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FORM 10-Q

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15 (d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended  June 30, 2003

 

Commission file number  0-15886

 

The Navigators Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

13-3138397

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

One Penn Plaza, New York, New York

 

10119

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

 

(212)  244-2333

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

 

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

 

Yes         ý

 

No           o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes         ý

 

No           o

 

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

 

On August 6, 2003, there were 8,529,360 shares of $0.10 par value common stock issued and outstanding.

 

 



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

 

Part I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2003 (unaudited) and December 31, 2002

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

Part II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Signature

 

Index of Exhibits

 

2



 

Part 1.    Financial Information

Item 1.    Financial Statements

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

June 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Investments and cash:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

(amortized cost: 2003, $419,489; 2002, $351,821)

 

$

438,913

 

$

366,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2003, $11,969; 2002, $12,286)

 

12,550

 

11,674

 

Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value

 

62,957

 

61,092

 

Cash

 

4,950

 

13,443

 

Total investments and cash

 

519,370

 

452,885

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums in course of collection

 

146,709

 

108,672

 

Commissions Receivable

 

2,946

 

3,112

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

102,048

 

58,902

 

Reinsurance receivable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

254,850

 

243,153

 

Federal income tax recoverable

 

 

826

 

Net deferred income tax benefit

 

5,768

 

6,470

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

26,052

 

23,632

 

Accrued investment income

 

4,610

 

3,309

 

Goodwill

 

5,238

 

5,167

 

Other assets

 

13,586

 

11,791

 

Total assets

 

$

1,081,177

 

$

917,919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

543,390

 

$

489,642

 

Unearned premium

 

230,862

 

167,372

 

Reinsurance balances payable

 

91,423

 

55,574

 

Notes payable to banks

 

11,000

 

14,500

 

Payable for securities

 

4,619

 

5,327

 

Federal income tax payable

 

89

 

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

12,663

 

14,229

 

Total liabilities

 

894,046

 

746,644

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.10 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

 

 

Common stock, $.10 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized for 2003 and 2002; issued and outstanding 8,515,535 for 2003 and 8,486,272 (net of treasury stock) for 2002

 

852

 

851

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

40,617

 

40,141

 

Treasury stock held at cost (shares: 16,423 for 2002)

 

 

(236

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

13,767

 

9,732

 

Retained earnings

 

131,895

 

120,787

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

187,131

 

171,275

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

1,081,177

 

$

917,919

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except net income per share)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premium

 

$

65,264

 

$

50,923

 

Commission income

 

1,486

 

993

 

Net investment income

 

4,552

 

4,162

 

Net realized capital gains

 

669

 

201

 

Other income

 

415

 

641

 

Total revenues

 

72,386

 

56,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred

 

43,291

 

32,406

 

Commission expense

 

8,876

 

10,328

 

Other operating expenses

 

12,237

 

8,983

 

Interest expense

 

87

 

145

 

Total operating expenses

 

64,491

 

51,862

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

7,895

 

5,058

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

3,437

 

1,344

 

Deferred

 

(1,816

)

(60

)

Total income tax expense

 

1,621

 

1,284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

6,274

 

$

3,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

Diluted

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

8,516

 

8,457

 

Diluted

 

8,757

 

8,677

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except net income per share)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premium

 

$

131,578

 

$

90,772

 

Commission income

 

2,725

 

2,094

 

Net investment income

 

9,213

 

9,104

 

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

887

 

(92

)

Other income

 

588

 

851

 

Total revenues

 

144,991

 

102,729

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred

 

87,331

 

56,189

 

Commission expense

 

19,503

 

17,986

 

Other operating expenses

 

23,824

 

18,870

 

Interest expense

 

184

 

305

 

Total operating expenses

 

130,842

 

93,350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

14,149

 

9,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

4,571

 

2,662

 

Deferred

 

(1,530

)

(507

)

Total income tax expense

 

3,041

 

2,155

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

11,108

 

$

7,224

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.31

 

$

0.86

 

Diluted

 

$

1.27

 

$

0.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

8,505

 

8,446

 

Diluted

 

8,741

 

8,617

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

11,108

 

$

7,224

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation & amortization

 

656

 

427

 

Net deferred income tax

 

(1,530

)

(507

)

Net realized capital (gains) losses

 

(887

)

92

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance receivable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

(11,697

)

17,240

 

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

53,748

 

13,905

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

(43,146

)

(19,781

)

Unearned premium

 

63,490

 

57,393

 

Premiums in course of collection

 

(38,037

)

(19,904

)

Commissions receivable

 

166

 

(1,003

)

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(2,420

)

(9,434

)

Accrued investment income

 

(1,301

)

(179

)

Reinsurance balances payable

 

35,849

 

2,652

 

Federal income tax

 

915

 

478

 

Other

 

(1,364

)

(815

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

65,550

 

47,788

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

Redemptions and maturities

 

2,316

 

1,522

 

Sales

 

116,323

 

97,446

 

Purchases

 

(185,809

)

(94,470

)

Equity securities, available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

476

 

3,703

 

Purchases

 

(423

)

(2,400

)

Change in receivable/payable for securities

 

(709

)

4,135

 

Net change in short-term investments

 

(1,865

)

(52,813

)

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(872

)

(272

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) investing activities

 

(70,563

)

(43,149

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of bank loan

 

(3,500

)

(3,000

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

20

 

321

 

Net cash (used in) financing activities

 

(3,480

)

(2,679

)

Increase (Decrease)  in cash

 

(8,493

)

1,960

 

Cash at beginning of year

 

13,443

 

5,816

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

4,950

 

$

7,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Federal, state and local income tax paid

 

$

3,709

 

$

2,311

 

Interest paid

 

184

 

303

 

Issuance of stock to directors

 

72

 

60

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

(1)                Accounting Policies

 

The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited but reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to provide a fair statement of the results of The Navigators Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the interim periods presented on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.  As a result, the amounts previously classified as Funds due from Lloyd’s syndicate have been reclassified to their separate components in the financial statements.

 

(2)                Reinsurance Ceded

 

The Company’s ceded earned premiums were $62,015,000 and $37,460,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and were $109,115,000 and $66,244,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company’s ceded incurred losses were $35,968,000 and $24,885,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and were $63,505,000 and $40,450,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

(3)                Segments of an Enterprise

 

The Company’s subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the underwriting and management of property and casualty insurance.  The Company’s segments include the Insurance Companies, the Navigators Agencies and the Lloyd’s Operations, each of which is managed separately.  The Insurance Companies consist of Navigators Insurance Company (“Navigators Insurance”) and NIC Insurance Company which are primarily engaged in underwriting marine insurance and related lines of business, general liability insurance and professional liability insurance.  The Navigators Agencies are underwriting management companies which produce, manage and underwrite insurance and reinsurance for the Insurance Companies and non-affiliated companies.  The Lloyd’s Operations consist primarily of a Lloyd’s managing agency and two Lloyd’s corporate members which underwrite marine and related lines of business at Lloyd’s of London.

 

The results of the Insurance Companies and the Lloyd’s Operations are measured taking into account net earned premiums, incurred losses and loss expenses, commission expense and other underwriting expenses.  The Navigators Agencies’ results include commission income less other operating expenses.  Each segment maintains its own investments on which it earns income and realizes capital gains or losses.  Other operations include intersegment income and expense in the form of affiliated commissions, income and expense from corporate operations, and consolidating adjustments.

 

7



 

The following tables present financial data by segment for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue, excluding net investment income and net realized capital gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Companies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

21,417

 

$

14,068

 

$

44,153

 

$

30,162

 

General Liability

 

19,381

 

15,268

 

42,291

 

27,949

 

Professional Liability

 

2,078

 

263

 

3,505

 

379

 

Surety

 

80

 

 

120

 

 

Other

 

(350

)

(327

)

121

 

(219

)

Insurance Companies Total

 

42,606

 

29,272

 

90,190

 

58,271

 

Lloyd’s Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

21,252

 

21,245

 

38,890

 

32,035

 

Engineering and Construction

 

497

 

189

 

776

 

196

 

Onshore Energy

 

972

 

267

 

1,808

 

284

 

Other

 

416

 

469

 

516

 

574

 

Lloyd’s Operations Total

 

23,137

 

22,170

 

41,990

 

33,089

 

Navigators Agencies

 

8,563

 

6,224

 

16,302

 

12,332

 

Other operations

 

(7,141

)

(5,109

)

(13,591

)

(9,975

)

Total

 

$

67,165

 

$

52,557

 

$

134,891

 

$

93,717

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Companies

 

$

5,849

 

$

4,577

 

$

10,893

 

$

9,503

 

Lloyd’s Operations

 

2,926

 

735

 

4,841

 

1,607

 

Navigators Agencies

 

759

 

742

 

1,121

 

1,132

 

Other operations

 

(1,639

)

(996

)

(2,706

)

(2,863

)

Total

 

$

7,895

 

$

5,058

 

$

14,149

 

$

9,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Companies

 

$

1,827

 

$

1,414

 

$

3,386

 

$

2,945

 

Lloyd’s Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Navigators Agencies

 

226

 

218

 

353

 

312

 

Other operations

 

(432

)

(348

)

(698

)

(1,102

)

Total

 

$

1,621

 

$

1,284

 

$

3,041

 

$

2,155

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Companies

 

$

4,022

 

$

3,163

 

$

7,507

 

$

6,558

 

Lloyd’s Operations

 

2,926

 

735

 

4,841

 

1,607

 

Navigators Agencies

 

533

 

524

 

768

 

820

 

Other operations

 

(1,207

)

(648

)

(2,008

)

(1,761

)

Total

 

$

6,274

 

$

3,774

 

$

11,108

 

$

7,224

 

 

8



 

(4)                Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income encompasses all changes in stockholders’ equity including net income, net unrealized capital gains and losses on available for sale securities, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

The following table summarizes comprehensive income for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

6,274

 

$

3,774

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains arising during period (net of  tax expense of  $2,150 for 2003 and $1,669 for 2002)

 

4,257

 

3,687

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of tax expense of $108 for 2003 and $77 for 2002)

 

561

 

124

 

Net unrealized gains on securities

 

3,696

 

3,563

 

Foreign currency translation gain adjustment (net of tax expense of $199 for 2003 and $103 for 2002)

 

368

 

191

 

Other comprehensive income

 

4,064

 

3,754

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

10,338

 

$

7,528

 

 

The following table summarizes comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

11,108

 

$

7,224

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains arising during period (net of  tax expense of  $2,222 for 2003 and $630 for 2002)

 

4,479

 

1,077

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of tax expense (benefit) of $149 for 2003 and $(21) for 2002)

 

738

 

(71

)

Net unrealized gains on securities

 

3,741

 

1,148

 

Foreign currency translation gain adjustment (net of tax expense (benefit) of $158 for 2003 and $(159) for 2002)

 

294

 

(296

)

Other comprehensive income

 

4,035

 

852

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

15,143

 

$

8,076

 

 

9



 

The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

June 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale (net of tax expense of $6,767 in 2003 and $4,693 in 2002)

 

$

13,240

 

$

9,499

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax expense of $284 in 2003 and $125 in 2002)

 

527

 

233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

$

13,767

 

$

9,732

 

 

(5)                Stock-based Compensation

 

At June 30, 2003, the Company’s stock option plans are accounted for under the recognition and measurement principles of the Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, which requires compensation expense to be recognized only if the fair value of the underlying stock at the grant date exceeds the exercise price of the option.  Accordingly, compensation expense of $15,000 and $31,000 has been recognized for stock options in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively.  Although no amounts were expensed in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2002, had expense been recorded as described above, the amount would have been approximately $11,000 and $15,000, respectively.  The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation to stock-based employee compensation:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

6,274

 

$

3,774

 

$

11,108

 

$

7,224

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation expense included in net income, net of related tax effects

 

10

 

 

20

 

 

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

127

 

66

 

245

 

141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro-forma

 

$

6,157

 

$

3,708

 

$

10,883

 

$

7,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

1.31

 

$

0.86

 

Pro-forma

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.44

 

$

1.28

 

$

0.84

 

Diluted income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.43

 

$

1.27

 

$

0.84

 

Pro-forma

 

$

0.70

 

$

0.43

 

$

1.24

 

$

0.82

 

 

Stock grants are expensed as they vest.  The amount charged to expense was $210,000 and $197,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  The expense for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 was $486,000 and $413,000, respectively.  In addition, $36,000 was expensed for each of the

 

10



 

six month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for stock issued annually to non-employee directors as part of the directors’ compensation for serving on the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

(6)                Application of New Accounting Standards

 

The FASB issued SFAS 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.  The Company adopted both SFAS 141 and SFAS 142 effective January 1, 2002. SFAS 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated after September 30, 2001.  It also specifies that intangible assets acquired in a purchase method business combination be recognized and reported apart from goodwill.  SFAS 142 changes the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives from an amortization approach to an impairment-only approach that requires that those assets be tested at least annually for impairment.  The Company completed its annual impairment review of goodwill resulting in no impairment as of January 1, 2003.  No other intangible assets were required to be reclassified and accounted for as an asset apart from goodwill upon adoption of SFAS 142.  No expense for amortization of goodwill has been recorded in the first six months of 2003 or 2002.  Goodwill of $2,534,000 was carried for the Navigators Agencies’ segment at both June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, and $2,703,000 and $2,633,000 for the Lloyd’s Operations’ segment at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.  Goodwill on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets may fluctuate due to changes in the foreign currency rates between the U.S. dollar and the British pound.  The adoption of SFAS 141 did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.  This Interpretation clarifies the requirements for a guarantor’s accounting for the disclosures of certain guarantees issued and outstanding.  The disclosure requirements in Interpretation No. 45 are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002.  The adoption of this interpretation did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.  The provisions of this statement provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.  The provisions are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.  We follow the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS 148.  These require pro forma net income and earnings per share information, which is calculated assuming we had accounted for our stock option plans under the “fair value method” described in those statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.  Interpretation No. 46 requires variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries.  The adoption of this interpretation did not have any effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In January 2003, the FASB’s Derivative Implementation Group adopted Issue No. B36, Embedded Derivatives:  Bifurcation of a Debt Instrument That Incorporates Both Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk Exposures That Are Unrelated or Only Partially Related to the Creditworthiness of the Issuer of That Instrument (“B36”).  B36 addresses the recognition of embedded derivatives present in certain reinsurance agreements with funds held provisions and is applicable for quarters beginning after September 15, 2003.  The Company has not yet determined the estimated impact on its financial condition or results of operations, if any, of adopting B36.

 

11



 

(7)                Lloyd’s Participation

 

The Company records in its consolidated financial statements, its proportionate share of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221’s assets, liabilities and results of operations.  Such participation was 97.4% of the portion of Syndicate 1221’s £125.0 million ($199.7 million) of capacity utilized for the 2003 underwriting year and 68.1% of the portion of Syndicate 1221’s £75.0 million ($112.7 million) of capacity utilized for the 2002 underwriting year.  Syndicate 1221’s capacity is expressed net of commission (as is standard at Lloyd’s) of approximately 21%.  In 2003, the Company participates in a larger percentage of the gross capacity and is reinsuring 15.4% of its capacity under quota share reinsurance agreements to third parties which provide letters of credit used as collateral at Lloyd’s.

 

The Company provides letters of credit to Lloyd’s to support its Syndicate 1221 capacity.  If the Company increases its participation or if Lloyd’s changes the capital requirements, the Company may be required to supply additional letters of credit or other collateral acceptable to Lloyd’s, or reduce the capacity of Syndicate 1221.  The letters of credit are provided through the credit facility which the Company maintains with a consortium of banks.  The credit facility agreement requires that the banks vote by November 19th of each year whether or not to renew the letter of credit portion of the facility.  If the banks decide not to renew the letter of credit facility, the Company will need to find other sources to provide the letters of credit or other collateral in order to continue to participate in Syndicate 1221 for underwriting year 2004 and subsequent years.  At June 30, 2003, letters of credit with an aggregate face amount of $54,783,000 were issued under the letter of credit facility.

 

(8)                Income Tax - Valuation Allowance

 

The Company’s valuation allowance relating to its foreign operations decreased by $854,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2003 and $1,484,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2003 relating to the reduction in the loss carryforward at the Company’s foreign operations resulting from income generated by these operations in 2003.  At June 30, 2003 and 2002, the Company had loss carryforwards remaining at its foreign operations amounting to potential future tax benefits of $3,046,000 and $5,113,000, respectively, along with a valuation allowance equal to these benefits.  Although the foreign operations were profitable in 2003, the valuation allowance was released only to the extent of the 2003 profits since future profitability remains uncertain.  The Company needs to generate $10,152,000 of future foreign pretax income in order to fully utilize the foreign loss carryforward which can be carried forward indefinitely.

 

The Company also had net state and local loss carryforwards amounting to potential future tax benefits of $2,220,000 and $1,899,000 at June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, along with a valuation allowance equal to these benefits.  The Company needs to generate $12,368,000 of future state and local pretax income in order to fully utilize the loss carryforwards which expire from 2019 to 2023.

 

The Company had  alternative minimum tax carryforwards of $0 and $2,304,000 at June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2002, respectively.

 

(9)          Treasury Stock

 

During the first six months of 2003, the Company issued the remaining 16,423 shares of Treasury stock representing the vested portion of stock grants to the Company’s President and a senior officer of a subsidiary.  The effect of the issuance reduced Treasury stock by $236,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2003.  During the first six months of 2002, the Company issued 2,985 shares of Treasury stock to the non-employee directors as part of the directors’ annual compensation for the prior year.  The effect of the issuance reduced Treasury stock by $43,000 in the first six months of 2002.

 

12



 

(10)    Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is not a party to or the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings which depart from the ordinary routine litigation incident to the kinds of business conducted by the Company, except for a suit concerning the draw down of letters of credit.  In 1997 and 1998, Navigators Insurance entered into certain reinsurance contracts with an Australian reinsurer.  In accordance with normal business practice, Navigators Insurance had secured this exposure with letters of credit.  In April 1999, in good faith and consistent with the terms of the letters of credit, Navigators Insurance drew down $3.2 million of the letters of credit.  The liquidator of the reinsurer has commenced suit in Australia seeking to void the draw downs.  Although the Company believes it has strong defenses against these claims and that the liquidators’ assertions run counter to prevailing Australian and U.S. law, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of this litigation.  The Company is vigorously defending its position.

 

13



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

Item 2.                       Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

Some of the statements in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We derive forward-looking information from information which we currently have and from assumptions which we make.  We cannot assure that results which we anticipate will be achieved since results may differ materially because of both known and unknown risks and uncertainties which we face.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements.  Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

                  the effects of domestic and foreign economic conditions, and conditions which affect the market for property and casualty insurance;

                  changes in the laws, rules and regulations which apply to our insurance companies;

                  the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business, including adverse judicial or regulatory decisions and rulings;

                  the effects of competition from banks, other insurers and the trend toward self-insurance;

                  risks which we face in entering new markets and diversifying the products and services we offer;

                  unexpected turnover of our professional staff;

                  changing legal and social trends and inherent uncertainties in the loss estimation process that can adversely impact the adequacy of loss reserves and the allowance for reinsurance recoverables;

                  risks associated with our continuing ability to obtain reinsurance covering our exposures at appropriate prices and/or in sufficient amounts and the related recoverability of our reinsured losses;

                  weather-related events and other catastrophes (including acts of terrorism) impacting our insureds and/or reinsurers;

                  our ability to attain adequate prices, obtain new business and to retain existing business consistent with our expectations;

                  the possibility of downgrades in our claims-paying and financial strength ratings adversely affecting us, including reducing the number of insurance policies we write generally, or causing clients who require an insurer with a certain rating level to use higher-rated insurers;

                  the risk that our investment portfolio suffers reduced returns or investment losses which could reduce our profitability; and

                  other risks which we identify in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

General

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements consisting of the accounts of The Navigators Group, Inc., a Delaware holding company, and its twelve active wholly owned subsidiaries, are prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Company” as used herein means The Navigators Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.  Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

The Company’s two insurance subsidiaries are Navigators Insurance Company (“Navigators Insurance”), which includes a United Kingdom Branch (“UK Branch”), and NIC Insurance Company (“NIC”).  Navigators Insurance is the Company’s largest insurance subsidiary and has been active since 1983.  It specializes principally in underwriting marine insurance and related lines of business, general liability insurance, and professional liability

 

14



 

insurance.  NIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navigators Insurance, began operations in 1990.  It underwrites similar types of business but on a “non-admitted” or surplus lines basis and is fully reinsured by Navigators Insurance.  Navigators Insurance and NIC are collectively referred to herein as the “Insurance Companies”.

 

Five of the Company’s wholly owned insurance underwriting agencies (the “Navigators Agencies”) produce business for the Insurance Companies.  They specialize in writing marine and related lines of business, general liability insurance and professional liability coverages.

 

Each of the Navigators Agencies write marine and related business for Navigators Insurance and four unaffiliated insurance companies.  The five insurance companies comprise a marine insurance pool.  Marine insurance policies are issued by Navigators Insurance with the business shared with other pool members.  Navigators Insurance had a 75% participation in the pool for business written with effective dates in 2002 and has a 70% participation in 2003.  For 2003, Navigators Insurance expects to increase its participation in the pool to 80%, subject to the expected finalization of a commutation agreement with one of the pool members.  Although no assurances can be given, it is expected that this agreement will be entered into during 2003. If the pool participation had been recorded at 80% for the 2003 underwriting year premium, the effect would have increased net written premium by approximately $4.9 million.

 

Navigators Specialty, a division of a Navigators Agency located in San Francisco, California, produces business exclusively for the Insurance Companies.  It specializes in underwriting general liability insurance coverage for small general and artisan contractors as well as other targeted commercial risks, with the majority of the business located in California.

 

Navigators Pro, a division of a Navigators Agency located in New York, specializes in underwriting professional liability insurance and began producing directors & officers liability insurance exclusively for the Insurance Companies in the fourth quarter of 2001.  In late 2002, Navigators Pro introduced additional products to complement its directors & officers liability coverage.  The products include employment practices liability, lawyers professional liability and miscellaneous professional liability coverages.

 

Navigators Holdings (UK) Limited is a holding company for the Company’s UK subsidiaries consisting of the Lloyd’s Operations and Navigators Management (UK) Limited, a Navigators Agency, which produces business for the UK Branch of Navigators Insurance.  The Lloyd’s Operations consist of Navigators Underwriting Agency Ltd. (“NUAL”), a Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) marine underwriting managing agency which manages Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221, Millennium Underwriting Ltd. (“Millennium”) and Navigators Corporate Underwriters Ltd. (“NCUL”).  Both Millennium and NCUL are Lloyd’s corporate members with limited liability and provide capacity to Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221.  NUAL owns Pennine Underwriting Ltd., an underwriting managing agency with offices in Manchester and Leeds, England, which underwrites cargo and engineering business for Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221.

 

The Company’s revenue is primarily comprised of premiums, commissions and investment income.  The Insurance Companies derive their premiums primarily from business written by the Navigators Agencies.  The Lloyd’s Operations derive their premiums primarily from business underwritten by NUAL.  The Navigators Agencies and NUAL receive commissions and in some cases, profit commissions and service fees on business produced.

 

Property and casualty insurance premiums historically have been cyclical in nature and, accordingly, during a “hard market” demand for property and casualty insurance exceeds supply or capacity and, as a result, premiums and commissions may increase.  On the downturn of the property and casualty cycle, supply exceeds demand and, as a result, premiums and commissions may decrease.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

It is important to understand the Company’s accounting policies in order to understand its financial statements.  Management considers certain of these policies to be critical to the presentation of the financial results

 

15



 

since they require management to make estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures at the financial reporting date and throughout the period being reported upon.  Certain of the estimates result from judgments that can be subjective and complex, and consequently actual results may differ from these estimates, which would be reflected in future periods.

 

The Company’s most critical accounting policies involve the reporting of the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (including losses that have occurred but were not reported to the Company by the financial reporting date), reinsurance recoverables, written and unearned premium, the recoverability of deferred tax assets, the impairment of invested assets, accounting for Lloyd’s results, and goodwill.

 

Loss Reserves and LAE.  Loss reserves represent an estimate of the expected cost of the ultimate settlement and administration of losses, based on facts and circumstances then known.  Actuarial methodologies are employed to assist in establishing such estimates and include judgments relative to estimates of future claims severity and frequency, length of time to develop to ultimate, judicial theories of liability and other third party factors which are often beyond our control.  Due to the inherent uncertainty associated with the reserving process, the ultimate liability may be greater or less than the original estimate.  Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments are included in the current year’s results.  Additional information regarding the Company’s loss reserves can be found in “Results of Operations-Operating Expenses-Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred”.

 

Reinsurance Recoverables.  Reinsurance recoverables are established for the portion of the loss reserves that are ceded to reinsurers.  Reinsurance recoverables are determined based upon the terms and conditions of reinsurance contracts which could be subject to interpretations that differ from our own based on judicial theories of liability.  In addition, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers which can be significant considering that certain of the reserves remain outstanding for an extended period of time.  The Company is required to pay losses even if a reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the applicable reinsurance agreement.

 

Written and Unearned Premium.  Written premium is recorded based on the insurance policies that have been reported to the Company and the policies that have been written by agents but not yet reported to the Company.  The Company must estimate the amount of written premium not yet reported based on judgments relative to current and historical trends of the business being written.  Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments are included in the current year’s results.  An unearned premium reserve is established to reflect the unexpired portion of each policy at the financial reporting date.

 

Deferred Tax Assets.  The Company has recorded valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carryforwards due to the uncertainty associated with the realization of the deferred tax asset related to certain of the Company’s foreign, state and local operations.  Although the Company’s foreign operations were profitable in 2003, the valuation allowance was released only to the extent of the 2003 profits since future profitability remains uncertain.

 

Impairment of Invested Assets.  Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is other-than-temporary.  Management regularly reviews its fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. A number of criteria are considered during this process including, but not limited to, the current fair value as compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, of the security, the length of time the security’s fair value has been below amortized cost or cost, and by how much, the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value, specific credit issues related to the issuer and current economic conditions.  In general, we focus our attention on those securities whose market value was less than 80% of their amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, for six or more consecutive months.  Other-than-temporary impairment losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment.  Significant changes in the factors the Company considers when evaluating investments for

 

16



 

impairment losses could result in a significant change in impairment losses reported in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Accounting for Lloyd’s Results.  We record our pro rata share of Lloyd’s syndicate assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, after making adjustments to convert Lloyd’s accounting to U.S. GAAP.  The most significant U.S. GAAP adjustments relate to income recognition. Lloyd’s syndicates determine underwriting results by year of account at the end of three years.  We record adjustments to recognize underwriting results as incurred, including the expected ultimate cost of losses incurred.  These adjustments to losses are based on actuarial analysis of syndicate accounts, including forecasts of expected ultimate losses provided by the syndicate.  At the end of the Lloyd’s three year period for determining underwriting results for an account year, the syndicate will close the account year by reinsuring outstanding claims on that account year with the participants for the account’s next underwriting year.  The amount to close an underwriting year into the next year is referred to as the reinsurance to close.  The reinsurance to close transactions are recorded as additional written and earned premium, losses incurred, loss reserves and receivables, all in the same amount.  There are no gains or losses recorded on the reinsurance to close transactions.

 

Historically, the Company reported Funds due from Lloyd’s syndicate as a separate line item on its balance sheets.  The balance consisted primarily of investments, cash and premiums receivable resulting from the Company’s participation in Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221.  Commencing at December 31, 2002, the Company recorded the amounts due from Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221 as part of their separate components in its financial statements.  As a result, the amounts previously classified as Funds due from Lloyd’s syndicate have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

Goodwill.  The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 142 (“SFAS 142”), Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, effective January 1, 2002.  SFAS 142 changes the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives from an amortization approach to an impairment-only approach that requires that those assets be tested at least annually for impairment.  The Company completed its annual impairment review of goodwill resulting in no impairment as of January 1, 2003.  If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized.

 

Results of Operations

 

Revenues.  Gross written premium for the first six months of 2003 increased 48.4% to $315,894,000 from $212,861,000 for the six months of 2002.

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s gross written premium by segment and line of business, and ceded and net written premium by segment for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Insurance Companies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

103,440

 

33

%

$

83,540

 

39

%

General Liability

 

62,826

 

20

 

50,512

 

24

 

Professional Liability

 

25,558

 

8

 

7,709

 

4

 

Surety

 

788

 

 

 

 

Other

 

823

 

 

3,046

 

1

 

Gross Written Premium

 

193,435

 

61

 

144,807

 

68

 

Ceded Written Premium

 

(105,753

)

 

 

(63,812

)

 

 

Net Written Premium

 

87,682

 

 

 

80,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd’s Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

106,465

 

34

 

63,931

 

30

 

Engineering and Construction

 

8,485

 

3

 

1,893

 

1

 

Onshore Energy

 

7,509

 

2

 

2,230

 

1

 

Gross Written Premium

 

122,459

 

39

 

68,054

 

32

 

Ceded Written Premium

 

(57,477

)

 

 

(22,606

)

 

 

Net Written Premium

 

64,982

 

 

 

45,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Gross Written Premium

 

315,894

 

100

%

212,861

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Ceded Written Premium

 

(163,230

)

 

 

(86,418

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Net Written Premium

 

$

152,664

 

 

 

$

126,443

 

 

 

 

17



 

Insurance Companies’ Gross Written Premium

 

Marine Premium.  The marine premium for the first six months ended June 30, 2003 increased 23.8% compared to the first six months of 2002 due primarily to the increase in premium rates resulting in higher premiums on new and renewal business.  Navigators Insurance obtained price increases on renewal business of approximately 19% in the first six months of 2003 amounting to approximately $9.5 million.  Navigators Insurance obtains its marine business through participation in the marine pool managed by the Navigators Agencies.

 

General Liability Premium.  This business consists primarily of general liability insurance for small general and artisan contractors as well as other targeted commercial risks.  The general liability premium increased 24.4% from the first six months of 2002 to 2003 due to new business and increased rates.  Rate increases on renewal business for the contractors liability policies averaged 50.9%, resulting in approximately $7.8 million of premium from rate increases.  During the first six months of 2003, the number of construction liability in-force policies decreased by approximately 39%.  The new business and the rate increases resulted from a tightening market for California contractors’ liability insurance.

 

Professional Liability Insurance.  In late 2001, the Insurance Companies began to write professional liability insurance primarily consisting of directors and officers liability insurance for privately held and publicly traded corporations.  In 2002, the professional liability business has been expanded to include errors and omissions insurance and employment practices liability coverages.  The professional liability premium increased to $25.6 million for the first six months of 2003 from $7.7 million for the first six months of 2002 reflecting growth and the expansion of this business.

 

Surety.  In late 2002, Navigators Insurance began to write surety business which consists of bonds guaranteeing the performance of a specific obligation.  Our focus is on providing bid and performance bonds to small contractors requiring contract bonds for projects of $2 million or less.

 

Lloyd’s Operations’ Gross Written Premium

 

The Lloyd’s premium is generated as the result of NCUL and Millennium providing capacity to Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221 which is managed by NUAL.

 

18



 

Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221’s 2003 stamp capacity of £125 million ($199.7 million) compared to £75.0 million ($112.7 million) in 2002.  Syndicate 1221’s capacity is expressed net of commission (as is standard at Lloyd’s) of approximately 21%.  The Company participates for 97.4% and 68.1% of Syndicate 1221’s capacity for the 2003 and 2002 underwriting years, respectively.  In 2003, the Company participates in a larger percentage of the gross capacity and is reinsuring 15.4% of its capacity under quota share reinsurance agreements to third parties which provide letters of credit used as collateral at Lloyd’s.  The Lloyd’s marine business had been subject to deteriorating pricing beginning in the mid-1990’s.  The pricing competition showed some signs of stabilizing in 2000 and prices increased in 2001, 2002 and in the first six months of 2003.  Lloyd’s presents its results on an underwriting year basis, generally closing each underwriting year after three years.  The Company makes estimates for each underwriting year and timely accrues the expected results.  The Lloyd’s Operations included in the consolidated financial statements represent the Company’s participation in Syndicate 1221.

 

Lloyd’s syndicates report the amounts of premiums, claims, and expenses recorded in an underwriting account for a particular year to the companies or individuals that participate in the syndicates.  The syndicates generally keep accounts open for three years.  Traditionally, three years have been necessary to report substantially all premiums associated with an underwriting year and to report most related claims, although claims may remain unsettled after the account is closed.  A Lloyd’s syndicate typically closes an underwriting account by reinsuring outstanding claims on that account with the participants for the next underwriting year.  The ceding participants pay the assuming participants an amount based on the unearned premiums and outstanding claims in the underwriting account at the date of the assumption.  Our participation in Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221 is represented by and recorded as our proportionate share of the underlying assets and liabilities and results of operations of the syndicate since, (a) we hold an undivided interest in each asset, (b) we are proportionately liable for each liability and (c) Syndicate 1221 is not a separate legal entity.  At Lloyd’s, the amount to close an underwriting year into the next year is referred to as the reinsurance to close.  The reinsurance to close amounts represent the transfer of the assets and liabilities from the participants of a closing underwriting year to the participants of the next underwriting year.  To the extent our participation in the syndicate changes as a result of this transfer, the reinsurance to close amounts vary accordingly.  The reinsurance to close transactions are recorded as additional written and earned premium, losses incurred, loss reserves and receivables, all in the same amount.  There are no gains or losses recorded on the transactions.

 

The Company provides letters of credit to Lloyd’s to support its participation in Syndicate 1221’s capacity.  If the Company increases its participation or if Lloyd’s changes the capital requirements, the Company may be required to supply additional letters of credit or other collateral acceptable to Lloyd’s, or reduce the capacity of Syndicate 1221.  The letters of credit are provided through the credit facility which the Company maintains with a consortium of banks.  The credit facility agreement requires that the banks vote by November 19th of each year whether or not to renew the letter of credit portion of the facility each year.  If the banks decide not to renew the letter of credit facility, the Company will need to find other sources to provide the letters of credit or other collateral in order to continue to participate in Syndicate 1221 for underwriting year 2004 and subsequent years.

 

Marine Premium.  In the first six months of 2003, marine premium increased 66.5% from the first six months of 2002 partially due to the increase in premium rates resulting in higher premiums on renewal and new business and due to the capacity provided to Syndicate 1221 by NCUL and Millennium increasing from 68.1% in 2002 to 97.4% in 2003.  The increased premium in 2003 included approximately $11.4 million of rate increases.

 

Engineering and Construction Premium.  The business consists of coverage for construction projects including machinery, equipment and loss of use due to delays.  The increase in the gross written premium in the first six months of 2003 compared to 2002 was due to new business and the increase in capacity provided to Syndicate 1221.

 

Onshore Energy.  The business principally focuses on the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical industries with coverages primarily for property damage and business interruption.  The increase in the gross written premium in the first six months of 2003 compared to 2002 was primarily due to new business and the increase in capacity provided to Syndicate 1221.

 

19



 

Ceded Written Premium.  In the ordinary course of business, the Company reinsures certain insurance risks with unaffiliated insurance companies for the purpose of limiting its maximum loss exposure, protecting against catastrophic losses, and maintaining desired ratios of net premiums written to statutory surplus.  The relationship of ceded to written premium varies based upon the types of business written and whether the business is written by the Insurance Companies or the Lloyd’s Operations.  There are several factors contributing to an increase in ceded premium when comparing the six months ended June 30, 2003 to the same period in 2002.  First, rate increases on our business resulted in higher premium levels, and consequently more ceded premiums.  The second is the cost of “excess of loss” reinsurance which is purchased to limit the Company’s exposure to an individual large loss. This reinsurance cost increased in the marine and general liability business.  Effective April 1, 2003, the reinsurance treaty for our general liability business was amended to incorporate ceded commission from the reinsurer and a rate increase. Third, we increased the amount of quota share reinsurance for certain product lines, based upon management’s assessment of expected loss activity.  Fourth, Navigators Pro experienced substantial premium growth, resulting in increased amounts of premium ceded to its quota share reinsurance program.  Additionally, the Company entered into quota share reinsurance agreements to reinsure 15.4% of its Syndicate 1221 capacity to third parties which provide letters of credit used as collateral at Lloyd’s.

 

Net Written Premium.  Net written premium increased 20.7% when comparing the first six months of 2003 to the same period in 2002, as a result of the increase in the gross written premium partially offset by the increased ceded premium, each of which is discussed above.

 

Net Earned Premium.  Net earned premium increased 28.2% and 45.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2002.  Net earned premium increased across all major product lines as a result of rate increases and new business generated in 2002 and 2003.

 

Commission IncomeCommission income generated by the Navigators Agencies increased to $2,725,000 for the first six months of 2003 from $2,094,000 for the same period in 2002,  and increased to $1,486,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 from $993,000 for the 2002 second quarter, primarily as the result of the increased earned premium on the marine business produced by the Navigators Agencies and an increase in the unaffiliated insurance companies’ share of the marine pool from 25% to 30%.

 

Net Investment IncomeNet investment income was substantially the same for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.  The earnings from the increase in investment assets were offset by the general decrease in interest rates.

 

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses)Pre-tax net income for the first six months of 2003 included $887,000 of net realized capital gains compared to $92,000 of net realized capital losses for the same period last year.  On an after tax basis, the net realized capital gains were $738,000 or $0.08 per share for the first six months of 2003 and the net realized capital losses were $71,000 or $0.01 per share for the same period of 2002.

 

Pre-tax net income included $669,000 and $201,000 of net realized capital gains for the second quarters of 2003 and 2002, respectively.  On an after tax basis, the net realized capital gains were $561,000 or $0.06 per share for the second quarter of 2003 compared to $124,000 or $0.01 per share for the second quarter of 2002.  Included in net realized capital gains in the second quarter of 2002 was $2,118,000 of impairment losses recorded on one of the Company’s asset backed securities.  There have been no impairment losses on securities in 2003.

 

Other Income.  Other income for the first six months and second quarter of 2003 and 2002 consisted primarily of fees related to the general liability business and foreign exchange gains and losses.

 

Operating Expenses.

 

Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred.  The amount recorded for net losses and loss adjustment expenses reflects management’s estimate of dollar amounts required to pay all claims as well as related

 

20



 

expenses to adjust and settle claims.  The estimates include payments made during the period, reserves established for future payment on known claims (“case reserves”) and reserves established for claims that are anticipated but that have not yet been reported to Navigators (“IBNR” or “incurred but not reported”).  Insurance companies typically evaluate their loss experience by calculating a “loss ratio”, which is the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to the net earned premium for the period.  Navigators loss ratio for the first six months of 2003 was 66.4%, compared to 61.9% for the first six months of 2002.  The majority of this increase was due to an increase in the loss ratio of Navigators Insurance increasing from 58.5% for the first six months of 2002 to 66.9% for the first six months of 2003.  The largest factor impacting this was an increase in incurred losses for the Navigators Insurance’s U.S. marine business in the first three months of 2003.  To a lesser extent, the increase in the loss ratio was affected by the growth in the general liability and professional liability lines of business for which we generally estimate a higher ultimate loss ratio than the marine business and a change in the general liability excess of loss program which increased the loss ratio and decreased the commission expense ratio.  Also, the Company experienced adverse development on an assumed reinsurance line of business currently in runoff and, as a result, strengthened its loss reserves on such business by $1,645,000.

 

Insurance companies and Lloyd’s syndicates are required to maintain reserves for unpaid losses and unpaid loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for all lines of business.  These reserves are intended to cover the probable ultimate cost of settling all losses incurred and unpaid, including those incurred but not reported.  The determination of reserves for losses and LAE for insurance companies such as Navigators Insurance and NIC, and Lloyd’s corporate members such as NCUL and Millennium is dependent upon the receipt of information from the pools and syndicates in which such companies participate.  Generally, there is a lag between the time premiums are written and related losses and LAE are incurred, and the time such events are reported to the pools and syndicates and, subsequently, to Navigators Insurance, NIC, NCUL and Millennium.

 

Reserves are established for the Insurance Companies and Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221 for reported claims when notice of the claim is first received.  Reserves for such reported claims are established on a case-by-case basis by evaluating several factors, including the type of risk involved, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding such claim, severity of injury or damage, the potential for ultimate exposure, experience with the insured and the broker on the line of business, and the policy provisions relating to the type of claim.  Reserves for incurred but not reported losses are determined in part on the basis of statistical information and in part on industry experience and the judgement of our senior management.

 

Loss reserves are estimates of what the insurer or reinsurer expects to pay on claims, based on facts and circumstances then known.  It is possible that the ultimate liability may exceed or be less than such estimates.  In setting its loss reserve estimates, the Company reviews statistical data covering several years, analyzes patterns by line of business and considers several factors including trends in claims frequency and severity, changes in operations, emerging economic and social trends, inflation and changes in the regulatory and litigation environment.  Based on this review, the Company makes a best estimate of its ultimate liability.  During the loss settlement period, which, in some cases, may last several years, additional facts regarding individual claims may become known and, accordingly, it often becomes necessary to refine and adjust the estimates of liability on a claim upward or downward. Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments are included in the current year’s income statement.  Even then, the ultimate liability may exceed or be less than the revised estimates.  The reserving process is intended to provide implicit recognition of the impact of inflation and other factors affecting loss payments by taking into account changes in historical payment patterns and perceived probable trends.  There is generally no precise method for the subsequent evaluation of the adequacy of the consideration given to inflation, or to any other specific factor, because the eventual deficiency or redundancy of reserves is affected by many factors, some of which are interdependent.

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s net loss reserves by segment and by line of business as of the date indicated:

 

21



 

 

 

June 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

 

 

Net Loss Reserves

 

Net Loss Reserves

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Companies:

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

77,294

 

$

73,521

 

General Liability

 

85,290

 

64,949

 

Professional Liability

 

3,512

 

1,240

 

Surety

 

35

 

7

 

Other

 

26,377

 

26,690

 

Total Insurance Companies

 

192,508

 

166,407

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd’s Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

106,286

 

97,018

 

Engineering and Construction

 

1,071

 

726

 

Onshore Energy

 

2,179

 

496

 

Total Lloyd’s Operations

 

109,536

 

98,240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Net Loss Reserves

 

$

302,044

 

$

264,647

 

 

Our loss reserves include amounts related to short tail and long tail classes of business.  Short tail business means that claims are generally reported quickly upon occurrence of an event, making estimation of loss reserves less complex.  Our longer tail business includes general liability and professional liability insurance.  For the long tail lines, significant periods of time, ranging up to several years or more, may elapse between the occurrence of the loss, the reporting of the loss and the settlement of the claim. The longer the time span between the incidence of a loss and the settlement of the claim, the more likely the ultimate settlement amount can vary.

 

General Liability and Professional Liability

 

The general liability business generates third party liability claims that are longer tail in nature.  A significant portion of Navigators’ general liability reserves relate to California construction defect claims.  Reserves and claim frequency on this business may be impacted by legislation recently implemented in California, which generally provides consumers who experienced construction defects a method other than litigation to obtain construction defect repairs.  This legislation may impact claim severity, frequency and length to settlement assumptions underlying our reserves.  Accordingly, Navigators ultimate liability may exceed or be less than current estimates due to this variable, among others.

 

For general liability, a relatively small proportion of net losses in the more recent accident years are reported claims and an even smaller proportion are paid losses. Therefore, a relatively large proportion of our general liability net losses are reserves for IBNR losses. In fact, approximately 75% of our general liability net loss reserves at June 30, 2003 were for IBNR.  As of June 30, 2003, the Company had 1,450 open claims relating to general liability business compared to 1,275 open claims as of December 31, 2002.  During the first six months of 2003, 1,022 new claims were made and 847 existing claims were settled or dismissed.  The Company’s net loss and LAE reserves for its general liability business as of June 30, 2003 was $85,290,000.

 

The professional liability class generates third party liability claims, which also are longer tail in nature.  The professional liability policies provide coverage on a “claims made” basis, whereby coverage is generally provided only for those claims that are made during the policy period.  Navigators professional liability business is relatively immature, with Navigators first writing the business in late 2001.  Accordingly, given the relative immaturity of this business, it will take some time to better understand the reserve trends on this business.  Where anticipated loss experience is less predictable because of the small number of claims and/or erratic claim severity patterns, our loss estimates are based on expected losses, actual reported losses, evaluation of loss trends, and the legal, regulatory and current risk environment.  Navigators has made a reasonable estimate of the required loss reserves for professional liability. The expected ultimate losses may be adjusted up or down as the accident years mature.

 

22



 

Virtually all of the professional liability net loss reserves at June 30, 2003 were for IBNR.  As of June 30, 2003, the Company had 43 open claims for professional liability coverage compared to 7 open claims as of December 31, 2002.  During the first six months of 2003, 41 new claims were made and 5 claims were closed.  The Company’s net loss and LAE reserves for professional liability coverage as of June 30, 2003 were $3,512,000.

 

Asbestos and Environmental Liability

 

Navigators has minimal exposure to asbestos and environmental liability, largely stemming from marine liability insurance written on an occurrence basis during the mid-1980’s.  In general, our participation on such risks is in the higher excess layers, which requires the underlying coverage to be exhausted prior to coverage being triggered in our layer.  In many instances we are one of many insurers who participate in the defense and ultimate settlement of these claims, and we are generally a minor participant in the overall insurance coverage and settlement.  Further, since most of Navigators’ policies were issued after the industry was apprised of asbestos exposures, many of the policies on which Navigators participates have exclusions that may preclude coverage.  In addition, many of these claims have been inactive for several years and may be closed in the near future.

 

Management believes that its reserves for such claims are adequate because the Company’s participation in such risks is generally in the higher excess layers and, based on a continuing review of such claims, it believes that a majority of these claims will be unlikely to penetrate such high excess layers of coverage; however, due to significant assumptions inherent in estimating these exposures, actual liabilities could differ from current estimates.

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s net loss reserves and claim counts for its environmental and asbestos exposure, which it believes is subject to uncertainties greater than those presented by other types of claims:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Losses & LAE
incurred for
the six months
ended
June 30, 2003

 

Net Paid
Losses & LAE
for the six
months ended
June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Net Loss & LAE
Reserves

 

(Dollars in thousands)
Type of Business

 

June 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental

 

$

721

 

$

1,072

 

$

160

 

$

511

 

Asbestos

 

475

 

441

 

99

 

65

 

Total

 

$

1,196

 

$

1,513

 

$

259

 

$

576

 

 

Type of Business

 

Claim Count
January 1, 2003

 

New Claims
During Period

 

Claims Settled
or Resolved
During Period

 

Claim Count
June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental

 

202

 

10

 

128

 

84

 

Asbestos

 

275

 

18

 

209

 

84

 

Total

 

477

 

28

 

337

 

168

 

 

Approximately 310 files were closed following a review by in-house counsel, which resulted in management concluding that there is no reasonable prospect of exposure to the Company on such matters.  No other material trends or developments were noted in the above net loss reserve and claim count tables.

 

Commission Expense.  Commission expense as a percentage of net earned premium was 14.8% and 19.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  The commission expense was 13.6% and 20.3% for the second quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively.  The commission expense tends to fluctuate with

 

23



 

changes in the mix of business.  The decrease during the first six months of 2003 was primarily the result of reinsurance ceding commissions from a change in the general liability reinsurance program and from the professional liability and Lloyd’s marine operations.

 

Other Operating Expenses.  Other operating expenses increased to $23,824,000 for the first six months ended June 30, 2003 from $18,870,000 during the corresponding period of 2002, primarily due to the increase in employee related expenses resulting from expansion of the business.  The percentage of other operating expenses to net earned premium decreased to 18.1% for the first six months of 2003 from 20.8% for the corresponding 2002 period due to the expenses being spread over a larger premium base.  Other operating expenses increased to $12,237,000 from $8,983,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  The increase also resulted primarily from employee related expenses resulting from expansion of the business.

 

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased to $184,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 from $305,000 for the corresponding period of 2002, and decreased to $87,000 from $145,000 when comparing the second quarters of 2003 and 2002.  These declines were due to a smaller loan balance and lower interest rates on the loan.

 

Income Taxes.  The effective tax rate was 21.5% and 23.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and 20.5% versus 25.4% for the second quarters of 2003 and 2002, respectively..  The rates differed from the Federal statutory income tax rate primarily due to the change in the valuation allowance to the extent of income or loss generated in certain of its foreign operations, and also to tax-exempt interest income.

 

The Company’s valuation allowance relating to its foreign operations decreased by $1,484,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 relating to the reduction in the loss carryforward at the Company’s foreign operations resulting from income generated by these operations in the first six months of 2003.  At June 30, 2003 and 2002, the Company had loss carryforwards remaining at its foreign operations amounting to potential future tax benefits of $3,046,000 and $5,113,000, respectively, along with a valuation allowance equal to these benefits.  Even though the foreign operations were profitable in the first six months of 2003, the valuation allowance was released only to the extent of the 2003 profits since future profitability remains uncertain.  The Company needs to generate $10,152,000 of future foreign pretax income in order to fully utilize the foreign loss carryforward which can be carried forward indefinitely.

 

The Company also had net state and local loss carryforwards amounting to potential future tax benefits of $2,220,000 and $1,899,000 at June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, along with a valuation allowance equal to these benefits.  The Company needs to generate $12,368,000 of future state and local pretax income in order to fully utilize the loss carryforwards which expire from 2019 to 2023.

 

The Company had alternative minimum tax carryforwards of $0 and $2,304,000 at June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Net Income.  The Company had net income of $11,108,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to $7,224,000 for the same period last year.  On a diluted per share basis, this represented net income per share of $1.27 and $0.84 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  Net income for the second quarter of 2003 was $6,274,000, or $0.72 per share, compared to net income in the second quarter of 2002 of $3,774,000, or $0.43 per share.

 

Investments

 

The investments of the Insurance Companies must comply with the insurance laws of New York State, the domiciliary state of Navigators Insurance and NIC.  These laws prescribe the type, quality and concentration of investments which may be made by insurance companies.  In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds,

 

24



 

preferred stocks, common stocks, real estate mortgages and real estate.  The Insurance Companies’ investment guidelines prohibit investments in derivatives other than as a hedge against a foreign currency.

 

The Insurance Companies’ investments are subject to the direction and control of its Board of Directors and are reviewed on a quarterly basis.  The investments are managed by outside professional fixed income and equity portfolio managers.  Current investment objectives are to maximize annual after tax income in the context of preserving and enhancing capital and statutory surplus.  The Insurance Companies seek to attain these objectives by investing in municipal bonds, U.S. Government obligations, corporate bonds and mortgage and asset backed securities and common stocks.  The Insurance Companies’ investment guidelines require that at least 90% of the fixed income portfolio be rated “A-” or better by a nationally recognized rating organization.  Up to 25% of the total portfolio may be invested in equity securities that are actively traded on major U.S. stock exchanges.

 

The Lloyd’s Operations investments are subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors and Investment Committee of NUAL and represent the Company’s share of the investments held by Syndicate 1221.  The investments must comply with the rules and regulations imposed by Lloyd’s of London and by certain overseas regulators.  The investments are managed by outside professional fixed income managers.  The performance of the investment managers is reviewed quarterly.  Current investment objectives are to maximize pre-tax income in the context of preserving and enhancing capital.  The investment managers for Syndicate 1221 seek to attain these objectives by investing in Government obligations, corporate bonds and mortgage and asset backed securities.

 

The majority of the investment income of the Navigators Agencies is derived from fiduciary funds invested in accordance with the guidelines of various state insurance departments.  These guidelines typically require investments in short-term instruments.  This investment income is paid to the pool members, including Navigators Insurance.

 

Fixed maturity securities include bonds and mortgage and asset backed securities. All fixed maturity and equity securities are carried at fair value.  The fair value is based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes provided by independent pricing services.

 

At June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, all fixed maturity and equity securities held by the Company were classified as available-for-sale.

 

The following table presents the amortized cost or cost, as applicable, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for all fixed maturity and equity securities:

 

June 30, 2003

 

Amortized
Cost or Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government Treasury Bonds and GNMAs

 

$

195,785

 

$

7,489

 

$

(147

)

$

203,127

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

59,061

 

3,326

 

(43

)

62,344

 

Mortgage and asset backed (excluding GNMAs)

 

69,663

 

2,765

 

(25

)

72,403

 

Corporate bonds

 

94,980

 

6,138

 

(79

)

101,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

 

$

419,489

 

$

19,718

 

$

(294

)

$

438,913

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities - common stocks

 

$

11,969

 

$

960

 

$

(379

)

$

12,550

 

 

25



 

December 31, 2002

 

Gross
Amortized
Cost or Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Unrealized
(Losses)

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government Treasury Bonds and GNMAs

 

$

159,729

 

$

7,113

 

$

 

$

166,842

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

47,709

 

2,463

 

(45

)

50,127

 

Mortgage and asset backed (excluding GNMAs)

 

63,830

 

1,664

 

(7

)

65,487

 

Corporate bonds

 

80,553

 

4,017

 

(350

)

84,220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

 

$

351,821

 

$

15,257

 

$

(402

)

$

366,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities - common stocks

 

$

12,286

 

$

245

 

$

(857

)

$

11,674

 

 

The Company regularly reviews its fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments.  In general, we focus our attention on those securities whose market value was less than 80% of their amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, for six or more consecutive months.  Other factors considered in evaluating potential impairment include the current fair value as compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value, specific credit issues related to the issuer and current economic conditions.

 

When a security in the Company’s investment portfolio has an unrealized loss that is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the Company writes the security down to fair value through a charge to operations.  Significant changes in the factors the Company considers when evaluating investments for impairment losses could result in a significant change in impairment losses reported in the consolidated financial statements.

 

The following table shows the Company’s impairment losses recorded in its fixed maturity and equity portfolios for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Total
Write-downs

 

Write-downs
On Securities
Sold During
Period

 

Write-downs
On Securities
Held at
Period End

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

Total Portfolio

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

2,118

 

$

 

$

2,118

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

Total Portfolio

 

$

2,118

 

$

 

$

2,118

 

 

26



 

 

 

Total
Write-downs

 

Write-downs
On Securities
Sold During
Period

 

Write-downs
On Securities
Held at
Period End

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

Total Portfolio

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

2,118

 

$

 

$

2,118

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

Total Portfolio

 

$

2,118

 

$

 

$

2,118

 

 

As of June 30, 2003, the Company’s total portfolio had $20.7 million in gross unrealized gains and $0.7 million in gross unrealized losses, compared to $15.5 million in gross unrealized gains and $1.3 million in gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2002.

 

The following table summarizes all securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 showing the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by the length of time those securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:

 

 

 

June 30, 2003

 

December 31, 2002

 

 

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized Loss

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized Loss

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Fixed Maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government Treasury Bonds and GNMAs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

$

16,118

 

$

147

 

$

 

$

 

7-12 Months

 

 

 

 

 

> 12 Months

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal

 

16,118

 

147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

1,800

 

27

 

1,144

 

16

 

7-12 Months

 

 

 

 

 

> 12 Months

 

407

 

16

 

894

 

29

 

Subtotal

 

2,207

 

43

 

2,038

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage and asset backed (excluding GNMAs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

1,381

 

18

 

221

 

1

 

7-12 Months

 

59

 

1

 

 

 

> 12 Months

 

177

 

6

 

218

 

6

 

Subtotal

 

1,617

 

25

 

439

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

6,882

 

43

 

2,037

 

72

 

7-12 Months

 

1,075

 

36

 

515

 

7

 

> 12 Months

 

 

 

1,841

 

271

 

Subtotal

 

7,957

 

79

 

4,393

 

350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Fixed Maturities

 

$

27,899

 

$

294

 

$

6,870

 

$

402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities — common stocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

$

820

 

$

68

 

$

3,378

 

$

254

 

7-12 Months

 

1,817

 

72

 

2,736

 

446

 

> 12 Months

 

1,333

 

239

 

987

 

157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Equity Securities

 

$

3,970

 

$

379

 

$

7,101

 

$

857

 

 

27



 

The above unrealized losses have been determined to be temporary and resulted from changes in market conditions.  We will continue to analyze the unrealized losses quarterly to determine if any of them are other-than-temporary.

 

The following table shows the composition by National Association of Insurance Commissions (“NAIC”) rating and the generally equivalent S&P and Moody’s ratings of the fixed maturity securities in the Company’s portfolio with gross unrealized losses at June 30, 2003.  Not all of the securities are rated by S&P and/or Moody’s.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

NAIC
Rating

 

Equivalent
S&P
Rating

 

Equivalent
Moody’s
Rating

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

Percent
to Total

 

Fair
Value

 

Percent
to Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

AAA/AA/A

 

Aaa/Aa/A

 

$

(280

)

95

%

$

25,741

 

92

%

2

 

BBB

 

Baa

 

(14

)

5

 

2,158

 

8

 

3

 

BB

 

Ba

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

B

 

B

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

CCC or lower

 

Caa or lower

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(294

)

100

%

$

27,899

 

100

%

 

At June 30, 2003, the gross unrealized losses in the table directly above are on fixed maturity securities that are rated investment grade, which is defined by the Company as a security having a National Association of Insurance Commissioners rating of 1 or 2, a S&P rating of BBB- or higher, or a Moody’s rating of Baa3 or higher.  Unrealized losses on investment grade securities principally relate to changes in interest rates or changes in sector-related credit spreads since the securities were acquired.  Any such unrealized losses are recognized in income, if the securities are sold, or if the decline in fair value is deemed other-than-temporary.

 

The scheduled maturity dates for fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2003 are shown below.

 

28



 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

Percent
To Total

 

Fair
Value

 

Percent
to Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

 

%

$

 

%

Due after one year through five years

 

(28

)

10

 

4,121

 

15

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

(53

)

18

 

5,127

 

18

 

Due after ten years

 

(189

)

64

 

17,034

 

61

 

Mortgage and asset backed securities(1)

 

(24

)

8

 

1,617

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed income securities

 

$

(294

)

100

%

$

27,899

 

100

%

 


(1) Due to the periodic repayment of principal, the mortgage and asset backed securities are estimated to have an effective maturity of approximately six years.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

The Company’s realized capital gains and losses were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

$

824

 

$

3,252

 

$

1,313

 

$

3,472

 

(Losses)

 

(154

)

(3,610

)

(175

)

(4,064

)

 

 

670

 

(358

)

1,138

 

(592

)

Equity securities and other investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

1

 

663

 

3

 

663

 

(Losses)

 

(2

(104

)

(254

)

(163

)

 

 

(1

)

559

 

(251

)

500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

$

669

 

$

201

 

$

887

 

$

(92

)

 

The following table details the larger realized losses from sales and impairments during the first six months of 2003 and the related circumstances giving rise to the loss:

 

Description

 

Date of
Sale

 

Proceeds
from Sale

 

Loss on
Sale

 

Impairment

 

Holdings at
June 30, 2003

 

Net
Unrealized
Loss

 

# of Months
Unrealized Loss
Exceeded 20
of Cost or
Amortized Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

2/13/03

 

$

425

 

$

(252

)

 

 

 

6

 

 


(1) Major utility company which had a deteriorating balance sheet, underperforming overseas operations and a reduction in its dividend.

 

29



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash flow provided by operations was $65,550,000 and $47,788,000 for the first six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, primarily due to increases in net written premium.  Operating cash flow was used primarily to acquire additional investment assets and to reduce debt.

 

The Company has a credit facility provided through a consortium of banks.  The credit facility provides for an $11.0 million revolving line of credit facility, which will reduce by an additional $2.0 million in 2003, and $9.0 million in 2004 until it terminates on November 19, 2004, and a $55.0 million letter of credit facility.  At June 30, 2003 $11,000,000 in loans were outstanding under the revolving line of credit facility at an interest rate of 2.4%.  The letter of credit facility is utilized primarily by NCUL and Millennium for its participation in Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221.  The credit facility agreement requires that the banks vote by November 19th of each year whether or not to renew the letter of credit portion of the facility.  If the banks decide not to renew the letter of credit portion of the facility, the Company will need to find other sources to provide the letters of credit or other collateral in order to continue its participation in Syndicate 1221.  At June 30, 2003, letters of credit with an aggregate face amount of $54,783,000 were issued under the letter of credit facility.

 

The bank credit facility is collateralized by the common stock of Navigators Insurance.  It contains covenants common to transactions of this type, including restrictions on indebtedness and liens, limitations on mergers and the sale of assets, maintaining certain consolidated tangible net worth, statutory surplus, and other financial ratios.  At June 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

 

At June 30, 2003, the Company’s consolidated stockholders’ equity was $187,131,000 compared to $171,275,000 at December 31, 2002.  The increase was primarily due to the net income for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and the increase in the unrealized gains in the investment portfolio.

 

The Company relies upon dividends from its subsidiaries to meet its holding company obligations. The dividends have historically come primarily from Navigators Insurance. At December 31, 2002, the maximum amount available for the payment of dividends by Navigators Insurance during 2003 without prior regulatory approval was $12,854,000. During the first six months of 2003, Navigators Insurance paid dividends of $6,000,000 to the Company.

 

Item 3Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes in the information concerning market risk as stated in the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 4Controls and Procedures

 

(a)          The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report.  Based on that evaluation, such officers have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of such period.

(b)         There have been no changes during the period covered by this Quarterly Report in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1.                                   Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is not a party to or the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings which depart from the ordinary routine litigation incident to the kinds of business conducted by the Company, except for a suit concerning the draw down of letters of credit.  In 1997 and 1998, Navigators Insurance entered into certain reinsurance contracts with a reinsurer.  In accordance with normal business practice, Navigators Insurance had secured this exposure with letters of credit.  In April 1999, in good faith and consistent with the terms of the letters of credit, Navigators Insurance drew down $3.2 million of the letters of credit.  The liquidator of the reinsurer has commenced suit in Australia

 

30



 

seeking to void the draw downs.  Although the Company believes it has strong defenses against these claims and that the liquidators’ assertions run counter to prevailing Australian and U.S. law, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of this litigation.  The Company is vigorously defending its position.

 

Item 2.                                   Changes in Securities

 

None.

 

Item 3.                                   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.                                   Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

 

On May 29, 2003, the Company’s stockholders voted for the following matters at the annual stockholders’ meeting:

 

a)              The election of eight (8) directors to serve until the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.  The results of the voting were as follows:

 

Name

 

For

 

Withheld

Peter A. Cheney

 

7,950,713

 

49,874

Terence N. Deeks

 

7,951,013

 

49,574

Robert W. Eager, Jr.

 

7,951,013

 

49,574

Stanley A. Galanski

 

7,950,613

 

49,974

Leandro S. Galban, Jr.

 

7,951,013

 

49,574

Marc M. Tract

 

7,738,816

 

261,771

George T. Van Gilder

 

7,950,913

 

49,674

Robert W. Wright

 

7,774,240

 

226,347

 

b)             The adoption of the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan which was approved with 7,934,093 votes for, 45,094 votes against and 21,400 abstaining.

 

c)              Approval of the Company’s Executive Performance Incentive Plan with 7,908,377 votes for, 41,415 against and 50,795 abstaining.

 

d)             The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the company’s independent auditors which was ratified with 7,995,937 votes for, 1,900 against and 2,750 votes abstaining.

 

Item 5.                                   Other Information

 

None.

 

31



 

Item 6.                                   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a)

 

Exhibits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

The Navigators Group, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (previously filed as

 

 

 

 

Appendix B to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for 2003 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).

 

 

10.2

 

The Navigators Group, Inc. Executive Performance Incentive Plan (previously filed as Appendix C to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for 2003 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of CEO Per Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of CFO Per Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of CEO Per Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

 

 

 

(This exhibit is intended to be furnished in accordance with regulation S-K item 601(b)(32)(ii) and shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference).

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of CFO Per Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

 

 

 

(This exhibit is intended to be furnished in accordance with regulation S-K item 601(b)(32)(ii) and shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference).

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

Reports on Form 8-K:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On May 16, 2003, the Company filed a Form 8-K relating to its press release announcing its first quarter 2003 earnings.

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

 

 

The Navigators Group, Inc.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

Date:  August 14, 2003

/s / Bradley D. Wiley

 

Bradley D. Wiley

 

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial

 

 

Officer and Secretary

 

 

32



 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit

10.1

 

The Navigators Group, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase (previously filed as Appendix B to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for 2003 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).

10.2

 

The Navigators Group, Inc. Executive Performance Incentive Plan (previously filed as Appendix C to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and incorporated herein by reference thereto).

31.1

 

Certification of CEO per Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

31.2

 

Certification of CFO per Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

32.1

 

Certification of CEO per Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

 

(This exhibit is intended to be furnished in accordance with regulation S-K item 601(b)(32)(ii) and shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended , or incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference).

32.2

 

Certification of CFO per Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

 

(This exhibit is intended to be furnished in accordance with regulation S-K item 601(b)(32)(ii) and shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference).

 

33