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:
March 31,June 30, 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 (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 Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T 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 MayAugust 1, 2010
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

     
Item 1. Financial Statements 
     
   
   1
    
   
   2
     
   
   3
     
   
   4
     
  5
     
Item 2.  
   26
    
Item 3. 4145
     
Item 4. 4145
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

     
Item 1. 4245
     
Item 1A. 4245
    
Item 2. 
42
45
    
Item 3. 
42
45
    
Item 4. 
42
45
    
Item 5. 
42
46
    
Item 6. 
42
46



 
 


Part I

ITEM  1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



 March 31,  December 31,  June 30,  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
 (unaudited)     (unaudited)   
ASSETS:            
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value $6,423,902  $6,463,168  $6,393,011  $6,463,168 
(amortized cost: 2010, $6,210,288; 2009, $6,255,759)        
(amortized cost: 2010, $6,133,003; 2009, $6,255,759)        
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value  65,307   50,528   66,351   50,528 
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2010, $15; 2009, $15)  12   13   12   13 
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value  394,548   380,025   340,377   380,025 
Short-term investments  250,127   261,438   251,820   261,438 
Other invested assets (cost: 2010, $398,189; 2009, $387,200)  397,829   386,326 
Other invested assets (cost: 2010, $399,989; 2009, $387,200)  399,611   386,326 
Other invested assets, at fair value  406,933   382,639   545,160   382,639 
Cash  107,737   107,480   106,847   107,480 
Total investments and cash  8,046,395   8,031,617   8,103,189   8,031,617 
Accrued investment income  79,327   83,705   78,687   83,705 
Premiums receivable  767,884   769,744   746,384   769,744 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated  631,814   618,081   635,129   618,081 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated  2,686,134   2,492,152   2,690,402   2,492,152 
Funds held by reinsureds  158,154   156,223   156,702   156,223 
Deferred acquisition costs  181,444   183,498   179,454   183,498 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  580,923   562,146   578,606   562,146 
Deferred tax asset  212,462   210,493   245,231   210,493 
Federal income tax recoverable  131,045   135,682 
Federal income taxes recoverable  67,238   135,682 
Other assets  166,016   136,234   196,985   136,234 
TOTAL ASSETS $13,641,598  $13,379,575  $13,678,007  $13,379,575 
                
LIABILITIES:                
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $7,613,758  $7,300,139  $7,583,530  $7,300,139 
Unearned premium reserve  1,258,574   1,239,320   1,247,378   1,239,320 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties  179,303   175,257   159,451   175,257 
Losses in the course of payment  45,416   42,633   23,663   42,633 
Commission reserves  47,027   50,897   42,432   50,897 
Other net payable to reinsurers  583,219   444,535   529,226   444,535 
Revolving credit borrowings  133,000   - 
8.75% Senior notes due 3/15/2010  -   199,970   -   199,970 
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014  249,780   249,769   249,790   249,769 
6.6% Long term notes due 05/01/2067  238,349   238,348   238,349   238,348 
Junior subordinated debt securities payable  329,897   329,897   329,897   329,897 
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings  12,092   9,885   4,892   9,885 
Other liabilities  257,318   240,151   266,151   240,151 
Total liabilities  10,814,733   10,520,801   10,807,759   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 (2010 and 2009)  -   -   -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  322,459   321,185   324,156   321,185 
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  2,325,682   2,370,611 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of        
$109.6 million at 2010 and $89.9 million at 2009  203,523   166,978 
Retained earnings (deficit)  2,342,569   2,370,611 
Total stockholder's equity  2,826,865   2,858,774   2,870,248   2,858,774 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $13,641,598  $13,379,575  $13,678,007  $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 INCOME (LOSS) INCOME



 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) (unaudited)
REVENUES:                  
Premiums earned $414,134  $438,445  $442,724  $460,774  $856,858  $899,219 
Net investment income  85,107   39,659   89,346   74,516   174,453   114,175 
Net realized capital losses:        
Net realized capital gains (losses):                
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities  -   (574)  -   (4,936)  -   (5,510)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities                        
transferred to other comprehensive income  -   - 
Other net realized capital losses  (5,307)  (67,610)
Total net realized capital losses  (5,307)  (68,184)
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)  -   -   -   - 
Other net realized capital gains (losses)  (95,473)  27,877   (100,780)  (39,733)
Total net realized capital gains (losses)  (95,473)  22,941   (100,780)  (45,243)
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   78,271   -   -   -   78,271 
Other income (expense)  5,112   (114)  8,709   (7,166)  13,821   (7,280)
Total revenues  499,046   488,077   445,306   551,065   944,352   1,039,142 
                        
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                        
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  427,004   289,195   314,749   246,108   741,753   535,303 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  67,841   88,219   88,197   86,923   156,038   175,142 
Other underwriting expenses  32,714   31,308   35,371   34,858   68,085   66,166 
Corporate expenses  2,226   1,318   1,463   1,878   3,689   3,196 
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  16,340   19,633   12,722   17,073   29,062   36,706 
Total claims and expenses  546,125   429,673   452,502   386,840   998,627   816,513 
                        
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE TAXES  (47,079)  58,404 
Income tax (benefit) expense  (2,150)  12,740 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  (7,196)  164,225   (54,275)  222,629 
Income tax expense (benefit)  (24,083)  35,725   (26,233)  48,465 
                        
NET (LOSS) INCOME $(44,929) $45,664 
NET INCOME (LOSS) $16,887  $128,500  $(28,042) $174,164 
                        
Other comprehensive income, net of tax  11,746   38,480 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  24,799   84,300   36,545   122,780 
                        
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME $(33,183) $84,144 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $41,686  $212,800  $8,503  $296,944 
                        
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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) 2010  2009  2010  2009  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 $321,185  $315,771  $322,459  $317,033  $321,185  $315,771 
Share-based compensation plans  1,274   1,262   1,697   1,459   2,971   2,721 
Balance, end of period  322,459   317,033   324,156   318,492   324,156   318,492 
                        
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),                        
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:                        
Balance, beginning of period  166,978   (72,063)  178,724   (33,583)  166,978   (72,063)
Net increase during the period  11,746   38,480 
Cumulative adjustment of initial adoption(1), net of tax
  -   (15,500)  -   (15,500)
Net increase (decrease) during the period  24,799   84,300   36,545   122,780 
Balance, end of period  178,724   (33,583)  203,523   35,217   203,523   35,217 
                        
RETAINED EARNINGS:        
RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT):                
Balance, beginning of period  2,370,611   1,959,260   2,325,682   2,004,924   2,370,611   1,959,260 
Net (loss) income  (44,929)  45,664 
Cumulative adjustment of initial adoption(1), net of tax
  -   15,500   -   15,500 
Net income (loss)  16,887   128,500   (28,042)  174,164 
Balance, end of period  2,325,682   2,004,924   2,342,569   2,148,924   2,342,569   2,148,924 
                        
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD $2,826,865  $2,288,374  $2,870,248  $2,502,633  $2,870,248  $2,502,633 
                        
(1) The cumulative adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes, and retained earnings (deficit), represents the effect of initially
(1) The cumulative adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes, and retained earnings (deficit), represents the effect of initially
    
adopting new guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities                
                
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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) (unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                  
Net (loss) income $(44,929) $45,664 
Net income (loss) $16,887  $128,500  $(28,042) $174,164 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                        
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 
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable  21,553   (61,149)  24,883   (49,821)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net  (18,472)  (671)  (16,262)  (165)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables  (18,620)  (100,495)  (227,797)  (153,465)
Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset  (46,121)  (928)  (54,415)  32,976 
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses  303,114   (48,536)  (12,762)  (133,909)  290,352   (182,445)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums  17,379   (879)  (10,237)  (2,807)  7,142   (3,686)
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships  (9,414)  34,093   (8,882)  (1,968)  (18,296)  32,125 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net  107,975   1,107   18,454   243,408   126,429   244,515 
Non-cash compensation expense  1,195   1,262   1,685   1,445   2,880   2,707 
Amortization of bond premium  3,546   2,271 
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)  1,071   2,707   4,617   4,978 
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes  42   46   11   48   53   94 
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   (78,271)  -   -   -   (78,271)
Net realized capital losses  5,307   68,184 
Net cash provided by operating activities  172,284   17,709 
Net realized capital (gains) losses  95,473   (22,941)  100,780   45,243 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  40,040   51,240   212,324   68,949 
                        
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                        
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value  172,263   109,235   136,606   84,848   308,869   194,083 
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  165,485   44,778   206,078   8,316   371,563   53,094 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value  2,497   3,492   6,115   4,510   8,612   8,002 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value  21,342   1,634   51,400   10,591   72,742   12,225 
Distributions from other invested assets  8,165   12,293   15,715   7,832   23,880   20,125 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value  (275,526)  (261,238)  (280,050)  (348,542)  (555,576)  (609,780)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (14,194)  (13,310)  (9,487)  (3,243)  (23,681)  (16,553)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (20,739)  (8,976)  (30,140)  (10,320)  (50,879)  (19,296)
Cost of other invested assets acquired  (9,740)  (2,562)  (8,634)  (13,780)  (18,374)  (16,342)
Cost of other invested assets acquired, at fair value  (47,032)  -   (200,079)  -   (247,111)  - 
Net change in short-term investments  12,085   188,866   (2,164)  182,051   9,921   370,917 
Net change in unsettled securities transactions  16,323   1,646   (51,843)  22,688   (35,520)  24,334 
Net cash provided by investing activities  30,929   81,428 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (166,483)  (55,049)  (135,554)  26,379 
                        
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                        
Tax benefit from share-based compensation  79   -   12   14   91   14 
Net cost of senior notes maturing  (200,000)  -   -   -   (200,000)  - 
Revolving credit borrowings  133,000   -   133,000   - 
Net cost of debt repurchase  -   (83,026)  -   -   -   (83,026)
Net cash used in financing activities  (199,921)  (83,026)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  133,012   14   (66,909)  (83,012)
                        
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH  (3,035)  (12,767)  (7,459)  3,388   (10,494)  (9,379)
                        
Net increase in cash  257   3,344 
Net increase (decrease) in cash  (890)  (407)  (633)  2,937 
Cash, beginning of period  107,480   92,264   107,737   95,608   107,480   92,264 
Cash, end of period $107,737  $95,608  $106,847  $95,201  $106,847  $95,201 
                        
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                        
Cash transactions:                        
Income taxes paid $3,766  $3,146 
Income taxes paid (recovered) $(53,156) $13,213  $(49,390) $16,359 
Interest paid  13,899   17,808   19,866   19,764   33,765   37,572 
                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                        


 
4


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and Six Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009

1.  GENERAL

1.GENERAL
As used in this document, “Holdings” means Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware company 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 (unless the context otherwise requires); and the “Company” means Holdings and its subsidiaries.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

2.BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009 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, 2009 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  The results for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009 are not necessarily indicat iveneces sarily indicative of the results for a full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 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.  In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance establishing the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“Codification”) as the single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-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 no n-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative.

Following the Codification, the FASB will no 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 (deficit) 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.  In April 2009, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements and 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.

 
6


3.  INVESTMENTS

3.INVESTMENTS
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 March 31, 2010  At June 30, 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 $135,763  $3,515  $(1,972) $137,306  $143,316  $7,565  $(89) $150,792 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  3,657,459   168,621   (22,244)  3,803,836   3,469,450   181,595   (17,016)  3,634,029 
Corporate securities  644,008   36,228   (7,650)  672,586   716,311   40,259   (10,378)  746,192 
Asset-backed securities  16,612   489   (1,971)  15,130   28,733   505   (1,835)  27,403 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  32,255   6,515   -   38,770   32,323   7,079   -   39,402 
Agency residential  431,587   12,770   (30)  444,327   419,199   19,424   (41)  438,582 
Non-agency residential  60,544   908   (1,763)  59,689   59,943   1,719   (224)  61,438 
Foreign government securities  673,814   25,368   (9,389)  689,793   705,682   30,964   (8,037)  728,609 
Foreign corporate securities  558,246   16,967   (12,748)  562,465   558,046   19,546   (11,028)  566,564 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,210,288  $271,381  $(57,767) $6,423,902  $6,133,003  $308,656  $(48,648) $6,393,011 
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 


In accordance with FASB guidance, the Company reclassified the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments from retained earnings (deficit) into accumulated other comprehensive income in(loss), on April 1, 2009.  At March 31,June 30, 2010, the pre-tax cumulative unrealized appreciation on these corporate securities was $1.0$0.5 million as compared to pre-tax cumulative unrealized depreciation of $2.0 million at December 31, 2009.


 
7


The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following table by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed 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 March 31, 2010  At December 31, 2009  At June 30, 2010  At December 31, 2009 
 Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Value  Cost  Value  Cost  Value  Cost  Value 
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale                        
Due in one year or less $292,804  $292,765  $334,054  $335,948  $261,435  $261,286  $334,054  $335,948 
Due after one year through five years  1,459,842   1,503,714   1,276,968   1,316,918   1,519,591   1,571,631   1,276,968   1,316,918 
Due after five years through ten years  1,196,303   1,252,804   1,224,457   1,282,470   1,259,022   1,332,129   1,224,457   1,282,470 
Due after ten years  2,720,341   2,816,703   2,762,340   2,863,960   2,552,757   2,661,140   2,762,340   2,863,960 
Asset-backed securities  16,612   15,130   16,597   15,148   28,733   27,403   16,597   15,148 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  32,255   38,770   24,213   29,058   32,323   39,402   24,213   29,058 
Agency residential  431,587   444,327   556,032   564,707   419,199   438,582   556,032   564,707 
Non-agency residential  60,544   59,689   61,098   54,959   59,943   61,438   61,098   54,959 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,210,288  $6,423,902  $6,255,759  $6,463,168  $6,133,003  $6,393,011  $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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Increase during the period between the market value and cost      
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost            
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:                  
Fixed maturity securities $6,205  $89,589  $46,864  $77,437  $50,017  $167,026 
Fixed maturity securities, cumulative other-than-temporary impairment adjustment  (470)  (23,846)  2,582   (23,846)
Equity securities  (1)  (6)  -   2   (1)  (4)
Other invested assets  513   (1,641)  (17)  3,868   496   2,227 
Change in unrealized appreciation, pre-tax  6,717   87,942 
Deferred tax expense  (2,351)  (30,780)
Change in unrealized appreciation,        
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax  46,377   57,461   53,094   145,403 
Deferred tax benefit (expense)  (16,396)  (28,457)  (17,679)  (59,237)
Deferred tax benefit (expense), cumulative other-than-temporary impairment adjustment  164   8,346   (904)  8,346 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),                
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity $4,366  $57,162  $30,145  $37,350  $34,511  $94,512 


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.income (loss) .  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.income (loss). The fair value adjustment that is non-credit related is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 enhancements or breakevenb reakeven constant default ra tesrates 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, in each case subdivided according to 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 March 31, 2010  Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2010 By Security Type 
 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 $45,034  $(1,962) $515  $(10) $45,549  $(1,972)U.S. government agencies and corporations$-  $-  $3,398  $(89) $3,398  $(89)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  556   (6)  406,437   (22,238)  406,993   (22,244)Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 5,008   (28)  362,674   (16,988)  367,682   (17,016)
Corporate securities  36,887   (755)  58,537   (6,895)  95,424   (7,650)  107,647   (3,068)  72,766   (7,310)  180,413   (10,378)
Asset-backed securities  366   (214)  8,243   (1,757)  8,609   (1,971)  1,018   -   6,562   (1,835)  7,580   (1,835)
Mortgage-backed securities                                                
Agency residential  17,279   (30)  -   -   17,279   (30)  7,372   (41)  -   -   7,372   (41)
Non-agency residential  -   -   52,369   (1,763)  52,369   (1,763)  -   -   3,606   (224)  3,606   (224)
Foreign government securities  281,751   (4,040)  62,240   (5,349)  343,991   (9,389)  86,610   (3,298)  76,912   (4,739)  163,522   (8,037)
Foreign corporate securities  205,585   (6,649)  63,717   (6,099)  269,302   (12,748)  72,297   (1,681)  100,942   (9,347)  173,239   (11,028)
Total fixed maturity securities $587,458  $(13,656) $652,058  $(44,111) $1,239,516  $(57,767) $279,952  $(8,116) $626,860  $(40,532) $906,812  $(48,648)
Equity securities  -   -   12   (3)  12   (3)  12   (3)  -   -   12   (3)
Total $587,458  $(13,656) $652,070  $(44,114) $1,239,528  $(57,770) $279,964  $(8,119) $626,860  $(40,532) $906,824  $(48,651)

 Duration by maturity of unrealized loss at March 31, 2010  Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2010 By Maturity 
 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 $30,601  $(2,230) $26,790  $(3,602) $57,391  $(5,832) $36,199  $(1,221) $37,097  $(3,244) $73,296  $(4,465)
Due in one year through five years  363,884   (4,798)  72,638   (4,267)  436,522   (9,065)  141,671   (3,361)  105,827   (5,922)  247,498   (9,283)
Due in five years through ten years  120,359   (2,735)  48,247   (3,385)  168,606   (6,120)  80,959   (2,900)  57,532   (4,156)  138,491   (7,056)
Due after ten years  54,969   (3,649)  443,771   (29,337)  498,740   (32,986)  12,733   (593)  416,236   (25,151)  428,969   (25,744)
Asset-backed securities  366   (214)  8,243   (1,757)  8,609   (1,971)  1,018   -   6,562   (1,835)  7,580   (1,835)
Mortgage-backed securities  17,279   (30)  52,369   (1,763)  69,648   (1,793)  7,372   (41)  3,606   (224)  10,978   (265)
Total fixed maturity securities $587,458  $(13,656) $652,058  $(44,111) $1,239,516  $(57,767) $279,952  $(8,116) $626,860  $(40,532) $906,812  $(48,648)
Equity securities
 $-  $-  $12  $(3) $12  $(3)


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position as of March 31,June 30, 2010 were $1,239.5$906.8 million and $57.8$48.7 million, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses on a single security that exceeded 0.06%0.05% of the market value of the fixed maturity securities at March 31,June 30, 2010.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $13.7$8.1 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 foreign government and domestic and foreign government and corporate securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $13.3$5.6 million were related to securities that were rated inves tmentinv estment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The $44.1$40.5 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, municipal, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $36.9$33.1 million related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally

 
9


related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally
recognized statistical rating organization.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses arewere mainly comprised of municipal and corporate securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation greater than 12 months for mortgage-backed securities included $0.2$0.3 million related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfallsflows were sufficient to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  Unrealized losses have decreased since December 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, in each case subdivided according to 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 December 31, 2009  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2009 By Security Type 
 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)U.S. government agencies and corporations$44,943  $(1,671) $-  $-  $44,943  $(1,671)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  559   (4)  452,018   (24,252)  452,577   (24,256)Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 559   (4)  452,018   (24,252)  452,577   (24,256)
Corporate securities  45,045   (1,056)  118,153   (12,368)  163,198   (13,424)  45,045   (1,056)  118,153   (12,368)  163,198   (13,424)
Asset-backed securities  366   (26)  8,233   (1,883)  8,599   (1,909)  366   (26)  8,233   (1,883)  8,599   (1,909)
Mortgage-backed securities                                                
Commercial  959   (34)  3,312   (77)  4,271   (111)  959   (34)  3,312   (77)  4,271   (111)
Agency residential  213,093   (1,691)  -   -   213,093   (1,691)  213,093   (1,691)  -   -   213,093   (1,691)
Non-agency residential  1,272   (31)  47,202   (7,024)  48,474   (7,055)  1,272   (31)  47,202   (7,024)  48,474   (7,055)
Foreign government securities  159,493   (2,158)  69,109   (4,529)  228,602   (6,687)  159,493   (2,158)  69,109   (4,529)  228,602   (6,687)
Foreign corporate securities  124,325   (4,205)  98,772   (10,924)  223,097   (15,129)  124,325   (4,205)  98,772   (10,924)  223,097   (15,129)
Total fixed maturity securities $590,055  $(10,876) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,854  $(71,933) $590,055  $(10,876) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,854  $(71,933)
Equity securities  13   (2)  -   -   13   (2)  13   (2)  -   -   13   (2)
Total $590,068  $(10,878) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,867  $(71,935) $590,068  $(10,878) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,867  $(71,935)

 Duration by maturity of unrealized loss at December 31, 2009  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2009 By Maturity 
 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 $-  $-  $58,010  $(4,887) $58,010  $(4,887) $-  $-  $58,010  $(4,887) $58,010  $(4,887)
Due in one year through five years  192,929   (2,975)  140,349   (9,129)  333,278   (12,104)  192,929   (2,975)  140,349   (9,129)  333,278   (12,104)
Due in five years through ten years  137,196   (2,934)  54,279   (3,401)  191,475   (6,335)  137,196   (2,934)  54,279   (3,401)  191,475   (6,335)
Due after ten years  44,240   (3,185)  485,414   (34,656)  529,654   (37,841)  44,240   (3,185)  485,414   (34,656)  529,654   (37,841)
Asset-backed securities  366   (26)  8,233   (1,883)  8,599   (1,909)  366   (26)  8,233   (1,883)  8,599   (1,909)
Mortgage-backed securities  215,324   (1,756)  50,514   (7,101)  265,838   (8,857)  215,324   (1,756)  50,514   (7,101)  265,838   (8,857)
Total fixed maturity securities $590,055  $(10,876) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,854  $(71,933) $590,055  $(10,876) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,854  $(71,933)
Equity securities $13  $(2) $-  $-  $13  $(2)



 
10


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2009 were $1,386.9 million and $71.9 million, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses on a single security that exceeded 0.11% of the market value of the fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2009.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $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 domestic and foreign government and corporate and mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $10.7 million were relatedrelate d to securities that wer ewere rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The $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, domestic and foreign corporate, foreign government and mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $50.5 million related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses arewere mainly comprised of corporate and commercial mortgage-backed securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation greater than 12 months for mortgage-backed securities included only $0.07 million related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfallsflows were sufficient to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.obligations .  The mortgage-backed securities still had exce ssexcess 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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Fixed maturity securities $73,555  $70,329  $75,862  $71,610  $149,417  $141,938 
Equity securities  2,404   694   2,618   730   5,022   1,424 
Short-term investments and cash  77   2,211   75   842   152   3,054 
Other invested assets                        
Limited partnerships  9,414   (34,093)  8,882   1,968   18,296   (32,125)
Other  1,798   2,771   4,457   2,258   6,255   5,029 
Total gross investment income  87,248   41,912   91,894   77,408   179,142   119,320 
Interest credited and other expense  (2,141)  (2,253)
Interest debited (credited) and other expense  (2,548)  (2,892)  (4,689)  (5,145)
Total net investment income $85,107  $39,659  $89,346  $74,516  $174,453  $114,175 


The Company reportsrecords results from limited partnership investments on the equity basismethod 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 $132.5$119.9 million in limited partnerships at March 31,June 30, 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 lossesgains (losses) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Fixed maturity securities, market value:                  
Other-than-temporary impairments $-  $(560) $-  $(4,936) $-  $(5,510)
Losses from sales  (777)  (28,094)
Gains (losses) from sales  1,617   (401)  840   (28,481)
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:                        
Gains from sales  83   96 
Gains (losses) from sales  190   133   273   229 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  3,000   (42)  (2,518)  2,010   482   1,968 
Equity securities, fair value:                        
Gains (losses) from sales  1,894   (446)  (2,893)  5,630   (999)  5,184 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  13,231   (16,923)  (30,017)  17,296   (16,786)  373 
Other invested assets, fair value:                        
Losses from fair value adjustments  (22,737)  (22,215)
Short-term investment losses  (1)  - 
Total net realized capital losses $(5,307) $(68,184)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (61,853)  3,203   (84,590)  (19,012)
Short-term investment gains (losses)  1   6   -   6 
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $(95,473) $22,941  $(100,780) $(45,243)

Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $168.0$212.2 million and $48.3$12.8 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $1.8$5.5 million and $1.5$0.8 million and gross losses of $2.5$3.7 million and $29.6$1.0 million were realized on those fixed maturity securities sales for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Proceeds from sales of equity securities for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $21.3$51.4 million and $1.6$10.6 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $2.4$1.2 million and $0.2$5.7 million and gross losses of $0.5$4.1 million and $0.0 million were realized on those equity sales for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $380.2 million and $61.1 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $7.3 million and $2.3 million and gross losses of $6.2 million and $30.6 million were realized on those fixed maturity securities sales for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Proceeds from sales of equity securities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $72.7 million and $12.2 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $3.6 million and $5.9 million and gross losses of $4.6 million and $0.7 million were realized on those equity sales for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company records fair value re-measurements as net realized capital gains or losses(losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) income..  The Company recorded $6.5 million and $39.2 million in net realized capital losses of $94.4 million and net realized capital gains of $22.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and net realized capital losses of $100.9 million and $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and other invested assets, at fair value, forvalue.

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

At March 31,June 30, 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,gains (losses).  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company had $0.6recorded $4.9 million and $5.5 million, respectively, of write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis included in net realized capital losses.gains (losses).  The Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component.

4.  FAIR VALUE

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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

12


about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount ratesrate s to determine fair value.  The Company made no such adjustments at March 31,June 30, 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.
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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:     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) March 31, 2010  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  June 30, 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  $-  $150,792  $-  $150,792  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  3,803,836   -   3,803,836   -   3,634,029   -   3,634,029   - 
Corporate securities  672,586   -   665,656   6,930   746,192   -   739,227   6,965 
Asset-backed securities  15,130   -   8,762   6,368   27,403   -   20,841   6,562 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  38,770   -   38,770   -   39,402   -   39,402   - 
Agency residential  444,327   -   444,327   -   438,582   -   438,582   - 
Non-agency residential  59,689   -   59,233   456   61,438   -   60,941   497 
Foreign government securities  689,793   -   689,793   -   728,609   -   728,609   - 
Foreign corporate securities  562,465   -   562,465   -   566,564   -   566,564   - 
Total fixed maturities, market value  6,423,902   -   6,410,148   13,754   6,393,011   -   6,378,987   14,024 
                                
Fixed maturities, fair value  65,307   -   65,307   -   66,351   -   66,351   - 
Equity securities, market value  12   12   -   -   12   12   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  394,548   393,535   1,013   -   340,377   340,377   -   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  406,933   406,933   -   -   545,160   545,160   -   - 


There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2010.

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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) December 31, 2009 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value            
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  50,528   -   50,528   - 
Equity securities, market value  13   13   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  380,025   379,058   967   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  382,639   382,639   -   - 


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The following tables present the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for fixed maturity investments, for the periods indicated:

 By Asset 
 By Asset  Three Months Ended June 30, 2010  Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 
 Corporate  Asset-backed  Non-agency     Corporate  Asset-backed  Non-agency     Corporate  Asset-backed  Non-agency    
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Securities  RMBS  Total  Securities  Securities  RMBS  Total  Securities  Securities  RMBS  Total 
Beginning balance January 1, 2010 $6,930  $6,258  $426  $13,614 
Beginning balance $6,930  $6,368  $456  $13,754  $6,930  $6,258  $426  $13,614 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                                                
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)  -   -   25   25   (1)  -   24   23   (1)  -   49   48 
Included in other comprenhensive income  -   (78)  41   (37)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  36   122   51   209   36   44   92   172 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  -   188   (36)  152   -   72   (34)  38   -   260   (70)  190 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Ending balance March 31, 2010 $6,930  $6,368  $456  $13,754 
Ending balance $6,965  $6,562  $497  $14,024  $6,965  $6,562  $497  $14,024 
                                                
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 $-  $-  $-  $- 
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 $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                             



  Summary 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Assets:            
Balance, beginning of period $13,754  $7,464  $13,614  $10,967 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)  23   21   48   (4)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  209   375   172   556 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  38   (3,054)  190   (79)
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   7,001   -   367 
Balance, end of period $14,024  $11,807  $14,024  $11,807 
                 
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)


 
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5.CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
 
  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 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.  CONTINGENCIES

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6.CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’s rights and obligations under insurance, reinsurance and other contractual agreements.  In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it.  In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation.  In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable.  While the final outcom 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.

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The Company’s reserves include an estimate of the Company’s ultimate liability for asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) claims.  As of March 31,June 30, 2010, approximately 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 los ses.loss es.

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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross basis:                  
Beginning of period reserves $638,674  $786,842  $625,208  $768,761  $638,674  $786,842 
Incurred losses  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Paid losses  (13,466)  (18,081)  (11,073)  (64,254)  (24,539)  (82,335)
End of period reserves $625,208  $768,761  $614,135  $704,507  $614,135  $704,507 
                        
Net basis:                        
Beginning of period reserves $430,421  $485,296  $419,230  $475,209  $430,421  $485,296 
Incurred losses  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Paid losses  (11,191)  (10,087)  (6,579)  (19,830)  (17,770)  (29,917)
End of period reserves $419,230  $475,209  $412,651  $455,379  $412,651  $455,379 


At March 31,June 30, 2010, the gross reserves for A&E losses were comprised of $139.0$133.9 million representing case reserves reported by ceding companies, $142.6$136.8 million representing additional case reserves established by the Company on assumed reinsurance claims, $61.9$58.7 million representing case reserves established by the Company on direct excess insurance claims, including Mt. McKinley and $281.7$284.8 million representing IBNR reserves.


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With respect to asbestos only, at March 31,June 30, 2010, the Company had gross asbestos loss reserves of $595.8$586.1 million, or 95.3%95.4%, of total A&E reserves, of which $465.9$459.3 million was for assumed business and $129.9$126.8 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 March 31,June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable was $152.8$156.0 million and $ 152.3$1 52.3 million, respectively.

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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 March 31,June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the estimated cost to replace such annuities was $25.6 million and $24.6 million.million, respectively.

7. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period      
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on            
securities arising during the period            
URA(D) of investments - temporary $3,666  $87,942  $46,846   75,709  $50,512  $163,651 
URA(D) of investments - non-credit OTTI  3,051   -   (469)  5,598   2,582   5,598 
Tax expense from URA(D) arising during the period  (2,351)  (30,780)
Tax benefit (expense) from URA(D) arising during the period  (16,232)  (28,457)  (18,583)  (59,237)
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period, net of tax  4,366   57,162   30,145   52,850   34,511   110,012 
                        
Foreign currency translation adjustments  10,726   (28,742)  (8,896)  45,819   1,830   17,077 
Tax (expense) benefit from foreign currency translation  (3,754)  10,060 
Tax benefit (expense) from foreign currency translation  3,114   (16,037)  (640)  (5,977)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments  6,972   (18,682)  (5,782)  29,782   1,190   11,100 
                        
Pension adjustments  628   -   671   1,900   1,299   1,900 
Tax expense on pension  (220)  - 
Tax benefit (expense) on pension  (235)  (232)  (455)  (232)
Net pension adjustments  408   -   436   1,668   844   1,668 
                        
Other comprehensive income, net of tax $11,746  $38,480 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $24,799  $84,300  $36,545  $122,780 

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

  March 31,  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009 
URA(D) on securities, net of deferred taxes      
Temporary $137,953  $135,570 
Non-credit, OTTI  658   (1,325)
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of deferred taxes  138,611   134,245 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes  63,973   57,001 
Pension adjustments, net of deferred taxes  (23,860)  (24,268)
Accumulated other comprehensive income $178,724  $166,978 

 
17


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


  June 30,  December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009 
URA(D) on securities, net of deferred taxes      
Temporary $168,403  $135,570 
Non-credit, OTTI  353   (1,325)
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of deferred taxes  168,756   134,245 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes  58,191   57,001 
Pension adjustments, net of deferred taxes  (23,424)  (24,268)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $203,523  $166,978 
8.CREDIT FACILITY
Holdings Credit Facility

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

The Holdings Credit Facility requires Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $1.5 billion plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2005, which at March 31,June 30, 2010, was $1,933.8$1,954.2 million.  As of March 31,June 30, 2010, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.

At March 31,June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding $133.0 million of short-term loans and $17.0 million of letters of credit under the Holdings Credit Facility.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding $28.0 million of letters of credit under the Holdings Credit Facility hadFacility.  The following table summarizes outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings as of $17.0 million and $28.0 million, respectively.June 30, 2010.


(Dollars in thousands)        
Bank Commitment  In Use Date of LoanMaturity/Expiry Date
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $25,000 5/7/20108/9/2010
       25,000 5/10/20108/10/2010
       25,000 5/14/20108/16/2010
       25,000 5/19/20108/19/2010
       20,000 6/11/20109/13/2010
       13,000 6/15/20109/15/2010
Total short-term borrowings      133,000   
Total letters of credit      16,951  12/31/2010
           
Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $149,951   


Costs incurred in connection with the Holdings Credit Facility were $9.3$130.2 thousand and $26.3$31.5 thousand for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $165.8 thousand and $57.8 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

9.  LETTERS OF CREDIT

The Citibank Holdings Credit Facility involves a syndicate
18


(Dollars in thousands)       
Bank Commitment  In Use Date of Expiry
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $16,951 12/31/2010
Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $16,951  
9.TRUST AGREEMENTS

10.  TRUST AGREEMENTS

A subsidiary of the Company, Everest Re, has established a trust agreement, which effectively uses Everest Re’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to a non-affiliated ceding company.  At March 31,June 30, 2010, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $23.7$24.6 million.

11.  
10.SENIOR NOTES

On October 12, 2004, Holdings completed a public offering of $250.0 million principal amount of 5.40% senior notes due October 15, 2014.  On March 14, 2000, Holdings completed a public offering of $200.0 million principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due March 15, 2010.  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$3.4 million and $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $10.4 million and $15.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Market value, which is based on quoted market priceprices at March 31,June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, was $261.0$256.6 million and $256.1 million, respectively, for the 5.40% senior notes and $200.0 million for the 8.75% senior notes at December 31, 2009.

 
11. LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES
18


12.  LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

On April 26, 2007, Holdings completed a public offering of $400.0 million principal amount of 6.6% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes with a scheduled maturity date of May 15, 2037 and a final maturity date of May 1, 2067.  During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest will be at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on Fe 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 af 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 6.6% 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 $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, and $7.9 million and $10.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Market value, which is based on quoted market prices at March 31,June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, was $204.1$206.4 million and $176.5 million on the outstanding 6.6% long term subordinated notes, respectively.

13. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES PAYABLE
12.JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES PAYABLE
On March 29, 2004, Holdings issued $329.9 million of 6.20% junior subordinated debt securities due, March 29, 2034, to Everest Re Capital Trust II (“Capital Trust II”).  Holdings may redeem the junior subordinated debt securities before their maturity at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest as of the date of redemption. The securities may be redeemed in whole or in part, on one or more occasions at any time on or after March 30, 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$269.7 million and $272.6 million at March 31,June 30, 2010 and December 31, 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 March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, and $10.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 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, 2009, $2,352.0 million of the $3,271.1 million in net assets of the Company’ ;s consolidated subsidiaries were subject to the foregoing regulatory restrictions.

14.  
13. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in four segments:  U.S. Reinsurance, U.S. Insurance, Specialty Underwriting and International.  The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the 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 independently, 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”) 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.

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

  Three Months Ended 
U.S. Reinsurance March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $244,008  $264,331 
Net written premiums  128,462   139,432 
         
Premiums earned $127,001  $146,333 
Incurred losses and LAE  90,108   90,141 
Commission and brokerage  27,218   31,919 
Other underwriting expenses  7,806   7,562 
Underwriting gain $1,869  $16,711 

 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
U.S. Insurance March 31, 
U.S. Reinsurance June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $228,237  $204,717  $268,215  $266,151  $512,223  $530,482 
Net written premiums  102,467   121,152   150,462   156,751   278,924   296,183 
                        
Premiums earned $101,166  $111,972  $162,492  $180,697  $289,493  $327,030 
Incurred losses and LAE  72,950   81,144   84,346   85,963   174,454   176,104 
Commission and brokerage  1,641   12,018   35,854   37,209   63,072   69,128 
Other underwriting expenses  16,577   17,281   9,377   8,023   17,183   15,585 
Underwriting gain $9,998  $1,529 
Underwriting gain (loss) $32,915  $49,502  $34,784  $66,213 

  Three Months Ended 
Specialty Underwriting March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $65,887  $58,923 
Net written premiums  37,239   32,605 
         
Premiums earned $38,898  $36,836 
Incurred losses and LAE  27,461   25,383 
Commission and brokerage  8,535   10,067 
Other underwriting expenses  1,951   1,845 
Underwriting gain (loss) $951  $(459)

 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
International March 31, 
U.S. Insurance June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $275,350  $250,750  $204,941  $213,511  $433,178  $418,228 
Net written premiums  145,209   135,356   80,812   104,358   183,279   225,510 
                        
Premiums earned $147,069  $143,304  $86,187  $105,651  $187,353  $217,623 
Incurred losses and LAE  236,485   92,527   71,800   57,762   144,750   138,906 
Commission and brokerage  30,447   34,215   6,098   9,849   7,739   21,867 
Other underwriting expenses  6,380   4,620   16,279   19,152   32,856   36,433 
Underwriting (loss) gain $(126,243) $11,942 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(7,990) $18,888  $2,008  $20,417 

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Specialty Underwriting June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $65,855  $57,188  $131,742  $116,111 
Net written premiums  37,823   32,126   75,062   64,731 
                 
Premiums earned $39,342  $32,495  $78,240  $69,331 
Incurred losses and LAE  34,512   23,160   61,973   48,543 
Commission and brokerage  8,972   8,858   17,507   18,925 
Other underwriting expenses  2,407   1,999   4,358   3,844 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(6,549) $(1,522) $(5,598) $(1,981)
 
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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
International June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $306,998  $274,253  $582,348  $525,003 
Net written premiums  166,046   153,964   311,255   289,320 
                 
Premiums earned $154,703  $141,931  $301,772  $285,235 
Incurred losses and LAE  124,091   79,223   360,576   171,750 
Commission and brokerage  37,273   31,007   67,720   65,222 
Other underwriting expenses  7,308   5,684   13,688   10,304 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(13,969) $26,017  $(140,212) $37,959 


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 income (loss) income for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Underwriting (loss) gain $(113,425) $29,723 
Underwriting gain (loss) $4,407  $92,885  $(109,018) $122,608 
Net investment income  85,107   39,659   89,346   74,516   174,453   114,175 
Net realized capital losses  (5,307)  (68,184)
Net realized capital gains (losses)  (95,473)  22,941   (100,780)  (45,243)
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   78,271   -   -   -   78,271 
Corporate expense  (2,226)  (1,318)  (1,463)  (1,878)  (3,689)  (3,196)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  (16,340)  (19,633)  (12,722)  (17,073)  (29,062)  (36,706)
Other income (expense)  5,112   (114)  8,709   (7,166)  13,821   (7,280)
(Loss) income before taxes $(47,079) $58,404 
Income (loss) before taxes $(7,196) $164,225  $(54,275) $222,629 


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

15.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONSOn September 21, 2004, Group’s Board of Directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing Group and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 of Group’s common shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.  On July 21, 2008 and on February 24, 2010, the Executive Committee of Group’s Board of Directors, approved amendments to repurchase an additional 5,000,000 common shares for each amendment, bringing the total amount of Group’s common shares authorized to be repurchased by Group and/or Holdings to 15,000,000.

As of June 30, 2010, Holdings held 7,708,707 common shares of Group, which it had purchased in the open market between February 1, 2007 and June 25, 2010, for a total purchase price of $665.3 million.  Holdings reports these purchases as other invested assets, fair value, in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value re-measurement recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  Dividends received on these common shares of $5.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, were reported in net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).


22


Outside Directors

During the normal course of business, the Company, through its affiliates, engages in reinsuranceinsurance 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 operation and cash flows.

Affiliates
The Company engages in reinsurance transactions with Bermuda Re and Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”), affiliates, primarily driven by enterprise risk and capital management considerations 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.

22

·  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.

23

·  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 (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 ceded 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.

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·  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 ceded 36.0% and 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).

·  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.

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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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Bermuda Re March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Ceded written premiums $320,031  $284,766  $325,719  $271,299  $645,750  $556,065 
Ceded earned premiums  288,158   274,068   326,072   275,068   614,230   549,136 
Ceded losses and LAE (a)  288,446   140,867   194,630   191,732   483,076   332,599 

 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Everest International March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Ceded written premiums $28,312  $38,348  $20,629  $45,534  $48,941  $83,882 
Ceded earned premiums  40,332   34,336   34,172   37,947   74,504   72,283 
Ceded losses and LAE  24,016   19,400   39,770   17,155   63,786   36,555 
(a) Ceded losses and LAE include the Mt. McKinley loss portfolio transfer that constitutes losses ceded under retroactive reinsurance and therefore, in accordance with FASB guidance, a deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance is reflected in other expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.income (loss).

Everest Re sold net assets of its U.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.

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15.INCOME TAXES
 
16. INCOME TAXES

The Company uses a projected annual effective tax rate to calculate its quarterly tax 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 six months ended March 31,June 30, 2010, the Company expensed approximately $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in interest and penalties.

17.
 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated known recognized and non-recognized subsequent events.  The Company does not have any subsequent events to report.

 
25


ITEM 2.

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 and/or Standard & Poor’s, 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 source s of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

Starting in the latter part of 2007 and continuing into 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 asset-backed securities.  During the third and fourth quarters of 2008, credit markets det 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 beenwere 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 maturity 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 resulted in significant declines in the capital bases of most insurance and reinsurance companies. While therether e was significant improvement in the financial markets during 2009 and into 2010, recent concerns about the ability of some European countries to repay their bonds hasinterest rates, deflation and sovereign debt levels have hindered financial market recoveries.  It is too early to predict the timing and extent of the impact these financial market fluctuations will have on insurance and reinsurance market conditions.

Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive.competitive, particularly in the casualty lines of business.  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.coverage in Latin America and Australia where there have been significant losses.  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.

 
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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.  During the first quarter of 2010, the devastating Chilean earthquake coupled with severe storms in Europe and Australia resulted in significant catastrophe losses to the industry.  It is too early to gauge the market impacts from these losses, but we feel that market conditions should improve for catastrophe coverages in the geographical regions of these losses.

Rates in the international markets have generally been 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 our 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.

Overall, we believe that current marketplace conditions offer pockets of 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.


 
27


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

 Three Months Ended Percentage Three Months Ended  Percentage  Six Months Ended  Percentage 
 March 31, Increase/ June 30,  Increase/  June 30,  Increase/ 
(Dollars in millions) 2010 2009 (Decrease) 2010 2009 (Decrease)  2010 2009  (Decrease) 
Gross written premiums $813.5  $778.7   4.5% $846.0  $811.1   4.3% $1,659.5  $1,589.8   4.4%
Net written premiums  413.4   428.5   -3.5%  435.1   447.2   -2.7%  848.5   875.7   -3.1%
                                    
REVENUES:                                    
Premiums earned $414.1  $438.4   -5.5% $442.7  $460.8   -3.9% $856.9  $899.2   -4.7%
Net investment income  85.1   39.7   114.6%  89.3   74.5   19.9%  174.5   114.2   52.8%
Net realized capital losses  (5.3)  (68.2)  -92.2%
Net realized capital gains (losses)  (95.5)  22.9  NM  (100.8)  (45.2)  122.8%
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   78.3  NA  -   -  NA  -   78.3  NA
Other income (expense)  5.1   (0.1) NM  8.7   (7.2)  -221.6%  13.8   (7.3) NM
Total revenues  499.0   488.1   2.2%  445.3   551.1   -19.2%  944.4   1,039.1   -9.1%
                                    
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                                    
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  427.0   289.2   47.7%  314.7   246.1   27.9%  741.8   535.3   38.6%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  67.8   88.2   -23.1%  88.2   86.9   1.5%  156.0   175.1   -10.9%
Other underwriting expenses  32.7   31.3   4.5%  35.4   34.9   1.5%  68.1   66.2   2.9%
Corporate expense  2.2   1.3   69.0%  1.5   1.9   -22.1%  3.7   3.2   15.4%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  16.3   19.6   -16.8%  12.7   17.1   -25.5%  29.1   36.7   -20.8%
Total claims and expenses  546.1   429.7   27.1%  452.5   386.8   17.0%  998.6   816.5   22.3%
                                    
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE TAXES  (47.1)  58.4   -180.6%
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  (7.2)  164.2   -104.4%  (54.3)  222.6   -124.4%
Income tax (benefit) expense  (2.2)  12.7   -116.9%  (24.1)  35.7   -167.4%  (26.2)  48.5   -154.1%
NET (LOSS) INCOME $(44.9) $45.7   -198.4%
NET INCOME (LOSS) $16.9  $128.5   -86.9% $(28.0) $174.2   -116.1%
                                    
RATIOS:         Point Change         Point Change          Point Change 
Loss ratio  103.1%  66.0%  37.1   71.1%  53.4%  17.7   86.6%  59.5%  27.1 
Commission and brokerage ratio  16.4%  20.1%  (3.7)  19.9%  18.9%  1.0   18.2%  19.5%  (1.3)
Other underwriting expense ratio  7.9%  7.1%  0.8   8.0%  7.5%  0.5   7.9%  7.4%  0.5 
Combined ratio  127.4%  93.2%  34.2   99.0%  79.8%  19.2   112.7%  86.4%  26.3 
                                    
                                    
 At At Percentage              At  At Percentage 
 March 31, December 31, Increase/              June 30,  December 31, Increase/ 
(Dollars in millions)  2010  2009 (Decrease)              2010  2009 (Decrease) 
Balance sheet data:                                    
Total investments and cash $8,046.4  $8,031.6   0.2%             $8,103.2  $8,031.6   0.9%
Total assets  13,641.6   13,379.6   2.0%              13,678.0   13,379.6   2.2%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves  7,613.8   7,300.1   4.3%              7,583.5   7,300.1   3.9%
Total debt  818.0   1,018.0   -19.6%              951.0   1,018.0   -6.6%
Total liabilities  10,814.7   10,520.8   2.8%              10,807.8   10,520.8   2.7%
Stockholder's equity  2,826.9   2,858.8   -1.1%              2,870.2   2,858.8   0.4%
                                    
(NM, not meaningful)                                    
(NA, not applicable)                                    
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                    
 
Revenues.
Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by $34.9 million, or 4.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009, reflecting an increase of $43.5 million in our reinsurance business, partially offset by a decline of $8.6 million in our insurance business.  Gross written premiums increased by $69.7 million, or 4.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009, reflecting an increase of $54.7 million in our reinsurance business and $15.0 million in our insurance business.  The increase in reinsurance premiums was the result of increased writings from Brazil, Asia and Canadian locations.  The increase in insurance premiums were primarily in t he workers’ compensation, Florida property and financial institution D&O and E&O lines of business.


 
28


Revenues.
Premiums.  GrossNet written premiums increaseddecreased by $34.8$12.1 million, or 4.5%2.7%, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 reflecting an increase of $23.5and by $27.2 million, or 3.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The decrease in our insurance business and $11.3 million in our reinsurance business.  The increase in insurancenet written premiums were primarily in the workers’ compensation, Florida property and financial institution D&O and E&O lines of business.  The increase in reinsurance business was primarily attributabledue to strong growth in U.S. property, South America and Asian markets, partially offset byincreased reinsurance on the newer insurance program business as well as increased cessions on an existing insurance program.  Premiums earned decreased writings in the U.S. casualty, crop reinsurance, marine and European markets.  Net written premiums decreased by $15.2$18.1 million, or 3.5%3.9%, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009.  This change was primarily due to ceded premiums that generally relate to specific reinsurance purchasedJune 30, 2009 and by the U.S. Insurance operation and that fluctuate based upon the level of premiums written in the individual reinsured programs.  Premiums earned decreased $24.3$42.4 million, or 5.5%4.7%, for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 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 at the initiation of the coverage period.

Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased by 114.6%19.9% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, and by 52.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to net investment gains from our limited partnerships that invest in public and non-public securities, both equity and debt.  Gains related to these limited partnerships were $9.4$8.9 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Gains related to these limited partnerships were $18.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared with losses of $34.1$32.1 million for the comparable period in 2009.  As a result, netNet pre-tax investment income,incom e, as a percentage of average invested assets, was up at 4.4%4.5% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010, compared to 2.1%4.0% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009 and at 4.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to 3.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2009.   The variances in these yields were primarily due to the fluctuations in limited partnership income.

Net Realized Capital Losses.Gains (Losses).  Net realized capital losses were $5.3 million and $68.2$95.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010, which consisted of a $94.4 million loss in fair value re-measurements and 2009, respectively.  For$1.1 million of loss from sales on our available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities. Net realized capital gains were $22.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, which consisted of a $22.5 million gain in fair value re-measurements, $5.4 million of gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $4.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments on our available for sale fixed maturity securities.

Net realized capital losses were $100.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded $6.5which consisted of a $100.9 million loss due toin fair value re-measurements, which were partially offset by $1.2$0.1 million of netgains from sales on our available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities.  Net realized capital gains from sales.  Forlosses were $45.2 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, we recorded $39.1which consisted of $23.1 million of losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, $16.6 million loss due toin fair value re-measurements $28.5and $5.5 million of net realized capital losses from sales and $0.6 millionloss in other-than-temporary impairments on our available for sale fixed maturity securities.

Realized Gain on Debt Repurchase.  On March 19, 2009, we commenced 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 $5.1$8.7 million and $13.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and other expense of $0.1$7.2 million and $7.3 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010 andJune 30, 2009, respectively.  The varianceschanges were primarily due to changesthe result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the deferrals on retroactive reinsurance agreements with affiliates for the corresponding periods.


 
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Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and LAE.  The following table presentstables present our incurred losses and LAE for the periods indicated.

 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                                        
Attritional (a) $268.2   64.8%  $(9.3)  -2.2%  $259.0   62.5%  $265.5   60.0%  $9.7   2.2%  $275.2   62.2% 
Catastrophes  165.2   39.9%   2.8   0.7%   168.0   40.6% 
Catastrophes (b)  45.9   10.4%   (6.4)  -1.4%   39.5   8.9% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $433.4   104.7%  $(6.4)  -1.6%  $427.0   103.1%  $311.4   70.3%  $3.3   0.8%  $314.7   71.1% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional (a) $257.4   58.7%  $20.2   4.6%  $277.6   63.3%  $284.8   61.8%  $(37.0)  -8.0%  $247.8   53.8% 
Catastrophes  9.1   2.1%   2.5   0.6%   11.6   2.7%   -   0.0%   (1.7)  -0.4%   (1.7)  -0.4% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $266.5   60.8%  $22.7   5.2%  $289.2   66.0%  $284.8   61.8%  $(38.7)  -8.4%  $246.1   53.4% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional (a) $10.8   6.1 pts $(29.5)  (6.8)pts $(18.6)  (0.8)pts $(19.3)  (1.8)pts $46.7   10.2 pts $27.4   8.4 pts
Catastrophes  156.1   37.8 pts  0.3   0.1 pts  156.4   37.9 pts  45.9   10.4 pts  (4.7)  (1.0)pts  41.2   9.3 pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total $166.9   43.9 pts $(29.1)  (6.8)pts $137.8   37.1 pts $26.6   8.5 pts $42.0   9.2 pts $68.6   17.7 pts
                           
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.                      
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                      



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional (a) $533.8   62.3%  $0.4   0.1%  $534.2   62.3% 
Catastrophes (b)  211.1   24.6%   (3.5)  -0.4%   207.5   24.2% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $744.9   86.9%  $(3.1)  -0.4%  $741.8   86.6% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional (a) $542.3   60.3%  $(16.9)  -1.9%  $525.4   58.4% 
Catastrophes  9.1   1.0%   0.9   0.1%   9.9   1.1% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $551.3   61.3%  $(16.0)  -1.8%  $535.3   59.5% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional (a) $(8.5)  2.0 pts $17.3   2.0 pts $8.8   3.9 pts
Catastrophes  202.0   23.6 pts  (4.4)  (0.5)pts  197.6   23.1 pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total $193.6   25.6 pts $12.9   1.4 pts $206.5   27.1 pts
                            
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.                        
(b) Effective with the June 30, 2010 reporting period, which includes June 30, 2010 year-to-date and the quarter results, a catastrophe is a property event with expected reported losses of
 at least $10.0 million. All prior periods reflect a catastrophe as a property event with expected reported losses of at least $5.0 million.         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses and LAE increased by $137.8$68.6 million, or 47.7%27.9%, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.  Of the $137.8$68.6 million increase, current year catastrophe losses increased $156.1$45.9 million, corresponding to a loss ratio increase of 37.8or 10.4 points, period over period, primarily due to the ChileChilean earthquake, Australian hailstorms and winterstorm Xynthia.partially offset by the takedown of Windstorm Xynthia as this catastrophe loss was less than we anticipated.  The $10.8$27.4 million increase in attritional losses for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was primarily the result of an increaseunfavorable loss development on prior years’ attritional loss reserves in expected2010 as compared to favorable loss ratios, which more than offset a decreasedevelopment on prior years’ attritional loss reserves in earned premiums.2009.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by $206.5 million, or 38.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Of the $206.5 million increase, current year catastrophe losses increased $202.0 million, or 23.6 points, period over period, primarily due to the Chilean earthquake and Australian hailstorms.

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Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees decreasedincreased by $20.4$1.3 million, or 23.1%1.5%, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. The decrease wasCommission, brokerage, taxes and fees decreased by $19.1 million, or 10.9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, primarily the result of lower commission rates on property contracts in conjunction with the increase in reinstatement premiums which have no brokerage commissionsearned and changes in cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.mix of business.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $32.7$35.4 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $31.3$34.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, and $68.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $66.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The increase was primarilyOther underwriting expense increases were relatively consistent across our reinsurance business, due to normal growth in expenses but decreased for our insurance business due to cost containment measures for the increase in staffthree and staff related expenses.six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $2.2$1.5 million and $1.3$1.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $3.7 million and $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  These expenses were previously included as underwriting expenses and 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 prior periods were recalculated to conform.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest and other expense was $16.3$12.7 million and $19.6$17.1 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $29.1 million and $36.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease wasThese decreases were primarily due to the combination of the repurchase of debt in the first quarter of 2009 and maturing of debt in the first quarter of 2010.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense.  We had an income tax benefitbenefits of $2.2$24.1 million and an$26.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  We had income tax expense of $12.7$35.7 million and $48.5 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010 andJune 30, 2009, respectively.  The period over period variance was primarily due to pre-tax losses in 2010 versus pre-tax income in 2009.  Our income tax is primarily a function of the statutory tax rate coupled with the impact from tax-preferenced investment income.


Net Income (Loss) Income..
We reported net income of $16.9 million and a net loss of $44.9 million and net income of $45.7$28.0 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to net income of $128.5 million and $174.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.  This change was the result of the items discussed above.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio increased by 34.219.2 points to 127.4%99.0% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to 93.2%79.8% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.  Our combined ratio increased by 26.3 points to 112.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to 86.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The loss ratio component increased 37.117.7 points and 27.1 points for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared toover the same period last year, principally due to the 37.810.4 point and 23.6 point increase in current year catastrophe losses as a result of the Chilean earthquake and Australian hailstorms and winterstorm Xynthia.hailstorms. The commission and brokerage ratio component increased by 1.0 points and decreased by 3.71.3 points for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2010, compared torespectively, over the same period last year, due to lower rates on property contracts,primarily as a resul t of the mix in business quarter over quarter and reinstatement premiums, which are fully earned, but have no commission on reinstatement premiums and blend and mix of business,expense, year over year, while the other underwriting expense ratio component increased slightly by 0.8 points forwas relatively flat over the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009.same period last year.

Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholder's equity decreasedincreased by $31.9$11.5 million to $2,826.9$2,870.2 million at March 31,June 30, 2010 from $2,858.8 million at December 31, 2009, principally as a result of $44.9 million of net loss, partially offset by $7.0 million of foreign currency translation adjustments, $4.4$34.5 million of unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, $1.3$3.0 million of share-based compensation transactions, $1.2 million of foreign currency translation adjustments and $0.4$0.8 million of pension adjustments.adjustments, partially offset by $28.0 million of net loss.


Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased 114.6%19.9% to $85.1$89.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 from $39.7compared to $74.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, and increased 52.8% to $174.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $114.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The increase for the six months, period over period, was primarily due to an increase in recorded gains in 2010 as opposed to recorded losses in 2009 from our limited partnership investments.  The losses in 2009 were the result of 2008 fourth quarter losses from those limited partnerships that invested in non-public securities and arewere on a quarter reporting lag.

The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 March 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Fixed maturities $73.6  $70.3  $75.8  $71.6  $149.4  $141.9 
Equity securities  2.4   0.7   2.6   0.7   5.0   1.4 
Short-term investments and cash  0.1   2.2 
Short-term investments and cash
  0.1   0.8   0.2   3.1 
Other invested assets                        
Limited partnerships  9.4   (34.1)  8.9   2.0   18.3   (32.1)
Other  1.8   2.8   4.5   2.3   6.3   5.0 
Total gross investment income  87.2   41.9   91.9   77.4   179.2   119.3 
Interest credited and other expense  (2.1)  (2.3)
Interest debited (credited) and other expense  (2.6)  (2.9)  (4.7)  (5.1)
Total net investment income $85.1  $39.7  $89.3  $74.5  $174.5  $114.2 
(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 AtAt At
March 31, December 31,June 30, December 31,
2010 20092010 2009
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets3.8% 3.7%3.9% 3.7%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets3.1% 3.1%3.1% 3.1%
 
 Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 2010 2009
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets4.4% 2.1%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.5% 2.1%
Net Realized Capital Losses.
The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital losses for the periods indicated:
  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.)            
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2010 2009 2010 2009
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets4.5% 4.0% 4.4% 3.0%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.6% 3.3% 3.6% 2.7%
 
 
32


Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital losses for the periods indicated:


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance  2010  2009  Variance 
Gains (losses) from sales:                  
Fixed maturity securities, market value                  
Gains $5.4  $0.5  $4.9  $7.0  $2.0  5.0 
Losses  (3.7)  (0.9)  (2.8)  (6.2)  (30.5)  24.3 
Total  1.6   (0.4)  2.0   0.8   (28.5)  29.3 
                         
Fixed maturity securities, fair value                        
Gains  0.2   0.1   0.1   0.3   0.3   - 
Losses  -   -   -   -   (0.1)  0.1 
Total  0.2   0.1   0.1   0.3   0.2   0.1 
                         
Equity securities, fair value                        
Gains  1.2   5.7   (4.5)  3.6   5.9   (2.3)
Losses  (4.1)  -   (4.1)  (4.6)  (0.7)  (3.9)
Total  (2.9)  5.7   (8.6)  (1.0)  5.2   (6.2)
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales                        
Gains  6.8   6.3   0.5   10.9   8.2   2.7 
Losses  (7.8)  (0.9)  (6.9)  (10.8)  (31.3)  20.5 
Total  (1.1)  5.4   (6.5)  0.1   (23.1)  23.2 
                         
Other-than-temporary impairments:  -   (4.9)  4.9   -   (5.5)  5.5 
                         
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:                        
Fixed maturities, fair value  (2.5)  2.0   (4.5)  0.5   2.0   (1.5)
Equity securities, fair value  (30.0)  17.3   (47.3)  (16.8)  0.4   (17.2)
Other invested assets, fair value  (61.9)  3.2   (65.1)  (84.6)  (19.0)  (65.6)
Total  (94.4)  22.5   (116.9)  (100.9)  (16.7)  (84.3)
                         
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $(95.5) $22.9  $(118.4) $(100.8) $(45.2) $(55.6)
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Net realized capital losses were $5.3$95.5 million and $68.2net realized capital gains were $22.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  ForWe recorded $94.4 million of losses and $22.5 million of gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and other invested assets, and $1.1 million of net realized capital losses and $5.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In addition, we did not record any other-than-temporary impairments for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $4.9 million recorded a $6.5for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Net realized capital losses were $100.8 million inand $45.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We recorded $100.9 million and $16.7 million of losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $1.2and $0.1 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$23.1 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and $0.6 million inequity securities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In addition, we did not record any other-than-temporary impairments on our available for sale fixed maturity securities.the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $5.5 million recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2009.


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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 Re’s br anches in Canada and Singapore and offices in Miami and New Jersey.

These segments are managed independently, 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 March 31,  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance  % Change  2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010 2009 Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $244.0  $264.3  $(20.3)  -7.7% $268.2  $266.2  $2.1   0.8% $512.2  $530.5  $(18.3)  -3.4%
Net written premiums  128.5   139.4   (11.0)  -7.9%  150.5   156.8   (6.3)  -4.0%  278.9   296.2   (17.3)  -5.8%
                                                
Premiums earned $127.0  $146.3  $(19.3)  -13.2% $162.5  $180.7  $(18.2)  -10.1% $289.5  $327.0  $(37.5)  -11.5%
Incurred losses and LAE  90.1   90.1   -   0.0%  84.3   86.0   (1.6)  -1.9%  174.5   176.1   (1.7)  -0.9%
Commission and brokerage  27.2   31.9   (4.7)  -14.7%  35.9   37.2   (1.4)  -3.6%  63.1   69.1   (6.1)  -8.8%
Other underwriting expenses  7.8   7.6   0.2   3.2%  9.4   8.0   1.4   16.9%  17.2   15.6   1.6   10.3%
Underwriting gain $1.9  $16.7  $(14.8)  -88.8%
Underwriting gain (loss) $32.9  $49.5  $(16.6)  -33.5% $34.8  $66.2  $(31.4)  -47.5%
                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  71.0%  61.6%      9.4   51.9%  47.6%      4.3   60.3%  53.8%      6.5 
Commission and brokerage ratio  21.4%  21.8%      (0.4)  22.1%  20.6%      1.5   21.8%  21.1%      0.7 
Other underwriting expense ratio  6.1%  5.2%      0.9   5.7%  4.4%      1.3   5.9%  4.9%      1.0 
Combined ratio  98.5%  88.6%      9.9   79.7%  72.6%      7.1   88.0%  79.8%      8.2 
                                                
(NM, not meaningful)                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                            
 
Premiums. Gross written premiums decreasedincreased by 7.7%0.8% to $244.0$268.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 from $264.3$266.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, primarily due to $20.3an $11.3 million (23.2%(14.1%) decreaseincrease in U.S. treaty casualty volume and an $8.4 million (6.3%) increase in treaty property volume, partially offset by a $13.4$13.9 million (63.6%) decrease in facultative volume and a $5.3 million (30.5%(57.1%) decrease in the crop hail quota share treaties partially offset by an $18.6and a $3.5 million (13.5%(12.2%) increasedecrease in treaty propertyfacultative volume. Net written premiums decreased by 7.9%4.0% to $128.5$150.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $139.4$156.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, primarily due to the decreasea 7.6% increase in gross written premiums.cessions.  Premiums earned decreaseddecr eased by 13.2%10.1% to $127.0$162.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $146.3$180.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing;timing on proportional contracts where premiums for proportionate contracts, are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded on the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums decreased by 3.4% to $512.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $530.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to a $19.2 million (46.0%) decrease in the crop hail quota share treaties, a $16.9 million (33.9%) decrease in facultative volume and a $9.0 million (5.4%) decrease in U.S. treaty casualty volume, partially offset by a $27.0 million (10.0%) increase in treaty property volume. Net written premiums decreased by 5.8% to $278.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $296.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to the decrease in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned decreased by 11.5% to $289.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $327.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 .  Variances for net written premiums and premiums earned for the six months were driven by similar factors as those discussed above for the three months.

 
3435


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

 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt ChangeIncurred  Pt Change
2010                                        
Attritional $76.2   60.0%  $(4.2)  -3.3%  $71.9   56.6%  $79.0   48.6%  $9.7   6.0%  $88.7   54.6% 
Catastrophes  15.7   12.3%   2.5   2.0%   18.2   14.3%   (2.8)  -1.7%   (1.6)  -1.0%   (4.4)  -2.7% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $91.9   72.3%  $(1.7)  -1.4%  $90.1   71.0%  $76.2   46.9%  $8.1   5.0%  $84.3   51.9% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional $73.5   50.2%  $16.5   11.2%  $90.0   61.5%  $104.0   57.6%  $(16.2)  -8.9%  $87.8   48.6% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   0.2   0.1%   0.2   0.1%   -   0.0%   (1.9)  -1.0%   (1.9)  -1.0% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $73.5   50.2%  $16.6   11.4%  $90.1   61.6%  $104.0   57.6%  $(18.0)  -10.0%  $86.0   47.6% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional $2.7   9.8 pts $(20.7)  (14.5)pts $(18.1)  (4.9)pts $(25.0)  (9.0)pts $25.9   14.9 pts $0.9   6.0 pts
Catastrophes  15.7   12.3 pts  2.3   1.9 pts  18.0   14.2 pts  (2.8)  (1.7)pts  0.3   - pts  (2.5)  (1.7)pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $18.4   22.1 pts $(18.3)  (12.8)pts $-   9.4 pts $(27.8)  (10.7)pts $26.1   15.0 pts $(1.7)  4.3 pts
                           
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                      
 

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $155.2   53.6%  $5.5   1.9%  $160.7   55.5% 
Catastrophes  12.9   4.4%   0.9   0.3%   13.8   4.8% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $168.1   58.1%  $6.4   2.2%  $174.5   60.3% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $177.5   54.3%  $0.3   0.1%  $177.8   54.4% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (1.7)  -0.5%   (1.7)  -0.5% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $177.5   54.3%  $(1.4)  -0.4%  $176.1   53.8% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $(22.3)  (0.7)pts $5.2   1.8 pts $(17.1)  1.1 pts
Catastrophes  12.9   4.4 pts  2.6   0.8 pts  15.5   5.3 pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $(9.4)  3.8 pts $7.8   2.6 pts $(1.6)  6.5 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses remained flatwere $1.7 million (4.3 points) lower at $90.1$84.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 and 2009.  The $18.0 million (14.2 points) increase in catastrophe losses was offset by a decrease in attritional losses of $18.1 million (4.9 points).  The 2010 catastrophe losses consisted of $12.9 million for the Chilean earthquake and $2.8 million for the windstorm Xynthia.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 14.7%compared to $27.2$86.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, primarily as a result of an upward adjustment in the second quarter of 2009 to the Crop Hail current year expected loss ratio and a $2.8 million decrease in current year catastrophe losses from the reversal of the first quarter estimate of Windstorm Xynthia, partially offset by unfavorable development in prior years’ losses in 2010 compared to $31.9favorable development in 2009.

Incurred losses were $1.6 million (6.5 points) lower at $174.5 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $176.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, primarily as a result of the $22.3 million decrease in current year attritional losses, principally the Crop Hail business, partially offset by a $15.5 million (5.3 points) increase in catastrophe losses primarily due to the decline in premiums earned and lower commissions on property business.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $7.8 million and $7.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.Chilean earthquake.


 
3536


Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 3.6% to $35.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $37.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 8.8% to $63.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $69.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. These variances were due to the changes in premiums earned and the mix of business.

Segment other underwriting expenses were $9.4 million and $8.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $17.2 million and $15.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  These increases were due to normal growth in overall operating expenses.

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 March 31,  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance  % Change  2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010 2009 Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $228.2  $204.7  $23.5   11.5% $204.9  $213.5  $(8.6)  -4.0% $433.2  $418.2  $15.0   3.6%
Net written premiums  102.5   121.2   (18.7)  -15.4%  80.8   104.4   (23.5)  -22.6%  183.3   225.5   (42.2)  -18.7%
                                                
Premiums earned $101.2  $112.0  $(10.8)  -9.7% $86.2  $105.7  $(19.5)  -18.4% $187.4  $217.6  $(30.3)  -13.9%
Incurred losses and LAE  73.0   81.1   (8.2)  -10.1%  71.8   57.8   14.0   24.3%  144.8   138.9   5.8   4.2%
Commission and brokerage  1.6   12.0   (10.4)  -86.3%  6.1   9.8   (3.8)  -38.1%  7.7   21.9   (14.1)  -64.6%
Other underwriting expenses  16.6   17.3   (0.7)  -4.1%  16.3   19.2   (2.9)  -15.0%  32.9   36.4   (3.6)  -9.8%
Underwriting gain $10.0  $1.5  $8.5  NM
Underwriting gain (loss) $(8.0) $18.9  $(26.9)  -142.3% $2.0  $20.4  $(18.4)  -90.2%
                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  72.1%  72.5%      (0.4)  83.3%  54.7%      28.6   77.3%  63.8%      13.5 
Commission and brokerage ratio  1.6%  10.7%      (9.1)  7.1%  9.3%      (2.2)  4.1%  10.0%      (5.9)
Other underwriting expense ratio  16.4%  15.4%      1.0   18.9%  18.1%      0.8   17.5%  16.8%      0.7 
Combined ratio  90.1%  98.6%      (8.5)  109.3%  82.1%      27.2   98.9%  90.6%      8.3 
                                                
(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 11.5%4.0% to $228.2$204.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $204.7$213.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Growth was derived from the direct specialty operation in New York, additional property insurance written in Florida and the workers’ compensation business.June 30, 2009, as we continue to adjust our book of business to achieve an appropriate underwriting margin.  Net written premiums decreased by 15.4%22.6% to $102.5$80.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $121.2$104.4 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, reflective of the change in business mix and cessions.due to increased reinsurance ceded on certain programs.  Ceded premiums generally relate to the affiliated quota share agreement and third party specific reinsurance purchased for i ndividualindividual reinsured programs.  Premiums earned decreased 9.7%18.4% to $101.2$86.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $112.0$105.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 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.

Gross written premiums increased by 3.6% to $433.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $418.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Growth was derived from our direct specialty lines and increased rates on the workers’ compensation business.  Net written premiums decreased by 18.7% to $183.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $225.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, once again due to increased reinsurance ceded on certain programs.  Premiums earned decreased 13.9% to $187.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $217.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 due to timing as explained above.

37


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

 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                                        
Attritional $74.2   73.4%  $(1.3)  -1.2%  $73.0   72.1%  $70.6   81.9%  $1.2   1.4%  $71.8   83.3% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $74.2   73.4%  $(1.3)  -1.2%  $73.0   72.1%  $70.6   81.9%  $1.2   1.4%  $71.8   83.3% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional $80.0   71.5%  $1.1   1.0%  $81.1   72.5%  $75.4   71.3%  $(17.6)  -16.7%  $57.8   54.7% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $80.0   71.5%  $1.1   1.0%  $81.1   72.5%  $75.4   71.3%  $(17.6)  -16.7%  $57.8   54.7% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional $(5.8)  1.9 pts $(2.4)  (2.2)pts $(8.1)  (0.4)pts $(4.8)  10.6 pts $18.8   18.1 pts $14.0   28.6 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $(5.8)  1.9 pts $(2.4)  (2.2)pts $(8.1)  (0.4)pts $(4.8)  10.6 pts $18.8   18.1 pts $14.0   28.6 pts
                           
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                      
 

36
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $144.8   77.3%  $-   0.0%  $144.8   77.3% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $144.8   77.3%  $-   0.0%  $144.8   77.3% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $155.4   71.4%  $(16.5)  -7.6%  $138.9   63.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $155.4   71.4%  $(16.5)  -7.6%  $138.9   63.8% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $(10.6)  5.9 pts $16.5   7.6 pts $5.9   13.5 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $(10.6)  5.9 pts $16.5   7.6 pts $5.9   13.5 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        



Incurred losses and LAE decreasedincreased by 10.1%24.3% to $73.0$71.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $81.1$57.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.  The decreaseincrease, period over period, was primarily due to favorable development in 2009 of prior years’ attritional reserves, specifically net casualty losses.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 4.2% to $144.8 million for the decrease in earned premium and favorable prior year’s reserve development, partially offset by higher expected attritional loss ratios.six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $138.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The increase was primarily due to similar factors as discussed above for the three months.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 86.3%38.1% to $1.6$6.1 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $12.0$9.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, which wasJune 30, 2009.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 64.6% to $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $21.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. These decreases were primarily due to the fluctuationresult of cessions under the affiliated quota share agreement.  a decline in net premiums earned in conjunction with additional reinsurance cessions.

Segment other underwriting expenses were $16.6for the three months ended June 30, 2010 decreased to $16.3 million and $17.3from $19.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.  Segment other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as adecreased to $32.9 million from $36.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  These decreases were the result of management’s direct actions to reduce expenses.

38


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

 Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance  % Change  2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010 2009 Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $65.9  $58.9  $7.0   11.8% $65.9  $57.2  $8.7   15.2% $131.7  $116.1  $15.6   13.5%
Net written premiums  37.2   32.6   4.6   14.2%  37.8   32.1   5.7   17.7%  75.1   64.7   10.3   16.0%
                                                
Premiums earned $38.9  $36.8  $2.1   5.6% $39.3  $32.5  $6.8   21.1% $78.2  $69.3  $8.9   12.8%
Incurred losses and LAE  27.5   25.4   2.1   8.2%  34.5   23.2   11.4   49.0%  62.0   48.5   13.4   27.7%
Commission and brokerage  8.5   10.1   (1.5)  -15.2%  9.0   8.9   0.1   1.3%  17.5   18.9   (1.4)  -7.5%
Other underwriting expenses  2.0   1.8   0.1   5.7%  2.4   2.0   0.4   20.4%  4.4   3.8   0.5   13.4%
Underwriting gain (loss) $1.0  $(0.5) $1.4  NM $(6.5) $(1.5) $(5.0) NM $(5.6) $(2.0) $(3.6)  182.6%
                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  70.6%  68.9%      1.7   87.7%  71.3%      16.4   79.2%  70.0%      9.2 
Commission and brokerage ratio  21.9%  27.3%      (5.4)  22.8%  27.3%      (4.5)  22.4%  27.3%      (4.9)
Other underwriting expense ratio  5.1%  5.0%      0.1   6.1%  6.1%      -   5.6%  5.6%      - 
Combined ratio  97.6%  101.2%      (3.6)  116.6%  104.7%      11.9   107.2%  102.9%      4.3 
                                                
(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 11.8%15.2% to $65.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $58.9$57.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.  This was driven by a strong demandgrowth in our A&H business, $7.0 million,both the travel accident business as more and more employers are self insuring theirwell as several new self-funded medical programs leading to more opportunities for usaccounts, partially offset by a decrease in the medical stop lossmarine business.  Net written premiums increased by 14.2%17.7% to $37.2$37.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $32.6$32.1 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, primarily as a result of the increase in gross writingswritten premiums combined with the change in business mix.  Premiums earned increas edincreased 21.1% to $38.9$3 9.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $36.8$32.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 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.

Gross written premiums increased by 13.5% to $131.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $116.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Net written premiums increased 16.0% to $75.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $64.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Premiums earned increased 12.8% to $78.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $69.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Variances for the six months were driven by similar factors as those discussed above for the three months.


 
3739


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

 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt 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%  $32.2   81.9%  $0.7   1.9%  $33.0   83.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   1.2   3.0%   1.2   3.0%   -   0.0%   1.6   4.0%   1.6   4.0% 
Total segment $26.6   68.3%  $0.9   2.3%  $27.5   70.6%  $32.2   81.9%  $2.3   5.8%  $34.5   87.7% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional $22.6   61.3%  $0.9   2.4%  $23.5   63.7%  $28.2   86.8%  $(6.7)  -20.7%  $21.5   66.1% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   1.9   5.2%   1.9   5.2%   -   0.0%   1.7   5.2%   1.7   5.2% 
Total segment $22.6   61.3%  $2.8   7.6%  $25.4   68.9%  $28.2   86.7%  $(5.0)  -15.5%  $23.2   71.3% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional $4.0   7.0 pts $(1.2)  (3.1)pts $2.8   3.9 pts $4.0   (4.9)pts $7.4   22.6 pts $11.5   17.7 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  (0.7)  (2.2)pts  (0.7)  (2.2)pts  -   - pts  (0.1)  (1.2)pts  (0.1)  (1.2)pts
Total segment $4.0   7.0 pts $(1.9)  (5.3)pts $2.1   1.7 pts $4.0   (4.9)pts $7.3   21.3 pts $11.3   16.4 pts
                           
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $58.8   75.1%  $0.5   0.6%  $59.2   75.7% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   2.7   3.5%   2.7   3.5% 
Total segment $58.8   75.1%  $3.2   4.1%  $62.0   79.2% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $50.8   73.3%  $(5.8)  -8.4%  $44.9   64.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   3.6   5.2%   3.6   5.2% 
Total segment $50.8   73.3%  $(2.2)  -3.2%  $48.5   70.0% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $8.0   1.8 pts $6.3   9.0 pts $14.3   10.9 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  (0.9)  (1.7)pts  (0.9)  (1.7)pts
Total segment $8.0   1.8 pts $5.4   7.3 pts $13.5   9.2 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 8.2%49.0% to $27.5$34.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $25.4$23.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, primarily as athe result of an increase in expected loss ratios, which increased current year attritional losses, 3.9 points,reserves for the offshore oil rig in 2010.the Gulf.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 27.7% to $62.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $48.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  This increase was driven by the same factor as discussed above for the three months.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 15.2%increased 1.3% to $8.5$9.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $10.1$8.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009June 30, 2009.  This slight increase was primarily driven by the increase in premiums earned in combination with the mix of business.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 7.5% to $17.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $18.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. This decrease was primarily driven by the mix in business as the lower commission business, aviation, hasA&H, had increased while the higher commission marinebusiness of ma rine and surety business havehad declined.


40

Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightlyto $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $1.8$3.8 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2009.  These increases were due to normal growth in overall operating expenses.

International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.
 
 Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance  % Change  2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010 2009 Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $275.4  $250.8  $24.6   9.8% $307.0  $274.3  $32.7   11.9% $582.3  $525.0  $57.3   10.9%
Net written premiums  145.2   135.4   9.9   7.3%  166.0   154.0   12.1   7.8%  311.3   289.3   21.9   7.6%
                                                
Premiums earned $147.1  $143.3  $3.8   2.6% $154.7  $141.9  $12.8   9.0% $301.8  $285.2  $16.5   5.8%
Incurred losses and LAE  236.5   92.5   144.0   155.6%  124.1   79.2   44.9   56.6%  360.6   171.8   188.8   109.9%
Commission and brokerage  30.4   34.2   (3.8)  -11.0%  37.3   31.0   6.3   20.2%  67.7   65.2   2.5   3.8%
Other underwriting expenses  6.4   4.6   1.8   38.1%  7.3   5.7   1.6   28.6%  13.7   10.3   3.4   32.8%
Underwriting (loss) gain $(126.2) $11.9  $(138.2) NM
Underwriting gain (loss) $(14.0) $26.0  $(40.0)  -153.7% $(140.2) $38.0  $(178.2) NM
                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  160.8%  64.6%      96.2   80.2%  55.8%      24.4   119.5%  60.2%      59.3 
Commission and brokerage ratio  20.7%  23.9%      (3.2)  24.1%  21.8%      2.3   22.4%  22.9%      (0.5)
Other underwriting expense ratio  4.3%  3.2%      1.1   4.7%  4.1%      0.6   4.6%  3.6%      1.0 
Combined ratio  185.8%  91.7%      94.1   109.0%  81.7%      27.3   146.5%  86.7%      59.8 
                                                
(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 9.8%11.9% to $275.4$307.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $250.8$274.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  ContinuedJune 30, 2009, due to continued strong growth in Asia, a $23.5 million increase; Canada, a $19.4 million increase; and Brazil, $9.9a $5.2 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 and increased participation on contracts in Japan and Taiwan.  Also included, were $7.0 million in reinstatement premiums from the Chilean earthquake.increase.  Net written premiums increased by 7.3%7.8% to $145.2$166.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $135.4 millio n$154.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009, primarily due toprincipally as a result of the increase in gross written premiums, coupled with thepartially offset by an increase in cessions under the affiliated quota share.  Premiums earned increased by 2.6%9.0% to $147.1$154.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $143.3$141.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 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.

Gross written premiums increased by 10.9% to $582.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $525.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, due to continued strong growth in Asia, a $33.8 million increase; Canada, a $17.1 million increase; and Brazil, a $15.1 million increase.  Also contributing to the increase was $13.4 million in gross reinstatement premiums from the Chilean earthquake.  Net written premiums increased by 7.6% to $311.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $289.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Premiums earned increased by 5.8% to $301.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $285.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, as a result of the increase in net written premiums.  Varianc e explanations for net written premiums and premiums earned for the six months were similar to those discussed above for the three months.

41


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

 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt 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%  $83.8   54.1%  $(2.0)  -1.3%  $81.7   52.8% 
Catastrophes  149.5   101.7%   (0.9)  -0.6%   148.7   101.1%   48.7   31.5%   (6.3)  -4.1%   42.3   27.4% 
Total segment $240.8   163.7%  $(4.3)  -2.9%  $236.5   160.8%  $132.4   85.6%  $(8.3)  -5.4%  $124.1   80.2% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional $81.3   56.7%  $1.7   1.2%  $83.0   57.9%  $77.3   54.4%  $3.4   2.4%  $80.7   56.9% 
Catastrophes  9.1   6.3%   0.5   0.3%   9.5   6.7%   -   0.0%   (1.5)  -1.1%   (1.5)  -1.1% 
Total segment $90.4   63.1%  $2.2   1.5%  $92.5   64.6%  $77.3   54.4%  $2.0   1.4%  $79.2   55.8% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional $10.0   5.4 pts $(5.2)  (3.6)pts $4.8   1.8 pts $6.5   (0.3)pts $(5.4)  (3.7)pts $1.0   (4.1)pts
Catastrophes  140.4   95.4 pts  (1.4)  (0.9)pts  139.2   94.4 pts  48.7   31.5 pts  (4.8)  (3.0)pts  43.8   28.5 pts
Total segment $150.4   100.6 pts $(6.5)  (4.4)pts $144.0   96.2 pts $55.1   31.2 pts $(10.3)  (6.8)pts $44.9   24.4 pts
                           
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                      

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $175.1   58.0%  $(5.5)  -1.8%  $169.6   56.2% 
Catastrophes  198.2   65.7%   (7.2)  -2.4%   191.0   63.3% 
Total segment $373.2   123.7%  $(12.7)  -4.2%  $360.6   119.5% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $158.6   55.6%  $5.1   1.8%  $163.7   57.4% 
Catastrophes  9.1   3.2%   (1.0)  -0.4%   8.1   2.8% 
Total segment $167.6   58.8%  $4.1   1.4%  $171.8   60.2% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $16.5   2.4 pts $(10.6)  (3.6)pts $5.9   (1.2)pts
Catastrophes  189.1   62.5 pts  (6.2)  (2.0)pts  182.9   60.5 pts
Total segment $205.6   64.9 pts $(16.8)  (5.6)pts $188.8   59.3 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 155.6%56.6% to $236.5$124.1 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $92.5$79.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2009. The increase was principally due to a $48.7 million increase in current year catastrophes for the Chilean earthquake. Attritional losses also increased primarily due to the increased premiums earned.

Incurred losses and LAE increased 109.9% to $360.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $171.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. The increase was principally due to the $140.4 million increase inlarge current year catastrophe losses due toof $178.6 million for the Chilean earthquake ($129.9 million) and $19.5 million for the Australian hailstorms ($19.6 million).  Current year attritional losses also increased duein 2010 compared to an increasethe absence in expected loss ratios.2009 of similar large events.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 11.0%increased 20.2% to $30.4$37.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 compared to $34.2$31.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009,June 30, 2009. Commission and brokerage expenses increased 3.8% to $67.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $65.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. The increases were primarily as a resultdue to an increase in premiums earned, an increase in contingent commission on the International U.S. business and an increase in commission ratio on the Brazil book.

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Segment other underwriting expenses for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2010 were $6.4$7.3 million compared to $4.6$5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, consistent with expectations.June 30, 2009.  Segment other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were $13.7 million compared to $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  These increases were due to normal growth in overall operating expenses.

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.


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 $8.0$8.1 billion investment portfolio, at March 31,June 30, 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.  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 portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates.  In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $542.8$539.4 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $6,489.2$6,459.4 million fixed maturity 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 $250.1$251.8 million of short-term investments) for the periodsperiod 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 for mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with 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 theth e various interest rate change scenarios.

 Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 At March 31, 2010 At June 30, 2010
(Dollars in millions)  -200  -100  0  100  200  -200  -100   0  100  200
Total Market/Fair Value $7,335.1  $7,061.8  $6,739.3  $6,382.6  $6,045.8  $7,273.5  $7,013.4  $6,711.2  $6,373.1  $6,047.5 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  8.8%  4.8%  0.0%  -5.3%  -10.3%  8.4%  4.5%  0.0%  -5.0%  -9.9%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                                        
After-tax from Base ($) $387.2  $209.6  $-  $(231.9) $(450.8) $365.5  $196.4  $-  $(219.8) $(431.4)
 


We had $7,613.8$7,583.5 million and $7,300.1 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of March 31,June 30, 2010 and December 31, 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 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 inc ludeincl ude investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid.  Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration that is reasonably consistent with our 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 is to obtain greater total return relative to bonds over time through market appreciation and income.


The table below displays the impact on fair/market value and after-tax appreciation/(depreciation)change in fair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the periodsperiod indicated.

 Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
 At March 31, 2010 At June 30, 2010
(Dollars in millions)  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio $315.6  $355.1  $394.6  $434.0  $473.5  $272.3  $306.4  $340.4  $374.4  $408.5 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value  (51.3)  (25.6)  -   25.6   51.3   (44.3)  (22.1)  -   22.1   44.3 


Foreign Exchange 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.  Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates.  The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro.  We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresp onding operating liabilities.  In accordance with 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 March 31,June 30, 2010, there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2009.

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 c 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 risks described under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part 1, ITEM 1A.  We undertake no obligation to update o r revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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 Of 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 o 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.  RESERVED


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


ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit Index:
 
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.
Exhibit No.Description
31.1 Section 302 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto
31.2 Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso
32.1Section 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. 
  (Registrant) 
     
     
  /S/DOMINIC J. ADDESSO 
  Dominic J. Addesso 
  Executive Vice President and 
   Chief Financial Officer 
     
  (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
     
     
Dated: August 16, 2010
Dated: May 17, 2010