SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
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(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1997 or
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition
period from to .
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For the Quarter Ended March 31, 1997 Commission file number 1-12502
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Chartwell Re Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware 41-1652573
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Four Stamford Plaza,
P. O. Box 120043
Stamford, Connecticut 06912-0043
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code (203) 705-2500
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No __
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock - $.01 par value 9,596,753
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Description of Class Shares Outstanding
as of May 14, 1997
Chartwell Re Corporation
Index To Form 10-Q
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Page
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 1997
and December 31, 1996............................... 1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
month periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1996........ 2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
three month periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1996... 3
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements....... 4
Item 2 -
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.......................... 6
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6 -
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ........................... 13
Signatures ................................................. 14
i
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
March 31, December 31,
ASSETS: 1997 1996
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Investments: (Unaudited)
Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity (market value 1997,
$38,261; 1996, $36,620)......................... $ 38,622 $ 36,043
Available for sale(amortized cost 1997,$604,564;
1996, $609,368)............................... 590,861 606,621
Other investments................................. 31,239 30,896
Cash and cash equivalents........................... 48,633 51,134
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Total investments and cash................ 709,355 724,694
Accrued investment income........................... 8,683 10,533
Premiums in process of collection................... 103,482 86,351
Reinsurance recoverable: on paid losses............. 28,277 29,767
on unpaid losses........... 184,778 172,377
Prepaid reinsurance................................. 29,287 21,733
Goodwill............................................ 56,777 59,538
Deferred policy acquisition costs................... 20,365 17,903
Deferred income taxes............................... 49,519 45,318
Deposits............................................ 18,300 18,135
Other assets........................................ 73,781 71,515
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$ 1,282,604 $1,257,864
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LIABILITIES:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses................... $ 758,203 $ 747,858
Unearned premiums................................... 96,496 81,599
Contingent interest notes........................... 28,069 27,541
Other reinsurance balances.......................... 23,622 15,085
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.............. 46,158 52,464
Long term debt...................................... 107,730 107,297
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Total liabilities........................ 1,060,278 1,031,844
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COMMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
MINORITY INTEREST 21 30
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COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized
20,000,000 shares; shares issued and outstanding
9,596,753 and 9,583,811 in 1997 and 1996,
respectively.................................... 96 96
Additional paid-in capital........................ 212,024 211,782
Net unrealized depreciation of investments........ (10,032) (1,521)
Foreign currency translation adjustment........... 392 1,914
Retained earnings................................. 19,825 13,719
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Total common stockholders' equity......... 222,305 225,990
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$1,282,604 $1,257,864
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Month Periods
Ended March 31,
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1997 1996
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UNDERWRITING OPERATIONS:
Premiums earned....................................... $61,785 56,243
Net investment income................................. 9,831 10,393
Net realized capital gains (losses)................... (20) 832
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Total revenues.................................... 71,596 67,468
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Loss and loss adjustment expenses..................... 42,035 40,942
Policy acquisition costs.............................. 17,120 14,176
Other expenses........................................ 3,694 4,056
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Total expenses................................... 62,849 59,174
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Income before taxes - underwriting operations 8,747 8,294
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SERVICE OPERATIONS:
Service and other revenue............................. 7,534 670
Equity in net earnings of investees................... 1,146 886
Net investment income................................. 248 2
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Total revenues................................... 8,928 1,558
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Amortization of goodwill.............................. 517 -
Other expenses........................................ 4,878 313
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Total expenses................................... 5,395 313
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Income before taxes - service operations.............. 3,533 1,245
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CORPORATE:
Net investment income................................. 131 284
Net realized capital gains............................ - 89
General and administrative expenses................... 401 110
Interest expense...................................... 2,705 2,763
Amortization expense.................................. 241 155
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Loss before taxes - corporate......................... (3,216) (2,655)
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Consolidated income before taxes...................... 9,064 6,884
Income tax expense.................................... 2,577 2,050
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Net income............................................ $ 6,487 $ 4,834
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Per Share Data:
Income per common share............................... $ 0.68 $ 0.64
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Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding........................................... 9,596,172 7,581,033
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Month Periods
Ended March 31,
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1997 1996
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net premiums collected...................... $ 41,854 $ 39,083
Net losses & loss adjustment expenses....... (44,091) (42,995)
Overhead expenses........................... (13,398) (4,301)
Service and other revenue................... 6,060 1,472
Net income taxes paid....................... (612) (86)
Interest received on investments............ 11,688 9,477
Interest paid............................... (3,411) (3,844)
Other, net.................................. (3,243) 1,790
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Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities................... (5,153) 596
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cost of investments acquired................. (263,060) (242,840)
Proceeds from investment matured or repaid... 7,876 7,163
Proceeds from investments sold............... 257,300 118,256
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Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities................... 2,116 (117,421)
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from public stock offering........ - 53,673
Issuance of long-term debt..................... 1,486 -
Dividends paid................................. (383) -
Other, net..................................... - (250)
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Net cash provided by financing
activities............................. 1,103 53,423
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Effect of exchange rate on cash.... (567) 31
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Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents........... (2,501) (63,371)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...... 51,134 155,813
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of year............ $ 48,633 $ 92,442
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RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH
PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income...................................... $ 6,487 $ 4,834
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net realized capital (gains) losses....... 20 (921)
Deferred policy acquisition costs......... (2,462) 863
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.. 10,345 (1,378)
Unearned premiums......................... 14,897 (5,108)
Other reinsurance balances................ 981 275
Reinsurance recoverable................... (10,911) (657)
Net change in receivables and payables.... (26,524) 4,242
Other, net................................ 2,014 (1,554)
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Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities.............. $ (5,153) $ 596
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 1997
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements of Chartwell Re Corporation ("Chartwell" or the "Company") have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have
been included. Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily
indicative of results that may be expected for the full year. These interim
statements should be read in conjunction with the 1996 consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
NOTE 2- PRO FORMA DATA
On November 19, 1996, the Company acquired (the "Acquisition")100% of the
outstanding stock of Archer Group Holdings plc ("Archer Holdings") through its
newly formed subsidiary, Chartwell Holdings Limited. The Acquisition has been
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
The following pro forma consolidated income statement information for
the Company for the three months ended March 31, 1996 is presented as though the
Acquisition, the issuance of 2,725,000 common shares through a public offering
in March and April of 1996 and the redemption by Chartwell Re Holdings
Corporation ("Holdings") of 35% of its outstanding 10.25% Senior Notes (the
"Senior Notes") due 2004 had occurred on January 1, 1996.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
March 31, 1997 March 31, 1996
Actual Pro forma
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(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
Total revenues $80,655 $76,438
Net income $ 6,487 $ 5,822
Income per common share $0.68 $0.68
Weighted average shares outstanding 9,596,172 8,513,560
outstanding
Common stock equivalents were not considered as their inclusion would
not have been dilutive.
4
NOTE 3 - NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD
In February, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share," which becomes effective for interim and annual periods ending after
December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 supersedes APB No. 15 and replaces the
presentation of primary earnings per share ("EPS") with a presentation of basic
EPS. It also requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of
the income statement for all entities with complex capital structures and
provides guidance on other computational issues. After the effective date, all
prior period EPS data presented shall be restated to conform with the provisions
of SFAS No. 128. The implementation of SFAS No. 128 is not expected to have a
material impact on the Company's calculation of EPS.
5
ITEM 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis
CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION
Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
March 31, 1997
(Unaudited)
Overview
Chartwell Re Corporation ("Chartwell" or the "Company") is a holding
company which conducts business through its four principal operating
subsidiaries, Chartwell Reinsurance Company ("Chartwell Reinsurance"), The
Insurance Corporation of New York ("INSCORP"), Chartwell Advisers Limited
("Chartwell Advisers") and its recently acquired Lloyd's managing agency, Archer
Managing Agents Limited ("Archer"). Chartwell Reinsurance was founded in 1979 as
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northwestern National Life Insurance Company
("NWNL"), and in 1989, Chartwell was formed to act as a holding company and the
parent of Chartwell Reinsurance.
Chartwell Reinsurance underwrites treaty reinsurance through
reinsurance brokers for casualty and, to a lesser extent, property risks as well
as for marine and aviation risks. INSCORP writes property and casualty insurance
for specialty program administrators. Archer is one of the largest managing
agencies in the Lloyd's marketplace with approximately 380 million pounds
sterling of underwriting capacity for the 1997 Year of Account. Chartwell
Advisers acts as the exclusive advisor for syndicate selection to New London
Capital plc, a non-affiliated publicly traded company formed to underwrite at
Lloyd's.
Chartwell's other subsidiaries include Dakota Specialty Insurance
Company ("Dakota Specialty") and Drayton Company Limited. Dakota Specialty is a
newly formed subsidiary of Chartwell whose objective is to generate a book of
surplus lines insurance. Drayton Company Limited is not currently writing new
business, and Chartwell is managing the resolution of Drayton's remaining claims
and assets in a controlled winding-up.
As of March 31, 1997, Chartwell had total assets of almost $1.3 billion
and stockholders' equity of $222.3 million. Chartwell Reinsurance is rated "A"
(Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, Inc., an independent rating entity serving the
insurance industry, and both INSCORP and Dakota Specialty are rated "A-"
(Excellent) by A.M. Best. In addition, Chartwell Reinsurance and INSCORP have
each been assigned an A- claims paying ability rating by Standard and Poor's,
and the 10 1/4% Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes") of Chartwell Re Holdings
Corporation, an intermediate level holding company ("Holdings"), are rated BBB-
by Standard & Poor's and Ba1 by Moody's, respectively.
6
Results of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 Compared With Three
Months Ended March 31, 1996:
Revenues: Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1997
increased 16% to $80.7 million, compared to $69.4 million for the comparable
period in 1996. The accompanying table summarizes gross and net premiums written
and total revenues for the periods indicated:
Three months ended March 31
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1997 1996
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(in thousands)
Gross premiums written $96,676 $68,564
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Net premiums written $69,912 $49,718
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Premiums earned $61,785 $56,243
Net investment income 10,210 10,680
Net realized capital gains (losses) (20) 921
Service and other revenue 7,534 670
Equity in net earnings of investees 1,146 886
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Total Revenue $80,655 $69,400
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Underwriting Operations
Gross Premiums Written; Net Premiums Written; Net Premiums Earned.
Gross premiums written for the first quarter 1997 were $96.7 million, an
increase of 41% compared to the same period in 1996. These increases reflect the
addition of a number of new programs in the Specialty Accounts client segment,
principally in the workers compensation line of business, as well as the
continued growth of the Controlled Source Insurance Accounts segment. Controlled
Source Insurance Accounts grew as a result of the expansion of current programs
in response to market opportunities. The distribution of the Company's gross
premiums written among its underwriting client segments was as follows:
Three Months Ended
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March 31,
1997 1996
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Reinsurance: (in thousands)
Specialty $47,302 $17,085
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Global
Domestic 4,201 5,038
International 6,950 3,473
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11,151 8,511
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Regional 4,593 7,162
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Marine & Aviation 10,988 11,164
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Total Reinsurance 74,034 43,922
Controlled Source Insurance 22,642 17,177
Run-Off (1) - 7,465
TOTAL $96,676 $68,564
========= =========
(1) The run-off is reinsurance business previously written by The
Reinsurance Corporation of New York and not renewed into Chartwell Reinsurance
Company.
7
Specialty Accounts gross premiums written for the first three months of
1997 increased 177% over the prior year primarily due to a number of new workers
compensation programs. Global Accounts continues to focus on the international
marketplace and in particular on U. K. business. Gross premiums written in the
Regional Accounts client segment decreased 36% for the first three months of
1997 as compared with the same period last year primarily due to the non-renewal
of a specific reinsurance contract because the ceding company retained the
business after obtaining additional surplus. Marine and Aviation gross premiums
written were essentially flat for the three months ended March 31, 1997 as
compared with 1996 reflecting the increasing competitive market pressures in the
marine market in particular. Gross premiums through March 31, 1997 in the
Controlled Source Insurance Accounts client segment increased 32% reflecting the
continued growth of existing programs as well as the premiums from a new program
added at the end of 1996.
Net premiums written for the three month period ended March 31, 1997
increased 41% to $69.9 million compared to $49.7 million for the same period in
1996. The increase in net premiums written was principally attributable to the
reasons described above for the increase in gross premiums written. Net premiums
earned for the three month period ended March 31, 1997 were $61.8 million, an
increase of $5.5 million or 9.9% compared to the same period in 1996.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. The Company's principal expense,
loss and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") related to the settlement of claims,
was $42.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 1997, a 2.7%
increase compared to $40.9 million for the comparable period in 1996. The
increase is principally attributable to the increase in earned premiums as noted
above. Net losses and LAE expressed as a percentage of net earned premiums (the
loss and LAE ratio) improved to 68.0% for the three month period ended March 31,
1997 from 72.8% recorded for the same period in 1996. The improvement of 4.8
percentage points in the loss and LAE ratio for the three month period ended
March 31, 1997 was a result of the positive contributions of the new workers
compensation programs as well as the benefits of new reinsurance programs and
the enhancement of existing reinsurance programs at attractive terms.
Policy Acquisition Costs. Policy acquisition costs, consisting
primarily of commissions paid to ceding companies and brokerage fees paid to
intermediaries, less commissions received on business ceded to other reinsurers,
were $17.1 million for the three month period ended March 31, 1997 compared to
$14.2 million for the same period in 1996. Policy acquisition costs expressed as
a percentage of net earned premiums (the acquisition expense ratio) increased to
27.7% from 25.2% in 1996. The increase is due to a modestly higher commission
structure for proportional business in general and the workers compensation
programs in particular.
Other Expenses. Other expenses related to underwriting operations,
which include underwriting and administrative expenses, were $3.7 million for
the three month period ended March 31, 1997 compared to $4.1 million for the
same period in 1996. Other expenses expressed as a percentage of net earned
premiums decreased to 6.0% for the three month period ended March 31, 1997
compared to 7.2% for the same period in 1996.
Net Underwriting Results. The Company incurred an underwriting loss
(net premiums earned minus losses, LAE and underwriting expenses) of $1.1
million for the three month period ended March 31, 1997 as compared to an
underwriting loss of $2.9 million for the same period in 1996. The combined
ratio for the three month period ended March 31, 1997 computed in accordance
with GAAP was 101.7% compared to 105.2% for the same period in 1996. Although
the loss ratio component improved to 68.0% for the three month period ended
March 31, 1997 from 72.8% recorded for the same period in 1996, the expense
ratio increased to 33.7% for the three month period ended March 31, 1997 from
the 32.4% recorded for the same period in 1996, for the reasons noted above.
8
Service Operations
Revenue from service operations increased to $8.9 million for the three
month period ended March 31, 1997 compared to $1.6 million for the same period
in 1996. The improvement is due principally to the revenues from Archer as well
as increases in advisory fee revenues, equity in the net earnings of investee
companies and development of new fee-based revenue sources during the quarter.
Corporate Operations
Interest and Amortization. Interest and amortization expenses were $2.9
million for the three month periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1996. Interest and
amortization on the Senior Notes was $1.3 million for the three month period
ended March 31, 1997 and $2.0 million for the comparable period in 1996. The
1997 amount was reduced due to the redemption of 35% of the principal amount of
outstanding Senior Notes on April 8, 1996. Interest expense for the three month
period ended March 31, 1997 also included $0.4 million of interest and
amortization expense on a $20.0 million bank facility, $0.6 million of interest
and amortization on the Company's CI Notes and $0.6 million of interest and
amortization related to the acquisition of Archer.
Consolidated
Net Investment Income and Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
Consolidated after-tax net investment income, exclusive of realized and
unrealized capital gains and losses, for the three month period ended March 31,
1997 was $7.3 million, compared to $7.1 million for the same period in 1996. The
carrying value of the Company's invested assets decreased to $709.4 million at
March 31, 1997 from $724.7 million at December 31, 1996 primarily due to the
decline in market value of fixed income securities. The average annual tax
equivalent yield on invested assets before investment expenses increased to
6.34% for the first three months of 1997 compared to 6.14% for the same period
in 1996.
The Company realized net capital losses of $20,000 for the first three
months of 1997 compared to net capital gains of $0.9 million for the same period
in 1996. The 1996 net capital gains were realized principally to reposition
certain sectors of the portfolio and to modify the portfolio to improve credit
quality without sacrificing yield.
Income Before Income Taxes. Net income before income taxes increased to
$9.1 million for the three month period ended March 31, 1997 compared to $6.9
million for the same period in 1996. The increase resulted primarily from the
increase in earned premiums, the favorable results in both loss and loss
adjustment expense and in other expenses, and from the increases in service and
other revenue.
Income Tax Expense. The provision for Federal income taxes for the
three month period ended March 31, 1997 increased to $2.6 million compared with
$2.1 million for the same period in 1996. The effective tax rate was 28.4% and
29.8% for the three month periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The principal factor in the decline below the statutory rate of 35% for both
periods was the benefit of investments in tax-advantaged securities.
9
Net Income. The Company realized a net profit of $6.5 million for the
three month period ended March 31, 1997 compared with a net profit of $4.8
million for the comparable 1996 period because of the factors discussed above.
Net income per share increased 6% to $0.68 for the three month period ended
March 31, 1997 from $0.64 per share reported a year ago.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As a holding company, Chartwell's assets consist primarily of the stock
of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, Chartwell Reinsurance, INSCORP, Archer,
and Chartwell Advisers. Chartwell's cash flow, therefore, depends largely on
dividends and other payments from Holdings, and in turn Holdings' cash flow
depends largely on interest, dividends and tax sharing payments from Chartwell
Reinsurance. Chartwell Reinsurance's sources of funds consist primarily of net
premiums, reinsurance recoveries, investment income and proceeds from sales and
redemptions of investments. Funds are applied primarily to payments of claims,
operating expenses and income taxes and to the purchase of investments, largely
fixed income securities. Cash and short-term investments are maintained for the
payment of claims and expenses. Chartwell Reinsurance's ability to pay cash
dividends to the Company is restricted by law or subject to approval of the
insurance regulatory authority of Minnesota, Chartwell Reinsurance's state of
domicile. The Minnesota authority recognizes only statutory accounting practices
for the ability of an insurer to pay dividends to its stockholders.
On February 5, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors declared a
quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share, which was paid on March 5, 1997 to
stockholders of record as of February 19, 1997. On May 2, 1997, the Company's
Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share,
payable on June 3, 1997 to stockholders of record as of May 20, 1997.
At March 31, 1997, the carrying value of total investments, including
cash and cash equivalents, decreased by $15.3 million, or 2.1%, to $709.4
million compared to $724.7 million at December 31, 1996. The primary reasons for
the decrease were (i) negative cash flow from operations of $5.2 million, and
(ii) the decline in the market value of the investment portfolio of $13.3
million pre-tax offset by (iii) $2.1 million of miscellaneous sources of cash.
At March 31, 1997, 95.6% of Chartwell's total investments (including
cash and cash equivalents) consisted of fixed income securities, of which 95.2%
were rated "A" or better (or "A-1" for commercial paper) by Moody's. While
uncertainties exist regarding interest rates and inflation, Chartwell attempts
to minimize such risks and exposures by balancing the duration of reinsurance
liabilities with the duration of assets in its investment portfolio. The current
market value of Chartwell's fixed maturity investments is not necessarily
indicative of their future valuation. Chartwell does not have any investments in
real estate or high-yield bonds and does not have any non-income producing fixed
income investments. The Company's fixed income securities portfolio at March 31,
1997 was comprised primarily of U.S. Treasury and government agency, mortgage
pass-through securities, and corporate and municipal bonds.
Stockholders' equity decreased 1.6% to $222.3 million at March 31, 1997
from $226.0 million at December 31, 1996. GAAP book value per share decreased to
$23.16 at March 31, 1997 from $23.58 at December 31, 1996. These decreases are
principally attributable to the decline in market value of fixed income
securities, which resulted from an increase in interest rates during the period.
Chartwell's ratio of long-term debt to total capitalization (exclusive of the
Contingent Interest Notes) increased to 32.6% at March 31, 1997 from 32.2% at
December 31, 1996.
10
Statutory policyholders' surplus of Chartwell Reinsurance Company
increased to $240.5 million at March 31, 1997 from $238.3 million at December
31, 1996.
In connection with the November 1996 acquisition of Archer, Holdings
entered into new credit facilities with First Union National Bank, N.A. (the
"First Union Credit Facility"). The new credit facilities provide term loans of
approximately $50 million (a portion of which is denominated in pounds sterling)
and a $25.0 million revolving credit facility (subsequently increased to $35.0
million).
At March 31, 1997, $45.2 million was outstanding under the First Union
Credit Facility. In addition, at March 31, 1997, $9.2 million was used to
guarantee the loan notes and $20.3 million was used to secure letters of credit.
Chartwell is largely dependent upon receipt of dividends and other
statutorily permissible payments from Holdings to meet its obligations and to
pay dividends on the Common Stock. Holdings is in turn largely dependent on
interest, dividends and other payments from its subsidiaries to meet its
obligations, including the obligation to pay interest and principal on the
Senior Notes and under the new credit facilities. The agreements governing the
foregoing debt obligations significantly restrict the ability of Holdings to
make dividend and other payments to Chartwell. Further, dividend payments by
Chartwell Reinsurance and INSCORP are subject to limits under the laws of the
States of Minnesota and New York, respectively. Under the applicable provisions
of the insurance holding company laws of the State of Minnesota, Chartwell
Reinsurance may, upon five days notice to the Commissioner following the
declaration of dividends to stockholders, and upon at least ten days notice to
the Commissioner prior to dividend payments, pay dividends to Holdings without
the approval of the Commissioner, unless such dividends, together with other
dividends paid within the preceding twelve months, exceed the greater of (i) 10%
of Chartwell Reinsurance's policyholders' surplus as of the end of the prior
calendar year or (ii) Chartwell Reinsurance's statutory net income, excluding
realized capital gains, for the prior calendar year. Any dividend in excess of
the amount determined pursuant to the foregoing formula would be characterized
as an "extraordinary dividend" requiring the prior approval of the Commissioner.
In any case, the maximum amount of dividends Chartwell Reinsurance may pay is
limited to its earned surplus, also known as unassigned funds. As of December
31, 1996, Chartwell Reinsurance reported unassigned funds in the amount of $54.5
million. Up to $23.8 million is available under the foregoing formula for the
payment of dividends by Chartwell Reinsurance without regulatory approval in
1997. Chartwell Reinsurance paid Chartwell no dividends in the first quarter of
1997. Under New York law, which is applicable to INSCORP, the maximum ordinary
dividend payable in any twelve month period without the approval of the
Superintendent may not exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders surplus as
shown on the company's last annual statement or any more recent quarterly
statement or (b) the company's adjusted net investment income. Adjusted net
investment income is defined as net investment income for the twelve months
preceding the declaration of the dividend plus the excess, if any, of net
investment income over dividends declared or distributed during the period
commencing thirty-six months prior to the declaration or distribution of the
current dividend and ending twelve months prior thereto. In any case, New York
law permits the payment of an ordinary dividend by an insurer or reinsurer only
out of earned surplus. Moreover, notwithstanding the receipt of any dividend
from INSCORP, Chartwell Reinsurance may make dividend payments to Holdings only
to the extent permitted under the Minnesota provisions described above.
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In addition to the foregoing limitation, the New York Insurance
Department, as is its practice in any change of control situation, has required
Chartwell to commit to preclude the acquired New York-domiciled insurer,
INSCORP, from paying any dividends for two years after the change of control
without prior regulatory approval. This two year period ends in December 1997.
The maximum dividend permitted by law is not indicative of an insurer's
actual ability to pay dividends, which may be constrained by business and
regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus, which
could affect an insurer's ratings or competitive position, the amount of
premiums that can be written and the ability to pay future dividends.
Furthermore, beyond the limits described in the preceding paragraph, the
Commissioner and Superintendent have discretion to limit the payment of
dividends by insurance companies domiciled in Minnesota and New York,
respectively.
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CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
27 - Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
(c) Signatures
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CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION
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.
CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION
(Registrant)
/S/ Charles E. Meyers
------------------------------------------
Charles E. Meyers
Duly Authorized Officer and Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer
Dated: May 14, 1997
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