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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, 2004

 

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

 

The number of common shares outstanding as of July 30, 2004 was 12,595,624.

 

 



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

Part I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.  Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.  Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security’ Holders

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.  Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

 

 

 

 

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,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Investments and cash:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2004, $647,648; 2003, $577,904)

 

$

646,979

 

$

588,545

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2004, $18,271; 2003, $11,977)

 

19,626

 

13,446

 

Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value

 

91,223

 

83,202

 

Cash

 

13,526

 

8,399

 

Total investments and cash

 

771,354

 

693,592

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums in course of collection

 

156,463

 

128,676

 

Commissions receivable

 

2,396

 

3,970

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

138,727

 

102,141

 

Reinsurance receivable on paid losses

 

23,215

 

26,270

 

Reinsurance receivable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense

 

424,787

 

350,441

 

Federal income tax recoverable

 

373

 

8,747

 

Net deferred income tax benefit

 

20,020

 

15,195

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

32,253

 

24,720

 

Accrued investment income

 

6,590

 

5,546

 

Goodwill

 

5,133

 

5,093

 

Other assets

 

11,809

 

15,067

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,593,120

 

$

1,379,458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

844,443

 

$

724,612

 

Unearned premium

 

296,403

 

238,803

 

Reinsurance balances payable

 

130,655

 

97,583

 

Payable for securities purchased

 

3,108

 

12,857

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

16,155

 

15,575

 

Total liabilities

 

1,290,764

 

1,089,430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Common stock, $.10 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 12,595,624 for 2004 and 12,535,360 for 2003

 

1,260

 

1,254

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

153,320

 

151,765

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

1,354

 

8,537

 

Retained earnings

 

146,422

 

128,472

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

302,356

 

290,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

1,593,120

 

$

1,379,458

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

($ and shares in thousands, except net income per share)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premium

 

$

161,626

 

$

141,192

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Net written premium

 

73,689

 

61,631

 

Decrease in unearned premium

 

1,625

 

3,633

 

Net earned premium

 

75,314

 

65,264

 

Commission income

 

1,361

 

1,486

 

Net investment income

 

6,625

 

4,552

 

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

(105

)

669

 

Other income

 

266

 

415

 

Total revenues

 

83,461

 

72,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred

 

45,392

 

43,291

 

Commission expense

 

10,040

 

8,876

 

Other operating expenses

 

14,620

 

12,417

 

Interest expense

 

 

87

 

Total operating expenses

 

70,052

 

64,671

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

13,409

 

7,715

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

4,951

 

3,437

 

Deferred

 

(579

)

(1,879

)

Total income tax expense

 

4,372

 

1,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,037

 

$

6,157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.72

 

Diluted

 

$

0.71

 

$

0.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

12,587

 

8,516

 

Diluted

 

12,647

 

8,650

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

($ and shares in thousands, except net income per share)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premium

 

$

357,577

 

$

315,894

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Net written premium

 

169,624

 

152,664

 

(Increase) in unearned premium

 

(20,135

)

(21,086

)

Net earned premium

 

149,489

 

131,578

 

Commission income

 

2,488

 

2,725

 

Net investment income

 

12,527

 

9,213

 

Net realized capital gains

 

317

 

887

 

Other income

 

394

 

588

 

Total revenues

 

165,215

 

144,991

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred

 

89,144

 

87,331

 

Commission expense

 

21,068

 

19,503

 

Other operating expenses

 

28,052

 

24,195

 

Interest expense

 

 

184

 

Total operating expenses

 

138,264

 

131,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

26,951

 

13,778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

9,958

 

4,571

 

Deferred

 

(957

)

(1,660

)

Total income tax expense

 

9,001

 

2,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

17,950

 

$

10,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.43

 

$

1.28

 

Diluted

 

$

1.42

 

$

1.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

12,570

 

8,505

 

Diluted

 

12,671

 

8,633

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning and end of period

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

1,254

 

$

851

 

Shares issued under stock plans

 

6

 

1

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

1,260

 

$

852

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

151,765

 

$

40,141

 

Effect of SFAS 123 for stock options

 

478

 

401

 

Shares issued under stock plans

 

1,077

 

446

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

153,320

 

$

40,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock held at cost

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

 

$

(236

)

Shares issued for vested stock grants

 

 

236

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

7,871

 

$

9,499

 

Change in period

 

(7,424

)

3,741

 

Balance at end of period

 

447

 

13,240

 

Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

666

 

233

 

Net adjustment for period

 

241

 

294

 

Balance at end of period

 

907

 

527

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

1,354

 

$

13,767

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

128,472

 

$

120,787

 

Net income

 

17,950

 

10,867

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

146,422

 

$

131,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity at end of period

 

$

302,356

 

$

187,261

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,037

 

$

6,157

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(6,566), and $2,042 in 2004, and 2003, respectively (1)

 

(12,194

)

3,696

 

Change in foreign currency translation gains, net of tax expense of $12, and $199 in 2004, and 2003 respectively

 

22

 

368

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(12,172

)

4,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(3,135

)

$

10,221

 

 


(1)

 

Disclosure of reclassification amount, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period

 

$

(12,361

)

$

4,257

 

 

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for net
gains (losses) included in net income

 

(167

)

561

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

 

$

(12,194

)

$

3,696

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

7



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

17,950

 

$

10,867

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(3,998), and $2,073 in 2004, and 2003, respectively(1)

 

(7,425

)

3,741

 

Change in foreign currency translation gains, net of tax expense of $130, and $158 in 2004, and 2003 respectively

 

241

 

294

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(7,184

)

4,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

10,766

 

$

14,902

 

 


(1)

 

Disclosure of reclassification amount, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period

 

$

(7,242

)

$

4,479

 

 

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income

 

183

 

738

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

 

$

(7,425

)

$

3,741

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

8



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

17,950

 

$

10,867

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation & amortization

 

561

 

656

 

Net deferred income tax

 

(957

)

(1,660

)

Net realized capital (gains)

 

(317

)

(887

)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance receivable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

(71,291

)

(11,697

)

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

119,831

 

53,748

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

(36,586

)

(43,146

)

Unearned premium

 

57,600

 

63,490

 

Premiums in course of collection

 

(27,787

)

(38,037

)

Commissions receivable

 

1,574

 

166

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(7,533

)

(2,402

)

Accrued investment income

 

(1,044

)

(1,301

)

Reinsurance balances payable

 

33,072

 

35,849

 

Federal income tax

 

8,374

 

915

 

Other

 

(287

)

(1,011

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

93,160

 

65,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

Redemptions and maturities

 

88,242

 

2,316

 

Sales

 

136,955

 

116,323

 

Purchases

 

(295,894

)

(185,809

)

Equity securities, available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

2,292

 

476

 

Purchases

 

(8,169

)

(423

)

Change in payable for securities

 

(9,749

)

(709

)

Net change in short-term investments

 

(1,552

)

(1,865

)

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(965

)

(872

)

Net cash (used in) investing activities

 

(88,840

)

(70,563

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of bank loan

 

 

(3,500

)

Proceeds from Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

434

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

373

 

20

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

807

 

(3,480

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

5,127

 

(8,493

)

Cash at beginning of year

 

8,399

 

13,443

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

13,526

 

$

4,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Federal, state and local income tax paid

 

1,577

 

3,709

 

Interest paid

 

 

184

 

Issuance of stock to directors

 

60

 

72

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

9



 

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 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 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

Note 2.  Reinsurance Ceded

 

The Company’s ceded earned premiums were $79,328,000 and $62,015,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and were $152,707,000 and $109,115,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  The Company’s ceded incurred losses were $59,370,000 and $35,968,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and were $124,188,000 and $63,505,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Note 3.  Segment Information

 

The Company’s subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the writing and management of property and casualty insurance.  The Company’s segments include the Insurance Companies, the Lloyd’s operations and the Navigators Agencies, each of which is managed separately.  The Insurance Companies consist of Navigators Insurance Company and NIC Insurance Company and currently are primarily engaged in underwriting marine insurance and related lines of business, contractors’ general liability insurance, and professional liability insurance.  The Lloyd’s operations underwrite marine and related lines of business at Lloyd’s of London.    The Navigators Agencies are underwriting management companies which produce, manage and underwrite insurance and reinsurance for both affiliated and unaffiliated companies.  All segments are evaluated based on their GAAP results.

 

The Insurance Companies and the Lloyd’s operations are measured taking into account net premiums earned, incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), commission expense and other underwriting expenses.  The Navigators Agencies’ results include commission income less other operating expenses.  Parent and other operations include inter-segment income and expense in the form of affiliated commissions, income and expense from corporate operations and consolidating adjustments.  Each segment also maintains their own investments, on which they earn income and realize capital gains or losses.

 

10



 

Financial data by segment for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 was as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

Insurance
Companies

 

Lloyd’s
Operations

 

Navigators
Agencies

 

Parent &
Other
Operations (1)

 

Total

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premium

 

$

107,608

 

$

54,308

 

$

 

$

(290

)

$

161,626

 

Net written premium

 

46,565

 

27,124

 

 

 

73,689

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premium

 

51,782

 

23,532

 

 

 

75,314

 

Commission income

 

 

501

 

8,155

 

(7,295

)

1,361

 

Net investment income

 

5,829

 

791

 

 

5

 

6,625

 

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

176

 

(281

)

 

 

(105

)

Other income

 

74

 

5

 

187

 

 

266

 

Total revenues

 

57,861

 

24,548

 

8,342

 

(7,290

)

83,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and LAE

 

32,558

 

12,834

 

 

 

45,392

 

Commission expense

 

13,242

 

4,093

 

 

(7,295

)

10,040

 

Other operating expenses

 

989

 

3,193

 

9,093

 

1,345

 

14,620

 

Total operating expenses

 

46,789

 

20,120

 

9,093

 

(5,950

)

70,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

11,072

 

4,428

 

(751

)

(1,340

)

13,409

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

3,543

 

1,550

 

(252

)

(469

)

4,372

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

7,529

 

$

2,878

 

$

(499

)

$

(871

)

$

9,037

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets (2)

 

$

1,158,875

 

$

463,300

 

$

14,682

 

$

32,160

 

$

1,593,120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE ratio

 

62.9

%

54.5

%

 

 

 

 

60.2

%

Commission expense ratio

 

25.6

%

17.4

%

 

 

 

 

23.0

%

Other operating expense ratio

 

1.9

%

13.6

%

 

 

 

 

5.6

%

Combined ratio

 

90.4

%

85.5

%

 

 

 

 

88.8

%

 


(1)           Includes inter-segment eliminations.

(2)           Does not cross-foot due to inter-segment eliminations

 

11



 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Insurance
Companies

 

Lloyd’s
Operations

 

Navigators
Agencies

 

Parent &
Other
Operations (1)

 

Consolidated
Total

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premium

 

$

101,345

 

$

46,391

 

 

$

(6,544

)

$

141,192

 

Net written premium

 

43,804

 

17,827

 

 

 

 

 

61,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premium

 

46,608

 

18,656

 

 

 

65,264

 

Commission income

 

 

216

 

8,287

 

(7,017

)

1,486

 

Net investment income

 

4,094

 

444

 

14

 

 

4,552

 

Net realized capital gains

 

307

 

362

 

 

 

669

 

Other income (expense)

 

65

 

199

 

276

 

(125

)

415

 

Total revenues

 

51,074

 

19,877

 

8,577

 

(7,142

)

72,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and LAE

 

30,870

 

12,421

 

 

 

43,291

 

Commission expense

 

12,592

 

3,301

 

 

(7,017

)

8,876

 

Other operating expenses

 

1,357

 

1,892

 

7,562

 

1,606

 

12,417

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

87

 

87

 

Total operating expenses

 

44,819

 

17,614

 

7,562

 

(5,324

)

64,671

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

6,255

 

2,263

 

1,015

 

(1,818

)

7,715

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

1,969

 

 

226

 

(637

)

1,558

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

4,286

 

$

2,263

 

$

789

 

$

(1,181

)

$

6,157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets (2)

 

$

774,851

 

$

318,851

 

$

14,967

 

$

27,584

 

$

1,081,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE ratio

 

66.2

%

66.6

%

 

 

 

 

66.3

%

Commission expense ratio

 

27.1

%

17.7

%

 

 

 

 

24.4

%

Other operating expense ratio

 

2.9

%

10.1

%

 

 

 

 

5.0

%

Combined ratio

 

96.2

%

94.4

%

 

 

 

 

95.7

%

 

12



 

Financial data by segment for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 was as follows:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

Insurance
Companies

 

Lloyd’s
Operations

 

Navigators
Agencies

 

Parent &
Other
Operations (1)

 

Total

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premium

 

$

219,437

 

$

141,466

 

$

 

$

(3,326

)

$

357,577

 

Net written premium

 

100,710

 

68,914

 

 

 

169,624

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premium

 

104,964

 

44,525

 

 

 

149,489

 

Commission income

 

 

563

 

16,087

 

(14,162

)

2,488

 

Net investment income

 

11,313

 

1,195

 

3

 

16

 

12,527

 

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

381

 

(64

)

 

 

317

 

Other income

 

13

 

9

 

372

 

 

394

 

Total revenues

 

116,671

 

46,228

 

16,462

 

(14,146

)

165,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and LAE

 

65,268

 

23,876

 

 

 

89,144

 

Commission expense

 

27,387

 

7,843

 

 

(14,162

)

21,068

 

Other operating expenses

 

2,187

 

6,229

 

17,698

 

1,938

 

28,052

 

Total operating expenses

 

94,842

 

37,948

 

17,698

 

(12,224

)

138,264

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

21,829

 

8,280

 

(1,236

)

(1,922

)

26,951

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

7,021

 

2,898

 

(392

)

(526

)

9,001

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

14,808

 

$

5,382

 

$

(844

)

$

(1,396

)

$

17,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets (2)

 

$

1,158,875

 

$

463,300

 

$

14,682

 

$

32,160

 

$

1,593,120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE ratio

 

62.2

%

53.6

%

 

 

 

 

59.6

%

Commission expense ratio

 

26.1

%

17.6

%

 

 

 

 

23.6

%

Other operating expense ratio

 

2.1

%

14.0

%

 

 

 

 

5.6

%

Combined ratio

 

90.4

%

85.2

%

 

 

 

 

88.8

%

 

13



 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Insurance
Companies

 

Lloyd’s
Operations

 

Navigators
Agencies

 

Parent &
Other
Operations(1)

 

Consolidated
Total

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premium

 

$

211,227

 

$

122,475

 

$

 

$

(17,808

)

$

315,894

 

Net written premium

 

105,458

 

47,206

 

 

 

152,664

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premium

 

97,008

 

34,570

 

 

 

131,578

 

Commission income

 

 

344

 

15,723

 

(13,342

)

2,725

 

Net investment income

 

8,199

 

991

 

22

 

1

 

9,213

 

Net realized capital gains

 

426

 

461

 

 

 

887

 

Other income (expense)

 

86

 

214

 

538

 

(250

)

588

 

Total revenues

 

105,719

 

36,580

 

16,283

 

(13,591

)

144,991

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and LAE

 

64,870

 

22,461

 

 

 

87,331

 

Commission expense

 

26,741

 

6,104

 

 

(13,342

)

19,503

 

Other operating expenses

 

2,503

 

3,846

 

15,203

 

2,643

 

24,195

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

184

 

184

 

Total operating expenses

 

94,114

 

32,411

 

15,203

 

(10,515

)

131,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

11,605

 

4,169

 

1,080

 

(3,076

)

13,778

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

3,635

 

 

353

 

(1,077

)

2,911

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

7,970

 

$

4,169

 

$

727

 

$

(1,999

)

$

10,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets (2)

 

$

774,851

 

$

318,851

 

$

14,967

 

$

27,584

 

$

1,081,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE ratio

 

66.9

%

65.0

%

 

 

 

 

66.4

%

Commission expense ratio

 

27.6

%

17.7

%

 

 

 

 

25.0

%

Other operating expense ratio

 

2.5

%

11.1

%

 

 

 

 

4.8

%

Combined ratio

 

97.0

%

93.8

%

 

 

 

 

96.2

%

 


(1) Includes inter-segment eliminations.

(2) Does not cross-foot due to inter-segment eliminations.

 

The Insurance Companies’ net earned premium includes $8,612,000 and $8,244,000 of net earned premium from the UK Branch for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $16,174,000 and $16,000,000 of net earned premium for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Note 4.  Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income encompasses net income, net unrealized capital gains and losses on available for sale securities, and foreign currency translation adjustments.  Please refer to the ‘Consolidated Statements of

 

14



 

Stockholders’ Equity’ and the ‘Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income’, included herein, for the components of accumulated other comprehensive income and of comprehensive income, respectively.

 

Note 5.  Stock-Based Compensation

 

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“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.

 

SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based compensation plans.  In the fourth quarter of 2003, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123.  Under the modified prospective method of adoption selected by the Company under the provisions of SFAS 148, compensation cost recognized in 2003 and subsequent is the same as that which would have been recognized had the recognition provisions of SFAS 123 been applied from its original effective date.  Results for 2003 have been adjusted herein.  Prior to 2003, the Company accounted for its stock compensation plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”), and related interpretations, with certain pro forma disclosures as required by SFAS 123.  APB 25 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.

 

Stock based compensation is expensed as the awards vest.  The amount charged to expense for stock grants was $286,000 and $210,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively and $647,000 and $486,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  The amount charged to expense for stock options was $278,000 and $195,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $478,000, and $401,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  Stock appreciation rights resulted in expense of $69,000 and $851,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and income of $259,000 and expense of $1,200,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, all of which were included in other operating expenses for the periods indicated.

 

In addition, $30,000 and $18,000 were expensed for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $60,000 and $36,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, for stock issued annually to non-employee directors as part of the directors’ compensation for serving on the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Note 6.  Application of New Accounting Standards

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.  Interpretation 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 December 2003, the FASB revised Interpretation 46 primarily to clarify certain requirements, ease some implementation problems and add new scope exceptions.  The result of the revisions tend to make it more likely that potential variable interest entities will be identified and consolidated.  The adoption of the revision to Interpretation 46 did not have any effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

Note 7.  Lloyd’s Syndicate

 

We record our pro rata share of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221’s 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

 

15



 

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 syndicates.  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 in the fourth quarter as additional written and earned premium, losses incurred, loss reserves and receivables, all in the same amount.  No gains or losses are recorded on the reinsurance to close transactions.

 

Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221 has stamp capacity of £150.0 million ($273.8 million) in 2004 compared to £125.0 million ($203.5 million) in 2003.  Stamp capacity is a measure of the amount of premium a Lloyd’s syndicate is authorized to write as determined by the Council of Lloyd’s.  Syndicate 1221’s capacity is expressed net of commission (as is standard at Lloyd’s) of approximately 21%.  The Syndicate 1221 premium recorded in the Company’s financial statements is gross of commission.  The Company participates for 97.4% of Syndicate 1221’s capacity for both the 2004 and 2003 underwriting years.  The Lloyd’s operations included in the consolidated financial statements represent the Company’s participation in Syndicate 1221.

 

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 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.  The renewal amendment executed in November 2003 renewed the letter of credit facility for a two year period.

 

Note 8.  Income Tax - Valuation Allowance

 

The Company’s valuation allowance relating to its foreign operations decreased by $854,000 and $1,484,000 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively, 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, the Company had loss carryforwards remaining at its foreign operations amounting to potential future tax benefits of $3,046,000, along with a valuation allowance equal to those benefits.  Although the foreign operations were profitable in the first six months of 2003, the valuation allowance was released only to the extent of those profits since, in management’s judgment, future profitability at that time remained uncertain.  This process continued for the first nine months of 2003.  Due to the continued profitability and projected favorable market conditions for the foreseeable future, it was determined in the fourth quarter of 2003 to be more likely than not that the deferred tax assets resulting from the foreign net operating loss carryforwards will be realized, therefore the remaining valuation allowance related to the foreign operations was released in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

The Company also had state and local operating loss carryforwards amounting to potential future tax benefits of $3,801,000 and $3,274,000 at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.  A valuation allowance was established for the full amount of these potential future tax benefits due to the uncertainty associated with their realization.

 

Note 9.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

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

 

16



 

concerning the draw down of letters of credit.  In 1997 and 1998, Navigators Insurance Company entered into certain reinsurance contracts with a reinsurer.  In accordance with normal business practice, Navigators Insurance Company had secured this exposure with letters of credit. In April 1999, Navigators Insurance Company drew down the letters of credit, in good faith and consistent with their terms. The liquidator of the reinsurer has commenced suit in Australia, seeking to void the draw downs. If the liquidator were to prevail in its action to void the letters of credit, our maximum exposure would be approximately $4.0 million. We filed motions seeking a prompt dismissal of the liquidator’s claims in Australian court in June 2003, which motions were denied. We have appealed those denials and are vigorously defending our position along with continuing settlement discussions. The appellate court ruled that the case needs to be fully tried before an appeal can be pursued.  Although we believe that we have strong defenses against these claims and a reasonable possibility of defeating the liquidator’s claim and that the liquidator’s assertions run counter to prevailing Australian and United States law, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of this litigation.

 

Note 10.  Reinsurance Recoverables

 

At June 30, 2004 the Company had reinsurance recoverables of $21.5 million, consisting of reinsurance recoverables for ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses of $15.5 million and ceded unearned premium of $6.0 million, due from Converium Holding Ltd. and subsidiaries (“Converium”).  The recoverables result from several run-off and active excess and pro-rata reinsurance agreements with Converium expiring through the beginning of 2005 that cover principally marine and energy risks for Navigators Insurance Company and the Lloyd’s operations.  Recoverable amounts at June 30, 2004 recorded by Navigators Insurance Company and the Lloyd’s operations were $1.2 million and $20.3 million, respectively.

 

In July 2004, Converium publicly announced that their 2004 second quarter financial results were impacted by reserve strengthening and certain intangible write-offs and that the company would explore all options for maintaining strong capitalization.  Both A. M. Best and S&P immediately announced ratings downgrades of Converium and its operating subsidiaries from A to A- with negative outlooks.

 

The Company is monitoring the financial condition and ongoing activities of Converium to determine if any actions, including the need to record an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance, are appropriate.

 

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

 

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are derived from information that we currently have and assumptions that we make. We cannot assure that anticipated results will be achieved, since results may differ materially because of both known and unknown risks and uncertainties which we face. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Factors that 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;

 

17



 

      risks that 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, including our estimates relating to ultimate asbestos and environmental liabilities and related 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 significantly 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 that we identify in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any forward-looking events discussed in this Form 10-Q may not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates.

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes which appear elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. It contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see ‘‘Note on Forward-Looking Statements’’ for more information. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

 

Overview

 

We are an international insurance holding company focusing on specialty products for niches within the overall property/casualty insurance market. Our largest product line and most long-standing area of specialization is ocean marine insurance. We have also developed specialty niches in professional liability insurance, and in specialty liability insurance primarily consisting of contractors’ liability coverages. We conduct operations through our insurance company subsidiaries, the Navigators Agencies and our Lloyd’s operations.  Our insurance company subsidiaries consist of Navigators Insurance Company, which includes a United Kingdom Branch, and NIC Insurance Company which writes excess and surplus lines.  The Navigators Agencies consist of five wholly-owned insurance underwriting agencies which produce business for our insurance subsidiaries.  Our Lloyd’s operations include Navigators Underwriting Agency Ltd. (“NUAL”), a Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) marine underwriting agency which manages Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221.  We participate in the capacity of Syndicate 1221 through two wholly-owned Lloyd’s corporate members.

 

18



 

While management takes into consideration a wide range of factors in planning the Company’s business strategy and evaluating results of operations, there are certain factors that management believes are fundamental to understanding how the Company is managed.   First, underwriting profit is consistently emphasized as a primary goal, above premium growth.  Management’s assessment of our trends and potential growth in underwriting profit is the dominant factor in its decisions with respect to whether or not to expand a business line, enter into a new niche, product or territory or, conversely, to contract capacity in any business line.  In addition, management focuses on managing the costs of our operations.  Management believes that careful monitoring of the costs of existing operations and assessment of costs of potential growth opportunities are important to our profitability.  Access to capital also has a significant impact on management’s outlook for our operations.  Our insurance company subsidiaries’ operations and ability to grow their business and take advantage of market opportunities are particularly constrained by regulatory capital requirements and rating agency assessments of capital adequacy.  For example, we contributed $95.0 million of the approximately $110.8 million in net proceeds we received from the October 2003 equity offering to the statutory surplus of Navigators Insurance Company in order to position the Company to be able to capitalize on domestic and international insurance business opportunities that management believes will be profitable.

 

Although not a financial measure, management’s decisions are also greatly influenced by access to specialized underwriting and claims expertise in our lines of business.  We have chosen to operate in specialty niches with certain common characteristics which we believe provide us with the opportunity to use our technical underwriting expertise in order to realize underwriting profit. As a result, we have focused on underserved markets for businesses characterized by higher severity and low frequency of loss where we believe our intellectual capital and financial strength bring meaningful value. In contrast, we have avoided niches that we believe have a high frequency of loss activity and/or are subject to a high level of regulatory coverage requirements, such as workers compensation and personal automobile insurance, because we do not believe our technical expertise is of as much value in these types of businesses. Examples of niches that have the characteristics we look for include bluewater hull (which provides coverage for physical damage to, for example, highly valued cruise ships) and directors and officers liability (which covers litigation exposure of a corporation’s directors and officers). These types of exposures require substantial technical expertise. We attempt to mitigate the financial impact of severe claims on our results by conservative and detailed underwriting, prudent use of reinsurance and a balanced portfolio of risks.

 

Our revenue is primarily comprised of premiums, commission and investment income. Our insurance company subsidiaries derive their premiums primarily from business written by the Navigators Agencies. The Lloyd’s operations derive their premiums from business written by NUAL. The Navigators Agencies and NUAL receive commissions and, in some cases, profit commissions and service fees on the business produced on behalf of our insurance company subsidiaries and others.

 

Over the past two years, we have experienced beneficial market changes in our lines of business. As a result of several large industry losses in the second quarter of 2001, the marine insurance market began to experience diminished capacity and rate increases, initially in the offshore energy line of business.  The marine rate increases began to level off in 2004.  Specialty liability losses have also resulted in diminished capacity in the market in which we compete, as many former competitors who lacked the expertise to selectively underwrite this business have been forced to withdraw from the market.  Rates continue to increase in our specialty liability business, albeit at a slower pace.  In the professional liability market, the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, together with recent financial and accounting scandals at publicly traded corporations and increased frequency of securities-related class action litigation, has lead to an invigorated interest in professional liability insurance generally. These conditions resulted in rate increases in 2002 and 2003 as well as an overall improvement in policy terms and conditions for our professional liability line of business.  The professional liability business has experienced single digit premium rate decreases in 2004.  We believe that the professional liability market will continue to see 2004 rates decrease in certain areas, including directors and officers coverages.

 

19



 

Our business is cyclical and influenced by many factors.  These factors include price competition, economic conditions, interest rates, natural or man-made disasters (for example hurricanes and terrorism), state regulations, court decisions and changes in the law. Additionally, because our insurance products must be priced, and premiums charged, before costs have fully developed, our liabilities are required to be estimated and recorded in recognition of future loss and settlement obligations. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating these liabilities, we cannot assure you that our actual liabilities will not exceed our recorded amounts.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

It is important to understand our accounting policies in order to understand our financial statements. Management considers certain of these policies to be critical to the presentation of the financial results, 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.

 

Our most critical accounting policies involve the reporting of the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) (including losses that have occurred but were not reported to us 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 the translation of foreign currencies.

 

Reserves for Losses and LAE.  Reserves for losses and LAE 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 different from the original estimate. Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments are included in the current year’s results.

 

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. We are 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 us and the policies that have been written by agents but not yet reported to us. We 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. We have recorded valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets resulting from certain net operating loss carryforwards due to the uncertainty associated with the realization of the deferred tax asset related to certain of our foreign, state and local operations. Our foreign operations were profitable in 2003 resulting in a portion of the valuation allowance being simultaneously released to the extent of the first nine months of 2003 profits.  Due to the continued profitability and projected favorable market conditions for the foreseeable future, it was determined to be more likely than not that the deferred tax assets resulting from those net operating loss carryforwards will be realized, therefore the remaining valuation allowance related to the foreign operations was released in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

20



 

Impairment of Investment Securities. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is other-than-temporary. Management regularly reviews our 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 cost or amortized cost, as appropriate, of the security; the length of time the security’s fair value has been below cost or amortized cost, and by how much; and 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 cost or amortized cost, as appropriate, for six or more consecutive months. Other factors considered in evaluating potential impairment include the current fair value as compared to cost or amortized cost, as appropriate, our 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. Other-than-temporary impairment losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. Significant changes in the factors we consider when evaluating investments for 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 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 in the fourth quarter 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.

 

Translation of Foreign Currencies. Financial statements of subsidiaries expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with SFAS No. 52 Foreign Currency Translation issued by the FASB.  Under SFAS 52, functional currency assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using period end rates of exchange and the related translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.  Functional currencies are generally the currencies of the local operating environment.  Statement of income amounts expressed in functional currencies are translated using average exchange rates.  Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recorded in “other income (expense)” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Results of Operations and Overview

 

The following is a discussion and analysis of our consolidated and segment results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

Our 2004 and 2003 second quarter and six month overall results of operations reflect increasing premium rates as a result of improved market conditions beginning in late 2000 that continued through 2003 and at a reduced rate through the second quarter of 2004.  Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 was $9.0 million or $0.71 per diluted share and $6.2 million or $0.71 per diluted share, respectively.  Net income for the first six months of 2004 and 2003 was $18.0 million or $1.42 per diluted share and $10.9 million or 1.26 per diluted share, respectively.

 

We experienced premium growth as measured by net earned premium in the second quarter of 2004 of $75.3 million compared to $65.3 million in the second quarter of 2003, a 15.4% increase, primarily due to business expansion and, to a lesser extent, increased premium rates.  The 13.6% increase in net earned premium

 

21



 

for the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003 was also due to business expansion and premium rate increases.  Underwriting profitability during such periods, as measured by the Company’s combined ratios for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 of 88.8% and 88.8%, respectively, has also improved compared to 95.7%  and 96.2% for the second quarter and first six months of 2003, respectively.

 

Cash flow from operations has also increased in the first six months of 2004 to $93.2 million from $65.6 million in the first six months of 2003, a 42.1% increase, contributing to the growth in invested assets and net investment income.  Cash flow in the second quarter of 2004 increased to $66.4 million, a 68.1% increase over the 2003 second quarter.

 

Consolidated stockholders’ equity increased 4.3% to $302.4 million or $24.00 per share at June 30, 2004 compared to $290.0 million or $23.14 per share at December 31, 2003.  The increase was primarily due to net income of $18.0 million partially offset by the other comprehensive loss of $7.2 million for the first six months of 2004.  Net income was $9.0 million and other comprehensive loss was $12.2 million for the second quarter of 2004.  The other comprehensive loss in 2004 resulted from unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio due to a rising interest rate environment during the second quarter of 2004.  Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the change in both after-tax unrealized appreciation on investments and after-tax currency translation gains on the Company’s foreign operations.

 

Revenues.  Gross written premium increased to $161.6 million and $357.6 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2004, respectively, from $141.2 million and $315.9 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2003, respectively, a 14.5% increase for the three months and a 13.2% increase for the six months.  The following table sets forth our gross and net written premium and net earned premium by segment and line of business for the periods indicated:

 

22



 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

Gross
Written
Premium

 

%

 

Net
Written
Premium

 

Net
Earned
Premium

 

Gross
Written
Premium

 

%

 

Net
Written
Premium

 

Net
Earned
Premium

 

 

 

($’s in thousands)

 

Insurance Companies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

51,573

 

31.9

%

$

20,384

 

$

20,834

 

$

49,644

 

35.2

%

$

21,475

 

$

20,974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty

 

37,484

 

23.2

%

19,041

 

21,365

 

31,721

 

22.5

%

12,726

 

19,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Liability

 

18,227

 

11.3

%

6,903

 

4,697

 

12,994

 

9.2

%

3,323

 

2,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed from Lloyd’s

 

288

 

0.2

%

229

 

4,878

 

6,820

 

4.8

%

6,820

 

4,606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (includes run-off)

 

36

 

0.0

%

8

 

8

 

166

 

0.1

%

(540

)

(512

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Companies Total

 

107,608

 

66.6

%

46,565

 

51,782

 

101,345

 

71.8

%

43,804

 

46,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd’s Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

47,793

 

29.6

%

23,978

 

22,325

 

39,897

 

28.3

%

15,438

 

17,791

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

6,515

 

4.0

%

3,146

 

1,207

 

6,494

 

4.6

%

2,389

 

865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd’s Operations Total

 

54,308

 

33.6

%

27,124

 

23,532

 

46,391

 

32.9

%

17,827

 

18,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany elimination

 

(290

)

-0.2

%

 

 

(6,544

)

-4.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

161,626

 

100.0

%

$

73,689

 

$

75,314

 

$

141,192

 

100.0

%

$

61,631

 

$

65,264

 

 

Note:  Certain amounts for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

23



 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

Gross
Written
Premium

 

%

 

Net
Written
Premium

 

Net
Earned
Premium

 

Gross
Written
Premium

 

%

 

Net
Written
Premium

 

Net
Earned
Premium

 

 

 

($’s in thousands)

 

Insurance Companies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

110,999

 

31.0

%

$

45,642

 

$

41,262

 

$

103,364

 

32.7

%

$

44,536

 

$

43,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty

 

71,714

 

20.1

%

39,552

 

42,904

 

63,614

 

20.1

%

36,625

 

42,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Liability

 

33,260

 

9.3

%

12,376

 

8,507

 

25,559

 

8.1

%

6,272

 

3,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed from Lloyd’s

 

3,342

 

0.9

%

3,135

 

12,283

 

18,418

 

5.8

%

18,418

 

8,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (includes run-off)

 

122

 

0.0

%

5

 

8

 

272

 

0.1

%

(393

)

(338

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Companies Total

 

219,437

 

61.3

%

100,710

 

104,964

 

211,227

 

66.8

%

105,458

 

97,008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd’s Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

128,757

 

36.0

%

63,038

 

42,843

 

106,465

 

33.7

%

41,315

 

33,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

12,709

 

3.6

%

5,876

 

1,682

 

16,010

 

5.1

%

5,891

 

1,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd’s Operations Total

 

141,466

 

39.6

%

68,914

 

44,525

 

122,475

 

38.8

%

47,206

 

34,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany elimination

 

(3,326

)

-0.9

%

 

 

(17,808

)

-5.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

357,577

 

100.0

%

$

169,624

 

$

149,489

 

$

315,894

 

100.0

%

$

152,664

 

$

131,578

 

 

Note:  Certain amounts for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

24



 

Gross Written Premium

 

Insurance Companies’ Gross Written Premium

 

Marine. The marine gross written premium for the second quarter of 2004 increased 3.9% compared to the second quarter of 2003 partially due to the approximate 6.3% increase in premium rates resulting in higher premiums on new and renewal business. The generally improved pricing environment resulted in Navigators Insurance Company increasing its writing of new business.  Navigators Insurance Company obtains its marine business through participation in the marine pool managed by the Navigators Agencies. Its participation in the marine pool was 80% in the first six months of 2004 and 70% in the first six months of 2003.  Navigators Insurance Company’s participation in the insurance pool was retroactively increased to 80% effective January 1, 2003 in the 2003 third quarter when it entered into a commutation agreement with a former pool member.  The marine gross written premium for the first six months of 2004 increased 7.4% compared to the first six months of 2003 partially due to the approximate 4.5% increase in premium rates resulting in higher premiums on new and renewal business.

 

Specialty. This business consists primarily of general liability business for small general and artisan contractors as well as other targeted commercial risks.  The specialty gross written premium for the second quarter of 2004 increased 18.2% compared to the second quarter of 2003 primarily due to the approximate 14.4% increase in the construction liability premium rates resulting in higher premiums on new and renewal business. The increase in the specialty gross written premium for the first six months of 2004 of 12.7% compared to the first six months of 2003 was primarily due to the approximate 20.8% increase in the California liability premium rates resulting in higher premiums on new and renewal business.  The number of California construction liability in-force policies decreased significantly over the last year as a result of our efforts to scale back the number of small artisan policies we write.  The new business and the rate increases resulted from a tightening market for California contractors’ liability insurance.

 

Professional Liability. Our insurance company subsidiaries 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 was expanded to include errors and omissions insurance and employment practices liability coverages.  The professional liability gross written premium for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 increased 40.3% and 30.1%, respectively, compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2003, reflecting the expansion of this business.  Premium rates for this business decreased approximately 7.0% and 4.0% in the second quarter and first six months of 2004 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2003, respectively, following an approximate 28.0% increase for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003.  Such 2004 premium rate decreases are reflective of softening market conditions.

 

Assumed from Lloyd’s Operations.  Since 2002, the Insurance Companies have participated in quota share treaties written by the Company’s Lloyd’s operations.  The 2003 participation included marine and energy business.  In 2004, our insurance company subsidiaries participated only on the onshore energy business written by the Lloyd’s operations.

 

Lloyd’s Operations’ Gross Written Premium

 

Marine. The marine gross written premium for the second quarter of 2004 increased 19.8% compared to the second quarter of 2003 primarily due to the increased capacity provided to Syndicate 1221 by Navigators Corporate Underwriters Ltd. and Millennium Underwriting Ltd.  The marine gross written premium for the first six months of 2004 increased 20.9% primarily due to the increased capacity provided to Syndicate 1221.  The premium rates for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2004 were similar to those for the same periods in 2003.

 

25



 

Other.  Other consists of engineering and construction gross written premium which provides coverage for construction projects including machinery, equipment and loss of use due to delays and of onshore energy premium which principally focuses on the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical industries with coverages primarily for property damage and business interruption.

 

Ceded Written Premium.  In the ordinary course of business, we reinsure certain insurance risks with unaffiliated insurance companies for the purpose of limiting our 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 our insurance company subsidiaries or the Lloyd’s operations.

 

Ceded written premium for the 2004 and 2003 second quarters was $87.9 million and $79.6 million, respectively, or 54.4% and 56.3% of the gross written premium, respectively.  The 2003 second quarter’s ceded premium reflects an increase in the premium ceded under the specialty business reinsurance treaty for the period from April 1, 2003 to September 30, 2003 which provided a statutory capital benefit prior to the completion of a public equity offering in the 2003 fourth quarter.  The reinsurance treaty change had no impact on net income or stockholders’ equity.

 

The ceded premium for the first six months of 2004 and 2003 was $188.0 million and $163.2 million, respectively, or 52.6% and 51.7% of gross written premium, respectively.

 

Net Written Premium.  Net written premium increased 19.6% in the second quarter of 2004 and 11.1% in the first six months of 2004 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2003 as a result of the increase in the gross written premium.

 

Net Earned Premium.  Net earned premium increased 15.4% in the second quarter of 2004 and 13.6% in the first six months of 2004 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2003 as a result of increased net written premium from rate increases and new business generated in 2004 and 2003.

 

Commission Income.  Commission income from unaffiliated business decreased by 8.4% in the second quarter of 2004 and 8.7% in the first six months of 2004 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2003 as a result of the 10% decrease in third party pool member participation in the 2004 periods compared to the same periods in 2003.

 

Net Investment Income.  Net investment income increased 45.5% in the 2004 second quarter and 36.0% in the first six months of 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003 due to the increase in invested assets resulting from positive cash flow stemming from the increased premium volume and the proceeds from our October 2003 common stock offering.  Our net proceeds from the offering amounted to $110.8 million.

 

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses). Pre-tax net income included a $105,000 net realized capital loss for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to a capital gain of $669,000 for the 2003 second quarter.  On an after-tax basis, the net realized capital gain (loss) was ($68,000) or ($0.01) per share and $561,000 or $0.06 per share for the 2004 and 2003 second quarters, respectively.  Pre-tax net income included $317,000 of net realized capital gains for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $887,000 for the first six months of 2003.  On an after-tax basis, the net realized capital gains were $206,000 or $0.02 per share and $738,000 or $0.08 per share for the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Other Income/(Expense). Other income/(expense) for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 and 2003 consisted primarily of foreign exchange gains, and inspection fees related to the specialty insurance business.

 

26



 

Operating Expenses

 

Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred.  The ratios of net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to net earned premium (loss ratios) for the 2004 second quarter and six month period were 60.2% and 59.6%, respectively, compared to 66.3% and 66.4% for the comparable periods in 2003.  Such loss ratios for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 were favorably impacted by 1.9 and 2.7 loss ratio points, respectively, for a redundancy of prior year loss reserves in our Lloyd’s operations.  The second quarter and first six months of 2003 were negatively impacted by 2.1 and 2.4 loss ratio points, respectively, for loss activity related to run-off lines of business.

 

The following tables set forth our net loss reserves by segment and line of insurance business and the total case reserves and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

June 30,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

Insurance Companies:

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

122,816

 

$

110,698

 

Specialty

 

133,399

 

114,167

 

Professional Liability

 

12,053

 

7,059

 

Assumed from Lloyd’s Operations

 

18,047

 

14,323

 

Other (primarily run-off business)

 

23,223

 

24,390

 

Total Insurance Companies

 

309,538

 

270,637

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lloyd’s Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

104,507

 

100,936

 

Other

 

5,611

 

2,598

 

Total Lloyd’s Operations

 

110,118

 

103,534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net loss reserves

 

$

419,656

 

$

374,171

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net case loss reserves

 

$

170,775

 

$

154,531

 

Total net IBNR loss reserves

 

248,881

 

219,640

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net loss reserves

 

$

419,656

 

$

374,171

 

 

At June 30, 2004, the IBNR portion of the net loss reserves was 59.3% of our total loss reserves compared to 58.7% at December 31, 2003.

 

At June 30, 2004, a 10% change in the net loss reserves would equate to $42.0 million which would represent an after-tax charge to net income of $27.3 million and 9.0% of stockholders’ equity.  Loss reserve estimates are reviewed each quarter to evaluate whether the assumptions made continue to be appropriate.  Any adjustments that result from this review are recorded in the quarter in which they are identified.

 

 Our reserving practices and the establishment of any particular reserve reflect management’s judgment concerning sound financial practice and do not represent any admission of liability with respect to any claims made against us.  No assurance can be given that actual claims made and related payments will not be in excess of the amounts reserved.  During the loss settlement period, it often becomes necessary to refine and adjust the estimates of liability on a claim either upward or downward.  Even after such adjustments, ultimate liability may

 

27



exceed or be less than the revised estimates.  The increase in net loss reserves is also a function of the growth in premium volume over the past two years.

 

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 our specialty 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 from the original estimate.

 

Specialty Liability and Professional Liability. Substantially all of our specialty liability business involves general liability policies which generate third party liability claims that are long tail in nature. A significant portion of our general liability reserves relate to California construction liability claims. Reserves and claim frequency on this business may be impacted by legislation recently implemented in California, which generally provides consumers who experience 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, our ultimate liability may exceed or be less than current estimates due to this variable, among others.  There were approximately 1,000 specialty liability claims open at June 30, 2004.

 

The professional liability class generates third party 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. Our professional liability business is relatively immature, with our first writing of 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.  Our professional liability loss estimates are based on expected losses, actual reported losses, evaluation of loss trends, industry data, and the legal, regulatory and current risk environment because anticipated loss experience in this area is less predictable due to the small number of claims and/or erratic claim severity patterns. We believe that we have 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.  There were 223 professional liability claims open at June 30, 2004.

 

28



 

The following tables set forth our net loss and LAE loss reserves for our specialty construction liability and professional liability businesses for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

June 30, 2004

 

Type of
Business

 

Net Reported
Reserves

 

Net
IBNR

 

Total
Net Loss
Reserves

 

% of IBNR
to Total Net
Loss Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty construction liability

 

$

21,968

 

$

97,841

 

$

119,809

 

81.7

%

Professional liability

 

271

 

11,782

 

12,053

 

97.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

22,239

 

$

109,623

 

$

131,862

 

83.1

%

 

 

 

December 31, 2003

 

Type of
Business

 

Net Reported
Reserves

 

Net
IBNR

 

Total
Net Loss
Reserves

 

% of IBNR
to Total Net
Loss Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty construction liability

 

$

20,365

 

$

83,450

 

$

103,815

 

80.4

%

Professional liability

 

159

 

6,900

 

7,059

 

97.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

20,524

 

$

90,350

 

$

110,874

 

81.5

%

 

Asbestos and Environmental Liability. Our exposure to asbestos and environmental liability principally stems from marine liability insurance written on an occurrence basis during the mid-1980s. In general, our participation on such risks is in the 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 our policies were issued after the industry was apprised of asbestos exposures, many of the policies on which we participate have exclusions that may preclude coverage. In addition, many of our asbestos and environmental claims have been inactive for several years.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2003, Navigators Insurance Company increased its gross and net asbestos reserves for losses by $77.6 million and $31.6 million, respectively.  As a result, gross and net incurred losses increased by the amount of the respective reserve increase.  The $31.6 million of net asbestos losses includes $25.7 million of uncollectible reinsurance.

 

The reserve action was the result of a review of asbestos-related exposures conducted by the Company.  The Company’s management was notified in late January 2004 that an asbestos claim would likely have to be settled for a significantly greater amount than previously anticipated.   As a result of the unexpected adverse development on this individual claim, the Company retained a leading independent consulting firm in this area to assist in the identification of its potential exposure to asbestos claims from policies written directly as well as those reinsured to Navigators Insurance Company from prior members of the Company’s insurance pools. The Company’s increased reserves relate primarily to policies underwritten by the Navigators Agencies in the late 1970s and first half of the 1980s on behalf of members of the pool, consisting of excess liability on marine related business and aviation products liability, including policies subsequently assumed by Navigators Insurance Company pursuant to reinsurance arrangements with pool members who exited the pool.  Following the

 

29



 

Company’s and the independent consulting firm’s recent review, the Company increased its gross and net loss reserves for asbestos exposure to $78.5 million and $32.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2003.

 

Loss development activity for asbestos related exposures in the second quarter and first six months of 2004 has not been significant.

 

Loss development activity for environmental losses in the second quarter and first six months of 2004 has generally consisted of oil spill claims on marine liability policies written in the ordinary course of business by the Insurance Companies.

 

The following tables set forth our gross and net loss and LAE reserves, and claim counts for our asbestos and environmental exposures, which we believe is subject to uncertainties greater than those presented by other types of claims:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2004

 

 

 

Asbestos

 

Environmental

 

Total

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

Gross of Reinsurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Reserve

 

$

78,479

 

$

7,377

 

$

85,856

 

Incurred Losses & LAE

 

55

 

1,580

 

1,635

 

Calendar Year Payments

 

37

 

277

 

314

 

Ending Reserves

 

$

78,497

 

$

8,680

 

$

87,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net of Reinsurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Reserve

 

$

32,091

 

$

1,733

 

$

33,824

 

Incurred Losses & LAE

 

15

 

575

 

590

 

Calendar Year Payments

 

14

 

76

 

90

 

Ending Reserves

 

$

32,092

 

$

2,232

 

$

34,324

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2004

 

 

 

Asbestos

 

Environmental

 

Total

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

Gross of Reinsurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Reserve

 

$

78,472

 

$

6,800

 

$

85,272

 

Incurred Losses & LAE

 

66

 

2,244

 

2,310

 

Calendar Year Payments

 

41

 

364

 

405

 

Ending Reserves

 

$

78,497

 

$

8,680

 

$

87,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net of Reinsurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Reserve

 

$

32,083

 

$

1,153

 

$

33,236

 

Incurred Losses & LAE

 

25

 

1,223

 

1,248

 

Calendar Year Payments

 

16

 

144

 

160

 

Ending Reserves

 

$

32,092

 

$

2,232

 

$

34,324

 

 

30



 

Type of Business

 

Claim Count
January 1, 2004

 

New Claims
During Period

 

Claims Settled
or Resolved
During Period

 

Claim Count
June 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental

 

86

 

12

 

5

 

93

 

Asbestos

 

108

 

6

 

3

 

111

 

Total

 

194

 

18

 

8

 

204

 

 

Our management believes that the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of losses and loss adjustment expenses on reported and unreported claims.

 

Commission Expense. Commission expense paid to brokers and agents is generally on a percentage of the gross written premium and is reduced by ceding commissions the Company may receive on the ceded written premium.  Commissions are generally deferred and recorded to deferred policy acquisition costs to the extent that they relate to unearned premium.  Commission expense declined as a percentage of earned premium in the second quarter and first six months of 2004 compared to the 2003 second quarter and first six months, generally as the result of a decline in commissions paid to brokers and agents coupled with the receipt of ceding commissions from reinsurers.  The decrease in the commission percentage reflects lower commission rates and a trend among the major brokers to charge a flat fee to some of their major clients as opposed to a percentage of the premium.  Under flat fee arrangements, the amount of premium normally is correspondingly reduced since no commission is being paid to the broker by the Company.

 

Other Operating Expenses. The 17.7% and 15.9% increase in other operating expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2004, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2003 is consistent with revenue growth and attributable primarily to employee related expenses resulting from expansion of the business.

 

Interest Expense.  The outstanding loan balance was paid in October 2003 from a portion of the proceeds from the Company’s common stock offering and no additional borrowings have been made subsequently, therefore no interest expense was recorded in the second quarter and first six months of 2004.

 

Income Taxes. The income tax expense was $4.4 million and $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively.  The effective tax rates for the 2004 and 2003 second quarters were 32.6% and 20.2%, respectively.  The first six months of 2004 and 2003 had income tax expense of $9.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, resulting in an effective tax rate of 33.4% and 21.1%, respectively.  As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the net deferred Federal, foreign, state and local tax assets were $20.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

 

The Company’s valuation allowance relating to its foreign operations decreased by $854,000 and $1,484,000 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively, 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, the Company had loss carryforwards remaining at its foreign operations amounting to potential future tax benefits of $3,046,000, along with a valuation allowance equal to those benefits.  Although the foreign operations were profitable in the first six months of 2003, the valuation allowance was released only to the extent of those profits since future profitability remained uncertain.  This process continued for the first nine months of 2003.  Due to the continued profitability and projected favorable market conditions for the foreseeable future, it was determined in the fourth quarter of 2003 to be more likely than not that the deferred tax assets resulting from the foreign net operating loss carryforwards will be realized, therefore the remaining valuation allowance related to the foreign operations was released in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

The Company also had state and local operating loss carryforwards amounting to potential future tax benefits of $3,801,000 and $3,274,000 at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.  A valuation allowance was established for the full amount of these potential future tax benefits due to the uncertainty associated with their realization.

 

31



 

Segment Information

 

Following are the financial results of the Company’s three segments:  Insurance Companies, Lloyd’s Operations and Navigators Agencies. We evaluate the performance of each segment including Navigators Agencies, primarily based on underwriting results.  Other items of revenue and expenditure, including net investment income and realized capital gains and losses, are included herein based on the legal entity where they are recorded.  Our underwriting performance is evaluated separately from the performance of our investment portfolios.  Certain amounts for the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

Insurance Companies

 

Our two insurance company subsidiaries are Navigators Insurance Company, which includes a United Kingdom Branch, and NIC Insurance Company, collectively referred to as the Insurance Companies. Navigators Insurance Company is our largest insurance subsidiary and has been active since 1983. It specializes principally in underwriting marine insurance and related lines of business, specialty liability insurance and professional liability insurance. NIC Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navigators Insurance Company, 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 Company.  The Navigators Agencies produce business for our insurance company subsidiaries.

 

32



 

Following are the results of operations for the Insurance Companies for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premium

 

$

51,782

 

$

46,608

 

$

104,964

 

$

97,008

 

Net investment income

 

5,829

 

4,094

 

11,313

 

8,199

 

Net realized capital gains

 

176

 

307

 

381

 

426

 

Other income

 

74

 

65

 

13

 

86

 

Total revenues

 

57,861

 

51,074

 

116,671

 

105,719

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and LAE

 

32,558

 

30,870

 

65,268

 

64,870

 

Commission expense

 

13,242

 

12,592

 

27,387

 

26,741

 

Other operating expenses

 

989

 

1,357

 

2,187

 

2,503

 

Total operating expenses

 

46,789

 

44,819

 

94,842

 

94,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

11,072

 

6,255

 

21,829

 

11,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

3,543

 

1,969

 

7,021

 

3,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,529

 

$

4,286

 

$

14,808

 

$

7,970

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE ratio

 

62.9

%

66.2

%

62.2

%

66.9

%

Commission expense ratio

 

25.6

%

27.1

%

26.1

%

27.6

%

Other operating expense ratio

 

1.9

%

2.9

%

2.1

%

2.5

%

Combined ratio

 

90.4

%

96.2

%

90.4

%

97.0

%

 

33



 

Following are the underwriting results of the Insurance Companies for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

Net
Earned
Premium

 

Losses
and LAE
Incurred

 

Underwriting
Expenses

 

Underwriting
Gain(Loss)

 

Loss
Ratio

 

Expense
Ratio

 

Combined
Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

20,834

 

$

12,423

 

$

5,660

 

$

2,751

 

59.6

%

27.2

%

86.8

%

Specialty

 

21,365

 

14,485

 

5,877

 

1,003

 

67.8

%

27.5

%

95.3

%

Professional Liability

 

4,697

 

2,832

 

969

 

896

 

60.3

%

20.6

%

80.9

%

Assumed from Lloyd’s Operations

 

4,878

 

2,728

 

1,723

 

427

 

55.9

%

35.3

%

91.2

%

Other (includes run-off) business

 

8

 

90

 

2

 

(84

)

NM

 

NM

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

51,782

 

$

32,558

 

$

14,231

 

$

4,993

 

62.9

%

27.5

%

90.4

%

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

Net
Earned
Premium

 

Losses
and LAE
Incurred

 

Underwriting
Expenses

 

Underwriting
Gain(Loss)

 

Loss
Ratio

 

Expense
Ratio

 

Combined
Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

20,974

 

$

11,115

 

$

6,973

 

$

2,886

 

53.0

%

33.2

%

86.2

%

Specialty

 

19,461

 

14,246

 

5,174

 

41

 

73.2

%

26.6

%

99.8

%

Professional Liability

 

2,079

 

1,352

 

393

 

334

 

65.0

%

18.9

%

83.9

%

Assumed from Lloyd’s Operations

 

4,606

 

2,757

 

1,391

 

458

 

59.9

%

30.2

%

90.1

%

Other (includes run-off) business

 

(512

)

1,400

 

18

 

(1,930

)

NM

 

NM

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

46,608

 

$

30,870

 

$

13,949

 

$

1,789

 

66.2

%

30.0

%

96.2

%

 


NM = Not meaningful

 

34



 

Following are the underwriting results of the Insurance Companies for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

Net
Earned
Premium

 

Losses
and LAE
Incurred

 

Underwriting
Expenses

 

Underwriting
Gain(Loss)

 

Loss
Ratio

 

Expense
Ratio

 

Combined
Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

41,262

 

$

24,469

 

$

11,258

 

$

5,535

 

59.3

%

27.3

%

86.6

%

Specialty

 

42,904

 

28,802

 

12,845

 

1,257

 

67.1

%

30.0

%

97.1

%

Professional Liability

 

8,507

 

5,131

 

1,744

 

1,632

 

60.3

%

20.5

%

80.8

%

Assumed from Lloyd’s Operations

 

12,283

 

6,945

 

3,722

 

1,616

 

56.5

%

30.3

%

86.8

%

Other (includes run-off) business

 

8

 

(79

)

5

 

82

 

NM

 

NM

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

104,964

 

$

65,268

 

$

29,574

 

$

10,122

 

62.2

%

28.2

%

90.4

%

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

Net
Earned
Premium

 

Losses
and LAE
Incurred

 

Underwriting
Expenses

 

Underwriting
Gain(Loss)

 

Loss
Ratio

 

Expense
Ratio

 

Combined
Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine

 

$

43,250

 

$

25,252

 

$

12,781

 

$

5,217

 

58.4

%

29.5

%

87.9

%

Specialty

 

42,411

 

29,305

 

12,927

 

179

 

69.1

%

30.5

%

99.6

%

Professional Liability

 

3,505

 

2,279

 

1,074

 

152

 

65.1

%

30.6

%

95.7

%

Assumed from Lloyd’s Operations

 

8,180

 

4,860

 

2,448

 

872

 

59.4

%

29.9

%

89.3

%

Other (includes run-off) business

 

(338

)

3,174

 

14

 

(3,526

)

NM

 

NM

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

97,008

 

$

64,870

 

$

29,244

 

$

2,894

 

66.9

%

30.1

%

97.0

%

 

The Insurance Companies experienced net earned premium growth of 11.1% and 8.2% when comparing the second quarter and first six months of 2004 to the second quarter and first six months of 2003, respectively.  Approximately 9.4% and 9.9% of the net earned premium recorded in the second quarters of 2004 and 2003, respectively, and approximately 11.7% and 8.4% of the net earned premium recorded in the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively, is a result of the Insurance Companies participating on reinsurance treaties supporting the Lloyd’s operations’ marine and energy business.

 

The 2004 and 2003 second quarter and first six months underwriting results generally reflect the favorable industry market conditions over the last three years coupled with the favorable loss trends in the aforementioned quarterly periods.  The 2003 expense ratio for professional liability business reflects the start-up nature of this operation at that time.   The second quarter and first six months of 2003 incurred losses included $1.4 million and $3.2 million, respectively, of incurred loss activity on run-off business principally related to the assumed reinsurance business which added 3.0 and 3.3 loss ratio points to the Insurance Companies 2003 second quarter and first six months combined ratios, respectively.

 

The pre-tax yield on the Insurance Companies’ investment portfolio approximated 4.0% and 4.6% at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  The declining portfolio yields reflect the overall declines in interest rates

 

35



 

up until the first quarter of 2004.  Net investment income increased in the first six months of 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003 due to strong cash flows and $95 million of statutory surplus contributions in the 2003 fourth quarter.

 

Lloyd’s Operations

 

The Lloyd’s operations consist of NUAL, which manages Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221, Millennium Underwriting Ltd. and Navigators Corporate Underwriters Ltd. Both Millennium Underwriting Ltd. and Navigators Corporate Underwriters Ltd. 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, Leeds and Basingstoke, England, which underwrites cargo and engineering business for Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221.  The Lloyd’s operations and Navigators Management (UK) Limited, a Navigators Agency, which produces business for the United Kingdom Branch of Navigators Insurance Company are subsidiaries of Navigators Holdings (UK) Limited located in the United Kingdom.

 

Lloyd’s Syndicate 1221 has stamp capacity of £150 million ($273.8 million) in 2004 compared to £125 million ($203.5 million) in 2003.  Stamp capacity is a measure of the amount of premium a Lloyd’s syndicate is authorized to write as determined by the Council of Lloyd’s. Syndicate 1221’s stamp capacity is expressed net of commission (as is standard at Lloyd’s) of approximately 21%. The Syndicate 1221 premium recorded in the Company’s financial statements is gross of commission.  The Lloyd’s marine business had been subject to intense price competition beginning in the mid-1990’s. The pricing competition showed some signs of stabilizing in 2000 and prices increased from 2001 through 2003 and again at a more modest pace in the 2004 first quarter. Lloyd’s presents its results on an underwriting year basis, generally closing each underwriting year after three years. We make estimates for each underwriting year and timely accrue the expected results. Our Lloyd’s operations included in the consolidated financial statements represent our 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 underwriting year is closed. A Lloyd’s syndicate typically closes an underwriting year by reinsuring outstanding claims on that underwriting year 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 year 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, the reinsurance to close amounts vary accordingly. The reinsurance to close transactions are recorded in the fourth quarter 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.

 

We provide letters of credit to Lloyd’s to support our participation in Syndicate 1221’s capacity. If we increase our participation, or if Lloyd’s changes the capital requirements, we 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 we maintain 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 facility. If the banks decide not to renew the letter of credit facility, we will need to find other sources to provide the letters of credit or other collateral in order to continue to participate in Syndicate 1221. The renewal

 

36



 

amendment executed in November 2003 renewed the letter of credit facility for a two year period expiring in November 2005.

 

Following are the results of the Lloyd’s operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premium

 

$

23,532

 

$

18,656

 

$

44,525

 

$

34,570

 

Commission income

 

501

 

216

 

563

 

344

 

Net investment income

 

791

 

444

 

1,195

 

991

 

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

(281

)

362

 

(64

)

461

 

Other income

 

5

 

199

 

9

 

214

 

Total revenues

 

24,548

 

19,877

 

46,228

 

36,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and LAE

 

12,834

 

12,421

 

23,876

 

22,461

 

Commission expense

 

4,093

 

3,301

 

7,843

 

6,104

 

Other operating expenses

 

3,193

 

1,892

 

6,229

 

3,846

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

20,120

 

17,614

 

37,948

 

32,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

4,428

 

2,263

 

8,280

 

4,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

1,550

 

 

2,898

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

2,878

 

$

2,263

 

$

5,382

 

$

4,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE ratio

 

54.5

%

66.6

%

53.6

%

65.0

%

Commission expense ratio

 

17.4

%

17.7

%

17.6

%

17.7

%

Other operating expense ratio

 

13.6

%

10.1

%

14.0

%

11.1

%

Combined ratio

 

85.5

%

94.4

%

85.2

%

93.8

%

 

The Lloyd’s operations have been experiencing business expansion coupled with improving underwriting results as a result of the generally favorable market conditions for marine and energy business since late 2001.  Net earned premium revenues were reduced by $4,878,000 million and $4,606,000 million in the second quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively, and by $12,283,000 million and $8,180,000 million in the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively, for business ceded to the Insurance Companies.

 

The 2004 and 2003 second quarter and six month underwriting results generally reflect the favorable industry market condition over the last three years coupled with favorable loss trends in the quarterly periods.  The loss ratio for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 was favorably impacted by $1.3 million or 1.9 loss ratio points and $4.0 million or 2.7 loss ratio points, respectively, for redundancies in prior years Lloyd’s operations’ loss reserves.

 

37



 

The pre-tax yield on funds in the Lloyd’s operations’ investment portfolio approximated 1.7%, and 2.4% at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which are reflective of the declining interest rate environment up until the first quarter of 2004.  Generally, funds invested at Lloyd’s have been invested with an average duration of approximately 1.3 years in order to meet liquidity needs.

 

The provision for income tax expense for the second quarter and first six months of 2003 reflects the reversal of $854,000 and $1,484,000, respectively, of a previously established deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The valuation allowance was reversed up until the third quarter of 2003 only to the extent of taxable profits.  The remaining valuation allowance was completely reversed in the 2003 fourth quarter since it was determined that it was more likely than not that the remaining deferred tax asset resulting from net operating loss carry-forwards will be realized.

 

Navigators Agencies

 

The Navigators Agencies produce business for our insurance company subsidiaries. They specialize in writing marine and related lines of business, specialty liability insurance and professional liability coverages.

 

Each of the Navigators Agencies underwrites marine and related lines of business for Navigators Insurance Company and three other unaffiliated insurance companies, which comprise a marine insurance pool. Marine insurance policies are issued by Navigators Insurance Company with the business shared with other pool members. Navigators Insurance Company had an 80% participation in the pool for business written with effective dates in 2004 and 2003.

 

Navigators Specialty, a division of a Navigators Agency, produces business exclusively for our insurance company subsidiaries. It specializes in underwriting general liability insurance coverage for small general and artisan contractors and other targeted commercial risks, with the majority of its business located in California.  Navigators Specialty also writes surety, commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile and personal umbrella insurance.

 

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

 

38



 

Following are the results of the Navigators Agencies for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commission income

 

$

8,155

 

$

8,287

 

$

16,087

 

$

15,723

 

Net investment income

 

 

14

 

3

 

22

 

Other income

 

187

 

276

 

372

 

538

 

Total revenues

 

8,342

 

8,577

 

16,462

 

16,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating expenses

 

9,093

 

7,562

 

17,698

 

15,203

 

Total operating expenses

 

9,093

 

7,562

 

17,698

 

15,203

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

(751

)

1,015

 

(1,236

)

1,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(252

)

226

 

(392

)

353

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(499

)

$

789

 

$

(844

)

$

727

 

 

Commission income generally consists of intersegment management fees and profit commissions received from insurance premiums of the Insurance Companies for marine, specialty and professional liability business as well as business from unaffiliated insurance companies in the marine pool.

 

Net investment income is earned on invested funds.  Other income generally represents fee revenues earned for services on behalf of third parties.

 

Other operating expenses consists of compensation and general and administrative expenses incurred in connection with underwriting, administrative and claims services performed on behalf of the Insurance Companies and unaffiliated insurers participating in the marine pool.  Such costs have been increasing each year commensurate with servicing the growth in the overall increased premium volume that has been generated for the Insurance Companies and unaffiliated members of the marine pool.

 

Income tax expense (benefit) includes federal and state income taxes related to the taxable income or loss of the Navigators Agencies.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

 

There have been no material changes in the information concerning off-balance sheet transactions as stated in the Company’s 2003 Annual Report on form 10-K.

 

39



 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

There have been no material changes in the information concerning contractual obligations as stated in the Company’s 2003 Annual Report on form 10-K.

 

Investments

 

The investments of our insurance company subsidiaries must comply with the insurance laws of New York State, the domiciliary state of Navigators Insurance Company and NIC Insurance Company. 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, preferred stocks, common stocks, real estate mortgages and real estate.

 

Our insurance company subsidiaries’ investments are subject to the direction and control of their respective boards of directors and our finance committee, 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 while preserving and enhancing capital and statutory surplus. The insurance company subsidiaries seek to attain these objectives by investing in municipal bonds, U.S. Government obligations, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and common stocks. Our insurance company subsidiaries’ 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. Our insurance company subsidiaries’ investment guidelines prohibit investments in derivatives other than as a hedge against foreign currency exposures or the writing of covered call options on the equity portfolio.

 

The Lloyd’s operations’ investments are subject to the direction and control of the board of directors and the investment committee of NUAL, as well as our finance committee, and represent our share of the investments held by Syndicate 1221. These 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 portfolio managers. The performance of the investment managers is reviewed quarterly. Current investment objectives are to maximize pre-tax income while preserving and enhancing capital. The investment managers for Syndicate 1221 seek to attain these objectives by investing in government obligations, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed 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 members of the marine pool, including Navigators Insurance Company.

 

40



 

The following tables show our cash and investments as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

 

June 30, 2004

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)

 

Cost or
Amortized
Cost

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government Treasury Bonds and GNMAs

 

$

236,013

 

$

2,382

 

$

(3,331

)

$

236,962

 

States, municipalities and political Subdivisions

 

119,925

 

1,402

 

(1,413

)

119,936

 

Mortgage and asset-backed (excluding GNMAs)

 

155,364

 

986

 

(1,996

)

156,374

 

Corporate bonds

 

135,677

 

2,846

 

(1,545

)

134,376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

 

646,979

 

7,616

 

(8,285

)

647,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities - common stocks

 

19,626

 

1,509

 

(154

)

18,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments

 

104,749

 

 

 

104,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

771,354

 

$

9,125

 

$

(8,439

)

$

770,668

 

 

December 31, 2003

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)

 

Cost or
Amortized
Cost

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government Treasury Bonds and GNMAs

 

$

221,919

 

$

4,107

 

$

(1,385

)

$

219,197

 

States, municipalities and political Subdivisions

 

88,093

 

2,599

 

(116

)

85,610

 

Mortgage and asset-backed (excluding GNMAs)

 

141,831

 

1,614

 

(373

)

140,590

 

Corporate bonds

 

136,702

 

4,509

 

(314

)

132,507

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

 

588,545

 

12,829

 

(2,188

)

577,904

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities - common stocks

 

13,446

 

1,554

 

(85

)

11,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments

 

91,601

 

 

 

91,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

693,592

 

$

14,383

 

$

(2,273

)

$

681,482

 

 

41



 

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, 2004 and December 31, 2003, all fixed maturity and equity securities held by us were classified as available-for-sale.

 

We regularly review our 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 cost or amortized cost, as appropriate, for six or more consecutive months. Other factors considered in evaluating potential impairment include the current fair value as compared to cost or amortized cost, as appropriate, our 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 our investment portfolio has an unrealized loss that is deemed to be other-than-temporary, we write the security down to fair value through a charge to operations. Significant changes in the factors we consider when evaluating investments for impairment losses could result in a significant change in impairment losses reported in the consolidated financial statements.  There were no impairment losses recorded in our fixed maturity or equity securities portfolios for the three or six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

The following table summarizes all securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 showing the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by the length of time those securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:

 

42



 

 

 

June 30, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

 

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized Loss

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized Loss

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government Treasury Bonds and GNMAs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

$

156,981

 

$

1,665

 

$

51,249

 

$

521

 

7-12 Months

 

12,153

 

517

 

15,059

 

864

 

> 12 Months

 

13,158

 

1,149

 

 

 

Subtotal

 

182,292

 

3,331

 

66,308

 

1,385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

67,104

 

1,349

 

6,340

 

58

 

7-12 Months

 

179

 

16

 

1,508

 

38

 

> 12 Months

 

1,384

 

48

 

648

 

20

 

Subtotal

 

68,667

 

1,413

 

8,496

 

116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage- and asset-backed (excluding GNMAs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

110,731

 

1,799

 

45,381

 

341

 

7-12 Months

 

2,935

 

155

 

1,135

 

26

 

> 12 Months

 

1,113

 

42

 

138

 

6

 

Subtotal

 

114,779

 

1,996

 

46,654

 

373

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

61,690

 

1,216

 

25,049

 

123

 

7-12 Months

 

896

 

83

 

7,124

 

191

 

> 12 Months

 

4,685

 

246

 

 

 

Subtotal

 

67,271

 

1,545

 

32,173

 

314

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Fixed Maturities

 

$

433,009

 

$

8,285

 

$

153,631

 

$

2,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities - common stocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

$

2,973

 

$

55

 

$

 

$

 

7-12 Months

 

437

 

22

 

 

 

> 12 Months

 

1,554

 

77

 

1,892

 

85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Equity Securities

 

$

4,964

 

$

154

 

$

1,892

 

$

85

 

 

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

 

43



 

The following table shows the composition by National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) rating and the generally equivalent Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) and Moody’s ratings of the fixed maturity securities in the Company’s portfolio with gross unrealized losses at June 30, 2004.  Not all of the securities are rated by S&P and/or Moody’s.

 

NAIC
Rating

 

Equivalent
S&P
Rating

 

Equivalent
Moody’s
Rating

 

Unrealized Loss

 

Fair Value

 

Amount

 

Percent
to Total

 

Amount

 

Percent
to Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

AAA/AA/A

 

Aaa/Aa/A

 

$

7,813

 

94

%

$

413,043

 

95

%

2

 

BBB

 

Baa

 

472

 

6

%

19,966

 

5

%

3

 

BB

 

Ba

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

B

 

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

CCC or lower

 

Caa or lower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

8,285

 

100

%

$

433,009

 

100

%

 

At June 30, 2004, the gross unrealized losses in the table directly above are related to fixed maturity securities that are rated investment grade, which is defined by the Company as a security having a NAIC 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, 2004 are shown below.

 

 

 

Unrealized Loss

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

Amount

 

Percent
to Total

 

Amount

 

Percent
to Total

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

561

 

6

%

$

113,754

 

26

%

Due after one year through five years

 

1,374

 

17

%

73,162

 

17

%

Due after five years through ten years

 

1,543

 

19

%

58,545

 

14

%

Due after ten years

 

2,811

 

34

%

72,769

 

17

%

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities

 

1,996

 

24

%

114,779

 

26

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed income securities

 

$

8,285

 

100

%

$

433,009

 

100

%

 

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. Due to the periodic repayment of principal, the mortgage- and asset-backed securities are estimated to have an effective maturity of approximately 5.7 years.

 

44



 

Our realized capital gains and losses were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

$

1,225

 

$

824

 

$

1,664

 

$

1,313

 

(Losses)

 

(1,698

)

(154

)

(1,715

)

(175

)

 

 

(473

)

670

 

(51

)

1,138

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

466

 

1

 

466

 

3

 

(Losses)

 

(98

)

(2

)

(98

)

(254

)

 

 

368

 

(1

)

368

 

(251

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

$

(105

)

$

669

 

$

317

 

$

887

 

 

The following table details any relatively large realized loss from sales and impairments during the first six months of 2004 and 2003 and the related circumstances giving rise to the loss:

 

($ in thousands)

Description

 

Date of
Sale

 

Proceeds
from Sale

 

Loss on
Sale

 

Impairment

 

Holdings at
June 30, 2004

 

Net
Unrealized
Loss

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

5/7/04

 

$

12,227

 

$

(192

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

2/13/03

 

$

425

 

$

(252

)

 

 

 

6

 

 


(1)          US Treasury Note sold as a result of anticipated interest rate increases.

 

(2)          Issuer was a major utility company which had a deteriorating balance sheet, underperforming overseas operations and a reduction in its dividend.

 

Reinsurance Recoverables

 

At June 30, 2004 the Company had reinsurance recoverables of $21.5 million, consisting of reinsurance recoverables for ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses of $15.5 million and ceded unearned premium of $6.0 million, due from Converium Holding Ltd. and subsidiaries (“Converium”).  The recoverables result from several run-off and active excess and pro-rata reinsurance agreements with Converium expiring through the beginning of 2005 that cover principally marine and energy risks for Navigators Insurance Company and the Lloyd’s operations.  Recoverable amounts at June 30, 2004 recorded by Navigators Insurance Company and the Lloyd’s operations were $1.2 million and $20.3 million, respectively.

 

45



 

In July 2004, Converium publicly announced that their 2004 second quarter financial results were impacted by reserve strengthening and certain intangible write-offs and that the company would explore all options for maintaining strong capitalization.  Both A. M. Best and S&P immediately announced ratings downgrades of Converium and its operating subsidiaries from A to A- with negative outlooks.

 

The Company is monitoring the financial condition and ongoing activities of Converium to determine if any actions, including the need to record an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance, are appropriate.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash flow provided by operations was $93.2 million and $65.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The positive operating cash flow in the first six months of 2004 and 2003 was primarily due to the increases in net written premium.  Operating cash flow was used primarily to acquire additional investment assets.

 

Invested assets and cash increased to $771.4 million at June 30, 2004 from $693.6 million at December 31, 2003. The increase was primarily due to the positive cash flow and the $110.8 million of net proceeds received from the common stock offering in October 2003.  Net investment income was $6.6 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $12.5 million and $9.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively

 

The yield of the portfolio, excluding net realized capital gains, was 3.5% at June 30, 2004 compared to 4.1% at June 30, 2003 reflecting the prevailing interest rates. As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, all fixed maturity securities and equity securities held by us were classified as available-for-sale.

 

At June 30, 2004, the weighted average rating of our fixed maturity investments was ‘‘AA’’ by Standard & Poor’s and ‘‘Aa’’ by Moody’s. We believe that we have no significant exposure to credit risk since the fixed maturity investment portfolio consists of investment-grade bonds. At June 30, 2004, our portfolio had an average maturity of 5.4 years and duration of 4.0 years. Management continually monitors the composition and cash flow of the investment portfolio in order to maintain the appropriate levels of liquidity to ensure our ability to satisfy claims.

 

We have a credit facility provided through a consortium of banks. The credit facility provides for an $80.0 million letter of credit facility which was increased from $55.0 million in November 2003.  The credit facility also provided for a $9.0 million line of credit facility which was fully utilized prior to the October 2003 common stock offering.  As required by the credit facility agreement, the line of credit was fully paid from a portion of the proceeds from the common stock offering thereby eliminating the line of credit portion of the credit facility.  The letter of credit facility is utilized primarily by Navigators Corporate Underwriters Ltd. and Millennium Underwriting Ltd. for our 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, we will need to find other sources to provide the letters of credit or other collateral in order to continue our participation in Syndicate 1221.  The renewal amendment executed in November 2003 renewed the letter of credit facility for a two-year period.   At June 30, 2004, letters of credit with an aggregate face amount of $78.7 million were issued under the letter of credit facility.

 

The bank credit facility is collateralized by the common stock of Navigators Insurance Company. 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, 2004, we were in compliance with all covenants.

 

46



 

At June 30, 2004, our consolidated stockholders’ equity was $302.4 million or $24.00 per share compared to $290.0 million or $23.14 per share at December 31, 2003. The increase was primarily due to net income of $18.0 million partially offset by the other comprehensive loss of $7.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004.  The other comprehensive loss in 2004 resulted from unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio due to a rising interest rate environment during the second quarter of 2004.

 

Our reinsurance has been placed with various U.S. and foreign insurance companies and with selected syndicates at Lloyd’s. Pursuant to the implementation of Lloyd’s Plan of Reconstruction and Renewal, a portion of our recoverables are now reinsured by Equitas (a separate United Kingdom authorized reinsurance company established to reinsure outstanding liabilities of all Lloyd’s members for all risks written in the 1992 or prior years of account).

 

We primarily rely upon dividends from our subsidiaries to meet our holding company obligations. The dividends have historically come primarily from Navigators Insurance Company. At December 31, 2003, the maximum amount available for the payment of dividends by Navigators Insurance Company during 2004 without prior regulatory approval was $21,032,000.  Navigators Insurance Company did not pay any dividends in the first six months of 2004.

 

We believe that the cash flow generated by the operating activities of our subsidiaries will provide sufficient funds for us to meet our liquidity needs over the next twelve months. Beyond the next twelve months, cash flow available to us may be influenced by a variety of factors, including general economic conditions and conditions in the insurance and reinsurance markets, as well as fluctuations from year to year in claims experience.

 

Item 3.           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes in the information concerning market risk as stated in the Company’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 4.           Controls 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-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that as of the end of such period the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in identifying, on a timely basis, material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.

 

(b)         There have been no changes during our second fiscal quarter 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 Company entered into certain reinsurance contracts with a reinsurer.  In accordance with normal business practice, Navigators Insurance Company had secured this exposure with letters of credit. In April 1999, Navigators Insurance Company drew

 

47



 

down the letters of credit, in good faith and consistent with their terms. The liquidator of the reinsurer has commenced suit in Australia, seeking to void the draw downs. If the liquidator were to prevail in its action to void the letters of credit, our maximum exposure would be approximately $4.0 million. We filed motions seeking a prompt dismissal of the liquidator’s claims in Australian court in June 2003, which motions were denied. We have appealed those denials and are vigorously defending our position along with continuing settlement discussions. The appellate court ruled that the case needs to be fully tried before an appeal can be pursued.  Although we believe that we have strong defenses against these claims and a reasonable possibility of defeating the liquidator’s claim and that the liquidator’s assertions run counter to prevailing Australian and United States law, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of this litigation.

 

Item 2.                                   Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

None.

 

Item 3.                                   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

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

 

On May 27, 2004, 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 2005 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

 

11,593,342

 

318,384

 

Terence N. Deeks

 

11,620,292

 

291,434

 

Robert W. Eager, Jr.

 

11,593,342

 

318,384

 

Stanley A. Galanski

 

11,619,692

 

292,034

 

Leandro S. Galban, Jr.

 

11,334,437

 

577,289

 

John F. Kirby

 

11,665,077

 

246,649

 

Marc M. Tract

 

8,722,498

 

3,189,228

 

Robert F. Wright

 

11,565,642

 

346,084

 

 

b)             The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent auditors which was ratified with 11,822,377 votes for, 68,249 votes against and 21,100 votes abstaining.

 

Item 5.                                   Other Information

 

There have been no material changes in the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s board of directors.

 

48



 

Item 6.                                   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a)                        Exhibits:

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11-1

 

Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings

 

*

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).

 

 

 


* Included herein.

 

(b)                       Reports on Form 8-K:

 

On May 6, 2004, the Company furnished a Form 8-K relating to its press release announcing its first quarter 2004 earnings.

 

49



 

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 5, 2004

 

/s / Paul J. Malvasio

 

 

Paul J. Malvasio

 

Executive Vice President

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

50



 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11-1

 

Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings

 

*

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).

 

 

 


Included herein.

 

51