UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999
Commission file number 000-23481
ESG RE LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda Not applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation of organization) Identification No.)
16 Church Street
Hamilton HM11, Bermuda
(Address of executive offices, zip code)
(441) 295-2185
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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 [X] No [ ]
The number of the Registrant's common shares (par value $1.00 per share)
outstanding as of May 11, 1999, was 13,923,799.
<PAGE>
ESG RE LIMITED
ITEM 1.1 INDEX TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999
(unaudited) and December 31, 1998 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited) 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three
months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited) 7
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for
the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited) 8
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited) 9
Independent Accountants' Review Report 10
2
<PAGE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ESG RE LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands except share and per share data)
Unaudited December
March 31, 31,
1999 1998
-------------- --------------
ASSETS
Fixed maturity investments - available
for sale, at fair value $ 200,658 $ 212,387
(cost: $201,598 and $ 211,592)
Cash and cash equivalents 17,831 16,942
Strategic Investments 10,625 5,917
-------------- --------------
Total investments and cash 229,114 235,246
Accrued investment income 3,548 3,629
Management fees receivable 4,069 3,164
Premiums receivable 288,218 162,015
Reinsurance balances receivable 9,573 6,259
Reinsurance recoverable on incurred losses 3,020 2,761
Funds retained by ceding companies 3,821 3,592
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 5,312 2,276
Deferred acquisition costs 69,527 37,625
Deferred tax asset 776 843
Other Assets 5,120 2,222
Cash and cash equivalents held in a
fiduciary capacity 7,441 6,741
-------------- --------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 629,539 $ 466,373
============== ==============
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss expenses $ 70,288 $ 44,379
Unearned premiums 196,966 111,884
Acquisition costs payable 89,320 45,487
Reinsurance balances payable 10,726 7,114
Payable for securities purchased 2,432 --
Accrued expenses, accounts payable, and other 5,718 5,927
liabilities ($127 and $204 due to related parties)
Fiduciary liabilities 7,441 6,741
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities 382,891 221,532
3
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preference shares, 50,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding for 1999
and 1998 -- --
Class B common shares, 100,000,000 shares
authorized; no shares issued and
outstanding for 1999 and 1998 -- --
Common shares, par value $1 per share;
100,000,000 shares authorized; 13,923,799
shares issued and outstanding for 1999
and 1998 13,924 13,924
Additional paid-in capital 226,274 226,216
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments,
net of tax (567) (574)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on securities,
net of reclassification adjustments
and tax (845) 634
Accumulated other comprehensive income
(1,412) 60
-------------- --------------
Retained earnings 7,862 4,641
-------------- --------------
Total shareholders' equity 246,648 244,841
-------------- --------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 629,539 $ 466,373
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
4
<PAGE>
ESG RE LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(U.S. dollars in thousands except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 1999 March 31, 1998
-------------- --------------
REVENUES
Net premiums written $ 143,566 $ 84,156
Change in unearned premiums (85,442) (60,937)
Net premiums earned 58,124 23,219
Management fee revenue 817 970
Net investment income 3,300 3,020
Net realized investment gains 0 1,153
-------------- --------------
62,241 28,362
EXPENSES
Losses and loss expenses 34,751 15,642
Acquisition costs 18,810 5,270
Administrative expenses 4,523 3,912
-------------- --------------
58,084 24,824
NET INCOME BEFORE TAXES 4,157 3,538
Income tax expense 166 287
NET INCOME $ 3,991 $ 3,251
============== ==============
PER SHARE DATA
Basic net income per share $ 0.29 $ 0.23
============== ==============
Diluted net income per share $ 0.29 $ 0.23
============== ==============
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic 13,923,799 13,923,799
Diluted 13,933,547 14,373,691
============== ==============
5
<PAGE>
Dividends declared per share $ 0.08 $ 0.075
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
6
<PAGE>
ESG RE LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 1999 March 31, 1998
-------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net cash used in operating activities $ (3,297) $ (4,655)
-------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cost of fixed maturity investments
acquired - available for sale (66,888) (185,983)
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity
investments - available for sale 78,812 184,868
Net proceeds from sale of other investment
assets 0 11,300
Funding of strategic investments (5,000) 0
Purchases of fixed assets (704) (218)
Purchases of intangible assets (920) (64)
Net cash provided by investing activities 5,300 9,903
-------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid (1,114) (1,044)
Additional offering costs -- (85)
-------------- --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities (1,114) (1,129)
-------------- --------------
Net increase in cash 889 4,119
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 16,942 6,196
-------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31 $ 17,831 $ 10,315
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
7
<PAGE>
ESG RE LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 1999 March 31, 1998
-------------- --------------
Net income $ 3,991 $ 3,251
-------------- --------------
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments 7 (458)
Unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding (losses)/gains arising during
the period (1,479) 515
Less reclassification adjustment for gains
included in net income -- (1,125)
Other comprehensive income (1,472) (1,068)
-------------- --------------
Comprehensive income $ 2,519 $ 2,183
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
8
<PAGE>
ESG RE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of ESG Re Limited
(together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America
("U.S. GAAP") except pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission which do not include all of the information and footnotes
required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
statements. In the opinion of management, these unaudited financial statements
reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of
financial position, results of operations and comprehensive income as of and for
the periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not
necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. These unaudited
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements, and related notes thereto, included in the
Company's 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period as well as the disclosure of such amounts. Actual results
could materially differ from those estimates and assumptions.
2. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(A) EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
The Company has entered into employment contracts with several employees for
terms of one to five years which have total minimum commitments of $7.2 million
excluding any performance bonuses which are at the discretion of and determined
by the Board of Directors of the Company. The contracts remunerate the employees
for providing services to the Company. The contracts include various non-compete
clauses following termination of employment.
(B) LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Company and its subsidiaries have various obligations under operating
leases.
(C) LOAN COMMITMENTS
The Company and its subsidiaries have unfunded loan commitments outstanding to
third parties totaling $16.0 million. The Company expects to fund these
commitments within the course of the year.
The future minimum commitments under lease and employment agreements are as
follows:
Employment Lease
U.S. dollars in thousands Commitments Commitments Total
- -------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
Years Ending December 31,
1999 $ 2,266 $ 423 $ 2,689
2000 2,720 547 3,267
2001 1,209 431 1,640
2002 793 172 965
2003 253 99 352
Thereafter -- 816 816
----------------- ----------------- ---------------
Total $ 7,241 $2,488 $ 9,729
================= ================= ===============
9
<PAGE>
3. RELATED PARTIES
Included in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were
related party investment expenses of $120 thousand.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REVIEW REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of ESG Re Limited
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of ESG Re
Limited and subsidiaries as of March 31, 1999, and the related condensed
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for
the three-month periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data and of making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to such condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of ESG Re Limited and subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the
year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 8, 1999,
we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1998 is fairly stated, in all
material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it
has been derived.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE
May 11, 1999
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following is a discussion and analysis of the financial condition as of
March 31, 1999 and the results of operations of ESG Re Limited and subsidiaries
(the "Company" or"ESG") for the three months ended March 31, 1999 as compared to
the three months ended March 31, 1998. This discussion and analysis should be
read in conjunction with the attached unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto and the audited consolidated financial statements
of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 and notes thereto
included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and notes thereto have been reviewed by independent
accountants in accordance with standards established by the American Institute
of Certified Public Accountants.
The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not
necessarily indicative of results for the full year. In addition, this quarterly
report contains forward-looking statements regarding future profit levels,
premium growth, cash flows and other matters, which involve risks and
uncertainties that may affect the actual results of operations of the Company.
10
<PAGE>
The following important factors, among others, could cause actual results to
differ materially from those set forth in the forward- looking statements:
claims frequency, claims severity, economic activity, competitive pricing and
the regulatory environment in which the Company operates.
GENERAL
The Company is a specialty reinsurance enterprise providing accident, medical,
credit, life and special risk reinsurance to insurers and selected reinsurers on
a worldwide basis, and underwriting management services to co-reinsurers.
On December 12, 1997, the Company raised gross proceeds of $257 million in a
private placement and an initial public offering (the "Offerings"). As a result,
the Company is now able to assume reinsurance risks for its own account. Prior
to the Offerings, the Company operated solely as a reinsurance management
services company.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NET INCOME
Consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and
1998 are presented below.
Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
U.S dollars in thousands except per share data 1999 1998
---- ----
Gross Managed Premium $ 159,532 $ 97,900
Net Premium Written 143,566 84,156
Net Premium Earned 58,124 23,219
Less:
Losses & Loss Adjustment Expenses (34,751) (15,642)
Acquisition Costs (18,810) (5,270)
Total Underwriting Expenses (53,561) (20,912)
Profit from Underwriting 4,563 2,307
Administrative Expenses (4,523) (3,912)
Net Investment Income 3,300 3,020
Net realized investment gains 0 1,153
Management Fee Revenue 817 970
Net income before taxes 4,157 3,538
Income Tax Expense 166 287
Net Income 3,991 3,251
Income excluding realized investment gains (losses) $ 3,991 $ 2,098
Basic net income per common share $0.29 $0.23
Diluted net income per common share $0.29 $0.23
For the three months ended March 31, 1999, the Company managed, on behalf of
itself and its co-reinsurers, total premiums of $159.5 million, an increase of
$61.6 million, or 63%, over the period ending March 31, 1998. Also during the
quarter, the Company placed $12.4 million with co-reinsurers, retroceded $3.5
million and reported net premiums written of $143.6 million, compared to net
premiums written of $86.1 million for the period ending March 31, 1998.
11
<PAGE>
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratios for the three months ended March 31,
1999 and for the three months ended March 31, 1998 were 59.8% and 67.4%,
respectively, and acquisition expense ratios for the same periods were 32.4% and
22.7%, respectively.
Total administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were
$4.5 million, compared to $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31,
1998. Total administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 1999
represent 3.2% of net premiums written and 7.8% of net premiums earned, compared
to 4.6% and 16.8%, respectively, for the prior year.
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 was $4.0 million
and $3.3 million, respectively.
UNDERWRITING RESULTS
Gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned for the three months
ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 were as follows:
Three months
ended Three months ended
U.S. dollars in millions March 31, 1999 March 31, 1998
- --------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Total premiums managed $159.5 $ 97.9
Amount placed with co-reinsurers 12.4 11.8
Gross premiums written 147.1 86.1
Net premiums written 143.6 84.2
Net premiums earned 58.1 23.2
Gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 1999 consisted of
the following:
New Business - approximately $74.9 million or 47.0% of gross managed
premiums was generated from new business contracts incepting on or
after January 1, 1999. The Company's representative office in
Toronto, Canada, underwrote $48.5 million or 64.8% of these
premiums. This includes a large contract, totaling $35 million in
gross written premium, for North American medical business. This
account was assumed from CNA, effective January 1, 1999 and
related to medical reinsurance for the transition of group health
insurance coverage sold through affinity groups to alternative
providers. It is expected that the portfolio of approximately $100
million in annual premiums will be transferred to alternative
medical providers by year-end with a final anticipated earned
premium of $35 million to ESG. The company recognized $18.8
million of earned premium in the first quarter in respect of this
contract.
Renewal Business - approximately $67.6 million or 42.4% of gross managed
premiums was generated from renewal business. The primary renewal
period for the international treaty reinsurance market has
historically been the first quarter of each calendar year.
1998 Underwriting Year - approximately $17.0 million, or 10.7% of gross
managed premiums was attributable to the 1998 underwriting book of
business following the Company's re-evaluation of gross premiums
written.
Gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 1998 consisted of
the following:
12
<PAGE>
New Business - approximately $53.8 million or 62% of gross managed
premiums has been generated from new business. Two significant
contracts for European medical, personal accident and life
business were underwritten in the first quarter, including one for
quota share treaty reinsurance incepting January 1, 1997. These
contracts contributed $23.7 million to gross premiums written and
$12.8 million to net premiums earned for the three months ended
March 31, 1998. The Company's representative office in Toronto
underwrote $17.6 million of gross premiums written.
Renewal Business - approximately $30.6 million, or 36% of gross premiums
written was generated from renewal business.
1997 Underwriting Year - approximately $1.7 million, or 2%, of gross
premiums written was attributable to the 1997 underwriting year
book of business.
Underwriting results for the three months ended March 31, 1999, by line of
business and in total were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Personal
U.S. dollars in thousands Medical Accident Special Credit Life Other Total
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gross premiums written $90,719 $40,808 $1,125 $5,324 $6,863 $2,294 $147,133
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
Net premiums written 88,420 40,001 1,105 5,116 6,704 2,220 143,566
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
Net premiums earned 45,175 9,201 1,055 499 2,100 94 58,124
Losses and loss expenses 27,579 4,858 520 (281) 2,025 50 34,751
Acquisition costs 14,554 3,292 458 148 319 39 18,810
Operating costs 3,230 658 75 36 150 7 4,156
Net underwriting income (loss) $ (188) $ 393 $ 2 $ 596 $ (394) $(2) $ 407
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
Other business relates to a portfolio of auto warranty reinsurance obtained
through the Company's strategic investment in a German automobile assistance
company. Credit results include a reduction to earned premium following an
adjustment to the earnings pattern on a major Latin American risk. This account
also had a significant benefit to the Credit results due to an improved claims
development pattern. Medical results reflect the impact of higher loss reserves
established on one specific North American contract which was subsequently
cancelled and rewritten on more favorable terms during 1998.
Underwriting results for the three months ended March 31, 1998, by line of
business and in total were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Personal
U.S. dollars in thousands Medical Accident Special Credit Life Other Total
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gross premiums written $43,134 $24,746 $4,992 $2,606 $10,623 $0 $86,101
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
Net premiums written 42,810 23,775 4,845 2,525 10,201 0 84,156
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
Net premiums earned 7,536 9,144 570 624 5,345 0 23,219
Losses and loss expenses 5,323 5,923 249 469 3,678 0 15,642
Acquisition costs 1,886 1,983 210 100 1,091 0 5,270
Operating costs 759 921 58 63 538 0 2,339
Net underwriting income (loss) $(432) $317 $53 $(8) $38 $0 $(32)
============ ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
OPERATING RATIOS
The operating ratios for the three months ended March 31, 1999, by line of
business and in total were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Personal
U.S. dollars in thousands Medical Accident Special Credit Life Other Total
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loss ratio 61.1 % 52.8 % 49.3 % (56.3)% 96.4 % 53.2 % 59.8 %
Acquisition expense ratio 32.2 % 35.8 % 43.4 % 29.6 % 15.2 % 41.5 % 32.4 %
Loss and acquisition expense ratio 93.3 % 88.6 % 92.7 % (26.7)% 111.6 % 94.7 % 92.1 %
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Operating expense ratio 7.2 %
Combined ratio 99.3 %
======
</TABLE>
The operating ratios for the three months ended March 31, 1998, by line of
business and in total were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Personal
U.S. dollars in thousands Medical Accident Special Credit Life Other Total
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loss ratio 70.6 % 64.8 % 43.7 % 75.2 % 68.8 % -- 67.4 %
Acquisition expense ratio 25.0 % 21.7 % 36.9 % 16.1 % 20.4 % -- 22.7 %
Loss and acquisition expense ratio 95.6 % 86.5 % 80.6 % 91.3 % 89.2 % -- 90.1 %
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Operating expense ratio 10.1 %
Combined ratio 100.2 %
=======
</TABLE>
The operating expense ratios of 7.2% and 10.1% for the three months ended March
31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, were calculated by expressing total
administrative expenses net of corporate office expenses, as a percentage of net
premiums earned. For the three months ended March 31, 1998, management fee
revenue of $970 thousand was deducted from operating expenses due to the expense
of administering the pool business of 1997 and prior underwriting years.
Geographic diversification of the Company's business continues to be
demonstrated by the distribution of gross written premiums for the three months
ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, as follows:
14
<PAGE>
Three months ended Three months ended Year ended December 31,
March 31, 1999 March 31, 1998 1998
------------------ ------------------ -----------------------
Western Europe 29.0 % 47.3 % 30.9 %
North America 55.2 % 25.1 % 46.2 %
Latin America 11.1 % 14.3 % 14.9 %
Other 4.7 % 13.3 % 8.0 %
------------------ ------------------ -----------------------
Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
------------------ ------------------ -----------------------
Excluding the CNA contract, North America provided 42.4% of gross managed
premium.
PRODUCT MIX
The distribution of gross premiums written by line of business for the three
months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, and for the year ended December 31, 1998
was as follows:
Three months ended Three months ended Year ended December 31,
March 31, 1999 March 31, 1998 1998
------------------ ------------------ -----------------------
Medical 61.7 % 50.1 % 59.6 %
Personal Accident 27.7 % 28.7 % 26.1 %
Credit 3.6 % 3.0 % 6.2 %
Life 4.7 % 12.4 % 5.5 %
Special Risk 0.8 % 5.8 % 2.6 %
Other 1.5 % -- % -- %
------------------ ------------------ -----------------------
Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
------------------ ------------------ -----------------------
EXPOSURE MANAGEMENT
The Company manages its underwriting risk exposures through geographic
distribution, an excess of loss reinsurance program, and co-reinsurance. The
Company's excess liability insurance policy generally provides limits up to a
maximum of $30 million per occurrence, with a minimum attachment point generally
of $100 thousand.
The Company's non-North American business is co-reinsured with two other
reinsurance companies that have participations with underwriting lines totaling
12.5%; the North American business is co- reinsured with two companies, having a
total participation of 15.0%.
MANAGEMENT FEE REVENUE
Management fee revenue decreased by $153 thousand compared to the corresponding
prior year period. The overall decrease is due to the reduction in fees from
reinsurance management of pool business which were fully earned in 1998.
Management fee revenue in 1999 is comprised primarily of fees earned as
compensation for underwriting and managing the reinsurance portfolio on behalf
of the Company's co-reinsurers.
15
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESULTS
For the three months ended March 31, 1999, net investment income totaled $3.3
million. For the three months ended March 31, 1998, net investment income and
net realized investment gains totaled $3.0 million and $1.2 million
respectively. As of March 31, 1999, total investments and cash were $229
million.
The following table reflects the investment results for the three months ended
March 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Annualized Net Realized
Average Investment Effective Investment
U.S dollars in thousands Investments Income(1) Yield Gains
- ------------------------------------------ -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity investments $ 206,523 $2,804 5.4% $ -
Strategic investments (2) 8,271 65 3.2% -
Cash and cash equivalents 16,928 197 4.7% -
- ------------------------------------------ -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
Total $231,722 $ 3,066 5.3% $ -
- ------------------------------------------ -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
(1) Net investment income is net of investment related expenses and income on
premiums receivable and funds held by ceding companies.
(2) A $5 million strategic investment was made in AtlantiCare, a US based MGU
during the first quarter.
The following table reflects the investment results for the three months ended
March 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Annualized Net Realized
Average Investment Effective Investment
U.S dollars in thousands Investments Income(1) Yield Gains
- ------------------------------------------ -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity investments $219,636 $ 2,922 5.3% $ 1,153
Strategic investments -- -- --% -
Cash and cash equivalents 14,519 98 2.7% -
- ------------------------------------------ -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
Total $234,155 $ 3,020 5.2% $1,153
- ------------------------------------------ -------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
(1) Net investment income is net of investment related expenses.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Total administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 1999
increased to $4.5 million from $3.9 million for the comparative prior year
quarter. Administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel costs,
professional fees, travel costs, and occupancy expenses.
Personnel costs increased by $0.6 million from $1.0 million in the prior year
quarter to $1.6 million due to the continued investment in key personnel at the
holding company and various representative offices. Professional service fees
increased by $0.1 million from $1.3 million in the prior year quarter to $1.4
million due to legal costs associated with the company's strategic investments
and new representative offices.
Travel expenses increased by $0.2 million to $0.4 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1999 from the corresponding prior year period. These travel
expenses relate primarily to the Company's continuing identification and
investigation of new business and underwriting opportunities. Occupancy expenses
increased by $0.2 million to $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31,
1999 from the corresponding prior year period due to the higher costs associated
with the additional representative offices added in the last 12 months.
16
<PAGE>
Foreign exchange losses of $89 thousand were reported for the quarter as against
losses of $572 thousand in the prior year quarter.
Transition costs associated with the set-up of the Shared Services Support
function in Dublin were $95 thousand in the first quarter. These costs primarily
related to duplicate salaries and travel expenses associated with the training
of new staff hires.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of March 31, 1999, total investments and cash were $229.1 million compared to
$235.2 million at December 31, 1998. All fixed maturity securities in the
Company's investment portfolio are classified as available for sale and are
carried at fair value. The following table summarizes the fixed maturity
investment portfolio as of March 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average
U.S. dollars in thousands Fair Duration Market Credit
Value (Years) Yield Rating
- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corporate securities $134,973 3.0 6.0 % AA
U.S. treasury securities and obligations
of U.S. government corporations
and agencies 30,725 2.1 4.8 % AAA
Mortgage & Asset backed securities 9,015 0.4 5.4 % AAA
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 18,525 3.8 5.5 % AA
Foreign currency debt securities 7,420 3.4 3.6 % AA
- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Total $200,658 2.7 5.3 % AA
- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
</TABLE>
By comparison, at December 31, 1998, the fixed maturity investment portfolio
analysis was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average
U.S. dollars in thousands Fair Duration Market Credit
Value (Years) Yield Rating
- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corporate securities $138,727 3.1 5.7 % AA
U.S. treasury securities and obligations
of U.S. government corporations
and agencies 31,698 1.5 4.4 % AAA
Mortgage & Asset backed securities 9,232 0.8 5.8 % AAA
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 24,647 2.3 5.9 % AA
Foreign currency debt securities 8,083 3.4 3.5 % AA
- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Total $212,387 2.6 5.2 % AA
- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
</TABLE>
The Company's investment policy objective is to maximize long-term investment
returns while maintaining a liquid, high-quality portfolio. To this end, the
investment policy requires that the portfolio have an average credit quality
rating of AA, no more than 3% of the portfolio invested in the securities of a
single issuer (other than issues of sovereign governments with a rating of AA or
better), and a target duration of 2.75 years. ESG's investment portfolio
reflects the Company's investment policy and guidelines.
17
<PAGE>
The Company expects that its financial and operational needs for the foreseeable
future will be met by funds generated from operations.
Shareholders' equity as of March 31, 1999 was $246.6 million compared to $244.8
million at December 31, 1998. The major factors influencing the increased level
of shareholders' equity in the quarter included $4.0 million of net income,
offset by net unrealized investment losses of approximately $1.5 million and by
the declaration of a dividend of $0.08 per common share. Basic book value per
common share increased to $17.71 as of March 31, 1999 from $17.58 as of December
31, 1998.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Board of Directors has announced a Common Stock Repurchase Program for up to
5% of the currently outstanding shares of ESG Re Limited. The Company may make
purchases in the market or in privately negotiated transactions.
A quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share was declared on May 7, 1999 by the
Company's Board of Directors, payable on June 4, 1999 to common shareholders of
record on May 24, 1999.
During the quarter the Company extended an additional loan facility of $4
million to an existing strategic partner. No additional funding has yet been
provided. In addition, no funding has yet been provided to COMED, a new German
healthcare service association which the Company helped to establish, under a
loan facility of $12 million provided in December 1998.
MARKET RISK
The Company is subject to market risk arising from the potential change in value
of its various financial instruments. These changes may be due to fluctuations
in interest rates or foreign exchange rates, or both in the case of foreign
currency investments. The Company monitors its exposure to interest rate and
currency rate risk on a continuous basis and currently does not believe that the
use of derivatives to manage such risk is necessary. The Company intends to
reevaluate the need for a formal hedging strategy on a periodic basis, and may
determine that such a strategy, including the use of derivative instruments, is
appropriate in the future.
INTEREST RATE RISK
The largest source of market risk for the Company is interest rate risk on its
portfolio of fixed maturity investments, especially fixed rate instruments. In
addition, the credit worthiness of the issuer, relative values of alternative
investments, liquidity and general market conditions may affect fair values of
interest rate sensitive instruments.
The Company's general strategy with respect to fixed maturity securities is to
invest in high quality securities while maintaining diversification to avoid
significant concentrations in individual issuers' industry segments or
countries.
18
<PAGE>
FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
The Company's functional currency is the U.S. dollar. However, the Company
writes reinsurance business in numerous geographic regions and currencies,
giving rise to the risk that the ultimate settlement of receivables and payables
on reinsurance transactions will differ from the amounts currently recorded as
assets and liabilities in the financial statements. The Company intends to hold
investments in currencies in which it will collect premiums and pay claims, thus
creating a partial natural hedge against exchange rate fluctuations.
INFLATION
Inflation has not had a material impact on the Company's operations for the
periods presented. However, it is possible that future inflationary conditions
may impact subsequent accounting periods.
THE EURO
On January 1, 1999, a single currency, the "euro" was adopted as the national
currency of the 11 participating countries in the European Monetary Union,
including Germany and Ireland, two of the countries in which the Company
operates and in which the Company maintains a significant presence. ESG German
and Irish subsidiaries will not be required to use the euro for accounting
purposes prior to January 1, 2002. Due to uncertainties related to the euro
conversion, the impact of the conversion is not known. To date, the impact of
the conversion has had no material impact on the Company's operations,
accounting systems or financial reporting.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Year 2000 Issue relates to the ability of computer systems to properly
interpret date information for the year 2000 and beyond. In January 1998, the
Company initiated an enterprise-wide project to address Year 2000 issues with
respect to the Company's computer software and information technology systems.
The initiative has as its focus two distinct areas that include Year 2000
compliance of the Company's software, systems and technology platforms and the
evaluation of the Year 2000 preparedness of significant third parties with whom
the Company conducts business, including vendors and customers.
The Company has completed its assessment of Company software and systems and has
adopted a plan to implement compliant components and to develop a disaster
recovery plan, targeted to be substantially complete by the end of second
quarter 1999. The Company estimates that through March 1999, the remediation and
validation efforts are approximately 70% complete, with immaterial incremental
costs incurred thus far as a result of the usage of internal staff with limited
third party assistance during the first quarter of 1999. Remaining testing and
conversion efforts will be conducted primarily by internal staff with third
party assistance utilized as required. No significant third party costs are
anticipated. Future costs of remediation are not expected to have a material
impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows,
although no assurance can be given in this regard.
The Company's systems do not interface electronically with those of its
customers or clients. As such, the Company's exposure to the Year 2000 issue
with respect to customers and clients is limited to the possibility that
information supplied by these companies could not be of sufficient quality or
timeliness and therefore could indirectly affect the quality or timeliness of
the Company's own data. The Company is currently communicating with its
significant clients and service providers to assess their vulnerability and
readiness to comply with Year 2000 issues and will address compliance risks with
each new significant vendor.
19
<PAGE>
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no lawsuits pending, or to the knowledge of the Company threatened, to
which the Company or any of their Subsidiaries or affiliates is a party or of
which any of their properties is subject other than the routine litigation
incidental to the business.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of stockholders during the first quarter of
this fiscal year.
ITEM 5. OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit 11.1 Computation of Earnings Per Share
Exhibit 15.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche
Exhibit 27.1 Financial Data Schedule
20
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized
May 14, 1999
ESG RE LIMITED
/s/ Joan H. Dillard
-------------------
JOAN H. DILLARD
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
21
EXHIBIT 11.1
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the
basic and diluted earnings per share computations for income from continuing
operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income Shares Per Share
U.S. dollars in thousands except share and per share data (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
------------------- ------------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Three Months Ended March 31, 1999
- ---------------------------------
Basic earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders $3,991 13,923,799 $0.29
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Class A Warrants --
Director and Employee Options 9,748
Class B Warrants --
Diluted earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders $3,991 13,933,547 $0.29
=================== ================== ===================
Three Months Ended March 31, 1998
- ---------------------------------
Basic earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders $3,251 13,923,799 $0.23
=================== ================== ===================
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Class A Warrants --
Director and Employee Options 449,892
Class B Warrants --
Diluted earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders $3,251 14,373,691 $0.23
=================== ================== ===================
</TABLE>
22
EXHIBIT 15.1
May 11, 1999
ESG RE Limited
Skandia International House
16 Church Street
Hamilton, Bermuda
We have made a review, in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants, of the unaudited interim financial
information of ESG RE Limited and subsidiaries for the periods ended March 31,
1999 and 1998, as indicated in our report dated May 11, 1999; because we did not
perform an audit, we expressed no opinion on that information.
We are aware that our report referred to above, which is included in your
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, is
incorporated by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-40341 on Form F-1.
We are also aware that the aforementioned report, pursuant to Rule 436(c) under
the Securities Act of 1933, is not considered a part of the Registration
Statement prepared or certified by an accountant or a report prepared or
certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche
- ---------------------
Deloitte & Touche
Hamilton, Bermuda
23
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 1999 and condensed
consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0001049624
<NAME> ESG RE LTD.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1999
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 200,658
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 0
<EQUITIES> 0
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 218,489
<CASH> 10,625
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 3,020
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 69,527
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 629,539
<POLICY-LOSSES> 70,288
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 196,966
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 13,924
<OTHER-SE> 226,274
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 629,539
143,566
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 3,300
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 0
<OTHER-INCOME> 817
<BENEFITS> 34,751
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 18,810
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 4,157
<INCOME-TAX> 166
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 3,991
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 0
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.29
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.29
<RESERVE-OPEN> 0
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 0
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 0
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 0
</TABLE>
