. GAAP.  The Company implemented the new disclosure requirement beginning with the second quarter of 2009 and included it in the Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements.  In January 2010, the FASB amended the authoritative guidance for disclosures on fair value measurements.  Effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, the guidance requires a new separate disclosure for:  significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 and the reasons for the transfers; and provided clarification on existing disclosures to include:  fair value measurement disclosures by class of assets and liabilities and disclosure on valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.  Effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010, the guidance requires another new separate disclosure in regards to Level 3 fair value measurements in that, the period activity will present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements.  Comparative disclosures shall be required only for periods ending after initial adoption.  The Company has implemented the first part of this guidance effective January 1, 2010.

Interim Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  In April 2009, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for disclosures about fair value of financial instruments.  This new guidance requires quarterly disclosures on the qualitative and quantitative information about the fair value of all financial instruments including methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value during the period. These disclosures were previously only done annually.  The Company adopted this disclosure beginning with the second quarter of 2009 and included it in the Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Investment Securities.  In April 2009, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments. This new guidance amends the recognition guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities and expands the financial statement disclosures for other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities. For available for sale debt securities that the Company has no intent to sell and more likely than not will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment would be recognized in earnings, while the rest of the fair value loss would be recognized in accumulated ot her comprehensive income.  The Company adopted this guidance effective April 1, 2009.  Upon adoption the Company recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment increase in retained earnings and decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $15.5 million, net of $8.3 million of tax.

Measurement of Fair Value in Inactive Markets.  ASC 820-10-65-4 (FSP No. FAS 157-4 “Determining Fair Value WhenIn April 2009, the VolumeFASB revised the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly”)disclosures, which reaffirms that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. It also reaffirms the need to use judgment in determining if a formerly active market has become inactive and in determining fair values when the market has become inactive. There was no impact to the Company’s financial statements upon adoption.

5


Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Investment Securities. ASC 320-10-65-1 (FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments”) amends the recognition guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities and expands the financial statement disclosures for other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities. For available for sale debt securities that the Company has no intent to sell and more likely than not will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment would be recognized in earnings, while the rest of the fair value loss would be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.  The Company adopted ASC 320-10-65-1 guidance effective April 1, 2009.  Upon adoption the Company recognized a $15.5 million cumulative-effect adjustment from retained earnings, net of $8.3 million of tax.

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. ASC 825-10-65-1 (FSP FAS 107-1 and FSP APB 28-1 “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”) requires quarterly disclosures on the qualitative and quantitative information about the fair value of all financial instruments including methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value during the period. These disclosures were previously only done annually. The Company included these disclosures in the second quarter 2009 Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

Subsequent Events Disclosures. ASC 855-10-50 (FAS 165 “Subsequent Events”) requires a disclosure as to the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated as well as whether that date is the date the financial statements were issued. The Company included this disclosure in its second quarter 2009 Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

Future Accounting Standard Changes

Fair Value Disclosures about Pension Plan Assets. ASC 715-20-65-2 (FSP FAS 132(R)-1 “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets”) requires that information about plan assets be disclosed, on an annual basis, based on the fair value disclosure requirements of ASC 820-10. The Company will be required to separate plan assets into the three fair value hierarchy levels and provide a roll forward of the changes in fair value of plan assets classified as Level 3 in the 2009 annual consolidated financial statements. These disclosures have no effect on the Company’s accounting for plan benefits and obligations.


6


3.  InvestmentsINVESTMENTS

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

 At September 30, 2009  At March 31, 2010 
 Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                        
U.S. government agencies and corporations $128,645  $6,000  $(195) $134,450  $135,763  $3,515  $(1,972) $137,306 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  3,747,780   231,278   (12,632)  3,966,426   3,657,459   168,621   (22,244)  3,803,836 
Corporate securities  605,130   30,468   (19,554)  616,044   644,008   36,228   (7,650)  672,586 
Asset-backed securities  17,646   545   (2,710)  15,481   16,612   489   (1,971)  15,130 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  23,019   4,737   (114)  27,642   32,255   6,515   -   38,770 
Agency residential  418,666   12,495   (6)  431,155   431,587   12,770   (30)  444,327 
Non-agency residential  61,545   773   (11,465)  50,853   60,544   908   (1,763)  59,689 
Foreign government securities  595,855   32,203   (3,809)  624,249   673,814   25,368   (9,389)  689,793 
Foreign corporate securities  491,850   18,263   (12,505)  497,608   558,246   16,967   (12,748)  562,465 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,090,136  $336,762  $(62,990) $6,363,908  $6,210,288  $271,381  $(57,767) $6,423,902 
Equity securities $15  $-  $(3) $12  $15  $-  $(3) $12 

  At December 31, 2009 
  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value 
Fixed maturity securities  - available for sale            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $132,348  $3,614  $(1,671) $134,291 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  3,694,267   183,848   (24,256)  3,853,859 
Corporate securities  618,507   30,298   (13,424)  635,381 
Asset-backed securities  16,597   460   (1,909)  15,148 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  24,213   4,956   (111)  29,058 
Agency residential  556,032   10,366   (1,691)  564,707 
Non-agency residential  61,098   916   (7,055)  54,959 
Foreign government securities  638,204   27,700   (6,687)  659,217 
Foreign corporate securities  514,493   17,184   (15,129)  516,548 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,255,759  $279,342  $(71,933) $6,463,168 
Equity securities $15  $-  $(2) $13 
  At December 31, 2008 
  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value 
Fixed maturity securities  - 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  482,533   18,404   (64,620)  436,317 
Asset-backed securities  13,795   7   (4,441)  9,361 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  6,516   -   (1,067)  5,449 
Agency residential  170,299   4,838   (33)  175,104 
Non-agency residential  54,816   -   (18,252)  36,564 
Foreign government securities  467,935   32,538   (7,776)  492,697 
Foreign corporate securities  428,059   6,602   (29,247)  405,414 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,610,483  $191,730  $(290,357) $5,511,856 
Equity securities $15  $1  $-  $16 

In accordance with ASC 320-10-65-1,FASB guidance, the Company reclassified previouslythe non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments from retained earnings into accumulated other comprehensive income. Theincome, in 2009.  At March 31, 2010, the pre-tax amount of this reclassificationcumulative unrealized appreciation on these corporate securities was $23.8$1.0 million all of which were corporate securities. At September 30, 2009, theas compared to pre-tax cumulative unrealized depreciation on these securities had improved and the remaining unrealized depreciation for the corporate securities was $3.3 million.of $2.0 million at December 31, 2009.


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

 At September 30, 2009  At March 31, 2010  At December 31, 2009 
 Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Value  Cost  Value  Cost  Value 
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale                  
Due in one year or less $326,465  $326,275  $292,804  $292,765  $334,054  $335,948 
Due after one year through five years  1,155,583   1,200,003   1,459,842   1,503,714   1,276,968   1,316,918 
Due after five years through ten years  1,268,070   1,347,261   1,196,303   1,252,804   1,224,457   1,282,470 
Due after ten years  2,819,142   2,965,238   2,720,341   2,816,703   2,762,340   2,863,960 
Asset-backed securities  17,646   15,481   16,612   15,130   16,597   15,148 
Mortgage-backed securities                        
Commercial  23,019   27,642   32,255   38,770   24,213   29,058 
Agency residential  418,666   431,155   431,587   444,327   556,032   564,707 
Non-agency residential  61,545   50,853   60,544   59,689   61,098   54,959 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,090,136  $6,363,908  $6,210,288  $6,423,902  $6,255,759  $6,463,168 

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 Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost            
Increase during the period between the market value and cost      
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:                  
Fixed maturity securities $229,219  $(207,213) $396,245  $(326,254) $6,205  $89,589 
Fixed maturity securities ASC 320-10-65-1 adjustment  -   -   (23,846)  - 
Equity securities  -   -   (4)  -   (1)  (6)
Other invested assets  3,387   (2,232)  5,614   (3,122)  513   (1,641)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax  232,606   (209,445)  378,009   (329,376)
Deferred tax (expense) benefit  (81,412)  73,306   (140,649)  115,281 
Deferred tax benefit ASC 320-10-65-1 adjustment  -   -   8,346   - 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),                
Change in unrealized appreciation, pre-tax  6,717   87,942 
Deferred tax expense  (2,351)  (30,780)
Change in unrealized appreciation,        
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity $151,194  $(136,139) $245,706  $(214,095) $4,366  $57,162 

The Company frequently reviews its fixed maturity securities 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.  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 and the Company does not have the intent to sell the security; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value.  The fair value adjustment that is credit related is recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The fair value adjustment that is non-credit related is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  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

8


enhancements or breakeven constant default ratesra tes on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts.

8


Retrospective adjustments are employed to recalculate the values of asset-backed securities. All of the Company’s asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have a pass-through structure. Each acquisition lot is reviewed to recalculate the effective yield. The recalculated effective yield is used to derive a book value as if the new yield were applied at the time of acquisition. Outstanding principal factors from the time of acquisition to the adjustment date are used to calculate the prepayment history for all applicable securities. Conditional prepayment rates, computed with life to date factor histories and weighted average maturities, are used in the calculation of projected and prepayments for pass-through security types.

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, type, in each case subdivided according to the length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:

 Duration by security type of unrealized loss at September 30, 2009  Duration by security type of unrealized loss at March 31, 2010 
 Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
    Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross 
    Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                                    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                                    
U.S. government agencies and corporations $4,695  $(195) $-  $-  $4,695  $(195) $45,034  $(1,962) $515  $(10) $45,549  $(1,972)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  15,698   (736)  254,791   (11,896)  270,489   (12,632)  556   (6)  406,437   (22,238)  406,993   (22,244)
Corporate securities  59,952   (4,180)  127,849   (15,374)  187,801   (19,554)  36,887   (755)  58,537   (6,895)  95,424   (7,650)
Asset-backed securities  2,558   (200)  5,235   (2,510)  7,793   (2,710)  366   (214)  8,243   (1,757)  8,609   (1,971)
Mortgage-backed securities                                                
Commercial  -   -   3,274   (114)  3,274   (114)
Agency residential  3,680   (6)  308   -   3,988   (6)  17,279   (30)  -   -   17,279   (30)
Non-agency residential  1,381   (26)  42,732   (11,439)  44,113   (11,465)  -   -   52,369   (1,763)  52,369   (1,763)
Foreign government securities  55,494   (3,406)  32,621   (403)  88,115   (3,809)  281,751   (4,040)  62,240   (5,349)  343,991   (9,389)
Foreign corporate securities  135,975   (9,059)  33,373   (3,446)  169,348   (12,505)  205,585   (6,649)  63,717   (6,099)  269,302   (12,748)
Total fixed maturity securities $279,433  $(17,808) $500,183  $(45,182) $779,616  $(62,990) $587,458  $(13,656) $652,058  $(44,111) $1,239,516  $(57,767)
Equity securities  -   -   12   (3)  12   (3)
Total $587,458  $(13,656) $652,070  $(44,114) $1,239,528  $(57,770)

 Duration by maturity of unrealized loss at September 30, 2009  Duration by maturity of unrealized loss at March 31, 2010 
 Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
    Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross 
    Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities                                    
Due in one year or less $73,180  $(7,110) $3,690  $(57) $76,870  $(7,167) $30,601  $(2,230) $26,790  $(3,602) $57,391  $(5,832)
Due in one year through five years  116,675   (7,361)  59,867   (2,139)  176,542   (9,500)  363,884   (4,798)  72,638   (4,267)  436,522   (9,065)
Due in five years through ten years  49,142   (1,249)  52,462   (2,551)  101,604   (3,800)  120,359   (2,735)  48,247   (3,385)  168,606   (6,120)
Due after ten years  32,817   (1,856)  332,615   (26,372)  365,432   (28,228)  54,969   (3,649)  443,771   (29,337)  498,740   (32,986)
Asset-backed securities  2,558   (200)  5,235   (2,510)  7,793   (2,710)  366   (214)  8,243   (1,757)  8,609   (1,971)
Mortgage-backed securities  5,061   (32)  46,314   (11,553)  51,375   (11,585)  17,279   (30)  52,369   (1,763)  69,648   (1,793)
Total fixed maturity securities $279,433  $(17,808) $500,183  $(45,182) $779,616  $(62,990) $587,458  $(13,656) $652,058  $(44,111) $1,239,516  $(57,767)
Equity securities
 $-  $-  $12  $(3) $12  $(3)

The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 were $779.6$1,239.5 million and $63.0$57.8 million, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses on a single security that exceeded 0.18%0.06% of the market value of the fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $17.8$13.7 million of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of highly rated domestic and foreign government municipal,and corporate and mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $13.9$13.3 million were related to securities that were rated investmentinves tment grade or better by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The $45.2$44.1 million of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity and equity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to highly rated domestic and foreign government and corporate securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $36.9 million

9


related to securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year also related primarily to highly rated municipal, corporate and mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $34.3 million related to securities that were rated investment grade or better by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses are mainly comprised of non-credit other-than-temporary impairedmunicipal and corporate securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation greater than 12 months for mortgage-backed securities included $0.2 million related to sub-prime and non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities.alt-A loans.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.  Unrealized losses have decreased since year endDecember 31, 2009, as a result of improved conditions in the overall financial market resulting from increased liquidity and lower interest rates.

The Company, given the size of its investment portfolio and capital position, does not have the intent to sell these securities; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  In addition, all securities currently in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to principal and interest payments.

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, type in each case subdivided according to the length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periodperiods indicated:
 Duration by security type of unrealized loss at December 31, 2008  Duration by security type of unrealized loss at December 31, 2009 
 Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
    Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross 
    Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                                    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                                    
U.S. government agencies and corporations $-  $-  $-  $-  $- ��$-  $44,943  $(1,671) $-  $-  $44,943  $(1,671)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  1,471,807   (146,292)  176,555   (18,629)  1,648,362   (164,921)  559   (4)  452,018   (24,252)  452,577   (24,256)
Corporate securities  189,385   (42,278)  97,407   (22,342)  286,792   (64,620)  45,045   (1,056)  118,153   (12,368)  163,198   (13,424)
Asset-backed securities  4,230   (62)  3,983   (4,379)  8,213   (4,441)  366   (26)  8,233   (1,883)  8,599   (1,909)
Mortgage-backed securities                                                
Commercial  2,474   (450)  2,974   (617)  5,448   (1,067)  959   (34)  3,312   (77)  4,271   (111)
Agency residential  3,291   (29)  466   (4)  3,757   (33)  213,093   (1,691)  -   -   213,093   (1,691)
Non-agency residential  -   -   36,171   (18,252)  36,171   (18,252)  1,272   (31)  47,202   (7,024)  48,474   (7,055)
Foreign government securities  79,063   (7,715)  2,759   (61)  81,822   (7,776)  159,493   (2,158)  69,109   (4,529)  228,602   (6,687)
Foreign corporate securities  167,132   (13,702)  67,537   (15,545)  234,669   (29,247)  124,325   (4,205)  98,772   (10,924)  223,097   (15,129)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,917,382  $(210,528) $387,852  $(79,829) $2,305,234  $(290,357) $590,055  $(10,876) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,854  $(71,933)
Equity securities  13   (2)  -   -   13   (2)
Total $590,068  $(10,878) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,867  $(71,935)
 Duration by maturity of unrealized loss at December 31, 2008  Duration by maturity of unrealized loss at December 31, 2009 
 Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
    Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross 
    Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities                                    
Due in one year or less $87,124  $(8,412) $22,024  $(1,516) $109,148  $(9,928) $-  $-  $58,010  $(4,887) $58,010  $(4,887)
Due in one year through five years  198,004   (10,813)  52,705   (5,676)  250,709   (16,489)  192,929   (2,975)  140,349   (9,129)  333,278   (12,104)
Due in five years through ten years  145,943   (10,767)  85,396   (17,662)  231,339   (28,429)  137,196   (2,934)  54,279   (3,401)  191,475   (6,335)
Due after ten years  1,476,316   (179,995)  184,133   (31,723)  1,660,449   (211,718)  44,240   (3,185)  485,414   (34,656)  529,654   (37,841)
Asset-backed securities  4,230   (62)  3,983   (4,379)  8,213   (4,441)  366   (26)  8,233   (1,883)  8,599   (1,909)
Mortgage-backed securities  5,765   (479)  39,611   (18,873)  45,376   (19,352)  215,324   (1,756)  50,514   (7,101)  265,838   (8,857)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,917,382  $(210,528) $387,852  $(79,829) $2,305,234  $(290,357) $590,055  $(10,876) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,854  $(71,933)
Equity securities $13  $(2) $-  $-  $13  $(2)

 
The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 20082009 were $2,305.2$1,386.9 million and $290.4$71.9 million, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses on a single security that exceeded 0.35%0.11% of the market value of the fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2008.2009.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in

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any one market sector.  The $210.5$10.9 million of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity and equity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of highly rated municipal,government, corporate and mortgage-backed securities with the losses primarily the result of widening credit spreads from the financial markets crisis during the latter part of the year.securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $206.9$10.7 million were related to securities that werewer e rated investment grade or better by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The $79.8$61.1 million of unrealized losses related to securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year also related primarily to highly rated municipal, corporate and mortgage-backed securities and were also the result of widening credit spreads during the latter part of the year.securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $65.2$50.5 million related to securities that were rated investment grade or better by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses are mainly comprised of corporate and commercial mortgage-backed securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation greater than 12 months for mortgage-backed securities includesincluded only $0.1$0.07 million related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still had exce ss credit coverage and were current on interest and principal payments.  Unrealized losses decreased since December 31, 2008, as a result of improved conditions in the overall financial market resulting from increased liquidity and lower interest rates.

The components of net investment income are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Fixed maturity securities $70,965  $81,112  $212,903  $233,098  $73,555  $70,329 
Equity securities  758   1,793   2,182   4,905   2,404   694 
Short-term investments and cash  277   4,309   3,331   23,773   77   2,211 
Other invested assets                        
Limited partnerships  (4,423)  10,148   (36,548)  29,856   9,414   (34,093)
Other  664   2,272   5,693   7,242   1,798   2,771 
Total gross investment income  68,241   99,634   187,561   298,874   87,248   41,912 
Interest credited and other expense  (2,749)  (2,329)  (7,894)  (6,611)  (2,141)  (2,253)
Total net investment income $65,492  $97,305  $179,667  $292,263  $85,107  $39,659 

The Company reports results from limited partnership investments on the equity basis of accounting with changes in value reported through net investment income. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from these partnerships, the results are generally reported on a one month or quarter lag.  If the Company determines there has been a significant decline in value of a limited partnership during this lag period, a loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company indentifies the decline.

The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $145.6$132.5 million in limited partnerships at September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2014.


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

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Fixed maturity securities, market value:                  
Other-than-temporary impairments $-  $(63,793) $(5,510) $(67,854) $-  $(560)
Losses from sales  (4,131)  (12,172)  (32,612)  (13,086)  (777)  (28,094)
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:                        
Gain from sales  172   -   401   - 
Gains from sales  83   96 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  5,837   (247)  7,805   (247)  3,000   (42)
Equity securities, market value:                
Gains from sales  8,041   -   8,041   - 
Equity securities, fair value:                        
Gains (losses) from sales  1,299   (1,061)  6,483   (12,630)  1,894   (446)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  23,075   (58,817)  23,448   (122,938)  13,231   (16,923)
Other invested assets, fair value:                        
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  67,103   27,438   48,091   (44,562)
Short-term investment (losses) gains  (2)  -   4   (30)
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $101,394  $(108,652) $56,151  $(261,347)
Losses from fair value adjustments  (22,737)  (22,215)
Short-term investment losses  (1)  - 
Total net realized capital losses $(5,307) $(68,184)

Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 were $38.6$168.0 million and $52.2$48.3 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $2.3$1.8 million and $0.0$1.5 million and gross losses of $6.2$2.5 million and $12.2$29.6 million were realized on those fixed maturity securities sales for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively.  Proceeds from sales of equity securities for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 were $34.3$21.3 million and $151.8$1.6 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $9.4$2.4 million and $3.8$0.2 million and gross losses of $0.0$0.5 million and $4.8$0.7 million were realized on those equity sales for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were $99.7 million and $138.3 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $4.6 million and $1.1 million and gross losses of $36.8 million and $14.2 million were realized on those fixed maturity securities sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Proceeds from sales of equity securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were $46.6 million and $380.9 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $15.3 million and $5.9 million and gross losses of $0.7 million and $18.6 million were realized on those equity sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Included in net realized capital gains (losses) was $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and $63.8 million and $67.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, of write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.  There were no write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

At September 30, 2009 the Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component.


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4.  Fair Value

The Company records fair value re-measurements as net realized capital gains or losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). income.  The Company recorded $96.0$6.5 million and $79.3 million in net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets, at fair value, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  The Company recorded $31.6 million and $167.7$39.2 million in net realized capital losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities,and equity securities and other invested assets, at fair value, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.March 31, 2010 and 2009.

At March 31, 2010, the Company had no write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis included in net realized capital losses.  At March 31, 2009, the Company had $0.6 million of write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis included in net realized capital losses.  The Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component.

4.  FAIR VALUE

The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities are managed by third party investment asset managers.  The investment asset managers obtain prices from nationally recognized pricing services.  These services seek to utilize market data and observations in their evaluation process.  They use pricing applications that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information and when fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis the services will apply available information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing.  In addition, they use model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for securities that have prepayment features.

In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers.  The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers.  In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices.  In addition, the Company tests 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

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about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  The Company made no such adjustments at September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.

Fixed maturity securities are generally 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 maturity securities in terms 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.

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 or market value.

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

The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:

     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
     Quoted Prices       
     in Active  Significant    
     Markets for  Other  Significant 
     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) March 31, 2010  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $137,306  $-  $137,306  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  3,803,836   -   3,803,836   - 
Corporate securities  672,586   -   665,656   6,930 
Asset-backed securities  15,130   -   8,762   6,368 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  38,770   -   38,770   - 
Agency residential  444,327   -   444,327   - 
Non-agency residential  59,689   -   59,233   456 
Foreign government securities  689,793   -   689,793   - 
Foreign corporate securities  562,465   -   562,465   - 
Total fixed maturities, market value  6,423,902   -   6,410,148   13,754 
                 
Fixed maturities, fair value  65,307   -   65,307   - 
Equity securities, market value  12   12   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  394,548   393,535   1,013   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  406,933   406,933   -   - 

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.


The following tables presenttable presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the periodsperiod indicated:
     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
     Quoted Prices       
     in Active  Significant    
     Markets for  Other  Significant 
     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2009  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value $6,363,908  $-  $6,351,181  $12,727 
Fixed maturities, fair value  52,815   -   52,815   - 
Equity securities, market value  12   12   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  158,456   157,459   997   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  364,841   364,841   -   - 

    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) December 31, 2008  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  December 31, 2009  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:                        
Fixed maturities, market value $5,511,856  $-  $5,500,889  $10,967             
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $134,291  $-  $134,291  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  3,853,859   -   3,853,859   - 
Corporate securities  635,381   -   628,451   6,930 
Asset-backed securities  15,148   -   8,890   6,258 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  29,058   -   29,058   - 
Agency residential  564,707   -   564,707   - 
Non-agency residential  54,959   -   54,533   426 
Foreign government securities  659,217   -   659,217   - 
Foreign corporate securities  516,548   -   516,548   - 
Total fixed maturities, market value  6,463,168   -   6,449,554   13,614 
                
Fixed maturities, fair value  43,090   -   43,090   -   50,528   -   50,528   - 
Equity securities, market value  16   16   -   -   13   13   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  119,815   119,092   723   -   380,025   379,058   967   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  316,750   316,750   -   -   382,639   382,639   -   - 

The following table presentstables present the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for fixed maturity investments, for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended By Asset 
 September 30, September 30, Corporate  Asset-backed  Non-agency    
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Securities  Securities  RMBS  Total 
Assets:            
Balance, beginning of period $11,807  $17,132  $10,967  $78,709 
Beginning balance January 1, 2010 $6,930  $6,258  $426  $13,614 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                                
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)  46   (316)  42   (2,630)  -   -   25   25 
Included in other comprehensive income  1,136   (812)  1,692   (1,400)
Included in other comprenhensive income  -   (78)  41   (37)
Purchases, issuances and settlements  (113)  (114)  (192)  (5,318)  -   188   (36)  152 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  (149)  36   218   (53,435)  -   -   -   - 
Balance, end of period $12,727  $15,926  $12,727  $15,926 
Ending balance March 31, 2010 $6,930  $6,368  $456  $13,754 
                                
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 or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date $-  $1,302  $(131) $(2,759) $-  $-  $-  $- 
                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                



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  Summary 
  Three Months Ended 
  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009 
Assets:      
Balance, beginning of period $13,614  $10,967 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)        
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)  25   (25)
Included in other comprehensive income  (37)  181 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  152   2,975 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   (6,634)
Balance, end of period $13,754  $7,464 
         
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 or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date $-  $(131)

5.  Capital TransactionsCAPITAL TRANSACTIONS

On December 17, 2008, Group and Holdings renewed their shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR with the SEC, as a Well Known Seasoned Issuer.  This shelf registration statement can 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.

6.  ContingenciesCONTINGENCIES

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 outcomeoutcom e 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.

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 September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, approximately 9%8% 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 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.los ses.


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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 Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Gross basis:                  
Beginning of period reserves $704,507  $870,998  $786,842  $922,843  $638,674  $786,842 
Incurred losses  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Paid losses  (52,170)  (16,895)  (134,505)  (68,740)  (13,466)  (18,081)
End of period reserves $652,337  $854,103  $652,337  $854,103  $625,208  $768,761 
                        
Net basis:                        
Beginning of period reserves $455,379  $513,516  $485,296  $537,549  $430,421  $485,296 
Incurred losses  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Paid losses  (13,527)  (8,724)  (43,444)  (32,757)  (11,191)  (10,087)
End of period reserves $441,852  $504,792  $441,852  $504,792  $419,230  $475,209 

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the gross reserves for A&E losses were comprised of $141.3$139.0 million representing case reserves reported by ceding companies, $152.1$142.6 million representing additional case reserves established by the Company on assumed reinsurance claims, $66.5$61.9 million representing case reserves established by the Company on direct excess insurance claims, including Mt. McKinley and $292.4$281.7 million representing incurred but not reported (“IBNR”)IBNR reserves.

With respect to asbestos only, at September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Company had gross asbestos loss reserves of $618.7$595.8 million, or 94.8%95.3%, of total A&E reserves, of which $486.4$465.9 million was for assumed business and $132.3$129.9 million was for direct business.

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.  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 September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable was $151.8$152.8 million and $152.1$ 152.3 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, the Company would be liable for those claim liabilities.  At September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, the estimated cost to replace such annuities was $24.1 million and $23.1 million, respectively.$24.6 million.


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7.  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 30, September 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") of investments (1)
            
URA(D) of investments $232,607  $(209,446) $401,856  $(329,376)
Tax (expense) benefit  (81,413)  73,307   (140,650)  115,281 
URA(D), net of tax  151,194   (136,139)  261,206   (214,095)
                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  16,204   (15,469)  33,281   (16,231)
Tax (expense) benefit  (5,672)  5,412   (11,649)  5,679 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments  10,532   (10,057)  21,632   (10,552)
                 
Pension adjustment  949   308   2,849   1,283 
Tax expense  (332)  (108)  (564)  (449)
Net pension adjustment  617   200   2,285   834 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes $162,343  $(145,996) $285,123  $(223,813)
  Three Months Ended 
  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period      
URA(D) of investments - temporary $3,666  $87,942 
URA(D) of investments - non-credit OTTI  3,051   - 
Tax expense from URA(D) arising during the period  (2,351)  (30,780)
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period, net of tax  4,366   57,162 
         
Foreign currency translation adjustments  10,726   (28,742)
Tax (expense) benefit from foreign currency translation  (3,754)  10,060 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments  6,972   (18,682)
         
Pension adjustments  628   - 
Tax expense on pension  (220)  - 
Net pension adjustments  408   - 
         
Other comprehensive income, net of tax $11,746  $38,480 

(1) The following are the components of URA(D) of investments:          
               
    Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
    September 30, September 30,
  (Dollars in thousands)  2009  2008  2009  2008
  URA(D) of investments - temporary $228,966  $(209,446) $388,791  $(329,376)
  Tax expense  (80,138)  (73,307)  (136,077)  (115,281)
  Net URA(D) of investments - temporary $148,828  $(136,139) $252,714  $(214,095)
                   
  URA(D) of investments - credit OTTI $(415) $-  $3,411  $- 
  Tax benefit (expense)  145   -   (1,194)  - 
  Net URA(D) of investments - credit OTTI $(270) $-  $2,217  $- 
                   
  URA(D) of investments - non-credit OTTI $4,056  $-  $9,654  $- 
  Tax expense  (1,420)  -   (3,379)  - 
  Net URA(D) of investments - non-credit OTTI $2,636  $-  $6,275  $- 


The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:

 September 30, December 31, March 31,  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of deferred taxes      
URA(D) on securities, net of deferred taxes      
Temporary $176,405  $(69,248) $137,953  $135,570 
Credit, other-than-temporary impairments  2,217   - 
Non-credit, other-than-temporary impairments  (2,164)  - 
Non-credit, OTTI  658   (1,325)
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of deferred taxes  176,458   (69,248)  138,611   134,245 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes  50,538   28,906   63,973   57,001 
Pension adjustments, net of deferred taxes  (29,436)  (31,721)  (23,860)  (24,268)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $197,560  $(72,063)
Accumulated other comprehensive income $178,724  $166,978 


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8.  Credit LineCREDIT 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 September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, was $1,889.9$1,933.8 million.  As of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.

At September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008, there were2009, the Holdings Credit Facility had outstanding letters of credit of $17.0 million and $28.0 million, under the Holdings Credit Facility.respectively.

Costs incurred in connection with the Holdings Credit Facility were $166,083$9.3 thousand and $106,158$26.3 thousand for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively.

9.  Letters of CreditLETTERS OF CREDIT

The Citibank Holdings Credit Facility involves a syndicate of lenders (see Note 8), with Citibank acting as administrative agent.  At September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, letters of credit for $17.0 million and $28.0 million, respectively, were issued and outstanding.  The following table summarizes the Company’s letters of credit at September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.

(Dollars in thousands)              
Bank Commitment  In Use Date of Expiry Commitment  In Use Date of Expiry
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $27,959 12/31/2009 $150,000  $16,951 12/31/2010
Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $27,959   $150,000  $16,951  

10.  Trust AgreementsTRUST 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 September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $24.0$23.7 million.

11.  Senior NotesSENIOR 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.  On March 15, 2010, the $200.0 million principal amount of 8.75% senior notes matured, and was paid in cash.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes was $7.1 million and $7.8 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, and $23.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.respectively.  Market value, which is based on quoted market price at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, was $247.8$261.0 million and $186.2$256.1 million, respectively, for the 5.40% senior notes and $206.3$200.0 million and $156.8 million, respectively, for the 8.75% senior notes.notes at December 31, 2009.

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12.  Long Term Subordinated NotesLONG 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 FebruaryFe bruary 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 afteraf ter 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.

On March 19, 2009, Group announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.60%6.6% 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 $3.9 million and $6.6$6.5 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively, and $14.4 million and $19.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Market value, which is based on quoted market prices at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, was $163.4$204.1 million and $176.5 million on the outstanding 6.6% long term subordinated notes, of $238.6 million and $168.0 million on outstanding 6.6% long term subordinated notes of $399.6 million, respectively.

13. Junior Subordinated Debt Securities PayableJUNIOR 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, 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.

Fair value, which is primarily based on the quoted market price of the related trust preferred securities was $289.6 million and $272.6 million at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008, was $296.9 million and $222.2 million,2009, respectively, for the 6.20% junior subordinated debt securities.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these junior subordinated notes was $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and 2008, and $15.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.2009.


Capital Trust II is a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Holdings.

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, 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 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, 2008, $1,745.62009, $2,352.0 million of the $2,735.2$3,271.1 million in net assets of the Company’sCompany’ ;s consolidated subsidiaries were subject to the foregoing regulatory restrictions.

14.  Segment ResultsSEGMENT REPORTING

The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in four segments:  U.S. Reinsurance, U.S. Insurance, Specialty Underwriting and International.  The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the U.S.  The U.S. Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance primarily through general agents, brokers 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 fashionindependently, but conform with corporate guidelines 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"(“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.


20


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

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
U.S. Reinsurance September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $345,567  $280,467  $876,049  $714,534  $244,008  $264,331 
Net written premiums  191,666   146,467   487,849   424,982   128,462   139,432 
                        
Premiums earned $162,037  $167,468  $489,067  $527,475  $127,001  $146,333 
Incurred losses and LAE  56,158   240,734   232,262   446,013   90,108   90,141 
Commission and brokerage  21,397   27,473   90,525   125,762   27,218   31,919 
Other underwriting expenses  9,665   7,840   25,250   23,500   7,806   7,562 
Underwriting gain (loss) $74,817  $(108,579) $141,030  $(67,800)
Underwriting gain $1,869  $16,711 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
U.S. Insurance September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $230,491  $194,021  $648,719  $595,458  $228,237  $204,717 
Net written premiums  76,400   98,597   301,910   312,949   102,467   121,152 
                        
Premiums earned $89,237  $107,822  $306,860  $372,032  $101,166  $111,972 
Incurred losses and LAE  71,423   78,386   210,329   335,965   72,950   81,144 
Commission and brokerage  10,512   4,798   32,379   48,438   1,641   12,018 
Other underwriting expenses  19,982   16,876   56,415   47,118   16,577   17,281 
Underwriting (loss) gain $(12,680) $7,762  $7,737  $(59,489)
Underwriting gain $9,998  $1,529 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
Specialty Underwriting September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $67,615  $54,828  $183,726  $193,941  $65,887  $58,923 
Net written premiums  38,259   34,564   102,990   128,787   37,239   32,605 
                        
Premiums earned $39,182  $35,317  $108,513  $126,318  $38,898  $36,836 
Incurred losses and LAE  25,197   37,615   73,740   81,747   27,461   25,383 
Commission and brokerage  10,510   8,660   29,435   30,418   8,535   10,067 
Other underwriting expenses  2,383   1,937   6,227   6,182   1,951   1,845 
Underwriting gain (loss) $1,092  $(12,895) $(889) $7,971  $951  $(459)

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
International September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $272,603  $248,821  $797,606  $654,183  $275,350  $250,750 
Net written premiums  146,330   144,810   435,650   394,260   145,209   135,356 
                        
Premiums earned $147,864  $139,285  $433,099  $395,511  $147,069  $143,304 
Incurred losses and LAE  89,214   90,261   260,964   252,088   236,485   92,527 
Commission and brokerage  34,840   32,885   100,062   90,652   30,447   34,215 
Other underwriting expenses  6,159   4,691   16,463   14,492   6,380   4,620 
Underwriting gain $17,651  $11,448  $55,610  $38,279 
Underwriting (loss) gain $(126,243) $11,942 

21


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) income (loss) for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Underwriting gain (loss) $80,880  $(102,264) $203,488  $(81,039)
Underwriting (loss) gain $(113,425) $29,723 
Net investment income  65,492   97,305   179,667   292,263   85,107   39,659 
Net realized capital gains (losses)  101,394   (108,652)  56,151   (261,347)
Net realized capital losses  (5,307)  (68,184)
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   -   78,271   -   -   78,271 
Corporate expense  (1,675)  (1,425)  (4,871)  (4,502)  (2,226)  (1,318)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  (17,073)  (19,745)  (53,779)  (59,233)  (16,340)  (19,633)
Other income (expense)  15,081   7,951   7,801   (16,039)  5,112   (114)
Income (loss) before taxes $244,099  $(126,830) $466,728  $(129,897)
(Loss) income before taxes $(47,079) $58,404 

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.

15.  Related-Party TransactionsRELATED-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 operationsoperation 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 consideration,considerations 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.

·  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”). This agreement remained in effect through December 31, 2002.

·  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 agreement 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.million (20.0% of $625.0 million).  The property portion of this amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2006.  The casualty portion of this amendment 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 cedesceded 60.0% of its Canadian branch property business to Bermuda Re.  This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2009.

·  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 amended the whole account quota share whereby, for all new and renewal casualty and property business recorded on or after January 1, 2008, Everest Re ceded 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.

·  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%ceded 36.0% and 8%8.0% 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 occurrence exceed $150.0 million or in the aggregate for each underwriting year for all occurrences exceed $325.0 million.  This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2009.


·  Effective January 1, 2010, Everest Re entered into a whole account quota share with Bermuda Re, whereby Everest Re’s Canadian branch cedes to Bermuda Re 60.0% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal property business recorded on or after January 1, 2010.  However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re relating to any one occurrence exceed $350.0 million (60% of $583.3 million).
23

·  Effective January 1, 2010, Everest Re entered into a whole account quota share with Bermuda Re, whereby for all new and renewal business recorded on or after January 1, 2010, Everest Re cedes 44.0% of its net retained liability to Bermuda Re.  However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re relating to any one occurrence exceed $150.0 million or in the aggregate for each underwriting year for all such occurrences exceed $325.0 million.

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


 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
Bermuda Re September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Ceded written premiums $323,098  $285,039  $879,163  $705,859  $320,031  $284,766 
Ceded earned premiums  286,537   243,685   835,673   667,799   288,158   274,068 
Ceded losses and LAE (a)  196,630   198,505   529,229   409,440   288,446   140,867 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
Everest International September 30, September 30, March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008 2010  2009 
Ceded written premiums $68,937  $30,098  $152,819  $73,798  $28,312  $38,348 
Ceded earned premiums  49,381   25,739   121,664   69,517   40,332   34,336 
Ceded losses and LAE  27,070   21,506   63,625   43,762   24,016   19,400 

(a) Ceded losses and LAE include the Mt. McKinley loss portfolio transfer that constitutes losses ceded under retroactive reinsurance and therefore, in accordance with ASC 944-20 (FAS 113, “Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts”),FASB guidance, a deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance is reflected in other expenses on the consolidated statementstatements of operations and comprehensive income.

Everest Re sold net assets of its UKU.K. 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.

16. Income TaxesINCOME TAXES

The Company uses a projected annual effective tax rate in accordance with ASC 740-10-05 (FAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”), to calculate its quarterly tax expense.expense in accordance with FASB guidance.  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 nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Company expensed approximately $1.3$1.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively, in interest and penalties.

17. Subsequent EventsSUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated known recognized and nonrecognizednon-recognized subsequent events through November 16, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued.events.  The Company does not have any subsequent events to report.

2425


ITEM 2.
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 such, 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 sourcessource s of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

Starting in the latter part of 2007 throughout 2008 and continuing into 2009,2010 there has been a significant slowdown in the global economy, which has negatively impacted the financial resources of the industry.  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 deteriorateddet eriorated 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 maturitiesmaturity securities 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 maturity and equity securities has resulted in significant declines in the capital bases of most insurance and reinsurance companies. While there has beenwas significant improvement in the financial markets during 2009 itand into 2010, recent concerns about the ability of some European countries to repay their bonds has hindered financial market recoveries.  It is too early to predict the timing and extent of the impact the capital deterioration and subsequent partial recoverythese financial market fluctuations will have on insurance and reinsurance market conditions.

Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive.  Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand.  We noted, however, that in many markets and lines during 2009 and into 2010, the rates of decline have slowed, pricing in some segments was relatively flat and there was upward movement in some others, particularly property catastrophe coverage.  Competition and its effect on rates, terms and conditions vary widely by market and coverage yet continues to be most prevalent in the U.S. casualty insurance and reinsurance markets. The U.S. insurance markets in which we participate were extremely competitive as well, particularly in the workers’ compensation, public entity and contractorwell.
 
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 will 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.

The reinsurance industry has experienced a period of falling rates and volume, particularly in the casualty lines of business.  Profit opportunities have become generally less available over time; however, the unfavorable trends seem to be softening.  We are now seeing smaller rate declines, pockets of stability and some increases in some markets and for some coverages.  As a resultDuring the first quarter of very2010, the devastating Chilean earthquake coupled with severe storms in Europe and Australia resulted in significant investment and catastrophe losses incurred by both primary insurers and reinsurers overto the past year, but principally in the last nine months of 2008, industry-wide capital declined and rating agency scrutiny increased.industry.  It is too early to gauge the extent of hardening, if any,market impacts from these losses, but we feel that will occur; however, it appears that much of the redundant capitalmarket conditions should improve for catastrophe coverages in the industry has been depleted and the stage is set for firmer markets.geographical regions of these losses.

Rates in the international markets have generally been more adequate than in the U.S.,stable 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 with the opening of aour 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.

The 2009 renewals rates, particularly for property catastrophe 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.
 
2627


Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results.  The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net (loss) income, (loss), ratios and stockholder’s equity for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended Percentage Nine Months Ended Percentage Three Months Ended Percentage
 September 30, Increase/ September 30, Increase/ March 31, Increase/
(Dollars in millions) 2009 2008 (Decrease) 2009 2008 (Decrease) 2010 2009 (Decrease)
Gross written premiums $916.3  $778.1   17.8% $2,506.1  $2,158.1   16.1% $813.5  $778.7   4.5%
Net written premiums  452.7   424.4   6.6%  1,328.4   1,261.0   5.3%  413.4   428.5   -3.5%
                                    
REVENUES:                                    
Premiums earned $438.3  $449.9   -2.6% $1,337.5  $1,421.3   -5.9% $414.1  $438.4   -5.5%
Net investment income  65.5   97.3   -32.7%  179.7   292.3   -38.5%  85.1   39.7   114.6%
Net realized capital gains (losses)  101.4   (108.7)  -193.3%  56.2   (261.3)  -121.5%
Gain on tender of debt  -   -   -   78.3   -   - 
Net realized capital losses  (5.3)  (68.2)  -92.2%
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   78.3  NA
Other income (expense)  15.1   8.0   89.6%  7.8   (16.0)  -148.6%  5.1   (0.1) NM
Total revenues  620.3   446.5   38.9%  1,659.4   1,436.2   15.5%  499.0   488.1   2.2%
                                    
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                                    
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  242.0   447.0   -45.9%  777.3   1,115.8   -30.3%  427.0   289.2   47.7%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  77.3   73.8   4.7%  252.4   295.3   -14.5%  67.8   88.2   -23.1%
Other underwriting expenses  39.9   32.8   21.7%  109.2   95.8   14.0%  32.7   31.3   4.5%
Corporate expense  2.2   1.3   69.0%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  17.1   19.7   -13.5%  53.8   59.2   -9.2%  16.3   19.6   -16.8%
Total claims and expenses  376.2   573.3   -34.4%  1,192.7   1,566.1   -23.8%  546.1   429.7   27.1%
                                    
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  244.1   (126.8) NM   466.7   (129.9) NM 
Income tax expense (benefit)  80.0   (47.9) NM   128.4   (69.3) NM 
NET INCOME (LOSS) $164.1  $(78.9) NM  $338.3  $(60.6) NM 
                        
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE TAXES  (47.1)  58.4   -180.6%
Income tax (benefit) expense  (2.2)  12.7   -116.9%
NET (LOSS) INCOME $(44.9) $45.7   -198.4%
         Point         Point            
RATIOS:         Change         Change         Point Change
Loss ratio  55.2%  99.4%  (44.2)  58.1%  78.5%  (20.4)  103.1%  66.0%  37.1 
Commission and brokerage ratio  17.6%  16.4%  1.2   18.9%  20.8%  (1.9)  16.4%  20.1%  (3.7)
Other underwriting expense ratio  9.1%  7.2%  1.9   8.2%  6.7%  1.5   7.9%  7.1%  0.8 
Combined ratio  81.9%  123.0%  (41.1)  85.2%  106.0%  (20.8)  127.4%  93.2%  34.2 
                                    
                                    
             At At Percentage At At Percentage
             September 30, December 31, Increase/ March 31, December 31, Increase/
(Dollars in millions)              2009   2008  (Decrease)  2010  2009 (Decrease)
Balance sheet data:                                    
Total investments and cash             $8,073.5  $7,395.1   9.2% $8,046.4  $8,031.6   0.2%
Total assets              13,381.8   12,866.6   4.0%  13,641.6   13,379.6   2.0%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves              7,247.0   7,420.0   -2.3%  7,613.8   7,300.1   4.3%
Total debt              1,017.9   1,179.1   -13.7%  818.0   1,018.0   -19.6%
Total liabilities              10,551.3   10,663.7   -1.1%  10,814.7   10,520.8   2.8%
Stockholder's equity              2,830.5   2,203.0   28.5%  2,826.9   2,858.8   -1.1%
                                    
(NM, not meaningful)                                    
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                        
(NA, not applicable)            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)            
 
28


Revenues.
Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by $138.1$34.8 million, or 17.8%4.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, reflecting an increase of $101.7$23.5 million in our insurance business and $11.3 million in our reinsurance business and $36.5 million in our insurance business.  Gross written premiums increased by $348.0 million, or 16.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008, reflecting an increase of $294.7 million in our reinsurance business and $53.3 million in our insurance business. The increased reinsurance business was
primarily attributable to increased rates on property business, in both the international and U.S. markets, new 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 strong financial ratings.  The increase in insurance premiums were primarily in the workers’ compensation, Florida property and financial institutions directorsinstitution D&O and officers (“D&O”) and errors and omissions (“E&O”)&O lines of business.  The increase in reinsurance business which are new offerings for us, as well as additional writtenwas primarily attributable to strong growth in U.S. property, insurance premiumsSouth America and Asian markets, partially offset by decreased writings in Florida where rates to exposure remain attractive.

the U.S. casualty, crop reinsurance, marine and European markets.  Net written premiums increaseddecreased by $28.2$15.2 million, or 6.6%3.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008, and $67.4 million, or 5.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The increases in net written premiums areMarch 31, 2009.  This change was primarily due to the increase in gross writtenceded premiums partially offsetthat generally relate to specific reinsurance purchased by the increaseU.S. Insurance operation and that fluctuate based upon the level of premiums written in cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.individual reinsured programs.  Premiums earned decreased by $11.6$24.3 million, or 2.6%5.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008, and $83.8 million, or 5.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.  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 recorded onat the initiation of coverage.the coverage period.

Net Investment Income. Net investment income decreasedincreased by 32.7%114.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008 and by 38.5% for the nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2009, comparedprimarily due to the nine months ended September 30, 2008, due primarily to lossesnet investment gains from our limited partnership investmentspartnerships that principally invest in public and non-public securities, both equity and debt, which reportdebt.  Gains related to us on a quarter lag, a reductionthese limited partnerships were $9.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared with losses of $34.1 million for the comparable period in invested assets resulting from the October 1, 2008 loss portfolio transfer agreement with Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. (“Bermuda Re”) and lower yields for new long and short term fixed maturity investments.2009.  As a result, net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.4%up at 4.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to 4.6%2.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 3.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 4.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).Losses.  Net realized capital gains were $101.4 million and $56.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  Net realized capital losses were $108.7$5.3 million and $261.3$68.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The realized gains and losses reflected for each period were primarily a function of changes in sales,For the three months ended March 31, 2010, we recorded $6.5 million loss due to fair value re-measurements, and other-than-temporary impairments. The largest changeswhich were partially offset by $1.2 million of net realized capital gains from sales.  For the result of thethree months ended March 31, 2009, we recorded $39.1 million loss due to fair value re-measurements, $28.5 million of our investmentnet realized capital losses from sales and $0.6 million in an affiliated entity’s shares and public equity securities portfolio.  During 2008, our public equity securities portfolio was much larger and with the equity markets declining rapidly, fair value re-measurements resulted in realized losses.  Conversely in 2009, the equity markets improved resulting in fair value re-measurement gains. In addition, other-than-temporary impairments on our available for sale fixed income securities, decreased period over period due to the improving financial markets.maturity securities.

Realized Gain on Debt Repurchase.  On March 19, 2009, we announced the commencement ofcommenced 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, which resulted in a pre-tax gain on debt repurchase of $78.3 million.

Other Income (Expense)..  We recorded other income of $15.1 million and $7.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. We recorded other income of $8.0$5.1 million and other expense of $16.0$0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The variances were primarily due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the deferrals on retroactive reinsurance agreements with affiliates and changes in foreign currency exchange rates for the corresponding periods.
 
28

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


  Three Months Ended September 30,
 CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2009                
Attritional (a)$ 246.756.3%  $ (19.1) -4.4%  $ 227.6 51.9% 
Catastrophes  11.22.6%    3.2 0.7%    14.4 3.3% 
A&E  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 257.958.8%  $ (15.9) -3.6%  $ 242.0 55.2% 
                 
2008                
Attritional (a)$ 301.767.1%  $ (12.2) -2.7%  $ 289.5 64.4% 
Catastrophes  151.533.7%    6.0 1.3%    157.5 35.0% 
A&E  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 453.2100.7%  $ (6.2) -1.4%  $ 447.0 99.4% 
                 
Variance 2009/2008                
Attritional (a)$ (55.0) (10.8)pts $ (6.9)  (1.6)pts $ (61.9)  (12.4)pts
Catastrophes  (140.3) (31.1)pts   (2.8)  (0.6)pts   (143.1)  (31.7)pts
A&E  - -pts   -  -pts   -  -pts
Total segment$ (195.3) (41.9)pts $ (9.7)  (2.2)pts $ (205.0)  (44.2)pts
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2009                
Attritional (a)$ 789.059.0%  $ (36.0) -2.7%  $ 753.0 56.3% 
Catastrophes  20.31.5%    4.0 0.3%    24.3 1.8% 
A&E  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 809.360.5%  $ (32.0) -2.4%  $ 777.3 58.1% 
                 
2008                
Attritional (a)$ 870.361.2%  $ 62.9 4.4%  $ 933.1 65.7% 
Catastrophes  168.311.8%    14.4 1.0%    182.7 12.9% 
A&E  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 1,038.673.1%  $ 77.2 5.4%  $ 1,115.8 78.5% 
                 
Variance 2009/2008                
Attritional (a)$ (81.3) (2.2)pts $ (98.8)  (7.1)pts $ (180.2)  (9.4)pts
Catastrophes  (148.0) (10.3)pts   (10.4)  (0.7)pts   (158.4)  (11.0)pts
A&E  - -pts   -  -pts   -  -pts
Total segment$ (229.3) (12.6)pts $ (109.2)  (7.8)pts $ (338.5)  (20.4)pts
                 
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.              
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)              
Incurred losses and LAE were lower by $205.0 million, or 45.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. Catastrophe losses, at $14.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, were $143.1 million lower than the same period in 2008, primarily due to the absence in 2009, of any large catastrophe losses.  Attritional losses incurred decreased $61.9 million (12.4 points) for the third quarter, period over period, due to mix of business and premiums earned, in conjunction with affiliated cessions.

Incurred losses and LAE were lower by $338.5 million, or 30.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  The primary contributor to the decrease was the result of the reduction in current year catastrophe losses of $148.0 million. The variance in the prior years’ attritional losses was primarily due to the absence, in 2009, of $85.3 million reserve strengthening on an auto loan credit program.
29


Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and LAE.  The following table presents our incurred losses and LAE for the periods indicated.
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional (a) $268.2   64.8%  $(9.3)  -2.2%  $259.0   62.5% 
Catastrophes  165.2   39.9%   2.8   0.7%   168.0   40.6% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $433.4   104.7%  $(6.4)  -1.6%  $427.0   103.1% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional (a) $257.4   58.7%  $20.2   4.6%  $277.6   63.3% 
Catastrophes  9.1   2.1%   2.5   0.6%   11.6   2.7% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $266.5   60.8%  $22.7   5.2%  $289.2   66.0% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional (a) $10.8   6.1 pts $(29.5)  (6.8)pts $(18.6)  (0.8)pts
Catastrophes  156.1   37.8 pts  0.3   0.1 pts  156.4   37.9 pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total $166.9   43.9 pts $(29.1)  (6.8)pts $137.8   37.1 pts
                            
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        
Incurred losses and LAE increased by $137.8 million, or 47.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Of the $137.8 million increase, current year catastrophe losses increased $156.1 million corresponding to a loss ratio increase of 37.8 points, period over period, primarily due to the Chile earthquake, Australian hailstorms and winterstorm Xynthia.  The $10.8 million increase in attritional losses for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was the result of an increase in expected loss ratios, which more than offset a decrease in earned premiums.

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increaseddecreased by $3.4$20.4 million, or 4.7%23.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2008,2009.  The decrease was primarily the result of lower commission rates on property contracts in conjunction with the increase in reinstatement premiums, which have no brokerage commissions and decreased by $42.9 million, or 14.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  The change in this directly variable expense was influenced by changes in the mix of business and increased cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $39.9 million compared to $32.8$32.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $109.2 millionMarch 31, 2010 compared to $95.8$31.3 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2009. The increase was primarily due to the increase in staff and 2008, respectively. These increases were the result of expansion as we continue to grow our books of business.  In addition, other underwriting expenses included corporatestaff related expenses.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are expenses that are not allocated to segments, of $1.7were $2.2 million and $1.4$1.3 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  These expenses were previously included as underwriting expenses and 2008, respectively,therefore included in the other underwriting expense ratio.  Effective January 1, 2010, these expenses were removed from the calculation of the other underwriting expense ratio and $4.9 million and $4.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.prior periods were recalculated to conform.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest and other expense was $17.1$16.3 million and $19.7$19.6 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively, and $53.8 million and $59.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The decrease period over period, was primarily due to the partialcombination of the repurchase of our long term subordinated notesdebt in March 2009.the first quarter of 2009 and maturing of debt in the first quarter of 2010.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Expense.  We had an income tax benefit of $2.2 million and an income tax expense of $80.0 million and $128.4$12.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and an income tax benefit $47.9 million and $69.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.  The period over period variances werevariance was primarily due to the increasepre-tax losses in 2010 versus pre-tax net income in 2009 versus pre-tax net losses in 2008.2009.  Our income tax is primarily a function of the statutory tax rate coupled with the impact from tax-preferenced investment income.

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Net Income (Loss). Income.
OurWe reported a net loss of $44.9 million and net income was $164.1 million and $338.3of $45.7 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, compared to a net loss of $78.9 million and $60.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.  These changes wereThis change was the result of the items discussed above.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio decreasedincreased by 41.134.2 points to 81.9%127.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to 123.0%93.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2008, and decreased by 20.8 points to 85.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 106.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.  The loss ratio component decreased 44.2 points and 20.4increased 37.1 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively,March 31, 2010 compared to the same periodsperiod last year, principally due to the significant decrease37.8 point increase in current year catastrophe losses.losses as a result of the Chilean earthquake, Australian hailstorms and winterstorm Xynthia. The commission and brokerage ratio component increased by 1.2 points and decreased by 1.93.7 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively,March 31, 2010 compared to the same periodsperiod last year, due to lower rates on property contracts, no commission on reinstatement premiums and blend and mix of business, and increased cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement, while the other underwriting expense ratio component increased slightly by 1.9 points and 1.50.8 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively,March 31, 2010 compared to the same periods last year.three months ended March 31, 2009.

Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholder's equity increaseddecreased by $627.5$31.9 million to $2,830.5$2,826.9 million at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 from $2,203.0$2,858.8 million at December 31, 2008,2009, principally as a result of $338.3$44.9 million of net income, $261.2loss, partially offset by $7.0 million of foreign currency translation adjustments, $4.4 million of unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, $21.6 million of foreign currency translation adjustments and $4.1$1.3 million of share-based compensation transactions.
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pension adjustments.

Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income decreased 32.7%increased 114.6% to $65.5$85.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 from $97.3$39.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, and decreased to $179.7 million for the nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2009, from $292.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  These decreases were primarily due to an increase in recorded gains in 2010 as opposed to recorded losses in 2009 from our limited partnership investmentsinvestments.  The losses in 2009 were the result of 2008 fourth quarter losses from those limited partnerships that principally investinvested in public and non-public securities both equity and debt, which reported to usare on a quarter lag, a reduction in invested assets resulting from the October 1, 2008 loss portfolio transfer agreement with Bermuda Re and lower yields for new long and short term fixed maturity investments.reporting lag.

The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2009  2008  2009  2008  2010  2009 
Fixed maturity securities $71.0  $81.1  $212.9  $233.1 
Fixed maturities $73.6  $70.3 
Equity securities  0.8   1.8   2.2   4.9   2.4   0.7 
Short-term investments and cash  0.3   4.3   3.3   23.8   0.1   2.2 
Other invested assets                        
Limited partnerships  (4.4)  10.2   (36.5)  29.9   9.4   (34.1)
Other  0.7   2.4   5.7   7.2   1.8   2.8 
Total gross investment income  68.2   99.8   187.6   299.0   87.2   41.9 
Interest credited and other expense  (2.8)  (2.4)  (7.9)  (6.6)  (2.1)  (2.3)
Total net investment income $65.5  $97.3  $179.7  $292.3  $85.1  $39.7 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)        
 
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The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:
 
At At
At September 30, At December 31,March 31, December 31,
2009 20082010 2009
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets3.8% 4.3%3.8% 3.7%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets3.1% 3.5%3.1% 3.1%
 
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, September 30,March 31,
20092008 200920082010 2009
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.4%4.6% 3.1%4.5%4.4% 2.1%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets2.9%3.6% 2.7%3.6%3.5% 2.1%
 
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Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).Losses.
The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital gains (losses)losses for the periods indicated:
 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2009  2008  Variance  2009  2008  Variance 
Gains (losses) from sales:                  
Fixed maturity, market value                  
Gains $2.0  $-  $2.0  $4.0  $1.1  $2.9 
Losses  (6.1)  (12.2)  6.1   (36.6)  (14.2)  (22.4)
Total  (4.1)  (12.2)  8.1   (32.6)  (13.1)  (19.5)
                         
Fixed maturity securities, fair value                        
Gains  0.3   -   0.3   0.6   -   0.6 
Losses  (0.1)  -   (0.1)  (0.1)  -   (0.1)
Total  0.2   -   0.2   0.4   -   0.5 
                         
Equity securities, market value                        
Gains  8.0   -   8.0   8.0   -   8.0 
Losses  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total  8.0   -   8.0   8.0   -   8.0 
                         
Equity securities, fair value                        
Gains  1.3   3.8   (2.5)  7.2   5.9   1.3 
Losses  -   (4.8)  4.8   (0.7)  (18.5)  17.8 
Total  1.3   (1.0)  2.3   6.5   (12.6)  19.1 
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales                        
Gains  11.6   3.8   7.8   19.8   7.0   12.8 
Losses  (6.3)  (17.0)  10.7   (37.5)  (32.7)  (4.8)
Total  5.4   (13.2)  18.6   (17.7)  (25.7)  8.0 
                         
Other than temporary impairments:  -   (63.8)  63.8   (5.5)  (67.9)  62.4 
                         
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:                        
Fixed maturities, fair value  5.8   (0.2)  6.0   7.8   (0.2)  8.0 
Equity securities, fair value  23.1   (58.8)  81.9   23.4   (122.9)  146.3 
Other invested assets, fair value  67.1   27.4   39.7   48.1   (44.6)  92.7 
Total  96.0   (31.6)  127.6   79.3   (167.7)  247.0 
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) $101.4  $(108.7) $210.0  $56.2  $(261.3) $317.5 
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                        
We reported $101.4 million net realized capital gains and $108.7 million net realized capital losses for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We recorded $96.0 million in net realized capital gains and $31.6 million in net realized capital losses due to fair value re-measurements for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This improvement in fair value was primarily due to the healthier financial markets. In addition, we did not record any other-than-temporary impairments for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the $63.8 million recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

We reported $56.2 million net realized capital gains and $261.3 million net realized capital losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We recorded $79.3 million in net realized capital gains and $167.7 million in net realized capital losses due to fair value re-measurements for the nine
  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance 
Gains (losses) from sales:         
Fixed maturity securities, market value         
Gains $1.7  $1.5   0.2 
Losses  (2.5)  (29.6)  27.1 
Total  (0.8)  (28.1)  27.3 
             
Fixed maturity securities, fair value            
Gains  0.1   -   0.1 
Losses  -   -   0.0 
Total  0.1   -   0.1 
             
Equity securities, fair value            
Gains  2.4   0.2   2.2 
Losses  (0.5)  (0.7)  0.2 
Total  1.9   (0.4)  2.3 
             
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales            
Gains  4.2   1.7   2.5 
Losses  (3.0)  (30.3)  27.3 
Total  1.2   (28.5)  29.7 
             
Other-than-temporary impairments:  -   (0.6)  0.6 
             
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:            
Fixed maturities, fair value  3.0   -   3.0 
Equity securities, fair value  13.2   (16.9)  30.1 
Other invested assets, fair value  (22.7)  (22.2)  (0.5)
Total  (6.5)  (39.1)  32.6 
             
Total net realized capital losses $(5.3) $(68.2) $62.9 
             
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)            
 
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months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Once again, this improvement in fair value was primarily due to the improved financial markets. We recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $5.5Net realized capital losses were $5.3 million and $67.9$68.2 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, we recorded a $6.5 million in losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and 2008, respectively.equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $1.2 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, net realized capital losses included $39.1 million of fair value re-measurements on equity securities and other invested assets, $28.5 million of net realized capital losses from sales and $0.6 million in other-than-temporary impairments on our available for sale fixed maturity securities.

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, brokers 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 Reinsurance Company’s (“Everest Re”) branchesRe’s br anches in Canada and Singapore and offices in Miami and New Jersey.

These segments are managed in a coordinated fashionindependently, but conform with corporate guidelines 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 premiums earned.

Our loss and LAE reserves are 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.

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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 September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2009  2008  Variance  % Change  2009  2008  Variance  % Change  2010  2009  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $345.6  $280.5  $65.1   23.2% $876.0  $714.5  $161.5   22.6% $244.0  $264.3  $(20.3)  -7.7%
Net written premiums  191.7   146.5   45.2   30.9%  487.8   425.0   62.9   14.8%  128.5   139.4   (11.0)  -7.9%
                                                
Premiums earned $162.0  $167.5  $(5.4)  -3.2% $489.1  $527.5  $(38.4)  -7.3% $127.0  $146.3  $(19.3)  -13.2%
Incurred losses and LAE  56.2   240.7   (184.6)  -76.7%  232.3   446.0   (213.8)  -47.9%  90.1   90.1   -   0.0%
Commission and brokerage  21.4   27.5   (6.1)  -22.1%  90.5   125.8   (35.2)  -28.0%  27.2   31.9   (4.7)  -14.7%
Other underwriting expenses  9.7   7.8   1.8   23.3%  25.3   23.5   1.8   7.4%  7.8   7.6   0.2   3.2%
Underwriting gain (loss) $74.8  $(108.6) $183.4   -168.9% $141.0  $(67.8) $208.8  NM 
Underwriting gain $1.9  $16.7  $(14.8)  -88.8%
                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  34.7%  143.7%      (109.0)  47.5%  84.6%      (37.1)  71.0%  61.6%      9.4 
Commission and brokerage ratio  13.2%  16.4%      (3.2)  18.5%  23.8%      (5.3)  21.4%  21.8%      (0.4)
Other underwriting expense ratio  5.9%  4.7%      1.2   5.2%  4.5%      0.7   6.1%  5.2%      0.9 
Combined ratio  53.8%  164.8%      (111.0)  71.2%  112.9%      (41.7)  98.5%  88.6%      9.9 
                                                
(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 23.2%7.7% to $345.6$244.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 from $280.5$264.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, primarily due to $26.8$20.3 million from several new crop hail quota share treaties, a $20.9 million (28.6%(23.2%) increasedecrease in U.S. treaty casualty volume, a $13.4 million (7.0%(63.6%) decrease in facultative volume and a $5.3 million (30.5%) decrease in the crop hail quota share treaties, partially offset by an $18.6 million (13.5%) increase in treaty property volume and a $4.0 million (22.7%) increase in facultative volume. Our treaty casualty premiums were higher as we are writing more quota share business, which in part, is driven by the capital concerns of our ceding company customers looking for broader reinsurance support. The crop hail business is a new 2009 line of business for us and we anticipate similar volume in the remaining quarter of 2009. Net written premiums increaseddecreased by 30.9%7.9% to $191.7$128.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $146.5$139.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, primarily due to the increasedecrease in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned decreased by 3.2%13.2% to $162.0$127.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $167.5$146.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums, for proportionate contracts, are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded on the initiation of the coverage period. In addition, part of the variance was due to the impact of changes in the affiliated quota share agreement.

Gross written premiums increased by 22.6% to $876.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $714.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to $68.5 million from the new crop hail quota share treaties, a $59.8 million (29.7%) increase in treaty casualty volume, a $31.0 million (7.0%) increase in treaty property volume and a $2.2 million (3.2%) increase in facultative volume. Net written premiums increased by 14.8% to $487.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $425.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to the increase in gross written premiums combined with increased cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement. Premiums earned decreased by 7.3% to $489.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $527.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Variances for the nine months were reflective of the change in premium volume, timing and cessions under the affiliated quota share reinsurance agreement.
 
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables presenttable presents the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
  Three Months Ended September 30,
 CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2009                
Attritional$ 72.744.9%  $ (18.4) -11.4%  $ 54.3 33.5% 
Catastrophes  -0.0%    1.8 1.1%    1.8 1.1% 
A&E  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 72.744.9%  $ (16.6) -10.2%  $ 56.2 34.7% 
                 
2008                
Attritional$ 96.957.8%  $ 4.9 2.9%  $ 101.8 60.8% 
Catastrophes  133.479.7%    5.6 3.3%    138.9 83.0% 
A&E  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 230.3137.5%  $ 10.5 6.3%  $ 240.7 143.7% 
                 
Variance 2009/2008                
Attritional$ (24.1) (13.0)pts $ (23.3)  (14.3)pts $ (47.5)  (27.3)pts
Catastrophes  (133.4) (79.7)pts   (3.7)  (2.2)pts   (137.1)  (81.8)pts
A&E  - -pts   -  -pts   -  -pts
Total segment$ (157.5) (92.6)pts $ (27.1)  (16.5)pts $ (184.6)  (109.0)pts
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                   
Attritional $76.2   60.0%  $(4.2)  -3.3%  $71.9   56.6% 
Catastrophes  15.7   12.3%   2.5   2.0%   18.2   14.3% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $91.9   72.3%  $(1.7)  -1.4%  $90.1   71.0% 
                           
2009                                        
Attritional$ 250.251.2%  $ (18.1) -3.7%  $ 232.1 47.5%  $73.5   50.2%  $16.5   11.2%  $90.0   61.5% 
Catastrophes  -0.0%   0.1 0.0%   0.1 0.0%   -   0.0%   0.2   0.1%   0.2   0.1% 
A&E  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment$ 250.251.2%  $ (18.0) -3.7%  $ 232.3 47.5%  $73.5   50.2%  $16.6   11.4%  $90.1   61.6% 
                                        
2008             
Attritional$ 285.654.2%  $ 9.5 1.8%  $ 295.1 55.9% 
Catastrophes  139.426.4%   11.6 2.2%   150.9 28.6% 
A&E  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 425.080.6%  $ 21.0 4.0%  $ 446.0 84.6% 
             
Variance 2009/2008             
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional$ (35.4) (3.0)pts $ (27.6)  (5.5)pts $ (62.9)  (8.5)pts $2.7   9.8 pts $(20.7)  (14.5)pts $(18.1)  (4.9)pts
Catastrophes  (139.4) (26.4)pts  (11.4)  (2.2)pts  (150.8)  (28.6)pts  15.7   12.3 pts  2.3   1.9 pts  18.0   14.2 pts
A&E  -pts   -  -pts   -  -pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment$ (174.8) (29.4)pts $ (39.0)  (7.7)pts $ (213.8)  (37.1)pts $18.4   22.1 pts $(18.3)  (12.8)pts $-   9.4 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 were $184.6remained flat at $90.1 million (109.0 points) lower for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared the three months ended September 30, 2008, primarily as a result of a $133.4March 31, 2010 and 2009.  The $18.0 million (79.7(14.2 points) decrease due to the absence of current yearincrease in catastrophe losses was offset by a decrease in the third quarterattritional losses of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. In addition, prior years’ reserves developed favorably in 2009 by $16.6$18.1 million primarily treaty casualty, compared to unfavorable development in 2008(4.9 points).  The 2010 catastrophe losses consisted of $10.5 million, primarily treaty property.

Incurred losses were $213.8 million (37.1 points) lower at $232.3$12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared toChilean earthquake and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to a $139.4 million (26.4 points) decrease due to absence of current year catastrophe losses in 2009 and $39.0 million (7.7 points) favorable variance, period over period, of prior years’ reserve development.windstorm Xynthia.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 22.1%14.7% to $21.4$27.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $27.5March 31, 2010 compared to $31.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 28.0% to $90.5 million for the nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2009, from $125.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. These decreases were primarily due to the fluctuationdecline in premiums earned in conjunction withand lower commissions on property business.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $7.8 million and $7.6 million for the change in the mixthree months ended March 31, 2010 and type of business written and the increased cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.  Segment other2009, respectively.
 
35

underwriting expenses were $9.7 million and $7.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Segment other underwriting expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were $25.3 million and $23.5 million, respectively.

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 September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2009  2008  Variance  % Change  2009  2008  Variance  % Change  2010  2009  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $230.5  $194.0  $36.5   18.8% $648.7  $595.5  $53.3   8.9% $228.2  $204.7  $23.5   11.5%
Net written premiums  76.4   98.6   (22.2)  -22.5%  301.9   312.9   (11.0)  -3.5%  102.5   121.2   (18.7)  -15.4%
                                                
Premiums earned $89.2  $107.8  $(18.6)  -17.2% $306.9  $372.0  $(65.2)  -17.5% $101.2  $112.0  $(10.8)  -9.7%
Incurred losses and LAE  71.4   78.4   (7.0)  -8.9%  210.3   336.0   (125.6)  -37.4%  73.0   81.1   (8.2)  -10.1%
Commission and brokerage  10.5   4.8   5.7   119.1%  32.4   48.4   (16.1)  -33.2%  1.6   12.0   (10.4)  -86.3%
Other underwriting expenses  20.0   16.9   3.1   18.4%  56.4   47.1   9.3   19.7%  16.6   17.3   (0.7)  -4.1%
Underwriting (loss) gain $(12.7) $7.8  $(20.4) NM  $7.7  $(59.5) $67.2   -113.0%
Underwriting gain $10.0  $1.5  $8.5  NM
                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  80.0%  72.7%      7.3   68.5%  90.3%      (21.8)  72.1%  72.5%      (0.4)
Commission and brokerage ratio  11.8%  4.4%      7.4   10.6%  13.0%      (2.4)  1.6%  10.7%      (9.1)
Other underwriting expense ratio  22.4%  15.7%      6.7   18.4%  12.7%      5.7   16.4%  15.4%      1.0 
Combined ratio  114.2%  92.8%      21.4   97.5%  116.0%      (18.5)  90.1%  98.6%      (8.5)
                                                
(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 18.8%11.5% to $230.5$228.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $194.0March 31, 2010 compared to $204.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Most of the new premiumMarch 31, 2009. Growth was derived from our entry into the financial institution D&O and E&O market anddirect specialty operation in New York, additional property insurance written in Florida where rates to exposure remain attractive.and the workers’ compensation business.  Net written premiums decreased by 22.5%15.4% to $76.4$102.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $98.6$121.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The change in net written premiums was primarily due to the increase in gross written premiums, partially offset byMarch 31, 2009, reflective of the change in business mix and cessions.  Ceded premiums generally relate to the affiliated quota share agreement and third party specific reinsurance cessions.purchased for i ndividual reinsured programs.  Premiums earned decreased 17.2%9.7% to $89.2$101.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $107.8March 31, 2010 compared to $112.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

Gross written premiums increased by 8.9% to $648.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $595.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Net written premiums decreased by 3.5% to $301.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $312.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Premiums earned decreased 17.5% to $306.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $372.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period, in addition to the impact of the affiliated quota share agreement.
period.
36


Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables presenttable presents the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
  Three Months Ended September 30,
 CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2009                
Attritional$ 71.480.0%  $ 0.1 0.1%  $ 71.4 80.0% 
Catastrophes  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 71.480.0%  $ 0.1 0.1%  $ 71.4 80.0% 
                 
2008                
Attritional$ 80.774.9%  $ (2.4) -2.2%  $ 78.4 72.7% 
Catastrophes  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 80.774.9%  $ (2.4) -2.2%  $ 78.4 72.7% 
                 
Variance 2009/2008                
Attritional$ (9.4) 5.1pts $ 2.4  2.3pts $ (7.0)  7.3pts
Catastrophes  - -pts   -  -pts   -  -pts
Total segment$ (9.4) 5.1pts $ 2.4  2.3pts $ (7.0)  7.3pts

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2009                
Attritional$ 226.873.9%  $ (16.4) -5.4%  $ 210.3 68.5% 
Catastrophes  -0.0%    - 0.0%    - 0.0% 
Total segment$ 226.873.9%  $ (16.4) -5.4%  $ 210.3 68.5% 
                 
2008                
Attritional$ 261.870.4%  $ 74.4 20.0%  $ 336.2 90.4% 
Catastrophes  -0.0%    (0.2) -0.1%    (0.2) -0.1% 
Total segment$ 261.870.4%  $ 74.2 19.9%  $ 336.0 90.3% 
                 
Variance 2009/2008                
Attritional$ (35.1) 3.5pts $ (90.8)  (25.3)pts $ (125.8)  (21.8)pts
Catastrophes  - -pts   0.2  0.1pts   0.2  0.1pts
Total segment$ (35.1) 3.5pts $ (90.6)  (25.3)pts $ (125.6)  (21.8)pts
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)              
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 8.9% to $71.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $78.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, primarily driven by the $9.4 million decrease in current year attritional losses, principally as a result of the 17.2% decrease in premiums earned.
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 37.4% to $210.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $336.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily driven by the 17.5% decrease in premiums earned and the absence, in 2009, of $85.3 million of prior years’ attritional loss development on an auto loan credit program.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses increased to $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 33.2% to $32.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $48.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. These variances were primarily due to the decrease in premiums earned, changes in the mix of business written and the impact from internal quota share agreements whereby other underwriting expenses were ceded through commission and brokerage expense.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $20.0 million and $16.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Segment other underwriting expenses were $56.4 million and $47.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These increases were primarily due to compensation costs.
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $74.2   73.4%  $(1.3)  -1.2%  $73.0   72.1% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $74.2   73.4%  $(1.3)  -1.2%  $73.0   72.1% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $80.0   71.5%  $1.1   1.0%  $81.1   72.5% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $80.0   71.5%  $1.1   1.0%  $81.1   72.5% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $(5.8)  1.9 pts $(2.4)  (2.2)pts $(8.1)  (0.4)pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $(5.8)  1.9 pts $(2.4)  (2.2)pts $(8.1)  (0.4)pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        
 
3736


Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 10.1% to $73.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $81.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in earned premium and favorable prior year’s reserve development, partially offset by higher expected attritional loss ratios.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 86.3% to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, which was primarily due to the fluctuation of cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $16.6 million and $17.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as a result of management’s actions to reduce expenses.

Specialty Underwriting.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Specialty Underwriting segment for the periods indicated.
 
 Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2009  2008  Variance  % Change  2009  2008  Variance  % Change  2010  2009  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $67.6  $54.8  $12.8   23.3% $183.7  $193.9  $(10.2)  -5.3% $65.9  $58.9  $7.0   11.8%
Net written premiums  38.3   34.6   3.7   10.7%  103.0   128.8   (25.8)  -20.0%  37.2   32.6   4.6   14.2%
                                                
Premiums earned $39.2  $35.3  $3.9   10.9% $108.5  $126.3  $(17.8)  -14.1% $38.9  $36.8  $2.1   5.6%
Incurred losses and LAE  25.2   37.6   (12.4)  -33.0%  73.7   81.7   (8.0)  -9.8%  27.5   25.4   2.1   8.2%
Commission and brokerage  10.5   8.7   1.9   21.4%  29.4   30.4   (1.0)  -3.2%  8.5   10.1   (1.5)  -15.2%
Other underwriting expenses  2.4   1.9   0.4   23.0%  6.2   6.2   -   0.7%  2.0   1.8   0.1   5.7%
Underwriting gain (loss) $1.1  $(12.9) $14.0   -108.5% $(0.9) $8.0  $(8.9)  -111.2% $1.0  $(0.5) $1.4  NM
                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  64.3%  106.5%      (42.2)  68.0%  64.7%      3.3   70.6%  68.9%      1.7 
Commission and brokerage ratio  26.8%  24.5%      2.3   27.1%  24.1%      3.0   21.9%  27.3%      (5.4)
Other underwriting expense ratio  6.1%  5.5%      0.6   5.7%  4.9%      0.8   5.1%  5.0%      0.1 
Combined ratio  97.2%  136.5%      (39.3)  100.8%  93.7%      7.1   97.6%  101.2%      (3.6)
                                                
(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 23.3%11.8% to $67.6$65.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $54.8March 31, 2010 compared to $58.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to a $9.0 million increase in aviation premiums and a $7.6 million increase in A&H premiums, partially offsetMarch 31, 2009.  This was driven by a $4.0strong demand in our A&H business, $7.0 million, decreaseas more and more employers are self insuring their medical programs leading to more opportunities for us in surety premiums.the medical stop loss business.  Net written premiums increased by 10.7%14.2% to $38.3$37.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $34.6$32.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, primarily as a result of the increase in gross writings combined with the aviation and A&H lines.change in business mix.  Premiums earned increased by 10.9%increas ed to $39.2$38.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $35.3$36.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, in line with the change in net written premiums.

Gross written premiums decreased by 5.3% to $183.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $193.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to a $24.1 million decrease in marine premiums, partially offset by a $9.5 million increase in aviation premiums and a $3.6 million increase in A&H premiums.  Net written premiums decreased by 20.0% to $103.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $128.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as a result of the decrease in gross writings and increased cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.  Premiums earned decreased to $108.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $126.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
 
3837


Incurred Losses and LAE.  The following tables presenttable presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Specialty Underwriting segment for the periods indicated.
 
  Three Months Ended September 30,
 CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2009                
Attritional$ 26.266.8%  $ (0.2) -0.4%  $ 26.0 66.4% 
Catastrophes  -0.0%    (0.8) -2.1%    (0.8) -2.1% 
Total segment$ 26.266.8%  $ (1.0) -2.5%  $ 25.2 64.3% 
                 
2008                
Attritional$ 24.669.8%  $ - 0.0%  $ 24.6 69.8% 
Catastrophes  10.529.7%    2.5 7.0%    13.0 36.7% 
Total segment$ 35.199.5%  $ 2.5 7.0%  $ 37.6 106.5% 
                 
Variance 2009/2008                
Attritional$ 1.5 (3.0)pts $ (0.2)  (0.4)pts $ 1.4  (3.4)pts
Catastrophes  (10.5) (29.7)pts   (3.3)  (9.1)pts   (13.8)  (38.8)pts
Total segment$ (9.0) (32.7)pts $ (3.4)  (9.5)pts $ (12.4)  (42.2)pts
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $26.6   68.3%  $(0.3)  -0.7%  $26.3   67.6% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   1.2   3.0%   1.2   3.0% 
Total segment $26.6   68.3%  $0.9   2.3%  $27.5   70.6% 
                           
2009                                        
Attritional$ 77.070.9%  $ (6.0) -5.5%  $ 71.0 65.4%  $22.6   61.3%  $0.9   2.4%  $23.5   63.7% 
Catastrophes  -0.0%    2.8 2.6%    2.8 2.6%   -   0.0%   1.9   5.2%   1.9   5.2% 
Total segment$ 77.070.9%  $ (3.2) -3.0%  $ 73.7 68.0%  $22.6   61.3%  $2.8   7.6%  $25.4   68.9% 
                                        
2008             
Attritional$ 75.159.5%  $ (7.7) -6.1%  $ 67.4 53.4% 
Catastrophes  10.58.3%    3.9 3.1%    14.4 11.4% 
Total segment$ 85.667.8%  $ (3.9) -3.1%  $ 81.7 64.7% 
             
Variance 2009/2008             
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional$ 1.8 11.5pts $ 1.7  0.6pts $ 3.6  12.0pts $4.0   7.0 pts $(1.2)  (3.1)pts $2.8   3.9 pts
Catastrophes  (10.5) (8.3)pts   (1.1)  (0.5)pts   (11.6)  (8.8)pts  -   - pts  (0.7)  (2.2)pts  (0.7)  (2.2)pts
Total segment$ (8.7) 3.1pts $ 0.7  0.1pts $ (8.0)  3.3pts $4.0   7.0 pts $(1.9)  (5.3)pts $2.1   1.7 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 33.0%8.2% to $25.2$27.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $37.6$25.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, principally as a result of favorable variances in current and prior years’ catastrophe losses inMarch 31, 2009, in comparison to 2008.

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 9.8% to $73.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $81.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily as a result of decreased catastrophean increase in expected loss ratios, which increased current year attritional losses, 3.9 points, in 2009 in comparison to 2008.2010.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses increaseddecreased 15.2% to $10.5$8.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $8.7March 31, 2010 compared to $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. CommissionMarch 31, 2009 primarily driven by the mix in business as the lower commission business, aviation, has increased while higher commission, marine and brokerage expenses decreased to $29.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $30.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. These fluctuations are primarily the result of fluctuations in premiums earned and the increase in the affiliated quota share agreement.surety, business have declined.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $2.4 million and $1.9increased slightly to $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $6.2March 31, 2010 compared to $1.8 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.March 31, 2009.

39


International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.
 
 Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2009  2008  Variance  % Change  2009  2008  Variance  % Change  2010  2009  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $272.6  $248.8  $23.8   9.6% $797.6  $654.2  $143.4   21.9% $275.4  $250.8  $24.6   9.8%
Net written premiums  146.3   144.8   1.5   1.0%  435.7   394.3   41.4   10.5%  145.2   135.4   9.9   7.3%
                                                
Premiums earned $147.9  $139.3  $8.6   6.2% $433.1  $395.5  $37.6   9.5% $147.1  $143.3  $3.8   2.6%
Incurred losses and LAE  89.2   90.3   (1.0)  -1.2%  261.0   252.1   8.9   3.5%  236.5   92.5   144.0   155.6%
Commission and brokerage  34.8   32.9   2.0   5.9%  100.1   90.7   9.4   10.4%  30.4   34.2   (3.8)  -11.0%
Other underwriting expenses  6.2   4.7   1.5   31.3%  16.5   14.5   2.0   13.6%  6.4   4.6   1.8   38.1%
Underwriting gain $17.7  $11.4  $6.2   54.2% $55.6  $38.3  $17.3   45.3%
Underwriting (loss) gain $(126.2) $11.9  $(138.2) NM
                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  60.3%  64.8%      (4.5)  60.3%  63.7%      (3.4)  160.8%  64.6%      96.2 
Commission and brokerage ratio  23.6%  23.6%      -   23.1%  22.9%      0.2   20.7%  23.9%      (3.2)
Other underwriting expense ratio  4.2%  3.4%      0.8   3.8%  3.7%      0.1   4.3%  3.2%      1.1 
Combined ratio  88.1%  91.8%      (3.7)  87.2%  90.3%      (3.1)  185.8%  91.7%      94.1 
                                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                             
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                
 
38


Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 9.6%9.8% to $272.6$275.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $248.8March 31, 2010 compared to $250.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. As a result of ourMarch 31, 2009.  Continued strong financial strength ratings, we continue to see increased participations on treatiesgrowth in most regions,Brazil, $9.9 million increase, and Asia, $10.3 million increase, were partially offset by lower writings in Canada, $2.3 million decrease.  Asia has the largest growth from both new business writings and preferential signings, including preferential termsincreased participation on contracts in Japan and conditions. In addition, rates,Taiwan.  Also included, were $7.0 million in some markets, also contributed toreinstatement premiums from the increased written premiums. Premiums written through the Brazil, Miami and New Jersey offices increased by $11.1 million (7.0%), through the Asian branch by $7.4 million (13.8%) and through the Canadian branch by $5.3 million (14.0%).Chilean earthquake.  Net written premiums increased by 1.0%7.3% to $146.3$145.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $144.8 million$135.4 millio n for the three months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, primarily due to the increase in gross written premiums which were partially offset by increasedcoupled with the increase in cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.share.  Premiums earned increased by 6.2%2.6% to $147.9$147.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $139.3$143.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is theMarch 31, 2009, as a result of timing; premiums are earned notably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 21.9% to $797.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from $654.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Premiums written through the Brazil, Miami and New Jersey offices increased by $112.5 million (27.3%) and through the Asian branch by $31.9 million (24.5%), while premiums written through the Canadian branch decreased by $1.0 million (0.9%).  Net written premiums increased by 10.5% to $435.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $394.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  Premiums earned increased by 9.5% to $433.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $395.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, in line with the increase in net written premiums.  Variance explanations for the nine months were similar to factors discussed above for the three months.
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables presenttable presents the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.
 
 Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                   
Attritional $91.3   62.1%  $(3.5)  -2.4%  $87.8   59.7% 
Catastrophes  149.5   101.7%   (0.9)  -0.6%   148.7   101.1% 
Total segment $240.8   163.7%  $(4.3)  -2.9%  $236.5   160.8% 
                           
2009                                        
Attritional$ 76.451.7%  $ (0.6) -0.4%  $ 75.8 51.3%  $81.3   56.7%  $1.7   1.2%  $83.0   57.9% 
Catastrophes  11.27.6%    2.1 1.5%    13.4 9.0%   9.1   6.3%   0.5   0.3%   9.5   6.7% 
Total segment$ 87.759.3%  $ 1.5 1.0%  $ 89.2 60.3%  $90.4   63.1%  $2.2   1.5%  $92.5   64.6% 
                                        
2008             
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional$ 99.471.4%  $ (14.8) -10.6%  $ 84.7 60.8%  $10.0   5.4 pts $(5.2)  (3.6)pts $4.8   1.8 pts
Catastrophes  7.65.5%    (2.0) -1.5%    5.6 4.0%   140.4   95.4 pts  (1.4)  (0.9)pts  139.2   94.4 pts
Total segment$ 107.076.9%  $ (16.8) -12.0%  $ 90.3 64.8%  $150.4   100.6 pts $(6.5)  (4.4)pts $144.0   96.2 pts
                                        
Variance 2009/2008             
Attritional$ (23.0) (19.7)pts $ 14.2  10.2pts $ (8.8)  (9.5)pts
Catastrophes  3.6 2.1pts   4.2  2.9pts   7.8  5.0pts
Total segment$ (19.4) (17.6)pts $ 18.3  13.0pts $ (1.0)  (4.5)pts
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                      
 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 CurrentRatio%/ Prior Ratio%/ Total Ratio%/
(Dollars in millions)YearPt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2009                
Attritional$ 235.054.3%  $ 4.5 1.1%  $ 239.5 55.3% 
Catastrophes  20.34.7%    1.1 0.3%    21.4 5.0% 
Total segment$ 255.358.9%  $ 5.7 1.3%  $ 261.0 60.3% 
                 
2008                
Attritional$ 247.762.6%  $ (13.2) -3.3%  $ 234.5 59.3% 
Catastrophes  18.44.7%    (0.8) -0.2%    17.6 4.5% 
Total segment$ 266.167.3%  $ (14.1) -3.6%  $ 252.1 63.7% 
                 
Variance 2009/2008                
Attritional$ (12.7) (8.4)pts $ 17.8  4.4pts $ 5.0  (4.0)pts
Catastrophes  1.9 0.0pts   2.0  0.5pts   3.8  0.5pts
Total segment$ (10.8) (8.4)pts $ 19.7  4.9pts $ 8.9  (3.4)pts
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)              
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 1.2% to $89.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $90.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008.  The segment loss ratio decreased by 4.5 points for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to the decreased third quarter 2009 attritional losses (9.5 points), partially offset by the increased catastrophe losses (5.0 points).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 3.5%155.6% to $261.0$236.5 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to $252.1$92.5 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008, primarily as a result ofMarch 31, 2009. The increase was principally due to the $140.4 million increase in premium earned.current year catastrophe losses due to the Chilean earthquake ($129.9 million) and the Australian hailstorms ($19.6 million).  Current year attritional losses also increased due to an increase in expected loss ratios.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses increased 5.9%decreased 11.0% to $34.8$30.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $32.9March 31, 2010 compared to $34.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Commission and brokerage expenses increased 10.4% to $100.1 million for the nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2009, from $90.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  These changes are primarily theas a result of the change in earned premium and the blend of business mix.lower contingent commissions.  Segment other underwriting expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were $6.2$6.4 million and $4.7compared to $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2009, and 2008, respectively.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $16.5 million and $14.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.consistent with expectations.
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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 of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results, market conditions and our tax position.  The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities.  Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.


Our
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The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with 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 $8.1$8.0 billion investment portfolio, at September 30, 2009 wasMarch 31, 2010, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk.fluctuations.  The impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially 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 $509.7$542.8 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $6,416.7$6,489.2 million 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 $645.1$250.1 million of short-term investments) for the periodperiods 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 onfor 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 September 30, 2009  At March 31, 2010
(Dollars in millions)  -200  -100  0  100  200  -200  -100  0  100  200
Total Market/Fair Value $7,665.3  $7,380.6  $7,061.8  $6,697.5  $6,353.4  $7,335.1  $7,061.8  $6,739.3  $6,382.6  $6,045.8 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  8.5%  4.5%  0.0%  -5.2%  -10.0%  8.8%  4.8%  0.0%  -5.3%  -10.3%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                                        
After-tax from Base ($) $392.3  $207.2  $-  $(236.8) $(460.5) $387.2  $209.6  $-  $(231.9) $(450.8)
 
We had $7,247.0$7,613.8 million and $7,420.0$7,300.1 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, 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
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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 investments.  While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will includeinc lude investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid.  Our fixed income portfolio hasloss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration that is reasonably consistent with our loss and loss reserve obligations.fixed income portfolio.

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 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 wasis to obtain greater total return relative to bonds over time through market appreciation and dividend income.
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The table below displays the impact on the fair/market value and the after-tax change in fair/market valueappreciation/(depreciation) of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the periodperiods indicated.
 
 Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
 At September 30, 2009 At March 31, 2010
(Dollars in millions)  -20% -10% 0% 10%  20%  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio $126.8  $142.6  $158.5  $174.3  $190.2  $315.6  $355.1  $394.6  $434.0  $473.5 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value $(20.6) $(10.3) $-  $10.3  $20.6   (51.3)  (25.6)  -   25.6   51.3 
 
Foreign CurrencyExchange 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 ourthese 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 correspondingcorresp onding operating liabilities.  In accordance with ASC 830 (Financial Accounting Standards No. 52 “Foreign Currency Translation”),FASB guidance, 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 September 30, 2009March 31, 2010, there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2008.2009.

Safe Harbor Disclosure.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 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 catastrophec atastrophe 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 6 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,Part 1, ITEM 1A.  We undertake no obligation to update oro r revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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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

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 Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are 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 OfficerOf ficer and Chief Financial 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
41

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.  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, and we vigorously seek to preserve, enforce and defend our legal rights under various agreements.  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 ouro ur 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.


ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

No material changes.


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 Dominic J. Addesso

32.1                      Section 906 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto and Dominic J. Addesso




Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. 
  (Registrant) 
     
     
  /S/DOMINIC J. ADDESSO 
  Dominic J. Addesso 
  Executive Vice President and 
   Chief Financial Officer 
     
  (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
     
     
Dated: November 16, 2009

Dated: May 17, 2010