Exhibit 99
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements and
Report of Independent Accountants
December 31, 2000
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 1
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Consolidated Balance Sheets 2
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income 3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholder and Board of Directors
of Financial Security Assurance Inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in
shareholder's equity, and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Financial Security Assurance Inc. and Subsidiaries
(the Company) at December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the
United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
January 24, 2001
1
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
December 31, December 31,
2000 1999
------------ ------------
ASSETS
Bonds at market value (amortized cost of $1,979,942 and
$1,903,932) $ 2,084,282 $ 1,837,085
Equity investments at market value (cost of $10,006 and $10,100) 9,746 9,768
Short-term investments 112,493 257,030
----------- -----------
Total investments 2,206,521 2,103,883
Cash 7,053 4,153
Deferred acquisition costs 201,136 198,048
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 354,117 285,105
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 24,617 9,492
Receivable for securities sold 4,595 40,635
Other assets 184,551 145,837
----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 2,982,590 $ 2,787,153
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Deferred premium revenue $ 936,826 $ 844,146
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 116,336 87,309
Deferred federal income taxes 123,121 53,357
Ceded reinsurance balances payable 48,784 36,387
Payable for securities purchased 5,158 239,295
Long-term debt 120,000 120,000
Minority interest 37,228 32,945
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 106,271 78,768
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST 1,493,724 1,492,207
----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Common stock (400 and 500 shares authorized, issued and outstanding;
par value of $37,500 and $30,000 per share) 15,000 15,000
Additional paid-in capital 789,922 832,556
Accumulated other comprehensive income [net of deferred
income tax provision (benefit) of $ 34,527 and $(23,513)] 69,553 (43,666)
Accumulated earnings 614,391 491,056
----------- -----------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY 1,488,866 1,294,946
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST AND
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY $ 2,982,590 $ 2,787,153
=========== ===========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
2
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
REVENUES:
Net premiums written $ 218,138 $ 230,435 $ 219,853
Increase in deferred premium revenue (25,989) (55,476) (81,926)
--------- --------- ---------
Premiums earned 192,149 174,959 137,927
Net investment income 119,112 92,552 76,023
Net realized gains (losses) (31,468) (10,090) 21,667
Other income 1,445 1,307 381
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL REVENUES 281,238 258,728 235,998
--------- --------- ---------
EXPENSES:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 9,403 8,829 3,949
Policy acquisition costs 37,602 39,809 35,439
Merger Related Expenses 33,912
Other operating expenses 39,143 33,210 28,502
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL EXPENSES 120,060 81,848 67,890
--------- --------- ---------
Minority interest and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (2,205) (2,523) (388)
--------- --------- ---------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 158,973 174,357 167,720
--------- --------- ---------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Current 23,913 39,765 46,736
Deferred 11,725 1,375 167
--------- --------- ---------
Total provision 35,638 41,140 46,903
--------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME 123,335 133,217 120,817
--------- --------- ---------
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Holding gains (losses) arising during period [net of deferred
income tax provision (benefit) of $47,664, $(47,498) and $12,428] 92,126 (88,211) 23,080
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included
in net income [net of deferred income tax provision
(benefit) of $(10,375) $(2,509) and $7,583] (21,093) (7,581) 14,084
--------- --------- ---------
Other comprehensive income (loss) 113,219 (80,630) 8,996
--------- --------- ---------
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 236,554 $ 52,587 $ 129,813
========= ========= =========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
3
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
Unrealized
Additional Gain (Loss)
Common Paid-In on Accumulated
Stock Capital Investments Earnings Total
----- ------- ----------- -------- -----
BALANCE, December 31, 1997 $15,000 $617,870 $27,968 $237,022 $ 897,860
Net income 120,817 120,817
Net change in accumulated comprehensive
income (net of deferred income
taxes of $4,844) 8,996 8,996
Stock repurchase (8,500) (8,500)
Capital contribution from Parent 80,000 80,000
Deferred equity payout by Parent 5,418 5,418
------- -------- ------- -------- ----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1998 15,000 694,788 36,964 357,839 1,104,591
Net income 133,217 133,217
Net change in accumulated comprehensive
income (net of deferred income
tax benefit of $43,417) (80,630) (80,630)
Capital contribution from Parent 126,439 126,439
Deferred equity payout by Parent 11,329 11,329
------- -------- ------- -------- ----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1999 15,000 832,556 (43,666) 491,056 1,294,946
Net income 123,335 123,335
Net change in accumulated comprehensive
income (net of deferred income
tax provision of $58,040) 113,219 113,219
Stock repurchase (55,000) (55,000)
Deferred equity payout by Parent 8,485 8,485
Other capital contribution from Parent 3,881 3,881
------- -------- ------- -------- ----------
BALANCE, December 31, 2000 $15,000 $789,922 $69,553 $614,391 $1,488,866
======= ======== ======= ======== ==========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
4
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Premiums received, net $ 225,253 $ 230,394 $ 247,229
Policy acquisition and other operating expenses
paid, net (73,358) (41,852) (81,559)
Recoverable advances paid 1,495 (2,335) (4,073)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses recovered
(paid) 4,571 3,302 16,535
Net investment income received 106,039 84,423 67,268
Federal income taxes paid (27,441) (44,472) (52,210)
Interest paid (6,000) (8,168)
Other (208) (438) (877)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 230,351 220,854 192,313
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of bonds 1,440,090 1,936,748 1,735,585
Proceeds from sales of equity investments 74,593 22,571
Purchases of bonds (1,742,929) (2,129,656) (2,098,264)
Purchases of equity investments (46,581) (37,034)
Gain on sale of subsidiaries
Purchases of property and equipment (3,727) (1,132) (1,071)
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments 148,445 (161,231) 15,857
Other investments (14,330) (2,171) 20,037
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used for investing activities (172,451) (329,430) (342,319)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Surplus notes issued 70,000
Capital contribution (a) 110,000 80,000
Stock repurchase (55,000) (8,500)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (55,000) 110,000 141,500
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 2,900 1,424 (8,506)
Cash at beginning of year 4,153 2,729 11,235
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash at end of year $ 7,053 $ 4,153 $ 2,729
=========== =========== ===========
Continued
(a) In December 1999, the Parent contributed its ownership in XL Financial
Assurance Ltd. to the Company at its fair value of $16,439. In 2000, the
Company received a tax benefit of $3,881 by utilizing its Parent's losses.
These amounts were recorded as a capital contribution.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
5
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, CONTINUED
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Reconciliation of net income to net cash flows
from operating activities:
Net income $ 123,335 $ 133,217 $ 120,817
Increase in accrued investment income (6,436) (4,271) (3,939)
Increase in deferred premium revenue and related
foreign exchange adjustment 23,668 54,438 82,530
Decrease (increase) in deferred acquisition costs (3,088) 1,511 (28,461)
Increase in current federal income
taxes payable 1,541 4,559 2,732
Increase in unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses 13,903 12,231 20,786
Increase in amounts withheld for others 18 81
Provision for deferred income taxes 11,725 1,375 167
Net realized losses (gains) on investments 31,468 10,090 (21,667)
Depreciation and accretion of bond discount (5,005) (2,401) (3,540)
Minority interest and equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates 2,205 2,523 388
Change in other assets and liabilities 37,017 7,582 22,419
--------- --------- ---------
Cash provided by operating activities $ 230,351 $ 220,854 $ 192,313
========= ========= =========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
6
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
1. ORGANIZATION AND OWNERSHIP
Financial Security Assurance Inc. (the Company), a wholly owned subsidiary
of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (the Parent), is an insurance
company domiciled in the State of New York. The Company is engaged in providing
financial guaranty insurance on asset-backed and municipal obligations. The
Company's underwriting policy is to insure asset-backed and municipal
obligations that it determines would be of investment-grade quality without the
benefit of the Company's insurance. The asset-backed obligations insured by the
Company are generally issued in structured transactions and are backed by pools
of assets, such as residential mortgage loans, consumer or trade receivables,
securities or other assets having an ascertainable cash flow or market value.
The municipal obligations insured by the Company consist primarily of general
obligation bonds that are supported by the issuers' taxing power and special
revenue bonds and other special obligations of states and local governments that
are supported by the issuers' ability to impose and collect fees and charges for
public services or specific projects. Financial guaranty insurance written by
the Company guarantees scheduled payments on an issuer's obligation. In the case
of a payment default on an insured obligation, the Company is generally required
to pay the principal, interest or other amounts due in accordance with the
obligation's original payment schedule or, at its option, to pay such amounts on
an accelerated basis.
The Company expects to continue to emphasize a diversified insured
portfolio characterized by insurance of both asset-backed and municipal
obligations, with a broad geographic distribution and a variety of revenue
sources and transaction structures. The Company's insured portfolio consists
primarily of asset-backed and municipal obligations originated in the United
States, but the Company has also written and continues to pursue business in
Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
On July 5, 2000, the Parent completed a merger in which the Parent became a
direct subsidiary of Dexia Holdings Inc., which is an indirect, wholly owned
subsidiary of Dexia S.A. (Dexia), a publicly held Belgian corporation. The net
effect of the merger, reflected in the December 31, 2000 financial statements,
is to decrease net income by $28.9 million. In addition, in connection with the
merger, the Company repurchased $55,000,000 of its stock from its Parent in July
2000.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP),
which differ in certain material respects from the accounting practices
prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities (see Note 5). The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Company's
consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations
and comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and
1998. Such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, losses and
loss adjustment expenses and the deferral and amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Significant
accounting policies under GAAP are as follows:
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, FSA Insurance Company, Financial
Security Assurance International Ltd. (International), Financial Security
Assurance of Oklahoma, Inc. and Financial Security Assurance (U.K.) Limited
(collectively, the Subsidiaries). All intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated. Certain prior-year balances have been reclassified to
conform to the 2000 presentation.
7
Investments
Investments in debt securities designated as available for sale are carried
at market value. Equity investments are carried at market value. Any resulting
unrealized gain or loss is reflected as a separate component of shareholder's
equity, net of applicable deferred income taxes. All of the Company's debt and
equity securities are classified as available for sale.
Bond discounts and premiums are amortized on the effective yield method
over the remaining terms of the securities acquired. For mortgage-backed
securities, and any other holdings for which prepayment risk may be significant,
assumptions regarding prepayments are evaluated periodically and revised as
necessary. Any adjustments required due to the resulting change in effective
yields are recognized in current income. Short-term investments, which are those
investments with a maturity of less than one year at time of purchase, are
carried at market value, which approximates cost. Cash equivalents are amounts
deposited in money market funds and investments with a maturity at time of
purchase of three months or less and are included in short-term investments.
Realized gains or losses on sale of investments are determined on the basis of
specific identification. Investment income is recorded as earned.
Derivative securities, including U.S. Treasury bond futures contracts and
call option contracts, are not accounted for as hedges and are marked to market
on a daily basis. Any gains or losses are included in realized capital gains or
losses. There were no open positions in U.S. Treasury bond futures contracts and
call option contracts at December 31, 2000.
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are reported in other assets and
are based on the equity method of accounting (see Note 16).
Premium Revenue Recognition
Gross and ceded premiums are earned in proportion to the amount of risk
outstanding over the expected period of coverage. The amount of risk outstanding
is equal to the sum of the par amount of debt insured. Deferred premium revenue
and prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premium that is
applicable to coverage of risk to be provided in the future on policies in
force. When an insured issue is retired or defeased prior to the end of the
expected period of coverage, the remaining deferred premium revenue and prepaid
reinsurance premium, less any amount credited to a refunding issue insured by
the Company, are recognized.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
A case basis reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is
recorded at the present value of the estimated loss when, in management's
opinion, the likelihood of a future loss is probable and determinable at the
balance sheet date. The estimated loss on a transaction is discounted using
risk-free rates ranging from 5.5% to 6.1%.
The Company also maintains a non-specific general reserve, which is
available to be applied against future additions or accretions to existing case
basis reserves or to new case basis reserves to be established in the future.
The general reserve is calculated by applying a loss factor to the total net par
amount outstanding of the Company's insured obligations over the term of such
insured obligations and discounting the result at risk-free rates. The loss
factor used for this purpose has been determined based upon an independent
rating agency study of bond defaults and the Company's portfolio characteristics
and history.
Management of the Company periodically evaluates its estimates for losses
and loss adjustment expenses and establishes reserves that management believes
are adequate to cover the present value of the ultimate net cost of claims. The
reserves are necessarily based on estimates, and there can be no assurance that
the ultimate liability will not differ from such estimates. The Company will, on
an ongoing basis, monitor these reserves and may periodically adjust such
reserves based on the Company's actual loss experience, its future mix of
business, and future economic conditions.
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Deferred acquisition costs comprise those expenses that vary with and are
primarily related to the production of business, including commissions paid on
reinsurance assumed, compensation and related costs of underwriting and
marketing personnel, certain rating agency fees, premium taxes and certain other
underwriting expenses, reduced by ceding commission income on premiums ceded to
reinsurers. Deferred acquisition costs and the cost of acquired business are
amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned.
Recoverability of deferred acquisition costs is determined by considering
anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses.
8
Federal Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of an amount for taxes currently
payable and a provision for tax consequences deferred to future periods
reflected at current income tax rates.
Segment Reporting
As a monoline financial guaranty insurer, the Company has no reportable
operating segments.
3. INVESTMENTS
Bonds at amortized cost of $11,690,000 and $10,979,000 at December 31, 2000
and 1999, respectively, were on deposit with state regulatory authorities as
required by insurance regulations.
Consolidated net investment income consisted of the following (in
thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Bonds $114,021 $87,697 $69,216
Equity investments 505 893 830
Short-term investments 6,218 6,130 7,376
Investment expenses (1,632) (2,168) (1,399)
-------- ------- -------
Net investment income $119,112 $92,552 $76,023
======== ======= =======
The credit quality of bonds at December 31, 2000 was as follows:
Rating Percent of Bonds
---------------- ----------------
AAA 69.4%
AA 25.2
A 5.2
BBB 0.1
Other 0.1
9
The amortized cost and estimated market value of bonds were as follows (in
thousands):
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
Cost Gains Losses Market Value
---- ----- ------ ------------
December 31, 2000
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
of U.S. government corporations
and agencies $ 44,117 $ 3,545 $ (7) $ 47,655
Obligations of states and political
Subdivisions 1,504,105 94,442 (1,569) 1,596,978
Foreign securities 15,240 630 (91) 15,779
Mortgage-backed securities 232,586 6,451 (686) 238,351
Corporate securities 151,996 3,316 (2,142) 153,170
Asset-backed securities 31,898 1,218 (767) 32,349
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $1,979,942 $ 109,602 $ (5,262) $2,084,282
========== ========== ========== ==========
December 31, 1999
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
of U.S. government corporations
and agencies $ 69,825 $ 27 $ (512) $ 69,340
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 1,189,115 5,469 (58,571) 1,136,013
Foreign securities 2,277 1 (1) 2,277
Mortgage-backed securities 381,613 450 (9,235) 372,828
Corporate securities 222,294 2,123 (5,371) 219,046
Asset-backed securities 38,808 17 (1,244) 37,581
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $1,903,932 $ 8,087 $ (74,934) $1,837,085
========== ========== ========== ==========
The change in net unrealized gains (losses) consisted of (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Bonds $ 171,187 $(119,681) $ 10,164
Equity investments 72 (3,350) 2,661
Other (1,017) 1,017
--------- --------- ---------
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) $ 171,259 $(124,048) $ 13,842
========= ========= =========
10
The amortized cost and estimated market value of bonds at December 31,
2000, by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands). Actual maturities
could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to
call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Amortized Estimated
Cost Market Value
---- ------------
Due in one year or less $ 78 $ 78
Due after one year through five years 94,865 95,675
Due after five years through ten years 152,000 159,255
Due after ten years 1,468,515 1,558,574
Mortgage-backed securities (stated maturities of 4 to 30 years) 232,586 238,351
Asset-backed securities (stated maturities of 2 to 30 years) 31,898 32,349
---------- ----------
Total $1,979,942 $2,084,282
========== ==========
Proceeds from sales of bonds during 2000, 1999 and 1998 were
$1,404,050,000, $2,114,131,000 and $2,132,146,000, respectively. Gross gains of
$9,741,000, $17,907,000 and $26,373,000 and gross losses of $41,145,000,
$30,467,000 and $4,156,000 were realized on sales in 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.
Proceeds from sales of equity investments during 2000, 1999 and 1998 were
$0, $74,593,000 and $22,571,000, respectively. Gross gains of $0, $8,871,000 and
$973,000 and gross losses of $0, $5,008,000 and $1,323,000 were realized on
sales in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Equity investments had no gross
unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses of $260,000 and $332,000 as of
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
The Company held open positions in U.S. Treasury bond futures contracts with
an aggregate notional amount of $0 and $26,900,000 as of December 31, 2000 and
1999, respectively. The Company also held open positions in Eurodollar futures
contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $0 and $46,500,000 as of December
31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Such positions are marked to market on a daily
basis and, for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, resulted in net
realized gains of $334,000 and losses of $1,393,000, respectively.
4. DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS
Acquisition costs deferred for amortization against future income and the
related amortization charged to expenses are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Balance, beginning of period $ 198,048 $ 199,559 $ 171,098
--------- --------- ---------
Costs deferred during the period:
Ceding commission income (42,496) (52,376) (27,693)
Premium taxes 5,934 9,017 8,081
Compensation and other acquisition costs 77,252 81,657 83,512
--------- --------- ---------
Total 40,690 38,298 63,900
--------- --------- ---------
Costs amortized during the period (37,602) (39,809) (35,439)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of period $ 201,136 $ 198,048 $ 199,559
========= ========= =========
11
5. STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
GAAP for the Company differs in certain significant respects from
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities. The principal differences result from the following statutory
accounting practices:
- Upfront premiums on municipal business are recognized as earned when
related principal and interest have expired rather than over the expected
coverage period;
- Acquisition costs are charged to operations as incurred rather than as
related premiums are earned;
- A contingency reserve (rather than a general reserve) is computed based
on the following statutory requirements:
(i) For all policies written prior to July 1, 1989, an amount equal
to 50% of cumulative earned premiums less permitted reductions, plus;
(ii) For all policies written on or after July 1, 1989, an amount
equal to the greater of 50% of premiums written for each category of
insured obligation or a designated percentage of principal guaranteed for
that category. These amounts are provided each quarter as either 1/60th or
1/80th of the total required for each category, less permitted reductions;
- Certain assets designated as "non-admitted assets" are charged directly
to statutory surplus but are reflected as assets under GAAP;
- Federal income taxes are provided only on taxable income for which
income taxes are currently payable;
- Accruals for deferred compensation are not recognized;
- Purchase accounting adjustments are not recognized;
- Bonds are carried at amortized cost;
- Surplus notes are recognized as surplus rather than a liability.
A reconciliation of net income for the calendar years 2000, 1999 and 1998
and shareholder's equity at December 31, 2000 and 1999, reported by the Company
on a GAAP basis, to the amounts reported by the Subsidiaries on a statutory
basis, is as follows (in thousands):
Net Income: 2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
GAAP BASIS $ 123,335 $ 133,217 $ 120,817
Premium revenue recognition (13,824) (19,397) (16,411)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred 10,233 4,171 12,938
Deferred acquisition costs (3,088) 1,511 (28,461)
Deferred income tax provision 11,725 1,375 167
Current income tax benefit 837 (9,266) (8,206)
Accrual of deferred compensation, net (20,328) 22,119 33,268
Other 4,869 (124) 100
--------- --------- ---------
STATUTORY BASIS $ 113,759 $ 133,606 $ 114,212
========= ========= =========
12
December 31,
---------------------------
Shareholder's Equity: 2000 1999
---- ----
GAAP BASIS $ 1,488,866 $ 1,294,946
Premium revenue recognition (124,878) (110,650)
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 65,204 54,971
Deferred acquisition costs (201,136) (198,048)
Contingency reserve (608,335) (473,387)
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments, net of tax (104,080) 67,179
Deferred income taxes 123,121 53,357
Accrual of deferred compensation 52,004 80,811
Surplus notes 120,000 120,000
Other 17,580 (42,484)
----------- -----------
STATUTORY BASIS SURPLUS $ 828,346 $ 846,695
=========== ===========
SURPLUS PLUS CONTINGENCY RESERVE $ 1,436,681 $ 1,320,082
=========== ===========
The U.S. domiciled Subsidiaries file statutory-basis financial statements
with state insurance departments in all states in which the Subsidiaries are
licensed. On January 1, 2001, significant changes to the statutory basis of
accounting became effective. The cumulative effect of these changes, known as
Codification guidance, will be recorded as a direct adjustment to statutory
surplus. The effect of adoption on January 1, 2001 is expected to be an
approximate $50 million decrease to statutory surplus.
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Prior to the merger with Dexia, the Parent, the Company and its
Subsidiaries, except International, filed a consolidated federal income tax
return. The calculation of each company's tax benefit or liability was
controlled by a tax-sharing agreement that based the allocation of such benefit
or liability upon a separate return calculation. Dexia Holdings, the Parent and
the Company and its Subsidiaries, except International, will file a consolidated
federal income tax return for periods subsequent to the merger, under a new tax
sharing agreement. The new tax sharing agreement provides that each member's tax
benefit or liability is calculated on a separate return basis and that any
credits or losses available to the Parent or Dexia Holdings be allocated to the
members based on the member's taxable income. At December 31, 2000, the Company
and its Subsidiaries received benefits from utilizing the Parent's credits and
losses of $3,881,000. This amount has been recorded as a capital contribution
and a reduction in amounts payable to the Parent in the financial statements.
Federal income taxes have not been provided on substantially all of the
undistributed earnings of International, since it is the Company's practice and
intent to reinvest such earnings in the operations of these subsidiaries. The
cumulative amount of such untaxed earnings was $18,629,000 and $6,537,000 at
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
The cumulative balance sheet effects of deferred tax consequences are (in
thousands):
December 31,
------------
2000 1999
---- ----
Deferred acquisition costs $ 65,756 $ 65,769
Deferred premium revenue adjustments 17,077 14,860
Unrealized capital gains 35,372
Contingency reserves 60,608 55,028
Other, net 921
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax liabilities 178,813 136,578
--------- ---------
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (20,492) (18,219)
Deferred compensation (35,115) (42,335)
Unrealized capital losses (22,667)
Other, net (85)
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax assets (55,692) (83,221)
--------- ---------
Total deferred income taxes $ 123,121 $ 53,357
========= =========
No valuation allowance was necessary at December 31, 2000 or 1999.
13
A reconciliation of the effective tax rate with the federal statutory rate
follows:
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Tax at statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
Tax-exempt interest (14.3) (9.5) (8.1)
Income of foreign subsidiary (2.6) (1.3)
Merger-related expenses 4.2
Other 0.1 (0.6) 1.1
---- ---- ----
Provision for income taxes 22.4% 23.6% 28.0%
==== ==== ====
7. DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Under New York Insurance Law, The Company may pay a dividend without the
prior approval of the Superintendent of the New York State Insurance Department
(the Department) only from earned surplus subject to the maintenance of a
minimum capital requirement. In addition, the dividend, together with all
dividends declared or distributed by it during the preceding twelve months, may
not exceed the lesser of 10% of its policyholders' surplus shown on its last
filed statement, or adjusted net investment income, as defined, for such
twelve-month period. As of December 31, 2000, the Company had $79,737,000
available for the payment of dividends over the next twelve months. However, as
a customary condition for approving the application of Dexia for a change in
control of the Company, the prior approval of the Superintendent of the
Department is required for any payment of dividends by the Company for a period
of two years following such change in control, which began July 5, 2000.
8. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL CLAIMS-PAYING RESOURCES
The Company has a credit arrangement aggregating $150,000,000 at December
31, 2000, which is provided by commercial banks and intended for general
application to transactions insured by the Company and the Subsidiaries. At
December 31, 2000, there were no borrowings under this arrangement, which
expires on April 27, 2001, if not extended. In addition, there are credit
arrangements assigned to specific insured transactions. In August 1994, the
Company entered into a facility agreement with Canadian Global Funding
Corporation and Hambros Bank Limited. Under the agreement, which expires in
August 2004, the Company can arrange financing for transactions subject to
certain conditions. The amount of this facility was $186,911,000, of which
$113,426,000 was unutilized at December 31, 2000.
The Company has a standby line of credit commitment in the amount of
$240,000,000 with a group of international banks to provide loans to the Company
after it has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal
losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $240,000,000 or the
average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 5.75%, which
amounted to $544,642,000 at December 31, 2000. The obligation to repay loans
made under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation payable solely from,
and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured
obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and
other collateral. This commitment has a term beginning on April 30, 2000 and
expiring on April 30, 2007 and contains an annual renewal provision subject to
approval by the banks. No amounts have been utilized under this commitment as of
December 31, 2000.
The Company has borrowed $120,000,000 from its Parent in the form of
Surplus Notes. These notes carry a simple interest rate of 5.0% per annum.
Principal of and interest on the Surplus Notes may be paid at any time at the
option of the Company, subject to prior approval of the Department and
compliance with the conditions to such payments as contained in the New York
Insurance Laws. These notes have no stated maturity. The Company paid interest
of $6,000,000, $8,168,000 and $0 in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
14
9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified, non-contributory
defined contribution pension plans for the benefit of all eligible employees.
The Company's contributions are based upon a fixed percentage of employee
compensation. Pension expense, which is funded as accrued, amounted to
$3,354,000, $1,680,000 (net of forfeitures of $1,316,000) and $2,380,000 for the
years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
The Company has an employee retirement savings plan for the benefit of all
eligible employees. The plan permits employees to contribute a percentage of
their salaries up to limits prescribed by IRS Code, Section 401(k). The
Company's contributions are discretionary, and none have been made.
Performance shares are awarded under the Parent's 1993 Equity Participation
Plan. The Plan authorizes the discretionary grant of performance shares by the
Human Resources Committee to key employees of the Company. The amount earned for
each performance share depends upon the attainment by the Parent of certain
growth rates of adjusted book value per outstanding share over a three-year
period. No payout occurs if the compound annual growth rate of the Parent's
adjusted book value per outstanding share was less than 7% and 200% payout
occurs if the compound annual growth rate was 19% or greater. Payout percentages
are interpolated for compound annual growth rates between 7% and 19%.
Performance shares granted under the 1993 Equity Participation Plan were as
follows:
Outstanding Granted Earned Forfeited Outstanding Market
at Beginning During During During at End Price at
of Year the Year the Year the Year of Year Grant Date
------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----------
1998 1,366,375 273,656 229,378 26,145 1,384,508 $46.0625
1999 1,384,508 236,915 352,726 45,672 1,223,025 53.6250
2000 1,223,025 437,300 540,710 24,781 1,094,834 52.1250
The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in
accounting for the Parent's performance shares. The Company estimates the final
cost of these performance shares and accrues for this expense over the
performance period. The accrued expense for the performance shares was
$34,248,000, which includes $12,076,000 of merger related costs, $32,963,000 and
$39,480,000 for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Prior to the merger, the performance shares were adjusted to payout from 0 to
two common shares of the Parent. The Company recognized a benefit for the
difference between the market value of the Parent's common stock and the cost of
the stock when it was purchased by an independent trustee (which amount was
reimbursed by the Company to its Parent) for shares distributed under the
performance share plan. This benefit was recorded by the Company as a capital
contribution which totaled $8,485,000, $11,329,000 and $5,418,000 in 2000, 1999
and 1998, respectively. Had the compensation cost for the Parent's performance
shares been determined based upon the provisions of SFAS No. 123, there would
have been no effect on the Company's reported net income.
The Company does not currently provide post-retirement benefits, other than
under its defined contribution plans, to its employees, nor does it provide
post-employment benefits to former employees other than under its severance
plans.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases office space and equipment under non-cancelable
operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2005.
15
Future minimum rental payments are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2001 2,915
2002 2,660
2003 2,683
2004 2,683
2005 2,459
-------
Total $13,400
=======
Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was
$4,745,000, $3,996,000 and $4,025,000, respectively.
During the ordinary course of business, the Company and its Subsidiaries
have become parties to certain litigation. Management believes that these
matters will be resolved with no material impact on the Company's financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
11. REINSURANCE
The Subsidiaries obtain reinsurance to increase its policy writing
capacity, both on an aggregate risk and a single risk basis, to meet state
insurance regulatory, rating agency and internal limits, diversify risk, reduce
the need for additional capital and strengthen financial ratios. The
Subsidiaries reinsure portions of their risks with affiliated (see Note 13) and
unaffiliated reinsurers under quota share, first-loss and excess-of-loss
treaties and on a facultative basis.
In the event that any or all of the reinsuring companies were unable to
meet their obligations to the Company, or contested such obligations, the
Company would be liable for such defaulted amounts. Certain of the reinsuring
companies have provided collateral to the Subsidiaries to secure their
reinsurance obligations. The Company has also assumed reinsurance of municipal
obligations from unaffiliated insurers.
Amounts reinsured were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Written premiums ceded $ 154,187 $ 132,236 $ 99,413
Written premiums assumed 9,702 995 935
Earned premiums ceded 85,175 63,615 55,939
Earned premiums assumed 3,312 2,514 4,271
Loss and loss adjustment expense payments ceded 1,616 (2,461) 22,619
Loss and loss adjustment expense payments assumed 26 1 3
December 31,
------------
2000 1999
---- ----
Principal outstanding ceded $57,424,542 $45,313,349
Principal outstanding assumed 1,262,963 1,245,430
Deferred premium revenue ceded 354,117 285,105
Deferred premium revenue assumed 15,490 9,100
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves ceded 24,617 9,492
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves assumed 714 762
16
12. OUTSTANDING EXPOSURE AND COLLATERAL
The Company's policies insure the scheduled payments of principal and
interest on asset-backed and municipal obligations. The principal amount insured
(in millions) as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 (net of amounts ceded to other
insurers) and the terms to maturity are as follows:
December 31, 2000 December 31, 1999
----------------- -----------------
Terms to Maturity Asset-Backed Municipal Asset-Backed Municipal
- ----------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
0 to 5 Years $16,080 $ 4,010 $10,272 $ 3,351
5 to 10 Years 22,983 9,468 13,911 8,741
10 to 15 Years 9,268 18,548 8,956 15,441
15 to 20 Years 1,055 24,995 814 24,711
20 Years and Above 17,873 29,740 16,762 26,979
------- ------- ------- -------
Total $67,259 $86,761 $50,715 $79,223
======= ======= ======= =======
The principal amount ceded as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the terms
to maturity are as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2000 December 31, 1999
----------------- -----------------
Terms to Maturity Asset-Backed Municipal Asset-Backed Municipal
- ----------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
0 to 5 Years $ 4,406 $ 1,665 $ 3,962 $ 1,477
5 to 10 Years 5,681 2,777 4,055 2,307
10 to 15 Years 2,277 6,192 1,777 3,995
15 to 20 Years 778 10,208 769 7,423
20 Years and Above 3,142 20,299 3,313 16,235
------- ------- ------- -------
Total $16,284 $41,141 $13,876 $31,437
======= ======= ======= =======
The Company limits its exposure to losses from writing financial guarantees
by underwriting investment-grade obligations, diversifying its portfolio and
maintaining rigorous collateral requirements on asset-backed obligations, as
well as through reinsurance. The gross principal amounts of insured obligations
in the asset-backed insured portfolio are backed by the following types of
collateral (in millions):
Net of Amounts Ceded Ceded
December 31, December 31,
------------ ------------
Types of Collateral 2000 1999 2000 1999
- ------------------- ---- ---- ---- ----
Residential mortgages $17,113 $16,713 $ 3,325 $ 3,198
Consumer receivables 16,580 15,102 2,901 3,374
Pooled corporate obligations 30,459 15,446 8,757 5,590
Investor-owned utility obligations 680 733 340 466
Other asset-backed obligations 2,427 2,721 961 1,248
------- ------- ------- -------
Total asset-backed obligations $67,259 $50,715 $16,284 $13,876
======= ======= ======= =======
17
The gross principal amount of insured obligations in the municipal insured
portfolio includes the following types of issues (in millions):
Net of Amounts Ceded Ceded
December 31, December 31,
------------ ------------
Types of Issues 2000 1999 2000 1999
- --------------- ---- ---- ---- ----
General obligation bonds $33,972 $31,446 $ 9,885 $ 6,237
Housing revenue bonds 4,141 2,780 1,349 1,064
Municipal utility revenue bonds 12,343 11,293 8,663 7,326
Health care revenue bonds 5,686 5,950 5,426 4,674
Tax-supported bonds (non-general obligation) 18,795 17,719 8,748 7,095
Transportation revenue bonds 4,185 3,482 3,787 2,918
Other municipal bonds 7,639 6,553 3,283 2,123
------- ------- ------- -------
Total municipal obligations $86,761 $79,223 $41,141 $31,437
======= ======= ======= =======
In its asset-backed business, the Company considers geographic
concentration as a factor in underwriting insurance covering securitizations of
pools of such assets as residential mortgages or consumer receivables. However,
after the initial issuance of an insurance policy relating to such
securitization, the geographic concentration of the underlying assets may not
remain fixed over the life of the policy. In addition, in writing insurance for
other types of asset-backed obligations, such as securities primarily backed by
government or corporate debt, geographic concentration is not deemed by the
Company to be significant, given other more relevant measures of
diversification, such as issuer or industry.
The Company seeks to maintain a diversified portfolio of insured municipal
obligations designed to spread its risk across a number of geographic areas. The
following table sets forth, by state, those states in which municipalities
located therein issued an aggregate of 2% or more of the Company's net par
amount outstanding of insured municipal securities as of December 31, 2000:
Net Par Percent of Total Ceded Par
Number Amount Municipal Net Par Amount
State of Issues Outstanding Amount Outstanding Outstanding
----- --------- ----------- ------------------ -----------
(in millions) (in millions)
California 647 $12,882 14.8% $ 4,730
New York 485 8,107 9.3 6,836
Pennsylvania 431 5,511 6.4 1,554
Texas 516 6,062 7.0 3,018
Florida 167 5,214 6.0 2,179
New Jersey 337 4,637 5.3 2,681
Illinois 474 4,629 5.3 1,696
Massachusetts 140 2,668 3.1 1,477
Michigan 300 2,563 3.0 603
Wisconsin 325 2,412 2.8 447
Washington 177 1,852 2.1 884
All Other U.S. Jurisdictions 1,968 28,103 32.4 12,752
International 41 2,121 2.5 2,284
----- ------- ----- -------
Total 6,008 $86,761 100.0% $41,141
===== ======= ===== =======
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Allocable expenses are shared by the Company and its Parent on a basis
determined principally by estimates of respective usage as stated in an expense
sharing agreement. The agreement is subject to the provisions of the New York
Insurance Law. Amounts included in other assets at December 31, 2000 and 1999
are $3,774,000 and $2,580,000, respectively, for unsettled expense allocations
due from the Parent.
18
The Company ceded premiums of $30,701,000, $28,388,000 and $23,838,000 to
Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (Tokio Marine), a partial owner of the
Parent prior to the merger, for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and
1998, respectively. The amounts included in prepaid reinsurance premiums at
December 31, 2000 and 1999 for reinsurance ceded to Tokio Marine were
$89,574,000 and $76,327,000, respectively. Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid
losses ceded to Tokio Marine was $7,675,000 and $4,889,000 at December 31, 2000
and 1999, respectively. The Company ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses of
$2,935,000, $3,376,000 and $603,000 to Tokio Marine for the years ended December
31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company ceded premiums of
$22,581,000, $19,840,000 and $7,297,000 to XL, a partial owner of the Parent
prior to the merger, and its subsidiaries, for the years ended December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The amounts included in prepaid reinsurance
premiums at December 31, 2000 and 1999 for reinsurance ceded to XL and its
subsidiaries were $26,893,000 and $15,813,000, respectively.
The Company ceded premiums of $(1,401,000), $84,000 and $203,000 on a quota
share basis to Commercial Reinsurance Company (Comm Re), an affiliate of
MediaOne Capital Corporation (MediaOne), a partial owner of the Parent prior to
the merger, for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
The Company assumed premiums of $8,568,000 from Comm Re for the year ended
December 31, 2000, in connection with the acquisition of Comm Re. The sellers
have either posted a letter of credit or assumed Comm Re's exposure themselves
to cover any losses on its exposure at the time of the acquisition, all of which
is being accounted for as reinsurance by the Company. The amount included in
prepaid reinsurance premiums for reinsurance ceded to this affiliate was
$1,728,000 at December 31, 1999. The amount of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid
losses ceded to this affiliate at December 31, 1999 was $501,000. The Company
ceded losses and loss adjustment expense recoveries of $501,000, $22,000 and
$7,822,000 to this affiliate for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and
1998, respectively.
The Company ceded premiums of $25,659,000 on a quota share basis to Enhance
Reinsurance Company and Asset Guaranty Insurance Company, former affiliates of
MediaOne, for the year ended December 31, 1998. The Company ceded losses and
loss adjustment expense recoveries of $4,134,000 to these affiliates for the
year ended December 31, 1998.
14. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following estimated fair values have been determined by the Company
using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.
However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret the data to develop the
estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not
necessarily indicative of the amount the Company could realize in a current
market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation
methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Bonds and equity investments -- The carrying amount represents fair value.
The fair value is based upon quoted market price.
Short-term investments -- The carrying amount is fair value, which
approximates cost due to the short maturity of these instruments.
Cash, receivable for investments sold and payable for investments purchased
- -- The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of
these instruments.
Deferred premium revenue, net of prepaid reinsurance premiums -- The
carrying amount of deferred premium revenue, net of prepaid reinsurance
premiums, represents the Company's future premium revenue, net of reinsurance,
on policies where the premium was received at the inception of the insurance
contract. The fair value of deferred premium revenue, net of prepaid reinsurance
premiums, is an estimate of the premiums that would be paid under a reinsurance
agreement with a third party to transfer the Company's financial guaranty risk,
net of that portion of the premiums retained by the Company to compensate it for
originating and servicing the insurance contract.
19
Installment premiums -- Consistent with industry practice, there is no
carrying amount for installment premiums since the Company will receive premiums
on an installment basis over the term of the insurance contract. Similar to
deferred premium revenue, the fair value of installment premiums is the
estimated present value of the future contractual premium revenues that would be
paid under a reinsurance agreement with a third party to transfer the Company's
financial guaranty risk, net of that portion of the premium retained by the
Company to compensate it for originating and servicing the insurance contract.
Notes payable - The Company could not determine the fair value of the note
because the related party debt does not contain normal commercial terms such as
a maturity date.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance recoverable on
unpaid losses -- The carrying amount is fair value, which is the present value
of the expected cash flows for specifically identified claims and potential
losses in the Company's insured portfolio.
December 31, 2000 December 31, 1999
----------------- -----------------
(In thousands) Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value
------ ---------- ------ ----------
Assets:
Bonds $2,084,282 $2,084,282 $1,837,085 $1,837,085
Equity investments 9,746 9,746 9,768 9,768
Short-term investments 112,493 112,493 257,030 257,030
Cash 7,053 7,053 4,153 4,153
Receivable for securities sold 4,595 4,595 40,635 40,635
Liabilities:
Deferred premium revenue, net of
prepaid reinsurance premiums 582,709 495,311 559,041 468,784
Losses and loss adjustment expenses,
net of reinsurance recoverable on
unpaid losses 91,719 91,719 77,817 77,817
Notes payable 120,000 N/A 120,000 N/A
Payable for investments purchased 5,158 5,158 239,295 239,295
Off-balance-sheet instruments:
Installment premiums 275,992 237,802
15. LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
The Company's liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses consists of
the case basis and general reserves. Activity in the liability for losses and
loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Balance at January 1 $ 87,309 $ 72,007 $ 75,417
Less reinsurance recoverable 9,492 6,421 30,618
-------- -------- --------
Net balance at January 1 77,817 65,586 44,799
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current year 6,672 8,575 8,049
Prior years 2,731 254 (4,100)
Recovered (paid) losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current year
Prior years 4,499 3,402 16,838
-------- -------- --------
Net balance December 31 91,719 77,817 65,586
Plus reinsurance recoverable 24,617 9,492 6,421
-------- -------- --------
Balance at December 31 $116,336 $ 87,309 $ 72,007
======== ======== ========
20
During 1998, the Company increased its general reserve by $3,949,000,
reflecting $8,049,000 for originations of new business offset by a $4,100,000
decrease in the amount needed to fund the general loss reserve primarily because
of recoveries on certain commercial mortgage transactions. During 1998, the
Company transferred $18,403,000 to its general reserve from case basis reserves
due to those recoveries on commercial mortgage transactions. Also during 1998,
the Company transferred $9,414,000 from its general reserve to case basis
reserves associated predominantly with certain consumer receivable transactions.
Giving effect to these transfers, the general reserve totaled $47,251,000 at
December 31, 1998.
During 1999, the Company increased its general reserve by $8,829,000, of
which $8,575,000 was for originations of new business and $254,000 was for the
reestablishment of the general reserve. Also during 1999, the Company
transferred to the general reserve $3,549,000 representing recoveries received
on prior-year transactions and transferred $4,580,000 from the general reserve
to case basis reserves. Giving effect to these transfers, the general reserve
totaled $54,971,000 at December 31, 1999.
During 2000, the Company increased its general reserve by $9,403,000, of
which $6,672,000 was for originations of new business and $2,731,000 was for the
accretion of the discount of prior years reserves. Also during 2000, the Company
transferred to the general reserve $2,053,000 representing recoveries received
on prior-year transactions and transferred $1,223,000 from the general reserve
to case basis reserves. Giving effect to these transfers, the general reserve
totaled $65,204,000 at December 31, 2000.
The amount of discount taken was approximately $28,748,000, $31,113,000 and
$28,564,000 at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
16. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE
In November 1998, the Parent invested $19,900,000 to purchase a 19.9%
interest in XL Financial Assurance Ltd (XLFA), a financial guaranty insurance
subsidiary of XL. In February 1999, the Parent sold $4,900,000 of its interest
back to XLFA, giving the Parent a 15.0% interest in XLFA, which it contributed
to the Company in December 1999. In December 2000, the Company invested an
additional $24,000,000 to maintain its 15.0% interest. The Company's investment
in XLFA is accounted for using the equity method of accounting because the
Company has significant influence over XLFA's operations. Amounts recorded by
the Company in connection with XLFA as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 are as
follows (in thousands):
2000 1999
---- ----
Investment in XLFA $43,721 $16,631
Equity in earnings from XLFA 3,090 192
Dividends received from XLFA 859
At December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company's retained earnings included
$2,423,000 and $192,000 of accumulated undistributed earnings of XLFA.
17. MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARY
In November 1998, Financial Security Assurance International Ltd.
(International), a Bermuda-based financial guaranty subsidiary of the Company,
sold to XL $20,000,000 of preferred shares representing a minority interest in
International. In December 1999, International sold to XL an additional
$10,000,000 of preferred shares to maintain its minority ownership percentage.
The preferred shares are Cumulative Participating Voting Preferred Shares, which
in total have a minimum fixed dividend of $1,500,000 per annum. For the years
ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company recognized minority interest
of $5,295,000, $2,715,000 and $388,000, respectively.
21
18. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" (SFAS No.
133). SFAS 133 was subsequently amended by SFAS 137 and 138. These statements
established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments,
including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and
hedging activities. It requires that entities recognize all derivatives as
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure
the instruments at fair value. At December 31, 2000, the Company had a limited
number of insurance policies that would be considered derivatives for accounting
purposes and had no open positions in U.S. Treasury bond futures, call options
or other derivative instruments used for hedging purposes. The adoption on
January 1, 2001 of this standard will not have a material impact on the
Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
22