UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED:
JuneSeptember 30, 2010
 
Commission file number:
1-14527

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware 22-3263609
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
477 Martinsville Road
Post Office Box 830
Liberty Corner, New Jersey 07938-0830
(908) 604-3000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant’s principal executive office)
 
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.

YESX NO 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES  NO 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer 
 
Non-accelerated filer
X 
 
Smaller reporting company
 
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES  NOX

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

  Number of Shares Outstanding
Class At AugustNovember 1, 2010
Common Shares, $0.01 par value 1,000

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction H of Form 10-Q.

 
 

 

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

Table of Contents
Form 10-Q


Page
PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     
Item 1. Financial Statements 
     
   
   1
    
   
   2
     
   
   3
     
   
   4
     
  5
     
Item 2.  
   2627
    
Item 3. 4546
     
Item 4. 4546
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

     
Item 1. 4546
     
Item 1A. 4546
    
Item 2. 4546
    
Item 3. 4546
    
Item 4. 4546
    
Item 5. 4647
    
Item 6. 4647



 
 


Part I

ITEM  1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



 June 30,  December 31,  September 30, December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share) 2010  2009  2010 2009
 (unaudited)    (unaudited)   
ASSETS:            
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value $6,393,011  $6,463,168  $6,368,800  $6,463,168 
(amortized cost: 2010, $6,133,003; 2009, $6,255,759)        
(amortized cost: 2010, $6,024,830; 2009, $6,255,759)        
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value  66,351   50,528   116,376   50,528 
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2010, $15; 2009, $15)  12   13   12   13 
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value  340,377   380,025   382,279   380,025 
Short-term investments  251,820   261,438   304,880   261,438 
Other invested assets (cost: 2010, $399,989; 2009, $387,200)  399,611   386,326 
Other invested assets (cost: 2010, $395,027; 2009, $387,200)  394,615   386,326 
Other invested assets, at fair value  545,160   382,639   752,533   382,639 
Cash  106,847   107,480   92,954   107,480 
Total investments and cash  8,103,189   8,031,617   8,412,449   8,031,617 
Accrued investment income  78,687   83,705   76,368   83,705 
Premiums receivable  746,384   769,744   718,307   769,744 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated  635,129   618,081   679,066   618,081 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated  2,690,402   2,492,152   2,721,300   2,492,152 
Funds held by reinsureds  156,702   156,223   168,235   156,223 
Deferred acquisition costs  179,454   183,498   194,988   183,498 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  578,606   562,146   646,757   562,146 
Deferred tax asset  245,231   210,493   133,607   210,493 
Federal income taxes recoverable  67,238   135,682   75,273   135,682 
Other assets  196,985   136,234   188,947   136,234 
TOTAL ASSETS $13,678,007  $13,379,575  $14,015,297  $13,379,575 
                
LIABILITIES:                
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $7,583,530  $7,300,139  $7,611,614  $7,300,139 
Unearned premium reserve  1,247,378   1,239,320   1,350,522   1,239,320 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties  159,451   175,257   173,315   175,257 
Losses in the course of payment  23,663   42,633 
Commission reserves  42,432   50,897   37,712   50,897 
Other net payable to reinsurers  529,226   444,535   573,443   444,535 
Revolving credit borrowings  133,000   -   83,000   - 
8.75% Senior notes due 3/15/2010  -   199,970   -   199,970 
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014  249,790   249,769   249,801   249,769 
6.6% Long term notes due 05/01/2067  238,349   238,348   238,350   238,348 
Junior subordinated debt securities payable  329,897   329,897   329,897   329,897 
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings  4,892   9,885   12,129   9,885 
Other liabilities  266,151   240,151   248,574   282,784 
Total liabilities  10,807,759   10,520,801   10,908,357   10,520,801 
                
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)                
                
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:                
Common stock, par value: $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized;                
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2010 and 2009)  -   -   -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  324,156   321,185   326,478   321,185 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of                
$109.6 million at 2010 and $89.9 million at 2009  203,523   166,978 
$144,977 at 2010 and $89,912 at 2009  269,241   166,978 
Retained earnings (deficit)  2,342,569   2,370,611   2,511,221   2,370,611 
Total stockholder's equity  2,870,248   2,858,774   3,106,940   2,858,774 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $13,678,007  $13,379,575  $14,015,297  $13,379,575 
                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                



 
1


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)



 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30, September 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010 2009 2010 2009
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
REVENUES:                        
Premiums earned $442,724  $460,774  $856,858  $899,219  $465,302  $438,320  $1,322,160  $1,337,539 
Net investment income  89,346   74,516   174,453   114,175   74,212   65,492   248,665   179,667 
Net realized capital gains (losses):                                
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities  -   (4,936)  -   (5,510)  (2,023)  -   (2,023)  (5,510)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities                                
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Other net realized capital gains (losses)  (95,473)  27,877   (100,780)  (39,733)  161,592   101,394   60,812   61,661 
Total net realized capital gains (losses)  (95,473)  22,941   (100,780)  (45,243)  159,569   101,394   58,789   56,151 
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   -   -   78,271   -   -   -   78,271 
Other income (expense)  8,709   (7,166)  13,821   (7,280)  (3,617)  15,081   10,204   7,801 
Total revenues  445,306   551,065   944,352   1,039,142   695,466   620,287   1,639,818   1,659,429 
                                
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                                
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  314,749   246,108   741,753   535,303   326,925   241,992   1,068,678   777,295 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  88,197   86,923   156,038   175,142   81,455   77,259   237,493   252,401 
Other underwriting expenses  35,371   34,858   68,085   66,166   37,230   38,189   105,315   104,355 
Corporate expenses  1,463   1,878   3,689   3,196   1,529   1,675   5,218   4,871 
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  12,722   17,073   29,062   36,706   12,817   17,073   41,879   53,779 
Total claims and expenses  452,502   386,840   998,627   816,513   459,956   376,188   1,458,583   1,192,701 
                                
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  (7,196)  164,225   (54,275)  222,629   235,510   244,099   181,235   466,728 
Income tax expense (benefit)  (24,083)  35,725   (26,233)  48,465   66,858   79,958   40,625   128,423 
                                
NET INCOME (LOSS) $16,887  $128,500  $(28,042) $174,164  $168,652  $164,141  $140,610  $338,305 
                                
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  24,799   84,300   36,545   122,780   65,718   162,343   102,263   285,123 
                                
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $41,686  $212,800  $8,503  $296,944  $234,370  $326,484  $242,873  $623,428 
                                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                                

 
2


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY



 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30, September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010 2009 2010 2009
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):                        
Balance, beginning of period  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
Balance, end of period  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
                                
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:                                
Balance, beginning of period $322,459  $317,033  $321,185  $315,771  $324,156  $318,492  $321,185  $315,771 
Share-based compensation plans  1,697   1,459   2,971   2,721   2,322   1,395   5,293   4,116 
Balance, end of period  324,156   318,492   324,156   318,492   326,478   319,887   326,478   319,887 
                                
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),                                
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:                                
Balance, beginning of period  178,724   (33,583)  166,978   (72,063)  203,523   35,217   166,978   (72,063)
Cumulative adjustment of initial adoption(1), net of tax
  -   (15,500)  -   (15,500)  -   -   -   (15,500)
Net increase (decrease) during the period  24,799   84,300   36,545   122,780   65,718   162,343   102,263   285,123 
Balance, end of period  203,523   35,217   203,523   35,217   269,241   197,560   269,241   197,560 
                                
RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT):                                
Balance, beginning of period  2,325,682   2,004,924   2,370,611   1,959,260   2,342,569   2,148,924   2,370,611   1,959,260 
Cumulative adjustment of initial adoption(1), net of tax
  -   15,500   -   15,500   -   -   -   15,500 
Net income (loss)  16,887   128,500   (28,042)  174,164   168,652   164,141   140,610   338,305 
Balance, end of period  2,342,569   2,148,924   2,342,569   2,148,924   2,511,221   2,313,065   2,511,221   2,313,065 
                                
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD $2,870,248  $2,502,633  $2,870,248  $2,502,633  $3,106,940  $2,830,512  $3,106,940  $2,830,512 
                                
(1) The cumulative adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes, and retained earnings (deficit), represents the effect of initially
(1) The cumulative adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes, and retained earnings (deficit), represents the effect of initially
    
(1) The cumulative adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes, and retained earnings (deficit), represents the effect of initially
     
adopting new guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities                
adopting new guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities.                
                                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                             




 
3


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30, September 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010 2009 2010 2009
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                        
Net income (loss) $16,887  $128,500  $(28,042) $174,164  $168,652  $164,141  $140,610  $338,305 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                                
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable  21,553   (61,149)  24,883   (49,821)  29,733   (1,371)  54,616   (51,192)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net  (18,472)  (671)  (16,262)  (165)  2,829   9,624   (13,433)  9,459 
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables  (18,620)  (100,495)  (227,797)  (153,465)  (71,235)  146,809   (299,032)  (6,656)
Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset  (46,121)  (928)  (54,415)  32,976   76,238   41,994   21,823   74,970 
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses  (12,762)  (133,909)  290,352   (182,445)  15,455   (35,920)  305,807   (218,365)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums  (10,237)  (2,807)  7,142   (3,686)  100,938   95,297   108,080   91,611 
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships  (8,882)  (1,968)  (18,296)  32,125   (1,071)  4,423   (19,367)  36,548 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net  18,454   243,408   126,429   244,515   (83,740)  (161,038)  42,689   83,477 
Non-cash compensation expense  1,685   1,445   2,880   2,707   2,273   1,384   5,153   4,091 
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)  1,071   2,707   4,617   4,978   3,579   3,824   8,196   8,802 
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes  11   48   53   94   12   48   65   142 
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   -   -   (78,271)  -   -   -   (78,271)
Net realized capital (gains) losses  95,473   (22,941)  100,780   45,243   (159,569)  (101,394)  (58,789)  (56,151)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  40,040   51,240   212,324   68,949   84,094   167,821   296,418   236,770 
                                
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value  136,606   84,848   308,869   194,083   173,079   130,349   481,948   324,432 
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value  -   -   -   5,570   -   -   -   5,570 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value  206,078   8,316   371,563   53,094   85,667   34,602   457,230   87,696 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value  6,115   4,510   8,612   8,002   10,689   4,010   19,301   12,012 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value  -   23,028   -   23,028 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value  51,400   10,591   72,742   12,225   14,899   11,310   87,641   23,535 
Distributions from other invested assets  15,715   7,832   23,880   20,125   14,148   4,448   38,028   24,573 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value  (280,050)  (348,542)  (555,576)  (609,780)  (138,332)  (256,130)  (693,908)  (865,910)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (9,487)  (3,243)  (23,681)  (16,553)  (56,937)  (2,548)  (80,618)  (19,101)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (30,140)  (10,320)  (50,879)  (19,296)  (20,938)  (12,948)  (71,817)  (32,244)
Cost of other invested assets acquired  (8,634)  (13,780)  (18,374)  (16,342)  (8,115)  (9,780)  (26,489)  (26,122)
Cost of other invested assets acquired, at fair value  (200,079)  -   (247,111)  -   (80,765)  -   (327,876)  - 
Net change in short-term investments  (2,164)  182,051   9,921   370,917   (52,975)  (86,179)  (43,054)  284,738 
Net change in unsettled securities transactions  (51,843)  22,688   (35,520)  24,334   1,936   18,522   (33,584)  42,856 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (166,483)  (55,049)  (135,554)  26,379   (57,644)  (141,316)  (193,198)  (114,937)
                                
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                
Tax benefit from share-based compensation  12   14   91   14   49   11   140   25 
Net cost of senior notes maturing  -   -   (200,000)  -   -   -   (200,000)  - 
Revolving credit borrowings  133,000   -   133,000   -   (50,000)  -   83,000   - 
Net cost of debt repurchase  -   -   -   (83,026)  -   -   -   (83,026)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  133,012   14   (66,909)  (83,012)  (49,951)  11   (116,860)  (83,001)
                                
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH  (7,459)  3,388   (10,494)  (9,379)  9,608   3,411   (886)  (5,968)
                                
Net increase (decrease) in cash  (890)  (407)  (633)  2,937   (13,893)  29,927   (14,526)  32,864 
Cash, beginning of period  107,737   95,608   107,480   92,264   106,847   95,201   107,480   92,264 
Cash, end of period $106,847  $95,201  $106,847  $95,201  $92,954  $125,128  $92,954  $125,128 
                                
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                                
Cash transactions:                                
Income taxes paid (recovered) $(53,156) $13,213  $(49,390) $16,359  $(3,202) $(18,847) $(52,592) $(2,488)
Interest paid  19,866   19,764   33,765   37,572   5,339   13,892   39,104   51,464 
                                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                                


 
4


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009

1.  GENERAL
1.GENERAL

As used in this document, “Holdings” means Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware company and direct subsidiary of Everest Underwriting Group (Ireland) Limited (“Holdings Ireland”); “Group” means Everest Re Group, Ltd. (Holdings Ireland’s parent); “Bermuda Re” means Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., a subsidiary of Group; “Everest Re” means Everest Reinsurance Company and its subsidiaries, a subsidiary of Holdings (unless the context otherwise requires); and the “Company” means Holdings and its subsidiaries.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
2.BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results on an interim basis.  Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The December 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  The results for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009 area re not neces sarilynecessarily indicative of the results for a full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filing.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform to the 2010 presentation.

Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Codification

Financial Accounting Standards Board Launched Accounting Codification.  In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance establishing the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“Codification”) as the single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities.  Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  The Codification supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other no n-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative.

Following the Codification, the FASB will no longer issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. Instead, the FASB will issue Accounting Standards Updates, which will serve to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance and provide the basis for conclusions on the changes to the Codification.

GAAP is not intended to be changed as a result of the FASB’s Codification, but it will change the way the guidance is organized and presented.  As a result, these changes will have a significant impact on how companies reference GAAP in their financial statements and in the accounting policies for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The Company’s adoption of this guidance impacts the way the Company references U.S. GAAP accounting standards in the financial statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes

Subsequent Events. In May 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for subsequent events, which was later modified in February 2010, that addresses the accounting for and disclosure of subsequent events not addressed in other applicable U.S. GAAP.  The Company implemented the new disclosure requirement beginning with the second quarter of 2009 and included it in the Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements.  In January 2010, the FASB amended the authoritative guidance for disclosures on fair value measurements.  Effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, the guidance requires a new separate disclosure for:  significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 and the reasons for the transfers; and provided clarification on existing disclosures to include:  fair value measurement disclosures by class of assets and liabilities and disclosure on valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.  Effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010, the guidance requires another new separate disclosure in regards to Level 3 fair value measurements in that, the period activity will present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements.  Comparative disclosures shall be required only for periods ending after initial adoption.  The Company implemented the first part of this guidance effective January 1, 2010.

Interim Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  In April 2009, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for disclosures about fair value of financial instruments.  This new guidance requires quarterly disclosures on the qualitative and quantitative information about the fair value of all financial instruments including methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value during the period. These disclosures were previously only done annually.  The Company adopted this disclosure beginning with the second quarter of 2009 and included it in the Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Investment Securities.  In April 2009, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments. This new guidance amends the recognition guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities and expands the financial statement disclosures for other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities. For available for sale debt securities that the Company has no intent to sell and more likely than not will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment would be recognized in earnings, while the rest of the fair value loss would be recognized in accumulated ot her comprehensive income.  The Company adopted this guidance effective April 1, 2009.  Upon adoption the Company recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment increase in retained earnings (deficit) and decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $15.5 million, net of $8.3 million of tax.as follows:


(Dollars in thousands)   
Cumulative-effect adjustment, gross $23,846 
Tax  (8,346)
Cumulative-effect adjustment, net $15,500 


Measurement of Fair Value in Inactive Markets.  In April 2009, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, which reaffirms that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. It also reaffirms the need to use judgment in determining if a formerly active market has become inactive and in determining fair values when the market has become inactive. There was no impact to the Company’s financial statements upon adoption.


3.  INVESTMENTS

3.INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost, market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available for sale, fixed maturity and equity security investments, carried at market value, are as follows for the periods indicated:


 At June 30, 2010  At September 30, 2010 
 Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                        
U.S. government agencies and corporations $143,316  $7,565  $(89) $150,792  $151,672  $6,417  $(277) $157,812 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  3,469,450   181,595   (17,016)  3,634,029   3,405,935   220,320   (4,202)  3,622,053 
Corporate securities  716,311   40,259   (10,378)  746,192   708,637   51,158   (7,527)  752,268 
Asset-backed securities  28,733   505   (1,835)  27,403   25,362   546   (206)  25,702 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  32,323   7,079   -   39,402   32,513   8,133   -   40,646 
Agency residential  419,199   19,424   (41)  438,582   386,496   17,406   (107)  403,795 
Non-agency residential  59,943   1,719   (224)  61,438   30,047   922   (1,046)  29,923 
Foreign government securities  705,682   30,964   (8,037)  728,609   705,941   41,349   (7,461)  739,829 
Foreign corporate securities  558,046   19,546   (11,028)  566,564   578,227   27,985   (9,440)  596,772 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,133,003  $308,656  $(48,648) $6,393,011  $6,024,830  $374,236  $(30,266) $6,368,800 
Equity securities $15  $-  $(3) $12  $15  $-  $(3) $12 



  At December 31, 2009 
  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value 
Fixed maturity securities  - available for sale            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $132,348  $3,614  $(1,671) $134,291 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  3,694,267   183,848   (24,256)  3,853,859 
Corporate securities  618,507   30,298   (13,424)  635,381 
Asset-backed securities  16,597   460   (1,909)  15,148 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  24,213   4,956   (111)  29,058 
Agency residential  556,032   10,366   (1,691)  564,707 
Non-agency residential  61,098   916   (7,055)  54,959 
Foreign government securities  638,204   27,700   (6,687)  659,217 
Foreign corporate securities  514,493   17,184   (15,129)  516,548 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,255,759  $279,342  $(71,933) $6,463,168 
Equity securities $15  $-  $(2) $13 


In accordance with FASB guidance, the Company reclassified the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments from retained earnings (deficit) into accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), on April 1, 2009.  At June 30, 2010,The table below presents the pre-tax cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on thesethose corporate securities, was $0.5 million as compared to pre-tax cumulative unrealized depreciation of $2.0 million at December 31, 2009.for the periods indicated:
(Dollars in thousands) At September 30, 2010 At December 31, 2009
Pre-tax cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) $927  $(2,039)


 
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The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following table by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately.


  At September 30, 2010  At December 31, 2009 
  Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Value  Cost  Value 
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale            
Due in one year or less $242,466  $241,645  $334,054  $335,948 
Due after one year through five years  1,563,006   1,632,360   1,276,968   1,316,918 
Due after five years through ten years  1,243,788   1,337,647   1,224,457   1,282,470 
Due after ten years  2,501,152   2,657,082   2,762,340   2,863,960 
Asset-backed securities  25,362   25,702   16,597   15,148 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  32,513   40,646   24,213   29,058 
Agency residential  386,496   403,795   556,032   564,707 
Non-agency residential  30,047   29,923   61,098   54,959 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,024,830  $6,368,800  $6,255,759  $6,463,168 
  At June 30, 2010  At December 31, 2009 
  Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Value  Cost  Value 
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale            
Due in one year or less $261,435  $261,286  $334,054  $335,948 
Due after one year through five years  1,519,591   1,571,631   1,276,968   1,316,918 
Due after five years through ten years  1,259,022   1,332,129   1,224,457   1,282,470 
Due after ten years  2,552,757   2,661,140   2,762,340   2,863,960 
Asset-backed securities  28,733   27,403   16,597   15,148 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  32,323   39,402   24,213   29,058 
Agency residential  419,199   438,582   556,032   564,707 
Non-agency residential  59,943   61,438   61,098   54,959 
Total fixed maturity securities $6,133,003  $6,393,011  $6,255,759  $6,463,168 


The changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the Company’s investments are derived from the following sources for the periods as indicated:


  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost            
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:            
Fixed maturity securities $83,578  $229,219  $133,595  $396,245 
Fixed maturity securities, cumulative other-than-temporary impairment adjustment  384   -   2,966   (23,846)
Equity securities  (1)  -   (2)  (4)
Other invested assets  (34)  3,387   462   5,614 
Change in unrealized  appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax  83,927   232,606   137,021   378,009 
Deferred tax benefit (expense)  (29,240)  (81,412)  (46,919)  (140,649)
Deferred tax benefit (expense), cumulative other-than-temporary impairment adjustment (134)  -   (1,038)  8,346 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),                
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity $54,553  $151,194  $89,064  $245,706 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost            
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:            
Fixed maturity securities $46,864  $77,437  $50,017  $167,026 
Fixed maturity securities, cumulative other-than-temporary impairment adjustment  (470)  (23,846)  2,582   (23,846)
Equity securities  -   2   (1)  (4)
Other invested assets  (17)  3,868   496   2,227 
Change in unrealized  appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax  46,377   57,461   53,094   145,403 
Deferred tax benefit (expense)  (16,396)  (28,457)  (17,679)  (59,237)
Deferred tax benefit (expense), cumulative other-than-temporary impairment adjustment  164   8,346   (904)  8,346 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),                
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity $30,145  $37,350  $34,511  $94,512 


The Company frequently reviews its fixed maturity securities investment portfolio for declines in market value and focuses its attention on securities whose fair value has fallen below 80% of their amortized value at the time of review.  The Company then assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary.  In making its assessment, the Company evaluates the current market and interest rate environment as well as specific issuer information.  Generally, a change in a security’s value caused by a change in the market or interest rate environment does not constitute an other-than-temporary impairment, but rather a temporary decline in market value.  Temporary declines in market value are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) .  If the Company determines that the decline is other-than-temporary and the Company does not have the intent to sell the security; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value.  The fair value adjustment that is credit related is recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The fair value adjustment that is non-credit related is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The Company’s assessments are based on the issuers current and expected future financial position, timeliness with respect to interest and/or principal payments, speed of repayments and any applicable credit enhancements or b reakeven
8

constant default rates on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts.

8


Retrospective adjustments are employed to recalculate the values of asset-backed securities. All of the Company’s asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have a pass-through structure. Each acquisition lot is reviewed to recalculate the effective yield. The recalculated effective yield is used to derive a book value as if the new yield were applied at the time of acquisition. Outstanding principal factors from the time of acquisition to the adjustment date are used to calculate the prepayment history for all applicable securities. Conditional prepayment rates, computed with life to date factor histories and weighted average maturities, are used in the calculation of projected and prepayments for pass-through security types.

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:


  Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 2010 By Security Type 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                  
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                  
U.S. government agencies and corporations $4,243  $(97) $3,467  $(180) $7,710  $(277)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 13,461   (34)  102,649   (4,168)  116,110   (4,202)
Corporate securities  83,055   (1,046)  47,949   (6,481)  131,004   (7,527)
Asset-backed securities  -   -   519   (206)  519   (206)
Mortgage-backed securities                        
Agency residential  17,878   (107)  -   -   17,878   (107)
Non-agency residential  -   -   22,747   (1,046)  22,747   (1,046)
Foreign government securities  74,145   (2,922)  82,024   (4,539)  156,169   (7,461)
Foreign corporate securities  57,169   (1,070)  86,221   (8,370)  143,390   (9,440)
Total fixed maturity securities $249,951  $(5,276) $345,576  $(24,990) $595,527  $(30,266)
Equity securities  -   -   12   (3)  12   (3)
Total $249,951  $(5,276) $345,588  $(24,993) $595,539  $(30,269)
  Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2010 By Security Type 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross    Gross    Gross
     Unrealized    Unrealized    Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                  
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                  
U.S. government agencies and corporations$-  $-  $3,398  $(89) $3,398  $(89)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 5,008   (28)  362,674   (16,988)  367,682   (17,016)
Corporate securities  107,647   (3,068)  72,766   (7,310)  180,413   (10,378)
Asset-backed securities  1,018   -   6,562   (1,835)  7,580   (1,835)
Mortgage-backed securities                        
Agency residential  7,372   (41)  -   -   7,372   (41)
Non-agency residential  -   -   3,606   (224)  3,606   (224)
Foreign government securities  86,610   (3,298)  76,912   (4,739)  163,522   (8,037)
Foreign corporate securities  72,297   (1,681)  100,942   (9,347)  173,239   (11,028)
Total fixed maturity securities $279,952  $(8,116) $626,860  $(40,532) $906,812  $(48,648)
Equity securities  12   (3)  -   -   12   (3)
Total $279,964  $(8,119) $626,860  $(40,532) $906,824  $(48,651)

  Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 2010 By Maturity 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities                  
Due in one year or less $7,995  $(408) $48,026  $(5,556) $56,021  $(5,964)
Due in one year through five years  132,797   (2,662)  98,042   (5,836)  230,839   (8,498)
Due in five years through ten years  73,149   (2,042)  26,831   (1,921)  99,980   (3,963)
Due after ten years  18,132   (57)  149,411   (10,425)  167,543   (10,482)
Asset-backed securities  -   -   519   (206)  519   (206)
Mortgage-backed securities  17,878   (107)  22,747   (1,046)  40,625   (1,153)
Total fixed maturity securities $249,951  $(5,276) $345,576  $(24,990) $595,527  $(30,266)


  Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2010 By Maturity 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross    Gross    Gross
     Unrealized    Unrealized    Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation
Fixed maturity securities                  
Due in one year or less $36,199  $(1,221) $37,097  $(3,244) $73,296  $(4,465)
Due in one year through five years  141,671   (3,361)  105,827   (5,922)  247,498   (9,283)
Due in five years through ten years  80,959   (2,900)  57,532   (4,156)  138,491   (7,056)
Due after ten years  12,733   (593)  416,236   (25,151)  428,969   (25,744)
Asset-backed securities  1,018   -   6,562   (1,835)  7,580   (1,835)
Mortgage-backed securities  7,372   (41)  3,606   (224)  10,978   (265)
Total fixed maturity securities $279,952  $(8,116) $626,860  $(40,532) $906,812  $(48,648)


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position as of JuneSeptember 30, 2010 were $906.8 million$595,539 thousand and $48.7 million,$30,269 thousand, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses on a single security that exceeded 0.05%0.06% of the market value of the fixed maturity securities at JuneSeptember 30, 2010.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $8.1 million$5,276 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of highly rated foreign government and domestic and foreign corporate securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $5.6 million$4,488 thousand were related to securitiessecuriti es that were rated inv estmentinvestment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The $40.5 million$24,993 thousand of unrealized losses
9

related to fixed maturity and equity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to highly rated domestic and foreign corporate, mortgage-backed, foreign government and corporate, municipal asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $33.1 million$19,390 thousand related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally
9

recognized statistical rating organization.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses were mainly comprised of municipal and corporate securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation greater than 12 months for mortgage-backed securities included $0.3 million$298 thousand related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  In all instances, projected cash flows were sufficient to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  Unrealized losses have decreased sincesinc e December 31, 2009, as a result of improved conditions in the overall financial market resulting from increased liquidity and lower interest rates.
 
The Company, given the size of its investment portfolio and capital position, does not have the intent to sell these securities; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  In addition, all securities currently in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to principal and interest payments.

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:


  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2009 By Security Type 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                  
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                  
U.S. government agencies and corporations $44,943  $(1,671) $-  $-  $44,943  $(1,671)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 559   (4)  452,018   (24,252)  452,577   (24,256)
Corporate securities  45,045   (1,056)  118,153   (12,368)  163,198   (13,424)
Asset-backed securities  366   (26)  8,233   (1,883)  8,599   (1,909)
Mortgage-backed securities                        
Commercial  959   (34)  3,312   (77)  4,271   (111)
Agency residential  213,093   (1,691)  -   -   213,093   (1,691)
Non-agency residential  1,272   (31)  47,202   (7,024)  48,474   (7,055)
Foreign government securities  159,493   (2,158)  69,109   (4,529)  228,602   (6,687)
Foreign corporate securities  124,325   (4,205)  98,772   (10,924)  223,097   (15,129)
Total fixed maturity securities $590,055  $(10,876) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,854  $(71,933)
Equity securities  13   (2)  -   -   13   (2)
Total $590,068  $(10,878) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,867  $(71,935)



  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2009 By Maturity 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities                  
Due in one year or less $-  $-  $58,010  $(4,887) $58,010  $(4,887)
Due in one year through five years  192,929   (2,975)  140,349   (9,129)  333,278   (12,104)
Due in five years through ten years  137,196   (2,934)  54,279   (3,401)  191,475   (6,335)
Due after ten years  44,240   (3,185)  485,414   (34,656)  529,654   (37,841)
Asset-backed securities  366   (26)  8,233   (1,883)  8,599   (1,909)
Mortgage-backed securities  215,324   (1,756)  50,514   (7,101)  265,838   (8,857)
Total fixed maturity securities $590,055  $(10,876) $796,799  $(61,057) $1,386,854  $(71,933)



 
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The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2009 were $1,386.9 million$1,386,867 thousand and $71.9 million,$71,935 thousand, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses on a single security that exceeded 0.11% of the market value of the fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2009.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $10.9 million$10,878 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity and equity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of highly rated domestic and foreign government and corporate and mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $10.7 million$10,658 thousand were relate drelated to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The $61.1 million$61,057 thousand of unrealized losses related to securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to highly rated municipal, domestic and foreign corporate, foreign government and mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $50.5 million$50,505 thousand related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses were mainly comprised of corporate and commercial mortgage-backed securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation greater than 12 months for mortgage-backed securities included $0.07 million$73 thousand related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  In all instances, projected cash flows were sufficient to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations .obli gations.  The mortgage-backed securities still had excess credit coverage and were current on interest and principal payments.  Unrealized losses decreased since December 31, 2008, as a result of improved conditions in the overall financial market resulting from increased liquidity and lower interest rates.

The components of net investment income are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:


  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Fixed maturity securities $69,918  $70,965  $219,335  $212,903 
Equity securities  2,448   758   7,470   2,182 
Short-term investments and cash  111   277   263   3,331 
Other invested assets                
Limited partnerships  1,071   (4,423)  19,367   (36,548)
Other  4,199   664   10,454   5,693 
Total gross investment income  77,747   68,241   256,889   187,561 
Interest debited (credited) and other expense  (3,535)  (2,749)  (8,224)  (7,894)
Total net investment income $74,212  $65,492  $248,665  $179,667 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Fixed maturity securities $75,862  $71,610  $149,417  $141,938 
Equity securities  2,618   730   5,022   1,424 
Short-term investments and cash  75   842   152   3,054 
Other invested assets                
Limited partnerships  8,882   1,968   18,296   (32,125)
Other  4,457   2,258   6,255   5,029 
Total gross investment income  91,894   77,408   179,142   119,320 
Interest debited (credited) and other expense  (2,548)  (2,892)  (4,689)  (5,145)
Total net investment income $89,346  $74,516  $174,453  $114,175 


The Company records results from limited partnership investments on the equity method of accounting with changes in value reported through net investment income. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from these partnerships, the results are generally reported on a one month or quarter lag.  If the Company determines there has been a significant decline in value of a limited partnership during this lag period, a loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company indentifies the decline.

The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $119.9 million$129,690 thousand in limited partnerships at JuneSeptember 30, 2010.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2014.

 
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The components of net realized capital gains (losses) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Fixed maturity securities, market value:                        
Other-than-temporary impairments $-  $(4,936) $-  $(5,510) $(2,023) $-  $(2,023) $(5,510)
Gains (losses) from sales  1,617   (401)  840   (28,481)  (4,654)  (4,131)  (3,814)  (32,612)
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:                                
Gains (losses) from sales  190   133   273   229   480   172   753   401 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (2,518)  2,010   482   1,968   3,297   5,837   3,779   7,805 
Equity securities, market value:                
Gains (losses) from sales  -   8,041   -   8,041 
Equity securities, fair value:                                
Gains (losses) from sales  (2,893)  5,630   (999)  5,184   951   1,299   (48)  6,483 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (30,017)  17,296   (16,786)  373   34,912   23,075   18,126   23,448 
Other invested assets, fair value:                                
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (61,853)  3,203   (84,590)  (19,012)  126,608   67,103   42,018   48,091 
Short-term investment gains (losses)  1   6   -   6   (2)  (2)  (2)  4 
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $(95,473) $22,941  $(100,780) $(45,243) $159,569  $101,394  $58,789  $56,151 
 
Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $212.2 million and $12.8 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $5.5 million and $0.8 million and gross losses of $3.7 million and $1.0 million were realized on those fixed maturity securities sales for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Proceeds from sales of equity securities for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $51.4 million and $10.6 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $1.2 million and $5.7 million and gross losses of $4.1 million and $0.0 million were realized on those equity sales for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity securities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $380.2 million and $61.1 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $7.3 million and $2.3 million and gross losses of $6.2 million and $30.6 million were realized on those fixed maturity securities sales for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Proceeds from sales of equity securities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $72.7 million and $12.2 million, respectively.  Gross gains of $3.6 million and $5.9 million and gross losses of $4.6 million and $0.7 million were realized on those equity sales for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company records fair value re-measurementsrecorded as net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  The Company recorded net realized capital losses of $94.4 million and net realized capital gains of $22.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and net realized capital losses of $100.9 million and $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, due to both fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and other invested assets, at fair value.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company had no write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis in net realized capital gains (losses).  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recorded $4.9 million and $5.5 million, respectively, of write-downsas displayed in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis in net realized capital gains (losses).table above.  The Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component.

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fixed maturity and equity securities, are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:
 
4.FAIR VALUE
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities $96,356  $38,612  $476,531  $99,708 
Gross gains from sales  642   2,278   7,963   4,584 
Gross losses from sales  (4,816)  (6,237)  (11,024)  (36,795)
                 
Proceeds from sales of equity secuities $14,899  $34,338  $87,641  $46,563 
Gross gains from sales  1,033   9,368   4,616   15,255 
Gross losses from sales  (82)  (28)  (4,664)  (731)
 
4.  FAIR VALUE

The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities are managed by third party investment asset managers.  The investment asset managers obtain prices from nationally recognized pricing services.  These services seek to utilize market data and observations in their evaluation process.  They use pricing applications that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information and when fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis the services will apply available information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing.  In addition, they use model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for securities that have prepayment features.

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In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers.  The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers.  In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices.  In addition, the Company tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source.  In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rate s to determine fair value.  The Company made no such adjustments at JuneSeptember 30, 2010.

Fixed maturity securities are generally categorized as Level 2, Significant Other Observable Inputs, since a particular security may not have traded but the pricing services are able to use valuation models with observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and prices for similar fixed maturity securities in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk) are categorized as Level 3, Significant Unobservable Inputs.  These securities include broker priced securities and valuation of less liquid securities such as commercial mortgage-backed securities.

Equity securities in U.S. denominated currency are categorized as Level 1, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, since the securities are actively traded on an exchange and prices are based on quoted prices from the exchange.  Equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are categorized as Level 2 due to potential foreign exchange adjustments to fair or market value.

Other invested assets, at fair value, are categorized as Level 1, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, since the securities are shares of the Company’s parent, which are actively traded on an exchange and the price is based on a quoted price.
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The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:


     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
     Quoted Prices       
     in Active  Significant    
     Markets for  Other  Significant 
     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2010 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $157,812  $-  $157,812  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions
  3,622,053   -   3,622,053   - 
Corporate securities  752,268   -   745,277   6,991 
Asset-backed securities  25,702   -   25,183   519 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  40,646   -   40,646   - 
Agency residential  403,795   -   403,795   - 
Non-agency residential  29,923   -   29,461   462 
Foreign government securities  739,829   -   739,829   - 
Foreign corporate securities  596,772   -   596,772   - 
Total fixed maturities, market value  6,368,800   -   6,360,828   7,972 
                 
Fixed maturities, fair value  116,376   -   116,376   - 
Equity securities, market value  12   12   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  382,279   382,279   -   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  752,533   752,533   -   - 
     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
     Quoted Prices       
     in Active  Significant    
     Markets for  Other  Significant 
     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2010 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $150,792  $-  $150,792  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  3,634,029   -   3,634,029   - 
Corporate securities  746,192   -   739,227   6,965 
Asset-backed securities  27,403   -   20,841   6,562 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  39,402   -   39,402   - 
Agency residential  438,582   -   438,582   - 
Non-agency residential  61,438   -   60,941   497 
Foreign government securities  728,609   -   728,609   - 
Foreign corporate securities  566,564   -   566,564   - 
Total fixed maturities, market value  6,393,011   -   6,378,987   14,024 
                 
Fixed maturities, fair value  66,351   -   66,351   - 
Equity securities, market value  12   12   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  340,377   340,377   -   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  545,160   545,160   -   - 


There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010.

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The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:


     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
     Quoted Prices       
     in Active  Significant    
     Markets for  Other  Significant 
     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2009 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $134,291  $-  $134,291  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  3,853,859   -   3,853,859   - 
Corporate securities  635,381   -   628,451   6,930 
Asset-backed securities  15,148   -   8,890   6,258 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  29,058   -   29,058   - 
Agency residential  564,707   -   564,707   - 
Non-agency residential  54,959   -   54,533   426 
Foreign government securities  659,217   -   659,217   - 
Foreign corporate securities  516,548   -   516,548   - 
Total fixed maturities, market value  6,463,168   -   6,449,554   13,614 
                 
Fixed maturities, fair value  50,528   -   50,528   - 
Equity securities, market value  13   13   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  380,025   379,058   967   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  382,639   382,639   -   - 


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The following tables present the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for fixed maturity investments,by asset type, for the periods indicated:

  By Asset 
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2010  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 
  Corporate Asset-backed Non-agency    Corporate Asset-backed Non-agency   
(Dollars in thousands) Securities Securities RMBS Total Securities Securities RMBS Total
Beginning balance $6,965  $6,562  $497  $14,024  $6,930  $6,258  $426  $13,614 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets) -   (258)  32   (226)  (1)  (258)  81   (178)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 26   1,628   (22)  1,632   62   1,672   70   1,804 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  -   (7,413)  (45)  (7,458)  -   (7,153)  (115)  (7,268)
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Ending balance $6,991  $519  $462  $7,972  $6,991  $519  $462  $7,972 
                                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included                               
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the                               
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets                               
still held at the reporting date$-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                     

  By Asset 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2010  Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 
  Corporate  Asset-backed  Non-agency     Corporate  Asset-backed  Non-agency    
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Securities  RMBS  Total  Securities  Securities  RMBS  Total 
Beginning balance $6,930  $6,368  $456  $13,754  $6,930  $6,258  $426  $13,614 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                                
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)  (1)  -   24   23   (1)  -   49   48 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  36   122   51   209   36   44   92   172 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  -   72   (34)  38   -   260   (70)  190 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Ending balance $6,965  $6,562  $497  $14,024  $6,965  $6,562  $497  $14,024 
                                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included                                
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the                                
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets                                
still held at the reporting date $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                             
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  Summary 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Assets:            
Balance, beginning of period $13,754  $7,464  $13,614  $10,967 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)  23   21   48   (4)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  209   375   172   556 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  38   (3,054)  190   (79)
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   7,001   -   367 
Balance, end of period $14,024  $11,807  $14,024  $11,807 
                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings                
(or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized                
gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date $-  $-  $-  $(131)


 
5.CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
  By Asset 
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 
  Corporate Asset-backed Non-agency    Corporate Asset-backed Non-agency   
(Dollars in thousands) Securities Securities RMBS Total Securities Securities RMBS Total
Beginning balance $6,230  $5,123  $454  $11,807  $7,000  $3,409  $558  $10,967 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets) -   -   46   46   (1)  -   43   42 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 630   479   27   1,136   (139)  1,826   5   1,692 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  -   -   (113)  (113)  -   -   (192)  (192)
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   (149)  -   (149)  -   218   -   218 
Ending balance $6,860  $5,453  $414  $12,727  $6,860  $5,453  $414  $12,727 
                                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included                               
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the                               
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets                               
still held at the reporting date$-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $(73) $(58) $(131)
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                     
 
5.  CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS

On December 17, 2008, Group and Holdings renewed their shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR with the SEC, as a Well Known Seasoned Issuer.  This shelf registration statement can be used by Group to register common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants, share purchase contracts and share purchase units; by Holdings to register debt securities and by Everest Re Capital Trust III (“Capital Trust III”) to register trust preferred securities.


6.  CONTINGENCIES
6.CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’s rights and obligations under insurance, reinsurance and other contractual agreements.  In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it.  In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation.  In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable.  While the final outcom e of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that any of these matters, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity.  However, an adverse resolution of one or more of these items in any one quarter or fiscal year could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in that period.

The Company does not believe that there are any material pending legal proceedings to which it or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their properties are the subject.

The Company continues to receive claims under expired insurance and reinsurance contracts asserting injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos.  Environmental claims typically assert liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damage caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water.  Asbestos claims typically assert liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos.
The Company’s reserves include an estimate of the Company’s ultimate liability for asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) claims.  As of JuneSeptember 30, 2010, approximately 8% of the Company’s gross reserves were an estimate of the Company’s ultimate liability for A&E claims.  The Company’s A&E liabilities emanate from Mt. McKinley Insurance Company’s (“Mt. McKinley”), a direct subsidiary of the Company, direct insurance business and Everest Re’s assumed reinsurance business.  All of the contracts of insurance and reinsurance under which the Company has received claims during the past three years, expired more than 20 years ago.  There are significant uncertainties surrounding the Company’s reserves for its A&E loss es.losses.

A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy. The following table summarizes incurred losses with respect to A&E on both a gross and net of retrocessional basis for the periods indicated:


  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross basis:            
Beginning of period reserves $614,135  $704,507  $638,674  $786,842 
Incurred losses  -   -   -   - 
Paid losses  (36,598)  (52,170)  (61,137)  (134,505)
End of period reserves $577,537  $652,337  $577,537  $652,337 
                 
Net basis:                
Beginning of period reserves $412,651  $455,379  $430,421  $485,296 
Incurred losses  -   -   -   - 
Paid losses  (14,693)  (13,527)  (32,463)  (43,444)
End of period reserves $397,958  $441,852  $397,958  $441,852 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross basis:            
Beginning of period reserves $625,208  $768,761  $638,674  $786,842 
Incurred losses  -   -   -   - 
Paid losses  (11,073)  (64,254)  (24,539)  (82,335)
End of period reserves $614,135  $704,507  $614,135  $704,507 
                 
Net basis:                
Beginning of period reserves $419,230  $475,209  $430,421  $485,296 
Incurred losses  -   -   -   - 
Paid losses  (6,579)  (19,830)  (17,770)  (29,917)
End of period reserves $412,651  $455,379  $412,651  $455,379 


At JuneSeptember 30, 2010, the gross reserves for A&E losses were comprised of $133.9 million$131,785 thousand representing case reserves reported by ceding companies, $136.8 million$131,818 thousand representing additional case reserves established by the Company on assumed reinsurance claims, $58.7 million$41,245 thousand representing case reserves established by the Company on direct excess insurance claims, including Mt. McKinley and $284.8 million$272,689 thousand representing IBNR reserves.



With respect to asbestos only, at JuneSeptember 30, 2010, the Company had gross asbestos loss reserves of $586.1 million,$551,439 thousand, or 95.4%95.5%, of total A&E reserves, of which $459.3 million$445,766 thousand was for assumed business and $126.8 million$105,673 thousand was for direct business.

Management believes that these uncertainties and factors continue to render reserves for A&E and particularly asbestos losses significantly less subject to traditional actuarial analysis than reserves for other types of losses.  The Company establishes reserves to the extent that, in the judgment of management, the facts and prevailing law reflect an exposure for the Company or its ceding companies.

Due to the uncertainties, the ultimate losses attributable to A&E, and particularly asbestos, may be subject to more variability than are non-A&E reserves and such variation, depending on coverage under the Company’s various reinsurance arrangements, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In 1993 and prior, the Company had a business arrangement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“The Prudential”) wherein, for a fee, the Company accepted settled claim payment obligations of certain property and casualty insurers, and, concurrently, became the owner of the annuity or assignee of the annuity proceeds funded by the property and casualty insurers specifically to fulfill these fully settled obligations.  In these circumstances, the Company would be liable if The Prudential, which has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), was unable to make the annuity payments.  At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009,The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable was $156.0 million and $1 52.3 million, respectively.for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands) At September 30, 2010 At December 31, 2009
  $150,614  $152,340 
Prior to its 1995 initial public offering, the Company had purchased annuities from an unaffiliated life insurance company with an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best to settle certain claim liabilities of the company.  Should the life insurance company become unable to make the annuity payments, the Company would be liable for those claim liabilities.  At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009,The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was $25.6 million and $24.6 million, respectively.contingently liable for the periods indicated:
 
7. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands) At September 30, 2010 At December 31, 2009
  $26,030  $24,568 
 
7.  OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on                        
securities arising during the period                        
URA(D) of investments - temporary $46,846   75,709  $50,512  $163,651  $83,543  $228,551  $134,055  $392,202 
URA(D) of investments - non-credit OTTI  (469)  5,598   2,582   5,598   384   4,056   2,966   9,654 
Tax benefit (expense) from URA(D) arising during the period  (16,232)  (28,457)  (18,583)  (59,237)  (29,374)  (81,413)  (47,957)  (140,650)
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period, net of tax  30,145   52,850   34,511   110,012   54,553   151,194   89,064   261,206 
                                
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (8,896)  45,819   1,830   17,077   16,528   16,204   18,358   33,281 
Tax benefit (expense) from foreign currency translation  3,114   (16,037)  (640)  (5,977)  (5,785)  (5,672)  (6,425)  (11,649)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments  (5,782)  29,782   1,190   11,100   10,743   10,532   11,933   21,632 
                                
Pension adjustments  671   1,900   1,299   1,900   649   949   1,948   2,849 
Tax benefit (expense) on pension  (235)  (232)  (455)  (232)  (227)  (332)  (682)  (564)
Net pension adjustments  436   1,668   844   1,668   422   617   1,266   2,285 
                                
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $24,799  $84,300  $36,545  $122,780  $65,718  $162,343  $102,263  $285,123 

The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:


 June 30,  December 31, At September 30,  At December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
URA(D) on securities, net of deferred taxes            
Temporary $168,403  $135,570  $222,706  $135,570 
Non-credit, OTTI  353   (1,325)  603   (1,325)
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of deferred taxes  168,756   134,245   223,309   134,245 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes  58,191   57,001   68,934   57,001 
Pension adjustments, net of deferred taxes  (23,424)  (24,268)  (23,002)  (24,268)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $203,523  $166,978  $269,241  $166,978 
 
8.8.  CREDIT FACILITY

Holdings Credit Facility

Effective August 23, 2006, Holdings entered into a five year, $150.0 million$150,000 thousand senior revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders referred to as the “Holdings Credit Facility”.  Citibank N.A. is the administrative agent for the Holdings Credit Facility.  The Holdings Credit Facility may be used for liquidity and general corporate purposes.  The Holdings Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to $150.0 million$150,000 thousand with interest at a rate selected by Holdings equal to either, (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate plus an applicable margin.  The Base Rate means a fluctuating interest rate per annum in effect from time to time to be equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest publicly announced by CitibankCitiba nk as its prime rate or (b) 0.5% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate, in each case plus the applicable margin.  The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Holdings Credit Facility depends upon Holdings’ senior unsecured debt rating.

The Holdings Credit Facility requires Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest ReReinsurance Company (“Everest Re”) to maintain its statutory surplus at $1.5 billion$1,500,000 thousand plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2005, which at JuneSeptember 30, 2010, was $1,954.2 million.$1,970,322 thousand.  As of JuneSeptember 30, 2010, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.

At June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding $133.0 million of short-term loans and $17.0 million of letters of credit under the Holdings Credit Facility.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding $28.0 million of letters of credit under the Holdings Credit Facility.  The following table summarizes outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings as of June 30, 2010.


(Dollars in thousands)        
Bank Commitment  In Use Date of LoanMaturity/Expiry Date
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $25,000 5/7/20108/9/2010
       25,000 5/10/20108/10/2010
       25,000 5/14/20108/16/2010
       25,000 5/19/20108/19/2010
       20,000 6/11/20109/13/2010
       13,000 6/15/20109/15/2010
Total short-term borrowings      133,000   
Total letters of credit      16,951  12/31/2010
           
Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $149,951   


Costs incurred in connection with the Holdings Credit Facility were $130.2 thousand and $31.5 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $165.8 thousand and $57.8 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.periods indicated:
(Dollars in thousands) At September 30, 2010 At December 31, 2009
Bank Commitment  In Use Date of LoanMaturity/Expiry Date Commitment  In Use Date of LoanMaturity/Expiry Date
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $50,000 9/01/201010/01/2010 $150,000  $-   
       20,000 9/13/201010/13/2010      -   
       13,000 9/15/201010/15/2010      -   
Total revolving credit borrowings      83,000         -   
Total letters of credit      16,951  12/31/2010      27,959  12/31/2010
                     
Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $150,000  $99,951    $150,000  $27,959   


 
9.TRUST AGREEMENTS
The following table presents the costs incurred in connection with the Holdings Credit Facility for the periods indicated:
 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Credit facility fees incurred $225  $108  $376  $166 
9.  TRUST AGREEMENTS

A subsidiary of the Company, Everest Re, has established a trust agreement, which effectively uses Everest Re’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to a non-affiliated ceding company.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2010, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $24.6 million.$26,046 thousand.

10.  SENIOR NOTES

Holdings has completed multiple public offerings.  The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding senior notes.  Market value is based on quoted market prices.
 
10.SENIOR NOTES
        September 30, 2010 December 31, 2009
        Consolidated Balance    Consolidated Balance   
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Date Due Principal Amounts Sheet Amount Market Value Sheet Amount Market Value
5.40% Senior notes10/12/2004 10/15/2014 $250,000  $249,801  $270,000  $249,769  $256,100 
8.75% Senior notes (matured and paid on March 15, 2010)03/14/2000 03/15/2010 $200,000  $-  $-  $199,970  $200,000 
 
On October 12, 2004, Holdings completed a public offering of $250.0 million principal amount of 5.40% senior notes due October 15, 2014.  On March 14, 2000, Holdings completed a public offering of $200.0 million principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due March 15, 2010.  On March 15, 2010, the $200.0 million principal amount of 8.75% senior notes matured, and was paid in cash.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes was $3.4 million and $7.8 millionis as follows for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $10.4 million and $15.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Market value, which is based on quoted market prices at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, was $256.6 million and $256.1 million, respectively, for the 5.40% senior notes and $200.0 million for the 8.75% senior notes at December 31, 2009.periods indicated:
 
11. LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Interest expense incurred $3,386  $7,798  $13,833  $23,391 
 
On April 26, 2007, Holdings completed a public offering of $400.0 million principal amount of 6.6%11.  LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes with a scheduled maturity date of May 15, 2037 and a final maturity date of May 1, 2067.  notes.  Market value is based on quoted market prices.
     Maturity Date September 30, 2010 December 31, 2009
   Original     Consolidated Balance    Consolidated Balance   
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Principal Amount Scheduled Final Sheet Amount Market Value Sheet Amount Market Value
6.6% Long term subordinated notes04/26/2007 $400,000 05/15/2037 05/01/2067 $238,350  $220,072  $238,348  $176,534 
During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest will be at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)LIBOR plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on Fe bruaryFebruary 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  Deferred interest will accumulate interest at the applicable rate compounded semi-annually for periods prior to May 15 , 2017, and compounded quarterly for periods from and including May 15, 2017.

Holdings can redeem the long term subordinated notes prior to May 15, 2017, in whole but not in part at the applicable redemption price, which will equal the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount being redeemed and (b) the present value of the principal payment on May 15, 2017 and scheduled payments of interest that would have accrued from the redemption date to May 15, 2017 on the long term subordinated notes being redeemed, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at a discount rate equal to the treasury rate plus an applicable spread of either 0.25% or 0.50%, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest.  Holdings may redeem the long term subordinated notes on or after May 15, 2017, in whole or in part at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest; however, redemption on or af ter the scheduled maturity date and prior to May 1, 2047 is subject to a replacement capital covenant.  This covenant is for the benefit of certain senior note holders and it mandates that Holdings receive proceeds from the sale of another subordinated debt issue, of at least similar size, before it may redeem the subordinated notes.

On March 19, 2009, Group announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.6%6.60% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes.  Upon expiration of the tender offer, the Company had reduced its outstanding debt by $161.4 million,$161,441 thousand, which resulted in a pre-tax gain on debt repurchase of $78.3 million.$78,271 thousand.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these long term subordinated notes was $3.9 millionis as follows for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, and $7.9 million and $10.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Market value, which is based on quoted market prices at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, was $206.4 million and $176.5 million on the outstanding 6.6% long term subordinated notes, respectively.periods indicated:
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Interest expense incurred $3,937  $3,937  $11,811  $14,385 
12. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES PAYABLE

12.JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES PAYABLE
On March 29, 2004, Holdings issued $329.9 million of 6.20%The following table displays Holdings’ outstanding junior subordinated debt securities due March 29, 2034, to Everest Re Capital Trust II (“Capital Trust II”).  , a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Holdings.  Fair value is primarily based on the quoted market price of the related trust preferred securities.
        September 30, 2010 December 31, 2009
        Consolidated Balance    Consolidated Balance   
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Date Due Amount Issued Sheet Amount Fair Value Sheet Amount Fair Value
6.20% Junior subordinated debt securities03/29/2004 03/29/2034 $329,897  $329,897  $319,913  $329,897  $272,553 
Holdings may redeem the junior subordinated debt securities before their maturity at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest as of the date of redemption.  The securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions at any time on or after March 30, 2009; or at any time, in whole, but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence and continuation of a determination that the Trust may become subject to tax or the Investment Company Act.

Fair value, which is primarily based on the quoted market price of the related trust preferred securities was $269.7 million and $272.6 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, for the 6.20% junior subordinated debt securities.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these junior subordinated notes was $5.1 milliondebt securities is as follows for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, and $10.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.periods indicated:
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Interest expense incurred $5,113  $5,113  $15,340  $15,340 

Capital Trust II is a wholly owned finance subsidiary
20


Holdings considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the trust preferred securities, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Holdings of Capital Trust II’s payment obligations with respect to thetheir trust preferred securities.

Capital Trust II will redeem all of the outstanding trust preferred securities when the junior subordinated debt securities are paid at maturity on March 29, 2034.  The Company may elect to redeem the junior subordinated debt securities, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 30, 2009.  If such an early redemption occurs, the outstanding trust preferred securities would also be proportionately redeemed.

There are certain regulatory and contractual restrictions on the ability of the Company’sHoldings’ operating subsidiaries to transfer funds to the CompanyHoldings in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.  The insurance laws of the State of Delaware, where the Company’sHoldings’ direct insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, require regulatory approval before those subsidiaries can pay dividends or make loans or advances to the CompanyHoldings that exceed certain statutory thresholds.  In addition, the terms of the Holdings Credit Facility (discussed in Note 8)10) require Everest Re, the Company’sHoldings’ principal insurance subsidiary, to maintain a certain statutory surplus level as measured at the end of each fiscal year.  At December 31, 2009, $2,352.0 million$2,351,990 thousand of the $3,271.1 million$3,271,079 thousand in net assets of the Company’ ;sHoldings’ consolidated subsidiariessub sidiaries were subject to the foregoing regulatory restrictions.

13.  SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in four segments:  U.S. Reinsurance, U.S. Insurance, Specialty Underwriting and International.  The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the U.S.  The U.S. Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance primarily through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S.  The Specialty Underwriting operation writes accident and health (“A&H”), marine, aviation and surety business within the U.S. and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies.  The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and offices in Miami and New Jersey.

These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations.  Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.  Underwriting results are measured using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.

The Company does not maintain separate balance sheet data for its operating segments.  Accordingly, the Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data.

The following tables present the underwriting results for the operating segments for the periods indicated:


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
U.S. Reinsurance June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $268,215  $266,151  $512,223  $530,482  $372,358  $345,567  $884,581  $876,049 
Net written premiums  150,462   156,751   278,924   296,183   205,125   191,666   484,049   487,849��
                                
Premiums earned $162,492  $180,697  $289,493  $327,030  $159,666  $162,037  $449,159  $489,067 
Incurred losses and LAE  84,346   85,963   174,454   176,104   84,320   56,158   258,774   232,262 
Commission and brokerage  35,854   37,209   63,072   69,128   25,070   21,397   88,142   90,525 
Other underwriting expenses  9,377   8,023   17,183   15,585   8,933   9,665   26,116   25,250 
Underwriting gain (loss) $32,915  $49,502  $34,784  $66,213  $41,343  $74,817  $76,127  $141,030 
 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
U.S. Insurance September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $211,632  $230,491  $644,810  $648,719 
Net written premiums  89,218   76,400   272,497   301,910 
                 
Premiums earned $103,971  $89,237  $291,324  $306,860 
Incurred losses and LAE  98,989   71,423   243,739   210,329 
Commission and brokerage  10,432   10,512   18,171   32,379 
Other underwriting expenses  19,479   19,982   52,335   56,415 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(24,929) $(12,680) $(22,921) $7,737 
 
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
U.S. Insurance June 30,  June 30, 
Specialty Underwriting September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $204,941  $213,511  $433,178  $418,228  $65,929  $67,615  $197,671  $183,726 
Net written premiums  80,812   104,358   183,279   225,510   35,130   38,259   110,192   102,990 
                                
Premiums earned $86,187  $105,651  $187,353  $217,623  $37,716  $39,182  $115,956  $108,513 
Incurred losses and LAE  71,800   57,762   144,750   138,906   25,226   25,197   87,199   73,740 
Commission and brokerage  6,098   9,849   7,739   21,867   7,664   10,510   25,171   29,435 
Other underwriting expenses  16,279   19,152   32,856   36,433   2,143   2,383   6,501   6,227 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(7,990) $18,888  $2,008  $20,417  $2,683  $1,092  $(2,915) $(889)
 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
International September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $323,741  $272,603  $906,089  $797,606 
Net written premiums  168,400   146,330   479,655   435,650 
                 
Premiums earned $163,949  $147,864  $465,721  $433,099 
Incurred losses and LAE  118,390   89,214   478,966   260,964 
Commission and brokerage  38,289   34,840   106,009   100,062 
Other underwriting expenses  6,675   6,159   20,363   16,463 
Underwriting gain (loss) $595  $17,651  $(139,617) $55,610 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Specialty Underwriting June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $65,855  $57,188  $131,742  $116,111 
Net written premiums  37,823   32,126   75,062   64,731 
                 
Premiums earned $39,342  $32,495  $78,240  $69,331 
Incurred losses and LAE  34,512   23,160   61,973   48,543 
Commission and brokerage  8,972   8,858   17,507   18,925 
Other underwriting expenses  2,407   1,999   4,358   3,844 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(6,549) $(1,522) $(5,598) $(1,981)

 
2122

 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
International June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Gross written premiums $306,998  $274,253  $582,348  $525,003 
Net written premiums  166,046   153,964   311,255   289,320 
                 
Premiums earned $154,703  $141,931  $301,772  $285,235 
Incurred losses and LAE  124,091   79,223   360,576   171,750 
Commission and brokerage  37,273   31,007   67,720   65,222 
Other underwriting expenses  7,308   5,684   13,688   10,304 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(13,969) $26,017  $(140,212) $37,959 


The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income (loss) before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:


  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Underwriting gain (loss) $19,692  $80,880  $(89,326) $203,488 
Net investment income  74,212   65,492   248,665   179,667 
Net realized capital gains (losses)  159,569   101,394   58,789   56,151 
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   -   -   78,271 
Corporate expense  (1,529)  (1,675)  (5,218)  (4,871)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  (12,817)  (17,073)  (41,879)  (53,779)
Other income (expense)  (3,617)  15,081   10,204   7,801 
Income (loss) before taxes $235,510  $244,099  $181,235  $466,728 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Underwriting gain (loss) $4,407  $92,885  $(109,018) $122,608 
Net investment income  89,346   74,516   174,453   114,175 
Net realized capital gains (losses)  (95,473)  22,941   (100,780)  (45,243)
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   -   -   78,271 
Corporate expense  (1,463)  (1,878)  (3,689)  (3,196)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  (12,722)  (17,073)  (29,062)  (36,706)
Other income (expense)  8,709   (7,166)  13,821   (7,280)
Income (loss) before taxes $(7,196) $164,225  $(54,275) $222,629 


The Company produces business in the U.S. and internationally.  The net income deriving from and assets residing in the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company’s financial records.  Based on gross written premium, other than the U.S., and Canada, no other country represented more than 5% of the Company’s revenues.

14.14.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Parent

On September 21, 2004, Parent

Group’s Board of Directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing Group and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 of Group’s common shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.  On July 21, 2008 and on February 24, 2010,The table below represents the Executive Committee of Group’s Board of Directors, approved amendments to the share repurchase an additional 5,000,000program for the common shares approved for each amendment, bringing the total amount of Group’s common shares authorized to be repurchased by Group and/or Holdings to 15,000,000.repurchase.

  Common Shares
Amendment Date Purchased
(Dollars in thousands)   
09/21/2004 $5,000,000 
07/21/2008  5,000,000 
02/24/2010  5,000,000 
  $15,000,000 
As of JuneSeptember 30, 2010, Holdings held 7,708,7078,702,826 common shares of Group, which it had purchased in the open market between February 1, 2007 and June 25, 2010, for aSeptember 27, 2010.  The table below represents the total purchase price of $665.3 million.  for these common shares purchased.

(Dollars in thousands)   
Total purchase price $746,046 
Holdings reports these purchases as other invested assets, fair value, in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value re-measurement recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  DividendsThe following table presents the dividends received on these common shares of $5.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, werethat are reported inas net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). for the period indicated.
(Dollars in thousands) At September 30, 2010
Dividends received $9,569 


 
2223


Outside Directors

During the normal course of business, the Company, through its affiliates, engages in insurance and brokerage and commission business transactions, with companies controlled by or affiliated with one or more of its outside directors.  Such transactions, individually and in the aggregate, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.

Affiliates

The Company engages in reinsurance transactions with Bermuda Re and Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”), affiliates, primarily driven by enterprise risk and capital management considerations under which business is ceded at market rates and terms.  These transactions include:

·  Effective September 19, 2000, Mt. McKinley and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement, whereby Mt. McKinley transferred all of its net insurance exposures and reserves to Bermuda Re.

·  Effective October 1, 2001, Everest Re and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio reinsurance agreement, whereby Everest Re transferred all of its Belgium branch net insurance exposures and reserves to Bermuda Re.
The table below represents affiliated quota share reinsurance agreements ("whole account quota share") for all new and renewal business for the indicated coverage period:
 
·  For premiums earned and losses incurred for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002, Everest Re, Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company entered into an Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement with Bermuda Re, covering workers’ compensation losses occurring on and after January 1, 2002, as respects new, renewal and in force policies effective on that date through December 31, 2002.  Bermuda Re is liable for any loss exceeding $100,000 per occurrence, with its liability not to exceed $150,000 per occurrence.
(Dollars in thousands)                 
    Percent  Assuming   Single Aggregate
Coverage Period Ceding Company Ceded  Company Type of Business Occurrence Limit Limit
                  
01/01/2002-12/31/2002 Everest Re  20.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business $-   $-  
                     
01/01/2003-12/31/2003 Everest Re  25.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2004-12/31/2005 Everest Re  22.5% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  -    -  
  Everest Re  2.5% Everest International property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2006-12/31/2006 Everest Re  18.0% Bermuda Re property business  125,000 (1)  -  
  
Everest Re
  2.0% Everest International property business  -     -  
                     
01/01/2006-12/31/2007 Everest Re  31.5% Bermuda Re casualty business  -    -  
  Everest Re  3.5% Everest International casualty business  -     -  
                     
01/01/2007-12/31/2007 Everest Re  22.5% Bermuda Re property business  130,000 (1)  -  
  Everest Re  2.5% Everest International property business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2008-12/31/2008 Everest Re  36.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  130,000 (1)  275,000 (2)
  Everest Re   4.0% Everest International property / casualty business   -     -  
                     
01/01/2009-12/31/2009 Everest Re  36.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000 (1)  325,000 (2)
  Everest Re   8.0% Everest International property / casualty business   -     -  
                     
01/01/2010 Everest Re  44.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000    325,000  
                     
01/01/2003-12/31/2006 Everest Re- Canadian Branch 50.0% Bermuda Re property business  -    -  
01/01/2007-12/31/2009 Everest Re- Canadian Branch 60.0% Bermuda Re property business  -    -  
01/01/2010 Everest Re- Canadian Branch 60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000    -  
                     
(1) The single occurance limit is applied before the loss cessions to either Bermuda Re or Everest International.
  
(2) The aggregate limit is applied before the loss cessions to either Bermuda Re or Everest International.
  

·  Effective January 1, 2002 for the 2002 underwriting year, Everest Re ceded 20.0% of its net retained liability to Bermuda Re through a quota share reinsurance agreement (“whole account quota share”). This agreement remained in effect through December 31, 2002.

·  Effective January 1, 2003, Everest Re and Bermuda Re amended the whole account quota share, through which Everest Re previously ceded 20.0% of its business to Bermuda Re so that effective January 1, 2003 Everest Re ceded 25.0% to Bermuda Re of the net retained liability on all new and renewal policies underwritten during the term of this agreement.  This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2003.

·  Effective January 1, 2003, Everest Re entered into a whole account quota share with Bermuda Re, whereby Everest Re’s Canadian branch ceded to Bermuda Re 50.0% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal property business.  This agreement remained in effect through December 31, 2006.

·  Effective January 1, 2004, Everest Re and Bermuda Re amended the whole account quota share through which Everest Re previously ceded 25.0% of its business to Bermuda Re so that effective January 1, 2004 Everest Re ceded 22.5% to Bermuda Re and 2.5% to Everest International of the net retained liability on all new and renewal covered business written during the term of this agreement.  This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2005.
23

·  Effective January 1, 2006, Everest Re, Bermuda Re and Everest International amended the whole account quota share so that for all new and renewal business recorded on or after January 1, 2006, Everest Re ceded 31.5% and 3.5% of its casualty business to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively, and Everest Re ceded 18.0% and 2.0% of its property business to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively. However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re and Everest International relating to any one occurrence on the property business exceed $125.0 million (20.0% of $625.0 million).  The property portion of this amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2006.  The casualty portion of this amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2007.

·  Effective January 1, 2007, Everest Re and Bermuda Re amended the whole account quota share so that for all new and renewal business recorded on or after January 1, 2007, Everest Re ceded 60.0% of its Canadian branch property business to Bermuda Re.  This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2009.

·  Effective January 1, 2007, Everest Re, Bermuda Re and Everest International amended the whole account quota share so that for all new and renewal property business recorded on or after January 1, 2007, Everest Re ceded 22.5% and 2.5% to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively.  However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re and Everest International relating to any one occurrence on the property business exceed $130.0 million.  This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2007.
·  Effective January 1, 2008, Everest Re, Bermuda Re and Everest International amended the whole account quota share whereby, for all new and renewal casualty and property business recorded on or after January 1, 2008, Everest Re ceded 36.0% and 4.0% to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively.  However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re and Everest International relating to any one catastrophe occurrence on the property business exceed $130.0 million or in the aggregate for each underwriting year for all property catastrophes exceed $275.0 million. This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2008.

·  Effective October 1, 2008, Everest Re and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement, whereby Everest Re transferred a percentage of its net loss reserves ($747.0 million) corresponding to all existing open and future liabilities at December 31, 2007, arising from policies, insurance or reinsurance written or renewed by or on behalf of Everest Re during the period of January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2007, classified by Everest Re as casualty.

·  Effective January 1, 2009, Everest Re, Bermuda Re and Everest International amended the whole account quota share whereby, for all new and renewal casualty and property business recorded on or after January 1, 2009, Everest Re ceded 36.0% and 8.0% to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively.  However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re and Everest International relating to any one occurrence exceed $150.0 million or in the aggregate for each underwriting year for all occurrences exceed $325.0 million.  This amendment remained in effect through December 31, 2009.

·  Effective January 1, 2010, Everest Re entered into a whole account quota share with Bermuda Re, whereby Everest Re’s Canadian branch cedes to Bermuda Re 60.0% of its net retained liability on all new and renewal property business recorded on or after January 1, 2010.  However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re relating to any one occurrence exceed $350.0 million (60% of $583.3 million).

·  Effective January 1, 2010, Everest Re entered into a whole account quota share with Bermuda Re, whereby for all new and renewal business recorded on or after January 1, 2010, Everest Re cedes 44.0% of its net retained liability to Bermuda Re.  However, in no event shall the loss cessions to Bermuda Re relating to any one occurrence exceed $150.0 million or in the aggregate for each underwriting year for all such occurrences exceed $325.0 million.
 
24

For premiums earned and losses incurred for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002, Everest Re, Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company entered into an Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement with Bermuda Re, covering workers’ compensation losses occurring on and after January 1, 2002, as respect to new, renewal and in force policies effective on that date through December 31, 2002.  The table below represents Bermuda Re's liability limits for any losses per one occurrence.
  Liability Limits 
(Dollars in thousands) Exceeding  Not to Exceed 
Losses per one occurrence $100,000  $150,000 
The table below represents loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreements whereby net insurance exposures and reserves were transferred to an affiliate.
(Dollars in thousands)         
          
Effective Transferring Assuming % of Business or  Covered Period
Date Company Company Amount of Transfer  of Transfer
          
09/19/2000 Mt. McKinley Bermuda Re  100% All years
10/01/2001 Everest Re  (Belgium Branch) Bermuda Re  100% All years
10/01/2008 Everest Re Bermuda Re $747,022  01/01/2002-12/31/2007
 
The following tables summarize the premiums and losses ceded by the Company to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively, for the periods indicated:


  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Bermuda Re September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Ceded written premiums $400,977  $323,098  $1,046,727  $879,163 
Ceded earned premiums  330,525   286,537   944,755   835,673 
Ceded losses and LAE (a)  211,862   196,630   694,938   529,229 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Bermuda Re June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Ceded written premiums $325,719  $271,299  $645,750  $556,065 
Ceded earned premiums  326,072   275,068   614,230   549,136 
Ceded losses and LAE (a)  194,630   191,732   483,076   332,599 



 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Everest International June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Ceded written premiums $20,629  $45,534  $48,941  $83,882  $(3,587) $68,937  $45,354  $152,819 
Ceded earned premiums  34,172   37,947   74,504   72,283   17,548   49,381   92,052   121,664 
Ceded losses and LAE  39,770   17,155   63,786   36,555   15,491   27,070   79,277   63,625 
 
(a) Ceded losses and LAE include the Mt. McKinley loss portfolio transfer that constitutes losses ceded under retroactive reinsurance and therefore, in accordance with FASB guidance, a deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance is reflected in other expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Everest Re sold net assets of its U.K. branch to Bermuda Re and provided Bermuda Re with a reserve indemnity agreement allowing for indemnity payments of up to 90% of ₤25.0 million of the excess of 2002 and prior reserves, provided that any recognition of profit from the reserves for 2002 and prior underwriting years is taken into account.  The limit available under this agreement was fully exhausted at December 31, 2004.

 
15.INCOME TAXES
25

 
15. INCOME TAXES

The Company uses a projected annual effective tax rate to calculate its quarterly tax expense in accordance with FASB guidance.  Under this methodology, when an interim quarter’s pre-tax income (loss) varies significantly from a full year’s income (loss) projection, the tax impact resulting from the income (loss) variance is effectively spread between the impacted quarter and the remaining quarters of the year, except for discreetdiscrete items impacting an individual quarter.

In 2007, the Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the Company’s consolidated U.S. tax returns for 2003 and 2004 and issued an examination report proposing various adjustments.  The Company recognizes accrued interestsubmitted a formal protest including requests for affirmative adjustments and has been participating in the appeals process.  This appeal process may result in recognition of the Company’s related to unrecognized tax benefits and penaltieswithin the next 12 months, which will positively affect the Company’s results of operations in income taxes.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company expensed approximately $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in interest and penalties.period of recognition.

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated known recognized and non-recognized subsequent events.  The Company does not have any subsequent events to report.


 
2526


Industry Conditions.
The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market.  As such, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, high rates and strong profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, low rates and constrained profitability.  Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written. Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to reinsurance and insurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.

We compete in the U.S. and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors.  Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies and domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’s.  Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships, which can be a significant competitive advantage.  In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and the potential for securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional source s of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

Starting in the latter part of 2007 and continuing into 2010 there has been a significant slowdown in the global economy, which has negatively impacted the financial resources of the industry.  Excessive availability and use of credit, particularly by individuals, led to increased defaults on sub-prime mortgages in the U.S. and elsewhere, falling values for houses and many commodities and contracting consumer spending.  The significant increase in default rates negatively impacted the value of asset-backed securities held by both foreign and domestic institutions.  The defaults have led to a corresponding increase in foreclosures, which have driven down housing values, resulting in additional losses on asset-backed securities.  During the third and fourth quarters of 2008, credit markets det eriorated dramatically, evidenced by widening credit spreads and dramatically reduced availability of credit.  Many financial institutions, including some insurance entities, experienced liquidity crises due to immediate demands for funds for withdrawals or collateral, combined with falling asset values and their inability to sell assets to meet the increased demands.  As a result, several financial institutions failed or were acquired at distressed prices, while others received loans from the U.S. government to continue operations.  The liquidity crisis significantly increased the spreads on fixed maturity securities and, at the same time, had a dramatic and negative impact on the stock markets around the world.  The combination of losses on securities from failed or impaired companies combined with the decline in values of fixed maturity and equity securities resulted in significant declines in the capital bases of most insurance and reinsurance companies. While ther e was significant improvement in the financial markets during 2009 and into 2010, concerns about interest rates, deflation and sovereign debt levels have hindered financial market recoveries.  It is too early to predict the timing and extent of the impact these financial market fluctuations will have on insurance and reinsurance market conditions.

Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive, particularly in the casualty lines of business.  Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand.  We noted, however, that in many markets and lines during 2009 and into 2010, the rates of decline have slowed, pricing in some segments was relatively flat and there was upward movement in some others, particularly property catastrophe coverage in Latin America and Australia where there have been significant losses.  Competition and its effect on rates, terms and conditions vary widely by market and coverage yet continues to be most prevalent in the U.S. casualty insurance and reinsurance markets. The U.S. insurance markets in which we participate were extremely competitive as well.



Rates in the international markets have generally been stable and we have seen some increases, particularly for catastrophe exposed business.  We have grown our business in the Middle East, Latin America and Asia.  We are expanding our international reach with our new office in Brazil to capitalize on the recently expanded opportunity for professional reinsurers in that market and on the economic growth expected for Brazil in the future.

Overall, we believe that current marketplace conditions offer pockets of profit opportunities for us given our strong ratings, distribution system, reputation and expertise.  We continue to employ our strategy of targeting business that offers the greatest profit potential, while maintaining balance and diversification in our overall portfolio.



Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results.  The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and stockholder’s equity for the periods indicated:


 Three Months Ended  Percentage  Six Months Ended  Percentage  Three Months Ended Percentage Nine Months Ended Percentage
 June 30,  Increase/  June 30,  Increase/  September 30, Increase/ September 30, Increase/
(Dollars in millions) 2010 2009 (Decrease)  2010 2009  (Decrease)  2010  2009  (Decrease) 2010  2009  (Decrease)
Gross written premiums $846.0  $811.1   4.3% $1,659.5  $1,589.8   4.4% $973.7  $916.3   6.3% $2,633.2  $2,506.1   5.1%
Net written premiums  435.1   447.2   -2.7%  848.5   875.7   -3.1%  497.9   452.7   10.0%  1,346.4   1,328.4   1.4%
                                                
REVENUES:                                                
Premiums earned $442.7  $460.8   -3.9% $856.9  $899.2   -4.7% $465.3  $438.3   6.2% $1,322.2  $1,337.5   -1.1%
Net investment income  89.3   74.5   19.9%  174.5   114.2   52.8%  74.2   65.5   13.3%  248.7   179.7   38.4%
Net realized capital gains (losses)  (95.5)  22.9  NM  (100.8)  (45.2)  122.8%  159.6   101.4   57.4%  58.8   56.2   4.7%
Realized gain on debt repurchase  -   -  NA  -   78.3  NA  -   -  NA  -   78.3  NA
Other income (expense)  8.7   (7.2)  -221.6%  13.8   (7.3) NM  (3.6)  15.1   -124.0%  10.2   7.8   30.8%
Total revenues  445.3   551.1   -19.2%  944.4   1,039.1   -9.1%  695.5   620.3   12.1%  1,639.8   1,659.4   -1.2%
                                                
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                                                
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  314.7   246.1   27.9%  741.8   535.3   38.6%  326.9   242.0   35.1%  1,068.7   777.3   37.5%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  88.2   86.9   1.5%  156.0   175.1   -10.9%  81.5   77.3   5.4%  237.5   252.4   -5.9%
Other underwriting expenses  35.4   34.9   1.5%  68.1   66.2   2.9%  37.2   38.2   -2.5%  105.3   104.4   0.9%
Corporate expense  1.5   1.9   -22.1%  3.7   3.2   15.4%  1.5   1.7   -8.7%  5.2   4.9   7.2%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  12.7   17.1   -25.5%  29.1   36.7   -20.8%  12.8   17.1   -24.9%  41.9   53.8   -22.1%
Total claims and expenses  452.5   386.8   17.0%  998.6   816.5   22.3%  460.0   376.3   22.3%  1,458.6   1,192.7   22.3%
                                                
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  (7.2)  164.2   -104.4%  (54.3)  222.6   -124.4%  235.5   244.1   -3.5%  181.2   466.7   -61.2%
Income tax (benefit) expense  (24.1)  35.7   -167.4%  (26.2)  48.5   -154.1%
Income tax expense (benefit)  66.9   80.0   -16.4%  40.6   128.4   -68.4%
NET INCOME (LOSS) $16.9  $128.5   -86.9% $(28.0) $174.2   -116.1% $168.7  $164.1   2.7% $140.6  $338.3   -58.4%
                                                
RATIOS:         Point Change          Point Change          Point Change         Point Change
Loss ratio  71.1%  53.4%  17.7   86.6%  59.5%  27.1   70.3%  55.2%  15.1   80.8%  58.1%  22.7 
Commission and brokerage ratio  19.9%  18.9%  1.0   18.2%  19.5%  (1.3)  17.5%  17.6%  (0.1)  18.0%  18.9%  (0.9)
Other underwriting expense ratio  8.0%  7.5%  0.5   7.9%  7.4%  0.5   8.0%  8.7%  (0.7)  8.0%  7.8%  0.2 
Combined ratio  99.0%  79.8%  19.2   112.7%  86.4%  26.3   95.8%  81.5%  14.3   106.8%  84.8%  22.0 
                                                
                                                
              At  At Percentage              At At Percentage
              June 30,  December 31, Increase/              September 30, December 31, Increase/
(Dollars in millions)              2010  2009 (Decrease)               2010   2009  (Decrease)
Balance sheet data:                                                
Total investments and cash             $8,103.2  $8,031.6   0.9%             $8,412.4  $8,031.6   4.7%
Total assets              13,678.0   13,379.6   2.2%              14,015.3   13,379.6   4.8%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves              7,583.5   7,300.1   3.9%              7,611.6   7,300.1   4.3%
Total debt              951.0   1,018.0   -6.6%              901.0   1,018.0   -11.5%
Total liabilities              10,807.8   10,520.8   2.7%              10,908.4   10,520.8   3.7%
Stockholder's equity              2,870.2   2,858.8   0.4%              3,106.9   2,858.8   8.7%
                                                
(NM, not meaningful)                        
(NA, not applicable)                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                
 
Revenues.
Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by $34.9$57.4 million, or 4.3%6.3%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, reflecting an increase of $43.5$76.2 million in our reinsurance business, partially offset by a decline of $8.6$18.9 million in our insurance business.  Gross written premiums increased by $69.7$127.1 million, or 4.4%5.1%, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, reflecting an increase of $54.7$131.0 million in our reinsurance business, and $15.0partially offset by a decline of $3.9 million in our insurance business.  The increase in reinsurance premiums waswere primarily the result of increased writings from Brazil, Asiain our treaty property and Canadian locations.international t reaty lines of business.  The increasedecrease in insurance premiums were primarily in t hethe result of loss of business on terminated programs, lower premiums on a few of the existing programs and lower audit premium accruals on the workers’ compensation Florida property and financial institution D&O and E&O linesline of business.


 
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Net written premiums decreasedincreased by $12.1$45.2 million, or 2.7%10.0%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, and by $27.2$18.0 million, or 3.1%1.4%, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The decreasefluctuations in net written premiums wasin comparison to the fluctuations in gross written premiums were primarily dueattributable to increased reinsurance onfluctuations in cessions under the newer insurance program business as well as increased cessions on an existing insurance program.affiliated quota share agreements.  Premiums earned decreased $18.1increased $27.0 million, or 3.9%6.2%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and decreased by $42.4$15.4 million, or 4.7%1.1%, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The change in net premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period, whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Net Investment Income.  Net investment income increased by 19.9%$8.7 million, or 13.3%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009, and by 52.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due toas a result of net investment gains from our limited partnerships that invest in public and non-public securities, both equity and debt.  Gains relatedof $1.1 million compared to these limited partnerships were $8.9 million and $2.0net investment losses of $4.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  Net investment income increased $69.0 million, or 38.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  Gains related to theseprimarily as a result of net investment gains from our limited partnerships were $18.3of $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared with net investment losses of $32.1$36.5 million for the comparable period in 2009.  Net pre-tax investment incom e,income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was at 4.5%3.7% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, compared to 4.0%3. 4% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and at 4.4%was 4.2% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to 3.0%3.1% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The variances in these yields were primarily due to the result of fluctuations in our limited partnership income.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).  Net realized capital lossesgains were $95.5$159.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 which consistedand were comprised of a $94.4$164.8 million loss in fair value re-measurements and $1.1 million of loss from sales on our available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities. Net realized capital gains were $22.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, which consisted of a $22.5 million gain in fair value re-measurements, $5.4 million of gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $4.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments on our available for sale fixed maturity securities.

Net realized capital losses were $100.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, which consisted of a $100.9 million loss in fair value re-measurements, which were partially offset by $0.1$3.2 million of net realized capital losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities and $2.0 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  Net realized capital gains were $101.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Of the $101.4 million, $96.0 million was from gains in fair value re-measurements and $5.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales on our available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities.

Net realized capital lossesgains were $45.2$58.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009,2010 and were comprised of $63.9 million from gains in fair value re-measurements, which consisted of $23.1were partially offset by $3.1 million of lossesnet realized capital loss from sales ofon our fixed maturity and equity securities $16.6and $2.0 million lossof other-than-temporary impairments.  Net realized capital gains were $56.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and were comprised of $79.3 million from gains in fair value re-measurements, which were partially offset by $17.7 million net realized capital losses from the sale on our fixed maturity and equity securities and $5.5 million loss inof other-than-temporary impairments on our available for sale fixed maturity securities.impairments.

Realized Gain on Debt Repurchase.  On March 19, 2009, we commenced a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.60% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes due 2067. Upon expiration of the tender offer, we had reduced our outstanding debt by $161.4 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain on debt repurchase of $78.3 million.

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other expense of $3.6 million and other income of $8.7 million and $13.8$10.2 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, respectively, andrespectively.  We recorded other expenseincome of $7.2$15.1 million and $7.3$7.8 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively.  The changes were primarily due to the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the deferralsamortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance agreements with affiliates for the corresponding periods.and fluctuations in currency exchange rates.


 
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Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and LAE.Loss Adjustment Expenses.  The following tables present our incurred losses and LAEloss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the periods indicated.


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                                          
Attritional (a) $265.5   60.0%  $9.7   2.2%  $275.2   62.2%  $297.6   64.0%  $(5.6)  -1.2%  $292.0   62.7% 
Catastrophes (b)  45.9   10.4%   (6.4)  -1.4%   39.5   8.9%   35.5   7.6%   (0.5)  -0.1%   35.0   7.5% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $311.4   70.3%  $3.3   0.8%  $314.7   71.1%  $333.1   71.6%  $(6.2)  -1.3%  $326.9   70.3% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional (a) $284.8   61.8%  $(37.0)  -8.0%  $247.8   53.8%  $246.7   56.3%  $(19.1)  -4.4%  $227.6   51.9% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (1.7)  -0.4%   (1.7)  -0.4%   11.2   2.6%   3.2   0.7%   14.4   3.3% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $284.8   61.8%  $(38.7)  -8.4%  $246.1   53.4%  $257.9   58.8%  $(15.9)  -3.6%  $242.0   55.2% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional (a) $(19.3)  (1.8)pts $46.7   10.2 pts $27.4   8.4 pts $50.9   7.7 pts $13.5   3.2 pts $64.4   10.8 pts
Catastrophes  45.9   10.4 pts  (4.7)  (1.0)pts  41.2   9.3 pts  24.3   5.0 pts  (3.7)  (0.8)pts  20.6   4.2 pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total $26.6   8.5 pts $42.0   9.2 pts $68.6   17.7 pts $75.2   12.8 pts $9.7   2.3 pts $84.9   15.1 pts



 Six Months Ended June 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                                          
Attritional (a) $533.8   62.3%  $0.4   0.1%  $534.2   62.3%  $831.4   62.9%  $(5.2)  -0.4%  $826.2   62.5% 
Catastrophes (b)  211.1   24.6%   (3.5)  -0.4%   207.5   24.2%   246.6   18.6%   (4.1)  -0.3%   242.5   18.3% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $744.9   86.9%  $(3.1)  -0.4%  $741.8   86.6%  $1,077.9   81.5%  $(9.3)  -0.7%  $1,068.7   80.8% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional (a) $542.3   60.3%  $(16.9)  -1.9%  $525.4   58.4%  $789.0   59.0%  $(36.0)  -2.7%  $753.0   56.3% 
Catastrophes  9.1   1.0%   0.9   0.1%   9.9   1.1%   20.3   1.5%   4.0   0.3%   24.3   1.8% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total $551.3   61.3%  $(16.0)  -1.8%  $535.3   59.5%  $809.3   60.5%  $(32.0)  -2.4%  $777.3   58.1% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional (a) $(8.5)  2.0 pts $17.3   2.0 pts $8.8   3.9 pts $42.4   3.9 pts $30.8   2.3 pts $73.2   6.2 pts
Catastrophes  202.0   23.6 pts  (4.4)  (0.5)pts  197.6   23.1 pts  226.3   17.1 pts  (8.1)  (0.6)pts  218.2   16.5 pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total $193.6   25.6 pts $12.9   1.4 pts $206.5   27.1 pts $268.6   21.0 pts $22.7   1.7 pts $291.4   22.7 pts
                                                      
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.                        (a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and A&E losses.               
(b) Effective with the June 30, 2010 reporting period, which includes June 30, 2010 year-to-date and the quarter results, a catastrophe is a property event with expected reported losses of
at least $10.0 million. All prior periods reflect a catastrophe as a property event with expected reported losses of at least $5.0 million.         
(b) Effective with 2010 reporting period, a catastrophe is a property event with expected reported losses of at least $10.0 million.(b) Effective with 2010 reporting period, a catastrophe is a property event with expected reported losses of at least $10.0 million.       
All prior periods reflect a catastrophe as a property event with expected reported losses of at least $5.0 million. All prior periods reflect a catastrophe as a property event with expected reported losses of at least $5.0 million.      
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)             

Incurred losses and LAE increased by $84.9 million, or 35.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Of the $84.9 million increase, current year attritional losses increased $50.9 million, or 7.7 points, primarily as the result of an increase in premiums earned and higher expected loss ratios.  The $24.3 million, or 5.0 points, increase in current year catastrophe losses was primarily due to the New Zealand earthquake and the Canadian hailstorm.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by $68.6$291.4 million, or 27.9%37.5%, for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  Of the $68.6$291.4 million increase, current year catastrophe losses increased $45.9$226.3 million, or 10.417.1 points, period over period, primarily due to the Chilean earthquake, partially offset byNew Zealand earthquake, Australian hailstorms and the takedown of Windstorm Xynthia as this catastrophe loss was less than we anticipated.  The $27.4 million increase in attritional losses was primarily the result of unfavorable loss development on prior years’ attritional loss reserves in 2010 as compared to favorable loss development on prior years’ attritional loss reserves in 2009.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by $206.5 million, or 38.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Of the $206.5 million increase, current year catastrophe losses increased $202.0 million, or 23.6 points, period over period, primarily due to the Chilean earthquake and Australian hailstorms.Canadian hailstorm.

 
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Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by $1.3$4.2 million, or 1.5%5.4%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees decreased by $19.1$14.9 million, or 10.9%5.9%, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009,2009.  These changes were primarily the result of lowerthe changes in premiums earned and the mix of business.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $35.4comparable, period over period, $37.2 million and $38.3 million incurred for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $34.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, and $68.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $66.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Other underwriting expense increases were relatively consistent across our reinsurance business, due to normal growth in expenses but decreased for our insurance business due to cost containment measures for the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009.2009, respectively, and $105.3 million and $104.4 million incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are expenses that are not allocated to segments, were comparable at $1.5 million and $1.9$1.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $3.7$5.2 million and $3.2$4.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  These expenses were previously included as underwriting expenses and therefore included in the other underwriting expense ratio.  Effective January 1, 2010, these expenses were removed from the calculation of the other underwriting expense ratio and prior periods were recalculated to conform.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $12.7$12.8 million and $17.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $29.1$41.9 million and $36.7$53.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  These decreases were primarily due to the combination of the repurchase of debt in the first quarter ofMarch 2009 and maturing of debt in 2010.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Expense..  We had income tax benefits of $24.1 million and $26.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  We had income tax expense of $35.7$66.9 million and $48.5$40.6 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, respectively, and income tax expense of $80.0 million and $128.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  The period over period variance was primarily due to lower pre-tax lossesincome in 2010 versus pre-tax income in 2009.  Our income tax is primarily a function of the statutory tax rate coupled with the impact from tax-preferenced investment income.

Net Income (Loss).
We reported net income of $16.9$168.7 million and a net loss of $28.0$140.6 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, respectively, compared to net income of $128.5$164.1 million and $174.2$338.3 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively.  This change wasThese changes were the result of the items discussed above.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio increased by 19.214.3 points to 99.0%95.8% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to 79.8%81.5% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  Our combined ratio2009, and increased by 26.322.0 points to 112.7%106.8% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to 86.4%84.8% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The loss ratio component increased 17.715.1 points and 27.122.7 points for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, respectively, over the same period last year, principally due to the 10.4 point and 23.6 point increase in current year catastrophe losses as a result of the Chilean earthquake, New Zealand earthquake, Australian hailstorms and Australian hailstorms. The commissionthe Canadian hailstorm and brokerage ratio component increased by 1.0 points and decreased by 1.3 points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, over the same period lastalso due to an increase in expected current year primarily as a resul t of the mix in business quarter over quarter and reinstatement premiums, which are fully earned, but have no commission expense, year over year, whileloss ratios.   Both the other underwriting expense ratio component wasand the commission and brokerage ratio c omponent remained relatively flat over the same periodperiods last year.

Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholder's equity increased by $11.5$248.2 million to $2,870.2$3,106.9 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2010 from $2,858.8 million at December 31, 2009, principally as a result of $34.5$140.6 million of net income, $89.1 million of unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, $3.0 million of share-based compensation transactions, $1.2$11.9 million of foreign currency translation adjustments, $5.3 million of share-based compensation transactions and $0.8$1.3 million of pension adjustments, partially offset by $28.0 million of net loss.adjustments.

 
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Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased 19.9%13.3% to $89.3$74.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $74.5$65.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, and increased 52.8%38.4% to $174.5$248.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $114.2$179.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The increase for the sixthree and nine months, period over period, was primarily due to an increase in recorded gains in 2010 as opposed to recordedand losses in 2009 from our limited partnership investments.  The losses infor the nine months of 2009 wereincluded the resultresults of 2008 fourth quarter losses from those limited partnerships that invested in non-public securities and were on a quarter reporting lag.

The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:
 
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Fixed maturities $75.8  $71.6  $149.4  $141.9  $69.9  $71.0  $219.3  $212.9 
Equity securities  2.6   0.7   5.0   1.4   2.5   0.8   7.5   2.2 
Short-term investments and cash
  0.1   0.8   0.2   3.1 
Short-term investments and cash  0.1   0.3   0.3   3.3 
Other invested assets                                
Limited partnerships  8.9   2.0   18.3   (32.1)  1.1   (4.4)  19.4   (36.5)
Other  4.5   2.3   6.3   5.0   4.2   0.7   10.5   5.7 
Total gross investment income  91.9   77.4   179.2   119.3   77.7   68.2   256.9   187.6 
Interest debited (credited) and other expense  (2.6)  (2.9)  (4.7)  (5.1)  (3.5)  (2.8)  (8.2)  (7.9)
Total net investment income $89.3  $74.5  $174.5  $114.2  $74.2  $65.5  $248.7  $179.7 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)               
 
The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:
 
At AtAt At
June 30, December 31,September 30, December 31,
2010 20092010 2009
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets
3.9% 3.7%3.8% 3.7%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets3.1% 3.1%3.1% 3.1%
 
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended
June 30, June 30,September 30, September 30,
2010 2009 2010 20092010 2009 2010 2009
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets4.5% 4.0% 4.4% 3.0%3.7% 3.4% 4.2% 3.1%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.6% 3.3% 3.6% 2.7%3.0% 2.9% 3.4% 2.7%

 
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Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital lossesgains (losses) for the periods indicated:


  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance 2010  2009  Variance
Gains (losses) from sales:                  
Fixed maturity securities, market value                  
Gains $0.2  $2.0  $(1.8) $7.2  $4.0  $3.2 
Losses  (4.8)  (6.1)  1.3   (11.0)  (36.6)  25.6 
Total  (4.6)  (4.1)  (0.5)  (3.8)  (32.6)  28.8 
                         
Fixed maturity securities, fair value                        
Gains  0.5   0.3   0.2   0.8   0.6   0.2 
Losses  -   (0.1)  0.1   -   (0.1)  0.1 
Total  0.5   0.2   0.3   0.8   0.4   0.3 
                         
Equity securities, market value                        
Gains  -   8.0   (8.0)  -   8.0   (8.0)
Losses  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total  -   8.0   (8.0)  -   8.0   (8.0)
                         
Equity securities, fair value                        
Gains  1.0   1.3   (0.3)  4.6   7.2   (2.6)
Losses  (0.1)  -   (0.1)  (4.7)  (0.7)  (4.0)
Total  1.0   1.3   (0.3)  -   6.5   (6.5)
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales                        
Gains  1.7   11.6   (9.9)  12.6   19.8   (7.2)
Losses  (4.9)  (6.3)  1.4   (15.7)  (37.5)  21.8 
Total  (3.2)  5.4   (8.6)  (3.1)  (17.7)  14.6 
                         
Other-than-temporary impairments:  (2.0)  -   (2.0)  (2.0)  (5.5)  3.5 
                         
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:                        
Fixed maturities, fair value  3.3   5.8   (2.5)  3.8   7.8   (4.0)
Equity securities, fair value  34.9   23.1   11.8   18.1   23.4   (5.3)
Other invested assets, fair value  126.6   67.1   59.5   42.0   48.1   (6.1)
Total  164.8   96.0   68.8   63.9   79.3   (15.4)
                         
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $159.6  $101.4  $58.2  $58.8  $56.2  $2.6 
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance  2010  2009  Variance 
Gains (losses) from sales:                  
Fixed maturity securities, market value                  
Gains $5.4  $0.5  $4.9  $7.0  $2.0  5.0 
Losses  (3.7)  (0.9)  (2.8)  (6.2)  (30.5)  24.3 
Total  1.6   (0.4)  2.0   0.8   (28.5)  29.3 
                         
Fixed maturity securities, fair value                        
Gains  0.2   0.1   0.1   0.3   0.3   - 
Losses  -   -   -   -   (0.1)  0.1 
Total  0.2   0.1   0.1   0.3   0.2   0.1 
                         
Equity securities, fair value                        
Gains  1.2   5.7   (4.5)  3.6   5.9   (2.3)
Losses  (4.1)  -   (4.1)  (4.6)  (0.7)  (3.9)
Total  (2.9)  5.7   (8.6)  (1.0)  5.2   (6.2)
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales                        
Gains  6.8   6.3   0.5   10.9   8.2   2.7 
Losses  (7.8)  (0.9)  (6.9)  (10.8)  (31.3)  20.5 
Total  (1.1)  5.4   (6.5)  0.1   (23.1)  23.2 
                         
Other-than-temporary impairments:  -   (4.9)  4.9   -   (5.5)  5.5 
                         
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:                        
Fixed maturities, fair value  (2.5)  2.0   (4.5)  0.5   2.0   (1.5)
Equity securities, fair value  (30.0)  17.3   (47.3)  (16.8)  0.4   (17.2)
Other invested assets, fair value  (61.9)  3.2   (65.1)  (84.6)  (19.0)  (65.6)
Total  (94.4)  22.5   (116.9)  (100.9)  (16.7)  (84.3)
                         
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $(95.5) $22.9  $(118.4) $(100.8) $(45.2) $(55.6)
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Net realized capital lossesgains were $95.5$159.6 million and net realized capital gains were $22.9$101.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We recorded $94.4$164.8 million of losses and $22.5$96.0 million of gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and other invested assets, and $1.1$3.2 million of net realized capital losses and $5.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities and $2.0 million and $0.0 million of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In addition, we did not record any other-than-temporary impairments forThe gains from other invested assets at fair value represent the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $4.9 million recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2009.movement in market value from our investment in our parent’s common equity.

Net realized capital lossesgains were $100.8$58.8 million and $45.2$56.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We recorded $100.9$63.9 million and $16.7$79.3 million of lossesgains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and other invested assets, and $0.1$3.1 million of net realized capital gains and $23.1$17.7 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In addition, we did not record any other-than-temporary impairments for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $5.5$2.0 million recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2009.and


 
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$5.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Segment Results.
Through our subsidiaries, we operate in four segments: U.S. Reinsurance, U.S. Insurance, Specialty Underwriting and International.  The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the U.S.  The U.S. Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance primarily through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S.  The Specialty Underwriting operation writes accident and health (“A&H”), marine, aviation and surety business within the U.S. and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies.  The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s br anches in Canada and Singapore and offices in Miami and New Jersey.

These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations.  Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.  We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.

Our loss and LAE reserves are our best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims.  We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including all prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, recently reported loss claim experience and trends related to prior periods.  Such re-evaluations are recorded in incurred losses in the period in which the re-evaluation is made.

 
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The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated:

U.S. Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.

 Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30,  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010  2009  Variance % Change 2010  2009  Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $268.2  $266.2  $2.1   0.8% $512.2  $530.5  $(18.3)  -3.4% $372.4  $345.6  $26.8   7.8% $884.6  $876.0  $8.5   1.0%
Net written premiums  150.5   156.8   (6.3)  -4.0%  278.9   296.2   (17.3)  -5.8%  205.1   191.7   13.5   7.0%  484.0   487.8   (3.8)  -0.8%
                                                                
Premiums earned $162.5  $180.7  $(18.2)  -10.1% $289.5  $327.0  $(37.5)  -11.5% $159.7  $162.0  $(2.4)  -1.5% $449.2  $489.1  $(39.9)  -8.2%
Incurred losses and LAE  84.3   86.0   (1.6)  -1.9%  174.5   176.1   (1.7)  -0.9%  84.3   56.2   28.2   50.1%  258.8   232.3   26.5   11.4%
Commission and brokerage  35.9   37.2   (1.4)  -3.6%  63.1   69.1   (6.1)  -8.8%  25.1   21.4   3.7   17.2%  88.1   90.5   (2.4)  -2.6%
Other underwriting expenses  9.4   8.0   1.4   16.9%  17.2   15.6   1.6   10.3%  8.9   9.7   (0.7)  -7.6%  26.1   25.3   0.9   3.4%
Underwriting gain (loss) $32.9  $49.5  $(16.6)  -33.5% $34.8  $66.2  $(31.4)  -47.5% $41.3  $74.8  $(33.5)  -44.7% $76.1  $141.0  $(64.9)  -46.0%
                                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg             Point Chg
Loss ratio  51.9%  47.6%      4.3   60.3%  53.8%      6.5   52.8%  34.7%      18.1   57.6%  47.5%      10.1 
Commission and brokerage ratio  22.1%  20.6%      1.5   21.8%  21.1%      0.7   15.7%  13.2%      2.5   19.6%  18.5%      1.1 
Other underwriting expense ratio  5.7%  4.4%      1.3   5.9%  4.9%      1.0   5.6%  5.9%      (0.3)  5.9%  5.2%      0.7 
Combined ratio  79.7%  72.6%      7.1   88.0%  79.8%      8.2   74.1%  53.8%      20.3   83.1%  71.2%      11.9 
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                            (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                     
 
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 0.8%7.8% to $268.2$372.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 from $266.2$345.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, primarily due to an $11.3a $37.0 million (14.1%) increase in U.S. treaty casualty volume and an $8.4 million (6.3%(18.2%) increase in treaty property volume, partially offset by a $13.9$5.3 million (57.1%(19.6%) decrease in the crop hail quota share treaties, $4.2 million (4.5%) decrease in U.S. treaty casualty volume and a $3.5$0.7 million (12.2%(3.1%) decrease in facultative volume. Net written premiums decreasedincreased by 4.0%7.0% to $150.5$205.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $156.8$191.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, primarily due to a 7.6%the increase in cessions.  gross written premiums.  0;Premiums earned decr easeddecreased by 10.1%1.5% to $162.5$159.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $180.7$162.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing on proportional contracts where premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded on the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums decreasedincreased by 3.4%1.0% to $512.2$884.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 from $530.5$876.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, primarily due to a $19.2$64.0 million (46.0%(13.5%) increase in treaty property volume, partially offset by a $24.4 million (35.7%) decrease in the crop hail quota share treaties, a $16.9$17.6 million (33.9%(24.6%) decrease in facultative volume and a $9.0$13.3 million (5.4%(5.1%) decrease in U.S. treaty casualty volume, partially offset by a $27.0 million (10.0%) increase in treaty property volume. Net written premiums decreased slightly by 5.8%0.8% to $278.9$484.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $296.2$487.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, primarily due to the decrease in gross written premiums.2009.  Premiums earned decreased by 11.5%8.2% to $289.5$449.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $327.0$489.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 .  Variances2009.   ;Variances for net written premiums and premiums earned for the sixnine months were driven by similar factors as those discussed above for the three months.

 
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt ChangeIncurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                                          
Attritional $79.0   48.6%  $9.7   6.0%  $88.7   54.6%  $88.9   55.6%  $(1.5)  -0.9%  $87.4   54.7% 
Catastrophes  (2.8)  -1.7%   (1.6)  -1.0%   (4.4)  -2.7%   (2.7)  -1.7%   (0.3)  -0.2%   (3.1)  -1.9% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $76.2   46.9%  $8.1   5.0%  $84.3   51.9%  $86.1   53.9%  $(1.8)  -1.1%  $84.3   52.8% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional $104.0   57.6%  $(16.2)  -8.9%  $87.8   48.6%  $72.7   44.9%  $(18.4)  -11.4%  $54.3   33.5% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (1.9)  -1.0%   (1.9)  -1.0%   -   0.0%   1.8   1.1%   1.8   1.1% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $104.0   57.6%  $(18.0)  -10.0%  $86.0   47.6%  $72.7   44.9%  $(16.6)  -10.2%  $56.2   34.7% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional $(25.0)  (9.0)pts $25.9   14.9 pts $0.9   6.0 pts $16.2   10.7 pts $16.9   10.5 pts $33.1   21.2 pts
Catastrophes  (2.8)  (1.7)pts  0.3   - pts  (2.5)  (1.7)pts  (2.7)  (1.7)pts  (2.1)  (1.3)pts  (4.9)  (3.0)pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $(27.8)  (10.7)pts $26.1   15.0 pts $(1.7)  4.3 pts $13.4   9.0 pts $14.8   9.1 pts $28.1   18.1 pts
 

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $244.0   54.3%  $4.0   0.9%  $248.1   55.2% 
Catastrophes  10.1   2.3%   0.6   0.1%   10.7   2.4% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $254.2   56.6%  $4.6   1.0%  $258.8   57.6% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $250.2   51.2%  $(18.1)  -3.7%  $232.1   47.5% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   0.1   0.0%   0.1   0.0% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $250.2   51.2%  $(18.0)  -3.7%  $232.3   47.5% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $(6.2)  3.1 pts $22.1   4.6 pts $16.0   7.7 pts
Catastrophes  10.1   2.3 pts  0.5   0.1 pts  10.6   2.4 pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $4.0   5.4 pts $22.6   4.7 pts $26.5   10.1 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $155.2   53.6%  $5.5   1.9%  $160.7   55.5% 
Catastrophes  12.9   4.4%   0.9   0.3%   13.8   4.8% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $168.1   58.1%  $6.4   2.2%  $174.5   60.3% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $177.5   54.3%  $0.3   0.1%  $177.8   54.4% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (1.7)  -0.5%   (1.7)  -0.5% 
A&E  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $177.5   54.3%  $(1.4)  -0.4%  $176.1   53.8% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $(22.3)  (0.7)pts $5.2   1.8 pts $(17.1)  1.1 pts
Catastrophes  12.9   4.4 pts  2.6   0.8 pts  15.5   5.3 pts
A&E  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $(9.4)  3.8 pts $7.8   2.6 pts $(1.6)  6.5 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses were $1.7$28.1 million (4.3(18.1 points) lowerhigher at $84.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $86.0$56.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, primarily as a result of an upward adjustment in the second quarter of 2009 to the Crop Hail current year expected loss ratio and a $2.8 million decrease in current year catastrophe losses from the reversal of the first quarter estimate of Windstorm Xynthia, partially offset by unfavorable development in prior years’ losses in 2010 compared to favorable development in 2009.

Incurred losses were $1.6 million (6.5 points) lower at $174.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $176.1 million for the six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, primarily as a result of the $22.3$33.1 million decreaseincrease in attritional losses due to the increase in current year attritional losses, principally the Crop Hailtreaty property expected loss ratios and a $16.9 million increase in prior years reserve development primarily on treaty casualty business due to more favorable development in 2009, partially offset by a $15.5$4.9 million (5.3combined decrease in both current year and prior years’ catastrophe losses.

Incurred losses were $26.5 million (10.1 points) higher at $258.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $232.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily as a result of the $22.1 million (4.6 points) increase in prior years’ attritional losses, principally due to less favorable development on treaty casualty’s prior years’ losses, and a $10.6 million (2.4 points) increase in catastrophe losses, primarily due to the New Zealand earthquake and Chilean earthquake.


 
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Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 3.6%increased 17.2% to $35.9$25.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $37.2$21.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 8.8%2.6% to $63.1$88.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $69.1$90.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. These variances wereThe increase for the quarter was primarily due to the changesan increase in premiums earnedcommission on a large treaty property transaction and the mix ofan increase in contingent commissions on treaty casualty business.

Segment other underwriting expenses were $9.4for the three months ended September 30, 2010 decreased slightly to $8.9 million and $8.0from $9.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 20102009 and 2009, respectively.  Segmentsegment other underwriting expenses were $17.2for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased slightly to $26.1 million and $15.6from $25.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  These increases were due to normal growth in overall operating expenses.2009.

U.S. Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Insurance segment for the periods indicated.


  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance % Change 2010  2009  Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $211.6  $230.5  $(18.9)  -8.2% $644.8  $648.7  $(3.9)  -0.6%
Net written premiums  89.2   76.4   12.8   16.8%  272.5   301.9   (29.4)  -9.7%
                                 
Premiums earned $104.0  $89.2  $14.7   16.5% $291.3  $306.9  $(15.5)  -5.1%
Incurred losses and LAE  99.0   71.4   27.6   38.6%  243.7   210.3   33.4   15.9%
Commission and brokerage  10.4   10.5   (0.1)  -0.8%  18.2   32.4   (14.2)  -43.9%
Other underwriting expenses  19.5   20.0   (0.5)  -2.5%  52.3   56.4   (4.1)  -7.2%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(24.9) $(12.7) $(12.2)  96.6% $(22.9) $7.7  $(30.7) NM
                                 
              Point Chg             Point Chg
Loss ratio  95.2%  80.0%      15.2   83.7%  68.5%      15.2 
Commission and brokerage ratio  10.0%  11.8%      (1.8)  6.2%  10.6%      (4.4)
Other underwriting expense ratio  18.8%  22.4%      (3.6)  18.0%  18.4%      (0.4)
Combined ratio  124.0%  114.2%      9.8   107.9%  97.5%      10.4 
                                 
(NM, not meaningful)                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                     
  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010 2009 Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $204.9  $213.5  $(8.6)  -4.0% $433.2  $418.2  $15.0   3.6%
Net written premiums  80.8   104.4   (23.5)  -22.6%  183.3   225.5   (42.2)  -18.7%
                                 
Premiums earned $86.2  $105.7  $(19.5)  -18.4% $187.4  $217.6  $(30.3)  -13.9%
Incurred losses and LAE  71.8   57.8   14.0   24.3%  144.8   138.9   5.8   4.2%
Commission and brokerage  6.1   9.8   (3.8)  -38.1%  7.7   21.9   (14.1)  -64.6%
Other underwriting expenses  16.3   19.2   (2.9)  -15.0%  32.9   36.4   (3.6)  -9.8%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(8.0) $18.9  $(26.9)  -142.3% $2.0  $20.4  $(18.4)  -90.2%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  83.3%  54.7%      28.6   77.3%  63.8%      13.5 
Commission and brokerage ratio  7.1%  9.3%      (2.2)  4.1%  10.0%      (5.9)
Other underwriting expense ratio  18.9%  18.1%      0.8   17.5%  16.8%      0.7 
Combined ratio  109.3%  82.1%      27.2   98.9%  90.6%      8.3 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                          


Premiums. Gross written premiums decreased by 4.0%8.2% to $204.9$211.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $213.5$230.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, as we continue to adjust our book of business in response to achieve an appropriate underwriting margin.changing market conditions.  Net written premiums decreased by 22.6%were higher in 2010 primarily due to $80.8higher cessions under the affiliated quota share during the third quarter of 2009.  Premiums earned increased 16.5% to $104.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $104.4$89.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, generally in line with the increase in net written premiums.

Gross written premiums decreased by 0.6% to $644.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $648.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Net written premiums decreased by a larger percentage than the decline in gross written premiums due to increased cessions on certain programs.  Premiums earned decreased 5.1% to $291.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $306.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 due to the lower net written premiums.

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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
  Three Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $89.2   85.8%  $9.8   9.4%  $99.0   95.2% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $89.2   85.8%  $9.8   9.4%  $99.0   95.2% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $71.4   80.0%  $0.1   0.1%  $71.4   80.0% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $71.4   80.0%  $0.1   0.1%  $71.4   80.0% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $17.8   5.8 pts $9.7   9.3 pts $27.6   15.2 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $17.8   5.8 pts $9.7   9.3 pts $27.6   15.2 pts
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $234.0   80.4%  $9.7   3.3%  $243.7   83.7% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $234.0   80.4%  $9.7   3.3%  $243.7   83.7% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $226.8   73.9%  $(16.4)  -5.4%  $210.3   68.5% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $226.8   73.9%  $(16.4)  -5.4%  $210.3   68.5% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $7.2   6.5 pts $26.1   8.7 pts $33.4   15.2 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $7.2   6.5 pts $26.1   8.7 pts $33.4   15.2 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)               
Incurred losses and LAE increased reinsurance ceded on certain programs.  Ceded premiums generally relateby 38.6% to the affiliated quota share agreement and third party specific reinsurance purchased for individual reinsured programs.  Premiums earned decreased 18.4% to $86.2$99.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $105.7$71.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The increase was due to higher current year attritional reserves, resulting primarily from the increase in premiums earned and the $9.7 million increase in prior years’ reserves.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 15.9% to $243.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $210.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The increase was primarily due to the $26.1 million increase in prior years’ attritional losses, primarily due to favorable development in 2009 of prior years’ attritional reserves, specifically net casualty losses.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 0.8% to $10.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 43.9% to $18.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $32.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. These decreases are primarily due to the changes in net premiums earned in conjunction with the impact of variations in reinsurance ceded, particularly under the affiliated quota share.

39


Segment other underwriting expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2010 decreased to $19.5 million from $20.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Segment other underwriting expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased to $52.3 million from $56.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These decreases were the result of management’s direct actions to reduce expenses.

Specialty Underwriting.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Specialty Underwriting segment for the periods indicated.
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance % Change 2010  2009  Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $65.9  $67.6  $(1.7)  -2.5% $197.7  $183.7  $13.9   7.6%
Net written premiums  35.1   38.3   (3.1)  -8.2%  110.2   103.0   7.2   7.0%
                                 
Premiums earned $37.7  $39.2  $(1.5)  -3.7% $116.0  $108.5  $7.4   6.9%
Incurred losses and LAE  25.2   25.2   -   0.1%  87.2   73.7   13.5   18.3%
Commission and brokerage  7.7   10.5   (2.8)  -27.1%  25.2   29.4   (4.3)  -14.5%
Other underwriting expenses  2.1   2.4   (0.2)  -10.1%  6.5   6.2   0.3   4.4%
Underwriting gain (loss) $2.7  $1.1  $1.6   145.7% $(2.9) $(0.9) $(2.0)  227.9%
                                 
              Point Chg             Point Chg
Loss ratio  66.9%  64.3%      2.6   75.2%  68.0%      7.2 
Commission and brokerage ratio  20.3%  26.8%      (6.5)  21.7%  27.1%      (5.4)
Other underwriting expense ratio  5.7%  6.1%      (0.4)  5.6%  5.7%      (0.1)
Combined ratio  92.9%  97.2%      (4.3)  102.5%  100.8%      1.7 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                     
Premiums. Gross written premiums decreased by 2.5% to $65.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $67.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to a $6.5 million and $5.8 million decrease in marine and aviation business, respectively, partially offset by a $10.2 million increase in A&H business, attributable to travel reinsurance and medical stop loss business.  Net written premiums decreased by 8.2% to $35.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $38.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily as a result of the decrease in gross written premiums combined with changes in amounts ceded un der the affiliated quota share.  Premiums earned decreased 3.7% to $37.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $39.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 3.6%7.6% to $433.2$197.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $418.2$183.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. Growth was derived from our direct specialty lines2009, primarily due to an increase in A&H business, attributable to travel reinsurance and increased rates on the workers’ compensation business.  Netmedical stop loss business of $29.0 million, partially offset by a net decrease in marine and aviation business of $14.2 million.  Correspondingly, net written premiums decreased by 18.7%increased 7.0% to $183.3$110.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $225.5$103.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, once again due to increased reinsurance ceded on certain programs.2009.  Premiums earned decreased 13.9%increased 6.9% to $187.4$116.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $217.6$108.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, due to timing as explained above.relatively consistent with the increase in net written premiums.

 
3740


Incurred Losses and LAE.  The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. InsuranceSpecialty Underwriting segment for the periods indicated.


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                                          
Attritional $70.6   81.9%  $1.2   1.4%  $71.8   83.3%  $25.1   66.7%  $(0.4)  -1.0%  $24.8   65.6% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   0.5   1.2%   0.5   1.2% 
Total segment $70.6   81.9%  $1.2   1.4%  $71.8   83.3%  $25.1   66.7%  $0.1   0.2%  $25.2   66.9% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional $75.4   71.3%  $(17.6)  -16.7%  $57.8   54.7%  $26.2   66.8%  $(0.2)  -0.4%  $26.0   66.4% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   (0.8)  -2.1%   (0.8)  -2.1% 
Total segment $75.4   71.3%  $(17.6)  -16.7%  $57.8   54.7%  $26.2   66.8%  $(1.0)  -2.5%  $25.2   64.3% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional $(4.8)  10.6 pts $18.8   18.1 pts $14.0   28.6 pts $(1.1)  (0.1)pts $(0.2)  (0.6)pts $(1.2)  (0.8)pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts  1.3   3.3 pts  1.3   3.3 pts
Total segment $(4.8)  10.6 pts $18.8   18.1 pts $14.0   28.6 pts $(1.1)  (0.1)pts $1.1   2.7 pts $-   2.6 pts
 

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $83.9   72.3%  $0.1   0.1%  $84.0   72.4% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   3.2   2.8%   3.2   2.8% 
Total segment $83.9   72.3%  $3.3   2.8%  $87.2   75.2% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $77.0   70.9%  $(6.0)  -5.5%  $71.0   65.4% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   2.8   2.6%   2.8   2.6% 
Total segment $77.0   70.9%  $(3.2)  -3.0%  $73.7   68.0% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $6.9   1.4 pts $6.1   5.6 pts $13.0   7.0 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  0.4   0.2 pts  0.4   0.2 pts
Total segment $6.9   1.4 pts $6.5   5.8 pts $13.5   7.2 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                 
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $144.8   77.3%  $-   0.0%  $144.8   77.3% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $144.8   77.3%  $-   0.0%  $144.8   77.3% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $155.4   71.4%  $(16.5)  -7.6%  $138.9   63.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $155.4   71.4%  $(16.5)  -7.6%  $138.9   63.8% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $(10.6)  5.9 pts $16.5   7.6 pts $5.9   13.5 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $(10.6)  5.9 pts $16.5   7.6 pts $5.9   13.5 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses and LAE remained flat at $25.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.  Incurred losses and LAE increased by 24.3%18.3% to $71.8$87.2 million for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $57.8$73.7 million for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The increase, period over period, was primarily due to favorable development in 2009 of prior years’ attritional reserves, specifically net casualty losses.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 4.2% to $144.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $138.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  TheThis increase was driven by a $13.0 million (7.0 points) increase in attritional losses, primarily due to similar factors as discussed above forfrom the three months.A&H business and from losses on the offshore oil rig in the Gulf.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 38.1%27.1% to $6.1$7.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $9.8$10.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 64.6%14.5% to $7.7$25.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $21.9$29.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. These decreases were primarilydue to the resultchanges in the mix in business and lower contingent commissions on the surety book of a decline in net premiums earned in conjunction with additional reinsurance cessions.business.

Segment other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2010 decreased to $16.3 million from $19.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Segment other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased to $32.9 million from $36.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  These decreases were the result of management’s direct actions to reduce expenses.

 
3841

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased slightly to $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Specialty Underwriting.International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Specialty UnderwritingInternational segment for the periods indicated.


  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2010  2009  Variance % Change 2010  2009  Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $323.7  $272.6  $51.1   18.8% $906.1  $797.6  $108.5   13.6%
Net written premiums  168.4   146.3   22.1   15.1%  479.7   435.7   44.0   10.1%
                                 
Premiums earned $163.9  $147.9  $16.1   10.9% $465.7  $433.1  $32.6   7.5%
Incurred losses and LAE  118.4   89.2   29.2   32.7%  479.0   261.0   218.0   83.5%
Commission and brokerage  38.3   34.8   3.4   9.9%  106.0   100.1   5.9   5.9%
Other underwriting expenses  6.7   6.2   0.5   8.4%  20.4   16.5   3.9   23.7%
Underwriting gain (loss) $0.6  $17.7  $(17.1)  -96.6% $(139.6) $55.6  $(195.2) NM
                                 
              Point Chg             Point Chg
Loss ratio  72.2%  60.3%      11.9   102.8%  60.3%      42.5 
Commission and brokerage ratio  23.4%  23.6%      (0.2)  22.8%  23.1%      (0.3)
Other underwriting expense ratio  4.0%  4.2%      (0.2)  4.4%  3.8%      0.6 
Combined ratio  99.6%  88.1%      11.5   130.0%  87.2%      42.8 
                                 
(NM, not meaningful)                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                       
  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010 2009 Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $65.9  $57.2  $8.7   15.2% $131.7  $116.1  $15.6   13.5%
Net written premiums  37.8   32.1   5.7   17.7%  75.1   64.7   10.3   16.0%
                                 
Premiums earned $39.3  $32.5  $6.8   21.1% $78.2  $69.3  $8.9   12.8%
Incurred losses and LAE  34.5   23.2   11.4   49.0%  62.0   48.5   13.4   27.7%
Commission and brokerage  9.0   8.9   0.1   1.3%  17.5   18.9   (1.4)  -7.5%
Other underwriting expenses  2.4   2.0   0.4   20.4%  4.4   3.8   0.5   13.4%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(6.5) $(1.5) $(5.0) NM $(5.6) $(2.0) $(3.6)  182.6%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  87.7%  71.3%      16.4   79.2%  70.0%      9.2 
Commission and brokerage ratio  22.8%  27.3%      (4.5)  22.4%  27.3%      (4.9)
Other underwriting expense ratio  6.1%  6.1%      -   5.6%  5.6%      - 
Combined ratio  116.6%  104.7%      11.9   107.2%  102.9%      4.3 
                                 
(NM, not meaningful)                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                          


Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 15.2%18.8% to $65.9$323.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $57.2$272.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  This was driven by2009, due to continued strong growth in our A&H business, both the travel accident business as well as several new self-funded medical accounts, partially offset byBrazil, Miami and New Jersey offices, a decrease in marine business.$42.9 million increase; Canada, a $5.5 million increase; and Asia, a $2.8 million increase.  Net written premiums increased by 17.7%15.1% to $37.8$168.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $32.1$146.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, primarilyprincipally as a result of the increase in gross written premiums combined with the change in business mix.premiums.  Premiums earned increased 21.1%by 10.9% to $3 9.3$163.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $32.5$147.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 13.5%13.6% to $131.7$906.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $116.1$797.6 million for the sixnine months ended June 30, 2009.  Net written premiums increased 16.0% to $75.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $64.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Premiums earned increased 12.8% to $78.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $69.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Variances for the six months were driven by similar factors as those discussed above for the three months.


39


Incurred Losses and LAE.  The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the Specialty Underwriting segment for the periods indicated.


  Three Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $32.2   81.9%  $0.7   1.9%  $33.0   83.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   1.6   4.0%   1.6   4.0% 
Total segment $32.2   81.9%  $2.3   5.8%  $34.5   87.7% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $28.2   86.8%  $(6.7)  -20.7%  $21.5   66.1% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   1.7   5.2%   1.7   5.2% 
Total segment $28.2   86.7%  $(5.0)  -15.5%  $23.2   71.3% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $4.0   (4.9)pts $7.4   22.6 pts $11.5   17.7 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  (0.1)  (1.2)pts  (0.1)  (1.2)pts
Total segment $4.0   (4.9)pts $7.3   21.3 pts $11.3   16.4 pts



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                     
Attritional $58.8   75.1%  $0.5   0.6%  $59.2   75.7% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   2.7   3.5%   2.7   3.5% 
Total segment $58.8   75.1%  $3.2   4.1%  $62.0   79.2% 
                            
2009                           
Attritional $50.8   73.3%  $(5.8)  -8.4%  $44.9   64.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   3.6   5.2%   3.6   5.2% 
Total segment $50.8   73.3%  $(2.2)  -3.2%  $48.5   70.0% 
                            
Variance 2010/2009                           
Attritional $8.0   1.8 pts $6.3   9.0 pts $14.3   10.9 pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  (0.9)  (1.7)pts  (0.9)  (1.7)pts
Total segment $8.0   1.8 pts $5.4   7.3 pts $13.5   9.2 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 49.0% to $34.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $23.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, primarily the result of an increase in current year attritional reserves for the offshore oil rig in the Gulf.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 27.7% to $62.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $48.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  This increase was driven by the same factor as discussed above for the three months.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses increased 1.3% to $9.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $8.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  This slight increase was primarily driven by the increase in premiums earned in combination with the mix of business.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased 7.5% to $17.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $18.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. This decrease was primarily driven by the mix in business as the lower commission business, A&H, had increased while the higher commission business of ma rine and surety had declined.


40

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $3.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  These increases were due to normal growth in overall operating expenses.
International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.
  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2010 2009 Variance % Change 2010 2009 Variance % Change
Gross written premiums $307.0  $274.3  $32.7   11.9% $582.3  $525.0  $57.3   10.9%
Net written premiums  166.0   154.0   12.1   7.8%  311.3   289.3   21.9   7.6%
                                 
Premiums earned $154.7  $141.9  $12.8   9.0% $301.8  $285.2  $16.5   5.8%
Incurred losses and LAE  124.1   79.2   44.9   56.6%  360.6   171.8   188.8   109.9%
Commission and brokerage  37.3   31.0   6.3   20.2%  67.7   65.2   2.5   3.8%
Other underwriting expenses  7.3   5.7   1.6   28.6%  13.7   10.3   3.4   32.8%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(14.0) $26.0  $(40.0)  -153.7% $(140.2) $38.0  $(178.2) NM
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  80.2%  55.8%      24.4   119.5%  60.2%      59.3 
Commission and brokerage ratio  24.1%  21.8%      2.3   22.4%  22.9%      (0.5)
Other underwriting expense ratio  4.7%  4.1%      0.6   4.6%  3.6%      1.0 
Combined ratio  109.0%  81.7%      27.3   146.5%  86.7%      59.8 
                                 
(NM, not meaningful)                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                          


Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 11.9% to $307.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $274.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, due to continued strong growth in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey offices, a $49.4 million increase; Asia, a $23.5 million increase; Canada, a $19.4$36.6 million increase; and Brazil,Canada, a $5.2$22.6 million increase.  Net written premiums increased by 7.8% to $166.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $154.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, principally as a result of the increase in gross written premiums, partially offset by an increase in cessions under the affiliated quota share.  Premiums earned increased by 9.0% to $154.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $141.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums isincrease; the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiationa combination of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 10.9% to $582.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $525.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, due to continued strongnew business, rate increases in select areas and economic and insurance growth in Asia, a $33.8 million increase; Canada, a $17.1 million increase; and Brazil, a $15.1 million increase.some markets.  Also contributing to the increase was $13.4 million in gross reinstatement premiums from the Chilean earthquake.  Net written premiums increased by 7.6%10.1% to $311.3$479.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $289.3$435.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  Premiums earned increased by 5.8%7.5% to $301.8$465.7 million forf or the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $285.2$433.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, as a result of the increase in net written premiums.  Varianc eVariance explanations for net written premiums and premiums earned for the sixnine months were similar to those discussed above for the three months.

 
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                                          
Attritional $83.8   54.1%  $(2.0)  -1.3%  $81.7   52.8%  $94.4   57.6%  $(13.5)  -8.3%  $80.8   49.3% 
Catastrophes  48.7   31.5%   (6.3)  -4.1%   42.3   27.4%   38.2   23.3%   (0.7)  -0.4%   37.5   22.9% 
Total segment $132.4   85.6%  $(8.3)  -5.4%  $124.1   80.2%  $132.6   80.9%  $(14.2)  -8.7%  $118.4   72.2% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional $77.3   54.4%  $3.4   2.4%  $80.7   56.9%  $76.4   51.7%  $(0.6)  -0.4%  $75.8   51.3% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (1.5)  -1.1%   (1.5)  -1.1%   11.2   7.6%   2.1   1.5%   13.4   9.0% 
Total segment $77.3   54.4%  $2.0   1.4%  $79.2   55.8%  $87.7   59.3%  $1.5   1.0%  $89.2   60.3% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional $6.5   (0.3)pts $(5.4)  (3.7)pts $1.0   (4.1)pts $18.0   5.9 pts $(12.9)  (7.9)pts $5.0   (2.0)pts
Catastrophes  48.7   31.5 pts  (4.8)  (3.0)pts  43.8   28.5 pts  27.0   15.7 pts  (2.8)  (1.9)pts  24.1   13.9 pts
Total segment $55.1   31.2 pts $(10.3)  (6.8)pts $44.9   24.4 pts $44.9   21.6 pts $(15.7)  (9.7)pts $29.2   11.9 pts
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2010                                          
Attritional $175.1   58.0%  $(5.5)  -1.8%  $169.6   56.2%  $269.4   57.8%  $(19.0)  -4.1%  $250.4   53.8% 
Catastrophes  198.2   65.7%   (7.2)  -2.4%   191.0   63.3%   236.4   50.8%   (7.9)  -1.7%   228.6   49.1% 
Total segment $373.2   123.7%  $(12.7)  -4.2%  $360.6   119.5%  $505.9   108.6%  $(26.9)  -5.8%  $479.0   102.8% 
                                                      
2009                                                      
Attritional $158.6   55.6%  $5.1   1.8%  $163.7   57.4%  $235.0   54.3%  $4.5   1.1%  $239.5   55.3% 
Catastrophes  9.1   3.2%   (1.0)  -0.4%   8.1   2.8%   20.3   4.7%   1.1   0.3%   21.4   5.0% 
Total segment $167.6   58.8%  $4.1   1.4%  $171.8   60.2%  $255.3   58.9%  $5.7   1.3%  $261.0   60.3% 
                                                      
Variance 2010/2009                                                      
Attritional $16.5   2.4 pts $(10.6)  (3.6)pts $5.9   (1.2)pts $34.4   3.5 pts $(23.5)  (5.2)pts $10.9   (1.5)pts
Catastrophes  189.1   62.5 pts  (6.2)  (2.0)pts  182.9   60.5 pts  216.1   46.1 pts  (9.0)  (2.0)pts  207.2   44.1 pts
Total segment $205.6   64.9 pts $(16.8)  (5.6)pts $188.8   59.3 pts $250.6   49.7 pts $(32.6)  (7.1)pts $218.0   42.5 pts
                                                      
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)              


Incurred losses and LAE increased 56.6%32.7% to $124.1$118.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $79.2$89.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. The increase was principally due to a $48.7$27.0 million increase in current year catastrophes forlosses, due to the Chilean earthquake.New Zealand earthquake, Chile earthquake and the Canadian hailstorm. Attritional losses also increased primarily due to the increased premiums earned.earned and higher expected loss ratios, which were partially offset by more favorable development of prior years’ attritional reserves.

Incurred losses and LAE increased 109.9%83.5% to $360.6$479.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $171.8$261.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  The increase was principally due to the 2010 large current year catastrophecatastrophes of $178.6$187.1 million for the Chilean earthquake, and $19.5$28.0 million for the New Zealand earthquake, $18.0 million for the Australian hailstorms in 2010and $3.4 million for the Canadian hailstorm compared to the absence in 2009 of any similar large events.  Attritional losses also increased primarily due to the increased premiums earned and higher expected loss ratios, which were partially offset by favorable development of prior years’ attritional reserves.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses increased 20.2%9.9% to $37.3$38.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $31.0$34.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. Commission and brokerage expenses increased 3.8%5.9% to $67.7$106.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 compared to $65.2$100.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. The increases were primarily due to an increasein line with the increases in premiums earned, an increase in contingent commission on the International U.S. business and an increase in commission ratio on the Brazil book.earned.

 
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Segment other underwriting expenses for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 were $7.3$6.7 million compared to $5.7$6.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  Segment other underwriting expenses for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010 were $13.7$20.4 million compared to $10.3$16.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.  These increases were due to normal growth in the overall operating expenses.infrastructure and consistent with the growth in premiums earned resulting in stable other underwriting expense ratios.

Market Sensitive Instruments.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Financial Reporting Release #48 requires registrants to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments and other financial instruments (collectively, “market sensitive instruments”).  We do not generally enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, taxable and tax-preferenced fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity.  Our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results, market conditions and our tax position.  The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities.  Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.

The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis.  This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity.  This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality.  The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.

Interest Rate Risk.  Our $8.1$8.4 billion investment portfolio, at JuneSeptember 30, 2010, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations.  The impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.

Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates.  In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $539.4$474.4 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $6,459.4$6,485.2 million fixed maturity portfolio.  Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.

The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity securities portfolio (including $251.8$304.9 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates.  For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually.  To generate appropriate price estimates for mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under th e various interest rate change scenarios.


  Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
  At September 30, 2010
(Dollars in millions)  -200   -100   0   100   200 
Total Market/Fair Value $7,310.9  $7,066.6  $6,790.1  $6,464.2  $6,142.7 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  7.7%  4.1%  0.0%  -4.8%  -9.5%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                    
After-tax from Base ($) $338.5  $179.7  $-  $(211.8) $(420.8)
  Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
  At June 30, 2010
(Dollars in millions)  -200  -100   0  100  200
Total Market/Fair Value $7,273.5  $7,013.4  $6,711.2  $6,373.1  $6,047.5 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  8.4%  4.5%  0.0%  -5.0%  -9.9%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                    
After-tax from Base ($) $365.5  $196.4  $-  $(219.8) $(431.4)

 
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We had $7,583.5$7,611.6 million and $7,300.1 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of JuneSeptember 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money.  Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value.  As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases.  These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments.  While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will incl udeinclude investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid.  Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration that is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio.

Equity Risk.  Equity risk is the potential change in fair and/or market value of the common stock and preferred stock portfolios arising from changing equity prices.  Our equity investments consist of a diversified portfolio of individual securities and mutual funds, which invest principally in high quality common and preferred stocks that are traded on major exchanges.  The primary objective of the equity portfolio is to obtain greater total return relative to bonds over time through market appreciation and income.

The table below displays the impact on fair/market value and after-tax change in fair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the period indicated.


  Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
  At September 30, 2010
(Dollars in millions)  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio $305.8  $344.1  $382.3  $420.5  $458.7 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value  (49.7)  (24.8)  -   24.8   49.7 
  Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
  At June 30, 2010
(Dollars in millions)  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio $272.3  $306.4  $340.4  $374.4  $408.5 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value  (44.3)  (22.1)  -   22.1   44.3 


Foreign Exchange Risk.  Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  Each of our non-U.S. (“foreign”) operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines.  Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates.  The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro.  We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresp onding operating liabilities.  In accordance with FASB guidance, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar.  This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.  As of JuneSeptember 30, 2010, there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2009.

SAFE HARBOR DISCLOSURE
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws.  In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “plan”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” and “intend”.  Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our c atastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic events on our financial statements and the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends.  Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance.  These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations.  Important factors that could cause our actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include the uncertainties that surround the impact on our financial statements and liquidity resulting from changes in the global economy and credit markets, the estimating of reserves for losses and LAE, those discussed in Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) included in this report and risks described under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part 1, ITEM 1A.  We undertake no obligation to update o r revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk Instruments.  See “Market Sensitive Instruments” in PART I – ITEM 2.

ITEM 4.ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Of ficer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.


PART II

ITEM 1.ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine our rights and obligations under insurance, reinsurance and other contractual agreements.  These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation.  In all such matters, we believe that our positions are legally and commercially reasonable, and we vigorously seek to preserve, enforce and defend our legal rights under various agreements.  While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that any of these matters, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on o ur financial position or liquidity. However, an adverse resolution of one or more of these items in any one quarter or fiscal year could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in that period.


ITEM 1A.ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

No material changes.


ITEM 2.ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.


ITEM 4.RESERVED
ITEM 4.  RESERVED



 
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ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION
None.


ITEM 6.ITEM 6.  EXHIBITSEXHIBITS

Exhibit Index:
 
Exhibit No.Description
  
31.1 Section 302 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto
  
31.2 Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso
  
32.1Section 906 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto and Dominic J. Addesso

 
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Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.
 
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.
 
     
  Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. 
  (Registrant) 
     
     
  /S/ DOMINIC J. ADDESSO 
  Dominic J. Addesso 
  Executive Vice President and 
   Chief Financial Officer 
     
  (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
     
     
     
Dated: August 16,November 15, 2010