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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10 - Q

 


 

Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15 (d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For Quarter Ended September 30, 2004

 

Commission file Number 0-11538

 


 

Overseas Partners Ltd.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Islands of Bermuda   N/A

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

Cumberland House, One Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (441) 295-0788

 

N/A

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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  x    NO  ¨

 

Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
(Title of Class)
118,769,846 Shares

Outstanding at November 8, 2004

 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     September 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS:

                

Investments:

                

Trading, at fair value –

                

Equity securities (cost: 2004 – $244,736, 2003 – $357,759)

   $ 330,497     $ 472,298  

Available-for-sale, at fair value –

                

Debt securities (amortized cost: 2004 – $181,741, 2003 – $234,650)

     182,107       234,645  

Restricted debt securities (amortized cost: 2004 – $83,639, 2003 – $449,546)

     83,881       456,552  

Equity securities (cost: 2004 – $709, 2003 – $1,064)

     709       2,447  
    


 


       597,194       1,165,942  

Cash and cash equivalents

     111,315       264,764  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     59,305       95,208  

Reinsurance balances receivable

     4,704       16,487  

Funds withheld

     14,513       242,635  

Paid losses recoverable from reinsurers

     20,606       26,279  

Unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable from reinsurers

     26,503       63,598  

Deferred acquisition costs

     4       106  

Assets relating to subsidiary held for sale

     217,708       255,541  

Other assets

                

Investment in private equity funds, at cost

     —         22,628  

Investment in affiliate

     —         5,000  

Other

     21,593       29,939  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 1,073,445     $ 2,188,127  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY:

                

Liabilities:

                

Accrued losses and loss expenses

   $ 247,338     $ 913,711  

Unearned premiums

     1,701       8,782  

Reinsurance balances payable

     129,711       59,933  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     19,351       25,659  

Liabilities relating to subsidiary held for sale

     175,503       182,155  

Distribution payable

     —         296,924  
    


 


Total liabilities

   $ 573,604     $ 1,487,164  
    


 


Commitments and contingencies

     —         —    

Preference Stock, par value $0.10 per share; authorized 200 million shares;

                

none issued

     —         —    

Members’ equity:

                

Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share; authorized 900 million shares; issued 127.5 million; outstanding 118,769,846 shares (2003: 118,769,846 shares)

     12,750       12,750  

Contributed surplus

     37,650       37,650  

Retained earnings

     607,719       800,695  

Treasury stock (2004 – 8,730,154 shares, 2003 – 8,730,154 shares), at cost

     (158,755 )     (158,755 )

Deferred compensation

     —         (34 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     477       8,657  
    


 


Total members’ equity

     499,841       700,963  
    


 


Total liabilities and members’ equity

   $ 1,073,445     $ 2,188,127  
    


 


Net book value per share

   $ 4.21     $ 5.90  
    


 


 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,

    Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

REVENUES:

                                

Gross reinsurance premiums written

   $ 631     $ (63,580 )   $ 3,928     $ (73,528 )

Reinsurance premiums ceded

     4,808       (22 )     487       (355 )
    


 


 


 


Reinsurance premiums written

     5,439       (63,602 )     4,415       (73,883 )

Change in unearned premiums

     394       82,232       5,297       106,372  
    


 


 


 


Reinsurance premiums earned

     5,833       18,630       9,712       32,489  

Commission and fee income

     1,327       (410 )     1,325       (165 )

Finance lease

     —         821       —         2,476  

Interest

     4,819       7,543       18,604       23,697  

Realized gain on available-for-sale securities and private equity

     3,434       1,434       6,209       18,910  

Net holding gain on trading securities

     4,356       6,442       8,153       38,980  

Amortization of fixed income securities

     (1,025 )     (1,375 )     (5,169 )     (1,741 )

Dividends

     —         498       158       2,020  
    


 


 


 


       18,744       33,583       38,992       116,666  
    


 


 


 


EXPENSES:

                                

Reinsurance losses and loss expenses

     (4,987 )     35,382       (48,391 )     48,739  

Reinsurance commissions, taxes and other expenses

     3,230       1,192       9,728       13,094  

Real estate and leasing operating expenses

     —         185       —         666  

Interest expense

     —         2,321       —         6,996  

Investment expenses

     576       976       1,622       4,395  

Other operating expenses

     2,865       12,312       8,453       17,640  
    


 


 


 


       1,684       52,368       (28,588 )     91,530  
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     17,060       (18,785 )     67,580       25,136  

Income taxes

     —         3,091       184       2,177  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     17,060       (15,694 )     67,764       27,313  

Discontinued operations:

                                

Net income (loss) from subsidiary held for sale, net of taxes

     872       378       (23,200 )     (9,957 )
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 17,932     $ (15,316 )   $ 44,564     $ 17,356  
    


 


 


 


EARNINGS PER SHARE

                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 0.14     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.57     $ 0.23  

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

     0.01       0.00       (0.20 )     (0.08 )
    


 


 


 


Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.15     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.38     $ 0.15  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average number of shares outstanding

     118,769       118,818       118,769       118,833  
    


 


 


 


 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,

    Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
     2004

   2003

    2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 17,932    $ (15,316 )   $ 44,564     $ 17,356  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                               

Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

     967      1,572       (5,392 )     25,857  

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

     310      (1,433 )     (2,465 )     (18,910 )
    

  


 


 


Other comprehensive income (loss) of continuing operations

     1,277      139       (7,857 )     6,947  
    

  


 


 


New unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities of subsidiary held for sale, net of tax

     179      71       (323 )     (582 )
    

  


 


 


Other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,456      210       (8,180 )     6,365  
    

  


 


 


Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 19,388    $ (15,106 )   $ 36,384     $ 23,721  
    

  


 


 


 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS’ EQUITY

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Preference

Stock


   Common Stock

   Treasury Stock

   

Deferred

Compensation


   

Contributed

Surplus


  

Retained

Earnings


    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


   

Total

Members’

Equity


 
      Shares

   Amount

   Shares

    Amount

            

Balance, January 1, 2003

   $ —      127,500    $ 12,750    (8,645 )   $ (158,047 )   $ (310 )   $ 37,650    $ 1,289,475     $ 26,547     $ 1,208,065  

Net income

     —      —        —      —         —         —         —        17,356       —         17,356  

Purchase of shares

     —      —        —      (38 )     (316 )     —         —        —         —         (316 )

Distribution paid ($2.00 per share)

     —      —        —      —         —         —         —        (237,711 )     —         (237,711 )

Amortization of restricted common stock compensation

     —      —        —      —         —         240       —        —         —         240  

Net unrealized loss on available- for-sale securities, net of tax

     —      —        —      —         —         —         —        —         6,365       6,365  
    

  
  

  

 


 


 

  


 


 


Balance, September 30, 2003

   $ —      127,500    $ 12,750    (8,683 )   $ (158,363 )   $ (70 )   $ 37,650    $ 1,069,120     $ 32,912     $ 993,999  
    

  
  

  

 


 


 

  


 


 


Balance, January 1, 2004

   $ —      127,500    $ 12,750    (8,730 )   $ (158,755 )   $ (34 )   $ 37,650    $ 800,695     $ 8,657     $ 700,963  

Net income

     —      —        —      —         —         —         —        44,564       —         44,564  

Distribution paid ($2.00 per share)

     —      —        —      —         —         —         —        (237,540 )     —         (237,540 )

Amortization of restricted common stock compensation

     —      —        —      —         —         34       —        —         —         34  

Net unrealized loss on available- for-sale securities, net of tax

     —      —        —      —         —         —         —        —         (8,180 )     (8,180 )
    

  
  

  

 


 


 

  


 


 


Balance, September 30, 2004

   $ —      127,500    $ 12,750    (8,730 )   $ (158,755 )   $ —       $ 37,650    $ 607,719     $ 477     $ 499,841  
    

  
  

  

 


 


 

  


 


 


 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(U.S.$ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net income

   $ 44,564     $ 17,356  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash expended by operating activities:

                

(Income) loss from subsidiary held for sale

     (2,609 )     9,957  

Loss on sale of subsidiary

     25,809       —    

Realized gain on available-for-sale securities and private equity

     (6,209 )     (18,910 )

Net holding gain on trading securities

     (8,153 )     (38,980 )

Amortization of fixed income securities

     3,071       1,741  

Amortization of restricted common stock compensation

     34       240  

Other

     607       88  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Reinsurance balances receivable

     11,783       215,984  

Losses and loss expenses recoverable

     42,768       23,924  

Funds withheld

     228,122       88,778  

Deferred acquisition costs

     102       5,329  

Unearned premiums ceded

     —         1,856  

Other assets

     19,059       4,752  

Accrued losses and loss expenses

     (666,373 )     (344,604 )

Unearned premiums

     (7,081 )     (110,449 )

Reinsurance balances payable

     69,778       (176,595 )

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (6,308 )     13,716  

Proceeds from sales of trading investments

     150,018       —    
    


 


Net cash flow expended by operating activities of continuing operations

     (101,018 )     (305,817 )
    


 


CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments

     902,488       750,126  

Purchase of available-for-sale investments

     (483,988 )     (633,804 )

Proceeds from sale of private equity funds

     20,659       —    

Net movement in restricted cash and cash equivalents

     35,903       185,331  
    


 


Net cash flow generated by investing activities of continuing operations

     475,062       301,653  
    


 


CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Purchases of treasury stock

     —         (316 )

Repayment and repurchase of debt

     —         (1,724 )

Liquidating distributions

     (534,464 )     (237,711 )
    


 


Net cash flow expended by financing activities of continuing operations

     (534,464 )     (239,751 )
    


 


CASH FLOW FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

                

Distribution from subsidiary held for sale

     6,971       —    
    


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (153,449 )     (243,915 )

Cash and cash equivalents:

                

Beginning of period

     264,764       385,350  
    


 


End of period

   $ 111,315     $ 141,435  
    


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                

Cash paid during the period:

                

U.S. income taxes

   $ —       $ 3,479  

Interest

   $ —       $ 5,144  

 

See condensed notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

(Unaudited)

 

1. GENERAL

 

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Overseas Partners Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively OPL or the Company). OPL was engaged in the property, casualty and finite risk reinsurance business and in the real estate and leasing business. On February 13, 2002 the Board of Directors of OPL announced its decision to restructure OPL and cause its operations to begin an orderly runoff. OPL and its reinsurance subsidiaries have discontinued writing new business. OPL has disposed of all its real estate assets such that the Company is no longer engaged in the real estate and leasing business.

 

The decision to put the reinsurance operations into runoff has significantly changed the ongoing results of OPL’s operations and the associated cash flows and will continue to do so. There has been no new business written, therefore OPL will not generate any significant cash flow from premiums in the future. The commutation and novation of reinsurance programs has significantly accelerated loss payments and will continue to result in negative cash flows in the future. Nevertheless, OPL management believes that the Company’s current cash holdings and future sales and maturities of investments are adequate sources of liquidity for the future payment of claims and operating expenses.

 

The results of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements are not included herein. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Overseas Partners Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Interim financial statements are subject to possible adjustments in connection with the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements for the full year; in the Company’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of these interim statements have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature.

 

Except as described above, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. All activity is recorded in U.S. dollars. Inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised Interpretation 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46R”). FIN 46R requires the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) to include the assets, liabilities and results of the activities of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements, as well as disclosure of information about the assets and liabilities, and the nature, purpose and activities of consolidated VIEs. In addition, FIN 46R requires disclosure of information about the nature, purpose and activities on unconsolidated VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest. For the purposes of FIN 46R, OPL is a nonpublic entity and therefore FIN 46R is effective immediately for any interests in VIEs acquired after December 31, 2003 and effective January 1, 2005 for all VIEs acquired before December 31, 2003. OPL does not believe that it will have any VIE’s as of January 1, 2005 and therefore does not expect that implementation of FIN 46R will have any impact on our financial position, results of operations or financial reporting.

 

In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached consensus on the guidance provided in EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments” (“EITF 03-1”) as applicable to debt and equity securities that are within the scope of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”. This new guidance for determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary was originally effective for the period beginning July 1, 2004. However, on September 30, 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position EITF 03-1-1 delaying the effective date for the accounting and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1 until further clarification can be provided. Adoption of this standard is not anticipated to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or financial reporting.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

(Unaudited)

 

3. SALE OF OVERSEAS PARTNERS US REINSURANCE COMPANY

 

In May 2004, the Company committed to offer for sale its wholly owned subsidiary, OPUS Re, and commenced a process to find a buyer. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), as of June 30, 2004 OPUS Re was classified as held for sale and the Company recorded a provision for loss on sale of $23.8 million at that time.

 

In July 2004 OPL and Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. (“OdysseyRe”) entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement, pursuant to which OdysseyRe will purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of OPUS Re. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Regulatory approval was received in October 2004. OPL expects the closing of the transaction will occur during the fourth quarter of 2004. The purchase price is fixed at a maximum of $43.0 million and so the actual loss on sale will vary depending on the operating performance of OPUS Re through to the closing date.

 

In accordance with SFAS 144 all assets pertaining to OPUS Re have been recorded as a single line item “Assets relating to subsidiary held for sale” and similarly all liabilities have been recorded as a single line item “Liabilities relating to subsidiary held for sale”. The net operating results of OPUS Re have been recorded as discontinued operations in the statement of income. The financial statements for prior periods presented have been restated on a consistent basis.

 

Summary financial information about the Company’s discontinued operations is presented in the following tables:

 

     Three months ended September 30,

    Nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

REVENUES

                                

Premiums earned

   $ 2,502     $ 12,103     $ 14,568     $ 51,874  

Investment income

     661       559       2,124       3,267  
    


 


 


 


     $ 3,163     $ 12,662     $ 16,692     $ 55,141  
    


 


 


 


NET INCOME (LOSS)

                                

Income (loss) from subsidiary held for sale

   $ 3,661     $ (52 )   $ 4,588     $ (11,284 )

Income taxes relating to subsidiary held for sale

     (810 )     430       (1,979 )     1,327  

Loss on sale of subsidiary

     (1,979 )     —         (25,809 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss) from subsidiary held for sale

   $ 872     $ 378     $ (23,200 )   $ (9,957 )
    


 


 


 


 

The major classes of assets and liabilities relating to OPUS Re were as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

   September 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


ASSETS

             

Cash and investments

   $ 201,595    $ 218,884

Reinsurance balances receivable

     2,870      13,730

Funds withheld

     8,847      10,010

Other assets

     4,396      12,917
    

  

Assets relating to subsidiary held for sale

     217,708      255,541
    

  

LIABILITIES

             

Accrued losses and loss expenses

     142,576      164,993

Unearned premiums

     339      12,963

Reinsurance balances payable

     5,676      1,718

Accounts payable and other accruals

     1,237      2,481

Provision for loss on sale of subsidiary

     25,675      —  
    

  

Liabilities relating to subsidiary held for sale

     175,503      182,155
    

  

Net assets relating to subsidiary held for sale

   $ 42,205    $ 73,386
    

  


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

(Unaudited)

 

4. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

In the past, the Company’s operations have been conducted through two segments—reinsurance and real estate and leasing. The reinsurance segment is managed from the Bermuda office and includes the runoff of accident & health, aviation, property, workers’ compensation and finite risk business. Real estate and leasing activities were owned and managed through United States subsidiaries of Overseas Partners Capital Corp. (OPCC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of OPL. During the fourth quarter of 2003 the Company sold its final remaining leased asset and the Company is therefore no longer engaged in the real estate and leasing business. On December 31, 2003 OPCC was dissolved and all remaining assets and liabilities distributed to OPL. There were no inter-segment revenues earned for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003. Corporate expenses were allocated to segments based on estimated utilization for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. Income before income taxes by segment consists of revenues less expenses related to the respective segment’s operations. The reinsurance segment maintains a portfolio of cash and liquid investments to support its reserves for accrued losses and loss expenses and unearned premiums as well as its capital requirements.

 

Following the decision to classify OPUS Re as held for sale, the results of OPUS Re are no longer included in the results of the reinsurance segment. The summary financial information for prior periods has been restated on a consistent basis.

 

Summary financial information about the Company’s segments is presented in the following tables:

 

     Three months ended September 30,

    Nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

REVENUES

                                

Reinsurance:

                                

Premiums earned

   $ 5,833     $ 18,630     $ 9,712     $ 32,489  

Commission and fee income

     1,327       (410 )     1,325       (165 )

Investment income

     11,584       12,934       27,955       77,118  
    


 


 


 


       18,744       31,154       38,992       109,442  
    


 


 


 


Real estate and leasing:

                                

Finance lease

     —         821       —         2,476  

Investment income

     —         1,608       —         4,748  
    


 


 


 


       —         2,429       —         7,224  
    


 


 


 


Consolidated

   $ 18,744     $ 33,583     $ 38,992     $ 116,666  
    


 


 


 


NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES

                                

Reinsurance

   $ 19,925     $ (6,396 )   $ 76,033     $ 43,215  

Real estate and leasing

     —         (77 )     —         (439 )

Other operating expenses

     (2,865 )     (12,312 )     (8,453 )     (17,640 )
    


 


 


 


Consolidated

   $ 17,060     $ (18,785 )   $ 67,580     $ 25,136  
    


 


 


 


 

(In thousands)

 

   September 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


ASSETS

             

Reinsurance

             

Cash and investments

   $ 767,814    $ 1,525,914

Other

     87,923      406,672

Assets relating to subsidiary held for sale

     217,708      255,541
    

  

Consolidated

   $ 1,073,445    $ 2,188,127
    

  

 

For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 premiums earned were derived primarily from sources located in the United States. Before the Company disposed of its principal leasing and real estate assets, all of the Company’s revenues in that segment were generated in the United States.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

(Unaudited)

 

5. STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

OPL’s ability to repurchase shares, pay dividends, or make other distributions to shareowners is subject to certain regulatory restrictions including the following:

 

  1. In Bermuda, the Bermuda Insurance Act of 1978, amendments thereto and related Regulations (the “Act”) requires each of OPL and its Bermuda based reinsurance subsidiaries to maintain a minimum solvency margin determined as the greater of 15% of accrued losses and loss expenses (net of reinsurance recoverables) or a given fraction of net premiums written. OPL, Overseas Partners Re Ltd. (OPRe) and Overseas Partners Assurance Ltd. (OPAL) were all in compliance with these requirements for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

  2. The Act also requires each of OPL and its Bermuda based reinsurance subsidiaries to maintain a minimum liquidity ratio whereby the value of their relevant assets (consisting mainly of cash, investments, receivables and other liquid assets) is not less than 75% of the amount of their relevant liabilities (consisting mainly of accrued losses and loss expenses, unearned premiums, reinsurance balances payable and other accounts payable). Investments in and advances to subsidiaries are not included in the definition of relevant assets for purposes of this test. OPL, OPRe and OPAL met these requirements for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

  3. Dividend payments by OPL’s United States based reinsurance subsidiary OPUS Re are limited by statutory regulations. The dividend restrictions are generally based on net investment income, statutory net income and on certain levels of policyholders’ surplus as determined under statutory accounting practices. The maximum amount of dividends out of unassigned surplus that may be paid by OPUS Re without prior approval of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner is limited to the greater of (i) 10% of OPUS Re’s surplus as regards policyholders as shown in the preceding year’s annual statement or (ii) net income, excluding realized capital gains, as shown in the preceding year’s annual statement. As such, the maximum allowable dividend payable by OPUS Re in 2004 would be $nil unless regulatory authority approval is obtained. On May 14, 2004 OPUS Re received approval from the Delaware Insurance Commissioner to permit the payment of a distribution of $7.0 million. This distribution was paid on June 11, 2004.

 

  4. OPUS Re is also subject to certain Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements as specified by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Under those requirements, the amount of capital and surplus maintained by an insurance company is to be determined based on the various risk factors related to it. If a company’s RBC is below a specified level, the company may be required to implement various corrective actions, and if RBC is less than other, lower levels, the company is subject to regulatory action, including voluntary or mandatory control by the insurance regulators of its state of domicile. At September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, OPUS Re’s RBC requirements exceeded the level at which any corrective action would be required.

 

  5. As a holding company, a significant proportion of OPL’s assets relate to its investments in subsidiaries. As such, OPL’s ability to make future distributions is heavily dependent upon it receiving distributions from its subsidiaries. The Act prohibits OPL, OPRe and OPAL from distributing more than 15% of the prior year’s statutory capital unless specific approval is obtained from the Bermuda Monetary Authority. In addition to the requirements of the Act, the Bermuda Monetary Authority has requested that all distributions from OPL, OPRe and OPAL be pre-approved by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. In addition to the regulatory restrictions, each subsidiary needs to consider, inter alia, the potential for future adverse development in the settlement of reinsurance liabilities, the risk of investment losses, ongoing operating expenses, and the availability of unrestricted liquid assets prior to making such distributions. On November 25, 2003 OPL received approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority to permit the payment of a distribution to shareowners of $2.50 per share. This $296.9 million distribution was paid to shareowners on January 5, 2004. On August 4, 2004, following approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Board of Directors of OPL declared a distribution to shareowners of $2 per share or $237.5 million and this amount was paid to shareowners on August 31, 2004.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

(Unaudited)

 

6. CONTINGENCIES

 

On November 19, 1999 and January 27, 2000 OPL was named as a defendant in two class action lawsuits, filed on behalf of customers of UPS, in Montgomery County, Ohio Court and Butler County, Ohio Court, respectively. The lawsuits alleged, among other things, that UPS told its customers that they were purchasing insurance for coverage of loss or damage to goods shipped by UPS. The lawsuits further alleged that UPS wrongfully enriched itself with the monies paid by its customers to purchase such insurance. The November 19, 1999 and January 27, 2000 actions were removed to federal court and thereafter transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”) and consolidated in a multi-district litigation for pretrial discovery purposes with other actions asserting claims against UPS. Plaintiffs subsequently amended those claims against all defendants to join a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (“RICO”) claim as well. On August 7, 2000, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, OPCC, were added as defendants in a third class action lawsuit, also consolidated in the multi-district litigation, which alleged violations of United States antitrust laws, and state unfair trade practice and consumer protection laws. The allegations in the lawsuits were drawn from an opinion by the United States Tax Court that found that the insurance program, as offered through UPS, by domestic insurance companies, and ultimately reinsured by OPL, should not be recognized for federal income tax purposes. In June 2001, the Tax Court opinion was reversed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

 

The Company filed or joined in motions to dismiss all of the consolidated actions on a number of grounds, including that the antitrust claim failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, and that the remaining claims were preempted by federal law. In orders dated July 30, 2002, the Court granted in part and denied in part the motions to dismiss. Pursuant to the Court’s orders, the claims remaining against the Company were RICO, antitrust, and common law interference with contract claims. On November 8, 2002, the parties presented to the Court a stipulation and proposed order certifying a nationwide class with respect to certain of the claims brought by the plaintiffs, including the RICO and interference with contract claims against the Company. The Court approved the stipulation and proposed order. The stipulation did not certify the antitrust claims brought against the Company.

 

During October 2003 the parties reached a tentative settlement with respect to all claims brought by the various plaintiffs. The settlement agreement was executed on December 31, 2003 and on July 30, 2004 the Court approved the settlement. The final judgment and order approving the settlement and dismissing the claims with prejudice was entered on August 6, 2004 and the settlement was deemed effective on September 8, 2004. During September 2004 the Company paid $10 million in connection with the settlement. This amount was accrued in the financial statements during the year ended December 31, 2003.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Transacted in U.S. Dollars)

 

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. Our results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of our results for the full year. Due to the pending sale of OPUS Re, and in accordance with SFAS 144, the reinsurance segment results have been restated for all periods presented to exclude the results of OPUS Re’s operations. Due to the runoff status of the Company, our results are likely to vary significantly from period to period. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2003 and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Runoff Activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2004

 

The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 reflect a number of significant transactions that were effected in accordance with our runoff goals and objectives. In particular, the Company:

 

  Commuted or otherwise settled a number of reinsurance contracts, contributing to a reduction in reinsurance liabilities of approximately $600 million and generating net income of approximately $57 million as a result of savings compared to carried reserves. The commutations also reduce our exposure to future adverse claims experience while also releasing capital for distribution to shareowners;

 

  Commuted a portion of our aviation excess of loss reinsurance protection, resulting in the collection of approximately $34 million of losses and loss expenses recoverable, after allowing the reinsurers a discount of $7.9 million for early settlement. In addition to the positive cash flow, the commutations eliminated the credit risk associated with such receivables and thereby allowed us to reduce our provision for bad debts by $4 million;

 

  Entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement to sell OPUS Re for cash proceeds of $43 million. We expect the closing of the transaction to occur during the fourth quarter of 2004. Although the sale is expected to generate a loss of approximately $25.8 million (of which $23.8 million was recorded as a provision for loss on sale as of June 30, 2004), it will eliminate the risk of adverse claims experience on accrued losses and loss expense reserves of approximately $143 million, save ongoing costs associated with the run off and also enable additional capital to be released for distribution to shareowners;

 

  Completed the sale of our investments in four private equity funds for a gain on sale of $3.7 million. The sale generated net cash proceeds of approximately $30.4 million (of which approximately $9.8 million has been received in the fourth quarter of 2004), and also eliminated the Company’s future capital commitments of approximately $37 million;

 

  Sold its 22% investment in a Florida based workers’ compensation insurance company for $5 million, equal to the carrying value of the investment.


Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Summary of results:

 

     Three months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands except for per share amounts)

 

   2004

    2003

 

NET INCOME BEFORE TAXES

                

Reinsurance segment

   $ 19,925     $ (6,396 )

Real estate and leasing segment

     —         (77 )

Other operating expenses

     (2,865 )     (12,312 )
    


 


Net income (loss) before taxes from continuing operations

     17,060       (18,785 )

Income taxes

     —         3,091  
    


 


Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     17,060       (15,694 )
    


 


Net income from subsidiary held for sale

     872       378  
    


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 17,932     $ (15,316 )
    


 


Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.15     $ (0.13 )
    


 


 

The reinsurance segment generated $19.9 million of net income for the three months ended September 30, 2004 due to investment income of $11.0 million and net underwriting income of $8.9 million. A more detailed discussion of such results is set out in the Reinsurance Segment section below.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2003 we sold our final remaining leased asset and the Company is therefore no longer engaged in the real estate and leasing business.

 

Other operating expenses for both the three months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003 consist of corporate expenses not allocated to operating segments including payroll, insurance, shareowner costs and rent. For the three months ended September 30, 2003 those expenses also include settlement costs of $10 million to settle the class action lawsuit as discussed in Note 6 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2004 we classified the operations of OPUS Re as held for sale and subsequently entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement, pursuant to which OdysseyRe agreed to purchase OPUS Re. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Regulatory approval was received in October 2004. We have recorded a loss of approximately $25.8 million, of which $23.8 million was provided for as of June 30, 2004. The purchase price is fixed at $43 million and so the actual loss on sale will vary depending upon the operating performance of OPUS Re through to the closing date, which we expect to occur during the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2004 we recorded net income from subsidiary held for sale of $0.9 million, which reflected OPUS Re’s operating income of $3.7 million, an associated tax charge of $0.8 million and an increase in the loss on sale of $2.0 million. The operating income for 2004 reflects a reduction in accrued losses and loss expenses following the results of a recent independent actuarial evaluation and strong investment performance.

 

Basic and diluted net income per share was $0.15 for the three months ended September 30, 2004. For the same period in 2003 basic and diluted net loss per share was $0.13.


Reinsurance Segment:

 

     Three months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

 

Gross premiums written

   $ 631     $ (63,580 )

Premiums ceded

     4,808       (22 )
    


 


Net premiums written

     5,439       (63,602 )

Change in unearned premiums

     394       82,232  
    


 


Premiums earned

     5,833       18,630  

Commission and fee income

     1,327       (410 )
    


 


       7,160       18,220  
    


 


Losses and loss expenses

     4,987       (35,382 )

Commissions, taxes and other expenses

     (3,230 )     (1,192 )
    


 


       1,757       (36,574 )
    


 


Underwriting income (loss)

     8,917       (18,354 )
    


 


Investment income, net of expenses

     11,008       11,958  
    


 


Reinsurance income (loss)

   $ 19,925     $ (6,396 )
    


 


 

Underwriting

 

As a result of the reinsurance operations of the Company being in runoff, premiums written, ceded and earned are expected to be minimal. However, during the three months ended September 30, 2003 there were negative gross written premiums of $63.6 million. This was primarily due to the cancellation of one of the Company’s finite reinsurance agreements where $74.5 million of written and unearned premiums were returned, partially offset by increased premium estimates on other contracts. For the three months ended September 30, 2004 the Company recorded negative premiums ceded of $4.8 million, primarily due to the reversal of a second quarter 2004 provision for estimated adjustment premiums due on the Company’s aviation excess of loss reinsurance program. The reversal reflects additional information provided by third parties during the current quarter.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2004, the Company generated net underwriting income of $8.9 million, primarily due to the net effect of:

 

  A reduction in the provision for bad debts of $4 million;

 

  The $4.8 million adjustment to premiums ceded discussed above;

 

  Fee income of $1.3 million relating to the margin earned on a finite risk reinsurance contract;

 

  Loss adjustment expenses of $2.2 million, consisting largely of letter of credit fees and internal costs of runoff.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2003 we experienced a net underwriting loss of $18.4 million. This underwriting loss was primarily due to an increase in estimated ultimate losses of approximately $15 million on two workers’ compensation programs. The change in estimates followed an independent actuarial evaluation completed in the third quarter of 2003 and reflected adverse trending of medical expenses associated with workers’ compensation claims in California. Both workers’ compensation programs were commuted during 2004. The loss was also due to loss adjustment expenses of $2.1 million, comprising largely legal fees, letter of credit fees and internal costs of runoff.

 

The Company is engaged in several ongoing disputes with ceding companies, including arbitration and litigation that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. The Company continues to reserve for losses and loss expenses on all disputed contracts without regard to any possibility of a favorable outcome. The uncertainty surrounding such estimates is increased by the fact that the Company may not have received current loss information from the ceding company during the period of the dispute and may not have had the opportunity to audit or otherwise review the reliability of such reported information.


Reinsurance Investment Income

 

     Three months ended September 30, 2004

    Three months ended September 30, 2003

 

(In thousands)

 

   Income
(Loss)


    Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Total
Return


    Income
(Loss)


    Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Total
Return


 

Equities

                                                

Available-for-sale

   $ (355 )   $ (390 )   $ (745 )   $ 336     $ 2,166     $ 2,502  

Trading

     5,284       —         5,284       7,606       —         7,606  

Debt securities

     2,758       1,667       4,425       6,150       (2,054 )     4,096  

Other

     3,897       —         3,897       (1,158 )     27       (1,131 )

Expenses

     (576 )     —         (576 )     (976 )     —         (976 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


     $ 11,008     $ 1,277     $ 12,285     $ 11,958     $ 139     $ 12,097  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

The Company’s reinsurance investments are classified as either trading or available-for-sale. The trading portfolio is recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in net income. The available-for-sale portfolio is recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in members’ equity as other comprehensive income. Despite the different accounting treatment of the trading and available-for-sale portfolios, we manage the Company’s cash and investments in total and do not place significant importance on whether the return is recognized in net income or as other comprehensive income. Therefore, this discussion will focus on the total investment return.

 

Our reinsurance portfolio generated a return of $12.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a total return of $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The increased return in 2004 was primarily due to the net effect of:

 

  Our available-for-sale investment in a Bermuda based life reinsurer generating a negative return of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a negative return of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003. During the three months ended September 30, 2004 we recorded a write down in the cost basis of this investment of $0.4 million as the decline in value was considered other than temporary. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, such a write-down is recognized as a realized loss in the income statement, even though there was no sale of the security;

 

  Our trading equities generating a return of $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a return of $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003. Our trading equities are investments in a multi-manager fund that follows a combination of fixed income strategies.

 

  Our debt securities generated a return of $4.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a return of $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003.

 

  Our completion of the sale of our investments in four private equity funds that realized a $3.7 million gain during the three months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Investment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2004 decreased to $0.6 million from $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003, partially due to reduction in assets invested. Investment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2003 included management fees relating to our investment in private equity funds.


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Summary of results:

 

     Nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands except for per share amounts)

 

   2004

    2003

 

NET INCOME BEFORE TAXES

                

Reinsurance segment

   $ 76,033     $ 43,215  

Real estate and leasing segment

     —         (439 )

Other operating expenses

     (8,453 )     (17,640 )
    


 


Net income before taxes from continuing operations

     67,580       25,136  

Income taxes

     184       2,177  
    


 


Net income from continuing operations

     67,764       27,313  
    


 


Net loss from subsidiary held for sale

     (23,200 )     (9,957 )
    


 


Net income

   $ 44,564     $ 17,356  
    


 


Basic and diluted net income per share

   $ 0.38     $ 0.15  
    


 


 

The Company’s reinsurance segment generated $76.0 million of net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 primarily due to net savings of approximately $48 million generated through commutations and $26.3 million of reinsurance investment income, partially offset by the internal costs of runoff. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 the reinsurance segment generated $43.2 million of net income, primarily due to $72.7 million of reinsurance investment income, which was partially offset by an increase in estimated ultimate losses of approximately $15 million on two workers’ compensation programs and also by legal expenses and the internal costs of runoff. A more detailed discussion of such results is set out in the Reinsurance Segment section below.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2003 we sold our final remaining leased asset and the Company is therefore no longer engaged in the real estate and leasing business.

 

Other operating expenses decreased to $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The operating expenses consist of corporate expenses not allocated to operating segments including payroll, insurance, shareowner costs and rent. The expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 also included the class action lawsuit settlement costs of $10 million.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004 OPL has classified the operations of OPUS Re as held for sale. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 we recorded a net loss of $23.2 million from subsidiary held for sale, including OPUS Re’s operating income of $4.6 million, a tax charge of $2.0 million primarily due to a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, and the loss on sale of $25.8 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 OPUS Re generated a loss of $10.0 million primarily due to an asset impairment charge of $5.8 million to write-down the capitalized cost of insurance licenses and future lease costs of $2.5 million relating to OPUS Re’s Philadelphia office space.

 

Basic and diluted net income per share was $0.38 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 consisting of $0.57 per share of income from continuing operations offset by a loss of $0.20 per share from the discontinued operations of OPUS Re. For the same period in 2003 basic and diluted net income per share was $0.15 consisting of $0.23 per share of income from continuing operations offset by a loss of $0.08 per share from discontinued operations.


Reinsurance Segment:

 

     Nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

 

Gross premiums written

   $ 3,928     $ (73,528 )

Premiums ceded

     487       (355 )
    


 


Net premiums written

     4,415       (73,883 )

Change in unearned premiums

     5,297       106,372  
    


 


Premiums earned

     9,712       32,489  

Commission and fee income

     1,325       (165 )
    


 


       11,037       32,324  
    


 


Losses and loss expenses

     48,391       (48,739 )

Commissions, taxes and underwriting expenses

     (9,728 )     (13,094 )
    


 


       38,663       (61,833 )
    


 


Underwriting income (loss)

     49,700       (29,509 )
    


 


Investment income, net of expenses

     26,333       72,724  
    


 


Reinsurance income

   $ 76,033     $ 43,215  
    


 


 

Underwriting

 

Gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 of $3.9 million were due to changes in the estimates of ultimate written premium while the gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 of negative $73.5 million were primarily due to the cancellation of one of the Company’s finite reinsurance agreements where $74.5 million of written and unearned premiums were returned.

 

Premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 decreased to $9.7 million compared to $32.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. This decrease is a result of the runoff of the reinsurance operations of the Company. Premiums earned will continue to decrease in future periods.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 we generated net underwriting income of $49.7 million, which is primarily due to net savings of approximately $48 million generated through commutations of both our assumed loss reserves and portions of our aviation excess of loss reinsurance protection. The commutations included a workers’ compensation contract, with recorded loss reserves of approximately $198 million, where reinsurance had been provided to a reinsurer that had commenced arbitration to rescind its own reinsurance contract with the primary carrier. The commutation resulted in savings compared to booked reserves and eliminated the risk of further losses that may have arisen from an unfavorable arbitration decision in the underlying contract. The commutation savings were partially offset by loss adjustment expenses of $6.8 million, consisting largely of legal fees, letter of credit fees and internal costs of runoff.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 we experienced a net underwriting loss of $29.5 million. This underwriting loss was primarily due to an increase in estimated ultimate losses of approximately $15 million on two workers’ compensation programs. The change in estimates followed an independent actuarial evaluation completed in the third quarter of 2003 and reflected adverse trending of medical expenses associated with workers’ compensation claims in California. Both workers’ compensation programs were commuted during 2004. The loss was also due to loss adjustment expenses, comprised largely of legal fees, letter of credit fees and internal costs of runoff amounting to $8.9 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2003.


Reinsurance Investment Income

 

     Nine months ended September 30, 2004

    Nine months ended September 30, 2003

 

(In thousands)

 

   Income

    Other
Comprehensive
Loss


    Total Return

    Income

    Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Total Return

 

Equities

                                                

Available-for-sale

   $ (348 )   $ (1,383 )   $ (1,731 )   $ 20,361     $ 5,293     $ 25,654  

Trading

     10,982       —         10,982       42,505       —         42,505  

Debt securities

     12,950       (6,474 )     6,476       14,496       1,793       16,289  

Other

     4,371       —         4,371       (243 )     (79 )     (322 )

Expenses

     (1,622 )     —         (1,622 )     (4,395 )     —         (4,395 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


     $ 26,333     $ (7,857 )   $ 18,476     $ 72,724     $ 7,007     $ 79,731  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

The Company’s reinsurance investments are classified as either trading or available-for-sale. The trading portfolio is recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in net income. The available-for-sale portfolio is recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in members’ equity as other comprehensive income. Despite the different accounting treatment of the trading and available-for-sale portfolios, we manage the Company’s cash and investments in total and do not place significant importance on whether the return is recognized in net income or as other comprehensive income. Therefore, this discussion will focus on the total investment return.

 

Our reinsurance portfolio generated a total return of $18.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a total return of $79.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The comparative performance was primarily due to the net effect of:

 

  Our available-for-sale S&P 500 equity portfolio was sold during 2003 in line with our strategy of reducing our exposure to equity price risk due to the runoff of our reinsurance operations, generating a gain of $24.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003;

 

  Our available-for-sale investment in a Bermuda based life reinsurer generating a negative return of $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a negative return of $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004 we recorded a write down in the cost basis of this investment of $0.4 million as the decline in value was considered other than temporary. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, such a write-down is recognized as a realized loss in the income statement, even though there was no sale of the security;

 

  Our trading equities generating a positive return of $11.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a positive return of $42.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Our trading equities are investments in a multi-manager fund that follows a combination of fixed income strategies. The fund earned 2.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared with earning 8.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The variance was primarily due to the fund’s high-yield bond portfolio and convertible securities components returning respectively 6.1% and 0.8% during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to 14.3% and 13.8% for the same period in 2003;

 

  A downturn in the U.S. fixed income markets such that our debt securities generated a return of $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a return of $16.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003;

 

  Our completion of the sale of our investments in four private equity funds that realized a $3.7 million gain during the three months ended September 30, 2004;

 

  A reduction in investment balances of approximately $570 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to net investment sales in order to fund commutations, novations and distributions to shareowners.

 

Investment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 decreased to $1.6 million from $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. This was partially due to a reduction in assets invested although investment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 included the write-off of previously capitalized management fees relating to our investment in private equity funds, reflecting an impairment in the carrying value of the funds.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Sources of capital and liquidity

 

Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short-term and long-term cash requirements of its business operations. Prior to going into runoff, our reinsurance operations had historically provided significant liquidity in that premiums were received in advance, generally substantially in advance, of the time claims were paid. However, since placing our reinsurance operations into runoff, claim payments have significantly exceeded premium receipts and this is likely to continue in future periods. The Company will continue to accelerate loss payments through commutations and novations of the remaining reinsurance contracts and this will result in continued negative cash flow. There is significant uncertainty regarding the timing of cash payments due to the uncertain number and timing of commutations and novations. Without the completion of commutations and novations, loss payments could continue for the next twenty years.

 

In the normal course of reinsurance business, OPL’s bankers have issued letters of credit totaling $100.6 million as of September 30, 2004 to collateralize the Company’s accrued losses and unearned premium obligations to certain reinsureds. Following OPL’s decision to cease writing new business and to runoff our reinsurance operations, the banks required that our letter of credit facilities be fully secured by a portion of the Company’s investment portfolio of at least equivalent value. At September 30, 2004 the Company had $143.2 million of cash and investments collateralizing our $126.1 million letter of credit facilities. As of December 31, 2003 the Company had $448.2 million of cash and investments collateralizing our letter of credit facilities of $441.3 million and the Company’s bankers had issued letters of credit of $261.0 million. The reduction in letters of credit issued and the letter of credit facility reflects the commutations and novations completed during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

At September 30, 2004 the reinsurance segment had $768 million of cash and highly liquid investments. We believe that our current cash holdings and future sales and maturities of investments are adequate sources of liquidity for the future payment of claims and operating expenses. Further we expect that the amount of required collateral for our letter of credit facilities will decrease commensurate with the payment of our accrued loss and loss expense liabilities. OPL’s letter of credit facilities expire on December 31, 2004. However, OPL expects to be able to meet its collateral obligations through establishment of trust accounts or deposits with the reinsureds.

 

Following the Board of Directors, February 13, 2002, announcement of its decision to restructure OPL and cause its operations to begin an orderly runoff, the Company is seeking to provide shareowners with both near term and longer-term liquidity. However, due to the regulated nature of the reinsurance business and other business reasons, it could take many years to complete the runoff of OPL’s businesses and fully return share capital to shareowners. As a holding company, a substantial proportion of OPL’s assets relate to its investments in subsidiaries. As such, OPL’s ability to make future distributions to shareowners is largely dependent upon it receiving distributions from its subsidiaries. Insurance regulation in Bermuda requires that OPL, OPRe and OPAL each maintain minimum capital and liquidity requirements and also prohibits such entities from distributing more than 15% of their prior year’s statutory capital unless specific approval is obtained from the Bermuda Monetary Authority. In addition to existing regulatory requirements, the Bermuda Monetary Authority has requested that it pre-approve all distributions from OPAL, OPRe and OPL. Dividend payments by OPL’s United States based reinsurance subsidiary OPUS Re are also limited by applicable law, and OPUS Re requires regulatory approval to pay a dividend. See Note 5 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the restrictions on distributions.

 

As discussed in Note 3 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, OPL has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement to sell OPUS Re. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, which were obtained in October 2004. OPL expects the closing of the transaction will occur during the fourth quarter of 2004. OPL received a $7 million pre-closing distribution from OPUS Re in June 2004 and will receive additional proceeds of approximately $43 million, before deducting transaction costs, when the transaction closes. Total proceeds of approximately $50 million will become available for distribution to OPL’s shareowners if approved by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

 

On November 25, 2003 OPL received approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority to permit the payment of a distribution to shareowners of $2.50 per share or $296.9 million. This distribution was paid to shareowners on January 5, 2004. On August 4, 2004, following approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Board of Directors of OPL declared a distribution to shareowners of $2 per share or $237.5 million and this amount was paid to shareowners on August 31, 2004.


Cash and cash equivalents decreased due to the following:

 

     Nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

 

CASH FLOWS

                

Operating activities

   $ (101,018 )   $ (305,817 )

Investing activities

     475,062       301,653  

Financing activities

     (534,464 )     (239,751 )

Distribution from subsidiary held for sale

     6,971       —    
    


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (153,449 )   $ (243,915 )
    


 


 

Operating activities

 

Since OPL’s reinsurance operations went into runoff in February 2002, no new reinsurance contracts have been, or will be, written and there has therefore been a significant reduction in the cash generated from reinsurance operations. Claim payments have exceeded premium receipts and this is likely to continue in future periods. The Company will continue to accelerate loss payments through commutations and novations of the remaining reinsurance contracts and this will further increase the negative cash flow.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, funds withheld, accrued losses and loss expenses and reinsurance balances receivable decreased by $228.1 million, $666.4 and $11.8 million respectively. These decreases were primarily a result of the commutation and novation of several reinsurance contracts. We anticipate that these balances will continue to decrease as the runoff of OPL’s reinsurance operations progresses.

 

Reinsurance underwriting operations used $271.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to using $310.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. These cash outflows were primarily due to commutation and novation payments.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004 we received tax refunds of $19.5 million relating to our real estate operations. Real estate operations used $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The net cash outflow was primarily due to payments of tax and interest payments on the debt that was subsequently repurchased in October 2003.

 

We received $19.7 million of interest and dividends during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and $18.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004 we used $18.4 million for the payment of other operating expenses compared to using $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase was primarily due to the payment of $10 million as final settlement of the class action lawsuit.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004 we generated $150 million through the sale of part of our investment in the Oxford Strategic Income Fund in order to partially fund our distribution to shareowners. We expect to sell our remaining investment in the fund of approximately $330 million during the fourth quarter of 2004 in order to fund our cash flow requirements.

 

Investing activities

 

Following our decision to go into runoff, our investment objective has been and will continue to be more focused on capital preservation and short- to medium-term liquidity, as opposed to long-term return. Consequently, we have been reducing the duration of our investment portfolio and increasing our short-term investment positions to ensure that we will have sufficient cash available to meet claims obligations as they fall due and to mitigate our exposure to investment losses in the event of interest rate increases. We will continue to review our asset allocation as our runoff progresses. Despite these actions there may still be periods in which the Company records an investment loss as a result of the continued volatility in bond markets.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we purchased $484.0 million and sold $902.5 million of available-for-sale investments compared to $633.8 million and $750.1 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, sales from our available-for-sale investment portfolios exceeded purchases by $418.5 million. This was in order to fund the Company’s distributions to shareowners and commutation and novation payments.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we received proceeds of $20.7 million from the sale of our investments in private equity funds. A further $9.8 million has been received in the fourth quarter of 2004.


Financing activities

 

As a result of the decision to restructure OPL and cause its operations to begin an orderly runoff, we amended our dividend policy. It is unlikely that the Company will pay ordinary dividends in the future. We expect that all future returns of capital to our shareowners will be in the form of liquidating distributions, giving due consideration to the Company’s required capital levels to support the runoff of our accrued loss and loss expense liabilities, our contingent liabilities, ongoing operating expenses, regulatory requirements and availability of unrestricted liquid assets. On November 25, 2003, OPL received approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority to permit the payment of a distribution to shareowners of $2.50 per share. This distribution was paid to shareowners on January 5, 2004 and resulted in a cash outflow of $296.9 million.

 

On August 4, 2004, following approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Board of Directors of OPL declared a distribution to shareowners of $2 per share or $237.5 million and this amount was paid to shareowners on August 31, 2004. The timing and amount of any further distributions is dependent on OPL’s ability to obtain specific approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk represents the loss that would occur if a counterparty or issuer failed to perform its contractual obligations. Certain policies and procedures have been established to protect the Company against such losses from its investments or receivables. Controlling duration of the investment portfolio by limiting tracking error to known benchmarks, placing limits on exposure to any one counterparty and mandating minimum credit ratings all serve to control the credit exposure associated with the Company’s financial instruments.

 

The Company is also exposed to credit risk on losses recoverable from reinsurers and premiums receivable from cedants. The Company mitigated this risk by diversifying its assumed and ceded business with a number of different counterparties and mandating minimum credit ratings for each reinsurer at the time of placement and contractual features that permit the right of offset. The Company continues to monitor financial stability on a regular basis.

 

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 OPL’s management conducted a thorough review of the claims paying ability of the Company’s reinsurers and subsequently made a provision for non-collectable reinsurance receivables of $10 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2004 OPL’s management reduced the provision by $4 million to reflect the reduced credit risk following the collection of approximately $34 million of losses and loss expenses recoverable due on our aviation excess of loss reinsurance protection.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation, including inflation in damage awards and costs, can substantially increase the ultimate cost of claims in certain types of insurance. This is because the actual payment of claims may take place a number of years after the provisions for losses are reflected in the financial statements. We will, however, earn income on the funds retained for a period of time until eventual payment of a claim. Our investments are not significantly affected by inflation as the liquidity of our portfolio permits us to respond quickly to changing market conditions.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There has been no material change in the Company’s market risks in 2004. The Company’s exposures to market risks are disclosed in detail in the Overseas Partners Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of September 30, 2004, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the President & Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the President & Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Safe Harbor Disclosure

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Some of the statements contained in this Securities and Exchange Commission filing contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical information or statements of current condition. Some forward looking statements can be identified by the use of such words as “expect,” “believe,” “goal,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may” and “will” or similar words. These forward-looking statements relate to our plans and objectives for future operations including our growth and operating strategy, our implementation of new products and new reinsurance programs, trends in our industry and our policy on future dividends.

 

You should be aware that these statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that those indicated results will be realized. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements are:

 

The uncertainties of the reserving process, including the potential for increases in the reserves for accrued losses and loss expenses of OPUS Re prior to completion of the proposed sale;

 

The uncertainties surrounding the estimates of losses incurred as a result of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the related events of September 11, 2001;

 

Future losses on unexpired policies, including a residual value reinsurance program where the Company is exposed to losses until 2013 and has a maximum exposure of $200 million;

 

Our ability to collect reinsurance recoverables, particularly given the increased credit risk following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the related events of September 11, 2001;

 

Loss of the services of any of the Company’s remaining executive officers or other key employees. All of the Company’s officers and employees have employment contracts that expire on March 31, 2005;

 

Uncertainties relating to government and regulatory policies (such as subjecting us to taxation in certain jurisdictions);

 

Losses due to interest rate fluctuations;

 

Losses arising from the sale of any of our reinsurance subsidiaries, including the potential for further losses from OPUS Re in the event that the proposed sale is not completed;

 

Volatility in U.S. financial markets which could affect our investment portfolio;

 

Adverse outcomes from any current, pending or future state or federal tax audits; and

 

The resolution of other pending litigation.

 

We do not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements in any manner.


OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

See Note 6 to the Condensed Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for discussions of legal proceedings.

 

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

 

The Annual General Meeting of Shareowners of Overseas Partners Ltd. (the “Company”) was held on August 4, 2004 in Hamilton, Bermuda. The notice of the Annual General Meeting and Proxy Statement were mailed on or about July 1, 2004 to shareowners of record as of May 31, 2004.

 

At the Annual Meeting, each of the directors nominated by the Board for election, Messrs. Bridges, Clanin, Cloutier, Davis, Pyne and Rance were elected to one (1) year terms by the shareowners.

 

    

SHARES

VOTED FOR


  

SHARES

VOTED AGAINST


  

SHARES

ABSTAINED


  

TOTAL

SHARES VOTED


Mark R. Bridges

   105,300,667    349,450    330,687    105,980,804

Robert J. Clanin

   105,218,373    431,744    330,687    105,980,804

Mark B. Cloutier

   105,307,424    342,693    330,687    105,980,804

D. Scott Davis

   105,300,549    349,568    330,687    105,980,804

Joseph M. Pyne

   105,272,944    377,173    330,687    105,980,804

Cyril E. Rance

   105,286,467    363,650    330,687    105,980,804

 

The appointment of Deloitte & Touche, Chartered Accountants, as independent auditors of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2004 was approved by a vote of 105,543,015 for, 352,554 against and 85,235 abstaining.

 

The minutes of the annual general meeting of shareowners of the Company held on August 6, 2003 were approved by a vote of 105,980,804 for and nil against.

 

The audited financial statements of the Company for the year-ended December 31, 2003, and the report of the Auditors thereon, were approved by a vote of 105,980,804 for and nil against.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

a) Exhibits:

 

31(a)    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b)    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

b) Reports on Form 8-K: No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended September 30, 2004.


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: November 8, 2004

 

OVERSEAS PARTNERS LTD.

   

By:

 

/s/ Mark R. Bridges


       

Mark R. Bridges

       

President and Chief Executive Officer

   

By:

 

/s/ Chris Fleming


       

Chris Fleming

       

Chief Accounting Officer