<PAGE>
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-78841
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement and the +
+accompanying prospectus is not complete and may be changed. This prospectus +
+supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these +
+securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any +
+state where the offer or sale is not permitted. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus Supplement dated March 22, 2000
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To prospectus dated December 8, 1999)
Capital Securities
ACE CAPITAL TRUST II
[ACE LOGO]
% Capital Securities
(Liquidation Amount $1,000 per Capital Security)
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by
ACE LIMITED
------------
The Trust:
ACE Capital Trust II is a Delaware business trust which will:
. sell capital securities to the public;
. sell common securities to ACE INA Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of ACE
Limited;
. use the proceeds from these sales to buy an equal principal amount of
% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2030 of ACE
INA; and
. distribute the cash payments it receives from ACE INA on the debentures to
the holders of the capital securities and the common securities.
Quarterly Distributions:
. For each capital security that you own, you will receive cumulative cash
distributions, accumulating from , 2000 at an annual rate of
% of the liquidation amount of $1,000 per capital security, on and
of each year, beginning , 2000.
. ACE INA may defer interest payments on the debentures at any time, and from
time to time, for up to 10 consecutive semiannual periods. If ACE INA does
defer interest payments, the Trust will also defer payment of distributions
on the capital and common securities. However, deferred distributions will
themselves accumulate distributions at an annual rate of %, to the
extent permitted by law.
Redemption:
. ACE INA may redeem all of the debentures upon the occurrence of specified
changes in law at a redemption price calculated as described in this
prospectus supplement. If ACE INA does redeem the debentures, the Trust will
use the cash it receives on redemption of the debentures to redeem the
capital securities and the common securities.
ACE Limited:
. ACE will effectively guarantee, fully and unconditionally, the payment by the
Trust of amounts due on the capital securities as discussed in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Investing in the capital securities involves certain risks which are
described in the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page S-9 of this
prospectus supplement.
------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Per
Capital
Security Total
-------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Public offering price (1)................................. $ $
Underwriting commission to be paid by ACE INA............. $ $
Proceeds, before expenses, to the Trust................... $ $
</TABLE>
(1) Plus accumulated distributions from , 2000, if settlement
occurs after that date
The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional capital
securities at the public offering price within 30 days after the date of this
prospectus supplement to cover over-allotments. ACE INA will pay the
underwriting commission for each additional capital security purchased.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The capital securities will be ready for delivery in book-entry form
through The Depository Trust Company on or about , 2000.
------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Chase Securities _____ First Union Securities, Inc. _____ Salomon Smith Barney
Banc of America Securities LLC ______ Morgan Stanley Dean Witter ______ SG Cowen
------------
The date of this prospectus supplement is , 2000.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Forward-Looking Statements............................................... S-3
Prospectus Supplement Summary............................................ S-4
Risk Factors............................................................. S-9
ACE Capital Trust II..................................................... S-12
ACE Limited.............................................................. S-14
Use of Proceeds.......................................................... S-22
Capitalization of ACE.................................................... S-22
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information of ACE.. S-23
Management............................................................... S-32
Certain Terms of the Capital Securities.................................. S-35
Certain Terms of the Debentures.......................................... S-40
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations................. S-45
Underwriting............................................................. S-50
Legal Matters............................................................ S-52
Experts.................................................................. S-52
Prospectus
About this Prospectus.................................................... 2
ACE Limited.............................................................. 3
ACE INA.................................................................. 3
The ACE Trusts........................................................... 4
Use of Proceeds.......................................................... 5
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends of ACE.. 5
General Description of the Offered Securities............................ 6
Description of ACE Capital Stock......................................... 6
Description of the Depositary Shares..................................... 19
Description of ACE Debt Securities....................................... 22
Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee................. 37
Description of the Warrants to Purchase Ordinary Shares or Preferred
Shares.................................................................. 56
Description of the Warrants to Purchase Debt Securities.................. 58
Description of Preferred Securities...................................... 59
Description of Preferred Securities Guarantees........................... 70
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units......... 75
Plan of Distribution..................................................... 75
Legal Opinions........................................................... 77
Experts.................................................................. 77
Enforcement of Civil Liabilities Under United States Federal Securities
Laws.................................................................... 78
Where You Can Find More Information...................................... 78
Appendices
Appendix A--Excerpts from ACE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended September 30, 1998
Appendix B--Excerpts from ACE's 1998 Annual Report--Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition; Consolidated Financial Statements
Appendix C--ACE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999
Appendix D--Audited Financial Statements of CIGNA Corporation Property
and Casualty Businesses
</TABLE>
-----------------
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We
have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide
you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the
underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that
the information appearing in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus is accurate as of the date on the cover of this prospectus
supplement only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects may have changed since that date.
S-2
<PAGE>
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for forward-looking statements. Any written or oral statements made by
us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements which reflect our
current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These
forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and other factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These
uncertainties and other factors (which we describe in more detail elsewhere in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and in our SEC
filings that we have incorporated by reference) include, but are not limited
to:
. uncertainties relating to government and regulatory policies (such
as subjecting us to insurance regulation or taxation in additional
jurisdictions or amending or revoking any laws, regulations or
treaties affecting our current operations);
. the occurrence of catastrophic events or other insured or
reinsured events with a frequency or severity exceeding our
estimates;
. legal developments;
. the uncertainties of the loss reserving process including the
difficulties associated with assessing environmental and latent
injuries;
. the actual amount of new and renewal business;
. the loss of the services of any of our executive officers;
. changing rates of inflation and other economic conditions;
. losses due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
. the ability to collect reinsurance recoverables;
. the competitive environment in which we operate, related trends
and associated pricing pressures and developments;
. the impact of mergers and acquisitions, including the ability to
successfully integrate acquired businesses and achieve cost
savings, competing demands for ACE's capital, and the risk of
undisclosed liabilities;
. the development of significant Year 2000 related claims or
liabilities;
. developments in and risks associated with global financial markets
which could affect our investment portfolio and financing plans;
and
. risks associated with the introduction of new products and
services.
The words "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "plan,"
"expect," "intend," "hope," "will likely result" or "will continue" and
variations thereof and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of their dates. We undertake no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise.
S-3
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information about ACE Limited, ACE INA
Holdings Inc., ACE Capital Trust II and this offering. It does not contain all
of the information that may be important to you in deciding whether to purchase
capital securities. We encourage you to read the entire prospectus supplement,
the accompanying prospectus (including the appendices) and the documents that
we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference, prior to
deciding whether to purchase capital securities. You should pay special
attention to the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page S-9 of this
prospectus supplement to determine whether an investment in the capital
securities is appropriate for you. Unless the context otherwise requires, the
terms "ACE," "we," "our" and "us" and other similar terms mean ACE Limited and
all of its subsidiaries, and the term "ACE INA" means ACE INA Holdings Inc. and
all of its subsidiaries. Some of the insurance terms that we use in this
prospectus supplement are defined in the "Glossary of Selected Insurance Terms"
appearing in Appendix A. Capitalized terms used in this prospectus supplement
that are not otherwise defined have the same meanings as in the accompanying
prospectus. Except as otherwise noted, all information in this prospectus
supplement assumes no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.
On July 2, 1999, ACE acquired CIGNA Corporation's domestic property and
casualty insurance operations and its international property and casualty
insurance companies and branches, including most of the accident and health
business written through those companies. These businesses are now operated as
subsidiaries of ACE INA. For convenience of reference, we refer to this
acquisition and the businesses acquired as the "ACE INA acquisition" and the
"ACE INA businesses," respectively.
THE OFFERING--Q&A
What are the capital securities?
Each capital security represents an undivided beneficial interest in the
assets of the Trust. The underwriters are offering capital securities
at a public offering price of $ for each capital security. The underwriters
may also purchase up to an additional capital securities at the public
offering price within 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement to
cover any over-allotments.
Who is the Trust?
ACE Capital Trust II is a Delaware business trust. The Trust will sell its
capital securities to the public and its common securities to ACE INA. The
Trust will use the proceeds from these sales to buy a series of % Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2030 (the "debentures") from
ACE INA with the same economic terms as the capital securities. ACE will fully
and unconditionally guarantee payments of principal and interest on the
debentures.
There are four trustees of the Trust. Two of the trustees are officers of
ACE (the "administrative trustees"). Bank One Trust Company, NA will act as the
property trustee of the Trust and Bank One Delaware, Inc. will act as the
Delaware trustee.
Who are ACE and ACE INA?
ACE is a holding company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman
Islands. ACE maintains its business office in Bermuda and, through its
subsidiaries, provides a broad range of specialty property and casualty
insurance and reinsurance products to a diverse group of clients worldwide. ACE
INA is a subsidiary of ACE which, on July 2, 1999, acquired the ACE INA
businesses from CIGNA Corporation. ACE INA operates in 47 countries providing
property and casualty insurance to businesses and individuals on a global
basis.
On February 16, 1999, we announced our operating results for the three
months and year ended December 31, 1999. For the three months ended December
31, 1999, we reported net earned premiums of $947.2 million and net income of
$152.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 1999, we reported net earned
premiums of $2.49 billion and net income of $365.0 million. At December 31,
1999, we had cash and investments of $12.9 billion, total assets of $30.1
billion and shareholders' equity of $4.5 billion.
S-4
<PAGE>
When will you receive quarterly distributions on the capital securities?
If you purchase the capital securities, you will be entitled to receive
cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of % of the liquidation
amount of $1,000 per capital security. Distributions will accumulate from
, 2000 and will be payable semiannually in arrears on and
of each year, beginning , 2000.
When can payment of your distributions be deferred?
ACE INA may, on one or more occasions, defer interest payments on the
debentures for up to 10 consecutive semiannual periods unless an event of
default under the debentures has occurred and is continuing. A deferral of
interest payments cannot extend beyond the stated maturity date of the
debentures (which is , 2030), unless the maturity date is extended
at the option of ACE INA.
If ACE INA defers interest payments on the debentures, the Trust will also
defer its distributions on the capital securities. During this deferral period,
distributions will continue to accumulate on the capital securities at an
annual rate of % of the liquidation amount of $1,000 per capital security.
Also, the deferred distributions will themselves accumulate distributions at an
annual rate of %, to the extent permitted by law. Once ACE INA makes all
deferred interest payments on the debentures, with accrued interest, it may
again defer interest payments on the debentures if no event of default under
the debentures has occurred and is continuing.
During any period in which ACE INA defers interest payments on the
debentures, ACE INA and ACE will not be permitted to, and neither will permit
any of its subsidiaries to (with certain exceptions described on page S-41):
. declare or pay a dividend or distribution on any of the outstanding
capital stock of ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be;
. redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect
to any of the outstanding capital stock of ACE INA or ACE, as the
case may be;
. make a principal, premium or interest payment on, or repay,
repurchase or redeem, any debt security of ACE INA or ACE that ranks
junior to the debentures or ACE's guarantee of the debentures (the
"debenture guarantee"), as the case may be; or
. make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by ACE INA
or ACE of the debt securities of any subsidiary of ACE INA or ACE,
as the case may be, if such guarantee ranks junior to the debentures
or the debenture guarantee, as the case may be.
If ACE INA defers interest payments on the debentures, you will be
required to accrue interest income for United States federal income tax
purposes before you receive cash distributions.
When will the Trust redeem the capital securities?
The Trust will redeem all of the outstanding capital securities when the
debentures are paid at maturity on , 2030, which date may be
extended at any time at the election of ACE INA for one or more periods, but in
no event to a date later than , 2049. In addition, if ACE INA
redeems the debentures before their maturity, the Trust will use the cash it
receives on the redemption of the debentures to redeem, on a pro rata basis,
capital securities and common securities having an aggregate liquidation amount
equal to the aggregate principal amount of the debentures redeemed, unless an
event of default under the amended and restated trust agreement of the Trust
(the "restated trust agreement") has occurred and is continuing, in which case
the capital securities will be redeemed before any common securities. The
redemption price per trust security will be equal to $1,000 plus any
accumulated and unpaid distributions on that trust security, plus the related
amount of any premium and/or additional amounts paid by ACE INA or ACE upon the
concurrent redemption of the corresponding debentures.
S-5
<PAGE>
If certain changes in tax or investment company law occur (each of which
is referred to as a "Special Event" and each of which is more fully described
under "Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee--Redemption" on
page 44 of the accompanying prospectus), ACE INA may redeem the debentures, in
whole but not in part, within 90 days of the occurence of the Special Event, at
a redemption price calculated as described under "Certain Terms of the Capital
Securities--Special Event Redemption" on page S-36 of this prospectus
supplement.
What is the nature of ACE's guarantee of the capital securities?
ACE will fully and unconditionally guarantee the capital securities based
on:
. its obligations under the ACE INA subordinated indenture, including
the debenture guarantee;
. its obligations under its guarantee of the capital securities (the
"capital securities guarantee"); and
. its obligations under the expense agreement entered into pursuant to
the restated trust agreement.
If ACE INA or ACE does not make a required payment on the debentures, the
Trust will not have sufficient funds to make the related payment on the capital
securities. The capital securities guarantee does not cover payments on the
capital securities when the Trust does not have sufficient funds to make such
payments. ACE's obligations under the capital securities guarantee are junior
in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined under "Description
of Preferred Securities Guarantees--Status of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee" on page 72 of the accompanying prospectus) of ACE, and ACE's
obligations under the debenture guarantee are junior in right of payment to all
ACE Senior Indebtedness (as defined under "Description of ACE INA Debt
Securities and ACE Guarantee--Subordination of ACE Guarantee of ACE INA
Subordinated Debt Securities" on page 55 of the accompanying prospectus),
except in each case as discussed elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus.
When can the debentures be distributed to you?
ACE INA, as the sponsor of the Trust, has the right to dissolve the Trust
at any time. If ACE INA exercises this right to dissolve the Trust, after
satisfaction of any creditors of the Trust, the Trust will be liquidated by
distribution of the debentures to holders of the capital securities and the
common securities.
Will the capital securities be listed on a stock exchange?
We do not intend to apply for listing of the capital securities on any
national securities exchange or for quotation of the capital securities on any
automated dealer quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that they
presently intend to make a market in the capital securities after completion of
this offering. However, they are under no obligation to do so and may
discontinue any market-making activities at any time without any notice.
In what form will the capital securities be issued?
The capital securities will be represented by one or more global
securities that will be deposited with, and registered in the name of, The
Depository Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC") or its nominee. This means
that you will not receive a certificate for your capital securities but,
instead, will hold your interest through DTC's system. The capital securities
will be ready for delivery through DTC on or about , 2000.
S-6
<PAGE>
Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of ACE
The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial and
other data of ACE. The interim financial data have been derived from our
unaudited financial statements and include, in the opinion of our management,
all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a
fair presentation of the financial data. The results for the interim periods do
not necessarily indicate the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
The year-end financial data have been derived from our audited financial
statements. On July 2, 1999, we completed the acquisition of CIGNA's property
and casualty business. The actual results of those operations since the
acquisition date have been included in our results for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999. On July 9, 1998, we completed the acquisition of Tarquin
Limited, which we accounted for on a pooling-of-interests basis. We have
restated all prior financial information presented to include the results of
operations and financial position of the combined entities. For the historical
annual periods presented below, our fiscal year ended on September 30. From and
after July 2, 1999, our fiscal year was changed to December 31. You should read
the following information in conjunction with our financial statements and the
related notes, the information set forth under the caption "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition"
included in Appendix B and the other financial and statistical information that
we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Three Months
Ended Ended
September 30, December 31, Year Ended September 30,
----------------------- ------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1998 1997 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
----------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operations data:
Net premiums written.. $ 1,643,838 $ 727,824 $154,103 $153,149 $ 880,973 $ 789,773 $ 781,884 $ 544,880 $ 385,926
Net premiums earned... 1,538,489 688,973 218,007 205,330 894,303 805,372 755,840 473,133 391,117
Net investment
income............... 334,338 260,582 85,095 63,672 324,254 253,440 213,701 184,041 142,677
Net realized gain
(loss) on
investments.......... (15,932) 160,892 130,154 27,493 188,385 127,702 55,229 50,765 3,717
Losses and loss
expenses(1).......... 1,045,262 394,637 111,169 122,255 516,892 486,140 520,277 366,322 520,556
Acquisition costs,
administrative and
other expenses....... 503,568 226,936 69,030 44,630 271,566 153,486 138,343 81,976 63,459
Amortization of
goodwill............. 26,408 10,563 4,435 2,271 12,834 7,325 1,507 (437) (826)
Interest expense...... 52,745 24,098 4,741 1,361 25,459 11,657 10,481 5,036 --
Income taxes.......... 15,978 16,272 5,342 3,768 20,040 25,181 26,543 7,673 --
----------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)(1).. $ 212,934 $ 437,941 $238,539 $122,210 $ 560,151 $ 502,725 $ 327,619 $ 247,369 $ (45,678)
=========== ========== ======== ======== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Balance sheet data (at
end of period):
Total investments and
cash................. $11,864,501 $6,201,074 NM NM $6,201,074 $4,787,916 $4,342,781 $3,225,786 $2,538,321
Total assets.......... 29,344,183 8,788,753 NM NM 8,788,753 5,647,596 5,077,780 3,514,946 2,632,361
Net unpaid losses and
loss expenses(1)..... 9,092,713 2,678,341 NM NM 2,678,341 2,006,873 1,892,302 1,452,299 1,160,392
Total shareholders'
equity(1)............ 3,864,369 3,714,270 NM NM 3,714,270 2,785,155 2,367,003 1,524,123 1,088,745
Selected Other Data:
Loss and loss expense
ratio(1)............. 67.9% 57.3% 51.0% 59.5% 57.8% 60.4% 68.8% 77.4% 133.1%
Underwriting and
administrative
expense ratio(2)..... 32.2% 26.2% 31.7% 21.7% 25.0% 19.0% 18.3% 17.2% 16.0%
Combined ratio(1)(2).. 100.1% 83.5% 82.7% 81.2% 82.8% 79.4% 87.1% 94.6% 149.1%
Loss reserves to
capital and surplus
ratio(1)............. 235.3% 72.1% NM NM 72.1% 72.1% 79.9% 95.3% 106.6%
Net premiums written
to capital and
surplus ratio........ NM NM NM NM 23.7% 28.4% 33.0% 35.8% 35.4%
</TABLE>
- -------
NM--Not meaningful
(1) At June 30, 1994, ACE increased its then existing reserves relating to
breast implant claims. Although the reserve increase was partially
satisfied by an allocation from existing IBNR, it also required an increase
in ACE's total reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses at June 30, 1994
of $200 million (see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition--Breast Implant Litigation" included in
Appendix B).
(2) Excluding non-recurring and non-insurance expenses.
S-7
<PAGE>
Summary Historical Combined Financial Data of ACE INA
The following table sets forth summary historical combined financial and
other data of ACE INA. The interim financial data have been derived from ACE
INA's unaudited financial statements and include, in the opinion of ACE INA's
management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals,
necessary for a fair presentation of the financial data. The results for the
nine months do not necessarily indicate the results to be expected for the full
fiscal year. The year-end financial data have been derived from ACE INA's
audited financial statements. You should read the following information in
conjunction with ACE INA's financial statements and the related notes, which
are included as Appendix D.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
Nine Months Ended -------------------------
September 30, 1999 1998 1997 1996
------------------ ------- ------- -------
(dollars in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operations Data:
Net premiums written............. $ 1,780 $ 2,990 $ 3,083 $ 3,329
Net premiums earned.............. 1,761 2,957 3,154 3,417
Net investment income............ 286 590 647 688
Other revenues................... 205 282 286 228
Net realized gain on
investments..................... 42 22 75 39
Losses and loss expenses......... 1,272 2,247 2,220 2,466
Acquisition costs and
administration expenses......... 1,065 1,449 1,524 1,534
Amortization of goodwill......... 23 37 36 33
Interest expense................. 36 14 8 13
Income taxes..................... 35 30 132 103
Cumulative effect of accounting
change for guaranty fund and
other insurance related
assessments, net of taxes....... (85) -- -- --
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)................ $ (152) $ 74 $ 242 $ 223
======= ======= ======= =======
Balance Sheet Data (at end of
period):
Total investments and cash....... $ 6,918 $10,073 $10,063 $10,804
Total assets..................... 21,321 21,871 21,840 23,463
Net unpaid losses and loss
expenses........................ 6,654 9,333 9,762 10,489
Total shareholders' equity....... 1,407 1,991 2,037 1,990
Selected other data:
Loss and loss expense ratio(a)... 69.3% 68.9% 63.1% 64.5%
Underwriting and administrative
expense ratio(b)................ 36.3% 37.5% 36.5% 36.5%
Combined ratio after
policyholders dividends......... 105.1% 107.1% 100.0% 102.0%
Loss reserves to capital and
surplus ratio................... 473% 469% 479% 527%
Net premiums written to capital
and surplus ratio............... -- 1.5:1 1.5:1 1.7:1
</TABLE>
- -------
(a) Excluding policyholder dividends.
(b) Excluding non-insurance expenses.
S-8
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the capital securities will involve certain risks. You
should carefully consider the following discussion of risks, and the other
information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus, before deciding whether an investment in the
capital securities is suitable for you.
ACE's obligations under the capital securities guarantee and the debenture
guarantee, and ACE INA's obligations under the debentures, are subordinated
ACE's obligations under the capital securities guarantee will be
unsecured and will rank junior in priority of payment to all other Indebtedness
(as defined in the capital securities guarantee) of ACE outstanding at any
time, except:
. Indebtedness (including other capital securities guarantees issued
by ACE on behalf of holders of capital securities or other similar
securities of any other trust, partnership or other entity
affiliated with ACE which is a financing vehicle of ACE or an
affiliate of ACE) made equal with or junior to the capital
securities guarantee by its terms;
. Indebtedness of ACE to one of its affiliates;
. interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding unless such interest
is an allowed claim enforceable against ACE in a proceeding under
federal or state bankruptcy laws; and
. trade accounts payable.
This means that ACE cannot make any payments on the capital securities
guarantee if it defaults on a payment of any of its other Indebtedness, except
as described above. In the event of the bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution
of ACE, its assets would be available to pay obligations under the capital
securities guarantee only after all payments had been made on its other
Indebtedness, except as described above.
ACE INA's obligations under the debentures will be unsecured and will
rank junior in priority of payment to all ACE INA Senior Indebtedness (as
defined under "Certain Terms of the Debentures--Ranking" on page S-42). This
means that ACE INA cannot make any payments of principal, including redemption
payments, or interest on the debentures if it defaults on a payment on any ACE
INA Senior Indebtedness. In addition, upon any payment or distribution of
assets of ACE INA of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or
securities, to creditors upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization of ACE INA, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due upon all ACE INA
Senior Indebtedness will first be paid in full, or payment provided for in
money in accordance with its terms, before the holders of debentures are
entitled to receive or retain any payment on account of the debentures.
ACE's obligations under the debenture guarantee will be unsecured and
will rank junior in priority of payment to all ACE Senior Indebtedness (as
defined under "Certain Terms of the Debentures--Ranking" on page S-42). This
means that ACE cannot make any payments on account of the debenture guarantee
if it defaults on a payment on any ACE Senior Indebtedness. In addition, upon
any payment or distribution of assets of ACE of any kind or character, whether
in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any dissolution, winding-up,
liquidation or reorganization of ACE, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due upon
all ACE Senior Indebtedness will first be paid in full, or payment provided for
in money in accordance with its terms, before the holders of debentures are
entitled to receive or retain any payment from ACE on account of the debenture
guarantee.
S-9
<PAGE>
Both ACE and ACE INA conduct their operations through subsidiaries, which
generate a substantial portion of their respective operating income and cash
flow. As a result, distributions or advances from subsidiaries of ACE INA and
ACE are a major source of funds necessary to meet their respective debt service
and other obligations. Contractual provisions, laws or regulations, as well as
a subsidiary's financial condition and operating requirements, may limit the
ability of ACE INA or ACE to obtain cash required to pay ACE INA's debt service
obligations, including payments on the debentures, or ACE's payment obligations
under the capital securities guarantee or the debenture guarantee.
The debentures will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of
ACE INA's subsidiaries, including claims with respect to trade payables. The
debenture guarantee and the capital securities guarantee will be structurally
subordinated to all obligations of ACE's subsidiaries, including claims with
respect to trade payables. This means that holders of debentures, including the
Trust, will have a junior position to the claims of creditors of ACE INA's
subsidiaries on their assets and earnings and, with respect to the debenture
guarantee and the capital securities guarantee, will have a junior position to
the claims of creditors of ACE's subsidiaries on their assets and earnings.
Except in the case of certain secured indebtedness, neither the capital
securities guarantee nor the ACE INA subordinated indenture limits or prohibits
ACE INA, ACE or their respective subsidiaries from incurring additional
indebtedness, including indebtedness that ranks senior in priority of payment
to the debentures, the debenture guarantee and the capital securities
guarantee.
As of February 29, 2000, on a pro forma basis as if on that date the
Trust and ACE INA had issued and sold the capital securities and the debentures
and applied the estimated net proceeds (after deducting estimated offering
expenses), approximately $ million, to repay a portion of the commercial
paper indebtedness ACE INA incurred to finance the acquisition of the ACE INA
businesses, (1) the total amount of ACE INA Senior Indebtedness and the total
amount of indebtedness of ACE INA's subsidiaries that would have effectively
ranked senior to the debentures would have been approximately $ and
(2) the total amount of ACE Senior Indebtedness and the total amount of
indebtedness of ACE's subsidiaries that would have effectively ranked senior to
the debenture guarantee and the capital securities guarantee would have been
approximately $ .
Capital securities guarantee covers payments only if the Trust has cash
available
The ability of the Trust to pay distributions on the capital securities,
the redemption price of the capital securities and the liquidation amount of
each capital security is solely dependent upon ACE INA or ACE making the
related payments on the debentures when due.
If ACE INA defaults on its obligation to pay principal, including
redemption payments, or interest on the debentures, and ACE defaults on its
obligation to make such payments under the debenture guarantee, the Trust will
not have sufficient funds to pay distributions, the redemption price or the
liquidation amount of each capital security. In those circumstances, you will
not be able to rely upon the capital securities guarantee for payment of these
amounts because the capital securities guarantee covers such payment only when
the Trust has sufficient funds on hand but fails to make such payment.
Instead, you may:
. seek legal redress against ACE INA or ACE directly or seek other
remedies to collect your pro rata share of payments owed; or
. rely on the property trustee to enforce the Trust's rights under
the debentures and the debenture guarantee.
Ability to defer distributions has tax consequences for you and may affect the
trading price of the capital securities
So long as no event of default under the debentures has occurred and is
continuing, ACE INA may, on one or more occasions, defer interest payments to
the Trust on the debentures as described in
S-10
<PAGE>
this prospectus supplement. If ACE INA defers interest payments on the
debentures, the Trust will defer distributions on the capital securities during
any deferral period.
If ACE INA defers interest payments on the debentures, you will be
required to accrue interest income as original issue discount ("OID") in
respect of the deferred stated interest allocable to your share of the capital
securities for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, you will
include such income in gross income for United States federal income tax
purposes prior to the receipt of any cash distributions. In addition, you will
not receive cash from the Trust related to such income if you dispose of your
capital securities prior to the record date on which distributions of such
amounts are made.
If ACE INA exercises its right to defer interest payments on the
debentures, the capital securities may trade at a price that does not fully
reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest on the debentures. If you sell
the capital securities during an interest deferral period, you may not receive
the same return on investment as someone else who continues to hold the capital
securities. In addition, the existence of ACE INA's right to defer payments of
interest on the debentures may mean that the market price for the capital
securities (which represent an undivided beneficial interest in the debentures)
may be more volatile than other securities that do not have this right.
Capital securities may be redeemed if a Special Event occurs
Upon the occurrence of a Special Event, ACE INA may redeem the
debentures, in whole but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence of the
Special Event at a redemption price calculated as described under "Certain
Terms of the Capital Securities--Special Event Redemption" on page S-36 of this
prospectus supplement. The Trust will use the cash it receives on any such
redemption of the debentures to redeem an equivalent liquidation amount of the
capital securities and the common securities on a pro rata basis, unless an
event of default under the restated trust agreement has occurred and is
continuing, in which case the capital securities will be redeemed before any
common securities.
Distribution of debentures may have a possible adverse effect on trading price
ACE INA has the right to dissolve the Trust at any time. If ACE INA
dissolves the Trust, after satisfaction of any creditors of the Trust, the
Trust will be liquidated by distribution of the debentures to holders of the
capital securities and the common securities.
Under current United States federal income tax laws, a distribution of
debentures to you upon the dissolution of the Trust would not be a taxable
event to you. Nevertheless, if the Trust is classified for United States
federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation at the
time it is dissolved, the distribution of debentures to you would be a taxable
event to you. In addition, if there is a change in law, a distribution of
debentures to you upon the dissolution of the Trust could also be a taxable
event to you.
ACE INA cannot predict the market prices for the debentures that may be
distributed. Accordingly, the debentures that you receive upon a distribution,
or the capital securities you hold pending such a distribution, may trade at a
discount to the price that you paid to purchase the capital securities.
Because you may receive debentures, you should make an investment
decision with regard to the debentures in addition to the capital securities.
You should carefully review all the information regarding the debentures
contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Limited voting rights
You will have limited voting rights. In general, unless an event of
default under the restated trust agreement has occurred and is continuing, only
ACE INA may elect or remove any of the trustees, and in no event may holders of
the capital securities remove the administrative trustees.
S-11
<PAGE>
ACE CAPITAL TRUST II
ACE Capital Trust II is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware
law pursuant to (1) a trust agreement executed by ACE, as original sponsor of
the Trust, and the trustees of the Trust and (2) the filing of a certificate of
trust with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 19, 1999. On August 5, 1999,
ACE assigned its rights and obligations as sponsor of the Trust to ACE INA.
This trust agreement will be amended and restated in its entirety substantially
in the form filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part. The restated
trust agreement will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939.
The Trust exists for the exclusive purposes of:
(1) issuing and selling the trust securities representing undivided
beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Trust;
(2) using the gross proceeds from the sale of the trust securities to
acquire the debentures; and
(3) engaging in only those activities necessary, convenient or
incidental to the issuance and sale of the trust securities and the
purchase of the debentures.
ACE INA will directly or indirectly own all of the common securities of
the Trust. The common securities of the Trust will rank equally, and payments
will be made thereon pro rata, with the capital securities, except that, if an
event of default under the restated trust agreement resulting from an event of
default under the debentures has occurred and is continuing, the rights of the
holder of the common securities to payment in respect of distributions and
payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the
rights of the holders of the capital securities. ACE INA will, directly or
indirectly, acquire common securities in an aggregate liquidation amount equal
to at least 3% of the total capital of the Trust.
The Trust has a term of approximately 55 years, but may dissolve earlier
as provided in the restated trust agreement. The Trust's business and affairs
will be conducted by the trustees. Initially there will be four trustees. Two
of the trustees, referred to as the administrative trustees, are persons who
are employees or officers of or affiliated with ACE. Under the restated trust
agreement, the third trustee will be a financial institution that is not
affiliated with ACE INA and has a minimum amount of combined capital and
surplus of not less than $50,000,000. This trustee, referred to as the property
trustee, will serve as property trustee under the restated trust agreement and
as indenture trustee for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act. Initially, Bank One Trust Company, NA, a national banking
association duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States,
will be the property trustee until removed or replaced by the holder of the
common securities. The fourth trustee, referred to as the Delaware trustee,
will be a financial institution that is not affiliated with ACE INA and is
resident in the State of Delaware for purposes of the Delaware Business Trust
Act (the "Trust Act"). Initially, Bank One Delaware, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, will be the Delaware trustee until removed or replaced by the
holder of the common securities. For purposes of compliance with the provisions
of the Trust Indenture Act, Bank One Trust Company, NA, will also act as the
guarantee trustee.
The property trustee will hold title to the debentures for the benefit of
the holders of the trust securities and the property trustee will have the
power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges under the ACE INA
subordinated indenture as the holder of the debentures. In addition, the
property trustee will maintain exclusive control of a segregated noninterest
bearing bank account (the "property account") to hold all payments made in
respect of the debentures for the benefit of the holders of the trust
securities. The property trustee will make payments of distributions and
payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the holders of the trust
securities out of funds from the property account. The guarantee trustee will
hold the guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the capital securities.
ACE INA, as the direct or indirect holder of all the common securities,
will have the right to appoint, remove or replace any trustee and to increase
or decrease the number of trustees. However, the
S-12
<PAGE>
number of trustees shall be at least two, at least one of which shall be an
administrative trustee. ACE will pay all fees and expenses related to the Trust
and the offering of the trust securities.
The rights of the holders of the capital securities, including economic
rights, rights to information and voting rights, are provided in the restated
trust agreement, the Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
The office of the Delaware trustee currently is Bank One Delaware, Inc.,
Three Christina Centre, 201 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
The principal executive offices of the Trust are c/o ACE INA Holdings Inc., Two
Liberty Place, 1601 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101 and its
telephone number is (215) 640-1000.
Accounting Treatment
The financial statements of the Trust will be reflected in our
consolidated financial statements, with the capital securities shown on our
balance sheet as "Trust preferred securities." The financial statement
footnotes to our consolidated financial statements will reflect that the sole
asset of the Trust will be the debentures. Distributions on the capital
securities will be reflected as a charge to our consolidated income, whether
paid or accumulated, and included in loan interest expense.
S-13
<PAGE>
ACE Limited
General
ACE Limited is a holding company incorporated with limited liability in
the Cayman Islands which maintains its business office in Bermuda. We provide a
broad range of specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance
products to a diverse group of clients worldwide. Our long-term business
strategy focuses on achieving underwriting profits and providing value to our
clients and shareholders through the utilization of our growing capital base
within the insurance and reinsurance markets. To date, we have achieved this
objective through a combination of product and geographic diversification as
well as through a number of strategic acquisitions. The ACE INA acquisition was
a significant step forward in this strategy and makes us one of a handful of
truly global insurance enterprises. We now operate in 47 countries.
Recent Operating Results
On February 16, 2000, we announced our operating results for the three
months and year ended December 31, 1999 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months
Ended
December 31,
----------------- Year Ended Year Ended
1999 1998 December 31, 1999 September 30, 1998
-------- -------- ----------------- ------------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operations Data:
Net premiums earned... $947,248 $218,007 $2,485,737 $896,605
Net investment
income............... 158,999 85,095 493,337 324,254
Losses and loss
expenses............. 594,281 111,169 1,639,543 516,892
Income excluding net
realized gains....... 98,700 108,385 322,845 371,766
Net realized gains
(net of tax)......... 53,329 130,154 42,118 188,385
Net income............ 152,029 238,539 364,963 560,151
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
----------------------
1999 1998
----------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Total investments and cash............................ $12,875,535 $6,214,900
Total assets.......................................... 30,122,888 8,834,305
Total shareholders' equity............................ 4,450,560 3,909,577
</TABLE>
Three months ended December 31, 1999 compared with three months ended December
31, 1998:
We recorded net premiums earned of $947 million compared with $218
million last year, an increase of $729 million or 334 percent. Of this
increase, $707 million results from the acquisition of ACE INA. ACE INA's
results have been included in our results since July 2, 1999, the date we
acquired them.
We recorded net investment income of $159 million compared with $85
million last year. The primary reason for this increase is an increase in the
size of investment assets resulting from the ACE INA acquisition.
We recorded losses and loss expenses of $594 million compared with $111
million in 1998. The increase is primarily due to the inclusion of loss and
loss expenses for ACE INA following the acquisition. Our loss and loss expense
ratio also increased from 51.0% in 1998 to 62.7% in 1999. The increase in our
loss and loss expense ratio is primarily due to the changing mix of premiums
earned, highlighted by the inclusion of the domestic operations of ACE INA
whose loss ratio is generally higher
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<PAGE>
than our historic book of business. Our 1998 loss and loss expense ratio
benefited from favorable loss experience at ACE Bermuda. The policy term of a
large multi-year contract written by ACE Bermuda ended during the December
1998 quarter. The policy was not renewed and generated significant earnings
during the December 1998 quarter.
Year ended December 31, 1999 compared with the year ended September 30, 1998:
From and after July 2, 1999, our fiscal year end changed from September
30 to December 31.
We recorded net premiums earned of $2.49 billion compared with $897
million last year, an increase of $1.6 billion or 177 percent. Approximately
$1.4 billion of the increase results from the inclusion of the newly acquired
ACE INA business. ACE Bermuda, ACE Global Markets and ACE Global Reinsurance
experienced increases in net premiums earned during the period as well. The
tailored risk solutions division at ACE Bermuda contributed significantly to
the increase due to the commutation of a tailored risk solutions reinsurance
contract and the writing of several significant loss portfolio transfer
contracts in the year which generated immediate premiums earned of
approximately $150 million.
We recorded net investment income of $493 million compared with $324
million last year. Net investment income increased by $169 million in the year
ended December 1999 compared with the year ended September 30, 1998. The
primary reason for this increase is an increase in the size of investment
assets resulting from the ACE INA acquisition on July 2, 1999. In addition,
there was a significant rise in U.S. interest rates with U.S. Treasury bond
yields closing the year between 150 and 200 basis points higher than at
September 30, 1998. This had a marginal impact on our portfolio yield for the
year, but as our portfolio is turned over and new money invested, higher
market yields should have a positive impact going forward. The average yield
on our investment portfolio in 1999 was not significantly different from that
generated in 1998.
During 1999, there were a significant number of catastrophes that
impacted our results including: a hailstorm in New South Wales, Australia in
April 1999; tornadoes in the U.S. midwest in May 1999; from July to September
1999 there were major earthquakes in Taiwan, Turkey, Greece and Mexico, a
typhoon in Japan and Hurricane Floyd in the U.S.; and in December 1999 there
were several severe windstorms in Europe.
We recorded losses and loss expenses of $1.6 billion compared with $517
million in 1998. The increase is primarily due to the changing mix of premiums
earned, highlighted by the inclusion of the domestic operations of ACE INA
whose loss ratio is generally higher than our historic book of business as
well as the result of a large number of insured catastrophes occurring in
1999, including those outlined above. Our loss and loss expense ratio also
increased from 57.8% in 1998 to 66.0% in 1999. The increase in our loss and
loss expense ratio is also due to the inclusion of the domestic business of
ACE INA as well as the large number of insured catastrophes during the year.
Strategy
Our long-term business strategy focuses on achieving underwriting
profits and providing value to our clients and shareholders through the
utilization of our substantial capital base within the global insurance and
reinsurance markets. To date, we have achieved this objective through a
combination of product and geographic diversification as well as through a
number of strategic acquisitions. The ACE INA acquisition was a significant
step forward in this strategy and makes us one of only a handful of truly
global insurance enterprises.
For an acquired company to be strategic, it must be operationally
accretive in addition to being financially accretive. The ACE INA acquisition
provides ACE with a considerably expanded competitive profile in the U.S.
market and a significant international presence in 46 other countries. The ACE
INA acquisition provides ACE with attractive opportunities for growth not only
in the U.S. but also in Europe, Asia and Latin America. The ACE INA businesses
complement the other businesses of ACE, resulting in significant further
diversification benefits. This diversification is important to accommodate the
needs of ACE's expanding, global client base of multinational clients in a
dynamic insurance marketplace.
S-15
<PAGE>
Our Operating Subsidiaries
ACE Bermuda
ACE Bermuda provides property and casualty insurance and reinsurance
coverage across a broad range of business including: excess liability,
professional lines, satellite, tailored risk solutions, aviation, excess
property and political risk. The nature of the coverage provided is generally
expected to result in low frequency but high severity of individual losses. We
use reinsurance market as an integral part of the risk management strategy of
ACE Bermuda and we have secured reinsurance coverage on all of our major lines
of business.
ACE Bermuda also conducts its business through the following joint
ventures:
Sovereign Risk Insurance Limited, a Bermuda-based managing general
agency, issues subscription policies for political risk insurance coverage,
with ACE Bermuda assuming 50 percent of each risk underwritten with a 10
percent retrocession. ACE Bermuda also participates, on a quota share basis, in
two other political risk programs; co-reinsurance of MIGA (the insurance arm of
the World Bank) and Exporter's Credit, which is reinsurance of trade credit
risks.
In March 1998, ACE Bermuda formed two companies with Capital Re
Corporation ("Capital Re"): ACE Capital Re International and ACE Capital Re
Managers Ltd. ACE Capital Re International, a Bermuda-domiciled insurance
company, writes both traditional and custom-designed programs covering
financial guaranty, mortgage guaranty and a broad range of financial risks.
Operations are underwritten and managed in Bermuda by a managing agency, ACE
Capital Re Managers Ltd. During the year ended December 31, 1999, ACE Bermuda
purchased Capital Re's share of ACE Capital Re International and provided
further capital of $85 million. On December 30, 1999, ACE acquired Capital Re.
In March 1999, ACE Bermuda, together with a major broker and a UK based
insurance company, formed a joint venture named Intrepid Re Limited. The joint
venture underwrites alternative risk business.
ACE INA
On July 2, 1999, we acquired the ACE INA businesses from CIGNA. ACE INA
operates in 47 countries providing property and casualty insurance to
businesses and individuals on a global basis. One of ACE INA's primary domestic
insurance companies, Insurance Company of North America, traces its origins to
1792. Today, ACE INA benefits from significant domestic and international brand
recognition, long-standing domestic and international operations and the
accumulated results of CIGNA's marketing and promotional efforts. For the
twelve months ended December 31, 1998, ACE INA had gross written premiums of
$4.4 billion, net written premiums of $3.0 billion, net income of $74 million,
total assets of $21.9 billion and stockholder's equity of $2.0 billion.
The ACE INA acquisition provides us with a number of strategic benefits
and growth opportunities. Most importantly, the ACE INA acquisition
significantly furthers our strategy of diversifying both geographically and by
product line. Prior to the acquisition, we operated from our bases in Bermuda,
the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland. With the acquisition, we
have become one of a very few truly global property and casualty insurance
companies, with operations in 47 countries and all 50 states. This global
presence has been built over a significant period of time and would be
difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate cost and time effectively.
In addition, the ACE INA acquisition greatly expands our product range
and our customer base. This product line diversification allows us to diversify
our risk and income streams and to offer a wider product range to a broader
customer base worldwide. This diversification should also decrease the
volatility of our revenues and income.
ACE INA is organized into two operating segments, ACE USA and ACE
International.
S-16
<PAGE>
ACE USA
The principal business of ACE USA is the combined business of ACE US
Holdings, which we acquired in 1998, and the domestic operations of ACE INA,
which we acquired on July 2, 1999. The domestic operations of ACE INA include
ongoing domestic operations as well as the run-off operations of Brandywine
Holdings, Inc., which does not write new policies. The ongoing operations
provide specialty property and casualty products and services including:
aerospace, diversified products, marine, professional risk services, property,
special risk, U.S., international, warranty, Westchester Specialty and "other"
operations. The other operations include all remaining insurance operations of
ACE USA and insurance related operations. The business unit's insurance results
include residual market workers' compensation business, pools and syndicates
not attributable to a single business unit and the runoff of open market
facilities business. Insurance related operations include those of ESIS Inc.
("ESIS"), our in-house third party claims administrator, and Recovery Services
International ("RSI"), which sells salvage, subrogation, and premium collection
services.
During 1999, we sold all of the renewal rights to the Commercial
Insurance Services business, a business unit acquired as part of the ACE INA
acquisition, under two separate agreements. In October, 1999, we reached an
agreement with Wausau Commercial Insurance, to sell the renewal rights to the
CIS Middle Market, Commercial Business as well as non-California workers
compensation business. In November 1999, we reached an agreement with Superior
National Insurance Group to sell the renewal rights to the CIS California
Worker's Compensation business. We have not yet sold the existing insurance
reserves for the CIS book.
The Brandywine run-off operation was created in 1995 by the restructuring
of ACE INA's domestic operations into two separate operations, ongoing and run-
off. Brandywine contains substantially all of ACE INA's asbestos and
environmental exposures as well as various run-off insurance and reinsurance
businesses. The run-off operations do not actively sell insurance products, but
are responsible for the management of run-off policies and environmental
pollution exposures.
ACE International
ACE International's operations provide insurance coverage and services on
a worldwide basis excluding the United States. The principal business
operations are property & casualty and accident & health. Operating management
is carried out through four regional teams: Europe, Far East, Asia/Pacific and
Latin America.
Our international property and casualty operations are conducted through
a specialist insurance organization offering capacity and technical expertise
in the underwriting of large and unique risks for targeted commercial customer
segments, as well as individual coverages in selected markets. Our property
insurance products include traditional commercial fire coverage as well as
energy industry-related and other technical coverages. Our principal casualty
products are commercial general liability and liability coverage for
multinational organizations. Marine cargo and hull coverages are written in the
London market as well as in marine markets throughout the world. Our
international operations also design and implement risk-financing alternatives
for customers whose approach to risk management includes some form of self-
insurance.
Our international accident and health insurance operations provide
products that are designed to meet the insurance needs of individuals and
groups outside of U.S. insurance markets. These products include accidental
death, medical, hospital indemnity and income protection coverages.
We reduce our exposure to economic loss arising from foreign exchange
fluctuations in ACE International by maintaining invested assets abroad in the
same currency as the related liabilities.
S-17
<PAGE>
ACE Global Markets
ACE Global Markets primarily encompasses our operations in the Lloyd's
market. We own five managing agencies that operate in Lloyd's. These managing
agencies receive fees and profit commissions in respect of the underwriting and
administrative services they provide to the syndicates. For the calendar 2000
year of account, our managing agencies will manage two active syndicates with
total capacity under management of approximately $1 billion. As our
participation in the syndicates under management grows, the amount of third
party fees and profit commissions received by our managing agencies will
decrease.
We also provide funds at Lloyd's to support underwriting by Lloyd's
syndicates managed by our managing agencies. For the 1999 year of account,
through four corporate members, we participated on all four of the ACE managed
syndicates which together had an underwriting capacity of approximately $725
million out of the total $1.05 billion of capacity. Included in the four
syndicates is Syndicate 2488, a dedicated corporate syndicate whose capital is
provided solely by us, and which underwrites in parallel with Syndicate 488
comprising capacity provided by Names and other corporate members. The
syndicates on which we participate provide liability, specialty marine,
property, casualty and aviation insurance.
For the 2000 year of account, we have merged our syndicates in one so
that only Syndicate 2488 will underwrite in 2000. This does not include the
syndicates managed by Capital Re's Lloyds operations which we discuss below.
The capacity of this syndicate will be approximately $990 million of which
approximately 84 percent, or $829 million, will be provided by our corporate
members.
On December 30, 1999, we acquired RGB Underwriting Agency Limited
("RGBUA") as part of the acquisition of Capital Re. Capital Re also owns a
corporate member at Lloyd's through which it participates on two syndicates
managed by RGBUA for the 1999 year of account. Prior to our acquisition of
Capital Re, one of the syndicates was ceased, such that for the 2000 year of
account the Capital Re corporate member will participate in the remaining
active syndicate. During 2000, it is envisaged the Lloyd's operations of
Capital Re will transfer to ACE Global Markets.
ACE Global Reinsurance
The principal business of our ACE Global Reinsurance segment is the
operations of Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited ("Tempest Re") which provides
property catastrophe reinsurance worldwide to insurers of commercial and
personal property. Property catastrophe reinsurance protects a ceding company
against an accumulation of losses covered by the insurance policies it has
issued arising from a common event or "occurrence." Tempest Re underwrites
reinsurance principally on an excess of loss basis.
On April 1, 1998, we acquired CAT Limited, another Bermuda-based property
catastrophe reinsurer. CAT's underwriting operations were immediately combined
with those of Tempest Re, and on January 1, 1999 CAT was merged into Tempest
Re.
In early 2000, Tempest Re initiated plans to expand its operations to
become a multiline global reinsurer. This expansion is expected to reduce
volatility and enable Tempest Re to diversify its business and offer integrated
risk solutions to satisfy client demand. We consider such an integrated
approach vital to capturing an increasing share of the future reinsurance
market.
Business growth will require expansion outside of Bermuda, with our
initial emphasis on the major markets of the United States and the United
Kingdom. We may consider further global expansion in a subsequent phase of this
strategy. We will seek business development opportunities by combining the
strengths of our client relationship skills, underwriting expertise, rational
pricing and capital base. We will add new lines of business in accordance with
our strategy to offer risk protection across all lines of insurance and to be
able to package insurance risk with financial, investment and operational risk.
S-18
<PAGE>
ACE Financial Services
Our ACE Financial Services segment primarily includes the companies
acquired in the Capital Re acquisition, on December 30, 1999, and ACE Capital
Re International, a subsidiary of ACE Bermuda. Following the acquisition,
Capital Re was renamed ACE Financial Services. The companies in our ACE
Financial Services segment provide value-added insurance and reinsurance
products in several specialty insurance markets which emphasize protection from
credit or financial risks through financial guaranty coverages and financial
risk coverages. The financial guaranty business is composed of municipal and
non-municipal financial guaranty reinsurance and credit default swaps. The
financial risks business is composed of mortgage guaranty reinsurance, trade
credit reinsurance, title reinsurance and financial solutions.
ACE Financial Services' financial guaranty division is dedicated to
serving the U.S. domestic and international financial guaranty insurance
markets and has established itself as a leading specialty reinsurer (by market
share) of financial guaranties of investment grade debt obligations,
principally municipal and non-municipal debt obligations.
Financial guaranty insurance is a type of credit enhancement in the form
of a surety or insurance which is regulated under the insurance laws of various
jurisdictions. The insurance provides an unconditional and irrevocable guaranty
which indemnifies the insured against nonpayment of principal and interest when
due by an obligor on an insured debt obligation. Additionally, the financial
guaranty business sells municipal and non-municipal credit risk protection on a
facultative basis to a wide variety of counterparties through credit default
swap transactions. Although structured as financial derivatives, credit default
swaps are functionally equivalent to financial guaranty insurance.
The financial risk solutions business is focused on providing highly
structured solutions to problems of financial and risk management through
reinsurance, including credit enhancement, excess of loss and surplus
management covers.
The financial risk solutions business includes the reinsurance of
mortgage guaranty insurance, trade credit reinsurance, and title insurance.
Mortgage guaranty insurance is a specialized class of credit insurance,
providing protection to mortgage lending institutions against the default of
borrowers on mortgage loans which at the time of the advance had a loan-to-
value ("LTV") ratio in excess of 80 percent. Trade credit insurance protects
sellers of goods and services from the risk of non-payment of trade receivables
and is a large, well-established specialty insurance product, particularly in
Western Europe. Policyholders are generally covered for short-term exposures
(generally less than 180 days and averaging 60-90 days) to insolvency or
payment defaults by domestic and/or foreign buyers. Some export credit policies
also cover political events which can disrupt either the flow of goods and
services or payment for goods and services. Title insurance essentially
provides the acquirer or the mortgagee of real property with two forms of
coverage: the first assures that the search and examination of the real estate
records upon which the acquirer or mortgagee is relying for good and clean
title was properly performed, and the second form of coverage assures that all
previously existing mortgages and liens will be paid off from the proceeds of
the sale or refinancing of the property.
We Compete Vigorously in Our Various Markets
Competitive forces in the international property and casualty insurance
and reinsurance business are substantial. Results are a function of
underwriting and investment performance, direct costs associated with the
delivery of insurance products, including the costs of regulation, the
frequency and severity of both natural and man-made disasters, as well as
inflation (actual, social and judicial), which impact loss costs. Decisions
made by insurers concerning their mix of business (offering certain types of
coverage but declining to write other types), their methods of operations and
the quality and allocation of their assets (including any reinsurance
recoverable balances) will all affect their competitive position. The relative
size and reputation of insurers may influence purchasing decisions of present
and prospective customers and will contribute to both geographic and industrial
sector market penetration. Oversupply of available capital has historically had
the effect of encouraging competition and depressing prices. ACE's competitive
position in the property and casualty insurance industry is influenced by all
of these factors.
S-19
<PAGE>
We Enjoy Strong Insurance Ratings
All of our operating subsidiaries have received ratings from A.M. Best
Company ("A.M. Best") and Standard & Poors Rating Service ("S&P"), except for
our Financial Services companies and our Ireland-based companies. The Lloyd's
market has also received ratings from A.M. Best and S&P. These ratings are
based upon factors relevant to policyholders, agents and intermediaries and are
not directed toward the protection of investors. Such ratings are not
recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. ACE Bermuda has received a
group rating of A+ from A.M. Best and an A+ claims paying ability rating from
S&P. ACE INA has received a group rating of A- from A.M. Best and an A+ claims
paying ability rating from S&P. The Lloyd's market, including ACE Global
Markets, has received a rating of A from A.M. Best and a claims paying ability
rating of A+ from S&P. Tempest Re and ACE USA's insurance subsidiaries have
received ratings of A from A.M. Best and claims paying ability ratings of A+
from S&P. The financial strength of ACE Guaranty Re Company, the primary
reinsurance company in the Financial Services group, is rated AAA by S&P and
Aa2 by Moody's Investors Services Inc. The financial strength of Capital
Mortgage Reinsurance Company, ACE Capital Re Bermuda Ltd. and ACE Capital Title
Reinsurance Company, three other companies in the Financial Services group, are
rated AA by S&P.
How We Estimate and Provide For Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
We are required to make provisions in our financial statements for the
estimated unpaid liability for losses and loss expenses for claims made against
us under the terms of our policies and agreements. Estimating the ultimate
liability for losses and loss expenses is an imprecise science subject to
variables that are influenced by both internal and external factors. This is
true because claim settlements to be made in the future may be impacted by
changing rates of inflation and other economic conditions, changing
legislative, judicial and social environments and changes in our claims
handling procedures. In any liability cases, significant periods of time,
ranging up to several years or more, may elapse between the occurrence of an
insured loss, the reporting of the loss to us and the settlement of our
liability for that loss.
Losses and loss expenses are charged to income as incurred. The reserve
for unpaid losses and loss expenses represents the estimated ultimate losses
and loss expenses less paid losses and loss expenses and is composed of case
reserves, loss expense reserves and IBNR loss reserves. During the loss
settlement period, which can be many years in duration, additional facts
regarding individual claims and trends often will become known. As these become
apparent, case reserves may be adjusted by allocation from the IBNR loss
reserve without any change in the overall reserve. In addition, application of
statistical and actuarial methods may require the adjustment of the overall
reserves upward or downward from time to time. The final liability nonetheless
may be significantly greater than or less than the prior estimates.
At December 31, 1999, the net reserve for unpaid losses including IBNR
loss reserves was $8.9 billion. We continually evaluate our reserves in light
of developing information and in light of discussions and negotiations with our
insureds. While we are unable at this time to determine whether additional
reserves (which could have a material adverse effect upon our financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows) may be necessary in the
future, we believe that our reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses are
adequate as of December 31, 1999.
How We Invest Our Assets
Our primary investment objectives are to ensure that funds will be
available to meet our insurance and reinsurance obligations and then, to
maximize our rate of return on invested funds within specifically approved
constraints as to credit quality, liquidity and volatility. Accordingly, our
investment portfolio is invested primarily in fixed income instruments of high
credit quality.
Written investment guidelines, approved by the Finance Committee of our
Board of Directors, document standards to ensure portfolio liquidity and
diversification, maintain credit quality, and limit volatility within approved
asset allocation guidelines. The use of financial futures, forwards and options
contracts, as well as certain mortgage derivative securities which do not
provide a planned stable structure of principal and interest payments, require
prior approval from the Finance Committee.
S-20
<PAGE>
Our consolidated investment portfolio is divided into three segments.
Assets which are required to match and offset certain specifically identified
liabilities are segregated in an asset-liability management segment. The second
segment, the core portfolio, supports the current general insurance exposures
and is structured to have low to moderate investment risk. The remainder of the
portfolio, the discretionary segment, is invested to enhance total return and
return on equity by taking on additional investment risks within prudent
limits. The core and discretionary portfolios are managed by professional
outside managers whose performance is measured against certain recognized broad
market indices.
Funds are invested in both U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated high-
quality fixed maturity and equity securities. The approved asset allocation
targets 20 percent of the consolidated investment portfolio to have an exposure
to equities, with international equities limited to no more than 35 percent of
total equities. The asset allocation target allows 5 percent of the
consolidated investment portfolio (excluding the assets of ACE INA) to be
invested in alternative investments. The remainder of the consolidated
portfolio is to be invested predominantly in U.S. dollar fixed income
securities.
S-21
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
All of the proceeds from the sale of the capital securities, together
with the proceeds from the sale of the common securities to ACE INA, will be
invested by the Trust in the debentures. ACE INA intends to use the net
proceeds from the issuance of the debentures, estimated to be approximately $
(after deducting estimated offering expenses), to repay a portion of the
commercial paper indebtedness ACE INA incurred to finance our acquisition of
the ACE INA businesses. At December 31, 1999, ACE INA had outstanding
approximately $625 million of commercial paper, with a weighted average
maturity of approximately 22 days and bearing a weighted average interest rate
of approximately 6.3%.
CAPITALIZATION OF ACE
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 1999, our short-term
debt and capitalization (1) on a historical basis, and (2) as adjusted to give
effect to the sale of the capital securities offered hereby, and the
application of the estimated net proceeds from such sales to repay short-term
debt. You should read this table in conjunction with our historical
consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the historical
combined financial statements of ACE INA and the related notes and our
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of December 31,
1999
----------------------
As
Actual Adjusted
---------- ----------
(dollars in
thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Short-Term Debt........................................ $1,074,585 $
========== ==========
Long-Term Debt:
7.75% debentures due 2002............................ 74,894 74,894
8.20% notes due 2004................................. 400,000 400,000
8.30% notes due 2006................................. 299,334 299,334
8.63% notes due 2008................................. 250,000 250,000
8.875% debentures due 2029........................... 100,000 100,000
11.2% notes due 2009................................. 300,000 300,000
---------- ----------
Total long-term debt............................... 1,424,228 1,424,228
Hybrid trust preferred securities...................... 575,000 575,000
Preferred securities offered hereby.................... --
Shareholders' equity:
Ordinary Shares (par value $0.041666667; 300,000,000
shares authorized, 217,460,515 shares issued and
outstanding)........................................ 9,061 9,061
Additional paid-in capital........................... 2,214,989 2,214,989
Unearned stock grant compensation.................... (28,908) (28,908)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss................. (66,152) (66,152)
Retained earnings.................................... 2,321,570 2,321,570
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity......................... 4,450,560 4,450,560
---------- ----------
Total capitalization............................... $6,449,788 $
========== ==========
</TABLE>
S-22
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF ACE
On July 2, 1999, ACE purchased the international and domestic property
and casualty businesses of CIGNA for $3.45 billion in cash. Under the terms of
the acquisition agreement, ACE acquired CIGNA's domestic property and casualty
insurance operations and also its international property and casualty insurance
companies and branches, including most of the accident and health business
written through those companies. National Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of
Berkshire Hathaway Inc., provided $1.25 billion of reinsurance against
unanticipated increases in recorded reserves for insurance losses and loss
adjustment expenses of certain subsidiaries being acquired by ACE. ACE financed
this acquisition with available cash and the proceeds from the issuance of a
hybrid trust preferred security and commercial paper. We repaid a portion of
the commercial paper with the proceeds from the sale of $800 million principal
amount of senior debt in August 1999, $100 million of trust preferred
securities in December 1999 and $300 million of senior notes in December 1999.
We intend to repay the remaining commercial paper with proceeds from the sale
of a combination of newly issued ACE ordinary shares and trust preferred
securities, including the capital securities offered hereby.
On October 26, 1999, ACE, Capital Re and CapRe Acquisition Corp. entered
into an amended and restated merger agreement. This agreement replaced the
original merger agreement entered into by ACE and Capital Re on June 10, 1999.
Under the new agreement, Capital Re stockholders received 0.65 ordinary shares
of ACE for each share of common stock of Capital Re at closing plus a cash
payment equal to $3.4456. The transaction was completed on December 30, 1999.
On July 2, 1999, ACE changed its fiscal year-end from September 30 to
December 31. This change was implemented retroactively; however, the period
from the most recent fiscal year-end (September 30, 1998) to the most recent
interim date for which a balance sheet is required is represented by the twelve
months ended September 30, 1999.
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as
of September 30, 1999 gives effect to the acquisition of Capital Re as if it
had occurred on September 30, 1999. The unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the twelve months ended September 30,
1999, and for the twelve months ended September 30, 1998 present operating
results of ACE as if these acquisitions had occurred on October 1, 1997. These
amounts do not include ACE's estimate of the expected annual operating expense
savings from the acquisition of CIGNA's property and casualty businesses.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements
should be read in conjunction with ACE's consolidated financial statements
included in ACE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
1998, the unaudited consolidated financial statements of ACE included in ACE's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999, the
audited combined financial statements of CIGNA's property and casualty
businesses for the year ended December 31, 1998 previously filed as exhibit
99.1 to a Form 8-K filed by ACE dated May 19, 1999, the consolidated financial
statements of Capital Re included in the Capital Re Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1998 and the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of Capital Re included in the Capital Re Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999. The unaudited pro forma
condensed consolidated financial information is not intended to be indicative
of the consolidated results of operations or financial position of ACE that
would have been reported if these acquisitions had occurred at the dates
indicated or of the consolidated results of future operations or of future
financial position.
The acquisitions of CIGNA's property and casualty businesses and Capital
Re have both been accounted for as purchases, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Under purchase accounting, the total purchase
price is allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair
values.
S-23
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At September 30, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
Combined
for
Pro Forma Capital Re
ACE Capital Re Adjustments Notes Acquisition
----------- ----------- ----------- ----- -----------
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total investments and
cash................... $ 11,865 $1,137 $ (82) (2)
(75) (6) $ 12,845
Reinsurance
recoverables........... 8,924 5 8,929
Premiums receivable..... 2,319 17 2,336
Other assets............ 3,571 259 3,830
Goodwill................ 2,665 38 (3) 2,703
----------- ------ ---------- -----------
Total assets........... $ 29,344 $1,418 $ (119) $ 30,643
=========== ====== ========== ===========
Unpaid losses and loss
expenses............... 17,198 107 17,305
Unearned premiums....... 2,128 416 2,544
Trust Preferred
Securities............. 400 75 475
Indebtedness............ 2,499 100 2,599
Other liabilities....... 3,255 218 5 (3) 3,407
(71) (1)
----------- ------ ---------- -----------
Total liabilities...... $ 25,480 $ 916 $ (66) $ 26,330
----------- ------ ---------- -----------
Total shareholders'
equity................. 3,864 502
71 (1)
(75) (6)
368 (2)
10 (4)
(427) (5) 4,313
----------- ------ ---------- -----------
Total liabilities and
shareholders equity... $ 29,344 $1,418 $ (119) $ 30,643
=========== ====== ========== ===========
Shares outstanding on a
fully diluted basis.... 197,681,281 2,544,000 (1)
20,865,000 (2)
698,000 (4) 221,788,281
=========== ========== ===========
Fully diluted book value
per share(7)........... $ 19.72 $ 19.65
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
S-24
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET FOOTNOTES
(1) Under the terms of the acquisition agreement by and among CIGNA
Corporation, CIGNA Holdings, Inc. and ACE Limited dated January 11, 1999,
all unvested options to acquire shares of CIGNA and all unvested
restricted stock of CIGNA held by CIGNA employees that transferred to ACE
were cancelled by CIGNA and replaced with restricted stock of ACE. As a
result, ACE issued approximately 2,544,000 shares of restricted stock with
a total value of approximately $71 million to those new ACE employees. ACE
included the fair value of these ACE shares as part of the purchase price
of the acquired businesses and recorded the $71 million as a liability at
September 30, 1999. For purposes of these pro forma statements, the $71
million has been included in shareholders' equity.
(2) The amended and restated merger agreement among Capital Re, ACE and Cap Re
Acquisition Corp. dated October 26, 1999 provides that, at the effective
time of the merger, each Capital Re common share issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into the right
to receive 0.65 ACE ordinary shares plus a cash payment equal to the
greater of $1.30 and the difference (if positive) between the market value
of 0.65 of an ACE ordinary share and $14.00, subject to a maximum amount
of cash of $4.68 per Capital Re share. For purposes of the pro forma
financial statements, ACE has used a share price of $17.625 and has
assumed that it will issue 20,865,000 ACE ordinary shares (with a total
value of $368 million) plus cash of $82 million in exchange for Capital Re
common shares. On December 30, 1999, ACE did issue 20,865,000 shares which
were recorded at a share price of $17.625. The actual cash consideration,
which was based on the average closing price of an ACE share on the New
York Stock Exchanges as reported in the Wall Street Journal (NYC edition)
for the five consecutive trading days ending three trading days prior to
the closing date, subject to the limits noted above, was $110 million.
(3) Under purchase accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the
acquired assets and liabilities assumed based on their fair values. The
excess of the cost of the transaction (including expenses incurred by ACE
related to the transaction estimated at $5 million) over the fair value of
the Capital Re net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Based on the
value of the ACE ordinary shares expected to be issued, including the ACE
options described in note 4, to effect the merger and the Capital Re net
assets at September 30, 1999 ACE would record goodwill of $38 million as a
result of the merger (see discussion of purchase price in note 2 above).
The actual goodwill recorded, based on the value of the purchase
consideration and the net assets of Capital Re acquired on December 30,
1999 was $105 million. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight line basis
over 25 years.
(4) Pursuant to the merger agreement, all of Capital Re stock options
outstanding were cancelled and replaced with ACE options. ACE also issued
restricted shares of ACE ordinary shares to certain Capital Re employees in
conjunction with the merger. ACE recorded the value of these ACE options
and the restricted stock of approximately $10 million as part of the
purchase price of Capital Re.
(5) The adjustment reflects the consolidation adjustment to eliminate Capital
Re's shareholders' equity.
(6) Eliminates ACE's current investment of $75 million in Capital Re.
(7) Fully diluted book value per share is based on the sum of total
shareholders' equity and the aggregate proceeds assuming exercise of all
outstanding ACE options and Capital Re stock options that will be cancelled
and replaced with ACE options.
S-25
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
Pro Forma Combined for
Combined CIGNA
for CIGNA P&C and
CIGNA Pro Forma P&C Pro forma Capital
ACE(1) P&C(2) Adjustments Notes Acquisition Capital Re(9) Adjustments Notes Re Acquisition
----------- ------- ----------- ------ ----------- -------------- ----------- -------- --------------
(In million of U.S. dollars)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Premiums
Written........ $ 1,798 $ 2,188 $ $ 3,986 $ 196 $ 4,182
Net Premiums
Earned......... 1,757 2,174 3,931 165 4,096
Net investment
income......... 419 413 (106) (3)(4) 726 68 (3) (13) 791
Other revenues.. 69 213 282 7 289
Losses and loss
expenses....... (1,156) (1,698) 61 (4) (2,793) (253) (3,046)
Acquisition
costs and
administrative
expenses....... (570) (740) (1,310) (75) (1,385)
Other expenses.. (161) (515) (154) (5)(6) (830) (13) (2) (12) (845)
Income tax...... (21) 34 38 (7) 51 41 92
----------- ------- --------- ----------- ----- ---------- -----------
Income (loss)
excluding net
realized gains
(losses) and
the cumulative
effect of
accounting
change......... 337 (119) (161) 57 (60) (5) (8)
Net realized
gains (losses)
on
investments.... 115 68 183 (7) 176
Cumulative
effect of
accounting
change for
guaranty fund
and other
insurance
related
assessments,
net of taxes... (85) (85) (85)
----------- ------- --------- ----------- ----- ---------- -----------
Income (loss)
from continuing
operations..... 452 (136) (161) 155 (67) (5) 83
Loss from
discontinued
operations, net
of tax......... (79) (79)
=========== ======= ========= ----------- ----- ---------- -----------
Net Income
(loss)......... $ 452 $ (136) $ (161) $ 155 $(146) $ (5) $ 4
=========== ======= ========= =========== ===== ========== ===========
Basic earnings
per share from
continuing
operations,
excluding net
realized gains
(losses) and
cumulative
effect of
accounting
change......... $ 1.74 $ .29 (0.40)
=========== =========== ===========
Basic earnings
per share from
continuing
operations..... $ 2.33 $ .79 $ .38
=========== =========== ===========
Basic earnings
per share...... $ 2.33 $ .79 $ .02
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average
shares
outstanding--
basic.......... 193,888,625 2,544,000 (8) 196,432,625 20,865,000 (10) 217,297,625
=========== ========= =========== ========== ===========
Diluted earnings
per share from
continuing
operations,
excluding net
realized gains
(losses) and
cumulative
effect of
accounting
change......... $ 1.71 $ .29 $ (0.04)
=========== =========== ===========
Diluted earnings
per share from
continuing
operations..... $ 2.29 $ .78 $ .37
=========== =========== ===========
Diluted earnings
per share...... $ 2.29 $ .78 $ .02
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average
shares
outstanding--
diluted........ 197,016,925 2,544,000 (8) 199,560,925 22,064,080 (10)(11) 221,625,005
=========== ========= =========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>
S-26
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA FOOTNOTES FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
(1) On July 2, 1999, ACE changed its fiscal year-end from September 30 to
December 31. This change was implemented retroactively, however the period
from the most recent fiscal year-end (September 30, 1998) to the most
recent interim date for which a balance sheet is required is represented
by the twelve months ended September 30, 1999.
(2) The actual results of operations have been included with ACE since the
acquisition date (July 2, 1999). Therefore the combined statements of
operations of CIGNA's property and casualty businesses reflect its results
of operations for the nine months ended June 30, 1999.
(3) ACE funded part of the purchase price with $1.025 billion of cash on hand.
The estimated investment income on this $1.025 billion of the purchase
price has been eliminated (based on a yield of 5.8% that approximates the
yield on the ACE portfolio for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998).
(4) Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, CIGNA agreed to provide a
guarantee to ACE to indemnify against unanticipated increases in recorded
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses of certain subsidiaries
being acquired by ACE. CIGNA had the option to replace its guarantee with
reinsurance obtained from a mutually agreed upon third party reinsurer.
Contemporaneous with the consummation of the acquisition, CIGNA exercised
its option and replaced its guarantee with reinsurance by directing
certain subsidiaries being acquired to transfer $1.25 billion of
investments to a reinsurer for aggregate coverage of $2.5 billion. Such
coverage attached at an amount equal to the net recorded reserves of the
certain subsidiaries acquired, on the closing date, minus $1.25 billion.
The estimated investment income on this $1.25 billion has been eliminated
(based on a yield of 6.5% that approximates the yield on the applicable
portion of the acquired businesses' portfolio for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998). The pro forma adjustment to losses and loss expenses
reflects the estimated historical adverse development recorded during the
period on the guaranteed reserves.
(5) In addition to the $1.025 billion of cash on hand, ACE funded the purchase
price with $400 million from a hybrid trust preferred security and the
remainder with commercial paper (the "initial financing"). Interest on the
hybrid trust preferred security and commercial paper has been calculated
at rates of 8.5% and 5.3%, respectively. A portion of the commercial paper
was repaid with the proceeds from the sale of $800 million principal
amount of senior debt in August 1999, $100 million of trust preferred
securities in December 1999 and $300 million of senior notes in December
1999. We intend to repay the remaining commercial paper with proceeds from
the sale of a combination of newly issued ACE ordinary shares and trust
preferred securities, including the capital securities offered hereby
(together the "permanent financing"). These pro forma financial statements
reflect the initial financing described above.
(6) Any excess between the purchase price and the fair value of acquired net
tangible assets will be allocated to goodwill. These pro forma financial
statements reflect all of the excess purchase price over net tangible
assets as goodwill. This entry reflects the amortization of goodwill for
the period.
(7) The estimated income tax savings is based on the estimated reduction in
net income before tax as a result of interest expense on the initial
financing.
(8) Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, all unvested options to acquire
shares of CIGNA and all unvested restricted stock of CIGNA held by CIGNA
employees who transferred to ACE were cancelled by CIGNA and replaced with
restricted stock of ACE. As a result, ACE issued approximately 2,544,000
shares of restricted stock to those new ACE employees.
(9) The Capital Re consolidated statements of operations reflect its results
of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 1999.
(10) The amended and restated merger agreement among Capital Re, ACE and Cap Re
Acquisition Corp. dated October 26, 1999 provides that, at the effective
time of the merger, each Capital Re common share issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into the right
to receive 0.65 ACE ordinary shares plus a cash payment equal to the
greater of $1.30 and the difference (if positive) between the market value
of 0.65 of an ACE ordinary share and $14.00, subject to a maximum amount
of cash of $4.68 per Capital Re share. For purposes of the pro forma
S-27
<PAGE>
financial statements, ACE has used a share price of $17.625 and has
assumed that it will issue 20,865,000 ACE ordinary shares (with a total
value of $368 million) plus cash of $82 million in exchange for Capital Re
common shares. On December 30, 1999, ACE did issue 20,865,000 shares which
were recorded at a share price of $17.625. The actual cash consideration,
which was based on the average closing price of an ACE share on the New
York Stock Exchanges as reported in the Wall Street Journal (NYC edition)
for the five consecutive trading days ending three trading days prior to
the closing date, subject to the limits noted above, was $110 million.
(11) All of the outstanding options to purchase Capital Re common shares were
cancelled and replaced with options to purchase ACE ordinary shares. This
adjustment represents the weighted average number of ordinary share
equivalents outstanding related to the newly issued ACE options.
(12) Amortization of goodwill created by the acquisition of Capital Re is
being amortized over 25 years. For pro forma purposes, goodwill was
calculated to be $38 million. Actual goodwill was $105 million.
(13) For pro forma purposes, it was assumed that ACE would fund part of the
Capital Re purchase with $82 million of cash. Estimated investment income
on the $82 million of the purchase price has been eliminated (based on a
yield of 5.8% which approximates the yield on the ACE portfolio for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1998). Actual cash paid in the
transaction was $110 million.
S-28
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended September 30, 1998
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
Pro Forma Combined for
Combined for CIGNA
CIGNA CIGNA P&C and
P&C Pro Forma P&C Capital Pro Forma Capital Re
ACE (1) Adjustments Notes Acquisition Re (8) Adjustments Notes Acquisitions
------------ ------ ----------- ----- ------------ ------- ----------- ------ ------------
(dollars in millions, except share and per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Premiums Written.... $ 881 $2,990 $ 3,871 $211 $ 4,082
Net Premiums Earned..... 894 2,957 3,851 168 4,019
Net investment income... 324 590 $ (141) (2)(3) 773 65 (3) (12) 835
Other revenues.......... 282 282 3 285
Losses and loss
expenses............... (517) (2,247) 81 (3) (2,683) (86) (2,769)
Acquisition costs and
administrative
expenses............... (271) (1,500) (1,771) (86) (1,857)
Other expenses.......... (38) (205) (4)(5) (243) (7) $ (2) (11) (252)
Income tax.............. (20) (30) 50 (6) -- (11) -- (11)
------------ ------ ---------- ------------ ---- ----------- ------------
Income excluding net
realized gains (losses)
....................... 372 52 (215) 209 46 (5) 250
Net realized gains
(losses) on investments
....................... 188 22 210 (2) 208
------------ ------ ---------- ------------ ---- ----------- ------------
Income from continuing
operations............. 560 74 (215) 419 44 (5) 458
Loss from discontinued
operations............. (3) (3)
------------ ------ ---------- ------------ ---- ----------- ------------
Net Income.............. $ 560 $ 74 $ (215) $ 419 $ 41 $ (5) $ 455
============ ====== ========== ============ ==== =========== ============
Basic earnings per share
from continuing
operations, excluding
net realized gains
(losses) and loss from
discontinued
operations............. $ 2.01 $ 1.11 $ 1.20
============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per share
from continuing
operations............. $ 3.03 $ 2.23 $ 2.20
============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per
share.................. $ 3.03 $ 2.23 $ 2.18
============ ============ ============
Weighted average shares
outstanding--basic..... 185,130,479 2,544,000 (7) 187,674,479 20,865,000 (9) 208,539,479
============ ========== ============ =========== ============
Diluted earnings per
share from continuing
operations, excluding
net realized gains
(losses) and loss from
discontinued
operations............. $ 1.97 $ 1.09 $ 1.17
============ ============ ============
Diluted earnings per
share from continuing
operations............. $ 2.96 $ 2.18 $ 2.14
============ ============ ============
Diluted earnings per
share.................. $ 2.96 $ 2.18 $ 2.13
============ ============ ============
Weighted average shares
outstanding--diluted... 189,281,175 2,544,000 (7) 191,825,175 22,211,343 (9)(10) 214,036,518
============ ========== ============ =========== ============
</TABLE>
S-29
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA FOOTNOTES FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
(1) The combined statements of operations of CIGNA's property and casualty
businesses reflect its results of operations for the year ended December
31, 1998.
(2) ACE funded part of the purchase price with $1.025 billion of cash on hand.
The estimated investment income on this $1.025 billion of the purchase
price has been eliminated (based on a yield of 5.8% that approximates the
yield on the ACE portfolio for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998).
(3) Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, CIGNA agreed to provide a
guarantee to ACE to indemnify against unanticipated increases in recorded
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses of certain subsidiaries
being acquired by ACE. CIGNA had the option to replace its guarantee with
reinsurance obtained from a mutually agreed upon third party reinsurer.
Contemporaneous with the consummation of the acquisition, CIGNA exercised
its option and replaced its guarantee with reinsurance by directing certain
subsidiaries being acquired to transfer $1.25 billion of investments to a
reinsurer for aggregate coverage of $2.5 billion. Such coverage attached at
an amount equal to the net recorded reserves of the certain subsidiaries
acquired, on the closing date, minus $1.25 billion. The estimated
investment income on this $1.25 billion has been eliminated (based on a
yield of 6.5% that approximates the yield on the applicable portion of the
acquired businesses' portfolio for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998). The pro forma adjustment to losses and loss expenses reflects the
estimated historical adverse development recorded during the period on the
guaranteed reserves.
(4) In addition to the $1.025 billion of cash on hand, ACE funded the purchase
price with $400 million from a hybrid trust preferred security and the
remainder with commercial paper (the "initial financing"). Interest on the
hybrid trust preferred security and commercial paper has been calculated at
rates of 8.5% and 5.3%, respectively. A portion of the commercial paper was
repaid with the proceeds from the sale of $800 million principal amount of
senior debt in August 1999, $100 million of trust preferred securities in
December 1999 and $300 million of senior notes in December 1999. We intend
to repay the remaining commercial paper with proceeds from the sale of a
combination of newly issued ACE ordinary shares, and trust preferred
securities, including the capital securities offered hereby (together the
"permanent financing"). These pro forma financial statements reflect the
initial financing described above.
(5) Any excess between the purchase price and the fair value of acquired net
tangible assets will be allocated to goodwill. These pro forma financial
statements reflect all of the excess purchase price over net tangible
assets as goodwill. This entry reflects the amortization of goodwill for
the period.
(6) The estimated income tax savings is based on the estimated reduction in net
income before tax as a result of interest expense on the initial financing.
(7) Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, all unvested options to acquire
shares of CIGNA and all unvested restricted stock of CIGNA held by CIGNA
employees who transferred to ACE were cancelled by CIGNA and replaced with
restricted stock of ACE. As a result, ACE issued approximately 2,544,000
shares of restricted stock to those new ACE employees.
(8) The Capital Re consolidated statements of operations reflect its results of
operations for the year ended December 31, 1998.
(9) The amended and restated merger agreement among Capital Re, ACE and Cap Re
Acquisition Corp. dated October 26, 1999 provides that, at the effective
time of the merger, each Capital Re common share issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into the right to
receive 0.65 ACE ordinary shares plus a cash payment equal to the greater
of $1.30 and the difference (if positive) between the market value of 0.65
of an ACE ordinary share and $14.00, subject to a maximum amount of cash of
$4.68 per Capital Re share. For purposes of the pro forma financial
statements, ACE has used a share price of $17.625 and has assumed that it
will issue 20,865,000 ACE ordinary shares (with a total value of $368
million) plus cash of $82 million in exchange for Capital Re common shares.
On December 30, 1999, ACE did issue 20,865,000 shares which were recorded
at a share price of $17.625. The actual cash consideration, which was based
on the average closing price of an ACE share on the New York Stock
Exchanges as reported in the Wall Street Journal (NYC edition) for the five
consecutive trading days ending three trading days prior to the closing
date, subject to the limits noted above, was $110 million.
S-30
<PAGE>
(10) All of the outstanding options to purchase Capital Re common shares were
cancelled and replaced with options to purchase ACE ordinary shares. This
adjustment represents the weighted average number of ordinary share
equivalents outstanding related to the newly issued ACE options.
(11) Amortization of goodwill created by the acquisition of Capital Re is being
amortized over 25 years. For pro forma purposes, goodwill was calculated
to be $38 million. Actual goodwill was $105 million.
(12) For pro forma purposes, it was assumed that ACE would fund part of the
Capital Re purchase with $82 million of cash. Estimated investment income
on the $82 million of the purchase price has been eliminated (based on a
yield of 5.8% which approximates the yield on the ACE portfolio for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1998). Actual cash paid in the transaction
was $110 million.
S-31
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
The table below sets forth the names and positions of ACE's executive
officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Position
---- --- --------
<C> <C> <S>
Brian Duperreault........ Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Director
Donald Kramer............ Vice Chairman and Director
Dominic J. Frederico..... President and Chief Operating Officer
John Charman............. Chief Executive Officer of ACE Global Markets
John Engestrom........... President and Chief Executive Officer, Tempest
Reinsurance Company Limited
Jerome F. Jurschak....... President and Chief Executive Officer, Capital
Re Corporation
Dennis B. Reding......... President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE USA
Gary Schmalzriedt........ President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE
Bermuda Insurance, Ltd.
B. Kingsley Schubert..... President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE
International
Christopher Z. Marshall.. Chief Financial Officer
Peter N. Mear............ General Counsel & Secretary
Keith P. White........... Chief Administration Officer
Robert Blee.............. Chief Accounting Officer
John C. Burville......... Chief Actuary
Robin J.W. Masters....... Chief Investment Officer (through May 31, 2000)
</TABLE>
Brian Duperreault has been a director of ACE since October 1994. Mr.
Duperreault has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ACE since
November 1999 and as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE
from October 1994 through November 1999. Prior to joining ACE, Mr. Duperreault
had been employed with American International Group ("AIG") since 1973 and
served in various senior executive positions with AIG and its affiliates from
1978 until September 1994, most recently as Executive Vice President, Foreign
General Insurance and, concurrently, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
American International Underwriters Inc., a subsidiary of AIG, from April 1994
to September 1994. Mr. Duperreault was President of American International
Underwriters Inc. from 1991 to April 1994, and Chief Executive Officer of AIG
affiliates in Japan and Korea from 1989 until 1991.
Donald Kramer has been a director and Vice Chairman of ACE since July
1996 following the acquisition of Tempest. Mr. Kramer served as Chairman or Co-
Chairman of the Board of Tempest from its formation in September 1993 until
July 1996. Tempest was acquired by the Company on 1 July 1996. Prior to the
formation of Tempest, he was President of Kramer Capital Corporation (venture
capital investments) from March to September 1993, President of Carteret
Federal Savings Bank (banking) from
S-32
<PAGE>
August 1991 to March 1993, Chairman of the Board of NAC Re Corporation
(reinsurance) from June 1985 to June 1993, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of KCP Holding Company (insurance) from July 1986 to August
1991 and of its affiliates, KCC Capital Managers (insurance investments) and
Kramer Capital Consultants, Inc. (insurance investments), as well as Chairman
of the Board of its subsidiary, National American Insurance Company of
California (insurance) from September 1988 to August 1991.
Dominic J. Frederico has served as President and Chief Operating Officer
of ACE and Chairman of ACE INA since November 1999. Mr. Frederico has also
served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE INA from May
1999 through November 1999. Mr. Frederico previously served as President of ACE
Bermuda since July 1997, Executive Vice President, Underwriting since December
1996, and as Executive Vice President, Financial Lines from January 1995 to
December 1996. Mr. Frederico served in various capacities at AIG in Europe and
the U.S. from 1982 to January 1995, most recently as Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of an AIG subsidiary, with multi-regional general
management responsibilities.
John Charman has served as Chief Executive Officer of ACE Global Markets
since July 1998, and continues to act as Active Underwriter to Lloyd's
Syndicate 488/2488. Mr. Charman has been the Active Underwriter of Syndicate
488 since July 1986. Mr. Charman previously served as Managing Director of
Charman Underwriting Agencies Limited, and since 1994, as Chief Executive of
Tarquin Underwriters Limited, the corporate capital provider of Syndicate 2488.
John Engestrom has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Tempest Re since May 1999. From 1997 to May 1999, Mr. Engestrom served as Chief
Executive Officer of Liberty Re in London. From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Engestrom
served as Group Chief Executive of Mercantile and General Reinsurance Company.
Mr. Engestrom began his reinsurance career at Skandia where he held various
positions including Chief Operating Officer Treaty division Europe, Chief
Underwriting Officer North America and finally head of Reinsurance Skandia
Group worldwide.
Jerome F. Jurschak joined ACE in December 1999 as President and Chief
Executive Officer of ACE Financial Services when ACE acquired Capital Re. Mr.
Jurschak previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Capital
Re from 1998 to 1999. Mr. Jurschak joined Capital Re in 1987 and served as its
Chief Underwriting Officer from 1987 to 1998. Prior to joining Capital Re, Mr
Jurschak was Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer of financial
guaranty reinsurance for Guaranty Holdings Corporation, a subsidiary of the Old
Republic Insurance Company.
Dennis B. Reding joined ACE in 1998 as President and Chief Executive
Officer of ACE USA when the company acquired Westchester Specialty Group Inc.
("WSG"). In July 1999 his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE
USA expanded to include the domestic operations of ACE INA. Mr. Reding
previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of WSG, a position
he held since July 1993. Prior to joining WSG, Mr. Reding served in various
senior positions at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.
Gary Schmalzriedt has been President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE
Bermuda since July 1999. Since 1991, Mr. Schmalzriedt has served in several
senior capacities with CIGNA, most recently, since 1998, serving as Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of CIGNA Europe. Mr. Schmalzriedt originally joined
CIGNA as Senior Vice President, Property Underwriting and later became
responsible for managing CIGNA International's property and casualty related
businesses. Prior to joining CIGNA, Mr. Schmalzriedt spent nearly 20 years in
various positions of increasing responsibility with AIG, including assignments
in the U.K. and South Africa and most recently, Senior Vice President and
Senior Underwriting Officer of American International Underwriters, where he
managed AIG's foreign operations.
B. Kingsley Schubert has served as President and Chief Executive Officer
of ACE International since July 1999. Mr. Schubert previously served as
President of CIGNA International Property and
S-33
<PAGE>
Casualty since January 1999, and as President of CIGNA International from
February 1996 to January 1999. Mr. Schubert served as Senior Vice President of
CIGNA International (Asia-Pacific) from March 1995 to February 1996, and as
President of CIGNA Insurance Company in Japan from June 1992 to February 1996.
Christopher Z. Marshall joined ACE in 1986 and has held a number of
senior positions at ACE, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of ACE (since
November 1992) and as Senior Vice President, Finance from January 1990 to
November 1992.
Peter N. Mear has served as General Counsel and Secretary of ACE since
April 1996. Mr. Mear served as Vice President and Claims Counsel of Aetna
Casualty and Surety Company from February 1991 to April 1996 and Counsel and
Litigation Section Head of Aetna Life & Casualty from September 1977 to
February 1991.
Keith P. White has served as Chief Administration Officer of ACE since
July 1, 1997. Mr. White previously served as Senior Vice President,
Administration of ACE since January 1990.
Robert A. Blee has served as Chief Accounting Officer of ACE since
October 1998. Mr. Blee served as Group Controller of ACE from January 1997 to
October 1998, Vice President--Finance of ACE from July 1996 to January 1997,
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Controller from October 1994 to July
1996 and Chief Accountant from August 1993 to October 1994.
John C. Burville has served as Chief Actuary of ACE since January 1992.
Mr. Burville served as Managing Actuarial Consultant with Tillinghast, Nelson &
Warren (Bermuda) Ltd. (management consulting and actuaries) from March 1986 to
December 1991.
Robin J. W. Masters has served as Chief Investment Officer of ACE since
July 1, 1997. Ms. Masters previously served as Senior Vice President since
February 1995 and as Treasurer of ACE since October 1992. Mrs. Masters has
resigned from ACE effective May 31, 2000.
S-34
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE CAPITAL SECURITIES
General
The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the capital
securities supplements the description of the terms and provisions of the
preferred securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the heading
"Description of Preferred Securities," to which description reference is hereby
made. This summary of certain terms and provisions of the capital securities
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its
entirety by reference to, the restated trust agreement. Because this summary is
not complete, you should refer to the form of restated trust agreement and to
the Trust Indenture Act for complete information regarding the terms and
provisions of that agreement and of the capital securities, including the
definitions of some of the terms used below. The form of the restated trust
agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which
this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus are a part.
Distributions
The capital securities represent undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the Trust, and distributions on each capital security will be payable
at the annual rate of % of the stated liquidation amount of $1,000, payable
semiannually in arrears on and of each year. Distributions will
be cumulative and will accumulate from the date of original issuance. The first
distribution payment date for the capital securities will be , 2000. The
amount of distributions payable for any period will be computed on the basis of
a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which
distributions are payable on the capital securities is not a business day, then
payment of the distributions payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a business day (and without any additional distributions
or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such business
day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the
immediately preceding business day, in each case with the same force and effect
as if made on the date such payment was originally payable. See "Description of
Preferred Securities--Distributions" in the accompanying prospectus.
So long as no event of default under the ACE INA subordinated indenture
has occurred and is continuing, ACE INA has the right under the ACE INA
subordinated indenture to defer the payment of interest on the debentures at
any time or from time to time for up to 10 consecutive semiannual periods with
respect to each extension period, provided that no extension period may extend
beyond the stated maturity of the debentures. As a consequence of any such
election, semiannual distributions on the capital securities will be deferred
by the Trust during any such extension period. Distributions to which holders
of the capital securities are entitled will accumulate additional distributions
at the rate per annum of % thereof, compounded semiannually from the
relevant payment date for such distributions. The term "distributions" as used
herein shall include any such additional distributions. During any such
extension period, ACE INA and ACE may not, and neither may permit any of its
subsidiaries to, (1) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or
redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any
of the outstanding capital stock of ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, or (2)
make any payment of principal of, interest or premium, if any, on or repay,
repurchase or redeem any debt security of ACE INA or ACE that ranks junior in
interest to the debentures or the debenture guarantee, as the case may be, or
make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by ACE INA or ACE, as
the case may be, of the debt securities of any subsidiary of ACE INA or ACE, as
the case may be, if such guarantee ranks junior in interest to the debentures
or the debenture guarantee, as the case may be, (other than (a) dividends or
distributions on the capital stock of ACE INA paid or made to ACE and dividends
or distributions in common stock of ACE INA or ordinary shares of ACE, as the
case may be, (b) redemptions or purchases of any rights outstanding under a
shareholder rights plan of ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, or any successor
to such rights plan, or the declaration of a dividend of such rights or the
issuance of stock under such plans in the future, (c) payments under any
preferred securities guarantee issued by ACE, and (d) purchases of common stock
or ordinary shares related to the issuance of common stock or ordinary shares
under any of ACE INA's or ACE's benefit plans for its
S-35
<PAGE>
directors, officers or employees). Prior to the termination of any such
extension period, ACE INA may further extend the interest payment period,
provided that no extension period may exceed 10 consecutive semiannual periods
or extend beyond the stated maturity of the debentures. Upon the termination of
any such extension period and the payment of all amounts then due, ACE INA may
elect to begin a new extension period. There is no limitation on the number of
times that ACE INA may elect to begin an extension period. See "Certain Terms
of the Debentures--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period" and "Material
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations--General--Interest Income and
Original Issue Discount."
ACE INA has no current intention of exercising its right to defer
payments of interest by extending the interest payment period on the
debentures.
Special Event Redemption
If ACE INA repays or redeems the debentures, whether at stated maturity
or upon earlier redemption as provided in the ACE INA subordinated indenture,
the proceeds from such repayment or redemption shall be applied by the property
trustee to redeem, on a pro rata basis, capital securities and common
securities having an aggregate stated liquidation amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of the debentures so repaid or redeemed. The property trustee
will notify the holders of trust securities of any redemption of trust
securities not less than 30 nor more than 60 days before the redemption date,
which shall be the same date on which payment of the principal of the
corresponding debentures becomes due under the ACE INA subordinated indenture.
The redemption price per trust security will be equal to the stated liquidation
amount thereof plus accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of
redemption, plus the related amount of any premium and/or additional amounts
paid by ACE INA or ACE upon the concurrent repayment or redemption of the
corresponding debentures (the "redemption price"). See "Description of
Preferred Securities--Redemption or Exchange" in the accompanying prospectus
and "Certain Terms of the Debentures--Redemption."
ACE INA will have the right to redeem the debentures upon the occurrence
and continuation of a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event (each as defined
in the accompanying prospectus, and as so collectively defined, a "Special
Event"), in whole but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence of such
Special Event, at a redemption price equal to accrued and unpaid interest on
the debentures plus the greater of:
.100% of the principal amount of the debentures, or
. as determined by a Quotation Agent, the sum of the present value of
scheduled payments of principal and interest on the debentures from
the redemption date to , 2030, discounted to the
redemption date on a semiannual basis at a discount rate equal to
the Treasury Rate plus %.
"Quotation Agent" means Merrill Lynch Government Securities, Inc.
However, if Merrill Lynch Government Securities, Inc. ceases to be a primary
U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City, ACE INA will replace them
with another primary U.S. Government securities dealer.
"Treasury Rate" means (1) the yield, under the heading which represents
the average for the week immediately prior to the date of calculation,
appearing in the most recently published statistical release designated
H.15(519) or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Federal
Reserve Board and which establishes the yield on actively traded U.S. Treasury
securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption "Treasury Constant
Maturities," for the maturity corresponding to the time period from the
redemption date to , 2030, or if no maturity is within three months
before or after this time period, yields for the two published maturities most
closely corresponding to this time period will be determined and the Treasury
Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from those yields on a straight-line
basis, rounding to the nearest month, or (2) if the release or any successor
release is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does
not contain such yields, the annual rate equal to the semiannual equivalent
yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price
for the Comparable Treasury Issue, expressed as a percentage of its principal
amount, equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for the redemption date. The
Treasury Rate shall be calculated on the third business day preceding the
redemption date.
S-36
<PAGE>
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means with respect to any redemption date the
U.S. Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity
comparable to the time period from the redemption date to , 2030 that
would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary
financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of
comparable maturity to this time period. If no U.S. Treasury security has a
maturity which is within a period from three months before to three months
after , 2030 the two most closely corresponding U.S. Treasury
securities shall be used as the Comparable Treasury Issue, and the Treasury
Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated on a straight-line basis, rounding
to the nearest month using such securities.
"Comparable Treasury Price" means (a) the average of five Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the
highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the
debenture trustee obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations, the average of all such quotations.
"Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each
Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined
by the debenture trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable
Treasury Issue, expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount,
quoted in writing to the debenture trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such
redemption date.
"Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) the Quotation Agent and (2) any
other primary U.S. Government securities dealer selected by the debenture
trustee after consultation with ACE INA.
Distribution of Debentures in lieu of Special Event Redemption
ACE INA will have the right to dissolve the Trust at any time and, after
satisfaction of the liabilities of creditors of the Trust as provided by
applicable law, cause the debentures to be distributed to the holders of the
trust securities in liquidation of the Trust. Accordingly, if a Special Event
shall occur and be continuing, ACE INA will have the right to cause the
debentures to be distributed to holders of the trust securities in liquidation
of the Trust in lieu of redeeming the debentures and thereby causing a
mandatory redemption of the trust securities. Under current United States
federal income tax law and interpretations, a distribution of the debentures
upon liquidation of the Trust would not be a taxable event to holders of the
capital securities. However, if any event were to occur which would cause the
Trust to be subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income
received or accrued on the debentures, as the case would be if, for example,
the Trust were treated as an association taxable as a corporation, a
distribution of the debentures by the Trust could be a taxable event to the
Trust and the holders of the capital securities. See "Material United States
Federal Income Tax Considerations--General--Distribution of Debentures to
Holders of Capital Securities Upon Liquidation of the Trust." If ACE INA does
not elect to dissolve the Trust or redeem the debentures as described above,
the capital securities will remain outstanding until the repayment of the
debentures.
If ACE INA elects to dissolve the Trust and thereby causes the debentures
to be distributed to holders of the capital securities in liquidation of the
Trust, ACE INA shall have the right to change the maturity of such debentures,
provided that it can change the maturity only if certain conditions are met.
Any changed maturity of the debentures will be no earlier than , 2005
and no later than , 2049. See "Description of Preferred Securities--
Redemption or Exchange--Special Event Redemption or Distribution of
Corresponding ACE INA Subordinated Debt Securities" in the accompanying
prospectus and "Certain Terms of the Debentures--General."
Liquidation Value
The amount payable on the capital securities in the event of any
liquidation of the Trust is $1,000 per capital security plus accumulated and
unpaid distributions, which may be in the form of a
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<PAGE>
distribution of such amount in debentures, subject to certain exceptions. See
"Description of Preferred Securities--Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution
of ACE Trust" in the accompanying prospectus.
Book-Entry-Only Issuance--DTC
The capital securities will be represented by one or more global
securities that will be deposited with and registered in the name of DTC or its
nominee. This means that the Trust will not issue certificates to you for the
capital securities. Each global security will be issued to DTC, which will keep
a computerized record of its participants whose clients have purchased the
capital securities. Each participant will then keep a record of its clients.
Unless a global security is exchanged in whole or in part for a certificated
security, a global security may not be transferred. However, DTC, its nominees
and their successors may transfer a global security as a whole to one another.
Beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on, and transfers
of beneficial interest will be made only through, records maintained by DTC and
its participants. DTC has provided the Trust, ACE INA and ACE with the
following information: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under
the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the
New York Banking Law, a member of the United States Federal Reserve System, a
"clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code and a "clearing agency" registered under the provisions of Section 17A of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds securities that its participants
("direct participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also records the settlement among
direct participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges,
in deposited securities through computerized records for direct participant's
accounts. This eliminates the need to exchange certificates. Direct
participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations.
DTC's book-entry system is also used by other organizations such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant. The rules that
apply to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.
DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants and by the New York
Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the National Association of
Securities Dealers.
Purchases under the DTC system. When you purchase capital securities
through the DTC system, the purchases must be made by or through a direct
participant, who will receive credit for the capital securities on DTC's
records. Because you actually own the capital security, you are the beneficial
owner. Your ownership interest will be recorded only on the direct or indirect
participants' records. DTC has no knowledge of your individual ownership of the
capital securities. DTC's records show only the identity of the direct
participants and the amount of the capital securities held by or through them.
You will not receive a written confirmation of your purchase or sale or any
periodic account statement directly from DTC. You will receive these from the
direct or indirect participant through which you hold your capital securities.
As a result, the direct or indirect participants are responsible for keeping
accurate account of the holdings of their customers.
Payments under the DTC system. The property trustee will wire payments on
the capital securities to DTC's nominee. ACE INA, ACE, the Trust and the
property trustee will treat DTC's nominee as the owner and the holder of each
global security representing capital securities for all purposes. Accordingly,
ACE INA, ACE, the Trust and the property trustee will have no direct
responsibility or liability to pay amounts due on the global security to you or
any other beneficial owners of the global security.
Any redemption notices will be sent by ACE INA and the Trust directly to
DTC, who will in turn inform the direct participants, who will then contact you
as a beneficial owner.
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It is DTC's current practice, upon receipt of any payment of
distributions or liquidation or redemption amounts, to credit direct
participants' accounts on the payment date based on their holdings of
beneficial interests in the global securities as shown on DTC's records. In
addition, it is DTC's current practice to assign any consenting or voting
rights to direct participants whose accounts are credited with capital
securities on a record date by using an omnibus proxy. Payments by participants
to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities, and voting by
participants, will be based on the customary practices between the participants
and owners of beneficial interests, as is the case with securities held for the
account of customers in "street name." However, payments will be the
responsibility of the participants and not of DTC, the property trustee, ACE
INA, ACE or the Trust.
Exchange of Global Securities
Capital securities represented by a global security will be exchangeable
for certificated securities with the same terms in authorized denominations
only if:
. DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if DTC
ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and a successor depositary is not appointed
by the Trust within 90 days;
. ACE INA decides to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfer through DTC (or any successor depositary); or
. a default or event of default under the restated trust agreement
occurs and is continuing.
If the book-entry-only system is discontinued, the property trustee will
keep the registration books for the capital securities at its corporate office
and follow the practices and procedures discussed below.
Certificated Securities--Registration, Transfer and Payment
If the Trust issues certificated capital securities, they will be
registered in the name of the securityholder. The capital securities may be
transferred or exchanged, based on administrative procedures in the restated
trust agreement, without the payment of any service charge (other than any tax
or other governmental charge) by contacting the property trustee, Bank One
Trust Company, NA, at Bank One Plaza, Suite 0126, Chicago, Illinois 60670-0126.
Distribution payments on certificated capital securities will be made by
check. Payment of the redemption price or liquidation amount will be made in
immediately available funds when you surrender a capital security.
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CERTAIN TERMS OF THE DEBENTURES
General
The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the debentures
supplements the description of the terms and provisions of the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the
heading "Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee," to which
description reference is hereby made. This summary of certain terms and
provisions of the debentures does not purport to be complete and is subject to,
and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the ACE INA subordinated
indenture. Because this summary is not complete, you should refer to the form
of ACE INA subordinated indenture and to the Trust Indenture Act for complete
information regarding the terms and provisions of the ACE INA subordinated
indenture and the debentures, including the definitions of some of the terms
used below. The ACE INA subordinated indenture has been filed as an exhibit to
the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and accompanying
prospectus are a part.
Concurrently with the issuance of the capital securities, the Trust will
invest the proceeds thereof, together with the consideration paid by ACE INA
for the common securities, in the debentures issued by ACE INA and guaranteed
by ACE. The debentures will bear interest accruing from the date of original
issuance, at the annual rate of % of the principal amount thereof, payable
semiannually in arrears on and of each year (each, an "interest
payment date"), commencing , 2000, to the person in whose name each
debenture is registered, subject to certain exceptions, at the close of
business on the business day next preceding such interest payment date. It is
anticipated that, until the liquidation, if any, of the Trust, each debenture
will be held in the name of the property trustee in trust for the benefit of
the holders of the trust securities. The amount of interest payable for any
period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the debentures is
not a business day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be
made on the next succeeding day that is a business day (and without any
additional interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), except
that, if such business day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such
payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business day, in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was
originally payable. Accrued interest that is not paid on the applicable
interest payment date will bear additional interest on the amount thereof to
the extent permitted by law at the rate per annum of % thereof, compounded
semiannually. The term "interest" as used herein shall include semiannual
interest payments, interest on semiannual interest payments not paid on the
applicable interest payment date and Additional Sums (as defined below), as
applicable.
The debentures will be issued as a series of junior subordinated debt
securities under the ACE INA subordinated indenture. The debentures will mature
on , 2030, which date may be extended at any time at the election of
ACE INA for one or more periods, but in no event to a date later than
, 2049 (such date, as it may be extended, the "stated maturity"),
provided that at the time such election is made and at the time of extension
(1) neither ACE INA nor ACE is in bankruptcy, otherwise insolvent or in
liquidation, (2) neither ACE INA nor ACE has defaulted on any payment on the
debentures or the debenture guarantee, as the case may be, and no deferred
interest payments have accrued, (3) the Trust is not in arrears on payments of
distributions on the capital securities and no deferred distributions have
accumulated, (4) the debentures are rated investment grade by Standard & Poor's
Ratings Services, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or another nationally
recognized statistical rating organization and (5) the extended stated maturity
is no later than the 49th anniversary of the initial issuance of the capital
securities.
Option to Extend Interest Payment Period
So long as no event of default under the ACE INA subordinated indenture
has occurred or is continuing, ACE INA has the right under the ACE INA
subordinated indenture to defer the payment of interest on the debentures at
any time or from time to time for up to 10 consecutive semiannual periods
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with respect to each extension period, provided that no extension period may
extend beyond the stated maturity of the debentures. At the end of such
extension period, ACE INA must pay all interest then accrued and unpaid
(together with interest thereon at the annual rate of %, compounded
semiannually, to the extent permitted by applicable law). During an extension
period, interest will continue to accrue and holders of debentures (or holders
of capital securities while the capital securities are outstanding) will be
required to accrue interest income for United States federal income tax
purposes. See "Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations--
General--Interest Income and Original Issue Discount."
During any such extension period, ACE INA and ACE may not, and neither
may permit any of its subsidiaries to, (1) declare or pay any dividends or
distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment
with respect to, any of the outstanding capital stock of ACE INA or ACE, as the
case may be, or (2) make any payment of principal of, interest or premium, if
any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt security of ACE INA or ACE that
ranks junior in interest to the debentures or the debenture guarantee, as the
case may be, or make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by
ACE INA or ACE of the debt securities of any subsidiary of ACE INA or ACE, as
the case may be, if such guarantee ranks junior in interest to the debentures
or the debenture guarantee, as the case may be, (other than (a) dividends or
distributions on the capital stock of ACE INA paid or made to ACE and dividends
or distributions in common stock of ACE INA or ordinary shares of ACE, as the
case may be, (b) redemptions or purchases of any rights outstanding under a
shareholder rights plan of ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, or any successor
to such rights plan, or the declaration of a dividend of such rights or the
issuance of stock under such plans in the future, (c) payments under any
preferred securities guarantee issued by ACE or the debenture guarantee, as the
case may be, and (d) purchases of common stock or ordinary shares related to
the issuance of common stock or ordinary shares under any of ACE INA's or ACE's
benefit plans for its directors, officers or employees). Prior to the
termination of any such extension period, ACE INA may further extend the
interest payment period, provided that no extension period may exceed 10
consecutive semiannual periods or extend beyond the stated maturity of the
debentures. Upon the termination of any such extension period and the payment
of all amounts then due, ACE INA may elect to begin a new extension period
subject to the above requirements. No interest shall be due and payable during
an extension period, except at the end thereof. ACE INA must give the property
trustee, the administrative trustees and the debenture trustee notice of its
election of such extension period at least one business day prior to the
earlier of (i) the date the distributions on the capital securities would have
been payable except for the election to begin such extension period or (ii) the
date the administrative trustees are required to give notice to the New York
Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or other applicable self regulatory
organization or to holders of such capital securities of the record date or the
date such distributions are payable, but in any event not less than one
business day prior to such record date. The debenture trustee shall give notice
of ACE INA's election to begin a new extension period to the holders of the
capital securities. There is no limitation on the number of times that ACE INA
may elect to begin an extension period. See "Description of ACE INA Debt
Securities and ACE Guarantee--Option to Extend Interest Payment Date" in the
accompanying prospectus.
Additional Sums
If the Trust is required to pay any additional taxes, duties or other
governmental charges ("Additional Sums") as a result of a Tax Event, ACE INA
will pay as additional amounts on the debentures such amounts as shall be
required so that the distributions payable by the Trust shall not be reduced as
a result of any such additional taxes, duties or other governmental charges,
subject to the conditions described under "Description of Preferred
Securities--Redemption or Exchange--Special Event Redemption or Distribution of
Corresponding ACE INA Subordinated Debt Securities" in the accompanying
prospectus.
Redemption
The debentures are redeemable prior to maturity at the option of ACE INA
upon the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event, in whole but not in
part, within 90 days of the occurrence of such
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Special Event, at a redemption price equal to accrued and unpaid interest on
the debentures plus the greater of:
. 100% of the principal amount of the debentures, or
. as determined by a Quotation Agent, the sum of the present value
of scheduled payments of principal and interest on the debentures
from the redemption date to , 2030, discounted to the
redemption date on a semiannual basis at a discount rate equal to
the Treasury Rate plus %.
ACE INA's right to redeem the debentures is subject to the further
conditions described under "Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE
Guarantee--Redemption" in the accompanying prospectus.
Ranking
ACE INA's obligations under the debentures will be unsecured and will
rank in priority of payment (1) junior to all ACE INA Senior Indebtedness and
(2) equally with ACE INA's Auction Rate Reset Subordinated Notes Series A,
11.2% Subordinated Notes due 2009 and ACE INA's 8.875% Junior Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2029. This means that ACE INA cannot make
any payments of principal, including redemption payments, or interest on the
debentures if:
. any ACE INA Senior Indebtedness is not paid when due, any applicable
grace period with respect to any such payment default has ended and such
default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or
. the maturity of any ACE INA Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated
because of a default and such acceleration has not been rescinded.
In addition, upon any payment or distribution of assets of ACE INA of any kind
or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of ACE INA, whether
voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other
proceedings, all amounts due upon all ACE INA Senior Indebtedness will first be
paid in full, or payment provided for in money in accordance with its terms,
before the holders of debentures are entitled to receive or retain any payment
on account of the debentures. See "Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and
ACE Guarantee--Subordination of ACE INA Subordinated Debt Securities" in the
accompanying prospectus.
The term "ACE INA Senior Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness (as defined
in the ACE INA subordinated indenture) of ACE INA outstanding at any time,
except (1) the debentures, (2) Indebtedness as to which, by the terms of the
instrument creating or evidencing the same, it is provided that such
Indebtedness is subordinated to or ranks equally with the debentures, (3)
Indebtedness of ACE INA to an Affiliate of ACE INA, (4) interest accruing after
the filing of a petition initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
proceeding unless such interest is an allowed claim enforceable against ACE INA
in a proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy laws, (5) trade accounts
payable and (6) any Indebtedness, including all other debt securities and
guarantees in respect of those debt securities, initially issued to any trust,
partnership or other entity affiliated with ACE which is a financing vehicle of
ACE or any Affiliate of ACE in connection with an issuance by such entity of
preferred securities or other securities which are similar to the capital
securities offered hereby that are guaranteed by ACE pursuant to an instrument
that ranks equally with or junior in right of payment to the capital securities
guarantee.
ACE's obligations under the debenture guarantee will be unsecured and
will rank in priority of payment (1) junior to all ACE Senior Indebtedness and
(2) equally with ACE's guarantee of ACE INA's Auction Rate Reset Subordinated
Notes Series A and ACE INA's 8.875% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest
Debentures due 2029. This means that ACE cannot make any payments on account of
the debenture guarantee if:
. any ACE Senior Indebtedness is not paid when due, any applicable grace
period with respect to any such payment default has ended and such
default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or
. the maturity of any ACE Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated because
of a default and such acceleration has not been rescinded.
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In addition, upon any payment or distribution of assets of ACE of any kind or
character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of ACE, whether
voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other
proceedings, all amounts due upon all ACE Senior Indebtedness will first be
paid in full, or payment provided for in money in accordance with its terms,
before the holders of debentures are entitled to receive or retain any payment
from ACE on account of the debenture guarantee. See "Description of ACE INA
Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee--Subordination of ACE Guarantee of ACE INA
Subordinated Debt Securities" in the accompanying prospectus.
The term "ACE Senior Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness (as defined in
the ACE INA subordinated indenture) of ACE outstanding at any time, except (1)
ACE's obligations under the debenture guarantee, (2) Indebtedness as to which,
by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing the same, it is provided
that such Indebtedness is subordinated to or ranks equally with ACE's
obligations under the debenture guarantee, (3) Indebtedness of ACE to an
Affiliate of ACE, (4) interest accruing after the filing of a petition
initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding unless such
interest is an allowed claim enforceable against ACE in a proceeding under
federal or state bankruptcy laws, (5) trade accounts payable, (6) ACE's
obligations under any guarantee in respect of ACE INA subordinated debt
securities initially issued to any trust, partnership or other entity
affiliated with ACE which is a financing vehicle of ACE or any Affiliate of ACE
in connection with an issuance by such entity of preferred securities or other
securities which are similar to the capital securities offered hereby that are
guaranteed by ACE pursuant to an instrument that ranks equally with or junior
in right of payment to the capital securities guarantee and (7) the capital
securities guarantee and all similar guarantees issued by ACE on behalf of
holders of preferred securities or other similar securities issued by any
trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with ACE which is a financing
vehicle of ACE or any Affiliate of ACE.
Both ACE and ACE INA conduct their operations through subsidiaries, which
generate a substantial portion of their respective operating income and cash
flow. As a result, distributions or advances from subsidiaries of ACE INA and
ACE are a major source of funds necessary to meet their respective debt service
and other obligations. Contractual provisions, laws or regulations, as well as
a subsidiary's financial condition and operating requirements, may limit the
ability of ACE INA or ACE to obtain cash required to pay ACE INA's debt service
obligations, including payments on the debentures, or ACE's payment obligations
under the debenture guarantee.
The debentures will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of
ACE INA's subsidiaries, including claims with respect to trade payables. The
debenture guarantee will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of
ACE's subsidiaries, including claims with respect to trade payables. This means
that holders of debentures, including the Trust, will have a junior position to
the claims of creditors of ACE INA's subsidiaries on their assets and earnings
and, by virtue of the debenture guarantee, will have a junior position to the
claims of creditors of ACE's subsidiaries on their assets and earnings.
Except in the case of certain secured indebtedness, the ACE INA
subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit ACE INA, ACE or their
respective subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness, including
indebtedness that ranks senior in priority of payment to the debentures and the
debenture guarantee.
Under the terms of ACE's outstanding trust preferred securities, if the
trading price of ACE's ordinary shares declines to 66 2/3 percent of the
closing price of ACE's ordinary shares on June 30, 1999, or approximately
$18.83 per ordinary share, the holders of a majority of the preferred
securities would have the option to require the remarketing agent to remarket
the preferred securities. If the remarketing agent were unable to remarket the
securities, the holders of a majority of the preferred securities would have
the right to require ACE INA to repurchase them at a purchase price equal to
the face amount of the securities plus accumulated and unpaid distributions,
which obligations would be guaranteed by ACE. Under the terms of the
remarketing agreement entered into in connection with the preferred securities,
ACE INA's repurchase obligation and ACE's guarantee thereof would be senior
unsecured obligations of
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ACE INA and ACE, respectively. ACE's ordinary shares have traded below the
trigger price described above, although the holders of the preferred securities
did not exercise their remarketing rights at those times.
As of February 29, 2000, on a pro forma basis as if on that date the
Trust and ACE INA had issue and sold the capital securities and the debentures
and applied the estimated net proceeds (after deducting estimated offering
expenses), approximately $ million, to repay a portion of the commercial
paper indebtedness ACE INA incurred to finance the acquisition of the ACE INA
businesses, (1) the total amount of ACE INA Senior Indebtedness and the total
amount of indebtedness of ACE INA's subsidiaries that would have effectively
ranked senior to the debentures would have been approximately $ million
and (2) the total amount of ACE Senior Indebtedness and the total amount of
indebtedness of ACE's subsidiaries that would have effectively ranked senior to
the debenture guarantee would have been approximately $ million.
Distribution of the Subordinated Debentures
Under certain circumstances involving the dissolution of the Trust,
debentures may be distributed to the holders of the capital securities in
liquidation of the Trust after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the
Trust as provided by applicable law. If distributed to holders of capital
securities in liquidation, the debentures will initially be issued in the form
of one or more global securities and DTC, or any successor depositary for the
capital securities, will act as depositary for the debentures. It is
anticipated that the depositary arrangements for the debentures would be
substantially identical to those in effect for the capital securities. There
can be no assurance as to the market price of any debentures that may be
distributed to the holders of capital securities.
Registration of the Subordinated Debentures
A global security will be exchangeable for debentures registered in the
names of persons other than DTC or its nominee only if (i) DTC notifies ACE INA
that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depository for such global
security and no successor depository shall have been appointed, or if at any
time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a
time when DTC is required to be so registered to act as such depository, (ii)
ACE INA in its sole discretion determines that such global security will be so
exchangeable, or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of
default under the ACE INA subordinated indenture with respect to such global
security. Any global security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding
sentence shall be exchangeable for definitive certificates registered in such
names as DTC shall direct. It is expected that such instructions will be based
upon directions received by DTC from its participants with respect to ownership
of beneficial interests in such global security. In the event that debentures
are issued in definitive form, such debentures will be in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof and may be transferred or exchanged at
the offices described below.
Payments on debentures represented by a global security will be made to
DTC, as the depositary for the debentures. In the event debentures are issued
in definitive form, principal and interest will be payable, the transfer of the
debentures will be registrable, and debentures will be exchangeable for
debentures of other denominations of a like aggregate principal amount, at the
corporate office of the debenture trustee in Chicago, Illinois, or at the
offices of any paying agent or transfer agent appointed by ACE INA, provided
that payment of interest may be made at the option of ACE INA by check mailed
to the address of the persons entitled thereto or by wire transfer. In
addition, if the debentures are issued in certificated form, the record dates
for payment of interest will be the and immediately preceding the
interest payment date, even if that day is not a business day.
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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
General
The following is a summary of the material United States federal income
tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the capital
securities. Insofar as this summary relates to matters of law and legal
conclusions, it is based on the opinion of Mayer, Brown & Platt, counsel to the
Trust and us. This discussion deals only with capital securities held as
capital assets within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended to the date hereof (the "Code"), by U.S. Holders (as defined below) who
purchase the capital securities at their original offering price when the Trust
originally issues them. Moreover, it does not include all of the tax
consequences that may be important to a U.S. Holder in light of the U.S.
Holder's particular circumstances or to U.S. Holders subject to special rules,
such as certain financial institutions, real estate investment trusts,
regulated investment companies, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations,
dealers in securities or currencies, individual retirement and certain tax
deferred accounts, and persons who engage in a straddle or a hedge with respect
to a capital security.
This discussion is based on the Code, Treasury regulations, and
applicable judicial and administrative determinations, all of which are subject
to change at any time, and any such changes may be retroactively applied in a
manner that could adversely affect U.S. Holders. As used herein, the term "U.S.
Holder" means a beneficial owner of a capital security that for United States
federal income tax purposes is (1) a citizen or resident of the United States,
(2) a corporation, partnership or other entity treated as a corporation or a
partnership for United States federal income tax purposes created or organized
in or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof (including
the District of Columbia), (3) any estate whose income is includible in gross
income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (4) a
trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary
supervision over the administration of the trust and (b) one or more U.S.
persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
The term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a capital security other
than a U.S. Holder. Except as stated below, the following discussion does not
address any tax consequences that apply specifically to a Non-U.S. Holder.
Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors with regard
to the application of the United States federal income tax considerations
discussed below to their particular situations as well as the application of
any state, local or other tax laws.
Classification of the Debentures and the Trust
We, the Trust and the holders of the capital securities (by the
acceptance of a beneficial interest in the capital securities) have agreed to
treat the debentures as indebtedness for all United States federal income tax
purposes and the capital securities as evidence of an indirect beneficial
ownership interest in the debentures. Given such treatment and assuming full
compliance with the terms of the trust agreement, the indenture and certain
other documents, the Trust will be treated as a "grantor trust" and not as an
association taxable as a corporation and the debentures will be treated as
indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, you will
determine your net income or loss with respect to the Trust in accordance with
your own method of accounting, although income arising from original issue
discount ("OID"), if any, must be taken into account under the accrual method
of accounting even if you otherwise would use the cash receipts and
disbursements method. See "Interest Income and Original Issue Discount."
Interest Income and Original Issue Discount
Under applicable Treasury regulations, remote contingencies that stated
interest will not be timely paid are ignored in determining whether a debt
instrument is issued with OID. As a result of terms and conditions of the
debentures that prohibit certain payments with respect to our capital stock and
indebtedness if we elect to extend interest payment periods, we believe that
the likelihood of our
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exercising our option to defer payments on the debentures is remote. See
"Certain Terms of the Debentures--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period."
Based on the foregoing, we believe that the debentures will not be considered
to be issued with OID at the time of their original issuance. Accordingly, the
following discussion assumes that unless and until we exercise our option to
defer any payment of interest, the debentures will not be treated as issued
with OID.
Under the Treasury regulations, if we exercise our option to defer any
payment of interest, the debentures would at that time be treated (solely for
purposes of determining OID) as redeemed and reissued with OID, and all stated
interest on the debentures would thereafter be treated as OID as long as the
debentures remained outstanding. In this event, all of your taxable interest
income with respect to the debentures would be accounted for as OID on an
economic accrual basis regardless of your method of tax accounting, and actual
distributions of stated interest would not be reported as taxable income.
Consequently, you would be required to include OID in gross income even though
we would not make any actual cash payments during an extension period.
The Regulations regarding remote contingencies have not been addressed
in any rulings or other interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service
("IRS"), and it is possible that the IRS could take a position contrary to the
interpretation described above.
Subsequent uses of the term "interest" in this summary include income in
the form of OID.
Characterization of Income
Because income on the capital securities will constitute interest,
corporate U.S. Holders of the capital securities will not be entitled to a
dividends-received deduction with respect to any income taken into account
with respect to the capital securities.
Distribution of Debentures to Holders of Capital Securities Upon Liquidation
of the Trust
A distribution by the Trust of the debentures as described under the
caption "Certain Terms of the Capital Securities--Special Event Redemption or
Distribution of Debentures" will be nontaxable. This distribution will result
in your receiving directly your pro rata share of the debentures, with an
aggregate tax basis equal to your aggregate tax basis in your capital
securities before the distribution. Your holding period in the debentures
received in such a liquidation of the Trust would include the period during
which you had held the capital securities.
If, however, the liquidation of the Trust were to occur because the
Trust is subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to income accrued or
received on the debentures, the distribution of debentures to you would be a
taxable event to the Trust and you, and you would recognize gain or loss as if
you had exchanged your capital securities for the debentures upon liquidation
of the Trust. Your holding period in the debentures would begin on the date
the debentures were received. You would include interest in income with
respect to debentures received from the Trust in the manner described above
under "Interest Income and Original Issue Discount."
Sale or Redemption of Capital Securities
If you sell your capital securities, including through a redemption for
cash, you will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the
amount realized on the sale of the capital securities and your adjusted tax
basis in the capital securities. Assuming that we do not defer interest
payments on the debentures, your adjusted tax basis in the capital securities
generally will be your initial purchase price. If the debentures are deemed to
be redeemed and reissued with OID as a result of our deferral of interest
payments, your adjusted tax basis in the capital securities generally will be
your initial purchase price, increased by OID previously includible in your
gross income to the date of disposition and decreased by distributions or
other payments received on the capital securities from, and including, the
date of the first extension period.
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This gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, except to the
extent any amount realized is treated as a payment of accrued but unpaid
interest with respect to your pro rata share of the debentures required to be
included in income (which will be ordinary income), and generally will be long-
term capital gain or loss if the capital securities have been held for more
than one year. Long-term capital gain of a non-corporate holder is generally
subject to a maximum tax rate of 20%.
If we defer any interest payment on the debentures, the capital
securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect the value of
accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the debentures. If you sell your
capital securities between record dates for payments of distributions you will
be required to include accrued but unpaid interest on the debentures through
the date of disposition as ordinary income and to add the amount of the accrued
but unpaid interest to your adjusted tax basis in the capital securities. To
the extent the selling price is less than your adjusted tax basis, you will
recognize a capital loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions, you cannot
offset ordinary income against capital losses for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
Non-U.S. Holders
Under present U.S. federal income and estate tax law, and subject to the
discussion below concerning backup withholding:
(a) no withholding of U.S. federal income tax will be required with respect
to the payment by us or any paying agent of principal or interest
(including OID, if any) on the capital securities owned by a Non-U.S.
Holder, provided (i) that the beneficial owner does not actually or
constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of our stock entitled to vote within the meaning of section
871(h)(3) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, (ii) the beneficial
owner is not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to us through
stock ownership, (iii) the beneficial owner is not a bank whose receipt of
interest on the capital securities is described in section 881(c)(3)(A) of
the Code and (iv) the beneficial owner satisfies the statement requirement
(described generally below) set forth in section 871(h) and section 881(c)
of the Code and the regulations thereunder;
(b) no withholding of U.S. federal income tax will be required with respect
to any gain or income realized by a Non-U.S. Holder upon the sale, exchange
or retirement of the capital securities unless (i) such gain or income is
effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States of the
Non-U.S. Holder, or (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is an
individual, such individual is present in the United States for 183 days or
more in the taxable year of such sale, exchange or retirement, and certain
other conditions are met; and
(c) capital securities beneficially owned by an individual who at the time
of his or her death is not a citizen or resident (as specifically defined
for U.S. estate tax purposes) of the United States will not be subject to
U.S. federal estate tax as a result of such individual's death, provided
that such individual does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of
the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to
vote within the meaning of section 871(h)(3) of the Code and provided that
the interest payments with respect to such capital securities would not
have been, if received at the time of such individual's death, effectively
connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business by such individual.
To satisfy the requirement referred to in (a)(iv) above, the beneficial
owner of such capital securities, or a financial institution holding the
capital securities on behalf of such owner, must provide, in accordance with
specified procedures, to us or our paying agent, as the case may be, with a
statement to the effect that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person (as
defined in the Code). Currently these requirements will be met if (1) the
beneficial owner provides his name and address, and certifies, under penalties
of perjury, that he is not a U.S. person or (2) a financial institution holding
the capital securities on behalf of the beneficial owner certifies, under
penalties of perjury, that such statement has been received by it and furnishes
a paying agent with a copy thereof. Under Treasury regulations, which are
anticipated to become effective for payments of interest made after December
31, 2000 (the "Final
S-47
<PAGE>
Regulations"), the statement requirement referred to in (a)(iv) above may also
be satisfied with other documentary evidence for interest paid after December
31, 2000 with respect to capital securities held through an offshore account or
through certain foreign intermediaries.
If a Non-U.S. Holder cannot satisfy the requirements of the "portfolio
interest" exception described in (a) above, payments of premium, if any, and
interest (including OID) made to such Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to a 30%
withholding tax unless the beneficial owner of the capital securities provides
to us or our paying agent, as the case may be, with a properly executed (1) IRS
Form W-8BEN (or successor form) claiming an exemption from withholding tax or a
reduction in withholding tax under the benefit of a tax treaty or (2) IRS Form
W-8ECI (or successor form) stating that interest paid on the capital securities
is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with the
beneficial owner's conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
Prospective holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the
Final Regulations.
If a Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a trade or business in the United
States and premium, if any, or interest (including OID) on the capital
securities is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business,
the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from the withholding tax discussed above,
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such interest and OID on a net
income basis in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. In addition, if
such holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax
equal to 30% (or lower treaty rate) of its effectively connected earnings and
profits for the taxable year, subject to adjustments. For this purpose, such
premium, if any, and interest (including OID) on the capital securities will be
included in such foreign corporation's earnings and profits.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, information reporting requirements will apply to certain
payments of principal, interest, OID and premium paid on the capital securities
and to the proceeds of sale of the capital securities paid to U.S. Holders
other than certain exempt recipients (such as corporations). A 31% backup
withholding tax will apply to such payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide
a taxpayer identification number or certification of foreign or other exempt
status or fails to report, in full, dividend and interest income.
No information reporting or backup withholding will be required with
respect to payments made by us or our paying agent to Non-U.S. Holders if a
statement described in (a)(iv) under "Non-U.S. Holders" has been received and
the payor does not have actual knowledge that the beneficial owner is a U.S.
person.
In addition, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply
if payments of the principal, interest, OID or premium on the capital
securities are paid or collected by a foreign office of a custodian, nominee or
other foreign agent on behalf of the beneficial owner of such capital
securities, or if a foreign office of a broker (as defined in applicable
Treasury regulations) pays the proceeds of the sale of the capital securities
to the owner thereof. If, however, such nominee, custodian, agent or broker is,
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. person, a controlled foreign
corporation or a foreign person that derives 50% or more of its gross income
for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United
States, such payments will not be subject to backup withholding but will be
subject to information reporting, unless (1) such custodian, nominee, agent or
broker has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is not
a U.S. person and certain other conditions are met or (2) the beneficial owner
otherwise establishes an exemption. Under the Final Regulations, backup
withholding will not apply to such payments absent actual knowledge that the
payee is a U.S. person.
Payments of principal, interest, OID and premium on the capital
securities paid to the beneficial owner of the capital securities by a U.S.
office of a custodian, nominee or agent, or the payment by the U.S. office of a
broker of the proceeds of sale of the capital securities, will be subject to
both backup
S-48
<PAGE>
withholding and information reporting unless the beneficial owner provides the
statement referred to in (a)(iv) above and the payor does not have actual
knowledge that the beneficial owner is a U.S. person or otherwise establishes
an exemption.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed
as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability provided
the required information is furnished to the IRS.
S-49
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
We intend to offer the capital securities through the underwriters.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated is acting as representative
of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions in an
underwriting agreement, the Trust has agreed to sell to each of the
underwriters, and each of the underwriters has severally agreed to purchase
from the Trust, the number of capital securities set forth opposite its name
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Capital
Underwriter Securities
----------- ----------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated...........................................
Chase Securities Inc............................................
First Union Securities, Inc.....................................
Salomon Smith Barney Inc........................................
Banc of America Securities LLC..................................
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated...............................
SG Cowen Securities Corporation.................................
-------
Total......................................................
=======
</TABLE>
The underwriters have agreed to purchase all of the capital securities
pursuant to the underwriting agreement if any capital securities are purchased.
If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the
purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the
underwriting agreement may be terminated.
ACE INA, ACE and the Trust have agreed to indemnify the underwriters
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required
to make in respect of those liabilities.
Commissions and Discounts
The underwriters have advised us that they propose initially to offer the
capital securities to the public at $ per capital security, and to dealers at
that price less a concession not in excess of $ per capital security. The
underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess
of $ per capital security to other dealers. After the initial public
offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
Because the proceeds from the sale of the capital securities will be used
to purchase the debentures, ACE INA has agreed to pay to the underwriters an
underwriting commission of $ per capital security, or a total of
$ .
The following table shows the per capital security and total public
offering price, underwriting commission to be paid by ACE INA to the
underwriters and proceeds to the Trust. This information is shown assuming both
no exercise and full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase
additional capital securities.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Per Capital Without With
Security Option Option
----------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Public offering price... $ $ $
Underwriting commission
to be paid by ACE INA.. $ $ $
Proceeds, before
expenses, to the
Trust.................. $ $ $
</TABLE>
ACE will pay all expenses, estimated to be approximately $ ,
associated with the offer and sale of the capital securities.
S-50
<PAGE>
Over-Allotment Option
The underwriters have an option to purchase up to additional
capital securities at the public offering price. The underwriters may exercise
this option for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement
solely to cover over-allotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each
underwriter will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the
underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional capital securities
proportionate to such underwriter's initial amount reflected in the above
table.
New Issue of Securities
The capital securities are a new issue of securities with no established
trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the capital securities
on any national securities exchange or for quotation of the capital securities
on any automated dealer quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that
they presently intend to make a market in the capital securities after
completion of this offering. However, they are under no obligation to do so and
may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without any notice. We
cannot assure the liquidity of the trading market for the capital securities or
that an active public market for the capital securities will develop. If an
active public trading market for the capital securities does not develop, the
market price and liquidity of the capital securities may be adversely affected.
If the capital securities are traded, they may trade at a discount from their
initial offering price, depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for
similar securities, our performance and other factors.
No Sales of Similar Securities
ACE INA, ACE and the Trust have agreed that, for 30 days after the date
of this prospectus supplement, they will not directly or indirectly issue,
sell, offer or contract to sell, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise
dispose of, any preferred securities, or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for preferred securities, that are substantially similar to the
capital securities, or any guarantee of such securities, or any subordinated
debt securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for such
subordinated debt securities, that are substantially similar to the debentures,
or any guarantee of such subordinated debt securities (subject to certain
exceptions) without the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Incorporated.
Price Stabilization and Short Positions
In connection with the sale of the capital securities, SEC rules permit
the underwriters to engage in transactions that stabilize the market price of
the capital securities. These transactions may include bids or purchases to
peg, fix or maintain the price of the capital securities.
The underwriters may create a short position in the capital securities in
connection with this offering. That means they may sell a larger number of the
capital securities than is shown on the cover page of this prospectus
supplement. If the underwriters create a short position, the underwriters may
purchase capital securities in the open market to reduce the short position.
None of ACE INA, ACE, the Trust or any of the underwriters makes any
representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect
that the transactions described above may have on the price of capital
securities. In addition, none of ACE INA, ACE, the Trust or any of the
underwriters makes any representation that the underwriters will engage in
these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be
discontinued without notice.
S-51
<PAGE>
Other Relationships
Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have in the past and may
in the future engage in transactions with, and perform services for, ACE and
its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the offering of the capital
securities will be passed upon for ACE and ACE INA by Mayer, Brown & Platt,
Chicago, Illinois, and for the Trust, ACE and ACE INA by Richards, Layton &
Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware. Certain legal matters with respect to
Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for ACE by Maples and Calder, George
Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Certain legal matters
with respect to Bermuda law will be passed upon for ACE by Conyers, Dill &
Pearman, Hamilton, Bermuda. Certain legal matters in connection with the
offering of the capital securities will be passed upon for the underwriters by
Brown & Wood llp, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules
incorporated in the accompanying prospectus by reference to our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1998 have been so incorporated in
reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Any
audited financial statements and schedules that are incorporated or that are
deemed to be incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus that
are the subject of a report by independent accountants will be so incorporated
by reference in reliance upon such reports and upon the authority of such firms
as experts in accounting and auditing to the extent covered by consents of
these accountants filed with the SEC.
The CIGNA Corporation Property and Casualty Businesses Combined Financial
Statements incorporated in the accompanying prospectus by reference to our
Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 19, 1999 have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
S-52
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
$4,000,000,000
ACE Limited
Ordinary Shares, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares, Debt Securities,
Warrants to Purchase Ordinary Shares, Warrants to Purchase Preferred Shares,
Warrants to Purchase Debt Securities, Stock Purchase Contracts and
Stock Purchase Units
---------------
ACE INA Holdings Inc.
Debt Securities
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by
ACE Limited
---------------
ACE Capital Trust I
ACE Capital Trust II
ACE Capital Trust III
Preferred Securities
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed to the Extent Provided in this Prospectus
by
ACE Limited
ACE, ACE INA or the applicable ACE Trust will provide the specific
terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus
supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplements carefully
before you invest.
---------------
ACE's ordinary shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "ACL."
ACE's principal executive offices are located at: The ACE Building, 30
Woodbourne Avenue, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda, telephone number: (441) 295-5200.
The principal executive offices of ACE INA and each of the ACE Trusts are
located at: Two Liberty Place, 1601 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19101, telephone (215) 761-1000.
---------------
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense.
This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of offered
securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
The date of this prospectus is December 8, 1999.
<PAGE>
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus or any supplement. None of ACE, ACE INA or any ACE
Trust has authorized anyone else to provide you with different information.
ACE, ACE INA and the ACE Trusts are offering these securities only in states
where the offer is permitted. You should not assume that the information in
this prospectus or any supplement is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the front of those documents. ACE's business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
Except as expressly provided in an underwriting agreement, no offered
securities may be offered or sold in the Cayman Islands or Bermuda (although
offers may be made to persons in Bermuda from outside Bermuda) and offers may
only be accepted from persons resident in Bermuda, for Bermuda exchange control
purposes, where such offers have been delivered outside of Bermuda. Persons
resident in Bermuda, for Bermuda exchange control purposes, may require the
prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority in order to acquire any
offered securities.
In this prospectus, references to "dollar" and "$" are to United States
currency, and the terms "United States" and "U.S." mean the United States of
America, its states, its territories, its possessions and all areas subject to
its jurisdiction.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that ACE, ACE INA and the
ACE Trusts filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission utilizing a
"shelf" registration process, relating to the ordinary shares, preferred
shares, depositary shares, debt securities, debt securities guarantee,
warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units, preferred securities
and preferred securities guarantees described in this prospectus. Under this
shelf process, ACE, ACE INA and the ACE Trusts may sell the securities
described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total initial
offering price of $4,000,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general
description of the securities ACE, ACE INA or an ACE Trust may offer. This
prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC.
For additional information regarding ACE, ACE INA, the ACE Trusts and the
offered securities, please refer to the registration statement. Each time ACE,
ACE INA or an ACE Trust sells securities, it will provide a prospectus
supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that
offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information
contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the
heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
2
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED
ACE is a holding company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman
Islands and maintains its principal business office in Bermuda. Through its
Bermuda-based operating subsidiaries, ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd., Corporate
Officers & Directors Assurance Ltd. and Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited,
and its Dublin, Ireland based subsidiaries, ACE Insurance Company Europe
Limited and ACE Reinsurance Company Europe Limited, ACE provides a broad range
of insurance and reinsurance products to a diverse group of international
clients. Through ACE INA and its subsidiaries, ACE provides a broad range of
insurance products to insureds in the United States and 46 other countries
worldwide. ACE also provides insurance products to a broad range of clients in
the United States through its U.S. based subsidiary, ACE USA, Inc. ACE also
indirectly owns four Lloyd's managing agencies, ACE UK Underwriting Limited,
ACE London Aviation Limited, ACE London Underwriters Limited and ACE
Underwriting Agencies Limited, and provides corporate capital to Lloyd's
syndicates under their management to support underwriting capacity.
ACE was incorporated in August 1985. ACE's principal executive offices are
located at The ACE Building, 30 Woodbourne Avenue, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda,
and its telephone number is (441) 295-5200.
ACE INA
ACE INA is an indirect subsidiary of ACE that was formed in December 1998 to
acquire and hold the international and domestic property and casualty
businesses of CIGNA Corporation. ACE INA is a U.S. holding company and has no
direct operations. ACE INA's principal asset is the capital stock of its
insurance subsidiaries. The principal executive offices of ACE INA are located
at Two Liberty Place, 1601 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101
and its telephone number is (215) 761-1000.
3
<PAGE>
THE ACE TRUSTS
Each ACE Trust is a statutory business trust created under Delaware law
pursuant to (1) a trust agreement executed by ACE, as original sponsor of the
ACE Trust, and the ACE Trustees for the ACE Trust and (2) the filing of a
certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 19, 1999. On
August 5, 1999, ACE assigned its rights and obligations as sponsor of each ACE
Trust to ACE INA. Each trust agreement will be amended and restated in its
entirety substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Each restated trust agreement
will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Each
ACE Trust exists for the exclusive purposes of:
. issuing and selling the preferred securities and common securities that
represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the ACE Trust,
. using the gross proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities and
common securities to acquire a particular series of ACE INA subordinated
debt securities, and
. engaging in only those other activities necessary, convenient or
incidental to the issuance and sale of the preferred securities and
common securities and purchase of the ACE INA subordinated debt
securities.
ACE INA will directly or indirectly own all of the common securities of each
ACE Trust. The common securities of an ACE Trust will rank equally, and
payments will be made thereon pro rata, with the preferred securities of that
ACE Trust, except that, if an event of default under the restated trust
agreement resulting from an event of default under the ACE INA subordinated
debt securities held by the ACE Trust has occurred and is continuing, the
rights of the holder of the common securities to payment in respect of
distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be
subordinated to the rights of the holders of the preferred securities. Unless
otherwise disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement, ACE INA will,
directly or indirectly, acquire common securities in an aggregate liquidation
amount equal to at least 3% of the total capital of each ACE Trust. Each of the
ACE Trusts is a legally separate entity and the assets of one are not available
to satisfy the obligations of any of the others.
Unless otherwise disclosed in the related prospectus supplement, each ACE
Trust has a term of approximately 55 years, but may dissolve earlier as
provided in the restated trust agreement of the ACE Trust. Unless otherwise
disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement, each ACE Trust's business
and affairs will be conducted by the trustees (the "ACE Trustees") appointed by
ACE INA, as the direct or indirect holder of all of the common securities. ACE
INA, as the direct or indirect holder of the common securities, will be
entitled to appoint, remove or replace any of, or increase or reduce the number
of, the ACE Trustees of an ACE Trust, subject to the terms of the restated
trust agreement of the ACE Trust. The duties and obligations of the ACE
Trustees of an ACE Trust will be governed by the restated trust agreement of
the ACE Trust. Unless otherwise disclosed in the related prospectus supplement,
two of the ACE Trustees (the "Administrative Trustees") of each ACE Trust will
be persons who are employees or officers of or affiliated with ACE INA. One ACE
Trustee of each ACE Trust will be a financial institution (the "Property
Trustee") that is not affiliated with ACE INA and has a minimum amount of
combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000, which shall act as
property trustee and as indenture trustee for the purposes of compliance with
the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, pursuant to the terms set forth in
the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition, one ACE Trustee of each ACE
Trust (which may be the Property Trustee, if it otherwise meets the
requirements of applicable law) will have its principal place of business or
reside in the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Trustee"). ACE will pay all fees
and expenses related to each ACE Trust and the offering of preferred securities
and common securities.
The office of the Delaware Trustee for each ACE Trust in the State of
Delaware is located at c/o Bank One Delaware, Inc., Three Christina Centre, 201
North Walnut Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The principal executive
offices for each of the ACE Trusts are located at c/o ACE INA Holdings Inc.,
Two Liberty Place, 1601 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101. The
telephone number of each of the ACE Trusts is (215) 761-1000.
4
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement, ACE and
ACE INA intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the offered securities
to repay debt incurred to acquire the international and domestic property and
casualty businesses of CIGNA. Each ACE Trust will invest all proceeds received
from the sale of its preferred securities and common securities in a particular
series of subordinated debt securities of ACE INA, which will use such funds to
repay debt incurred to acquire the CIGNA businesses.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS OF ACE
For purposes of computing the following ratios, earnings consist of net
income before income tax expense (excluding interest costs capitalized) plus
fixed charges to the extent that such charges are included in the determination
of earnings. Fixed charges consist of interest costs (including interest costs
capitalized) plus one-third of minimum rental payments under operating leases
(estimated by management to be the interest factor of such rentals). Because
ACE paid no preferred share dividends during any of the periods presented, the
ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends is
identical to the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods
presented.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Twelve Months
Ended Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------- ----------------------------
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------ ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges..................... 8.1x 22.4x 22.4x 40.7x 32.3x 47.1x -- (1)
Ratio of Earnings to Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred
Share Dividends............. 8.1x 22.4x 22.4x 40.7x 32.3x 47.1x -- (1)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $46.0 million in 1994.
ACE INA and the ACE Trusts had no operations during the periods set forth
above.
5
<PAGE>
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES
ACE may from time to time offer under this prospectus, separately or
together:
.ordinary shares,
.preferred shares, which may be represented by depositary shares as
described below,
.unsecured senior or subordinated debt securities,
.warrants to purchase ordinary shares,
.warrants to purchase preferred shares,
.warrants to purchase debt securities of ACE,
.stock purchase contracts to purchase ordinary shares, and
. stock purchase units, each representing ownership of a stock purchase
contract and, as security for the holder's obligation to purchase
ordinary shares under the stock purchase contract, any of (1) debt
securities of ACE INA, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ACE, (2)
debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities or
(3) preferred securities of an ACE Trust.
ACE INA may from time to time offer unsecured senior or subordinated debt
securities, which will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ACE.
Each of ACE Capital Trust I, ACE Capital Trust II and ACE Capital Trust III
may offer preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in
their respective assets, which will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed to
the extent described in this prospectus by ACE.
The aggregate initial offering price of the offered securities will not
exceed $4,000,000,000.
DESCRIPTION OF ACE CAPITAL STOCK
The following is a summary of certain provisions of ACE's Memorandum of
Association and Articles of Association. Because this summary is not complete,
you should refer to ACE's Memorandum and Articles for complete information
regarding the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles, including the
definitions of some of the terms used below. Copies of the Memorandum and
Articles are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Whenever particular sections
or defined terms of the Memorandum and Articles are referred to, such sections
or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference, and the statement in
connection with which such reference is made is qualified in its entirety by
such reference.
ACE's authorized share capital consists of two classes of shares: (1)
300,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.041666667 per share, of which
194,059,295 ordinary shares were issued and outstanding as of November 12, 1999
and (2) 10,000,000 other shares, none of which are outstanding.
Ordinary Shares
The ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "ACL." The ordinary shares currently issued and outstanding are fully
paid and nonassessable. The ordinary shares offered by a prospectus supplement,
upon issuance against full consideration, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
There are no provisions of Cayman Islands law or the Memorandum or the Articles
which impose any limitation on the rights of shareholders to hold or vote
ordinary shares by reason of their not being residents of the Cayman Islands.
6
<PAGE>
Dividend Rights
After all dividends on all classes or series of preferred shares have been
paid or declared and set apart for payment, holders of ordinary shares are
entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by
ACE's Board of Directors (the "Board"), in its discretion, out of funds legally
available therefor.
Liquidation
In the event of any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of ACE, whether
voluntary or involuntary, after there shall have been paid or set aside for
payment to the holders of any outstanding shares ranking senior to the ordinary
shares as to distribution on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the full
amounts to which they shall be entitled, the holders of the then outstanding
ordinary shares will be entitled to receive, pro rata according to the number
of ordinary shares registered in the names of such shareholders, any remaining
assets of ACE available for distribution to its shareholders; provided, if, at
such time, any holder of ordinary shares has any outstanding debts, liabilities
or engagements to or with ACE (whether presently payable or not), either alone
or jointly with any other person, whether a shareholder or not (including,
without limitation, any liability associated with the unpaid purchase price of
such ordinary shares), the liquidator appointed to oversee the liquidation of
ACE will deduct from the amount payable in respect of such ordinary shares the
aggregate amount of such debts, liabilities and engagements and apply such
amount to any of such holder's debts, liabilities or engagements to or with ACE
(whether presently payable or not). The liquidator may distribute, in kind, to
the holders of the ordinary shares remaining assets of ACE or may sell,
transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of such remaining assets to
any other corporation, trust or entity and receive payment therefor in cash,
shares or obligations of such other corporation, trust or entity or any
combination thereof, and may sell all or part of the consideration so received,
and may distribute the consideration received or any balance or proceeds
thereof to holders of the ordinary shares.
Voting Rights
The Articles provide that the quorum required for a general meeting of
shareholders is not less than six shareholders present in person or by proxy
holding at least 50% of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at
such meeting. A quorum for considering a "special resolution" is 66 2/3% of the
issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at such meeting. Subject to
applicable law and any provision of the Articles requiring a greater majority,
ACE may from time to time by special resolution alter or amend the Memorandum
or Articles; voluntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind-up its affairs; increase
its share capital; consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital;
subdivide the whole or any part of its share capital; reduce its share capital,
any capital redemption reserve fund, or any share premium account; or change
its name or alter its objects.
Each holder of ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per share on all
matters submitted to a vote of shareholders at any such meeting, subject to the
10% voting limitation described below. All matters, including the election of
directors, voted upon at any duly held shareholders' meeting will be carried by
a majority of the votes cast at the meeting by shareholders represented in
person or by proxy, except (1) approval of a merger, consolidation or
amalgamation, or the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the
assets of ACE, which requires (in addition to any regulatory or court
approvals) the approval of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting shares,
voting together as a single class, (2) approval of a special resolution, (3)
amendment of certain provisions of the Articles which require the approval of
at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting shares, voting together as a single
class and (4) as otherwise provided in the Articles. A special resolution
requires the approval of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast by such
shareholders represented in person or by proxy at a duly convened meeting.
The Articles provide that, except as otherwise required by law and subject to
the rights of the holders of any class or series of shares issued by ACE having
a preference over the ordinary shares as to dividends or upon liquidation to
elect directors in specified circumstances, extraordinary general meetings of
ACE's shareholders may be called only by (1) the directors or (2) at the
request in writing of shareholders owning at least 25% of the outstanding
shares generally entitled to vote.
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Each ordinary share has one vote, except that if, and so long as, the
"Controlled Shares" of any person constitute 10% or more of the issued ordinary
shares, the voting rights with respect to the controlled shares owned by such
person will be limited, in the aggregate, to a voting power of approximately
10%, pursuant to a formula specified in the Articles. "Controlled Shares" means
(1) all shares of ACE directly, indirectly or constructively owned by any
person within the meaning of Section 958 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code") and (2) all shares of ACE directly, indirectly or
beneficially owned by such person within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the
Exchange Act (including any shares owned by a group of persons as so defined
and including any shares that would otherwise be excluded by the provisions of
Section 13(d)(6) of the Exchange Act).
The ordinary shares have noncumulative voting rights, which means that the
holders of a majority of the ordinary shares may elect all of ACE's directors
and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to
elect any directors. The Board is presently divided into three classes, two of
which have four directors and one of which has five directors. At present, each
class is elected for a three-year term, with the result that shareholders will
not vote for the election of a majority of directors in any single year.
Directors may be removed without cause only by the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares generally entitled to
vote, voting together as a single class, at a meeting of shareholders.
Directors may be removed with cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders.
This classified board provision could prevent a party who acquires control of
a majority of the outstanding voting power from obtaining control of the Board
until the second annual shareholders meeting following the date the acquiror
obtains the controlling share interest. The classified board provision could
have the effect of discouraging a potential acquiror from making a tender offer
or otherwise attempting to obtain control of ACE and could thus increase the
likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions.
Preemptive Rights
No holder of ordinary shares, solely by reason of such holding, has or will
have any preemptive right to subscribe to any additional issue of shares of any
class or series nor to any security convertible into such shares.
Other Classes or Series of Shares
The Articles authorize the directors to create and issue one or more other
classes or series of shares and to determine the rights and preferences of each
such class or series, to the extent permitted by the Articles and applicable
law. Among other rights, the directors may determine:
. the number of shares of that class or series and the distinctive
designation thereof;
. the voting powers, full or limited, if any, of the shares of that class or
series;
. the dividend rights of the shares of that class or series, whether
dividends will be cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates and
the relative rights or priority, if any, of payment of dividends on
shares of that class or series and any limitations, restrictions or
conditions on the payment of dividends;
. the relative amounts, and the relative rights or priority, if any, of
payment in respect of shares of that class or series, which the holders
of the shares of that class or series will be entitled to receive upon
any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of ACE;
. the terms and conditions (including the price or prices, which may vary
under different conditions and at different redemption dates), if any,
upon which all or any part of the shares of that class or series may be
redeemed, and any limitations, restrictions or conditions on such
redemption;
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. the terms, if any, of any purchase, retirement or sinking fund to be
provided for the shares of that class or series;
. the terms, if any, upon which the shares of that class or series will be
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other class, classes
or series, or other securities, whether or not issued by ACE;
. the restrictions, limitations and conditions, if any, upon the issuance
of indebtedness of ACE so long as any shares of that class or series are
outstanding; and
. any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
rights and limitations not inconsistent with applicable law or the
Articles.
Preferred Shares
From time to time, pursuant to the authority granted to the directors by the
Articles to create other classes or series of shares, the Board may create and
issue one or more classes or series of preferred shares, setting forth the
rights and preferences of each such class or series in a Certificate of
Designation, Preferences and Rights. The preferred shares, upon issuance
against full consideration, will be fully paid and nonassessable. The
particular rights and preferences of the preferred shares offered by any
prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions
described below may apply to the offered preferred shares, will be described in
the prospectus supplement. Because the following summary of the terms of
preferred shares is not complete, you should refer to the Memorandum, the
Articles and the applicable Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights
for complete information regarding the terms of the class or series of
preferred shares described in a prospectus supplement. Whenever particular
sections or defined terms of the Memorandum, the Articles and the applicable
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights are referred to, such
sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference, and the
statement in connection with which such reference is made is qualified in its
entirety by such reference.
A prospectus supplement will specify the terms of a particular class or
series of preferred shares as follows:
. the number of shares to be issued and sold and the distinctive designation
thereof;
. the voting powers, full or limited, if any, of the preferred shares;
. the dividend rights of the preferred shares, whether dividends will be
cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates and the relative rights
or priority, if any, of payment of dividends on preferred shares and any
limitations, restrictions or conditions on the payment of dividends on
the preferred shares and the ordinary shares;
. the relative amounts, and the relative rights or priority, if any, of
payment in respect of preferred shares, which the holders of the
preferred shares will be entitled to receive upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of ACE;
. the terms and conditions (including the price or prices, which may vary
under different conditions and at different redemption dates), if any,
upon which all or any part of the preferred shares may be redeemed, and
any limitations, restrictions or conditions on such redemption;
. the terms, if any, of any purchase, retirement or sinking fund to be
provided for the preferred shares;
. the terms, if any, upon which the preferred shares will be convertible
into or exchangeable for shares of any other class, classes or series,
or other securities, whether or not issued by ACE;
. the restrictions, limitations and conditions, if any, upon the issuance
of indebtedness of ACE so long as any preferred shares are outstanding;
and
. any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
rights and limitations not inconsistent with applicable law, the
Memorandum or the Articles.
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Dividends
The holders of preferred shares will be entitled to receive dividends at the
rate set by the Board, payable on specified dates each year for the respective
dividend periods ending on such dates ("dividend periods"), when and as
declared by the Board. Such dividends will accrue on each preferred share from
the first day of the dividend period in which such share is issued or from such
other date as the Board may fix for such purpose. All dividends on preferred
shares will be cumulative so that if ACE does not pay or set apart for payment
the dividend, or any part thereof, on the issued and outstanding preferred
shares for any dividend period, the deficiency in the dividend on the preferred
shares must thereafter be fully paid or declared and set apart for payment, but
without interest, before any dividend may be paid or declared and set apart for
payment on the ordinary shares. The holders of preferred shares will not be
entitled to participate in any other or additional earnings or profits of ACE,
except for such premiums, if any, as may be payable in case of redemption or
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of ACE.
Any dividend paid upon the preferred shares at a time when any accrued
dividends for any prior dividend period are delinquent will be expressly
declared to be in whole or partial payment of the accrued dividends to the
extent thereof, beginning with the earliest dividend period for which dividends
are then wholly or partly delinquent, and will be so designated to each
shareholder to whom payment is made.
No dividends will be paid upon any shares of any class or series of preferred
shares for a current dividend period unless there will have been paid or
declared and set apart for payment dividends required to be paid to the holders
of each other class or series of preferred shares for all past dividend periods
of such other class or series. If any dividends are paid on any of the
preferred shares with respect to any past dividend period at any time when less
than the total dividends then accumulated and payable for all past dividend
periods on all of the preferred shares then outstanding are to be paid or
declared and set apart for payment, then the dividends being paid will be paid
on each class or series of preferred shares in the proportions that the
dividends then accumulated and payable on each class or series for all past
dividend periods bear to the total dividends then accumulated and payable for
all past dividend periods on all outstanding preferred shares.
Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up
In case of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
ACE, the holders of each class or series of preferred shares will be entitled
to receive out of the assets of ACE in money or money's worth the liquidation
preference with respect to that class or series of preferred shares, together
with all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or
declared), before any of such assets will be paid or distributed to holders of
ordinary shares. In case of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of ACE, if the assets are insufficient to pay the holders of all
of the classes or series of preferred shares then outstanding the full amounts
to which they may be entitled, the holders of each outstanding class or series
of preferred shares will share ratably in such assets in proportion to the
amounts which would be payable with respect to such class or series if all
amounts payable thereon were paid in full. The consolidation or merger of ACE
with or into any other corporation, or a sale of all or any part of its assets,
will not be deemed a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of ACE within the
meaning of this paragraph.
Redemption
Except as otherwise provided with respect to a particular class or series of
preferred shares, the following general redemption provisions will apply to
each class or series of preferred shares.
On or prior to the date fixed for redemption of a particular class or series
of preferred shares or any part thereof as specified in the notice of
redemption for such class or series, ACE will deposit adequate funds for such
redemption, in trust for the account of holders of such class or series, with a
bank or trust company that has an office in the United States, and that has, or
is an affiliate of a bank or trust company that has, capital and surplus of at
least $50,000,000. If the name and address of such bank or trust company and
the deposit of or
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intent to deposit the redemption funds in such trust account have been stated
in the redemption notice, then from and after the mailing of the notice and the
making of such deposit the shares of the class or series called for redemption
will no longer be deemed to be outstanding for any purpose whatsoever, and all
rights of the holders of such shares in or with respect to ACE will cease and
terminate except only the right of the holders of the shares (1) to transfer
such shares prior to the date fixed for redemption, (2) to receive the
redemption price of such shares, including accrued but unpaid dividends to the
date fixed for redemption, without interest, upon surrender of the certificate
or certificates representing the shares to be redeemed, and (3) on or before
the close of business on the fifth day preceding the date fixed for redemption
to exercise privileges of conversion, if any, not previously expired. Any
moneys so deposited by ACE which remain unclaimed by the holders of the shares
called for redemption and not converted will, at the end of six years after the
redemption date, be paid to ACE upon its request, after which repayment the
holders of the shares called for redemption can no longer look to such bank or
trust company for the payment of the redemption price but must look only to ACE
for the payment of any lawful claim for such moneys which holders of such
shares may still have. After such six-year period, the right of any shareholder
or other person to receive such payment may be forfeited in the manner and with
the effect provided under Cayman Islands law. Any portion of the moneys so
deposited by ACE, in respect of preferred shares called for redemption that are
converted into ordinary shares, will be repaid to ACE upon its request.
In case of redemption of only a part of a class or series of preferred
shares, ACE will designate by lot, in such manner as the Board may determine,
the shares to be redeemed, or will effect such redemption pro rata.
Conversion Rights
Except as otherwise provided with respect to a particular class or series of
preferred shares, the following general conversion provisions will apply to
each class or series of preferred shares that is convertible into ordinary
shares.
All ordinary shares issued upon conversion will be fully paid and
nonassessable, and will be free of all taxes, liens and charges with respect to
the issue thereof except taxes, if any, payable by reason of issuance in a name
other than that of the holder of the shares converted and except as otherwise
provided by applicable law or the Articles.
The number of ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of a particular class
or series of preferred shares at any time will be the quotient obtained by
dividing the aggregate conversion value of the shares of such class or series
surrendered for conversion, by the conversion price per share of ordinary
shares then in effect for such class or series. ACE will not be required,
however, upon any such conversion, to issue any fractional share of ordinary
shares, but instead ACE will pay to the holder who would otherwise be entitled
to receive such fractional share if issued, a sum in cash equal to the value of
such fractional share based on the last reported sale price per ordinary share
on the NYSE at the date of determination. Preferred shares will be deemed to
have been converted as of the close of business on the date of receipt at the
office of the transfer agent of the certificates, duly endorsed, together with
written notice by the holder of his election to convert the shares.
The basic conversion price per ordinary share for a class or series of
preferred shares, as fixed by the Board, will be subject to adjustment from
time to time as follows:
. In case ACE (1) pays a dividend or makes a distribution to all holders
of outstanding ordinary shares as a class in ordinary shares, (2)
subdivides or splits the outstanding ordinary shares into a larger
number of shares or (3) combines the outstanding ordinary shares into a
smaller number of shares, the basic conversion price per ordinary share
in effect immediately prior to that event will be adjusted retroactively
so that the holder of each outstanding share of each class or series of
preferred shares which by its terms is convertible into ordinary shares
will thereafter be entitled to receive upon the conversion of such share
the number of ordinary shares which that holder would have owned and
been entitled to receive after the happening of any of the events
described above had such share of
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such class or series been converted immediately prior to the happening
of that event. An adjustment made pursuant to this clause will become
effective retroactively immediately after such record date in the case
of a dividend or distribution and immediately after the effective date
in the case of a subdivision, split or combination. Such adjustments
will be made successively whenever any event described in this clause
occurs.
. In case ACE issues to all holders of ordinary shares as a class any
rights or warrants enabling them to subscribe for or purchase ordinary
shares at a price per share less than the current market price per
ordinary share at the record date for determination of shareholders
entitled to receive such rights or warrants, the basic conversion price
per ordinary share in effect immediately prior thereto for each class or
series of preferred shares which by its terms is convertible into
ordinary shares will be adjusted retroactively by multiplying such basic
conversion price by a fraction, of which the numerator will be the sum
of number of ordinary shares outstanding at such record date and the
number of ordinary shares which the aggregate exercise price (before
deduction of underwriting discounts or commissions and other expenses of
ACE in connection with the issue) of the total number of shares so
offered for subscription or purchase would purchase at such current
market price per share and of which the denominator will be the sum of
the number of ordinary shares outstanding at such record date and the
number of additional ordinary shares so offered for subscription or
purchase. An adjustment made pursuant to this clause will become
effective retroactively immediately after the record date for
determination of shareholders entitled to receive such rights or
warrants. Such adjustments will be made successively whenever any event
described in this clause occurs.
. In case ACE distributes to all holders of ordinary shares as a class
evidences of indebtedness or assets (other than cash dividends), the
basic conversion price per ordinary share in effect immediately prior
thereto for each class or series of preferred shares which by its terms
is convertible into ordinary shares will be adjusted retroactively by
multiplying such basic conversion price by a fraction, of which the
numerator will be the difference between the current market price per
ordinary share at the record date for determination of shareholders
entitled to receive such distribution and the fair value (as determined
by the Board) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets
(other than cash dividends) so distributed applicable to one ordinary
share and of which the denominator will be the current market price per
ordinary share. An adjustment made pursuant to this clause will become
effective retroactively immediately after such record date. Such
adjustments will be made successively whenever any event described in
this clause occurs.
For the purpose of any computation under the last clause above, the current
market price per ordinary share on any date will be deemed to be the average
of the high and low sales prices of the ordinary shares, as reported in the
New York Stock Exchange--Composite Transactions (or such other principal
market quotation as may then be applicable to the ordinary shares) for each of
the 30 consecutive trading days commencing 45 trading days before such date.
No adjustment will be made in the basic conversion price for any class or
series of preferred shares in effect immediately prior to such computation if
the amount of such adjustment would be less than fifty cents. However, any
adjustments which by reason of the preceding sentence are not required to be
made will be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent
adjustment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, any adjustment required
for purposes of making the computations described above will be made not later
than the earlier of (1) three years after the effective date described above
for such adjustment or (2) the date as of which such adjustment would result
in an increase or decrease of at least 3% in the aggregate number of ordinary
shares issued and outstanding on the first date on which an event occurred
which required the making of a computation described above. All calculations
will be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the
case may be.
In the case of any capital reorganization or reclassification of ordinary
shares, or if ACE consolidates with or merges into, or sells or disposes of
all or substantially all of its property and assets to, any other corporation,
proper provisions will be made as part of the terms of such capital
reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale that any
shares of a particular class or series of preferred shares at the time
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outstanding will thereafter be convertible into the number of shares of stock
or other securities or property to which a holder of the number of ordinary
shares deliverable upon conversion of such preferred shares would have been
entitled upon such capital reorganization, reclassification, consolidation or
merger.
No dividend adjustment with respect to any preferred shares or ordinary
shares will be made in connection with any conversion.
Whenever there is an issue of additional ordinary shares requiring a change
in the conversion price as provided above, and whenever there occurs any other
event which results in a change in the existing conversion rights of the
holders of shares of a class or series of preferred shares, ACE will file with
its transfer agent or agents, a statement signed by the Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer or by any Executive Officer of ACE, describing
specifically such issue of additional ordinary shares or such other event (and,
in the case of a capital reorganization, reclassification, consolidation or
merger, the terms thereof) and the actual conversion prices or basis of
conversion as changed by such issue or event and the change, if any, in the
securities issuable upon conversion. Whenever there are issued by ACE to all
holders of ordinary shares as a class any rights or warrants enabling them to
subscribe for or purchase ordinary shares, ACE will also file in like manner a
statement describing the same and the consideration it will receive therefrom.
The statement so filed will be open to inspection by any holder of record of
shares of any class or series of preferred shares.
ACE will at all times have authorized and will at all times reserve and set
aside a sufficient number of duly authorized ordinary shares for the conversion
of all shares of all then outstanding classes or series of preferred shares
which are convertible into ordinary shares.
Reissuance of Shares
Any preferred shares retired by purchase, redemption, through conversion, or
through the operation of any sinking fund or redemption or purchase account,
will have the status of authorized but unissued preferred shares, and may be
reissued as part of the same class or series or may be reclassified and
reissued by the Board in the same manner as any other authorized and unissued
preferred shares.
Voting Rights
Except as indicated below or as otherwise required by applicable law, the
holders of preferred shares will have no voting rights.
Whenever dividends payable on any class or series of preferred shares are in
arrears in an aggregate amount equivalent to six full quarterly dividends on
all of the preferred shares of that class or series then outstanding, the
holders of preferred shares of that class or series will have the exclusive and
special right, voting separately as a class, to elect two directors of ACE, and
the number of directors constituting the Board will be increased to the extent
necessary to effectuate such right. Whenever such right of the holders of any
class or series of the preferred shares has vested, such right may be exercised
initially either at an extraordinary meeting of the holders of such class or
series of the preferred shares, or at any annual meeting of shareholders, and
thereafter at annual meetings of shareholders. The right of the holders of any
class or series of the preferred shares voting separately as a class to elect
members of the Board will continue until such time as all dividends accumulated
on such class or series of the preferred shares have been paid in full, at
which time that special right will terminate, subject to revesting in the event
of each and every subsequent default in an aggregate amount equivalent to six
full quarterly dividends.
At any time when such special voting power has vested in the holders of any
class or series of the preferred shares as described in the preceding
paragraph, a proper officer of ACE will, upon the written request of the
holders of record of at least 10% of such class or series of the preferred
shares then outstanding addressed to the Secretary of ACE, call an
extraordinary meeting of the holders of such class or series of the preferred
shares for the purpose of electing directors. Such meeting will be held at the
earliest practicable date
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in such place as may be designated pursuant to the Articles (or if there be no
designation, at the principal office of ACE in Hamilton, Bermuda). If such
meeting shall not be called by the proper officers of ACE within 20 days after
the Secretary of ACE has been personally served with such request, or within 30
days after mailing the same within the United States by registered or certified
mail addressed to the Secretary of ACE at its principal office, then the
holders of record of at least 10% of such class or series of the preferred
shares then outstanding may designate in writing one of their number to call
such meeting at ACE's expense, and such meeting may be called by such person so
designated upon the notice required for annual meetings of shareholders and
will be held in Hamilton, Bermuda. Any holder of such class or series of
preferred shares so designated will have access to the stock books of ACE for
the purpose of causing meetings of shareholders to be called pursuant to these
provisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such extraordinary meeting will
be called during the period within 90 days immediately preceding the date fixed
for the next annual meeting of shareholders.
At any annual or extraordinary meeting at which the holders of any class or
series of the preferred shares have the special right, voting separately as a
class, to elect directors as described above, the presence, in person or by
proxy, of the holders of 33 1/3% of such class or series of the preferred
shares will be required to constitute a quorum of such class or series for the
election of any director by the holders of such class or series, voting as a
class. At any such meeting or adjournment thereof, (1) the absence of a quorum
of such class or series of the preferred shares will not prevent the election
of directors other than those to be elected by such class or series of the
preferred shares, voting as a class, and the absence of a quorum for the
election of such other directors will not prevent the election of the directors
to be elected by such class or series of the preferred shares, voting as a
class, and (2) in the absence of either or both such quorums, a majority of the
holders present in person or by proxy of any class or series of stock for which
a quorum is lacking will have power to adjourn the meeting for the election of
directors which they are entitled to elect, from time to time until a quorum
shall be present, without notice other than announcement at the meeting.
During any period in which the holders of any class or series of the
preferred shares have the right to vote as a class for directors as described
above, any vacancies in the Board will be filled only by vote of a majority
(even if that be only a single director) of the remaining directors theretofore
elected by the holders of the class or series of stock which elected the
directors whose office shall have become vacant. During such period the
directors so elected by the holders of any class or series of the preferred
shares will continue in office (1) until the next succeeding annual meeting or
until their successors, if any, are elected by such holders and qualify or (2)
unless required by applicable law to continue in office for a longer period,
until termination of the right of the holders of such class or series of the
preferred shares to vote as a class for directors, if earlier. If and to the
extent permitted by applicable law, immediately upon any termination of the
right of the holders of any class or series of the preferred shares to vote as
a class for directors as provided herein, the term of office of the directors
then in office so elected by the holders of such class or series will
terminate.
Whether or not ACE is being wound up, the rights attached to any class or
series of preferred shares may only be varied with the consent in writing of
the holders of three-fourths of the issued shares of that class or series, or
with the sanction of a special resolution approved by at least 66 2/3% of the
votes cast by the holders of the shares of that class or series at a duly
convened meeting where at least one-third of the issued shares of that class or
series are represented, either in person or by proxy. The rights attached to
any class or series of preferred shares will not be deemed to be varied by the
creation or issue of any shares or any securities convertible into or
evidencing the right to purchase shares ranking prior to or equally with such
class or series of the preferred shares with respect to the payment of
dividends or of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Holders of
preferred shares are not entitled to vote on any amalgamation, consolidation,
merger or statutory share exchange, except to the extent that such a
transaction would vary the rights attached to any class or series of preferred
shares, in which case any such variation is subject to the approval process
described above. Holders of preferred shares are not entitled to vote on any
sale of all or substantially all of the assets of ACE.
On any item on which the holders of the preferred shares are entitled to
vote, such holders will be entitled to one vote for each preferred share held.
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Restrictions in Event of Default in Dividends on Preferred Shares
If at any time ACE has failed to pay dividends in full on the preferred
shares, thereafter and until dividends in full, including all accrued and
unpaid dividends for all past quarterly dividend periods on the preferred
shares outstanding, shall have been declared and set apart in trust for payment
or paid, or if at any time ACE has failed to pay in full amounts payable with
respect to any obligations to retire preferred shares, thereafter and until
such amounts shall have been paid in full or set apart in trust for payment (1)
ACE, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3%
of the preferred shares at the time outstanding given in person or by proxy,
either in writing or by resolution adopted at an extraordinary meeting called
for the purpose, at which the holders of the preferred shares shall vote
separately as a class, regardless of class or series, may not redeem less than
all of the preferred shares at such time outstanding; (2) ACE may not purchase
any preferred shares except in accordance with a purchase offer made in writing
to all holders of preferred shares of all classes or series upon such terms as
the Board in its sole discretion after consideration of the respective annual
dividend rate and other relative rights and preferences of the respective
classes or series, will determine (which determination will be final and
conclusive) will result in fair and equitable treatment among the respective
classes or series; provided that (a) ACE, to meet the requirements of any
purchase, retirement or sinking fund provisions with respect to any class or
series, may use shares of such class or series acquired by it prior to such
failure and then held by it as treasury stock and (b) nothing will prevent us
from completing the purchase or redemption of preferred shares for which a
purchase contract was entered into for any purchase, retirement or sinking fund
purposes, or the notice of redemption of which was initially mailed, prior to
such failure; and (3) ACE may not redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, or
permit any subsidiary to purchase or acquire any shares of any other class of
stock of ACE ranking junior to the preferred shares as to dividends and upon
liquidation.
Preemptive Rights
No holder of preferred shares, solely by reason of such holding, has or will
have any preemptive right to subscribe to any additional issue of shares of any
class or series nor to any security convertible into such shares.
Transfer Agent
ACE's registrar and transfer agent for the ordinary shares and the preferred
shares is The Bank of New York.
Transfer of Shares
The Articles contain various provisions affecting the transferability of
ACE's shares. Under the Articles, the Board has absolute discretion to decline
to register a transfer of shares (1) unless a registration statement under the
Securities Act is in effect with respect to such shares or a written opinion
from counsel acceptable to the directors is obtained to the effect that such
registration is not required or (2) if the Board determines that such transfer
would result in a person having controlled shares that constitute 10% or more
of any class or series of ACE's issued shares. The Board also has absolute
discretion to decline to register any transfer of shares. The Board has waived
its right to decline to register any transfer of shares which have been traded
in the public market (including the ordinary and preferred shares offered by a
prospectus supplement) or which were outstanding immediately prior to ACE's
initial public offering.
Maples and Calder, ACE's Cayman Islands counsel, has advised it that while
the precise form of the restrictions on transfers contained in the Articles is
untested, as a matter of general principle, restrictions on transfers are
enforceable under Cayman Islands law and are not uncommon. The transferor of
such shares will be deemed to own such shares for dividend, voting and
reporting purposes until a transfer of such shares has been registered on our
stock transfer records.
The restrictions on voting and ownership of more than 10% of any class or
series of our issued shares described above, as well as the provisions
discussed below under "Anti-Takeover Effects of Articles of Association" and
"Shareholder Rights Plan," may have the effect of discouraging an attempt to
obtain control of ACE through certain actions.
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The Articles also provide that the Board may suspend the registration of
transfer for such periods as the Board may determine, but shall not suspend the
registration of transfer for more than 45 days in any year.
Lloyd's Related Requirements
Under Lloyd's regulations as currently in effect, any person who (with any
associates) beneficially holds 10% or more of the votes or economic interest in
ACE or who controls decisions by ACE's Board is deemed to be a "controller" of
any ACE subsidiary that is a Lloyd's corporate member or Lloyd's managing
agent. Lloyd's imposes an absolute prohibition on any company being a 10%
controller of a Lloyd's corporate member or Lloyd's managing agent without
first notifying Lloyd's and receiving their consent. This prohibition is
qualified in respect of a person who breaches the 20%, 33%, 50% or majority
controller thresholds in that the Lloyd's corporate member or Lloyd's managing
agent must do all that lies within its powers to comply with Lloyd's
requirements. In these latter circumstances, this essentially means that notice
must have been given to the Council of Lloyd's that the relevant threshold will
be exceeded and that the Council of Lloyd's has not objected. Lloyd's requires
each "controller" of a Lloyd's corporate member or Lloyd's managing agent to
execute and deliver a declaration and undertaking to Lloyd's containing
representations concerning the absence of criminal activities, censure,
insolvency, civil liabilities and government investigations, etc., and
submitting to the jurisdiction of the English courts. Any person that becomes
the owner of 10% (or subsequently 20%, 33%, 50% or a majority) of the ordinary
shares would have to deliver this declaration and undertaking to Lloyd's in the
form prescribed by Lloyd's, unless Lloyd's exempts such person from this
requirement. Lloyd's regulations give Lloyd's the right to withhold consent to
a person becoming a controller of a Lloyd's corporate member, even where the
declaration and undertaking has been provided, if Lloyd's, in its discretion,
does not consider such person to be "fit and proper."
In addition under English law, if any person who is connected with a Lloyd's
broker holds or subsequently becomes the holder of more than 5% of the ordinary
shares in ACE, that Lloyd's broker risks losing its Lloyd's license. For these
purposes, a person is treated as connected with a Lloyd's broker if that person
is the subsidiary or holding company of a corporate Lloyd's broker or a
subsidiary of any such holding company (all being regarded as related
companies) or a director of such a Lloyd's broker or any related company that
controls (a test based on one-third voting rights or control of the Board) or
is controlled by such a Lloyd's broker or any related company or, if the
Lloyd's broker is a partnership, any person who is a partner in or who controls
or is controlled by (on a similar test) such a Lloyd's broker or any company
which is controlled by a partner in such a Lloyd's broker or any related
company of any such partner or any director of any such controlled or related
company.
Lien on Shares
The Articles provide that ACE will have a first lien on all shares for all
debts, liabilities or engagements to or with ACE (whether presently payable or
not) by the holder of such shares, except for shares declared to be exempt by
the Board. This lien would extend to the payment of dividends or other money
payable in respect of any ordinary shares or preferred shares subject to the
lien. The Articles also provide that the directors may deduct from any dividend
payable to a shareholder all sums of money presently payable by such
shareholder to ACE on any account. The Board has exempted from these provisions
the ordinary and preferred shares offered by a prospectus supplement.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Articles of Association
The Articles contain certain provisions that make it more difficult to
acquire control of ACE by means of a tender offer, open market purchase, a
proxy fight or otherwise. These provisions, as well as the shareholder rights
plan described under "Shareholder Rights Plan" below, are designed to encourage
persons seeking to acquire control of ACE to negotiate with its directors. The
directors believe that, as a general rule, the interests of its shareholders
would be best served if any change in control results from negotiations with
the directors.
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The directors would negotiate based upon careful consideration of the proposed
terms, such as the price to be paid to shareholders, the form of consideration
to be paid and the anticipated tax effects of the transaction. However, these
provisions could have the effect of discouraging a prospective acquiror from
making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of ACE. To the
extent these provisions discourage takeover attempts, they could deprive
shareholders of opportunities to realize takeover premiums for their shares or
could depress the market price of the shares.
In addition to those provisions of the Articles discussed above, set forth
below is a description of other material provisions of the Articles. Because
the following description is intended as a summary only and is therefore not
complete, you should refer to the Articles, which are incorporated by reference
as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a
part, for complete information regarding these provisions.
No Shareholder Action by Written Consent
The Articles provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by
ACE's shareholders must be taken at a duly called annual general or
extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders and may not be taken by
consent in writing or otherwise.
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding
shares generally entitled to vote, voting together as a single class, is
required to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, this
provision of the Articles.
Availability of Shares of Capital Stock for Future Issuances
The availability of shares for issue by ACE's directors without further
action by shareholders (except as may be required by applicable stock exchange
requirements) could be viewed as enabling the directors to make more difficult
a change in control of ACE, including by issuing warrants or rights to acquire
shares to discourage or defeat unsolicited stock accumulation programs and
acquisition proposals and by issuing shares in a private placement or public
offering to dilute or deter stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain
control of ACE.
Shareholder Proposals
The Articles provide that if a shareholder desires to submit a proposal for
consideration at an annual general meeting or extraordinary general meeting, or
to nominate persons for election as directors, written notice of such
shareholder's intent to make such a proposal or nomination must be given and
received by the Secretary of ACE at its principal executive offices not later
than (1) with respect to an annual general meeting, 60 days prior to the
anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting, and
(2) with respect to an extraordinary general meeting, the close of business on
the tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first sent
or given to shareholders. The notice must describe the proposal or nomination
in sufficient detail for a proposal or nomination to be summarized on the
agenda for the meeting and must set forth (1) the name and address of the
shareholder, (2) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of
shares of ACE entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person
or by proxy at the meeting to present such proposal or nomination and (iii) the
class and number of shares of ACE that are beneficially owned by the
shareholder. In addition, the notice must set forth the reasons for conducting
such proposed business at the meeting and any material interest of the
shareholder in such business. In the case of a nomination of any person for
election as a director, the notice must set forth: (1) the name and address of
any person to be nominated; (2) a description of all arrangements or
understandings between the shareholder and each nominee and any other person or
persons; (3) such other information regarding such nominee proposed by such
shareholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, whether or not we are then
subject to such Regulation; and (4) the consent of each nominee to serve as a
director of ACE, if so elected. The presiding officer of the annual general
meeting or extraordinary general meeting will, if the facts warrant, refuse to
acknowledge a proposal or nomination not made in compliance with the foregoing
procedure.
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The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote, voting together as a single class, will be required to
amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, the foregoing
provision of the Articles.
The advance notice requirements regulating shareholder nominations and
proposals may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of
directors or the introduction of a shareholder proposal if the procedures
summarized above are not followed and may discourage or deter a third party
from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors
or to introduce a proposal.
Shareholder Rights Plan
On May 7, 1999, ACE's Board of Directors declared a dividend of one
preference share purchase right for each outstanding ordinary share to
shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 1999. Subject to
certain exceptions, each right, when exercisable, entitles the holder to
purchase from ACE one one-thousandth of a series A junior participating
preference share at an exercise price of $150, subject to certain antidilution
adjustments. Because of the nature of the preference shares' dividend,
liquidation and voting rights, the value of the one one-thousandth of a
preference share purchasable upon the exercise of each right should approximate
the value of one ordinary share.
The rights generally will only be exercisable:
. 10 days following a public announcement that a person or a group of
affiliated or associated persons has acquired, or obtained the right to
acquire, 15% or more of the outstanding ordinary shares of ACE, or
. 15 business days following the commencement of, or the announcement of
an intention to make, a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more of the
outstanding ordinary shares of ACE.
In the following description, a person or group that acquires, or obtains the
right to acquire, 15% or more of the outstanding ordinary shares of ACE is
referred to as an "Acquiring Person."
Generally, if any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, each right,
except for rights held by the Acquiring Person, will entitle its holder to
purchase ordinary shares having a value equal to two times the exercise price
of the right.
If ACE is acquired in a merger, amalgamation or other business combination
transaction or if 50% or more of ACE's assets or earnings power is sold, then
proper provision will be made so that each holder of a right, except for the
Acquiring Person, will be entitled to receive common stock of the acquiring or
surviving company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the
right.
ACE's board of directors has the option, at any time after any person or
group becomes an Acquiring Person but before the Acquiring Person acquires 50%
or more of the outstanding ordinary shares, to exchange each right, except for
rights held by the Acquiring Person, for one ordinary share.
At any time prior to the time that any person or group becomes an Acquiring
Person, ACE's board of directors may redeem the rights in whole, but not in
part, at a price of $0.01 per right. The rights will expire on June 1, 2009 if
they have not been previously exercised, exchanged or redeemed.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES
General
ACE may, at its option, elect to offer depositary shares, each representing a
fraction (to be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular
series of preferred shares) of a share of a particular series of preferred
shares as described below. In the event ACE elects to do so, depositary
receipts evidencing depositary shares will be issued to the public.
The shares of any class or series of preferred shares represented by
depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement among ACE, a
depositary selected by ACE and the holders of the depositary receipts. The
depositary will be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the
United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least
$50,000,000. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a
depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of
a preferred share represented by such depositary share, to all the rights and
preferences of the preferred shares represented thereby (including dividend,
voting, redemption and liquidation rights).
The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued
pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to
those persons purchasing the fractional shares of the related class or series
of preferred shares in accordance with the terms of the offering described in
the related prospectus supplement. Copies of the forms of deposit agreement and
depositary receipt are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which
this prospectus forms a part, and the following summary is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such exhibits.
Pending the preparation of definitive depositary receipts, the depositary
may, upon the written order of ACE, issue temporary depositary receipts
substantially identical to (and entitling the holders thereof to all the rights
pertaining to) the definitive depositary receipts but not in definitive form.
Definitive depositary receipts will be prepared thereafter without unreasonable
delay, and temporary depositary receipts will be exchangeable for definitive
depositary receipts without charge to the holder thereof.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other distributions
received in respect of the related class or series of preferred shares to the
record holders of depositary shares relating to such class or series of
preferred shares in proportion to the number of such depositary shares owned by
such holders.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will
distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares
entitled thereto, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to
make such distribution, in which case the depositary may, with the approval of
ACE, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such
holders.
Withdrawal of Shares
Upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of
the depositary (unless the related depositary shares have previously been
called for redemption), the holder of the depositary shares evidenced thereby
is entitled to delivery of the number of whole shares of the related class or
series of preferred shares and any money or other property represented by such
depositary shares. Holders of depositary shares will be entitled to receive
whole shares of the related class or series of preferred shares on the basis
set forth in the prospectus supplement for such class or series of preferred
shares, but holders of such whole preferred shares will not thereafter be
entitled to exchange them for depositary shares. If the depositary receipts
delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the
number of depositary shares representing the number of whole preferred shares
to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a
new depositary receipt evidencing such excess number of depositary shares. In
no event will fractional preferred shares be delivered upon surrender of
depositary receipts to the depositary.
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Redemption of Depositary Shares
Whenever ACE redeems preferred shares held by the depositary, the depositary
will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares
representing shares of the related class or series of preferred shares so
redeemed. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the
applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable with respect to
such class or series of the preferred shares. If less than all the depositary
shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be
selected by lot or pro rata as may be determined by the depositary.
Voting the Preferred Shares
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred
shares are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained
in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares
relating to such preferred shares. Each record holder of such depositary shares
on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the
preferred shares) will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the
exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of the class or series
of preferred shares represented by such holder's depositary shares. The
depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of the
preferred shares represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such
instructions, and ACE will agree to take all action which the depositary deems
necessary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will
abstain from voting preferred shares to the extent it does not receive specific
instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing such preferred
shares.
Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any
provision of the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement
between ACE and the depositary. However, any amendment which materially and
adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts will not be
effective unless such amendment has been approved by the holders of depositary
receipts representing at least a majority (or, in the case of amendments
relating to or affecting rights to receive dividends or distributions or voting
or redemption rights, 66 2/3%, unless otherwise provided in the related
prospectus supplement) of the depositary shares then outstanding. The deposit
agreement may be terminated by ACE or the depositary only if (1) all
outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed, (2) there has been a final
distribution in respect of the related class or series of preferred shares in
connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of ACE and such
distribution has been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts or (3)
upon the consent of holders of depositary receipts representing not less than
66 2/3% of the depositary shares outstanding.
Charges of Depositary
ACE will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising
solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. ACE will pay charges
of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the related class
or series of preferred shares and any redemption of such preferred shares.
Holders of depositary receipts will pay all other transfer and other taxes and
governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly provided in the
deposit agreement to be for their accounts.
The depositary may refuse to effect any transfer of a depositary receipt or
any withdrawal of shares of a class or series of preferred shares evidenced
thereby until all such taxes and charges with respect to such depositary
receipt or such preferred shares are paid by the holders thereof.
Miscellaneous
The depositary will forward all reports and communications from ACE which are
delivered to the depositary and which ACE is required to furnish to the holders
of the preferred shares.
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Neither the depositary nor ACE will be liable if it is prevented or delayed
by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations
under the deposit agreement. The obligations of ACE and the depositary under
the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of their
duties thereunder and neither ACE nor the depositary will be obligated to
prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or
class or series of preferred shares unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished.
ACE and the depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, or
information provided by persons presenting preferred shares for deposit,
holders of depositary shares or other persons believed to be competent and on
documents believed to be genuine.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to ACE notice of its
election to do so, and ACE may at any time remove the depositary. Any such
resignation or removal of the depositary will take effect upon the appointment
of a successor depositary, which successor depositary must be appointed within
60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a
bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and
having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
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DESCRIPTION OF ACE DEBT SECURITIES
The following description of the ACE debt securities sets forth the material
terms and provisions of the ACE debt securities to which any prospectus
supplement may relate. The ACE senior debt securities are to be issued under an
indenture (the "ACE senior indenture") between ACE and The First National Bank
of Chicago, as trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The ACE
subordinated debt securities are to be issued under an indenture (the "ACE
subordinated indenture") between ACE and The First National Bank of Chicago, as
trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement
of which this prospectus forms a part. The ACE senior indenture and the ACE
subordinated indenture are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the
"ACE indentures" and each individually as an "ACE indenture." The particular
terms of the ACE debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement, and the
extent to which the general provisions described below may apply to the offered
ACE debt securities, will be described in the prospectus supplement.
Because the following summaries of the material terms and provisions of the
ACE indentures and the ACE debt securities are not complete, you should refer
to the forms of the ACE indentures and the ACE debt securities for complete
information regarding the terms and provisions of the ACE indentures, including
the definitions of some of the terms used below, and the ACE debt securities.
Wherever particular articles, sections or defined terms of an ACE indenture are
referred to, those articles, sections or defined terms are incorporated herein
by reference, and the statement in connection with which such reference is made
is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The ACE indentures are
substantially identical, except for certain covenants of ACE and provisions
relating to subordination.
General
The ACE indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of ACE debt
securities which ACE may issue thereunder and provide that ACE may issue ACE
debt securities thereunder from time to time in one or more series. (Section
3.1) The ACE indentures do not limit the amount of other Indebtedness (as
defined below) or ACE debt securities, other than certain secured Indebtedness
as described below, which ACE or its subsidiaries may issue.
Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, the ACE senior debt
securities will be unsecured obligations of ACE and will rank equally with all
of its other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The ACE subordinated
debt securities of each series will be unsecured obligations of ACE,
subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness (which term includes ACE senior debt securities) of ACE with
respect to such series, as described below under "Subordination of ACE
Subordinated Debt Securities" and in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Because ACE is a holding company, its rights and the rights of its creditors
(including the holders of ACE debt securities) and shareholders to participate
in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon the subsidiary's
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise would be subject to the prior claims
of the subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that ACE may itself be a
creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. The right of creditors
of ACE (including the holders of ACE debt securities) to participate in the
distribution of stock owned by ACE in certain of its subsidiaries, including
ACE's insurance subsidiaries, may also be subject to approval by certain
insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over such subsidiaries.
The prospectus supplement relating to the particular ACE debt securities
offered thereby will describe the following terms of the offered ACE debt
securities:
. the title of such ACE debt securities and the series in which such ACE
debt securities will be included, which may include medium-term notes;
. any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of such ACE debt
securities;
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. the date or dates, or the method or methods, if any, by which such date
or dates will be determined, on which the principal of such ACE debt
securities will be payable;
. the rate or rates at which such ACE debt securities will bear interest,
if any, which rate may be zero in the case of certain ACE debt
securities issued at an issue price representing a discount from the
principal amount payable at maturity, or the method by which such rate
or rates will be determined (including, if applicable, any remarketing
option or similar method), and the date or dates from which such
interest, if any, will accrue or the method by which such date or dates
will be determined;
. the date or dates on which interest, if any, on such ACE debt securities
will be payable and any regular record dates applicable to the date or
dates on which interest will be so payable;
. whether and on what terms ACE will have the option to redeem such ACE
debt securities in lieu of paying additional amounts in respect of
certain Bermuda or Cayman Islands taxes, fees, duties, assessments or
governmental charges that might be imposed on holders of such ACE debt
securities (and the terms of such option);
. the place or places where the principal of, any premium or interest on
or any additional amounts with respect to such ACE debt securities will
be payable, any of such ACE debt securities that are issued in
registered form may be surrendered for registration of transfer or
exchange, and any such ACE debt securities may be surrendered for
conversion or exchange;
. whether any of such ACE debt securities are to be redeemable at the
option of ACE and, if so, the date or dates on which, the period or
periods within which, the price or prices at which and the other terms
and conditions upon which such ACE debt securities may be redeemed, in
whole or in part, at the option of ACE;
. whether ACE will be obligated to redeem or purchase any of such ACE debt
securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the
option of any holder thereof and, if so, the date or dates on which, the
period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the
other terms and conditions upon which such ACE debt securities will be
redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation,
and any provisions for the remarketing of such ACE debt securities so
redeemed or purchased;
. if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof,
the denominations in which any ACE debt securities to be issued in
registered form will be issuable and, if other than a denomination of
$5,000, the denominations in which any ACE debt securities to be issued
in bearer form will be issuable;
. whether the ACE debt securities will be convertible into ordinary shares
and/or exchangeable for other securities, whether or not issued by ACE,
and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such ACE debt securities
will be so convertible or exchangeable;
. if other than the principal amount, the portion of the principal amount
(or the method by which such portion will be determined) of such ACE
debt securities that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of
the maturity thereof;
. if other than United States dollars, the currency of payment, including
composite currencies, of the principal of, any premium or interest on or
any additional amounts with respect to any of such ACE debt securities;
. whether the principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional
amounts with respect to such ACE debt securities will be payable, at the
election of ACE or a holder, in a currency other than that in which such
ACE debt securities are stated to be payable and the date or dates on
which, the period or periods within which, and the other terms and
conditions upon which, such election may be made;
. any index, formula or other method used to determine the amount of
payments of principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional
amounts with respect to such ACE debt securities;
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. whether such ACE debt securities are to be issued in the form of one or
more global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary for
such global security or securities;
. whether such ACE debt securities are ACE senior debt securities or
subordinated debt securities and, if ACE subordinated debt securities,
the specific subordination provisions applicable thereto;
. in the case of ACE subordinated debt securities, the relative degree, if
any, to which such ACE subordinated debt securities of the series will
be senior to or be subordinated to other series of ACE subordinated debt
securities or other indebtedness of ACE in right of payment, whether
such other series of ACE subordinated debt securities or other
indebtedness is outstanding or not;
. any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of
Default or covenants of ACE with respect to such ACE debt securities;
. whether the provisions described below under "Discharge, Defeasance and
Covenant Defeasance" will be applicable to such ACE debt securities;
. whether any of such ACE debt securities are to be issued upon the
exercise of warrants, and the time, manner and place for such ACE debt
securities to be authenticated and delivered; and
. any other terms of such ACE debt securities and any other deletions from
or modifications or additions to the applicable ACE indenture in respect
of such ACE debt securities. (Section 3.1)
ACE will have the ability under the ACE indentures to "reopen" a previously
issued series of ACE debt securities and issue additional ACE debt securities
of that series or establish additional terms of that series. ACE is also
permitted to issue ACE debt securities with the same terms as previously issued
ACE debt securities. (Section 3.1)
Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, principal,
premium, interest and additional amounts, if any, with respect to any ACE debt
securities will be payable at the office or agency maintained by ACE for such
purposes (initially the corporate trust office of the trustee). In the case of
ACE debt securities issued in registered form, interest may be paid by check
mailed to the persons entitled thereto at their addresses appearing on the
security register or by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a
bank located in the United States. Interest on ACE debt securities issued in
registered form will be payable on any interest payment date to the persons in
whose names the ACE debt securities are registered at the close of business on
the regular record date with respect to such interest payment date. All paying
agents initially designated by ACE for the ACE debt securities will be named in
the related prospectus supplement. ACE may at any time designate additional
paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a
change in the office through which any paying agent acts, except that ACE will
be required to maintain a paying agent in each place where the principal of,
any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the ACE
debt securities are payable. (Sections 3.7 and 10.2)
Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the ACE debt
securities may be presented for transfer (duly endorsed or accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer, if so required by ACE or the security
registrar) or exchanged for other ACE debt securities of the same series
(containing identical terms and provisions, in any authorized denominations,
and of a like aggregate principal amount) at the office or agency maintained by
ACE for such purposes (initially the corporate trust office of the trustee).
Such transfer or exchange will be made without service charge, but ACE may
require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge and any other expenses then payable. ACE will not be required to (1)
issue, register the transfer of, or exchange, ACE debt securities during a
period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing
of a notice of redemption of any such ACE debt securities and ending at the
close of business on the day of such mailing or (2) register the transfer of or
exchange any ACE debt security so selected for redemption in whole or in part,
except the unredeemed portion of any ACE debt security being redeemed in part.
(Section 3.5) ACE has appointed the trustee as security registrar. Any transfer
agent (in addition to the security registrar) initially designated by ACE for
any ACE debt securities will be named in the
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related prospectus supplement. ACE may at any time designate additional
transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a
change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that ACE
will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place where the principal
of, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the
ACE debt securities are payable. (Section 10.2)
Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the ACE debt
securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons in
minimum denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. (Section
3.2) The ACE debt securities may be represented in whole or in part by one or
more global ACE debt securities registered in the name of a depositary or its
nominee and, if so represented, interests in such global ACE debt security will
be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records
maintained by the designated depositary and its participants as described
below. Where ACE debt securities of any series are issued in bearer form, the
special restrictions and considerations, including special offering
restrictions and special United States Federal income tax considerations,
applicable to such ACE debt securities and to payment on and transfer and
exchange of such ACE debt securities will be described in the related
prospectus supplement.
The ACE debt securities may be issued as original issue discount securities
(bearing no interest or bearing interest at a rate which at the time of
issuance is below market rates) to be sold at a substantial discount below
their principal amount. Special United States Federal income tax and other
considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be
described in the related prospectus supplement.
If the purchase price of any ACE debt securities is payable in one or more
foreign currencies or currency units or if any ACE debt securities are
denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units or if the
principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with
respect to, any ACE debt securities is payable in one or more foreign
currencies or currency units, the restrictions, elections, certain United
States Federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information
with respect to such ACE debt securities and such foreign currency or currency
units will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement.
ACE will comply with Section 14(e) under the Exchange Act, and any other
tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable, in
connection with any obligation of ACE to purchase ACE debt securities at the
option of the holders. Any such obligation applicable to a series of ACE debt
securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement relating to any ACE
debt securities, other than as described below under "--Covenants Applicable to
ACE Senior Debt Securities--Limitation on Liens on Stock of Designated
Subsidiaries," the ACE indentures do not contain any provisions that would
limit ACE's ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of ACE
debt securities protection in the event of a sudden and significant decline in
the credit quality of ACE or a takeover, recapitalization or highly leveraged
or similar transaction involving ACE. Accordingly, ACE could in the future
enter into transactions that could increase the amount of indebtedness
outstanding at that time or otherwise affect ACE's capital structure or credit
rating. You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to a particular
series of ACE debt securities for information regarding to any deletions from,
modifications of or additions to the Events of Defaults described below or
covenants of ACE contained in the ACE indentures, including any addition of a
covenant or other provisions providing event risk or similar protection.
Conversion and Exchange
The terms, if any, on which ACE debt securities of any series are convertible
into or exchangeable for ordinary shares, preferred shares or other securities,
whether or not issued by ACE, property or cash, or a combination of any of the
foregoing, will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement. Such terms
may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the
option of the holder, or at the option of ACE, in which the securities,
property or cash to be received by the holders of the ACE debt securities would
be calculated according to the factors and at such time as described in the
related prospectus supplement.
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Global Securities
The ACE debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the
form of one or more global ACE debt securities that will be deposited with, or
on behalf of, a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to
such series.
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of
ACE debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to
such series. ACE anticipates that the following provisions will apply to all
depositary arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for such global
security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the ACE debt securities
represented by such global security. Such accounts will be designated by the
underwriters or agents with respect to such ACE debt securities or by ACE if
such ACE debt securities are offered and sold directly by ACE. Ownership of
beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to persons that may
hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such
global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be
effected only through, records maintained by the depositary or its nominee
(with respect to interests of participants) and on the records of participants
(with respect to interests of persons other than participants). The laws of
some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical
delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.
So long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the
registered owner of such global security, such depositary or such nominee, as
the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the ACE debt
securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the
applicable ACE indenture. Except as described below, owners of beneficial
interests in a global security will not be entitled to have ACE debt securities
of the series represented by such global security registered in their names and
will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of ACE debt
securities of that series in definitive form.
Principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with
respect to, ACE debt securities registered in the name of a depositary or its
nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as
the registered owner of the global security representing such ACE debt
securities. None of ACE, the trustee, any paying agent or the security
registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests of the global security for such ACE debt securities or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests.
ACE expects that the depositary for a series of ACE debt securities or its
nominee, upon receipt of any payment with respect to such ACE debt securities,
will credit immediately participants' accounts with payments in amounts
proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in the principal amount
of the global security for such ACE debt securities as shown on the records of
such depositary or its nominee. ACE also expects that payments by participants
to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held through such
participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices,
as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers
registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such
participants.
The ACE indentures provide that if (1) the depositary for a series of ACE
debt securities notifies ACE that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary or if such depositary ceases to be eligible under the applicable ACE
indenture and a successor depositary is not appointed by ACE within 90 days of
written notice, (2) ACE determines that ACE debt securities of a particular
series will no longer be represented by global securities and executes and
delivers to the trustee a company order to such effect or (3) an Event of
Default with respect to a series of ACE debt securities has occurred and is
continuing, the global securities will be exchanged for ACE debt securities of
such series in definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate
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principal amount, in authorized denominations. Such definitive ACE debt
securities will be registered in such name or names as the depositary shall
instruct the trustee. (Section 3.5) It is expected that such instructions may
be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with
respect to ownership of beneficial interests in global securities.
Payment of Additional Amounts
ACE will make all payments of principal of and premium, if any, interest and
any other amounts on, or in respect of, the ACE debt securities of any series
without withholding or deduction at source for, or on account of, any present
or future taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever
nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of the Cayman Islands or Bermuda
(each, a "taxing jurisdiction") or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein, unless such taxes, fees, duties, assessments or
governmental charges are required to be withheld or deducted by (x) the laws
(or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a taxing jurisdiction
or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (y) an
official position regarding the application, administration, interpretation or
enforcement of any such laws, regulations or rulings (including, without
limitation, a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a taxing
authority in a taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof). If a
withholding or deduction at source is required, ACE will, subject to certain
limitations and exceptions described below, pay to the holder of any such ACE
debt security such additional amounts as may be necessary so that every net
payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or any other amount made to
such holder, after the withholding or deduction, will not be less than the
amount provided for in such ACE debt security and the applicable ACE indenture
to be then due and payable.
ACE will not be required to pay any additional amounts for or on account of:
1. any tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge of whatever
nature which would not have been imposed but for the fact that such holder
(a) was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or
maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the
relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or
otherwise had some connection with the relevant taxing jurisdiction other
than by reason of the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such
ACE debt security, (b) presented such ACE debt security for payment in the
relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof, unless
such ACE debt security could not have been presented for payment elsewhere,
or (c) presented such ACE debt security for payment more than 30 days after
the date on which the payment in respect of such ACE debt security became
due and payable or provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent
that the holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts if it
had presented such ACE debt security for payment on any day within that 30-
day period;
2. any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or
similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
3. any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or
withheld by reason of the failure by the holder or the beneficial owner of
such ACE debt security to comply with any reasonable request by ACE
addressed to the holder within 90 days of such request (a) to provide
information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the holder
or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar
claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which in either
case is required or imposed by statute, treaty, regulation or
administrative practice of the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any
political subdivision thereof as a precondition to exemption from all or
part of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge; or
4. any combination of items (1), (2) and (3).
In addition, ACE will not pay additional amounts with respect to any payment
of principal of, or premium, if any, interest or any other amounts on, any such
ACE debt security to any holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than
the sole beneficial owner of such ACE debt security to the extent such payment
would be required by the laws of the relevant taxing jurisdiction (or any
political subdivision or relevant taxing
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authority thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of
a beneficiary or partner or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member
of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to
such additional amounts had it been the holder of the ACE debt security.
(Section 10.4)
Covenants Applicable to ACE Senior Debt Securities
Limitation on Liens on Stock of Designated Subsidiaries
Under the ACE senior indenture, ACE will covenant that, so long as any ACE
senior debt securities are outstanding, it will not, nor will it permit any
Subsidiary to, create, assume, incur, guarantee or otherwise permit to exist
any Indebtedness secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or
other encumbrance upon any shares of capital stock of any Designated Subsidiary
(whether such shares of stock are now owned or hereafter acquired) without
effectively providing concurrently that the ACE senior debt securities (and, if
ACE so elects, any other Indebtedness of ACE that is not subordinate to the ACE
senior debt securities and with respect to which the governing instruments
require, or pursuant to which ACE is otherwise obligated, to provide such
security) will be secured equally and ratably with such Indebtedness for at
least the time period such other Indebtedness is so secured. (Section 10.5 of
the ACE senior indenture)
For purposes of the ACE senior indenture, "capital stock" of any Person means
any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options,
participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated)
equity of such Person, including preferred stock, but excluding any debt
securities convertible into such equity. (Section 1.1 of the ACE senior
indenture)
The term "Designated Subsidiary" means any present or future consolidated
Subsidiary of ACE, the Consolidated Net Worth of which constitutes at least 5%
of ACE's Consolidated Net Worth. (Section 1.1 of the ACE senior indenture) As
of July 31, 1999, ACE's Designated Subsidiaries were ACE Bermuda, Tempest, ACE
INA and ACE USA.
For purposes of the ACE indentures, the term "Indebtedness" means, with
respect to any Person, (1) the principal of and any premium and interest on (a)
indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced
by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of
which such Person is responsible or liable; (2) all Capitalized Lease
Obligations of such Person; (3) all obligations of such Person issued or
assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale
obligations and all obligations under any title retention agreement (but
excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
(4) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any
letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than
obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than
obligations described in (1) through (3) above) entered into in the ordinary
course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not
drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no
later than the third Business Day following receipt by such Person of a demand
for reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit); (5) all
obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (4) of other Persons
and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either case,
such Person is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; (6)
all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (5) of other
Persons secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other
encumbrance on any property or asset of such Person (whether or not such
obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation being
deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or assets or the amount
of the obligation so secured; and (7) any amendments, modifications,
refundings, renewals or extensions of any indebtedness or obligation described
as Indebtedness in clauses (1) through (6) above. (Section 1.1)
Limitations on Disposition of Stock of Designated Subsidiaries
The ACE senior indenture also provides that, so long as any ACE senior debt
securities are outstanding and except in a transaction otherwise governed by
such ACE indenture, ACE will not issue, sell, assign, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any shares of, securities convertible into, or warrants, rights or
options to
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subscribe for or purchase shares of, capital stock (other than preferred stock
having no voting rights of any kind) of any Designated Subsidiary, and will not
permit any Designated Subsidiary to issue (other than to ACE) any shares (other
than director's qualifying shares) of, or securities convertible into, or
warrants, rights or options to subscribe for or purchase shares of, capital
stock (other than preferred stock having no voting rights of any kind) of any
Designated Subsidiary, if, after giving effect to any such transaction and the
issuance of the maximum number of shares issuable upon the conversion or
exercise of all such convertible securities, warrants, rights or options, ACE
would own, directly or indirectly, less than 80% of the shares of capital stock
of such Designated Subsidiary (other than preferred stock having no voting
rights of any kind); provided, however, that (1) any issuance, sale,
assignment, transfer or other disposition permitted by ACE may only be made for
at least a fair market value consideration as determined by ACE's board of
directors pursuant to a resolution adopted in good faith and (2) the foregoing
will not prohibit any such issuance or disposition of securities if required by
any law or any regulation or order of any governmental or insurance regulatory
authority. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) ACE may merge or consolidate any
Designated Subsidiary into or with another direct or indirect Subsidiary of
ACE, the shares of capital stock of which ACE owns at least 80%, and (2) ACE
may, subject to the provisions described under "--Consolidation, Amalgamation,
Merger and Sale of Assets" below, sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose
of the entire capital stock of any Designated Subsidiary at one time for at
least a fair market value consideration as determined by ACE's board of
directors pursuant to a resolution adopted in good faith. (Section 10.6 of the
ACE senior indenture)
Consolidation, Amalgamation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Each ACE indenture provides that ACE may not (1) consolidate or amalgamate
with or merge into any Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and
assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any Person, or (2)
permit any Person to consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into ACE, or
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety to ACE, unless (a) in the case of (1) above, such
Person is a Corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Bermuda or
the Cayman Islands and will expressly assume, by supplemental indenture
satisfactory in form to the trustee, the due and punctual payment of the
principal of, any premium and interest on and any additional amounts with
respect to all of the ACE debt securities issued thereunder, and the
performance of ACE's obligations under such ACE indenture and the ACE debt
securities issued thereunder, and provides for conversion or exchange rights in
accordance with the provisions of the ACE debt securities of any series that
are convertible or exchangeable into ordinary shares or other securities; (b)
immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any
indebtedness which becomes an obligation of ACE or a Subsidiary as a result of
such transaction as having been incurred by ACE or such Subsidiary at the time
of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which after notice or
lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, will have happened and
be continuing; and (c) certain other conditions are met. (Section 8.1)
Events of Default
Each of the following events will constitute an Event of Default under the
applicable ACE indenture with respect to any series of ACE debt securities
issued thereunder (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it
will be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant
to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation
of any administrative or governmental body):
(1) default in the payment of any interest on any ACE debt security of such
series, or any additional amounts payable with respect thereto, when
such interest becomes or such additional amounts become due and
payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;
(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any ACE
debt security of such series, or any additional amounts payable with
respect thereto, when such principal or premium becomes or such
additional amounts become due and payable either at maturity, upon any
redemption, by declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
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(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by
the terms of any ACE debt security of such series;
(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of
ACE contained in the applicable ACE indenture for the benefit of such
series or in the ACE debt securities of such series, and the
continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after
there has been given written notice as provided in such ACE indenture;
(5) if any event of default as defined in any mortgage, indenture or
instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be
secured or evidenced, any Indebtedness of ACE (including an Event of
Default under any other series of ACE debt securities), whether such
Indebtedness now exists or is hereafter created or incurred, happens
and consists of default in the payment of more than $50,000,000 in
principal amount of such Indebtedness at the maturity thereof (after
giving effect to any applicable grace period) or results in such
Indebtedness in principal amount in excess of $50,000,000 becoming or
being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would
otherwise become due and payable, and such default is not cured or such
acceleration is not rescinded or annulled within a period of 30 days
after there has been given written notice as provided in the applicable
ACE indenture;
(6) ACE shall fail within 60 days to pay, bond or otherwise discharge any
uninsured judgment or court order for the payment of money in excess of
$50,000,000, which is not stayed on appeal or is not otherwise being
appropriately contested in good faith;
(7) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of ACE; and
(8) any other Event of Default provided in or pursuant to the applicable
ACE indenture with respect to ACE debt securities of such series.
(Section 5.1)
If an Event of Default with respect to the ACE debt securities of any series
(other than an Event of Default described in (7) of the preceding paragraph)
occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than
25% in principal amount of the outstanding ACE debt securities of such series
by written notice as provided in the applicable ACE indenture may declare the
principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the ACE debt
securities of such series) of all outstanding ACE debt securities of such
series to be due and payable immediately. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of
money has been obtained by the trustee, and subject to applicable law and
certain other provisions of the applicable ACE indenture, the holders of not
less than a majority in principal amount of the ACE debt securities of such
series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such declaration of
acceleration. An Event of Default described in (7) of the preceding paragraph
will cause the principal amount and accrued interest (or such lesser amount as
provided for in the ACE debt securities of such series) to become immediately
due and payable without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any
holder. (Section 5.2)
Each ACE indenture provides that, within 90 days after the occurrence of any
event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event
of Default with respect to the ACE debt securities of any series (a "default"),
the trustee will transmit, in the manner set forth in such ACE indenture,
notice of such default to the holders of the ACE debt securities of such series
unless such default has been cured or waived; provided, however, that except in
the case of a default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on, or additional amounts or any sinking fund or purchase
fund installment with respect to, any ACE debt security of such series, the
trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the
executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or responsible
officers of the trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such
notice is in the best interest of the holders of ACE debt securities of such
series; and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character
described in (5) of the second preceding paragraph, no such notice to holders
will be given until at least 30 days after the default occurs. (Section 6.2)
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If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the ACE debt
securities of any series, the trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect
and enforce its rights and the rights of the holders of ACE debt securities of
such series by all appropriate judicial proceedings. (Section 5.3) Each ACE
indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the trustee during any default
to act with the required standard of care, the trustee will be under no
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such ACE indenture at
the request or direction of any of the holders of ACE debt securities, unless
such holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section
6.1) Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the trustee, and
subject to applicable law and certain other provisions of the applicable ACE
indenture, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding ACE
debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee,
or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the
ACE debt securities of such series. (Section 5.12)
Modification and Waiver
ACE and the trustee may modify or amend either ACE indenture with the consent
of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding ACE debt securities of each series affected thereby; provided,
however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the
holder of each outstanding ACE debt security affected thereby,
. change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any premium or
installment of interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to,
any ACE debt security,
. reduce the principal amount of, or the rate (or modify the calculation
of such rate) of interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to,
or any premium payable upon the redemption of, any ACE debt security,
. change the obligation of ACE to pay additional amounts with respect to
any ACE debt security,
. reduce the amount of the principal of an original issue discount
security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of
acceleration of the maturity thereof or the amount thereof provable in
bankruptcy,
. change the redemption provisions of any ACE debt security or adversely
affect the right of repayment at the option of any holder of any ACE
debt security,
. change the place of payment or the coin or currency in which the
principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with
respect to any ACE debt security is payable,
. impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on
or after the stated maturity of any ACE debt security (or, in the case
of redemption, on or after the redemption date or, in the case of
repayment at the option of any holder, on or after the repayment date),
. reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding ACE debt
securities, the consent of whose holders is required in order to take
specific actions,
. reduce the requirements for quorum or voting by holders of ACE debt
securities in Section 15.4 of each ACE indenture,
. modify any of the provisions in the applicable ACE indenture regarding
the waiver of past defaults and the waiver of certain covenants by the
holders of ACE debt securities except to increase any percentage vote
required or to provide that other provisions of such ACE indenture
cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each
ACE debt security affected thereby,
. make any change that adversely affects the right to convert or exchange
any ACE debt security into or for ordinary shares of ACE or other
securities (whether or not issued by ACE), cash or property in
accordance with its terms,
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. modify any of the provisions of the ACE subordinated indenture relating
to the subordination of the ACE subordinated debt securities in a manner
adverse to holders of ACE subordinated debt securities, or
. modify any of the above provisions. (Section 9.2)
In addition, no supplemental indenture may directly or indirectly modify or
eliminate the subordination provisions of the ACE subordinated indenture in any
manner which might terminate or impair the subordination of the ACE
subordinated debt securities of any series to Senior Indebtedness with respect
to such series without the prior written consent of the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness. (Section 9.7 of the ACE subordinated indenture)
ACE and the trustee may modify or amend either ACE indenture and the ACE debt
securities of any series without the consent of any holder in order to, among
other things;
. provide for a successor to ACE pursuant to a consolidation,
amalgamation, merger or sale of assets;
. add to the covenants of ACE for the benefit of the holders of all or any
series of ACE debt securities or to surrender any right or power
conferred upon ACE by the applicable ACE indenture;
. provide for a successor trustee with respect to the ACE debt securities
of all or any series;
. cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision in either ACE
indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under either ACE indenture which will not adversely
affect the interests of the holders of ACE debt securities of any
series;
. change the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized
amount, terms or purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of ACE
debt securities under either ACE indenture;
. add any additional Events of Default with respect to all or any series
of ACE debt securities;
. secure the ACE debt securities;
. provide for conversion or exchange rights of the holders of any series
of ACE debt securities; or
. make any other change that does not materially adversely affect the
interests of the holders of any ACE debt securities then outstanding
under the applicable ACE indenture. (Section 9.1)
The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding ACE
debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all ACE debt
securities of that series, waive compliance by ACE with certain covenants of
the applicable ACE indenture. (Section 10.8 of the ACE senior indenture;
Section 10.6 of the ACE subordinated indenture) The holders of not less than a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding ACE debt securities of any
series may, on behalf of the holders of all ACE debt securities that series,
waive any past default and its consequences under the applicable ACE indenture
with respect to the ACE debt securities of that series, except a default (1) in
the payment of principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional
amounts with respect to ACE debt securities of that series or (2) in respect of
a covenant or provision of the applicable ACE indenture that cannot be modified
or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding ACE debt
security of any series affected. (Section 5.13)
Under each ACE indenture, ACE is required to furnish the trustee annually a
statement as to performance by ACE of certain of its obligations under that ACE
indenture and as to any default in such performance. ACE is also required to
deliver to the trustee, within five days after occurrence thereof, written
notice of any Event of Default, or any event which after notice or lapse of
time or both would constitute an Event of Default, resulting from the failure
to perform or breach of any covenant or warranty contained in the applicable
ACE indenture or the ACE debt securities of any series. (Section 10.9 of the
ACE senior indenture; Section 10.7 of the ACE subordinated indenture)
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Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
ACE may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of ACE debt
securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation
and that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable
within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by depositing
with the trustee, in trust, funds in U.S. dollars or in the Foreign Currency in
which such ACE debt securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay the
entire indebtedness on such ACE debt securities with respect to principal and
any premium, interest and additional amounts to the date of such deposit (if
such ACE debt securities have become due and payable) or to the maturity
thereof, as the case may be. (Section 4.1)
Each ACE indenture provides that, unless the provisions of Section 4.2
thereof are made inapplicable to the ACE debt securities of or within any
series pursuant to Section 3.1 thereof, ACE may elect either (1) to defease and
be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to such ACE debt
securities (except for, among other things, the obligation to pay additional
amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of certain events of taxation, assessment
or governmental charge with respect to payments on such ACE debt securities and
other obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such ACE debt
securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen ACE
debt securities, to maintain an office or agency with respect to such ACE debt
securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) ("defeasance") or (2) to be
released from its obligations with respect to such ACE debt securities under
certain covenants as described in the related prospectus supplement, and any
omission to comply with such obligations will not constitute a default or an
Event of Default with respect to such ACE debt securities ("covenant
defeasance"). Defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, will be
conditioned upon the irrevocable deposit by ACE with the Trustee, in trust, of
an amount in U.S. dollars or in the Foreign Currency in which such ACE debt
securities are payable at stated maturity, or Government Obligations (as
defined below), or both, applicable to such ACE debt securities which through
the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms
will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, any premium
and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, such ACE debt
securities on the scheduled due dates. (Section 4.2)
Such a trust may only be established if, among other things, (1) the
applicable defeasance or covenant defeasance does not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under, the applicable ACE indenture or
any other material agreement or instrument to which ACE is a party or by which
it is bound, (2) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of
time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to the ACE debt
securities to be defeased will have occurred and be continuing on the date of
establishment of such a trust and, with respect to defeasance only, at any time
during the period ending on the 123rd day after such date and (3) ACE has
delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in the ACE
indenture) to the effect that the holders of such ACE debt securities will not
recognize income, gain or loss for United States Federal income tax purposes as
a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to
United States Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at
the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant
defeasance had not occurred, and such opinion of counsel, in the case of
defeasance, must refer to and be based upon a letter ruling of the Internal
Revenue Service received by ACE, a Revenue Ruling published by the Internal
Revenue Service or a change in applicable United States Federal income tax law
occurring after the date of the applicable ACE indenture. (Section 4.2)
"Foreign Currency" means any currency, currency unit or composite currency,
including, without limitation, the euro, issued by the government of one or
more countries other than the United States of America or by any recognized
confederation or association of such governments. (Section 1.1)
"Government Obligations" means debt securities which are (1) direct
obligations of the United States of America or the government or the
governments which issued the Foreign Currency in which the ACE debt securities
of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and
credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by
and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or
such government or governments which issued the Foreign Currency in which the
ACE debt securities of such series are payable, the timely payment of which is
unconditionally guaranteed as a full
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faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or such other
government or governments, and which, in the case of clauses (1) and (2), are
not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer or issuers thereof, and
will also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as
custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment
of interest on or principal of or any other amount with respect to any such
Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of
such depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such
custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to
the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian
with respect to the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest
on or principal of or any other amount with respect to the Government
Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt. (Section 1.1)
If after ACE has deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to effect
defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to ACE debt securities of any
series, (1) the holder of an ACE debt security of that series is entitled to,
and does, elect pursuant to Section 3.1 of the applicable ACE indenture or the
terms of such ACE debt security to receive payment in a currency other than
that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such ACE debt security,
or (2) a Conversion Event (as defined below) occurs in respect of the Foreign
Currency in which such deposit has been made, the indebtedness represented by
such ACE debt security will be deemed to have been, and will be, fully
discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of, any premium
and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, such ACE debt
security as such ACE debt security becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by
converting the amount or other properties so deposited in respect of such ACE
debt security into the currency in which such ACE debt security becomes payable
as a result of such election or such Conversion Event based on (a) in the case
of payments made pursuant to clause (1) above, the applicable market exchange
rate for such currency in effect on the second business day prior to such
payment date, or (b) with respect to a Conversion Event, the applicable market
exchange rate for such Foreign Currency in effect (as nearly as feasible) at
the time of the Conversion Event. (Section 4.2)
"Conversion Event" means the cessation of use of (1) a Foreign Currency both
by the government of the country or countries which issued such Foreign
Currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other
public institutions of or within the international banking community or (2) any
currency unit or composite currency for the purposes for which it was
established. All payments of principal of, any premium and interest on, and any
additional amounts with respect to, any ACE debt security that are payable in a
Foreign Currency that ceases to be used by the government or governments of
issuance will be made in U.S. dollars. (Section 1.1)
In the event ACE effects covenant defeasance with respect to any ACE debt
securities and such ACE debt securities are declared due and payable because of
the occurrence of any Event of Default other than an Event of Default with
respect to any covenant as to which there has been covenant defeasance, the
amount in such Foreign Currency in which such ACE debt securities are payable,
and Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee, will be sufficient to
pay amounts due on such ACE debt securities at the time of the stated maturity
but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such ACE debt securities at the
time of the acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. However, ACE
would remain liable to make payment of such amounts due at the time of
acceleration.
Subordination of ACE Subordinated Debt Securities
The ACE subordinated debt securities of each series will, to the extent set
forth in the ACE subordinated indenture, be subordinate in right of payment to
the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness with respect to such
series. (Section 16.1 of the ACE subordinated indenture). Upon any payment or
distribution of assets of ACE of any kind or character, whether in cash,
property or securities, to creditors upon any dissolution, winding-up,
liquidation or reorganization of ACE, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due upon
all Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE subordinated debt securities of
any series will first be paid in full, or payment thereof
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provided for in money in accordance with its terms, before the holders of ACE
subordinated debt securities of such series are entitled to receive or retain
any payment on account of principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any
additional amounts with respect to, the ACE subordinated debt securities of
such series, and to that end the holders of such Senior Indebtedness will be
entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof, any payment or
distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities,
including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable
by reason of the payment of any other Indebtedness of ACE being subordinated to
the payment of ACE subordinated debt securities of such series, which may be
payable or deliverable in respect of the ACE subordinated debt securities of
such series upon any such dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization or in any such bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other
proceeding. (Section 16.3 of the ACE subordinated indenture)
By reason of such subordination, in the event of liquidation or insolvency of
ACE, holders of Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE subordinated debt
securities of any series and holders of other obligations of ACE that are not
subordinated to such Senior Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than the
holders of the ACE subordinated debt securities of such series.
Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness with respect to the
ACE subordinated debt securities of any series, the rights of the holders of
the ACE subordinated debt securities of such series will be subrogated to the
rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or
distributions of cash, property or securities of ACE applicable to such Senior
Indebtedness until the principal of, any premium and interest on, and any
additional amounts with respect to, the ACE subordinated debt securities of
such series have been paid in full. (Section 16.4 of the ACE subordinated
indenture)
No payment of principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of
or any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the ACE
subordinated debt securities of any series may be made (1) if any Senior
Indebtedness with respect to such series is not paid when due and any
applicable grace period with respect to such default has ended and such default
has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or (2) if the maturity of any
Senior Indebtedness with respect to such series has been accelerated because of
a default. (Section 16.2 of the ACE subordinated indenture)
The ACE subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit ACE from incurring
additional Senior Indebtedness, which may include Indebtedness that is senior
to the ACE subordinated debt securities of any series, but subordinate to other
obligations of ACE. The ACE senior debt securities will constitute Senior
Indebtedness with respect to the ACE subordinatd debt securities of each series
under the ACE subordinated indenture.
The term "Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to the ACE subordinated
debt securities of any particular series, all Indebtedness of ACE outstanding
at any time, except (1) the ACE subordinated debt securities of such series,
(2) Indebtedness as to which, by the terms of the instrument creating or
evidencing the same, it is provided that such Indebtedness is subordinated to
or ranks equally with the ACE subordinated debt securities of such series, (3)
Indebtedness of ACE to an Affiliate of ACE, (4) interest accruing after the
filing of a petition initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
proceeding unless such interest is an allowed claim enforceable against ACE in
a proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy laws and (5) trade accounts
payable. Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE subordinated debt
securities of any particular series will continue to be Senior Indebtedness
with respect to the ACE subordinated debt securities of such series and be
entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any
amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness.
(Sections 1.1 and 16.8 of the ACE subordinated indenture)
The ACE subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination
provisions, insofar as they relate to any particular series of ACE subordinated
debt securities, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such change would
be described in the related prospectus supplement.
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New York Law to Govern
The ACE indentures and the ACE debt securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to
agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each case, performed in
that state. (Section 1.13)
Information Concerning the Trustee
ACE may from time to time borrow from, maintain deposit accounts with and
conduct other banking transactions with The First National Bank of Chicago and
its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
Under each ACE indenture, The First National Bank of Chicago is required to
transmit annual reports to all holders regarding its eligibility and
qualifications as trustee under the applicable ACE indenture and related
matters. (Section 7.3)
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DESCRIPTION OF ACE INA DEBT SECURITIES AND ACE GUARANTEE
The following description of the ACE INA debt securities and the ACE
guarantee sets forth the material terms and provisions of the ACE INA debt
securities and the ACE guarantee to which any prospectus supplement may relate.
The ACE INA senior debt securities are to be issued under an indenture (the
"ACE INA senior indenture") among ACE INA, ACE and The First National Bank of
Chicago, as trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The ACE INA
subordinated debt securities are to be issued under an indenture (the "ACE INA
subordinated indenture") among ACE INA, ACE and The First National Bank of
Chicago, as trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The ACE INA
senior indenture and the ACE INA subordinated indenture are sometimes referred
to herein collectively as the "ACE INA indentures" and each individually as an
"ACE INA indenture". The particular terms of the ACE INA debt securities
offered by any prospectus supplement, and the extent to which the general
provisions described below may apply to the offered ACE INA debt securities,
will be described in the prospectus supplement.
Because the following summaries of the material terms and provisions of the
ACE INA indentures, the ACE INA debt securities and the ACE guarantee are not
complete, you should refer to the forms of the ACE INA indentures and the ACE
INA debt securities for complete information regarding the terms and provisions
of the ACE INA indentures, including the definitions of some of the terms used
below, the ACE INA debt securities and the ACE guarantee. Wherever particular
articles, sections or defined terms of an ACE INA indenture are referred to,
such articles, sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference,
and the statement in connection with which such reference is made is qualified
in its entirety by such reference. The ACE INA indentures are substantially
identical, except for certain covenants of ACE INA and ACE and provisions
relating to subordination.
General
The ACE INA indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of ACE INA
debt securities which ACE INA may issue thereunder and provide that ACE INA may
issue ACE INA debt securities thereunder from time to time in one or more
series. (Section 3.1) The ACE INA indentures do not limit the amount of other
Indebtedness (as defined below) or ACE INA debt securities, other than certain
secured Indebtedness as described below, which ACE, ACE INA or their respective
subsidiaries may issue.
Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, the ACE INA senior debt
securities will be unsecured obligations of ACE INA and will rank equally with
all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The ACE INA
subordinated debt securities of each series will be unsecured obligations of
ACE INA, subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all
Senior Indebtedness (which term includes ACE INA senior debt securities) of ACE
INA with respect to such series, as described below under "Subordination of ACE
INA Subordinated Debt Securities" and in the related prospectus supplement. The
ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any series issued to an ACE Trust will
rank equally with each other series of ACE INA subordinated debt securities
issued to other ACE Trusts.
Because ACE INA is a holding company, its rights and the rights of its
creditors (including the holders of ACE INA debt securities) and shareholders
to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon that
subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization or otherwise would be subject to the
prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that ACE INA
may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. The
rights of creditors of ACE INA (including the holders of ACE INA debt
securities) to participate in the distribution of stock owned by ACE INA in
certain of its subsidiaries, including ACE INA's insurance subsidiaries, may
also be subject to the approval of certain insurance regulatory authorities
having jurisdiction over such subsidiaries.
In the event ACE INA subordinated debt securities are issued to an ACE Trust
in connection with the issuance of preferred securities and common securities
by that ACE Trust, such ACE INA subordinated debt
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securities subsequently may be distributed pro rata to the holders of such
preferred securities and common securities in connection with the dissolution
of that ACE Trust upon the occurrence of certain events described in the
prospectus supplement relating to such preferred securities and common
securities. Only one series of ACE INA subordinated debt securities will be
issued to an ACE Trust in connection with the issuance of preferred securities
and common securities by that ACE Trust.
The prospectus supplement relating to the particular ACE INA debt securities
offered thereby will describe the following terms of the offered ACE INA debt
securities:
. the title of such ACE INA debt securities and the series in which such
ACE INA debt securities will be included, which may include medium-term
notes;
. any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of such ACE INA debt
securities;
. the date or dates, or the method or methods, if any, by which such date
or dates will be determined, on which the principal of such ACE INA debt
securities will be payable;
. the rate or rates at which such ACE INA debt securities will bear
interest, if any, which rate may be zero in the case of certain ACE INA
debt securities issued at an issue price representing a discount from
the principal amount payable at maturity, or the method by which such
rate or rates will be determined (including, if applicable, any
remarketing option or similar method), and the date or dates from which
such interest, if any, will accrue or the method by which such date or
dates will be determined;
. the date or dates on which interest, if any, on such ACE INA debt
securities will be payable and any regular record dates applicable to
the date or dates on which interest will be so payable;
. whether and under what circumstances additional amounts in respect of
certain taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges that
might be imposed on holders of such ACE INA debt securities will be
payable and, if so, whether and on what terms ACE INA will have the
option to redeem such ACE INA debt securities in lieu of paying such
additional amounts (and the terms of such option);
. the place or places where the principal of, any premium or interest on
or any additional amounts with respect to such ACE INA debt securities
will be payable, any of such ACE INA debt securities that are issued in
registered form may be surrendered for registration of transfer or
exchange, and any such ACE INA debt securities may be surrendered for
conversion or exchange;
. whether any of such ACE INA debt securities are to be redeemable at the
option of ACE INA and, if so, the date or dates on which, the period or
periods within which, the price or prices at which and the other terms
and conditions upon which such ACE INA debt securities may be redeemed,
in whole or in part, at the option of ACE INA;
. whether ACE INA will be obligated to redeem or purchase any of such ACE
INA debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision
or at the option of any holder thereof and, if so, the date or dates on
which, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which
and the other terms and conditions upon which such ACE INA debt
securities will be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant
to such obligation, and any provisions for the remarketing of such ACE
INA debt securities so redeemed or purchased;
. if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof,
the denominations in which any ACE INA debt securities to be issued in
registered form will be issuable and, if other than a denomination of
$5,000, the denominations in which any ACE INA debt securities to be
issued in bearer form will be issuable;
. whether the ACE INA debt securities will be convertible into other
securities of ACE INA and/or exchangeable for securities of ACE or other
issuers and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such ACE INA
debt securities will be so convertible or exchangeable;
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. if other than the principal amount, the portion of the principal amount
(or the method by which such portion will be determined) of such ACE INA
debt securities that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of
the maturity thereof;
. if other than United States dollars, the currency of payment, including
composite currencies, of the principal of, any premium or interest on or
any additional amounts with respect to any of such ACE INA debt
securities;
. whether the principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional
amounts with respect to such ACE INA debt securities will be payable, at
the election of ACE INA or a holder, in a currency other than that in
which such ACE INA debt securities are stated to be payable and the date
or dates on which, the period or periods within which, and the other
terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made;
. any index, formula or other method used to determine the amount of
payments of principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional
amounts with respect to such ACE INA debt securities;
. whether such ACE INA debt securities are to be issued in the form of one
or more global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary for
such global security or securities;
. whether such ACE INA debt securities are ACE INA senior debt securities
or ACE INA subordinated debt securities and, if ACE INA subordinated
debt securities, the specific subordination provisions applicable
thereto;
. in the case of ACE INA subordinated debt securities issued to an ACE
Trust, the terms and conditions of any obligation or right of ACE INA or
a holder to convert or exchange such ACE INA subordinated debt
securities into preferred securities of that ACE Trust;
. in the case of ACE INA subordinated debt securities issued to an ACE
Trust, the form of restated trust agreement and, if applicable, the
agreement relating to ACE's guarantee of the preferred securities of
that ACE Trust;
. in the case of ACE INA subordinated debt securities, the relative
degree, if any, to which such ACE INA subordinated debt securities of
the series and the ACE guarantee in respect thereof will be senior to or
be subordinated to other series of ACE INA subordinated debt securities
and the ACE guarantee in respect thereof or other indebtedness of ACE
INA or ACE, as the case may be, in right of payment, whether such other
series of ACE INA subordinated debt securities or other indebtedness is
outstanding or not;
. any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of
Default or covenants of ACE INA or ACE with respect to such ACE INA debt
securities;
. whether the provisions described below under "Discharge, Defeasance and
Covenant Defeasance" will be applicable to such ACE INA debt securities;
. whether any of such ACE INA debt securities are to be issued upon the
exercise of warrants, and the time, manner and place for such ACE INA
debt securities to be authenticated and delivered; and
. any other terms of such ACE INA debt securities and any other deletions
from or modifications or additions to the applicable ACE INA indenture
in respect of such ACE INA debt securities. (Section 3.1)
ACE INA will have the ability under the ACE INA indentures to "reopen" a
previously issued series of ACE INA debt securities and issue additional ACE
INA debt securities of that series or establish additional terms of that
series. ACE INA is also permitted to issue ACE INA debt securities with the
same terms as previously issued ACE INA debt securities. (Section 3.1)
Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, principal,
premium, interest and additional amounts, if any, with respect to any ACE INA
debt securities will be payable at the office or agency maintained by ACE INA
and ACE for such purposes (initially the corporate trust office of the
trustee). In the
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case of ACE INA debt securities issued in registered form, interest may be paid
by check mailed to the persons entitled thereto at their addresses appearing on
the security register or by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with
a bank located in the United States. Interest on ACE INA debt securities issued
in registered form will be payable on any interest payment date to the persons
in whose names the ACE INA debt securities are registered at the close of
business on the regular record date with respect to such interest payment date.
All paying agents initially designated by ACE INA for the ACE INA debt
securities will be named in the related prospectus supplement. ACE INA may at
any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any
paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent
acts, except that ACE INA and ACE will be required to maintain a paying agent
in each place where the principal of, any premium or interest on or any
additional amounts with respect to the ACE INA debt securities are payable.
(Sections 3.7 and 10.2)
Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the ACE INA
debt securities may be presented for transfer (duly endorsed or accompanied by
a written instrument of transfer, if so required by ACE INA or the security
registrar) or exchanged for other ACE INA debt securities of the same series
(containing identical terms and provisions, in any authorized denominations,
and of a like aggregate principal amount) at the office or agency maintained by
ACE INA for such purposes (initially the corporate trust office of the
trustee). Such transfer or exchange will be made without service charge, but
ACE INA may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge and any other expenses then payable. ACE INA will not be
required to (1) issue, register the transfer of, or exchange, ACE INA debt
securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before
the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any such ACE INA debt
securities and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing or
(2) register the transfer of or exchange any ACE INA debt security so selected
for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any ACE
INA debt security being redeemed in part. (Section 3.5) ACE INA has appointed
the trustee as security registrar. Any transfer agent (in addition to the
security registrar) initially designated by ACE INA for any ACE INA debt
securities will be named in the related prospectus supplement. ACE INA may at
any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any
transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer
agent acts, except that ACE INA and ACE will be required to maintain a transfer
agent in each place where the principal of, any premium or interest on or any
additional amounts with respect to the ACE INA debt securities are payable.
(Section 10.2)
Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the ACE INA
debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons in
minimum denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. (Section
3.2) The ACE INA debt securities may be represented in whole or in part by one
or more global ACE INA debt securities registered in the name of a depositary
or its nominee and, if so represented, interests in such global ACE INA debt
security will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through,
records maintained by the designated depositary and its participants as
described below. Where ACE INA debt securities of any series are issued in
bearer form, the special restrictions and considerations, including special
offering restrictions and special United States Federal income tax
considerations, applicable to such ACE INA debt securities and to payment on
and transfer and exchange of such ACE INA debt securities will be described in
the related prospectus supplement.
The ACE INA debt securities may be issued as original issue discount
securities (bearing no interest or bearing interest at a rate which at the time
of issuance is below market rates) to be sold at a substantial discount below
their principal amount. Special United States Federal income tax and other
considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be
described in the related prospectus supplement.
If the purchase price of any ACE INA debt securities is payable in one or
more foreign currencies or currency units or if any ACE INA debt securities are
denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units or if the
principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with
respect to, any ACE INA debt securities is payable in one or more foreign
currencies or currency units, the restrictions, elections, certain United
States Federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information
with respect to such ACE INA debt securities and such foreign currency or
currency units will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement.
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ACE INA will comply with Section 14(e) under the Exchange Act, and any other
tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable, in
connection with any obligation of ACE INA to purchase ACE INA debt securities
at the option of the holders. Any such obligation applicable to a series of ACE
INA debt securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement relating to any ACE INA
debt securities, other than as described below under "--Covenants Applicable to
ACE INA Senior Debt Securities--Limitation on Liens on Stock of Designated
Subsidiaries," the ACE INA indentures do not contain any provisions that would
limit the ability of ACE INA or ACE to incur indebtedness or that would afford
holders of ACE INA debt securities protection in the event of a sudden and
significant decline in the credit quality of ACE INA or ACE or a takeover,
recapitalization or highly leveraged or similar transaction involving ACE INA
or ACE. Accordingly, ACE INA or ACE could in the future enter into transactions
that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at that time or
otherwise affect ACE INA's or ACE's capital structure or credit rating. You
should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of
ACE INA debt securities for information regarding any deletions from,
modifications of or additions to the Events of Defaults described below or
covenants of ACE INA or ACE contained in the ACE INA indentures, including any
addition of a covenant or other provisions providing event risk or similar
protection.
ACE Guarantee
ACE will fully and unconditionally guarantee all payments with respect to the
ACE INA debt securities. Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement,
the ACE guarantee of the ACE INA senior debt securities will be an unsecured
obligation of ACE and will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness (including the ACE senior debt securities). The ACE
guarantee of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any particular series
will be an unsecured obligation of ACE, subordinated in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all ACE Senior Indebtedness (which term includes ACE
senior debt securities and the ACE guarantee of the ACE INA senior debt
securities) with respect to such series as described below under "Subordination
of ACE Guarantee" and in the related prospectus supplement. The ACE guarantee
of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any series issued to an ACE
Trust will rank equally with the ACE guarantee of each other series of ACE
subordinated debt securities issued to other ACE Trusts.
Since ACE is a holding company, its rights and the rights of its creditors
(including the holders of the ACE INA debt securities who are creditors of ACE
by virtue of the ACE guarantee) and shareholders to participate in any
distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon such subsidiary's liquidation
or reorganization or otherwise would be subject to prior claims of the
subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that ACE may itself be a creditor
with recognized claims against the subsidiary. The right of creditors of ACE
(including the holders of the ACE INA debt securities who are creditors of ACE
by virtue of the ACE guarantee) to participate in the distribution of the stock
owned by ACE in certain of its subsidiaries, including ACE's insurance
subsidiaries, may also be subject to approval by certain insurance regulatory
authorities having jurisdiction over such subsidiaries.
ACE will make all payments of principal of and premium, if any, interest and
any other amounts on, or in respect of, the ACE INA debt securities of any
series without withholding or deduction at source for, or on account of, any
present or future taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges of
whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of the Cayman Islands or
Bermuda (each, a "taxing jurisdiction") or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein, unless such taxes, fees, duties, assessments or
governmental charges are required to be withheld or deducted by (x) the laws
(or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a taxing jurisdiction
or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (y) an
official position regarding the application, administration, interpretation or
enforcement of any such laws, regulations or rulings (including, without
limitation, a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a taxing
authority in a taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof). If a
withholding or deduction at source is required, ACE will, subject to certain
limitations and exceptions described below, pay to the holder of any such ACE
INA debt security such additional amounts as may be necessary so that every net
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payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or any other amount made to
such holder, after the withholding or deduction, will not be less than the
amount provided for in such ACE INA debt security and the applicable ACE INA
indenture to be then due and payable.
ACE will not be required to pay any additional amounts for or on account of:
1. any tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge of whatever
nature which would not have been imposed but for the fact that such holder
(a) was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or
maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the
relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or
otherwise had some connection with the relevant taxing jurisdiction other
than by reason of the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such
ACE INA debt security, (b) presented such ACE INA debt security for payment
in the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof,
unless such ACE INA debt security could not have been presented for payment
elsewhere, or (c) presented such ACE INA debt security for payment more
than 30 days after the date on which the payment in respect of such ACE INA
debt security became due and payable or provided for, whichever is later,
except to the extent that the holder would have been entitled to such
additional amounts if it had presented such ACE INA debt security for
payment on any day within that 30-day period;
2. any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or
similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
3. any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or
withheld by reason of the failure by the holder or the beneficial owner of
such ACE INA debt security to comply with any reasonable request by ACE
addressed to the holder within 90 days of such request (a) to provide
information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the holder
or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar
claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which in either
case is required or imposed by statute, treaty, regulation or
administrative practice of the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any
political subdivision thereof as a precondition to exemption from all or
part of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge; or
4. any combination of items (1), (2) and (3).
In addition, ACE will not pay additional amounts with respect to any payment
of principal of, or premium, if any, interest or any other amounts on, any such
ACE INA debt security to any holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other
than the sole beneficial owner of such ACE INA debt security to the extent such
payment would be required by the laws of the relevant taxing jurisdiction (or
any political subdivision or relevant taxing authority thereof or therein) to
be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or partner or
settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a
beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts
had it been the holder of the ACE INA debt security. (Section 10.4)
Conversion and Exchange
The terms, if any, on which ACE INA debt securities of any series are
convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, whether or not issued by
ACE INA, property or cash, or a combination of any of the foregoing, will be
set forth in the related prospectus supplement. Such terms may include
provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the
holder, or at the option of ACE INA, in which the securities, property or cash
to be received by the holders of the ACE INA debt securities would be
calculated according to the factors and at such time as described in the
related prospectus supplement.
Global Securities
The ACE INA debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in
the form of one or more global ACE INA debt securities that will be deposited
with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement
relating to such series.
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The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of
ACE INA debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating
to such series. ACE INA anticipates that the following provisions will apply to
all depositary arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for such global
security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the ACE INA debt
securities represented by such global security. Such accounts will be
designated by the underwriters or agents with respect to such ACE INA debt
securities or by ACE INA if such ACE INA debt securities are offered and sold
directly by ACE INA. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security
will be limited to persons that may hold interests through participants.
Ownership of beneficial interests in such global security will be shown on, and
the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records
maintained by the depositary or its nominee (with respect to interests of
participants) and on the records of participants (with respect to interests of
persons other than participants). The laws of some states require that certain
purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to transfer
beneficial interests in a global security.
So long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the
registered owner of such global security, such depositary or such nominee, as
the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the ACE INA
debt securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the
applicable ACE INA indenture. Except as described below, owners of beneficial
interests in a global security will not be entitled to have ACE INA debt
securities of the series represented by such global security registered in
their names and will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
ACE INA debt securities of that series in definitive form.
Principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with
respect to, ACE INA debt securities registered in the name of a depositary or
its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be,
as the registered owner of the global security representing such ACE INA debt
securities. None of ACE INA, ACE, the trustee, any paying agent or the security
registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests of the global security for such ACE INA debt securities or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests.
ACE INA expects that the depositary for a series of ACE INA debt securities
or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment with respect to such ACE INA debt
securities, will credit immediately participants' accounts with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in the principal
amount of the global security for such ACE INA debt securities as shown on the
records of such depositary or its nominee. ACE INA also expects that payments
by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held
through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts
of customers registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of
such participants.
The ACE INA indentures provide that if (1) the depositary for a series of ACE
INA debt securities notifies ACE INA that it is unwilling or unable to continue
as depositary or if such depositary ceases to be eligible under the applicable
ACE INA Indenture and a successor depositary is not appointed by ACE INA within
90 days of written notice, (2) ACE INA determines that ACE INA debt securities
of a particular series will no longer be represented by global securities and
executes and delivers to the trustee a company order to such effect or (3) an
Event of Default with respect to a series of ACE INA debt securities will have
occurred and be continuing, the global securities will be exchanged for ACE INA
debt securities of such series in definitive form of like tenor and of an equal
aggregate principal amount, in authorized denominations. Such definitive ACE
INA debt securities will be registered in such name or names as the depositary
shall instruct the trustee. (Section 3.5) It is expected that such instructions
may be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with
respect to ownership of beneficial interests in global securities.
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Option to Extend Interest Payment Date
If provided in the related prospectus supplement, ACE INA will have the right
at any time and from time to time during the term of any series of ACE INA
subordinated debt securities issued to an ACE Trust to defer payment of
interest for such number of consecutive interest payment periods as may be
specified in the related prospectus supplement (each, an "Extension Period"),
subject to the terms, conditions and covenants, if any, specified in such
prospectus supplement, provided that such Extension Period may not extend
beyond the stated maturity of such series of ACE INA subordinated debt
securities. Certain United States Federal income tax consequences and special
considerations applicable to such ACE INA subordinated debt securities will be
described in the related prospectus supplement. (Section 3.11 of the ACE INA
subordinated indenture)
Option to Extend Maturity Date
If provided in the related prospectus supplement, ACE INA will have the right
to (x) change the stated maturity of the principal of the ACE INA subordinated
debt securities of any series issued to an ACE Trust upon the liquidation of
that ACE Trust and the exchange of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities for
the preferred securities of that ACE Trust or (y) extend the stated maturity of
the principal of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any series,
provided that (1) neither ACE INA nor ACE is in bankruptcy, otherwise insolvent
or in liquidation; (2) neither ACE INA nor ACE has defaulted on any payment on
such ACE INA subordinated debt securities or under ACE's guarantee in respect
thereof, as the case may be, and no deferred interest payments have accrued,
(3) the applicable ACE Trust is not in arrears on payments of distributions on
its preferred securities and no deferred distributions have accumulated, (4)
the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series are rated investment
grade by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or
another nationally recognized statistical rating organization and (5) the
extended stated maturity is no later than the 49th anniversary of the initial
issuance of the preferred securities of the applicable ACE Trust. If ACE INA
exercises its right to liquidate the applicable ACE Trust and exchange the ACE
INA subordinated debt securities for the preferred securities of the ACE Trust
as described above, any changed stated maturity of the principal of the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities shall be no earlier than the date that is five
years after the initial issue date of the preferred securities and no later
than the date 30 years (plus an extended term of up to an additional 19 years
if the conditions described above are satisfied) after the initial issue date
of the preferred securities of the applicable ACE Trust. (Section 3.14 of the
ACE INA subordinated indenture)
Redemption
Except as otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, in the
case of any series of ACE INA subordinated debt securities issued to an ACE
Trust, if an Investment Company Event or a Tax Event (each, a "Special Event")
shall occur and be continuing, ACE INA may, at its option, redeem such series
of ACE INA subordinated debt securities, in whole but not in part, at any time
within 90 days of the occurrence of the Special Event, at a redemption price
equal to 100% of the principal amount of such ACE INA subordinated debt
securities then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed
for redemption. (Section 11.8 of the ACE INA subordinated indenture)
For purposes of the ACE INA subordinated indenture, "Investment Company
Event" means, in respect of an ACE Trust, the receipt by such ACE Trust of an
opinion of independent counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that,
as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change in
the interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body,
court or governmental agency or regulatory authority, such ACE Trust is or will
be considered an investment company that is required to be registered under the
Investment Company Act, which change becomes effective on or after the date of
original issuance of the preferred securities of such ACE Trust. (Section 1.1
of the ACE INA subordinated indenture)
"Tax Event" means, in respect of an ACE Trust, the receipt by such ACE Trust
or ACE INA of an opinion of independent counsel experienced in such matters to
the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change (including any
announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulation thereunder) of
the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or
therein, or as a result of any official
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administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such
laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which
pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the date of original
issuance of the preferred securities of such ACE Trust, there is more than an
insubstantial risk that (i) such ACE Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the
date of such opinion, subject to United States Federal income tax with respect
to income received or accrued on the corresponding series of ACE INA
subordinated debt securities, (ii) interest payable by ACE INA on such ACE INA
subordinated debt securities is not, or within 90 days of the date of such
opinion will not be, deductible by ACE INA, in whole or in part, for United
States Federal income tax purposes or (iii) such ACE Trust is, or will be
within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to more than a de minimus
amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges. (Section 1.1 of
the ACE INA subordinated indenture)
Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of ACE INA subordinated debt
securities to be redeemed at its registered address. Unless ACE INA and ACE, as
guarantor, default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the
redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the ACE INA subordinated debt
securities or portions thereof called for redemption.
Covenants Applicable to ACE INA Senior Debt Securities
Limitation on Liens on Stock of Designated Subsidiaries
Under the ACE INA senior indenture, each of ACE INA and ACE will covenant
that, so long as any ACE INA senior debt securities are outstanding, it will
not, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, assume, incur,
guarantee or otherwise permit to exist any Indebtedness secured by any
mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other encumbrance upon any shares
of capital stock of any Designated Subsidiary (whether such shares are now
owned or hereafter acquired) without effectively providing concurrently that
the ACE INA senior debt securities (and, if ACE INA and ACE so elect, any other
Indebtedness of ACE INA that is not subordinate to the ACE INA senior debt
securities and with respect to which the governing instruments require, or
pursuant to which ACE INA is otherwise obligated, to provide such security)
will be secured equally and ratably with such Indebtedness for at least the
time period such other Indebtedness is so secured. (Section 10.5 of the ACE INA
senior indenture)
For purposes of the ACE INA senior indenture, "capital stock" of any Person
means any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options,
participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated)
equity of such Person, including preferred stock, but excluding any debt
securities convertible into such equity. (Section 1.1 of the ACE INA senior
indenture)
The term "Designated Subsidiary" means any present or future consolidated
Subsidiary of ACE, the Consolidated Net Worth of which constitutes at least 5%
of ACE's Consolidated Net Worth. (Section 1.1 of the ACE INA senior indenture)
As of July 31, 1999, ACE's Designated Subsidiaries were ACE Bermuda, CODA,
Tempest, ACE INA and ACE USA.
For purposes of the ACE INA indentures, the term "Indebtedness" means, with
respect to any Person, (1) the principal of and any premium and interest on (a)
indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced
by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of
which such Person is responsible or liable; (2) all Capitalized Lease
Obligations of such Person; (3) all obligations of such Person issued or
assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale
obligations and all obligations under any title retention agreement (but
excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
(4) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any
letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than
obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than
obligations described in (1) through (3) above) entered into in the ordinary
course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not
drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no
later than the third Business Day following receipt by such Person
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of a demand for reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit); (5)
all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (4) of other
Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either
case, such Person is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise;
(6) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (5) of other
Persons secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other
encumbrance on any property or asset of such Person (whether or not such
obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation being
deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or assets or the amount
of the obligation so secured; and (7) any amendments, modifications,
refundings, renewals or extensions of any indebtedness or obligation described
as Indebtedness in clauses (1) through (6) above. (Section 1.1)
Limitations on Disposition of Stock of Designated Subsidiaries
The ACE INA senior indenture also provides that, so long as any ACE INA
senior debt securities are outstanding and except in a transaction otherwise
governed by such indenture, neither ACE INA nor ACE will issue, sell, assign,
transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of, securities convertible into, or
warrants, rights or options to subscribe for or purchase shares of, capital
stock (other than preferred stock having no voting rights of any kind) of any
Designated Subsidiary, and will not permit any Designated Subsidiary to issue
(other than to ACE INA or ACE) any shares (other than director's qualifying
shares) of, or securities convertible into, or warrants, rights or options to
subscribe for or purchase shares of, capital stock (other than preferred stock
having no voting rights of any kind) of any Designated Subsidiary, if, after
giving effect to any such transaction and the issuance of the maximum number of
shares issuable upon the conversion or exercise of all such convertible
securities, warrants, rights or options, ACE would own, directly or indirectly,
less than 80% of the shares of capital stock of such Designated Subsidiary
(other than preferred stock having no voting rights of any kind); provided,
however, that (1) any issuance, sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition
permitted by ACE INA or ACE may only be made for at least a fair market value
consideration as determined by the board of directors of ACE INA or ACE, as the
case may be, pursuant to a resolution adopted in good faith and (2) the
foregoing shall not prohibit any such issuance or disposition of securities if
required by any law or any regulation or order of any governmental or insurance
regulatory authority. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) ACE INA or ACE, as the
case may be, may merge or consolidate any Designated Subsidiary into or with
another direct or indirect Subsidiary of ACE, the shares of capital stock of
which ACE owns at least 80%, and (2) ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, may,
subject to the provisions described under "--Consolidation, Amalgamation,
Merger and Sale of Assets" below, sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose
of the entire capital stock of any Designated Subsidiary at one time for at
least a fair market value consideration as determined by the board of directors
of ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, pursuant to a resolution adopted in good
faith. (Section 10.6 of the ACE INA senior indenture)
Covenants Applicable to ACE INA Subordinated Debt Securities Issued to an ACE
Trust
Each of ACE INA and ACE will also covenant, as to each series of ACE INA
subordinated debt securities issued to an ACE Trust in connection with the
issuance of preferred securities and common securities by that ACE Trust, that
it will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (1) declare or pay
any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of the outstanding capital stock of
ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, or (2) make any payment of principal of, or
interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt
security of ACE INA or ACE that ranks junior in interest to the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities of such series or the ACE guarantee in respect
thereof, as the case may be, or make any guarantee payments with respect to any
guarantee by ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, of the debt securities of any
Subsidiary of ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, if such guarantee ranks
junior in interest to the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series
or the ACE guarantee in respect thereof, as the case may be (other than (a)
dividends or distributions on the capital stock of ACE INA paid or made to ACE
and dividends or distributions in common stock of ACE INA or ordinary shares of
ACE, as the case may be, (b) redemptions or purchases of any rights outstanding
under a shareholder rights plan of ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, or the
declaration of a dividend of such rights or the issuance of stock under such
plans in the future, (c) payments under any preferred securities guarantee
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and (d) purchases of common stock or ordinary shares related to the issuance of
common stock or ordinary shares under any of ACE INA's or ACE's benefit plans
for its directors, officers or employees) if at such time (i) there shall have
occurred any event of which ACE INA or ACE has actual knowledge that (A) with
the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of
Default and (B) in respect of which ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, shall
not have taken reasonable steps to cure, (ii) ACE shall be in default with
respect to its payment of any obligations under the preferred securities
guarantee relating to such related preferred securities or (iii) ACE INA shall
have given notice of its election to begin an Extension Period as provided in
the ACE INA subordinated indenture with respect to the ACE INA subordinated
debt securities of such series and shall not have rescinded such notice, or
such Extension Period, or any extension thereof, shall be continuing. (Section
10.9 of the ACE INA subordinated indenture)
In the event ACE INA subordinated debt securities are issued to an ACE Trust
in connection with the issuance of preferred securities and common securities
of such ACE Trust, for so long as such ACE INA subordinated debt securities
remain outstanding, ACE INA will also covenant (1) to maintain directly or
indirectly 100% ownership of the common securities of such ACE Trust; provided,
however, that any permitted successor of ACE INA under the ACE INA subordinated
indenture may succeed to ACE INA's ownership of such common securities, (2) not
to voluntarily dissolve, wind-up or liquidate such ACE Trust, except in
connection with the distribution of ACE INA subordinated debt securities to the
holders of preferred securities and common securities in liquidation of such
ACE Trust, the redemption of all of the preferred securities and common
securities of such ACE Trust, or certain mergers, consolidations or
amalgamations, each as permitted by the restated trust agreement of such ACE
Trust, and (3) to use its reasonable efforts, consistent with the terms of the
related trust agreement, to cause such ACE Trust to remain classified as a
grantor trust for United States Federal income tax purposes. (Section 10.9 of
the ACE INA subordinated indenture)
Consolidation, Amalgamation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Each ACE INA indenture provides that ACE INA may not (1) consolidate or
amalgamate with or merge into any Person or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any
Person, or (2) permit any Person to consolidate or amalgamate with or merge
into ACE INA, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety to ACE INA, unless (a) in the case of
(1) above, such Person is a Corporation organized and existing under the laws
of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia
and will expressly assume, by supplemental indenture satisfactory in form to
the trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, any premium and
interest on and any additional amounts with respect to all of the ACE INA debt
securities issued thereunder, and the performance of ACE INA's obligations
under such ACE INA indenture and the ACE INA debt securities issued thereunder,
and provides for conversion or exchange rights in accordance with the
provisions of the ACE INA debt securities of any series that are convertible or
exchangeable into ordinary shares or other securities; (b) immediately after
giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes
an obligation of ACE INA or a Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as
having been incurred by ACE INA or such Subsidiary at the time of such
transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which after notice or lapse of
time or both would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be
continuing; and (c) certain other conditions are met. (Section 8.1)
Each ACE INA indenture provides that ACE may not (1) consolidate or
amalgamate with or merge into any Person or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any
Person, or (2) permit any Person to consolidate or amalgamate with or merge
into ACE, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety
or substantially as an entirety to ACE, unless (a) in the case of (1) above,
such Person is a Corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia,
Bermuda or the Cayman Islands and will expressly assume, by supplemental
indenture satisfactory in form to the trustee, the due and punctual payment of
the principal of, any premium and interest on and any additional amounts with
respect to all of the ACE INA debt securities issued thereunder, and the
performance of ACE's obligations under such ACE INA indenture and the ACE INA
debt
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securities issued thereunder; (b) immediately after giving effect to such
transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of ACE or
a Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by ACE or
such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no
event which after notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of
Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and (c) certain other
conditions are met. (Section 8.3)
Events of Default
Each of the following events will constitute an Event of Default under the
applicable ACE INA indenture with respect to any series of ACE INA debt
securities issued thereunder (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and
whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law
or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or
regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(1) default in the payment of any interest on any ACE INA debt security of
such series, or any additional amounts payable with respect thereto,
when such interest becomes or such additional amounts become due and
payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;
(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any ACE
INA debt security of such series, or any additional amounts payable
with respect thereto, when such principal or premium becomes or such
additional amounts become due and payable either at maturity, upon any
redemption, by declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by
the terms of any ACE INA debt security of such series;
(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of
ACE INA or ACE contained in the applicable ACE INA indenture for the
benefit of such series or in the ACE INA debt securities of such
series, and the continuance of such default or breach for a period of
60 days after there has been given written notice as provided in such
ACE INA indenture;
(5) if any event of default as defined in any mortgage, indenture or
instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be
secured or evidenced, any Indebtedness of ACE INA or ACE (including an
Event of Default under any other series of ACE INA debt securities),
whether such Indebtedness now exists or is hereafter created or
incurred, happens and consists of default in the payment of more than
$50,000,000 in principal amount of such Indebtedness at the maturity
thereof (after giving effect to any applicable grace period) or results
in such Indebtedness in principal amount in excess of $50,000,000
becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which
it would otherwise become due and payable, and such default is not
cured or such acceleration is not rescinded or annulled within a period
of 30 days after there has been given written notice as provided in the
applicable ACE INA indenture;
(6) ACE INA or ACE shall fail within 60 days to pay, bond or otherwise
discharge any uninsured judgment or court order for the payment of
money in excess of $50,000,000, which is not stayed on appeal or is not
otherwise being appropriately contested in good faith;
(7) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of ACE INA
or ACE; and
(8) any other Event of Default provided in or pursuant to the applicable
ACE INA indenture with respect to ACE INA debt securities of such
series. (Section 5.1)
If an Event of Default with respect to the ACE INA debt securities of any
series (other than an Event of Default described in (7) of the preceding
paragraph) occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not
less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding ACE INA debt securities of
such series by written notice as provided in the applicable ACE INA indenture
may declare the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for
in the ACE INA debt securities of such series) of all outstanding ACE INA
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debt securities of such series to be due and payable immediately. In the case
of an Event of Default with respect to a series of ACE INA subordinated debt
securities issued to an ACE Trust, if the trustee or such holders fail to
declare such principal amount (or lesser amount) to be due and payable
immediately, the holders of at least 25% in liquidation amount of the
outstanding preferred securities of the ACE Trust may do so by written notice
as provided in the ACE INA subordinated indenture. At any time after a
declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for
payment of money has been obtained by the trustee, and subject to applicable
law and certain other provisions of the applicable ACE INA indenture, the
holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding ACE
INA debt securities of such series may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such declaration of acceleration. In the case of a series of ACE INA
subordinated debt securities issued to an ACE Trust, if such holders fail to
rescind and annul such declaration, the holders of a majority in liquidation
amount of the outstanding preferred securities of such ACE Trust may, subject
to satisfaction of certain conditions, rescind and annul such declaration by
written notice as provided in the ACE INA subordinated indenture. An Event of
Default described in (7) of the preceding paragraph shall cause the principal
amount and accrued interest (or such lesser amount as provided for in the ACE
INA debt securities of such series) to become immediately due and payable
without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any holder. (Section
5.2)
Each ACE INA indenture provides that, within 90 days after the occurrence of
any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an
Event of Default with respect to the ACE INA debt securities of any series (a
"default"), the trustee must transmit, in the manner set forth in such ACE INA
indenture, notice of such default to the holders of the ACE INA debt securities
of such series unless such default has been cured or waived; provided, however,
that except in the case of a default in the payment of principal of, or
premium, if any, or interest, if any, on, or additional amounts or any sinking
fund or purchase fund installment with respect to, any ACE INA debt security of
such series, the trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as the board
of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or
responsible officers of the trustee in good faith determine that the
withholding of such notice is in the best interest of the holders of ACE INA
debt securities of such series; and provided, further, that in the case of any
default of the character described in (5) of the second preceding paragraph, no
such notice to holders will be given until at least 30 days after the default
occurs. (Section 6.2)
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the ACE INA
debt securities of any series, the trustee may in its discretion proceed to
protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the holders of ACE INA debt
securities of such series by all appropriate judicial proceedings. (Section
5.3) Each ACE INA indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the trustee
during any default to act with the required standard of care, the trustee will
be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such ACE
INA indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of ACE INA debt
securities, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable
indemnity. (Section 6.1) Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of
the trustee, and subject to applicable law and certain other provisions of the
applicable ACE INA indenture, the holders of a majority in principal amount of
the outstanding ACE INA debt securities of any series will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
trustee, with respect to the ACE INA debt securities of such series. (Section
5.12)
If an Event of Default with respect to a series of ACE INA subordinated debt
securities issued to an ACE Trust has occurred and is continuing and such event
is attributable to a default in the payment of principal of, any premium or
interest on, or additional amounts with respect to, the related ACE INA
subordinated debt securities on the date such principal, premium, interest or
additional amounts are otherwise payable, a holder of preferred securities of
such ACE Trust may institute directly a legal proceeding against ACE INA or ACE
(pursuant to the ACE guarantee) for enforcement of payment to such holder of
the principal of, any premium and interest on, and additional amounts with
respect to, such related ACE INA subordinated debt securities having a
principal amount equal to the liquidation amount of the related preferred
securities of such holder (a "Direct Action"). (Section 5.8 of the ACE INA
subordinated indenture) ACE INA and ACE may not amend
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the ACE INA subordinated indenture to remove the foregoing right to bring a
Direct Action without the prior consent of the holders of all of the
outstanding preferred securities of such ACE Trust. (Section 9.2 of the ACE INA
subordinated indenture) If the right to bring a Direct Action is removed, the
applicable ACE Trust may become subject to the reporting obligations under the
Exchange Act. Each of ACE INA and ACE will have the right under the ACE INA
subordinated indenture to set-off any payment made to such holder of preferred
securities by ACE INA or ACE, as the case may be, in connection with a Direct
Action. (Section 3.12 of the ACE INA subordinated indenture)
The holders of the preferred securities will not be able to exercise directly
any remedies other than those set forth in the preceding paragraph available to
the holders of the related ACE INA subordinated debt securities.
Modification and Waiver
ACE INA, ACE and the trustee may modify or amend either ACE INA indenture
with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount
of the outstanding ACE INA debt securities of each series affected thereby;
provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the
consent of the holder of each outstanding ACE INA debt security affected
thereby,
. change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any premium or
installment of interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to,
any ACE INA debt security,
. reduce the principal amount of, or the rate (or modify the calculation
of such rate) of interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to,
or any premium payable upon the redemption of, any ACE INA debt
security,
. change the obligation of ACE INA or ACE to pay additional amounts with
respect to any ACE INA debt security,
. reduce the amount of the principal of an original issue discount
security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of
acceleration of the maturity thereof or the amount thereof provable in
bankruptcy,
. change the redemption provisions of any ACE INA debt security or
adversely affect the right of repayment at the option of any holder of
any ACE INA debt security,
. change the place of payment or the coin or currency in which the
principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with
respect to any ACE INA debt security is payable,
. impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on
or after the stated maturity of any ACE INA debt security (or, in the
case of redemption, on or after the redemption date or, in the case of
repayment at the option of any holder, on or after the repayment date),
. reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding ACE INA
debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required in order to
take specific actions,
. reduce the requirements for quorum or voting by holders of ACE INA debt
securities in Section 15.4 of each ACE INA indenture,
. modify any of the provisions of the ACE subordinated indenture relating
to the subordination of the ACE INA debt securities or the ACE guarantee
in a manner adverse to the holders of ACE INA subordinated debt
securities,
. modify or effect in any manner adverse to the holders of ACE INA debt
securities the terms and conditions of the obligations of ACE in respect
of the due and punctual payment of principal of, or any premium or
interest on, or any sinking fund requirements or additional amounts with
respect to, the ACE INA debt securities,
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. modify any of the provisions in the applicable ACE INA indenture
regarding the waiver of past defaults and the waiver of certain
covenants by the holders of ACE INA debt securities except to increase
any percentage vote required or to provide that other provisions of such
ACE INA indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of
the holder of each ACE INA debt security affected thereby,
. make any change that adversely affects the right to convert or exchange
any ACE INA debt security into or for other securities of ACE INA, ACE
or other securities, cash or property in accordance with its terms, or
. modify any of the above provisions. (Section 9.2)
In addition, no supplemental indenture may directly or indirectly modify or
eliminate the subordination provisions of the ACE INA subordinated indenture in
any manner which might terminate or impair the subordination of the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities of any series to Senior Indebtedness with respect
to such series or the subordination of the ACE guarantee with respect to the
ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any series to ACE Senior Indebtedness
with respect to such series, without the prior written consent of the holders
of such Senior Indebtedness or such ACE Senior Indebtedness, respectively.
(Section 9.7 of the ACE INA Subordinated Indenture)
ACE INA, ACE and the trustee may modify or amend either ACE INA indenture and
the ACE INA debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder in
order to, among other things:
. provide for a successor to ACE INA or ACE pursuant to a consolidation,
amalgamation, merger or sale of assets;
. add to the covenants of ACE INA or ACE for the benefit of the holders of
all or any series of ACE INA debt securities or to surrender any right
or power conferred upon ACE INA or ACE by the applicable ACE INA
indenture;
. provide for a successor trustee with respect to the ACE INA debt
securities of all or any series;
. cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision in either ACE
INA indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under either ACE INA indenture which will not
adversely affect the interests of the holders of ACE INA debt securities
of any series;
. change the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized
amount, terms or purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of ACE
INA debt securities under either ACE INA indenture;
. add any additional Events of Default with respect to all or any series
of ACE INA debt securities;
. secure the ACE INA debt securities;
. provide for conversion or exchange rights of the holders of any series
of ACE INA debt securities; or
. make any other change that does not materially adversely affect the
interests of the holders of any ACE INA debt securities then outstanding
under the applicable ACE INA indenture. (Section 9.1)
The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding ACE
INA debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all ACE INA
debt securities of that series, waive compliance by ACE INA and ACE with
certain covenants of the applicable ACE INA indenture. (Section 10.8 of the ACE
INA senior indenture; Section 10.6 of the ACE INA subordinated indenture) The
holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding ACE
INA debt securities of any series on behalf of the holders of all ACE INA debt
securities of that series and, in the case of any ACE INA subordinated debt
securities issued to an ACE Trust, the holders of not less than a majority in
liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred securities of the ACE Trust,
may waive any past default and its consequences under the applicable ACE INA
indenture with respect to the ACE INA debt securities of that series, except a
default (1) in the payment of
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principal, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to
ACE INA debt securities of such series or (2) in respect of a covenant or
provision of the applicable ACE INA indenture that cannot be modified or
amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding ACE INA debt
security of any series affected. (Section 5.13)
Under each ACE INA indenture, each of ACE INA and ACE is required to furnish
the trustee annually a statement as to its performance of certain of its
obligations under that ACE INA indenture and as to any default in such
performance. Each of ACE INA and ACE is also required to deliver to the
trustee, within five days after occurrence thereof, written notice of any Event
of Default, or any event which after notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute an Event of Default, resulting from the failure to perform or breach
of any covenant or warranty contained in the applicable ACE INA indenture or
the ACE INA debt securities of any series. (Sections 10.9 and 10.10 of the ACE
INA senior indenture; Sections 10.7 and 10.8 of the ACE INA subordinated
indenture)
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
ACE INA or ACE may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of
ACE INA debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for
cancellation and that either have become due and payable or will become due and
payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by
depositing with the trustee, in trust, funds in U.S. dollars or in the Foreign
Currency in which such ACE INA debt securities are payable in an amount
sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such ACE INA debt securities with
respect to principal and any premium, interest and additional amounts to the
date of such deposit (if such ACE INA debt securities have become due and
payable) or to the maturity thereof, as the case may be. (Section 4.1)
Each ACE INA indenture provides that, unless the provisions of Section 4.2
thereof are made inapplicable to the ACE INA debt securities of or within any
series pursuant to Section 3.1 thereof, ACE INA may elect either (1) to defease
and discharge itself and ACE from any and all obligations with respect to such
ACE INA debt securities (except for, among other things, the obligation of ACE
to pay additional amounts upon the occurrence of certain events of taxation,
assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on such ACE INA debt
securities and other obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such
ACE INA debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen ACE INA debt securities, to maintain an office or agency with respect to
such ACE INA debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust)
("defeasance") or (2) to release itself and ACE from their respective
obligations with respect to such ACE INA debt securities under certain
covenants as described in the related prospectus supplement, and any omission
to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a default or an Event of
Default with respect to such ACE INA debt securities ("covenant defeasance").
Defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, shall be conditioned
upon the irrevocable deposit by ACE INA or ACE with the Trustee, in trust, of
an amount in U.S. dollars or in the Foreign Currency in which such ACE INA debt
securities are payable at stated maturity, or Government Obligations (as
defined below), or both, applicable to such ACE INA debt securities which
through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with
their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of,
any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, such
ACE INA debt securities on the scheduled due dates. (Section 4.2)
Such a trust may only be established if, among other things, (1) the
applicable defeasance or covenant defeasance does not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under, the applicable ACE INA indenture
or any other material agreement or instrument to which ACE INA or ACE is a
party or by which either of them is bound, (2) no Event of Default or event
which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default
with respect to the ACE INA debt securities to be defeased shall have occurred
and be continuing on the date of establishment of such a trust and, with
respect to defeasance only, at any time during the period ending on the 123rd
day after such date and (3) ACE INA or ACE has delivered to the trustee an
opinion of counsel (as specified in the ACE INA indenture) to the effect that
the holders of such
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ACE INA debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for United
States Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant
defeasance and will be subject to United States Federal income tax on the same
amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case
if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred, and such opinion of
counsel, in the case of defeasance, must refer to and be based upon a letter
ruling of the Internal Revenue Service received by ACE INA or ACE, a Revenue
Ruling published by the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable
United States Federal income tax law occurring after the date of the applicable
ACE INA indenture. (Section 4.2)
"Foreign Currency" means any currency, currency unit or composite currency,
including, without limitation, the euro, issued by the government of one or
more countries other than the United States of America or by any recognized
confederation or association of such governments. (Section 1.1)
"Government Obligations" means debt securities which are (1) direct
obligations of the United States of America or the government or the
governments which issued the Foreign Currency in which the ACE INA debt
securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its
full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States
of America or such government or governments which issued the Foreign Currency
in which the ACE INA debt securities of such series are payable, the timely
payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit
obligation by the United States of America or such other government or
governments, and which, in the case of clauses (1) and (2), are not callable or
redeemable at the option of the issuer or issuers thereof, and shall also
include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian
with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of
interest on or principal of or any other amount with respect to any such
Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of
such depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such
custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to
the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian
with respect to the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest
on or principal of or any other amount with respect to the Government
Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt. (Section 1.1)
If after ACE INA or ACE has deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to
effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to ACE INA debt
securities of any series, (1) the holder of an ACE INA debt security of that
series is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 3.1 of the
applicable ACE INA indenture or the terms of such ACE INA debt security to
receive payment in a currency other than that in which such deposit has been
made in respect of such debt security, or (2) a Conversion Event occurs in
respect of the Foreign Currency in which such deposit has been made, the
indebtedness represented by such ACE INA debt security shall be deemed to have
been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the
principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with
respect to, such ACE INA debt security as such ACE INA debt security becomes
due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount or other properties so
deposited in respect of such ACE INA debt security into the currency in which
such ACE INA debt security becomes payable as a result of such election or such
Conversion Event based on (a) in the case of payments made pursuant to clause
(1) above, the applicable market exchange rate for such currency in effect on
the second business day prior to such payment date, or (b) with respect to a
Conversion Event, the applicable market exchange rate for such Foreign Currency
in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event. (Section
4.2)
"Conversion Event" means the cessation of use of (1) a Foreign Currency both
by the government of the country or countries which issued such Foreign
Currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other
public institutions of or within the international banking community or (2) any
currency unit or composite currency for the purposes for which it was
established. All payments of principal of, any premium and interest on, and any
additional amounts with respect to, any ACE INA debt security that are payable
in a Foreign Currency that ceases to be used by the government or governments
of issuance shall be made in U.S. dollars. (Section 1.1)
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In the event ACE INA effects covenant defeasance with respect to any ACE INA
debt securities and such ACE INA debt securities are declared due and payable
because of the occurrence of any Event of Default other than an Event of
Default with respect to any covenant as to which there has been covenant
defeasance, the amount in such Foreign Currency in which such ACE INA debt
securities are payable, and Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee,
will be sufficient to pay amounts due on such ACE INA debt securities at the
time of the stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on
such ACE INA debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from
such Event of Default. However, ACE INA and ACE would remain liable to make
payment of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.
Subordination of ACE INA Subordinated Debt Securities
The ACE INA subordinated debt securities of each series will, to the extent
set forth in the ACE INA subordinated indenture, be subordinate in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness with respect to
such series. (Section 16.1 of the ACE INA subordinated indenture). Upon any
payment or distribution of assets of ACE INA of any kind or character, whether
in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any dissolution, winding-up,
liquidation or reorganization of ACE INA, whether voluntary or involuntary, or
in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due
upon all Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE INA subordinated debt
securities of any series will first be paid in full, or payment thereof
provided for in money in accordance with its terms, before the holders of ACE
INA subordinated debt securities of such series are entitled to receive or
retain any payment on account of principal of, or any premium or interest on,
or any additional amounts with respect to, the ACE INA subordinated debt
securities of such series, and to that end the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment
thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash,
property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be
payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other Indebtedness of
ACE INA being subordinated to the payment of ACE INA subordinated debt
securities of such series, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of
the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series upon any such
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization or in any such
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceeding. (Section 16.3 of the
ACE INA subordinated indenture)
By reason of such subordination, in the event of liquidation or insolvency of
ACE INA, holders of Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities of any series and holders of other obligations of
ACE INA that are not subordinated to such Senior Indebtedness may recover more,
ratably, than the holders of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such
series.
Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness with respect to the
ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any series, the rights of the holders
of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series will be subrogated
to the rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or
distributions of cash, property or securities of ACE INA applicable to such
Senior Indebtedness until the principal of, any premium and interest on, and
any additional amounts with respect to, the ACE INA subordinated debt
securities of such series have been paid in full. (Section 16.4 of the ACE INA
subordinated indenture)
No payment of principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of
or any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the ACE
INA subordinated debt securities of any series may be made by ACE INA (1) if
any Senior Indebtedness with respect to such series is not paid when due and
any applicable grace period with respect to such default has ended and such
default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or (2) if the maturity
of any Senior Indebtedness with respect to such series has been accelerated
because of a default. (Section 16.2 of the ACE INA subordinated indenture)
The ACE INA subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit ACE INA from
incurring additional Senior Indebtedness, which may include Indebtedness that
is senior to the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any series, but
subordinate to other obligations of ACE INA. The ACE INA senior debt securities
will constitute Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE INA subordinated
debt securities of each series under the ACE INA subordinated indenture.
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The term "Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities of any particular series, all Indebtedness of ACE
INA outstanding at any time, except (1) the ACE INA subordinated debt
securities of such series, (2) Indebtedness as to which, by the terms of the
instrument creating or evidencing the same, it is provided that such
Indebtedness is subordinated to or ranks equally with the ACE INA subordinated
debt securities of such series, (3) Indebtedness of ACE INA to an Affiliate of
ACE INA, (4) interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding unless such interest is an
allowed claim enforceable against ACE INA in a proceeding under federal or
state bankruptcy laws, (5) trade accounts payable and (6) any Indebtedness,
including all other debt securities and guarantees in respect of those debt
securities, initially issued to (x) any ACE Trust or (y) any trust, partnership
or other entity affiliated with ACE which is a financing vehicle of ACE or any
Affiliate of ACE in connection with an issuance by such entity of preferred
securities or other securities which are similar to the preferred securities
described under "Description of Preferred Securities" below that are guaranteed
by ACE pursuant to an instrument that ranks equally with or junior in right of
payment to the preferred securities guarantees described under "Description of
the Preferred Securities Guarantees" below. Senior Indebtedness with respect to
the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any particular series shall
continue to be Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE INA subordinated
debt securities of such series and be entitled to the benefits of the
subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver
of any term of such Senior Indebtedness. (Sections 1.1 and 16.8 of the ACE INA
subordinated indenture)
The ACE INA subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination
provisions, insofar as they relate to any particular series of ACE INA
subordinated debt securities, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such
change would be described in the related prospectus supplement.
Subordination of ACE Guarantee of ACE INA Subordinated Debt Securities
The ACE guarantee of ACE INA subordinated debt securities of each series
will, to the extent set forth in the ACE INA subordinated indenture, be
subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all ACE Senior
Indebtedness with respect to such series. (Section 18.1 of the ACE INA
subordinated indenture) Upon any payment or distribution of assets of ACE of
any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors
upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of ACE, whether
voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other
proceedings, all amounts due upon all ACE Senior Indebtedness with respect to
the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any series will first be paid in
full, or payment thereof provided for in money in accordance with its terms,
before the holders of ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series are
entitled to receive or retain any payment from ACE on account of principal of,
or any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, the
ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series, and to that end the
holders of such ACE Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive, for
application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution by ACE of any
kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such
payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by ACE by reason of
the payment of any other Indebtedness of ACE being subordinated to the payment
of ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series, which may be payable or
deliverable by ACE in respect of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of
such series upon any such dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization or in any such bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other
proceeding. (Section 18.3 of the ACE INA subordinated indenture)
By reason of such subordination, in the event of liquidation or insolvency of
ACE, holders of ACE Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities of any series and holders of other obligations of
ACE that are not subordinated to such ACE Senior Indebtedness may recover more,
ratably, than the holders of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such
series.
Subject to the payment in full of all ACE Senior Indebtedness with respect to
the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of any series, the rights of the
holders of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series under the
ACE guarantee will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such ACE
Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or
securities of ACE applicable to such
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ACE Senior Indebtedness until the principal of, any premium and interest on,
and any additional amounts with respect to, the ACE INA subordinated debt
securities of such series have been paid in full. (Section 18.4 of the ACE INA
subordinated indenture)
No payment of principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of
or any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the ACE
INA subordinated debt securities of any series may be made by ACE (i) if any
ACE Senior Indebtedness with respect to such series is not paid when due and
any applicable grace period with respect to such default has ended and such
default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or (ii) if the
maturity of any ACE Senior Indebtedness with respect to such series has been
accelerated because of a default. (Section 18.2 of the ACE INA subordinated
indenture)
The ACE INA subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit ACE from
incurring additional ACE Senior Indebtedness, which may include Indebtedness
that is senior to the ACE guarantee of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities
of any series, but subordinate to other obligations of ACE. The ACE senior debt
securities will constitute ACE Senior Indebtedness with respect to the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities of each series under the ACE INA subordinated
indenture.
The term "ACE Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to the ACE INA
subordinated debt securities of any particular series, all Indebtedness of ACE
outstanding at any time, except (1) ACE's obligations under the ACE guarantee
in respect of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities of such series, (2)
Indebtedness as to which, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing
the same, it is provided that such Indebtedness is subordinated to or ranks
equally with ACE's obligations under the ACE guarantee in respect of the ACE
subordinated debt securities of such series, (3) Indebtedness of ACE to an
Affiliate of ACE, (4) interest accruing after the filing of a petition
initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding unless such
interest is an allowed claim enforceable against ACE in a proceeding under
federal or state bankruptcy laws, (5) trade accounts payable, (6) ACE's
obligations under the ACE guarantee in respect of the ACE INA subordinated debt
securities of any series initially issued to (x) any ACE Trust or (y) any
trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with ACE which is a financing
vehicle of ACE or any Affiliate of ACE in connection with an issuance by such
entity of preferred securities or other securities which are similar to the
preferred securities described under "Description of Preferred Securities"
below that are guaranteed by ACE pursuant to an instrument that ranks equally
with a junior in right of payment to the preferred securities guarantees
described under "Description of Preferred Securities Guarantees" below and (7)
all preferred securities guarantees and all similar guarantees issued by ACE on
behalf of holders of preferred securities of an ACE Trust or other similar
preferred securities issued by any trust, partnership or other entity
affiliated with ACE which is a financing vehicle for ACE or any affiliate of
ACE.
The ACE INA subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination
provisions, insofar as they relate to any particular series of ACE INA
subordinated debt securities, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such
change would be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
New York Law to Govern
The ACE INA indentures, the ACE INA debt securities and the ACE guarantee
will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
New York applicable to agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each
case, performed in that state. (Section 1.13)
DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRANTS TO PURCHASE
ORDINARY SHARES OR PREFERRED SHARES
The following statements with respect to the ordinary share warrants and
preferred share warrants are summaries of, and subject to, the detailed
provisions of a stock warrant agreement to be entered into by ACE and a stock
warrant agent to be selected at the time of issue. The stock warrant agreement
may include or incorporate by reference standard warrant provisions
substantially in the form of the Standard Stock Warrant Provisions filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
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General
The stock warrants, evidenced by stock warrant certificates, may be issued
under the stock warrant agreement independently or together with any other
securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or
separate from such other offered securities. If stock warrants are offered, the
related prospectus supplement will describe the designation and terms of the
stock warrants, including without limitation the following:
. the offering price, if any;
. the designation and terms of the ordinary shares or preferred shares
purchasable upon exercise of the stock warrants;
. if applicable, the date on and after which the stock warrants and the
related offered securities will be separately transferable;
. the number of ordinary shares or preferred shares purchasable upon
exercise of one stock warrant and the initial price at which such shares
may be purchased upon exercise;
. the date on which the right to exercise the stock warrants shall
commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
. a discussion of certain United States Federal income tax considerations;
. the call provisions, if any;
. the currency, currencies or currency units in which the offering price,
if any, and exercise price are payable;
. the antidilution provisions of the stock warrants; and
. any other terms of the stock warrants.
The ordinary shares or preferred shares issuable upon exercise of the stock
warrants will, when issued in accordance with the stock warrant agreement, be
fully paid and nonassessable.
Exercise of Stock Warrants
Stock warrants may be exercised by surrendering to the stock warrant agent
the stock warrant certificate with the form of election to purchase on the
reverse thereof duly completed and signed by the warrantholder, or its duly
authorized agent (such signature to be guaranteed by a bank or trust company,
by a broker or dealer which is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or by a member of a national securities exchange),
indicating the warrantholder's election to exercise all or a portion of the
stock warrants evidenced by the certificate. Surrendered stock warrant
certificates shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate exercise price of
the stock warrants to be exercised, as set forth in the related prospectus
supplement, in lawful money of the United States, unless otherwise provided in
the related prospectus supplement. Upon receipt thereof by the stock warrant
agent, the stock warrant agent will requisition from the transfer agent for the
ordinary shares or the preferred shares, as the case may be, for issuance and
delivery to or upon the written order of the exercising warrantholder, a
certificate representing the number of ordinary shares or preferred shares
purchased. If less than all of the stock warrants evidenced by any stock
warrant certificate are exercised, the stock warrant agent shall deliver to the
exercising warrantholder a new stock warrant certificate representing the
unexercised stock warrants.
Antidilution and Other Provisions
The exercise price payable and the number of ordinary shares or preferred
shares purchasable upon the exercise of each stock warrant and the number of
stock warrants outstanding will be subject to adjustment in certain events,
including the issuance of a stock dividend to holders of ordinary shares or
preferred shares, respectively, or a combination, subdivision or
reclassification of ordinary shares or preferred shares, respectively. In lieu
of adjusting the number of ordinary shares or preferred shares purchasable upon
exercise of
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each stock warrant, ACE may elect to adjust the number of stock warrants. No
adjustment in the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the stock
warrants will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of
at least 1% thereof. ACE may, at its option, reduce the exercise price at any
time. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of stock warrants, but
ACE will pay the cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of any consolidation, merger, or sale or
conveyance of the property of ACE as an entirety or substantially as an
entirety, the holder of each outstanding stock warrant shall have the right to
the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property
(including cash) receivable by a holder of the number of ordinary shares or
preferred shares into which such stock warrants were exercisable immediately
prior thereto.
No Rights as Shareholders
Holders of stock warrants will not be entitled, by virtue of being such
holders, to vote, to consent, to receive dividends, to receive notice as
shareholders with respect to any meeting of shareholders for the election of
directors of ACE or any other matter, or to exercise any rights whatsoever as
shareholders of ACE.
DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRANTS TO PURCHASE DEBT SECURITIES
The following statements with respect to the debt warrants are summaries of,
and subject to, the detailed provisions of a debt warrant agreement to be
entered into by ACE and a debt warrant agent to be selected at the time of
issue. The debt warrant agreement may include or incorporate by reference
standard warrant provisions substantially in the form of the Standard Debt
Securities Warrant Provisions filed as an exhibit to the registration statement
of which this prospectus forms a part.
General
The debt warrants, evidenced by debt warrant certificates, may be issued
under the debt warrant agreement independently or together with any other
securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or
separate from such other offered securities. If debt warrants are offered, the
related prospectus supplement will describe the designation and terms of the
debt warrants, including without limitation the following:
.the offering price, if any;
. the designation, aggregate principal amount and terms of the ACE debt
securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants;
. if applicable, the date on and after which the debt warrants and the
related offered securities will be separately transferable;
. the principal amount of ACE debt securities purchasable upon exercise of
one debt warrant and the price at which such principal amount of ACE
debt securities may be purchased upon exercise;
. the date on which the right to exercise the debt warrants shall commence
and the date on which such right shall expire;
. a discussion of certain United States Federal income tax considerations;
. whether the warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates will
be issued in registered or bearer form;
. the currency, currencies or currency units in which the offering price,
if any, and exercise price are payable;
. the antidilution provisions of the debt warrants; and
. any other terms of the debt warrants.
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Warrantholders will not have any of the rights of holders of ACE debt
securities, including the right to receive the payment of principal of, any
premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, the ACE debt
securities or to enforce any of the covenants of the ACE debt securities or the
applicable ACE indenture except as otherwise provided in the applicable ACE
indenture.
Exercise of Debt Warrants
Debt warrants may be exercised by surrendering the debt warrant certificate
at the office of the debt warrant agent, with the form of election to purchase
on the reverse side of the debt warrant certificate properly completed and
executed (with signature(s) guaranteed by a bank or trust company, by a broker
or dealer which is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. or by a member of a national securities exchange), and by payment in full
of the exercise price, as set forth in the related prospectus supplement. Upon
the exercise of debt warrants, ACE will issue the ACE debt securities in
authorized denominations in accordance with the instructions of the exercising
warrantholder. If less than all of the debt warrants evidenced by the debt
warrant certificate are exercised, a new debt warrant certificate will be
issued for the remaining number of debt warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
Each ACE Trust will be governed by the terms of the applicable restated trust
agreement. Under the restated trust agreement of an ACE Trust, the ACE Trust
may issue, from time to time, only one series of preferred securities. The
preferred securities will have the terms set forth in the restated trust
agreement or made a part of the restated trust agreement by the Trust Indenture
Act, and described in the related prospectus supplement. These terms will
mirror the terms of the ACE INA subordinated debt securities purchased by the
ACE Trust using the proceeds from the sale of its preferred securities and its
common securities. The ACE INA subordinated debt securities issued to an ACE
Trust will be guaranteed by ACE on a subordinated basis and are referred to as
the "corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities" relating to that ACE
Trust. See "Use of Proceeds."
The following summary sets forth the material terms and provisions of each
restated trust agreement and the preferred securities to which any prospectus
supplement relates. Because this summary is not complete, you should refer to
the form of restated trust agreement and to the Trust Indenture Act for
complete information regarding the terms and provisions of that agreement and
of the preferred securities, including the definitions of some of the terms
used below. The form of restated trust agreement filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part is incorporated by
reference in this summary. Whenever particular sections or defined terms of a
restated trust agreement are referred to, such sections or defined terms are
incorporated herein by reference, and the statements in connection with which
such reference is made is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
Issuance, Status and Guarantee of Preferred Securities
Under the terms of the restated trust agreement for each ACE Trust, the
Administrative Trustees will issue the preferred securities on behalf of that
ACE Trust. The preferred securities will represent preferred beneficial
interests in the ACE Trust and the holders of the preferred securities will be
entitled to a preference in certain circumstances as regards distributions and
amounts payable on redemption or liquidation over the common securities of such
ACE Trust, as well as other benefits under the corresponding restated trust
agreement. The preferred securities of an ACE Trust will rank equally, and
payments will be made on the preferred securities pro rata, with the common
securities of that ACE Trust except as described under "--Subordination of
Common Securities." The Property Trustee will hold legal title to the
corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities in trust for the benefit of
the holders of the related preferred securities and common securities. The
common securities and the preferred securities of an ACE Trust are collectively
referred to as the "trust securities" of that ACE Trust.
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ACE will issue a guarantee agreement for the benefit of the holders of each
ACE Trust's preferred securities (the "preferred securities guarantee" for
those preferred securities). Under each preferred securities guarantee, ACE
will guarantee on a subordinated basis payment of distributions on the related
preferred securities and amounts payable on redemption or liquidation of such
preferred securities, but only to the extent that the related ACE Trust has
funds on hand to make such payments. See "Description of Preferred Securities
Guarantees."
Distributions
Distributions on the preferred securities will be cumulative, will accumulate
from the original issue date and will be payable on the dates as specified in
the related prospectus supplement. In the event that any date on which
distributions are payable on the preferred securities is not a Business Day,
payment of the distribution payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any additional distributions
or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business
Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, payment of such distribution shall
be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same
force and effect as if made on the date such payment was originally payable
(each date on which distributions are payable in accordance with the foregoing,
a "distribution date"). (Section 4.1). A "Business Day" is any day other than a
Saturday or a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New
York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or a
day on which the corporate trust office of the Property Trustee or the trustee
for the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities is closed for
business. (Section 1.1).
Distributions on each preferred security will be payable at a rate specified
in the related prospectus supplement. The amount of distributions payable for
any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement.
Distributions to which holders of preferred securities are entitled will
accumulate additional distributions at the rate per annum if and as specified
in the related prospectus supplement. References to "distributions" include any
accumulated or additional distributions unless otherwise stated. (Section 4.1).
If provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, ACE INA has the right
under the ACE INA subordinated indenture to defer the payment of interest at
any time or from time to time on any series of corresponding ACE INA
subordinated debt securities for an Extension Period which will be specified in
the related prospectus supplement. No Extension Period may extend beyond the
stated maturity of the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities. See
"Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee--Option to Extend
Interest Payment Date." As a consequence of any such extension, distributions
on the corresponding preferred securities would be deferred (but would continue
to accumulate additional distributions at the rate per annum set forth in the
prospectus supplement for such preferred securities, which will match the
interest rate payable on the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities
during the Extension Period) by the ACE Trust which issued such preferred
securities during any such Extension Period. (Section 4.1)
The funds of each ACE Trust available for distribution to holders of its
preferred securities will be limited to payments under the corresponding ACE
INA subordinated debt securities in which the ACE Trust will invest the
proceeds from the issuance and sale of its trust securities. If ACE INA or ACE
does not make interest payments on those corresponding ACE INA subordinated
debt securities, the Property Trustee will not have funds available to pay
distributions on the related preferred securities. The payment of distributions
(if and to the extent the ACE Trust has funds legally available for the payment
of such distributions and cash sufficient to make such payments) is guaranteed
by ACE on a limited basis as set forth herein under "Description of Preferred
Securities Guarantees."
Distributions on the preferred securities will be payable to the holders
thereof as they appear on the register of such ACE Trust on the relevant record
dates. As long as the preferred securities remain in book- entry form, the
record dates will be one Business Day prior to the relevant distribution dates.
Subject to any
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applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of the applicable restated
trust agreement, each distribution payment will be made as described under
"Global Preferred Securities." In the event any preferred securities are not in
book-entry form, the relevant record date for such preferred securities will be
the date at least 15 days prior to the relevant distribution date, as specified
in the related prospectus supplement. (Section 4.1)
Redemption or Exchange
Mandatory Redemption. Upon any repayment or redemption, in whole or in part,
of any corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities held by an ACE Trust,
whether at stated maturity, upon earlier redemption or otherwise, the proceeds
from such repayment or redemption shall simultaneously be applied by the
Property Trustee, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to holders
of trust securities, to redeem, on a pro rata basis, preferred securities and
common securities having an aggregate stated liquidation amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities so repaid or redeemed. The redemption price per trust security will
be equal to the stated liquidation amount thereof plus accumulated and unpaid
distributions thereon to the date of redemption, plus the related amount of
premium, if any, and any additional amounts paid by ACE INA or ACE upon the
concurrent repayment or redemption of the corresponding ACE INA subordinated
debt securities (the "redemption price"). (Section 4.2) If less than all of any
series of corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities are to be repaid
or redeemed on a redemption date, then the proceeds from such repayment or
redemption shall be allocated to the redemption pro rata of the related
preferred securities and the common securities. (Section 4.2)
ACE INA will have the right to redeem any series of corresponding ACE INA
subordinated debt securities (1) at any time, in whole but not in part, upon
the occurrence of a Special Event and subject to the further conditions
described under "Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee--
Redemption," or (2) as may be otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Special Event Redemption or Distribution of Corresponding ACE INA
Subordinated Debt Securities. If a Special Event relating to the preferred
securities and common securities of an ACE Trust shall occur and be continuing,
ACE INA has the right to redeem the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities, in whole but not in part, and thereby cause a mandatory redemption
of such preferred securities and common securities, in whole but not in part,
at the redemption price within 90 days following the occurrence of the Special
Event. At any time, ACE INA has the right to dissolve the related ACE Trust and
after satisfaction of the liabilities of creditors of such ACE Trust as
provided by applicable law, cause such corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities to be distributed to the holders of such preferred securities and
common securities in liquidation of the ACE Trust. If ACE INA does not elect to
redeem the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities upon the
occurrence of a Special Event, the applicable preferred securities will remain
outstanding, and in the event a Tax Event has occurred and is continuing,
Additional Sums may be payable on the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities. "Additional Sums" means the additional amounts as may be necessary
in order that the amount of distributions then due and payable by an ACE Trust
on the outstanding preferred securities and common securities of the ACE Trust
shall not be reduced as a result of any additional taxes, duties and other
governmental charges to which such ACE Trust has become subject as a result of
a Tax Event. (Section 1.1)
On and from the date fixed for any distribution of corresponding ACE INA
subordinated debt securities upon dissolution of an ACE Trust (1) the trust
securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, (2) the depositary or
its nominee, as the record holder of the applicable preferred securities, will
receive a registered global certificate or certificates representing the
corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities to be delivered upon such
distribution, upon surrender of the related preferred securities certificates
for exchange and (3) any certificates representing such preferred securities
not so surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent beneficial
interests in the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of
such preferred securities, and accruing interest at the rate provided for in
such debt securities (which will equal the distribution rate on the preferred
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securities) until such certificates are presented to the Administrative
Trustees or their agent for exchange. (Section 9.4)
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the preferred
securities or the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities that may
be distributed in exchange for preferred securities if a dissolution and
liquidation of an ACE Trust were to occur. Accordingly, the preferred
securities that you may purchase, or the corresponding ACE INA subordinated
debt securities that you may receive on dissolution and liquidation of an ACE
Trust, may trade at a discount to the price that you paid to purchase the
preferred securities.
Redemption Procedures
Preferred securities redeemed on each redemption date shall be redeemed at
the redemption price with the applicable proceeds from the contemporaneous
redemption of the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities.
Redemptions of the preferred securities shall be made and the redemption price
shall be payable on each redemption date only to the extent that the related
ACE Trust has funds on hand available for the payment of such redemption price.
See also "--Subordination of Common Securities."
If an ACE Trust gives a notice of redemption (which notice will be
irrevocable) in respect of its preferred securities, then, by 12:00 noon, New
York City time, on the redemption date, to the extent funds are available, the
Property Trustee will deposit irrevocably with the depositary for the preferred
securities funds sufficient to pay the applicable redemption price and will
give the depositary irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the
redemption price to the holders of such preferred securities. If such preferred
securities are no longer in book-entry form, the Property Trustee, to the
extent funds are available, will irrevocably deposit with the paying agent for
such preferred securities funds sufficient to pay the applicable redemption
price and will give such paying agent irrevocable instructions and authority to
pay the redemption price to the holders thereof upon surrender of their
certificates evidencing such preferred securities. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, distributions payable on or prior to the redemption date for any
preferred securities called for redemption shall be payable to the holders of
such preferred securities on the relevant record dates for the related
distribution dates. If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds
deposited as required, then immediately prior to the close of business on the
date of such deposit, all rights of the holders of such preferred securities so
called for redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of such
preferred securities to receive the redemption price, but without interest, and
such preferred securities will cease to be outstanding. In the event that any
date on which any redemption price is payable is not a Business Day, then
payment of the redemption price payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls
in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date. In the event that payment of the redemption price in respect of
preferred securities called for redemption is improperly withheld or refused
and not paid either by the ACE Trust or by ACE pursuant to the preferred
securities guarantee as described under "Description of Preferred Securities
Guarantees", distributions on such preferred securities will continue to
accumulate at the then applicable rate, from the redemption date originally
established by the ACE Trust for such preferred securities to the date such
redemption price is actually paid, in which case the actual payment date will
be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the redemption
price.
Subject to applicable law (including, without limitation, United States
Federal securities law), ACE or its subsidiaries, including ACE INA, may at any
time and from time to time purchase outstanding preferred securities by tender,
in the open market or by private agreement.
Payment of the redemption price on the preferred securities shall be made to
the applicable recordholders as they appear on the register for such preferred
securities on the relevant record date, which shall be one Business Day prior
to the relevant redemption date; provided, however, that in the event that any
preferred securities are not in book-entry form, the relevant record date for
such preferred securities shall be a date at least 15 days prior to the
redemption date, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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If less than all of the preferred securities and common securities issued by
an ACE Trust are to be redeemed on a redemption date, then the aggregate
liquidation amount of such preferred securities and common securities to be
redeemed shall be allocated pro rata to the preferred securities and the common
securities based upon the relative liquidation amounts of such classes. The
particular preferred securities to be redeemed shall be selected on a pro rata
basis not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the Property
Trustee from the outstanding preferred securities not previously called for
redemption, by such method (including without limitation by lot) as the
Property Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate. The Property Trustee shall
promptly notify the trust registrar in writing of the preferred securities
selected for redemption and, in the case of any preferred securities selected
for partial redemption, the liquidation amount thereof to be redeemed. For all
purposes of each restated trust agreement, unless the context otherwise
requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of preferred securities
shall relate, in the case of any preferred securities redeemed or to be
redeemed only in part, to the portion of the liquidation amount of preferred
securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of trust securities to be
redeemed at its registered address. Unless each of ACE INA and ACE defaults in
payment of the redemption price on the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on
such ACE INA subordinated debt securities or portions thereof (and
distributions will cease to accrue on the related preferred securities or
portions thereof) called for redemption. (Section 4.2)
Subordination of Common Securities
Payment of distributions on, and the redemption price of, each ACE Trust's
preferred securities and common securities, as applicable, shall be made pro
rata based on the liquidation amount of such preferred securities and common
securities; provided, however, that if on any distribution date or redemption
date an event of default under the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities shall have occurred and be continuing, no payment of any
distribution on, or redemption price of, any of the ACE Trust's common
securities, and no other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or
other acquisition of such common securities, shall be made unless payment in
full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid distributions on all of the ACE
Trust's outstanding preferred securities for all distribution periods
terminating on or prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the redemption
price the full amount of such redemption price on all of the ACE Trust's
outstanding preferred securities then called for redemption, shall have been
made or provided for, and all funds available to the Property Trustee shall
first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all distributions on, or
redemption price of, the ACE Trust's preferred securities then due and payable.
In the case of any Event of Default under the restated trust agreement
resulting from a event of default under the corresponding ACE INA subordinated
debt securities, the holder of such ACE Trust's common securities will be
deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to any such Event of
Default under the applicable restated trust agreement until the effect of all
such Events of Default with respect to such preferred securities have been
cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any such Events of Default under
the applicable restated trust agreement with respect to the preferred
securities have been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property
Trustee shall act solely on behalf of the holders of such preferred securities
and not on behalf of the holder of the ACE Trust's common securities, and only
the holders of such preferred securities will have the right to direct the
Property Trustee to act on their behalf. (Section 4.3)
Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution of ACE Trust
Pursuant to each restated trust agreement, each ACE Trust shall automatically
dissolve upon expiration of its term and shall dissolve on the first to occur
of:
1. certain events of bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation of ACE INA or
ACE;
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2. the written direction to the Property Trustee from ACE INA, as
Depositor, at any time (which direction is optional and wholly within the
discretion of ACE INA, as Depositor) to dissolve the ACE Trust and
distribute corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount
of the trust securities to the holders of the trust securities in exchange
for the trust securities;
3. the redemption of all of the ACE Trust's trust securities following a
Special Event;
4. the redemption of all of the ACE Trust's preferred securities as
described under "Description of Preferred Securities--Redemption or
Exchange--Mandatory Redemption"; and
5. the entry of an order for the dissolution of the ACE Trust by a court
of competent jurisdiction. (Section 9.2)
If an early dissolution occurs as described in clause (1), (2) or (5) above
or upon the date designated for automatic dissolution of the ACE Trust, the ACE
Trust shall be liquidated by the ACE Trustees as expeditiously as the ACE
Trustees determine to be possible by distributing, after satisfaction of
liabilities to creditors of such ACE Trust as provided by applicable law, to
the holders of such trust securities corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of the trust securities. However, if such distribution is
determined by the Property Trustee not to be practical, such holders will be
entitled to receive out of the assets of the ACE Trust available for
distribution to holders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of such
ACE Trust as provided by applicable law, an amount equal to, in the case of
holders of preferred securities, the aggregate of the liquidation amount plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment (such
amount being the "Liquidation Distribution"). If such Liquidation Distribution
can be paid only in part because such ACE Trust has insufficient assets
available to pay in full the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the
amounts payable directly by such ACE Trust on its preferred securities shall be
paid on a pro rata basis. The Holder of such ACE Trust's common securities will
be entitled to receive distributions upon any such liquidation pro rata with
the holders of its preferred securities, except that if an event of default
under the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities has occurred and
is continuing, the preferred securities shall have a priority over the common
securities. (Section 9.4)
Events of Default; Notice
Any one of the following events constitutes an "Event of Default" under each
restated trust agreement with respect to the applicable preferred securities
(whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be
voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any
administrative or governmental body):
(1) the occurrence of an event of default in respect of the corresponding
ACE INA subordinated debt securities (see "Description of ACE INA Debt
Securities and ACE Guarantee--Events of Default"); or
(2) default by the Property Trustee in the payment of any distribution when
it becomes due and payable, and continuation of such default for a
period of 30 days; or
(3) default by the Property Trustee in the payment of any redemption price
of any trust security when it becomes due and payable; or
(4) default in the performance, or breach, in any material respect, of any
covenant or warranty of the ACE Trustees in such restated trust
agreement (other than a covenant or warranty a default in the
performance of which or the breach of which is dealt with in clause (2)
or (3) above), and continuation of such default or breach for a period
of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail,
to the defaulting ACE Trustee or Trustees by the holders of at least
25% in aggregate liquidation preference of the outstanding preferred
securities of the applicable ACE Trust, a written notice specifying
such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that
such notice is a "Notice of Default" under such restated trust
agreement; or
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(5) the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with
respect to the Property Trustee and the failure by ACE INA, as
Depositor, to appoint a successor Property Trustee within 60 days
thereof. (Section 1.1)
Within five Business Days after the occurrence of any Event of Default
actually known to the Property Trustee, the Property Trustee shall transmit
notice of such Event of Default to the holders of such ACE Trust's preferred
securities, the Administrative Trustees and ACE INA, as Depositor, unless such
Event of Default shall have been cured or waived. (Section 8.2) ACE INA, as
Depositor, and the Administrative Trustees are required to file annually with
the Property Trustee a certificate as to whether or not they are in compliance
with all the conditions and covenants applicable to them under each restated
trust agreement. (Sections 8.15 and 8.16)
If an event of default under the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities has occurred and is continuing, the preferred securities shall have
a preference over the common securities upon dissolution of each ACE Trust as
described above. See "--Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution of ACE
Trust." The existence of an Event of Default under the restated trust agreement
does not entitle the holders of preferred securities to accelerate the maturity
thereof.
Removal of ACE Trustees
Unless a event of default under the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities shall have occurred and be continuing, any ACE Trustee may be
removed at any time by the holder of the common securities. If an event of
default under the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities has
occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee may
be removed at such time by the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of
the outstanding preferred securities. In no event will the holders of the
preferred securities have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the
Administrative Trustees, which voting rights are vested exclusively in the
holder of the common securities. No resignation or removal of an ACE Trustee
and no appointment of a successor trustee shall be effective until the
acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee in accordance with the
provisions of the applicable restated trust agreement.
(Section 8.10)
Co-Trustees and Separate Property Trustee
Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, at any time
or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust
Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the property of any
ACE Trust may at the time be located, ACE INA, as Depositor, and the
Administrative Trustees shall have power to appoint one or more persons either
to act as a co-trustee, jointly with the Property Trustee, of all or any part
of the property of such ACE Trust, or to act as separate trustee of any such
property, in either case with such powers as may be provided in the instrument
of appointment, and to vest in such person or persons in such capacity any
property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to the
provisions of the applicable restated trust agreement. In case an event of
default under the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities has
occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee alone shall have power to make
such appointment. (Section 8.9)
Merger or Consolidation of ACE Trustees
Any corporation into which the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or any
Administrative Trustee that is not a natural person may be merged or converted
or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any
merger, conversion or consolidation to which such ACE Trustee shall be a party
shall be the successor of such ACE Trustee under each restated trust agreement,
provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible. (Section
8.12)
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Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the ACE Trusts
An ACE Trust may not merge with or into, convert into, consolidate,
amalgamate, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other entity, except
as described below or as described in "Liquidation Distribution Upon
Dissolution of ACE Trust." An ACE Trust may, at the request of ACE INA, with
the consent of only the Administrative Trustees and without the consent of the
holders of the preferred securities, merge with or into, convert into,
consolidate, amalgamate, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized as such
under the laws of any State, provided, that
1. such successor entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the
obligations of such ACE Trust with respect to the preferred securities or
(b) substitutes for the preferred securities other securities having
substantially the same terms as the preferred securities (the "Successor
Securities") so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as the
preferred securities rank in priority with respect to distributions and
payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise,
2. ACE expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing
the same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of the
corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities,
3. the Successor Securities are listed or traded, or any Successor
Securities will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any national
securities exchange or other organization on which the preferred securities
are then listed or traded, if any,
4. such merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement,
conveyance, transfer or lease does not cause the preferred securities
(including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally
recognized statistical rating organization,
5. such merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement,
conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights,
preferences and privileges of the holders of the preferred securities
(including any Successor Securities) in any material respect,
6. such successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of
the ACE Trust,
7. prior to such merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation,
replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, ACE INA has received an opinion
from independent counsel to the ACE Trust experienced in such matters to
the effect that (a) such merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation,
replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the preferred
securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect,
and (b) following such merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation,
replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, neither the ACE Trust nor any
successor entity will be required to register as an "investment company"
under the Investment Company Act, and
8. ACE INA or any permitted successor or assignee owns all of the common
securities of such successor entity and guarantees the obligations of such
successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent
provided by the preferred securities guarantee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ACE Trust shall not, except with the
consent of holders of 100% in liquidation amount of the preferred securities,
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert into, or be replaced by or
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, convert into, or replace it if such
consolidation, amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease
would cause the ACE Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other
than a grantor trust for United States Federal income tax purposes. (Section
9.5)
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Voting and Preemptive Rights
Except as provided below and under "--Removal of ACE Trustees," "Description
of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee--Events of Default," "Description
of Preferred Securities Guarantees--Amendments and Assignment" and as otherwise
required by law and the applicable restated trust agreement, the holders of the
preferred securities will have no voting rights. Holders of the preferred
securities have no preemptive or similar rights. (Sections 5.14 and 6.1)
Amendment of Restated Trust Agreements
Each restated trust agreement may be amended from time to time by ACE INA and
the ACE Trustees, without the consent of the holders of the trust securities:
1. to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provisions in such
restated trust agreement that may be inconsistent with any other provision,
or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions
arising under such restated trust agreement, which shall not be
inconsistent with the other provisions of such restated trust agreement, or
2. to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of such restated trust
agreement to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the ACE Trust
will be classified for United States Federal income tax purposes as a
grantor trust at all times that any trust securities are outstanding or to
ensure that the ACE Trust will not be required to register as an
"investment company" under the Investment Company Act;
provided, however, that in the case of clause (1), such action shall not
adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any holder of trust
securities. Any such amendments of a restated trust agreement shall become
effective when notice thereof is given to the holders of trust securities of
the applicable ACE Trust.
Each restated trust agreement may be amended by the ACE Trustees and ACE INA
with the consent of holders representing not less than a majority (based upon
liquidation amounts) of the outstanding trust securities, and receipt by the
ACE Trustees of an opinion of counsel to the effect that such amendment or the
exercise of any power granted to the ACE Trustees in accordance with such
amendment will not affect the ACE Trust's status as a grantor trust for United
States Federal income tax purposes or the ACE Trust's exemption from status as
an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act. However, without the
consent of each holder of trust securities, such restated trust agreement may
not be amended to:
1. change the amount or timing of any distribution on the trust
securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any distribution
required to be made in respect of the trust securities as of a specified
date, or
2. restrict the right of a holder of trust securities to institute suit
for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date. (Section
10.2)
So long as any corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities are held by
the Property Trustee, the ACE Trustees shall not:
1. direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the trustee under the ACE INA subordinated indenture,
or executing any trust or power conferred on that trustee with respect to
such corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities,
2. waive any past default that is waivable under Section 5.13 of the ACE
INA subordinated indenture (as described in "Description of the ACE INA
Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee-- Modification and Waiver"),
3. exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the
principal of all the ACE INA subordinated debt securities shall be due and
payable, or
4. consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the ACE INA
subordinated indenture or such corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities, where such consent shall be required,
without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the holders of a
majority in aggregate liquidation amount of all outstanding preferred
securities.
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However, where a consent under the ACE INA subordinated indenture would
require the consent of each holder of corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities affected thereby, no such consent shall be given by the Property
Trustee without the prior consent of each holder of the corresponding preferred
securities. The ACE Trustees shall not revoke any action previously authorized
or approved by a vote of the holders of the preferred securities except by
subsequent vote of the holders of the preferred securities. The Property
Trustee shall notify each holder of preferred securities of any notice of
default with respect to the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt securities.
In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the holders of the
preferred securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the ACE
Trustees shall obtain an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the
effect that the ACE Trust will not be classified as an association taxable as a
corporation for United States Federal income tax purposes on account of such
action. (Section 6.1)
Any required approval or action of holders of preferred securities may be
given or taken at a meeting of holders of preferred securities convened for
such purpose or pursuant to written consent. The Property Trustee will cause a
notice of any meeting at which holders of preferred securities are entitled to
vote to be given to each holder of record of preferred securities in the manner
set forth in each restated trust agreement. (Sections 6.2, 6.3 and 6.6)
No vote or consent of the holders of preferred securities will be required
for an ACE Trust to redeem and cancel its preferred securities in accordance
with the applicable restated trust agreement.
Notwithstanding that holders of preferred securities are entitled to vote or
consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the preferred
securities that are owned by ACE INA, the ACE Trustees or any affiliate of ACE
INA or any ACE Trustees, shall, for purposes of such vote or consent, be
treated as if they were not outstanding.
Global Preferred Securities
The preferred securities of an ACE Trust may be issued in whole or in part in
the form of one or more global preferred securities that will be deposited
with, or on behalf of, the depositary identified in the prospectus supplement.
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to the
preferred securities of an ACE Trust will be described in the related
prospectus supplement. ACE INA anticipates that the following provisions will
generally apply to depositary arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a global preferred security, and the deposit of such
global preferred security with or on behalf of the depositary, the depositary
for such global preferred security or its nominee will credit, on its bookentry
registration and transfer system, the respective aggregate liquidation amounts
of the individual preferred securities represented by such global preferred
securities to the accounts of participants. Such accounts shall be designated
by the underwriters or agents with respect to such preferred securities or by
ACE INA if such preferred securities are offered and sold directly by ACE INA.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global preferred security will be
limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through
participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such global preferred
security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected
only through, records maintained by the depositary or its nominee (with respect
to interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to
interests of persons who hold through participants). The laws of some states
require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability
to transfer beneficial interests in a global preferred security.
So long as the depositary for a global preferred security, or its nominee, is
the registered owner of such global preferred security, such depositary or such
nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the
preferred securities represented by such global preferred security for all
purposes under the restated trust agreement governing such preferred
securities. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial
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interests in a global preferred security will not be entitled to have any of
the individual preferred securities represented by such global preferred
security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive
physical delivery of any such preferred securities in definitive form and will
not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the restated trust
agreement.
Payments of any liquidation amount, premium or distributions in respect of
individual preferred securities registered in the name of a depositary or its
nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as
the registered owner of the global preferred security representing such
preferred securities. None of ACE, ACE INA, the Property Trustee, any paying
agent, or the securities registrar for such preferred securities will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of the global
preferred security representing such preferred securities or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership
interests.
ACE INA expects that the depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any
payment in respect of a global preferred security representing any ACE Trust's
preferred securities, will credit immediately participants' accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in
the aggregate liquidation amount of such global preferred security for such
preferred securities as shown on the records of such depositary or its nominee.
ACE INA also expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial
interests in such global preferred security held through such participants will
be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the
case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or
registered in "street name" and will be the responsibility of such
participants.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
restated trust agreement of each ACE Trust will provide that (1) if ACE INA
advises the ACE Trustees in writing that the depositary is no longer willing or
able to act as depositary and ACE fails to appoint a qualified successor within
90 days, (2) ACE INA at its option advises the ACE Trustees in writing that it
elects to terminate the book-entry system through the depositary or (3) after
the occurrence of an event of default under the corresponding ACE INA
subordinated debt securities, owners of preferred securities representing at
least a majority of liquidation amount of such preferred securities advise the
Property Trustee in writing that the continuation of a book-entry system
through the depositary is no longer in their best interests, then the global
preferred securities will be exchanged for preferred securities in definitive
form in accordance with the instructions of the depositary. It is expected that
such instructions may be based upon directions received by the depositary from
participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in global
preferred securities. Individual preferred securities so issued will be issued
in authorized denominations.
Payment and Paying Agency
Payments of distributions in respect of the preferred securities shall be
made to the depositary, which shall credit the relevant accounts at the
depositary on the applicable distribution dates or, if any ACE Trust's
preferred securities are not held by the depositary, such payments shall be
made by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled thereto as such
address shall appear on the register that ACE Trust. (Section 4.4) Unless
otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the paying agent
shall initially be The First National Bank of Chicago and any co-paying agent
chosen by The First National Bank of Chicago and acceptable to the
Administrative Trustees and ACE. The paying agent shall be permitted to resign
as paying agent upon 30 days written notice to the Administrative Trustees, the
Property Trustee and ACE INA. In the event The First National Bank of Chicago
shall no longer be the paying agent, the Administrative Trustees shall appoint
a successor (which shall be a bank or trust company acceptable to the
Administrative Trustees and ACE INA) to act as paying agent. (Section 5.9)
Registrar and Transfer Agent
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, The First
National Bank of Chicago will act as registrar and transfer agent for the
preferred securities.
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Registration of transfers and exchanges of preferred securities will be
effected without charge by or on behalf of each ACE Trust, but upon payment of
any tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed in connection with
any transfer or exchange. The ACE Trusts will not be required to register or
cause to be registered the transfer of their preferred securities after such
preferred securities have been called for redemption. (Section 5.4)
Information Concerning the Property Trustee
The Property Trustee undertakes to perform only those duties specifically set
forth in each restated trust agreement, provided that it must exercise the same
degree of care as a prudent person would exercise in the conduct of his or her
own affairs. Subject to this provision, the Property Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the applicable
restated trust agreement at the request of any holder of preferred securities
unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and
liabilities that might be incurred thereby. If in performing its duties under
the restated trust agreement, the Property Trustee is required to decide
between alternative causes of action, construe ambiguous provisions in the
applicable restated trust agreement or is unsure of the application of any
provision of the applicable restated trust agreement, and the matter is not one
on which holders of preferred securities are entitled under such restated trust
agreement to vote, then the Property Trustee shall take such action as is
directed by ACE INA. If it is not so directed, the Property Trustee shall take
such action as it deems advisable and in the best interests of the holders of
the trust securities and will have no liability except for its own bad faith,
negligence or willful misconduct. (Sections 8.1 and 8.3)
Administrative Trustees
The Administrative Trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the
affairs of and to operate the ACE Trusts in such a way that no ACE Trust will
be deemed to be an "investment company" required to be registered under the
Investment Company Act or classified as an association taxable as a corporation
for United States Federal income tax purposes and so that the corresponding ACE
INA subordinated debt securities will be treated as indebtedness of ACE INA for
United States Federal income tax purposes. In this connection, ACE INA and the
Administrative Trustees are authorized to take any action not inconsistent with
applicable law, the certificate of trust of each ACE Trust or each restated
trust agreement, that ACE INA and the Administrative Trustees determine in
their discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as
such action does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders
of the related preferred securities.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
Concurrently with the issuance by each ACE Trust of its preferred securities,
ACE will execute and deliver a preferred securities guarantee for the benefit
of the holders from time to time of such preferred securities. The First
National Bank of Chicago will act as indenture trustee ("Guarantee Trustee")
under each preferred securities guarantee for the purposes of compliance with
the Trust Indenture Act, and each preferred securities guarantee will be
qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Because the following
summary of certain provisions of the preferred securities guarantees is not
complete, you should refer to the form of preferred securities guarantee and
the Trust Indenture Act for more complete information regarding the provisions
of each preferred securities guarantee, including the definitions of some of
the terms used below. The form of the preferred securities guarantee has been
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus
forms a part. Reference in this summary to preferred securities means that ACE
Trust's preferred securities to which a preferred securities guarantee relates.
The Guarantee Trustee will hold each preferred securities guarantee for the
benefit of the holders of the related ACE Trust's preferred securities.
General
ACE will irrevocably agree to pay in full on a subordinated basis, to the
extent described herein, the Guarantee Payments (as defined below) (without
duplication of amounts theretofore paid by or on behalf of the ACE Trust) to
the holders of the preferred securities, as and when due, regardless of any
defense, right of setoff
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or counterclaim that such ACE Trust may have or assert other than the defense
of payment. The following payments with respect to the preferred securities, to
the extent not paid by or on behalf of the related ACE Trust (the "Guarantee
Payments"), will be subject to the preferred securities guarantee:
1. any accrued and unpaid distributions required to be paid on such
preferred securities, to the extent that the ACE Trust has funds on hand
available for payment at such time,
2. the redemption price, including all accrued and unpaid distributions
to the redemption date, with respect to any preferred securities called for
redemption, to the extent that the ACE Trust has funds on hand available
for payment at such time, and
3. upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding up or liquidation
of the ACE Trust (unless the corresponding ACE INA subordinated debt
securities are distributed to holders of such preferred securities), the
lesser of (a) the Liquidation Distribution, to the extent such ACE Trust
has funds available for payment at such time and (b) the amount of assets
of such ACE Trust remaining available for distribution to holders of
preferred securities.
ACE's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct
payment of the required amounts by ACE to the holders of the applicable
preferred securities or by causing the ACE Trust to pay such amounts to such
holders. (Section 5.1)
Each preferred securities guarantee will be an irrevocable guarantee on a
subordinated basis of the related ACE Trust's payment obligations under the
preferred securities, but will apply only to the extent that such related ACE
Trust has funds sufficient to make such payments. Each preferred securities
guarantee is, to that extent, a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of
collection. See "--Status of the Preferred Securities Guarantees."
If ACE INA or ACE does not make interest payments on the corresponding ACE
INA subordinated debt securities held by an ACE Trust, the ACE Trust will not
be able to pay distributions on the preferred securities and will not have
funds legally available for payment. Each preferred securities guarantee will
rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of
ACE (including all ACE debt securities and ACE's obligations as guarantor under
the ACE INA subordinated indenture) as described below under "--Status of the
Preferred Securities Guarantees" and in the related prospectus supplement.
Because ACE is a holding company, its rights and the rights of its creditors
(including the holders of preferred securities who are creditors of ACE by
virtue of a preferred securities guarantee) and shareholders, to participate in
any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon such subsidiary's liquidation
or reorganization or otherwise would be subject to the prior claims of the
subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that ACE may itself be a creditor
with recognized claims against the subsidiary. The right of creditors of ACE
(including the holders of preferred securities who are creditors of ACE by
virtue of a preferred securities guarantee) to participate in the distribution
of stock owned by ACE in certain of its subsidiaries, including ACE's insurance
subsidiaries, may also be subject to approval by certain insurance regulatory
authorities having jurisdiction over such subsidiaries. Except as otherwise
provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred securities
guarantees do not limit the ability of ACE or ACE INA to incur or issue other
secured or unsecured debt, whether under an indenture or otherwise.
ACE's obligations described herein and in any accompanying prospectus
supplement, through the applicable preferred securities guarantee, the ACE INA
subordinated indenture (including the ACE guarantee of the ACE INA subordinated
debt securities) and any supplemental indentures thereto and the expense
agreement described below, taken together, constitute a full, irrevocable and
unconditional guarantee by ACE of payments due on the preferred securities. No
single document standing alone or operating in conjunction with fewer than all
of the other documents constitutes such guarantee. It is only the combined
operation of these documents that has the effect of providing a full,
irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of the ACE Trust's obligations under
the preferred securities. See "The ACE Trusts," "Description of Preferred
Securities," and "Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee."
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ACE will also agree to guarantee the obligations of each ACE Trust with
respect to the common securities issued by the ACE Trust to the same extent as
under the preferred securities guarantee, except that if an Event of Default
under the ACE INA subordinated indenture has occurred and is continuing, the
holders of preferred securities under the preferred securities guarantee will
have priority over the holders of the common securities under the common
securities guarantee with respect to distributions and payments on liquidation,
redemption or otherwise.
Status of the Preferred Securities Guarantees
Each preferred securities guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation
of ACE and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior
Indebtedness of ACE (including all ACE debt securities and ACE's obligations as
guarantor under the ACE INA subordinate indenture). (Section 6.2) For purposes
of any preferred securities guarantee, "Senior Indebtedness" means all
Indebtedness of ACE (including its obligations as guarantor under the ACE INA
subordinated indenture) outstanding at any time, except (a) the Indebtedness
under the preferred securities guarantee, (b) Indebtedness as to which, by the
terms of the instrument creating or evidencing the same, it is provided that
such Indebtedness is subordinated to or ranks equally with the preferred
securities guarantee or to other Indebtedness of ACE which is subordinated to
or ranks equally with the preferred securities guarantee, (c) Indebtedness of
ACE to an affiliate of ACE, (d) interest accruing after the filing of a
petition initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding
unless such interest is an allowed claim enforceable against ACE in a
proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy laws, (e) trade accounts payable
and (f) similar preferred securities guarantees issued by ACE on behalf of
holders of preferred securities of any other ACE Trust or any trust,
partnership or other entity affiliated with ACE which is a financing vehicle of
ACE or any affiliate of ACE in connection with the issuance by such entity of
preferred securities or other similar securities that are guaranteed by ACE
pursuant to an instrument that ranks equally with or junior in right of payment
to the preferred securities guarantee. "Indebtedness" has the same meaning
given to that term under the ACE indentures. (Section 1.1).
Each preferred securities guarantee will rank equally with all other similar
preferred securities guarantees issued by ACE on behalf of holders of preferred
securities of any other ACE Trust or any trust, partnership or other entity
affiliated with ACE which is a financing vehicle of ACE or any affiliate of ACE
in connection with the issuance by such entity of preferred securities or other
similar securities that are guaranteed by ACE pursuant to an instrument that
ranks equally with or junior in right of payment to the preferred securities
guarantee. (Section 6.3). Each preferred securities guarantee will constitute a
guarantee of payment and not of collection. This means that the guaranteed
party may, to the extent permitted by law, institute a legal proceeding
directly against ACE to enforce its rights under the preferred securities
guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against any other person
or entity (including the applicable ACE Trust) (Section 5.4). Each preferred
securities guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the Guarantee
Payments in full to the extent not paid by the ACE Trust or upon distribution
to the holders of the preferred securities of the corresponding ACE INA
subordinated debt securities. None of the preferred securities guarantees
places a limitation on the amount of additional Indebtedness that may be
incurred by ACE or ACE INA. ACE expects from time to time to incur additional
Indebtedness that will rank senior to the preferred securities guarantees.
Payment of Additional Amounts
ACE will make all Guarantee Payments pursuant to the preferred securities
guarantee without withholding or deduction at source for, or on account of, any
present or future taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges of
whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of the Cayman Islands or
Bermuda (each, a "taxing jurisdiction") or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein, unless such taxes, fees, duties, assessments or
governmental charges are required to be withheld or deducted by (x) the laws
(or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a taxing jurisdiction
or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (y) an
official position regarding the application, administration, interpretation or
enforcement of any such laws, regulations or rulings (including, without
limitation, a holding
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by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a taxing authority in a taxing
jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof). If a withholding or
deduction at source is required, ACE will, subject to certain limitations and
exceptions described below, pay to the holder of any related preferred
securities such additional amounts as may be necessary so that every Guarantee
Payment pursuant to the preferred securities guarantee made to such holder,
after such withholding or deduction, will not be less than the amount provided
for in such preferred securities guarantee to be then due and payable.
ACE will not be required to pay any additional amounts for or on account of:
1. any tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge of whatever
nature which would not have been imposed but for the fact that such holder
(a) was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or
maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the
relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or
otherwise had some connection with the relevant taxing jurisdiction other
than by reason of the mere ownership of preferred securities, or receipt of
payment under such preferred securities, (b) presented such preferred
security for payment in the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political
subdivision thereof, unless such preferred security could not have been
presented for payment elsewhere, or (c) presented such preferred security
for payment more than 30 days after the date on which the payment in
respect of such preferred security first became due and payable or provided
for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the holder would have
been entitled to such additional amounts if it had presented such preferred
security for payment on any day within that 30-day period;
2. any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or
similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
3. any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or
withheld by reason of the failure by the holder or the beneficial owner of
such preferred security to comply with any reasonable request by ACE or the
applicable ACE Trust addressed to the holder within 90 days of such request
(a) to provide information concerning the nationality, residence or
identity of the holder or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any
declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any information or reporting
requirement, which in either case is required or imposed by statute,
treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the relevant taxing
jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof as a precondition to
exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other governmental
charge; or
4. any combination of items (1), (2) and (3).
In addition, ACE will not pay any additional amounts with respect to any
Guarantee Payment to any holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than
the sole beneficial owner of the related preferred security to the extent such
payment would be required by the laws of the relevant taxing jurisdiction (or
any political subdivision or relevant taxing authority thereof or therein) to
be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or partner or
settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a
beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts
had it been the holder of such preferred security. (Section 5.8)
Amendments and Assignment
Except with respect to any changes which do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of the related preferred securities (in which case no
consent will be required), no preferred securities guarantee may be amended
without the prior approval of the holders of not less than a majority of the
aggregate liquidation amount of such outstanding preferred securities. (Section
8.2). All guarantees and agreements contained in each preferred securities
guarantee shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and
representatives of ACE and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the
related preferred securities then outstanding. (Section 8.1) Except in
connection with a consolidation, amalgamation or merger or conveyance, transfer
or lease involving ACE that is permitted under the ACE INA subordinated
indenture and under which the person formed by such
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consolidation or amalgamation or into which ACE is merged or which acquires or
leases the properties and assets of ACE agrees in writing to perform ACE's
obligations under the preferred securities guarantee, ACE may not assign its
obligations thereunder.
Events of Default
An event of default under each preferred securities guarantee will occur upon
the failure of ACE to perform any of its payment or other obligations
thereunder. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate liquidation
amount of the related preferred securities have the right to direct the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Guarantee Trustee in respect of such preferred securities guarantee or to
direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee
under such preferred securities guarantee. (Section 5.4)
Any holder of the preferred securities may institute a legal proceeding
directly against ACE to enforce its rights under such preferred securities
guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the ACE Trust,
the Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity. (Section 5.4)
ACE, as guarantor, is required to file annually with the Guarantee Trustee a
certificate as to whether or not ACE is in compliance with all the conditions
and covenants applicable to it under the preferred securities guarantee.
(Section 2.4)
Information Concerning the Guarantee Trustee
The Guarantee Trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of a
default by ACE in performance of any preferred securities guarantee, undertakes
to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in each preferred
securities guarantee and, after default with respect to any preferred
securities guarantee, must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a
prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(Section 3.1). Subject to this provision, the Guarantee Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by any preferred
securities guarantee at the request of any holder of any preferred securities
unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses, and
liabilities that might be incurred thereby. (Section 3.2)
Termination of the Preferred Securities Guarantees
Each preferred securities guarantee will terminate and be of no further force
and effect upon (1) full payment of the redemption price of the related
preferred securities, (2) the distribution of the corresponding ACE INA
subordinated debt securities to the holders of the related preferred securities
or (3) upon full payment of the amounts payable upon liquidation of the related
ACE Trust. Each preferred securities guarantee will continue to be effective or
will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of the
related preferred securities must restore payment of any sums paid with respect
to such preferred securities or such preferred securities guarantee. (Section
7.1)
New York Law to Govern
Each preferred securities guarantee will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made
and performed in that state. (Section 8.5)
The Expense Agreement
Pursuant to the expense agreement entered into by ACE under the restated
trust agreement, ACE will irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee to each
person or entity to whom an ACE Trust becomes indebted or liable, the full
payment of any costs, expenses or liabilities of the ACE Trust, other than
obligations of the ACE Trust to pay to the holders of the preferred securities
or other similar interests in the ACE Trust of the amounts due such holders
pursuant to the terms of the preferred securities or such other similar
interests, as the case may be.
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DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
ACE may issue stock purchase contracts, representing contracts obligating
holders to purchase from ACE, and obligating ACE to sell to the holders, a
specified number of ordinary shares at a future date or dates. The price per
ordinary share may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued
or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock
purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as
a part of stock purchase units consisting of a stock purchase contract and, as
security for the holder's obligations to purchase the ordinary shares under the
stock purchase contracts, either (1) senior debt securities or subordinated
debt securities of ACE INA, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ACE, (2)
debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities, or (3)
preferred securities of an ACE Trust. The stock purchase contracts may require
us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice
versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The stock
purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations in a
specified manner and in certain circumstances we may deliver newly issued
prepaid stock purchase contracts upon release to a holder of any collateral
securing such holder's obligations under the original stock purchase contract.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock
purchase contracts or stock purchase units and, if applicable, prepaid stock
purchase contracts. The description in the prospectus supplement will not
purport to be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to
(1) the stock purchase contracts, (2) the collateral arrangements and
depositary arrangements, if applicable, relating to such stock purchase
contracts or stock purchase units and (3) if applicable, the prepaid stock
purchase contracts and the document pursuant to which such prepaid stock
purchase contracts will be issued.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
ACE, ACE INA and/or any ACE Trust may sell offered securities in any one or
more of the following ways from time to time: (1) through agents; (2) to or
through underwriters; (3) through dealers; or (4) directly to purchasers. The
prospectus supplement with respect to the offered securities will set forth the
terms of the offering of the offered securities, including the name or names of
any underwriters, dealers or agents; the purchase price of the offered
securities and the proceeds to ACE, ACE INA and/or an ACE Trust from such sale;
any underwriting discounts and commissions or agency fees and other items
constituting underwriters' or agents' compensation; any initial public offering
price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers
and any securities exchange on which such offered securities may be listed. Any
initial public offering price, discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
The distribution of the offered securities may be effected from time to time
in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed,
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Offers to purchase offered securities may be solicited by agents designated
by ACE from time to time. Any such agent involved in the offer or sale of the
offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be
named, and any commissions payable by ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE
Trust to such agent will be set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in such prospectus supplement, any such agent will
be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in
the Securities Act, of the offered securities so offered and sold.
If offered securities are sold by means of an underwritten offering, ACE, ACE
INA and/or the applicable ACE Trust will execute an underwriting agreement with
an underwriter or underwriters, and the names of the specific managing
underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriters, and the terms
of the
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transaction, including commissions, discounts and any other compensation of the
underwriters and dealers, if any, will be set forth in the prospectus
supplement which will be used by the underwriters to make resales of the
offered securities. If underwriters are utilized in the sale of the offered
securities, the offered securities will be acquired by the underwriters for
their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more
transactions, including negotiated transactions, at fixed public offering
prices or at varying prices determined by the underwriters at the time of sale.
Offered securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting
syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by the managing
underwriters. If any underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale of
the offered securities, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus
supplement, the underwriting agreement will provide that the obligations of the
underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the
underwriters with respect to a sale of offered securities will be obligated to
purchase all such offered securities of a series if any are purchased.
ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE Trust may grant to the underwriters
options to purchase additional offered securities, to cover over-allotments, if
any, at the public offering price (with additional underwriting discounts or
commissions), as may be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating
thereto. If ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE Trust grants any over-
allotment option, the terms of such over-allotment option will be set forth in
the prospectus supplement relating to such offered securities.
If a dealer is utilized in the sales of offered securities in respect of
which this prospectus is delivered, ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE
Trust will sell such offered securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer
may then resell such offered securities to the public at varying prices to be
determined by such dealer at the time of resale. Any such dealer may be deemed
to be an underwriter, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, of the
offered securities so offered and sold. The name of the dealer and the terms of
the transaction will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement.
Offers to purchase offered securities may be solicited directly by ACE, ACE
INA and/or the applicable ACE Trust and the sale thereof may be made by ACE,
ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE Trust directly to institutional investors or
others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the
Securities Act with respect to any resale thereof. The terms of any such sales
will be described in the related prospectus supplement.
Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the
applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their
purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms,
or otherwise, by one or more firms ("remarketing firms"), acting as principals
for their own accounts or as agents for ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE
Trust. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements,
if any, with ACE, ACE INA and/or an ACE Trust and its compensation will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be
deemed to be underwriters, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, in
connection with the offered securities remarketed thereby.
Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms may be entitled under
relevant agreements entered into with ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE
Trust to indemnification by ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE Trust
against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act that may arise from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact in
this prospectus, any supplement or amendment hereto, or in the registration
statement of which this prospectus forms a part, or to contribution with
respect to payments which the agents, underwriters or dealers may be required
to make.
If so indicated in the prospectus supplement, ACE, ACE INA and/or the
applicable ACE Trust will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as
ACE's, ACE INA's and/or the applicable ACE Trust's agents to solicit offers by
certain institutions to purchase offered securities from ACE, ACE INA and/or
the applicable ACE Trust, pursuant to contracts providing for payments and
delivery on a future date. Institutions with which
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such contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance
companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable
institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by
ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE Trust. The obligations of any purchaser
under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of
the offered securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under
the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The
underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect
of the validity or performance of such contracts.
Each series of offered securities will be a new issue and, other than the
ordinary shares, which are listed on the NYSE, will have no established trading
market. ACE, ACE INA and/or the applicable ACE Trust may elect to list any
series of offered securities on an exchange, and in the case of the ordinary
shares, on any additional exchange, but, unless otherwise specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement, none of ACE, ACE INA or any ACE Trust shall
be obligated to do so. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the
trading market for any of the offered securities.
Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms may be customers of,
engage in transactions with, or perform services for, ACE and its subsidiaries
in the ordinary course of business.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters with respect to United States and New York law will be
passed upon for ACE, ACE INA and the ACE Trusts by Mayer, Brown & Platt,
Chicago, Illinois. The validity of the preferred securities under Delaware law
will be passed upon on behalf of ACE, ACE INA and the ACE Trusts by Richards,
Layton & Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware. Certain legal matters with respect
to Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for ACE by Maples and Calder, George
Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Certain legal matters
with respect to Bermuda law will be passed upon for ACE by Conyers Dill &
Pearman, Hamilton, Bermuda. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the
underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, by Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New
York. Mayer, Brown & Platt and Brown & Wood LLP will rely on the opinion of
Maples and Calder with respect to Cayman Islands law and the opinion of
Conyers, Dill & Pearman with respect to Bermuda law.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules
incorporated in this prospectus by reference to ACE's Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the year ended September 30, 1998 have been so incorporated in reliance
on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Any audited
financial statements and schedules that are incorporated or that are deemed to
be incorporated by reference into this prospectus that are the subject of a
report by independent accountants will be so incorporated by reference in
reliance upon such reports and upon the authority of such firms as experts in
accounting and auditing to the extent covered by consents of these accountants
filed with the SEC.
The CIGNA Corporation Property and Casualty Businesses Combined Financial
Statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference to ACE's Form 8-K
current report (date of earliest event reported: May 19, 1999) have been so
incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
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ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER
UNITED STATES FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS
ACE is a Cayman Islands company. In addition, some of its officers and
directors, as well as some of the experts named in this prospectus, reside
outside the United States, and all or much of its assets and their assets are
or may be located in jurisdictions outside the United States. Therefore,
investors may have difficulty effecting service of process within the United
States upon those persons or recovering against ACE or them on judgments of
U.S. courts, including judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of
the U.S. Federal securities laws. However, investors may serve ACE with process
in the United States with respect to actions against it arising out of or in
connection with violations of U.S. Federal securities laws relating to offers
and sales of the securities covered by this prospectus by serving CT
Corporation System, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, its United States
agent irrevocably appointed for that purpose.
ACE has been advised by Maples and Calder, its Cayman Islands counsel, that
there is doubt as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would enforce (i)
judgments of U.S. courts based upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S.
Federal securities laws obtained in actions against it or its directors and
officers, as well as experts named in this prospectus, who reside outside the
United States or (ii) original actions brought in the Cayman Islands against
such persons or ACE predicated solely upon U.S. Federal securities laws. ACE
has also been advised by Maples and Calder that there is no treaty in effect
between the United States and the Cayman Islands providing for such
enforcement, and there are grounds upon which Cayman Islands courts may not
enforce judgments of United States courts. Certain remedies available under the
laws of United States jurisdictions, including certain remedies available under
the U.S. Federal securities laws, would not be allowed in Cayman Islands courts
as contrary to that nations's public policy.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
ACE
ACE files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. ACE's SEC filings are available to the public over
the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and
copy any document ACE files with the SEC at its public reference facilities in
Washington, D.C., New York, New York or Chicago, Illinois. You can also obtain
copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference
Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please
call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the
public reference facilities. ACE's SEC filings are also available at the office
of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. For
further information on obtaining copies of ACE's public filings at the NYSE,
you should call (212) 656-5060.
ACE is allowed to "incorporate by reference" the information it files with
the SEC, which means that ACE can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
an important part of this prospectus, and information that ACE files
subsequently with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the
information included and/or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. ACE
incorporates by reference the documents listed below and any future filings
made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, after the initial filing of the registration
statement that contains this prospectus and prior to the time that ACE, ACE INA
and the ACE Trusts sell all of the securities offered by this prospectus:
. ACE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1998;
. ACE's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1998;
. ACE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
December 31, 1998;
. ACE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March
31, 1999;
. ACE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June
30, 1999;
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. ACE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
September 30, 1999;
. ACE's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 1998;
. ACE's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 14, 1999;
. ACE's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed January 14, 1999;
. ACE's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 10, 1999;
. ACE's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 19, 1999;
. ACE's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 19, 1999; and
. ACE's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed September 16, 1999.
You may request a copy of these filings (other than exhibits, unless that
exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing) at no cost,
by writing or telephoning ACE at the following address:
Investor Relations
ACE Limited
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Avenue
Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda
Telephone: (441) 299-9283
ACE INA
ACE INA is a newly formed entity and has no direct operations. ACE INA is
directly and indirectly wholly owned by ACE. The obligations of ACE INA under
its debt securities will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ACE. See
"Description of ACE INA Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee." ACE INA is not
currently subject to the information reporting requirements under the Exchange
Act. ACE INA will become subject to the reporting requirements upon the
effectiveness of the registration statement that contains this prospectus,
although ACE INA intends to seek and expects to receive an exemption from those
requirements. So long as any guaranteed debt securities of ACE INA are
outstanding, ACE will include in the footnotes to its audited consolidated
financial statements summarized consolidated financial information concerning
ACE INA.
The ACE Trusts
There are no separate financial statements of the ACE Trusts in this
prospectus. ACE does not believe the financial statements would be helpful to
the holders of the preferred securities of the ACE Trusts because:
. ACE, a reporting company under the Exchange Act, will directly or
indirectly own all of the voting securities of each ACE Trust;
. None of the ACE Trusts has any independent operations or proposes to
engage in any activity other than issuing securities representing
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the ACE Trust and
investing the proceeds in subordinated debt securities issued by ACE INA
and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ACE; and
. The obligations of each ACE Trust under the preferred securities will be
fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ACE. See "Description of ACE INA
Debt Securities and ACE Guarantee" and "Description of Preferred
Securities Guarantees."
None of the ACE Trusts is currently subject to the information reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act. Each ACE Trust will become subject to the
requirements upon the effectiveness of the registration statement that contains
this prospectus, although each ACE Trust intends to seek and expects to receive
an exemption from those requirements. If the ACE Trusts did not receive such an
exemption, the expenses of operating the ACE Trusts would increase, as would
the likelihood that ACE would exercise its option to dissolve and liquidate the
ACE Trusts early.
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Appendix A
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Excerpts from ACE's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1998
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PART I
Item 1. Business
Certain terms used below are defined in the "Glossary of Selected Insurance
Terms" appearing on page 23.
Safe Harbor Disclosure
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for forward-looking statements. Any 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 documents filed by the Company with
the Securities and Exchange Commission) include, but are not limited to, (i)
uncertainties relating to government and regulatory policies (such as
subjecting the Company to insurance regulation or taxation in additional
jurisdictions), (ii) the occurrence of catastrophic events with a frequency or
severity exceeding the Company's estimates, (iii) the legal environment, (iv)
the uncertainties of the reserving process, (v) loss of the services of any of
the Company's executive officers, (vi) changing rates of inflation and other
economic conditions, (vii) losses due to foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations, (viii) ability to collect reinsurance recoverables, (ix) the
competitive environment in which the Company operates, (x) the impact of
mergers and acquisitions, (xi) the impact of Year 2000 related issues, (xii)
developments in global financial markets which could affect the Company's
investment portfolio, and (xiii) risks associated with the introduction of new
products and services. The words "believe," "anticipate," "project," "plan,"
"expect," "intend," "will likely result," or "will continue" 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.
General
ACE Limited ("ACE") is a holding company incorporated with limited liability
under the Cayman Islands Companies Law and maintains its principal business
office in Bermuda. The Company, through its Bermuda-based operating
subsidiaries, A.C.E. Insurance Company, Ltd. ("ACE Bermuda"), Corporate
Officers & Directors Assurance Ltd. ("CODA"), Tempest Reinsurance Company
Limited ("Tempest Re") and CAT Limited ("CAT") and its Dublin, Ireland based
subsidiaries, ACE Bermuda Company Europe Limited ("AICE") and ACE Reinsurance
Company Europe Limited ("ARCE"), provides a broad range of insurance and
reinsurance products for a diverse group of international clients. Through its
U.S. based subsidiary, ACE USA, Inc. (formerly Westchester Specialty Group,
Inc.) ("ACE USA"), the Company provides commercial property, umbrella
liability, specialty program business, warranty, errors and omissions and
directors and officers coverages as well as a captive management reinsurance
facility to a broad range of clients in the United States. In addition, the
Company provides funds at Lloyd's to support underwriting by Lloyd's
syndicates managed by Methuen Underwriting Limited ("MUL"), ACE London
Aviation Limited ("ALA"), ACE London Underwriting Limited ("ALU") and Charman
Underwriting Agencies Ltd. ("CUAL"), each indirect wholly owned subsidiaries
of ACE. Unless the context otherwise indicates, the term "Company" refers to
one or more of ACE and its consolidated subsidiaries. The operations of the
Company in the Lloyd's market are collectively referred to herein as "ACE
Global Markets."
The Company's long-term business strategy focuses on achieving underwriting
profits and providing value to its clients and shareholders through the
utilization of its growing capital base within the insurance and reinsurance
markets. As part of this strategy, the Company acquired CODA in 1993, and
diversified its product portfolio in ACE Bermuda from excess liability
insurance and directors and officers liability insurance to accommodate the
needs of its expanding, global client base of multinational corporations by
adding satellite insurance, aviation insurance, excess property insurance and
financial lines products during 1994 and 1995. This diversification added
balance to the risk of the existing portfolio of insurance products and
enhanced the Company's overall profit potential while utilizing its existing
capital base. The Company continued its strategic
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diversification with the acquisition in March 1996 of Methuen Group Limited
("Methuen"), the holding company for MUL, and in July 1996 of Tempest Re, a
leading Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurer. The short-tail nature of
the property catastrophe business and shorter loss payout patterns
complemented the generally longer-tail nature of the Company's other product
lines.
Also in November 1996, the Company acquired Ockham Worldwide Holdings plc
which was renamed ACE London Holdings Limited ("ACE London"). ACE London owns
two Lloyd's managing agencies, ALA and ALU.
In March 1997, the Company, together with two other insurance companies,
formed Sovereign Risk Insurance Limited ("Sovereign"), a Bermuda-based
managing general agency, to provide underwriting services to the three
organizations for political risk insurance coverage. Sovereign issues
subscription policies with the Company assuming 50 percent of each risk
underwritten.
On September 30, 1997, the Company announced the incorporation of AICE, as
part of the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin, Ireland. AICE
has been granted a license to write all 18 classes of non-life insurance in
all member states of the European Union. The Company also operates ARCE, a
Dublin-based reinsurance company. ARCE provides flexibility mainly to European
corporations that wish to access the Company's products using different
structures.
On January 2, 1998, the Company acquired ACE USA, through its newly-created
U.S. holding company, ACE US Holdings, Inc ("ACE US"). In connection with the
acquisition, National Indemnity, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, provided
$750 million (75 percent quota share of $1 billion) of reinsurance protection
to ACE USA with respect to its loss reserves for the 1996 and prior accident
years.
On April 1, 1998, the Company acquired CAT Limited, a privately held,
Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurer. This acquisition increased the
Company's already significant participation in the international property
catastrophe reinsurance market.
On July 9, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Tarquin Limited
("Tarquin"), a UK-based holding company which owns Lloyd's managing agency
CUAL and Tarquin Underwriting Limited, its corporate capital provider. The
CUAL managed syndicates, 488 and 2488, are leading international underwriters
of short-tail marine, aviation, political risk and specialty property-casualty
insurance and reinsurance.
The following table sets forth an analysis of gross premiums written by
subsidiary for each of the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended September 30,
--------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Gross
1998 1997 1996
Premiums Premiums Premiums
Written Percent Written Percent Written Percent
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ACE Bermuda............... $ 521.6 42% $523.2 55% $581.6 68%
ACE Global Markets (1).... 436.3 35% 316.5 33% 243.6 28%
Tempest Re (2)............ 124.1 10% 119.6 12% 34.8 4%
ACE USA (3)............... 160.2 13% -- -- -- --
-------- ---- ------ ---- ------ ----
$1,242.2 100% $959.3 100% $860.0 100%
======== ==== ====== ==== ====== ====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) On July 9, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Tarquin. All
amounts included for ACE Global Markets for 1998, 1997 and 1996 have been
restated to reflect the gross written premiums of Tarquin as the
transaction has been accounted for on a pooling-of-interests basis.
2
<PAGE>
(2) Tempest Re was acquired on July 1, 1996 and thus gross premiums written
for Tempest Re in fiscal 1996 only relate to the three month period since
acquisition. CAT was acquired on April 1, 1998 and thus gross premiums
written for Tempest Re in fiscal 1998 include gross premiums written for
CAT for the six month period since acquisition.
(3) ACE USA was acquired on January 2, 1998 and thus gross premiums written
for ACE USA in fiscal 1998 only relate to the nine month period since
acquisition.
ACE Bermuda
ACE Bermuda primarily provides property and casualty insurance coverage,
including excess liability insurance, directors and officers liability
insurance, satellite insurance, aviation insurance, excess property insurance
and financial lines products, to a diverse group of industrial, commercial and
other enterprises. The nature of the insurance coverages provided by ACE
Bermuda are generally expected to result in low frequency but high severity of
individual losses. ACE Bermuda uses the reinsurance market as an integral part
of its risk management process and has secured reinsurance on all of its major
lines of business.
At September 30, 1998 approximately 66 percent of written premiums in ACE
Bermuda came from companies headquartered in North America with approximately
14 percent coming from companies headquartered in the United Kingdom and
continental Europe and approximately 20 percent from companies headquartered
in other countries.
Excess Liability
ACE Bermuda seeks to provide the highest layer of excess liability coverage
in the insurance programs of the world's major corporations and requires that
at least a portion of its coverage be the highest layer in a policyholder's
insurance program. ACE Bermuda writes excess liability coverage, on an
occurrence first reported stand alone form, generally in excess of a minimum
attachment point of $100 million per occurrence and with a minimum limit of
$10 million and a maximum limit of $200 million per occurrence and in the
aggregate for all covered occurrences of which notice is given during such
year. Such limit is subject to reinstatement at the insureds election for
incidents post reinstatement. ACE Bermuda imposes an annual aggregate sublimit
of $100 million for integrated occurrences for all business that purchases
limits greater than $100 million. For certain classes of non-U.S. domiciled
excess liability risks, the minimum attachment point is $50 million (or the
foreign currency equivalent). In this instance, ACE Bermuda offers limits up
to twice the reduced attachment point. ACE Bermuda maintains quota-share and
excess of loss reinsurance to reduce net exposures to a maximum of $100
million.
Directors and Officers Liability
ACE Bermuda offers up to $75 million of directors and officers liability
insurance with a maximum of $50 million being provided for corporate
reimbursement coverage. The directors and officers liability insurance is
written on a claims made form and is provided to large industrial
corporations, not-for-profit corporations, financial institutions and others.
Satellite
ACE Bermuda's satellite insurance operations offer separate gross limits of
up to $80 million per risk for launch insurance, including ascent to orbit
and/or initial testing and up to $80 million per risk for in-orbit insurance.
The Company has entered into a surplus treaty arrangement which provides for
up to $40 million of reinsurance on each risk. Satellite insurance falls
within a small, well defined market characterized by a limited number of
brokers, underwriters and international clients. There are also a limited
number of satellite and launch vehicle manufacturers in the world. The growing
worldwide demand for satellite communications capabilities by both governments
and private enterprises has resulted in an increase in the number of
satellites per annum
3
<PAGE>
requiring launch and/or in-orbit insurance coverage. The typical satellite
insurance policy is written on a quota-share basis, rather than on an excess
of loss basis. The insured value of a commercial satellite now ranges from
approximately $150 million to $300 million.
Financial Lines
Financial lines utilizes transactions which combine the concepts of finance
with the principles of insurance. Typically, clients purchasing these products
are seeking insurance or reinsurance for exposures which are difficult to
place because of limited or nonexistent capacity, ineffective terms, or
inefficient pricing being provided by traditional insurance markets.
Alternatively, they may use these insurance or reinsurance products to cover
loss exposures which are not appropriately addressed by current products
available.
Unlike certain traditional insurance, each financial lines contract is
individually tailored to meet the needs of the insured. Financial lines
programs typically have the following common characteristics: multi-year
contract terms; broad coverage that includes stable capacity and pricing for
the insured; insured participation in the results of their own loss
experience; and aggregate limits. The specific product types offered by
financial lines include the various forms of finite risk insurance. Examples
of finite risk products include the combination of self-insurance with an
excess program, the combination of various coverages subject to a single
retention and insured limit or programs that insure large loss exposure or a
portfolio of losses over a period of years. Other product types offered are
specialty insurance that cover financial exposures or involve financial
instruments.
ACE Bermuda believes it has a competitive advantage in the marketplace
because of its financial strength and its ability to offer significant risk
transfer while still allowing the insured to retain some of its own exposures.
Risk transfer is important to the insured thereby enabling it to meet the
accounting and regulatory requirements related to the purchase of insurance or
reinsurance.
Financial lines has a flexible approach to limits offered, attachment points
and coverages provided primarily due to the risk sharing feature and use of
funding mechanisms which are generally included in the contract. Each contract
is unique because it is tailored to the insurance needs, specific loss history
and financial strength of the client. Premium volume, as well as the number of
contracts written, can vary significantly from period to period due to the
nature of the contracts being written. Profit margins may vary from contract
to contract depending on the amount of underwriting risk and investment risk
assumed on each contract.
Aviation
ACE Bermuda's aviation insurance group offers limits of up to $150 million
per insured, with no minimum attachment point. ACE Bermuda reduces its net
exposure per policy to approximately $50 million with a dedicated reinsurance
program. Classes of business written include aviation product liability,
aviation manufacturers (including hull and all risks and products liability);
aviation refuellers; and airport and airport contractors, together with
certain aircraft risks. Generally, ACE Bermuda will write aircraft liability
in conjunction with one or more of the other aviation products, and where the
aircraft (owned or non-owned) is used for corporate purposes.
Excess Property
ACE Bermuda also offers excess property insurance. Its primary target
markets are chemical, energy, electronics, mineral, oil and gas, and
utilities. Property insurance coverage is offered with limits of up to $50
million per risk, typically above an attachment point of $25 million. In
certain circumstances, ACE Insurance uses reinsurance to establish the
retained net limit per risk.
Other
In March 1997, ACE Bermuda, together with two other insurance companies,
formed Sovereign Risk Insurance Limited ("Sovereign"), a Bermuda-based
managing general agency, to provide underwriting services
4
<PAGE>
to these three organizations for political risk insurance coverage. Sovereign
issues subscription policies with ACE Bermuda assuming 50 percent of each risk
underwritten.
On March 11, 1998, ACE Bermuda formed a joint venture, ACE Capital Re
Limited, with Capital Re Corporation ("Capital Re"). ACE Capital Re Limited, a
Bermuda-domiciled insurance company, writes both traditional and custom-
designed programs covering financial guaranty, mortgage guaranty and a broad
range of financial risks. Operations are underwritten and managed in Bermuda
by a joint venture managing agency, ACE Capital Re Managers Ltd. ACE Bermuda
and Capital Re each have a 50 percent economic interest in ACE Capital Re
Limited and ACE Capital Re Managers Ltd.
ACE Global Markets
The Company's participation in the Lloyd's market is twofold. The Company
owns four managing agencies at Lloyd's, having completed its acquisitions of
MUL, ALA and ALU during calendar 1996 and CUAL in 1998. These managing
agencies receive fees and profit commissions in respect of the underwriting
and administrative services they provide to the syndicates. For the calendar
1998 year of account, these managing agencies manage 11 syndicates with total
capacity under management of $1.55 billion.
For calendar 1998, the Company, through six corporate members, participated
on ten of the ACE managed syndicates with an underwriting capacity of
approximately $935 million out of the $1.55 billion of the ACE managed
capacity referred to above. Included in the ten syndicates is Syndicate 2488,
a dedicated corporate syndicate whose capital is provided solely by the
Company, which underwrites in parallel with Syndicate 488 which comprises
names and other corporate members.
For the 1999 year of account, the ACE Global Markets operations have been
reorganized with the result that four ACE managed syndicates will be active in
1999. This reorganization is part of ACE Global Market's strategy to combine
all its underwriting operations into a single capital base in 2000. These
syndicates, which will focus on broad classes of business, are Syndicates 219
(Non-Marine) managed by ALU; 960 (Aviation) managed by ALA; and 488/2488
(Marine) managed by CUAL. As a consequence, MUL will not have any active
syndicates for the 1999 year of account.
In addition, following a de-emption in managed capacity (a process whereby
unutilized underwriting capacity is removed from the syndicates), the Company
will participate on all four of the ongoing ACE managed syndicates for 1999
with an anticipated underwriting capacity of approximately $700 million, out
of an anticipated $1 billion of ACE managed capacity.
Tempest Re
The Company's reinsurance activities are principally conducted through
Tempest Re, which was acquired in July 1996. On April 1, 1998, the Company
acquired CAT, another Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurer.
Underwriting operations have been combined with the group's existing
catastrophe reinsurance subsidiary, Tempest Re, and going forward the combined
entity will operate under the Tempest Re name. CAT specialized in providing
customized coverages, particularly multi-year contracts, to regional accounts.
Two thirds of CAT's business was non-traditional versus one third at Tempest
Re. Due to the different marketing focus there is only a limited overlap of
clients and programs between Tempest Re and CAT.
Tempest Re provides property catastrophe reinsurance worldwide to insurers
of commercial and personal property, typically under treaties having a
duration of one year. Property catastrophe reinsurance protects a ceding
company against an accumulation of losses covered by the insurance policies it
has issued arising from a common event or "occurrence." Ceding companies may
purchase reinsurance to achieve a number of results, including: reduction of
net exposure on individual risks or groups of risks, which enables the ceding
company to underwrite larger risks, or accept more business than its own
capital resources would ordinarily support;
5
<PAGE>
diversification of risks; protection against the effect of major catastrophic
losses, such as losses involving an accumulation of single retentions;
stabilization of a ceding company's operating results by smoothing its loss
experience to protect its financial position; and maintenance by a ceding
company of acceptable surplus, reserve and other financial ratios.
Tempest Re's property catastrophe reinsurance contracts cover unpredictable
natural or man-made disasters, such as hurricanes, windstorms, hail storms,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, conflagrations, freezes, floods, fires and
explosions. The predominant exposure under such coverage is to property
damage. However, other risks, such as business interruption may also be
covered when arising from a covered peril. In accordance with market practice,
Tempest Re's property catastrophe reinsurance contracts generally exclude
certain risks such as war, nuclear contamination, and radiation.
Tempest Re underwrites reinsurance principally on an excess of loss basis.
Other property reinsurance written by Tempest Re on a limited basis for select
clients, includes proportional property and per risk excess of loss treaty
reinsurance.
Tempest Re underwrites a substantial portion of its business in currencies
other than U.S. dollars and may from time to time experience exchange gains
and losses and incur significant underwriting losses in currencies other than
U.S. dollars. The following table sets forth the amount of Tempest Re's gross
premiums written allocated by territory of coverage:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
September 30,
-------------------
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
United States........................................ 79.1% 68.4% 64.0%
United Kingdom....................................... 8.9% 12.8% 13.3%
Australia & New Zealand.............................. 4.6% 6.3% 6.0%
Asia................................................. 4.0% 3.6% 3.8%
Other................................................ 3.4% 8.9% 12.9%
----- ----- -----
100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
ACE USA
ACE USA's insurance subsidiaries are Westchester Fire Insurance Company,
Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company and Industrial Underwriters
Insurance Company (collectively, "US Insurance Subsidiaries"). The US
Insurance Subsidiaries write property and casualty insurance primarily within
the US commercial specialty lines market. ACE USA's non-insurance subsidiaries
are Westchester Specialty Insurance Services, Inc. and Industrial Excess and
Surplus Insurance Brokers, both brokerage companies. In addition, ACE USA owns
60 percent of automobile warranty administrator, CRC Creditor Resources Canada
Limited and other affiliated companies, which it purchased in June 1998.
The acquisition of ACE USA provides the Company with the opportunity to
continue its strategic diversification by gaining access to the U.S. direct
insurance market through an established company with a solid distribution
network. The Company believes that prior to the acquisition, uncertainty
regarding ACE USA's ownership and loss reserve adequacy adversely affected
that company's premium volume. The elimination of ownership uncertainty,
combined with ACE USA's reduced net exposure to reserve uncertainty as a
result of the National Indemnity reinsurance protection, has enhanced ACE
USA's market profile in the competitive US operating environment. Management
believes ACE USA's association with the Company following the acquisition has
increased its ability to attract staff with the requisite experience to gain
immediate access to these new markets.
To maintain the quality of its insured profile, ACE USA sets strict
underwriting and pricing guidelines and has established a structure that
ensures control of risk quality and conservative use of policy limits, terms,
and conditions. ACE USA's niche is highly cyclical and as a result, management
emphasizes the continual review of market conditions to identify trends and
opportunities to underwrite attractive coverages.
6
<PAGE>
During 1998, ACE USA primarily wrote specialty property, umbrella, and
excess casualty business coverages. ACE USA's principal focus has been on
excess and surplus lines business which are either difficult to place or have
complex risk profiles which require greater underwriting and claims expertise
than that generally found in the standard market.
Property Division
ACE USA's property business, which encompasses both the catastrophe and non-
catastrophe market segments, includes coverages for fire, allied lines, inland
marine, and commercial multi-peril. The catastrophe segment focuses on
customers whose primary purpose in obtaining coverage is to secure financial
protection against the perils of hurricane or earthquake. ACE USA employs
catastrophe management tools to optimize the geographic spread of catastrophe
exposures and determine adequate product pricing levels. The non-catastrophe
segment focuses on unique and difficult to place risks by developing coverages
for specific industry groups through tailored products. During 1998, the non-
catastrophe segment's areas of concentration included lumber products, low
value dwellings, railroad and builders' risk. Property business accounted for
72 percent of ACE USA's total gross premium volume for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998.
Casualty Division
Within its casualty business, ACE USA specializes in writing umbrella and
excess liability products. These products provide coverage over an underlying
insurance program of at least $1 million on both a per occurrence and
aggregate basis. The focus is on medium to large accounts with a moderate risk
profile, primarily in manufacturing, construction and service/retail
businesses.
New Divisions
Since the acquisition of ACE USA on January 2, 1998, ACE USA has established
and staffed five new operating divisions and opened a new marketing and
underwriting office in New York City. The new divisions are the Specialty
Division, the Warranty Division, the Directors' and Officers' Liability
Division, the Errors and Omissions Division and the Captive Reinsurance
Division. To date, these new divisions have focused on the hiring of
experienced industry professionals to staff the new divisions, developing
business plans and strategies, identifying of business partners, developing of
policy forms and language and various state regulatory filings and other
requirements.
Specialty Division--The program business requires more up front investment
of time and development costs than other property and casualty business lines
as it must establish distribution networks with desirable program
administrators and managing general agents. Thus a longer period of operation
is required to achieve profitability on any particular program when compared
to other areas of the property and casualty business. The specialty division's
strategy is to focus on selected general agents or brokers with a specialty or
distinguishable advantage. In order to keep transaction costs lower, business
associated with low frequency and moderate to high severity losses is being
targeted. Additional opportunities are also under review from both reinsurers
and close coordination with other divisions of the Company.
Warranty Division--The Warranty division offers extended service contracts
for a broad range of products. This division intends to provide warranty
administrative services as well as underwriting, to gain greater access to the
marketplace. This division has the advantage of being able to obtain business
directly through large retailers and buying group networks, or through forming
strategic alliances with large independent third party administrators. In June
1998, ACE USA purchased a controlling interest in CRC Creditor Resources
Canada Limited Group of Companies, in order to enter the Canadian automobile
warranty business through a well-established marketing and administrative
service organization.
7
<PAGE>
Directors' and Officers' Liability Division--This division offers directors
and officers liability ("D&O") and associated coverages to specific segments
of the Fortune 1000 group of companies in the U.S. The primary method of
product distribution is through major retail brokers in the D&O market. The
D&O division is also targeting business through wholesale brokers that
specialize in the D&O business.
Errors and Omissions Division--This division offers miscellaneous errors and
omissions ("E&O") products for certain selected segments of the market. The
E&O market is currently very competitive and this book of business is expected
to grow slowly. The division is initially targeting distribution through
wholesale brokers as the division's strategy is to capitalize on current
relationships ACE USA has with the wholesale market.
Captive Reinsurance Division--The captive reinsurance division offers
insurance and reinsurance products to clients who are willing to assume some
amount of risk in order to benefit from underwriting gain. As the trend
towards self insurance in the U.S. over the past several years has expanded,
ACE USA believes there is a growing market demand for this division's
products. Potential sources of business include captive insurers, risk
retention groups, rent-a-captives, agency captives, public entity risk pools,
charitable trusts, policyholder owned mutual insurers and self insured
organizations. The division will focus on casualty exposures and seek to take
lead positions in order to control terms and conditions. The primary
distribution network is through reinsurance intermediaries.
Marketing and Underwriting
ACE Bermuda
ACE Bermuda markets its insurance products through brokers and seeks to
maintain a competitive advantage by providing insurance coverages which
require utilization of technical skills to underwrite individual risks,
emphasizing quality rather than volume of business to obtain a suitable spread
of risk. This enables the company to operate with a relatively small number of
employees and, together with the reduced costs of operating in favorable
regulatory and tax environments, results in significantly lower administrative
expenses relative to other companies in the industry.
Policyholders are obtained through non-U.S. insurance brokers who generally
receive a brokerage commission on any business accepted and bound by the
Company. ACE Bermuda is not committed to accept any business from any
particular broker and brokers do not have the authority to bind the Company.
All policy applications to ACE Bermuda and CODA (both for renewals and new
policies) are subject to approval and acceptance by ACE Bermuda in its Bermuda
office. A substantial number of policyholders meet with the Company outside of
the United States each year to discuss their insurance coverage. ACE Bermuda
does not believe that conducting its operations through its offices in Bermuda
has materially affected its underwriting and marketing activities to date.
Policy applications may also be approved and accepted by the Company through
the Dublin-based insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. AICE undertakes
marketing and underwriting activities with particular emphasis on the European
Union.
ACE Bermuda receives business from approximately 150 non-U.S. brokers of
which seven produced approximately 72 percent of the Company's business in
1998. The following table sets forth the percentage of the Company's insurance
business placed through each broker and its affiliates placing more than 10
percent of the Company's business.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
Name September 30,
---- ----------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
J&H, Marsh & McLennan, Incorporated (1) (3)................ 35% 42% 42%
Aon Corporation (2) (3).................................... 19% 16% 16%
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
(1) During 1997, Marsh & McLennan, Incorporated acquired Johnson & Higgins.
For fiscal 1996, the percentage of business placed by Marsh & McLennan,
Incorporated was 31 percent and the percentage of business placed by
Johnson & Higgins was 11 percent.
(2) During 1997, Aon Corporation acquired Alexander & Alexander Services, Inc.
For fiscal 1996, the percentage of business placed by Aon Corporation was
10 percent and the percentage of business placed by Alexander & Alexander
Services, Inc. was 6 percent.
(3) The percentages shown in the table for fiscal 1997 reflect the business
placed by the combined entities and their affiliates for the entire year.
ACE Bermuda employs underwriting staff with substantial industry experience.
The underwriter's primary objective is to assess the potential for an
underwriting profit, a process complicated in some cases by the limited amount
of data for claims which would have been covered by the company's policy form
and which would have exceeded its policy's attachment point.
The risk assessment process undertaken by ACE Bermuda involves a
comprehensive analysis of historical data and estimates of future value of
losses which may not be evident in the historical data. The factors which ACE
Insurance considers include the type of risk, the attachment point and
coverage limits, the type, size, complexity and location of the potential
insureds operations, financial data, the industry in which the potential
insured operates, details of the underlying insurance coverage provided, loss
history and future corporate plans.
ACE Global Markets
In the ordinary course of events, Lloyd's syndicates may only access
business through Lloyd's brokers. However, for certain lines of business, it
is possible to utilize a service company to access and service business from
both Lloyd's and non-Lloyd's brokers.
ACE Underwriting Services Limited ("AUS") was established in 1998 as such a
Lloyd's service company to market and service, on behalf of ACE managed
syndicates, a broad range of products in the small business, industrial and
commercial markets. AUS deals predominantly with Lloyd's brokers but also
accesses business from regional (non-Lloyd's) brokers.
Tempest Re
Tempest Re markets its reinsurance products worldwide through reinsurance
brokers. Tempest Re's underwriting team builds relationships with key brokers
and clients by explaining Tempest Re's approach and demonstrating
responsiveness to customer needs. Tempest Re's approach to the business of
reinsurance takes a long-term perspective. Management believes that continual
strengthening of the relationships between Tempest Re, its producing brokers
and their clients will continue to contribute to a stable portfolio necessary
to achieve continuity. By retaining clients, Tempest Re seeks to build up
extensive knowledge of them and gain additional insight to enable a more
accurate assessment of their exposures.
Tempest Re receives business from approximately 34 brokers. The following
table sets forth the percentage of Tempest Re's business written through each
broker and its affiliates placing more than 10 percent of Tempest Re's
business:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ten Months
Year Ended Year Ended Ended
September 30, September 30, September 30,
------------- ------------- -------------
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
J&H, Marsh & McLennan,
Incorporated (1).............. 31% 34% 30%
E.W. Blanch Co. ............... 16% 15% 7%
Sedgwick....................... 16% 8% 7%
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
(1) During 1997, Marsh & McLennan, Incorporated acquired Johnson & Higgins.
For 1996, the percentage of business placed by Marsh & McLennan,
Incorporated was 26 percent and the percentage of business placed by
Johnson & Higgins was 4 percent. The percentage shown in the table for
fiscal 1997 reflect the business placed by the combined entity and its
affiliates for the entire fiscal 1997 year.
Rates, limits, retention and other reinsurance terms and conditions are
generally established in a worldwide competitive market that evaluates
exposure and balances demand for property catastrophe coverage against the
available supply. Tempest Re believes it is perceived by the market as being a
"lead" reinsurer and is typically involved in the negotiation and quotation of
the terms and conditions of the majority of the contracts in which it
participates.
Because Tempest Re underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance and has
large aggregate exposures to natural and man-made disasters, Tempest Re's
claims experience generally will involve infrequent events of great severity.
Tempest Re seeks to diversify its reinsurance portfolio to moderate the impact
of this severity. The principal means of diversification are by geographic
coverage and by varying attachment points and imposing coverage limits per
program. Tempest Re also establishes zonal accumulation limits to avoid
concentrations of risk within particular geographic areas.
Tempest Re applies an underwriting process based on models that use exposure
data submitted by prospective reinsureds in accordance with requirements set
by Tempest Re's underwriters. The client data is then analysed using a
selection from several available catastrophe analysis tools, including
externally developed event based models licensed from leading vendors as well
as proprietary models developed in house.
The output from the catastrophe analysis tools is also used for portfolio
risk management, enabling Tempest Re to extensively simulate possible
combinations of events affecting the portfolio. This analysis also supports
the decision making with regard to purchasing retrocession. During 1998,
Tempest Re has significantly increased its use of retrocessional coverages.
ACE USA
ACE USA primarily distributes its insurance products through a limited group
of wholesale brokers with whom long-term relationships have been forged. ACE
USA's management believes the match between its expertise and that of its
wholesalers is one of the key reasons wholesalers place business with it. ACE
USA currently utilizes approximately 207 wholesale brokers across the U.S. The
majority of premium volume is currently derived from a limited number of
wholesalers with whom ACE USA has established mutually significant
relationships. For the nine-month period ending September 30, 1998, the top
ten producers accounted for 62 percent of direct premium volume.
Operating in a market in which capacity and price adequacy for its products
can change dramatically, ACE USA's underwriting strategy is to employ
consistent, disciplined pricing and risk selection in order to maintain an
attractive book of business. Management's priority is to ensure that criteria
for risk selection are closely adhered to by its underwriting professionals
and to maintain sufficient experience and expertise in its underwriting staff.
ACE USA has the ability to write business on an admitted basis using forms
and rates as filed with state insurance regulators and on a non-admitted, or
surplus lines basis using flexible forms and rates not filed with state
insurance regulators. Having access to a non-admitted carrier provides the
flexibility to write non-standard coverage.
Competition
Competitive forces in the international property and casualty insurance and
reinsurance business are substantial. Results are a function of underwriting
and investment performance, direct costs associated with the
10
<PAGE>
delivery of insurance products, including the costs of regulation, the
frequency and severity of both natural and man-made disasters, as well as
inflation (actual, social and judicial), which impact loss costs. Decisions
made by insurers concerning their mix of business (offering certain types of
coverage but declining to write other types), their methods of operations and
the quality and allocation of their assets (including any reinsurance
recoverable balances) will all affect their competitive position. The relative
size and reputation of insurers may influence purchasing decisions of present
and prospective customers and will contribute to both geographic and
industrial sector market penetration. Oversupply of available capital has
historically had the effect of encouraging competition and depressing prices.
The Company's competitive position in the property and casualty insurance
industry is influenced by all of these factors.
All of the Company's operating subsidiaries have received ratings from A.M.
Best Company ("A.M. Best") and Standard & Poors Corporation ("S&P") except for
AICE and ARCE which have an A.M. Best rating only. The Lloyd's market has also
received ratings from A.M. Best and S&P. These ratings are based upon factors
relevant to policyholders, agents and intermediaries and are not directed
toward the protection of investors. Such ratings are not recommendations to
buy, sell or hold securities.
ACE Bermuda
ACE Bermuda operates in a highly competitive worldwide market and competes
with most major U.S. and non-US insurers which may differ across product
lines. ACE Bermuda utilizes its experienced underwriting staff, its strong
capital base, its ability to market a number of insurance products to its
existing client and potential client base and its ability to be flexible in
providing contracts which extend coverages for periods in excess of one year
to compete in the worldwide insurance markets.
ACE Bermuda has received a group rating of A+ from A.M. Best. The most
current rating covers ACE, together with its operating subsidiaries, ACE
Bermuda and CODA. ACE Insurance and CODA have also received A+ claims paying
ratings from S&P. AICE and ARCE have a rating of A+ from A.M. Best.
ACE Global Markets
There remains significant competition in all classes of business transacted
by the syndicates emanating from a number of different markets world-wide.
Depending on the class of business concerned, competition comes from the
London market, other Lloyd's syndicates and ILU Companies (Institute of London
Underwriters), major international insurers and reinsurers. On international
risks, competition also comes from the domestic insurers in the country of
origin of the insured. The syndicates are able to compete successfully by
developing and maintaining close, long term relationships with clients through
a high quality service and an ability to deliver innovative solutions tailored
to the client's needs. The establishment of AUS as described above is an
example of this.
The Lloyd's market has received a rating of A from A.M. Best and a claims
paying ability rating of A+ from S&P.
Tempest Re
The property catastrophe reinsurance industry is highly competitive. Tempest
Re competes worldwide with major U.S. and non-U.S. property catastrophe
reinsurers, including other Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurers, as
well as reinsurance departments of numerous multi-line insurance
organizations. Tempest Re competes effectively because of its strong capital
position, the quality of service provided to customers, the leading role
Tempest Re plays in setting the terms, pricing and conditions in negotiating
contracts and its customised approach to risk selection.
11
<PAGE>
Tempest Re has received a rating of A from A.M. Best and a claims paying
ability rating of A+ from S&P.
ACE USA
ACE USA operates in a highly competitive industry and faces competition from
both domestic and foreign insurers, many of which are larger and have greater
financial, marketing and management resources. Competition in the U.S.
property and casualty market is based on many factors including financial
strength of the insurer, ratings assigned by rating companies, premiums
charged, policy terms and conditions, reputation, services offered and broker
commissions. The markets in which ACE USA competes are subject to significant
cycles of fluctuating capacity and wide disparities in price adequacy. ACE
USA's strategy in its competitive environment has been to grow when conditions
are favorable for a particular product line and to reduce writings and
preserve capital when competitive pricing prevents adequate returns.
During 1998, the ratings issued by A.M. Best, to the US Insurance
Subsidiaries were raised from A- to A following the acquisition by the
Company. In addition, in June 1998, ACE USA's S&P claims paying ability rating
was raised two increment levels from A- to A+.
Claims Administration
ACE Bermuda
Claims arising under policies issued by ACE Bermuda and CODA are managed in
Bermuda by ACE Bermuda's claims department. This department maintains a claims
database into which all notices of loss are entered. If the claims department
determines that a loss is of sufficient severity, it makes a further inquiry
of the facts surrounding the loss and, if deemed necessary, retains outside
claims counsel to monitor claims. Based upon its evaluation of the claim, the
claims department may recommend that a case reserve in a specified amount be
established or that all or part of a claim be paid. The claims department
monitors all claims and, where appropriate, will recommend the establishment
of a new case reserve or the increase or decrease of an existing case reserve
with respect to a claim.
AICE subscribes to the group claims database and interacts with the ACE
Bermuda legal and claims department, and where appropriate, with outside
counsel. Case reserves are established using the same criteria as ACE Bermuda.
With the exception of certain aviation coverages, ACE Bermuda does not
undertake to defend its insureds. It has, in certain instances, provided
advice to insureds with respect to the management of claims. ACE Bermuda
believes that its experience in resolving large claims and its proactive
approach to claims management has contributed to the favourable resolution of
several cases.
Because ACE Bermuda does not do business in the U.S., it must often rely on
U.S. counsel to assist it in evaluating liability and damages confronting its
insureds in the U.S. ACE Bermuda does not believe that the information
received or the procedures followed have materially or adversely affected its
ability to identify, review or settle claims.
ACE Global Markets
With respect to claims arising in Lloyd's syndicates, each syndicate
maintains a claims database into which all notices of loss are entered. These
are primarily notified by the Lloyd's Claims Office ("LCO") through a daily
electronic data interchange message. Where a syndicate is a "leading"
syndicate on a Lloyd's policy, then it acts through its underwriters and
claims adjusters, on its own behalf and with the LCO for the following
12
<PAGE>
market, in dealing with the broker and/or insured for any particular claim.
This may involve the appointment of attorneys and/or loss adjusters. The
leading syndicates, together with the LCO, advise movements in case reserves
to all syndicates participating on the risk.
All information received with respect to case reserves, whether on "lead
business' or on "following business,' screened and recorded by the syndicates.
The syndicates' claims department can vary the case reserves carried from
those advised by the LCO and can carry reserves for claims not processed by
the LCO. Any such adjustments and entries are specifically identifiable within
the claims system.
Tempest Re
Claims arising under contracts written by Tempest Re are managed in Bermuda
by Tempest Re. Tempest Re also maintains a claims database into which all
notices of loss are entered. Loss notices are received from brokers. They are
reviewed and case reserves are established for Tempest Re's portion of the
loss. Case reserves are then adjusted based on receipt of further
notifications from brokers.
ACE USA
The claims handling process is critical to ACE USA given that its specialty
property and umbrella coverages are written on an excess coverage basis. As a
result, losses arise from significant events that tend to present complex
claim issues. Although the claims volume of the US Insurance Subsidiaries has
been historically low compared to premium volume, individual casualty claims
usually involve injuries or damages that amount to more than $1 million. ACE
USA's claims professionals average over 19 years of claims handling
experience. Management believes that this level of experience provides ACE USA
with stability and consistency in its claims handling process.
Recognizing the unique claim handling characteristics of construction defect
claims, ACE USA has a dedicated unit to manage them. The asbestos and
environmental claims arising from policies issued by the US Insurance
Subsidiaries had been subcontracted to Envision Claims Management Corporation
("Envision"), a separate service company that is part of The Resolution Group,
Inc., a former affiliate of ACE USA. Subsequent to September 30, 1998, this
arrangement was discontinued and these claims are now directed by in-house
claim handlers trained to manage specialized coverage and coordination issues
that arise in asbestos and environmental claims.
Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
The Company is required to make provisions in its financial statements for
the estimated unpaid liability for losses and loss expenses for claims made
against it under the terms of its policies and agreements. Estimating the
ultimate liability for losses and loss expenses is an imprecise science
subject to variables that are influenced by both internal and external
factors. This is true because claim settlements to be made in the future may
be impacted by changing rates of inflation and other economic conditions,
changing legislative, judicial and social environments and changes in the
Company's claims handling procedures. In many liability cases, significant
periods of time, ranging up to several years or more, may elapse between the
occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to the Company and
the settlement of the Company's liability for that loss.
Several aspects of the Company's operations exacerbate the inherent
uncertainties in estimating its losses as compared to more conventional
insurance companies. Primary among these aspects are the limited amount of
statistically significant historical data regarding losses, particularly of
the type intended to be covered by the Company's excess liability policies and
the expectation that losses in excess of the attachment level of the policies
will be characterized by low frequency and high severity, limiting the utility
of claims experience of other insurers for similar claims. Accordingly, the
ultimate claims experience of the Company cannot be as reliably predicted as
may be the case with more traditional insurance companies, and there can be no
assurance that losses and loss expenses will not exceed the reserves.
13
<PAGE>
After a claim is reported to the Company, a case reserve is established for
the estimated ultimate losses and loss expenses, if any, with respect to the
reported claim. The amount and timing of the reserve reflects the judgement of
the claims personnel based upon general corporate reserving practices and on
the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel (including, where
appropriate, outside counsel and claim consultants) regarding the nature and
value of the specific type of claim.
A number of the Company's insureds have given notice of claims relating to
breast implants or components or raw material thereof that had been produced
and/or sold by such insureds. Lawsuits, including class actions, involving
thousands of implant recipients have been filed in both state and federal
courts throughout the United States. Most of the federal cases have been
consolidated pursuant to the rules for Multidistrict Litigation ("MDL") to a
Federal District Court in Alabama, although cases are in the process of being
transferred back to federal courts or remanded to state courts. At June 30,
1994, the Company increased its then existing reserves relating to breast
implant claims. Although the reserve increase was partially satisfied by an
allocation from existing IBNR, it also required an increase in the Company's
total reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses at June 30, 1994 of $200
million. The increase in reserves was based on information made available in
the pending lawsuits and information from the Company's insureds and was
predicated upon an allocation between coverage provided before and after the
end of 1985 (when the Company commenced underwriting operations). No
additional reserves relating to breast implant claims have been added since
June 30, 1994.
The Company continually evaluates its reserves in light of developing
information and in light of discussions and negotiations with its insureds.
Significant uncertainties continue to exist with regard to the ultimate
outcome and cost of the breast implant litigation and value of the opt-out
claims related to it. While the Company is unable at this time to determine
whether additional reserves, which could have a material adverse effect upon
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company,
may be necessary in the future, the Company believes that its reserve for
unpaid losses and loss expenses including those arising from breast implant
claims are adequate as at September 30, 1998. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition--Breast Implant
Litigation" in the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders filed with this Form 10-
K.
The Company engages an independent actuarial firm to review the methods and
assumptions used by the Company in estimating the unpaid loss and loss
expenses. As stated in its actuarial review, such firm believes that the
methods and assumptions used by the Company are reasonable and appropriate for
use in setting loss reserves at September 30, 1998.
Losses and loss expenses are charged to income as incurred. The reserve for
unpaid losses and loss expenses represents the estimated ultimate losses and
loss expenses less paid losses and loss expenses and is composed of case
reserves, loss expense reserves and IBNR loss reserves. During the loss
settlement period, which can be many years in duration, additional facts
regarding individual claims and trends often will become known. As these
become apparent, case reserves may be adjusted by allocation from the IBNR
loss reserve without any change in the overall reserve. In addition,
application of statistical and actuarial methods may require the adjustment of
the overall reserves upward or downward from time to time. The final liability
nonetheless may be significantly greater than or less than the prior
estimates.
At September 30, 1998, the reserve for unpaid losses including IBNR loss
reserves was $2,484.6 million and the reserve for loss expenses was $193.7
million. The Company believes that its reserves for unpaid losses and loss
expenses including those arising from breast implant claims are adequate as of
September 30, 1998.
The "Analysis of Loss and Loss Expense Development" shown on page 15
presents the subsequent development of the estimated year-end liability for
unpaid losses and loss expenses at the end of each of the years in the eleven-
year period ended September 30, 1998. The top line of the table shows the
estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses recorded at the
balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This liability represents
the estimated amount of losses and loss expenses for claims arising from all
prior years' policies and agreements that were unpaid at the balance sheet
date, including IBNR loss reserves. The upper
14
<PAGE>
(paid) portion of the table presents the amounts paid as of subsequent years
on those claims for which reserves were carried as of each specified year. The
lower portion of the table shows the re-estimated amount of the previously
recorded liability as of the end of each succeeding year. Several aspects of
the Company's operations, including the low frequency and high severity of
losses in the high excess layers in which the Company provides insurance,
complicate the actuarial reserving techniques utilized by the Company.
Accordingly, the Company expects that ultimate losses and loss expenses
attributable to any single underwriting year will be either more or less than
the incremental changes in the lower portion of the following table.
Management believes, however, that the losses and loss expenses which have
been recorded through September 30, 1998, are adequate to cover the ultimate
cost of losses and loss expenses incurred through September 30, 1998 under the
terms of the company's policies and agreements. Since such provisions are
necessarily based on estimates, the ultimate losses and loss expenses may be
significantly greater or less than such amounts. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition--Breast Implant
Litigation" in the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders filed with this Form 10-
K.
Analysis of Loss and Loss Expense Development
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended September 30,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
--------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Unpaid........... $ 22,500 $ 78,009 $319,230 $ 470,832 $ 813,849 $ 766,402 $1,176,215 $1,489,293 $1,892,302 $2,006,873
Paid (Cumulative)
As Of:
1 year later.... 431 26,190 181,525 149,493 340,836 126,566 66,888 80,080 358,713 337,422
2 years later... 1,195 82,715 207,587 490,116 465,074 183,439 121,628 414,419 663,087
3 years later... 21,307 108,689 531,502 590,847 517,366 228,638 451,746 696,470
4 years later... 42,450 432,541 601,811 611,133 551,887 558,625 725,799
5 years later... 182,110 459,183 622,097 627,691 881,198 837,515
6 years later... 182,110 476,570 631,371 764,607 1,150,628
7 years later... 195,939 484,549 641,060 843,283
8 years later... 196,207 493,326 664,896
9 years later... 196,861 505,976
10 years later.. 201,588
Liability Re-
estimated
As Of:
End of year..... $ 22,500 $ 78,009 $319,230 $ 470,832 $ 813,849 $ 766,402 $1,176,215 $1,489,293 $1,892,302 $2,006,873
1 year later.... 57,682 267,674 475,647 706,960 813,849 966,402 1,177,292 1,489,293 1,892,302 1,989,744
2 years later... 105,503 346,022 665,533 706,960 1,085,012 1,067,987 1,227,538 1,489,293 1,881,403
3 years later... 134,227 516,783 665,533 874,368 1,234,462 1,211,424 1,386,571 1,480,426
4 years later... 333,869 516,783 663,480 888,387 1,412,495 1,429,990 1,401,329
5 years later... 333,869 487,911 680,119 940,513 1,666,770 1,442,523
6 years later... 185,332 489,556 711,671 1,113,662 1,703,103
7 years later... 176,889 479,306 768,935 1,099,102
8 years later... 179,837 484,041 771,018
9 years later... 177,624 488,646
10 years later.. 181,147
Cumulative
Redundancy/
(deficiency).... (158,647) (410,637) (451,788) (628,270) (889,254) (676,121) (225,114) 8,867 10,899 17,129
Net unpaid losses
and loss
expenses........
Reinsurance
recoverables on
unpaid losses...
Gross unpaid
losses and loss
expenses........
<CAPTION>
1998
----------
<S> <C>
Unpaid........... $2,678,341
Paid (Cumulative)
As Of:
1 year later....
2 years later...
3 years later...
4 years later...
5 years later...
6 years later...
7 years later...
8 years later...
9 years later...
10 years later..
Liability Re-
estimated
As Of:
End of year..... $2,678,341
1 year later....
2 years later...
3 years later...
4 years later...
5 years later...
6 years later...
7 years later...
8 years later...
9 years later...
10 years later..
Cumulative
Redundancy/
(deficiency).... 0
Net unpaid losses
and loss
expenses........ $2,678,341
Reinsurance
recoverables on
unpaid losses... 1,059,528
----------
Gross unpaid
losses and loss
expenses........ $3,737,869
----------
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
- --------
(1) The Company does not consider it appropriate to extrapolate future
deficiencies or redundancies based upon the above tables, as conditions
and trends that have affected development of liability in the past may not
necessarily occur in the future.
(2) In 1994, the Company recorded an additional reserve of $200 million,
related primarily to developments in breast implant litigation, in respect
of years prior to 1994.
(3) In 1992, the Company began applying actuarial and statistical methods to
estimate ultimate expected losses and loss expenses for all of the
Company's business since inception. As at September 30, 1994 the Company
changed its method of allocating IBNR to accident and balance sheet years.
This allocation assigns IBNR to years based upon various risk factors
including immaturity of year, amount of earned premium in that year, and
development of known claims. As the Company's loss experience is
characterized as low frequency and high severity, IBNR is considered a
bulk reserve, and is therefore available for loss development from
whichever year it may arise. Prior to 1994, the allocation of IBNR to
accident and balance sheet years was based upon a loss distribution
indicated by the expected loss method employed by the Company. Losses paid
for the year ending September 30, 1988 include an amount of $26.0 million,
which is expected to be recovered from an insured.
(4) It should be noted that on November 1, 1993, the Company acquired CODA, on
July 1, 1996, the Company acquired Tempest Re and on July 9, 1998, the
Company acquired Tarquin. The table has been re-stated to include CODA's,
Tempest Re's and Tarquin's loss experience as if each of these companies
had been wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company from their inception. On
January 2, 1998, the Company acquired ACE USA, and on April 1, 1998, the
Company acquired CAT Limited. The unpaid loss information for these
companies has been included in the table only for the period ending
September 30, 1998. For the period through September 30, 1997, reinsurance
recoverables were not material to the Company's financials, and the table
was prepared on a net basis. For the year ended September 30, 1998, gross,
ceded and net unpaid liabilities are shown at the bottom of the table.
(5) The "cumulative redundancy/(deficiency)" shown in the table represents the
aggregate change in the reserve estimates over all subsequent years. The
amounts noted are cumulative in nature; that is, an increase in loss
estimate for prior year losses generates a deficiency in each intermediate
year. For instance, a deficiency recognized in 1994 relating to losses
incurred during the year ending September 30, 1992 would be included in
the cumulative deficiency amount for each year from 1992 to 1994, the year
the loss was recognized, yet the deficiency would be reflected in
operating results only in 1994. An analysis of the changes in aggregate
reserves for losses and loss expenses under GAAP is presented below. Since
reserves are necessarily based upon estimates, the ultimate net costs may
vary from the original estimates. As adjustments to these estimates become
necessary, they are reflected in current operations.
Reconciliation of Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross unpaid losses and loss expenses at
beginning of year......................... $2,111,670 $1,977,680 $1,455,342
Reinsurance recoverable.................... (104,797) (85,378) (3,043)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net unpaid losses and loss expenses at
beginning of year......................... 2,006,873 1,892,302 1,452,299
Unpaid losses and loss expenses assumed in
respect of acquired companies............. 731,949 -- 34,735
Unpaid losses and loss expenses assumed in
respect of reinsurance business acquired.. 6,403 50,326 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Total.................................. 2,745,225 1,942,628 1,487,034
---------- ---------- ----------
Losses and loss expenses incurred in
respect of losses incurring in:
Current year............................. 534,021 486,140 520,277
Prior years.............................. (17,129) -- --
---------- ---------- ----------
Total.................................. 516,892 486,140 520,277
---------- ---------- ----------
Losses and loss expenses paid in respect of
losses incurred in:
Current year............................. 246,354 63,182 41,602
Prior years.............................. 337,422 358,713 73,407
---------- ---------- ----------
Total.................................. 583,776 421,895 115,009
---------- ---------- ----------
Net unpaid losses and loss expenses at end
of year................................... 2,678,341 2,006,873 1,892,302
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses... 1,059,528 104,797 85,378
---------- ---------- ----------
Gross unpaid losses and loss expenses at
end of year............................... $3,737,869 $2,111,670 $1,977,680
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
Investments
The Finance Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the
establishment of the Company's investment policy consistent with the company's
strategies, goals and objectives. The investment policy is reviewed with, and
approved by, the Board of Directors.
The Company's primary investment objectives are to ensure that funds will be
available to meet its insurance and reinsurance obligations and then, to
maximize its rate of return on invested funds within specifically approved
constraints as to credit quality, liquidity and volatility. Accordingly, the
Company's investment portfolio is invested primarily in fixed income
instruments of high credit quality.
The consolidated investment portfolio is divided into three segments. Assets
which are required to match and offset certain specifically identified
liabilities are segregated in an asset-liability management ("ALM") segment.
The second segment, the core portfolio, supports the current general insurance
exposures and is structured to have low to moderate investment risk. The
remainder of the portfolio, the discretionary segment, is invested to enhance
total return and return on equity by taking on additional investment risks
within prudent limits. The core and discretionary portfolios are managed by
professional outside managers whose performance is measured against certain
recognized broad market indices. Written investment guidelines, approved by
the Finance Committee, document standards to ensure portfolio liquidity and
diversification, maintain credit quality, and limit volatility within approved
asset allocation guidelines. The use of financial futures, forwards and
options contracts, as well as certain mortgage derivative securities which do
not provide a planned stable structure of principal and interest payments,
require prior approval from the Finance Committee.
Funds are invested in both U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated high-quality
fixed maturity and equity securities. The approved asset allocation targets 20
percent of the consolidated investment portfolio to have an exposure to
equities, with international equities limited to no more than 35 percent of
total equities. This represents an increase from the period January 1995 to
May 1996, when the target equity allocation was 15 percent, with international
equities limited to no more than 20 percent of total equities. The remainder
of the consolidated portfolio is to be invested predominantly in U.S. dollar
fixed income securities. Prior to January 1, 1998, the portfolio had a 5
percent allocation to international bonds. Currency hedging is permitted and
used at the discretion of the investment managers. Prior to the first quarter
of fiscal 1995, all investments were denominated in U.S. dollars, and total
equity exposure was limited to 10 percent of the consolidated investment
portfolio.
The fixed maturity portion of the Company's investment portfolio includes
U.S. and non-U.S. government obligations, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed
securities, and other investment grade securities. Those fixed income
investment managers with authorization to invest a portion of their portfolios
in non-U.S. dollar securities are required to hedge a minimum of 75 percent of
their total non-U.S. dollar exposure. Previously, currency hedging of fixed
income securities was permitted at the discretion of the manager. The
Company's investment guidelines limit investments in high yield and
convertible bonds rated B or better to 5 percent each of the consolidated
investment portfolio. To ensure diversity and limit concentrations of credit
risk, no more than 5 percent of the portfolio may be invested in the
obligations of any one issuer (other than the U.S. government).
The asset allocation target allows 5 percent of the consolidated investment
portfolio to be invested in alternative investments.
For additional information regarding the investment portfolio, including
breakdowns of the sector and maturity distributions, see note 5 to the
consolidated financial statements included in the 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders.
The trading status of underwriters at Lloyd's in the U.S. is supported by a
unique trust fund structure. The trust funds were reviewed and restructured in
August 1995 in consultation with the New York Insurance Department ("NYID"),
which acts as the domiciliary commissioner for Lloyd's US trust funds held in
the state of New York.
17
<PAGE>
Regulation
Bermuda
In Bermuda, the businesses of ACE Bermuda, CODA, Tempest Re and CAT are
regulated by the Insurance Act 1978 (as amended by the Insurance Amendment Act
1995) and related regulations (the "Act"). The Act imposes on Bermuda
insurance companies solvency and liquidity standards and auditing and
reporting requirements and grants the Minister of Finance (the "Minister")
powers to supervise, investigate and intervene in the affairs of insurance
companies. Under the Act, ACE Bermuda, Tempest Re and CAT are required to
maintain capital and surplus in excess of $100 million. CODA requires capital
and surplus in excess of $1 million. Each registered insurer must appoint an
independent auditor to audit and report on the Statutory Financial Statements
and Statutory Financial Return on an annual basis. Each company must also
appoint a loss reserve specialist to review and report on the loss reserves of
the insurer on an annual basis.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom and Lloyd's Regulation
The Company has established for marketing purposes, a representative office
in London, England. However, all underwriting operations continue to be
conducted in Bermuda.
The Company, certain of its UK subsidiaries and substantially all staff
employed within the Lloyd's operations are currently subject to the regulatory
jurisdiction of the Council of Lloyd's (the "Council"). This jurisdiction
arises by virtue of the Company's being a controller of each of the four
Lloyd's managing agencies referred to above and the six Corporate Members in
which it has an interest. Certain other subsidiaries have also been approved
as controllers, and are similarly subject to Lloyd's jurisdiction.
Under English law, there are restrictions on the interests Lloyd's brokers
or their holding companies may have in Lloyd's managing agents or their
holding companies.
The UK government has announced the establishment of the Financial Services
Authority ("FSA") as a single regulator to supervise securities, banking and
insurance business, including Lloyd's. The FSA will have wide powers to make
rules, and it is envisaged these will replace the existing statutory and self
regulatory arrangements relevant to these areas. A consultation process has
commenced in relation to Lloyd's regulatory framework. The Company and the
appropriate subsidiaries will seek any necessary authorizations and
permissions in relation to its Lloyd's operations.
Regulation of Lloyd's Entities in the United States
Direct business can be written on either a licensed or a non-admitted (which
includes surplus lines) basis. Licensed insurers are subject to regulation of
both solvency margin and business practices such as premium rate and policy
form control. Non-admitted insurers are not subject to rate and form control
in most states, but regulators manage the entry to the surplus lines market by
imposing minimum solvency and trust requirements for insurers wishing to be
deemed "eligible" surplus lines insurers.
Insurer licensing requirements do not apply to reinsurers and as a result
both licensed and non-admitted reinsurers may write reinsurance in the U.S.
Lloyd's underwriters operate as licensed insurers in Illinois, Kentucky and
the U.S. Virgin Islands and as eligible surplus lines insurers in all states
except Kentucky and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Underwriters are approved for
credit for reinsurance purposes in all states except Michigan, Kansas and
Arizona. Cedents in these states may require underwriters to provide
alternative funding (such as a letter of credit) to enable them to take credit
for reinsurance placed with underwriters at Lloyd's. Similarly, life, accident
and health cedents domiciled in New York may require such funding in order to
allow them to take credit for reinsurance ceded.
18
<PAGE>
Prior to August 1995, all US dollar premiums were deposited and held in the
Lloyd's American Trust Fund ("LATF"), regardless of the actual of the risk.
The LATF continues to support risks for US business incepting prior to August
1995, but the trust fund and accounting arrangements have changed for US
dollar business incepting after August 1, 1995. These include the creation of
a Lloyd's Dollar Trust Fund in the UK and a series of deposit trust funds in
the US. There are additional trust fund arrangements in certain US states.
United States of America
Non-U.S. Operations
The Company and its non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, excluding its Lloyd's
operations, are not admitted to do business as insurers in any jurisdiction in
the U.S. Each state in the U.S. licenses insurers and prohibits, with some
exceptions, the sale of insurance products by non-admitted insurers within
their applicable jurisdictions.
The Company conducts its insurance business from its offices in Bermuda. All
of the Company's insurance clients are obtained through non-U.S. insurance
brokers and non-U.S. affiliates of U.S. insurance brokers. All insurance
policies are issued and delivered and premiums are received in Bermuda. Based
on, among other things, the foregoing, the Company does not believe it is in
violation of the insurance laws of any state in the U.S.
Many states impose a premium tax (typically 2 percent to 4 percent of gross
premiums) on insureds obtaining insurance from nonadmitted foreign insurers,
such as ACE Bermuda and CODA. The premiums charged by the Company do not
include any American state premium tax. Each insured is responsible for
determining whether it is subject to any such tax and for paying such tax as
may be due.
The U.S. also imposes on policyholders an excise tax on insurance and
reinsurance premiums paid to foreign insurers or reinsurers with respect to
risks located in the United States. The rates of tax applicable to premiums
paid to ACE Bermuda and CODA are 4 percent for insurance premiums and 1
percent for reinsurance premiums.
The Company has from time to time received inquiries from certain U.S. state
insurance regulators regarding the Company's activities in a particular
jurisdiction. To date only the State of Nevada Department of Insurance has
formally challenged the insurance activities of the Company and that challenge
was resolved in favor of the Company by legislation. There can be no assurance
that additional challenges will not be raised in the future or that the
Company will be able to successfully defend against such challenges. Such
challenges may arise, among other things, in connection with actions seeking
the payment of state premium taxes from insureds.
In the event that the Company is not able to successfully defend against
challenges by certain U.S. jurisdictions, the Company's business could be
adversely affected in the short term. However, should this occur, the Company
could elect to qualify as a surplus lines insurer in such U.S. jurisdictions
as were necessary. Were it necessary to do so, the Company believes that
generally it could meet and comply with the prescribed legislative
requirements, and such compliance would not have a material impact on the
ability of the Company to conduct its business or its results of operations.
If the Company is unable to defend successfully against challenges of U.S.
jurisdiction, it is possible that a policyholder could attempt to sue the
Company in a U.S. court. The Company's primary defense to such action is that
it's policies have a mandatory arbitration clause for coverage disputes.
Courts in some states can impose damages in excess of policy limits if an
insurer is found to have improperly and in bad faith declined coverage. If a
U.S. court took jurisdiction of such a claim, it is possible that the
Company's exposure could be significantly greater than policy limits. It is
also possible that an arbitration panel, if the issues were properly
presented, could make an extra-contractual award for bad faith damage.
There can be no assurance that new or additional legislation will not be
proposed and enacted that has the effect of subjecting the Company to
regulation in the U.S.
19
<PAGE>
U.S. Operations
Although at the present time there is limited federal regulation of the
insurance business in the US, the US insurance subsidiaries are subject to
extensive regulation in the states in which they do business. The laws of the
various states establish supervisory agencies with broad authority to
regulate, among other things, licenses to transact business, insurance rates
for certain business, policy language, underwriting and claims practices,
transactions with affiliates, reserve adequacy, dividends and insurer
solvency. In addition, the US insurance subsidiaries are subject to
legislative measures and judicial decisions that define the risks and benefits
for which insurance is sought and provided. These include redefinitions of
insured risk in such areas as product liability and environmental coverages.
The US Insurance Subsidiaries are required to file detailed annual reports
with state insurance regulators in each of the states in which they do
business. Such annual reports are required to be prepared on a calendar year
basis. In addition, the US Insurance Subsidiaries' operations and accounts are
subject to examination at regular intervals by state regulators. The
respective reports made referring to the most recent periodic examinations of
the US Insurance Subsidiaries, contained no material adverse findings. The US
Insurance Subsidiaries are domiciled in the states of New York, Georgia and
Texas.
Statutory surplus is an important measure utilized by the regulators and
rating agencies to assess the Company's US Insurance Subsidiaries' ability to
support business operations and provide dividend capacity. The Company's US
Insurance Subsidiaries are subject to various state statutory and regulatory
restrictions that limit the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior
approval from regulatory authorities. These restrictions differ by state, but
are generally based on calculations incorporating statutory surplus, statutory
net income, and/or investment income.
Insurance company state regulators have adopted Risk Based Capital ("RBC")
requirements for the US Insurance Subsidiaries. These RBC requirements are
designed to monitor capital adequacy and to raise the level of protection that
statutory surplus provides for policyholders. The RBC formula provides a
mechanism for the calculation of an insurance company's Authorized Control
Level (the "ACL") RBC amount. The initial RBC level which triggers regulatory
action is known as the Company Action Level. Failure to achieve this level of
RBC, which occurs if policyholders' surplus falls below 200 percent of the
ACL, requires the insurance company to submit a plan of corrective action to
the relevant insurance commissioner. There are several additional progressive
RBC failure levels, which trigger more stringent regulatory action. Based on
the RBC formula, at December 31, 1997, which is the most recent RBC
calculation, the policyholders' surplus of each of the US Insurance
Subsidiaries was higher than the Company Action Level and, as a result, no
regulatory action or response is required.
Ireland
The Companies were established and operate as limited liability companies
under the Laws of Ireland. The relevant Irish Company Law applies to both
companies. ACE Bermuda Company Europe Limited must also comply with European
Union Insurance Regulations in respect of the 18 Classes of Insurance it is
authorised to provide as supervised by the Irish Department of Enterprise,
Trade and Employment.
20
<PAGE>
Tax Matters
United States of America
Corporate Income Tax
ACE is a Cayman Islands corporation and has never paid U.S. corporate income
taxes (other than withholding taxes on dividend income) on the basis that it
is not engaged in a trade or business in the U.S.; however, there can be no
assurance that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") will not contend to the
contrary. If the Company were subject to U.S. income tax, there could be a
material adverse effect on the Company's shareholders' equity and earnings.
The Company and its Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries do
not file U.S. income tax returns reporting income subject to U.S. income tax
since they do not conduct business within the U.S. except that the Company and
its Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have filed protective
tax returns reporting no U.S. income to preserve their ability to deduct their
ordinary and necessary business expenses should the IRS successfully challenge
the Company's contention that none of its income is subject to a net income
tax in the U.S.
Related Person Insurance Income
Each U.S. person who beneficially owns Ordinary Shares of the Company
(directly or through foreign entities) on the last day of an insurance company
subsidiary's fiscal year will have to include in such person's gross income
for U.S. tax purposes a proportionate share (determined as described herein)
of the related person insurance income ("RPII") of such insurance company
subsidiary if the RPII of such insurance company subsidiary, determined on a
gross basis, is 20 percent or more of that insurance company subsidiary's
gross insurance income in such fiscal year. RPII is income attributable to
insurance policies where the direct or indirect insureds are U.S. shareholders
or are related to U.S. shareholders of the Company. RPII may be includible in
a U.S. shareholder's gross income for U.S. tax purposes regardless of whether
or not such shareholder is an insured. For the fiscal year ended September 30,
1998, the Company believes that gross RPII of each of its insurance company
subsidiaries was below 20 percent for the year. Although no assurances can be
given, the Company anticipates that gross RPII of each of its insurance
company subsidiaries will be less than 20 percent of each such subsidiary's
gross insurance income for subsequent years and the Company will endeavor to
take such steps as it determines to be reasonable to cause its gross RPII to
remain below such level.
The RPII provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), have never been interpreted by the courts. Regulations interpreting
the RPII provisions of the Code exist only in proposed form, having been
proposed on April 16, 1991. It is not certain whether these regulations will
be adopted in their proposed form or what changes or clarifications might
ultimately be made thereto or whether any such changes, as well as any
interpretation or application of RPII by the IRS, the courts, or otherwise,
might have retroactive effect. For a more detailed discussion of RPII and
other tax matters pertaining to an investment in the Company's shares,
reference is hereby made to the section entitled "Taxation of Ace and its
Shareholders" in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-
04153), which section is incorporated by reference herein.
United Kingdom
Lloyd's is required to pay U.S. income tax on U.S. connected income ("U.S.
income") written by Lloyd's syndicates. Lloyd's has a closing agreement with
the IRS whereby the amount of tax due on this business is calculated by
Lloyd's and remitted directly to the IRS. These amounts are then charged to
the personal accounts of the Names/Corporate Members in proportion to their
participation in the relevant syndicates.
21
<PAGE>
The Company's Corporate Members are subject to this arrangement but, as UK
domiciled companies, will receive UK corporation tax credits for any U.S.
income tax incurred up to the value of the equivalent UK corporation income
tax charge on the U.S. income.
All the subsidiaries of the Company, which are registered in the UK are
subject to UK corporation tax, Value Added Tax and capital gains tax. In
addition, the respective Managing Agents are required, on behalf of
underwriting members participating on ACE managed syndicates, to account, via
Lloyd's, to the UK Tax Authorities for Insurance Premium Taxes.
Bermuda
Under current Bermuda law, the Company and its Bermuda subsidiaries are not
required to pay any taxes on its income or capital gains. The Company has
received an undertaking from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda that, in the
event of any taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from taxation in
Bermuda until March 2016.
Ireland
Both companies have received approval from the Irish Government to operate
their facilities in the International Financial Services Centre, Dublin (IFSC)
and have obtained clearance to have their income arising from trading
activities covered under their tax license taxed at 10 percent. This
concession is scheduled to apply to both companies until December 31, 2005.
Corporation Tax will be levied at the standard rate in Ireland on January 1,
2006 and thereafter to all IFSC companies.
Cayman Islands
Under current Cayman Islands law, the Company is not required to pay any
taxes on its income or capital gains. The Company has received an undertaking
that, in the event of any taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempted
from taxation in the Cayman Islands until the year 2013.
Employees
At September 30, 1998, the Company employed a total of 642 persons, 208 of
whom were located in Bermuda, 199 in London, 233 in the United States and 2 in
Dublin. None of these employees are represented by a labor union.
22
<PAGE>
Glossary of Selected Insurance Terms
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance....... Catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance
provides coverage to a primary insurer when
aggregate claims and claim expenses from a
single occurrence of a peril covered under
a portfolio of primary insurance contracts
written by the insurer exceed the
attachment point specified in the
reinsurance contract with the insurer.
Claims made form............................. Insurance coverage which is dependent upon
the filing of a claim, which must normally
fall within the policy period.
IBNR loss reserves........................... The reserves included in the Company's
financial statements under the caption
"Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses" for the
estimated ultimate unpaid liability which
the Company has incurred under the terms of
the Company's policies and agreements, less
case reserves.
Integrated occurrence........................ All losses attributable directly or
indirectly to the same event, condition,
cause, defect or hazard or failure to warn
of such which are added together and
treated as one occurrence under an
insured's policy.
Occurrence first reported.................... Manuscripted form of stand-alone insurance
coverage offered by the Company, which
generally ties the limits available and
other policy terms to the date on which an
occurrence is first reported to the
Company.
Proportional Property Reinsurance............ Proportional property reinsurance treaties
assume a specified percentage of the risk
exposure under a portfolio of primary
insurance contracts written by the ceding
insurer and receive an equal percentage of
the premium received by the ceding insurer.
Risk Excess of Loss Reinsurance.............. Property per risk excess of loss
reinsurance responds to a loss of the
reinsured in excess of its retention level
on a single "risk," rather than to
aggregate losses for all covered risks. A
risk in this context might mean the
insurance coverage on one building or a
group of buildings.
Stand alone basis............................ A term referring to an insurance policy
which is governed by its own terms,
conditions, exclusions and retention and
does not incorporate the terms, conditions
or exclusions of underlying policies.
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE>
Appendix B
--------------
Excerpts from ACE's 1998 Annual Report--Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition; Consolidated Financial
Statements
--------------
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
---------------------------------------------
The following is a discussion of the Company's financial condition, results of
operations, liquidity and capital resources. This discussion should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, and related notes
thereto, presented on pages 39 to 74 of this annual report.
On March 2, 1998, the Company effected a three-for-one split of the Company's
Ordinary Shares. All share and per share data has been adjusted, where
necessary, to reflect the stock split.
General
ACE Limited ("ACE") is a holding company which, through its Bermuda-based
operating subsidiaries, A.C.E. Insurance Company, Ltd. ("ACE Bermuda"),
Corporate Officers & Directors Assurance Ltd. ("CODA"), Tempest Reinsurance
Company Limited ("Tempest Re") and CAT Limited ("CAT") and its Dublin, Ireland
based subsidiaries, ACE Bermuda Company Europe Limited and ACE Reinsurance
Company Europe Limited provides a broad range of insurance and reinsurance
products to a diverse group of international clients. Through its U.S. based
subsidiary, ACE USA, Inc. (formerly Westchester Speciality Group, Inc.) ("ACE
USA"), the Company provides insurance products to a broad range of clients in
the United States. In addition, since 1996 the Company has provided funds at
Lloyd's, primarily in the form of letters of credit, to support underwriting
capacity for Lloyd's syndicates managed by Lloyd's managing agencies which are
indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of ACE. Underwriting capacity is the maximum
amount of gross premiums that a syndicate at Lloyd's can underwrite in a given
year of account. Unless the context otherwise indicates, the term "Company"
refers to one or more of ACE and its consolidated subsidiaries. The operations
of the Company in the Lloyd's market are collectively referred to herein as "ACE
Global Markets".
On January 2, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of ACE USA, through
its newly-created U.S. holding company, ACE US Holdings, Inc. ("ACE US"). Under
the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company purchased all of the
outstanding capital stock of ACE USA for aggregate cash consideration of $338
million. In connection with the acquisition, National Indemnity, a subsidiary
of Berkshire Hathaway, provided $750 million (75 percent quota share of $1
billion) of reinsurance protection to ACE USA with respect to their loss
reserves for the 1996 and prior accident years (see "Liquidity and Capital
Resources"). ACE USA, through its insurance subsidiaries, provides commercial
property, umbrella liability, specialty program business, warranty, errors and
omissions, directors and officers liability coverages as well as a captive
management reinsurance facility.
On March 11, 1998, the Company announced the formation of a joint venture, ACE
Capital Re Limited, with Capital Re Corporation ("Capital Re"). ACE Capital Re
Limited, a Bermuda-domiciled insurance company, writes both traditional and
custom-designed programs covering financial guaranty, mortgage guaranty and a
broad range of financial risks. Operations are underwritten and managed in
Bermuda by a joint venture managing agency, ACE Capital Re Managers Ltd. The
Company and Capital Re each have a 50 percent economic interest in ACE Capital
Re Limited and ACE Capital Re Managers Ltd.
On April 1, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of CAT Limited ("CAT"),
a privately held, Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurer. Under the terms
of the acquisition agreement, the Company purchased all of the outstanding
capital stock of CAT, for cash consideration of approximately $641 million. CAT
is being integrated with ACE's existing property catastrophe subsidiary, Tempest
Re, and going forward the combined property catastrophe reinsurance operations
will operate under the Tempest Re name.
On July 9, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Tarquin Limited
("Tarquin"), a UK-based holding company which owns Lloyd's managing agency
Charman Underwriting Agencies Ltd. ("Charman") and Tarquin Underwriting
Limited, its corporate capital provider. The Charman managed syndicates, 488
and 2488, are leading international underwriters of short-tail marine, aviation,
political risk and specialty property-casualty insurance and reinsurance.
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
The Company will continue to evaluate potential new product lines and other
opportunities in the insurance and reinsurance markets. In addition, the
Company regularly evaluates potential acquisitions of other companies and
businesses and holds discussions with potential acquisition candidates. As a
general rule, the Company publicly announces such acquisitions only after a
definitive agreement has been reached.
Safe Harbor Disclosure
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor"
for forward-looking statements. Any 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 documents filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission) include, but are not limited to, (i) uncertainties relating
to government and regulatory policies (such as subjecting the Company to
insurance regulation or taxation in additional jurisdictions), (ii) the
occurrence of catastrophic events with a frequency or severity exceeding the
Company's estimates, (iii) the legal environment, (iv) the uncertainties of the
reserving process, (v) loss of the services of any of the Company's executive
officers, (vi) changing rates of inflation and other economic conditions, (vii)
losses due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, (viii) ability to
collect reinsurance recoverables, (ix) the competitive environment in which the
Company operates, (x) the impact of mergers and acquisitions, (xi) the impact
of Year 2000 related issues, (xii) developments in global financial markets
which could affect the Company's investment portfolio, and (xiii) risks
associated with the introduction of new products and services. The words
"believe", "anticipate", "project", "plan", "expect", "intend", "will likely
result" or "will continue" 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.
Results of Operations - Years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
As previously noted, the Company completed the acquisition of Tarquin on July 9,
1998. This acquisition has been accounted for as a pooling-of-interests and
thus, information for all years presented has been restated to reflect the
results of the combined companies. Included in the results of fiscal 1998, 1997
and 1996 are certain non-recurring and transaction related expenses (hereinafter
referred to as the "non-recurring expenses") amounting to $46.6 million, $6.1
million and $5.0 million, respectively. These expenses include interest expense
and payments to employees as well as transaction costs including legal,
accounting and investment banking fees.
Net Income
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income excluding net realized gains on investments and non-recurring
expenses.................................................................... $418.4 $381.1 $277.4
Non-recurring expenses (net of income taxes)................................ (46.6) (6.1) (5.0)
Net realized gains on investments........................................... 188.4 127.7 55.2
------ ------ ------
Net income.................................................................. $560.2 $502.7 $327.6
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
For the year ended September 30, 1998, income excluding net realized gains on
investments and non-recurring expenses increased by $37.3 million or 9.8
percent, compared with fiscal 1997. This increase is predominantly the result of
the inclusion of the results of ACE USA following its acquisition on January 2,
1998 and the inclusion of the results of CAT following its acquisition on April
1, 1998.
2
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
During 1997, the Company experienced strong growth in income from insurance
operations and net investment income. The increase was partially offset by an
increase in general and administrative expenses. In fiscal 1997, Tempest Re
contributed $119.8 million to income excluding net realized gains on investments
and non-recurring expenses compared to $23.8 million for 1996. A full year of
operations for Tempest Re is included in the results for fiscal 1997 versus one
quarter of operations in 1996 as Tempest Re was purchased on July 1, 1996.
Premiums
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage Percentage
1998 Change 1997 Change 1996
-------- ------ ------ ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(In millions)
Gross premiums written:
ACE Bermuda (including CODA) $ 521.6 (0.3)% $523.2 (10.0)% $581.6
ACE Global Markets 436.3 37.9 316.5 29.9 243.6
Tempest Re (including CAT) 124.1 3.8 119.6 243.7 34.8
ACE USA 160.2 - - - -
-------- ------ ------
$1,242.2 29.5% $959.3 12.0% $860.0
======== ====== ======
Net premiums written:
ACE Bermuda (including CODA) $ 396.9 (11.3)% $447.6 (17.6)% $543.2
ACE Global Markets 312.0 37.6 226.8 11.2 203.9
Tempest Re (including CAT) 93.6 (18.8) 115.3 231.3 34.8
ACE USA 78.5 - - - -
-------- ------ ------
$ 881.0 11.6% $789.7 1.0% $781.9
======== ====== ======
Net premiums earned:
ACE Bermuda (including CODA) $ 393.5 (17.0)% $474.3 (11.9)% $538.1
ACE Global Markets 278.3 34.4 207.1 13.8 182.0
Tempest Re (including CAT) 151.7 22.4 123.9 247.1 35.7
ACE USA 70.8 - - - -
-------- ------ ------
$ 894.3 11.1% $805.3 6.6% $755.8
======== ====== ======
</TABLE>
During 1998 and 1997, most insurance markets faced significant competitive
pressures as a result of relatively low loss activity and excess capital in
these markets. This has resulted in continuing price pressure in most insurance
and reinsurance lines. However, the Company's ability to make strategic
acquisitions, increase its participation on the syndicates in Lloyd's managed by
the Company, develop new and expand existing product lines and maintain a high
level of policy renewals on existing business, while maintaining its focus on
underwriting and pricing discipline, has resulted in increases in gross and net
premiums written and net premiums earned for the years ended September 30, 1998
and 1997.
During 1998, gross premiums written increased to $1,242.2 million compared with
$959.3 million in 1997, an increase of $282.9 million. The growth in gross
premiums written is mainly a result of the inclusion of nine months of premiums
from ACE USA and six months of premiums from CAT, following their acquisitions
on January 2, 1998 and April 1, 1998, respectively. The growth is also due to
the increased participation in the Lloyd's syndicates managed by the Company.
As previously noted, the Company continues to face competitive pressures in most
of the markets in which it operates. Gross premiums written by ACE Bermuda
decreased by $1.6 million compared with 1997. Within ACE Bermuda, increased
premium volume resulted from new business in financial lines, increased activity
in the satellite line and contributions from the joint ventures in which ACE
Bermuda participates. These increases were offset by continuing declines in the
excess liability and directors and officers lines of business. The decline in
excess liability premiums is mainly the result of the non-renewal of several
accounts due to soft market conditions and reduced premiums from pricing
changes. Increases in attachment points and decreases in limits provided have
resulted in decreased premiums but have led to a reduction in the Company's
exposure and an improved risk profile. The decline in the directors and officers
gross premiums is primarily a result of the continuing competitive pressures in
this market.
3
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
Market conditions remain very competitive in the property catastrophe
reinsurance business as rates continue to decline in the absence of major loss
activity over the last several years. Tempest Re and CAT experienced continuing
price pressures during the year (although CAT was not acquired until April 1,
1998), including their January 1998 renewals which is their largest renewal
period. Tempest Re did not renew several of its accounts due to inadequate
pricing. While the combined Tempest Re and CAT operations recorded gross
premiums written of $124.1 million compared to $119.6 million for Tempest Re
alone in 1997, each company on an individual basis showed declines in gross
written premiums compared to the 1997 year.
ACE Global Markets continues to experience competitive conditions in the Lloyd's
market where rates continue to soften in most lines of business. This has
affected the writing of new business. In addition, the Company managed
syndicates have declined certain renewal business where prices or policy terms
were not considered adequate. However, as already noted, the Company's gross
premiums written have increased this year as a result of the Company's increased
participation in these syndicates.
ACE USA has also been impacted by significant competitive market forces during
the year. During this period, ACE USA has focused on maintaining its
underwriting and pricing discipline as well as developing its new product
divisions which were introduced during the year.
The Company expects that the current competitive market conditions will continue
and does not believe that recent loss activity in certain markets in which the
Company operates will significantly affect insurance and reinsurance prices in
the near term.
Gross premiums written increased by $99.3 million to $959.3 million in 1997 from
$860.0 million in 1996. The growth in gross premiums written is primarily
attributable to the inclusion of a full year of premiums for Tempest Re and the
increased participation in the Lloyd's syndicates managed by the Company. As
Tempest Re was purchased on July 1, 1996, the 1996 comparative only includes
three months of Tempest Re premiums. Tempest Re's gross premiums written for
1997 are down by approximately 17 percent compared to their full year 1996
premiums primarily due to rate reductions, increasing attachment points and some
cancellations due to pricing. The Company's portion of gross premiums written by
the Lloyd's syndicates in which the Company participates increased as a result
of the Company's increased participation in these syndicates. Satellite,
aviation, excess property and financial lines also contributed to the increase.
These increases in gross premiums written were offset by declines in excess
liability and directors and officers liability gross premiums written. The
decline in excess liability premiums is mainly the result of continuing
competitive pressures in that market which have adversely affected the pricing
of the excess liability business. This market pressure has caused ACE Bermuda,
in certain instances, to increase its average attachment points, lower its
average policy limits or decline business, which has had the effect of reducing
the Company's exposure and improving its risk profile. Directors and officers
liability premiums declined as a result of continuing competitive conditions.
Net premiums written increased by $91.3 million to $881.0 million in 1998
compared with $789.7 million in 1997. This increase, as with the increase in
gross premiums written, is the result of increases in the Company's
participation in the Lloyd's syndicates managed by ACE Global Markets as well as
the contributions of ACE USA and CAT during the year. Net premiums written in
ACE Bermuda decreased from $447.6 million in 1997 to $396.9 million in 1998.
This decline is primarily the result of continuing declines in directors and
officers liability and excess liability premiums, as described above in the
discussion of gross premiums written, offset somewhat by growth in net premiums
written from the satellite and financial lines divisions and in the joint
ventures business written by ACE Bermuda.
Net premiums written were also affected by an increase in the use of reinsurance
during 1998, predominantly in ACE Bermuda. In particular, during the second
quarter, the excess liability division of ACE Bermuda purchased a 25 percent
quota share reinsurance treaty and also put in place an excess of loss treaty
that limits the retained risk on a single occurrence to $100 million. In
addition, during 1998, the satellite division of ACE Bermuda and Tempest Re each
purchased additional reinsurance to cover catastrophic events.
4
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written increased in 1997 to $789.7 million compared to $781.9
million for 1996. The inclusion of a full year of net premiums written for
Tempest Re, the increased participation in the Lloyd's syndicates managed by the
Company and growth in excess property premiums contributed to the increase in
net premiums written. These increases were partially offset by declines in
excess liability and directors and officers liability premiums as discussed
above.
A portion of the decline in net premiums written is also the result of the
Company's use of reinsurance for the satellite and financial lines product lines
in 1997. Net premiums written for Tempest Re were also reduced as a result of
the purchase of a modest amount of retrocessional cover during 1997.
For the year ended September 30, 1998, net premiums earned increased by $89.0
million to $894.3 million compared with $805.3 million last year, an increase of
11.1 percent. This increase was a result of the contributions from ACE USA and
CAT during the year following their acquisitions as well as an increase in net
premiums earned resulting from the Company's participation in the Lloyd's
syndicates under management. This increase was partially offset by declines in
net premiums earned in ACE Bermuda as a result of declines in net premiums
written.
For 1997, net premiums earned increased by $49.5 million to $805.3 million from
$755.8 million in 1996. The growth in net premiums earned was primarily the
result of the inclusion of a full year of premiums earned for Tempest Re in 1997
compared to three months in 1996 and the Company's increased participation in
the Lloyd's syndicates managed by the Company. At ACE Bermuda, aviation, excess
property and financial lines also experienced growth during the year. These
increases were offset by declines in excess liability, directors and officers
liability and satellite premiums earned.
Net Investment Income
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage Percentage
1998 Change 1997 Change 1996
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net investment income............. $324.3 27.9% $253.4 18.6% $213.7
===================================================================
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Net investment income increased by $70.9 million or 27.9 percent in 1998
compared with 1997. This increase is primarily due to an increase in the
investable asset base resulting from the inclusion of the ACE USA and CAT
portfolios in the current year as well as positive cash flows from operations
and the reinvestment of funds generated by the portfolio. Consistent with the
overall decline in U.S. interest rates during the year, the average yield earned
on the investment portfolio in 1998 was down when compared with the yield
generated in 1997.
The average yield earned on the investment portfolio in 1997 was down slightly
compared to the yield generated in 1996. This is largely due to the fact that
during the first quarter of fiscal 1997 the Company increased the equity
exposure of the externally managed investment portfolio to 20 percent from 15
percent. The remainder of the portfolio is comprised of fixed maturity
securities. Despite the decreases in yield, net investment income increased by
$39.7 million in 1997 compared to 1996 primarily as a result of a larger
investable asset base. The increase in the investable asset base in 1997 and
1996 was due to positive cash flows from insurance operations, the reinvestment
of funds generated by the portfolio and the fact that the consolidated
investment portfolio included the Tempest Re portfolio for the entire period of
fiscal 1997 and for three months during fiscal 1996.
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities and short-term investments........... $ 58.3 $ 58.7 $14.4
Equity securities..................................... 168.5 38.1 15.8
Financial futures and option contracts................ (9.3) 57.1 26.7
Currency.............................................. (29.1) (26.2) (1.7)
------ ------ -----
$188.4 $127.7 $55.2
====== ====== =====
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------
The Company's investment strategy takes a long-term view and the portfolio is
actively managed to maximize total return within certain specific guidelines
which minimize risk. The portfolio is reported at fair value. The effect of
market movements on the investment portfolio will directly impact net realized
gains (losses) on investments when securities are sold. Changes in unrealized
gains and losses, which result from the revaluation of securities held, are
reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
The Company uses foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the
effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar
holdings. The contracts used are not designated as specific hedges and
therefore, realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized on these
contracts are recorded as a component of net realized gains (losses) on
investments in the period in which the fluctuations occur, together with net
foreign currency gains and losses recognized when non-U.S. dollar securities are
sold (for further discussion see "Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk
Management").
Sales proceeds for fixed maturity securities were generally higher than their
amortized costs during 1998 and 1997 which resulted in net realized gains on
sale of fixed maturities and short-term investments of $58.3 million in 1998 and
$58.7 million in 1997.
The liquidation of two domestic stock portfolios and the sale of a portion of
the non-U.S. dollar equity securities held during the year, contributed
significantly to net realized gains on sales of equity securities of $168.5
million in fiscal 1998. This compares with net realized gains on sales of equity
securities of $38.1 million in 1997 and $15.8 million in 1996.
Realized gains or losses on financial futures and option contracts are generated
from U.S. Treasury futures contracts and from equity index futures contracts
held in the synthetic equity fund. Gains and losses on these instruments are
closely linked to fluctuations in the U.S. Treasury and equity markets and
therefore, realized gains would be expected during periods of broad market
improvements while losses are realized during periods of market declines. Net
realized losses in financial futures and option contracts of $9.3 million in
1998 arose from net movements on fixed income and equity index futures contracts
held during the year. Net realized gains on financial futures and option
contracts of $57.1 million recorded in 1997 were primarily generated by the
equity index futures contracts held, as a result of the rise in the S&P 500
Stock Index of nearly 40 percent during the fiscal year. The realized gains of
$26.7 million in 1996 were generated from U.S. Treasury futures contracts and
from the equity index futures contracts held in the synthetic equity fund as a
result of broad market improvements during the year.
Currency losses were $29.1 million in 1998 compared with currency losses of
$26.2 million in 1997 and losses of $1.7 million for 1996. Currency markets
generally suffered declines against the U.S. dollar during 1998 and 1997. During
1998, the Company eliminated its 5 percent strategic allocation to non-U.S.
dollar fixed income securities. The Company maintained its 7 percent allocation
to non-U.S. dollar equities which it added in 1997. At September 30, 1998 there
were unrealized currency losses of $2.1 million on securities held in the
portfolio compared to $20.0 million as at September 30, 1997. Unrealized
currency losses are reflected in net unrealized appreciation on investments in
shareholders' equity.
The Company's externally managed investment portfolio contains certain market
sensitive instruments which may be adversely effected by changes in interest
rates and foreign currency exchange rates (for further discussion see "Market
Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management").
Combined Ratio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Loss and loss expense ratio.............................. 57.8% 60.4% 68.8%
Underwriting and administrative expense ratio............ 30.4% 19.0% 18.3%
-------------------------
Combined ratio........................................... 88.2% 79.4% 87.1%
=========================
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The underwriting results of a property and casualty insurer are discussed
frequently by reference to its loss and loss expense ratio, underwriting and
administrative expense ratio and combined ratio. Each ratio is derived by
dividing the relevant expense amounts by net premiums earned. The combined ratio
is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio and the underwriting and the
administrative expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100 percent indicates
underwriting profits and a
6
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
combined ratio exceeding 100 percent indicates underwriting losses. Property
catastrophe reinsurance companies generally expect to have overall lower
combined ratios as compared with other reinsurance companies with long-tail
exposures.
Several aspects of the Company's operations, including the low frequency and
high severity of losses in the high excess layers in certain lines of business
in which the Company provides insurance and reinsurance, complicate the
actuarial reserving techniques utilized by the Company. Management believes,
however, that the Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses are
adequate to cover the ultimate cost of losses and loss expenses incurred through
September 30, 1998. Since such reserves are necessarily based on estimates,
future developments may result in ultimate losses and loss expenses
significantly greater or less than such amounts (see "Breast Implant
Litigation").
Losses and Loss Expenses
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage Percentage
1998 Change 1997 Change 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Losses and loss expenses.............................. $516.9 6.3% $486.1 (6.6)% $520.3
=================================================================
</TABLE>
Losses and loss expenses have increased for the year ended September 30, 1998
compared to 1997 due to the inclusion of losses and loss expenses from ACE USA
and CAT since their acquisition as well as the Company's increased participation
in the Lloyd's syndicates under management. However, the loss and loss expense
ratio has decreased to 57.8 percent in 1998 compared with 60.4 percent in 1997.
This decrease is the result of the changing mix of premiums written and earned
by the Company, highlighted by the inclusion of ACE USA and CAT in this fiscal
year whose loss ratios are lower than the Company's traditional book of
business.
For the year ended September 30, 1997, the loss and loss expense ratio was 60.4
percent compared with 68.8 percent in 1996. This ratio was favorably impacted by
the results of Tempest Re.
Underwriting and Administrative Expenses
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage Percentage
1998 Change 1997 Change 1996
---------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Underwriting and administrative expenses.............. $271.6 76.9% $153.5 11.0% $138.3
===============================================================
</TABLE>
Underwriting and administrative expenses have increased for the year ended
September 30, 1998 compared to 1997 primarily due to the inclusion of the non-
recurring expenses previously described as well as the inclusion of underwriting
and administrative expenses from ACE USA and CAT since their acquisition. The
increase is also partly due to the increased underwriting and administrative
expenses generated by the Company's increased participation in Lloyd's. The
underwriting and administrative expense ratio also increased in the year from
19.0 percent in 1997 to 30.4 percent in 1998. Again, this increase is due
primarily to the inclusion of the non-recurring expenses. Excluding the non-
recurring expenses, the underwriting and administrative expense ratio would have
been 25.0 percent compared to 18.3 percent in 1997. The remaining increase is
primarily due to the costs associated with the Company's increased participation
in the Lloyd's market and the inclusion of administrative costs from ACE USA.
The underwriting and administrative expense ratio in ACE USA and ACE Global
Markets is generally higher than the Company's traditional book of business and
thus contributed to the increase in the underwriting and administrative expense
ratio.
The underwriting and administrative expense ratio increased to 19.0 percent in
1997 compared to 18.3 percent in 1996. This increase is due to an increase in
administrative expenses in 1997 over 1996, which is partially offset by a
decrease in acquisition costs. The increase in administrative expenses in
primarily due to the increased cost base resulting from the strategic
diversification by the Company over the past two years, including the
acquisitions of Tempest Re, the Lloyd's managing agencies as well as the
development of the newer insurance lines and products.
7
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As a holding company, ACE's assets consist primarily of the stock of its
subsidiaries as well as other investments. In addition to investment income, its
cash flows currently depend primarily on dividends or other statutorily
permissible payments from its Bermuda-based operating subsidiaries (the "Bermuda
subsidiaries"). There are currently no legal restrictions on the payment of
dividends from retained earnings by the Bermuda subsidiaries as the minimum
statutory capital and surplus requirements are satisfied by the share capital
and additional paid-in capital of each of the Bermuda subsidiaries. However, the
payment of dividends or other statutorily permissible distributions by the
Bermuda subsidiaries is subject to the need to maintain shareholder's equity at
a level adequate to support the level of insurance and reinsurance operations.
ACE received a dividend of $115 million from Tempest Re in December 1997 and a
dividend of $250 million from ACE Bermuda in April 1998.
At September 30, 1998, ACE US Holdings, Inc. ("ACE US") and ACE Global Markets
had shareholder's equity of approximately $115 million and $225 million,
respectively. The payment of any dividends from the Company's UK subsidiaries
would be subject to applicable United Kingdom insurance law including those
promulgated by the Society of Lloyd's. Under various U.S. insurance laws to
which ACE US's insurance subsidiaries are subject, ACE US's insurance
subsidiaries may pay a dividend only from earned surplus subject to the
maintenance of a minimum capital requirement, without prior regulatory approval.
No dividends were received from ACE US or ACE Global Markets during fiscal 1998
and the Company does not anticipate receiving dividends from them during fiscal
1999.
The Company's consolidated sources of funds consist primarily of net premiums
written, investment income, and proceeds from sales and maturities of
investments. Funds are used primarily to pay claims, operating expenses and
dividends and for the purchase of investments and for share repurchases.
The Company's insurance and reinsurance operations provide liquidity in that
premiums are normally received substantially in advance of the time claims are
paid. For the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company's
consolidated net cash flows from operating activities were $66.8 million, $423.5
million and $724.1 million respectively. Cash flows are affected by claim
payments, which due to the nature of the Company's operations, may comprise
large loss payments on a limited number of claims and therefore can fluctuate
significantly from year to year. The irregular timing of these loss payments,
for which the source of cash can be from operations, available net credit
facilities or routine sales of investments, can create significant variations in
cash flows from operations between periods. Total loss and loss expense payments
amounted to $583.8 million, $421.9 million and $115.0 million in fiscal 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Company maintains loss reserves for the estimated unpaid ultimate liability
for losses and loss expenses under the terms of its policies and agreements. The
reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses of $3.7 billion at September 30,
1998, includes $1.4 billion of case and loss expense reserves. While the Company
believes that its reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses at September 30,
1998 is adequate, future developments may result in ultimate losses and loss
expenses significantly greater or less than the reserve provided. A number of
the Company's insureds have given notice of claims relating to breast implants
or components or raw material thereof that had been produced and/or sold by such
insureds. The Company has made certain payments to policyholders with respect to
these claims. However, the Company does not have adequate data upon which to
anticipate the timing of future payments relating to these liabilities.
At September 30, 1998, total investments and cash amounted to approximately $6.2
billion, compared with $4.8 billion at September 30, 1997. The increase in total
cash and investments of $1.4 billion since September 30, 1997 is primarily the
result of the inclusion of the ACE USA and CAT investment portfolios following
the acquisitions of these companies by ACE during the current fiscal year. The
Company's investment portfolio is structured to provide a high level of
liquidity to meet insurance related or other obligations. The consolidated
investment portfolio is externally managed by independent professional
investment managers and is invested in high quality investment grade marketable
fixed income and equity securities, the majority of which trade in active,
liquid markets. The Company believes that its cash balances, cash flow from
8
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
operations, routine sales of investments and the liquidity provided by its
credit facilities (discussed below) are adequate to allow the Company to pay
claims within the time periods required under its policies.
In December 1997, the Company arranged certain syndicated credit facilities.
J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. and Mellon Bank N.A. acted as co-arrangers in the
arranging, structuring and syndication of these credit facilities. Each facility
requires that the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries comply with
specific covenants, including a consolidated tangible net worth covenant and a
maximum leverage covenant. The facilities provide:
. A $200 million 364 day revolving credit facility and a $200 million five year
revolving credit facility which together make up a combined $400 million
committed, unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility. At September 30,
1998, the five-year revolving credit facility has a $150 million letter of
credit ("LOC") sub-limit (increased from $50 million during September 1998).
As discussed below, the Company drew down $385 million on the revolving
credit facilities to finance the acquisition of CAT Limited on April 1, 1998.
The debt was subsequently repaid from a portion of the proceeds from the sale
of 16.5 million new Ordinary Shares of the Company (discussed below).
. A syndicated fully secured five year LOC facility totaling approximately 154
million ($262 million) which was used to fulfill the requirements of Lloyd's
to support underwriting capacity on Lloyd's syndicates in which the Company
participates. Certain assets totalling approximately $300 million are pledged
as security for this facility.
. A syndicated $250 million seven year amortizing term loan facility, which was
used on January 2, 1998 to partially finance the acquisition of ACE USA. The
interest rate on the term loan was LIBOR plus an applicable spread. As of
September 30, 1998, $250 million was outstanding under this facility. The
average interest rate for the period January 2, 1998 through October 5, 1998
was 6.24 percent.
On October 27, 1998, ACE US refinanced the outstanding $250 million term loan
with the proceeds from the issuance of $250 million in aggregate principal
amount of unsecured credit sensitive senior notes maturing in October 2008.
Interest payments, based on the initial fixed rate coupon on these notes of 8.63
percent, are due semi-annually in arrears. Total interest expense to be recorded
by ACE US including amortized fees and hedging costs, will initially be $23.3
million per year. The indenture related to these notes include certain
restrictive covenants applicable to ACE US. The senior notes are callable
subject to certain breakage costs, however, ACE US has no current intention of
calling the debt. Simultaneously, the Company has entered into a notional $250
million credit default swap transaction that has the economic effect of reducing
the cost of debt to the consolidated group, excluding fees and expenses, to 6.47
percent for 10 years. Certain assets totaling approximately $90 million are
pledged as security in connection with the swap transaction. In the event that
the Company terminates the credit default swap prematurely, the Company would be
liable for certain transaction costs. However, the Company has no current
intention of terminating the swap. The swap counter-party is a major financial
institution with a long-term S&P Senior Debt Rating of AA- and the Company does
not anticipate non-performance.
The Company also maintains an unsecured, syndicated revolving credit facility in
the amount of $72.5 million. This facility was put in place by CAT prior to its
acquisition by the Company and in September 1998, was assigned to Tempest Re. At
September 30, 1998, no amounts have been drawn down under this facility. The
facility requires that Tempest Re comply with specific covenants.
On November 27, 1998, the Company arranged a new syndicated partially secured
five year LOC facility in the amount of 270 million (approximately $450 million)
to fulfill the requirements of Lloyd's for the 1999 year of account. This new
facility was arranged by Citibank N.A., with ING Barings and Barclays Bank PLC
acting as co-arrangers, and will replace the facility arranged in December 1997.
This new LOC facility requires that the Company continue to maintain certain
covenants, including a minimum consolidated tangible net worth covenant and a
maximum leverage covenant. Certain assets totaling approximately $201 million
are pledged as partial security for this facility, replacing the security
pledged in connection with the December 1997 facility.
On November 13, 1997, the Board of Directors approved a special resolution to
split each outstanding Ordinary Share of the Company into three Ordinary Shares.
The stock split was voted on and approved by the shareholders of the Company on
February 6, 1998. The record date for determining those shareholders entitled to
receive certificates representing additional
9
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued
--------------------------------------------------------
shares pursuant to the Stock Split was as of close of business on February 17,
1998. Certificates representing the additional shares of stock were mailed on
March 2, 1998.
The Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase from time to time of the
Company's Ordinary Shares in open market and private purchase transactions. On
May 9, 1997 the Board of Directors terminated the then existing share repurchase
program and authorized a new share program for up to $300 million of the
Company's Ordinary Shares. During the first two quarters of fiscal 1998, the
Company repurchased 3,521,100 Ordinary Shares under the share repurchase program
for an aggregate cost of $107.6 million. No shares were repurchased after March
31, 1998. On July 6, 1998 the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
rescinded all existing authorizations for the repurchase of the Company's
Ordinary Shares. During 1997, the Company repurchased 9,093,000 Ordinary Shares
under share repurchase programs for an aggregate cost of approximately $182.6
million.
On October 18, 1997 and January 16, 1998, the Company paid quarterly dividends
of 7.33 cents and 8 cents per share, respectively to shareholders of record on
September 30, 1997 and December 13, 1997. The Company paid quarterly dividends
on April 18, 1998 and July 17, 1998 of 8 cents and 9 cents per share,
respectively to shareholders of record on March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1998. On
October 16, 1998, the Board of Directors paid a quarterly dividend of 9 cents
per share to shareholders of record on September 30, 1998. On November 13, 1998,
the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of 9 cents per share
payable on January 15, 1999 to shareholders of record on December 15, 1998. The
declaration and payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Board of
Directors and will be dependent upon the profits and financial requirements of
the Company and other factors, including legal restrictions on the payment of
dividends and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.
On January 2, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of ACE USA, through
its newly-created U.S. holding company, ACE US, for an aggregate cash
consideration of $338 million. ACE US was capitalized by ACE Limited with $75
million and received $35 million from an inter-company loan. ACE US financed the
acquisition of ACE USA with $250 million of bank debt (see discussion of
syndicated credit facilities above) and the remaining $88 million came from
available funds.
On April 1, 1998, the Company completed the acquistion of CAT for an aggregate
cash consideration of approximately $641 million. The acquisition was financed
with $385 million of short-term bank debt (see discussion of credit facilities
above) and the remainder from available funds.
On April 14, 1998, the Company sold 16.5 million Ordinary Shares for net
proceeds of approximately $606 million after deducting expenses related to the
offering. A portion of the proceeds were used to repay $385.0 million of
indebtedness incurred by the Company in connection with the acquisition of CAT
on April 1, 1998. The remaining proceeds were added to the Company's investment
portfolio to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include
acquisitions.
On July 9, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Tarquin and issued
approximately 14.3 million Ordinary Shares to the shareholders of Tarquin. The
acquisition was accounted for on a pooling-of-interests basis and, as a result,
the consolidated financial statements of the Company have been restated to
include the historical shareholders' equity and results of operations of Tarquin
for all periods presented.
Fully diluted net asset value per share was $19.14 at September 30, 1998,
compared with $15.40 at September 30, 1997.
Changes in shareholders' equity for the years ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
-------------------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Balance, beginning of year....................................................... $2,785 $2,367
Net income....................................................................... 560 503
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.............. (69) 135
Repurchase of Ordinary Shares.................................................... (108) (183)
Dividends declared............................................................... (60) (45)
Value of Ordinary Shares issued in share offering................................ 606 -
Other............................................................................ - 8
------- -------
Balance, end of year............................................................. $3,714 $2,785
======= =======
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued
--------------------------------------------------------
The Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flow are
influenced by both internal and external forces. Claims settlements, premium
levels and investment returns may be impacted by changing rates of inflation and
other economic conditions. In many cases, significant periods of time, ranging
up to several years or more, may elapse between the occurrence of an insured
loss, the reporting of the loss to the Company and the settlement of the
Company's liability for that loss. The liquidity of its investment portfolio,
cash flows and the line of credit are, in management's opinion, adequate to meet
the Company's expected cash requirements.
Breast Implant Litigation
A number of the Company's insureds have given notice of claims relating to
breast implants or components or raw material thereof that had been produced
and/or sold by such insureds. Lawsuits, including class actions, involving
thousands of implant recipients have been filed in both state and federal courts
throughout the United States. Most of the federal cases have been consolidated
pursuant to the rules for Multidistrict Litigation to a Federal District Court
in Alabama, although cases are in the process of being transferred back to
federal courts or remanded to state courts.
On May 15, 1995, the Dow Corning Corporation, one of the major defendants, filed
for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and claims against
Dow Corning remain stayed subject to the Bankruptcy Code.
On October 1, 1995, negotiators for three of the major defendants agreed on the
essential elements of an individual settlement plan for U.S. claimants with at
least one implant from any of those manufacturers (" the Settlement"). In
general, under the Settlement, the amounts payable to individual participants,
and the manufacturers' obligations to make those payments, would not be affected
by the number of participants electing to opt out from the new plan. Also, in
general, the compensation would be fixed and not affected by the number of
participants, and the manufacturers would not have a right to walk away because
of the amount of claims payable. Finally, each settling defendant agreed to be
responsible only for cases in which its implant was identified, and not for a
percentage of all cases. By November 13, 1995, the Settlement was approved by
the three major defendants. In addition, two other defendants became part of the
Settlement, although certain of their settlement terms are different and more
restricted than the plan offered by the original three defendants. On December
22, 1995, the multidistrict litigation judge approved the Settlement and the
materials for giving notice to claimants.
Beginning in mid-January, 1996, the three major defendants have each made
payments to a court-established fund for use in making payments under the
Settlement. The Settlement Claims Office had reported that as of October 31,
1997, it has sent out Notification of Status Letters to more than 360,000 non-
opt-out domestic implant recipients who had registered with the Settlement
Claims Office. Distribution has begun on payments to claimants relating to other
implants since all appeals on the Settlement have been dismissed. In addition,
the multidistrict litigation judge has approved the detailed terms of a
settlement program being offered by the three major defendants to eligible
foreign claimants. Approximately 32,500 domestic registrants exercised opt-out
rights after receiving their status letters. Previously, approximately 19,000
other domestic implant recipients had exercised opt-out rights in 1994 and/or
before receiving status letters.
Although the Company has underwritten the coverage for a number of the defendant
companies including four of the companies involved in the Settlement, the
Company anticipates that insurance coverage issued prior to the time the Company
issued policies will be available for a portion of the defendants' liability. In
addition, the Company's policies only apply when the underlying liability
insurance policies or per occurrence retentions are exhausted.
Declaratory judgment lawsuits, involving four of the Company's insureds, have
been filed seeking guidance on the appropriate trigger for their insurance
coverage. None of the insureds have named the Company in such lawsuits, although
other insurers and third parties have sought to involve the Company in those
lawsuits. To date, one court has stayed a lawsuit against the Company by other
insurers; two courts have dismissed actions by other insurers against the
Company. Another court in Texas has ruled against the Company's arguments that
the court should dismiss the claims by other insurers and certain doctors
attempting to bring the Company into coverage litigation there. On appeal in the
Texas lawsuit, the appellate court affirmed the lower court's order refusing to
dismiss the claims against the Company; further appellate review in the
11
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued
--------------------------------------------------------
Texas Supreme Court is pending. In addition, further efforts are contemplated to
stay or dismiss the doctor's claims against the Company in the Texas lawsuit.
At June 30, 1994, the Company increased its then existing reserves relating to
breast implant claims. Although the reserve increase was partially satisfied by
an allocation from existing IBNR, it also required an increase in the Company's
total reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses at June 30, 1994 of $200
million. The increase in reserves was based on information made available in the
pending lawsuits and information from the Company's insureds and was predicated
upon an allocation between coverage provided before and after the end of 1985
(when the Company commenced underwriting operations). No additional reserves
relating to breast implant claims have been added since June 30, 1994.
The Company continually evaluates its reserves in light of developing
information and in light of discussions and negotiations with its insureds. The
Company has made payments to date of approximately $370 million with respect to
breast implant claims. These payments were included in previous reserves and are
consistent with the Company's belief that its reserves are adequate. While the
Company is unable, at this time, to determine whether additional reserves, which
could have a material adverse effect upon the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the Company, may be necessary in the future, the
Company believes that its reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses,
including those arising from breast implant claims, are adequate as at September
30, 1998.
Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management
In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Financial Reporting
Release No. 48, the following analysis presents hypothetical losses in cash
flows, earnings and fair values of derivative instruments and other market
sensitive instruments used in the Company's portfolio as at September 30, 1998.
The Company uses investment derivative instruments such as futures, options and
foreign currency forward and option contracts for duration management and
management of foreign currency exposures. These instruments are sensitive to
changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The portfolio
includes other market sensitive instruments which are subject to changes in
market values, with changes in interest rates.
Duration Management and Market Exposure Management
The Company uses financial futures and option contracts for the purpose of
managing certain investment portfolio exposures. Futures contracts are not
recognized in the financial statements as assets or liabilities and any changes
in fair value of these instruments due to changes in market interest rates would
be recognized in the statement of operations as realized gains or losses in
accordance with the Company's accounting policy. Option contracts are utilized
in the portfolio for the purposes of duration management and to provide
protection against any unexpected shifts in interest rates. At September 30,
1998, the fair value of the option contracts held and written was $1,517,000 and
$(677,000) respectively, compared with $178,000 and $(222,000) at September 30,
1997. The market value of mortgage-backed securities, another category of market
sensitive instruments, was $1,752 million, or approximately 30 percent of the
total investment portfolio, compared with $1,342 million or 31 percent at
September 30,1997. Mortgage-backed securities include pass through mortgage
bonds and collateralized mortgage obligations.
The aggregate hypothetical loss generated from an immediate adverse parallel
shift in the treasury yield curve of 100 basis points would be a decrease in
total return of 4.2 percent which equates to a decrease in market value of
approximately $230 million on a portfolio valued at $5.7 billion at September
30, 1998. An immediate time horizon was used as this presents the worse case
scenario.
12
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
Impact of the Year 2000 Issue
General
The management of ACE Limited, recognizing that the Year 2000 problem, if left
untreated, could have a material effect on the Company's business, results of
operations or financial condition, has in progress a project to address this
issue. It is the expectation of ACE's management that this project will reduce
the impact of the Year 2000 problem to an immaterial level, although not all
risks can be eliminated.
The Year 2000 problem stems from the inability, in some cases, of computer
programs and embedded microchips to correctly process certain data. The problem
is most evident because dates which fall in the year 2000 and in later years may
not be properly distinguished from those which fell in the corresponding years
of the present century.
Although all ACE group companies had individually taken steps earlier towards
alleviating the Year 2000 problem, a formal group-wide project was established
in March 1998. At that time, an executive steering committee was formed to
oversee the project. This committee meets on a monthly basis to review progress
and take corrective action if necessary. In each of the ACE subsidiary
companies, a senior member of the management has been appointed as Year 2000
coordinator. Each Year 2000 coordinator has responsibility for ensuring the
success of that part of the Year 2000 plan relevant to its company. A detailed
quarterly report on the status of the Year 2000 project is delivered to the
audit committee of the Board of Directors.
A consultant who is an experienced project manager has been retained to assist
the Year 2000 coordinator. In addition, certain subsidiaries have engaged
external consultants to assist in monitoring their plans.
The project is substantially on schedule, though some components have been
finished earlier than expected and some are taking more time than originally
estimated. It is expected that by the end of 1998 all ACE group companies will
be running Year 2000 compliant versions of most of the information technology
systems that are critical to the business. The replacement or remedy of the
remaining critical systems and some residual testing will continue during the
first and possibly the second quarter of calendar year 1999.
The Company's Year 2000 project is divided into four sections: Underwriting;
Information Technology; Trading Partners; and Physical Plant.
Underwriting
Underwriting teams within each ACE group subsidiary have considered the risks
with respect to the Year 2000 problem that might be associated with underwriting
their various lines of business and have developed internal guidelines which
seek to minimize these risks. Compliance with these guidelines is the subject of
internal audits and/or peer reviews. These guidelines are under regular review.
In some cases, exclusionary language has been added to policies and in all cases
there is a requirement for underwriters to consider information about our
clients and potential clients that is relevant to the Year 2000 problem and,
based on this to underwrite risks prudently or to decline them.
Information Technology
Each ACE subsidiary has a plan to ensure that all information technology
components such as hardware, software and network equipment that will be in use
in the Year 2000 (and beyond) for use by any business-critical function will not
suffer from the Year 2000 problem. Inventories have been prepared of all such
components, and appropriate action decided.
Most application software (such as insurance processing and accounting systems)
which is in use within the ACE group has been supplied as packages (often
tailored to meet ACE's needs) from various vendors. Several application software
packages have already been replaced with Year 2000 compliant versions. Testing
of these is complete in some cases, in progress for some systems and is
scheduled for others. Remaining software packages will be replaced, or, in a few
cases, remedied to free them of Year 2000 problems.
Testing of hardware and network components has commenced and is scheduled for
completion before the end of March 1999. Testing of other software, such as
operating systems and PC desktop applications is in progress or scheduled,
though in a few cases we are relying on assurances from major software
manufacturers that their systems will operate correctly.
13
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
Trading Partners and Physical Plant
Examples of the Company's trading partners are: insurance brokers, banks,
reinsurance companies, vendors and service providers in information technology
and general suppliers.
The Physical Plant section of the project focuses on items such as elevators,
fire suppression systems, security systems, building management systems (which
may control air-conditioning, heating and lighting systems) which may be
controlled by software programs or embedded chips, and may thus fail or act
unpredictably in, or after the year 2000. Furthermore, supply of electrical
power and telecommunications services are considered here.
All material trading partners and those vendors and service providers connected
with physical plant have been inventoried and questionnaires sent to them
soliciting information about their Year 2000 readiness. Responses have not been
provided in all cases, despite follow-up letters. ACE has made significant
progress in assessing those responses which have been forthcoming. Some of these
responses appear to give evidence of satisfactory progress and others do not. In
those cases where additional follow-up fails to provide satisfactory responses,
contingency plans will be drawn up in early 1999 to minimize the effect of
potential failure of a Trading Partner.
Costs
The total cost of the Year 2000 project is not expected to be material to the
Company's financial position. The total estimated cost is approximately $4
million, of which just over $2 million is for the information technology
component of the project. Total expenditure to date on the whole project is
approximately $1 million.
Risks
It is not feasible to assign probabilities to many of the events associated with
the Year 2000. The arrival of January 1, 2000 presents novel problems about
which there is no body of evidence upon which to base statistical predictions.
Furthermore, world infrastructure in areas such as telecommunications, banking,
law enforcement, energy production and distribution, manufacturing,
transportation and government and military systems are inextricably linked in
such a manner that a small failure in one area could produce large and
unexpected effects in others. Each business has a dependence upon its customers
and suppliers and through them (or directly) upon many or all of the
infrastructural areas noted above.
ACE management believes that the risks associated with its own information
technology project component are small. For reasons noted above, it is
impossible to quantify all risks associated with trading partners and physical
plant. Possibly the greatest risk for the Company lies in the possibility of
unpredictable events affecting insureds producing a number of claims (valid or
otherwise) which, if valid, are expensive to pay, or if not, expensive in
defense litigation costs.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"), which is effective for years
beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS 131 establishes standards for the way
that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in
annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected
information about operating segments in interim financial reports. It also
establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services,
geographic areas, and major customers. The company will adopt the new
requirements retroactively in 1999.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. It requires
that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
statement of financial position and measure those instruments of fair value.
SFAS 133 is effective beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2000. The
14
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
---------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)
---------------------------------------------------------
Company is currently assessing the effect of adopting this statement on its
financial position and operating results, which as yet, has not been determined.
15
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of the
consolidated financial statements and other financial information presented in
this annual report. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applying
certain estimates and judgments as required.
The Company's internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance as
to the integrity and reliability of the financial statements and to adequately
safeguard, verify and maintain accountability of assets. Such controls are based
on established policies and procedures and are implemented by trained, skilled
personnel with an appropriate segregation of duties. The Company's internal
audit department performs independent audits on the Company's internal controls.
The Company's policies and procedures prescribe that the Company and all its
employees are to maintain the highest ethical standards and that its business
practices are to be conducted in a manner, which is above reproach.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, are retained to audit the
Company's financial statements. Their accompanying report is based on audits
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, which
includes the consideration of the Company's internal controls to establish a
basis for reliance thereon in determining the nature, timing and extent of audit
tests to be applied.
The Board of Directors exercises its responsibility for these financial
statements through its Audit Committee, which consists entirely of independent
non-management Board members. The Audit Committee meets periodically with the
independent accountants, both privately and with management present, to review
accounting, auditing, internal controls and financial reporting matters.
_______________________________________ _____________________________________
Brian Duperreault Christopher Z. Marshall
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Chief Financial Officer
Officer
2
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To The Board of Directors and Shareholders of ACE Limited
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ACE Limited
and its subsidiaries at September 30, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
September 30, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management;
our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which 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,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
November 4, 1998
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 1998 and 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(except share and per share data)
Assets
Investments and cash
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
(amortized cost - $4,910,792 and $3,412,975) $5,056,807 $3,477,046
Equity securities, at fair value (cost - $198,447 and $518,852) 189,717 651,556
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost -
$480,236 and $364,552) 480,190 364,432
Other investments, at fair value (cost-$156,758 and $78,691) 156,646 78,691
Cash 317,714 216,191
---------- ----------
Total investments and cash 6,201,074 4,787,916
Goodwill 540,355 301,953
Premiums and insurance balances receivable 377,307 239,446
Reinsurance recoverable 1,116,753 104,797
Accrued investment income 57,153 40,682
Deferred acquisition costs 76,445 51,191
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 205,022 49,299
Deferred income taxes 25,264 --
Other assets 189,380 72,312
---------- ----------
Total assets $8,788,753 $5,647,596
========== ==========
Liabilities
Unpaid losses and loss expenses $3,737,869 $2,111,670
Unearned premiums 773,702 510,231
Premiums received in advance 53,794 24,973
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable 75,898 11,245
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 165,527 154,390
Dividend payable 17,693 12,436
Bank debt 250,000 --
Deferred income taxes -- 37,496
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 5,074,483 2,862,441
---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Ordinary Shares ($0.041666667 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized;
193,592,519 and 180,207,664 shares issued and outstanding) 8,066 7,508
Additional paid-in capital 1,765,261 1,177,954
Unearned stock grant compensation (6,181) (1,993)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments (net of deferred 127,845 196,655
income tax)
Cumulative translation adjustment (275) 1,568
Retained earnings 1,819,554 1,403,463
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 3,714,270 2,785,155
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $8,788,753 $5,647,596
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
4
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- ----------
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except
per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Gross premiums written $ 1,242,159 $ 959,349 $ 859,989
Reinsurance premiums ceded (361,186) (169,576) (78,105)
----------- ----------- ----------
Net premiums written 880,973 789,773 781,884
Change in unearned premiums 13,330 15,599 (26,044)
----------- ----------- ----------
Net premiums earned 894,303 805,372 755,840
Net investment income 324,254 253,440 213,701
Net realized gains on investments 188,385 127,702 55,229
----------- ----------- ----------
Total revenues 1,406,942 1,186,514 1,024,770
----------- ----------- ----------
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses 516,892 486,140 520,277
Acquisition costs 105,654 85,762 96,518
Administrative expenses 165,912 67,724 41,825
Amortization of goodwill 12,834 7,325 1,507
Interest expense 25,459 11,657 10,481
----------- ----------- ----------
Total expenses 826,751 658,608 670,608
----------- ----------- ----------
Income before income taxes 580,191 527,906 354,162
Income taxes 20,040 25,181 26,543
----------- ----------- ----------
Net income $ 560,151 $ 502,725 $ 327,619
=========== =========== ==========
Basic earnings per share $ 3.03 $ 2.73 $ 2.02
=========== =========== ==========
Diluted earnings per share $ 2.96 $ 2.69 $ 2.00
=========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
5
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Ordinary Shares
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance--beginning of year, as previously
reported $ 7,508 $ 7,868 $ 5,764
Pooling-of-interests with Tarquin - - 597
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--beginning of year, as restated 7,508 7,868 6,361
Shares issued in Tempest transactions - - 1,666
Ordinary Shares issued 688 - -
Issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) 1 1 -
Issued under Stock Appreciation Right (SAR) Plan - 9 -
Exercise of stock options 16 8 -
Repurchase of shares (147) (378) (159)
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--end of year 8,066 7,508 7,868
---------- ---------- ----------
Additional paid-in capital
Balance--beginning of year, as previously
reported 1,177,954 1,231,324 548,513
Pooling-of-interests with Tarquin - - 75,130
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--beginning of year, as restated 1,177,954 1,231,324 623,643
Shares issued in Tempest transactions - - 620,552
Options issued in Tempest transactions - - 12,124
Ordinary Shares used 605,211 - -
Cancellation of restricted stock awards - (87) -
Issued under ESPP 954 228 -
Issued under SAR Plan - 3,919 -
Exercise of stock options 4,225 2,182 27
Repurchase of Ordinary Shares (23,083) (59,612) (25,022)
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--end of year 1,765,261 1,177,954 1,231,324
---------- ---------- ----------
Unearned stock grant compensation
Balance--beginning of year (1,993) (1,299) (1,796)
Stock grants awarded (8,551) (3,244) (708)
Stock grants forfeited - 79 60
Amortization 4,363 2,471 1,145
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--end of year (6,181) (1,993) (1,299)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Investments
Balance--beginning of year 196,655 61,281 94,694
Net appreciation (depreciation) during year (59,528) 135,374 (33,413)
Change in deferred income taxes (9,282) - -
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--end of year 127,845 196,655 61,281
---------- ---------- ----------
Cumulative translation adjustments
Balance--beginning of year, as previously
reported 1,568 (560) -
Pooling-of-interests with Tarquin - - (324)
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--beginning of year, as restated 1,568 (560) (324)
Net adjustment for year (1,843) 2,128 (236)
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--end of year (275) 1,568 (560)
---------- ---------- ----------
Retained earnings
Balance--beginning of year, as previously
reported 1,403,463 1,068,389 795,488
Pooling-of-interests with Tarquin - - 9,803
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--beginning of year, as restated 1,403,463 1,068,389 805,291
Net income 560,151 502,725 327,619
Dividends declared (59,646) (44,993) (31,699)
Repurchase of Ordinary Shares (84,414) (122,658) (32,822)
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance--of year 1,819,554 1,403,463 1,068,389
---------- ---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity $3,714,270 $2,785,155 $2,367,003
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
6
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income $ 560,151 $ 502,725 $ 327,619
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Unearned premiums 18,168 (5,731) 32,195
Unpaid losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance
Recoverables (96,361) 114,571 405,268
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (111,188) (2,881) (18,633)
Deferred income taxes 52,240 17,494 19,612
Net realized gains on investments (188,385) (127,702) (55,229)
Amortization of premium/discounts (22,530) (6,104) (7,847)
Amortization of goodwill 12,834 7,325 1,507
Deferred acquisition costs (8,025) 5,122 9,274
Premiums and insurance balances receivable (52,709) (49,977) (17,915)
Premiums received in advance 28,823 6,366 5,976
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable 62,153 11,245 -
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (145,872) (42,078) 33,707
Other (42,529) (6,892) (11,423)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows from operating activities $ 66,770 $ 423,483 $ 724,111
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of fixed maturities (7,865,794) (6,796,843) (8,781,390)
Purchases of equity securities (221,952) (603,598) (222,382)
Sales of fixed maturities 7,625,861 6,817,944 8,220,230
Sales of equity securities 688,261 385,552 209,350
Maturities of fixed maturities 147,093 5,000 59,830
Net realized gains (losses) on financial future contracts (9,287) 57,076 26,678
Other investments (60,735) (52,080) (2,676)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (967,758) (27,098) (49,050)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used for investing activities $ (664,311) $ (214,047) $ (539,410)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of Ordinary Shares (107,644) (182,648) (58,003)
Dividends paid (54,389) (43,028) (27,684)
Net proceeds from issuance of Ordinary Shares 605,899 - 16,527
Proceeds from bank debt 635,000 - -
Repayment of bank debt (385,000) - -
Proceeds from exercise of options for ordinary shares 4,243 2,191 28
Proceeds from shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan 955 - -
Proceeds from shares issued under Stock Appreciation Rights Plan - 4,156 -
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash from (used for) financing activities $ 699,064 $ (219,329) $ (69,132)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 101,523 (9,893) 115,569
Cash -- beginning of year 216,191 226,084 110,515
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash -- end of year $ 317,714 $ 216,191 $ 226,084
=========== =========== ===========
Supplemental cash flow information
Taxes paid (received) $ (48,848) $ 3,975 $ 67
Interest paid $ 41,513 $ 5,700 $ 5,139
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
7
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization
ACE Limited ("ACE") is a holding company incorporated with limited liability
under the Cayman Islands Companies Law and maintains its principal business
office in Bermuda. The Company, through its Bermuda-based operating
subsidiaries, A.C.E. Insurance Company, Ltd. ("ACE Bermuda"), Corporate Officers
& Directors Assurance Ltd. ("CODA"), Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited
("Tempest Re") and CAT Limited ("CAT") and its Dublin, Ireland based
subsidiaries ACE Bermuda Company Europe Limited ("AICE") and ACE Reinsurance
Company Europe Limited ("ARCE") provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse
group of international clients. Through its U.S. based subsidiary, ACE USA, Inc.
(formerly Westchester Specialty Group, Inc.) ("ACE USA"), the Company provides
insurance to a broad range of clients in the United States. In addition, the
Company provides funds at Lloyd's to support underwriting by Lloyd's syndicates
managed by Lloyd's managing agencies, which are indirect wholly owned
subsidiaries of ACE. Unless the context otherwise indicates, the term "Company"
refers to one or more of ACE and its consolidated subsidiaries. The operations
of the Company in the Lloyd's market are collectively referred to herein as "ACE
Global Markets".
2. Operations
a) ACE Bermuda
ACE Bermuda primarily writes excess liability insurance, directors and officers
liability insurance, satellite insurance, aviation insurance, excess property
insurance and financial lines products. In addition, through certain joint
ventures, ACE Bermuda writes financial guaranty and political risk insurance.
At September 30, 1998 approximately 66 percent of the written premiums in ACE
Bermuda with respect to these lines of business came from North America with
approximately 14 percent coming from the United Kingdom and continental Europe
and approximately 20 percent from other countries.
Two insurance brokers produced approximately 54 percent, 59 percent and 42
percent of the insurance business for ACE Bermuda in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
b) Tempest Re
The Company's reinsurance activities are principally conducted through Tempest
Re, which was acquired in July 1996. On April 1, 1998, ACE Limited purchased
CAT Limited, another Bermuda based property catastrophe reinsurer. Underwriting
operations are being combined with the group's existing catastrophe reinsurance
subsidiary, Tempest Re, and going forward the combined entity will operate under
the Tempest Re name. Tempest Re underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance on
a worldwide basis. For the year ended September 30, 1998, approximately 79
percent of Tempest Re's written premiums came from the United States,
approximately 9 percent came from United Kingdom, 5 percent from Australia and
New Zealand and 7 percent from other countries.
Three reinsurance brokers produced approximately 63 percent, 56 percent and 44
percent of Tempest Re's reinsurance business for the years ended September 30,
1998 and 1997 and the ten month period ended September 30, 1996.
c) ACE Global Markets
The Company, through corporate subsidiaries, participates in the underwriting of
Lloyd's syndicates managed by Methuen Underwriting Limited, ACE London Aviation
Limited, ACE London Underwriting Limited and Charman Underwriting Agencies Ltd.
("Charman") by providing funds at Lloyd's, primarily in the form of a letter of
credit, supporting underwriting capacity. The syndicates in which the Company
participates underwrite aviation, marine and non-marine risks.
8
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
2. Operations (cont'd.)
d) ACE USA
ACE USA, through its insurance subsidiaries, Westchester Fire Insurance Company,
Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company and Industrial Underwriters
Insurance Company writes property and casualty insurance, primarily within the
commercial specialty lines market to a broad range of clients in the US. These
subsidiaries specialize in providing property, umbrella and excess casualty
coverages. Premiums are written throughout the US mainly through a network of
US wholesale brokers. During 1998, ACE USA expanded its products offering and
has commenced writing specialty program business, warranty, errors and
omissions, directors and officers coverages and also set up a captive management
reinsurance facility.
3. Significant accounting policies
a) Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America ("GAAP") and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.
The Company accounted for the acquisition of Tarquin on a pooling-of-interests
basis and accordingly, the Company's financial statements have been restated to
include the results of Tarquin for all periods presented. The Company records
its proportionate share of the results of the Lloyd's syndicates in which it
participates. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated. Certain items in the prior year financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
b) Investments
The Company's investments are considered to be "available for sale" under the
definition included in the Financial Accounting Standard Board's ("FASB")
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". Except for certain "other
investments" where there is no quoted market value, the Company's investment
portfolio is reported at fair value, being the quoted market price of these
securities provided by either independent pricing services, or when such prices
are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications.
Realized gains or losses on sales of investments are determined on a first-in,
first-out basis and include adjustments to the net realizable value of
investments for declines in value that are considered to be other than
temporary. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a separate component of
shareholders' equity.
Short-term investments comprise securities due to mature within one year of date
of issue.
A portion of the other investments comprise investments in entities for which
there is no quoted market value. In such cases, the investments are carried at
no more than original cost which is considered to be fair value.
The Company utilizes financial futures and option contracts and foreign currency
forward and option contracts for the purpose of managing certain investment
portfolio exposures (see note 8(a) for additional discussion of the objectives
and strategies employed). Futures contracts are not recognized as assets or
liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Changes in
the market value of futures contracts produce daily cash flows, which are
included in net realized gains or losses on investments in the statements of
operations. Collateral held by brokers equal to a percentage of the total value
of open futures contracts is included in short-term investments.
Option contracts that are designated as hedges of securities are marked-to-
market. Unrealized gains and losses on forward currency and option contracts
which are designated as specific hedges are recognized in the financial
statements as a component of shareholders' equity. Gains and losses resulting
from currency fluctuations on transactions which are not designated as specific
hedges against any single security or group of securities are recognized as a
component of income in the period in which the fluctuations occur. Premiums
paid or received on option contracts that have expired, been closed out or
exercised, are recognized as realized gains and losses on investments in the
statements of operations.
9
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont'd.)
b) Investments (cont'd)
Net investment income includes interest and dividend income together with
amortization of market premiums and discounts and is net of investment
management and custody fees. For mortgage-backed securities, and any other
holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are
evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the
resultant change in effective yields and maturities are recognized in current
income.
c) Premiums
Premiums are generally recognized as written upon inception of the policy. For
multi-year policies written which are payable in annual installments, due to the
ability of the insured/reinsured to commute or cancel coverage within the term
of the policy, only the annual premium is included as written at policy
inception. The remaining annual premiums are included as written at each
successive anniversary date within the multi-year term.
Premiums written are primarily earned on a daily pro rata basis over the terms
of the policies to which they relate. Accordingly, unearned premiums represent
the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired portion of
the policies in force. Premium estimates for retrospectively rated policies are
recognized within the periods in which the related losses are incurred.
Property catastrophe reinsurance premiums written are estimated based on
information provided by ceding companies. The information used in establishing
these estimates is reviewed and subsequent adjustments are recorded in the
period in which they are determined. These premiums are earned over the terms
of the related reinsurance contracts.
d) Earnings per share
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share". SFAS 128 replaced
the previously reported primary and fully diluted earnings per share with basic
and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are calculated
utilising weighted average shares outstanding and exclude any dilutive effects
of options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share
include the effect of dilutive securities outstanding. All earnings per share
amounts for all periods presented, where necessary, have been restated to
conform to the SFAS 128 requirements.
e) Acquisition costs
Acquisition costs, consisting primarily of commissions, are deferred and
amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred
acquisition costs are reviewed to determine that they do not exceed recoverable
amounts after considering investment income.
f) Losses and loss expenses
A reserve is established for the estimated unpaid losses and loss expenses of
the Company under the terms of, and with respect to, its policies and
agreements. The methods of determining such estimates and establishing the
resulting reserve are reviewed continuously and any adjustments are reflected in
operations in the period in which they become known. Future developments may
result in losses and loss expenses significantly greater or less than the
reserve provided.
g) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisitions over the tangible net
assets acquired. The Company amortizes goodwill recorded in connection with its
business combinations on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives
which range from twenty-five to forty years.
10
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont'd.)
h) Reinsurance
In the ordinary course of business, the Company's insurance subsidiaries assume
and cede reinsurance with other insurance companies. These arrangements provide
greater diversification of business and minimize the net loss potential arising
from large risks. Ceded reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its
obligation to its insureds.
Reinsurance recoverables include the balances due from reinsurance companies for
paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses that will be recovered from reinsurers,
based on contracts in force. A reserve for uncollectible reinsurance has been
determined based upon a review of the financial condition of the reinsurers and
an assessment of other available information.
Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premiums ceded to
reinsurers applicable to the unexpired terms of the reinsurance contracts in
force.
i) Translation of foreign currencies
Financial statements of subsidiaries expressed in foreign currencies are
translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 52 "Foreign Currency Translation" ("SFAS 52"). Under
SFAS 52, functional currency assets and liabilities are translated into U.S.
dollars generally using period end rates of exchange and the related translation
adjustments are recorded as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
Functional currencies are generally the currencies of the local operating
environment. Statement of operations amounts expressed in functional currencies
are translated using average exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from
foreign currency transactions are recorded in current income.
j) Accounting estimates
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 the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. The Company's principal estimates include
property and casualty loss and loss expense reserves and estimated premiums for
situations where the Company has not received ceding company reports. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.
k) Income taxes
Income taxes have been provided in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" on those operations which are subject to
income taxes (see note 12). Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from
temporary differences between the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial
statements and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. Such
temporary differences are primarily due to the tax basis discount on unpaid
losses, adjustment for unearned premiums, uncollectible reinsurance, and tax
benefits of net operating loss carryforwards. Additionally, the effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance
against deferred tax assets is recorded if it is more likely than not, that all
or some portion of the benefits related to deferred tax assets will not be
realized.
l) Stock split
On March 2, 1998, the Company effected a three for one split of the Company's
Ordinary Shares. The par value of the Company's Ordinary Shares and all per
share data presented in the consolidated financial statements and the notes
thereto have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the stock
split.
11
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont'd.)
m) Cash flow information
Purchases and sales or maturities of short-term investments are recorded net for
purposes of the statements of cash flows and are included with fixed maturities.
n) New accounting pronouncements
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"), which is effective for years
beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS 131 establishes standards for the way
that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in
annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected
information about operating segments in interim financial reports. It also
establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services,
geographic areas, and major customers. The Company will adopt the new
requirements retroactively in 1999.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. It requires
that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value.
SFAS 133 is effective beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2000. The
Company is currently assessing the effect of adopting this statement on its
financial position and operating results, which as yet, has not been determined.
4. Acquisitions
On March 27, 1996, the Company acquired a controlling interest in Methuen Group
Limited ("Methuen"), the holding company for Methuen Underwriting Limited
("MUL"), a leading Lloyd's managing agency. This acquisition has been recorded
using the purchase method of accounting and accordingly, the accompanying
consolidated financial statements include the results of Methuen since March 27,
1996, the date of acquisition. On November 26, 1996, the Company, also acquired
the remaining interest in Methuen. The acquisition of the remaining interest
has been recorded using the purchase method of accounting.
On July 1, 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of Tempest Re, a leading
Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurer (the "Tempest Re Acquisition").
Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, Tempest Re shares
outstanding at the time of the acquisition were cancelled and converted into the
right to receive 39,999,741 Ordinary Shares of the Company. These shares were
capitalized at a value of $15 5/9 per share, which was determined in accordance
with the EITF 95-19 consensus that deals with the value of equity securities
issued to effect a purchase combination. In addition, options to acquire
Tempest Re shares were converted into 1,338,267 Company options at a total cost
of $12.1 million. The total value of the acquisition amounted to $638.7
million, which includes the value of the shares and options issued as well as
other transaction expenses, which amounted to $4.4 million. This acquisition
has been recorded using the purchase method of accounting and accordingly, the
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of Tempest Re
since July 1, 1996, the date of acquisition.
On November 26, 1996, the Company acquired Ockham Worldwide Holdings plc which
subsequently changed its name to ACE London Holdings Ltd. ("ACE London"). The
acquisition has been recorded using the purchase method of accounting and
accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
results of ACE London since November 26, 1996, the date of acquisition.
On January 2, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of ACE USA, through
its newly-created U.S. holding company, ACE US Holdings, Inc ("ACE US"). Under
the terms of the agreement, the Company purchased all of the outstanding capital
stock of ACE USA for aggregate cash consideration of $338 million.
12
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
4. Acquisitions (cont'd.)
In connection with the acquisition, National Indemnity, a subsidiary of
Berkshire Hathaway, has provided $750 million (75 percent quota share of $1
billion) of reinsurance protection to ACE USA with respect to its loss reserves
for the 1996 and prior accident years. The Company financed the transaction
with $250 million of bank debt (see note 8c Credit Facilities) and the remainder
with available cash. The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of
accounting. Under this method, the total purchase price is allocated to the
acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair values and accordingly, the
consolidated financial statements of the company include the results of ACE USA
and its subsidiaries from January 2, 1998, the date of acquisition (see note 15
for pro forma financial information with respect to the ACE USA acquisition).
On April 1, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of CAT, a privately
held, Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurer, for an aggregate cash
consideration of approximately $641 million. The acquisition was financed with
$385 million of short-term bank debt (see note 8c - Credit Facilities) and the
remainder from available cash. The acquisition was recorded using the purchase
method of accounting. The total purchase price is allocated to the acquired
assets and liabilities based on their fair values and accordingly, the
consolidated financial statements of the Company include the results of CAT from
April 1, 1998, the date of acquisition (see note 15 for pro forma financial
information with respect to the CAT acquisition). Approximately $224 million of
goodwill was generated as a result of the acquisition.
On July 9, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Tarquin Limited
("Tarquin"), a UK-based holding company which owns Lloyd's managing agency
Charman Underwriting Ltd. ("Charman") and Tarquin Underwriting Limited, its
corporate capital provider. The Charman managed syndicates, 488 and 2488, are
leading international underwriters of short-tail marine, aviation, political
risk and specialty property-casualty insurance and reinsurance. Under the terms
of the acquisition, the Company issued approximately 14.3 million Ordinary
Shares to the shareholders of Tarquin. The acquisition has been accounted for
on a pooling-of-interests basis. Accordingly, all prior period consolidated
financial statements presented have been restated to include the combined
results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Tarquin as though it
had always been a part of the Company.
Prior to the acquisition, Tarquin's fiscal year ended on December 31. In
recording the business combination, Tarquin's prior period financial statements
have been restated to conform with the Company's fiscal year end. Certain
reclassifications were also made to the Tarquin financial statements to conform
to the Company's presentations.
The results of operations for the separate companies and the combined amounts
presented in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended September
30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total Revenues
ACE $1,246,794 $1,010,643 $ 848,998
Tarquin 160,148 175,871 175,772
---------- ---------- ----------
Total Revenue $1,406,942 $1,186,514 $1,024,770
========== ========== ==========
Net Income
ACE $ 554,672 $ 461,354 $ 289,733
Tarquin 5,479 41,371 37,886
---------- ---------- ----------
Net Income $ 560,151 $ 502,725 $ 327,619
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
Included in the results of fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 are certain non-recurring
and transaction related expenses (hereinafter referred to as the "non-recurring
expenses") amounting to $46.6 million, $6.1 million and $5.0 million,
respectively. These expenses include interest expense and payments to employees
as well as transaction costs including legal, accounting and investment banking
fees.
The Company will continue to evaluate potential new product lines and other
opportunities in the insurance and reinsurance markets. In addition, the
Company regularly evaluates potential acquisitions of other companies and
businesses and holds discussions with potential acquisition candidates. As a
general rule, the Company publicly announces such acquisitions only after a
definitive agreement has been reached.
13
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
5. Investments
a) Fixed maturities
The fair values and amortized costs of fixed maturities at September 30, 1998
and 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------------------- -------------------------
Fair Amortized Fair Amortized
Value Cost Value Cost
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
U.S. Treasury and agency $ 796,535 $ 771,678 $ 565,003 $ 548,328
Non-U.S. governments 126,998 122,233 198,126 196,799
Corporate securities 2,339,786 2,265,755 1,342,767 1,314,635
Mortgage-backed securities 1,751,769 1,710,591 1,370,647 1,352,710
States, municipalities and
Political subdivisions 41,719 40,535 503 503
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Fixed maturities $5,056,807 $4,910,792 $3,477,046 $3,412,975
========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The gross unrealized gains and losses related to fixed maturities at September
30, 1998 and 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------------------ -------------------------
Gross Gross Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized
Gains Losses Gains Losses
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
U.S. Treasury and agency $ 25,211 $ (354) $17,769 $(1,094)
Non-U.S. governments 5,447 (682) 4,051 (2,724)
Corporate securities 77,711 (3,680) 30,309 (2,177)
Mortgage-backed securities 43,742 (2,564) 21,691 (3,754)
States, municipalities and
political subdivisions 1,335 (151) - -
-------- ------- ------- --------
$153,446 $(7,431) $73,820 $(9,749)
======== ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies are combined with
all other mortgage derivatives held and are included in the category "mortgage-
backed securities". Approximately 79 percent of the total mortgage holdings at
September 30, 1998 and 67 percent at September 30, 1997 are represented by
investments in GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC bonds. The remainder of the mortgage
exposure consists of CMO's (Collaterialized Mortgage Obligations) and non-
government mortgage-backed securities, the majority of which provide a planned
structure for principal and interest payments and carry a "AAA" rating by the
major credit rating agencies. Fixed maturities at September 30, 1998, by
contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities could differ from
contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay
obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.
14
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
5. Investments (cont'd.)
a) Fixed maturities (cont'd.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fair Amortized
Value Cost
---------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Maturity period
- ---------------
Less than 1 year $ 237,277 $ 239,589
1 - 5 years 1,314,027 1,287,270
5 - 10 years 735,258 712,422
Greater than 10 years 1,018,479 960,920
---------- ----------
3,305,041 3,200,201
Mortgage-backed securities 1,751,766 1,710,591
---------- ----------
Total fixed maturities $5,056,807 $4,910,792
========== ==========
</TABLE>
b) Equity Securities
The gross unrealized gains and losses on equity securities at September 30, 1998
and 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
-------- --------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Equity securities -- cost $198,447 $518,852
Gross unrealized gains 457 152,621
Gross unrealized losses (9,187) (19,917)
-------- --------
Equity securities -- fair value $189,717 $651,556
======== ========
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
5. Investments (cont'd.)
c) Net realized gains and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments.
The analysis of net realized gains on investments and the change in net
unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the years ended
September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------- --------- ---------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed Maturities
Gross realized gains $ 78,825 $ 83,957 $ 63,416
Gross realized losses (20,512) (25,200) (48,963)
--------- -------- --------
58,313 58,757 14,453
Equity securities
Gross realized gains 210,512 70,453 39,768
Gross realized losses (42,037) (32,379) (23,985)
--------- -------- --------
168,475 38,074 15,783
Currency losses (29,116) (26,204) (1,685)
Financial futures and option contract-net realized
(losses) gains (9,287) 57,075 26,678
--------- -------- --------
Net realized gains on investments 188,385 127,702 55,229
--------- -------- --------
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments
Fixed maturities 81,944 68,397 (56,226)
Equity securities (141,434) 67,097 22,813
Short-term investments 74 (120) -
Other investments (112) - -
Deferred income taxes (9,282) - -
--------- -------- --------
Change in net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments (68,810) 135,374 (33,413)
--------- -------- --------
Total net realized gains and change in net
unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments $ 119,575 $263,076 $ 21,816
========= ======== ========
</TABLE>
d) Net investment income
Net investment income for the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was
derived from the following sources:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities and short-term investments $325,308 $251,570 $217,149
Equity securities 5,920 7,385 2,029
Other investments 2,954 2,300 1,840
Other 1,853 2,364 156
-------- -------- --------
Gross investment income 336,035 263,619 221,174
Investment expenses (11,781) (10,179) (7,473)
-------- -------- --------
Net investment income $324,254 $253,440 $213,701
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
5. Investments (cont'd.)
e) Securities on deposit
Fixed maturity securities carried at fair value and cash totalling $141 million
at September 30, 1998 were on deposit with various regulatory authorities to
comply with various state (U.S.) and Lloyd's (UK) requirements.
6. Losses and loss expenses
The reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses represents estimated ultimate
losses and loss expenses less paid losses and loss expenses and is comprised of
the following at September 30, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Case and loss expense reserves $1,406,358 $ 995,262
IBNR loss reserves 2,331,511 1,116,408
---------- ----------
Total unpaid losses and loss expenses $3,737,869 $2,111,670
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The Company uses statistical and actuarial methods to reasonably estimate
ultimate expected losses and loss expenses using the Company's loss development
history, data obtained from underwriting applications, actuarial evaluations
and, in the case of excess liability reserves, research of large liability
losses. In many cases, significant periods of time, ranging up to several years
or more, may lapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of
the loss to the Company and the settlement of the Company's liability for the
loss. During the loss settlement period, additional facts regarding individual
claims and trends usually will become known. As these become apparent, case
reserves may be adjusted by allocation from IBNR loss reserves without any
change in the overall reserve. In addition, application of the statistical and
actuarial methods may require the adjustment of the overall reserves from time
to time.
The reconciliation of unpaid losses and loss expenses for the years ended
September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross unpaid losses and loss expenses at beginning
of year $2,111,670 $1,977,680 $1,455,342
Reinsurance recoverable (104,797) (85,378) (3,043)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net unpaid losses and loss expenses at beginning
of year 2,006,873 1,892,302 1,452,299
Unpaid losses and loss expenses assumed in respect
of acquired companies 731,949 - 34,735
Unpaid losses and loss expenses assumed in respect
of reinsurance business acquired 6,403 50,326 -
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 2,745,225 1,942,628 1,487,034
---------- ---------- ----------
Losses and loss expenses incurred in respect
of losses occurring in:
Current year 534,021 486,140 520,277
Prior years (17,129) - -
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 516,892 486,140 520,277
---------- ---------- ----------
Losses and loss expenses paid in respect
of losses occurring in:
Current year 246,354 63,182 41,602
Prior years 337,422 358,713 73,407
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 583,776 421,895 115,009
---------- ---------- ----------
Net unpaid losses and loss expenses at end of year 2,678,341 2,006,873 1,892,302
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 1,059,528 104,797 85,378
---------- ---------- ----------
Gross unpaid losses and loss expenses at end of year $3,737,869 $2,111,670 $1,977,680
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
6. Losses and loss expenses (cont'd)
The Company has considered asbestos and environmental claims and claims expenses
in establishing the liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses. The
estimation of ultimate losses arising from asbestos and environmental exposures
has presented a challenge because traditional actuarial reserving methods, which
primarily rely on historical experience, are inadequate for such estimation.
The problem of estimating reserves for asbestos and environmental exposures
resulted in the development of reserving methods which incorporate new sources
of data with historical experience. The Company believes that the reserves
carried for these claims are adequate based on known facts and current law.
The following table presents selected data on asbestos and environmental claims
and claims expenses as at September 30, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Net
----- ---
<S> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Asbestos $114,032 $ 46,201
Environmental 104,113 70,140
-------- --------
$218,145 $116,341
======== ========
</TABLE>
During the nine month period to September 30, 1998 (since the acquisition of ACE
USA), the Company has made payments with respect to latent claims of $11.2
million. For calendar 1997, 1996 and 1995, ACE USA made average annual claim
payments of $9.8 million.
A number of the Company's insureds have given notice of claims relating to
breast implants or components or raw material thereof that had been produced
and/or sold by such insureds. Lawsuits including class actions, involving
thousands of implant recipients have been filed in both state and federal courts
throughout the United States. Most of the federal cases have been consolidated
pursuant to the rules for Multidistrict Litigation to a Federal District Court
in Alabama, although cases are in the process of being transferred back to
federal courts or remanded in state courts.
On May 15, 1995, the Dow Corning Corporation, a significant defendant, filed for
protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and claims against Dow
Corning remain stayed subject to the Bankruptcy Code.
On October 1, 1995, negotiators for three of the major defendants agreed on the
essential elements of an individual settlement plan for U.S. claimants with at
least one implant from any of those manufacturers ("the Settlement"). In
general, under the Settlement, the amounts payable to individual participants,
and the manufacturers' obligations to make those payments, would not be affected
by the number of claimants electing to opt out from the new plan. Also, in
general, the compensation would be fixed and not affected by the number of
participants, and the manufacturers would not have a right to walk away because
of the amount of claims payable. Finally, each settling defendant agreed to be
responsible only for cases in which its implant was identified, and not for a
percentage of all cases.
By November 13, 1995, the Settlement was approved by the three major defendants.
In addition, two other defendants became part of the Settlement, although
certain of their settlement terms are different and more restricted than the
plan offered by the original three defendants.
On December 22, 1995, the multidistrict litigation judge approved the Settlement
and the materials for giving notice to claimants. Beginning in mid-January,
1996, the three major defendants have each made payments to a court-established
fund for use in making payments under the Settlement. The Settlement Claims
Office had reported that as of October 31, 1997, it has sent out Notification of
Status Letters to more than 360,000 non-opt-out domestic implant recipients who
had registered with the Settlement Claims Office. Distribution has begun on
payments to claimants relating to other implants since all appeals on the
Settlement have been dismissed. In addition, the multidistrict litigation judge
has approved the detailed terms of a settlement program being offered by the
three major defendants to eligible foreign claimants. Approximately 32,500
domestic registrants exercised opt-out rights after receiving their status
letters. Previously, approximately 19,000 other domestic implant recipients had
exercised opt-out rights in 1994 and/or before receiving status letters.
18
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
6. Losses and loss expenses (cont'd)
At June 30, 1994, the Company increased its then existing reserves relating to
breast implant claims. Although the reserve increase was partially satisfied by
an allocation from existing IBNR, it also required an increase in the Company's
total reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses at June 30, 1994 of $200
million. The increase in reserves was based on information made available in
conjunction with the lawsuits and information made available from the Company's
insureds and was predicated upon an allocation between coverage provided before
and after the end of 1985 (when the Company commenced underwriting operations).
No additional reserves relating to breast implant claims have been added since
June 30, 1994.
The Company continually evaluates its reserves in light of developing
information and in light of discussions and negotiations with its insureds. The
Company has made payments to date of approximately $370 million with respect to
breast implant claims. These payments were included in previous reserves and are
consistent with the Company's belief that its reserves are adequate. While the
Company is unable at this time to determine whether additional reserves, which
could have a material adverse effect upon the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the Company, may be necessary in the future, the
Company believes that its reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses including
those arising from breast implant claims are adequate as at September 30, 1998.
7. Reinsurance
The Company purchases reinsurance to manage various exposures including
catastrophic risks. Although reinsurance agreements contractually obligate the
Company's reinsurers to reimburse it for the agreed upon portion of its gross
paid losses, they do not discharge the primary liability of the Company. The
amounts for net premiums written and net premiums earned in the statements of
operations are net of reinsurance. Direct, assumed and ceded amounts for these
items for the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ----------- ------------
(in thousands)
Premiums written
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Direct $ 864,529 $ 849,328 $ 825,365
Assumed 377,630 110,021 34,624
Ceded (361,186) (169,576) (78,105)
------------ ----------- ------------
Net $ 880,973 $ 789,773 $ 781,884
============ =========== ============
Premiums earned
Direct $ 875,154 $ 754,577 $ 734,888
Assumed 303,586 121,842 40,601
Ceded (284,437) (71,047) (19,649)
------------ ----------- ------------
Net $ 894,303 $ 805,372 $ 755,840
============ =========== ============
</TABLE>
The Company's provision for reinsurance recoverables at September 30, 1998 and
September 30, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ -----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss expenses $ 57,225 $ --
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses 1,143,121 104,797
Provision for uncollectable balances on unpaid losses and loss
expenses (83,593) --
------------ -----------
Reinsurance recoverable $ 1,116,753 $ 104,797
============ ===========
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
8. Commitments and contingencies
a) Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk
The Company's investment guidelines permit, subject to specific approval,
investments in derivative instruments such as futures, options and foreign
currency forward contracts for purposes other than trading. Their use is
limited to yield enhancement, duration management, foreign currency exposure
management or to obtain an exposure to a particular financial market.
(i) Foreign currency exposure management
The Company uses foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the
effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S dollar
securities currently held in the portfolio. Approximately $178 million is
invested in non-U.S. dollar fixed maturity and equity securities. The forward
currency contracts purchased are not specifically identifiable against any
single security or group of securities denominated in those currencies and
therefore do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes. All
contract gains and losses, realized and unrealized, are reflected in the
statements of operations. At September 30, 1998, no foreign currency forward
contract had a maturity of more than six months. The table below summarizes
the notional amounts, the current fair values and the unrealized gain or loss
of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts as at September 30, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contractual/
Notional Unrealized
Amount Fair Value Gain/(Loss)
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Forward contracts $ 50 $ (735) $ (785)
</TABLE>
The fair value of the forward contracts represents the estimated cost to the
Company at September 30, 1998, of obtaining the specified currency to meet the
obligation of the contracts. The unrealized loss is a measure of the net
exposure to the Company of its use of forward contracts after any netting
agreements given current rates of exchange.
The credit risk associated with the above derivative financial instruments
relates to the potential for non-performance by counterparties. Non-
performance is not anticipated; however, in order to minimize the risk of
loss, management monitors the creditworthiness of its counterparties. For
forward contracts, the counterparties are principally banks which must meet
certain criteria according to the Company's investment guidelines.
(ii) Duration management and market exposure
Futures
A portion of the Company's investment portfolio is managed as synthetic equity
funds, whereby equity index futures contracts are held in an amount equal to
the market value of an underlying portfolio comprised of short-term
investments and fixed maturities. This creates an equity market exposure
equal in value to the total amount of funds invested in this strategy. Each
index futures contract held by the Company is rolled over quarterly into a new
contract with a later maturity, thereby maintaining a constant equity market
exposure. The value of the funds invested in this strategy was $633 million
and $286 million at September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Exchange traded bond and note futures contracts may be used in fixed maturity
portfolios as substitutes for ownership of the physical bonds and notes
without significantly increasing the risk in the portfolio. Investments in
financial futures contracts may be made only to the extent that there are
assets under management, not otherwise committed.
20
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
8. Commitments and contingencies (cont'd.)
a) Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk (cont'd.)
(ii) Duration management and market exposure (cont'd.)
Futures contracts give the holder the right and obligation to participate in
market movements, determined by the index or underlying security on which
the futures contract is based. Settlement is made daily in cash by an amount
equal to the change in value of the futures contract times a multiplier that
scales the size of the contract. The contract amounts of $1,041 million and
$380 million reflect the net extent of involvement the Company had in these
financial instruments at September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Options
Option contracts may be used in the portfolio as protection against
unexpected shifts in interest rates, which would thereby affect the duration
of the fixed maturity portfolio. By using options in the portfolio, the
overall interest rate sensitivity of the account can be reduced. An option
contract conveys to the holder the right, but not the obligation, to
purchase or sell a specified amount or value of an underlying security at a
fixed price. The price of an option is influenced by the underlying
security, expected volatility, time to expiration and supply and demand.
For long option positions, the maximum loss is the premium paid for the
option. To minimize the risk of non-performance, all brokers and dealers
used as counterparties must be approved. Additional performance assurance is
required where deemed necessary. The maximum credit exposure is represented
by the fair value of the options held. For short option positions, the
potential loss is the same as having taken a position in the underlying
security. Short call options are backed in the portfolio with the
underlying, or highly correlated, securities and short put options are to be
backed by uncommitted cash for the in-the-money portion.
Summarized below are the notional amounts, the current fair values and the
unrealized gains of the options in the portfolio as at September 30, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contractual/
Notional Unrealized
Amount Fair Value Gain/(Loss)
------------ ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Options held $ 735,200 $ 1,517 $ 926
Options written (121,000) (677) (303)
</TABLE>
The fair value of the options represents the market price of the options at
September 30, 1998. The unrealized gain represents the difference between
the fair value and the premium paid (received). The notional amounts
summarized in the above tables are not representative of amounts exchanged
by parties and, therefore, do not measure the exposure to the Company of its
use of derivatives.
b) Concentrations of credit risk
The investment portfolio is managed following prudent standards of
diversification. Specific provisions limit the allowable holdings of a single
issue and issuers. The Company believes that there are no significant
concentrations of credit risk associated with its investments.
21
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
8. Commitments and contingencies (cont'd.)
c) Credit Facilities
In December 1997, the Company arranged certain syndicated credit facilities.
J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. and Mellon Bank N.A. acted as co-arrangers in the
arranging, structuring and syndication of these credit facilities. Each
facility requires that the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries comply
with specific covenants, including a consolidated tangible net worth covenant
and a maximum leverage covenant. The facilities provide:
. A $200 million 364 day revolving credit facility and a $200 million five
year revolving credit facility which together make up a combined $400
million committed, unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility. At
September 30, 1998, the five-year revolving credit facility has a $150
million letter of credit ("LOC") sub-limit (increased from $50 million
during September 1998). As discussed below, the Company drew down $385
million on the revolving credit facility to finance the acquisition of CAT
Limited on April 1, 1998. The debt was subsequently repaid from a portion of
the proceeds from the sale of 16.5 million new Ordinary Shares of the
Company (discussed below).
. A syndicated fully secured five year LOC facility totaling approximately 154
million ($262 million) which is used to fulfill the requirements of Lloyd's
to support underwriting capacity on Lloyd's syndicates in which the Company
participates.
. A syndicated $250 million seven year amortizing term loan facility, which
was used on January 2, 1998 to partially finance the acquisition of ACE USA.
The interest rate on the term loan was LIBOR plus an applicable spread. As
of September 30, 1998, $250 million was outstanding under this facility. The
average interest rate for the period January 2, 1998 through October 5, 1998
was 6.24 percent.
On October 27, 1998, ACE US Holdings, Inc. ("ACE US") refinanced the outstanding
$250 million term loan with the proceeds from the issuance of $250 million in
aggregate principal amount of unsecured credit sensitive senior notes maturing
in October 2008. Interest payments, based on the initial fixed rate coupon on
these notes of 8.63 percent, are due semi-annually in arrears. The indenture
related to these notes includes certain restrictive covenants applicable to ACE
US. The senior notes are callable subject to certain breakage costs, however,
ACE US has no current intention of calling the debt. Simultaneously, the
Company has entered into a notional $250 million credit default swap transaction
that has the economic effect of reducing the cost of debt to the consolidated
group, excluding fees and expenses, to 6.47 percent for 10 years. Certain
assets totaling approximately $90 million are pledged as security in connection
with the swap transaction. In the event that the Company terminates the credit
default swap prematurely, the Company would be liable for certain transaction
costs. However, the Company has no current intention of terminating the swap.
The swap counter-party is a major financial institution with a long- term S&P
Senior Debt Rating of AA- and the Company does not anticipate non-performance.
Tempest Re is not an admitted reinsurer in the United States. Accordingly, the
terms of certain reinsurance contracts require Tempest Re to provide letters of
credit ("LOCs") to Tempest Re's clients in respect of reported claims. Tempest
Re has facilities for the issuance of LOCs of up to $50 million. At September
30, 1998, LOCs outstanding amounted to $15.2 million. Investments with a market
value of $17.5 million were pledged as collateral for these LOCs. The Company
also maintains an unsecured, syndicated revolving credit facility in the amount
of $72.5 million. This facility was put in place by CAT prior to its
acquisition by the Company and in September 1998, was assigned to Tempest Re.
At September 30, 1998, no amounts have been drawn down under this facility.
22
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
8. Commitments and contingencies (cont'd.)
d) Lease commitments
The Company rents office space in The ACE Building in Hamilton, Bermuda under a
lease which expires in 2000, with one five year renewal option. The ACE Building
is 40 percent owned by the Company through a joint venture agreement. During
1994, the Company financed the cost of an addition to The ACE Building and
entered into a supplemental lease for the additional space for 14 years
effective October 1, 1994. The cost of the addition is being amortized as rent
expense over the period of the lease. The Company also rents additional office
space in Hamilton, Bermuda under two separate non-cancelable leases which expire
in 2001 and 2003. Tempest Re leases office space in Hamilton, Bermuda under a
non-cancelable lease expiring in 2003 with a three year renewal option. ACE
Global Markets leases office space in London, England for its principal offices,
under two leases that expire in 2008. ACE USA leases office space in Georgia,
USA for its principal offices under a lease that expires in 2002. ACE USA also
leases additional office space in California, USA under a lease that expires in
2004. ACE USA also leases office space in New York, USA under a lease that
expires in 2009. Total rent expense was approximately $4.8 million in 1998, $4.9
million in 1997 and $2.5 million in 1996.
Future minimum lease payments under the leases are expected to be as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Year ending September 30, 1999 $ 7,625
2000 9,749
2001 8,467
2002 6,893
2003 5,945
Later years 33,339
-------
Total minimum future lease commitments $72,018
=======
</TABLE>
9. Shareholders' Equity
a) Shares issued and outstanding
Following is a table of changes in Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding for
fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ordinary Shares
---------------
<S> <C>
Balance at September 30, 1995--as previously reported 138,333,555
Adjustment for pooling-of-interests 14,328,010
---------------
Balance at September 30, 1995--as restated 152,661,565
Shares issued in Tempest Re acquisition 39,999,741
Repurchase of shares (3,805,800)
Exercise of stock options 3,000
Cancellation of non-vested restricted stock (18,231)
---------------
Balance at September 30, 1996 188,840,275
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan 29,403
Shares issued under SAR Replacement Plan 184,092
Repurchase of shares (9,093,000)
Exercise of stock options 254,394
Cancellation of non-vested restricted stock (7,500)
---------------
Balance at September 30, 1997 180,207,664
Shares issued 16,500,000
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan 27,517
Repurchase of shares (3,521,100)
Exercise of stock options 378,438
---------------
Balance at September 30, 1998 193,592,519
===============
</TABLE>
On April 14, 1998, the Company sold 16.5 million Ordinary Shares for net
proceeds of approximately $606 million.
23
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
9. Shareholders' Equity (cont'd.)
b) Share repurchases
The Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase from time to time of the
Company's Ordinary Shares in open market and private purchase transactions. On
May 9, 1997 the Board of Directors terminated the then existing share repurchase
program and authorized a new share program for up to $300 million of the
Company's Ordinary Shares. During the first two quarters of fiscal 1998, the
Company repurchased 3,521,100 Ordinary Shares under the share repurchase program
for an aggregate cost of $107.6 million. No shares were repurchased after March
31, 1998. On July 6, 1998 the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
rescinded all existing authorizations for the repurchase of the Company's
Ordinary Shares. During 1997, the Company repurchased 9,093,000 Ordinary Shares
under share repurchase programs for an aggregate cost of $182.6 million.
c) General restrictions
The holders of the Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive dividends and are
allowed one vote per share provided that, if the controlled shares of any
shareholder constitute 10 percent or more of the outstanding Ordinary Shares of
the Company, only a fraction of the vote will be allowed so as not to exceed 10
percent. Generally, the Company's directors have absolute discretion to decline
to register any transfer of shares. All transfers are subject to the restriction
that they may not increase to 10 percent or higher the proportion of issued
Ordinary Shares owned by any shareholder.
d) Dividends declared
Dividends declared amounted to $0.34, $0.27 and $0.21 per Ordinary Share for
fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
e) Options
(i) Options outstanding
Following is a summary of options issued and outstanding for 1998, 1997 and
1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Average Options for
of Exercise Ordinary
Expiration Price Shares
---------- -------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at September 30, 1995 2,056,500
Options granted 2004-2005 $12.47 1,227,600
Options issued to holders of Tempest options 2004-2005 $ 7.90 1,338,267
Options exercised 2003 $ 9.17 (3,000)
Options forfeited 2003-2004 $ 8.55 (105,000)
-----------
Balance at September 30, 1996 4,514,367
Options granted 2006-2007 $19.74 2,231,550
Options issued under SAR Plan 2002-2003 $21.33 950,400
Options exercised 2003-2004 $ 9.33 (254,394)
Options forfeited 2003-2007 $10.09 (307,500)
-----------
Balance at September 30, 1997 7,134,423
Options granted 2007-2008 $31.64 2,489,900
Options exercised 2003-2007 $11.21 (378,438)
Options forfeited 2006-2008 $27.51 (261,155)
-----------
Balance at September 30, 1998 8,984,730
===========
</TABLE>
Of the outstanding options at September 30, 1998, 5,148,264 were vested.
24
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
9. Shareholders' Equity (cont'd.)
e) Options (cont'd.)
(ii) SFAS 123 Pro Forma disclosures
In October 1995, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"). SFAS 123
establishes accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee
compensation plans which include stock option and stock purchase plans. SFAS
123 provides employers a choice: adopt SFAS 123 accounting standards for all
stock compensation arrangements which requires the recognition of
compensation expense for the fair value of virtually all stock compensation
awards; or continue to account for stock options and other forms of stock
compensation under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25"),
while also providing the disclosure required under SFAS 123. The Company
continues to account for stock-based compensation plans under APB 25. The
following table outlines the Company's net income and earnings per share had
the compensation cost been determined in accordance with the fair value
method recommended in SFAS 123.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------- --------
(in thousands, except
per share data)
Net Income
<S> <C> <C>
As reported $560,151 $502,725
Pro Forma $550,894 $495,556
Diluted earnings per share
As reported $ 2.96 $ 2.69
Pro Forma $ 2.91 $ 2.65
</TABLE>
The fair value of the options issued is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants in 1998 and 1997, respectively: dividend yield of
1.41 percent and 1.45 percent; expected volatility 24.9 percent and 26.2
percent; risk free interest rate of 5.61 percent and 5.92 percent and an
expected life of 4.0 years and 3.5 years.
10. Employee benefit plans
a) Pension plans
Substantially all of the Company's employees are covered by defined contribution
pension plans which are non-contributory. Contributions are based on a
percentage of eligible compensation. Pension expenses amounted to $5 million,
$2.2 million and $1.7 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
b) Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
In February 1996, shareholders of the Company approved the ACE Limited 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") which incorporates stock
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and stock purchase
programs. There are 6,900,000 Ordinary Shares of the Company available for
award under this Incentive Plan. Prior to the adoption of the Incentive Plan,
the Company adopted the Equity Linked Incentive Plan, which incorporated both a
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan ("SAR Plan") and a Stock Option Plan ("Option
Plan") which will continue to run off. Under the Option Plan, generally,
options expire ten years after the award date and are subject to a vesting
period of four years. Stock options granted under the Incentive Plan may be
exercised for Ordinary Shares of the Company upon vesting. Under the Incentive
Plan, generally, options expire ten years after the award date and vest in equal
portions over three years. During 1998, 2,489,900 options were issued under the
Incentive Plan. During 1997, 2,231,550 options were issued under the Incentive
Plan. In addition, 950,400 options were issued under the SAR Plan. During
1996, 1,227,600 options were issued under the Incentive Plan and 1,338,267
options were issued with respect to the Tempest Re acquisition (see note 9 (e)).
25
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
10. Employee benefit plans (cont'd.)
b) Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (Cont'd.)
With respect to the SAR plan, certain stock appreciation rights were forfeited
in return for cash during 1997. All remaining stock appreciation rights were
exercised in return for options and cash and/or shares of the Company under the
terms of the Replacement Plan which was implemented in 1997 pursuant to the
Equity Linked Incentive Plan. Total expenses incurred during 1997 relating to
the SAR plan, including those incurred under the Replacement Plan, amounted to
$5,500,000. In 1996, compensation expense of $6,023,000 was recorded. The SAR
Plan entitled participants to the right to receive cash equal to the
appreciation in value, as provided for in the plan, of the rights represented by
the grant. Rights vested over a period of up to six years from the date of
grant. Participants were entitled to receive cash payments equal to the amount
of dividends paid on an equivalent number of shares. Compensation expense was
accrued and recorded based on the change in the value of the stock appreciation
rights during the year and the applicable vesting period.
c) Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In February 1996, shareholders of the Company approved the ACE Limited Employee
Stock Purchase Plan. Participation in the plan is available to all eligible
employees. Maximum annual purchases by participants are limited to the number
of whole shares that can be purchased by an amount equal to 10 percent of the
participant's compensation or $25,000, whichever is less. Participants may
purchase shares at a purchase price equal to 85 percent of the closing market
price of the Company's shares on the last day of each subscription period.
Subscription periods run for six months. With respect to the year ending
September 30, 1998, 27,517 shares were subscribed for, resulting in an expense
of $143,000 to the Company.
d) Restricted stock awards
During 1998, 264,000 restricted Ordinary Shares were awarded to officers of the
Company and its subsidiaries. These shares vest at various dates through
November 2002. In addition, 14,952 restricted Ordinary Shares were awarded to
outside directors of the Company under the terms of the 1995 Outside Directors
Plan ("the Plan"). These shares vest in February 1999.
During fiscal 1997, 149,175 restricted Ordinary Shares were awarded to officers
of the Company and its subsidiaries. These shares vest at various dates through
November 1999. Also, during fiscal 1997, 15,084 restricted Ordinary Shares were
awarded to outside directors of the Company under the terms of the Plan. These
shares vested in February 1998. Also during 1997, 7,500 restricted Ordinary
Shares were forfeited due to resignations by officers of the Company and its
subsidiaries. During 1996, 27,000 restricted Ordinary Shares were awarded to an
officer of the Company. These shares vest at various dates up to July 1999.
Also during 1996, 20,202 restricted Ordinary Shares were awarded to outside
directors of the Company under the terms of the Plan. These shares vested in
February 1997. All non-vested restricted Ordinary Shares issued to directors
prior to approval of the plan, in February 1996, were canceled upon approval of
the Plan. Subsequently, two directors resigned resulting in the forfeiture of
their restricted Ordinary Shares awards. All restricted stock awards contain
restrictions relating to, among other things, transferability and forfeiture
under certain circumstances.
At the time of grant the market value of the shares awarded under these grants
is recorded as unearned stock grant compensation and is presented as a separate
component of shareholders' equity. The unearned compensation is charged to
operations over the vesting period.
26
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
11. Earnings per share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share for the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ------------ ------------
(in thousands, except
share and per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Net Income $ 560,151 $ 502,725 $ 327,619
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share -
Weighted average share outstanding 185,130,479 184,148,641 162,153,091
Effect of dilutive securities 4,150,696 2,660,382 1,615,803
------------ ------------ ------------
Denominator for diluted earnings per share -
Adjusted weighted average shares
outstanding and assumed conversions 189,281,175 186,809,023 163,768,894
============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per share $ 3.03 $ 2.73 $ 2.02
============ ============ ============
Diluted earnings per share $ 2.96 $ 2.69 $ 2.00
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
12. Taxation
Under current Cayman Islands law, the Company is not required to pay any taxes
on its income or capital gains. The Company has received an undertaking that,
in the event of any taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from
taxation in the Cayman Islands until the year 2013. Under current Bermuda law,
the Company and its Bermuda subsidiaries are not required to pay any taxes on
their income or capital gains. The Company and its Bermuda subsidiaries will be
exempt from taxation in Bermuda until March 2016.
Income from the Company's operations at Lloyd's are subject to United Kingdom
corporation taxes. ACE USA is subject to income taxes imposed by U.S.
authorities.
The provision for income taxes detailed below represents the Company's estimate
of tax liability in respect of the Company's operations at Lloyd's and at ACE
USA and is calculated at rates equal to the statutory income tax rate in each
jurisdiction.
The income tax provision for the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ -------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current tax expense $ 3,265 $ 8,451 $ 14,547
Deferred tax expense 16,775 16,730 11,996
------------ ------------ ------------
Provision for income taxes $ 20,040 $ 25,181 $ 26,543
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
29
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
12. Taxation (Cont'd.)
The components of the net deferred tax asset and net deferred tax liability as
of September 30, 1998 and 1997 is a follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------- ---------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets
Loss reserve discount $ 50,581 $ --
Unearned premium adjustment 3,874 --
Uncollectable reinsurance 5,185 --
Other 49,646 3,012
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax assets 109,286 3,012
--------- ---------
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred policy acquisition costs 3,741 --
Unrealized appreciation of investments 9,282 --
Other 43,696 40,508
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax liabilities 56,719 40,508
--------- ---------
Valuation allowance 27,303 --
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 25,264 $ (37,496)
========= =========
</TABLE>
13. Statutory financial data
Under the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978, (as amended by the Insurance Amendment Act
1995) and Related Regulations the Company's Bermuda-based insurance and
reinsurance subsidiaries ("the Bermuda subsidiaries") are required to file an
annual Statutory Financial Return and Statutory Financial Statements and to
maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity during each year. Statutory
capital and surplus of the Bermuda subsidiaries was $2,785 million, $2,265
million and $1,885 million at September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and statutory
net income was $592 million, $489 million and $301 million for 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus and statutory net income
include the results of Tempest from July 1, 1996, and CAT from April 1, 1998,
the dates of acquisition by the Company. The principal difference between
statutory capital and surplus and statutory net income of the Bermuda
subsidiaries and shareholders' equity and net income of the Bermuda subsidiaries
computed in accordance with GAAP relates to deferred acquisition costs of the
subsidiaries and goodwill.
There are no statutory restrictions on the payment of dividends from retained
earnings by any of the Bermuda subsidiaries as the minimum statutory capital and
surplus requirements are satisfied by the share capital and additional paid-in
capital of each of the Bermuda subsidiaries.
The Company's US Insurance Subsidiaries are subject to various state statutory
and regulatory restrictions that limit the amount of dividends that may be paid
without prior approval from regulatory authorities. These restrictions differ
by state, but are generally based on calculations incorporating statutory
surplus, statutory net income, and/or investment income. The US Insurance
Subsidiaries' combined statutory surplus amounted to $252 million at September
30, 1998. The combined statutory net result of the US Insurance Subsidiaries
was a loss of $98 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998.
The payment of any dividends from the Company's UK subsidiaries would be subject
to applicable UK insurance law including those promulgated by the Society of
Lloyd's.
28
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
14. Condensed unaudited quarterly financial data
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
-------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Adjusted for pooling-of-interests
Net premiums earned $205,330 $221,475 $246,350 $221,148
Net investment income 63,672 78,283 93,011 89,288
Net realized gains (losses)
on investments 27,493 145,616 69,448 (54,172)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues $296,495 $445,374 $408,809 $256,264
======== ======== ======== ========
Losses and loss expenses $122,255 $129,780 $146,233 $118,624
======== ======== ======== ========
Net income $122,210 $247,901 $176,528 $ 13,512
======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted Earnings per share $ 0.72 $ 1.48 $ 0.96 $ 0.07
======== ======== ======== ========
As originally reported
Net premiums earned $167,821 $184,746 $213,126 $221,148
Net investment income 58,413 73,129 88,151 89,288
Net realized gains (losses)
on investments 27,492 145,616 68,791 (54,172)
--------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues $253,726 $403,491 $370,068 $256,264
======== ======== ======== ========
Losses and loss expenses $109,161 $116,265 $134,305 $118,624
======== ======== ======== ========
Net income $112,816 $236,205 $171,463 $ 13,512
======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted Earnings per share $ 0.67 $ 1.41 $ 0.95 $ 0.07
======== ======== ======== ========
1997 First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
-------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands, except per share data)
Adjusted for pooling-of-interests
Net premiums earned $206,919 $199,150 $202,965 $196,338
Net investment income 62,867 61,160 64,303 65,110
Net realized gains (losses)
on investments 41,580 (2,480) 45,788 $ 42,814
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenue $311,366 $257,830 $313,056 $304,262
======== ======== ======== ========
Losses and loss expenses $123,019 $117,350 $123,900 $121,871
======== ======== ======== ========
Net income $138,443 $ 87,676 $139,915 $136,691
======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted Earnings per share $ 0.72 $ 0.46 $ 0.76 $ 0.74
======== ======== ======== ========
As originally reported
Net premiums earned $164,400 $158,641 $163,605 $158,192
Net investment income 59,738 58,094 59,545 60,446
Net realized gains (losses)
on investments 41,723 (2,339) 45,786 42,812
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues $265,861 $214,396 $268,936 $261,450
======== ======== ======== ========
Losses and loss expenses $110,150 $105,290 $111,380 $109,121
======== ======== ======== ========
Net income $125,741 $ 77,949 $130,038 $127,626
======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted Earnings per share $ 0.71 $ 0.45 $ 0.77 $ 0.75
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
29
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont'd.)
15. Condensed unaudited pro forma information relating to the acquisitions of
ACE USA and CAT
The following pro forma information assumes the acquisitions occurred at the
beginning of each year presented. The pro forma financial information is
presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of
the operating results that would have occurred had the acquisition been
consummated at the beginning of each year presented, nor is it necessarily
indicative of future operating results.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ ------------
(in thousands, except per share
data)
Pro forma:
<S> <C> <C>
Net premiums earned $ 988,847 $ 1,054,060
Net Investment income 337,603 308,836
Net income 581,310 448,791
Diluted earnings per share $ 3.07 $ 2.40
</TABLE>
30
<PAGE>
Appendix C
--------------
ACE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the Quarter Ended September 30, 1999
--------------
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
-----------------
FORM 10-Q
-----------------
(Mark
One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 1999
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File No. 1-11778
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 98-0091805
-----------------
ACE LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands)
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Avenue
Hamilton HM 08
Bermuda
Telephone 441-295-5200
-----------------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES X NO
The number of registrant's Ordinary Shares ($0.041666667 par value)
outstanding as of November 12, 1999 was 194,059,295.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
No.
----
<S> <C>
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998.............................. 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998........ 4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998......................... 5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998......................... 6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998......................... 7
Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)......... 8
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition..................................................... 19
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................. 36
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September December 31
30 1999 1998
----------- -----------
(in thousands of U.S.
Dollars, except share
and
per share data)
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Investments and cash
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
(amortized cost--$9,478,887 and $4,784,412)........ $ 9,338,437 $4,866,366
Equity securities, at fair value (cost--$749,461 and
$196,375).......................................... 756,102 220,843
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized
cost--$670,595 and $757,788)....................... 667,800 757,804
Other investments, at fair value (cost--$366,779 and
$128,119).......................................... 366,382 129,331
Cash................................................ 735,780 240,556
----------- ----------
Total investments and cash........................ 11,864,501 6,214,900
Accrued investment income............................. 174,445 54,491
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable......... 2,318,832 347,810
Accounts and notes receivable......................... 564,768 --
Reinsurance recoverable............................... 8,924,000 1,159,270
Deferred policy acquisition costs..................... 374,251 67,502
Prepaid reinsurance premiums.......................... 590,288 201,529
Goodwill.............................................. 2,664,886 535,920
Deferred tax assets................................... 977,273 42,796
Other assets.......................................... 890,939 210,087
----------- ----------
Total assets...................................... $29,344,183 $8,834,305
=========== ==========
Liabilities
Unpaid losses and loss expenses....................... $17,198,095 $3,678,269
Unearned premiums..................................... 2,128,389 705,712
Premiums received in advance.......................... 67,856 62,671
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable............ 1,493,248 72,993
Contract holder deposit funds......................... 196,338 --
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
liabilities.......................................... 1,475,928 137,383
Dividend payable...................................... 21,347 17,700
Short-term debt....................................... 1,449,279 --
Long-term debt........................................ 1,049,334 250,000
Trust preferred securities............................ 400,000 --
----------- ----------
Total liabilities................................. 25,479,814 4,924,728
=========== ==========
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Ordinary Shares ($0.041666667 par value, 300,000,000
shares authorized; 194,063,128 and 193,687,126 shares
issued and outstanding).............................. 8,086 8,070
Additional paid-in capital............................ 1,773,825 1,767,188
Unearned stock grant compensation..................... (10,889) (15,087)
Retained earnings..................................... 2,193,461 2,040,664
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income......... (100,114) 108,742
----------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity........................ 3,864,369 3,909,577
----------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........ $29,344,183 $8,834,305
=========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements
3
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
--------------------- ----------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per
share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Gross premiums written........ $1,544,458 $ 317,053 $2,488,952 $1,034,703
Reinsurance premiums ceded.... (633,554) (140,478) (845,114) (306,879)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net premiums written.......... 910,904 176,575 1,643,838 727,824
Change in unearned premiums... 42,047 44,573 (105,349) (38,851)
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net premiums earned........... 952,951 221,148 1,538,489 688,973
Net investment income......... 163,060 89,288 334,338 260,582
Net realized gains (losses) on
investments.................. (58,493) (54,172) (15,932) 160,892
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues.............. 1,057,518 256,264 1,856,895 1,110,447
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses...... 632,910 118,624 1,045,262 394,637
Policy acquisition costs...... 137,681 24,001 203,505 80,826
Administrative expenses....... 201,332 85,846 297,131 146,110
Amortization of goodwill...... 17,474 4,336 26,408 10,563
Loan interest expense......... 44,068 12,881 52,745 24,098
Other non-insurance expenses.. 2,932 0 2,932 0
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses.............. 1,036,397 245,688 1,627,983 656,234
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes...... 21,121 10,576 228,912 454,213
Income tax expense (benefit).... 6,328 (2,936) 15,978 16,272
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net income...................... $ 14,793 $ 13,512 $ 212,934 $ 437,941
========== ========= ========== ==========
Basic earnings per share........ $ 0.08 $ 0.07 $ 1.10 $ 2.34
========== ========= ========== ==========
Diluted earnings per share...... $ 0.08 $ 0.07 $ 1.08 $ 2.29
========== ========= ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements
4
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30
----------------------
1999 1998
---------- ----------
(in thousands of U.S.
Dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
Ordinary shares
Balance at beginning of period...................... $ 8,070 $ 7,406
Ordinary Shares issued.............................. 0 688
Issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).... 1 1
Exercise of stock options........................... 15 14
Repurchase of Ordinary Shares....................... 0 (43)
---------- ----------
Balance at end of period.......................... 8,086 8,066
---------- ----------
Additional paid-in capital
Balance at beginning of period...................... 1,767,188 1,161,932
Ordinary Shares issued.............................. 0 605,211
Cancellation of restricted stock award.............. (371) 0
Issued under ESPP................................... 1,420 954
Exercise of stock options........................... 5,588 3,801
Repurchase of Ordinary Shares....................... 0 (6,637)
---------- ----------
Balance at end of period.......................... 1,773,825 1,765,261
---------- ----------
Unearned stock grant compensation
Balance at beginning of period...................... (15,087) (4,250)
Stock grants awarded................................ (1,922) (5,428)
Stock grants forfeited.............................. 312 0
Amortization........................................ 5,808 3,497
---------- ----------
Balance at end of period.......................... (10,889) (6,181)
---------- ----------
Retained earnings
Balance at beginning of period...................... 2,040,664 1,452,634
Net income.......................................... 212,934 437,941
Dividends declared.................................. (60,137) (46,561)
Repurchase of Ordinary Shares....................... 0 (24,460)
---------- ----------
Balance at end of period.......................... 2,193,461 1,819,554
---------- ----------
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments
Balance at beginning of period...................... 102,271 173,428
Change in period, net of tax........................ (208,482) (45,583)
---------- ----------
Balance at end of period.......................... (106,211) 127,845
---------- ----------
Cumulative translation adjustments
Balance at beginning of period...................... 6,471 1,199
Net adjustments during period....................... (374) (1,474)
---------- ----------
Balance at end of period.......................... 6,097 (275)
---------- ----------
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)..... (100,114) 127,570
---------- ----------
Total Shareholders' Equity............................ $3,864,369 $3,714,270
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements
5
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30 September 30
1999 1998
------------ ------------
(in thousands of U.S.
Dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
Net income............................................ $ 212,934 $ 437,941
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments...................................... (190,344) 64,848
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized
gains included in net income..................... (54,308) (101,149)
--------- ---------
(244,652) (36,301)
Cumulative translation adjustments.................. (374) (1,474)
--------- ---------
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income
taxes................................................ (245,026) (37,775)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other
comprehensive income items........................... 36,170 (9,282)
--------- ---------
Other comprehensive income (loss)..................... (208,856) (47,057)
--------- ---------
Comprehensive income.................................. $ 4,078 $ 390,884
========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements
6
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30
--------------------------------
1999 1998
--------------- ---------------
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income................................... $ 212,934 $ 437,941
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash used for operating activities:
Unearned premiums.......................... 165,294 69,617
Unpaid losses and loss expenses, net of
reinsurance recoverable................... (304,304) (82,804)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums............... (99,254) (100,175)
Net realized gains (losses) on
investments............................... 15,932 (160,892)
Amortization of net discount on fixed
maturities................................ (6,009) (21,663)
Amortization of goodwill................... 26,408 12,403
Deferred acquisition costs................. (18,280) (28,767)
Insurance and reinsurance balances
receivable................................ (384,759) (98,337)
Deferred income taxes...................... 9,515 45,652
Premiums received in advance............... 5,185 10,489
Insurance and reinsurance balances
payable................................... 230,301 49,939
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and
other liabilities......................... (38,885) (164,843)
Net change in contract holder deposit
funds..................................... (1,591) 0
Other...................................... (97,858) (20,464)
--------------- --------------
Net cash flows used for operating
activities.............................. (285,371) (51,904)
--------------- --------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of fixed maturities.............. (14,522,815) (6,457,837)
Purchases of equity securities............. (226,511) (132,419)
Sales of fixed maturities.................. 15,185,241 6,195,585
Sales of equity securities................. 298,773 602,724
Maturities of fixed maturities............. 425,163 134,093
Net realized losses on financial futures
contracts................................. (16,568) (17,974)
Other investments.......................... (200,490) (53,188)
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash
acquired.................................. (2,592,632) (967,758)
--------------- --------------
Net cash flows used for investing
activities.............................. (1,649,839) (696,774)
--------------- --------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid............................. (56,219) (42,224)
Repayment of bank debt..................... (198,816) (385,000)
Proceeds from bank debt.................... 998,697 635,000
Proceeds from short term debt.............. 1,280,118 0
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred
securities................................ 400,000 0
Proceeds from exercise of options for
Ordinary Shares........................... 5,603 3,817
Net proceeds from issuance of ordinary
shares.................................... 0 605,899
Repurchase of Ordinary Shares.............. 0 (31,140)
Proceeds from shares issued under ESPP..... 1,051 955
--------------- --------------
Net cash flows from financing
activities.............................. 2,430,434 787,307
--------------- --------------
Net increase in cash......................... 495,224 38,629
Cash at beginning of period.................. 240,556 279,085
--------------- --------------
Cash at end of period........................ $ 735,780 $ 317,714
=============== ==============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements
7
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. General
The interim consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts
of the Company and its subsidiaries, have been prepared on the basis of
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and,
in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal
recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of results for such
periods. The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are
not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements, and related notes thereto, included in the Company's 1998 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
On July 2, 1999, the Company changed its fiscal year-end from September
30 to December 31. This change will be implemented retroactively to December
31, 1998 so that the 1999 fiscal year will be the twelve month period ending
December 31, 1999. This change is reflected in the quarter ended September 30,
1999, and the Company is reporting results for the three months ended September
30, 1999 and 1998 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998.
The results reported at December 31, 1999 will be for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1999.
On July 2, 1999, the Company completed the acquisition of the
international and domestic property and casualty businesses of CIGNA
Corporation ("CIGNA") for $3.45 billion in cash (the "ACE INA Acquisition").
Under the terms of the agreement the Company, through a newly created U.S.
holding company, ACE INA Holdings Inc. ("ACE INA"), acquired CIGNA's domestic
property and casualty insurance operations including its run-off business and
also its international property and casualty insurance companies and branches,
including most of the accident and health business written through those
companies. The ACE INA Acquisition has been recorded using the purchase method
of accounting and accordingly, the consolidated financial statements include
the results of ACE INA and its subsidiaries from July 2, 1999, the date of
acquisition. Approximately $1.75 billion of goodwill was generated as a result
of the acquisition.
Under the terms of the ACE INA Acquisition agreement, CIGNA agreed to
provide a guarantee to ACE to indemnify against unanticipated increases in
recorded reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses of certain
subsidiaries being acquired by ACE. CIGNA had the option to replace its
guarantee with reinsurance obtained from a mutually agreed upon third party
reinsurer. Contemporaneous with the consummation of the ACE INA Acquisition,
CIGNA exercised its option and replaced its guarantee with reinsurance by
directing certain subsidiaries being acquired to transfer $1.25 billion of
investments to National Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway
Inc., for aggregate coverage of $2.5 billion. This coverage attaches at an
amount equal to the net recorded reserves of the certain subsidiaries acquired,
on the closing date, minus $1.25 billion.
On October 26, 1999, ACE and Capital Re entered into an amended and
restated merger agreement. This agreement replaced the Agreement and Plan of
Amalgamation entered into by ACE and Capital Re on June 10, 1999. Under the new
agreement, Capital Re stockholders will receive 0.65 ordinary shares of ACE for
each share of common stock of Capital Re at closing plus a cash payment equal
to the difference between the market value (as defined in the agreement) of
0.65 of an ACE ordinary share and $14.00. In no event will the cash payment be
less than $1.30 (approximately $41 million in the aggregate) or more than $4.68
($150 million in the aggregate) per share of Capital Re stock. Subject to SEC
review, it is hoped that the transaction will be completed before the end of
calendar 1999, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of
the merger by Capital Re's shareholders.
For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, approximately 60 percent of
the Company's premiums written came from companies headquartered in North
America, 16 percent came from
8
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
companies headquartered in Europe, 6 percent came from companies headquartered
in Australia and New Zealand, 3 percent came from companies headquartered in
Latin America, and 15 percent came from companies headquartered in other
countries.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
a) Comprehensive Income
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS
130"), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
SFAS 130 establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive
income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements. As of October 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS 130; however, the
adoption of this statement had no impact on the Company's net income or
shareholders' equity. SFAS 130 requires unrealized gains or losses on the
Company's available-for-sale securities and cumulative translation adjustments,
which prior to adoption were reported separately in shareholders' equity, to be
included in other comprehensive income. Prior year financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to the requirements of SFAS 130.
b) New accounting pronouncements
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"), which is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS 131 establishes standards for the
way that public business enterprises report information about operating
segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises
report selected information about operating segments in interim financial
reports. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products
and services, geographic areas, and major customers. Because SFAS 131 is not
required to be applied to interim financial statements in the initial year of
adoption, the Company is not required to disclose segment information in
accordance with SFAS 131 until its December 1999 annual report. In the
Company's March 31, 2000 report, and in subsequent quarters, it will present
the interim disclosures required by SFAS 131 for both 1999 and 2000.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"), which is effective for all
fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS 133
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments,
including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and
hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure
those instruments at fair value. SFAS 133 is effective beginning in the first
quarter of fiscal 2001. The Company is currently assessing the effect of
adopting this statement on its financial position and operating results, which
as yet, has not been determined.
In 1998, the AICPA issued SOP 98-7, "Deposit Accounting: Accounting for
Insurance and Reinsurance Contracts That Do Not Transfer Insurance Risk." SOP
98-7 provides guidance on the deposit method of accounting for insurance and
reinsurance contracts that do not transfer insurance risk. Implementation is
required by the first quarter of 2000, with the cumulative effect of adopting
the SOP reflected in net income in the year of adoption. The Company has not
yet determined the effect or timing of implementation of this pronouncement.
9
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
3. Commitments and Contingencies
A number of the Company's insureds have given notice of claims relating
to breast implants or related components or raw material thereof that had been
produced and/or sold by such insureds. The Company has made payments to date of
approximately $610 million with respect to breast implant claims, which include
payments of $140 million made during the nine months ended September 30, 1999.
These payments are made pursuant to agreements reached with most of the
Company's significant breast implant insureds. Those agreements have the effect
of limiting the Company's exposure to breast implant claims related to those
insureds to amounts which were anticipated in the Company's loss reserves.
Although uncertainties concerning the ultimate amount of the Company's
financial exposure to breast implant claims continue to exist, the Company
believes that the possibility of a material financial impact in the future as a
result of breast implant claims is unlikely.
The Company has considered asbestos and environmental claims and claims
expenses in establishing the liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses. The
estimation of ultimate losses arising from asbestos and environmental exposures
has presented a challenge because traditional actuarial reserving methods,
which primarily rely on historical experience, are inadequate for such
estimation. The problem of estimating reserves for asbestos and environmental
exposures resulted in the development of reserving methods which incorporate
new sources of data with historical experience. The Company believes that the
reserves carried for these claims are adequate based on known facts and current
law.
4. Restricted Stock Awards
Under the terms of the 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 44,750 restricted
Ordinary Shares were awarded during the nine months ended September 30, 1999,
to officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. These shares vest at various
dates through November 2003. In addition, during the period, 23,618 restricted
Ordinary Shares were awarded to outside directors under the terms of the 1995
Outside Directors Plan. These shares vest at various dates through June 2000.
At the time of grant the market value of the shares awarded under these
grants is recorded as unearned stock grant compensation and is presented as a
separate component of shareholders' equity. The unearned compensation is
charged to income over the vesting period.
10
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
5. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
3 Months Ending 9 Months Ending
September 30 September 30
------------------------- -------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(in thousands of U.S. dollars except share and per
share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Net Income........................ $ 14,793 $ 13,512 $ 212,934 $ 437,941
============ ============ ============ ============
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per
share--
Weighted average shares
outstanding...................... 194,061,171 193,539,724 193,935,790 187,341,947
Effect of dilutive securities..... 2,011,481 4,231,764 2,981,338 4,150,696
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Denominator for diluted earnings
per share--
Adjusted weighted average shares
outstanding and assumed
conversions...................... 196,072,652 197,771,488 196,917,128 191,492,643
============ ============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per share.......... $ 0.08 $ 0.07 $ 1.10 $ 2.34
============ ============ ============ ============
Diluted earnings per share........ $ 0.08 $ 0.07 $ 1.08 $ 2.29
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
6. Credit Facilities
In June 1999, the Company arranged certain syndicated credit facilities.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc. acted as lead arranger and co-arranger respectively and assisted in the
arranging, structuring and syndication of these credit facilities. Each
facility requires that the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries maintain
specific covenants, including a consolidated tangible net worth covenant and a
maximum leverage covenant. The facilities provide:
. A $750 million, 364-day revolving credit facility with ACE
Limited, ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd., Tempest Reinsurance Company
Limited and ACE INA Holdings Inc. as borrowers and guarantors. The
initial purpose of this facility was to provide interim financing
for the ACE INA Acquisition. However, after certain conditions
were met, up to $500 million of this facility could remain in
place for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 1999
these conditions have been met and the limit on this facility has
been reduced to $500 million.
. A $250 million, five-year revolving credit facility with ACE
Limited, ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd., Tempest Reinsurance Company
Limited and ACE INA Holdings Inc. as borrowers and guarantors.
This facility is for general corporate purposes and has a letter
of credit sub-limit of $250 million.
. A $2.05 billion, 364-day revolving credit facility with a one-year
term out option with ACE INA Holdings Inc. as borrower and ACE
Limited, ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd. and Tempest Reinsurance
Company Limited as guarantors. This facility was arranged to
provide interim financing for the ACE INA Acquisition. As of
September 30, 1999, $881 million remains available under this
facility.
11
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
Each of the above facilities may be used as commercial paper recourse
facilities (see further description under Note 8--Debt).
Tempest Re also maintains an uncollateralized, syndicated revolving
credit facility in the amount of $72.5 million. At September 30, 1999, no
amounts have been drawn down under this facility. The facility requires that
Tempest Re comply with specific covenants. ACE Limited added its guarantee to
this facility in June 1999.
In November 1998, the Company arranged a syndicated, partially
collateralized, five-year LOC facility in the amount of (pounds)270 million
(approximately $450 million) to fulfill the requirements of Lloyd's for the
1999 year of account. This facility was arranged by Citibank N.A., with ING
Barings and Barclays Bank PLC acting as co-arrangers, and replaced the facility
arranged in December 1997. This LOC facility requires that the Company and/or
certain of its subsidiaries continue to maintain certain covenants, including a
minimum consolidated tangible net worth covenant and a maximum leverage
covenant. On June 30, 1999, certain terms of this LOC facility were
renegotiated and the facility is now uncollateralized. The Company expects to
renew this facility towards the end of November 1999 to fulfill the
requirements of Lloyd's for the 2000 year of account.
In December 1997, the Company had arranged certain syndicated credit
facilities. J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. and Mellon Bank N.A. acted as co-
arrangers in the arranging, structuring and syndication of these facilities.
During fiscal 1999 each of the facilities under this arrangement have been
cancelled and replaced. The facilities provided:
. A $200 million 364-day revolving credit facility and a $200
million five-year revolving credit facility which together made up
a combined $400 million committed, uncollateralized syndicated
revolving credit facility. The five-year revolving credit facility
had a $150 million letter of credit ("LOC") sub-limit. A new
multi-year liquidity facility has been arranged as an additional
part of the new syndicated credit facilities described above.
. A syndicated fully collateralized five-year LOC facility totaling
approximately (pounds)154 million ($262 million) which was used to
fulfill the requirements of Lloyd's to support underwriting
capacity on Lloyd's syndicates in which the Company participates.
As discussed above, this facility was replaced on November 27,
1998.
. A syndicated $250 million seven-year amortizing term loan
facility, which was used on January 2, 1998 to partially finance
the acquisition of ACE USA. The interest rate on the term loan was
LIBOR plus an applicable spread. As discussed under Note 8--Long
Term Debt, this term loan was refinanced on October 27, 1998.
7. Trust Preferred Securities
In connection with the completion of the ACE INA Acquisition, on June 30,
1999 ACE RHINOS Trust, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Trust"), sold
in a private placement $400 million of Auction Rate Reset Preferred Securities
(the "Preferred Securities"). All of the common securities of the Trust are
owned by ACE INA Holdings Inc.
The Preferred Securities mature on September 30, 2002. Distributions on
the Preferred Securities are payable quarterly at LIBOR plus 125 basis points,
adjusted quarterly, provided that the Trust may defer such payments (but no
later than September 30, 2002, or, if there is a remarketing, the maturity date
of the remarketed securities), with such deferred payments accruing interest
compounded quarterly, if
12
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
ACE INA defers interest on the Subordinated Notes (as defined below). If the
trading price of ACE's Ordinary Shares declines to 66 2/3 percent of the
closing price of the Ordinary Shares on June 30, 1999, or approximately $18.83
per Ordinary Share, the holders of a majority of the Preferred Securities will
have the option to require Banc of America Securities LLC as the Remarketing
Agent to remarket the Preferred Securities. If remarketed, the maturity of the
remarketed securities will be reset as the later of September 30, 2001 or one
year from the date on which the remarketed securities are issued. The coupon
will be reset pursuant to a bid process to value the remarketed securities at
100.25 percent of the face amount thereof. If Banc of America were unable to
remarket the securities, the holders of a majority of the Preferred Securities
would have the right to require ACE INA to repurchase them at a purchase price
equal to the face amount of the securities plus accrued and unpaid
distributions, which obligations would be guaranteed by ACE Limited. ACE's
Ordinary Shares have traded below the trigger price described above during and
after the quarter ended September 30, 1999, although the holders of the
Preferred Securities did not exercise their remarketing rights at that time.
The sole assets of the Trust consist of $412,372,000 principal amount of
Auction Rate Reset Subordinated Notes Series A (the "Subordinated Notes")
issued by ACE INA. The Subordinated Notes mature on September 30, 2002.
Interest on the Subordinated Notes is payable quarterly at LIBOR plus 125 basis
points, adjusted quarterly, provided that ACE INA may defer such interest
payments (but no later than September 30, 2002, or, if there is a remarketing,
the maturity date of the remarketed securities), with such deferred payments
accruing interest compounded quarterly. If under certain circumstances the
Trust is dissolved and the holders of the Preferred Securities directly hold
the Subordinated Notes, then the remarketing provisions described above will be
applicable to the Subordinated Notes.
In connection with the issuance of the Preferred Securities, the Company
has agreed with Banc of America Securities to use its reasonable best efforts
to complete one or more firm commitment underwritings with an aggregate public
offering price of $400 million on or before June 30, 2002. The Company has
agreed to maintain an effective shelf registration statement with availability
for the issuance of up to $400 million Ordinary Shares (exclusive of any
amounts to cover over-allotments).
8. Debt
At September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, the Company's short-term and
long-term debt consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1999 1998
------------- ------------
(in millions of U.S.
dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
Short-term debt
ACE Limited commercial paper.................. $ 425 --
ACE INA commercial paper...................... 855 --
ACE INA money market loan..................... 169 --
------ ----
$1,449 $ 0
------ ----
Long-term debt
Senior Notes.................................. $ 250 $250
Notes due 2004................................ 400 --
Notes due 2006................................ 299 --
Debentures due 2029........................... 100 --
------ ----
$1,049 $250
====== ====
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
In June 1999, the Company arranged certain commercial paper programs for
ACE Limited and ACE INA Holdings Inc. The programs use the existing revolving
credit facilities (as discussed in Note 6) as recourse facilities and provide
for up to $500 million in commercial paper issuance for ACE Limited and up to
$2.05 billion in commercial paper issuance for ACE INA Holdings Inc. At
September 30, 1999, short-term debt consisted of $425 million and $855 million
of commercial paper issued by ACE Limited and ACE INA respectively. The
commercial paper rates currently range from 5.6-6.2 percent, depending on
maturity. On July 2, 1999, $425 million and $1.65 billion were drawn down under
these programs by ACE Limited and ACE INA Holdings Inc., respectively to
partially finance the ACE INA Acquisition.
In June 1999, ACE INA Holdings Inc. arranged a short-term money market
facility in the amount of $225 million for general corporate purposes. This
facility is guaranteed by the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries and
requires that the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries maintain specific
covenants, including a consolidated tangible net worth covenant and a maximum
leverage covenant. At September 30, 1999 $169 million of this facility was
utilized. In November 1999, this facility was cancelled and repaid with
proceeds from the commercial paper programs described above.
As part of the permanent financing plan for the ACE INA Acquisition, in
August 1999, ACE INA issued $400 million of 8.2% Notes due 2004, $300 million
of 8.3% Notes due 2006 and $100 million of 8.875% Debentures due 2029. Interest
on the debentures and notes is payable on February 15th and August 15th of each
year beginning February 15, 2000. The notes and debentures are not redeemable
before maturity and do not have the benefit of any sinking fund. The notes and
debentures are uncollateralized and rank equally with all of ACE INA's other
uncollateralized senior indebtedness. The notes and debentures are guaranteed
on a senior uncollateralized basis by the Company.
In October 1998, ACE US Holdings, Inc. ("ACE US") refinanced the
outstanding $250 million term loan co-arranged by JP Morgan Securities, Inc.
and Mellon Bank N.A with the proceeds from the issuance of $250 million in
aggregate principal amount of uncollateralized senior notes maturing in October
2008. Interest payments, based on the initial fixed rate coupon on these notes
of 8.63 percent, are due semi-annually in arrears. The indenture related to
these notes includes certain events of default for ACE US. The senior notes are
callable subject to certain call premiums, however, ACE US has no current
intention of calling the debt. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a
notional $250 million swap transaction that has the economic effect of reducing
the cost of debt to the consolidated group, excluding fees and expenses, to
6.47 percent for 10 years. Certain assets totaling approximately $90 million
are pledged as collateral in connection with the swap transaction. In the event
that the Company terminates the swap prematurely, the Company would be liable
for certain transaction costs. However, the Company has no current intention of
terminating the swap. The swap counter-party is a major financial institution
with a long-term S&P Senior Debt Rating of AA- and the Company does not
anticipate non-performance.
9. Discontinued Operations
In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 87-11 "Allocation
of Purchase Price to Assets to Be Sold," and ("EITF") 90-6, "Accounting for
Certain Events Not Addressed in Issue No. 87-11 Relating to an Acquired
Operating Unit to Be Sold", the Company has presented Commercial Insurance
Services ("CIS"), a division of ACE INA, as a discontinued operation. The
Company planned, as part of its July 2, 1999 acquisition of the CIGNA P&C
business, to dispose of the CIS operations. Following the July 2, 1999 ACE INA
acquisition, the company sold the renewal rights for all of its CIS business
going forward. The Company still owns the assets and liabilities pertaining to
the historical book of business as well as the in-force book of business. This
portion of CIS is still for sale.
14
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
In accordance with EITF 87-11, the Company recorded a net liability as of
July 2, 1999 of approximately $170 million which has been recorded in accounts
payable and accrued liabilities. The Company has reduced the consolidated
balance sheet for the following items that pertain specifically to CIS: $900
million in investments and cash, $100 million in insurance balances receivable,
$30 million of net assets comprised of various assets and liabilities, $1.1
billion in net loss reserves, and $100 million in unearned premiums. The
historical and in force business, including the estimated proceeds on sale and
estimated operating results over the twelve months from July 2, 1999, is
represented by the net liability of approximately $170 million. Any income
items pertaining to CIS through July 1, 2000 will not appear in the
consolidated income of the Company, but will be posted against the $170 million
net liability. When the CIS business is sold, any gain or loss on sale would
reduce or increase goodwill accordingly.
If the remaining CIS business is not sold prior to July 2, 2000, the
Company will be required to expand the net liability into each of its
constituent parts in the balance sheet and any resulting income or loss from
that book of business from that point forward would be included in income.
10. Reinsurance
The Company purchases reinsurance to manage various exposures including
catastrophic risks. Although reinsurance agreements contractually obligate the
Company's reinsurers to reimburse it for the agreed upon portion of its gross
paid losses, they do not discharge the primary liability of the Company. The
amounts for net premiums written and net premiums earned in the statements of
operations are net of reinsurance. Direct, assumed and ceded amounts for these
items for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30 September 30
Premiums ----------------------- ---------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------
(in thousands of
(in thousands of U.S. U.S. dollars except
dollars except share share and per share
and per share data) data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Premiums written
Direct........................ $ 1,074,833 $ 296,157 $1,604,255 $ 679,544
Assumed....................... 469,625 20,896 884,697 355,159
Ceded......................... (633,554) (140,478) (845,114) (306,879)
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Net premiums written........ $ 910,904 $ 176,575 $1,643,838 $ 727,824
=========== ========== ========== =========
Premiums earned
Direct........................ $ 969,987 $ 258,988 $1,443,493 $ 663,169
Assumed....................... 520,872 30,465 829,891 256,964
Ceded......................... (537,908) (68,305) (734,895) (231,160)
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Net premiums earned......... $ 952,951 $ 221,148 $1,538,489 $ 688,973
=========== ========== ========== =========
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
The Company's provision for reinsurance recoverable at September 30, 1999
and December 31, 1998 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1999 1998
------------- ------------
(in thousands of U.S.
dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss
expenses.......................................... $ 818,618 $ 58,806
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss
expenses.......................................... 8,891,811 1,184,978
Provision for uncollectible balances on unpaid
losses and loss expenses.......................... (786,429) (84,514)
---------- ----------
Total reinsurance recoverable...................... $8,924,000 $1,159,270
========== ==========
</TABLE>
11. Taxation
Under current Cayman Islands law, the Company is not required to pay any
taxes in the Cayman Islands on its income or capital gains. The Company has
received an undertaking that, in the event of any taxes being imposed, the
Company will be exempted from taxation in the Cayman Islands until the year
2013. Under current Bermuda law, the Company and its Bermuda subsidiaries are
not required to pay any taxes in Bermuda on its income or capital gains. The
Company has received an undertaking from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda
that, in the event of any taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from
taxation in Bermuda until March 2016.
Income from the Company's operations at Lloyd's are subject to United
Kingdom corporation taxes. Lloyd's is required to pay U.S. income tax on U.S.
connected income ("U.S. income") written by Lloyd's syndicates. Lloyd's has a
closing agreement with the IRS whereby the amount of tax due on this business
is calculated by Lloyd's and remitted directly to the IRS. These amounts are
then charged to the personal accounts of the Names/Corporate Members in
proportion to their participation in the relevant syndicates. The Company's
Corporate Members are subject to this arrangement but, as UK domiciled
companies, will receive UK corporation tax credits for any U.S. income tax
incurred up to the value of the equivalent UK corporation income tax charge on
the U.S. income.
ACE INA and ACE US Holdings, Inc. is subject to income taxes imposed by
U.S. authorities and will file consolidated U.S. tax returns. Certain
international operations of the Company are also subject to income taxes
imposed by the jurisdictions in which they operate.
The provision for income taxes detailed below represents the Company's
estimate of tax liability in respect of the Company's operations at Lloyd's and
ACE INA at rates equal to the statutory income tax rate in each jurisdiction.
The Company currently conducts its business so as not to be subject to
taxation in the United States or elsewhere, other than as stated above. There
can be no assurance that there will not be changes in applicable laws,
regulations or treaties which might require the Company to change the way it
operates or become subject to taxation.
16
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
The income tax provision for the three and nine months ended September
30, 1999 and 1998 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months Nine months
ended September ended September
30 30
---------------- ---------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current tax expense.......................... $ 7,812 $ 937 $11,496 $ 1,203
Deferred tax expense (benefit)............... (1,484) (3,873) 4,482 15,069
------- ------- ------- -------
Provision for income taxes................... $ 6,328 $(2,936) $15,978 $16,272
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The components of the net deferred tax assets as of September 30, 1999
and December 31, 1998 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1999 1998
------------- ------------
(in thousands of U.S.
dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets
Loss reserve discount.............................. $ 670,000 $ 47,649
Foreign tax credits................................ 111,000 --
Uncollectible reinsurance.......................... 129,000 6,685
Net operating loss carryforward.................... 84,000 33,849
Unrealized depreciation on investments............. 36,170 --
Other.............................................. 153,691 36,626
---------- --------
Total deferred tax assets........................ $1,183,861 $124,809
---------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred policy acquisition costs.................. 40,000 3,753
Unrealized appreciation on investments............. -- 5,379
Other.............................................. 91,588 46,247
---------- --------
Total deferred tax liabilities................... 131,588 55,379
---------- --------
Valuation allowance.................................. 75,000 26,634
---------- --------
Net deferred tax assets.............................. $ 977,273 $ 42,796
========== ========
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
12. Summarized Financial Information
The following is consolidated summarized financial information for ACE
INA, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACE Limited.
Selected Financial Data
ACE INA
September 30, 1999
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Selected Statement of Operation Data
Total Revenues..................................................... $795,356
Net Income......................................................... 8,676
Selected Balance Sheet Data
Total Investments and cash......................................... 7,707,970
Total Assets....................................................... 23,087,009
Unpaid losses and loss expenses.................................... 14,698,525
Total Shareholders' Equity......................................... 1,494,507
</TABLE>
Separate financial statements of ACE INA have not been presented as
management has determined that such information is not material to holders of
ACE INA's debt securities.
13. Reclassification
Certain items in the prior period financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.
18
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Safe Harbor Disclosure
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for forward-looking statements. Any 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 documents filed by the Company with
the Securities and Exchange Commission) include, but are not limited to, (i)
uncertainties relating to government and regulatory policies (such as
subjecting the Company to insurance regulation or taxation in additional
jurisdictions or amending or revoking any laws, regulations or treaties
affecting the Company's current operations), (ii) the occurrence of
catastrophic events or other insured or reinsured events with a frequency or
severity exceeding the Company's estimates, (iii) legal developments, (iv) the
uncertainties of the loss reserving process, (v) loss of the services of any of
the Company's executive officers, (vi) changing rates of inflation and other
economic conditions, (vii) losses due to foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations, (viii) ability to collect reinsurance recoverables, (ix) the
competitive environment in which the Company operates, related trends and
associated pricing pressures, (x) the impact of mergers and acquisitions,
including the ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and achieve
cost savings, competing demands for ACE's capital and the risk of undisclosed
liabilities, (xi) the impact of Year 2000 related issues, (xii) developments in
global financial markets which could affect the Company's investment portfolio,
(xiii) risks associated with the introduction of new products and services and
(xiv) the outcome of the Capital Re transaction. The words "believe",
"anticipate", "estimate", "project", "plan", "expect", "intend", "hope", "will
likely result" or "will continue" and variations thereof 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.
General
The following is a discussion of the Company's results of operations,
financial condition, liquidity and capital resources as of and for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 1999. The results of operations and cash
flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the
full year. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements, related notes thereto and the Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition included in the
Company's 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
On July 2, 1999, the Company changed its fiscal year-end from September
30 to December 31. This change will be implemented retroactively to December
31, 1998 so that the 1999 fiscal year will be the twelve month period ending
December 31, 1999. This change is reflected in the quarter ended September 30,
1999, and the Company is reporting results for the three months ended September
30, 1999 and 1998 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998.
The results reported as at December 31, 1999 will be for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1999.
ACE is a holding company incorporated with limited liability under the
Cayman Islands Companies Law. ACE maintains its principal business office in
Bermuda. ACE, through its various subsidiaries, provides a broad range of
insurance and reinsurance products to insureds in the United States and 47
other countries. In addition, ACE provides funds at Lloyd's, primarily in the
form of letters of credit, to support underwriting capacity for Lloyd's
syndicates managed by Lloyd's managing agencies which are indirect wholly owned
subsidiaries of ACE. ACE operates through five main business units which are:
ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd. ("ACE Bermuda"), Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited
("Tempest Re"), ACE INA Holdings Inc. ("ACE INA" including "ACE USA" and "ACE
19
<PAGE>
International"), and the operations of the Company in the Lloyd's market which
are collectively referred to herein as "ACE Global Markets". "ACE USA" includes
the domestic U.S. business of ACE INA together with the original ACE USA
division acquired on January 2, 1998 ("ACE US Holdings"). ACE INA's
international operations are presented separately and are referred to as "ACE
International". ACE International is divided into four regional areas: ACE
Europe, ACE Far East, ACE Asia Pacific and ACE Latin America.
On July 2, 1999, the Company completed the acquisition of the
international and domestic property and casualty businesses of CIGNA
Corporation ("CIGNA") for $3.45 billion in cash (the "ACE INA Acquisition").
Under the terms of the agreement the Company, through a newly created U.S.
holding company, ACE INA, acquired CIGNA's domestic property and casualty
insurance operations and also its international property and casualty insurance
companies and branches, including most of the accident and health business
written through those companies. In connection with the ACE INA Acquisition,
National Indemnity, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, is providing $1.25
billion of protection against adverse development with respect to the loss and
loss adjustment expense reserves of the operations acquired. The Company
financed this transaction with a combination of available cash, a hybrid trust
preferred security and the remainder with commercial paper. The Company repaid
a portion of the commercial paper with the proceeds of a $800 million debt
offering in August 1999 and intends to pay the remaining commercial paper with
a combination of newly issued ordinary shares, additional long-term debt and
trust preferred securities (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources").
The ACE INA Acquisition is recorded using the purchase method of
accounting and, accordingly, the consolidated financial statements include the
results of ACE INA and its subsidiaries from July 2, 1999, the date of the
acquisition. As a result, the analysis presented below is not comparable.
The Company expects to continue evaluating potential new product lines
and other opportunities in the insurance and reinsurance markets. In addition,
the Company regularly evaluates potential acquisitions of other companies and
businesses and holds discussions with potential acquisition candidates. As a
general rule, the Company publicly announces such acquisitions only after a
definitive agreement has been reached.
20
<PAGE>
Results of Operations--Three Months Ended September 1999
Premiums
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended
September 30 % Change
--------------------- from
1999 1998 Prior Year
---------- -------------------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross premiums written:
ACE Bermuda................................... $ 120.9 $ 101.6 19.0%
ACE Global Markets............................ 183.4 115.0 59.5%
Tempest Re.................................... 31.3 32.9 (4.9)%
ACE USA....................................... 746.9 67.5 N.M.
ACE International............................. 462.0 -- N.M.
---------- -------- ------
$ 1,544.5 $ 317.0 387.2%
========== ======== ======
Net premiums written:
ACE Bermuda................................... $ 97.1 $ 64.1 51.5%
ACE Global Markets............................ 110.4 76.4 44.5%
Tempest Re.................................... (1.4) 7.1 (119.7)%
ACE USA....................................... 373.0 29.4 N.M.
ACE International............................. 331.8 -- N.M.
---------- -------- ------
$ 910.9 $ 177.0 414.6%
========== ======== ======
Net premiums earned:
ACE Bermuda................................... $ 121.2 $ 81.2 49.3%
ACE Global Markets............................ 99.8 71.7 39.2%
Tempest Re.................................... 39.0 46.5 (16.1)%
ACE USA....................................... 342.7 22.1 N.M.
ACE International............................. 350.2 -- N.M.
---------- -------- ------
$ 952.9 $ 221.5 330.2%
========== ======== ======
</TABLE>
- --------
N.M.--not meaningful
The Company had significant increases in gross written, net written and
net earned premiums during the current quarter due primarily to the inclusion
of the results of ACE INA for the first time this quarter. Gross premiums
written increased 387.2 percent to $1.5 billion for the quarter ended September
30, 1999 compared with $317.0 million for the same quarter last year. Although
the Company continues to face competitive pressures in most of the markets in
which it operates, the diversification strategy of the Company has been key in
maintaining growth during these difficult market conditions. The Company is
beginning to see a slowdown and bottoming out of premium rates in certain areas
of its business.
The changing mix of business written by ACE Bermuda helped to offset the
effects of a continuing soft market. Gross premiums written by ACE Bermuda
during the quarter ended September 30, 1999 increased 19.0 percent to $120.9
million from $101.6 million for the same period last year. The primary reasons
for the premium increase are significant new business in the tailored risk
solutions (formerly financial lines) division and the political risk division
which experienced strong growth. The excess property division at ACE Bermuda
also grew modestly as it continued to attract new accounts. This growth was
partially offset by declines in excess liability and the professional lines
business due to continued market pressures.
Gross premiums written by ACE Global Markets increased over last year due
to increased participation in the syndicates under management. Gross premiums
written increased by $68.4 million or 59.5 percent for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999. The non-marine market has stabilized while the aviation
market has been in a state of flux with mixed results in both renewals and
rates. The marine division has experienced very difficult market conditions
with industry consolidations adding to rate reduction pressures and decreased
business. Introducing new products, such as the bloodstock line, should help
offset some of the market pressures on the existing business.
21
<PAGE>
Tempest Re saw a moderate decline in the gross premiums written this
quarter as a result of changes in anniversary dates on two large contracts.
Although Tempest Re is still facing a competitive environment, opportunities to
write new business at firmer rates are being seen and a modest upturn in the
property catastrophe premiums is anticipated in the future.
At ACE USA, gross premium written were $746.9 million and, on a
comparable basis, were slightly ahead of last year and in line with the
Company's expectations for the first quarter of the combined U.S. company.
ACE International had gross premiums written of $462.0 million for the
quarter ended September 30, 1999, slightly exceeding the Company's forecast for
this period. All markets for commercial property and casualty remained highly
competitive although ACE International is seeing a slowdown in the rate erosion
that has persisted for the past 2-3 years.
Net premiums written increased to $910.9 million for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999 compared to $177.0 million for the same quarter last year,
an increase of 414.6 percent. As with gross premiums written, the increase is
due to the inclusion of the ACE INA business. Net premiums written at ACE
Bermuda increased 51.5 percent to $97.1 million for the quarter ended September
30, 1999 compared to $64.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 1998.
The increase is due primarily to increases in the tailored risks solutions
division, the political risk division and the excess property division. The
Company has significantly increased its participation in the syndicates managed
by ACE Global Markets. This has resulted in an increase in net premiums written
by ACE Global Markets of 44.5 percent for the three months ended September 30,
1999 compared to the three month ended September 30, 1998. Net premiums written
by Tempest Re decreased by $8.5 million during the current quarter. This
decrease is the result of Tempest Re's aggressive use of retrocessional cover
with the majority of Tempest Re's retrocessional coverage renewing during the
current quarter. ACE USA and ACE International contributed $373.0 million and
$331.8 million respectively, to net premiums written. ACE USA's net premiums
written decreased 6 percent compared to the business it experienced last year
due to some shifting in the business mix to lines that have lower net
retentions. Net premiums written at ACE International were $331.8 million, an
increase of 7 percent as reported, 4 percent on a fixed currency basis. As
discussed earlier commercial property and casualty markets remain highly
competitive, although there is a slowing of rate erosion in certain areas.
Net premiums earned increased to $952.9 million for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999 compared with $221.5 million for the same quarter last year.
As with gross premiums written and net premiums written, the increase is due to
the inclusion of ACE INA. Net premiums earned by ACE Bermuda during the current
quarter increased 49.3 percent to $121.2 million from $81.2 million for the
same period last year. As discussed previously, increases in the tailored risk
solutions division and the political risk division contributed to the increase
in net premiums earned at ACE Bermuda during the current quarter. The increased
participation in the Lloyd's syndicates managed by ACE Global Markets resulted
in an increase in net premiums earned by ACE Global Markets during the current
quarter of 39.2 percent compared to the same quarter last year. Tempest Re
experienced a decrease in net premiums earned of 16.1 percent during the
current quarter compared to the same quarter last year as a result of the
decline in net premiums written. ACE USA and ACE International contributed
$342.7 million and $350.2 million respectively to net premiums earned.
22
<PAGE>
Net Investment Income
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months
ended % Change
September 30, from
-------------- Prior
1999 1998 Year
------- ------ --------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net investment income............................. $ 163.1 $ 89.3 82.6%
======= ====== ====
</TABLE>
Net investment income increased to $163.1 million in the quarter compared
to $89.3 million in the quarter ended September 30, 1998. This increase is
primarily a result of a larger investable asset base resulting from the ACE INA
Acquisition at the beginning of the current quarter.
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months
ended
September 30
--------------
1999 1998
------ ------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities and short-term investments............... $(33.6) $ 22.9
Equity securities......................................... 7.0 (1.0)
Financial futures and option contracts.................... (32.7) (72.9)
Other investments......................................... 1.0 0.0
Currency.................................................. (0.2) (3.1)
------ ------
$(58.5) $(54.1)
====== ======
</TABLE>
The Company's investment strategy takes a long-term view and the
portfolio is actively managed to maximize total return within certain specific
guidelines, which minimize risk. The portfolio is reported at fair value. The
effect of market movements on the investment portfolio will directly impact net
realized gains (losses) on investments when securities are sold. Changes in
unrealized gains and losses, which result from the revaluation of securities
held, are reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income.
Sales proceeds for fixed maturity securities were generally lower than
their amortized cost during the quarter, which resulted in net realized losses
of $33.6 million being recognized on fixed maturities and short-term
investments compared with net realized gains of $22.9 million during the same
period last year.
Positive returns in international equity markets resulted in net realized
gains on sales of equity securities of $7.0 million in the third quarter of
fiscal 1999 compared with net realized losses of $1.0 million in the third
quarter of fiscal 1998.
Exposure to declining domestic equity markets through the Company's
equity index futures contracts generated net realized losses of $32.6 million
during the quarter. Fixed income futures contracts contributed $0.1 million to
net realized losses. Net realized losses on financial futures and option
contracts in the third quarter of fiscal 1998 of $72.9 million were generated
primarily by losses recognized on equity futures contracts.
23
<PAGE>
Combined Ratio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended
September 30
--------------------
1999 1998
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Loss and loss expense ratio.......................... 66.4% 53.6%
Underwriting and administrative expense ratio........ 34.9% 49.7%
--------- ---------
Combined Ratio..................................... 101.3% 103.3%
========= =========
</TABLE>
The underwriting results of a property and casualty insurer are discussed
frequently by reference to its loss and loss expense ratio, underwriting and
administrative expense ratio and combined ratio. Each ratio is derived by
dividing the relevant expense amounts by net premiums earned. The combined
ratio is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio and the underwriting and
administrative expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100 percent indicates
underwriting income and a combined ratio exceeding 100 percent indicates
underwriting losses.
Several aspects of the Company's operations, including the low frequency
and high severity of losses in the high excess layers in certain lines of
business in which the Company provides insurance and reinsurance, complicate
the actuarial reserving techniques utilized by the Company. Management
believes, however, that the Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss
expenses are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of losses and loss expenses
incurred through September 30, 1999. Since such provisions are necessarily
based on estimates, future developments may result in ultimate losses and loss
expenses significantly greater or less than such amounts.
The combined ratio for the three months ended September 30, 1999 was
102.0 percent compared to 103.3 percent for the three months ended September
30, 1998. During the current quarter, the insurance and reinsurance markets
sustained a large number of catastrophe losses including major earthquakes in
Taiwan, Turkey, Greece and Mexico, Typhoon Bart in Japan and Hurricane Floyd in
the U.S. Each of the Company's subsidiaries had combined ratios below 100
percent for the quarter including the catastrophe losses, except for ACE USA
which had a combined ratio of 109.4 percent. The effect of these catastrophe
losses on the Company during the quarter amounted to $34 million after tax.
Excluding this effect, the loss and loss expense ratio would have been 61.7
percent and the combined ratio for the three months ended September 30, 1999
would have been 97.3 percent.
The underwriting and administrative expense ratio decreased to 35.6
percent for the quarter ended September 30, 1999 compared with 49.7 percent for
the same quarter last year. The underwriting expense ratio increased to 14.5
percent from 10.8 percent for the current quarter primarily as a result of
higher underwriting ratios at ACE INA. The administrative expense ratio
decreased to 21.1 percent for the quarter ended September 30, 1999 compared
with an administrative expense ratio of 38.8 percent for the same quarter last
year. Included in the administrative expense ratio for the quarter ended
September 30, 1998 are approximately $52 million of non-recurring and
transaction related expenses with respect to the acquisition of Tarquin which
was completed in July 1998. The Company recorded $6 million of non-recurring
expenses in connection with the ACE INA acquisition during the current quarter.
Excluding these non-recurring expenses, the administrative expense ratio would
have been 20.5 percent and 19.0 percent in 1999 and 1998, respectively. These
one time expenses include, for the most part, expenses related to the
integration of the ACE USA operations, as well as one time expenses related to
such items as policy holder notifications, reprinting policy forms and
reprinting stationary. The Company has initiated several cost reduction
initiatives at ACE INA. These include staff reductions at ACE INA, outsourcing
the IT operations at ACE USA and consolidating numerous ACE USA field offices.
The Company anticipates that the full financial effect of these changes will
impact subsequent quarters.
24
<PAGE>
Results of Operations--Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999
Premiums
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months ended
September 30 % Change
------------------ from
1999 1998 Prior Year
--------- -------- ----------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross premiums written:
ACE Bermuda..................................... $ 422.0 $ 394.1 7.1%
ACE Global Markets.............................. 530.5 356.4 48.8%
Tempest Re...................................... 193.8 124.0 56.3%
ACE USA......................................... 880.7 160.2 N.M.
ACE International............................... 462.0 0.0 N.M.
--------- -------- -----
$ 2,489.0 $1,034.7 140.6%
========= ======== =====
Net premiums written:
ACE Bermuda..................................... $ 335.8 $ 302.1 11.2%
ACE Global Markets.............................. 376.6 253.7 48.4%
Tempest Re...................................... 159.0 93.5 70.1%
ACE USA......................................... 440.6 78.5 N.M.
ACE International............................... 331.8 0.0 N.M.
--------- -------- -----
$ 1,643.8 $ 727.8 125.9%
========= ======== =====
Net premiums earned:
ACE Bermuda..................................... $ 390.1 $ 280.2 39.2%
ACE Global Markets.............................. 289.0 217.1 33.1%
Tempest Re...................................... 116.5 123.2 (5.4)%
ACE USA......................................... 392.7 70.8 N.M.
ACE International............................... 350.2 0.0 N.M.
--------- -------- -----
$ 1,538.5 $ 691.3 122.6%
========= ======== =====
</TABLE>
- --------
N.M.--not meaningful
Gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
increased 140.6 percent to $2.5 billion compared with $1.0 billion for the same
period last year. This increase is due primarily to the inclusion of the
results of ACE INA during the current period. However, each of the Company's
business units reported increases in gross premiums written during the current
period compared with the corresponding period last year.
Gross premiums written at ACE Bermuda increased by 7.1 percent to $422
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 from $394.1 million
reported for the same period last year. The majority of the premium growth over
last year is attributed to significant increases in ACE Bermuda's tailored risk
solutions and to new products covering political risk which offset the negative
effects of a continuing soft market. The aviation and excess property divisions
showed slight increases over the same nine month period last year. This growth
was partially offset by declines in excess liability and the professional lines
business due to continued market pressures. In addition, premiums in the
satellite lines business during the nine month period decreased due to a
reduction in launch activity and downward rate pressures.
ACE Global Markets recorded an increase in gross premiums written during
the nine months ended September 30, 1999 of 48.8 percent to $530.5 million from
$356.4 million recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. This
increase is due to the Company's increased participation in the Lloyd's
syndicates under management. This upward trend will continue as the Company has
increased its capacity on Syndicate 2488, its integrated Lloyd's underwriting
vehicle, to 84 percent of total capacity for the 2000 year of account. The
Company's focus for ACE Global Markets in 1999 has been to protect earnings by
restructuring the broad portfolio of specialty business that it writes to both
maximize
25
<PAGE>
available profitability and to lessen its exposure to less profitable lines.
The non-marine market has seen rates stabilize over the nine months while the
aviation's market has been in a state of flux with mixed results in both its
renewals and rates. The marine division continues to experience very difficult
market conditions. Continued industry consolidations exacerbate the existing
rate reduction pressures and decreased business in the Lloyd's market.
Tempest Re is continuing to see opportunities to write new business at
firmer rates in several areas. Gross premiums written at Tempest Re increased
56.3 percent to $193.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
from $124.0 million reported in the same period last year. The Company acquired
CAT in April 1998 and therefore results for the comparative period include the
results of CAT for six months compared to results for nine months for the
current fiscal period. A few areas of business continue to see declines due to
consolidation among the insureds. Overall, however, the competitive environment
is less adverse than it has been in the last couple of years and Tempest Re
expects moderate improvements in the future.
Gross premiums written at ACE USA increased to $880.7 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1999 from $160.2 million reported in the same
period last year, an increase of 449.8 percent. This increase is due primarily
to the inclusion of the results of the new business purchased in July 1999. ACE
International's results reflect the three month period ended September 30, 1999
and are reviewed under the three month results discussion.
Net premiums written increased by $916.0 million to $1.6 billion for the
nine month period ended September 30, 1999 compared to $727.8 million for the
nine month period ended September 30, 1998, an increase of 125.9 percent. As
with gross premiums written, the increase is due primarily to the inclusion of
the results of the newly acquired ACE INA business although increases were
experienced in all business units. Net premiums written by ACE Bermuda
increased by 11.2 percent in the period compared to the same period last year,
the result primarily of increases in the net premiums written in the tailored
risk solutions division and the excess property division. The Company's
increased participation in the Lloyd's syndicates managed by ACE Global Markets
resulted in an increase in net premiums written for that segment of $122.9
million or 48.4 percent.
Net premiums earned increased by $847.2 million to $1.5 billion compared
to $691.3 million last year, an increase of 122.6 percent. As with gross
premiums written and net premiums written, the increase is due primarily to the
inclusion of the results of the newly acquired ACE INA business. ACE Bermuda,
ACE Global Markets and Tempest Re experienced increases in net premiums earned
during the period as well, as discussed for both gross and net premiums
written. The tailored risk solutions division at ACE Bermuda contributed
significantly to the increase due to the commutation of a tailored risk
solutions contract and the writing of significant contracts during the period
which generated immediate one time earnings.
Net Investment Income
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months ended
September 30 % Change
----------------- from
1999 1998 Prior Year
-------- -------- ----------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net investment income........................ $ 334.3 $ 260.6 28.3%
======== ======== ====
</TABLE>
Net investment income increased by $73.7 million in the current period,
as compared with the nine month period ended September 30, 1998. The primary
reason for this is an increase in the size of investment assets due to the CAT
and the ACE INA acquisitions. The previous period includes the results of CAT
for only six months following its acquisition on April 1, 1998 compared to
results for the full nine months of the current fiscal period, and ACE INA
results are included for the first time this quarter.
26
<PAGE>
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months ended
September 30
------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
(in millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities and short-term investments................. $ (65.2) $ 36.9
Equity securities........................................... 35.8 161.2
Financial futures and option contracts...................... 16.9 (18.0)
Other investments........................................... 1.7 0.0
Currency.................................................... (5.1) (19.2)
-------- --------
$ (15.9) $ 160.9
======== ========
</TABLE>
The Company's investment strategy takes a long-term view and the
portfolio is actively managed to maximize total return within certain specific
guidelines, which minimize risk. The portfolio is reported at fair value. The
effect of market movements on the investment portfolio will directly impact net
realized gains (losses) on investments when securities are sold. Changes in
unrealized gains and losses, which result from the revaluation of securities
held, are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
The Company uses foreign currency forward and option contracts to
minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S.
dollar holdings. The contracts used are not designated as specific hedges and
therefore, realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized on these
contracts are recorded as a component of net realized gains (losses) in the
period in which the fluctuations occur, together with net foreign currency
gains (losses) recognized when non-U.S. dollar securities are sold.
Sales proceeds for fixed maturity securities were generally lower than
their amortized cost during the period. This resulted in net realized losses of
$65.2 million being recognized on fixed maturities and short-term investments
during the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared to net realized gains
of $36.9 million for the same period last year.
Positive returns in the international equity markets contributed to net
realized gains on the sale of equity securities of $35.8 million in the first
nine months of fiscal 1999, compared with gains of $161.2 million for the same
period last year. The liquidation of two domestic stock portfolios and the sale
of a portion of the non-U.S. dollar equity securities contributed significantly
to the net realized gains on sales of equity securities in the first nine
months of fiscal 1998.
Certain of the Company's external managers of fixed income securities use
fixed income futures contracts to manage duration exposure, and losses of $16.0
million were recognized on these during the nine months ended September 30,
1999. Net realized gains generated by the Company's equity index futures
contracts amounted to $32.9 million during the period. Total net realized gains
attributable to the financial futures and option contracts amounted to $16.9
million, compared to losses of $18.0 million in the nine month period ended
September 30, 1998.
Combined Ratio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine
months
ended
September
30
-----------
1999 1998
----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Loss and loss expense ratio................................... 67.9% 57.3%
Underwriting and administrative expense ratio................. 32.5% 32.9%
----- ----
Combined Ratio................................................ 100.4% 90.2%
===== ====
</TABLE>
27
<PAGE>
The underwriting results of a property and casualty insurer are discussed
frequently by reference to its loss and loss expense ratio, underwriting and
administrative expense ratio and combined ratio. Each ratio is derived by
dividing the relevant expense amounts by net premiums earned. The combined
ratio is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio and the underwriting and
the administrative expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100 percent indicates
underwriting income and a combined ratio exceeding 100 percent indicates
underwriting losses.
Several aspects of the Company's operations, including the low frequency
and high severity of losses in the high excess layers in certain lines of
business in which the Company provides insurance and reinsurance, complicate
the actuarial reserving techniques utilized by the Company. Management
believes, however, that the Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss
expenses are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of losses and loss expenses
incurred through September 30, 1999. Since such provisions are necessarily
based on estimates, future developments may result in ultimate losses and loss
expenses significantly greater or less than such amounts.
The combined ratio for the nine month period was 100.4 percent compared
to 90.2 percent in 1998. There have been several significant catastrophes
during the nine month period ended September 30, 1999. In April 1999, a
hailstorm caused extensive damage in New South Wales, Australia. In early May
1999, several tornadoes struck the United States, resulting in significant loss
of lives, as well as substantial property damage. From July to September 1999,
there were major earthquakes in Taiwan, Turkey, Greece and Mexico, a typhoon in
Japan and Hurricane Floyd in the U.S. The effect of these catastrophe losses on
the Company during the nine month period was $89 million. Excluding the effect
of these significant catastrophes, the loss and loss expense ratio for the nine
months ended September 30, 1999 would have been 62.2 percent and the combined
ratio would have been 94.7 percent. Also, in the quarter ended June 30, 1999
ACE Bermuda recorded a large tailored risk solutions contract that was booked
at a very high loss ratio.
The underwriting and administrative expense ratio remained relatively
flat at 32.5 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared with
32.9 percent for the same period last year. The underwriting expense ratio for
the nine months ended September 30, 1999 was 13.2 percent compared to 11.7
percent for the same period in 1998. The administrative expense ratio decreased
to 19.3 percent for the current nine month period compared to 21.2 percent in
for the same period last year. Excluding the non-recurring expenses in 1999 and
1998 discussed previously, the administrative expense ratio would have been
18.9 percent in 1999 and 14.5 percent in 1998. The increase in administrative
expenses is partly due to the costs associated with the continued growth and
diversification of the ACE Group and the higher operating expenses of the ACE
INA group. Other factors contributing to the increased administrative expenses
are the Company's activities during 1999 to establish the ACE brand on a global
basis through an integrated communications program. The Company has initiated
several cost reduction initiatives at ACE INA. These include staff reductions
at ACE INA, outsourcing the IT operations at ACE USA and consolidating numerous
ACE USA filed offices. The Company anticipates that the full financial effect
of these changes will impact subsequent quarters.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As a holding company, ACE's assets consist primarily of the stock of its
subsidiaries as well as other investments. In addition to investment income,
its cash flows currently depend primarily on dividends or other statutorily
permissible payments from its Bermuda-based operating subsidiaries (the
"Bermuda subsidiaries"). There are currently no legal restrictions on the
payment of dividends from retained earnings by the Bermuda subsidiaries as the
minimum statutory capital and surplus requirements are satisfied by the share
capital and additional paid-in capital of each of the Bermuda subsidiaries.
However, the payment of dividends or other statutorily permissible
distributions by the Bermuda subsidiaries is subject to the need to maintain
shareholder's equity at a level adequate to support the level of insurance and
reinsurance operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 1999, ACE
Bermuda and Tempest Re declared dividends of $650 million and $300 million,
respectively. The majority of these funds were used to complete the ACE INA
Acquisition.
28
<PAGE>
The payment of any dividends from the Company's UK subsidiaries would be
subject to applicable United Kingdom insurance law including those promulgated
by the Society of Lloyd's. No dividends were received from ACE Global Markets
during fiscal 1998 or during the first nine months of fiscal 1999 and the
Company does not anticipate receiving dividends from ACE Global Markets during
the remainder of fiscal 1999. ACE INA has issued debt to provide partial
financing for the ACE INA Acquisition and for other operating needs. Cash flow
requirements to service this debt are expected to be met by upstreaming
dividend payments from ACE INA's insurance subsidiaries. Under various U.S.
insurance laws to which ACE INA's U.S. insurance subsidiaries are subject, ACE
INA's U.S. insurance subsidiaries may pay a dividend only from earned surplus
subject to the maintenance of a minimum capital requirement, without prior
regulatory approval. No dividends have been received from ACE INA through
September 30, 1999.
The Company's consolidated sources of funds consist primarily of net
premiums written, investment income, and proceeds from sales and maturities of
investments. Funds are used primarily to pay claims, operating expenses and
dividends and for the purchase of investments.
The Company's insurance and reinsurance operations provide liquidity in
that premiums are normally received substantially in advance of the time claims
are paid. For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, the Company's
consolidated net cash flow from operating activities was $(285.4) million,
compared with $(51.9) million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998.
Cash flows are affected by claim payments, which due to the nature of the
Company's operations, may comprise large loss payments on a limited number of
claims and therefore can fluctuate significantly from year to year. The
irregular timing of these loss payments, for which the source of cash can be
from operations, available net credit facilities or routine sales of
investments, can create significant variations in cash flows from operations
between periods. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998,
net loss and loss expense payments amounted to $1.5 billion and $457.4 million
respectively. Net loss and loss expense payments amounted to $583.8 million,
$421.9 million and $115.0 million for the twelve months ended September 30,
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, of which approximately $120 million and $250
million in fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively, related to breast implant
payments.
A number of the Company's insureds have given notice of claims relating
to breast implants or related components or raw material thereof that had been
produced and/or sold by such insureds. The Company has made payments to date of
approximately $610 million with respect to breast implant claims, which include
payments of $140 million made during the nine months ended September 30, 1999.
These payments are made pursuant to agreements reached with most of the
Company's significant breast implant insureds. Those agreements have the effect
of limiting the Company's exposure to breast implant claims related to those
insureds to amounts which were anticipated in the Company's loss reserves.
Although uncertainties concerning the ultimate amount of the Company's
financial exposure to breast implant claims continue to exist, the Company
believes that the possibility of a material financial impact in the future as a
result of breast implant claims is unlikely.
The Company maintains loss reserves for the estimated unpaid ultimate
liability for losses and loss expenses under the terms of its policies and
agreements. The reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses of $17.2 billion at
September 30, 1999 includes $9.1 billion of case and loss expense reserves.
While the Company believes that its reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses
at September 30, 1999 is adequate, future developments may result in ultimate
losses and loss expenses significantly greater or less than the reserve
provided.
At September 30, 1999, total investments and cash amounted to
approximately $11.9 billion, compared to $6.2 billion at December 31, 1998. The
increase is due primarily to the inclusion of ACE INA's cash and investments
portfolio of $7.2 billion acquired by the company on July 2, 1999. The Company
used $1.0 billion of available cash and investments in the ACE INA acquisition.
The Company's investment portfolio is structured to provide a high level of
liquidity to meet insurance related or other obligations. The consolidated
investment portfolio is externally managed by independent professional
investment managers and is invested in high quality investment grade marketable
fixed
29
<PAGE>
income and equity securities, the majority of which trade in active, liquid
markets. The Company believes that its cash balances, cash flow from
operations, routine sales of investments and the liquidity provided by its
credit facilities (discussed below) are adequate to allow the Company to pay
claims within the time periods required under its policies.
In December 1997, the Company arranged certain syndicated credit
facilities. J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. and Mellon Bank N.A. acted as co-
arrangers in the arranging, structuring and syndication of these facilities.
During fiscal 1999 each of the facilities under this arrangement have been
cancelled and replaced as discussed below. The facilities provided:
. A $200 million 364-day revolving credit facility and a $200
million five-year revolving credit facility which together made up
a combined $400 million committed, uncollateralized syndicated
revolving credit facility. The five-year revolving credit facility
had a $150 million letter of credit ("LOC") sub-limit. A new
multi-year liquidity facility has been arranged as an additional
part of the new syndicated credit facilities discussed below. As
of September 30, 1999 these conditions have been met and the limit
on this facility is now $500 million.
. A syndicated fully collateralized five-year LOC facility totaling
approximately (pounds)154 million ($262 million) which was used to
fulfill the requirements of Lloyd's to support underwriting
capacity on Lloyd's syndicates in which the Company participates.
As discussed below, this facility was replaced on November 27,
1998.
. A syndicated $250 million seven-year amortizing term loan
facility, which was used on January 2, 1998 to partially finance
the acquisition of ACE USA. The interest rate on the term loan was
LIBOR plus an applicable spread. As discussed below, this term
loan was refinanced on October 27, 1998.
On October 27, 1998, ACE US Holdings, Inc. ("ACE US") refinanced the
outstanding $250 million term loan with the proceeds from the issuance of $250
million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes maturing in
October 2008. Interest payments, based on the initial fixed rate coupon on
these notes of 8.63 percent, are due semi-annually in arrears. The indenture
related to these notes includes certain events of default for ACE US. The
senior notes are callable subject to certain call premiums, however, ACE US has
no current intention of calling the debt. Simultaneously, the Company entered
into a notional $250 million swap transaction that has the economic effect of
reducing the cost of debt to the consolidated group, excluding fees and
expenses, to 6.47 percent for 10 years. Certain assets totaling approximately
$90 million are pledged as collateral in connection with the swap transaction.
In the event that the Company terminates the swap prematurely, the Company
would be liable for certain transaction costs. However, the Company has no
current intention of terminating the swap. The swap counter-party is a major
financial institution with a long-term S&P Senior Debt Rating of AA- and the
Company does not anticipate non-performance.
In November 1998, the Company arranged a syndicated, partially
collateralized, five-year LOC facility in the amount of (pounds)270 million
(approximately $450 million) to fulfill the requirements of Lloyd's for the
1999 year of account. This facility was arranged by Citibank N.A., with ING
Barings and Barclays Bank PLC acting as co-arrangers, and replaced the facility
arranged in December 1997. This LOC facility requires that the Company and/or
certain of its subsidiaries continue to maintain certain covenants, including a
minimum consolidated tangible net worth covenant and a maximum leverage
covenant. On June 30, 1999, certain terms of this LOC facility were
renegotiated and the facility is now uncollateralized. The Company expects to
renew this facility towards the end of November 1999 to fulfill the
requirements of Lloyd's for the 2000 year of account.
30
<PAGE>
As previously noted, on July 2, 1999, the Company completed the ACE INA
Acquisition for $3.45 billion in cash. The Company financed the transaction as
follows:
(a) $1.025 billion of available cash;
(b) $400 million from a hybrid trust preferred security. The interest
rate on this security is LIBOR plus 125 basis points. ACE
simultaneously entered into an agreement relating to the future
issuance of $400 million of ACE ordinary shares in a public offering
prior to June 30, 2002;
(c) and the remainder with commercial paper issuance with a current
annualized cost of in the range of 5.3-6.2 percent. The commercial
paper offerings are backed by line of credit facilities, which were
arranged in connection with the ACE INA Acquisition.
In August 1999 commercial paper outstanding in (c) above was reduced by
using the net proceeds of the senior debt issued, which amounted to $794
million.
Ultimately, it is anticipated that the balance of the commercial paper it
noted in (c) above will be replaced with a combination of newly issued ACE
ordinary shares, senior debt and trust preferred securities at the time when
ACE considers market conditions to be most suitable for issuance. The Company
and certain of its subsidiaries and related trusts have an effective shelf
registration statement covering up to $3.2 billion of equity and debt
securities that may be issued from time to time.
In June 1999, the Company arranged certain syndicated credit facilities.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc. acted as lead arranger and co-arranger respectively and assisted in the
arranging, structuring and syndication of these credit facilities. Each
facility requires that the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries maintain
specific covenants, including a consolidated tangible net worth covenant and a
maximum leverage covenant. The facilities provide:
. A $750 million, 364-day revolving credit facility with ACE
Limited, ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd., Tempest Reinsurance Company
Limited and ACE INA Holdings Inc. ("ACE INA") as borrowers and
guarantors. The initial purpose of this facility was to provide
interim financing for the ACE INA Acquisition. However, after
certain conditions are met, up to $500 million of this facility
could remain in place for general corporate purposes. As of
September 30, 1999 these conditions have been met and the limit on
this facility had been reduced to $500 million.
. A $250 million, five-year revolving credit facility with ACE
Limited, ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd., Tempest Reinsurance Company
Limited and ACE INA Holdings Inc. as borrowers and guarantors.
This facility is for general corporate purposes and has a letter
of credit sub-limit of $250 million.
. A $2.05 billion, 364-day revolving credit facility with a one-year
term out option with ACE INA Holdings Inc. as borrower and ACE
Limited, ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd. and Tempest Reinsurance
Company Limited as guarantors. This facility was arranged to
provide interim financing for the ACE INA Acquisition. As of
September 30, 1999, $881 million remains available under this
facility.
In June 1999, the Company arranged certain commercial paper programs for
ACE Limited and ACE INA Holdings Inc. The programs use the above facilities as
recourse facilities and provide for up to $750 million in commercial paper
issuance for ACE Limited and up to $2.05 billion in commercial paper issuance
for ACE INA Holdings Inc. On July 2, 1999, $425 million and $1.65 billion were
drawn down under these programs by ACE Limited and ACE INA Holdings Inc.
respectively to partially finance the ACE INA Acquisition. At September 30,
1999 the balances under these programs were $425 million and $855 million
respectively.
In June 1999, ACE INA Holdings Inc. arranged a short-term money market
facility in the amount of $225 million for general corporate purposes. This
facility is guaranteed by the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries and
requires that the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries maintain specific
covenants, including a consolidated tangible net worth covenant and a maximum
leverage
31
<PAGE>
covenant. At September 30, 1999 $169 million of this facility was utilized. In
November 1999, this facility was cancelled and repaid with proceeds from the
commercial paper programs described in Note 8 to the unaudited financial
statements.
Tempest Re also maintains an uncollateralized, syndicated revolving
credit facility in the amount of $72.5 million. At September 30, 1999, no
amounts have been drawn down under this facility. The facility requires that
Tempest Re comply with specific covenants. ACE Limited added its guarantee to
this facility in June 1999.
As discussed above, on October 26, 1999, ACE and Capital Re entered into
an amended and restated merger agreement. This agreement replaced the Agreement
and Plan of Amalgamation entered into by ACE and Capital Re on June 10, 1999.
Under the new agreement, Capital Re stockholders will receive 0.65 ordinary
shares of ACE for each share of common stock of Capital Re at closing plus a
cash payment equal to the difference between the market value (as defined in
the agreement) of 0.65 of an ACE ordinary share and $14.00. In no event will
the cash payment be less than $1.30 (approximately $41 million in the
aggregate) or more than $4.68 ($150 million in the aggregate) per share of
Capital Re stock. Subject to SEC review, it is hoped that the transaction will
be completed before the end of calendar 1999, subject to customary closing
conditions, including approval of the merger by Capital Re's shareholders.
The use of $1.025 billion of available cash from the Bermuda companies'
investment portfolios will result in reduced investment income from the Bermuda
operations. It is anticipated that the commercial paper issued by the Company,
which may be rolled over from time to time, could ultimately be repaid with
proceeds from the issuance of the ACE ordinary shares, from internal funds or
from proceeds of the senior debt and trust preferred securities when issued.
Payments on both the senior debt and the trust preferred securities, which were
issued by ACE INA will be tax deductible.
The majority of markets in which the Company currently operates are
experiencing softness in pricing and expanding coverage terms. This may result
in reduced premium volumes and to some extent increases in the combined ratios.
The Company continues to maintain its underwriting discipline in these markets
and focus on profitable underwriting. This underwriting discipline together
with the Company's increased use of reinsurance may result in lower
underwriting and operating income for the Company's current books of business
if the current insurance market environment remains unchanged. The Company
anticipates that the impact of this situation, if unchanged, will be lower
operating income than the level otherwise expected from our current books of
business for the remainder of fiscal 1999 and fiscal 2000.
On October 16, 1998, January 15, 1999, and April 16, 1999, the Company
paid quarterly dividends of 9 cents per share to shareholders of record on
September 30, 1998, December 15, 1998 and March 31, 1999. On July 16, 1999 and
October 15, 1999, the Company paid quarterly dividends of 11 cents per share to
shareholders of record on June 30, 1999 and September 30, 1999. The declaration
and payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors
and will be dependent upon the profits and financial requirements of the
Company and other factors, including legal restrictions on the payment of
dividends and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.
Fully diluted book value per share was $19.72 at September 30, 1999,
compared with $20.18 at December 31, 1998.
The Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows
are influenced by both internal and external forces. Claims settlements,
premium levels and investment returns may be impacted by changing rates of
inflation and other economic conditions. In many cases, significant periods of
time, ranging up to several years or more, may elapse between the occurrence of
an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to the Company and the settlement of
the Company's liability for that loss. The liquidity of its investment
portfolio, cash flows and the credit facilities are, in management's opinion,
adequate to meet the Company's expected cash requirements.
32
<PAGE>
IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE
General
The management of ACE Limited, recognizing that the Year 2000 problem, if
left untreated, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
results of operations or financial condition, has in progress a project to
address this issue. It is the expectation of ACE's management that this project
will reduce the impact of the Year 2000 problem to an immaterial level,
although not all risks can be eliminated.
The Year 2000 problem stems from the inability, in some cases, of
computer programs and embedded microchips to correctly process certain data.
The problem is most evident because dates that fall in the year 2000 and in
later years may not be properly distinguished from those which fell in the
corresponding years of the present century.
Although all ACE Group companies had individually taken steps earlier
towards alleviating the Year 2000 problem, a formal group-wide project was
established in March 1998. At that time, a "Group Year 2000 coordinator" was
appointed for the ACE Group and an executive steering committee was formed to
oversee the project. This committee meets on a monthly basis to review progress
and take corrective action if necessary. In each of the ACE subsidiary
companies, a senior member of the management has been appointed as Year 2000
coordinator. Each Year 2000 coordinator has responsibility for that part of the
Year 2000 plan relevant to its company. A detailed quarterly report on the
status of the Year 2000 project is delivered to the audit committee of the
Board of Directors.
A consultant who is an experienced project manager has been retained to
assist the Year 2000 coordinator. In addition, certain subsidiaries have
engaged external consultants to assist in monitoring their plans.
The Company's Year 2000 project is divided into four sections:
Underwriting; Information Technology; Trading Partners; and Physical Plant. The
project is substantially complete, although certain activities, notably the
monitoring of trading partners, the continuation of prudent underwriting and
the refinement and possible invocation of contingency plans will continue until
December 31, 1999 and beyond.
The Year 2000 projects of those parts of CIGNA acquired by ACE on July 2,
1999 have now been incorporated into ACE's Year 2000 project.
Underwriting
Underwriting teams within each ACE Group subsidiary have considered the
risks with respect to the Year 2000 problem that might be associated with
underwriting their various lines of business and have developed internal
guidelines which seek to minimize these risks. Compliance with these guidelines
is the subject of internal audits and/or peer reviews. These guidelines are
under regular review. In some cases, exclusionary language has been added to
policies and in all cases there is a requirement for underwriters to consider
information about our clients and potential clients that is relevant to the
Year 2000 problem and, based on this, to underwrite risks prudently or to
decline them.
Information Technology
Each ACE subsidiary has a plan intended to ensure that all information
technology components such as hardware, software and network equipment that
will be in use in the Year 2000 (and beyond) for use by any business-critical
function will not suffer from the Year 2000 problem. Inventories were prepared
of all such components, and appropriate action was decided. By September 30,
1999 almost all of these actions had been completed. ACE's management
anticipates no difficulty in finalizing those few remaining activities before
the end of 1999.
33
<PAGE>
With only one exception all business-critical applications in the ACE
Group are now Year-2000 compliant. A compliant vendor product will replace the
non-compliant application which performs a reporting function. This replacement
is expected to be in production prior to the potential failure date of the non-
compliant application.
Testing of hardware and network components is virtually complete,
although a few minor items remain outstanding. Testing of other software, such
as operating systems and PC desktop applications is almost complete, though in
a few cases the Company is relying on assurances from established software
manufacturers that their systems will process correctly.
Trading Partners and Physical Plant
The trading partners' section of the project focuses on Year 2000 issues
relating to the Company's trading partners. Examples of the Company's trading
partners are: insurance brokers, banks, reinsurance companies, vendors and
service providers in information technology and general suppliers.
The physical plant section of the project focuses on items such as
elevators, fire suppression systems, security systems, building management
systems (which may control air-conditioning, heating and lighting systems)
which may be controlled by software programs or embedded chips, and may thus
fail or act unpredictably in, or after the Year 2000. Furthermore, supply of
electrical power and telecommunications services are considered here.
All material trading partners and those vendors and service providers
connected with physical plant were inventoried and questionnaires were sent to
them soliciting information about their Year 2000 readiness. Responses have now
been provided in almost all cases, ACE has assessed those responses that have
been forthcoming. Most of these responses appear to give evidence of
satisfactory progress and a few do not. In those cases where additional follow-
up fails to provide satisfactory responses, contingency plans are now in place
to minimize the effect of potential failure of a trading partner.
Costs
The total cost of the Year 2000 project is not expected to be material to
the Company's financial position. The original estimated cost was approximately
$6.55 million, which includes approximately $2.55 million representing the
additional cost associated with the absorption of ACE INA. Total expenditure to
date on the whole project is approximately $2.45 million. Although some of the
unused budget will be used for settling expected expenses for making IT systems
Year 2000 compliant, and some may be used for execution of actions in
contingency plans, it now appears that the project will be completed well
within its originally estimated cost.
Risks
It is not feasible to assign probabilities to many of the events
associated with the Year 2000. The arrival of January 1, 2000 presents novel
problems about which there is no body of evidence upon which to base
statistical predictions. Furthermore, world infrastructure in areas such as
telecommunications, banking, law enforcement, energy production and
distribution, manufacturing, transportation and government and military systems
are inextricably linked in such a manner that a small failure in one area could
produce large and unexpected effects in others. Each business has a dependence
upon its customers and suppliers and through them (or directly) upon many or
all of the infrastructural areas noted above.
ACE management believes that the risks associated with its own
information technology project component are small. For reasons noted above, it
is impossible to quantify all risks associated with trading partners and
physical plant. The Company's management believes that the greatest risk for
the Company lies in the possibility of unpredictable events affecting insureds
producing a number of claims (valid or otherwise) which, if valid and covered
by ACE's insurance policies, are expensive to pay, or if not valid, expensive
in defense litigation costs.
34
<PAGE>
The Company has prepared contingency plans to address various identified
risks associated with the Year 2000. These plans were substantially complete by
July 31, 1999, but will continue to be updated and refined throughout the
remainder of 1999.
35
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED
PART II--OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K
1) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
10.1 ACE Limited 1999 Replacement Long Term Incentive Plan*
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- --------
*Management Contract or Compensation Plan
2) Reports on Form 8-K A
The Company filed a Form 8-K current report and a Form 8-KA current
report (date of earliest event reported: July 2, 1999) pertaining to the
completion of the acquisition of the U.S. domestic and international property
and casualty insurance businesses of CIGNA Corporation submitting unaudited
pro-forma financial information for the business combination.
36
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ACE Limited
November 15, 1999 /s/ Brian Duperreault
___________________________________
Brian Duperreault
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
November 15, 1999 /s/ Robert Blee
___________________________________
Robert Blee
Chief Accounting Officer
37
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Numbered
Number Description Page
------- ----------- --------
<C> <S> <C>
10.1 ACE Limited 1999 Replacement Long Term Incentive Plan*
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- --------
*Management Contract or Compensation Plan
38
<PAGE>
Appendix D
--------------
Audited Financial Statements of
CIGNA Corporation Property and Casualty Businesses
--------------
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of CIGNA Corporation
In our opinion, the accompanying combined balance sheets and the related
combined statements of income, comprehensive income and changes in invested
equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the CIGNA Corporation property and casualty businesses (the
Business) at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Business's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the
opinion expressed above.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 2, 1999
F-1
<PAGE>
CIGNA CORPORATION PROPERTY AND CASUALTY BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended
December 31,
---------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Premiums and fees...................................... $2,957 $3,154 $3,417
Net investment income.................................. 590 647 688
Other revenues......................................... 282 286 228
Realized investment gains.............................. 22 75 39
------ ------ ------
Total revenues....................................... 3,851 4,162 4,372
------ ------ ------
Losses and expenses
Losses and settlement expenses......................... 2,247 2,220 2,466
Policy acquisition expenses............................ 753 789 859
Other operating expenses............................... 747 779 721
------ ------ ------
Total losses and expenses............................ 3,747 3,788 4,046
------ ------ ------
Income before income taxes............................... 104 374 326
------ ------ ------
Income taxes (benefits):
Current................................................ (14) 15 98
Deferred............................................... 44 117 5
------ ------ ------
Total taxes.......................................... 30 132 103
------ ------ ------
Net income............................................... $ 74 $ 242 $ 223
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
The Notes to Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
F-2
<PAGE>
CIGNA CORPORATION PROPERTY AND CASUALTY BUSINESSES
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of December
31,
----------------
1998 1997
------- -------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost, $7,951;
$8,319)....................................................$.8,364. $ 8,700
Equity securities, at fair value (cost, $497; $347)........... 566 394
Other long-term investments................................ 35 101
Short-term investments..................................... 66 75
------- -------
Total investments........................................ 9,031 9,270
Cash and cash equivalents.................................... 1,042 793
Accrued investment income.................................... 152 162
Premiums receivable.......................................... 1,725 1,888
Accounts and notes receivable................................ 618 536
Receivables from affiliates.................................. 102 163
Reinsurance recoverables..................................... 6,470 6,386
Deferred policy acquisition costs............................ 339 329
Property and equipment....................................... 237 236
Deferred income taxes........................................ 957 1,033
Goodwill..................................................... 405 443
Other assets................................................. 793 601
------- -------
Total assets............................................. $21,871 $21,840
======= =======
LIABILITIES
Unpaid claims and claim expenses............................. $14,836 $15,136
Unearned premiums............................................ 1,401 1,318
Contractholder deposit funds................................. 257 234
------- -------
Total insurance and contractholder liabilities........... 16,494 16,688
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities..... 2,884 2,751
Payables to affiliates....................................... 473 233
Current income taxes......................................... 29 131
------- -------
Total liabilities........................................ 19,880 19,803
------- -------
CONTINGENCIES--NOTE 15
INVESTED EQUITY
Net unrealized appreciation, fixed maturities................ 273 251
Net unrealized appreciation, equity securities............... 72 45
Net translation of foreign currencies........................ (123) (128)
------- -------
Accumulated other comprehensive income....................... 222 168
Other invested equity........................................ 1,769 1,869
------- -------
Total invested equity.................................... 1,991 2,037
------- -------
Total liabilities and invested equity.................... $21,871 $21,840
======= =======
</TABLE>
The Notes to Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
CIGNA CORPORATION PROPERTY AND CASUALTY BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND
CHANGES IN INVESTED EQUITY
(In millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Compre- Compre- Compre-
hensive Invested hensive Invested hensive Invested
Income Equity Income Equity Income Equity
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accumulated other
comprehensive income,
beginning of year......... $ 168 $ 183 $ 329
Net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation)--fixed
maturities................ $ 22 22 $ 57 57 $(161) (161)
Net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation)--equity
securities................ 27 27 (2) (2) 12 12
---- ---- -----
Net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on
investments............... 49 55 (149)
Net translation of foreign
currencies................ 5 5 (70) (70) 3 3
---- ---- -----
Other comprehensive income
(loss).................... 54 (15) (146)
Accumulated other
comprehensive income, end
of year................... 222 168 183
---- ------ ---- ------ ----- ------
Other invested equity,
beginning of year 1,869 1,807 1,228
Net income................. 74 74 242 242 223 223
Net capital contributions
(to) from affiliates...... (174) (180) 356
---- ------ ---- ------ ----- ------
Other invested equity, end
of year................... 1,769 1,869 1,807
---- ------ ---- ------ ----- ------
Total comprehensive income
and invested equity....... $128 $1,991 $227 $2,037 $ 77 $1,990
==== ====== ==== ====== ===== ======
</TABLE>
The Notes to Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
CIGNA CORPORATION PROPERTY AND CASUALTY BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended
December 31,
-------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income........................................ $ 74 $ 242 $ 223
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
used in operating activities:
Insurance liabilities........................... (234) (1,341) (677)
Reinsurance recoverables........................ (80) 567 (60)
Premiums, accounts, and notes receivable........ 94 82 (62)
Deferred policy acquisition costs............... (6) (7) 2
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, other
liabilities....................................
and current income taxes....................... (76) 34 409
Affiliate transactions.......................... 11 (29) 23
Deferred income taxes........................... 44 117 5
Realized investment gains....................... (22) (75) (39)
Depreciation and goodwill amortization.......... 79 57 83
Other, net...................................... (175) 97 87
------- ------- -------
Net cash used in operating activities......... (291) (256) (6)
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from investments sold:
Fixed maturities................................ 3,381 3,940 4,198
Equity securities............................... 302 222 214
Other (primarily short-term investments)........ 756 1,468 900
Investment maturities and repayments (primarily
fixed maturities)................................ 802 823 914
Investments purchased:
Fixed maturities................................ (3,664) (4,221) (5,146)
Equity securities............................... (450) (309) (204)
Other (primarily short-term investments)........ (676) (1,279) (1,091)
Other, net........................................ (30) (37) (54)
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities................................... 421 607 (269)
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in contractholder deposit funds........ 14 (19) (32)
Net change in loans payable to affiliates......... 277 (169) (33)
Net capital contributions (to) from affiliates.... (173) (179) 214
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities................................... 118 (367) 149
------- ------- -------
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents................................... 1 (46) (11)
------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalent......................................... 249 (62) (137)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year........ 793 855 992
------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year.............. $ 1,042 $ 793 $ 855
======= ======= =======
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Information:........
Income taxes paid (refunds received).............. $ 87 $ 93 $ (315)
Interest paid..................................... $ 12 $ 10 $ 11
</TABLE>
The Notes to Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
CIGNA CORPORATION PROPERTY AND CASUALTY BUSINESSES
DECEMBER 31, 1998
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1--DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The property and casualty businesses of CIGNA Corporation (CIGNA) consist of
CIGNA's international and domestic property and casualty insurance operations,
as structured for sale to ACE Limited (see below) (the Business). These
operations include INA Corporation, which is an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of CIGNA. These operations also include INA Financial Corporation
(INAFC) and its subsidiaries and CIGNA International Holdings, Ltd. (CIH) and
certain of its subsidiaries, as well as certain other assets and liabilities.
INAFC and CIH are wholly-owned subsidiaries of INA Corporation. The Business
provides property and casualty insurance and related services for customers in
international markets, primarily Europe, the Pacific region, Canada and Latin
America, and in the United States. In international markets, the Business
provides fire, other property, casualty, accident and health, marine and other
specialty lines. In the domestic market, principal product lines include
workers' compensation, commercial packages, casualty (including commercial
automobile and general liability), property and marine and aviation. The
Business includes both ongoing and run-off operations (see Note 11).
Under an acquisition agreement dated January 11, 1999 (the Acquisition
Agreement), CIGNA agreed to sell the Business to ACE Limited (ACE), a Bermuda-
based international property and casualty insurer, for cash proceeds of $3.45
billion. The sale, which is subject to U.S. and international regulatory
approval and other conditions to closing, is expected to be completed by mid-
1999. The assets and liabilities to be transferred to ACE at the time of the
sale will not include certain amounts to be retained, paid or forgiven by CIGNA
under the terms of the Acquisition Agreement. These assets and liabilities
comprise certain amounts payable to affiliates, certain pension and other
postretirement and postemployment benefit liabilities, fixed assets and net
lease liabilities.
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A) Basis of Presentation: The combined financial statements reflect the
assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Business to be sold to ACE
in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement. Under the terms of the
Acquisition Agreement, as more fully described in Note 1, certain assets and
liabilities of the Business will be retained, paid or forgiven by CIGNA at the
time of the sale. These balances and related expenses are included in these
financial statements. For certain constituent companies of the Business, the
Acquisition Agreement provides that a portion of the assets and liabilities
will be sold to ACE, with the remainder to be retained by CIGNA. These assets
and liabilities to be sold are included in these combined financial statements
by specific identification or allocation of equity on the basis of premiums
written or surplus requirements.
These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles as though the Business had been operating as a
separate entity throughout the periods presented, and reflect management's
estimates and assumptions, such as those regarding frequency and severity of
claims and loss emergence patterns, that affect the recorded amounts.
Significant estimates used in determining insurance and contractholder
liabilities, related reinsurance recoverables and the deferred tax asset
valuation allowance are discussed throughout the Notes to Combined Financial
Statements. See Note 14 for information regarding general and administrative
expenses. Adjustments have been made to eliminate material transactions among
the combined entities.
B) Recent Accounting Pronouncements: The Business adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information," as of December 31, 1998. See Notes 11
and 13 for segment and related information.
F-6
<PAGE>
In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133
requires that derivatives be reported on the balance sheet at fair value.
Changes in fair value are recognized in net income or, for derivatives which
are hedging market risk related to future cash flows, in the accumulated other
comprehensive income section of invested equity. Implementation is required by
the first quarter of 2000, with the cumulative effect of adoption reflected in
net income and accumulated other comprehensive income, as appropriate. The
Business has not determined the effect or timing of implementation of this
pronouncement.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) issued
Statement of Position (SOP) 97-3, "Accounting by Insurance and Other
Enterprises for Insurance-Related Assessments," in 1997. SOP 97-3 provides
guidance on the recognition and measurement of liabilities for guaranty fund
and other insurance-related assessments. Implementation is required by the
first quarter of 1999, with the cumulative effect of adopting the SOP reflected
in income in the year of adoption. The estimated reduction of net income from
implementation of this pronouncement is expected to be approximately $85
million.
In 1998, the AICPA issued SOP 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." SOP 98-1 specifies the types
of costs that must be capitalized and amortized over the software's expected
useful life and the types of costs that must be immediately recognized as
expense. Implementation of this pronouncement is required by the first quarter
of 1999 and is not expected to have a material effect on the Business's results
of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
In 1998, the AICPA issued SOP 98-7, "Deposit Accounting: Accounting for
Insurance and Reinsurance Contracts That Do Not Transfer Insurance Risk." SOP
98-7 provides guidance on the deposit method of accounting for insurance and
reinsurance contracts that do not transfer insurance risk. Implementation is
required by the first quarter of 2000, with the cumulative effect of adopting
the SOP reflected in net income in the year of adoption. The Business has not
determined the effect or timing of implementation of this pronouncement.
C) Financial Instruments: In the normal course of business, the Business
enters into transactions involving various types of financial instruments,
including investments such as fixed maturities and equity securities and off-
balance-sheet financial instruments such as investment commitments and
financial guarantees. These instruments are subject to risk of loss due to
interest rate and market fluctuations and most have credit risk. The Business
evaluates and monitors each financial instrument individually and, where
appropriate, uses certain derivative instruments or obtains collateral or other
forms of security to minimize risk of loss.
Financial instruments subject to fair value disclosure requirements
(insurance contracts, goodwill and taxes are excluded) are carried in the
financial statements at amounts that approximate fair value, except for
contractholder deposit funds (non-insurance products). For these financial
instruments, the fair value was not materially different from the carrying
amount as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. Fair values of off-balance-sheet
financial instruments as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 were not material. Fair
values for financial instruments are estimates that, in many cases, may differ
significantly from the amounts that could be realized upon immediate
liquidation. In cases where market prices are not available, estimates of fair
value are based on discounted cash flow analyses which utilize current interest
rates for similar financial instruments with comparable terms and credit
quality. The fair value of liabilities for contractholder deposit funds was
estimated using the amount payable on demand.
D) Investments: Investments in fixed maturities, which are classified as
available for sale and carried at fair value, include bonds; asset-backed
securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs); and
redeemable preferred stocks. Fixed maturities are considered impaired and
written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other
than temporary.
Fixed maturities that are delinquent or restructured to modify basic
financial terms, typically to reduce the interest rate and, in certain cases,
extend the term, are placed on non-accrual status. Net investment income on
such investments is recognized only when payment is received.
F-7
<PAGE>
Equity securities and short-term investments are classified as available-for-
sale. Equity securities, which include common and non-redeemable preferred
stocks, are carried at fair value. Short-term investments are carried at fair
value, which approximates cost.
Realized investment gains and losses result from sales, investment asset
write-downs and changes in valuation reserves. Realized investment gains and
losses are based upon specific identification of the investment assets.
Unrealized investment gains and losses for investments carried at fair value
are included in invested equity, net of deferred income taxes.
See Note 3 (E) for a discussion of the Business's accounting policies for
derivative financial instruments.
E) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Short-term investments with a maturity of three
months or less at the time of purchase are reported as cash equivalents.
F) Reinsurance Recoverables: Reinsurance recoverables are estimates of
amounts to be received from reinsurers. Allowances are established for amounts
estimated to be uncollectible.
G) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs: Acquisition costs consist of
commissions, premium taxes, direct marketing and other costs, which vary with
and are primarily related to the production of revenues. Acquisition costs are
deferred and amortized over the terms of the insurance policies, except for
direct marketing costs which are amortized over a period of three years.
Deferred policy acquisition costs are reviewed to determine if they are
recoverable from future income, including investment income. If such costs are
estimated to be unrecoverable, they are expensed.
H) Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are carried at cost less
accumulated depreciation. When applicable, cost includes interest and real
estate taxes incurred during construction and other construction-related costs.
Depreciation is calculated principally on the straight-line method based on the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Accumulated depreciation was $416 million
and $399 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
I) Other Assets: Other assets consists of various insurance-related assets,
principally ceded unearned premiums and reinsurance deposits.
J) Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses
acquired over the fair value of their net assets. Goodwill is amortized over
periods of up to 40 years. Goodwill is written down when not recoverable based
on analysis of historical and estimated future income or undiscounted estimated
cash flows of the related businesses. Amortization periods are revised if it is
estimated that the remaining period of benefit of the goodwill has changed.
Accumulated amortization was $918 million and $881 million at December 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively.
K) Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses: Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim
expenses are estimates of payments to be made on reported claims and incurred
but not reported claims on property and casualty insurance. Estimated amounts
of salvage and subrogation are deducted from the liability for unpaid claims.
L) Unearned Premiums: Premiums are reported as earned on a pro-rata basis
over the contract period. The unexpired portion of these premiums is recorded
as unearned premiums.
M) Other Liabilities: Other liabilities consists principally of
postretirement and postemployment benefits and various insurance-related
liabilities, including amounts related to reinsurance contracts and the present
value of obligations related to a closed book of reinsurance business acquired
in 1984.
N) Translation of Foreign Currencies: Foreign operations primarily utilize
the local currencies as their functional currencies, and assets and liabilities
are translated at the rates of exchange as of the balance sheet
F-8
<PAGE>
date. The translation gain or loss on such functional currencies, net of
applicable taxes, is reflected in invested equity. Revenues and expenses are
translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.
O) Premiums and Fees, Revenues and Related Expenses: Premiums are recognized
as revenue on a pro-rata basis over their contract periods. Losses and
settlement expenses are recognized when incurred. Net investment income is
recognized as earned.
P) Income Taxes: The U.S. companies included in the Business are included in
the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return filed by CIGNA. The non-U.S.
companies included in the Business file tax returns in accordance with
applicable foreign regulations. Taxable income and credits for taxes paid for
certain of the Business's non-U.S. companies are included in the consolidated
tax return amounts attributable to the Business's U.S. companies. Undistributed
earnings of the Business's non-U.S. companies are not considered indefinitely
reinvested and, accordingly, U.S. federal income tax is provided thereon. In
accordance with a tax sharing agreement with CIGNA, the provision for federal
income tax is computed as if the U.S. subsidiaries of CIGNA were filing
separate federal income tax returns, except that benefits arising from tax
credits and net operating and capital losses are allocated to those
subsidiaries producing such benefits to the extent they reduce CIGNA's
consolidated federal income tax liability.
Deferred income taxes are generally recognized when assets and liabilities
have different values for financial statement and tax reporting purposes. See
Note 6 for additional information.
NOTE 3--INVESTMENTS
A) Fixed Maturities: Fixed maturities are net of cumulative write-downs of $9
million and $3 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity periods for fixed
maturities as of December 31, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortized Fair
Cost Value
--------- ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less....................................... $ 556 $ 560
Due after one year through five years......................... 2,177 2,245
Due after five years through ten years........................ 2,516 2,659
Due after ten years........................................... 1,257 1,383
Asset-backed securities....................................... 1,445 1,517
------ ------
Total..................................................... $7,951 $8,364
====== ======
</TABLE>
Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because issuers
may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or
prepayment penalties. Also, the Business may extend maturities in some cases.
F-9
<PAGE>
Gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for fixed maturities by type of
issuer was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Appreciation Depreciation Value
--------- ------------ ------------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
As of December 31, 1998:
Federal government bonds........... $ 251 $ 16 $ -- $ 267
State and local government bonds... 1,179 126 -- 1,305
Foreign government bonds........... 1,283 88 (42) 1,329
Corporate securities............... 3,793 208 (55) 3,946
Asset-backed securities............ 1,445 77 (5) 1,517
------ ---- ----- ------
Total............................ $7,951 $515 $(102) $8,364
====== ==== ===== ======
As of December 31, 1997:
Federal government bonds........... $ 304 $ 10 $ -- $ 314
State and local government bonds... 1,138 146 -- 1,284
Foreign government bonds........... 1,275 58 (38) 1,295
Corporate securities............... 3,941 162 (25) 4,078
Asset-backed securities............ 1,661 74 (6) 1,729
------ ---- ----- ------
Total............................ $8,319 $450 $ (69) $8,700
====== ==== ===== ======
</TABLE>
Asset-backed securities include investments in CMOs as of December 31, 1998
of $730 million carried at fair value (amortized cost, $697 million), compared
with $898 million carried at fair value (amortized cost, $865 million) as of
December 31, 1997. Certain of these securities are backed by Aaa/AAA-rated
government agencies. All other CMO securities have high quality ratings through
use of credit enhancements provided by subordinated securities or mortgage
insurance from Aaa/AAA-rated insurance companies. CMO holdings are concentrated
in securities with limited prepayment, extension and default risk, such as
planned amortization class bonds. The Business had no investments in interest-
only or principal-only CMOs at December 31, 1998 or 1997.
B) Short-Term Investments and Cash Equivalents: At December 31, 1998 and
1997, short-term investments and cash equivalents, in the aggregate, primarily
included debt securities, principally corporate securities of $496 million and
$276 million, respectively; federal government securities of $18 million and
$83 million, respectively; asset-backed securities of $17 million and $10
million, respectively; foreign government securities of $15 million and $38
million, respectively; and state and local government securities of $63 million
at December 31, 1998. There were no state and local government securities at
December 31, 1997.
C) Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments: Unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) for investments carried at fair value as of
December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
----- -----
(In
millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Unrealized appreciation
Fixed maturities.......................................... $ 515 $ 450
Equity securities......................................... 108 88
Other investments......................................... 26 --
----- -----
649 538
----- -----
Unrealized depreciation
Fixed maturities.......................................... (102) (69)
Equity securities......................................... (39) (41)
----- -----
(141) (110)
----- -----
508 428
Less deferred income taxes.................................. 163 132
----- -----
Net unrealized appreciation................................. $ 345 $ 296
===== =====
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
The components of net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
for the year ended December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- -----
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities held, net
of taxes of $36, $60 and $(67), respectively................. $59 $107 $(127)
Less gains realized in net income, net of taxes of $5, $28 and
$12, respectively............................................ 10 52 22
--- ---- -----
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).................... $49 $ 55 $(149)
=== ==== =====
</TABLE>
D) Non-Income Producing Investments: At December 31, 1998 and 1997, fixed
maturities with carrying values of $4 million and $3 million, respectively,
were non-income producing during the preceding 12 months.
E) Derivative Financial Instruments: The Business's investment strategy is to
manage the characteristics of investment assets, such as duration, yield,
currency and liquidity, to reflect the underlying characteristics of the
related insurance and contractholder liabilities, which vary among the
Business's principal product lines. In connection with this investment
strategy, the Business's use of derivative instruments, including interest rate
and currency swaps, is generally limited to hedging applications to minimize
market risk.
Hedge accounting treatment requires a probability of high correlation between
the changes in the market value or cash flows of the derivatives and the hedged
assets or liabilities. Under hedge accounting, the changes in market value or
cash flows of the derivatives and the hedged assets or liabilities are
recognized in net income in the same period.
The Business routinely monitors, by individual counterparty, exposure to
credit risk associated with swap contracts and diversifies the portfolio among
approved dealers of high credit quality. The Business manages legal risks by
following industry standardized documentation procedures and by monitoring
legal developments.
Underlying notional or principal amounts associated with derivatives at
December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Interest rate swaps........................................ $ 12 $ 19
Currency swaps............................................. $ 15 $ 20
</TABLE>
Under interest rate swaps, the Business agrees with other parties to
periodically exchange the difference between variable rate and fixed rate asset
cash flows to provide stable returns for related liabilities. The Business uses
currency swaps (primarily Canadian dollars and Swiss francs) to match the
currency of investments to that of the associated liabilities. Under currency
swaps, the parties exchange principal and interest amounts in two relevant
currencies using agreed-upon exchange amounts.
The net interest cash flows from interest rate and currency swaps are
recognized currently as an adjustment to net investment income, and the fair
value of these swaps is reported as an adjustment to the related investments.
The effects of interest rate and currency swaps on the components of net
income for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were not material.
As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Business's variable interest rate
investments consisted of approximately $111 million and $120 million of fixed
maturities, respectively. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Business's
fixed interest rate investments consisted of $8.3 billion and $8.6 billion,
respectively, of fixed maturities, and $2 million and $8 million, respectively,
of mortgage loans.
F) Other: As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Business had no concentration
of investments in a single investee exceeding 10% of invested equity.
F-11
<PAGE>
NOTE 4--INVESTMENT INCOME AND GAINS AND LOSSES
A) Net Investment Income: The components of net investment income for the
year ended December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities................................................ $573 $617 $668
Equity securities............................................... 9 6 9
Other long-term investments..................................... 11 27 23
Short-term investments.......................................... 39 46 38
---- ---- ----
632 696 738
Less investment expenses........................................ 42 49 50
---- ---- ----
Net investment income........................................... $590 $647 $688
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1998, restructured fixed maturities on non-accrual status
were $11 million. There were no investments on non-accrual status as of
December 31, 1997. If interest on investments on non-accrual status had been
recognized in accordance with their original terms, net income would have been
increased by immaterial amounts in 1998 and 1997 and by $3 million in 1996.
B) Realized Investment Gains and Losses: Realized gains (losses) on
investments for the year ended December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities......................................... $ 55 $47 $15
Equity securities........................................ (40) 33 19
Other.................................................... 7 (5) 5
---- --- ---
22 75 39
Less income taxes........................................ 8 29 14
---- --- ---
Net realized investment gains............................ $ 14 $46 $25
==== === ===
</TABLE>
Realized investment gains and losses include impairments in the value of
investments, net of recoveries, of $54 million and $5 million in 1998 and 1996,
respectively. There were no impairments in 1997.
Sales of available-for-sale fixed maturities and equity securities for the
year ended December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proceeds from sales............................... $3,683 $4,162 $4,412
Gross gains on sales.............................. $ 92 $ 113 $ 125
Gross losses on sales............................. $ (34) $ (29) $ (88)
</TABLE>
NOTE 5--INVESTED EQUITY AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
The insurance departments of various jurisdictions in which the Business's
constituent insurance companies are domiciled recognize as net income and
surplus (invested equity) those amounts determined in conformity with statutory
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the departments, which may
differ from generally accepted accounting principles. As permitted by a state
insurance department, certain of the Business's constituent insurance companies
discount certain asbestos-related and environmental pollution liabilities,
which increased statutory surplus by approximately $197 million and $217
million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
F-12
<PAGE>
As part of the restructuring of its domestic property and casualty
operations, CIGNA contributed $375 million of additional capital to the
Business's run-off operations, of which $250 million was contributed in 1996
and $125 million was contributed in 1995. See Note 11 for additional
information on the restructuring.
Statutory net income for the Business's constituent insurance companies was
$157 million, $188 million and $159 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Statutory surplus of the Business's constituent insurance
companies was $1.40 billion and $1.39 billion as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Due to significant variations among prescribed accounting
practices of non-U.S. jurisdictions, the non-U.S. components of these amounts
were compiled primarily on the basis of the requirements of the state insurance
department where the Business is principally domiciled.
The Business's U.S. and non-U.S. constituent insurance companies are subject
to various regulatory restrictions that limit the amount of annual dividends or
other distributions, such as loans or cash advances, available to shareholders
without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities. The aggregate
maximum dividend distribution that may be made during 1999 without prior
approval is $219 million. The restricted amount of invested equity as of
December 31, 1998 was approximately $1.8 billion. The Business paid dividends
of $101 million, $177 million and $49 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
NOTE 6--INCOME TAXES
The Business's net deferred tax asset of $957 million and $1.03 billion as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, reflects management's belief that
CIGNA's taxable income in future years will be sufficient to realize the net
deferred tax assets of its subsidiaries, including those of the constituent
companies of the Business, based on CIGNA's earnings history and its future
expectations. In determining the adequacy of CIGNA's future taxable income,
management considered the future reversal of its existing taxable temporary
differences and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented, if
necessary.
Management has also considered the realizability of the net deferred tax
asset of the Business as of December 31, 1998 as if the United States companies
included in the Business filed a consolidated federal income tax return
separate from CIGNA for years beginning on January 1, 1998. Management
believes, based on its future expectations, that the Business's earnings in
future years will be sufficient to realize its net deferred tax asset. In
determining the adequacy of future taxable income, management considered the
future reversal of its existing taxable temporary differences and available tax
planning strategies that could be implemented, if necessary.
The Business's deferred tax asset is net of a valuation allowance of $47
million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. The valuation allowance reflects
management's assessment, based on available information, that it is more likely
than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset for certain foreign
reinsurance operations will not be realized. Adjustments to the valuation
allowance will be made if there is a change in management's assessment of the
amount of the deferred tax asset that is realizable. Adjustments made to the
valuation allowance for 1998, 1997 and 1996 for the Business were immaterial.
CIGNA's federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS), and provisions are made in the financial statements in
anticipation of the results of these audits. The IRS has completed its audits
for years through 1993.
In management's opinion, adequate tax liabilities have been established for
all years.
F-13
<PAGE>
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to deferred income
tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Loss reserve discounting....................................... $ 678 $ 703
Other insurance and contractholder liabilities................. 112 108
Employee and retiree benefit plans............................. 158 155
Investments, net............................................... 9 85
Bad debt expense............................................... 129 120
Foreign tax credits............................................ 68 69
Foreign currency translation................................... 71 75
Other.......................................................... 25 --
------ ------
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance................. 1,250 1,315
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.................... 47 47
------ ------
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance................ 1,203 1,268
------ ------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Policy acquisition expenses.................................... 39 44
Unrealized appreciation on investments......................... 163 132
Other.......................................................... 44 59
------ ------
Total deferred tax liabilities................................. 246 235
------ ------
Net deferred income tax asset................................ $ 957 $1,033
====== ======
</TABLE>
Pre-tax income for the year ended December 31 included the following
components:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S............................................................ $181 $193 $178
Foreign........................................................ (77) 181 148
---- ---- ----
Total income before income taxes........................... $104 $374 $326
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
The components of income taxes for the year ended December 31 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current taxes (benefits):
U. S. income.......................................... $(35) $(45) $ 18
Foreign income........................................ 21 60 80
---- ---- ----
(14) 15 98
---- ---- ----
Deferred taxes (benefits):
U. S. income.......................................... 109 119 (12)
Foreign income........................................ (65) (2) 17
---- ---- ----
44 117 5
---- ---- ----
Total income taxes.................................. $ 30 $132 $103
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
State income taxes were not material in 1998, 1997 or 1996.
F-14
<PAGE>
Total income taxes for the year ended December 31 differs from the amount
computed using the nominal federal income tax rate of 35% for the following
reasons:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Tax expense at nominal rate............................. $ 36 $131 $114
Tax-exempt investments.................................. (19) (19) (22)
Amortization of goodwill................................ 13 12 12
Resolved federal tax audit issues....................... -- 8 --
Other................................................... -- -- (1)
---- ---- ----
Total income taxes.................................. $ 30 $132 $103
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
NOTE 7--POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS AND CAPITAL ACCUMULATION PLANS
A) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans: The Business provides
pension and certain health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retired
employees and agents, spouses and other eligible dependents through various
plans sponsored by CIGNA. Pension benefits are provided through a plan
sponsored by CIGNA covering most U.S. employees (the Plan) and by separate
pension plans for various non-U.S. subsidiaries and employees. CIGNA funds the
Plan at least at the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974.
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Business's non-U.S. pension plans had
projected benefit obligations of $194 million and $185 million, respectively,
and related assets at fair value of $111 million and $105 million,
respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 1998 and
1997 related to these plans was $158 million and $152 million, respectively.
The pension liability included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
liabilities related to these plans was $62 million and $55 million,
respectively.
Expense for pension benefits for the Business totaled $24 million, $28
million and $37 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, including
pension costs allocated to the Business for U.S. employees totaling $18
million, $20 million and $24 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The liability for postretirement health care and life insurance benefits
included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $339 million and $350 million, respectively.
Expense for postretirement benefit plans other than pensions allocated to the
Business was $1 million for both 1998 and 1997 and $6 million for 1996.
B) Capital Accumulation Plans: CIGNA sponsors various capital accumulation
plans in which employee contributions on a pre-tax basis (401(k)) are
supplemented by CIGNA matching contributions. These contributions are invested,
at the election of the employee, in one or more of the following investments:
CIGNA common stock fund, several CIGNA and non-CIGNA mutual funds, and a fixed-
income fund. In addition, beginning in 1999, CIGNA may provide additional
matching contributions, depending on its annual performance, which would be
invested in the CIGNA common stock fund. Expense for such plans allocated to
the Business for U.S. employees totaled $10 million, $7 million and $8 million
for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
NOTE 8--REINSURANCE
In the normal course of business, the Business's constituent insurance
companies enter into agreements, primarily relating to short-duration
contracts, to assume and cede reinsurance with other insurance companies.
Reinsurance is ceded primarily to limit losses from large exposures and to
permit recovery of a portion of direct losses, although ceded reinsurance does
not relieve the originating insurer of primary liability. The Business
evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations
of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic
characteristics of its reinsurers. As of December 31,
F-15
<PAGE>
1998 and 1997, approximately 5% and 7%, respectively, of reinsurance
recoverables were due from more than 100 syndicates affiliated with Lloyd's of
London.
Failure of reinsurers to indemnify the Business, as a result of reinsurer
insolvencies and disputes, could result in losses. Allowances for uncollectible
amounts were $705 million and $720 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Future charges for unrecoverable reinsurance may materially
affect results of operations in future periods; however, such amounts are not
expected to have a material adverse effect on the Business's liquidity or
financial condition.
The effects of reinsurance on net earned premiums and fees from short-
duration contracts for the year ended December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Premiums and fees:
Direct....................................... $ 3,994 $ 4,076 $ 4,358
Assumed...................................... 417 530 676
Ceded........................................ (1,454) (1,452) (1,617)
------- ------- -------
Net earned premiums and fees............... $ 2,957 $ 3,154 $ 3,417
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The effects of reinsurance on written premiums and fees were not materially
different from the amounts shown in the above table.
Losses and settlement expenses for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were net of
reinsurance recoveries of $1.46 billion, $832 million and $1.25 billion,
respectively.
NOTE 9--PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNPAID CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSE RESERVES AND
REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES
As described in Note 2(K), the Business establishes loss reserves, which are
estimates of future payments of reported and unreported claims for losses and
related expenses, with respect to insured events that have occurred.
Activity in the reserve for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for
the year ended December 31 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross reserve--January 1............................... $15,136 $16,529 $17,079
Less reinsurance recoverable........................... 5,374 6,040 6,066
------- ------- -------
Net reserve--January 1................................. 9,762 10,489 11,013
------- ------- -------
Plus incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses:
Provision for insured events of the current year..... 2,049 1,990 2,257
Increase in provision for insured events of prior
years............................................... 177 218 177
------- ------- -------
Total incurred claims and claim adjustment
expenses.......................................... 2,226 2,208 2,434
------- ------- -------
Less payments for claims and claim adjustment expenses
attributable to:
Insured events of the current year................... 910 871 793
Insured events of prior years........................ 1,745 2,064 2,165
------- ------- -------
Total payments for claims and claim adjustment
expenses.......................................... 2,655 2,935 2,958
------- ------- -------
Net reserve--December 31............................... 9,333 9,762 10,489
Plus reinsurance recoverable........................... 5,503 5,374 6,040
------- ------- -------
Gross reserve--December 31............................. $14,836 $15,136 16,529
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-16
<PAGE>
The basic assumption underlying the many traditional actuarial and other
methods used in the estimation of property and casualty loss reserves is that
past experience is an appropriate basis for predicting future events. However,
current trends and other factors that would modify past experience are also
considered. The process of establishing loss reserves is subject to
uncertainties that are normal, recurring and inherent in the property and
casualty business.
Reserving for property and casualty claims continues to be a complex and
uncertain process, requiring the use of informed estimates and judgments. The
Business's estimates and judgments may be revised as additional experience and
other data become available and are reviewed, as new or improved methodologies
are developed or as current law changes. Any such revisions could result in
future changes in estimates of losses or reinsurance recoverables, and would be
reflected in the Business's results of operations for the period in which the
estimates are changed. While the effect of any such changes in estimates of
losses or reinsurance recoverables could be material to future results of
operations, the Business does not expect such changes to have a material effect
on its liquidity or financial condition.
In management's judgment, information currently available has been
appropriately considered in estimating the Business's loss reserves and
reinsurance recoverables.
The Business's reserves for A&E exposures as of December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
----------- -------------
Gross Net Gross Net
------ ---- ------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Asbestos.............................................. $ 841 $523 $ 846 $ 509
Environmental......................................... $1,212 $941 $1,404 $1,059
</TABLE>
The Business's reserves for A&E claims are a reasonable estimate of its
liability for these claims, based on currently known facts, reasonable
assumptions where the facts are not known, current law and methodologies
currently available.
Charges to income for increases in the Business's liability for insured
events of prior years (prior year development) for A&E losses and charges for
unrecoverable reinsurance in the aggregate were $160 million, $148 million and
$117 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Prior year development, other than for A&E claims and charges for
unrecoverable reinsurance, was $17 million, $70 million and $60 million for
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Business's operations routinely insure various forms of property,
including large property risks. A major catastrophe could have a material
adverse effect on the Business's results of operations. However, because the
Business, through its risk assessment and accumulation processes, monitors
writings to avoid significant concentrations, it is not likely that the adverse
effect of a major catastrophe would be material to the Business's liquidity or
financial condition.
NOTE 10--LEASES AND RENTALS
Rental expenses for operating leases, principally with respect to buildings,
amounted to $67 million, $70 million and $67 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
As of December 31, 1998, future net minimum rental payments under non-
cancelable operating leases were approximately $302 million, payable as
follows: 1999--$51 million; 2000--$41 million; 2001--$39 million; 2002--$35
million; 2003--$32 million; and $104 million thereafter.
F-17
<PAGE>
NOTE 11--SEGMENT INFORMATION
Effective December 31, 1995, the domestic property and casualty operations of
the Business were restructured into separate ongoing and run-off operations.
The ongoing operations, which are actively engaged in selling insurance
products and related services, provide commercial insurance and risk management
services. The run-off operations, which do not actively sell insurance
products, manage run-off policies and related claims, including those for A&E
exposures. As part of this restructuring, the ongoing operations assumed $125
million of liabilities, primarily related to employee benefits of the run-off
operations, and committed to contribute an additional $50 million to the run-
off operations on or before December 31, 2001. In addition, the ongoing
operations reinsured up to $800 million of claims of the run-off operations in
the unlikely event that the statutory capital and surplus of the run-off
operations falls below $25 million. The property and casualty restructuring is
being contested in court by certain competitors and policyholders. Although the
Business expects the matter to be in litigation for some time, it expects to
ultimately prevail.
CIGNA's operating segments, which are based on CIGNA's internal reporting
structure, generally reflect differences in products. The Business is reported
in one segment, the property and casualty segment, which includes ongoing and
run-off operations.
The property and casualty segment's ongoing operations comprise international
and domestic operations. International operations provide property and casualty
and accident and health insurance coverages and services outside the United
States. The international property and casualty operations underwrite large and
unique risks for targeted commercial customer markets. The international
accident and health insurance operations provide products that are designed to
meet the insurance needs of individuals and groups outside of the U.S.
insurance markets. Domestic operations provide commercial insurance and risk
management services to U.S. businesses of all sizes and to other groups and
individuals with specialized insurance needs. Products include multi-line and
mono-line insurance coverages and related services for large-risk property and
casualty customers and insurance products and related services for businesses,
groups and individuals with specialized insurance needs and for customers in
the standard insurance market.
Run-off operations primarily reflects current year losses associated with
unearned premiums as of December 31, 1995, prior year development on claim and
claim adjustment expense reserves, and investment activity.
The Business uses operating income (net income excluding after-tax realized
investment results) to measure the financial results of its operations.
Operating income is determined on a basis consistent with the accounting
policies for the combined financial statements. The Business allocates general,
administrative and systems expenses to operations on systematic bases. Income
taxes are generally computed as if each operation were filing a separate income
tax return.
The Business's operations are not materially dependent on one or a few
customers, brokers or agents.
F-18
<PAGE>
Summarized financial information for the Business's operations for the year
ended and as of December 31 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
International Operations
Premiums and fees and other revenues................... $1,461 $1,552 $1,603
Net investment income.................................. 102 118 118
------ ------ ------
Revenues............................................... $1,563 $1,670 $1,721
Income tax expense..................................... $ 1 $ 62 $ 78
Operating income (loss)................................ $ (13) $ 106 $ 130
Invested assets........................................ $1,938 $1,938 $2,067
Domestic Operations
Premiums and fees and other revenues................... $1,774 $1,862 $1,879
Net investment income.................................. 238 247 268
------ ------ ------
Revenues............................................... $2,012 $2,109 $2,147
Income tax expense..................................... $ 35 $ 52 $ 28
Operating income....................................... $ 85 $ 99 $ 76
Invested assets........................................ $3,542 $3,436 $3,780
Run-off Operations
Premiums and fees and other revenues................... $ 4 $ 26 $ 163
Net investment income.................................. 250 282 302
------ ------ ------
Revenues............................................... $ 254 $ 308 $ 465
Income tax benefits.................................... $ (14) $ (11) $ (17)
Operating loss......................................... $ (12) $ (9) $ (8)
Invested assets........................................ $3,551 $3,896 $4,102
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Realized Investment Gains
Realized investment gains............................... $ 22 $ 75 $ 39
Income tax expense...................................... 8 29 14
------ ------ ------
Realized investment gains, net of taxes................. $ 14 $ 46 $ 25
------ ------ ------
Total
Premiums and fees and other revenues.................... $3,239 $3,440 $3,645
Net investment income................................... 590 647 688
Realized investment gains............................... 22 75 39
------ ------ ------
Total revenues.......................................... $3,851 $4,162 $4,372
Income tax expense...................................... $ 30 $ 132 $ 103
Operating income........................................ $ 60 $ 196 $ 198
Realized investment gains, net of taxes................. 14 46 25
------ ------ ------
Net income.............................................. $ 74 $ 242 $ 223
Invested assets......................................... $9,031 $9,270 $9,949
------ ------ ------
</TABLE>
F-19
<PAGE>
Premiums and fees and other revenues by product type were as follows for the
year ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Property.................................................. $ 758 $ 847 $ 866
Accident and health....................................... 457 473 478
Workers' compensation..................................... 457 420 433
Casualty.................................................. 395 400 349
Marine and aviation....................................... 382 393 401
Auto...................................................... 275 282 365
Commercial packages....................................... 184 203 251
Run-off and other......................................... 49 136 274
------ ------ ------
Total premiums and fees................................. 2,957 3,154 3,417
Other revenues.......................................... 282 286 228
------ ------ ------
Total premiums and fees and other revenues............ $3,239 $3,440 $3,645
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
NOTE 12--COST REDUCTION PLAN
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Business adopted a cost reduction plan to
restructure certain of its domestic and international operations, which
resulted in a pre-tax charge of $28 million ($18 million after-tax) included
primarily in other operating expenses. For 1998, the operating loss of the
Business's international operations and the operating income of the Business's
domestic operations include pre-tax charges of $10 million and $18 million,
respectively, for this cost reduction plan (see Note 11).
The components of the Business's $18 million after-tax charge for the cost
reduction plan were as follows: severance, $12 million, for costs associated
with nonvoluntary terminations of approximately 400 employees in various
functions and locations; and $6 million, primarily related to vacated lease
space. The cash outlays associated with these initiatives will be substantially
completed by the end of 2000 with most occurring in 1999.
NOTE 13--NON-U.S. OPERATIONS
The Business provides international property and casualty insurance coverages
on a direct and reinsured basis, primarily in Europe, the Pacific region,
Canada and Latin America.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the change in net
translation of foreign currencies reflects increases (decreases) to invested
equity of $5 million (including taxes of $4 million), $(70) million (including
a tax benefit of $37 million) and $3 million (including a tax benefit of $8
million), respectively.
Premiums and fees and other revenues by geographic location of operations for
the year ended December 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S................................................. $1,760 $1,853 $1,918
Non-U.S.:
Japan............................................. 360 397 428
United Kingdom.................................... 290 298 311
Other............................................. 829 892 988
------ ------ ------
Total non-U.S..................................... 1,479 1,587 1,727
------ ------ ------
Total premiums and fees and other revenues...... $3,239 $3,440 $3,645
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
The Business's aggregate foreign exchange transaction losses and foreign
long-lived assets for the year ended and as of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
were not material.
NOTE 14--RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
CIGNA incurs certain general and administrative expenses on behalf of the
Business. These expenses are either charged directly to the Business for
specific services provided or allocated to the Business. Direct and allocated
general and administrative expenses are included in losses and expenses, and
aggregated $78 million, $69 million and $75 million before tax in 1998, 1997
and 1996, respectively. These amounts do not include expenses allocated for
employee benefit plans as described in Note 7. The various allocation methods
and bases employed by CIGNA are selected based upon the nature of the expense
and other facts and circumstances. Management believes that the terms of the
transactions described below and the methods used by CIGNA to allocate expenses
are reasonable; however, these terms and allocation methods are not necessarily
indicative of the terms and expenses that would have been incurred had the
Business not been affiliated with CIGNA during the periods presented.
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Business had interest-bearing notes
receivable from a CIGNA affiliate of $10 million and $31 million, on which
interest income was not material in 1998, 1997 or 1996.
At December 31, 1997, the Business had a mortgage loan receivable from a
CIGNA affiliate of $40 million, which is included in receivables from
affiliates and collateralized by the related real estate property. The loan was
repaid early in 1998. Interest income from this receivable was $3 million in
both 1997 and 1996.
The Business, together with other CIGNA affiliates, has entered into an
investment pooling arrangement, the CIGNA Corporate Liquidity Account (the
Account), for the purpose of maximizing earnings on funds available for short-
term investment. Withdrawals from the Account, up to the total amount of the
Business's investment in the Account, are allowed on a demand basis. The
Business had balances in the Account of $466 million and $328 million as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, which are included in short-term
investments or cash and cash equivalents.
The Business held reinsurance recoverables of $211 million and $205 million
at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, related to annuities purchased
from CIGNA life insurance affiliates related to structured settlements with
various claimants, under which periodic claim payments are made by the
affiliates directly to the claimants.
The Business had lines of credit and other credit arrangements with another
CIGNA affiliate totaling $1.2 billion at December 31, 1998 and 1997. Such
borrowings generally are payable on demand with interest rates approximating
CIGNA's average monthly short-term borrowing rate plus 1/4 of 1%. The Business
had borrowings outstanding of $299 million and $178 million as of December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively, on such credit arrangements, which are included in
payables to affiliates. The related interest expense was $14 million, $8
million and $13 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Certain non-U.S. insurance companies included in the Business write business
which requires a guarantee that claims will be paid in the event of
nonperformance by the subsidiary. To satisfy this requirement, guarantees have
been obtained from CIGNA for the payment of claims for such policies. At
December 31, 1998 and 1997, liabilities subject to such guarantees were
approximately $171 million. Fees charged by CIGNA for the guarantees were not
material.
Constituent insurance companies of the Business contract with a CIGNA
affiliate to receive medical utilization review services for certain casualty
lines of business, primarily workers' compensation. Expenses associated with
the contract were $51 million, $63 million and $68 million for 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively.
F-21
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1998, payables to affiliates include a dividend payable to
CIGNA of $91 million declared by constituent companies of the Business on
December 10, 1998 and paid on January 8, 1999. Of this amount, $12 million was
payable from the proceeds of a dividend paid to the Business by an affiliate in
December 1998.
The Business pays or collects certain amounts, including general expenses,
insurance and reinsurance premiums, losses, and loss recoveries on behalf of
CIGNA affiliates. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, receivables from affiliates
include $77 million and $76 million, respectively, and payables to affiliates
include $68 million and $49 million, respectively, in connection with such
payment or collection services.
NOTE 15--CONTINGENCIES
Financial Guarantees
The Business, through its constituent insurance companies, is contingently
liable for various financial guarantees provided in the ordinary course of
business. These are primarily guarantees for the repayment of municipal bond
obligations.
The Business is liable for municipal guarantee business of $720 million and
$816 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, which have maturities
of up to 32 years. Such amounts are fully reinsured through a subsidiary of
MBIA Inc., a corporation that guarantees the scheduled payment of principal and
interest for many types of municipal obligations, including general obligation
and special revenue bonds. The nature of this guarantee business is similar to
the reinsurance transactions described in Note 8. Municipal guarantees provide
for payment of debt service only as it becomes due; consequently, an event of
default would not cause an acceleration of scheduled principal and interest
payments. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, loss reserves and unearned premiums
under these programs were not material.
Although the ultimate outcome of any loss contingencies arising from the
Business's financial guarantees may adversely affect results of operations in
future periods, they are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the
Business's liquidity or financial condition.
Regulatory and Industry Developments
The Business's operations are subject to a changing social, economic, legal,
legislative and regulatory environment that could affect them. Some of the
changes include initiatives to revise the system of funding cleanup of
environmental damages; reinterpret insurance contracts long after the policies
were written to provide coverage unanticipated by the Business; and restrict
insurance pricing and the application of underwriting standards. Some of the
more significant issues are discussed below.
Proposals for Superfund reform remain under consideration by Congress. Any
changes in Superfund relating to (1) assigning responsibility, (2) funding
cleanup costs or (3) establishing cleanup standards could affect the
liabilities of policyholders and insurers. Due to uncertainties associated with
the timing and content of any future Superfund legislation, the effect on the
Business's results of operations, liquidity or financial condition cannot be
reasonably estimated at this time.
In 1998, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopted
standardized statutory accounting principles that were adopted by the
Pennsylvania Insurance Department with an effective date of January 1, 2001.
Since these principles have not been adopted by the insurance departments of
other jurisdictions in which the Business's constituent domestic insurance
companies are domiciled and since the NAIC is considering amendments to the
guidance that would also be effective upon implementation, the timing and
effects of implementation have not yet been determined.
The Business is contingently liable for possible assessments under regulatory
requirements pertaining to potential insolvencies of unaffiliated insurance
companies and other insurance-related assessments. Mandatory
F-22
<PAGE>
assessments, which are subject to statutory limits, can be partially recovered
through a reduction in future premium taxes in some states. The Business's
constituent insurance companies recorded pre-tax charges of $28 million, $38
million and $29 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, for estimated
guaranty fund assessments and other insurance-related assessments before giving
effect to future premium tax recoveries. In addition, as discussed in Note 2,
the Business expects to record an approximately $85 million reduction of net
income in the first quarter of 1999 to reflect the effect of implementing SOP
97-3 for insurance-related assessments. Although future assessments and
payments may adversely affect results of operations in future periods, such
amounts are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Business's
liquidity or financial condition.
The eventual effect on the Business of the changing environment in which it
operates remains uncertain.
Litigation
The Business is continuously involved in numerous lawsuits arising, for the
most part, in the ordinary course of business, either as a liability insurer
defending third-party claims brought against its insureds or as an insurer
defending coverage claims brought against it by its policyholders or other
insurers. One such area of litigation involves policy coverage and judicial
interpretation of legal liability for A&E claims.
While the outcome of all litigation involving the Business, including
insurance-related litigation, cannot be determined, litigation (including that
related to A&E claims) is not expected to result in losses that differ from
recorded reserves by amounts that would be material to results of operations,
liquidity or financial condition. Also, reinsurance recoveries related to
claims in litigation, net of the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance, are
not expected to result in recoveries that differ from recorded recoverables by
amounts that would be material to results of operations, liquidity or financial
condition.
F-23
<PAGE>
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Capital Securities
[ACE LOGO]
ACE Capital Trust II
% Capital Securities
(Liquidation Amount $1,000 per Capital Security)
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by
ACE Limited
--------------------------------
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
--------------------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Chase Securities
First Union Securities, Inc.
Salomon Smith Barney
Banc of America Securities LLC
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
SG Cowen
, 2000
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