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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
/X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
OR
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
For the Transition period from to
Commission file number 1-10545
</TABLE>
------------------------
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 13-3355897
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
80 PINE STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10005
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(212) 770-2000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
</TABLE>
------------------------------
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON
TITLE OF EACH CLASS WHICH REGISTERED
- --------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 per Share New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: None
</TABLE>
------------------------
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 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 (Section 229.405 of this chapter) 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 the shares of all classes of voting stock of
the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant on January 31, 1998 was
approximately $1,175,496,512 computed upon the basis of the closing sales price
of the Common Stock on that date. For purposes of this computation, shares held
by directors (and shares held by any entities in which they serve as officers)
and officers of the registrant have been excluded. Such exclusion is not
intended, nor shall it be deemed, to be an admission that such persons are
affiliates of the registrant.
As of January 31, 1998, there were outstanding 34,605,271 shares of Common
Stock, $1.00 par value, of the registrant.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement filed or to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A involving
the election of directors at the annual meeting of the shareholders of the
registrant scheduled to be held on May 21, 1998 are incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Form 10-K.
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<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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PAGE
-----------
<C> <S> <C>
PART I
Item 1. Business....................................................................................... 1
Item 2. Properties..................................................................................... 19
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.............................................................................. 19
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............................................ 19
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters....................... 21
Item 6. Selected Financial Data........................................................................ 22
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......... 23
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................................... 31
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure........... 55
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant............................................. 55
Item 11. Executive Compensation......................................................................... 55
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management................................. 55
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................................................. 55
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K................................ 56
</TABLE>
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for forward-looking statements. This Form 10-K, the Company's Annual
Report to Stockholders, any proxy statement, any Form 10-Q or any Form 8-K of
the Company or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the
Company may include forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's
current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These
forward-looking statements are subject to certain uncertainties and other
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such
statements. These uncertainties and other factors (which are described in more
detail elsewhere in this Form 10-K) include, but are not limited to,
uncertainties relating to general economic conditions and cyclical industry
conditions, uncertainties relating to government and regulatory policies,
volatile and unpredictable developments (including catastrophes), the legal
environment, the uncertainties of the reserving process, the competitive
environment in which the Company operates, the uncertainties inherent in
international operations, and interest rate fluctuations. The words "believe,"
"expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions identify
forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. The
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
<PAGE>
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") is a holding company
incorporated in the state of Delaware. Originally formed in 1986 under the name
PREINCO Holdings, Inc. as a holding company for Putnam Reinsurance Company
(Putnam), the Company's name was changed to Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. on
April 18, 1990 following the acquisition on April 17, 1990 of all of the common
stock of Transatlantic Reinsurance Company (TRC) in exchange for shares of
common stock of the Company (the "Share Exchange"). Prior to the Share Exchange,
American International Group, Inc. (AIG) held a direct and indirect interest of
approximately 25% in the Company and an indirect interest of 49.99% in TRC. As a
result of the Share Exchange, AIG became the beneficial owner of approximately
41% of the Company's outstanding common stock and TRC became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company. In June 1990, certain stockholders of the Company
(other than AIG) sold shares of the Company's common stock in a registered
public offering, with the result that approximately 35% of the Company's
outstanding common stock became publicly owned. From June 1990 through December
31, 1997, an additional 12.2% of the Company's outstanding common stock has
become publicly owned as a result of sales by certain of such stockholders. At
December 31, 1997, AIG beneficially owned approximately 49% of the Company's
outstanding common stock.
The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, TRC, Trans Re Zurich
(TRZ), acquired in 1996 (See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements), and Putnam (contributed by the Company to TRC in 1995), offers
reinsurance capacity for a full range of property and casualty products on a
treaty and facultative basis, directly and through brokers, to insurance and
reinsurance companies, in both the domestic and international markets. One or
both of TRC and Putnam is licensed, accredited, authorized or can serve as a
reinsurer in 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the District of Columbia in the
United States. TRC is licensed by the federal government of and seven provinces
in Canada. TRC is also licensed in Japan, the United Kingdom and the Dominican
Republic and is registered or authorized as a foreign reinsurer in Peru,
Colombia, Argentina (where it also maintains a representative office in Buenos
Aires, Transatlantic Re (Argentina) S.A.), Brazil (where, as of early 1998, it
maintains a representative office in Rio de Janeiro, Transatlantic Re (Brasil)
Ltda.) Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Venezuela and France. In addition, TRC
is licensed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of
China, and maintains a branch in Hong Kong. Also, TRC is authorized to maintain
a representative office in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. This office
opened in early 1998. TRZ is licensed as a reinsurer in Switzerland. TRH's
(Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries) principal lines of
reinsurance include general liability (including directors' and officers'
liability and other professional liability), medical malpractice, automobile
liability (including nonstandard risks), ocean marine and aviation and surety
and credit in the casualty lines, and fire and allied lines in the property
lines. Reinsurance is provided for most major lines of insurance on both
excess-of-loss and pro rata bases.
Each of TRC and Putnam is currently rated "A++ (Superior)", the highest
rating classification, by A.M. Best Company (Best's) and "AA", the second
highest major rating classification, by Standard and Poor's Corporation (S&P).
TRZ is rated "A-" by S&P. Best's and S&P are independent industry rating
organizations. A publication of Best's indicates that the "A++ (Superior)"
rating is assigned to those companies which in Best's opinion have, on balance,
superior financial strength, operating performance and market profile when
compared to standards of the property and casualty insurance industry
established by Best's and that have a very strong ability to meet their ongoing
obligations to policyholders. A publication of S&P advises that insurers who
receive a claims-paying ability rating of "AA" offer excellent financial
security, and their capacity to meet policyholder obligations is strong under a
variety of economic and underwriting conditions, and that insurers who receive a
claims-paying ability rating of "A-" offer good
1
<PAGE>
financial security, but capacity to meet policyholder obligations is somewhat
susceptible to adverse economic and underwriting conditions. These ratings are
based upon factors that may be of concern to policy or contract holders, but may
not reflect the considerations applicable to an equity investment in an
insurance or reinsurance company.
The statutory surplus of TRC of $1,163.9 million, as of December 31, 1997,
ranked TRC as the 5th largest domestic reinsurer according to statistics
distributed by the Reinsurance Association of America. Although TRC and its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Putnam, are separate entities, together they would have
ranked as the 4th largest domestic reinsurer based upon combined statutory net
premiums written of $1,119.4 million and 6th based upon combined statutory net
income of $161.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997, according to such
statistics.
THE REINSURANCE BUSINESS
Reinsurance is an arrangement whereby one or more insurance companies, the
"reinsurer," agrees to indemnify another insurance company, the "ceding
company," for all or part of the insurance risks underwritten by the ceding
company. Reinsurance can provide certain basic benefits to the ceding company.
It reduces net liability on individual risks, thereby enabling the ceding
company to underwrite more business than its own resources can support; it
provides catastrophe protection to lessen the impact of large or multiple
losses; it stabilizes results by leveling fluctuations in the ceding company's
loss ratio; and it helps the ceding company maintain acceptable surplus and
reserve ratios.
There are two major classes of reinsurance: treaty reinsurance and
facultative reinsurance. Treaty reinsurance is a contractual arrangement that
provides for the automatic reinsuring of a type or category of risk underwritten
by the ceding company. Facultative reinsurance is the reinsurance of individual
risks. Rather than agreeing to reinsure all or a portion of a class of risk, the
reinsurer separately rates and underwrites each risk. Facultative reinsurance is
normally purchased to cover risks not covered by treaty reinsurance or for
individual risks covered by reinsurance treaties that are in need of capacity
beyond that provided by such treaties.
A ceding company's reinsurance program may involve pro rata and
excess-of-loss reinsurance on both a treaty and facultative basis. Under pro
rata reinsurance (also referred to as proportional), the ceding company and the
reinsurer share the premiums as well as the losses and expenses in an agreed
proportion. Under excess-of-loss reinsurance, the reinsurer agrees to reimburse
the ceding company for all losses in excess of a predetermined amount up to a
predetermined limit. Premiums paid by the ceding company to the reinsurer for
excess-of-loss coverage are generally not proportional to the premiums that the
ceding company receives because the reinsurer does not assume a proportionate
risk.
In pro rata reinsurance, the reinsurer generally pays the ceding company a
ceding commission. Generally, the ceding commission is based on the ceding
company's cost of obtaining the business being reinsured (i.e., brokers' and
agents' commissions, local taxes, settlement costs and administrative expenses).
There is usually no ceding commission on excess-of-loss reinsurance and
therefore the pricing mechanism used by reinsurers is a rate applicable to
premiums of the individual policy or policies subject to the reinsurance
agreement.
In general, casualty insurance protects the insured against financial loss
arising out of its obligation to others for loss or damage to their person or
property. Property insurance protects the insured against financial loss arising
out of the loss of property or its use caused by an insured peril. Property and
casualty reinsurance protects the ceding company against loss to the extent of
the reinsurance coverage provided. A greater degree of unpredictability is
generally associated with casualty risks and catastrophe-exposed property risks,
and there tends to be a greater lag in the reporting and settlement of casualty
reinsurance claims, due to the nature of casualty risks and their greater
potential for litigation.
2
<PAGE>
GENERAL
TRH reinsures risks from a broad spectrum of industries throughout the
United States and foreign countries. A portion of the reinsurance written by TRH
is assumed from AIG and its subsidiaries (the "AIG Group") and therefore
reflects their underwriting philosophy and diversified insurance products.
Approximately $181 million (12%), $232 million (18%) and $189 million (17%) of
gross premiums written by TRH in the years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
were attributable to reinsurance purchased by the AIG Group. (For a discussion
of TRH's business with the AIG Group, see "Relationship with the AIG Group.")
In 1997, TRH's activities in the United States were conducted through its
worldwide headquarters in New York and its regional office in Chicago, which
underwrites facultative business only. All domestic treaty business is
underwritten by, or under the close supervision of, senior officers of TRH
located in New York. TRH's headquarters in New York, the Miami office
(underwriting business from Latin America and the Caribbean) and international
offices in Toronto, London, Paris, Zurich, Hong Kong and Tokyo can offer treaty
as well as facultative reinsurance. In addition, TRH operates representative
offices in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai; the latter two offices
opened in early 1998. Non-U.S. business (representing risks underwritten by the
Miami office and the other international offices) accounted for approximately
48%, 40% and 31% of net premiums written in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
In 1997, the most significant increases in international net premiums written
emanated from TRZ and the Paris branch. The increase in TRZ net premiums written
was due, in large part, to the inclusion of a full year of net premiums written
in 1997 ($172.3 million) compared to six months net premiums written in 1996
($78.2 million), when TRZ was acquired. These increases in international net
premiums written were primarily reported in treaty business. In addition, London
branch net premiums written in 1997 totaled $274.1 million, or 21% of worldwide
net premiums written. (For a discussion of certain conditions associated with
international business see "Regulation" and Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.)
Casualty reinsurance constitutes the larger portion of TRH's business,
accounting for 67% of net premiums written in each of 1997, 1996 and 1995. As a
general matter, due to the longer period of time necessary to settle casualty
claims, casualty reinsurance underwriting tends to involve variables (such as
those discussed in the paragraph immediately following) that are not as
predictable as those in property reinsurance underwriting. The greater degree of
uncertainty associated with casualty business as a result of these variables may
produce a more volatile result over a period of time, although property
reinsurance, including property catastrophe business, is also subject to
significant year to year volatility due to major natural disasters. TRH also
seeks to focus on more complex risks within the casualty and property lines, and
to adjust its mix of business to take advantage of market opportunities.
In general, the overall operating results (including investment performance)
and changes to certain components of stockholders' equity of the property and
casualty insurance and reinsurance industry, and TRH (both domestically and
internationally), in particular, are subject to significant fluctuations due to
competition, catastrophic events, economic and social conditions, foreign
currency rate fluctuations, interest rates and other factors, such as changes in
tax laws, tort laws and the regulatory environment.
3
<PAGE>
The following table presents certain underwriting information concerning
TRH's casualty and property business for the periods indicated:(5)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET
LOSSES AND LOSS
NET PREMIUMS WRITTEN NET PREMIUMS EARNED ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(dollars in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Casualty
General
Liability(1)(4)..... $ 185.9 $ 203.7 $ 241.0 $ 187.9 $ 213.8 $ 235.7 $ 141.9 $ 183.4 $ 214.7
Medical Malpractice... 129.8 131.9 115.7 133.0 135.6 111.2 113.0 121.1 89.1
Automobile Liability.. 223.9 168.7 138.3 201.8 161.9 128.3 161.6 156.9 95.9
Ocean Marine and
Aviation(2)(4)...... 179.5 142.0 113.9 180.5 143.3 112.4 147.1 100.2 119.1
Surety, Credit and
Fidelity(2)(3)...... 84.5 68.1 37.3 74.6 60.2 35.1 60.9 37.2 19.5
Other(2)(3)........... 64.7 45.8 30.2 51.8 46.9 29.9 27.8 39.4 12.8
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Casualty...... 868.3 760.2 676.4 829.6 761.7 652.6 652.3 638.2 551.1
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Property(4)
Fire(4)............... 205.8 190.3 129.1 210.4 174.1 146.3 149.3 107.0 76.2
Allied Lines(3)....... 59.6 68.7 75.9 69.8 70.1 63.3 39.3 29.7 40.8
Homeowners Multiple
Peril............... 71.4 34.8 49.3 55.2 41.1 48.2 36.8 19.0 31.8
Auto Physical
Damage.............. 45.2 32.3 12.2 44.0 23.6 12.6 32.1 18.2 7.7
Other(2)(3)........... 43.8 56.2 66.3 50.3 60.0 58.2 23.2 29.4 39.3
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Property...... 425.8 382.3 332.8 429.7 368.9 328.6 280.7 203.3 195.8
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total............. $ 1,294.1 $ 1,142.5 $ 1,009.2 $ 1,259.3 $ 1,130.6 $ 981.2 $ 933.0 $ 841.5 $ 746.9
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
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<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LOSS AND LOSS
ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
RATIO
-------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Casualty
General
Liability(1)(4)..... 75.5 85.8 91.1
Medical Malpractice... 84.9 89.3 80.2
Automobile Liability.. 80.1 96.9 74.8
Ocean Marine and
Aviation(2)(4)...... 81.5 69.9 106.0
Surety, Credit and
Fidelity(2)(3)...... 81.6 61.8 55.5
Other(2)(3)........... 53.7 83.8 42.9
Total Casualty...... 78.6 83.8 84.5
Property(4)
Fire(4)............... 71.0 61.5 52.1
Allied Lines(3)....... 56.3 42.3 64.5
Homeowners Multiple
Peril............... 66.5 46.2 65.9
Auto Physical
Damage.............. 72.9 77.2 60.9
Other(2)(3)........... 46.3 49.0 67.4
Total Property...... 65.3 55.1 59.6
Total............. 74.1 74.4 76.1
</TABLE>
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(1) A significant portion of this line includes more complex risks such as
professional liability (other than medical malpractice), directors' and
officers' liability, errors and omissions and environmental impairment
liability.
(2) In 1997, development on reserves held at December 31, 1996 significantly
decreased the loss ratios in other casualty and other property lines and
significantly increased the loss ratios in ocean marine and aviation, and
the surety, credit and fidelity area.
(3) In 1996, development on reserves held at December 31, 1995 significantly
decreased the loss ratios in other casualty, allied lines and other property
lines and significantly increased the loss ratio in surety, credit and
fidelity.
(4) In 1995, development on reserves held at December 31, 1994 significantly
increased the loss ratios in the general liability and ocean marine and
aviation lines and decreased the loss ratio in the property lines,
particularly fire. Also in 1995, included in net losses and loss adjustment
expenses are $4.5 million from the Kobe, Japan earthquake in the property
lines.
(5) See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations for a discussion of TRH's underwriting components.
Treaty reinsurance constitutes the larger portion of TRH's business,
accounting for 94%, 90% and 87% of net premiums written in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
4
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The following table presents certain information concerning TRH's treaty and
facultative business for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TREATY
---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------
<CAPTION>
1997(1) 1996(2) 1995
--------- --------- -----------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross premiums written....................................... $ 1,323.5 $ 1,145.0 $ 959.1
Net premiums written......................................... 1,214.4 1,033.7 879.9
Net premiums earned.......................................... 1,163.9 1,013.0 854.8
<CAPTION>
FACULTATIVE
---------------------------------
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------
1997(1) 1996 1995
--------- --------- -----------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross premiums written....................................... $ 139.8 $ 170.9 $ 177.8
Net premiums written......................................... 79.7 108.8 129.3
Net premiums earned.......................................... 95.4 117.6 126.4
</TABLE>
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(1) In 1997 compared to 1996, international treaty premiums increased in auto
liability, auto physical damage, fire and allied lines. The majority of these
increases resulted from the inclusion of a full year of TRZ premiums in 1997
versus six months data reflected in 1996, following its acquisition in the
third quarter of that year by TRH. Facultative business comprises a small
portion of overall international premiums. Domestically, treaty premium
decreases in general casualty, allied lines and automobile liability were
partially offset by increases in homeowners multiple peril, aircraft and
accident and health lines. Domestic facultative premiums declined in property
and general casualty classes, partially offset by modest increases in
specialty casualty classes.
(2) In 1996 compared to 1995, treaty premiums increased significantly in
automobile liability (including nonstandard risks), ocean marine, surety and
credit, other casualty, medical malpractice and other property lines. Treaty
premiums also increased significantly in the fire line, principally from
international business. Treaty premium decreases were recorded in the
general liability line, including certain specialty casualty classes.
International operations contributed significantly to treaty premium growth.
(See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations for further discussion of premium fluctuations.)
TREATY REINSURANCE
Treaty reinsurance accounted for approximately $1,323.5 million of gross
premiums written and $1,214.4 million of net premiums written in 1997,
approximately 67% of which resulted from casualty lines treaties, with the
remainder from property lines treaties. Approximately 64% of treaty gross
premiums written in 1997 represented treaty reinsurance written on a pro rata
basis and the balance represented treaty reinsurance written on an
excess-of-loss basis. Approximately 8% of treaty gross premiums written in 1997
were attributable to the AIG Group. Such premiums were primarily written on a
pro rata basis. The majority of TRH's non-AIG Group treaty premiums were also
written on a pro rata basis. As pro rata business is a proportional sharing of
premiums and losses among ceding company and reinsurer, generally, the
underwriting results of such business more closely reflect the underwriting
results of the business ceded than do the results of excess-of-loss business.
TRH's treaty business consists primarily of lines of business within general
liability (including other professional liability), medical malpractice,
automobile liability, ocean marine and aviation, surety and credit, fire and
allied lines. A significant portion of TRH's business within these lines
(primarily general liability and medical malpractice) is derived from certain
more complex risks. TRH also underwrites non-traditional reinsurance, which
blends funding characteristics with more traditional risk transfer.
TRH's treaty underwriting process emphasizes a team approach between TRH's
underwriters, actuaries and claims staff, as appropriate. Treaties are reviewed
for compliance with TRH's underwriting guidelines and objectives and certain
larger treaties are evaluated in part based upon actuarial analyses conducted by
TRH. The generic actuarial models used in such analyses are tailored in each
case to the exposures and experience underlying the specific treaty and the loss
experience for the risks covered thereunder. TRH also at times conducts
underwriting audits at the offices of a prospective ceding company
5
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before entering into major treaties, because reinsurers, including TRH, do not
separately evaluate each of the individual risks assumed under their treaties
and, consequently, are largely dependent on the original underwriting decisions
made by the ceding company. Such dependence subjects TRH and reinsurers in
general to the possibility that the ceding companies have not adequately
evaluated the risks to be reinsured and, therefore, that the premiums ceded in
connection therewith may not adequately compensate the reinsurer for the risk
assumed.
TRH offers brokers full service with large capacity for both casualty and
property risks. For non-AIG business, TRH generally seeks to lead treaty
arrangements. The lead reinsurer on a treaty generally accepts one of the
largest percentage shares of the treaty and represents the other participating
reinsurers in negotiating price, terms and conditions. TRH believes that this
strategy has enabled it to influence more effectively the terms and conditions
of the treaties in which it has participated. TRH has generally not set terms
and conditions as lead underwriter with respect to AIG Group treaty reinsurance,
although it may do so in the future. When TRH does not lead the treaty, it may
still suggest changes to any aspect of the treaty. In either case, TRH may
reject any treaty business offered to it by the AIG Group or others based upon
its assessment of all relevant factors. Such factors include type and level of
risk assumed, actuarial and underwriting judgment with respect to rate adequacy,
various treaty terms, prior and anticipated loss experience on the treaty, prior
business experience with the ceding company, overall financial position,
operating results and Best's and S&P's ratings of the ceding company and social,
legal, regulatory, environmental and general economic conditions affecting the
risks assumed or the ceding company.
TRH currently has approximately 4,522 treaties in effect for the current
underwriting year. In 1997, no single treaty exceeded 3% of treaty gross
premiums written. No ceding company accounted for more than 4% of total treaty
gross premiums written in 1997 other than AIG Group companies (see "Relationship
with the AIG Group") and Lloyd's of London, which accounted for 10% of treaty
gross premiums written.
Non-U.S. treaty business accounted for approximately 47% of TRH's total net
premiums written for the year ended December 31, 1997.
FACULTATIVE REINSURANCE
During 1997, TRH wrote approximately $139.8 million of gross premiums
written and $79.7 million of net premiums written of facultative reinsurance,
approximately 72% of which represented casualty risks with the balance
comprising property risks. These amounts were lower than in 1996 due to
significant competition. The majority of facultative gross premiums written in
1997 represented facultative reinsurance written on an excess-of-loss basis.
Facultative coverages are generally offered for most lines of business. However,
the great majority of premiums are within the other liability (including
specialty casualty classes) and fire lines. Underwriting expenses associated
with facultative business are generally higher in proportion to related premiums
than those associated with treaty business, reflecting, among other things, the
more labor-intensive nature of underwriting and servicing facultative business.
Approximately 54% of facultative gross premiums written in 1997 were
attributable to AIG Group companies. Except for AIG Group companies, no single
ceding company accounted for more than 5% of total facultative gross premiums
written in 1997. Non-U.S. facultative business accounted for approximately 2% of
TRH's total net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 1997.
RETENTION LEVELS AND RETROCESSION ARRANGEMENTS
TRC and Putnam enter into retrocession arrangements for many of the same
reasons primary insurers seek reinsurance, including reducing the effect of
individual or aggregate losses and increasing gross premium writings and risk
capacity without requiring additional capital.
Under TRH's underwriting guidelines and retrocession arrangements in effect
at the end of 1997 for property treaty risks, generally, the maximum net
retention for property catastrophe excess-of-loss contracts is $9.0 million,
with a quota share retrocession of up to $6.0 million, for a maximum gross
underwriting capacity of $15.0 million. For other property treaty risks, the
maximum net retention and gross capacity is generally $5.0 million.
6
<PAGE>
For property facultative risks, TRH's worldwide offices may retain a maximum
of $2.0 million, with retrocession of up to an additional $18.0 million, for a
maximum gross underwriting capacity of $20.0 million. Certain facultative
retrocessions are subject to a per event aggregate limit.
TRH's net property account is further protected by catastrophe reinsurance
as described immediately following the table below.
For treaty casualty risks, the maximum net retention and maximum
retrocession are $5.0 million. For facultative casualty risks, the maximum
retention and maximum retrocession are $5.8 million and $4.2 million,
respectively. For both treaty and facultative casualty risks, the maximum gross
capacity is $10.0 million.
The following table illustrates TRH's maximum net retention, maximum
retrocession and maximum gross capacity under its underwriting guidelines at the
end of 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM NET MAXIMUM GROSS
RETENTION RETROCESSION CAPACITY
----------------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in millions)
Property
Treaty
Catastrophe excess-of-loss............................. $ 9.0 $ 6.0 $ 15.0
Other.................................................. 5.0 -- 5.0
Facultative................................................ 2.0 18.0 20.0
Casualty
Treaty..................................................... 5.0 5.0 10.0
Facultative................................................ 5.8 4.2 10.0
</TABLE>
The entire net property book worldwide was protected by reinsurance
providing up to $63.6 million of coverage for one event and $91 million in the
aggregate in 1997, in excess of a retention of $17.5 million for the first event
and $15.0 million for subsequent events. In 1997, with respect to workers'
compensation, TRH maintained a catastrophe program that provided $30 million of
coverage per occurrence for treaty and facultative business combined after a
deductible of $3 million is exhausted. From time to time TRH also purchases per
event retrocession coverages.
Average gross lines and net retentions on risks assumed historically have
been smaller than the maximums permissible under the underwriting guidelines.
Underwriting guidelines, including gross lines and net retention levels, may be
changed and limited exceptions are made by TRH from time to time. For example,
in casualty clash business, where ceding companies use reinsurance to control
losses from various insured parties involved in the same event, our maximum net
retention and gross capacity is $10 million.
Retrocession arrangements do not relieve TRH from its obligations to the
insurers and reinsurers from whom it assumes business. The failure of
retrocessionnaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to TRH. TRH
holds substantial amounts of funds and letters of credit to collateralize
reinsurance recoverables. Such funds and letters of credit can be drawn on for
amounts remaining unpaid beyond contract terms. In addition, an allowance has
been established for estimated unrecoverable amounts.
As of December 31, 1997, TRH had in place 48 active retrocessional
arrangements for current and prior underwriting years with 339
retrocessionnaires, and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
totaled $402.2 million. (See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for amounts recoverable from AIG Group companies.)
7
<PAGE>
MARKETING
TRH provides property and casualty reinsurance capacity through brokers and
directly to insurance and reinsurance companies in both the domestic and
international markets. TRH believes its worldwide network of offices and its
relationship with the AIG Group help position TRH to take advantage of market
opportunities.
AIG Group business is obtained directly from the ceding company. No ceding
company, other than the AIG Group companies, has accounted for more than 10% of
TRH's revenues in any of the last five years.
Non-AIG Group treaty business is produced primarily through brokers, while
non-AIG Group facultative business is produced both directly and through
brokers. In 1997, approximately 87% of TRH's non-AIG Group business was written
through brokers and the balance was written directly. Companies controlled by
Aon Corporation, TRH's largest brokerage source of business, accounted for 16%
of TRH's consolidated revenues and 17% of gross premiums written in 1997. In
addition, TRH's largest 10 brokers accounted for an aggregate of approximately
51% of such gross premiums written. Brokerage fees generally are paid by
reinsurers. TRH believes that its emphasis on seeking the lead position in
non-AIG Group reinsurance treaties in which it participates is beneficial in
obtaining business.
Brokers do not have the authority to bind TRH with respect to reinsurance
agreements, nor does TRH commit in advance to accept any portion of the business
that brokers submit to it. Reinsurance business from any ceding company, whether
new or renewal, is subject to acceptance by TRH.
Effective January 1, 1995, TRC and Putnam entered into a quota share
reinsurance agreement whereby TRC ceded 5% of its total reinsurance liabilities,
net of retrocessions, to Putnam. Thereafter, TRC cedes 5% of its assumed
reinsurance, net of other retrocessions, to Putnam pursuant to this quota share
reinsurance agreement. Presently all of Putnam's business is assumed from TRC
pursuant to this quota share reinsurance agreement. From January 1, 1991 through
December 31, 1994, TRC ceded 33% of its assumed reinsurance, net of other
retrocessions, to Putnam, pursuant to an agreement with terms similar to the
current agreement discussed immediately above. These agreements were entered
into for operational reasons and are believed to have had no material impact on
TRH's financial position or results of operations.
CLAIMS
Claims are managed by TRH's professional claims staff whose responsibilities
include the review of initial loss reports, creation of claim files,
determination of whether further investigation is required, establishment and
adjustment of case reserves and payment of claims. In addition to claims
assessment, processing and payment, the claims staff conducts comprehensive
claims audits of both specific claims and overall claims procedures at the
offices of selected ceding companies, which TRH believes benefit all parties to
the reinsurance arrangement. Claims audits are conducted in the ordinary course
of business. In certain instances, a claims audit may be performed prior to
assuming reinsurance business.
RESERVES FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
Significant periods of time may elapse between the occurrence of an insured
loss, the reporting of the loss to the ceding company and the reinsurer, and the
ceding company's payment of that loss and subsequent payments to the ceding
company by the reinsurer. To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses (LAE), insurers and reinsurers establish reserves, which are
balance sheet liabilities representing estimates of future amounts needed to pay
claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred
on or before the balance sheet date, including events which have not been
reported to the ceding company.
8
<PAGE>
Upon receipt of a notice of claim from the ceding company, TRH establishes
its own case reserve for the estimated amount of the ultimate settlement, if
any. Case reserves usually are based upon the amount of reserves recommended by
the ceding company and may be supplemented by additional amounts as deemed
necessary. In certain instances, TRH establishes case reserves even when the
ceding company does not report any liability to the reinsurer.
TRH also establishes reserves to provide for the estimated expenses of
settling claims, including legal and other fees, and the general expenses of
administering the claims adjustment process (i.e. LAE), and the losses and loss
adjustment expenses incurred but not reported (IBNR). TRH calculates LAE and
IBNR reserves by using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques to
project the ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses. Such
reserves are periodically revised by TRH to adjust for changes in the expected
loss development pattern over time. TRH has an in-house actuarial staff which
periodically reviews its loss reserves, and therefore does not retain any
outside actuarial firm to review its loss reserves.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of related reinsurance recoverable,
are charged to income as incurred. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
represent the accumulation of case reserves and IBNR. Provisions for inflation
and "social inflation" (e.g., awards by judges and juries which progressively
increase in size at a rate exceeding that of general inflation) are implicitly
considered in the overall reserve setting process as an element of the numerous
judgments which are made as to expected trends in average claim severity.
Legislative changes may also affect TRH's liabilities, and evaluation of the
impact of such changes is made in the reserve setting process.
The methods of determining estimates for reported and unreported losses and
establishing resulting reserves and related reinsurance recoverable are
continually reviewed and updated, and adjustments resulting therefrom are
reflected in income currently. The process relies upon the basic assumption that
past experience, adjusted for the effect of current developments and likely
trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events. However,
estimation of loss reserves is a difficult process, especially in view of
changes in the legal and tort environment which impact the development of loss
reserves and therefore quantitative techniques frequently have to be
supplemented by subjective considerations and managerial judgment. In addition,
trends that have affected development of liabilities in the past may not
necessarily occur or affect liability development to the same degree in the
future.
While the reserving process is difficult and subjective for the ceding
companies, the inherent uncertainties of estimating such reserves are even
greater for the reinsurer, due primarily to the longer-term nature of most
reinsurance business, the diversity of development patterns among different
types of reinsurance treaties or facultative contracts, the necessary reliance
on the ceding companies for information regarding reported claims and differing
reserving practices among ceding companies. Thus, actual losses and loss
adjustment expenses may deviate, perhaps substantially, from estimates of
reserves reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
During the loss settlement period, which can be many years in duration,
additional facts regarding individual claims and trends usually become known. As
these become apparent, it usually becomes necessary to refine and adjust the
reserves upward or downward and even then the ultimate net liability may be less
than or greater than the revised estimates. TRH does not otherwise adjust
downward those claims reported to it by ceding companies or discount any of its
reserves for reported or unreported claims in any line of its business for
anticipated investment income.
TRH's reserves as of December 31, 1997 include $74 million related to
environmental impairment and asbestos-related illnesses. (See Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and
Note 2(e) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.)
9
<PAGE>
The "Analysis of Consolidated Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve
Development" which follows presents the development of balance sheet loss and
loss adjustment expense reserves for calendar years 1987 through 1997. The upper
half of the table shows the cumulative amounts paid during successive years
related to the opening reserve. For example, with respect to the net loss and
loss adjustment expense reserve of $691.0 million as of December 31, 1988, by
the end of 1997 (nine years later) $539.9 million had actually been paid in
settlement of those reserves. In addition, as reflected in the lower section of
the table, the original reserve of $691.0 million was reestimated to be $781.9
million at December 31, 1997. This change from the original estimate would
normally result from a combination of a number of factors, including losses
being settled for different amounts than originally estimated. The original
estimates will also be increased or decreased as more information becomes known
about the individual claims and overall claim frequency and severity patterns.
The net deficiency or redundancy depicted in the table, for any particular
calendar year, shows the aggregate change in estimates over the period of years
subsequent to the calendar year reflected at the top of the respective columns.
For example, the net redundancy of $14.6 million at December 31, 1997 related to
December 31, 1996 net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves of $2,383.5
million, represents the cumulative amount by which net reserves for 1996 have
developed favorably during 1997.
Each amount other than the original reserves in the table below includes the
effects of all changes in amounts for prior periods. For example, if a loss
settled in 1990 for $150,000 was first reserved in 1987 at $100,000 and remained
unchanged until settlement, the $50,000 deficiency (actual loss minus original
estimate) would be included in the cumulative net deficiency in each of the
years in the period 1987 through 1989 shown in the following table. Conditions
and trends that have affected development of liability in the past may not
necessarily occur in the future. Accordingly, it may not be appropriate to
extrapolate future development based on this table.
ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED NET LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVE
DEVELOPMENT(1)(2)(3)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses,
December 31:(4)............. $ 572,960 $ 691,046 $ 889,742 $1,064,214 $1,241,160 $1,386,092
Paid (cumulative) as of:
One year later.............. 194,121 149,228 170,680 190,484 198,463 281,641
Two years later............. 285,165 235,860 303,175 336,547 396,739 497,557
Three years later........... 336,310 313,810 383,518 443,578 526,776 633,737
Four years later............ 386,151 355,899 460,239 534,824 614,555 760,091
Five years later............ 409,918 406,292 519,814 586,303 699,667 851,734
Six years later............. 443,588 446,659 550,019 645,657 770,270
Seven years later........... 472,656 463,757 599,451 703,101
Eight years later........... 482,986 505,859 643,240
Nine years later............ 519,816 539,889
Ten years later............. 550,331
Net liability reestimated as
of:(4)
End of year................. 572,960 691,046 889,742 1,064,214 1,241,160 1,386,092
One year later.............. 568,273 682,449 887,830 1,062,280 1,238,929 1,409,008
Two years later............. 571,650 665,867 887,991 1,072,552 1,250,809 1,425,146
Three years later........... 572,610 682,267 909,820 1,084,635 1,260,763 1,426,424
Four years later............ 602,847 711,611 928,640 1,095,054 1,268,476 1,437,271
Five years later............ 645,100 737,070 942,530 1,102,404 1,269,583 1,426,466
Six years later............. 674,925 754,906 947,862 1,110,499 1,252,455
Seven years later........... 695,593 758,012 963,041 1,096,961
Eight years later........... 700,721 778,386 956,346
Nine years later............ 721,441 781,924
Ten years later............. 735,917
Net (deficiency)
redundancy................ $(162,957) $ (90,878) $ (66,604) $ (32,747) $ (11,295) $ (40,374)
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses,
December 31:(4)............. $1,503,389 $1,727,380 $1,985,786 $2,383,528 $2,522,728
Paid (cumulative) as of:
One year later.............. 312,923 338,947 396,647 549,635
Two years later............. 506,681 594,508 685,485
Three years later........... 681,388 797,841
Four years later............ 824,468
Five years later............
Six years later.............
Seven years later...........
Eight years later...........
Nine years later............
Ten years later.............
Net liability reestimated as
of:(4)
End of year................. 1,503,389 1,727,380 1,985,786 2,383,528 2,522,728
One year later.............. 1,518,361 1,723,926 1,978,062 2,368,965
Two years later............. 1,516,299 1,729,924 1,961,041
Three years later........... 1,522,635 1,718,844
Four years later............ 1,511,825
Five years later............
Six years later.............
Seven years later...........
Eight years later...........
Nine years later............
Ten years later.............
Net (deficiency)
redundancy................ $ (8,436) $ 8,536 $ 24,745 $ 14,563
</TABLE>
(Footnotes on following page)
10
<PAGE>
(Table on preceding page)
- ------------------------------
(1) This table excludes data related to TRZ, a non-U.S. subsidiary acquired in
the third quarter of 1996, for 1995 and prior years as such data is not
available.
(2) This table is on a calendar year basis and does not present accident or
underwriting year data.
(3) Data have been affected by transactions between TRH and the AIG Group. (See
"Relationship with the AIG Group" and Notes 9 and 11 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.)
(4) Represents gross liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
net of related reinsurance recoverable.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANALYSIS OF NET UNPAID LOSSES AND
LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES AND
NET REESTIMATED LIABILITY(1) 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
- ------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
End of year:
Gross liability..................... $ 1,769,486 $ 1,890,178 $ 2,167,316 $ 2,388,155 $ 2,733,055 $ 2,918,782
Related reinsurance recoverable..... 383,394 386,789 439,936 402,369 349,527 396,054
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net liability....................... $ 1,386,092 $ 1,503,389 $ 1,727,380 $ 1,985,786 $ 2,383,528 $ 2,522,728
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
One year later:
Gross reestimated liability......... $ 1,807,550 $ 1,930,343 $ 2,138,947 $ 2,326,770 $ 2,755,288
Reestimated related reinsurance
recoverable....................... 398,542 411,982 415,021 348,708 386,323
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net reestimated liability........... $ 1,409,008 $ 1,518,361 $ 1,723,926 $ 1,978,062 $ 2,368,965
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Two years later:
Gross reestimated liability......... $ 1,857,100 $ 1,945,407 $ 2,091,724 $ 2,340,639
Reestimated related reinsurance
recoverable....................... 431,954 429,108 361,800 379,598
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net reestimated liability........... $ 1,425,146 $ 1,516,299 $ 1,729,924 $ 1,961,041
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Three years later:
Gross reestimated liability......... $ 1,875,877 $ 1,894,754 $ 2,110,823
Reestimated related reinsurance
recoverable....................... 449,453 372,119 391,979
----------- ----------- -----------
Net reestimated liability........... $ 1,426,424 $ 1,522,635 $ 1,718,844
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Four years later:
Gross reestimated liability......... $ 1,818,521 $ 1,909,734
Reestimated related reinsurance
recoverable....................... 381,250 397,909
----------- -----------
Net reestimated liability........... $ 1,437,271 $ 1,511,825
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Five years later:
Gross reestimated liability......... $ 1,849,050
Reestimated related reinsurance
recoverable....................... 422,584
-----------
Net reestimated liability........... $ 1,426,466
-----------
-----------
Gross (deficiency) redundancy as of
December 31, 1997................. $ (79,564) $ (19,556) $ 56,493 $ 47,516 $ (22,233)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------
(1) This table excludes data related to TRZ for 1995 and prior years.
The trend depicted in the latest development year in the reestimated net
liability portion of the "Analysis of Consolidated Net Loss and Loss Adjustment
Expense Reserve Development" table and in the "Analysis of Net Unpaid Losses and
Loss Adjustment Expenses and Net Reestimated Liability" table reflects net
favorable development. Net favorable development was recorded in 1997 on losses
occurring in years subsequent to 1986 in the other liability line, in 1996 in
the medical malpractice line and in 1995 and 1994 in certain property lines.
These reductions to incurred losses were partially offset by net adverse
development in 1997 on losses occurring in 1996 in aircraft and surety lines, in
1995 and 1994 in the
11
<PAGE>
medical malpractice line, and in 1983 and prior in the other liability line.
(See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.)
The deficiencies shown in the table for the reserves carried for all years
prior to 1994 generally reflect the adverse development for losses occurring
from 1981 to 1985 which is common throughout the industry. A number of industry
and external factors combined during this period to drive loss frequency and
severity to unexpectedly high levels.
From 1987 to 1991, casualty business generally had increased as a percentage
of net premiums written. As a result of this change in the underlying book of
business, TRH believes that the length of time needed for TRH's unpaid loss and
loss adjustment expense reserves to be ultimately paid for those years will
generally continue to increase. For 1992 through 1997, the length of time needed
for reserves to be ultimately paid may decrease compared to 1991 due, in large
part, to a shift in the business mix towards lines with shorter loss payment
patterns and the return of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves associated
with the reduced participation in one of TRH's then largest assumed treaties
from 1992 through 1995.
The increase in the level of net losses and loss adjustment expenses paid in
respect of reserves carried at December 31, 1987 was due to certain treaties
with the AIG Group. Because of the nature of such treaties, the payment of
losses occurred earlier than would be expected given the payment pattern for
overall TRH losses excluding these treaties. Cumulative losses paid Two Years
Later, of $285.2 million, relating to reserves held at December 31, 1987,
include amounts paid under such treaties of $86 million. TRH has no remaining
liability with respect to these treaties.
The following table presents a reconciliation of beginning and ending net
reserve balances for the years indicated. For TRH, there is no difference in
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses net of reinsurance recoverable
on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses whether determined in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles or statutory accounting
principles.
12
<PAGE>
RECONCILIATION OF RESERVE
FOR NET LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Reserve for net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at
beginning of year(1).......................................... $2,383,528 $1,985,786 $1,727,380
---------- ---------- ----------
Trans Re Zurich reserves acquired, as of acquisition date....... -- 176,260 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in respect of
losses occurring in:
Current year................................................ 947,578 849,235 750,326
Prior years................................................. (14,563) (7,724) (3,454)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total..................................................... 933,015 841,511 746,872
---------- ---------- ----------
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses paid in respect of
losses occurring in:
Current year................................................ 244,180 172,875 149,519
Prior years................................................. 549,635 447,154 338,947
---------- ---------- ----------
Total..................................................... 793,815 620,029 488,466
---------- ---------- ----------
Reserve for net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at
end of year(1)................................................ $2,522,728 $2,383,528 $1,985,786
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------
(1) In TRH's balance sheet and in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 113, unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses are presented before deduction of related reinsurance recoverable.
(See Notes 2 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
In each of 1997, 1996 and 1995, the increase in current year paid losses
compared to the prior year is attributable, in large part, to increases in
premium volume and a shift in the business mix to lines with shorter payment
patterns in recent years. (See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations for further analysis of incurred and paid
loss activity.)
13
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
TRH's investments must comply with the insurance laws of the state of New
York, their domiciliary state, and of the other states and jurisdictions in
which the Company and its subsidiaries are regulated. 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 and common stocks, real estate mortgages
and real estate. The Finance Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and
senior management oversee investments, establish TRH's investment strategy and
implement investment decisions with the assistance of certain AIG Group
companies, which act as financial advisors and managers of TRH's investment
portfolio and, in connection therewith, make the selection of particular
investments. Other than as set forth above, there are no guidelines or policies
with respect to the specific composition of TRH's overall investment portfolio
or the composition of its bond portfolio by rating or maturity.
TRH's current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through
a high quality diversified taxable bond and tax-exempt municipal bond portfolio,
while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. TRH adjusts its mix of taxable
and tax-exempt investments, as appropriate, generally as a result of strategic
investment and tax planning considerations. During recent years, the yields on
bonds purchased have generally been lower than yields on bonds sold or otherwise
disposed of. In addition, in 1997 TRH has been purchasing primarily tax-exempt
bonds for its domestic bond portfolio to benefit after-tax results. Tax-exempt
bonds carry lower pre-tax yields than taxable bonds that are comparable in risk
and term to maturity due to their tax-advantaged status. (See Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.) The
equity portfolio is structured to achieve capital appreciation primarily through
investment in quality growth companies.
The following table reflects investment results for TRH for each of the five
years in the period ended December 31, 1997.
INVESTMENT RESULTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRE-TAX NET PRE-TAX
YEARS ENDED AVERAGE INVESTMENT EFFECTIVE PRE-TAX REALIZED
DECEMBER 31, INVESTMENTS(1) INCOME(2) YIELD(3) NET CAPITAL GAINS
- ----------------------------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(dollars in thousands)
1997............................................... $ 3,781,217 $ 207,646 5.5% $ 32,939
1996............................................... 3,286,514 192,636 5.9 18,668
1995............................................... 2,742,704 172,876 6.3 11,119
1994............................................... 2,427,894 153,594 6.3 14,911
1993............................................... 2,190,336 138,902 6.3 5,697
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Average of the beginning and ending carrying values of investments and cash
for the year, excluding non-interest bearing cash. Bonds available for sale,
revalued from amortized cost upon adoption of SFAS No. 115 as of December
31, 1993, common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks are carried at
fair market value. Other bonds and redeemable preferred stocks are carried
at amortized cost.
(2) After investment expenses, excluding realized net capital gains.
(3) Pre-tax net investment income for the year divided by average investments
for the same year.
14
<PAGE>
The following table summarizes the investments of TRH (on the basis of
carrying value) as of December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BREAKDOWN OF INVESTMENTS
-------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1997
-------------------------
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT PERCENT
------------ -----------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Bonds held to maturity (at amortized cost):
Domestic and foreign municipal bonds............................................... $ 1,230,015 31.4%
------------ -----
Bonds available for sale (at market value):
Corporate bonds.................................................................... 384,434 9.8
U.S. Government and government agency bonds........................................ 527,864 13.4
Foreign government bonds........................................................... 438,711 11.2
Domestic and foreign municipal bonds............................................... 859,901 21.9
------------ -----
2,210,910 56.3
------------ -----
Preferred stocks..................................................................... 5,973 0.2
------------ -----
Common stocks........................................................................ 458,153 11.7
------------ -----
Short-term investments............................................................... 16,731 0.4
------------ -----
Total investments................................................................ $ 3,921,782 100.0%
------------ -----
------------ -----
</TABLE>
The carrying value of bonds and equities available for sale are subject to
significant volatility from changes in their market values. (See Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)
As of December 31, 1997, the market value of the total investment portfolio
was $4,005.1 million.
The following table indicates the composition of the bond portfolio of TRH
by rating as of December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BREAKDOWN OF BOND HELD TO AVAILABLE
PORTFOLIO BY RATING(1) MATURITY FOR SALE TOTAL
- ------------------------------ -------- --------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aaa........................... 18.1% 41.0% 59.1%
Aa............................ 13.6 17.0 30.6
A............................. 2.8 3.6 6.4
Baa........................... 0.3 0.1 0.4
Other (2)..................... 1.0 2.5 3.5
--- --- -----
Total................... 35.8% 64.2% 100.0%
--- --- -----
--- --- -----
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Ratings are as assigned by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) except
for "other."
(2) Of the 3.5% of the bond portfolio contained in this category, 3.0% was rated
investment grade or better by either Standard & Poor's Corporation, Dominion
Bond Rating Service Limited (Canada) or Japanese Bond Rating Institute
(Japan) and 0.5% was not rated by such services.
At December 31, 1997, TRH had no real estate or derivative financial
instruments. (See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
COMPETITION
The reinsurance business is highly competitive in virtually all lines. With
certain limited exceptions, conditions (including pricing and contract terms) in
these lines have continued to weaken in recent years.
15
<PAGE>
With the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry just having
completed its tenth consecutive year of generally soft market conditions, the
Company cannot predict with any reasonable certainty, if, when or to what extent
market conditions as a whole will improve.
TRH faces competition from new market entrants and from market participants
that devote greater amounts of capital to the types of business written by TRH.
In recent years, increased market capacity, significant domestic and
international merger and acquisition activity, and since 1996, the reemergence
of Lloyd's of London, have added to competitive pressures. The ultimate impact
on the market of these events is uncertain.
Competition in the types of reinsurance in which TRH is engaged is based on
many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the
reinsurer, Best's and S&P's ratings, the states or other jurisdictions where the
reinsurer is licensed, accredited, authorized or can serve as a reinsurer,
premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance offered,
services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in the
lines of business underwritten.
TRH competes in the United States and international reinsurance markets with
numerous major international reinsurance companies and numerous domestic
reinsurance companies, some of which have greater financial and other resources
than TRH. While TRC and Putnam, on a combined basis, would rank in the top 10%
of domestic reinsurers, on the basis of net premiums written, they are a less
significant reinsurer in international reinsurance markets. TRH's competitors
include independent reinsurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of
established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain
primary insurance companies and domestic and European underwriting syndicates.
Many of these competitors have been operating for substantially longer than TRH
and have established long-term and continuing business relationships throughout
the industry, which can be a significant competitive advantage. Although most
reinsurance companies operate in the broker market, most of TRH's largest
competitors work directly with ceding companies, competing with brokers.
According to the Reinsurance Association of America, there were 43 domestic
reinsurers for which results were reported in their quarterly survey as of
December 31, 1997.
TRH believes that the reinsurance industry, including the brokerage
industry, will continue to undergo further consolidation (i.e. the largest
reinsurers will write a larger portion of total industry premiums) and, to
compete effectively, significant size and financial strength will attain even
greater importance.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 1997, TRH had approximately 350 employees. Approximately 194
employees were located in the New York headquarters; 34 employees were located
in Chicago and Miami (serving Latin America) and 122 employees were located in
other international offices. None of TRH's employees in the United States are
represented by labor unions.
REGULATION
The rates and contract terms of reinsurance agreements are generally not
subject to regulation by any governmental authority. This contrasts with primary
insurance agreements, the rates and policy terms of which are generally closely
regulated by state insurance departments. As a practical matter, however, the
rates charged by primary insurers and the policy terms of primary insurance
agreements may affect the rates charged and the policy terms associated with
reinsurance agreements.
The Company, TRC, TRZ and Putnam are subject to the insurance statutes,
including insurance holding company statutes, of various states and
jurisdictions. The insurance holding company laws and regulations vary from
jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally require domestic insurance holding
companies and insurers and reinsurers that are subsidiaries of insurance holding
companies to register with the
16
<PAGE>
applicable state regulatory authority and to file with that authority certain
reports which provide information concerning their capital structure, ownership,
financial condition and general business operations.
Such holding company laws generally also require prior regulatory agency
approval of changes in direct or indirect control of an insurer or reinsurer and
of certain material intercorporate transfers of assets within the holding
company structure. The New York Insurance Law provides that no corporation or
other person, except an authorized insurer, may acquire direct control of TRC or
Putnam, or acquire control of the Company and thus indirect control of TRC and
Putnam, unless such corporation or person has obtained the prior approval of the
New York Insurance Department for such acquisition. For the purposes of the New
York Insurance Law, any investor acquiring ten percent or more of the Common
Stock of the Company would be presumed to be acquiring "control" of the Company
and its subsidiaries, unless the New York Insurance Department determines upon
application that such investor would not control the Company. An investor who
would be deemed to be acquiring control of the Company would be required to
obtain the approval of the New York Insurance Department prior to such
acquisition. In addition, such investor would become subject to various ongoing
reporting requirements in New York and in certain other states.
TRC, TRZ and Putnam, in common with other reinsurers, are subject to
regulation and supervision by the states and by other jurisdictions in which
they do business. Within the United States, the method of such regulation varies
but generally has its source in statutes that delegate regulatory and
supervisory powers to an insurance official. The regulation and supervision
relate primarily to the standards of solvency that must be met and maintained,
including risk-based capital measurements, the licensing of reinsurance, the
nature of and limitations on investments, restrictions on the size of risks
which may be insured under a single contract, deposits of securities for the
benefit of ceding companies, methods of accounting, periodic examinations of the
affairs of insurance companies, the form and content of reports of financial
condition required to be filed, and reserves for unearned premiums, losses and
other purposes. In general, such regulation is for the protection of the ceding
companies and, ultimately, their policyholders rather than securityholders.
Risk Based Capital (RBC) is designed to measure the adequacy of an insurer's
statutory surplus in relation to the risks inherent in its business. Thus,
inadequately capitalized insurance companies may be identified. The RBC formula
develops a risk adjusted target level of statutory surplus by applying certain
factors to various asset, premium and reserve items. Higher factors are applied
to items deemed to have more risk by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners and lower factors are applied to items that are deemed to have
less risk. Thus, the target level of statutory surplus varies not only as a
result of the insurer's size, but also on the risk profile of the insurer's
operations. The RBC Model Law provides for four incremental levels of regulatory
attention for insurers whose surplus is below the calculated RBC target. These
levels of attention range in severity from requiring the insurer to submit a
plan for corrective action to placing the insurer under regulatory control. The
statutory surplus of each of the Company's subsidiaries significantly exceeded
the risk-based capital requirements as of December 31, 1997.
TRC and Putnam are subject to examination of their affairs by the insurance
departments of the states in which they are licensed, authorized or accredited.
The insurance department of New York, TRC's and Putnam's domiciliary state,
generally conducts a triennial examination of insurance companies domiciled in
New York. The most recent examinations of TRC and Putnam covered the years from
1989 for TRC and 1990 for Putnam through December 31, 1993. The report on
examination for TRC has not been filed. The Putnam report was filed as of
November 22, 1995. The Putnam report and reports filed related to the
immediately prior triennial examinations of both companies disclosed no material
deficiencies.
Through the "credit for reinsurance" mechanism, TRC and Putnam are
indirectly subject to the effects of regulatory requirements imposed by
jurisdictions in which TRC's and Putnam's ceding companies are licensed. In
general, an insurer which obtains reinsurance from a reinsurer that is licensed,
accredited or authorized by the state in which the insurer files statutory
financial statements is permitted to
17
<PAGE>
take a credit on its statutory financial statements in an aggregate amount equal
to the reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and the liabilities for unearned
premiums and loss and loss adjustment expense reserves ceded to the reinsurer,
subject to certain limitations where amounts of reinsurance recoverable on paid
losses are more than 90 days overdue. Certain states impose additional
requirements that make it difficult to become so authorized, and certain states
do not allow credit for reinsurance ceded to reinsurers that are not licensed or
accredited in that state without additional provision for security.
In addition to licensing requirements, TRH's international operations are
also regulated in various jurisdictions with respect to currency, amount and
type of security deposits, amount and type of reserves and amount and type of
local investment, and are subject to local economic, political and social
conditions. In addition, TRH's results of operations and net unrealized currency
translation gain or loss (a separate component of stockholders' equity) are
subject to volatility as the value of the foreign currencies fluctuate relative
to the U.S. dollar. Regulations governing constitution of technical reserves and
remittance balances in some countries may hinder remittance of profits and
repatriation of assets.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AIG GROUP
AIG
AIG is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily
engaged in a broad range of insurance and insurance-related activities and
financial services in the United States and abroad. U.S.-based property and
casualty insurance subsidiaries of AIG currently attain the highest rating
classification assigned by both Best's and S&P. The AIG Group is one of the
largest purchasers of reinsurance in the insurance industry based on premiums
ceded.
CONTROL OF THE COMPANY
As of December 31, 1997, AIG owned approximately 49% of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock. Four of the Company's 9 current directors, including
the Chairman, are officers of AIG and hold the following positions with AIG: Mr.
Greenberg is a Director and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Mr.
Matthews is a Director and Vice Chairman; Mr. Howard I. Smith is a Director and
the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller and Mr.
Tizzio is a Director and Senior Vice Chairman.
AIG GROUP REINSURANCE
From 1977 through June 1990, TRH and AIG had an agreement granting TRH a
right of first acceptance to participate in substantially all property and
casualty reinsurance purchased by the AIG Group. AIG continues to grant TRH a
right of first acceptance under terms similar to those in effect under the above
mentioned agreement. TRH either accepts or rejects the AIG Group reinsurance
offered based upon TRH's assessment of risk selection, pricing, terms and
conditions. Historically, and with few exceptions, TRH has generally not set
terms and conditions as lead underwriter with respect to the AIG Group treaty
reinsurance; however, TRH may in the future set terms and conditions with
respect to such business as lead underwriter and intends that the terms and
conditions of any such reinsurance will be negotiated on an arms' length basis.
The operating management of TRH is not employed by the AIG Group, and the
Underwriting Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, which includes
directors of the Company who are not employees of the AIG Group, monitor TRH's
underwriting policies.
Approximately $181 million (12%), $232 million (18%) and $189 million (17%)
of gross premiums written by TRH in the years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
were attributable to reinsurance purchased by the AIG Group, for the production
of which TRH paid ceding commissions to the AIG Group of approximately $32
million, $33 million and $40 million, respectively, in such years. TRH has no
goal with respect to the proportion of AIG Group versus non-AIG Group business
it accepts. TRH's objective in
18
<PAGE>
determining its business mix is to evaluate each underwriting opportunity
individually with a view to maximizing overall underwriting results.
TRH retroceded gross premiums written to the AIG Group in the years 1997,
1996 and 1995 of approximately $84.4 million, $80.8 million and $71.8 million,
respectively, and received ceding commissions of approximately $8.4 million,
$8.0 million and $6.7 million, respectively, for the production of such business
in such years.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
One-half of the office space of TRH's New York headquarters, and its Hong
Kong and Toronto offices are rented from AIG, which either owns the property or
leases it from others. The remaining office space of TRH's headquarters and the
Chicago, Miami, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Zurich, London, Paris, Shanghai
and Tokyo offices, are rented from third parties. The leases for the office
space occupied by TRH's New York headquarters expire in 2005.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
TRH, in common with the reinsurance industry in general, is subject to
litigation in the normal course of its business. TRH does not believe that any
pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated
results of operations or financial position.
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 1997.
19
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The table below sets forth the names, positions and ages of the persons who
are the directors and executive officers of the Company as of March 26, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SERVED AS
DIRECTOR OR
NAME POSITION AGE OFFICER SINCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ --- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Robert F. Orlich............................................ President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director 50 1990(1)
Paul A. Bonny............................................... Senior Vice President 41 1994(2)
Robert V. Mucci............................................. Senior Vice President and
Actuary 41 1990(1)
Steven S. Skalicky.......................................... Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer 49 1995
Javier E. Vijil............................................. Senior Vice President 45 1996(3)
Louis Curreri............................................... Vice President 46 1990(1)
Elizabeth M. Tuck........................................... Secretary 42 1991
M.R. Greenberg.............................................. Chairman of the Board 72 1986
James Balog................................................. Director 69 1988
Ikuo Egashira............................................... Director 67 1995
John M. Fowler.............................................. Director 49 1989
John J. Mackowski........................................... Director 72 1990
Edward E. Matthews.......................................... Director 66 1986
Howard I. Smith............................................. Director 53 1994
Thomas R. Tizzio............................................ Director 60 1990(1)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Prior to April 1990, such person was a director or an officer of TRC and
Putnam, but not of the Company.
(2) Prior to May 1994, Mr. Bonny was an officer of TRC and Putnam, but not of
the Company.
(3) Mr. Vijil was elected as a Senior Vice President of the Company on May 22,
1996. From November 1994 to May 1996, Mr. Vijil was a Senior Vice President
of TRC and Putnam, but not of the Company. From August 1993 to November
1994, Mr. Vijil was an officer of TRC and Putnam, but not of the Company.
Prior to August 1993, Mr. Vijil was an officer of Cigna Reinsurance Company.
Except as noted, each of the executive officers has, for more than five
years, occupied an executive position with the Company or companies that are now
its subsidiaries. For more than two years prior to joining the Company in
February 1995, Mr. Skalicky served as an officer of certain AIG Group companies,
with his most recent position as Assistant Vice President and Deputy
Comptroller, AIG. Since January 1991, Ms. Tuck has also served as the Secretary
of a number of AIG Group companies.
20
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices per
share of the Company's Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Tape for each of the four quarters of 1997 and 1996, as adjusted for
the 3-for-2 common stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend,
paid on July 18, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
HIGH LOW High Low
--------- --------- --------- ---------
First Quarter............................................... 58 13/16 51 1/16 50 45 1/16
Second Quarter.............................................. 68 9/16 53 5/16 46 11/16 41 11/16
Third Quarter............................................... 74 3/8 66 9/16 48 1/4 43 13/16
Fourth Quarter.............................................. 75 5/8 68 7/16 53 11/16 45 3/4
</TABLE>
(b) The approximate number of holders of Common Stock, as of January 31,
1998, was 3,686.
(c) In 1997, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per common
share in March and $0.10 per common share in each of May, September and
December. In 1996, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per common
share in each of March, May and September and $0.09 per common share in
December. The Company paid each dividend in the quarter following the date of
declaration. All dividend information has been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-2
stock split paid on July 18, 1997.
The declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, by the Company will
be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many
factors, including the Company's consolidated earnings, financial condition and
business needs, capital and surplus requirements of the Company's operating
subsidiaries, regulatory considerations and other factors.
The Company is a holding company whose principal source of income is
dividends from TRC. The payment of dividends by TRC and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, TRZ and Putnam, is restricted by insurance regulations. (See Note
10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
21
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The following Selected Consolidated Financial Data is prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. This data should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes
included elsewhere herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997(1) 1996(1) 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<CAPTION>
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net premiums written..................... $ 1,294,136 $ 1,142,515 $ 1,009,227 $ 866,665 $ 631,023
Net premiums earned...................... 1,259,251 1,130,633 981,177 851,183 581,056
Net investment income.................... 207,646 192,636 172,876 153,594 138,902
Realized net capital gains............... 32,939 18,668 11,119 14,911 5,697
Total revenues........................... 1,499,836 1,341,937 1,165,172 1,019,688 725,655
Operating income......................... 236,096 197,518 165,320 122,545 96,573
Income before income taxes and cumulative
effect of accounting changes........... 234,726 196,320 163,799 119,262 93,618
Income before cumulative effect of
accounting changes..................... 185,500 154,860 131,858 101,627 86,743
Cumulative effect of accounting
changes(2)............................. -- -- -- -- 46,340
Net income............................... 185,500 154,860 131,858 101,627 133,083
PER COMMON SHARE:(3)
Income before cumulative effect of
accounting changes:(4)
Basic.................................. $ 5.37 $ 4.49 $ 3.83 $ 2.96 $ 2.53
Diluted................................ 5.34 4.48 3.82 2.95 2.52
Net income:(4)
Basic.................................. 5.37 4.49 3.83 2.96 3.88
Diluted................................ 5.34 4.48 3.82 2.95 3.87
Cash dividends declared.................. 0.39 0.33 0.28 0.25 0.20
SHARE DATA:(3)(4)
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic.................................. 34,546 34,474 34,409 34,353 34,329
Diluted................................ 34,751 34,594 34,525 34,424 34,416
BALANCE SHEET DATA
(AT YEAR END):
Investments and cash..................... $ 3,992,519 $ 3,589,889 $ 2,987,915 $ 2,497,062 $ 2,361,067
Total assets............................. 4,834,980 4,379,141 3,898,967 3,457,779 3,169,581
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses............................... 2,918,782 2,733,055 2,388,155 2,167,316 1,890,178
Unearned premiums........................ 366,640 343,936 291,568 249,098 222,625
Stockholders' equity..................... 1,356,659 1,137,306 988,502 763,368 771,854
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) TRH, through its wholly-owned subsidiary TRC, acquired Trans Re Zurich (TRZ)
in the third quarter of 1996. TRZ's results for the second half of 1996 and
thereafter are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and
accompanying notes included elsewhere herein.
(2) Represents a benefit of $47,000 and a charge of $660 for the cumulative
effect of adoption of accounting standards related to income taxes (SFAS No.
109) and postretirement benefits (SFAS No. 106), respectively. In addition,
the total cumulative effect of accounting changes in 1993, amounted to a net
benefit of $1.35 per common share on both a basic and diluted basis.
(3) Share and per share data have been retroactively adjusted to reflect a
3-for-2 common stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend,
paid July 18, 1997.
(4) All periods reflect the adoption of the accounting standard related to
earnings per share (SFAS No. 128).
22
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following discussion refers to the consolidated financial statements of
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (TRH) as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997,
which are presented elsewhere herein.
American International Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "AIG Group") own
approximately 49% of the Company's outstanding common stock. Financial data
discussed below have been affected by certain transactions between TRH and the
AIG Group. (See Notes 9 and 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
ACQUISITION OF TRANS RE ZURICH
In the third quarter of 1996, Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"),
through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Transatlantic Reinsurance Company (TRC),
acquired all of the outstanding shares of Trans Re Zurich (TRZ), formerly known
as Guardian Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft (Guardian Re), an international
reinsurance company based in Zurich, Switzerland, for approximately $105 million
in cash. Assets of TRZ totaled $366.8 million at the date of acquisition.
This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, TRZ's results
for the second half of 1996 and thereafter are included in the consolidated
results of the Company. This acquisition has not had a material effect on
financial position or net income.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW
TRH derives its revenue from two principal sources: premiums from
reinsurance assumed net of reinsurance ceded (i.e. net premiums earned) and
income from investments. Gross premiums assumed and reinsurance ceded are
initially deferred and then are credited or charged to income, respectively,
over the terms of the underlying contracts or certificates in force. The
deferred amounts constitute the unearned premium reserve or prepaid reinsurance
premium and are generally ratably credited or charged, respectively, to income
over the contract periods. The relationship between net premiums written and net
premiums earned will, therefore, vary depending generally on the volume and
inception dates of the business assumed and ceded and the mix of such business
between pro rata and excess-of-loss reinsurance.
The following table shows net premiums written, net premiums earned and net
investment income of TRH for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995
------------------------ -------------------------- ----------------------
<CAPTION>
% CHANGE % Change % Change
FROM From From
AMOUNT PRIOR YEAR Amount Prior Year Amount Prior Year
--------- ------------- --------- --------------- --------- -----------
(dollars in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net premiums written...................... $ 1,294.1 13.3% $ 1,142.5 13.2% $ 1,009.2 16.4%
Net premiums earned....................... 1,259.3 11.4 1,130.6 15.2 981.2 15.3
Net investment income..................... 207.6 7.8 192.6 11.4 172.9 12.6
</TABLE>
Net premiums written increased in 1997 compared to the prior year, generally
as a result of more favorable conditions in certain sectors of the market in
1997 as compared to other sectors, and due to the inclusion of a full year of
net premiums written from TRZ in 1997 compared to six months net premiums
written in 1996, when TRZ was acquired. Such net premiums written by TRZ
amounted to $172.3 million
23
<PAGE>
in 1997 and $78.2 million in 1996. Increasingly in recent years, the reinsurance
market has been characterized by significant competition worldwide in most
classes.
Net premiums written by international offices increased by $161.5 million,
or 34.9%, to $624.2 million in 1997. Nearly all such offices recorded premium
increases, led by TRZ, which reported an increase of $94.1 million as discussed
in the paragraph immediately above. International net premiums written increased
significantly in auto liability, auto physical damage, fire and allied lines.
International business represented 48.2% of total net premiums written in 1997
as compared to 40.5% in 1996. Domestic net premiums written decreased 1.5% to
$669.9 million. Significant decreases in general casualty, property and auto
liability lines (including nonstandard risks) were partially offset by increases
in homeowners' multi-peril, aircraft, and accident and health lines. On a
worldwide basis, casualty lines business represented 67.1% of net premiums
written in 1997 compared to 66.5% in the prior year. The balance represented
property lines. Treaty business represented 93.8% of net premiums written
compared to 90.5% in 1996. The balance represented facultative accounts. The net
increases noted above were primarily from treaty business and resulted from
increased coverage provided.
Generally as a result of more favorable conditions in certain sectors of the
market in 1996 as compared to other sectors, net premiums written increased in
1996. Net premiums written by our international locations increased by 48.2%
compared to 1995, to $462.7 million, while domestic net premiums written
decreased by 2.5% to $679.8 million. International business represented 40.5% of
total net premiums written. International net premiums written increased
significantly in treaty property, motor, ocean marine and other liability lines,
aided by $78.2 million of net premiums written by newly-acquired TRZ. The
decrease in domestic net premiums written was due to significant market
competition. Decreases in domestic property lines and certain specialty and
general casualty classes other than medical malpractice were partially offset by
increases in treaty workers' compensation, motor (including nonstandard risks),
medical malpractice, surety and marine lines. On a worldwide basis, property
lines business represented 33.5% of net premiums written in 1996 compared to
33.0% in 1995. The balance represented casualty lines. The increased amount of
property business increases the potential for volatile underwriting results
caused by major natural disasters. Treaty volume represented 90.5% of net
premiums written in 1996 compared to 87.2% in 1995. The balance represented
facultative accounts. The net increases noted above were primarily from treaty
business and generally resulted from increased coverage provided.
The increase in net premiums earned in each of 1997 and 1996 compared to the
respective prior year amounts resulted primarily from the significant growth in
net premiums written in both years. Net investment income grew each year due to
significant cash flow available for investment which was generated by operating
activities. Each year the growth was offset, in part, by generally lower
available yields on bonds purchased as compared to yields on bonds disposed of
in recent periods. In 1997, these lower yields are also due to the fact that TRH
has primarily been purchasing tax-exempt bonds for its domestic portfolio to
benefit its after-tax results. Tax-exempt bonds carry lower pre-tax yields than
taxable bonds that are comparable in risk and term to maturity due to their
tax-advantaged status. In 1997 and 1996, TRZ added $17.9 million and $8.4
million, respectively, to net investment income. (See Note 3 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.)
The property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industries use the
combined ratio as a measure of underwriting profitability. The combined ratio
reflects only underwriting results, and does not include income from
investments. Generally, a combined ratio under 100 indicates an underwriting
profit and a combined ratio exceeding 100 indicates an underwriting loss.
24
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth TRH's combined ratios and the components
thereof for the years indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio................................................. 74.1 74.4 76.1
Underwriting expense ratio............................................................. 26.0 26.9 26.1
Combined ratio......................................................................... 100.1 101.3 102.2
</TABLE>
TRH's 1997 results did not include any significant catastrophe loss
activity. In addition, as a result of net decreases in estimates of losses
occurring in prior years, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were reduced
by $14.6 million in 1997. Significant favorable development was recorded in 1997
on losses occurring in years subsequent to 1986 in the other liability line, in
1996 in the medical malpractice line and in 1995 and 1994 in certain property
lines. These reductions to incurred losses were partially offset by adverse
development in 1997 on losses occurring in 1996 in aircraft and surety lines, in
1995 and 1994 in the medical malpractice line and in 1983 and prior in the other
liability line.
TRH's 1996 results did not include any significant catastrophe loss
activity. In addition, as a result of net decreases in estimates of losses
occurring in prior years, net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred were
reduced by $7.7 million in 1996. In the other liability line, favorable
development on losses occurring in more recent years was offset by adverse
development in 1984 and prior years. In addition, in more recent years,
favorable development, particularly in the fire, allied line and aircraft lines
was partially offset by adverse development in the auto liability line.
1995 results included $4.5 million of losses from the Kobe, Japan
earthquake. In addition, these results benefited from net favorable development
on losses occurring in prior years of $3.5 million. Favorable development in
1995 from losses occurring in 1992 through 1994, particularly in the fire lines
in 1994, was partially offset by adverse development from casualty treaty losses
occurring in 1982 and prior years.
At December 31, 1997, reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses totaled $2.92 billion, an increase of $185.7 million, or 6.8%, over the
prior year. Also at December 31, 1997, reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
and loss adjustment expenses totaled $382.8 million, an increase of $46.5
million, or 13.8%, from the prior year. (See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.) TRH's reserves and related recoverables represent
estimates of all future liability and reinsurance recoverable thereon for losses
occurring on or prior to the balance sheet date. Net losses and loss adjustment
expenses are charged to income as incurred. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses are principally based on reports and individual case estimates received
from ceding companies. A provision is included for losses and loss adjustment
expenses incurred but not reported on the basis of past experience and other
factors. The methods of making such estimates and for establishing the resulting
reserves and related recoverables are continually reviewed and updated, and any
adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in income currently. Provisions
for inflation and "social inflation" (e.g. awards by judges and juries which
progressively increase in size at a rate exceeding that of general inflation)
are implicitly considered in the overall reserve setting process as an element
of numerous judgments which are made as to expected trends in average claim
severity. Because the reserving process is inherently difficult and subjective,
actual net losses and loss adjustment expenses may deviate, perhaps
substantially, from estimates of reserves and reinsurance recoverable on such
amounts reflected in TRH's consolidated financial statements.
Reserves for the reinsurance of risks related to environmental impairment
and asbestos-related illnesses amounted to $74 million and $78 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The majority of TRH's environmental
and asbestos-related liabilities arise from contracts entered into after 1984.
These obligations generally arose from contracts underwritten specifically as
environmental or asbestos-related coverages rather than from standard general
liability coverages where the environmental
25
<PAGE>
or asbestos-related liabilities were neither clearly defined nor specifically
excluded. The reserves carried for such claims, including incurred but not
reported claims (IBNR), are based upon known facts and current law. However,
significant uncertainty exists as, among other things, there are inconsistent
court resolutions with respect to underlying policy intent and coverage, an
increasing number of new claims and uncertainties as to the allocation of
responsibility for clean up costs of hazardous waste dump sites. The
government's refusal to release parties from liability and the possibility of
dramatic changes from the Congressional re-evaluation of Superfund add to this
uncertainty. Additional liabilities which cannot be currently measured may
emerge in the future and this emergence may have a material adverse effect on
future earnings. TRH believes that these claims reserves, as well as all other
claims reserves carried at December 31, 1997, are adequate.
The decrease of the underwriting expense ratio in 1997 compared to 1996 was
due to a reduction in the ratio of net commissions to net premiums written,
caused, in large part, by a slight change in the mix of business. The increase
of the underwriting expense ratio in 1996 compared to 1995 consisted of an
increase in the net commission ratio of 0.5 and an increase in the other
operating expense ratio of 0.3.
Other deductions generally include currency transaction gains and losses and
other miscellaneous income and expense items.
Realized net capital gains on the disposition of investments totaled $32.9
million in 1997, $18.7 million in 1996 and $11.1 million in 1995. Income before
income taxes was $234.7 million in 1997, $196.3 million in 1996 and $163.8
million in 1995. The increases in income before income taxes in 1997 and 1996
over the respective prior years resulted from increased net investment income
and realized net capital gains, and improved underwriting results.
The provisions for federal and foreign income taxes were $49.2 million in
1997, $41.5 million in 1996 and $31.9 million in 1995. The Company and its
domestic subsidiaries, TRC and Putnam Reinsurance Company (Putnam), filed
consolidated federal income tax returns for the years under discussion, except
those for 1997 which are not yet due. The tax burden among the companies is
allocated in accordance with a tax sharing agreement. TRC will include as part
of its taxable income those items of income of the non-U.S. subsidiary, TRZ,
which are subject to U.S. income tax currently, pursuant to Subpart F income
rules of the Internal Revenue Code, and included, as appropriate, in the
consolidated federal income tax return.
The effective tax rates were 21.0% in 1997, 21.1% in 1996 and 19.5% in 1995.
The increase in the effective tax rate in 1996 as compared to the prior year was
due, in large part, to higher earnings and a lower proportion of tax-exempt
investment income to income before income taxes in 1996 as compared to 1995.
Net income and net income per common share on a diluted basis, respectively,
were as follows: 1997--$185.5 million, $5.34; 1996--$154.9 million, $4.48;
1995--$131.9 million, $3.82. Reasons for these increases are as discussed above.
Per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 3-for-2 common
stock split paid in July 1997. (See Note 2(j) of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
As a holding company, the Company's assets consist primarily of the stock of
TRC and the Company's future cash flows depend on the availability of dividends
or other statutorily permissible payments from TRC and its wholly-owned
operating subsidiaries, TRZ and Putnam. (See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for a discussion of restrictions on dividend payment.)
During 1997, the Company received cash dividends of $14.2 million from TRC.
Sources of funds for the operating subsidiaries consist primarily of premiums,
reinsurance recoverables, investment income and proceeds from sales, redemptions
and the maturing of investments. Funds are applied primarily to payments of
claims, ceded reinsurance premiums, insurance operating expenses, income taxes
and investments in fixed income and equity securities. Premiums are generally
received substantially in advance of related claims
26
<PAGE>
payments. Cash and short-term investments are maintained for the payment of
claims and expenses as they become due. TRH does not anticipate any material
capital expenditures in the foreseeable future.
At December 31, 1997, total investments and cash were $3,992.5 million
compared to $3,589.9 million at December 31, 1996. This increase is principally
due to net cash provided by operating activities which totaled $318.9 million in
1997 and an increase during the year in net unrealized appreciation of
investments available for sale of $87.1 million. (See Note 3 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.)
TRH's operating cash flow in 1997 declined compared to 1996. This decrease
was due to a significant increase in paid losses and lesser increases in net
commissions, operating expenses and taxes paid, offset in part by increased net
premiums and net investment income received. Operating cash flow in 1996
surpassed the prior year amount due, in part, to an increase in net premium
volume and increased net investment income received, partially offset by
increased net commissions and paid losses. In each of 1997 and 1996 as compared
to the respective prior year, the increase in paid losses was principally due to
increases in premium volume and a shift in the business mix in recent years
towards lines with shorter loss payment patterns. International operations, most
significantly London, accounted for approximately 43%, 41% and 36% of operating
cash flow in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
TRH believes that its balance of cash and short-term investments of $87.5
million as of December 31, 1997 and its future cash flows will be sufficient to
meet TRH's cash requirements through the end of 1998 and thereafter for a period
the length of which is difficult to predict, but which TRH believes will be at
least one year.
TRH's fixed maturity investments, approximately 87.7% of total investments
as of December 31, 1997, are predominantly investment grade, liquid securities
concentrated in maturities of less than 10 years. Also as of that date,
approximately 11.9% of total investments were in common and nonredeemable
preferred stocks and the remaining 0.4% consisted of short-term investments. In
considering the impact of inflation in conducting its operations, TRH structures
investment maturities to minimize the effects of interest rate fluctuations on
operating results. Based on the foregoing, TRH considers its liquidity to be
adequate through the end of 1998 and thereafter for a period the length of which
is difficult to predict, but which TRH believes will be at least one year.
As of December 31, 1997, a significant portion of the bond portfolio was
classified as available-for-sale and carried at market value. Fixed maturity
investments are carried at amortized cost when it is TRH's positive intent to
hold these securities to maturity and TRH has the ability to do so. Most
activity within the bonds available for sale portfolio for the years under
discussion represented strategic portfolio realignments, partially for tax
purposes. TRH adjusts its mix of taxable and tax-exempt investments, as
appropriate, generally as a result of strategic investment and tax planning
considerations. During 1997, the Company has primarily been purchasing
tax-exempt bonds for its domestic bond portfolio, gradually increasing the
proportion of tax-exempt bonds to total bonds. As of December 31, 1997, bonds
held to maturity had gross unrealized gains of $83.4 million and no gross
unrealized losses. Gross unrealized gains and losses on bonds available for sale
as of December 31, 1997 amounted to $66.4 million and $1.2 million,
respectively.
As of December 31, 1997, 89.7% of the bond portfolio were rated Aaa or Aa by
Moody's, an additional 9.8% were also rated investment grade or better by
Moody's or similar foreign or domestic services and 0.5% were not rated. Also,
as of December 31, 1997, TRH had no derivative financial instruments. (See Note
3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
TRH's stockholders' equity increased to $1.36 billion at December 31, 1997,
an increase of $219.4 million over year-end 1996. The net increase was comprised
principally of net income of $185.5 million and a net increase in unrealized
appreciation of investments, net of deferred income taxes, of $56.6 million,
which consists of increases of $47.6 million from equities and $9.0 million from
bonds available for sale.
27
<PAGE>
These increases were partially offset by net unrealized currency translation
losses of $14.4 million and cash dividends declared of $13.5 million. Unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) of investments, net of deferred income taxes, is
subject to significant volatility resulting from changes in the market value of
bonds and equities available for sale. Market values may fluctuate due to
changes in general economic conditions, market interest rates and other factors.
Risk-based capital (RBC) standards, promulgated by the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), relate an individual company's statutory
policyholders' surplus to the risk inherent in its overall operations and sets
thresholds at which certain company and regulatory corrective actions are
mandated. At December 31, 1997, the statutory surpluses of TRC and Putnam each
significantly exceeded RBC requirements.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
1997 ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: In February 1997, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." As compared to the prior standard, SFAS No. 128
simplifies computational guidelines, revises disclosure requirements and
increases earnings per share (EPS) comparability on an international basis.
Basic EPS, which is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding, replaces primary EPS from the prior
standard. For all periods previously reported by TRH, basic EPS is the same as
primary EPS, since the impact of the Company's common stock equivalents
(principally stock options) for those periods did not reach the significance
threshold prescribed to require adjustment under the prior standard. Diluted EPS
reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other
contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or
resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the
entity. Diluted EPS is computed similarly to fully diluted EPS from the prior
standard.
For all entities with complex capital structures, basic and diluted EPS must
be shown on the face of the income statement with equal prominence. In addition,
a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator from the basic EPS computation
to the diluted EPS computation is required. (See Note 2(j) of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Pursuant to the standard, TRH has adopted SFAS No. 128 for the 1997 annual
financial statements and has restated all prior period EPS data presented.
Also in February 1997, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued
Financial Reporting Release No. 48, "Disclosure of Accounting Policies for
Derivative Financial Instruments and Derivative Commodity Instruments and
Disclosure of Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk
Inherent in Derivative Financial Instruments, Other Financial Instruments, and
Derivative Commodity Instruments" (FRR No. 48).
FRR No. 48 amends rules and forms for registrants and requires clarification
and expansion of existing disclosures for derivative financial instruments,
other financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments, as defined
therein. The amendments require enhanced disclosure with respect to these
derivative instruments in the notes to financial statements. As of December 31,
1997, TRH has no derivative financial instruments.
Additionally, the amendments expand existing disclosure requirements to
include quantitative and qualitative discussions with respect to market risk
inherent in market risk sensitive instruments such as equity and fixed maturity
securities, as well as derivative instruments. These amendments are designed to
provide additional information about market risk sensitive instruments which
investors can use to better understand and evaluate market risk exposures of
registrants. For TRH, these disclosures will be effective in 1998.
28
<PAGE>
In June 1997, the FASB adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income." This statement establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses)
in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income is
defined as the change in stockholders' equity during a period from transactions
and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources and includes net
income and all changes in stockholders' equity except those resulting from
investments by owners and distribution to owners.
This standard requires that an enterprise (a) classify items of other
comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and (b) display
the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained
earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of
financial position.
Comprehensive income for TRH would presently consist of net income, the
change in net unrealized appreciation of investments, net of deferred income
taxes, and the change in net unrealized currency translation gain (loss). For
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, comprehensive income would
amount to $227.7 million, $157.5 million and $234.1 million, respectively. The
differences in comprehensive income between years are caused principally by
significant fluctuations in the changes in unrealized appreciation of
investments, net of deferred income taxes, combined with the impact of steadily
increasing net income.
In accordance with the standard, TRH will adopt SFAS No. 130 in the first
quarter of 1998. Reclassification of prior period financial statements provided
for comparative purposes is required.
Also in June 1997, the FASB adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." This statement establishes standards
for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating
segments in annual and interim financial statements and requires presentation of
a measure of profit or loss, certain specific revenue and expense items and
segment assets. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas and major customers, superseding most of
SFAS No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise."
SFAS No. 131 requires that a public business enterprise report financial and
descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. Generally,
financial information is required to be reported on the basis that is used
internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources to segments. The enterprise must report information about the revenues
derived, countries in which it earns revenues and holds assets and major
customers regardless of whether that information is used in making operating
decisions. However, this statement does not require an enterprise to report
information that is not prepared for internal use if reporting it would be
impracticable.
SFAS No. 131 is effective for financial statements for periods beginning
after December 15, 1997. This statement need not be applied to interim financial
statements in the initial year of its application, but comparative information
for interim periods in the initial year of application is to be reported in
financial statements for interim periods in the second year of application. TRH
will adopt this standard for the 1998 annual financial statements.
1996 ACCOUNTING STANDARD: In June 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities." This statement provides accounting and reporting standards for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities.
In addition, it provides consistent standards for distinguishing transfers of
financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings.
SFAS No. 125 was effective as of January 1, 1997 and was to be applied
prospectively. However, SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain
Provisions of SFAS No. 125," deferred for one year the effective date of certain
provisions of SFAS No. 125 which affect repurchase agreements, dollar-rolls,
29
<PAGE>
securities lending and similar transactions. Management believes that the
implementation of SFAS No. 125, as amended, will not have a material impact on
results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
1995 ACCOUNTING STANDARD: In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." This statement establishes new
financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee
compensation plans, including stock option and stock purchase plans.
Compensation resulting from the award of stock-based compensation must be
determined based on the fair value of consideration received or fair value of
the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Such
compensation expense, net of income taxes, may be recognized in the Statement of
Operations over the service period of the employee (generally the vesting
period). In lieu of recording such compensation expense, entities are permitted
to disclose its pro forma impact, net of income taxes, on reported net income
and earnings per share. Entities choosing such disclosure will continue to
measure compensation expense from stock-based compensation in the Statement of
Operations based on the intrinsic value method prescribed in Statement of the
Accounting Principles Board No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
In accordance with the standard, TRH adopted SFAS No. 123 beginning with the
1996 annual financial statements and chose the pro forma disclosure option of
implementation. (See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
OTHER MATTERS
IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE: The year 2000 (Y2K) problem results from
certain computer programs having been written using two digits, rather than
four, to define the applicable year. A program left uncorrected may recognize a
date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000, which could result
in system failures or miscalculations causing disruption of operations and
financial losses.
TRH's major reinsurance application systems have recently been the subject
of significant upgrades, scheduled for completion in mid-1998. These updated
systems were constructed to be Y2K compliant. TRH's other computer systems are
relatively new, generally having been written or purchased in the last five
years, when the Y2K issue had already been identified and was usually a
consideration in the development process. TRH is currently working to ensure
that all its computerized data processing systems will treat the year 2000
properly in date-sensitive fields. Accordingly, TRH is reviewing its internally
developed systems as well as contacting its software vendors to ensure that all
critical systems are Y2K compliant. These reviews and corrective actions, if
necessary, are expected to be substantially completed before the end of 1998.
The additional costs that will result from these activities are not expected to
have a material effect on net income, financial condition or cash flows.
In addition, TRH is in the process of contacting significant customers (i.e.
brokers and ceding companies), reinsurers and vendors regarding the status of
their remediation activities for material Y2K issues. Management believes that
its actions, if any, necessitated by the responses to these Y2K inquiries will
be ongoing through early 1999. However, the potential impact and related costs
to TRH from the inability of such customers (or their customers' insureds),
reinsurers or vendors to resolve their significant Y2K issues, if any, each in a
timely manner, are not determinable at this time.
30
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants........................................................... 32
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996................................ 33
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995............................................................................. 34
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995.................................................................................. 35
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995............................................................................. 36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................. 37
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
Schedules:
I --Summary of Investments--Other than Investments in Related Parties as of December
31, 1997.......................................................................... S-1
II --Condensed Financial Information of Registrant as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.............................. S-2
III --Supplementary Insurance Information as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for
the years then ended.............................................................. S-5
IV --Reinsurance for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995................... S-6
VI --Supplementary Information Concerning Property/Casualty Insurance Operations as of
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for the years then ended..................... S-7
</TABLE>
31
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements and the financial
statement schedules of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries listed in
the index on page 31 of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and financial
statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Transatlantic
Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the financial
statement schedules referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects,
the information required to be included therein.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
New York, New York
February 9, 1998
32
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
(in thousands, except
share data)
A S S E T S
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities:
Bonds held to maturity, at amortized cost (market value: 1997-- $1,313,382;
1996--$1,182,713).......................................................... $ 1,230,015 $ 1,125,133
Bonds available for sale, at market value (amortized cost: 1997-- $2,145,717;
1996--$1,884,274).......................................................... 2,210,910 1,935,677
Equities:
Common stocks available for sale, at market value (cost: 1997-- $289,701;
1996--$289,938)............................................................ 458,153 386,723
Nonredeemable preferred stocks available for sale, at market value
(cost: 1997--$5,014; 1996--$6,276)......................................... 5,973 5,642
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates market value................ 16,731 59,191
Cash and cash equivalents...................................................... 70,737 77,523
------------ ------------
Total investments and cash............................................... 3,992,519 3,589,889
Accrued investment income........................................................ 70,799 63,213
Premium balances receivable, net................................................. 188,816 160,259
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Affiliates..................................................................... 189,690 162,739
Other.......................................................................... 212,475 205,105
Deferred acquisition costs....................................................... 64,752 58,700
Prepaid reinsurance premiums..................................................... 22,056 26,617
Deferred income taxes............................................................ 71,981 93,782
Other assets..................................................................... 21,892 18,837
------------ ------------
Total assets............................................................. $ 4,834,980 $ 4,379,141
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
L I A B I L I T I E S A N D S T O C K H O L D E R S ' E Q U I T Y
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses....................................... $ 2,918,782 $ 2,733,055
Unearned premiums................................................................ 366,640 343,936
Reinsurance balances payable..................................................... 124,365 62,534
Current income taxes payable..................................................... 19,531 20,356
Other liabilities................................................................ 49,003 81,954
------------ ------------
Total liabilities........................................................ 3,478,321 3,241,835
------------ ------------
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value; shares authorized: 5,000,000................... -- --
Common Stock, $1.00 par value; shares authorized: 50,000,000;
shares issued: 1997--35,362,870; 1996--23,812,796.............................. 35,363 23,813
Additional paid-in capital....................................................... 195,494 201,930
Net unrealized appreciation of investments, net of
deferred income taxes (1997--$82,111; 1996--$51,644)........................... 152,493 95,910
Net unrealized currency translation (loss) gain.................................. (11,769) 2,596
Retained earnings................................................................ 995,078 823,057
Treasury Stock, at cost; 800,000 shares.......................................... (10,000) (10,000)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity............................................... 1,356,659 1,137,306
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............................... $ 4,834,980 $ 4,379,141
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands, except per share data)
Income:
Net premiums written.................................................. $ 1,294,136 $ 1,142,515 $ 1,009,227
Increase in net unearned premiums..................................... (34,885) (11,882) (28,050)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net premiums earned................................................... 1,259,251 1,130,633 981,177
Net investment income................................................. 207,646 192,636 172,876
------------ ------------ ------------
1,466,897 1,323,269 1,154,053
------------ ------------ ------------
Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses............................... 933,015 841,511 746,872
Net commissions....................................................... 294,481 270,873 234,551
Other operating expenses.............................................. 42,296 35,722 28,329
Increase in deferred acquisition costs................................ (6,052) (3,687) (9,900)
------------ ------------ ------------
1,263,740 1,144,419 999,852
------------ ------------ ------------
203,157 178,850 154,201
Realized net capital gains.............................................. 32,939 18,668 11,119
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income........................................................ 236,096 197,518 165,320
Other deductions........................................................ (1,370) (1,198) (1,521)
------------ ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes.............................................. 234,726 196,320 163,799
------------ ------------ ------------
Income taxes (benefits):
Current............................................................... 51,620 48,000 38,886
Deferred.............................................................. (2,394) (6,540) (6,945)
------------ ------------ ------------
49,226 41,460 31,941
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income.............................................................. $ 185,500 $ 154,860 $ 131,858
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income per common share:
Basic................................................................. $ 5.37 $ 4.49 $ 3.83
Diluted............................................................... 5.34 4.48 3.82
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic................................................................. 34,546 34,474 34,409
Diluted............................................................... 34,751 34,594 34,525
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
34
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands, except per share data)
Common Stock:
Balance, beginning of year.............................................. $ 23,813 $ 23,750 $ 23,726
Stock split effected as a dividend...................................... 11,516 -- --
Issued under stock option and purchase plans............................ 34 63 24
------------ ------------ ----------
Balance, end of year................................................ 35,363 23,813 23,750
------------ ------------ ----------
Additional paid-in capital:
Balance, beginning of year.............................................. 201,930 199,243 198,564
Stock split effected as a dividend...................................... (11,516) -- --
Excess of proceeds over par value of common stock issued under stock
option and purchase plans and other................................... 5,080 2,687 679
------------ ------------ ----------
Balance, end of year................................................ 195,494 201,930 199,243
------------ ------------ ----------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, net of deferred
income taxes:
Balance, beginning of year.............................................. 95,910 93,525 (10,590)
Net change for year..................................................... 87,050 3,670 160,176
Deferred income tax on change........................................... (30,467) (1,285) (56,061)
------------ ------------ ----------
Balance, end of year................................................ 152,493 95,910 93,525
------------ ------------ ----------
Net unrealized currency translation (loss) gain:
Balance, beginning of year.............................................. 2,596 2,392 4,298
Net change for year..................................................... (14,365) 204 (1,906)
------------ ------------ ----------
Balance, end of year................................................ (11,769) 2,596 2,392
------------ ------------ ----------
Retained earnings:
Balance, beginning of year.............................................. 823,057 679,592 557,370
Net income.............................................................. 185,500 154,860 131,858
Cash dividends declared (per common share: 1997--$0.39; 1996--$0.33;
1995--$0.28).......................................................... (13,479) (11,395) (9,636)
------------ ------------ ----------
Balance, end of year................................................ 995,078 823,057 679,592
------------ ------------ ----------
Treasury Stock:
Balance, beginning and end of year...................................... (10,000) (10,000) (10,000)
------------ ------------ ----------
Total stockholders' equity.......................................... $ 1,356,659 $ 1,137,306 $ 988,502
------------ ------------ ----------
------------ ------------ ----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
35
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income............................................................... $ 185,500 $ 154,860 $ 131,858
----------- ----------- -----------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Changes in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, unearned
premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums.......................... 212,992 179,651 248,443
Changes in premium and reinsurance balances receivable and payable,
net................................................................ (48,765) 47,821 (29,921)
Change in deferred acquisition costs................................. (6,052) (3,687) (9,900)
Change in accrued investment income.................................. (7,586) (6,407) (5,546)
Realized net capital gains........................................... (32,939) (18,668) (11,119)
Changes in current and deferred income taxes......................... (1,755) 836 1,587
Change in cumulative translation adjustment.......................... 17,757 17,484 335
Changes in other assets and liabilities, net......................... (3,814) (3,887) 6,016
Other, net........................................................... 3,585 5,365 1,077
----------- ----------- -----------
Total adjustments................................................ 133,423 218,508 200,972
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................ 318,923 373,368 332,830
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds of bonds available for sale sold................................ 334,315 472,008 77,110
Proceeds of bonds held to maturity redeemed or matured................... 72,545 19,253 3,583
Proceeds of bonds available for sale redeemed or matured................. 262,781 169,581 78,281
Proceeds of equities sold................................................ 175,014 156,895 118,605
Purchase of bonds held to maturity....................................... (175,834) (265,741) (201,805)
Purchase of bonds available for sale..................................... (893,039) (587,663) (248,786)
Purchase of equities..................................................... (147,374) (212,030) (163,389)
Net proceeds (purchase) of short-term investments........................ 42,460 (46,317) 703
Change in payable for securities in course of settlement................. (32,192) 28,228 (1,356)
Investment in Trans Re Zurich, net of cash acquired...................... -- (66,479) --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities............................ (361,324) (332,265) (337,054)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends to stockholders................................................ (13,132) (11,395) (9,176)
Proceeds from common stock issued and other.............................. 5,114 2,750 703
Net proceeds from reinsurance deposits................................... 47,718 -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash from financing activities............................... 39,700 (8,645) (8,473)
----------- ----------- -----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents............... (4,085) (2,767) (2,260)
----------- ----------- -----------
Change in cash and cash equivalents.............................. (6,786) 29,691 (14,957)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year............................... 77,523 47,832 62,789
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year........................... $ 70,737 $ 77,523 $ 47,832
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") is a holding company,
incorporated in the state of Delaware, which owns all of the common stock of
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company (TRC). In addition to TRC, the Company owned
100% of Putnam Reinsurance Company (Putnam) until December 29, 1995, when the
Company contributed all the stock of Putnam to TRC.
In the third quarter of 1996, TRC acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Trans Re Zurich (TRZ), formerly known as Guardian Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft
(Guardian Re), an international reinsurance company based in Zurich,
Switzerland, for approximately $105 million in cash. The acquisition was
accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, TRZ's results for the second half of
1996 and thereafter are included in the consolidated results of the Company.
This acquisition has not had a material effect on financial position or net
income.
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (TRH), through its operating
subsidiaries TRC, TRZ and Putnam, offers reinsurance capacity for a full range
of property and casualty products to insurers and reinsurers on a treaty and
facultative basis, with an emphasis on specialty classes. Including domestic as
well as international risks, TRH's principal lines of business are general
liability (including directors' and officers' liability and other professional
liability), automobile liability (including nonstandard risks), medical
malpractice and marine and aviation in the casualty lines, and fire and allied
lines in the property lines (which include property catastrophe risks). Casualty
lines represent 67.1%, 66.5% and 67.0% of net premiums written in 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively. The balance represents property lines.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis
of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Certain reclassifications
have been made to conform prior years' presentations with 1997.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated.
(b) INVESTMENTS: Bonds are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at
amortized cost if TRH has the positive intent and ability to hold each of these
securities to maturity. The balance of TRH's bonds are classified as
available-for-sale and carried at market value. Common and nonredeemable
preferred stocks are carried principally at market value. Market values for
fixed maturity securities and equities are generally based upon quoted market
prices. For certain fixed maturity securities for which market prices were not
readily available, market values were estimated using values obtained from
independent pricing services. Short-term investments are carried at cost, which
approximates market value.
Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the
basis of specific identification. Changes in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of bonds available for sale and in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of equity investments are charged or credited, net of deferred
income taxes,
37
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
directly to stockholders' equity. Investment income is recorded as earned.
Amortization of bond premium and the accrual of bond discount are charged or
credited to net investment income.
(c) CASH EQUIVALENTS: A portion of cash equivalents is invested in a money
market fund managed by an American International Group, Inc. (AIG, and
collectively, with its subsidiaries, the AIG Group) subsidiary. (See Note 9.)
(d) DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS: Acquisition costs, consisting primarily of
net commissions incurred on business conducted through reinsurance contracts or
certificates, are deferred, and then amortized over the period in which the
related premiums are earned, generally one year. Anticipated losses and loss
adjustment expenses and estimated remaining costs of servicing the contracts are
considered in determining acquisition costs to be deferred. Anticipated
investment income is not considered in the deferral of acquisition costs.
(e) LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES: Losses and loss adjustment
expenses, net of related reinsurance recoverable, are charged to income as
incurred. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are principally based on
reports and individual case estimates received from ceding companies. An amount
is included for losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred but not reported
(IBNR) on the basis of past experience. The methods of making such estimates and
for establishing the resulting reserves are continually reviewed and updated,
and any adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in income currently. TRH
does not discount its unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses include certain amounts for the
reinsurance of risks related to environmental impairment and asbestos-related
illnesses. The majority of TRH's environmental and asbestos-related liabilities
arise from contracts entered into after 1984. These obligations generally arose
from contracts underwritten specifically as environmental or asbestos-related
coverages rather than from standard general liability coverages where the
environmental or asbestos-related liabilities were neither clearly defined nor
specifically excluded. The reserves carried at December 31, 1997 for such
claims, including IBNR, are based upon known facts and current law. However,
significant uncertainty exists as, among other things, there are inconsistent
court resolutions with respect to underlying policy intent and coverage, an
increasing number of new claims and uncertainties as to the allocation of
responsibility for clean up costs of hazardous waste dump sites. The
government's refusal to release parties from liability and the possibility of
dramatic changes from the Congressional re-evaluation of Superfund add to this
uncertainty. Additional liabilities which cannot be currently measured may
emerge in the future and this emergence may have a material adverse effect on
future earnings.
(f) UNEARNED PREMIUMS: Unearned premiums represent the portion of gross
premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired terms of reinsurance
contracts or certificates in force. Accordingly, premiums written are taken into
income as earned. Unearned premiums are calculated principally by the monthly
pro rata method or are based on reports received from ceding companies. In the
Consolidated Statements of Operations, the change in unearned premiums is
presented net of the change in prepaid reinsurance premiums.
(g) DEFERRED INCOME TAXES: Deferred income taxes are provided for the
expected tax effect of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and
liabilities used for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used in tax
returns.
38
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
(h) REINSURANCE DEPOSITS: Amounts received pursuant to reinsurance
contracts that are not expected to indemnify the ceding company against loss or
liability are recorded as deposits and included in the Consolidated Balance
Sheet as "reinsurance balances payable." These deposits are treated as financing
transactions and are credited with interest according to contract terms.
(i) CURRENCY TRANSLATION: Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income
and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates for the year. The
resulting net translation adjustment for functional currencies is reflected as a
separate component of stockholders' equity.
Transaction gains and losses on assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies which are not designated as functional currencies are
reflected in results of operations during the period in which they occur.
(j) NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE: Net income per common share has been
computed in the following table in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (See Note 2k(i)), based upon
weighted average common shares outstanding. Share amounts have been
retroactively adjusted to reflect a 3-for-2 split of the common stock in the
form of a 50% stock dividend, paid in July 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands, except per share
data)
Net income (numerator).................................................... $ 185,500 $ 154,860 $ 131,858
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in the computation of net
income per share:
Average shares issued................................................... 35,346 35,274 35,209
Less: Average shares in treasury........................................ 800 800 800
---------- ---------- ----------
Average outstanding shares--basic (denominator)......................... 34,546 34,474 34,409
Average potential shares, principally stock options..................... 205 120 116
---------- ---------- ----------
Average outstanding shares--diluted (denominator)....................... 34,751 34,594 34,525
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income per common share:
Basic................................................................... $ 5.37 $ 4.49 $ 3.83
Diluted................................................................. 5.34 4.48 3.82
</TABLE>
(k) ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
i. 1997 ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: In February 1997, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." As compared to the prior standard, SFAS No. 128
simplifies computational guidelines, revises disclosure requirements and
increases earnings per share (EPS) comparability on an international basis.
Basic EPS, which is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding, replaces primary EPS from the prior
standard. For all periods previously reported by TRH, basic EPS is the same as
primary EPS, since the impact of the Company's common stock equivalents
(principally stock options) for those periods did not reach the significance
threshold prescribed to require adjustment under the prior standard. Diluted EPS
reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other
contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or
39
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the
entity. Diluted EPS is computed similarly to fully diluted EPS from the prior
standard.
For all entities with complex capital structures, basic and diluted EPS must
be shown on the face of the income statement with equal prominence. In addition,
a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator from the basic EPS computation
to the diluted EPS computation is required. (See Note 2(j))
Pursuant to the standard, TRH has adopted SFAS No. 128 for the 1997 annual
financial statements and has restated all prior period EPS data presented.
Also in February 1997, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued
Financial Reporting Release No. 48, "Disclosure of Accounting Policies for
Derivative Financial Instruments and Derivative Commodity Instruments and
Disclosure of Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk
Inherent in Derivative Financial Instruments, Other Financial Instruments, and
Derivative Commodity Instruments" (FRR No. 48).
FRR No. 48 amends rules and forms for registrants and requires clarification
and expansion of existing disclosures for derivative financial instruments,
other financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments, as defined
therein. The amendments require enhanced disclosure with respect to these
derivative instruments in the notes to financial statements. As of December 31,
1997, TRH has no derivative financial instruments.
Additionally, the amendments expand existing disclosure requirements to
include quantitative and qualitative discussions with respect to market risk
inherent in market risk sensitive instruments such as equity and fixed maturity
securities, as well as derivative instruments. These amendments are designed to
provide additional information about market risk sensitive instruments which
investors can use to better understand and evaluate market risk exposures of
registrants. For TRH, these disclosures will be effective in 1998.
In June 1997, the FASB adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income." This statement establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses)
in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income is
defined as the change in stockholders' equity during a period from transactions
and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources and includes net
income and all changes in stockholders' equity except those resulting from
investments by owners and distribution to owners.
This standard requires that an enterprise (a) classify items of other
comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and (b) display
the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained
earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of
financial position.
Comprehensive income for TRH would presently consist of net income, the
change in net unrealized appreciation of investments, net of deferred income
taxes, and the change in net unrealized currency translation gain (loss). For
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, comprehensive income would
amount to $227.7 million, $157.5 million and $234.1 million, respectively. The
differences in comprehensive income between years are caused principally by
significant fluctuations in the changes in unrealized appreciation of
investments, net of deferred income taxes, combined with the impact of steadily
increasing net income.
40
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
In accordance with the standard, TRH will adopt SFAS No. 130 in the first
quarter of 1998. Reclassification of prior period financial statements provided
for comparative purposes is required.
Also in June 1997, the FASB adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." This statement establishes standards
for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating
segments in annual and interim financial statements and requires presentation of
a measure of profit or loss, certain specific revenue and expense items and
segment assets. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas and major customers, superseding most of
SFAS No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise."
SFAS No. 131 requires that a public business enterprise report financial and
descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. Generally,
financial information is required to be reported on the basis that is used
internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources to segments. The enterprise must report information about the revenues
derived, countries in which it earns revenues and holds assets and major
customers regardless of whether that information is used in making operating
decisions. However, this statement does not require an enterprise to report
information that is not prepared for internal use if reporting it would be
impracticable.
SFAS No. 131 is effective for financial statements for periods beginning
after December 15, 1997. This statement need not be applied to interim financial
statements in the initial year of its application, but comparative information
for interim periods in the initial year of application is to be reported in
financial statements for interim periods in the second year of application. TRH
will adopt this standard for the 1998 annual financial statements.
ii. 1996 ACCOUNTING STANDARD: In June 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities." This statement provides accounting and reporting standards for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities.
In addition, it provides consistent standards for distinguishing transfers of
financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings.
SFAS No. 125 was effective as of January 1, 1997 and was to be applied
prospectively. However, SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain
Provisions of SFAS No. 125," deferred for one year the effective date of certain
provisions of SFAS No. 125 which affect repurchase agreements, dollar-rolls,
securities lending and similar transactions. Management believes that the
implementation of SFAS No. 125, as amended, will not have a material impact on
results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
iii. 1995 ACCOUNTING STANDARD: In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." This statement establishes new
financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee
compensation plans, including stock option and stock purchase plans.
Compensation resulting from the award of stock-based compensation must be
determined based on the fair value of consideration received or fair value of
the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Such
compensation expense, net of income taxes, may be recognized in the Statement of
Operations over the service period of the employee (generally the vesting
period). In lieu of recording such compensation expense, entities are permitted
to disclose its pro forma impact, net of income taxes, on reported net income
and earnings per share. Entities choosing such disclosure will continue to
measure compensation expense from stock-based compensation in the Statement of
Operations based on the
41
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
intrinsic value method prescribed in Statement of the Accounting Principles
Board (APB) No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
In accordance with the standard, TRH adopted SFAS No. 123 beginning with the
1996 annual financial statements and chose the pro forma disclosure option of
implementation. (See Note 8.)
3. INVESTMENTS
(a) STATUTORY DEPOSITS: Investments, the substantial majority of which are
bonds and common stocks available for sale, were deposited with governmental
authorities as required by law and amounted to approximately $123,000,000 and
$119,000,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
(b) NET INVESTMENT INCOME: An analysis of net investment income of TRH
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities............................................................. $ 206,714 $ 191,348 $ 171,065
Equities..................................................................... 9,077 5,695 4,207
Short-term investments....................................................... 919 362 229
Cash equivalents and other, net.............................................. (2,192) 1,361 2,255
---------- ---------- ----------
Total investment income.................................................... 214,518 198,766 177,756
Investment expenses.......................................................... (6,872) (6,130) (4,880)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income...................................................... $ 207,646 $ 192,636 $ 172,876
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
(c) INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES: The realized net capital gains and change
in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments are summarized as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- -----------
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Realized net capital gains on sale of investments:
Fixed maturities........................................................... $ 3,526 $ 415 $ 628
Equities................................................................... 29,375 18,223 10,460
Other...................................................................... 38 30 31
---------- ---------- -----------
Realized net capital gains............................................... $ 32,939 $ 18,668 $ 11,119
---------- ---------- -----------
---------- ---------- -----------
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments:*
Fixed maturities carried at amortized cost................................. $ 25,787 $ (15,849) $ 44,405
Fixed maturities carried at market......................................... 13,790 (35,998) 115,323
Equities................................................................... 73,260 39,667 44,855
---------- ---------- -----------
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments.......... $ 112,837 $ (12,180) $ 204,583
---------- ---------- -----------
---------- ---------- -----------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
* Before deferred income tax effect.
42
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. INVESTMENTS (Continued)
(d) FIXED MATURITIES: The amortized cost and market value of bonds at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS UNREALIZED
AMORTIZED --------------------
COST GAINS LOSSES MARKET VALUE
------------ --------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
<CAPTION>
1997
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BONDS HELD TO MATURITY AND CARRIED AT AMORTIZED COST:
States, foreign and domestic municipalities and political
subdivisions...................................................... $ 1,230,015 $ 83,367 $ -- $1,313,382
------------ --------- --------- ------------
------------ --------- --------- ------------
BONDS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND CARRIED AT MARKET VALUE:
U.S. Government and government agency bonds......................... $ 516,338 $ 11,633 $ 107 $ 527,864
States, foreign and domestic municipalities and political
subdivisions...................................................... 830,710 29,368 177 859,901
Foreign governments................................................. 425,458 13,638 385 438,711
Corporate........................................................... 373,211 11,731 508 384,434
------------ --------- --------- ------------
Totals.......................................................... $ 2,145,717 $ 66,370 $ 1,177 $2,210,910
------------ --------- --------- ------------
------------ --------- --------- ------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Unrealized
Amortized --------------------
Cost Gains Losses Market Value
------------ --------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
1996
Bonds held to maturity and carried at amortized cost:
U.S. Government and government agency bonds:
Mortgage-backed securities........................................ $ 4,365 $ 278 $ -- $ 4,643
States, foreign and domestic municipalities and political
subdivisions...................................................... 1,120,768 58,596 1,294 1,178,070
------------ --------- --------- -------------
Totals.......................................................... $ 1,125,133 $ 58,874 $ 1,294 $ 1,182,713
------------ --------- --------- -------------
------------ --------- --------- -------------
Bonds available for sale and carried at market value:
U.S. Government and government agency bonds......................... $ 520,256 $ 8,572 $ 1,653 $ 527,175
States, foreign and domestic municipalities and political
subdivisions...................................................... 582,386 22,631 709 604,308
Foreign governments................................................. 377,821 9,519 498 386,842
Corporate........................................................... 403,811 15,618 2,077 417,352
------------ --------- --------- -------------
Totals.......................................................... $ 1,884,274 $ 56,340 $ 4,937 $ 1,935,677
------------ --------- --------- -------------
------------ --------- --------- -------------
</TABLE>
43
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. INVESTMENTS (Continued)
The amortized cost and market value of bonds at December 31, 1997 by
contractual maturity, are summarized as follows. Expected maturities may differ
from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Investments in
fixed maturities exclude short-term investments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMORTIZED
COST MARKET VALUE
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
BONDS HELD TO MATURITY:
Due in one year or less........................................................... $ 63,319 $ 64,964
Due after one year through five years............................................. 231,042 250,008
Due after five years through ten years............................................ 162,348 175,340
Due after ten years............................................................... 773,306 823,070
------------ ------------
Totals........................................................................ $ 1,230,015 $1,313,382
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
BONDS AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Due in one year or less........................................................... $ 331,602 $ 334,656
Due after one year through five years............................................. 999,627 1,025,608
Due after five years through ten years............................................ 412,345 433,099
Due after ten years............................................................... 402,143 417,547
------------ ------------
Totals........................................................................ $ 2,145,717 $2,210,910
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
Gross gains of $2,930,000, $6,771,000 and $2,094,000 and gross losses of
$1,325,000, $6,903,000 and $2,305,000 were realized on sales of investments in
fixed maturities available for sale in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
(e) EQUITIES: Gross gains of $35,507,000, $23,621,000 and $15,830,000 and
gross losses of $6,132,000, $5,398,000 and $5,370,000 were realized on sales of
equities in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1997 and 1996,
net unrealized appreciation of equities (before applicable income taxes)
included gross gains of $171,130,000 and $98,316,000 and gross losses of
$1,719,000 and $2,165,000, respectively.
4. FEDERAL AND FOREIGN INCOME TAXES
(a) The Company files a U.S. consolidated federal income tax return with its
domestic subsidiaries, TRC and Putnam. TRC will include as part of its taxable
income those items of income of the non-U.S. subsidiary, TRZ, which are subject
to U.S. income tax currently, pursuant to Subpart F income rules of the Internal
Revenue Code, and included, as appropriate, in the consolidated federal income
tax return.
44
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. FEDERAL AND FOREIGN INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The U.S. Federal Income tax rate is 35% for 1997, 1996 and 1995. Actual tax
expense on income before income taxes differs from the "expected" amount
computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate because of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF PERCENT OF PERCENT OF
INCOME BEFORE INCOME BEFORE INCOME BEFORE
AMOUNT INCOME TAXES AMOUNT INCOME TAXES AMOUNT INCOME TAXES
---------- --------------- ---------- --------------- ---------- ---------------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
"Expected" tax expense.................. $ 82,154 35.0 % $ 68,712 35.0 % $ 57,330 35.0 %
Adjustments:
Tax-exempt interest................... (31,505) (13.4) (27,554) (14.0) (25,609) (15.6)
Dividends received deduction.......... (1,404) (0.6) (1,064) (0.6) (774) (0.5)
Other................................. (19) -- 1,366 0.7 994 0.6
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Actual tax expense.................. $ 49,226 21.0 % $ 41,460 21.1 % $ 31,941 19.5 %
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Foreign and domestic components of
actual tax expense (benefit):
Foreign............................... $ 14,485 $ 19,770 $ 15,237
Domestic:
Current............................. 37,135 28,230 23,649
Deferred............................ (2,394) (6,540) (6,945)
---------- ---------- ----------
$ 49,226 $ 41,460 $ 31,941
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
(b) The components of the net deferred income tax asset at December 31, 1997
and 1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Deferred income tax assets:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of related
reinsurance recoverable............................................................... $ 151,789 $ 149,021
Unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance premiums.................................. 24,121 22,274
Allowance for unrecoverable reinsurance................................................. 4,655 4,655
Other................................................................................... 1,912 1,897
---------- ----------
Total deferred income tax assets...................................................... 182,477 177,847
---------- ----------
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs.............................................................. 22,663 20,545
Net unrealized appreciation of investments.............................................. 82,111 51,644
Other................................................................................... 5,722 11,876
---------- ----------
Total deferred income tax liabilities................................................. 110,496 84,065
---------- ----------
Net deferred income tax asset......................................................... $ 71,981 $ 93,782
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
No valuation allowance has been recorded.
(c) Income tax payments by TRH totaled $48,744,000, $39,939,000 and
$31,588,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
45
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. LIABILITY FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
At beginning of year:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses............................ $ 2,733,055 $ 2,388,155 $ 2,167,316
Less reinsurance recoverable.......................................... 349,527 402,369 439,936
------------ ------------ ------------
Net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.................... 2,383,528 1,985,786 1,727,380
------------ ------------ ------------
Trans Re Zurich reserves acquired, as of acquisition date............... -- 176,260 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in respect of losses
occurring in:
Current year........................................................ 947,578 849,235 750,326
Prior years......................................................... (14,563) (7,724) (3,454)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total............................................................. 933,015 841,511 746,872
------------ ------------ ------------
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses paid in respect of losses
occurring in:
Current year........................................................ 244,180 172,875 149,519
Prior years......................................................... 549,635 447,154 338,947
------------ ------------ ------------
Total............................................................. 793,815 620,029 488,466
------------ ------------ ------------
At end of year:
Net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses........................ 2,522,728 2,383,528 1,985,786
Plus reinsurance recoverable.......................................... 396,054 349,527 402,369
------------ ------------ ------------
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses........................ $ 2,918,782 $ 2,733,055 $ 2,388,155
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
As a result of net decreases in estimates of losses occurring in prior
years, net losses and loss adjustment expenses were reduced by $14.6 million in
1997. Significant favorable development was recorded in 1997 on losses occurring
in years subsequent to 1986 in the other liability line, in 1996 in the medical
malpractice line and in 1995 and 1994 in certain property lines. These
reductions to incurred losses were partially offset by adverse development in
1997 on losses occurring in 1996 in aircraft and surety lines, in 1995 and 1994
in the medical malpractice line and in 1983 and prior in the other liability
line.
As a result of net decreases in estimates of losses occurring in prior
years, net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred were reduced by $7.7
million in 1996. In the other liability line, favorable development on losses
occurring in more recent years was offset by adverse development in 1984 and
prior years. In addition, in more recent years, favorable development,
particularly in the fire, allied line and aircraft lines was partially offset by
adverse development in the auto liability line.
As a result of net decreases in estimates of losses occurring in prior
years, net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred were reduced by $3.5
million in 1995. Favorable development in 1995 from losses occurring in 1992
through 1994, particularly in the fire line in 1994, was partially offset by
adverse development from casualty treaty losses occurring in 1982 and prior
years.
46
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. COMMON STOCK
Common stock activity for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares outstanding, beginning of year................................... 23,012,796 22,949,582 22,926,236
Issued under stock option and purchase plans............................ 33,908 63,214 23,346
Stock split effected as a dividend...................................... 11,516,166 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Shares outstanding, end of year......................................... 34,562,870 23,012,796 22,949,582
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
As a result of a common stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend,
common stock increased and additional paid-in capital decreased by $11.5 million
in 1997. This stock split was paid on July 18, 1997 to holders of record on June
27, 1997.
7. PENSION, SAVINGS AND STOCK PURCHASE PLANS
TRH's employees participate in benefit plans administered by AIG including a
noncontributory defined benefit pension plan and a voluntary savings plan (a
401(k) plan) which provides for certain matching contributions. These plans
cover a substantial majority of TRH's employees. Certain of these plans do not
separately identify plan benefits and plan assets attributable to employees of
participating companies. In the opinion of management, no material additional
liability would accrue to TRH were such plan benefits and plan assets
identifiable.
Under TRH's 1990 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, all full time
employees with at least one year of employment with the Company or any of its
subsidiaries are eligible to receive privileges to purchase shares of the
Company's common stock at a price which is 85% of the fair market value of such
stock on the date of subscription or the date of grant of the purchase
privilege, whichever is greater. An aggregate of 750,000 shares of common stock
has been authorized for subscription and 5,690 shares were purchased under the
plan in 1997.
The charges made to operations for these plans for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were
$732,000, $678,000 and $555,000, respectively.
8. STOCK OPTION PLANS
In 1995, the Company's Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders
approved, the "1995 Stock Option Plan" (the 1995 Plan). This plan, as amended,
provides that options may be granted to certain key employees and non-employee
directors to purchase a maximum of 1,500,000 shares of the Company's common
stock at prices not less than their fair market value at the date of grant. At
December 31, 1997, 950,631 shares were reserved for future grants under the 1995
Plan. Options granted under the plan may be used to purchase the Company's
common stock at the fair market value of each share at the date of grant. The
Company also maintains the "Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan"
(the 1990 Plan) which operates under substantially the same terms as the 1995
Plan. The 1995 Plan and the 1990 Plan are together hereinafter referred to as
the Company Plans.
In each of 1994 and 1992, the Stock Option and Purchase Plan Committee
granted 30,000 options to certain non-employee directors of the Company who are
also directors, officers and employees of AIG. These options may be used to
purchase shares of the Company's common stock at $34.00 per share and
47
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. STOCK OPTION PLANS (Continued)
$35.00 per share for the 1994 and 1992 options, respectively, representing the
fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock at the date of grant.
Such options were granted outside of, but on substantially the same terms and
conditions as, the 1990 Plan. All of the 1992 options and 22,500 of the 1994
options were exercisable at December 31, 1997 and as of year-end, none were
exercised or forfeited. The impact of the above options on the financial
statements is not material.
Each of the above plans provide that 25% of the options granted become
exercisable on the anniversary date of the grant in each of the four years
following the grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. No further
options can be granted under the 1990 Plan, although options outstanding
continue in force until exercise, expiration or forfeiture.
A summary of the status of the Company Plans as of December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995 and changes during the years ended on those dates is presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
WEIGHTED Weighted Weighted
NUMBER AVERAGE Number Average Number Average
OF SHARES EXERCISE PRICE of Shares Exercise Price of Shares Exercise Price
--------- --------------- --------- --------------- --------- ---------------
Outstanding, beginning of
year.......................... 711,156 $ 40.24 655,522 $ 34.98 506,764 $ 29.90
Granted......................... 179,150 71.88 216,525 51.33 189,188 46.00
Exercised....................... (38,040) 25.51 (90,482) 28.97 (31,240) 19.44
Forfeited....................... (4,410) 45.96 (70,409) 39.86 (9,190) 34.74
--------- --------- ---------
Outstanding, end of year........ 847,856 47.56 711,156 40.24 655,522 34.98
--------- ------ --------- ------ --------- ------
--------- ------ --------- ------ --------- ------
Exercisable, end of year........ 398,907 $ 36.46 290,423 $ 31.33 277,375 $ 27.65
--------- ------ --------- ------ --------- ------
--------- ------ --------- ------ --------- ------
Weighted average fair value of
options granted during the
year.......................... $19.05 $16.95 $14.43
</TABLE>
The weighted average fair value of each option grant is estimated on the
date of grant using the "Binomial Option Price Model" with the following
weighted average assumptions used for grants in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively: expected volatility of 15.0%, 22.5% and 22.5%; risk-free interest
rates of 5.8%, 6.2% and 5.6%; and expected lives of six years for each grant. An
increasing dividend schedule is used in the binomial model based on historical
experience.
The following table summarizes information about the Company Plans'
outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
-------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
REMAINING WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
RANGE OF NUMBER CONTRACTUAL AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES OF SHARES LIFE EXERCISE PRICE OF SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------------------- ----------- -------------- --------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$14.42 TO $19.75........... 65,461 3.47 YEARS $ 17.98 65,461 $ 17.98
$34.00 TO $46.00........... 388,370 6.82 39.23 279,840 37.93
$51.33 TO $71.88........... 394,025 9.39 60.67 53,606 51.33
----------- -----------
$14.42 TO $71.88........... 847,856 7.76 47.56 398,907 36.46
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
48
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. STOCK OPTION PLANS (Continued)
The Company accounts for its stock options based on the intrinsic value
method prescribed in APB No. 25 and related interpretations, as permitted under
SFAS No. 123. Had compensation cost been charged to earnings in accordance with
the fair value method discussed in SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and
net income per share (on a pro forma basis) would have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
(in thousands, except per share
data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income:
As reported............................................................ $ 185,500 $ 154,860 $ 131,858
Pro forma.............................................................. 184,384 154,283 131,800
Net income per common share:
As reported:
Basic................................................................ 5.37 4.49 3.83
Diluted.............................................................. 5.34 4.48 3.82
Pro forma:
Basic................................................................ 5.34 4.48 3.83
Diluted.............................................................. 5.31 4.46 3.82
</TABLE>
The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in the immediately preceding pro forma
data may not be indicative of future amounts as this standard does not apply to
options granted prior to 1995. Additional grants in future years are
anticipated.
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 1997, the AIG Group beneficially owned approximately 49%
of the Company's outstanding common stock.
TRH has service and expense agreements and certain other agreements with the
AIG Group which provide for the reimbursement to the AIG Group of certain
administrative and operating expenses which include, but are not limited to,
investment advisory and cash management services, office space and payroll
processing services. In 1997, 1996 and 1995, $9,300,000, $8,500,000 and
$7,700,000, respectively, of operating and investment expenses relate to
services and expenses provided by the AIG Group under these agreements.
Approximately $181 million (12%), $232 million (18%) and $189 million (17%)
of gross premiums written by TRH in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were
attributable to reinsurance purchased by the AIG Group, for the production of
which TRH paid ceding commissions to the AIG Group of $32 million, $33 million
and $40 million, respectively, in such years. (See Note 11 for information
relating to reinsurance ceded to related parties.)
10. DIVIDEND RESTRICTION AND STATUTORY FINANCIAL DATA
The payment of dividends by the Company is dependent on the ability of its
subsidiaries to pay dividends. The payment of dividends by TRC and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries, TRZ and Putnam, is restricted by insurance
regulations. Under New York insurance law, TRC and Putnam may pay dividends only
out of their statutory earned surplus. Generally, the maximum amount of
dividends that a company may pay without regulatory approval in any twelve-month
period is the lesser of adjusted net investment
49
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. DIVIDEND RESTRICTION AND STATUTORY FINANCIAL DATA (Continued)
income or 10% of statutory policyholders' surplus as of the end of the most
recently reported quarter unless the New York Insurance Department, upon prior
application, approves a greater dividend distribution. Adjusted net investment
income is defined for this purpose to include net investment income for the
twelve months immediately preceding the declaration or distribution of the
current dividend increased by the excess, if any, of net investment income over
dividends declared or distributed during the period commencing thirty-six months
prior to the declaration or distribution of the current dividend and ending
twelve months prior thereto. The statutory surplus of TRC includes the statutory
surplus of Putnam since all the capital stock of Putnam is owned by TRC. At
December 31, 1997, TRC had statutory earned surplus of $624,545,000 and, in
1998, could pay dividends of approximately $116,386,000 without such regulatory
approval.
Statutory surplus and net income as reported to the New York Insurance
Department were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995
------------ ---------- ----------
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
TRC
Statutory surplus........................................................ $ 1,163,856 $ 952,707 $ 787,403
Statutory net income..................................................... 163,353 185,887 63,800
Putnam
Statutory surplus........................................................ 108,991 108,327 164,113
Statutory net income..................................................... 8,981 12,221 98,497
</TABLE>
TRC and Putnam each prepare statutory financial statements in accordance
with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by New York--their state of
domicile. Prescribed statutory accounting practices are discussed in a variety
of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC),
as well as in state laws, regulations and general administrative rules.
Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not
so prescribed. All material statutory accounting practices of TRC and Putnam are
prescribed in the authoritative literature described above.
11. REINSURANCE CEDED
In the normal course of business, TRH purchases reinsurance from its
retrocessionnaires to reduce the effect of individual or aggregate losses and to
allow increased gross premium writings and afford greater risk capacity without
necessarily requiring additional capital.
TRH's ceded reinsurance agreements consist of pro rata and excess-of-loss
contracts. Under pro rata reinsurance, TRH and its retrocessionnaires share
premiums, losses and expenses in an agreed upon proportion. For consideration,
generally based on a percentage of premiums of the individual policy or policies
subject to the reinsurance agreement, excess-of-loss contracts provide
reimbursement to TRH for losses in excess of a predetermined amount up to a
predetermined limit.
50
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. REINSURANCE CEDED (Continued)
Premiums written and earned and losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
are comprised as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross premiums assumed.................................................. $ 1,463,318 $ 1,315,937 $ 1,136,946
------------ ------------ ------------
Reinsurance ceded:
AIG Affiliates........................................................ 84,355 80,755 71,847
Other................................................................. 84,827 92,667 55,872
------------ ------------ ------------
169,182 173,422 127,719
------------ ------------ ------------
Net premiums written.................................................... $ 1,294,136 $ 1,142,515 $ 1,009,227
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross premiums earned................................................... $ 1,432,994 $ 1,317,155 $ 1,094,029
------------ ------------ ------------
Reinsurance ceded:
AIG Affiliates........................................................ 88,241 78,698 66,768
Other................................................................. 85,502 107,824 46,084
------------ ------------ ------------
173,743 186,522 112,852
------------ ------------ ------------
Net premiums earned..................................................... $ 1,259,251 $ 1,130,633 $ 981,177
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses...................... $ 1,040,623 $ 842,409 $ 763,046
Reinsurance ceded....................................................... 107,608 898 16,174
------------ ------------ ------------
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses................................. $ 933,015 $ 841,511 $ 746,872
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. REINSURANCE CEDED (Continued)
Amounts recoverable from retrocessionnaires are recognized in a manner
consistent with the claims liabilities associated with the retrocession and are
presented on the balance sheet as reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses. Such balances at December 31, 1997 and 1996
are comprised as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AIG AIG
AFFILIATES OTHER Affiliates Other
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paid............................................................. $ 5,091 $ 14,320 $ 9,545 $ 22,072
Unpaid........................................................... 184,599 198,155 153,194 183,033
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total.......................................................... $ 189,690 $ 212,475 $ 162,739 $ 205,105
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
Ceded reinsurance arrangements do not relieve TRH from its obligations to
the insurers and reinsurers from whom it assumes business. The failure of
retrocessionnaires to honor their obligation could result in losses to TRH;
consequently, an allowance has been established for estimated unrecoverable
reinsurance on paid and unpaid losses totaling $13.3 million in 1997 and 1996.
TRH evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionnaires through a
security committee. With respect to reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid
losses and prepaid reinsurance premiums, TRH holds substantial amounts of funds
and letters of credit to collateralize these amounts. Such funds and letters of
credit can be drawn on for amounts remaining unpaid beyond contract terms. No
uncollateralized amounts recoverable from a single retrocessionnaire, other than
amounts due from AIG affiliates, are considered material to the financial
position of TRH.
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
A significant portion of TRH's business was conducted in countries other
than the United States. A significant portion of assets and liabilities of TRH's
international operations, other than investments, relate to the countries where
ceding companies and reinsurers of the offices are located. Most investments are
located in the country of domicile of these operations. In addition to licensing
requirements, TRH's international operations are regulated in various
jurisdictions with respect to currency, amount and type of security deposits,
amount and type of reserves and amount and type of local investment. Regulations
governing constitution of technical reserves and remittance balances in some
countries may hinder remittance of profits and repatriation of assets.
The following table is a summary of business by geographic segment. Premium
revenues from certain international operations are derived from many countries,
generally within their respective regions. With respect to London, while a
majority of premium revenues are derived from ceding companies in the United
Kingdom and continental Europe, a significant portion of premium revenues are
also derived from other regions of the world. In addition, approximately 16% of
consolidated revenues, with a significant
52
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
portion in each geographic segment, were obtained through a large international
reinsurance broker. Allocations among the segments have been made on the basis
of location of operations and assets.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTERNATIONAL
----------------------
DOMESTIC EUROPE OTHER CONSOLIDATED
------------ ---------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
1997
REVENUES(1)............................................... $ 839,979 $ 534,839 $ 125,018 $ 1,499,836
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES................................ 174,312 45,137 15,277 234,726
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS(2).................................... 3,598,583 904,624 331,773 4,834,980
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
International
----------------------
Domestic Europe Other Consolidated
------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
1996
Revenues(1)................................................. $ 840,868 $ 386,126 $ 114,943 $ 1,341,937
Income before income taxes.................................. 140,750 44,515 11,055 196,320
Identifiable assets(2)...................................... 3,259,818 788,600 330,723 4,379,141
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
International
----------------------
Domestic Europe Other Consolidated
------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
1995
Revenues(1)................................................. $ 841,992 $ 224,511 $ 98,669 $ 1,165,172
Income before income taxes.................................. 121,543 39,107 3,149 163,799
Identifiable assets(2)...................................... 3,341,492 287,410 270,065 3,898,967
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Revenues represent the sum of net premiums earned, net investment income and
realized net capital gains.
(2) As of December 31.
53
<PAGE>
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly financial data for each of
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. However, in the opinion of
management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary
to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been made.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1997 1997 1997
----------- ---------- -------------- -------------
<CAPTION>
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET PREMIUMS WRITTEN..................................... $ 303,108 $ 309,788 $ 352,912 $ 328,328
NET PREMIUMS EARNED...................................... 284,181 306,030 333,179 335,861
NET INVESTMENT INCOME.................................... 50,020 51,015 53,025 53,586
REALIZED NET CAPITAL GAINS............................... 4,179 4,198 9,183 15,379
OPERATING INCOME......................................... 52,913 55,537 61,035 66,611
NET INCOME............................................... 41,621 43,144 47,956 52,779
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
BASIC.................................................. 1.20 1.25 1.39 1.53
DILUTED................................................ 1.20 1.24 1.38 1.52
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
------------------------------------------------------
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
1996 1996 1996 1996
----------- ---------- -------------- -------------
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net premiums written..................................... $ 251,932 $ 256,996 $ 321,708 $ 311,879
Net premiums earned...................................... 222,261 257,128 314,356 336,888
Net investment income.................................... 44,859 45,986 51,291 50,500
Realized net capital gains............................... 5,274 3,820 4,311 5,263
Operating income......................................... 45,739 47,352 50,454 53,973
Net income............................................... 36,230 37,759 39,561 41,310
Net income per common share:
Basic.................................................. 1.05 1.10 1.14 1.20
Diluted................................................ 1.05 1.09 1.14 1.19
</TABLE>
54
<PAGE>
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There have been no changes in nor any disagreements with accountants on
accounting and financial disclosure within the twenty-four months ended December
31, 1997.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information required by this Item concerning directors of the Company is
included in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days
after the end of the Company's fiscal year (the "1998 Proxy Statement"), in the
section captioned "Election of Directors," and such information is incorporated
herein by reference. Information required by this Item concerning the executive
officers of the Company is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
under the section captioned "Directors and Executive Officers of the
Registrant". Information required by this Item concerning compliance with
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is included in
the 1998 Proxy Statement under the caption "Election of Directors: 'Ownership of
Certain Securities' ", and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required by this Item is included in the 1998 Proxy Statement in
the sections captioned "Election of Directors: 'Compensation of Directors and
Executive Officers', 'Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation' and 'Pension Benefits' ", and such information is incorporated
herein by reference. The sections of the 1998 Proxy Statement captioned
"Election of Directors: 'Committee Reports on Executive Compensation' and
'Performance Graph' " are not incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information required by this Item is included in the 1998 Proxy Statement in
the sections captioned "Beneficial Ownership" and "Election of Directors:
'Ownership of Certain Securities' ", and such information is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information required by this Item is included in the 1998 Proxy Statement in
the sections captioned "Election of Directors: 'Compensation Committee
Interlocks and Insider Participation', 'Relationship with AIG', 'AIG Group
Reinsurance', 'Certain Transactions with the AIG Group' and 'Relationship with
SICO and Starr' ", and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
55
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
1. Financial Statements and Schedules
See accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.
Schedules not included in the accompanying index have been omitted because
they are not applicable.
2. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
21.1 --Subsidiaries of Registrant.
23.1 --Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule (for the period ended December 31, 1997).
27.2 -- Financial Data Schedule (for the periods ended March 31, 1997, June 30,
1997 and September 30, 1997, each restated pursuant to Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, "Earnings Per Share.")
27.3 -- Financial Data Schedule (for the periods ended March 31, 1996, June 30,
1996, September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1996, each restated pursuant to
SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share.")
See accompanying Exhibit Index for additional Exhibits incorporated by reference.
</TABLE>
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of 1997.
56
<PAGE>
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.
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ ROBERT F. ORLICH
..........................................
Robert F. Orlich
Title: President and Chief Executive
Officer
March 26, 1998
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.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ ROBERT F. ORLICH President and Chief Executive Officer March 26, 1998
................................................... (principal executive officer); Director
Robert F. Orlich
/s/ STEVEN S. SKALICKY Senior Vice President and Chief Financial March 26, 1998
................................................... Officer (principal financial and
Steven S. Skalicky accounting officer)
/s/ JAMES BALOG Director March 26, 1998
...................................................
James Balog
/s/ IKUO EGASHIRA Director March 26, 1998
...................................................
Ikuo Egashira
/s/ JOHN M. FOWLER Director March 26, 1998
...................................................
John M. Fowler
/s/ M.R. GREENBERG Director March 26, 1998
...................................................
M. R. Greenberg
/s/ JOHN J. MACKOWSKI Director March 26, 1998
...................................................
John J. Mackowski
/s/ EDWARD E. MATTHEWS Director March 26, 1998
...................................................
Edward E. Matthews
/s/ HOWARD I. SMITH Director March 26, 1998
...................................................
Howard I. Smith
/s/ THOMAS R. TIZZIO Director March 26, 1998
...................................................
Thomas R. Tizzio
</TABLE>
57
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE I
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS--OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AT
WHICH SHOWN
COST OR IN THE
AMORTIZED MARKET BALANCE
TYPE OF INVESTMENT COST* VALUE SHEET
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Fixed maturities:
Bonds:
United States government and government agencies and authorities.... $ 516,338 $ 527,864 $ 527,864
States, foreign and domestic municipalities and political
subdivisions...................................................... 2,060,725 2,173,283 2,089,916
Foreign governments................................................. 425,458 438,711 438,711
Public utilities.................................................... 89,755 91,470 91,470
All other corporate................................................. 283,456 292,964 292,964
------------ ------------ ------------
Total fixed maturities.......................................... 3,375,732 3,524,292 3,440,925
------------ ------------ ------------
Equities:
Common stocks:
Public utilities.................................................... 34,426 42,456 42,456
Banks, trust and insurance companies................................ 35,147 67,194 67,194
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other............................. 220,128 348,503 348,503
------------ ------------ ------------
Total common stocks............................................. 289,701 458,153 458,153
Nonredeemable preferred stocks........................................ 5,014 5,973 5,973
------------ ------------ ------------
Total equities.................................................. 294,715 464,126 464,126
------------ ------------ ------------
Short-term investments.................................................. 16,731 16,731 16,731
------------ ------------ ------------
Total investments............................................... $ 3,687,178 $ 4,005,149 $3,921,782
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Investments in fixed maturities are shown at amortized cost.
S-1
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEETS
(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Assets:
Bonds available for sale, at market value (amortized cost: 1997--$9,011;
1996--$7,548)..................................................................... $ 9,098 $ 7,581
Cash and cash equivalents........................................................... 291 276
Investment in subsidiaries.......................................................... 1,348,438 1,129,658
Other assets........................................................................ 933 748
Dividends due from subsidiaries..................................................... 3,460 3,111
------------ ------------
Total assets.................................................................... $ 1,362,220 $ 1,141,374
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Liabilities:
Dividends payable................................................................... $ 3,460 $ 3,113
Accrued liabilities................................................................. 2,101 955
------------ ------------
Total liabilities............................................................... 5,561 4,068
------------ ------------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock..................................................................... -- --
Common Stock........................................................................ 35,363 23,813
Additional paid-in capital.......................................................... 195,494 201,930
Net unrealized appreciation of investments, net of deferred income taxes
(1997--$82,111; 1996--$51,644).................................................... 152,493 95,910
Net unrealized currency translation (loss) gain..................................... (11,769) 2,596
Retained earnings................................................................... 995,078 823,057
Treasury Stock, at cost; 800,000 shares............................................. (10,000) (10,000)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity...................................................... 1,356,659 1,137,306
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...................................... $ 1,362,220 $ 1,141,374
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
See Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant--(Parent Company Only)
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Revenues:
Net investment income (principally dividends from subsidiaries)............ $ 14,710 $ 12,426 $ 10,909
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries............................. 172,494 143,536 122,014
---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues......................................................... 187,204 155,962 132,923
Operating expenses........................................................... 2,338 1,493 1,498
---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes................................................... 184,866 154,469 131,425
Income tax benefits--current................................................. (634) (391) (433)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income............................................................. $ 185,500 $ 154,860 $ 131,858
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
See Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant--(Parent Company Only)
</TABLE>
S-3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income.................................................................. $ 185,500 $ 154,860 $ 131,858
---------- ---------- ----------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries............................ (172,494) (143,536) (122,014)
Changes in receivable and payable to subsidiary, net...................... (349) 7 (464)
Changes in other assets and accrued liabilities........................... 950 221 388
---------- ---------- ----------
Total adjustments..................................................... (171,893) (143,308) (122,090)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities............................. 13,607 11,552 9,768
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of bonds........................................................... (1,474) (2,917) (2,239)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities................................. (1,474) (2,917) (2,239)
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends to stockholders................................................... (13,132) (11,395) (9,176)
Proceeds from common stock issued........................................... 1,014 2,750 703
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash from financing activities.................................... (12,118) (8,645) (8,473)
---------- ---------- ----------
Change in cash and cash equivalents................................... 15 (10) (944)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year.................................. 276 286 1,230
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year........................................ $ 291 $ 276 $ 286
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant--(Parent Company Only)
(1) The condensed financial information of registrant should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
(2) Investment in subsidiaries is reflected on the equity method.
S-4
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE III
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 AND FOR THE YEARS THEN ENDED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNPAID LOSSES NET LOSSES NET COMMISSIONS
DEFERRED AND LOSS NET AND LOSS AND CHANGE IN
ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENT UNEARNED NET PREMIUMS INVESTMENT ADJUSTMENT DEFERRED
COSTS EXPENSES PREMIUMS EARNED INCOME EXPENSES ACQUISITION COSTS
----------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
1997
PROPERTY-CASUALTY.... $ 64,752 $ 2,918,782 $ 366,640 $ 1,259,251 $ 207,646 $ 933,015 $ 288,429
1996
Property-Casualty.... $ 58,700 $ 2,733,055 $ 343,936 $ 1,130,633 $ 192,636 $ 841,511 $ 267,186
1995
Property-Casualty.... $ 47,200 $ 2,388,155 $ 291,568 $ 981,177 $ 172,876 $ 746,872 $ 224,651
<CAPTION>
OTHER
OPERATING NET PREMIUMS
EXPENSES WRITTEN
---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
1997
PROPERTY-CASUALTY.... $ 42,296 $ 1,294,136
1996
Property-Casualty.... $ 35,722 $ 1,142,515
1995
Property-Casualty.... $ 28,329 $ 1,009,227
</TABLE>
S-5
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE IV
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REINSURANCE
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE
CEDED ASSUMED OF AMOUNT
TO OTHER FROM OTHER ASSUMED
GROSS AMOUNT COMPANIES COMPANIES NET AMOUNT TO NET
------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
1997
PREMIUMS WRITTEN:
PROPERTY-CASUALTY.............................. -- $ 169,182 $ 1,463,318 $ 1,294,136 113%
1996
Premiums written:
Property-Casualty.............................. -- $ 173,422 $ 1,315,937 $ 1,142,515 115%
1995
Premiums written:
Property-Casualty.............................. -- $ 127,719 $ 1,136,946 $ 1,009,227 113%
</TABLE>
S-6
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE VI
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING
PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 AND FOR THE YEARS THEN ENDED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET LOSSES AND LOSS
UNPAID ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES NET PAID
LOSSES RELATED TO LOSSES AND
DEFERRED AND LOSS DISCOUNT NET NET -------------------- LOSS
ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENT IF ANY UNEARNED PREMIUMS INVESTMENT CURRENT PRIOR ADJUSTMENT
COSTS EXPENSES DEDUCTED PREMIUMS EARNED INCOME YEAR YEARS EXPENSES
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- --------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
1997 $ 64,752 $ 2,918,782 -- $ 366,640 $ 1,259,251 $ 207,646 $ 947,578 $ (14,563) $ 793,815
1996 $ 58,700 $ 2,733,055 -- $ 343,936 $ 1,130,633 $ 192,636 $ 849,235 $ (7,724) $ 620,029
1995 $ 47,200 $ 2,388,155 -- $ 291,568 $ 981,177 $ 172,876 $ 750,326 $ (3,454) $ 488,466
<CAPTION>
NET COMMISSIONS
AND CHANGE IN
DEFERRED NET
ACQUISITION PREMIUMS
COSTS WRITTEN
---------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
1997 $ 288,429 $ 1,294,136
1996 $ 267,186 $ 1,142,515
1995 $ 224,651 $ 1,009,227
</TABLE>
S-7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION LOCATION
- --------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
3.1 --Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended............................... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
3.2 --By-Laws............................... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
4.1 --Form of Common Stock Certificate...... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.1 --Amended and Restated Shareholders
Agreement among American Express
Company, Gulf Insurance Company, The
Lambert Brussels Financial
Corporation, Stoneridge Limited,
Mavron Ltd., American International
Group, Inc., American Home Assurance
Company, Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company, certain trustees under an
Indenture of Trust made by SwissRe
Holding Limited, SwissRe Holding
Limited, General Re Corporation,
Compagnie Financiere et de Reassurance
du Groupe AG, Daido Mutual Life Insur-
ance Company, The Nichido Fire and
Marine Insurance Company, Limited,
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, and
PREINCO Holdings, Inc., dated January
5, 1990............................... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.2 --Exclusive Agency Agreement between
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company and
American Home Assurance Company, dated
February 27, 1980..................... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.3 --Service and Expense Agreement among
PREINCO Holdings, Inc., Putnam Rein-
surance Company, and American Interna-
tional Group, Inc. dated July 1,
1986.................................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.4 --Service and Expense Agreement between
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company and
American International Group, Inc.,
dated December 15, 1977............... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION LOCATION
- --------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
10.5 --Investment Management Contract between
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company and
AIG Global Investors, Inc. dated
August 1, 1986........................ Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.6 --Investment Management Contract between
Putnam Reinsurance Company and AIG
Global Investors, Inc. dated August 1,
1986.................................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.7 --Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. 1990
Stock Option Plan*.................... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.7(a) --Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. 1990
Employee Stock Purchase Plan*......... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-41474) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.7(b) --Amended Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.
1990 Stock Option Plan*............... Filed as exhibit to the Company's 1992
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 1992 (File No.
1-10545) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.7(c) --Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. 1995
Stock Option Plan and form of Director
Option Agreement*..................... Filed as exhibits to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File
No. 33-99764) and incorporated herein
by reference.
10.7(d) --Amendment to Transatlantic Holdings,
Inc. 1990 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, effective as of December 7,
1995*................................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No.
1-10545) dated January 31, 1996, and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.8 --Transatlantic Reinsurance Company 1989
Stock Option Plan*.................... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference
10.9 --Transatlantic Reinsurance Company 1984
Stock Option Plan*.................... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.10 --Transatlantic Reinsurance Company 1979
Stock Option Plan*.................... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION LOCATION
- --------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
10.11 --Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty between
National Union Fire Insurance Company
of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company, dated June 5,
1978.................................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.12 --Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty between
New Hampshire Insurance Company and
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company,
dated February 9, 1978................ Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.13 --Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty between
American International Underwriters
Overseas Ltd. and Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company, dated September
22, 1978.............................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.14 --Surplus Treaty between American
International Group Companies and
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company,
dated September 29, 1989.............. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.15 --Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty among
Lexington Insurance Company, Landmark
Insurance Company, New Hampshire
Insurance Company and Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company, dated February
28, 1990.............................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.16 --Representative Facultative Insurance
Certificate for Casualty Reinsurance
Risk (Certificate between National
Union Fire Insurance Company of
Pittsburgh, Pa. and Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company, dated January 9,
1990)................................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.17 --Representative Facultative Insurance
Certificate for Property Reinsurance
Risk (Certificate between American
Home Assurance Company and
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company,
dated March 7, 1990).................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION LOCATION
- --------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
10.18 --Agreement between American Interna-
tional Group, Inc. and Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company, dated December
15, 1977, providing Transatlantic
Reinsurance Company with a right of
first acceptance of reinsurance of
risks insured by affiliates of
American International Group, Inc. ... Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.19 --Aggregate Excess Treaty between
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company and
National Union Fire Insurance Company
of Pittsburgh, Pa., dated November 15,
1989.................................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement (File No.
33-34433) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.20 --Management Agreement between Transat-
lantic Reinsurance Company and Putnam
Reinsurance Company, dated February
15, 1991.............................. Filed as exhibit to the Company's 1995
Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No.
1-10545) and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.21 --Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
between Transatlantic Reinsurance Com-
pany and Putnam Reinsurance Company,
dated December 6, 1995................ Filed as exhibit to the Company's 1995
Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No.
1-10545) and incorporated herein by
reference.
21.1 --Subsidiaries of the registrant........ Filed herewith.
23.1 --Consent of Coopers & Lybrand
L.L.P. ............................... Filed herewith.
27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule (for the
period ended December 31, 1997). Provided herewith.
27.2 -- Financial Data Schedule (for the
periods ended March 31, 1997, June 30,
1997 and September 30, 1997, each
restated pursuant to Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 128, "Earnings Per Share.") Provided herewith.
27.3 -- Financial Data Schedule (for the
periods ended March 31, 1996, June 30,
1996, September 30, 1996 and December
31, 1996, each restated pursuant to
SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share.") Provided herewith.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
* Management compensation plan.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 21.1
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC.
SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% OF VOTING
SECURITIES
JURISDICTION OWNED BY ITS
OF IMMEDIATE
NAME OF CORPORATION INCORPORATION PARENT
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company........................................... New York, U.S.A. 100%
Putnam Reinsurance Company................................................ New York, U.S.A. 100%*
Trans Re Zurich........................................................... Zurich, Switzerland 100%*
Transatlantic Re (Argentina) S.A.......................................... Argentina 100%*
Transatlantic Re (Brasil) Ltda............................................ Brazil 100%*
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* The common stock is owned 100% by Transatlantic Reinsurance Company.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
------------------------
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. on Forms S-8 (File No. 33-99764 and File No.
33-41474) of our report dated February 9, 1998, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, which
report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
New York, New York
March 26, 1998
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
TRANSATLANTIC HOLDINGS, INC.'S FORM 10-K FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. (IN
THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 2,210,910
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 1,230,015
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 1,313,382
<EQUITIES> 464,126
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 3,921,782
<CASH> 70,737
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 402,165
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 64,752
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4,834,980
<POLICY-LOSSES> 2,918,782
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 366,640
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 35,363
<OTHER-SE> 1,321,296
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 4,834,980
1,259,251
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 207,646
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 32,939
<OTHER-INCOME> (1,370)
<BENEFITS> 933,015
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> (6,052)
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 336,777
<INCOME-PRETAX> 234,726
<INCOME-TAX> 49,226
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 185,500
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 185,500
<EPS-PRIMARY> 5.37
<EPS-DILUTED> 5.34
<RESERVE-OPEN> 2,383,528
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 947,578
<PROVISION-PRIOR> (14,563)
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 244,180
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 549,635
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 2,522,728
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 14,563
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the periods ended
March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997, and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements, as restated
pursuant to SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share."
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS 6-MOS 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997 JAN-01-1997 JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1997 JUN-30-1997 SEP-30-1997
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 1,896,956 2,019,629 2,092,549
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 1,273,006 1,277,378 1,253,929
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 1,313,471 1,336,225 1,327,532
<EQUITIES> 390,983 452,293 492,895
<MORTGAGE> 0 0 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0 0 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 3,583,730 3,776,887 3,856,072
<CASH> 134,086 95,193 72,640
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 384,470 407,653 422,872
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 62,619 63,069 66,489
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4,549,792 4,719,897 4,790,795
<POLICY-LOSSES> 2,750,666 2,827,676 2,849,381
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 361,459 365,724 380,267
<POLICY-OTHER> 0 0 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0 0 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
<COMMON> 23,833 35,349 35,356
<OTHER-SE> 1,123,872 1,206,385 1,272,132
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 4,549,792 4,719,897 4,790,795
284,181 590,211 923,390
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 50,020 101,035 154,060
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 4,179 8,377 17,560
<OTHER-INCOME> (445) (959) (1,289)
<BENEFITS> 211,928 435,587 684,705
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> (3,919) (4,368) (7,759)
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 77,458 159,954 248,579
<INCOME-PRETAX> 52,468 107,491 168,196
<INCOME-TAX> 10,847 22,726 35,475
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 41,621 84,765 132,721
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0 0
<NET-INCOME> 41,621 84,765 132,721
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.20 2.45 3.84
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.20 2.44 3.82
<RESERVE-OPEN> 0 0 0
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 0 0 0
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0 0 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 0 0 0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 0 0 0
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 0 0 0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 0 0 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the periods ended
March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996 and Form 10-K for the
period ended December 31, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements, as restated pursuant to
SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share."
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS 6-MOS 9-MOS 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1996 JUN-30-1996 SEP-30-1996 DEC-31-1996
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 1,743,665 1,717,054 1,882,600 1,935,677
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 959,054 1,006,150 1,042,444 1,125,133
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 1,013,801 1,052,805 1,093,555 1,182,713
<EQUITIES> 268,709 293,357 346,903 392,365
<MORTGAGE> 0 0 0 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0 0 0 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 3,000,047 3,044,981 3,286,483 3,512,366
<CASH> 86,208 83,478 112,300 77,523
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 418,367 378,526 388,537 367,844
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 52,200 52,125 62,472 58,700
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 3,983,944 3,959,711 4,286,915 4,379,141
<POLICY-LOSSES> 2,418,926 2,424,932 2,668,072 2,733,055
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 311,948 312,655 378,710 343,936
<POLICY-OTHER> 0 0 0 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0 0 0 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
<COMMON> 23,765 23,776 23,806 23,813
<OTHER-SE> 974,869 1,001,822 1,047,883 1,113,493
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 3,983,944 3,959,711 4,286,915 4,379,141
222,261 479,389 793,745 1,130,633
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 44,859 90,845 142,136 192,636
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 5,274 9,094 13,405 18,668
<OTHER-INCOME> (451) (640) (448) (1,198)
<BENEFITS> 169,523 355,503 590,362 841,511
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> (5,000) (4,925) (7,459) (3,687)
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 62,132 135,659 222,838 306,595
<INCOME-PRETAX> 45,288 92,451 143,097 196,320
<INCOME-TAX> 9,058 18,462 29,547 41,460
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 36,230 73,989 113,550 154,860
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0 0 0
<NET-INCOME> 36,230 73,989 113,550 154,860
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.05 2.15 3.29 4.49
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.05 2.14 3.28 4.48
<RESERVE-OPEN> 0 0 0 1,985,786
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 0 0 0 849,235
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0 0 0 (7,724)
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 0 0 0 172,875
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 0 0 0 447,154
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 0 0 0 2,383,528
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 0 0 0 7,724
</TABLE>
