SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended: Commission File Number:
MARCH 31, 2001 1-15731
- ---------------------- -----------------------
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
------------------------------
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
BERMUDA NOT APPLICABLE
- --------------------------- ----------------------------
(State or other juris- (IRS Employer Identification
diction of incorporation Number)
or organization)
C/O ABG FINANCIAL & MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
PARKER HOUSE
WILDEY BUSINESS PARK, WILDEY ROAD
ST. MICHAEL, BARBADOS
(246) 228-7398
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
code, of registrant's principal executive office)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing
requirements for at least the past 90 days.
YES X NO
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Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Number of Shares Outstanding
Class at May 10, 2001
----- ----------------------------
Common Shares, $.01 par value 46,120,718
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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Page
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ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2001 (unaudited)
and December 31, 2000 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 (unaudited) 4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for
the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 (unaudited) 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months
ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 (unaudited) 6
Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited) 7
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
-----------------------------------------------------------
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 18
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 26
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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
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ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 27
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ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS None
-----------------------------------------
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES None
-------------------------------
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None
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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION None
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 27
--------------------------------
Part I - Item 1
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share)
March 31, December 31,
------------ ------------
2001 2000
------------ ------------
ASSETS: (unaudited)
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at
market value (amortized cost: 2001,
$5,092,290; 2000, $4,849,679) $ 5,266,299 $ 4,951,893
Equity securities, at market value (cost:
2001, $22,121; 2000, $22,340) 32,225 36,491
Short-term investments 117,109 398,542
Other invested assets 30,583 29,211
Cash 70,023 76,823
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Total investments and cash 5,516,239 5,492,960
------------ ------------
Accrued investment income 84,606 77,312
Premiums receivable 408,449 394,137
Reinsurance receivables 524,707 508,998
Funds held by reinsureds 165,954 161,350
Deferred acquisition costs 121,700 106,638
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 61,909 58,196
Deferred tax asset 154,084 174,482
Other assets 46,466 39,022
------------ ------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 7,084,114 $ 7,013,095
============ ============
LIABILITIES:
Reserve for losses and adjustment expenses $ 3,773,491 $ 3,786,178
Future policy benefit reserve 222,210 206,589
Unearned premium reserve 468,242 401,148
Funds held under reinsurance treaties 111,887 110,464
Losses in the course of payment 95,505 102,167
Contingent commissions 9,009 9,380
Other net payable to reinsurers 63,706 60,564
Current federal income taxes (5,835) (8,209)
8.5% Senior notes due 3/15/2005 249,635 249,615
8.75% Senior notes due 3/15/2010 199,022 199,004
Revolving credit agreement borrowings 132,000 235,000
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings 1,850 12,212
Other liabilities 83,098 65,631
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Total liabilities 5,403,820 5,429,743
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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50
million shares authorized; no shares
issued and outstanding - -
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200
million shares authorized; 46.1 million
shares issued in 2001 and 46.0 million
shares issued in 2000 461 460
Additional paid-in capital 262,905 259,958
Unearned compensation (153) (170)
Accumulated other comprehensive income,
net of deferred income taxes of $47.0
million in 2001 and $30.4 million in 2000 119,918 72,846
Retained earnings 1,297,218 1,250,313
Treasury shares, at cost; 0.0 million shares
in 2001 and 2000 (55) (55)
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' equity 1,680,294 1,583,352
------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 7,084,114 $ 7,013,095
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
3
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
-------------------------
2001 2000
---------- ----------
(unaudited)
REVENUES:
Premiums earned $ 328,586 $ 266,184
Net investment income 86,155 65,030
Net realized capital (loss) gain (5,057) 7,819
Other income 398 810
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Total revenues 410,082 339,843
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CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses 243,476 196,389
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees 81,957 65,658
Other underwriting expenses 13,096 11,676
Interest expense on senior notes 9,724 1,620
Interest expense on credit facility 2,697 1,463
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Total claims and expenses 350,950 276,806
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INCOME BEFORE TAXES 59,132 63,037
Income tax 9,002 14,479
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NET INCOME $ 50,130 $ 48,558
========== ==========
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 47,072 16,443
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COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 97,202 $ 65,001
========== ==========
PER SHARE DATA:
Average shares outstanding (000's) 46,059 45,889
Net income per common share - basic $ 1.09 $ 1.06
========== ==========
Average diluted shares outstanding (000's) 47,004 46,005
Net income per common share - diluted $ 1.07 $ 1.06
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
4
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
---------------------------
2001 2000
----------- -----------
(unaudited)
COMMON SHARES (shares outstanding):
Balance, beginning of period 46,029,354 46,457,817
Issued during the period 67,024 8,500
Treasury shares acquired during the period - (650,400)
Treasury shares reissued during the period - 1,780
----------- -----------
Balance, end of period 46,096,378 45,817,697
=========== ===========
COMMON SHARES (par value):
Balance, beginning of period $ 460 $ 509
Retirement of common shares during the period - (51)
Issued during the period 1 -
----------- -----------
Balance, end of period 461 458
----------- -----------
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL:
Balance, beginning of period 259,958 390,912
Retirement of treasury shares during the period - (138,546)
Common shares issued during the period 2,947 157
Treasury shares reissued during the period - (2)
----------- -----------
Balance, end of period 262,905 252,521
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UNEARNED COMPENSATION:
Balance, beginning of period (170) (109)
Net increase during the period 17 23
----------- -----------
Balance, end of period (153) (86)
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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME,
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:
Balance, beginning of period 72,846 (16,940)
Net increase during the period 47,072 16,443
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Balance, end of period 119,918 (497)
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RETAINED EARNINGS:
Balance, beginning of period 1,250,313 1,074,941
Net income 50,130 48,558
Dividends declared ($0.07 per share in 2001
and $0.06 per share in 2000) (3,225) (2,749)
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Balance, end of period 1,297,218 1,120,750
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TREASURY SHARES AT COST:
Balance, beginning of period (55) (122,070)
Retirement of treasury shares during the period - 138,399
Treasury shares acquired during the period - (16,426)
Treasury shares reissued during the period - 42
----------- -----------
Balance, end of period (55) (55)
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TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, END OF PERIOD $ 1,680,294 $ 1,373,091
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
5
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
---------------------------
2001 2000
----------- -----------
(unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 50,130 $ 48,558
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
(Increase) in premiums receivable (16,684) (29,893)
(Increase) in funds held, net (4,041) (13,888)
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance
receivables (16,734) 8,697
Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset 3,117 (2,756)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses
and loss adjustment expenses 5,976 (13,651)
Increase in future policy benefit reserve 15,621 -
Increase in unearned premiums 68,172 30,275
(Increase) decrease in other assets and
liabilities (45,154) 1,463
Non cash compensation expense 17 23
Accrual of bond discount/amortization of
bond premium (2,060) (2,208)
Amortization of underwriting discount on
senior notes 38 6
Realized capital losses (gains) 5,057 (7,819)
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Net cash provided by operating activities 63,455 18,807
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/
called - available for sale 70,007 29,456
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold -
available for sale 78,572 97,690
Proceeds from equity securities sold - 42,663
Proceeds from other invested assets sold 8 -
Cost of fixed maturities acquired -
available for sale (410,921) (590,945)
Cost of equity securities acquired - (1,123)
Cost of other invested assets acquired (368) (1,530)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term
securities 275,171 (114,712)
Net increase in unsettled securities
transactions 25,136 48,302
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities 37,605 (490,199)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of treasury shares net of
reissuances - (16,533)
Common shares issued during the period 2,948 106
Dividends paid to shareholders (3,225) (2,749)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes - 448,507
Borrowing on revolving credit agreement 20,000 47,000
Repayments on revolving credit agreement (123,000) -
----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities (103,277) 476,331
----------- -----------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH (4,583) (144)
----------- -----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash (6,800) 4,795
Cash, beginning of period 76,823 62,227
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Cash, end of period $ 70,023 $ 67,022
=========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash transactions:
Income taxes paid, net $ 2,603 $ 6,414
Interest paid $ 22,746 $ 1,024
Non-cash financing transaction:
Issuance of common shares $ 17 $ 23
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
6
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
1. GENERAL
On February 24, 2000, a corporate restructuring was completed and Everest Re
Group, Ltd. ("Group") became the new parent holding company of Everest
Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), which remains the holding company for
Group's U.S. based operations. The "Company" means Group and its subsidiaries,
except when referring to periods prior to February 24, 2000, when it means
Holdings and its subsidiaries.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three months ended
March 31, 2001 and 2000 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring
accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair
presentation of the results on an interim basis. Certain financial information,
which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America,
has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The
year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial
statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States of America. The results for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 are not necessarily indicative of the
results for a full year. These financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 included in the Company's
most recent Form 10-K filing.
2. ACQUISITIONS
On September 19, 2000, Holdings completed the acquisition of all of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of Gibraltar Casualty Company ("Gibraltar") from
The Prudential Insurance Company of America ("The Prudential") pursuant to a
Stock Purchase Agreement between The Prudential and Holdings dated February 24,
2000 and amended on August 8, 2000 (the "Stock Purchase Agreement"). As a result
of the acquisition, Gibraltar became a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings and,
immediately following the acquisition, its name was changed to Mt. McKinley
Insurance Company ("Mt. McKinley").
Mt. McKinley, a run-off property and casualty insurer in the United States, has
had a long relationship with Holdings and its principal operating company,
Everest Reinsurance Company ("Everest Re"). Mt. McKinley was formed in 1978 by
Everest Re and wrote direct insurance until 1985, when it was placed in run-off.
In 1991, Mt. McKinley became a subsidiary of The Prudential. Mt. McKinley is
also a reinsurer of Everest Re. Under a series of transactions dating to 1986,
Mt. McKinley reinsured several components of Everest Re's business. In
particular, Mt. McKinley provided stop-loss reinsurance protection, in
connection with the Company's October 5, 1995 Initial Public Offering, for any
adverse loss development on Everest Re's June 30, 1995 (December 31, 1994 for
catastrophe losses) reserves, with $375.0 million in limits, of which $89.4
million was available (the "Stop Loss Agreement") at the acquisition date. The
Stop Loss Agreement and other reinsurance contracts between Mt. McKinley and
Everest Re remain in effect following the acquisition. However, these contracts
have become transactions with affiliates with the financial impact eliminated in
consolidation.
7
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
Also during 2000, the Company completed two additional acquisitions,
Southeastern Security Insurance Company, a United States property and casualty
company whose primary business is non-standard auto, and AFC Re, Ltd., a Bermuda
based life and annuity reinsurer.
3. CONTINGENCIES
The Company continues to receive claims under expired contracts which assert
alleged injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from toxic torts, toxic
waste and other hazardous substances, such as asbestos. The Company's asbestos
claims typically involve potential liability for bodily injury from exposure to
asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing
asbestos. The Company's environmental claims typically involve potential
liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination
or (b) bodily injury or property damages caused by the release of hazardous
substances into the land, air or water.
The Company's reserves include an estimate of the Company's ultimate liability
for asbestos and environmental claims for which ultimate value cannot be
estimated using traditional reserving techniques. There are significant
uncertainties in estimating the amount of the Company's potential losses from
asbestos and environmental claims. Among the complications are: (a) potentially
long waiting periods between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or
property damage; (b) difficulty in identifying sources of asbestos or
environmental contamination; (c) difficulty in properly allocating
responsibility and/or liability for asbestos or environmental damage; (d)
changes in underlying laws and judicial interpretation of those laws; (e)
potential for an asbestos or environmental claim to involve many insurance
providers over many policy periods; (f) long reporting delays, both from
insureds to insurance companies and ceding companies to reinsurers; (g)
historical data concerning asbestos and environmental losses, which is more
limited than historical information on other types of casualty claims; (h)
questions concerning interpretation and application of insurance and reinsurance
coverage; and (i) uncertainty regarding the number and identity of insureds with
potential asbestos or environmental exposure.
Management believes that these factors continue to render reserves for asbestos
and environmental losses significantly less subject to traditional actuarial
methods than are reserves on other types of losses. Given these uncertainties,
management believes that no meaningful range for such ultimate losses can
be established. The Company establishes reserves to the extent that, in
the judgement of management, the facts and prevailing law reflect an
exposure for the Company or its ceding companies. In connection with the
acquisition of Mt. McKinley, which has significant exposure to asbestos and
environmental claims, Prudential Property and Casualty Insurance Company
("Prupac"), a subsidiary of The Prudential, provided reinsurance to
8
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
Mt. McKinley covering 80% ($160.0 million) of the first $200.0 million of any
adverse development of Mt. McKinley's reserves as of September 19, 2000 and The
Prudential guaranteed Prupac's obligations to Mt. McKinley. Through March 31,
2001, cessions under this reinsurance agreement have reduced the available
remaining limits to $150.7 million net of coinsurance. Due to the uncertainties
discussed above, the ultimate losses may vary materially from current loss
reserves and, depending on coverage under the Company's various reinsurance
arrangements, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's future
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The following table shows the development of prior year asbestos and
environmental reserves on both a gross and net of retrocessional basis for the
three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000:
(dollar amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
---------- ----------
Gross basis:
Beginning of period reserves (1) $ 693,704 $ 614,236
Incurred losses 12,110 -
Paid losses (15,155) (16,190)
---------- ----------
End of period reserves $ 690,659 $ 598,046
========== ==========
Net basis:
Beginning of period reserves (1) $ 628,535 $ 365,069
Incurred losses 1,886 -
Paid losses (13,670) (7,984)
---------- ----------
End of period reserves $ 616,753 $ 357,085
========== ==========
(1) Includes the establishment of Mt. McKinley's reserves from the 2000
acquisition transaction.
9
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
At March 31, 2001, the gross reserves for asbestos and environmental losses were
comprised of $115.7 million representing case reserves reported by ceding
companies, $66.8 million representing additional case reserves established by
the Company on assumed reinsurance claims, $156.5 million representing case
reserves established by the Company on direct excess insurance claims, including
Mt. McKinley, and $351.7 million representing incurred but not reported ("IBNR")
reserves.
The Company is involved from time to time in ordinary routine litigation and
arbitration proceedings incidental to its business. The Company does not believe
that there are any other material pending legal proceedings to which it or any
of its subsidiaries or their properties are subject.
The Prudential sells annuities which are purchased by property and casualty
insurance companies to settle certain types of claim liabilities. In 1993 and
prior years, the Company, for a fee, accepted the claim payment obligation of
these property and casualty insurers, and, concurrently, became the owner of the
annuity or assignee of the annuity proceeds. In these circumstances, the Company
would be liable if The Prudential were unable to make the annuity payments. The
estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was
contingently liable at March 31, 2001 was $142.8 million.
The Company has purchased annuities from an unaffiliated life insurance company
to settle certain claim liabilities of the Company. Should the life insurance
company become unable to make the annuity payments, the Company would be liable
for those claim liabilities. The estimated cost to replace such annuities at
March 31, 2001 was $12.9 million.
10
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
4. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Net income per common share has been computed as follows:
(shares and dollar amounts in thousands
except per share amounts) Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
----------- -----------
Net income (numerator) $ 50,130 $ 48,558
=========== ===========
Weighted average common and effect of
dilutive shares used in the computation
of net income per share:
Average shares outstanding -
basic (denominator) 46,059 45,889
Effect of dilutive shares 945 116
----------- -----------
Average shares outstanding -
diluted (denominator) 47,004 46,005
Net income per common share:
Basic $ 1.09 $ 1.06
Diluted $ 1.07 $ 1.06
As of March 31, 2001 and 2000, options to purchase 10,000 and 1,554,100 shares
of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the
computation of diluted earnings per share for the three month period ended on
such dates, because the options' exercise price was greater than the average
market price of the common shares during the period.
11
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
5. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Company's other comprehensive income is comprised as follows:
(dollar amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
---------- ----------
Net unrealized appreciation
of investments, net of
deferred income taxes $ 49,750 $ 17,044
Currency translation
adjustments, net of deferred
income taxes (2,678) (601)
---------- ----------
Other comprehensive
income, net of deferred
income taxes $ 47,072 $ 16,443
========== ==========
6. CREDIT LINE
On December 21, 1999, Holdings entered into a three-year senior revolving
credit facility with a syndicate of lenders (the "Credit Facility"). First Union
National Bank is the administrative agent for the Credit Facility. The Credit
Facility is used for liquidity and general corporate purposes and replaced a
prior credit facility. The Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to
$150.0 million with interest at a rate selected by the Company equal to either
(i) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (ii) an adjusted London InterBank
Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin. The Base Rate is the higher of the rate of
interest established by First Union National Bank from time to time as its prime
rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5% per annum. On December 18, 2000, the
Credit Facility was amended to extend the borrowing limit to $235.0 million for
a period of 120 days. This 120-day period expired during the three months ended
March 31, 2001 and the limit has reverted back to $150.0 million. The amount of
margin and the fees payable for the Credit Facility depend upon Holdings' senior
unsecured debt rating. Group has guaranteed all of Holdings' obligations under
the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not
greater than 0.35 to 1, Holdings to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio
of 2.5 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $850.0 million
plus 25% of aggregate net income and 25% of aggregate capital contributions
earned or received after December 31, 1999. The Company was in compliance with
all covenants under the facility at March 31, 2001 and 2000 as well as for the
three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000.
12
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
During the three months ended March 31, 2001, Holdings made net payments on the
Credit Facility of $103.0 million. As of March 31, 2001 and 2000, Holdings had
outstanding Credit Facility borrowings of $132.0 million and $106.0 million,
respectively. Interest expense incurred in connection with these borrowings was
$2.7 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and
2000, respectively.
7. SENIOR NOTES
During the first quarter of 2000, Holdings completed a public offering of $200.0
million principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due March 15, 2010 and $250.0
million principal amount of 8.5% senior notes due March 15, 2005. During the
first quarter of 2000, Holdings distributed $400.0 million of these proceeds to
Group of which $250.0 million was used by Group to capitalize Everest
Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd.
Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes was $9.7 million
and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively.
8. SEGMENT REPORTING
During the quarter ended December 31, 2000, the Company's management realigned
its operating segments to better reflect the way that management monitors and
evaluates the Company's financial performance. The Company has restated all
information for prior years to conform to the new segment structure. The
Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in five segments: U.S. Reinsurance,
U.S. Insurance, Specialty Reinsurance, International Reinsurance and Bermuda
Reinsurannce. The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty treaty
reinsurance through reinsurance brokers as well as directly with ceding
companies within the United States, in addition to property, casualty and
specialty facultative reinsurance through brokers and directly with ceding
companies within the United States. The U.S. Insurance operation writes property
and casualty insurance primarily through general agent relationships and surplus
lines brokers within the United States. The Specialty Reinsurance operation
writes accident and health, marine, aviation and surety business within the
United States and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies.
The International Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance
through the Company's branches in Belgium, London, Canada, and Singapore, in
addition to foreign "home-office" business. The Bermuda Reinsurance operation
writes property, casualty, life and annuity business through brokers and
directly with ceding companies.
13
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
These segments are managed in a carefully coordinated fashion with strong
elements of central control, including with respect to capital, investments and
support operations. As a result, management monitors and evaluates the financial
performance of these operating segments principally based upon their
underwriting gain or loss ("underwriting results"). Underwriting results include
earned premium less incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses, commission and
brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.
The following tables present the relevant underwriting results for the operating
segments for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, with all dollar
values presented in thousands.
U.S. REINSURANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
----------------------------
Earned premiums $ 109,110 $ 119,273
Incurred losses and loss
adjustment expenses 75,361 84,084
Commission and brokerage 26,530 25,560
Other underwriting expenses 3,240 4,002
---------- ----------
Underwriting gain $ 3,979 $ 5,627
========== ==========
U.S. INSURANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
----------------------------
Earned premiums $ 52,141 $ 18,503
Incurred losses and loss
adjustment expenses 37,199 11,177
Commission and brokerage 13,538 6,329
Other underwriting expenses 3,965 2,712
---------- ----------
Underwriting (loss) ($ 2,561) ($ 1,715)
========== ==========
14
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
SPECIALTY REINSURANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
----------------------------
Earned premiums $ 93,738 $ 62,211
Incurred losses and loss
adjustment expenses 74,549 44,626
Commission and brokerage 23,935 17,969
Other underwriting expenses 1,372 1,328
---------- ----------
Underwriting (loss) ($ 6,118) ($ 1,712)
========== ==========
INTERNATIONAL REINSURANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
----------------------------
Earned premiums $ 73,003 $ 66,197
Incurred losses and loss
adjustment expenses 55,339 56,502
Commission and brokerage 17,850 15,800
Other underwriting expenses 3,167 3,386
---------- ----------
Underwriting (loss) ($ 3,353) ($ 9,491)
========== ==========
BERMUDA REINSURANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
----------------------------
Earned premiums $ 594 $ -
Incurred losses and loss
adjustment expenses 1,028 -
Commission and brokerage 104 -
Other underwriting expenses 806 -
---------- ----------
Underwriting (loss) ($ 1,344) $ -
========== ==========
15
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating
segments to income before tax as reported in the consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income, with all dollar values presented in
thousands:
----------------------------
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
---------- ----------
Underwriting (loss) ($ 9,397) ($ 7,291)
Net investment income 86,155 65,030
Realized (loss) gain (5,057) 7,819
Corporate operations (546) (248)
Interest expense (12,421) (3,083)
Other income 398 810
---------- ----------
Income before taxes $ 59,132 $ 63,037
========== ==========
The Company writes premium in the United States, Bermuda and international
markets. The revenues, net income and identifiable assets of the individual
foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not material.
9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("FAS 133"). In June 1999, the FASB issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 137, "Deferral of the Effective
Date of FASB Statement No. 133" ("FAS 137"), which allowed entities that had not
adopted FAS 133 to defer its effective date to all fiscal quarters of all fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative
Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No.
133," which amended the accounting and reporting standards of FAS 133. FAS 133
established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. It
requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or
liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at
fair value. The Company adopted the deferral provisions of FAS 137, effective
January 1, 2000 and adopted FAS 133, as amended, effective January 1, 2001.
The Company continually seeks to expand its product portfolio and certain of its
products have been determined to meet the definition of a derivative under FAS
133. These products consist of credit default swaps and specialized equity
options, all of which have characteristics which allow the transactions to be
analyzed using approaches consistent with those used in the Company's
16
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
reinsurance operations. The Company has previously recorded the derivatives at
their fair value in earlier financial statements, but chose to delay the
adoption of FAS 133. As such, the adoption of FAS 133 has not caused a
cumulative-effect-type adjustment. The fair value of these products are included
as part of other liabilities and the corresponding mark to market adjustment is
included as part of other expense and not shown separately due to their
immaterial nature.
10. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the normal course of business, the Company, through its affiliates,
engages in arms-length reinsurance and brokerage and commission business
transactions with companies controlled by or affiliated with its outside
directors. Such transactions, individually and in the aggregate, are immaterial
to the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
17
Part I - Item 2
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESTRUCTURING
On February 24, 2000, a corporate restructuring was completed and Everest Re
Group, Ltd. ("Group") became the new parent holding company of Everest
Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), which remains the holding company for
Group's U.S. based operations. The "Company" means Group and its subsidiaries,
except when referring to periods prior to February 24, 2000, when it means
Holdings and its subsidiaries.
ACQUISITIONS
On September 19, 2000, Holdings completed the acquisition of all of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of Gibraltar Casualty Company ("Gibraltar") from
The Prudential Insurance Company of America ("The Prudential") pursuant to a
Stock Purchase Agreement between The Prudential and Holdings dated February 24,
2000 and amended on August 8, 2000 (the "Stock Purchase Agreement"). As a result
of the acquisition, Gibraltar became a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings and,
immediately following the acquisition, its name was changed to Mt. McKinley
Insurance Company ("Mt. McKinley"). In connection with the acquisition of Mt.
McKinley, which has significant exposure to asbestos and environmental claims,
Prudential Property and Casualty Insurance Company ("Prupac"), a subsidiary of
The Prudential, provided reinsurance to Mt. McKinley covering 80% ($160.0
million) of the first $200.0 million of any adverse development of Mt.
McKinley's reserves as of September 19, 2000 and The Prudential guaranteed
Prupac's obligations to Mt. McKinley.
Mt. McKinley, a run-off property and casualty insurer in the United States, has
had a long relationship with Holdings and its principal operating company,
Everest Reinsurance Company ("Everest Re"). Mt. McKinley was formed in 1978 by
Everest Re and wrote direct insurance until 1985, when it was placed in run-off.
In 1991, Mt. McKinley became a subsidiary of The Prudential. Mt. McKinley is
also a reinsurer of Everest Re. Under a series of transactions dating to 1986,
Mt. McKinley reinsured several components of Everest Re's business. In
particular, Mt. McKinley provided stop-loss reinsurance protection, in
connection with the Company's October 5, 1995 Initial Public Offering, for any
adverse loss development on Everest Re's June 30, 1995 (December 31, 1994 for
catastrophe losses) reserves, with $375.0 million in limits, of which $89.4
million was available (the "Stop Loss Agreement") at the acquisition date. The
Stop Loss Agreement and other reinsurance contracts between Mt. McKinley and
Everest Re remain in effect following the acquisition. However, these contracts
have become transactions with affiliates with the financial impact eliminated in
consolidation.
18
Also during 2000, the Company completed two additional acquisitions,
Southeastern Security Insurance Company ("SSIC"), a United States property and
casualty company whose primary business is non-standard auto, and AFC Re, Ltd.
("AFC Re"), a Bermuda based life and annuity reinsurer.
INDUSTRY CONDITIONS
Since late 1999, market conditions, including unfavorable industry-wide results
of operations, have led to modest premium rate increases as well as modest
improvements in contract terms in a number of lines of reinsurance and
insurance. These changes reflect a reversal of the trend from 1987 through 1999
toward increasingly competitive global market conditions across most lines of
business as reflected by decreasing prices and broadening contract terms. The
earlier trend resulted from a number of factors, including the emergence of
significant reinsurance capacity in Bermuda, a rejuvenated Lloyd's market and
consolidation and increased capital levels in the insurance industry. Many of
these same factors continue to operate. As a result, although the Company
continues to be encouraged by the recent improvements, the Company cannot
predict with any reasonable certainty whether and to what extent these
improvements will persist.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
During the quarter ended December 31, 2000, the Company's management realigned
its operating segments to better reflect the way that management monitors and
evaluates the Company's financial performance. The Company has restated all
information for prior years to conform to the new segment structure. The
Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in five segments: U.S. Reinsurance,
U.S. Insurance, Specialty Reinsurance, International Reinsurance and Bermuda
Reinsurannce. The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty treaty
reinsurance through reinsurance brokers as well as directly with ceding
companies within the United States, in addition to property, casualty and
specialty facultative reinsurance through brokers and directly with ceding
companies within the United States. The U.S. Insurance operation writes property
and casualty insurance primarily through general agent relationships and surplus
lines brokers within the United States. The Specialty Reinsurance operation
writes accident and health ("A&H"), marine, aviation and surety business within
the United States and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding
companies. The International Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty
reinsurance through the Company's branches in Belgium, London, Canada, and
Singapore, in addition to foreign "home-office" business. The Bermuda
Reinsurance operation writes property, casualty, life and annuity business
through brokers and directly with ceding companies.
These segments are managed in a carefully coordinated fashion with strong
elements of central control, including with respect to capital, investments and
support operations. As a result, management monitors and evaluates the financial
performance of these operating segments principally based upon their
underwriting results.
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000
PREMIUMS. Gross premiums written increased 39.8% to $425.2 million in the three
months ended March 31, 2001 from $304.3 million in the three months ended March
31, 2000 as the Company took advantage of selected growth opportunities, while
continuing to maintain a disciplined underwriting approach. Premium growth areas
19
included a 237.2% ($89.5 million) increase in the U.S. Insurance operation,
principally attributable to growth in workers' compensation insurance, a 51.5%
($32.4 million) increase in the Specialty Reinsurance operation, principally
attributable to growth in medical stop loss business, a component of A&H
writings, a 7.6% ($5.3 million) increase in the International Reinsurance
operation, mainly attributable to growth in Latin America and $6.3 million of
writings through the Bermuda Reinsurance operation, which began writing business
late in 2000. These increases were partially offset by a 9.4% ($12.6 million)
decrease in the U.S. Reinsurance operation primarily reflecting weakness across
casualty lines. The Company continued to decline business that did not meet its
objectives regarding underwriting profitability.
Ceded premiums increased to $32.1 million in the three months ended March 31,
2001 from $16.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2000. This increase
was principally attributable to the higher utilization of contract specific
retrocessions in the U.S. Insurance operation, including a 100% ceded U.S.
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and state act workers'
compensation program, first written in the third quarter of 2000, which
contributed $10.6 million to the increase.
Net premiums written increased by 36.7% to $393.1 million in the three months
ended March 31, 2001 from $287.5 million in the three months ended March 31,
2000. This increase was consistent with the increase in gross premiums written,
partially offset by the increase in ceded premiums.
PREMIUM REVENUES. Net premiums earned increased by 23.4% to $328.6 million in
the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $266.2 million in the three months
ended March 31, 2000. Contributing to this increase was a 181.8% ($33.6 million)
increase in the U.S. Insurance operation, a 50.7% ($31.5 million) increase in
the Specialty Reinsurance operation, a 10.3% ($6.8 million) increase in the
International Reinsurance operation and $0.6 million of net premiums earned from
the Bermuda Reinsurance operation. These increases were partially offset by an
8.5% ($10.2 million) decrease in the U.S. Reinsurance operation. All of these
changes reflect period to period changes in net written premiums and business
mix together with normal variability in earnings patterns. Business mix changes
occur not only as the Company shifts emphasis between products, lines of
business, distribution channels and markets but also as individual contracts
renew or non-renew, almost always with changes in coverage, structure, prices
and/or terms, and as new contracts are accepted with coverages, structures,
prices and/or terms different from those of expiring contracts. As premium
reporting and earnings and loss and commission characteristics derive from the
provisions of individual contracts, the continuous turnover of individual
contracts, arising from both strategic shifts and day to day underwriting, can
and does introduce appreciable background variability in various underwriting
line items.
EXPENSES. Incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") increased by 24.0%
to $243.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $196.4 million
in the three months ended March 31, 2000. The increase in incurred losses and
LAE was principally attributable to the increase in net premiums earned and also
reflects the impact of changes in the Company's mix of business. Incurred losses
and LAE include catastrophe losses, which include the impact of both current
period events, and favorable and unfavorable development on prior period events
and are net of reinsurance. Catastrophe losses, net of contract specific
cessions but before cessions under the corporate retrocessional program, were
$14.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2001 and related principally
to the Petrobras Oil Rig and El Salvador earthquake loss events compared to net
catastrophe losses of $3.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2000.
20
Incurred losses and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2001 reflected
ceded losses and LAE of $32.2 million compared to ceded losses and LAE in the
three months ended March 31, 2000 of $16.8 million, with the increase
principally attributable to the higher utilization of contract specific
retrocessions in the U.S. Insurance operation.
Contributing to the increase in incurred losses and LAE in the three months
ended March 31, 2001 from the three months ended March 31, 2000 were a 232.8%
($26.0 million) increase in the U.S. Insurance operation principally reflecting
increased premium volume coupled with changes in this segments specific
reinsurance programs, a 67.1% ($29.9 million) increase in the Specialty
Reinsurance operation principally attributable to increased premium volume in
A&H business together with catastrophe losses relating to the Petrobras Oil Rig
event and $1.0 million of losses from the Bermuda Reinsurance operation, which
began writing business late in 2000. These increases were partially offset by an
10.4% ($8.7 million) decrease in the U.S. Reinsurance operation reflecting
decreased premium volume and a 2.1% ($1.2 million) decrease in the International
Reinsurance operation principally attributable to decreased catastrophe losses.
Incurred losses and LAE for each operation were also impacted by variability
relating to changes in the level of premium volume and mix of business by class
and type.
The Company's loss and LAE ratio ("loss ratio"), which is calculated by dividing
incurred losses and LAE by premiums earned, increased by 0.3 percentage points
to 74.1% in the three months ended March 31, 2001 from 73.8% in the three months
ended March 31, 200 reflecting the incurred losses and LAE discussed above. The
following table shows the loss ratios for each of the Company's operating
segments for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. The loss ratios for
all operations were impacted by the factors noted above.
OPERATING SEGMENT LOSS RATIOS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment 2001 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Reinsurance 69.1% 70.5%
U.S. Insurance 71.3% 60.4%
Specialty Reinsurance 79.5% 71.7%
International Reinsurance 75.8% 85.4%
Bermuda Reinsurance N/M N/A
Underwriting expenses increased by 22.9% to $95.1 million in the three months
ended March 31, 2001 from $77.3 million in the three months ended March 31,
2000. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by $16.3 million,
principally reflecting increases in premium volume and changes in the mix of
business. Other underwriting expenses increased by $1.4 million. Contributing to
these underwriting expense increases were a 93.6% ($8.5 million) increase in the
U.S. Insurance operation, a 31.1% ($6.0 million) increase in the Specialty
Reinsurance operation, a 9.5% ($1.8 million) increase in the International
Reinsurance operation, a 0.7% ($0.2 million) increase in the U.S. Reinsurance
operation and $0.9 million of expenses from the Bermuda Reinsurance operation.
The changes for each operation's expenses principally resulted from changes in
commission expenses related to changes in premium volume and business mix by
class and type and, in some cases, changes in the use of specific reinsurance
and the underwriting performance of the underlying business. The Company's
expense ratio, which is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses by premiums
earned, was 28.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2001 compared to 29.1%
for the three months ended March 31, 2000.
21
The Company's combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss and expense ratios,
increased by 0.2 percentage points to 103.0% in the three months ended March 31,
2001 compared to 102.8% in the three months ended March 31, 2000. The following
table shows the combined ratios for each of the Company's operating segments for
the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. The combined ratios for all
operations were impacted by the loss and expense ratio variability noted above.
OPERATING SEGMENT COMBINED RATIOS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment 2001 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Reinsurance 96.4% 95.3%
U.S. Insurance 104.9% 109.3%
Specialty Reinsurance 106.5% 102.8%
International Reinsurance 104.6% 114.3%
Bermuda Reinsurance N/M N/A
Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2001 was $12.4 million
compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000. Interest
expense for the three months ended March 31, 2001 reflects $9.7 million relating
to Holdings' issuance of senior notes and $2.7 million relating to Holdings'
borrowings under it's revolving credit facility. Interest expense for the three
months ended March 31, 2000 reflects $1.6 million relating to Holdings' issuance
of senior notes and $1.5 million relating to Holdings' borrowings under its
revolving credit facility.
Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2001 was $0.4 million compared
to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000. Significant
contributors to other income for the three months ended March 31, 2001 were
foreign exchange gains as well as financing fees, offset by losses realized in
connection with future derivative loss events and the amortization of deferred
expenses relating to Holdings' issuance of senior notes in 2000. Other income
for the three months ended March 31, 2000 principally included foreign exchange
gains and financing fees. The foreign exchange gains for both periods are
attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
INVESTMENT RESULTS. Net investment income increased 31.2% to $86.2 million in
the three months ended March 31, 2001 from $65.0 million in the three months
ended March 31, 2000, principally reflecting the effect of investing the $134.6
million of cash flow from operations in the twelve months ended March 31, 2001,
the investment of the $450.0 million in proceeds from Holdings' issuance of
senior notes and the investment of the approximately $554.5 million of
additional net invested assets resulting from the acquisitions of Mt. McKinley
and AFC Re. The following table shows a comparison of various investment yields
as of March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively, and for the periods
ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
22
2001 2000
------------------
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested
assets at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000 6.7% 6.7%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested
assets at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000 5.4% 5.4%
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and
invested assets for the three months ended March 31,
2001 and 2000 6.4% 5.9%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and
invested assets for the three months ended March 31,
2001 and 2000 5.2% 4.6%
Net realized capital losses were $5.1 million in the three months ended March
31, 2001, reflecting realized capital losses on the Company's investments of
$5.7 million, partially offset by $0.6 million of realized capital gains,
compared to net realized capital gains of $7.8 million in the three months ended
March 31, 2000. The net realized capital gains in the three months ended March
31, 2000 reflected realized capital gains of $17.4 million, partially offset by
$9.6 million of realized capital losses. The realized capital losses in the
three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 arose mainly from activity in the
Company's U.S. fixed maturity portfolio. The realized capital gains in the three
months ended March 31, 2001 arose mainly from activity in the Company's non-U.S.
fixed maturity portfolio and the realized capital gains in the three months
ended March 31, 2000 arose mainly from activity in the Company's equity
portfolio.
INCOME TAXES. The Company recognized income tax expense of $9.0 million in the
three months ended March 31, 2001 compared to $14.5 million in the three months
ended March 31, 2000 principally reflecting the realized capital losses in the
three months ended March 31, 2001 compared to the realized capital gains in the
three months ended March 31, 2000. In addition, the relationship of tax-exempt
income to pre-tax income declined due to shifts in the Company's investment mix,
offset by the increase in foreign income not expected to be subject to tax in
the United States.
NET INCOME. Net income was $50.1 million in the three months ended March 31,
2001 compared to $48.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2000. This
increase generally reflects the improved underwriting, investment and tax
results, partially offset by realized capital losses and increased interest
expense.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
INVESTED ASSETS. Aggregate invested assets, including cash and short-term
investments, were $5,516.2 million at March 31, 2001 and $5,493.0 million at
December 31, 2000. The increase in invested assets between December 31, 2000 and
March 31, 2001 resulted primarily from $72.8 million in net unrealized
appreciation of the Company's fixed maturity portfolio and $63.5 million in cash
flows from operations generated during the three months ended March 31, 2001.
This increase was partially offset by $103.0 million payments on the Company's
credit facility and $4.0 million in net unrealized depreciation of the Company's
equity portfolio.
23
LIQUIDITY. The Company's liquidity requirements are met on both a short- and
long-term basis by funds provided by premiums collected, investment income,
collected reinsurance receivables balances and from the sale and maturity of
investments together with the availability of funds under the Company's
revolving credit facility. The Company's net cash flows from operating
activities were $63.5 million and $18.8 million in the three months ended March
31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These cash flows were impacted by net
catastrophe loss payments of $4.0 million and $14.8 million in the three months
ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and by net income taxes paid of
$2.6 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and
2000, respectively. Management believes that net cash flows from operating
activities, after consideration of the factors noted above, are generally
consistent with expectations given changes in the Company's mix of business over
the past few years toward products with shorter loss development and payout
periods and normal variability in the payout of loss reserves.
Proceeds from sales, calls and maturities and investment asset acquisitions were
$448.9 million and $411.3 million, respectively, in the three months ended March
31, 2001, compared to $218.1 million and $708.3 million, respectively, in the
three months ended March 31, 2000. The investment asset acquisitions in the
three months ended March 31, 2000 reflect the proceeds from Holdings' issuance
of senior notes. The Company's current investment strategy seeks to maximize
after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, duration sensitive,
taxable bond and tax-exempt municipal bond portfolio, while maintaining an
adequate level of liquidity.
On December 21, 1999, Holdings entered into a three-year senior revolving credit
facility with a syndicate of lenders (the "Credit Facility"). First Union
National Bank is the administrative agent for the Credit Facility. The Credit
Facility is used for liquidity and general corporate purposes and replaced a
prior credit facility. The Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to
$150.0 million with interest at a rate selected by Holdings equal to either (i)
the Base Rate (as defined below) or (ii) an adjusted London InterBank Offered
Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin. The Base Rate is the higher of the rate of
interest established by First Union National Bank from time to time as its prime
rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5% per annum. On December 18, 2000, the
Credit Facility was amended to extend the borrowing limit to $235.0 million for
a period of 120 days. This 120-day period expired during the three months ended
March 31, 2001 and the limit reverted back to $150.0 million. The amount of
margin and the fees payable for the Credit Facility depend upon Holdings' senior
unsecured debt rating. Group has guaranteed all of Holdings' obligations under
the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not
greater than 0.35 to 1, Holdings to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio
of 2.5 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $850.0 million
plus 25% of aggregate net income and 25% of aggregate capital contributions
earned or received after December 31, 1999. The Company was in compliance with
all covenants under the facility at March 31, 2001 and 2000 as well as for the
three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000.
During the three months ended March 31, 2001, Holdings made net payments on the
Credit Facility of $103.0 million. As of March 31, 2001 and 2000, Holdings had
outstanding Credit Facility borrowings of $132.0 million and $106.0 million,
respectively. Interest expense incurred in connection with these borrowings was
$2.7 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and
2000, respectively.
24
During the first quarter of 2000, Holdings completed a public offering of $200.0
million principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due March 15, 2010 and $250.0
million principal amount of 8.5% senior notes due March 15, 2005. During the
first quarter of 2000, Holdings distributed $400.0 million of these proceeds to
Group of which $250.0 million was used by Group to capitalize Everest
Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. Interest expense incurred in connection with these
senior notes was $9.7 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March
31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY. The Company's shareholders' equity increased to $1,680.3
million as of March 31, 2001, from $1,583.4 million as of December 31, 2000,
principally reflecting net income of $50.1 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2001 and net unrealized appreciation of $49.7 million on the Company's
investments. Dividends of $3.2 million were declared and paid by the Company in
the three months ended March 31, 2001. During the three months ended March 31,
2000, the Company repurchased 0.650 million of its common shares at an average
price of $25.24 per share, raising the total repurchases under the Company's
authorized repurchase program to 4.720 million shares at an average price of
$27.60 per share with a total repurchase expenditure to date of $130.4 million.
At March 31, 2001, 2.180 million shares remained available for repurchase under
the existing repurchase authorization. As part of the Company's restructuring,
the treasury shares held by the Company prior to February 24, 2000 were retired,
resulting in a reduction to treasury shares with a corresponding reduction of
paid-in capital and common shares.
MARKET SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS. The Company's risks associated with market
sensitive instruments have not changed materially since the period ended
December 31, 2000.
SAFE HARBOR DISCLOSURE. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"), the Company in its
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 set forth cautionary
statements identifying important factors, among others, that could cause its
actual results to differ materially from those which might be projected,
forecasted or estimated in its forward-looking statements, as defined in the
Act, made by or on behalf of the Company in press releases, written statements
or documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or in its
communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course
of business through meetings, phone calls and conference calls. These cautionary
statements supplement other factors contained in this report which could cause
the Company's actual results to differ materially from those which might be
projected, forecasted or estimated in its forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors which may cause the Company's results to differ materially from
such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include,
but are not limited to, projections of premium revenue, investment income, other
revenue, losses, expenses, earnings (including earnings per share), cash flows,
and common shareholders' equity (including book value per share), plans for
future operations, investments, financing needs, capital plans, dividends, plans
relating to products or services of the Company, and estimates concerning the
effects of litigation or other disputes, as well as assumptions for any of the
foregoing and are generally expressed with words such as "believes,"
"estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "projects," "forecasts,"
25
"goals," "could have," "may have" and similar expressions. The Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
26
Part I - Item 3
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK
MARKET RISK INSTRUMENTS. The Company's risks associated with market sensitive
instruments have not changed materially since the period ended December 31,
2000.
27
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
OTHER INFORMATION
PART II - ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is involved from time to time in ordinary routine litigation and
arbitration proceedings incidental to its business. The Company does not believe
that there are any other material pending legal proceedings to which it or any
of its subsidiaries or their properties are subject.
PART II - ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
a) Exhibit Index:
Exhibit No. Description Location
----------- ----------- --------
* 10.1 Amendment of Employment Agreement by Filed herewith
and among Everest Reinsurance Company,
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.,
Everest Re Group, Ltd., Everest Global
Services, Inc. and Joseph V. Taranto,
dated March 30, 2001.
* 10.2 Amendment of Employment Agreement by Filed herewith
and among Everest Reinsurance Company,
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.,
Everest Re Group, Ltd., Everest Global
Services, Inc. and Joseph V. Taranto,
dated April 20, 2001.
* 10.3 Amendment of Change of Control Filed herewith
Agreement by and among Everest
Reinsurance Company, Everest
Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., Everest Re
Group, Ltd., Everest Global Services,
Inc. and Joseph V. Taranto, dated
March 30, 2001.
11.1 Statement regarding computation of per Filed herewith
share earnings
- --------------------------
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
b) There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the three-month period ending
March 31, 2001.
Omitted from this Part II are items which are inapplicable or to which the
answer is negative for the period covered.
28
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Everest Re Group, Ltd.
(Registrant)
/S/ STEPHEN L. LIMAURO
--------------------------------
Stephen L. Limauro
Duly Authorized Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Dated: May 10, 2001