ALLEGHANY CORP /DE
10-Q, 1999-11-12
TITLE INSURANCE
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<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                WASHINGTON, D.C.

                                    FORM 10-Q

                   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                      FOR QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999

                          COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9371


                              ALLEGHANY CORPORATION
              EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER

                                    DELAWARE
          STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION

                                   51-0283071
             INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

                    375 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10152
            ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE, INCLUDING ZIP CODE

                                 212 / 752-1356
               REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE

                                 NOT APPLICABLE
              FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS, AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR,
                          IF CHANGED SINCE LAST REPORT


INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED
TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING
THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE REGISTRANT WAS
REQUIRED TO FILE

          YES X                                                 NO

INDICATE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING OF EACH OF THE ISSUER'S CLASS OF
COMMON STOCK, AS OF THE CLOSE OF THE PERIOD COVERED BY THIS REPORT:

                                    7,300,912
                           (AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1999)
<PAGE>   2

                         PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                          ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                     ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                           FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                          SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                1999           1998
                                                                                          --------------------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>            <C>
REVENUES
     Investment management fees                                                              $41,721        $35,049
     Net property and casualty premiums earned                                               185,743        112,632
     Interest, dividend and other income                                                      55,875         40,505
     Net mineral and filtration sales                                                         53,300         51,553
     Net gain on investment transactions                                                      70,609          4,874
                                                                                          --------------------------
          Total revenues                                                                     407,248        244,613
                                                                                          --------------------------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
     Commissions and brokerage expenses                                                       47,183         30,554
     Salaries, administrative and other operating expenses                                    77,673         58,427
     Property and casualty losses and loss adjustment expenses                               142,412         77,884
     Cost of mineral and filtration sales                                                     35,619         33,826
     Interest expense                                                                          8,074          8,262
     Corporate administration                                                                  3,320          7,694
                                                                                          --------------------------
          Total costs and expenses                                                           314,281        216,647
                                                                                          --------------------------
          Earnings from continuing operations, before income taxes                            92,967         27,966

Income taxes                                                                                  36,298          8,132

          Earnings from continuing operations                                                 56,669         19,834

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax                                                  0              0
                                                                                          --------------------------
          Net earnings                                                                       $56,669        $19,834
                                                                                          ==========================
Basic earnings per share of common stock:**
          Continuing operations                                                                $7.73          $2.70
          Discontinued operations                                                               0.00           0.00
                                                                                          --------------------------
Basic earnings per share                                                                       $7.73          $2.70
                                                                                          ==========================
Diluted earnings per share of common stock:**
          Continuing operations                                                                $7.62          $2.66
          Discontinued operations                                                               0.00           0.00
                                                                                          --------------------------
Diluted earnings per share                                                                     $7.62          $2.66
                                                                                          ==========================
Dividends per share of common stock                                                                 *              *
                                                                                          ==========================
Average number of outstanding shares of common stock**                                     7,321,288      7,332,888
                                                                                          ==========================
</TABLE>

*    In March 1999, Alleghany declared a dividend consisting of one share of
     Alleghany common stock for every fifty shares outstanding.

**   Adjusted to reflect the common stock dividend declared in March 1999.
<PAGE>   3
                     ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                            FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
           (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                                   (unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1999          1998
                                                                              -------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>            <C>
REVENUES
         Investment management fees                                           $  121,673     $   90,842
         Net property and casualty premiums earned                               516,116        310,736
         Interest, dividend and other income                                     146,143        124,415
         Net mineral and filtration sales                                        155,606        150,220
         Net gain on investment transactions                                      83,082          7,360
                                                                              -------------------------
                 Total revenues                                                1,022,620        683,573
                                                                              -------------------------

COSTS AND EXPENSES
         Commissions and brokerage expenses                                      124,379         80,769
         Salaries, administrative and other operating expenses                   224,417        167,516
         Property and casualty losses and loss adjustment expenses               379,066        215,941
         Cost of mineral and filtration sales                                    104,065        100,202
         Interest expense                                                         24,865         23,697
         Corporate administration                                                 12,266         23,947
                                                                              -------------------------
                 Total costs and expenses                                        869,058        612,072
                                                                              -------------------------

                 Earnings from continuing operations, before income taxes        153,562         71,501

Income taxes                                                                      60,052         21,480
                                                                              -------------------------

                 Earnings from continuing operations                              93,510         50,021

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax                                      0         32,725
                                                                              -------------------------

                 Net earnings                                                 $   93,510     $   82,746
                                                                              =========================

Basic earnings per share of common stock: **
                 Continuing operations                                        $    12.74     $     6.75
                 Discontinued operations                                            0.00           4.42
                                                                              -------------------------
Basic net earnings per share                                                  $    12.74     $    11.17
                                                                              =========================

Diluted earnings per share of common stock: **
                 Continuing operations                                        $    12.54     $     6.64
                 Discontinued operations                                            0.00           4.34
                                                                              -------------------------
Diluted earnings per share of common stock                                    $    12.54     $    10.98
                                                                              =========================

Dividends per share of common stock                                                    *              *
                                                                              =========================

Average number of outstanding shares of common stock **                        7,338,342      7,405,799
                                                                              =========================
</TABLE>

*        In March 1999, Alleghany declared a dividend consisting of one share of
         Alleghany common stock for every fifty shares outstanding.
**       Adjusted to reflect the common stock dividend declared in March 1999.
<PAGE>   4
                     ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                              AND DECEMBER 31, 1998
                          (dollars in thousands, except
                          share and per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      September 30,
                                                                                          1999          December 31,
                                                                                       (Unaudited)        1998
                                                                                      ------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>                         <C>              <C>
ASSETS
      Available for sale securities:
          Fixed maturities:
               U.S. Government, government agency and
                  municipal obligations                   (amortized cost  $526,491)    $  523,935     $  537,937
               Short-term investments                     (amortized cost   274,792)       274,792         76,015
               Bonds, notes and other                     (amortized cost   671,977)       663,356        687,755
          Equity securities                                    (cost        245,450)       534,730        824,326
                                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                                                         1,996,813      2,126,033

      Cash                                                                                  18,095         25,441
      Cash pledged to secure trust deposits                                                  8,929         56,907
      Premium trust funds                                                                  143,465        107,854
      Notes receivable                                                                      91,536         91,536
      Funds held, accounts and other receivables                                           600,001        502,721
      Property and equipment - at cost, less
        accumulated depreciation and amortization                                          208,514        208,698
      Reinsurance receivable                                                               734,922        571,689
      Other assets                                                                         666,539        591,565
                                                                                      ------------------------------

                                                                                        $4,468,814     $4,282,444
                                                                                      ==============================


LIABILITIES AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
      Property and casualty losses and loss
        adjustment expenses                                                             $1,844,571     $1,554,818
      Unearned premiums                                                                    469,587        389,603
      Other liabilities                                                                    492,998        443,938
      Long-term debt of parent company                                                           0         18,200
      Long-term debt of subsidiaries                                                       416,924        421,595
      Net deferred tax liability                                                            81,674        150,218
      Trust deposits secured by pledged assets                                              13,315         56,644
                                                                                      ------------------------------
               Total liabilities                                                         3,319,069      3,035,016

      Common stockholders' equity                                                        1,149,745      1,247,428
                                                                                      ------------------------------

                                                                                        $4,468,814     $4,282,444
                                                                                      ==============================

Shares of common stock outstanding *                                                     7,300,912      7,375,848
                                                                                      ==============================

Common stockholders' equity per share *                                                 $   157.48     $   169.12
                                                                                      ==============================
</TABLE>


*     Adjusted to reflect the common stock dividend declared in March 1999.
<PAGE>   5
                     ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                            FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
                             (dollars in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1999            1998
                                                                                  ------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net earnings                                                                   $  93,510      $  50,021
   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash
     provided by (used in) operations:
        Depreciation and amortization                                                15,668         14,281
        Net (gain) loss on investment transactions                                  (83,082)         4,557
        Other charges, net                                                           23,175        (11,870)
        Increase in funds held, accounts and other receivables                      (97,280)       (72,457)
        Increase in reinsurance receivable                                         (163,233)       (51,059)
        Increase in property and casualty losses and loss adjustment expenses       289,753        135,457
        Increase in unearned premium reserves                                        79,984         20,216
        Increase in premium trust funds                                             (35,611)             0
        Increase in other assets                                                    (74,974)       (18,890)
        Increase in other liabilities                                                49,060         79,486
        Decrease (increase) in cash pledged to secure trust deposits                 47,978        (11,853)
        (Decrease) increase in trust deposits                                       (43,329)         9,048
                                                                                  ------------------------
             Net adjustments                                                          8,109         96,916
                                                                                  ------------------------
             Cash provided by operations                                            101,619        146,937
                                                                                  ------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
         Purchase of investments                                                   (628,861)      (252,745)
         Maturities of investments                                                   50,766         43,113
         Sales of investments                                                       673,429        244,798
         Purchases of property and equipment                                        (20,025)       (24,401)
         Other, net                                                                (146,122)      (170,198)
                                                                                  ------------------------
              Net cash used in investing activities                                 (70,813)      (159,433)
                                                                                  ------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
         Principal payments on long-term debt                                       (72,300)       (50,500)
         Proceeds of long-term debt                                                  49,429        110,000
         Treasury stock acquisitions                                                (21,609)       (71,877)
         Net cash provided to discontinued operations                                     0         (5,097)
         Other, net                                                                   6,328          8,891
                                                                                  ------------------------
              Net cash used in financing activities                                 (38,152)        (8,583)
                                                                                  ------------------------
              Net decrease in cash                                                   (7,346)       (21,079)
Cash at beginning of period                                                          25,441         45,772
                                                                                  ------------------------
Cash at end of period                                                             $  18,095      $  24,693
                                                                                  ========================

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
         Cash paid during the period for:
                 Interest                                                         $  20,040      $  20,440
                 Income taxes                                                     $  14,416      $  37,734
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   6
                 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

         This report should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (the "1998 Form 10-K") and the
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June
30, 1999 of Alleghany Corporation (the "Company").

         The information included in this report is unaudited but reflects all
adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to a fair
statement of the results of the interim periods covered thereby. All adjustments
are of a normal and recurring nature except as described herein.

Spin-off of Chicago Title Corporation
- -------------------------------------

         On June 17, 1998, the Company completed the spin-off of the title
insurance and real estate-related services business conducted by Chicago Title
and Trust Company ("CT&T"). The spin-off was effected by a distribution to the
Company's stockholders of shares of a newly formed holding company for CT&T
called Chicago Title Corporation ("Chicago Title"). The common stock of Chicago
Title is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CTZ." The
financial services business conducted through Alleghany Asset Management, Inc.
("Alleghany Asset Management") was not a part of the distribution and remains
with the Company.

         The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company include
the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries for all periods presented. In
light of the spin-off of Chicago Title, the spun-off operation is classified as
a "discontinued operation" through the date of the spin-off.

Comprehensive Income
- --------------------

         The Company's total comprehensive (loss) income for the three months
and nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 was $(38,978) thousand and
$(82,402) thousand, and $7,977 thousand and $99,029 thousand respectively.
Comprehensive (loss) income includes the Company's net earnings adjusted for
changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, which was
$(96,722) thousand and $(170,289) thousand, and $(13,370) thousand and $15,039
thousand, and cumulative translation adjustments, which was $1,075 thousand and
$(5,623) thousand, and $1,513 thousand and $1,244 thousand, for the three months
and nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively.


                                       6
<PAGE>   7
Segment Information

         Information concerning the Company's continuing operations by industry
segment is summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 For the three months ended         For the nine months ended
                               ------------------------------     ------------------------------
                               September 30,    September 30,     September 30,    September 30,
                                    1999            1998              1999              1998
                               -------------    -------------     -------------    -------------
<S>                            <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>
Revenues
Asset management                $   42,506       $   35,606        $  123,571       $   92,360
Property and casualty
     insurance                     217,997          138,307           594,354          379,216
Mining and filtration               53,413           51,294           155,516          149,565
Corporate activities                93,332           19,406           149,179           62,432
                                ----------       ----------        ----------       ----------
     Total                      $  407,248       $  244,613        $1,022,620       $  683,573
                                ----------       ----------        ----------       ----------

Earnings from continuing
    operations before tax
Asset management                $   13,404       $   10,705        $   41,755       $   27,915
Property and casualty
     insurance                       6,299           17,452            27,263           42,486
Mining and filtration                5,380            6,411            16,736           14,867
Corporate activities                67,884           (6,602)           67,808          (13,767)
                                ----------       ----------        ----------       ----------
     Total                          92,967           27,966           153,562           71,501

Income taxes                        36,298            8,132            60,052           21,480

Discontinued operations                  0                0                 0           32,725
                                ----------       ----------        ----------       ----------

Net income                      $   56,669       $   19,834        $   93,510       $   82,746
                                ----------       ----------        ----------       ----------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           September 30,    December 31,
                                1999            1998
                           -------------    ------------
<S>                        <C>              <C>
Identifiable assets
Asset management            $   83,770       $  118,458
Property and casualty
     insurance               3,415,687        3,064,155
Mining and filtration          340,600          331,714
Corporate activities           628,757          768,117
                            ----------       ----------
     Total                  $4,468,814       $4,282,444
                            ==========       ==========
</TABLE>


                                       7
<PAGE>   8
Contingencies

         The Company's subsidiaries are parties to pending claims and litigation
in the ordinary course of their businesses. Each such operating unit makes
provisions on its books in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for estimated losses to be incurred as a result of such claims and
litigation, including related legal costs. In the opinion of management, such
provisions are adequate as of September 30, 1999.

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATION.

         The Company reported net earnings from continuing operations of $56.7
million on revenues of $407.2 million during the third quarter of 1999, compared
with net earnings from continuing operations of $19.8 million on revenues of
$244.6 million during the third quarter of 1998. Net gains on investment
transactions from continuing operations before taxes in the third quarter of
1999 totalled $70.6 million, compared with net gains of $4.9 million in the
third quarter of 1998. The gains in 1999 principally resulted from the sale by
the Company of a portion of its holdings in Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Corporation. Net earnings from continuing operations contributed $93.5 million
on revenues of $1,022.6 million during the first nine months of 1999, compared
with net earnings from continuing operations of $50.0 million on revenues of
$683.6 million during the first nine months of 1998. Net earnings, which include
discontinued operations, were $82.7 million in the first nine months of 1998. No
discontinued operations were recorded in the 1999 periods and the third quarter
of 1998.

         Underwriters Re Group, Inc. ("Underwriters Re Group") contributed
pre-tax earnings of $6.3 million on revenues of $218.0 million in the third
quarter of 1999, compared with $17.5 million on revenues of $138.3 million in
the third quarter of 1998, and $27.3 million on revenues of $594.3 million in
the first nine months of 1999, compared with $42.5 million on revenues of $379.2
million in the first nine months of 1998.

         The 1999 third quarter and nine-month results of Underwriters Re Group
include the results of its London-based Lloyd's operations (previously, Venton
Holdings Ltd.) for the period April 1, 1999 through June 30, 1999, and the
period following its acquisition on October 23, 1998 through June 30, 1999,
respectively. The results of Underwriters Re Group's London operations are
reported on a one quarter lag due to the complexity of converting Lloyd's
accounting information to U.S. accounting principles. The results of
Underwriters Re Group reflect, in general, the effects of the soft insurance and
reinsurance markets worldwide and reserve strengthening at its primary companies
in the


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
amount of $12.0 million (net of reinsurance). Underwriters Re Group also
received a $7.0 million dividend in the third quarter of 1999 on a common stock
investment which did not pay a dividend in 1998. In addition, Underwriters Re
Group's 1999 third quarter results included a pre-tax loss on investments of
$702 thousand incurred in connection with portfolio restructurings, compared
with a pre-tax gain of $4.6 million on sales of equity investments in the third
quarter of 1998.

         Alleghany Asset Management contributed pre-tax earnings of $13.4
million on revenues of $42.5 million in the 1999 third quarter, compared with
$10.7 million on revenues of $35.6 million in the 1998 third quarter, and $41.8
million on revenues of $123.6 million in the first nine months of 1999, compared
with $27.9 million on revenues of $92.4 million in the first nine months of
1998. The improved results of Alleghany Asset Management are primarily due to an
increase in assets under management. As of September 30, 1999, Alleghany Asset
Management managed $42.1 billion in assets, as compared with $29.3 billion as of
September 30, 1998.

         World Minerals Inc. ("World Minerals") contributed pre-tax earnings of
$5.4 million on revenues of $53.4 million in the 1999 third quarter, compared
with $6.4 million on revenues of $51.3 million in the 1998 third quarter, and
$16.7 million on revenues of $155.5 million in the first nine months of 1999,
compared with $14.9 million on revenues of $149.6 million in the first nine
months of 1998.

         World Minerals' results for the first nine months of 1999 improved due
to increased sales worldwide, which was offset in the third quarter of 1999 by
some increased costs. 1998 results reflect, among other things, the effects of
severe El Nino storms and rail car shortages on World Minerals' Lompoc,
California diatomite operations, and the effects of increased competitive
pressure.

       As of September 30, 1999, the Company beneficially owned approximately
17.95 million shares, or 3.9 percent, of the outstanding common stock of
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation. At September 30, 1999, such 17.95
million shares had an aggregate market value of approximately $493.6 million, or
$27.50 per share, compared with a market value on December 31, 1998 of $614.8
million, or $34.25 per share. The aggregate cost of such shares is approximately
$201.3 million, or $11.21 per share.

       The Company's common stockholders' equity per share at September 30, 1999
(adjusted for the March 1999 stock dividend) was $157.48 per share, a 6.9
percent decrease from common stockholders' equity per share of $169.12 as of
December 31, 1998, reflecting a decline in market prices of the Company's
securities holdings.


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
Year 2000
- ---------

         The Year 2000 issue arises from computer programs that use two digits
rather than four digits to define the applicable year. This could result in a
failure of information technology systems ("IT systems") and other equipment
containing imbedded technology ("non-IT systems") to correctly read the year
2000, which could cause significant disruption in business operations. Each of
the Company and its subsidiaries has undertaken a four-phase program to
determine the extent of Year 2000 issues within each of its significant IT
systems and non-IT systems and to take appropriate remedial action. The four
phases of the program are assessment, planning, execution and testing. The
assessment and planning phases were completed in early 1998 and execution and
testing began thereafter. Non-compliant systems were reprogrammed or replaced,
and then tested. The execution and testing phases were largely completed by
year-end 1998, but some testing is continuing in 1999. The cost of remediation
(including replacement software and hardware), testing and outside consultant
fees is currently expected to total $4.7 million, of which about $4.5 million
has been incurred through September 30, 1999.

         Management presently believes that it will be able to timely resolve
the Year 2000 issues affecting the computer systems of the Company and its
subsidiaries and that the cost of addressing such matters will not have a
material impact on the business, operations, or financial condition of the
Company and its subsidiaries. However, the extent to which third party computer
systems are adversely affected could materially adversely affect the business,
operations or financial condition of the Company and its subsidiaries.

         As previously reported, management engaged an outside consultant in
early 1999 to assess the Year 2000 compliance programs of the Company and its
subsidiaries. Management received the outside consultant's final report, which
was presented to the Company's Board of Directors and its Audit Committee. In
addition, the recommendations set forth in the report, which relate primarily to
business continuation and contingency plans, were distributed to the relevant
subsidiaries and are being implemented as appropriate.

         More detailed reports of the state of readiness of each of the
Company's operating units and with respect to potential claims under insurance
and reinsurance policies issued by the subsidiaries of Underwriters Re Group is
incorporated in the Company's 1998 Form 10-K and included in the Company's
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June
30, 1999, which reports are updated as follows:

         Underwriters Re Group
         ---------------------

         Underwriters Re Group has completed all phases of its Year 2000
remediation, including inventory reconciliation, impact assessment, code
conversion, testing and


                                       10
<PAGE>   11
implementation. Business contingency plans are in place to anticipate business
interruptions caused by a Year 2000 failure and Underwriters Re Group continues
to monitor business partners and outside vendors. In addition an event calendar
has been established that identifies key personnel, critical areas, actions and
alternatives for the period of December 31 through January 31.

         In addition to issues faced by all industries in assuring Year 2000
compliance in their own computer systems and third-party relationships, the
insurance industry may also face claims asserted under certain insurance and
reinsurance policies for damages incurred by insureds due to Year 2000 computer
problems. Underwriters Re Group is evaluating the potential insurance exposures
arising from Year 2000 problems. A quantification of the insurance industry's or
Underwriters Re Group's potential exposure to Year 2000 losses is not possible,
as policy wordings vary and legal interpretations of possible insurance coverage
for losses are likely to differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

         Underwriters Re Group, through the use of questionnaires and other
methods of determining a client's exposure to Year 2000 losses, has adjusted its
current underwriting practices to address potential insurance exposures for Year
2000 losses. Upon evaluation of the responses to these questionnaires and/or
other information, Underwriters Re Group may in some instances exclude Year 2000
losses or decline to issue or renew a policy. If the responses are considered
appropriate, contracts may be written without express Year 2000 language.

         Alleghany Asset Management
         --------------------------

         Alleghany Asset Management has conducted a business risk assessment at
each of its subsidiaries to consider business and financial risks posed by Year
2000 and has developed continuity plans to address critical risks and business
processes. In addition, Alleghany Asset Management has a disaster management
program, which provides for the defined processes to be carried out by
designated members of the disaster management team in the event of any disaster,
including one related to Year 2000.

         World Minerals
         --------------

         World Minerals has established a Crisis Management Team which will be
responsible for developing procedures and insuring that adequate staff and
facilities are available should it need to respond to any Year 2000 issues when
the new millennium begins. This team comprises members from all mission-critical
areas of World Minerals and is empowered to make quick, informed decisions to
deal with the entire range of potential Year 2000 failures.


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
         Heads and Threads
         -----------------

         Heads and Threads has assessed, planned, executed and tested its
internal IT and non-IT systems. A remaining potential risk involves the system
supporting its mill business. Contingency plans have been developed to mitigate
business interruptions caused by any Year 2000-related failure of this system.

         Heads and Threads has conducted a business risk assessment at each of
its locations to consider safety and financial risks posed by Year 2000 and has
developed a business continuity plan to address critical risks and business
processes. Heads and Threads has also developed crisis management procedures and
teams. These teams will be responsible for making quick, informed decisions in
an effort to avoid serious financial, legal and safety repercussions. Heads and
Threads continues to monitor all business activities for Year 2000-related
risks.


         The Company's results in the first nine months of 1999 are not
indicative of operating results in future periods. The Company and its
subsidiaries have adequate internally generated funds and unused credit
facilities to provide for the currently foreseeable needs of its and their
businesses.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

         Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices
and rates, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity
prices. The primary market risk related to the Company's non-trading financial
instruments is the risk of loss associated with adverse changes in interest
rates.

         The Company's 1998 Form 10-K provides a more detailed discussion of the
market risks affecting its operations. Based on the Company's estimates as of
September 30, 1999, no material change has occurred in its market risks, as
compared to amounts disclosed in its 1998 Form 10-K.

Forward-Looking Statements

         The "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk" contain disclosures which are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to
historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as
"may," "will," "expect," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan" or
"continue." These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's
current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of


                                       12
<PAGE>   13
uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect current plans and
anticipated actions and the Company's future financial condition and results.
The uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, those relating to
conducting operations in a competitive environment; acquisition activities; the
complexity of integrated computer systems; the success and expense of the
remediation efforts of the Company, its subsidiaries and third parties in
achieving Year 2000 compliance, development of claims arising from Year 2000
problems and general economic conditions. As a consequence, current plans,
anticipated actions and future financial condition and results may differ from
those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the
Company.


                                       13
<PAGE>   14
                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6.           EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

         (a)      Exhibits.

                  Exhibit Number                     Description

                        27                           Financial Data Schedule


         (b) Reports on Form 8-K.

         No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the third quarter of 1999.


                                       14
<PAGE>   15
                                   SIGNATURES


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


                                           ALLEGHANY CORPORATION
                                           ---------------------
                                           Registrant



Date: November 12, 1999                    /s/ David B. Cuming
                                           -------------------------------------
                                               David B. Cuming
                                               Senior Vice President
                                               (and principal financial officer)


                                       15

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM (A)
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT SEPTEMBER
30, 1999 AND THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS FOR THE NINE MONTHS THEN
ENDED AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH (B) FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1999
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                         1,462,083
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                                0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                                  0
<EQUITIES>                                     534,730
<MORTGAGE>                                           0
<REAL-ESTATE>                                        0
<TOTAL-INVEST>                               1,996,813
<CASH>                                          27,024
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                             734,922
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                               0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               4,468,814
<POLICY-LOSSES>                              1,844,571
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                            469,587
<POLICY-OTHER>                                       0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                                0
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                416,924
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,149,745
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 4,468,814
                                     516,116
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                             89,680
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                              83,082
<OTHER-INCOME>                                 333,742
<BENEFITS>                                     379,066
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                          0
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                                 0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                153,562
<INCOME-TAX>                                    60,052
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             93,510
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    93,510
<EPS-BASIC>                                      12.74
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    12.54
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                       0
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                                  0
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</TABLE>


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