SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999
Commission File No. 0-15886
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3138397
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
incorporation or organization)
123 William Street, New York, New York 10038
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 349-1600
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.10
Par Value (Title of Class)
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
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K X
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates as of March
22, 2000 was $40,761,000. The number of common shares outstanding as of March
22, 2000 was 8,414,356.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's 2000 Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference
in Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 of this Form 10-K.
<PAGE>
Forward-looking statements
Some of the statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not
historical facts and are "forward-looking statements" (as defined in the Private
Securities Litigation Act of 1995). These statements use words such as
"believes," "expects," "intends," "may," "will," "should," "anticipates" (or the
negative forms of those words) and describe our strategies, goals, expectations
of future results and other forward-looking information. We derive
forward-looking information from information which we currently have and
numerous assumptions which we make. We cannot assure that results which we
anticipate will be achieved, since results may differ materially because of both
known and unknown risks and uncertainties which we face. Factors which could
cause actual results to differ materially from our forward looking statements
include, but are not limited to:
o the effects of domestic and foreign economic conditions and conditions
which affect the market for property and casualty insurance;
o laws, rules and regulations which apply to insurance companies;
o the effects of competition from banks, other insurers and the trend toward
self-insurance;
o risks which we face in entering new markets and diversifying the products
and services we offer;
o weather-related events and other catastrophes affecting our insureds;
o our ability to obtain rate increases and to retain business;
o Year 2000; and
o other risks which we identify in future filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, although we do not promise to update forward-looking
statements to reflect actual results or changes in assumptions or other
factors that could affect these statements.
Part I
Item 1. BUSINESS
General
The accompanying consolidated financial statements consisting of the
accounts of The Navigators Group, Inc., a Delaware holding company, and its
sixteen wholly owned subsidiaries, are prepared on the basis of generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Unless the context otherwise requires,
the term "Company" as used herein means The Navigators Group, Inc. and its
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are
eliminated.
The Company's two insurance subsidiaries are Navigators Insurance Company
("Navigators Insurance"), which includes a United Kingdom Branch ("UK Branch"),
and NIC Insurance Company ("NIC"). Navigators Insurance is the Company's largest
insurance subsidiary and has been active since 1983. It specializes principally
in underwriting marine insurance and related lines of business and a
contractors' general liability program. NIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Navigators Insurance, began operations in 1990. It underwrites a small book of
surplus lines insurance in certain states and cedes 100% of its gross direct
writings from this business to Navigators Insurance. Navigators Insurance and
NIC are collectively referred to herein as the "Insurance Companies".
Five of the Company's subsidiaries are marine underwriting management
companies: Somerset Marine, Inc., Somerset Insurance Services of Texas, Inc.,
Somerset Insurance Services of California, Inc., Somerset Insurance Services of
Washington, Inc. and Somerset Marine (UK) Limited ("Somerset UK") (collectively,
the "Somerset Companies"). The Somerset Companies produce, manage and underwrite
insurance and reinsurance for Navigators Insurance, NIC and four unaffiliated
insurance companies.
1
<PAGE>
The Somerset Companies specialize in writing marine and related lines of
business. The marine business is written through a pool of insurance companies,
Navigators Insurance having the largest participation in the pool. The Somerset
Companies derive their revenue from commissions, service fees and cost
reimbursement arrangements from their parent company, Navigators Insurance, NIC
and the unaffiliated insurers. Commissions are earned both on a fixed percentage
of premiums and on underwriting profits on business placed with the
participating insurance companies within the pool. Property and casualty
insurance premiums historically have been cyclical in nature and, accordingly,
during a "hard market" demand for property and casualty insurance exceeds
supply, or capacity, and as a result, premiums and commissions may increase. On
the downturn of the property and casualty cycle, supply exceeds demand, and as a
result, premiums and commissions may decrease. Other than a small amount of war
and satellite business, the Company withdrew from the aviation business in
October 1998 due to inadequate pricing. In 1999, the Company produced its
onshore energy, engineering and construction business through the Company's
facilities at Lloyd's of London "Lloyd's". Prior to 1999, this business was
produced by the Somerset Companies.
Navigators Holdings (UK) Limited is a holding company for the Company's UK
subsidiaries. Somerset UK produces business for the UK Branch of Navigators
Insurance and four unaffiliated insurance companies. Navigators Corporate
Underwriters Limited ("NCUL") is admitted to do business at Lloyd's of London as
a corporate member with limited liability. In January 1998, the Company acquired
Mander, Thomas & Cooper (Underwriting Agencies) Limited ("MTC"), a Lloyd's
marine underwriting managing agency which manages Lloyd's Syndicate 1221, and
its wholly owned subsidiary, Millennium Underwriting Limited ("Millennium"), a
Lloyd's corporate member with limited liability. In August 1999, MTC formed
Pennine Underwriting Limited, an underwriting managing agency located in
Northern England, which underwrites cargo and engineering business for Lloyd's
Syndicate 1221.
In April 1999, the Company acquired Anfield Insurance Services, Inc.
("Anfield"), an insurance agency located in San Francisco, California, which
specializes in underwriting general liability insurance coverage for small
artisan and general contractors on the West Coast. The purchase price of
approximately $2.7 million, funded through a bank loan and working capital,
resulted in goodwill of approximately $2.3 million which is being amortized over
20 years. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting.
The Company's revenue is primarily comprised of premiums, commissions and
investment income. The Insurance Companies derive the majority of their premium
from business written by the Somerset Companies and Anfield. The Insurance
Companies are managed by Somerset Marine, Inc. The Lloyd's operations derive
their premium from business written by MTC, and in 1997 from one unaffiliated
Lloyd's syndicate.
Lines of Business
The business written by the Company was primarily marine, aviation, onshore
energy, engineering and construction insurance, and a contractors' general
liability program. As underwritten by the Company, marine insurance includes
hull, energy, liability and cargo; aviation insurance includes hull and
liability on commercial aircraft and on aircraft manufacturers; onshore energy
primarily covers property damage and machinery breakdown; and engineering and
construction primarily covers the construction project including the machinery,
equipment and loss of use due to delays, with an emphasis on the oil,
petrochemical and utility sectors. As discussed above, the Company has generally
withdrawn from the aviation market. In 1999, the Company produced onshore
energy, engineering and construction business through its facilities at Lloyd's.
See the table set forth in "Management's Discussion and Analysis - Results of
Operations - Revenues" for the Company's gross written premium by line of
business and net written premium in the aggregate for the periods indicated.
2
<PAGE>
Marine Insurance
Navigators Insurance obtains marine business through participation in the
marine pool managed by the Somerset Companies. The composition of the pool and
the level of participation of each member changes from time to time. Navigators
Insurance's net participation in the marine pool increased from 48% in 1997 to
60% in 1998 to 75% in 1999.
In 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Somerset Companies received commissions equal
to 7 1/2% of the gross premium earned on marine insurance and are entitled to
receive a 20% profit commission on net underwriting profits.
The Lloyd's marine premium is generated as the result of capacity provided
to Syndicate 1221 by NCUL and Millennium in 1999 and 1998, and capacity provided
to Syndicate 1221 and an unaffiliated syndicate by NCUL in 1997. The premiums,
losses and expenses from the Lloyd's marine syndicates are included in the
Company's results but are not included in the Insurance Companies' results since
NCUL and Millennium are not part of the Insurance Companies' operations.
Aviation Insurance
The Company's aviation business had been written by Navigators Insurance
until October 1998 when Navigators Insurance decided to no longer write aviation
business due to inadequate pricing, other than a small amount of war and
satellite business.
Onshore Energy
In 1996, Navigators Insurance began to underwrite onshore energy insurance
which principally focuses on the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, and
power generation industries with coverages primarily for property damage and
machinery breakdown. In 1999, the onshore energy business was written through
the Company's facilities at Lloyd's and the UK Branch participated on the gross
risk.
Engineering and Construction
In 1997, Navigators Insurance began writing engineering and construction
business consisting of coverage for construction projects including the
machinery, equipment and loss of use due to delays. In 1999, the engineering and
construction business was written through the Company's facilities at Lloyd's
and the UK Branch participated on the gross risk.
Program Insurance
The program insurance, currently written by Anfield, consists primarily of
general liability insurance for contractors and a small amount of commercial
multi-peril for restaurants and taverns.
Reinsurance Ceded
The Company utilizes reinsurance principally to reduce its exposure on
individual risks, to protect against catastrophic losses, to maintain desired
ratios of net premium written to statutory surplus and to stabilize loss ratios.
3
<PAGE>
The ceding of reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer from its
primary liability to the policyholder. The ceding company is required to pay the
losses even if the assuming company fails to meet its obligations under the
reinsurance agreement.
Reinsurance is generally written under treaty contracts in which coverage
is either on a proportional basis, where the reinsurer shares proportionately in
premiums and losses, or on an excess of loss basis, where only losses above a
fixed amount are reinsured.
The Company is protected by various treaty and facultative reinsurance
agreements. The reinsurance is diversified by reinsuring with a number of
different reinsurers, principally in the United States and European reinsurance
markets. This coverage is placed on behalf of the Company's insurance operations
by a number of different reinsurance intermediaries, each of which is utilized
because of its expertise in placing a particular type of coverage. All such
intermediaries are compensated by the reinsurers.
The Company's Reinsurance Security Committee monitors the financial
strength of its reinsurers and the amounts of reinsurance receivables from those
reinsurers. To the extent that it is determined that the ultimate amount
collectible is less than the amount recorded as a receivable, a reserve is
established. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company had an allowance for
uncollectible reinsurance of $1,250,000 and $800,000, respectively. In addition,
in 1999 the Company recorded a charge against earnings of $6.6 million for
unrecoverable reinsurance from New Cap Reinsurance Corporation Limited which
participated in the Company's 1997 and 1998 reinsurance programs.
Reserves
Insurance companies and Lloyd's syndicates are required to maintain
reserves for unpaid losses and unpaid loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") for all
lines of business. These reserves are intended to cover the probable ultimate
cost of settling all losses incurred and unpaid, including those incurred but
not reported. The determination of reserves for losses and LAE for insurance
companies such as Navigators Insurance and Lloyd's corporate members such as
NCUL and Millennium is dependent upon the receipt of information from the pools
and syndicates in which such companies participate. Generally, there is a lag
between the time premiums are written and related losses and LAE are incurred,
and the time such events are reported to the pools and syndicates and,
subsequently, to Navigators Insurance, NCUL and Millennium.
The Insurance Companies and Lloyd's syndicates establish reserves for
reported claims when they first receive notice of the claim. Reserves are
established on a case-by-case basis by evaluating several factors, including the
type of risk involved, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding such claim,
severity of injury or damage, the potential for ultimate exposure, experience
with the insured and the broker on the line of business, and the policy
provisions relating to the type of claim. Reserves for incurred but not reported
losses are determined in part on the basis of statistical information and in
part on industry experience.
Loss reserves are estimates of what the insurer or reinsurer expects to pay
on claims, based on facts and circumstances then known, and it is possible that
the ultimate liability may exceed or be less than such estimates. Such estimates
are based, among other things, on predictions of future events and estimates of
future trends in claim severity and frequency. During the loss settlement
period, which, in some cases, may last several years, additional facts regarding
individual claims may become known and, accordingly, it often becomes necessary
to refine and adjust the estimates of liability on a claim upward or downward.
Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments
are included in income currently. Even then, the ultimate liability may exceed
or be less than the revised estimates. The reserving process is intended to
provide implicit recognition of the impact of inflation and other factors
affecting loss payments by taking into account changes in historical payment
patterns and perceived probable trends. There is generally no precise method for
the subsequent evaluation of the adequacy of the consideration given to
inflation, or to any other specific factor, because the eventual deficiency or
redundancy of reserves is affected by many factors, some of which are
interdependent.
4
<PAGE>
The Company records those premiums which are reported to it through the end
of each calendar year and accrues estimates for amounts where there is a time
lag between when the policy is bound and the receipt of the policy. A
substantial portion of the premiums are from international business where there
can be significant time lags. To the extent that the actual premiums vary from
estimates, the difference is recorded in current operations.
The Company does not discount any of its reserves. The following tables
present an analysis of losses and LAE.
<TABLE>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net reserves for losses and LAE at
beginning of year ...................................... $ 150,517 $ 139,841 $ 132,558
--------- --------- ---------
Provision for losses and LAE for
claims occurring in the current year .................... 45,001 46,050 53,654
Lloyd's portfolio transfer - reinsurance to close ............ 15,533 19,655 __
Increase (decrease) in estimated losses and
LAE for claims occurring in prior years ................. 9,380 (3,383) (1,034)
--------- --------- ---------
Incurred losses and LAE ...................................... 69,914 62,322 52,620
--------- --------- ---------
Losses and LAE payments for claims
occurring during:
Current year ........................................ (10,925) (9,848) (12,921)
Prior years ......................................... (38,976) (41,798) (32,416)
--------- --------- ---------
Losses and LAE payments ...................................... (49,901) (51,646) (45,337)
--------- --------- ---------
Net reserves for losses and LAE at end of year ............... 170,530 150,517 139,841
--------- --------- ---------
Reinsurance receivables on unpaid losses and LAE ............. 220,564 191,927 138,591
--------- --------- ---------
Gross reserves for losses and LAE at end of year ............. $ 391,094 $ 342,444 $ 278,432
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
The following table presents the development of the Company's loss and LAE
reserves for 1989 through 1999. The line "Net reserves for losses and LAE"
reflects the net reserves at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated
years and represents the estimated amount of losses and LAE arising in all prior
years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date. The "Reserves re-estimated"
lines of the table reflect the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded
reserves based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate
changes as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of
claims for individual years. The "Cumulative redundancy (deficiency)" lines of
the table reflect the cumulative amounts developed as of successive years with
respect to the aforementioned reserve liability. The cumulative redundancy or
deficiency represents the aggregate change in the estimates over all prior
years.
The table allocates losses and LAE reported and recorded in subsequent
years to all prior years starting with the year in which the loss was incurred.
For example, assume that a loss occurred in 1994 and was not reported until
1996, the amount of such loss will appear as a deficiency in both 1994 and 1995.
Conditions and trends that have affected development of the liability in the
past may not necessarily occur in the future. Accordingly, it may not be
appropriate to extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based on the
table.
6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Year Ended December 31,
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net reserves for losses
and LAE .........................$59,477 $ 70,457 $ 77,507 $ 89,361 $ 103,176 $ 135,377 $ 138,761 $ 132,558
Reserves for losses and
LAE re-estimated as of:
One year later ...................61,449 71,643 80,478 94,785 104,306 142,400 136,309 131,524
Two years later ..................62,206 73,849 80,937 98,062 102,831 139,139 134,324 127,901
Three years later ................61,255 73,441 81,322 98,338 101,537 138,155 131,658 126,457
Four years later .................60,062 73,349 80,652 97,257 100,432 135,482 131,018
Five years later .................60,476 72,706 79,469 96,889 98,805 134,197
Six years later ..................60,490 71,730 79,239 96,358 97,740
Seven years later ................60,382 71,620 78,742 94,457
Eight years later ................60,364 71,003 77,167
Nine years later .................59,787 70,622
Ten years later ..................60,016
Net cumulative redundancy
(deficiency) ..................... (539) (165) 340 (5,096) 5,436 1,180 7,743 6,101
Net cumulative paid as of:
One year later ...................17,593 22,784 25,741 37,998 32,700 47,187 39,741 32,416
Two years later ..................29,694 36,532 43,688 54,552 53,603 69,960 59,397 59,796
Three years later ................37,032 47,060 51,753 65,997 62,769 83,921 78,821 71,420
Four years later .................43,270 51,769 59,308 72,063 69,356 97,499 87,876
Five years later .................46,066 57,421 63,138 75,864 75,534 104,454
Six years later ..................50,456 60,291 65,441 80,193 80,308
Seven years later ................52,521 61,837 68,192 84,132
Eight years later ................53,482 63,753 70,868
Nine years later .................55,019 66,067
Ten years later ..................56,758
Gross liability-end of year .......................................... 224,191 247,346 314,898 273,854 269,601
Reinsurance recoverable .............................................. 134,830 144,170 179,521 135,093 137,043
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net liability-end of year ............................................ 89,361 103,176 135,377 138,761 132,558
Gross re-estimated latest ............................................ 292,031 276,917 363,655 313,484 305,074
Re-estimated recoverable latest ...................................... 197,574 179,177 227,458 182,466 178,617
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net re-estimated latest .............................................. 94,457 97,740 136,197 131,018 126,457
Gross cumulative (deficiency) ....................................... (67,840) (29,571) (48,757) (39,630) (35,473)
<CAPTION>
1997 1998 1999
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net reserves for losses
and LAE ......................... $ 139,841 $ 150,517 $ 170,530
Reserves for losses and
LAE re-estimated as of:
One year later .................. 136,458 159,897
Two years later ................. 138,991
Three years later ...............
Four years later ................
Five years later ................
Six years later .................
Seven years later ...............
Eight years later ...............
Nine years later ................
Ten years later .................
Net cumulative redundancy
(deficiency) .................... 850 (9,380)
Net cumulative paid as of:
One year later .................. 41,798 38,976
Two years later ................. 64,301
Three years later ...............
Four years later ................
Five years later ................
Six years later .................
Seven years later ...............
Eight years later ...............
Nine years later ................
Ten years later .................
Gross liability-end of year ........ 278,432 342,444 391,094
Reinsurance recoverable ............ 138,591 191,927 220,564
------- ------- -------
Net liability-end of year .......... 139,841 150,517 170,530
Gross re-estimated latest .......... 326,239 393,503
Re-estimated recoverable latest .... 187,248 233,606
------- -------
Net re-estimated latest ............ 138,991 159,897
Gross cumulative (deficiency) ...... (47,807) (51,509)
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
The net cumulative deficiency for the year ended December 31, 1992 resulted
from adverse development in certain lines of business. The net deficiency for
the year ended December 31, 1998 resulted from the unrecoverable reinsurance
from one reinsurer and reserve strengthening in the Company's Lloyd's
operations.
The 1992 and 1993 gross cumulative deficiencies resulted primarily from the
1989 Exxon Valdez loss. The gross cumulative deficiencies for 1994 and 1995
resulted primarily from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake loss, the 1989 Exxon
Valdez loss and a large marine liability claim reported in 1999 affecting years
1994 through 1998. The 1996 gross cumulative deficiency also resulted from
adverse development in several lines of business. The 1997 gross cumulative
deficiency also resulted from adverse development in the onshore energy business
and from one large 1989 claim from a runoff book of business which also
adversely affected years prior to 1997. The deficiency in 1998 resulted from the
two marine liability claims mentioned, a large energy claim incurred in 1998 and
reported in 1999 and reserve strengthening in the Company's Lloyd's operations.
The adverse development on the Company's gross reserves has been mostly
reinsured through excess of loss reinsurance treaties.
Management believes that the reserves for losses and LAE are adequate to
cover the ultimate cost of losses and LAE on reported and unreported claims.
Environmental Pollution and Asbestos Related Claims
In 1999 and 1998, the Company paid gross losses and LAE of $665,000 and
$2,091,000, respectively, resulting in net paid losses and LAE of $378,000 and
$369,000, respectively, for environmental pollution and asbestos related claims.
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company carried gross reserves of
$3,712,000 and $2,912,000, respectively, and net reserves of $1,088,000 and
$1,199,000, respectively, for the potential exposure to such claims. Management
believes that its reserves for such claims are adequate because the Company's
participation in such risks is generally in the higher excess layers and, based
on a continuing review of such claims, management believes that a majority of
these claims will be unlikely to penetrate such high excess layers of coverage;
however, due to significant assumptions inherent in estimating these exposures,
actual liabilities could differ from current estimates. At December 31, 1999,
there were 870 open claims with environmental pollution or asbestos exposures.
Management will continue to review its exposure to and reserves for such claims.
Any potential exposure to these claims exists predominately in connection with
the marine business.
Investments
The investments of the Insurance Companies must comply with the insurance
laws of New York State, the domiciliary state of Navigators Insurance and NIC.
These laws prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of investments which
may be made by insurance companies. In general, these laws permit investments,
within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state
and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred stocks, common stocks,
real estate mortgages and real estate. The Insurance Companies' investment
guidelines prohibit investments in derivatives other than as a hedge against a
foreign currency.
The Insurance Companies' investments are subject to the direction and
control of its Board of Directors and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. The
investments are managed by outside professional fixed income and equity
portfolio managers. Current investment objectives are to maximize annual after
tax income in the context of preserving and enhancing capital and statutory
surplus. Navigators Insurance seeks to obtain these objectives by investing in
municipal bonds, U.S. Government obligations, corporate bonds, and preferred and
common stocks. Due to the Company being in an alternative minimum tax ("AMT")
position, the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors reviewed the Company's
concentration in municipal bonds and instructed the portfolio managers to reduce
the municipal bond portfolio. The Insurance Companies' investment guidelines
require that at least 90% of the fixed income portfolio be rated "A-" or better
by a nationally recognized rating organization. Up to 25% of the total portfolio
may be invested in equity securities that are actively traded on major U.S.
stock exchanges.
8
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, all fixed maturity and equity securities
held by the Company were classified as available-for-sale.
The majority of the investment income of the Somerset Companies is derived
from fiduciary funds invested in accordance with the guidelines of various state
insurance departments. These guidelines typically require investments in
short-term instruments. Beginning January 1, 1998 this investment income is paid
to the pool members, including Navigators Insurance.
The table set forth below reflects investments and income earned thereon
for the Company on a consolidated basis and for the Insurance Companies for each
of the three years ended December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
The Company Consolidated (1) (2)
--------------------------------
Average investments................... $273,738 $259,121 $259,636
Net investment income................. 15,985 15,209 14,435
Average yield......................... 5.84% 5.87% 5.56%
Insurance Companies
-------------------
Average investments................... $247,396 $251,422 $244,905
Net investment income................. 14,573 14,659 13,696
Average yield......................... 5.89% 5.83% 5.59%
</TABLE>
[FN]
(1) Included in the Company's average investments and investment
income for 1997 are fiduciary cash and short-term investments
not included in the balance sheet and the earnings thereon from
the Somerset Companies. See Note 4 to the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements.
(2) The Company's average investments for 1999 and 1998 include
NCUL's and Millennium's portion of the investments held by
Lloyd's Syndicate 1221 and which is presented as funds due from
Syndicate 1221 to the Company.
</FN>
9
<PAGE>
The following table shows the cash and investments of the Company as
of December 31, 1999:
Carrying Value Percent
of Total
(In thousands)
Cash and short-term investments..........$ 12,293 5.0%
U.S. Treasuries ......................... 13,456 5.4
Municipal bonds ........................ 93,851 38.0
Mortgage backed securities ............. 37,245 15.1
Asset backed securities ................ 41,335 16.8
Corporate bonds ........................ 35,650 14.5
Redeemable preferred stocks.............. 1,018 0.4
Common stocks .......................... 11,840 4.8
--------- -----
Total ............................$ 246,688 100.0%
======= =====
Regulation
The Company, the Insurance Companies and the Lloyd's operations are subject
to regulation under the insurance statutes including holding company statutes of
various states, the UK regulatory authorities and Lloyd's. These regulations
vary but generally require insurance holding companies, and insurers that are
subsidiaries of holding companies, to register and file reports concerning their
capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general business
operations. Such regulations also generally require prior regulatory agency
approval of changes in control of an insurer and of transactions within the
holding company structure. The regulatory agencies have statutory authorization
to enforce their laws and regulations through various administrative orders and
enforcement proceedings.
The State of New York Insurance Department (the "Department") is the
Company's principal regulatory agency. The New York Insurance Law provides that
no corporation or other person may acquire control of the Company, and thus
indirect control of the Insurance Companies, unless it has given notice to the
Insurance Companies, and obtained prior written approval from the Superintendent
of Insurance of the State of New York for such acquisition. In New York, any
purchaser of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock
would be presumed to have acquired control of the Company, unless such
presumption is rebutted. The UK authorities and Lloyd's also have regulatory
requirements concerning change in control.
Navigators Insurance and NIC may pay dividends only out of their statutory
earned surplus under New York insurance law. Generally, the maximum amount of
dividends Navigators Insurance and NIC may pay without regulatory approval in
any twelve-month period is the lesser of adjusted net investment income or 10%
of statutory surplus.
Under insolvency or guaranty laws in most states in which Navigators
Insurance and NIC operate, insurers doing business in those states can be
assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses of insolvent insurance
companies.
Navigators Insurance is licensed to engage in the insurance and reinsurance
business in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. NIC is licensed
to engage in the insurance and reinsurance business in the State of New York and
is an approved surplus lines insurer or meets the financial requirements where
there is not a formal approval process in 31 states and the District of
Columbia.
10
<PAGE>
As part of its general regulatory oversight process, the Department
conducts detailed examinations of the books, records and accounts of New York
insurance companies every three to five years. Navigators Insurance and NIC were
examined by the Department for the years 1991 through 1995. The Department did
not recommend any adjustments to the Insurance Companies' previously filed
statutory financial statements.
The Insurance Regulatory Information System ("IRIS") was developed by the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") and is intended
primarily to assist state insurance departments in executing their statutory
mandates to oversee the financial condition of insurance companies operating in
their respective states. IRIS identifies twelve industry ratios and specifies
"usual values" for each ratio. Departure from the usual values on four or more
of the ratios can lead to inquiries from individual state insurance
commissioners as to certain aspects of an insurer's business. As of December 31,
1999 and 1998, the Insurance Companies' results were within the usual values for
all IRIS ratios except for the 1999 `change in net writings' ratio for NIC due
to the reinsurance arrangement between NIC and Navigators Insurance.
The NAIC recently completed a process intended to codify statutory
accounting practices for insurance enterprises. As a result of this process, the
NAIC will issue a revised statutory Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual
that will be effective January 1, 2001 for the calendar year 2001. The Company
will prepare its statutory basis financial statements in accordance with the
revised statutory manual subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by
the New York Insurance Commissioner. The Company has not yet determined the
impact that this change will have on its statutory capital and surplus.
From time to time various regulatory and legislative changes have been
proposed in the insurance and reinsurance industry. Among the proposals that
have in the past been or are at present being considered are the possible
introduction of federal regulation in addition to, or in lieu of, the current
system of state regulation of insurers and proposals in various state
legislatures (some of which proposals have been enacted) to conform portions of
their insurance laws and regulations to various model acts adopted by the NAIC.
The Company is unable to predict whether any of these laws and regulations will
be adopted, the form in which any such laws and regulations would be adopted, or
the effect, if any, these developments would have on the operations and
financial condition of the Company.
State insurance departments have adopted a methodology developed by the
NAIC for assessing the adequacy of statutory surplus of property and casualty
insurers which includes a risk-based capital formula that attempts to measure
statutory capital and surplus needs based on the risks in a company's mix of
products and investment portfolio. The formula is designed to allow state
insurance regulators to identify potential weakly capitalized companies. Under
the formula, a company determines its "risk-based capital" ("RBC") by taking
into account certain risks related to the insurer's assets (including risks
related to its investment portfolio and ceded reinsurance) and the insurer's
liabilities (including underwriting risks related to the nature and experience
of its insurance business). The RBC rules provide for different levels of
regulatory attention depending on the ratio of a company's total adjusted
capital to its "authorized control level" of RBC. Based on calculations made by
Navigators Insurance and NIC, their RBC level exceeds a level that would trigger
regulatory attention. In their respective 1999 statutory financial statements,
Navigators Insurance and NIC have complied with the NAIC's RBC reporting
requirements.
In addition to regulations applicable to insurance agents generally, the
Somerset Companies and Anfield are subject to Managing General Agents Acts in
their state of domicile and in certain other jurisdictions where they do
business.
11
<PAGE>
The Company's subsidiaries domiciled in the UK are subject to regulation
from the government regulatory authorities in the UK and from Lloyd's.
Competition
The property and casualty insurance industry is highly competitive. The
demand for low-cost, high quality service has created difficult conditions in
the domestic property and casualty market, including a leveling or reduction in
premium rates in certain lines of business in which the Company competes. The
Company believes the current situation will not improve dramatically in the
foreseeable future.
The Company faces competition from both domestic and foreign insurers, some
of whom have longer operating histories and greater financial, marketing and
management resources. Competition in the types of insurance in which the Company
is engaged is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial
strength of the Company, pricing and other terms and conditions of products and
services offered, business experience, marketing and distribution arrangements,
agency and broker relationships, levels of customer service (including speed of
claims payments), product differentiation and quality, operating efficiencies
and underwriting. Furthermore, insureds tend to favor large, financially strong
insurers, and the Company faces the risk that it will lose market share to
higher rated insurers.
No single insured or reinsured accounted for 10% or more of the Company's
gross written premium in 1999.
Another competitive factor in the industry involves banks and brokerage
firms breaking down the barriers between various segments of the financial
services industry, including insurance. These efforts pose new challenges to
insurance companies and agents from industries traditionally outside the
insurance business.
Employees
As of December 31, 1999, the Company had 125 employees.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's administrative offices are occupied pursuant to a lease from
an unaffiliated company which expires May 14, 2000 in a building located at 123
William Street, New York, New York. The Company has entered into a new ten year
lease in a different building in New York City. Several of the Company's
subsidiaries have noncancellable operating leases for their respective office
location. The Company does not own any real estate at December 31, 1999.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to or the subject of, any material pending legal
proceedings which depart from the ordinary routine litigation incident to the
kinds of business conducted by the Company, except for an assessment on
Navigators Insurance by the Institute of London Underwriters ("ILU"). In late
1998, the ILU advised its then current forty-one members, including Navigators
Insurance, that they were each being assessed approximately (pound)900,000
(converts to $1.5 million) to pay for anticipated operating deficits arising
from the long term lease of the ILU building located in London (the "ILU
Building"). This assessment was to be paid in cash or by providing a letter of
credit.
12
<PAGE>
Even assuming that Navigators Insurance could be held responsible for the
assessment, Navigators Insurance has informed the ILU that it opposes the
assessment as inequitable and inappropriate since it purports to force the ILU's
members (without regard to the length of membership, proportionate usage of the
ILU's London Processing Centre or current or past occupancy of the ILU Building)
to pay now for potential worst case liabilities extending through 2011.
The ILU has, thus far, not filed suit to enforce the assessment against
Navigators Insurance. In the event the ILU does file such a suit, Navigators
Insurance intends to vigorously contest liability for payment of the assessment.
It is not possible to forecast the ultimate liability, if any, at the present
time.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1999.
Part II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information
The Company's common stock is traded over-the-counter (The Nasdaq National
Market) under the symbol NAVG. Over-the-counter market quotations reflect
inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may
not necessarily represent actual transactions.
The high and low bid prices for the four quarters of 1999 and 1998 are
as follows:
<TABLE>
1999 1998
---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
High Low High Low
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter.............. $16.13 $13.50 $30.75 $17.00
Second Quarter............. $15.00 $14.00 $19.25 $17.63
Third Quarter.............. $16.00 $13.38 $19.50 $14.50
Fourth Quarter............. $14.13 $ 9.13 $16.25 $13.25
</TABLE>
There were approximately 100 holders of record of shares of the Company's
common stock as of March 22, 2000. However, management believes there are in
excess of 1,000 beneficial owners of the stock.
Dividends
The Company has not paid or declared any cash dividends on its common
stock. While there presently is no intention to pay cash dividends on the common
stock, future declarations, if any, and the amounts of such dividends will be
dependent upon, among other factors, the earnings of the Company, its financial
condition and business needs, restrictive covenants under debt arrangements, the
capital and surplus requirements of its subsidiaries and applicable government
regulations.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth summary consolidated financial information
of the Company for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31,
1999 derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. See
the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company including notes thereto
included herein.
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating Information:
Net earned premium $ 89,442 $ 91,203 $ 85,002 $ 78,731 $ 87,908
Net investment income 15,985 15,209 14,435 13,614 14,143
Total revenues 105,624 115,120 108,217 102,788 113,714
Income (loss)
before income taxes (5,392) 15,153 17,184 20,874 15,563
Net income (loss) (3,652) 11,489 12,546 16,752 12,582
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic $ (0.43) $ 1.37 $ 1.51 $ 2.04 $ 1.54
Diluted $ (0.43) $ 1.36 $ 1.50 $ 2.02 $ 1.53
Average common shares:
Basic 8,419 8,414 8,296 8,197 8,154
Diluted 8,419 8,459 8,385 8,286 8,213
Balance Sheet Information
(at end of period):
Total investments & cash $ 246,688 $ 257,232 $ 258,572 $240,720 $ 235,460
Total assets 631,324 592,086 501,207 457,095 435,552
Loss and LAE reserves 391,094 342,444 278,432 269,601 273,854
Notes payable 24,000 23,500 20,942 17,942 20,508
Stockholders'equity 130,365 143,266 131,242 115,542 99,076
Book value per share $ 15.51 $ 16.96 $ 15.68 $ 14.03 $ 12.12
</TABLE>
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The Company is a holding company with sixteen wholly owned
subsidiaries. See "BUSINESS-General" included herein for a description of the
Company.
The Company's revenue is primarily comprised of premiums, commissions
and investment income. The Insurance Companies derive the majority of their
premium from business written by the Somerset Companies and Anfield. The
Insurance Companies are managed by Somerset Marine, Inc. The Lloyd's operations
derive their premium from business written by MTC, and in 1997 from one
unaffiliated Lloyd's syndicate.
Results of Operations
General. The Company's 1999, 1998 and 1997 results of operations reflect
intense market competition in the marine and aviation lines.
The 1999 results include a charge against earnings of approximately
$6.6 million pretax resulting in an after tax charge of approximately $4.3
million as the result of unrecoverable reinsurance from New Cap Reinsurance
Corporation Limited ("New Cap Re") which participated in the Company's 1997 and
1998 reinsurance programs.
14
<PAGE>
Revenues. Gross written premium increased from $171.2 million in 1997
to $172.2 million in 1998 and decreased to $167.1 million in 1999. The following
table sets forth the Company's gross written premium by line of business along
with ceded and net written premium in the aggregate for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lloyd's Operations:
Marine ...................... $ 63,040 38% $ 46,637 27% $ 24,654 14%
Engineering and Construction 961 1 -- -- -- --
Onshore Energy .............. 1,346 1 -- -- -- --
- -------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Lloyd's Operations .. 65,347 40 46,637 27 24,654 14
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Insurance Companies:
Marine ...................... 82,086 49 64,043 37 56,231 33
Aviation .................... 180 -- 23,405 14 34,960 20
Inland Marine ............... 12 -- (154) -- 8,327 5
Onshore Energy .............. 812 -- 11,418 7 9,854 6
Engineering and Construction (77) -- 9,976 6 7,592 4
Program Business ............ 18,581 11 15,684 9 24,515 14
Other ....................... 171 -- 1,202 -- 5,116 4
- -------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Insurance Companies: 101,765 60 125,574 73 146,595 86
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Gross Written Premium 167,112 100% 172,211 100% 171,249 100%
--------- ========= --------- ========= --------- =========
Total Ceded Written Premium (73,028) (83,729) (80,369)
--------- --------- ---------
Total Net Written Premium . $ 94,084 $ 88,482 $ 90,880
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
Lloyd's Operations
The Lloyd's premium is generated as the result of NCUL and Millennium
providing capacity to Lloyd's Syndicate 1221 managed by MTC, and in 1997 from
one unaffiliated Lloyd's syndicate. The premiums, losses and expenses from the
Lloyd's operations are included in the Company's consolidated financials but are
not included in the Insurance Companies' results since NCUL and Millennium are
wholly owned by the parent company.
Marine Premium. In 1999, marine premium increased 35.2% from 1998 due to
the capacity provided to Syndicate 1221 by NCUL and Millennium in the aggregate
increasing from 39.5% in 1998 to 52.5% in 1999. NCUL wrote $24.7 million of
marine premium in 1997 through providing capacity to Syndicate 1221 and one
unaffiliated syndicate.
Lloyd's Syndicate 1221 had capacity of (pound)67.0 million (converts to
$105.9 million) in 1999, (pound)66.9 million (converts to $111.1 million) in
1998 and (pound)68.5 million (converts to $113.1 million) in 1997. The Lloyd's
marine business has been subject to continued pricing competition resulting in
less premiums per risk relative to certain prior years. As a result, the Company
wrote less than the capacity available.
15
<PAGE>
Engineering and Construction Premium. In 1999, the Robertson Consortium
managed by MTC began writing engineering and construction business consisting of
coverage for construction projects including machinery, equipment and loss of
use due to delays. Previously, the engineering and construction business was
written by Somerset Asia Pacific Limited in Australia and Somerset UK,
wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, for Navigators Insurance. The
Australia office was closed in 1999 along with the Singapore office which
provided risk management services for the Australia office.
Onshore Energy. In 1999, the Robertson Consortium also began writing
onshore energy business which principally focuses on the oil and gas, chemical
and petrochemical, and power generation industries with coverages primarily for
property damage and machinery breakdown. The business was previously written by
Navigators Insurance.
Lloyd's presents its results on an underwriting year basis, generally
closing each underwriting year after three years. The Company makes estimates
for each year and timely accrues the expected results.
At Lloyd's, the amount to close an underwriting year into the next year is
referred to as the "reinsurance to close." At December 31, 1999, Syndicate 1221
and an unaffiliated syndicate on which NCUL participated in 1997 closed their
1997 underwriting year, the net effect of which resulted in a portfolio transfer
to NCUL and Millennium of $15.5 million at December 31, 1999. At December 31,
1998, Syndicate 1221 and an unaffiliated syndicate on which NCUL participated in
1997 closed their 1996 underwriting year resulting in a portfolio transfer to
NCUL of $19.7 million at December 31, 1998. This transaction accounted for the
majority of the increase from 1997 to 1998 in the premium volume in the
Company's Lloyd's operations. The reinsurance to close transactions are recorded
as additional written and earned premium, losses incurred, loss reserves and
cash received, all in the same amount. There was no gain or loss on the
transactions.
The Company controls 75.6% of Syndicate 1221's capacity for the 2000
underwriting year. The actual capacity is (pound)66,297,000 (converts to
$107,089,000) of which the Company directly controls (pound)42,772,000 (converts
to $69,090,000) and indirectly controls another (pound)7,340,000 (converts to
$11,856,000). Since the controlled capacity exceeds 75%, Lloyd's Mandatory
Byelaw (No. 5 of 1999) requires the Company to make a mandatory offer to
noncontrolled participants for their capacity. The offer will take the form of
an Announced Auction Offer to be made at the first Lloyd's capacity auction in
July 2000.
The offer will be made at 1.8 pence per (pound)1 of capacity which is the
minimum price that the Company is obliged to offer, being the highest price paid
for capacity during the last 12 months. Whether or not, or to what extent the
offer is accepted by the offerees is to some extent dependent on the price
offered. As such, it is unlikely that the acceptance will result in a cost that
is material to the Company. For the purposes of guidance, each 10% of capacity
accepting will result in a cost to the Company of approximately (pound)120,000
(converts to $194,000). In addition, it is anticipated the administrative and
legal costs of making the offer will be approximately (pound)25,000 (converts to
$40,000). If the Company were to exceed the 90% control threshold as a result of
the offer, Lloyd's Major Syndicate Transactions Byelaw (No. 18 of 1997) allows
for a Minority Buy-out to be effected. In such a transaction the remaining
participants are required to give up their capacity in return for compensation
which must be at least equal to the offer price preceding the buy-out.
The Company provides letters of credit to Lloyd's to support its Syndicate
1221 capacity. If the amount of capacity controlled increases, the Company will
be required to supply additional letters of credit or other collateral
acceptable to Lloyd's, or to reduce the capacity of Syndicate 1221.
16
<PAGE>
Insurance Companies
Marine Premium. Marine gross written premium increased 28.2% from 1998 to
1999 due to Navigators Insurance writing 100% of the marine risk for all of 1999
but for only six months of 1998. Navigators Insurance's participation in the
marine pools increased to 75% in 1999 from 60% in 1998. The 13.9% increase from
1997 to 1998 was due to, beginning July 1, 1998, Navigators Insurance writing
100% of the marine risk and then ceding 40% to the pool members and to
Navigators Insurance's participation in the marine pools increasing from 48% in
1997 to 60% in 1998.
Aviation Premium. Aviation gross written premium decreased 99% from 1998 to
1999 and 33.1% from 1997 to 1998 as the result of Navigators Insurance's
withdrawal from aviation business effective October 1998, other than a small
amount of war and satellite business, due to inadequate pricing in the aviation
insurance market.
Inland Marine Premium. As of June 1997, the Company no longer writes inland
marine business, other than onshore energy.
Onshore Energy Premium. In 1996, Navigators Insurance began to underwrite
onshore energy insurance which principally focuses on the oil and gas, chemical
and petrochemical, and power generation industries with coverages primarily for
property damage and machinery breakdown. In 1999, the majority of the onshore
energy business was written through the Company's facilities at Lloyd's and the
UK Branch participated on the gross risk.
Engineering and Construction Premium. In 1997, Navigators Insurance began
writing engineering and construction business consisting of coverage for
construction projects including the machinery, equipment and loss of use due to
delays. In 1999, the engineering and construction business was written through
the Company's facilities at Lloyd's and the UK Branch participated on the gross
risk. In early 1999, the Company closed the Somerset Asia Pacific Limited office
in Australia which, along with Somerset UK, had previously produced this
business for Navigators Insurance.
Program Insurance Premium. The program insurance, currently written by
Anfield, consists primarily of general liability insurance for contractors and a
small amount of commercial multi-peril insurance for restaurants and taverns.
Ceded Premium. In the ordinary course of business, the Company reinsures
certain insurance risks with unaffiliated insurance companies for the purpose of
limiting its maximum loss exposure, protecting against catastrophic losses, and
maintaining desired ratios of net premiums written to statutory surplus. The
decrease in the ceded premium from 1998 to 1999 resulted from the decrease in
engineering and aviation business which were heavily reinsured. The increase in
the ceded premium from 1997 to 1998 resulted from the engineering and
construction business and the program business, which were heavily reinsured,
and from increasing the reinsurance on the marine business. In addition,
beginning July 1, 1998, Navigators Insurance began writing 100% of the marine
risks and then ceded 40% to the pool members for the 1998 underwriting year and
25% for the 1999 underwriting year.
Net Written Premium. Net written premium increased 6.3% from 1998 to 1999
primarily due to increases in the marine premium partially offset by decreases
in other lines of business as described above. The 2.6% decrease in net written
premium from 1997 to 1998 was primarily due to the reduction in fourth quarter
1998 aviation premium and competitive pressure in the marketplace partially
offset by the increase in the Lloyd's marine premium and Navigators Insurance
increasing its participation in the marine pool to 60% in 1998 from 48% in 1997.
17
<PAGE>
Net Earned Premium. Net earned premium decreased 2% from 1998 to 1999
primarily due to increased unearned premium in the Company's Lloyd's operation
and a smaller reinsurance to close premium which is recorded as fully earned
premium. The 7.3% increase in net earned premium from 1997 to 1998 was primarily
due to the increase in the net written premium in 1997.
Commission Income. Commission income decreased 93% from 1998 to 1999 due to
Navigators Insurance increasing its participation in the marine pool from 60% in
1998 to 75% in 1999 which decreased the commission income, the losses related to
unrecoverable reinsurance which reduced the profit commission, the Company's
reduction of its commission income estimates due to the extremely competitive
rate environment and less profit commission earned by MTC in 1999 than in 1998.
Commission income increased 29.2% from 1997 to 1998 due to the profit commission
earned by MTC from the 1996 underwriting year partially offset by Navigators
Insurance increasing its participation in the marine pool to 60% in 1998 from
48% in 1997.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased 5.1% from 1998 to
1999 and 5.4 % from 1997 to 1998 primarily due to the investment income
allocated to NCUL and Millennium from the investments at the Lloyd's Syndicates
on which they participate. Such investments represent funds due from the
syndicates to the Company.
Operating Expenses.
- ------------------
Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred. The ratio of net loss and
loss adjustment expenses incurred to net earned premium was 78.2%, 68.3%, and
61.9% in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The increase in the 1999 loss ratio
compared to 1998 was primarily due to unrecoverable reinsurance from New Cap Re
and higher loss ratios on the Lloyd's premium, partially offset by the decrease
in the reinsurance to close premium in 1999 of $15.5 million compared to $19.7
million in 1998. The reinsurance to close premium is recorded at a 100% loss
ratio since the premium received represents estimated ultimate losses. The 1999
loss ratio excluding the New Cap Re unrecoverable reinsurance was 70.8%;
excluding the reinsurance to close was 70.7%; and excluding both New Cap Re and
the reinsurance to close was 62.1%. The increase in the 1998 loss ratio compared
to 1997 was primarily due to the Company's portion of the reinsurance to close
the Lloyd's 1996 underwriting year amounting to $19.7 million. The 1998 loss
ratio excluding the reinsurance to close was 59.6% which decreased from 1997
primarily as the result of favorable loss experience on the Insurance Companies
partially offset by slightly higher loss ratios on the Lloyd's business. The
loss reserves are not discounted.
Commission Expense. Commission expense as a percentage of net earned
premium was 16.5%, 13.0%, and 17.6% for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
increase in the 1999 commission expense ratio compared to 1998 was primarily due
to increased commissions at Lloyd's partially offset by the $15.5 million of
reinsurance to close premium resulting from closing of the Lloyd's 1997
underwriting year. The 1999 commission expense ratio without the reinsurance to
close premium was 19.9%. The decrease in the 1998 commission expense ratio
compared to 1997 was primarily due to the $19.7 million of reinsurance to close
premium resulting from closing of the Lloyd's 1996 underwriting year. The 1998
commission expense ratio without the 1997 reinsurance to close premium was
16.6%. The reinsurance to close premium increases earned premium but does not
change the commission expense, therefore the ratio of commission expense to
earned premium decreases.
Other Operating Expenses. The 2.5% increase in other operating expenses
from 1998 to 1999 was primarily due to the acquisition of Anfield on April 2,
1999 and increased expenses in the Lloyd's operations due to the Company's
increased participation in its Lloyd's syndicate, partially offset by reduced
expenses from the closing of the Somerset Asia Pacific Limited office in
Australia from which the company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $346,000.
Other operating expenses increased 9.1% in 1998 over 1997 primarily due to the
acquisition of MTC in January 1998, and increased expenses relating to Somerset
UK and Somerset Asia Pacific Limited.
18
<PAGE>
Interest Expense. The change in the interest expense for 1997, 1998 and
1999 was due to higher loan balances and fluctuations in interest rates.
Income Taxes. The income tax (benefit) expense was ($1.7) million, $3.7
million and $4.6 million for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The effective
tax rates for 1999, 1998 and 1997 were 32.3%, 24.2% and 27.0%, respectively. The
tax benefit in 1999 compared to the tax expense in 1998 was primarily due to
operating losses. The decrease in the 1998 rate compared to the 1997 rate was
primarily due to revenues in the foreign operations beginning to utilize some of
the operating losses generated by those operations. The Company had alternative
minimum tax ("AMT") carryforwards of $6.4 million, $4.7 million and $5.1 million
at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The AMT carryforwards were
primarily attributable to the tax benefits from municipal bond interest. The
Company began reducing its municipal bond portfolio in 1997.
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, the net deferred Federal and foreign tax
asset was $13.2 million and $8.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 1999 the
Company had a $3.5 million valuation allowance against its deferred Federal tax
asset compared to a $1.6 million valuation allowance at December 31, 1998. The
valuation allowance is necessitated by the uncertainty associated with the
realization of the deferred tax asset for the carryforward of operating losses
from the Company's foreign operations.
Net Income (Loss). The Company had a net (loss) of ($3.7) million in 1999
compared to net income of $11.5 million in 1998 and $12.5 million in 1997
primarily due to unrecoverable reinsurance, price competition, higher loss
ratios in the Lloyd's operations and expenses related to the foreign expansion
in London.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flow provided by (used in) operations was $8.9 million, ($3.0) million
and $12.5 million for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Operating cash flow has
been used primarily to acquire additional investment assets during 1999 and 1997
of $6.0 million and $16.7 million, respectively. The negative operating cash
flow in 1998 was primarily due to the payment of loss reserves on runoff
business and less premiums received, partially due to Lloyd's disbursing cash
only after an underwriting year has closed, normally three years later.
Invested assets and cash (excluding fiduciary funds held by the Somerset
Companies and Anfield) decreased from $257.2 million at December 31, 1998 to
$246.7 million at December 31, 1999. The decrease was primarily due to the fair
value of the fixed income portfolio moving from an unrealized gain at December
31, 1998 to an unrealized loss at December 31, 1999. Investment income was $14.4
million in 1997, $15.2 million in 1998 and $16.0 million in 1999. The average
yield of the portfolio, excluding net realized capital gains, was 5.6% in 1997,
5.9% in 1998, and 5.8% in 1999 reflecting the prevailing interest rates during
those years and the decrease in the tax-exempt portfolio beginning in 1997. As
of December 31, 1999, all fixed maturity securities and equity securities held
by the Company were classified as available-for-sale.
The average rating of the Company's fixed maturity investments is AA by
Standard & Poor's and Aa by Moody's. The Company has no significant exposure to
credit risk since the Company's fixed maturity investment portfolio primarily
consists of investment grade bonds. The portfolio has an average maturity of
less than seven years. Management continually monitors the composition and cash
flow of the investment portfolio in order to maintain the appropriate levels of
liquidity. This ensures the Company's ability to satisfy claims or expenses as
they become due.
19
<PAGE>
The increase for reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses and the
related increase in the reinsurance receivable on paid and unpaid losses and
loss adjustment expenses at December 31, 1999 as compared to 1998, was primarily
due to energy and engineering claims reported in 1999 which were heavily
reinsured, and the Lloyd's "reinsurance to close" loss portfolio for the 1997
underwriting year.
On December 21, 1998, the Company entered into a new bank credit facility
which replaced the prior facility. The new credit facility provides a $25
million revolving line of credit at an interest rate of either, at the Company's
election, the base commercial lending rate of one of the banks or at LIBOR plus
0.875%. The line of credit facility reduces each quarter by amounts between $1.0
million and $2.25 million beginning January 1, 2000 until it terminates on
November 19, 2003. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, $24 million and $23.5 million
in loans were outstanding, respectively, under the revolving line of credit
facility at an interest rate of 7.1% and 5.9%, respectively. The credit facility
also provides for a $60 million letter of credit facility which is utilized
primarily by NCUL and Millennium to participate in Lloyd's Syndicate 1221
managed by MTC. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, letters of credit with an
aggregate face amount of $42.2 million and $29.2 million, respectively, were
issued under the letter of credit facility. These letters of credit have not
been drawn upon.
The bank credit facility is collateralized by shares of common stock of the
Company's major subsidiaries. It contains covenants common to transactions of
this type, including restrictions on indebtedness and liens, limitations on
mergers and the sale of assets, maintaining certain consolidated total
stockholders' equity, statutory surplus, minimum liquidity, loss reserves and
other financial ratios. At December 31, 1999, the Company complied with all
covenants except for one related to the surplus of the Insurance Companies for
which a waiver and an amendment curing the noncompliance was received from the
banks providing the credit facility.
Total stockholders' equity was $130.4 million at December 31, 1999, a 9.0%
decrease for the year primarily as the result of the Company's net loss in 1999
and the unrealized loss in the investment portfolio.
The Company's reinsurance has been placed with various U.S. companies rated
"A-" or better by A.M. Best Company, as well as with foreign insurance companies
and with selected syndicates of Lloyd's. Certain syndicates at Lloyd's ("Loss
Syndicates") and the Lloyd's market as a whole have reported significant losses
in recent years. The Company has not placed any material amounts of reinsurance
with these Loss Syndicates. Pursuant to the implementation of Lloyd's Plan of
Reconstruction and Renewal, a significant portion of the Company's recoverables
from the Loss Syndicates are now reinsured by Equitas (a separate UK authorized
reinsurance company established to reinsure outstanding liabilities of all
Lloyd's members for all risks written in the 1992 or prior years of account).
The Company believes that the cash flow generated by the operating
activities of the Company's subsidiaries will provide sufficient funds for the
Company to meet its liquidity needs over the next twelve months. Beyond the next
twelve months, cash flow available to the Company may be influenced by a variety
of factors, including general economic conditions and conditions in the
insurance and reinsurance markets, as well as fluctuations from year to year in
claims experience.
20
<PAGE>
Economic Conditions
The Company is a specialty insurance company and periods of moderate
economic recession or inflation tend not to have a significant direct affect on
the Company's underwriting operations. They do, however, impact the Company's
investment portfolio. A decrease in interest rates will tend to decrease the
Company's yield and have a positive effect on the fair value of its invested
assets. An increase in interest rates will tend to increase the Company's yield
and have a negative effect on the fair value of its invested assets.
Management considers the potential impact of these economic trends in
estimating loss reserves. Management believes that the underwriting controls it
maintains, and the fact that the majority of the Company's business is in lines
of insurance which have relatively short loss payout patterns, assist in
estimating ultimate claim costs more reasonably and lessen the potential adverse
impact of the economy on the Company.
Year 2000 Compliance
The "Year 2000 Issue" or "Y2K Issue" is a term used to describe the
predicted problems that could have arisen as a result of the inability of some
computer programs and embedded chips to distinguish dates beginning with 19 from
dates beginning with 20. This Y2K Issue could hav resulted in a variety of
potential problems for all businesses from inaccurate processing of dates and
date-sensitive calculations to system failures and disruptions in operations.
The Company had considered the Y2K Issue a high priority since 1996 and had
taken certain steps to address this important aspect of its operations. The
Company had formed an Executive Committee comprised of senior management from
all departments to address the issues. The efforts were rewarded as no computer
related Y2K problems were experienced. The Company will continue to monitor the
situation but remains confident that there will not be any future computer
related Y2K problems.
The Company is at risk from policyholders' claims for insurance coverage
due to their Y2K exposures. Although the Company has not received any
significant insurance claims based on losses resulting from Y2K Issues, there
can be no assurance that policyholders will not suffer losses of this type and
seek compensation under the Company's insurance policies. If any claims are
made, the Company's obligations, if any, will depend on the facts and
circumstances of the claim and provisions of the policy. At this time, the
Company is unable to determine whether an adverse impact, if any, in connection
with the foregoing circumstances would be material.
The aforementioned Year 2000 discussion contains forward-looking statements
about matters that are inherently difficult to predict the effect on the
Company. Such statements are made under the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve a number of risks
and uncertainties that could materially affect future results.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market
rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and
other relevant market rate or price changes. Market risk is directly influenced
by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying
assets are traded. The following is a discussion of the Company's primary market
risk exposures and how those exposures are currently managed as of December 31,
1999. The Company's market risk sensitive instruments are entered into for
purposes other than trading.
21
<PAGE>
The carrying value of the Company's investment portfolio as of December 31,
1999 was $241.1 million of which 92.3% was invested in fixed maturity
securities. The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is interest rate
risk associated with investments in fixed maturity securities. The Company's
exposure to equity price risk and foreign exchange risk is not significant. The
Company has no commodity risk.
For fixed maturity securities, short-term liquidity needs and the potential
liquidity needs of the business are key factors in managing the portfolio. The
portfolio duration relative to the liabilities' duration is primarily managed
through investment transactions.
For the Company's investment portfolio, there were no significant changes
in the Company's primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures are
managed compared to the year ended December 31, 1998. The Company does not
currently anticipate significant changes in its primary market risk exposures or
in how those exposures are managed in future reporting periods based upon what
is known or expected to be in effect in future reporting periods.
The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its notes payable to banks
as changes in interest rates would impact future earnings, however, this
interest rate risk exposure is not considered significant.
Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity analysis is defined as the measurement of potential loss in
future earnings, fair values or cash flows of market sensitive instruments
resulting from one or more selected hypothetical changes in interest rates and
other market rates or prices over a selected time. In the Company's sensitivity
analysis model, a hypothetical change in market rates is selected that is
expected to reflect reasonably possible near-term changes in those rates. The
term "near-term" means a period of time going forward up to one year from the
date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from
the hypothetical change in market rates assumed in this disclosure, especially
since this sensitivity analysis does not reflect the results of any actions that
would be taken by the Company to mitigate such hypothetical losses in fair
value.
In this sensitivity analysis model, the Company uses fair values to measure
its potential loss. The sensitivity analysis model includes fixed maturities and
short-term investments. The primary market risk to the Company's market
sensitive instruments is interest rate risk. The sensitivity analysis model uses
a 100 basis point change in interest rates to measure the hypothetical change in
fair value of financial instruments included in the model.
For invested assets, modified duration modeling is used to calculate
changes in fair values. Durations on invested assets are adjusted for call, put
and interest rate reset features. Duration on tax exempt securities is adjusted
for the fact that the yield on such securities is less sensitive to changes in
interest rates compared to Treasury securities. Invested asset portfolio
durations are calculated on a market value weighted basis, including accrued
investment income, using holdings as of December 31, 1999.
The sensitivity analysis model used by the Company produces a loss in fair
value of market sensitive instruments of $10.3 million based on a 100 basis
point increase in interest rates as of December 31, 1999. This loss amount only
reflects the impact on an interest rate increase on the fair value of the
Company's fixed maturities and short-term investments, which constitute
approximately 36.3% of total assets as of December 31, 1999.
22
<PAGE>
Based on the sensitivity analysis model used by the Company, the loss
in fair value of market sensitive instruments, as a result of a 100 basis point
increase in interest rates as of December 1999, is not material.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements required in response to this
section are submitted as part of Item 14(a) of this report.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Part III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information concerning the directors and the executive officers of the
Company is contained under "Election of Directors" in the Company's 2000 Proxy
Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information concerning executive compensation is contained under
"Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers" in the Company's 2000 Proxy
Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information concerning the security ownership of the directors and
officers of the registrant is contained under "Election of Directors" in the
Company's 2000 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information concerning relationships and related transactions of the
directors and officers of the Company is contained under "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions" in the Company's 2000 Proxy Statement, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
Part IV
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements and Schedules: The financial statements
and schedules listed in the accompanying Index to
Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules on page F-1.
2. Exhibits: The exhibits are listed on the accompanying Index
to Exhibits on the page which immediately follows page S-8.
The exhibits include the management contracts and
compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as
exhibits to this Form 10-K by Item 601(a)(10)(iii) of
Regulation S-K.
23
<PAGE>
(b) Reports on Form 8-K. There were no reports filed on Form 8-K
during the fourth quarter of 1999.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
The Navigators Group, Inc.
(Registrant)
Dated: March 30, 2000 By:/s/ BRADLEY D. WILEY
--------------------
Bradley D. Wiley
Senior Vice President,
CFO and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name Title Date
/s/ TERENCE N. DEEKS Chairman, President and CEO March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
Terence N. Deeks (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ BRADLEY D. WILEY Senior Vice President, CFO March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
Bradley D. Wiley and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ SALVATORE A. MARGARELLA Vice President and Treasurer March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Salvatore A. Margarella
/s/ ROBERT M. DEMICHELE Director March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
Robert M. DeMichele
/s/ LEANDRO S. GALBAN, JR. Director March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
Leandro S. Galban, Jr.
/s/ MARC M. TRACT Director March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
Marc M. Tract
/s/ WILLIAM D. WARREN Director March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
William D. Warren
/s/ ROBERT F. WRIGHT Director March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
Robert F. Wright
/s/ HOWARD M. ZELIKOW Director March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------
Howard M. Zelikow
24
<PAGE>
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
Independent Auditors' Report ............................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1999 and 1998 .................. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1999 .......................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 1999 ........................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1999 ............................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................ F-7
SCHEDULES:
Schedule I Summary of Consolidated Investments--other than
investments in related parties ........................ S-1
Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Registrant ......... S-2
Schedule III Supplementary Insurance Information ................... S-5
Schedule IV Reinsurance ........................................... S-6
Schedule V Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ..................... S-7
Schedule VI Supplementary Information Concerning
Property-Casualty Insurance Operations ................ S-8
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Navigators Group, Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of The Navigators Group,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999. In connection
with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited
the consolidated financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying
index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Navigators Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects,
the information set forth therein.
KPMG LLP
New York, New York
March 30, 2000
F-2
<PAGE>
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
December 31,
1999 1998
---- ----
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value
(amortized cost: 1999, $227,875; 1998, $232,021) ..................................... $ 222,555 $240,233
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 1999, $11,105;
1998, $6,506) ........................................................................ 11,840 7,400
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value ......................... 6,747 5,647
Cash ................................................................................... 5,546 2,807
Other investments ...................................................................... -- 1,145
------- ---------
Total investments and cash ....................................................... 246,688 257,232
------- -------
Premiums in course of collection .......................................................... 90,857 76,321
Commissions receivable .................................................................... 4,841 7,823
Accrued investment income ................................................................. 3,250 3,219
Prepaid reinsurance premiums .............................................................. 24,765 25,699
Reinsurance receivable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses............... 229,111 200,017
Federal income tax recoverable ............................................................ 2,016 398
Net deferred Federal and foreign income tax benefit ....................................... 13,227 8,002
Deferred policy acquisition costs ......................................................... 5,878 4,303
Goodwill ................................................................................... 5,805 3,855
Other assets .............................................................................. 4,886 5,217
------- ---------
Total assets ..................................................................... $631,324 $592,086
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses ........................................ $391,094 $342,444
Unearned premium ........................................................................ 55,003 51,295
Reinsurance balances payable ............................................................ 24,799 24,858
Notes payable to banks .................................................................. 24,000 23,500
Deferred state and local income tax ...................................................... 374 1,152
Accounts payable and other liabilities .................................................. 5,689 5,571
------- --------
Total liabilities ................................................................ 500,959 448,820
------- --------
Commitments and contingencies .............................................................
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.10 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued ............... -- --
Common stock, $.10 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares,
issued and outstanding 8,406,970 in 1999 and 8,447,926 in 1998 ....................... 846 845
Additional paid-in capital .............................................................. 39,447 39,332
Treasury stock held at cost, 48,700 shares in 1999........................................ (700) --
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale (net of tax (benefit)
expense of ($1,605) in 1999 and $3,187 in 1998) .................................... (2,980) 5,919
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax expense (benefit) of $34 in 1999 and
($93) in 1998........................................................................ 62 (172)
Retained earnings ....................................................................... 93,690 97,342
------- --------
Total stockholders' equity ....................................................... 130,365 143,266
------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ................................... $631,324 $ 592,086
======= ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except net income per share)
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Net earned premium ................................................. $ 89,442 $ 91,203 $ 85,002
Commission income .................................................. 482 6,569 5,083
Net investment income .............................................. 15,985 15,209 14,435
Net realized capital gains (losses).................................. (443) 1,431 2,827
Other income ....................................................... 158 708 870
------- ------- --------
Total revenues ................................................... 105,624 115,120 108,217
------- ------- --------
Operating expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred ................... 69,914 62,322 52,620
Commission expense ................................................. 14,721 11,864 14,938
Other operating expenses ........................................... 24,879 24,264 22,231
Interest expense ................................................... 1,502 1,517 1,244
------- ------- --------
Total operating expenses ......................................... 111,016 99,967 91,033
------- ------- --------
Income before income tax expense ................................... (5,392) 15,153 17,184
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current ........................................................ (450) 3,100 3,879
Deferred ....................................................... (1,290) 564 759
------ ------ --------
Total income tax expense (benefit)................................. (1,740) 3,664 4,638
------ ------ --------
Net Income (Loss) ................................................... $ (3,652) $ 11,489 $ 12,546
====== ======== ========
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic ........................................................... $ (0.43) $ 1.37 $ 1.51
Diluted ......................................................... $ (0.43) $ 1.36 $ 1.50
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic............................................................. 8,419 8,414 8,296
Diluted ......................................................... 8,419 8,459 8,385
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Preferred Stock
Balance at beginning and end of year..... $ -- $ -- $ --
======== ======= =======
Common stock
Balance at beginning of year............. $ 845 $ 837 $ 824
Issuance of common stock during the year. 1 8 13
-------- ------- -------
Balance at end of year................... $ 846 $ 845 $ 837
======== ======= =======
Additional paid-in capital
Balance at beginning of year............. $ 39,332 $ 38,119 $ 36,202
Issuance of common stock during the year. 115 1,213 1,917
-------- ------- -------
Balance at end of year................... $ 39,447 $ 39,332 $ 38,119
======== ======= =======
Retained earnings
Balance at beginning of year............. $ 97,342 $ 85,853 $ 73,307
Net income (loss)........................ (3,652) $ (3,652) 11,489 $11,489 12,546 $ 12,546
-------- --------- -------- ------ -------- ------
Balance at end of year................... $ 93,690 $ 97,342 $ 85,853
======== ======== ========
Treasury stock held at cost................. (700) -- --
======== ======== ========
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at beginning of year............. $ 5,747 $ 6,433 $ 5,209
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities,
net of tax (benefit) expense of ($4,792),
($310) and $734 in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively (1) (8,899) (575) 1,363
Foreign currency loss net of tax benefit of $126,
$60 and $75 in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively........................... 234 (111) (139)
------ ------ -------
Other comprehensive income/(loss)........ (8,665) (8,665) (686) (686) 1,224 1,224
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- -------
Comprehensive income/(loss).............. $ (12,317) $ 10,803 $ 13,770
======== ======= =======
Balance at end of year................... $ (2,918) $ 5,747 $ 6,433
======== ======= ========
Total stockholders' equity at end of year... $130,365 $143,266 $ 131,242
======= ======= ========
(1) Disclosure of reclassification amount:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising
during period........................ $ (8,625) $ 628 $ 3,409
Less: reclassification adjustment for net
gains included in net income......... (274) (1,203) (2,046)
--------- ------- -------
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities $ (8,899) $ (575) $ 1,363
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities:
Net income.................................................. $ (3,652) $11,489 $12,546
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation & amortization ............................... 1,800 833 526
Net deferred Federal and foreign income tax .............. (560) 595 683
Net realized capital (gains) losses......................... 443 (1,431) (2,827)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquistions:
Reinsurance receivable on paid and unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses .................... (29,094) (52,913) (3,759)
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses............ 48,650 64,012 8,831
Prepaid reinsurance premiums ............................. 934 (5,294) (8,865)
Unearned premium ......................................... 3,707 2,636 14,743
Premiums in course of collection ......................... (14,536) (30,474) (10,738)
Commissions receivable ................................... 2,982 2,272 348
Deferred policy acquisition costs ........................ (1,575) 1,100 (1,746)
Accrued investment income ................................ (25) (59) 181
Reinsurance balances payable ............................. 242 8,319 4,958
Federal income tax ....................................... (1,651) (261) (131)
Other .................................................... 1,232 (3,813) (2,253)
-------- ------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities ........... 8,897 (2,989) 12,497
-------- ------ --------
Investing activities:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
Redemptions and maturities .............................. 43,295 24,074 9,745
Sales ................................................... 25,335 28,664 75,368
Purchases ............................................... (64,365) (66,373) (93,679)
Equity securities, available-for-sale
Sales ................................................... 3,341 3,285 9,624
Purchases ............................................... (8,087) (3,083) (4,017)
Payment for purchase of MTC, net of cash acquired of $489 ... (26) (5,321) --
Payment for purchase of Anfield, net of cash acquired of $68. (2,591) -- --
Payable for securities purchased ........................... (2,158) 2,832 (2,815)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments ............ (1,100) 16,932 (10,757)
Other investments .......................................... 1,145 1,262 (132)
Purchase of property and equipment ......................... (791) (1,166) (974)
--------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities .. (6,002) 1,106 (17,637)
--------- -------- ------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from bank loan ................................... 1,500 3,500 3,000
Repayment of bank loan .................................... (1,000) (340) --
Proceeds from exercise of stock options ................... 44 1,221 1,931
Purchase of treasury stock.................................. (700) -- --
Repayment of note payable to stockholder .................. -- (942) --
-------- --------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (156) 3,439 4,931
-------- --------- -------
Increase (decrease) in cash ................................... 2,739 1,556 (209)
Cash at beginning of year ..................................... 2,807 1,251 1,460
-------- --------- --------
Cash at end of year ........................................... $ 5,546 $ 2,807 $ 1,251
========= ======== ========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Federal, state and local income tax paid (received).......... $ 1,050 $ 3,599 $ 4,080
Interest paid .............................................. 1,530 1,605 1,222
Issuance of stock to directors............................... 72 72 --
Fair value of assets acquired................................ 4,204 10,495 --
Liabilities assumed in acquisitions.......................... 1,519 4,685 --
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-6
<PAGE>
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying consolidated financial statements consisting of the
accounts of The Navigators Group, Inc., a Delaware holding company, and its
sixteen wholly owned subsidiaries, are prepared on the basis of generally
accepted accounting principles. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term
"Company" as used herein means The Navigators Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated. Certain
amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year's
presentation.
The Company's two insurance subsidiaries are Navigators Insurance Company
("Navigators Insurance"), which includes a United Kingdom Branch ("UK Branch"),
and NIC Insurance Company ("NIC"). Navigators Insurance is the Company's largest
insurance subsidiary and has been active since 1983. It specializes principally
in underwriting marine insurance and related lines of business, and a
contractors' general liability program. NIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Navigators Insurance, began operations in 1990. It underwrites a small book of
surplus lines insurance in certain states and cedes 100% of its gross direct
writings from this business to Navigators Insurance. Navigators Insurance and
NIC are collectively referred to herein as the "Insurance Companies".
Five of the Company's subsidiaries are marine underwriting management
companies: Somerset Marine, Inc., Somerset Insurance Services of Texas, Inc.,
Somerset Insurance Services of California, Inc., Somerset Insurance Services of
Washington, Inc. and Somerset Marine (UK) Limited ("Somerset UK") (collectively,
the "Somerset Companies"). The Somerset Companies produce, manage and underwrite
insurance and reinsurance for Navigators Insurance, NIC and four unaffiliated
insurance companies.
During 1999, the company closed the Somerset Asia Pacific Limited office in
Australia from which it incurred a foreign exchange loss of $346,000.
Navigators Holdings (UK) Limited is a holding company for the Company's UK
subsidiaries. Somerset UK produces business for the UK Branch of Navigators
Insurance. Navigators Corporate Underwriters Limited ("NCUL") is admitted to do
business at Lloyd's of London ("Lloyd's") as a corporate member with limited
liability. In January 1998, the Company acquired Mander, Thomas & Cooper
(Underwriting Agencies) Limited ("MTC"), a Lloyd's of London marine underwriting
managing agency which manages Lloyd's Syndicate 1221, and its wholly owned
subsidiary, Millennium Underwriting Limited ("Millennium"), a Lloyd's corporate
member with limited liability. The purchase price consists of initial cash
payments, acquisition costs and contingent consideration based upon future
performance. The purchase price of approximately $6.2 million was funded through
a bank loan and working capital. In addition, the purchase agreement requires
payment of additional consideration based on the performance of Lloyd's
Syndicate 1221 managed by MTC. Goodwill of approximately $4.0 million has been
recorded to date in connection with the transaction. The goodwill is being
amortized over 20 years. Additional goodwill may be recorded in future years
when the amount of the future performance contingencies are determinable. The
acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. In
August 1999, MTC formed Pennine Underwriting Limited, an underwriting managing
agency located in Northern England, which underwrites cargo and engineering
business for Lloyd's Syndicate 1221.
In April 1999, the Company acquired Anfield Insurance Services, Inc.
("Anfield"), an insurance agency located in San Francisco, California, which
specializes in underwriting general liability insurance coverage for small
artisan and general contractors on the West Coast. The purchase price of
approximately $2.7 million, funded through a bank loan and working capital,
resulted in goodwill of approximately $2.3 million which is being amortized over
20 years. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting.
F-7
<PAGE>
The Company's revenue is primarily comprised of premiums, commissions and
investment income. The Insurance Companies derive the majority of their premium
from business written by the Somerset Companies. The Insurance Companies are
managed by Somerset Marine, Inc. The Lloyd's operations derive their premium
from business written by MTC, and in 1997 from one unaffiliated Lloyd's
syndicate.
Investments
Investments are classified into one of three categories. Held-to-maturity
securities are debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and
ability to hold to maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Trading
securities are debt and equity securities that are purchased and held
principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term and are reported at
fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.
Available-for-sale securities are debt and equity securities not classified as
either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities and are reported at
fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported
in other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholders' equity.
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, all fixed maturity and equity securities held
by the Company were classified as available-for-sale. Premiums and discounts on
fixed maturity securities are amortized into interest income over the life of
the security under the interest method.
Prepayment assumptions for mortgage and asset backed securities were
obtained from broker/dealer survey values or from outside investment managers.
These assumptions are consistent with the current interest rate and economic
environment. The retrospective adjustment method is used to value all
securities.
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Short-term investments mature within one year from the purchase date.
Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the
basis of the specific identification method. When a decline in fair value of
investments is considered to be "other than temporary," the investments are
written down to net realizable value. The write down is considered a realized
loss in the consolidated statement of income.
Premium Revenues
Insurance and reinsurance premiums are recognized as income by the
Insurance Companies during the terms of the related policies based on reports
received from the Somerset Companies and ceding reinsurers. Unearned premium
reserves are established to cover the unexpired portion of written premiums.
Commission Income
Commission income, based on estimated gross premiums earned from
non-affiliated insurers, is recognized over the terms of the related policies.
Contingent commission income, based on estimated net underwriting results from
non-affiliated insurers, is included in commission income in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements. Changes in prior estimates of commission
income and contingent commission income are recorded when such changes become
known.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Costs of acquiring business which vary with and are directly related to the
production of business are deferred and amortized ratably over the period that
the related premiums are recognized as earned. Such costs primarily include
commission expense, other underwriting expenses and premium taxes. The method of
computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the deferral to their
estimated net realizable value based on the related unearned premiums and takes
into account anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses and maintenance
expenses based on historical and current experience and anticipated investment
income.
F-8
<PAGE>
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are determined on an individual
basis for claims reported on direct business for insureds, from reports received
from ceding insurers for insurance assumed from such insurers and on estimates
based on Company and industry experience for incurred but not reported claims
and loss adjustment expenses. The provision for unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses has been established to cover the estimated unpaid cost of
claims incurred. Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any
resulting adjustments are included in income currently. Management believes that
the unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate to cover the
ultimate unpaid claims incurred, however, such provisions are necessarily based
on estimates and, accordingly, no representation is made that the ultimate
liability will not exceed such amounts.
Net Income Per Share
The Company calculates its net income (loss) per share in accordance with
the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, Earnings Per Share. SFAS 128 supersedes
APB Opinion No. 15, Earnings Per Share, and replaces primary earnings per share
and fully diluted earnings per share with basic earnings per share and diluted
earnings per share, respectively.
Reinsurance Ceded
Reinsurance ceded which transfers risk, premiums, commissions and
recoveries on losses incurred is reflected as reductions of the respective
income and expense accounts. Unearned premiums ceded and estimates of amounts
recoverable from reinsurers on paid and unpaid losses are reflected as assets.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation of furniture and fixtures and electronic data processing
equipment, and amortization of computer software is provided over the estimated
useful lives of the respective assets, ranging from three to five years, using
the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is provided
over the estimated lives of the leases using the straight-line method. The
Company capitalizes the costs of computer software developed or obtained for
internal use in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants' Statement of Position No. 98-1 "Accounting for the Costs of
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" ("SOP 98-1"). As of
December 31, 1999 and 1998, unamortized computer software costs were $1.3
million and $1.0 million, respectively. Amortization expense amounted to
$332,000 in 1999. There was no computer software amortization expense in 1998 or
1997.
Goodwill
Goodwill was $5.8 million and $3.9 million at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $487,000 and $203,000,
respectively. There was no goodwill in 1997. Amortization expense was $283,000
and $203,000 in 1999 and 1998, respectively.
The Company regularly evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and other
acquired intangible assets. The carrying value of such assets would be reduced
through a direct write-off if, in management's judgment, it was probable that
projected future operating income, before amortization of goodwill, would not be
sufficient on an undiscounted basis to recover the carrying value.
F-9
<PAGE>
Stock-Based Compensation
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" establishes
financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based compensation plans.
As permitted by SFAS 123, the Company will continue to use the accounting method
prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"). Companies using APB 25 are required to make pro
forma footnote disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair
value method of accounting, as defined in SFAS 123, had been applied.
Federal Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return with its U.S.
subsidiaries. The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting
for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Adoption of Accounting Standards
In December 1997, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position No. 97-3, Accounting by Insurance and Other
Enterprises for Insurance Related Assessments, ("SOP 97-3"). SOP 97-3, effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998, establishes standards for
accounting for guaranty-fund and certain other insurance related assessments.
The adoption of this Statement did not have a material effect on the Company's
results of operations or financial condition.
SOP 98-5, Reporting the Costs of Start-Up Activities, was issued in April
1998 and requires costs of start-up activities and organization costs to be
expensed as incurred. SOP 98-5, effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998, required that the initial application of this SOP be reported
as a cumulative catch-up adjustment. Restatement of previously issued financial
statements is not allowed. The adoption of the SOP did not have a material
effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
Future Application of Accounting Standards
SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,
was issued in June 1998 and establishes accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging
activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as
F-10
<PAGE>
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure
those instruments at fair value. This statement, as amended by SFAS 137, is
effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000.
Earlier application is encouraged, but it is permitted only as of the beginning
of any fiscal quarter that begins after issuance of this statement. SFAS 133
should not be applied retroactively to financial statements of prior periods.
The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the
Company's results of operations or financial condition.
F-11
<PAGE>
Note 2. Investments
The Company's fixed maturities and equity securities at December 31, 1999 and
1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
December 31, 1999 Cost or Cost Gains (Losses) Value
- ----------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- -----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government, government
agencies and authorities........... $ 14,231 $ 1 $ (776) $ 13,456
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions....................... 93,965 1,472 (1,586) 93,851
Mortgage and asset backed............. 81,400 209 (3,029) 78,580
Corporate bonds....................... 37,258 21 (1,629) 35,650
Redeemable preferred stock............ 1,021 6 (9) 1,018
--------- ------ ------ --------
Total fixed maturities............. $ 227,875 $ 1,709 $ (7,029) $222,555
======= ===== ====== =======
Equity securities - common stocks........ $ 11,105 $ 1,222 $ (487) $ 11,840
======== ===== ======= ========
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
December 31, 1998 Cost or Cost Gains (Losses) Value
- ----------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- -----
(In thousands)
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government, government
agencies and authorities........... $ 15,281 $ 249 $ (68) $ 15,462
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions....................... 120,276 6,171 (57) 126,390
Mortgage and asset backed............. 79,901 1,636 (204) 81,333
Corporate bonds....................... 15,540 420 (4) 15,956
Redeemable preferred stock............ 1,023 69 -- 1,092
-------- ------ ------- --------
Total fixed maturities............. $ 232,021 $ 8,545 $ (333) $ 240,233
======= ===== ==== =======
Equity securities - common stocks........ $ 6,506 $ 1,364 $ (470) $ 7,400
======= ====== ==== =======
</TABLE>
The Company's fixed maturity securities by years of maturity were
as follows:
Period from
December 31, 1999 Fair Amortized
to Maturity Value Cost
----------- ------ -----
(Dollars in thousands)
One year or less.................... $ 5,396 $ 5,326
Over one year through five years.... 50,437 50,253
Over five years through ten years... 57,465 58,247
More than ten years................. 30,677 32,649
Mortgage and asset backed........... 78,580 81,400
------- --------
Total............................... $222,555 $ 227,875
======= =======
F-12
<PAGE>
Due to the periodic repayment of principal, the mortgage and asset
backed securities are estimated to have an effective maturity of approximately
six years. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because
issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or
prepayment penalties.
Net investment income of the Company was derived from the following
sources:
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Fixed maturities.............. $ 15,713 $ 13,784 $13,248
Equity securities............. 363 230 292
Short-term investments........ 573 1,874 1,613
------- ------ ------
16,649 15,888 15,153
Investment expenses........... (664) (679) (718)
------- ------ ------
Net investment income......... $ 15,985 $ 15,209 $14,435
====== ====== ======
The Company's realized capital gains and losses were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Fixed maturities:
Gains..............................$ 1,108 $ 768 $ 786
(Losses)........................... (549) (99) (269)
------ ----- -----
559 669 517
------ ----- -----
Equity securities and other investments:
Gains.............................. 492 1,196 2,868
(Losses)........................... (1,494) (434) (558)
------ ----- -----
(1,002) 762 2,310
------ ----- -----
Net realized capital gains (losses)...$ (443) $1,431 $2,827
======= ===== =====
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, fixed maturities with amortized values
of $6,825,000 and $6,791,000, respectively, were on deposit with various State
Insurance Departments. In addition, at December 31, 1999 and 1998, $132,000 and
$136,000, respectively, were on deposit with the Bank of England for Navigators
Insurance's UK Branch. Also, at December 31, 1999 and 1998, fixed maturities
with amortized values of $405,000 and $842,000, respectively, were pledged as
security under a reinsurance treaty.
At December 31, 1999, the Company did not have a concentration of
greater than 10% of invested assets in a single issuer.
In 1998, the Company disposed of its investment in Riverside
Underwriters Plc ("Riverside"). The Company received a payment of (pound)225,000
(converted to $382,000) in 1998 and recorded a loss on the disposal of
(pound)250,000 (converted to $420,000). The remaining payments of (pound)300,000
was due in 1999 and (pound)225,000 is due in 2000. The payment due in 1999 was
not received and it is considered unlikely that the 1999 or 2000 payments will
be received in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the Company has recorded a
loss on the investment in 1999 of (pound)525,000 (converted to $865,000).
F-13
<PAGE>
In addition to the disposal of the investment in Riverside, pretax
earnings (losses) for 1999, 1998 and 1997 of ($215,000), $393,000 and $561,000
are included in other income. The Company records its share of Riverside's
earnings from underwriting when sufficient information becomes available to
provide reasonable estimates of earned premiums and losses. The last
underwriting year that the Company participated at Lloyd's through Riverside was
1996 which closed in 1999 under the Lloyd's three year methodology.
Note 3. Notes Payable and Letters of Credit
On December 21, 1998, the Company entered into a new bank credit
facility which replaced the prior facility. The new credit facility provides a
$25 million revolving line of credit at an interest rate of either, at the
Company's election, the base commercial lending rate of one of the banks or at
LIBOR plus 0.875% on the used portion of the line of credit. The commitment fee
on the unused portion of the line of credit is 0.125%. The line of credit
facility reduces each quarter by amounts between $1.0 million and $2.25 million
beginning January 1, 2000 until it terminates on November 19, 2003. At December
31, 1999 and 1998, $24 million and $23.5 million in loans were outstanding,
respectively, under the revolving line of credit facility at an interest rate of
7.1% and 5.9%, respectively. The credit facility also provides for a $60 million
letter of credit facility which is utilized primarily by NCUL and Millennium to
participate in Lloyd's Syndicate 1221 managed by MTC. The cost of the letters of
credit is 0.875% for the used portion and 0.125% for the unused portion of the
letter of credit facility. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, letters of credit with
an aggregate face amount of $42.2 million and $29.2 million, respectively, were
issued under the letter of credit facility. These letters of credit have not
been drawn upon.
The bank credit facility is collateralized by shares of common stock of
the Company's major subsidiaries. It contains covenants common to transactions
of this type, including restrictions on indebtedness and liens, limitations on
mergers and the sale of assets, maintaining certain consolidated total
stockholders' equity, statutory surplus, minimum liquidity, loss reserves and
other financial ratios. At December 31, 1999, the Company complied with all
covenants except for one related to the surplus of the Insurance Companies for
which a waiver and an amendment curing the noncompliance was received from the
banks providing the credit facility.
Note 4. Fiduciary Funds
The Somerset Companies maintain fiduciary accounts for the insurance
pools they manage. Functions performed by the Somerset Companies include
underwriting business, collecting premiums from the insured, paying claims,
collecting paid recoverables from reinsurers, paying reinsurance premiums to
reinsurers and remitting net account balances to member insurance companies.
Funds belonging to the insurance pools are held in a fiduciary capacity.
F-14
<PAGE>
The fiduciary accounts as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 were as
follows:
December 31,
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
Cash and short-term investments............. $ 7,019 $ 7,015
Premiums receivable......................... 31,802 24,690
Reinsurance balances receivable (payable)... (378) 7,688
------ ------
Total assets......................... $ 38,443 $39,393
======= ======
Due to insurance companies.................. $ 38,443 $39,393
------ ------
Total liabilities.................... $ 38,443 $39,393
====== ======
The fiduciary accounts above were not included in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets.
Note 5. Income Taxes
The components of current and deferred income tax expense (benefit)
were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Current:
Federal and foreign.......... $ (499) $ 2,887 $ 3,328
State and local.............. 49 213 551
------ ------ ------
Total..................... $ (450) $ 3,100 $ 3,879
====== ===== =====
Deferred:
Federal and foreign.......... $ (560) $ 595 $ 683
State and local.............. (730) (31) 76
------ ------ ---
Total..................... $(1,290) $ 564 $ 759
====== ====== ======
A reconciliation of total income taxes applicable to pre-tax operating
income and the amounts computed by applying the Federal statutory income tax
rate to the pre-tax operating income was as follows:
<TABLE>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Computed expected
tax expense.......................... $(1,887) (35.0)% $ 5,304 35.0% $ 6,014 35.0%
Tax-exempt interest..................... (1,747) (32.4) (2,139) (14.1) (2,538) (14.8)
Dividends received deduction............ (88) (1.6) (48) (0.3) (61) (0.3)
State and local income taxes, net of
Federal income tax................... (442) (8.2) 118 0.8 408 2.4
Valuation allowance..................... 1,938 35.9 465 3.0 1,108 6.4
Other................................... 486 9.0 (36) (0.2) (293) (1.7)
----- ---- ------- ---- ------ ----
$(1,740) (32.3)% $ 3,664 24.2% $ 4,638 27.0%
====== ===== ===== ==== ===== ====
</TABLE>
F-15
<PAGE>
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to Federal and
foreign deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows:
December 31,
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Loss reserve discount..................... $ 6,195 $ 6,628
Unearned premium.......................... 1,309 1,378
Alternative minimum tax carryforward...... 6,376 4,674
Deferred state and local income tax....... 151 407
Deferred compensation..................... 48 52
Net unrealized losses on securities....... 1,605 --
Loss from foreign operations.............. 3,511 1,794
Other..................................... 332 314
------ -------
Total gross deferred tax assets.............. 19,527 15,247
Less valuation allowance..................... (3,511) (1,573)
------- -------
Total deferred tax assets............... 16,016 13,674
------- -------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs................ (824) (985)
Net unrealized gains on securities........ -- (3,187)
Contingent commission receivable.......... (1,965) (1,300)
Other..................................... -- (200)
------- -------
Total deferred tax liabilities.......... (2,789) (5,672)
------ -------
Net deferred tax asset.................. $13,227 $ 8,002
====== =======
In 1999 and 1998, a tax benefit of $1,000 and $79,000, respectively,
was credited directly to additional paid-in capital due to the exercise of stock
options.
In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management
considers whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will
be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon
the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those
temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled
reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and anticipated
future taxable income in making this assessment and believes it is more likely
than not the Company will realize the benefits of its deductible differences at
December 31, 1999, net of any valuation allowance.
The valuation allowances of $3,511,000 and $1,573,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, due to the uncertainty
associated with the realization of the deferred tax asset for the carryforward
of operating losses from the Company's foreign operations.
Note 6. Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The following table summarizes the activity in the Insurance Companies'
reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") during the three most
recent years:
F-16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net reserves for losses and LAE at
beginning of year ............................. $150,517 $139,841 $132,558
------- ------- -------
Provision for losses and LAE for
claims occurring in the current year............. 45,001 46,050 53,654
Lloyd's portfolio transfer - reinsurance to close.... 15,533 19,655 __
Increase (decrease) in estimated losses and
LAE for claims occurring in prior years.......... 9,380 (3,383) (1,034)
------ ------- -------
Incurred losses and LAE.............................. 69,914 62,322 52,620
------ ------- -------
Losses and LAE payments for claims
occurring during:
Current year.................................. (10,925) (9,848) (12,921)
Prior years.................................. (38,976) (41,798) (32,416)
------ -------- -------
Losses and LAE payments.............................. (49,901) (51,646) (45,337)
------ ------- -------
Net reserves for losses and LAE at end of year....... 170,530 150,517 139,841
------- ------- -------
Reinsurance receivable on unpaid losses and LAE...... 220,564 191,927 138,591
------- ------- -------
Gross reserves for losses and LAE at end of year..... $391,094 $342,444 $278,432
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The deficiency for the year ended December 31, 1998 resulted from the
unrecoverable reinsurance from New Cap Re and reserve strengthening in the
Company's Lloyd's subsidiary.
At Lloyd's, the amount to close an underwriting year into the next year is
referred to as the "reinsurance to close." At December 31, 1999, Syndicate 1221
and an unaffiliated syndicate on which NCUL participated in 1997 closed their
1997 underwriting year, the net effect of which resulted in a portfolio transfer
to NCUL and Millennium of $15.5 million at December 31, 1999. At December 31,
1998, Syndicate 1221 and an unaffiliated syndicate on which NCUL participated in
1997 closed their 1996 underwriting year resulting in a portfolio transfer to
NCUL of $19.7 million at December 31, 1998. This transaction accounted for the
majority of the increase from 1997 to 1998 in the premium volume in the
Company's Lloyd's operations. The reinsurance to close transactions are recorded
as additional written and earned premium, losses incurred, loss reserves and
cash received, all in the same amount. There was no gain or loss on the
transactions.
During 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Insurance Companies paid gross losses
and LAE of $665,000, $2,091,000 and $1,510,000, respectively, resulting in net
paid losses and LAE of $378,000, $369,000 and $723,000, respectively, for
environmental pollution and asbestos related claims. As of December 31, 1999 and
1998, the Insurance Companies carried gross reserves of $3,712,000 and
$2,912,000, respectively, and net reserves of $1,088,000 and $1,199,000,
respectively, for the potential exposure to such claims. At December 31, 1999,
there were 870 open claims with environmental pollution or asbestos exposures.
Management believes that its reserves for such claims are adequate because the
Insurance Companies' participation in such risks was generally in the higher
excess layers and, based on a continuing review of such claims, management
believes that a majority of these claims will be unlikely to penetrate such high
excess layers of coverage; however, due to the significant assumptions inherent
in estimating these exposures, actual liabilities could differ from current
estimates.
F-17
<PAGE>
Note 7. Reinsurance
The following table summarizes earned premium:
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Direct................. $107,939 $102,256 $110,453
Assumed................ 55,465 67,422 46,053
Ceded.................. (73,962) (78,475) (71,504)
------- ------- -------
Net.................... $ 89,442 $ 91,203 $ 85,002
======= ======== ========
The following table summarizes written premium:
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Direct................. $120,426 $92,910 $119,597
Assumed................ 46,686 79,301 51,652
Ceded.................. (73,028) (83,729) (80,369)
------- ------- -------
Net.................... $ 94,084 $88,482 $90,880
====== ====== ======
The 1999 and 1998 assumed written and earned premium includes $12.5
million and $19.7 million, respectively, of Lloyd's portfolio transfers to close
the 1996 and 1997 underwriting year, respectively.
Ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred were $112,870,000,
$126,392,000, and $57,340,000 in 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively.
A contingent liability exists with respect to reinsurance ceded, since
the Company would be required to pay losses in the event the assuming reinsurers
are unable to meet their obligations under their reinsurance agreements.
At December 31, 1999, the Company had reinsurance receivables from the
following six reinsurers which were in excess of 5% of the Insurance Companies'
statutory surplus: Lloyd's of London, $18,124; American Reinsurance Company,
$9,278; Folksamerica Reinsurance Company, $8,345; Insurance Corporation of New
York, $7,408; Swiss Re America, $6,688; and Scor Reinsurance Company $5,545.
The Company's Reinsurance Security Committee monitors the financial
strength of its reinsurers and the related reinsurance receivables. An allowance
is established to the extent that it is determined that the ultimate amount
collectible is less than the amount recorded as a receivable. At December 31,
1999 and 1998, there was an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance of
$1,250,000 and $800,000, respectively. The expense recorded for uncollectible
reinsurance was $7,016,000, $58,000 and $286,000 for 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The 1999 expense for uncollectible reinsurance is the result of
New Cap Reinsurance Corporation Limited, which participated on the Company's
1997 and 1998 reinsurance programs, being under the control of an Administrator
for possible liquidation.
Note 8. Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair
values of the Company's financial instruments:
<TABLE>
December 31, 1999 December 31, 1998
----------------------------- ---------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Financial assets:
Fixed maturities............ $ 222,555 $222,555 $ 240,233 $ 240,233
Equity securities........... 11,840 11,840 7,400 7,400
Short-term investments...... 6,747 6,747 5,647 5,647
Financial liabilities:
Notes payable to banks...... $ 24,000 $ 24,000 $ 23,500 $ 23,500
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
The carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the
consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions.
The fair values of fixed maturity and equity securities are based on
quoted market prices at the reporting date for those or similar investments.
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The
carrying amounts of premium receivables approximate fair value because of the
short maturity of those instruments.
The fair value of the Company's loans payable to banks approximates
carrying value since the interest rate charged is computed using market rates.
Note 9. Stock Option Plans
The Company has an Incentive Stock Option Plan and a Non Qualified
Stock Option Plan which allow for the grant to key employees of the Company, its
subsidiaries and affiliates, options to purchase an aggregate of 900,000 shares
of its common stock.
All options are exercisable upon vesting for one share of the Company's
common stock and are granted at exercise prices no less than 90% of the fair
market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. No amounts are
charged to expense upon the granting of options under the plans. Options vest
equally over a four year period and have a maximum term of ten years.
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
1999 1998 1997
---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------
Average Average Average
No. of Exercise No. of Exercise No. of Exercise
Shares Prices Shares Prices Shares Prices
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Options outstanding at
beginning of year....... 442,750 $19.79 477,925 $19.37 624,001 $18.73
Granted............... 30,000 $14.00 79,500 $17.00 25,000 $17.00
Exercised............. (3,100) $14.25 (75,925) $14.09 (126,325) $12.67
Expired or forfeited.. (226,000) $19.80 (38,750) $20.07 (44,751) $28.12
------- ------- --------
Options outstanding at
end of year............. 243,650 $19.01 442,750 $19.79 477,925 $19.37
======= ======= =======
Number of options
exercisable............. 176,338 $20.29 370,750 $20.33 365,650 $20.75
</TABLE>
The Company has a Stock Appreciation Rights Plan which allows for the
grant of up to 300,000 stock appreciation rights at prices of no less than 90%
of the fair market value of the common stock. The Company granted 2,500, 13,500
and 25,500 stock appreciation rights in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
amounts charged to expense (recovered) in 1999, 1998 and 1997 were $0,
($171,000) and $147,000, respectively.
The Company accounts for stock options in accordance with the
provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees, which requires compensation expense to be recognized
only if the fair value of the underlying stock at the grant date exceeds the
exercise price of the option. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been
recognized for stock options. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock
options been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation, the Company's net income and income per share would have been
reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated in the following table:
F-19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) (in thousands): As reported $ (3,652) $ 11,489 $ 12,546
Pro forma $ (3,738) $ 11,243 $ 12,295
Basic income (loss) per share: As reported $ (0.43) $ 1.37 $ 1.51
Pro forma $ (0.44) $ 1.34 $ 1.48
Diluted income (loss) per share: As reported $ (0.43) $ 1.36 $ 1.50
Pro forma $ (0.44) $ 1.33 $ 1.47
</TABLE>
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions used for
the options granted: no dividend yield; expected volatility of 33.0%, 32.3% and
31.8% in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively; risk free interest rate of 6%, 5%
and 6% for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively; and expected life of 6 years for
1999, 1998 and 1997. The weighted average fair value of options granted was
$6.16, $7.03 and $6.30 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at
December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
Outstanding Average Remaining Average Exercisable Average Exercise
Price Range Shares Contract Life Exercise Price Shares Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$14 to $17 183,650 6.7 $15.17 116,338 $14.89
$28 to $34 60,000 3.2 $30.75 60,000 $30.75
</TABLE>
Note 10. Employee Benefits
The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan covering substantially
all its U.S. employees. Contributions are equal to 15% of each eligible
employee's gross pay (plus bonus of up to $2,500) up to the amount permitted by
certain Federal regulations. Employees vest at 20% per year beginning at the end
of the second year and are therefore fully vested after six years of service.
Plan expense, included within operating expenses, amounted to $731,000, $607,000
and $686,000 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The Company sponsors a
similar plan under UK regulations for its UK employees for which the Company had
expenses of $358,000, $142,000 and $121,000 for 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
The Company has a 401(k) Plan for all eligible employees. Each eligible
employee can contribute up to 8% of their salary limited by certain Federal
regulations. The Company does not match any of the employee contributions.
Note 11. Dividends from Subsidiaries and Statutory Financial Information
Navigators Insurance may pay dividends to the Company out of its
statutory earned surplus pursuant to statutory restrictions imposed under the
New York Insurance Law. The maximum amount available for the payment of
dividends by Navigators Insurance during 1999 without prior regulatory approval
is $11,027,000. Navigators Insurance paid $8,500,000 in dividends to the Company
in 1999 and $5,000,000 in 1998.
Navigators Insurance UK Branch was capitalized at $10 million in
October 1997 and is required to maintain certain capital requirements under UK
regulations.
F-20
<PAGE>
The Insurance Companies' statutory net income as filed with the
regulatory authorities for 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $9,320,000, $17,987,000 and
$15,714,000, respectively. The statutory surplus as filed with the regulatory
authorities was $110,273,000 and $109,659,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.
The Insurance Companies, domiciled in New York State, prepare and file
their statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices
prescribed or permitted by the New York State Insurance Department. Prescribed
statutory accounting practices ("SAP") include a variety of publications of the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), as well as state laws,
regulations, and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting
practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The Insurance
Companies do not apply any permitted accounting practices.
The significant differences between SAP and generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP") are that under SAP: (1) acquisition and
commission costs are expensed when incurred while under GAAP these costs are
deferred and amortized as the related premium is earned; (2) bonds are stated at
amortized cost, while under GAAP bonds are held in an available-for-sale account
and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in other
comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholder's equity; (3)
federal income taxes are recorded when payable while under GAAP deferred taxes
are provided to reflect temporary differences between the carrying values and
tax basis of assets and liabilities; (4) unearned premiums and loss reserves are
reflected net of ceded amounts while under GAAP the unearned premiums and loss
reserves are reflected gross of ceded amounts; (5) agents' balances over ninety
days due are excluded from the balance sheet, and uncollateralized amounts due
from unauthorized reinsurers are deducted from surplus, while under GAAP they
are restored to the balance sheet, subject to the usual tests regarding
recoverability.
The NAIC recently completed a process intended to codify statutory
accounting practices for insurance enterprises. As a result of this process, the
NAIC will issue a revised statutory Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual
that will be effective January 1, 2001 for the calendar year 2001. The Company
will prepare its statutory basis financial statements in accordance with the
revised statutory manual subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by
the New York insurance commissioner. The Company has not yet determined the
impact that this change will have on its statutory capital and surplus.
As part of its general regulatory oversight process, the New York State
Insurance Department (the "Department") conducts detailed examinations of the
books, records and accounts of New York insurance companies every three to five
years. The Insurance Companies were examined by the Department for the years
1991 through 1995. There were no adjustments to the Insurance Companies'
previously filed statutory financial statements.
Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies
a. Future minimum annual rental commitments at December 31, 1999 under various
noncancellable operating leases for the Company's office facilities, which
expire at various dates through 2010, are as follows:
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2000................................... $ 1,787
2001................................... 1,653
2002................................... 1,572
2003................................... 1,384
2004 and subsequent.................... 3,714
--------
Total.................................. $ 10,110
========
F-21
<PAGE>
The Company is also liable for additional payments to the landlords for
certain annual cost increases. Rent expense for the years ended December
31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $1,468,000, $1,298,000 and $1,522,000,
respectively.
b. The Company is not a party to or the subject of, any material pending legal
proceedings which depart from the ordinary routine litigation incident to
the kinds of business conducted by the Company, except for an assessment on
Navigators Insurance by the Institute of London Underwriters ("ILU"). In
late 1999, the ILU advised its then current forty-one members, including
Navigators Insurance, that they were each being assessed approximately
(pound)900,000 to pay for anticipated operating deficits arising from the
long term lease of the ILU building located in London (the "ILU Building").
This assessment was to be paid in cash or by providing a letter of credit.
Even assuming that Navigators Insurance could be held responsible for the
assessment, Navigators Insurance has informed the ILU that it opposes the
assessment as inequitable and inappropriate since it purports to force the
ILU's members (without regard to the length of membership, proportionate
usage of the ILU's London Processing Centre or current or past occupancy of
the ILU Building) to pay now for potential worst case liabilities extending
through 2011.
The ILU has, thus far, not filed suit to enforce the assessment against
Navigators Insurance. In the event the ILU does file such a suit,
Navigators Insurance intends to vigorously contest liability for payment of
the assessment. It is not possible to forecast the ultimate liability, if
any, at the present time.
Note 13. Segment Information
The Company's subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the writing and
management of property and casualty insurance. The Company's segments include
the Insurance Companies, the Somerset Companies and the Lloyd's operations, each
of which is managed separately. The Insurance Companies consist of Navigators
Insurance and NIC and are currently primarily engaged in underwriting marine
insurance and related lines of business. The Somerset Companies (which when
referred to as a segment, includes Anfield) are underwriting management
companies. The Somerset Companies produce, manage and underwrite insurance and
reinsurance for both affiliated and non-affiliated companies. The Lloyd's
operations underwrite marine and related lines of business at Lloyd's of London.
All segments are evaluated based on their GAAP underwriting or operating results
which are prepared using the accounting policies in the summary of significant
accounting policies in Note 1.
The Insurance Companies and the Lloyd's operations are measured taking
into account net premiums earned, incurred losses and loss expenses, commission
expense and other underwriting expenses. The Somerset Companies' results include
commission income less other operating expenses. Each segment also maintains
their own investments, on which they earn income and realize capital gains or
losses. Other operations include intersegment income and expense in the form of
affiliated commissions, as well as income and expense from corporate operations.
F-22
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Financial data by segment for 1997 through 1999 is as follows:
Year ended December 31: 1999 1998 1997
- ---------------------- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue, excluding net investment income and realized
gains (losses)on investments:
Insurance Companies................................... $ 42,001 $ 50,983 $ 73,415
Somerset Companies.................................... 5,430 12,935 14,634
Lloyd's operations.................................... 48,266 42,455 11,619
Other operations (includes corporate activity and
consolidating adjustments........................... (5,615) (7,893) (8,713)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total............................................... $ 90,082 $ 98,480 $ 90,955
========== ========== ==========
Net investment income:
Insurance Companies................................... $ 14,573 $ 14,658 $ 13,696
Somerset Companies.................................... 65 8 636
Lloyd's operations.................................... 1,342 535 80
Other operations...................................... 5 8 23
--------- ---------- ---------
Total............................................... $ 15,985 $ 15,209 $ 14,435
========== ========== ==========
Realized gains and losses on investments:
Insurance Companies................................... $ 295 $ 1,851 $ 3,147
Somerset Companies.................................... - - -
Lloyd's operations.................................... 127 - -
Other operations...................................... (865) (420) (320)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total............................................... $ (443) $ 1,431 $ 2,827
==========- ========== ==========
Income before tax expense (benefit):
Insurance Companies................................... $ 10,474 $ 20,458 $ 20,588
Somerset Companies.................................... (9,857) (2,619) (1,962)
Lloyd's operations.................................... (4,395) 279 112
Other operations...................................... (1,614) (2,965) (1,554)
--------- ---------- ----------
Total............................................... $ (5,392) $ 15,153 $ 17,184
========== ========== ==========
Income tax expense (benefit):
Insurance Companies................................... $ 2,021 $ 4,922 $ 4,663
Somerset Companies.................................... (3,286) (76) 881
Lloyd's operations.................................... 221 - 37
Other operations...................................... (696) (1,182) (943)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total............................................... $ (1,740) $ 3,664 $ 4,638
========== ========== ==========
Net income (loss):
Insurance Companies................................... $ 8,453 $ 15,536 $ 15,925
Somerset Companies.................................... (6,570) (2,543) (2,843)
Lloyd's operations.................................... (4,616) 279 75
Other operations...................................... (919) (1,783) (611)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total............................................... $ (3,652) $ 11,489 $ 12,546
========== ========== ==========
Identifiable Assets:
Insurance Companies................................... $ 543,035 $ 532,320 $ 471,439
Somerset Companies.................................... 2,478 15,406 18,167
Lloyd's operations.................................... 70,112 50,069 17,043
Other operations...................................... 15,699 (5,708) (5,442)
---------- ---------- ---------
Total............................................... $ 631,324 $ 592,087 $ 501,207
========== ========== ==========
F-23
<PAGE>
</TABLE>
Note 14. Earnings Per Common Share
Following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the
basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") computations for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
1999
Average Net
Net Shares (Loss)
(Loss) Outstanding Per Share
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic EPS:
Income (loss) available to common stockholders....... $(3,652,000) 8,419,318 $(0.43)
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Stock options ........................................ 53
Diluted EPS:
(Loss) available to common stockholders .......... $(3,652,000) 8,419,371 $(0.43)
1998
Average Net
Net Shares Income
Income Outstanding Per Share
Basic EPS:
Income available to common stockholders .......... $11,489,000 8,414,237 $1.37
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Stock options ........................................ 44,789
Diluted EPS:
Income available to common stockholders .......... $11,489,000 8,459,026 $1.36
1997
Average Net
Net Shares Income
Income Outstanding Per Share
Basic EPS:
Income available to common stockholders .......... $12,546,000 8,296,429 $1.51
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Stock options ....................................... 88,091
Diluted EPS:
Income available to common stockholders .......... $12,546,000 8,384,520 $1.50
</TABLE>
Certain outstanding options to purchase common shares were not included
in the respective computations of diluted earnings per common share because the
options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the
common shares. For each of the years presented, these outstanding options
consisted of the following: during 1999, 213,650 shares at an average price of
$19.71 expiring in years 2000 to 2008; during 1998, 156,125 shares at an average
price of $27.96 expiring in years 2000 to 2003; and during 1997, 173,125 shares
at an average price of $27.65 expiring in years 2000 to 2003.
F-24
<PAGE>
Note 15. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The results of operations for the quarterly periods during 1999 and
1998 were as follows.
<TABLE>
Three Month Period Ended
March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31,
1999 1999 1999 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands, except net income per share)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenues.......................... $ 21,720 $ 24,660 $ 18,870 $ 40,374
Income (loss) before income tax......... $ 2,926 $ 2,264 $ (7,460) $ (3,123)
Net income (loss)....................... $ 2,107 $ 1,937 $ (4,808) $ (2,888)
Comprehensive income (loss)............. $ 448 $ (1,454) $ (6,895) $ (4,416)
Per share data:
Net income (loss) per share - Basic..... $ 0.25 $ 0.23 $ (0.57) $ (0.34)
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted... $ 0.25 $ 0.23 $ (0.57) $ (0.34)
Three Month Period Ended
March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31,
1998 1998 1998 1998
---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands, except net income per share)
Total revenues...................... $ 24,027 $ 22,299 $ 24,360 $ 44,434
Income before income tax............ $ 4,517 $ 4,192 $ 4,022 $ 2,422
Net income.......................... $ 3,390 $ 3,119 $ 2,882 $ 2,098
Comprehensive income (loss)......... $ 3,275 $ 2,815 $ 3,985 $ 728
Per share data:
Net income per share - Basic........ $ 0.40 $ 0.37 $ 0.34 $ 0.25
Net income per share - Diluted...... $ 0.40 $ 0.37 $ 0.34 $ 0.25
</TABLE>
The increase in fourth quarter 1999 and 1998 revenues as compared to the
previous three quarters was primarily due to the $15.5 million and $19.7
million, respectively, Lloyd's reinsurance to close portfolio transfer.
Note 16. Subsequent Event
The Company controls 75.6% of Syndicate 1221's capacity for the 2000
underwriting year. The actual capacity is (pound)66,297,000 (converts to
$107,089,000) of which the Company directly controls (pound)42,772,000 (converts
to $69,090,000) and indirectly controls another (pound)7,340,000 (converts to
$11,856,000). Since the controlled capacity exceeds 75%, Lloyd's Mandatory
Byelaw (No. 5 of 1999) requires the Company to make a mandatory offer to
noncontrolled participants for their capacity. The offer will take the form of
an Announced Auction Offer to be made at the first Lloyd's capacity auction in
July 2000.
The offer will be made at 1.8 pence per (pound)1 of capacity which is the
minimum price that the Company is obliged to offer, being the highest price paid
for capacity during the last 12 months. Whether or not, or to what extent the
offer is accepted by the offerees is to some extent dependent on the price
offered. As such, it is unlikely that the acceptance will result in a cost that
is material to the Company. For the purposes of guidance, each 10% of capacity
accepting will result in a cost to the Company of (pound)120,000 (converts to
$194,000). In addition, it is anticipated the administrative and legal costs of
making the offer will be approximately (pound)25,000 (converts to $40,000). If
the Company were to exceed the 90% control threshold as a result of the offer,
Lloyd's Major Syndicate Transactions Byelaw (No. 18 of 1997) allows for a
Minority Buy-out to be effected. In such a transaction the remaining
participants are required to give up their capacity in return for compensation
which must be at least equal to the offer price preceding the buy-out.
The Company provides letters of credit to Lloyd's to support its
Syndicate 1221 capacity. If the amount of capacity controlled increases, the
Company will be required to supply additional letters of credit or other
collateral acceptable to Lloyd's, or to reduce the capacity of Syndicate 1221.
F-25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE I
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS--OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS
IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 1999
(In thousands)
Amount at which
shown in the
Amortized consolidated
Type of Investment Cost or Cost Fair value balance sheet
- ------------------ ------------ ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities:
Bonds:
United States Government,
government agencies
and authorities................... $ 14,231 $ 13,456 $ 13,456
States, municipalities
and political subdivisions........ 93,965 93,851 93,851
Mortgage and asset backed........... 81,400 78,580 78,580
Corporate bonds..................... 37,258 35,650 35,650
Redeemable preferred stock.......... 1,021 1,018 1,018
------- ------- -------
Total fixed maturities........ 227,875 222,555 222,555
------- ------- -------
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Industrial, miscellaneous
and all other..................... 11,105 11,840 11,840
Short-term investments................ 6,747 6,747 6,747
--------- --------- --------
Total investments............. $ 245,727 $ 241,142 $ 241,142
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
S-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE II
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
(Parent Company)
(In thousands, except share data)
December 31,
A S S E T S 1999 1998
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Cash .......................................................... $ 281 $ 95
Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries,
at equity.................................................... 138,345 154,454
Short-term investments.......................................... 17
Other assets.................................................... 16,227 12,599
--------- -----------
Total assets........................................... $ 154,853 $ 167,165
========= ===========
L I A B I L I T I E S
Notes payable to banks.......................................... $ 24,000 $ 23,500
Accounts payable and other liabilities.......................... 488 399
--------- -----------
Total liabilities...................................... 24,488 23,899
--------- -----------
Commitments and contingencies................................... -- --
S T O C K H O L D E R S' E Q U I T Y
Preferred stock, $.10 par value, authorized
1,000,000 shares, none issued................................ -- --
Common stock, $.10 par value, authorized
10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding
8,406,970 in 1999 and 8,447,926 in 1998...................... 846 845
Additional paid-in capital...................................... 39,447 39,332
Retained earnings............................................... 93,690 97,342
Treasury stock held at cost, 48,700 shares in 1999.............. (700) --
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities
available-for-sale, net of tax............................... (2,980) 5,919
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax.......... 62 (172)
--------- ------------
Total stockholder' equity.............................. 130,365 143,266
--------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............. $ 154,853 $ 167,165
========= ===========
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE II
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Parent Company)
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Net investment income............................. $ 4 $ 7 $ 22
Net realized capital loss......................... (865) (420) (320)
Dividends received from wholly owned
subsidiaries.................................... 11,000 5,000 --
Other Income...................................... (222) 591 727
Operating expenses and income taxes............... (1,731) (1,944) (1,768)
------ ------ ------
Income (loss) before equity in
Undistributed net income
of wholly owned subsidiaries.................... 8,186 3,234 (1,339)
Equity in undistributed net income (loss)
of wholly owned subsidiaries.................... (11,838) 8,255 13,885
Equity in undistributed net
Income of affiliated company.................... -- -- --
--------- ------- -----
Net Income (Loss)................................. $(3,652) $11,489 $12,546
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
S-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE II
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Parent Company)
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities:
Net income.......................................... $(3,652) $11,489 $ 12,546
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by (used in) operations:
Net realized capital loss......................... 864 420 320
Equity in undistributed net income of wholly
Owned subsidiaries.............................. 11,838 (8,255) (13,885)
Other............................................. (5,860) (4,475) (4,948)
------ ------ --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities. 3,190 (821) (5,967)
------- ------- --------
Investing activities:
Investment in affiliate............................. (2,865) (5,144) --
Sale of other investments........................... -- 1,356 --
Net (increase) decrease in short-term
Investments....................................... 17 (17) 933
------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities. (2,848) (3,805) 933
------- ------- --------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from bank loan............................. 1,500 3,500 3,000
Repayment of bank loan.............................. (1,000) -- --
Purchase of Treasury Stock.......................... (700) -- --
Proceeds from exercise of stock options................ 44 1,221 1,931
------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities. (156) 4,721 4,931
------- ------- --------
Increase (decrease) in cash............................ 186 95 (103)
Cash Beginning of Period............................... 95 0 103
------- ------- --------
Cash End of Period..................................... $ 281 $ 95 $ 0
======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
S-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE III
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
(In thousands)
Reserve
Deferred for losses Other policy
policy and loss claims and Net
acquisition adjustment Unearned benefits earned
Period costs expenses premiums payable premium
------ ---------- ---------- --------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1999
Insurance Companies.............. $ 2,355 $ 333,262 $42,596 $ -- $ 41,970
Lloyd's Operations............... 3,523 57,832 12,407 -- 47,472
----- -------- ------ ------- ------
$ 5,878 $ 391,094 $55,003 $ -- $ 89,442
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
Year ended December 31, 1998
Insurance Companies.............. $ 2,813 $ 307,788 $44,681 $ -- $ 51,033
Lloyd's Operations............... 1,490 34,656 6,614 -- 40,170
----- -------- ------ ------- ------
$ 4,303 $ 342,444 $51,295 $ -- $ 91,203
===== ======= ====== ======= ======
Year ended December 31, 1997
Insurance Companies.............. $ 3,393 $ 270,521 $39,639 $ -- $ 73,415
Lloyd's Operations............... 2,010 7,911 9,020 -- 11,587
----- -------- ------ ------- ------
$ 5,403 $ 278,432 $48,659 $ -- $ 85,002
===== ======= ====== ======= ======
Losses Amortization
and loss of deferred
Net adjustment policy Other Net
Investment expenses acquisition operating written
Period Income (1) incurred costs(2) expenses(1) premium
------ ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------
Year ended December 31, 1999
Insurance Companies.............. $14,573 $ 31,070 $ 12,897 $ 2,428 $40,987
Lloyd's Operations............... 1,222 38,844 9,632 4,586 53,097
------ ------ ------- ----- ------
$15,795 $ 69,914 $ 22,529 $ 7,014 $94,084
======= ====== ======= ====== ======
Year ended December 31, 1998
Insurance Companies.............. $14,658 $ 30,123 $ 14,613 $ 2,299 $49,287
Lloyd's Operations............... 347 32,199 5,032 2,720 39,195
------ ------ ------- ----- ------
$15,005 $ 62,322 $ 19,645 $ 5,019 $88,482
====== ====== ====== ===== ======
Year ended December 31, 1997
Insurance Companies.............. $13,696 $ 45,194 $ 21,676 $ 2,801 $72,468
Lloyd's Operations............... 80 7,426 2,889 1,272 18,412
------ ------- ------- ----- ------
$13,776 $ 52,620 $ 24,565 $ 4,073 $90,880
====== ====== ====== ===== ======
</TABLE>
(1) Net investment income and other operating expenses reflect only such
amounts attributable to the Company's insurance operations.
(2) Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs reflects only such
amounts attributable to the Company's insurance operations. A portion
of these costs is eliminated upon consolidation.
S-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE IV
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REINSURANCE
Written Premium
(Dollars in thousands)
Ceded to Assumed Percentage
Direct other from other Net of amount
Amount companies companies amount assumed to net
------ --------- ----------- -------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1999
Property-Casualty....... $120,426 $73,027 $46,685 $94,084 50%
------- ------ ------ ------ ---
Year ended December 31, 1998
Property-Casualty....... $ 92,910 $83,729 $79,301 $88,482 90%
------- ------ ------ ------ ---
Year ended December 31, 1997
Property-Casualty....... $119,597 $80,369 $51,652 $90,880 57%
------- ------ ------ ------ ---
</TABLE>
S-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE V
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In thousands)
Col. A Col. B Col. C Col. D Col. E
------ ------ ------ ------
Additions
----------------------------------------
Balance at Balance at
January 1, Charged to Charged to Deductions December 31,
Description 1999 Costs and Expensess Other Accounts Describe 1999
- ----------- ---- ------------------- -------------- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for
uncollectible
reinsurance $ 800 $ 450 $ - $ - $ 1,250
---- ---- -- -- ------
Valuation allowance in
deferred taxes
$1,573 $ 1,938 $ - $ - $ 3,511
----- ------ -- -- ------
</TABLE>
S-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE VI
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
Reserve
Deferred for losses
Affiliations policy and loss Discount, Net
with acquisition adjustment if any, Unearned earned
Registrant costs expenses deducted Premium premium
- ---------- ----- -------- -------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 1999 $5,878 $391,094 $ -- $55,003 $89,442
----- ------- ------- ------ ------
Year ended December 31, 1998 $4,303 $342,444 $ -- $51,295 $91,203
----- ------- ------- ------ ------
Year ended December 31, 1997 $5,403 $278,432 $ -- $48,659 $85,002
----- ------- ------- ------ ------
Amortization
Losses and loss adjustment of deferred
Affiliations Net expenses incurred related to policy Other Net
----------------------------
with investment Current Prior acquisition operating written
Registrant income(1) year years costs(2) expenses(1) premium
- ---------- ------ ---- ----- ----- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 1999 $15,795 $58,030 $11,884 $22,529 $7,014 $96,057
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------
Year ended December 31, 1998 $15,005 $65,705 $(3,383) $19,645 $5,019 $88,482
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------
Year ended December 31, 1997 $13,776 $53,654 $(1,034) $24,565 $4,073 $90,880
------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------
</TABLE>
(1) Net investment income and other operating expenses reflect only such
amounts attributable to the Company's insurance operations.
(2) Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs reflects only such
amounts attributable to the Company's insurance operations. A portion
of these costs is eliminated upon consolidation.
S-8
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
3-1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation (a)
3-2 By-laws, as amended (a)
10-1 Management Agreement between Navigators Insurance
Company and Somerset Marine, Inc. (a)
10-2 Agreement between The Navigators Group, Inc. and Somerset
Marine, Inc. (a)
10-3 Stock Option Plan (a)(b)
10-4 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (b)
10-8 Consulting Agreement between The Navigators Group, Inc. and
Robert F. Wright Associates, Inc. (c)
10-9 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 26,
1996, among The Navigators Group, Inc. and Lenders (d)
10-10 Agreement with Bradley D. Wiley dated June 3, 1997 (f)
10-11 First Amendment dated April 9, 1997 to the Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement dated November 26, 1996 (e)
10-12 Second Amendment dated December 11, 1997 to the Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement dated November 26, 1996 (e)
10-13 Consulting Agreement between The Navigators Group, Inc. and
William D. Warren (e)
10-14 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 21,
1998, among The Navigators Group, Inc. and Lenders (f)
10-15 Employment Agreement with Salvatore A. Margarella dated
March 1,1999 (f)
11-1 Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings
21-1 Subsidiaries of Registrant
23-1 Consent of Independent Auditor
27-1 Financial Data Schedule
- --------------
(a) Previously filed under Commission file No.33-5667 as part of Form
S-1,incorporated herein by reference thereto.
(b) Management contracts of compensatory plans or arrangements required to be
filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K by Item 601(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K,
previously filed as indicated and incorporated herein by reference.
(c)(d)(e)(f) Previously filed with the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994 (c), 1996 (d), 1997 (e) and 1998 (f), incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT 11-1
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
-------------------------------------------
COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents
(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock $(3,652) $11,489 $12,546
Average number of common shares outstanding 8,419 8,414 8,296
Net income (loss) per share - Basic $ (0.43) $ 1.37 $ 1.51
Average number of common shares outstanding 8,419 8,414 8,296
Add: Assumed exercise of stock options -- 45 89
----- ------ ------
Common and common equivalent shares outstanding 8,419 8,459 8,385
===== ===== =====
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted $ (0.43) $1.36 $1.50
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 21-1
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT AT DECEMBER 31, 1999
Jurisdiction in
Name which organized
Navigators Insurance Company New York
NIC Insurance Company New York
Somerset Marine, Inc. New York
Somerset Insurance Services of Texas, Inc. Texas
Somerset Insurance Services of California, Inc. California
Anfield Insurance Services, Inc. California
Somerset Insurance Services of Washington, Inc. Washington
Somerset Marine Aviation Property Managers, Inc. New Jersey
Somerset Asia Pacific Pty Ltd. Sydney, Australia
Somerset Marine (UK) Ltd. England
Navigators Corporate Underwriters Ltd. England
Navigators Holdings (UK) Ltd. England
Somerset Services Pte Ltd. Singapore
Mander, Thomas & Cooper
(Underwriting Agencies) Ltd. England
Millennium Underwriting Ltd. England
Pennine Underwriting Limited England
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23-1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors
The Navigators Group, Inc.
We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No.
33-51608) on Form S-8 of The Navigators Group, Inc. and subsidiaries of our
report dated March 30, 2000, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of The
Navigators Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and
the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999,
and all related schedules, which report appears in the December 31, 1999 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of The Navigators Group, Inc. and subsidiaries.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
March 30, 2000
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
(Replace this text with the legend)
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000793547
<NAME> The Navigators Group, Inc.
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<CURRENCY> U.S DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1999
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 222,555
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 0
<EQUITIES> 11,840
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 241,142
<CASH> 5,546
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 229,111
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 5,878
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 631,324
<POLICY-LOSSES> 391,094
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 55,003
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<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 24,000
0
0
<COMMON> 846
<OTHER-SE> 129,519
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 631,324
89,442
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 15,985
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> (443)
<OTHER-INCOME> 640
<BENEFITS> 69,914
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 14,721
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 24,879
<INCOME-PRETAX> (5,392)
<INCOME-TAX> (1,740)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (3,652)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (3,652)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.43)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.43)
<RESERVE-OPEN> 150,517
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 60,534
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 9,380
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> (10,925)
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> (38,976)
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 170,530
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 9,380
</TABLE>
