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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number 000-33047

 


 

MAX RE CAPITAL LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

BERMUDA   Not Applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation

or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

Max Re House

2 Front Street

Hamilton, HM 11

Bermuda

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(441) 296-8800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes x No ¨

 

The number of the Registrant’s common shares (par value $1.00 per share) outstanding as of July 15, 2004 was 45,737,611.

 



Table of Contents

MAX RE CAPITAL LTD.

 

INDEX

 

          PAGE

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    

ITEM 1.

  

Financial Statements

   1
    

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003

   1
    

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

   2
    

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

   3
    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

   4
    

Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   5

ITEM 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   10

ITEM 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

   16

ITEM 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   17

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

   18

ITEM 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   18

ITEM 2.

  

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

   18

ITEM 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   18

ITEM 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   18

ITEM 5.

  

Other Information

   19

ITEM 6.

  

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   19

SIGNATURES

   S-1

 


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

 

MAX RE CAPITAL LTD.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars, except share amounts)

 

     June 30, 2004

    December 31, 2003

 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 243,294     $ 201,515  

Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value

     1,682,150       1,604,430  

Alternative investments, at fair value

     1,016,221       831,359  

Accrued interest income

     16,569       14,608  

Premiums receivable

     388,951       389,393  

Losses recoverable from reinsurers

     330,214       273,711  

Funds withheld

     18,070       56  

Deferred acquisition costs

     111,134       87,116  

Deferred charges

     8,827       5,259  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     87,899       67,343  

Other assets

     27,715       20,769  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 3,931,044     $ 3,495,559  
    


 


LIABILITIES

                

Property and casualty losses and experience refunds

   $ 1,260,923     $ 991,687  

Life and annuity benefits and experience refunds

     464,486       480,099  

Deposit liabilities

     242,505       267,350  

Funds withheld from reinsurers

     258,740       213,483  

Unearned property and casualty premiums

     654,150       471,625  

Reinsurance balances payable

     50,471       74,693  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     23,648       41,392  

Bank loan

     150,000       150,000  
    


 


Total liabilities

     3,104,923       2,690,329  
    


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Preferred shares par value $1; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

     —         —    

Common shares par value $1; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 45,737,611 shares issued and outstanding (2003 – 45,184,611)

     45,738       45,185  

Additional paid-in capital

     650,715       637,772  

Loans receivable from common share sales

     (10,965 )     (11,965 )

Unearned stock grant compensation

     (14,000 )     (4,032 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (10,737 )     25,790  

Retained earnings

     165,370       112,480  
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     826,121       805,230  
    


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,931,044     $ 3,495,559  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

 

(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars, except shares and per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30


    Six Months Ended
June 30


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

REVENUES

                                

Gross premiums written

   $ 183,654     $ 165,767     $ 623,185     $ 596,313  

Reinsurance premiums ceded

     (47,567 )     (39,186 )     (90,353 )     (71,039 )
    


 


 


 


Net premiums written

   $ 136,087     $ 126,581     $ 532,832     $ 525,274  
    


 


 


 


Earned premiums

   $ 206,557     $ 161,377     $ 439,847     $ 319,441  

Earned premiums ceded

     (34,739 )     (18,072 )     (69,130 )     (32,408 )
    


 


 


 


Net premiums earned

     171,818       143,305       370,717       287,033  

Net investment income

     19,696       15,061       38,542       29,568  

Net gains on alternative investments

     1,038       45,212       39,514       67,014  

Net realized gains (losses) on sales of fixed maturities

     (2,575 )     509       3,205       2,999  

Other income

     1,211       2,212       2,379       4,215  
    


 


 


 


Total revenues

     191,188       206,299       454,357       390,829  
    


 


 


 


LOSSES AND EXPENSES

                                

Losses, benefits and experience refunds

     135,305       114,371       301,690       228,834  

Acquisition costs

     29,199       35,690       60,982       74,427  

Interest expense

     95       8,953       11,937       14,934  

General and administrative expenses

     13,945       10,785       24,115       18,981  
    


 


 


 


Total losses and expenses

     178,544       169,799       398,724       337,176  
    


 


 


 


INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST

     12,644       36,500       55,633       53,653  

Minority interest

     —         (5,651 )     —         (8,241 )
    


 


 


 


NET INCOME

     12,644       30,849       55,633       45,412  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of fixed maturities

     (55,689 )     13,360       (36,960 )     12,632  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     572       —         433       —    
    


 


 


 


COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   $ (42,473 )   $ 44,209     $ 19,106     $ 58,044  
    


 


 


 


Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.28     $ 0.81     $ 1.22     $ 1.19  
    


 


 


 


Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.26     $ 0.81     $ 1.13     $ 1.19  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

     45,725,811       38,129,213       45,636,602       38,118,783  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

     48,852,992       45,302,798       49,092,498       45,252,263  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

 

(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30


 
     2004

    2003

 

Preferred Shares

                

Balance, beginning and end of period

   $ —       $ —    
    


 


Common shares

                

Balance, beginning of period

     45,185       37,999  

Issuance of shares

     553       363  

Repurchase of shares

     —         (275 )
    


 


Balance, end of period

     45,738       38,087  
    


 


Additional paid-in capital

                

Balance, beginning of period

     637,772       526,582  

Issuance of shares

     12,671       4,004  

Stock option expense

     272       127  

Repurchase of shares

     —         (3,146 )
    


 


Balance, end of period

     650,715       527,567  
    


 


Loans receivable from common share sales

                

Balance, beginning of period

     (11,965 )     (12,575 )

Loans repaid

     1,000       610  
    


 


Balance, end of period

     (10,965 )     (11,965 )
    


 


Unearned stock grant compensation

                

Balance, beginning of period

     (4,032 )     (2,656 )

Stock grants awarded

     (12,994 )     (3,740 )

Amortization

     3,026       1,142  
    


 


Balance, end of period

     (14,000 )     (5,254 )
    


 


Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

                

Balance, beginning of period

     25,790       49,108  

Holding gains (losses) on fixed maturities arising in period

     (33,755 )     17,971  

Net realized gains included in net income

     (3,205 )     (2,999 )

Currency translation adjustments

     433       —    

Reallocation to minority interest

     —         (2,340 )
    


 


Balance, end of period

     (10,737 )     61,740  
    


 


Retained earnings (deficit)

                

Balance, beginning of period

     112,480       (4,299 )

Net income

     55,633       45,412  

Dividends paid

     (2,743 )     (1,529 )
    


 


Balance, end of period

     165,370       39,584  
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 826,121     $ 649,759  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 

(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30

 
     2004

    2003

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net income

   $ 55,633     $ 45,412  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:

                

Minority share of income

     —         8,241  

Amortization of unearned stock based compensation

     3,298       1,269  

Amortization of discount on fixed maturities

     4,293       2,490  

Net realized gains on sale of fixed maturities

     (3,205 )     (2,999 )

Net gains on alternative investments

     (39,514 )     (67,014 )

Accrued interest income

     (1,961 )     (444 )

Premiums receivable

     442       (198,565 )

Losses recoverable from reinsurers

     (56,503 )     (27,578 )

Funds withheld

     (18,014 )     (8,894 )

Deferred acquisition costs

     (24,018 )     (50,461 )

Deferred charges

     (3,568 )     2,345  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     (20,556 )     (38,165 )

Other assets

     (6,946 )     (6,365 )

Property and casualty losses and experience refunds

     269,236       189,877  

Life and annuity benefits and experience refunds

     (15,613 )     (13,317 )

Funds withheld from reinsurers

     45,257       20,253  

Unearned property and casualty premiums

     182,525       276,892  

Reinsurance balances payable

     (24,222 )     38,508  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (17,744 )     6,398  
    


 


Cash from operating activities

     328,820       177,883  
    


 


INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Purchases of fixed maturities

     (615,145 )     (268,630 )

Sales (purchases) of alternative investments

     (145,579 )     (98,018 )

Sales of fixed maturities

     479,119       147,879  

Redemptions of fixed maturities

     20,489       26,500  
    


 


Cash used in investing activities

     (261,116 )     (192,269 )
    


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Net proceeds from issuance of common shares

     230       627  

Repurchases of common shares

     —         (3,421 )

Proceeds from bank loan

     —         50,000  

Dividends paid

     (2,743 )     (1,529 )

Distributions to minority shareholders

     —         (285 )

Deposit liabilities

     (24,845 )     (16,868 )

Notes and loans repaid

     1,000       610  
    


 


Cash from (used in) financing activities

     (26,358 )     29,134  
    


 


Effect of exchange rate on cash

     433       —    
    


 


Changes in cash and cash equivalents

     41,779       14,748  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     201,515       92,103  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 243,294     $ 106,851  
    


 


 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Interest paid totaled $1,992 and $1,560 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

1. GENERAL

 

The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with Regulation S-X and include the accounts of Max Re Capital Ltd. (“Max Re Capital”), Max Re Ltd. (“Max Re”), Max Re Managers Ltd. (“Max Re Managers”), Max Europe Holdings Limited and its subsidiary companies (collectively, “Max Europe”) and Max Re Diversified Strategies Ltd. (“Max Re Diversified” and, collectively with Max Re Capital, Max Re, Max Re Managers and Max Europe, the “Company”). In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all the normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods presented. The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Max Re Capital was incorporated on July 8, 1999 under the laws of Bermuda. The Company’s principal operating subsidiary is Max Re, a Bermuda long-term and Class 4 insurer. The Company’s European activities are conducted from Dublin, Ireland through Max Europe Holdings Limited and its two wholly owned operating subsidiaries, Max Re Europe Limited (“Max Re Europe”) and Max Insurance Europe Limited (“Max Insurance Europe”).

 

2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is based on weighted average common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of warrants, options and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share assumes the conversion of dilutive convertible securities and the exercise of all dilutive stock warrants and options.

 

3. BANK LOAN

 

In February 2003, Max Re completed a $150.0 million sale of shares of Max Re Diversified to a third party financial institution. Simultaneous with the sale, Max Re entered into a total return swap with the purchaser of these shares whereby Max Re received the return earned on the Max Re Diversified shares in exchange for a variable rate of interest based on LIBOR plus a spread. Max Re Diversified shares owned by Max Re with a fair value of $89.9 million at June 30, 2004 were pledged as collateral to which the Company is exposed to credit risk. Under GAAP, these transactions are viewed on a combined basis and are accounted for as a financing transaction, which results in the recording of a $150.0 million bank loan.

 

4. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company operates in the reinsurance and insurance business serving two segments: the property and casualty segment and the life and annuity segment, which includes disability products. Within the property and casualty segment, the Company offers three products: traditional risk transfer reinsurance, alternative risk transfer reinsurance and insurance and traditional risk transfer insurance. As of January 1, 2004, the Company ceased to distinguish between structured risk transfer reinsurance and alternative risk transfer reinsurance products. Accordingly, since January 1, 2004, the Company has combined these products within the segment disclosure as alternative risk transfer reinsurance products. The Company differentiates its property and casualty reinsurance products in several ways, including by the amount of aggregate loss cap and/or occurrence limits incorporated into the underlying contracts, with its alternative risk transfer products having lower aggregate loss cap and occurrence limits, relative to premium received, compared to its traditional risk transfer products. Within the life and annuity segment, the Company currently offers reinsurance products focusing on existing blocks of business, which take the form of co-insurance transactions. In co-insurance transactions, risks are reinsured on the same basis as the original policies. The Company also has a corporate segment that includes its investment and financing functions. The Company does not allocate assets by segment.

 

5


Table of Contents

A summary of operations by segment for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

 

(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2004

 
     Property & Casualty

   

Life &

Annuity


    Corporate

   Consolidated

 
     Traditional
Reinsurance


   

Alternative

Risk


   

Traditional

Insurance


    Total

                  

Gross premiums written

   $ 245,706     $ 263,435     $ 111,805     $ 620,946     $ 2,239     $ —      $ 623,185  

Reinsurance premiums ceded

     (12,514 )     (25,810 )     (51,581 )     (89,905 )     (448 )     —        (90,353 )
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Net premiums written

   $ 233,192     $ 237,625     $ 60,224     $ 531,041     $ 1,791     $ —      $ 532,832  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Earned premiums

   $ 152,132     $ 185,377     $ 100,099     $ 437,608     $ 2,239     $ —      $ 439,847  

Earned premiums ceded

     (9,385 )     (19,750 )     (39,547 )     (68,682 )     (448 )     —        (69,130 )
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Net premiums earned

     142,747       165,627       60,552       368,926       1,791       —        370,717  

Net investment income

     —         —         —         —         —         38,542      38,542  

Net gains on sales of alternative investments

     —         —         —         —         —         39,514      39,514  

Net realized gains on sales of fixed maturities

     —         —         —         —         —         3,205      3,205  

Other income

     —         —         —         —         —         2,379      2,379  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Total revenues

     142,747       165,627       60,552       368,926       1,791       83,640      454,357  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Losses, benefits and experience refunds

     98,881       141,039       44,929       284,849       16,841       —        301,690  

Acquisition costs

     25,820       31,627       2,012       59,459       1,523       —        60,982  

Interest expense

     —         —         —         —         —         11,937      11,937  

General and administrative expenses

     2,429       3,493       3,040       8,962       2,204       12,949      24,115  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Total losses and expenses

     127,130       176,159       49,981       353,270       20,568       24,886      398,724  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Net income (loss) before minority interest

   $ 15,617     $ (10,532 )   $ 10,571     $ 15,656     $ (18,777 )   $ 58,754    $ 55,633  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Loss Ratio

     69.3 %     85.2 %     74.2 %     77.2 %                       

Combined Ratio

     89.1 %     106.4 %     82.5 %     95.8 %                       

 

The loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses, benefits and experience refunds by net premiums earned. The combined ratio is calculated by dividing total losses and expenses by net premiums earned. A loss or combined ratio is not provided for life and annuity products as these ratios are not normally considered appropriate measures for life and annuity underwriting.

 

6


Table of Contents

(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

 
     Property & Casualty

                  
     Traditional
Reinsurance


    Alternative
Risk


    Traditional
Insurance


    Total

    Life &
Annuity


    Corporate

   Consolidated

 

Gross premiums written

   $ 176,095     $ 368,419     $ 51,799     $ 596,313     $ —       $ —      $ 596,313  

Reinsurance premiums ceded

     (12,638 )     (45,689 )     (12,712 )     (71,039 )     —         —        (71,039 )
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Net premiums written

   $ 163,457     $ 322,730     $ 39,087     $ 525,274     $ —       $ —      $ 525,274  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Earned premiums

   $ 85,286     $ 225,399     $ 8,756     $ 319,441     $ —       $ —      $ 319,441  

Earned premiums ceded

     (1,997 )     (27,468 )     (2,943 )     (32,408 )     —         —        (32,408 )
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Net premiums earned

     83,289       197,931       5,813       287,033       —         —        287,033  

Net investment income

     —         —         —         —         —         29,568      29,568  

Net gains on sales of alternative investments

     —         —         —         —         —         67,014      67,014  

Net realized gains on sales of fixed maturities

     —         —         —         —         —         2,999      2,999  

Other income

     —         2,084       —         2,084       —         2,131      4,215  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Total revenues

     83,289       200,015       5,813       289,117       —         101,712      390,829  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Losses, benefits and experience refunds

     53,100       153,390       4,434       210,924       17,910       —        228,834  

Acquisition costs

     18,119       55,527       290       73,936       491       —        74,427  

Interest expense

     —         —         —         —         —         14,934      14,934  

General and administrative expenses

     1,360       2,845       3,157       7,362       2,765       8,854      18,981  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Total losses and expenses

     72,579       211,762       7,881       292,222       21,166       23,788      337,176  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Net income (loss) before minority interest

   $ 10,710     $ (13,830 )   $ (2,068 )   $ (5,188 )   $ (21,166 )   $ 77,924    $ 53,653  
    


 


 


 


 


 

  


Loss Ratio

     63.8 %     77.5 %     76.3 %     73.5 %                       

Combined Ratio

     87.1 %     107.0 %     135.6 %     101.8 %                       

 

The Company currently operates in two geographic regions: North America and Europe.

 

Financial information relating to gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded by geographic region for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (Expressed in thousands of
United States Dollars)
 

North America

   $ 466,717     $ 321,184  

Europe

     156,468       275,129  

Reinsurance Ceded—North America

     (65,397 )     (25,733 )

Reinsurance Ceded—Europe

     (24,956 )     (45,306 )
    


 


     $ 532,832     $ 525,274  
    


 


 

Three customers accounted for 24.4%, 18.1% and 7.0%, respectively, of the Company’s gross premiums written during the six months ended June 30, 2004. Three customers accounted for 24.5%, 23.2% and 19.3%, respectively, of the Company’s gross premiums written during the six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

5. EQUITY CAPITAL

 

Max Re Capital’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.03 per share on each of January 30, 2004 and April 30, 2004, payable to shareholders of record on February 13, 2004 and May 14, 2004, respectively.

 

The Company did not repurchase any common shares during the six months ended June 30, 2004. As of June 30, 2004, the remaining authorization under the Company’s share repurchase program was approximately $23.2 million.

 

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On July 30, 2003, the holders of non-voting common shares of Max Re and warrants to acquire non-voting common shares of Max Re exchanged such shares and warrants for common shares of Max Re Capital and warrants to acquire common shares of Max Re Capital. The effect of this exchange resulted in the elimination of minority interest and an increase in shareholders’ equity of equal amounts as of the date of the exchange. This exchange did not have a dilutive effect on equity.

 

6. RELATED PARTIES

 

Grand Central Re Limited

 

The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and comprehensive income include, or are net of, the following amounts related to a variable quota share retrocession agreement and an aggregate stop loss agreement with Grand Central Re Limited (“Grand Central Re”), a Bermuda domiciled reinsurance company in which Max Re has a 7.5% equity investment. Although the variable quota share agreement with Grand Central Re remains in force, the parties have agreed that Max Re will not cede any new business to Grand Central Re for the 2004 year.

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

     (Expressed in thousands
of United States Dollars)

Losses recoverable from reinsurers

   $ 185,423    $ 128,736

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     19,606      39,120

Deposit liabilities

     42,995      47,824

Funds withheld from reinsurers

     195,238      123,732

Reinsurance balances payable

     8,636      25,684

Reinsurance premiums ceded

     18,036      45,619

Earned premiums ceded

     16,026      26,501

Other income

     2,354      2,112

Losses, benefits and experience refunds

     22,505      28,752

Interest expense

     651      4,933

 

The variable quota share retrocession agreement with Grand Central Re is written on a funds withheld basis. The rate of return on funds withheld is based on the average of two total return interest rate indices. The interest expense recognized by the Company will fluctuate from period to period due to changes in the indices. The Company records the change due to these changes in interest expense through the statement of income and comprehensive income on a quarterly basis, in effect marking to market the funds withheld balance.

 

The Company believes that the terms of the insurance management, quota share retrocession and aggregate stop loss agreements are comparable to the terms that the Company would expect to negotiate in similar transactions with unrelated parties.

 

Alternative Investment Managers

 

Moore Capital Management, LLC, which is affiliated with certain shareholders and a director of Max Re Capital, served as fund of funds advisor for Max Re Diversified until April 1, 2004, when such management obligations were assigned, with the consent of the Company, to its subsidiary Alstra Capital Management, LLC (Moore Capital Management, LLC together with Alstra Capital Management, LLC and its other affiliates hereinafter referred to as “Moore Capital”).

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, Moore Capital earned aggregate management and incentive fees of $1,327 and $2,375, respectively, in respect of Max Re Diversified’s assets invested in underlying funds managed by Moore Capital. In addition, as the fund of funds advisor for Max Re Diversified, Moore Capital earned $2,903 and $2,182 in fees for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

All investment fees incurred on the Company’s alternative investments are included in net gains on alternative investments in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

7. COMMITMENTS

 

Letter of Credit Facilities

 

The Company has three letter of credit facilities as of June 30, 2004. The Company’s primary letter of credit facility provides $300.0 million of capacity and is with a syndicate of commercial banks, one of which is affiliated with a director of Max Re Capital. In accordance with the facility agreement, the syndicate will issue letters of credit that may total up to $270.0 million secured by fixed maturities and up to $30.0 million secured by alternative investments. The Company believes that the terms of this letter of credit facility are comparable to the terms that the Company would expect to negotiate with an unrelated party. At June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, letters of credit totaling $196.0 million and $249.9 million, respectively, were issued and outstanding under this

 

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facility. Fixed maturities and cash equivalents with a fair value of $187.7 million and Max Re Diversified shares with a fair value of $77.4 million at June 30, 2004 were pledged as collateral for these letters of credit.

 

The Company also has a $50.0 million letter of credit facility with the New York branch of Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG (“HVB”), a shareholder of the Company. HVB is the majority shareholder of Grand Central Re, which is managed by Max Re Managers and in which the Company has 7.5% equity interest. The Company believes that the terms of this letter of credit facility are comparable to the terms that the Company would expect to negotiate at arms’ length with an unrelated party. At June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, letters of credit totaling $ 6.1 million and $21.1 million, respectively, were issued by HVB under this facility. All letters of credit issued under this facility are collateralized by a portion of the Company’s invested assets. Fixed maturities and cash equivalents with a fair value of $21.2 million and Max Re Diversified shares with a fair value of $84.4 million at June 30, 2004 were pledged as collateral for these letters of credit.

 

The Company also has a $1.0 million letter of credit facility with Fleet National Bank. At June 30, 2004, letters of credit totaling $0.6 million were issued under this facility. All letters of credit issued under this facility are collateralized by a portion of the Company’s invested assets. Fixed maturities and cash equivalents with a fair value of $15.3 million at June 30, 2004 were pledged as collateral for these letters of credit.

 

Each of the letter of credit facilities requires that the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries comply with certain covenants, including maintaining a minimum consolidated tangible net worth, and places restrictions on the payment of dividends. The Company was in compliance with all the covenants of each of its letter of credit facilities at June 30, 2004.

 

8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation in accordance with the fair-value method prescribed by FAS No. 123—Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“FAS No. 123”), as amended by FAS No. 148—Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, using the prospective adoption method. Under the prospective adoption method, compensation expense is recognized over the relevant service period based on the fair value of stock options granted after January 1, 2003.

 

If the Company were to recognize compensation expense over the relevant service period under the fair-value method of FAS No. 123 with respect to stock options granted for the year ended December 31, 2002 and all prior years, net income would have decreased in each period from the amount reported, resulting in pro forma net income and earnings per share as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 
     (Expressed in thousands of United States
dollars, except per share amounts)
 

Net income, as reported

   $ 12,644     $ 30,849     $ 55,633     $ 45,412  

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income

     143       94       272       127  

Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value method for all awards

     (740 )     (574 )     (1,470 )     (1,113 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 12,047     $ 30,369     $ 54,435     $ 44,426  
    


 


 


 


Earnings per share, as reported

                                

Basic

   $ 0.28     $ 0.81     $ 1.22     $ 1.19  

Diluted

     0.26       0.81       1.13       1.19  

Earnings per share, pro forma

                                

Basic

   $ 0.26     $ 0.80     $ 1.19     $ 1.17  

Diluted

     0.25       0.79       1.11       1.16  

 

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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “we,” “us,” “our” and similar expressions are references to Max Re Capital and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2004 compared to the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 and our financial condition as of June 30, 2004. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend that the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 apply to these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact but rather reflect our current expectations, estimates and predictions about future results and events. These statements may use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “predict,” “project” and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management. When we make forward-looking statements, we are basing them on management’s beliefs and assumptions, using information currently available to it. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Factors that could cause such forward-looking statements not to be realized (which are described in more detail included or incorporated by reference herein and in documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission) include, without limitation, acceptance in the market of our products, general economic conditions and conditions specific to the reinsurance and insurance markets in which we operate, pricing competition, the amount of underwriting capacity from time to time in the market, material fluctuations in interest rate levels, tax and regulatory changes and conditions, rating agency policies and practices, claims development and loss of key executives. Other factors such as changes in U.S. and global financial and equity markets resulting from general economic conditions, market disruptions and significant interest rate fluctuations may adversely impact our investment or impede our access to, or increase the cost of, financing our operations. We caution that the foregoing list of important factors is not intended to be, and is not, exhaustive. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. If one or more risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q reflect our current view with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or individuals acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph.

 

Overview

 

We are a Bermuda-based provider of reinsurance and insurance products for both the property and casualty and the life and annuity markets. In the past two years, the property and casualty market has presented more opportunities to us than the life and annuity market due to a shortage of reinsurance capacity in the property and casualty market, resulting in improvement in premium rates, terms and conditions. However, we are beginning to notice premium rates, terms and conditions leveling off as competition has increased in most property and casualty lines of business. With respect to the types of life and annuity contracts we offer, a weak global economy and corrections in the global capital markets over the last several years continues to result in a pricing gap between buyers and sellers. Notwithstanding the increased property and casualty competition, we anticipate continuing greater demand for our property and casualty products than for our life and annuity products during 2004.

 

To manage reinsurance and insurance liability exposure, make investment decisions and assess overall enterprise risk, we model our underwriting and investing activities on an integrated basis. Our integrated risk management, as well as features of our products, provides flexibility in making decisions regarding investments. Our investments are currently comprised of a high grade fixed maturities portfolio and an alternative investment portfolio that currently employs 12 strategies invested in approximately 50 underlying trading entities and two strategic reinsurance private equity investments, designed to provide diversification and to generate positive returns while attempting to reduce the frequency and severity of loss outcomes. Based on fair value at June 30, 2004, the allocation of invested assets was approximately 65.5% in cash and fixed maturities and 34.5% in alternative investments.

 

Our principal operating subsidiary is Max Re. At June 30, 2004, Max Re had $808.6 million of shareholders’ equity. We conduct our European activities through Max Europe Holdings and its operating subsidiaries, Max Re Europe and Max Insurance Europe. We also provide reinsurance underwriting and administrative services on a fee basis through Max Re Managers. We hold all of our alternative investments in Max Re Diversified, other than reinsurance private equity investments that are held by Max Re.

 

Executive Summary

 

We continued to develop our property and casualty traditional reinsurance and insurance opportunities during the six months ended June 30, 2004. The strategy resulted in improved underwriting performance, which, combined with our investment performance, enabled us to increase our net income. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 of gross premiums written, we produced a 4.5% increase in gross premiums written compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. Although overall production of gross premiums written increased, gross premiums written in our alternative risk transfer product line decreased 28.5%, principally due to the non-renewal of one large alternative risk transfer

 

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contract that accounted for $110.0 million in gross premiums written in the six months ended June 30, 2003. Gross premiums written for the traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance product lines increased by 56.9% to $357.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $227.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

We intend to continue to diversify our property and casualty underwriting business. Our efforts to shift our underwriting focus and hire additional traditional reinsurance underwriting professionals, coupled with the introduction of insurance operations, has expanded our professional liability and general liability underwriting capability and premium volume. Consequently, we believe our underwriting portfolio is, and will be for the foreseeable future, more diversified than in previous years.

 

There is a potential for increased volatility in our loss ratio arising from the increase in our traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance business. By carefully selecting line sizes, diversifying our underlying exposures, establishing contractual caps on our contracts and purchasing reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance protection we believe we are able to manage this risk satisfactorily.

 

The increased premium volume in traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance has resulted in improved underwriting performance in the first six months of 2004. Our traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance products have generated lower combined ratios than our alternative risk transfer products. Consequently, our property and casualty combined ratio (total losses and expenses as a percentage of net premiums earned) has improved to 95.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2004, compared to 101.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

Losses, benefits and experience refunds represent our largest expense and account for more than 55.6% of total liabilities at June 30, 2004. We establish loss expenses and reserves using a combination of loss reserving techniques and actuarial methods. Loss expenses and reserves are reviewed regularly to reflect new information that we receive. There were no significant adjustments to reserves relating to prior periods during the six months ended June 30, 2004 resulting from our regular quarterly internal review of reserves. In addition, the adequacy of our reserves is reviewed annually, in the fourth quarter of the year, by outside actuaries to support management’s estimates.

 

Our investments during the six months ended June 30, 2004 produced a total return of 1.68% compared to 5.43% for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The cash and fixed maturities portfolio produced a total return of 0.29% during the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to 3.48% for the six months ended June 30, 2003. This return reflects the portfolio’s exposure to interest rate risk during the six months ended June 30, 2004, which significantly impacted the total return on fixed maturities during the period. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 our alternative investments generated a 4.17% rate of return compared to a 9.12% rate of return for the same period in 2003. The return on the alternative investments is in line with management’s planned annual return of 8.0%, but below recent experience. We currently invest in 12 strategies within our alternative investment portfolio.

 

We continually assess our liquidity needs by monitoring new business prospects and the development of our existing operations. During the six months ended June 30, 2004, we generated $328.8 million of cash from operations and invested $261.1 million in fixed maturities and alternative investments. We expect to continue to generate operating cash during the remainder of 2004 through new business and investment returns, which will be partially offset by paid losses on existing reinsurance and insurance obligations, as well as operating expenses.

 

Drivers of Profitability

 

Revenues

 

We derive revenues principally from two sources: premiums from reinsurance and insurance business and income from our investment portfolio.

 

Reinsurance and insurance premiums are a function of the amount and type of contracts written as well as prevailing market prices. Premiums are earned over the coverage period of the underlying contracts. Each of our reinsurance contracts contains unique pricing, terms and conditions and expected profit margins. Therefore, the amount of premiums is not necessarily an accurate indicator of our anticipated profitability.

 

Our net investment income is a function of the average invested assets and the average yield that we earn on those invested assets. The investment yield on our fixed maturities investments is a function of market interest rates as well as the credit quality and maturity of our fixed maturities portfolio. We recognize the realized capital gains or losses on our fixed maturities investments at the time of sale. The realized capital gains or losses reflect the results of changing market conditions, including, but not limited to, changes in market interest rates and changes in the market’s perception of the credit quality of our fixed maturities holdings. Our net gains on alternative investments is a function of the success of the funds in which we are invested, which depends on, among other things, the underlying strategies of the funds, the ability of the fund managers to execute the fund strategies, general economic and investment market conditions and the underlying operating results of our private equity reinsurance investments.

 

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Expenses

 

Our principal expenses are losses, benefits and experience refunds, acquisition costs, interest expense and general and administrative expenses. Losses, benefits and experience refunds are based on the amount and type of reinsurance and insurance contracts written by us during the current reporting period and information received during the current reporting period from ceding clients pertaining to contracts written in prior years. We record losses, benefits and experience refunds based on an actuarial estimate of the expected losses, benefits and experience refunds to be incurred on each contract written. The ultimate losses, benefits and experience refunds depend on the actual costs to settle these liabilities. We increase or decrease losses, benefits and experience refunds estimates as actual claim reports are received. Our ability to estimate losses, benefits and experience refunds accurately at the time of pricing our contracts is a critical factor in determining profitability.

 

Acquisition costs consist principally of ceding commissions paid to ceding clients and brokerage expenses, and typically represent a negotiated percentage of the premiums on reinsurance and insurance contracts written. We generally defer and amortize these costs over the period in which the related premiums are earned.

 

Interest expense principally reflects the net interest charge on funds withheld from reinsurers under reinsurance and retrocessional contracts. Interest is recorded on the funds withheld balances based on various contractual and negotiated rates. The interest expense attributable to the variable quota share retrocession agreement with Grand Central Re is based on the average of two total return interest rate indices. A charge or credit may be recorded in interest expense on this contract in any given period. As a result, interest expense is expected to vary from period to period with a corresponding entry to funds withheld. Interest expense on the remaining balance of funds withheld from other reinsurers under reinsurance and retrocessional contracts will vary due only to changes in the balance of funds withheld. In addition, interest expense also includes interest on the bank loan at a rate based on LIBOR plus a spread.

 

General and administrative expenses are principally employee salaries and related personnel costs, rent and other operating costs. These costs are primarily fixed in nature and do not vary with the amount of premiums written.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which require management to make estimates and assumptions. We have performed a current assessment of our critical accounting policies in connection with preparing our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004. We believe that the critical accounting policies set forth in our Form 10-K, filed on February 27, 2004, continue to describe the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. These accounting policies pertain to revenue recognition, loss and loss adjustment expenses and investment valuation. If actual events differ significantly from the underlying judgments or estimates used by management in the application of these accounting policies, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Results of Operations—Three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2003

 

Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2004 were $183.7 million compared to $165.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 10.8%. Gross premiums written for property and casualty were $181.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $165.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 9.4%. Gross premiums written for property and casualty increased principally due to increased production of alternative risk transfer reinsurance and traditional insurance business. Gross premiums written for life and annuity were $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $Nil for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Gross premiums written for life and annuity increased due to the recognition of ongoing premium on an existing book of life business already reinsured by the Company.

 

Reinsurance premiums ceded. Premiums ceded for the three months ended June 30, 2004 were $47.6 million compared to $39.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 21.4%. Reinsurance premiums ceded during the three months ended June 30, 2004 were principally related to our quota-share reinsurance of our traditional insurance business. In addition, we purchased specific reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance to manage the risks on a line of business basis and to manage the exposure retained by us on a transaction basis. As we increase our traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance business, we intend to continue to purchase additional reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance coverage consistent with our risk management objectives.

 

Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned were $171.8 million, after the deduction of $34.7 million of earned premiums ceded, for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $143.3 million, after the deduction of $18.1 million of earned premiums ceded, for the three months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 19.9%. Net premiums earned for property and casualty were $170.0 million, after the deduction of $34.3 million of earned premiums ceded, for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $143.3 million, after the deduction of $18.1 million of earned premiums ceded, for the three months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 18.6%. The increase reflects the earning of increased gross premiums written over the past eighteen months. Net premiums earned for life and annuity were $1.8 million, after the deduction of $0.4 million of earned premium ceded, for the three months ended June 30,

 

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2004 compared with $Nil for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The life and annuity business written in the three months ended June 30, 2004 was fully earned in that period.

 

Net investment income. Net investment income was $19.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $15.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 30.5%. The increase was principally attributable to the increase in the amount of cash and fixed maturities investments held from $1,496.3 million at June 30, 2003 to $1,925.4 million at June 30, 2004, resulting principally from cash received from the collection of premiums written since June 30, 2003. The average annualized investment yield on cash and fixed maturities investments for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was 4.18% compared to an average yield of 4.12% for the three months ended June 30, 2003.

 

Net gains on alternative investments. Net gains on the alternative investment portfolio were $1.0 million, including $2.4 million from our private equity reinsurance investments, for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $45.2 million, including $3.1 million from the our private equity reinsurance investments, for the three months ended June 30, 2003, a decrease of 97.8%. The decrease was attributable to a 0.10% return on alternative investments for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to a 5.84% return for the three months ended June 30, 2003, reflecting the difficult market conditions for alternative investments during the current quarter.

 

Losses, benefits and experience refunds. Losses, benefits and experience refunds were $135.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $114.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 18.3%. Property and casualty losses were $126.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $104.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in property and casualty losses was related to the increase in property and casualty premiums earned during the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The loss ratio for property and casualty business for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was 74.2% compared to 72.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in loss ratio principally reflects the reduction in aviation premiums earned and increased casualty premiums earned during the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2003. Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred for the aviation premium earned are lower than the loss costs for the casualty premiums.

 

Life and annuity benefits were $9.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, which principally related to the accretion of liability for future benefits on contracts written in prior years, compared to $10.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003.

 

There were no significant adjustments to prior year reserves during the three months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs were $29.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $35.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, a decrease of 18.2%. The decrease in acquisition costs results from a change in property and casualty product mix away from alternative risk products, which typically have higher acquisition costs. Additionally, our increased use of the reinsurance market on the traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance contracts has enabled us to recover acquisition costs associated with those contracts from reinsurers and retrocessionaires.

 

Interest expense. Interest expense was $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $9.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, a decrease of 98.9%. The decrease resulted principally from interest income recorded on funds withheld due to Grand Central Re in the amount of $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to interest expense recorded in the amount of $3.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003.

 

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $13.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $10.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 28.7%. The increase resulted principally from additional personnel costs associated with our traditional insurance and reinsurance operations that were not fully established in the three months ended June 30, 2003 and professional fees related to corporate and regulatory activities.

 

Net income. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $12.6 million compared to net income of $30.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, a decrease of 59.1%. The results for the three months ended June 30, 2004 are principally attributable to underwriting profits on our traditional risk transfer reinsurance and traditional insurance products combined with a lower interest expense offset by a significantly lower rate of return on our alternative investments compared to the same period in 2003.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to six months ended June 30, 2003

 

Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $623.2 million compared to $596.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 4.5%. Gross premiums written for property and casualty were $620.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $596.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 4.1%. Gross premiums written for property and casualty increased principally due to increased production of traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance business offset by the non-renewal of one large alternative reinsurance contract, which accounted for $110.0 million of premium in 2003. The non-renewal of the large alternative reinsurance contract also accounted for the decrease in gross premiums written in Europe in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Gross premiums written for life and annuity were $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $Nil for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Gross premiums written for

 

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life and annuity increased due to the recognition of ongoing premium on an existing book of life business already reinsured by the Company.

 

Reinsurance premiums ceded. Premiums ceded for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $90.4 million compared to $71.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 27.3%. Reinsurance premiums ceded during the six months ended June 30, 2004 were principally related to our quota-share reinsurance of our traditional insurance business. In addition, we purchased specific reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance to manage the risks on a line of business basis and to manage the exposure retained by us on a transaction basis. As we increase our traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance business, we intend to continue to purchase, additional reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance coverage consistent with our risk management objectives.

 

Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned were $370.7 million, after the deduction of $69.1 million of earned premiums ceded, for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $287.0 million, after the deduction of $32.4 million of earned premiums ceded, for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 29.2%. Net premiums earned for property and casualty were $368.9 million, after the deduction of $68.7 million of earned premiums ceded, for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $287.0 million, after the deduction of $32.4 million of earned premiums ceded, for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 28.5%. The increase reflects the earning of increased gross premiums written over the past eighteen months. Net premiums earned for life and annuity were $1.8 million, after the deduction of $0.4 million of earned premium ceded, for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared with $Nil for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The life and annuity business written in the six months ended June 30, 2004 was fully earned in that period.

 

Net investment income. Net investment income was $38.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $29.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was principally attributable to the increase in the amount of cash and fixed maturities investments held from $1,496.3 million at June 30, 2003 to $1,925.4 million at June 30, 2004, resulting principally from cash received from the collection of premiums written since June 30, 2003. The average annualized investment yield on cash and fixed maturities investments for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was 4.16% compared to an average yield of 4.14% for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

Net gains on alternative investments. Net gains on the alternative investment portfolio were $39.5 million, including $4.1 million from our private equity reinsurance investments, for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $67.0 million, including $7.0 million from the our private equity reinsurance investments, for the six months ended June 30, 2003, a decrease of 41.0%. The decrease was attributable to a lower return of 4.17% on alternative investments for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to a 9.12% return for the six months ended June 30, 2003 partially offset by an increase in the size of the alternative investment portfolio resulting from approximately $198.2 million of additional investments in the alternative investment portfolio during the twelve months ended June 30, 2004. Alternative investment strategies principally contributing to the gains in the current period were the distressed securities investing, event driven arbitrage, fixed income arbitrage, opportunistic investing and emerging markets.

 

Losses, benefits and experience refunds. Losses, benefits and experience refunds were $301.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $228.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 31.9%. Property and casualty losses were $284.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $210.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in property and casualty losses is related to the increase in property and casualty premiums earned during the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The loss ratio for property and casualty business for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was 77.2% compared to 73.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in loss ratio principally reflects the reduction in aviation premiums earned and increased casualty premiums earned during the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred for the aviation premium earned are lower than the expected loss costs for the casualty premiums earned.

 

Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs were $61.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $74.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, a decrease of 18.0%. The decrease in acquisition costs resulted from a change in property and casualty product mix away from alternative risk products, which typically have higher acquisition costs. Additionally, our increased use of the reinsurance market on the traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance contracts enabled us to recover acquisition costs associated with those contracts from reinsurers and retrocessionaires.

 

Interest expense. Interest expense was $11.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $14.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, a decrease of 20.1%. The decrease resulted principally from interest expense recorded on funds withheld due to Grand Central Re in the amount of $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to interest expense recorded in the amount of $4.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $24.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $19.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 26.8%. The increase resulted principally from additional personnel costs associated with our traditional insurance and reinsurance operations that were not fully established in the six months ended June 30, 2003 and professional fees related to corporate and regulatory activities. For the six months ended June 30, 2004 the ratio of general and administrative expenses to net premiums earned was 6.5% compared to 6.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

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Net income. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $55.6 million compared to net income of $45.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 22.5%. The results for the six months ended June 30, 2004 are principally attributable to the elimination of the minority interest, underwriting profits from our traditional risk transfer reinsurance and traditional insurance products partially offset by a lower rate of return on our alternative investments compared to the same period in 2003.

 

Financial Condition

 

Cash and invested assets. Aggregate invested assets, comprising cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturities and alternative investments were $2,941.7 million at June 30, 2004 compared to $2,637.3 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of 11.5%. The increase in cash and invested assets resulted principally from $328.8 million in cash flows from operations generated in the first six months of 2004 and the appreciation of the alternative investment portfolio of $39.5 million partially offset with the depreciation of the fixed maturities portfolio of $36.5 million.

 

Property and casualty losses and experience refunds. Property and casualty losses and experience refunds totaled $1,260.9 million at June 30, 2004 compared to $991.7 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of 27.1%. The increase in property and casualty losses and experience refunds was principally attributable to increased premiums earned during the six months ended June 30, 2004, partially offset by losses paid.

 

Life and annuity benefits and experience refunds. Life and annuity benefits and experience refunds totaled $464.5 million at June 30, 2004 compared to $480.1 million at December 31, 2003. The decrease in the six months ended June 30, 2004 was principally attributable to benefit payments on existing contracts in force.

 

Losses recoverable from reinsurers. Losses recoverable from reinsurers totaled $330.2 million at June 30, 2004 compared to $273.7 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of 20.6%, principally reflecting losses ceded under our reinsurance and retrocessional agreements. At June 30, 2004, two retrocessionaires account for 56.2% and 25.4% of our losses recoverable from reinsurers, respectively. The retrocessionaires have a financial strength rating of “A-” and “A,” respectively, by A.M. Best Company. We retain funds from these two retrocessionaires to secure principally all of their obligations.

 

Bank loans. In February 2003, Max Re completed a $150.0 million sale of shares of Max Re Diversified to a third party financial institution. Simultaneous with the sale, Max Re entered into a total return swap with the purchaser of these shares whereby Max Re received the return earned on the Max Re Diversified shares in exchange for a variable rate of interest based on LIBOR plus a spread. Max Re Diversified shares owned by Max Re with a fair value of $89.9 million at June 30, 2004 were pledged as collateral to which the Company is exposed to credit risk. Under U.S. GAAP, these transactions are viewed on a combined basis and are accounted for as a financing transaction, which results in the recording of a $150.0 million bank loan.

 

Shareholders’ equity. Our shareholders’ equity increased to $826.1 million at June 30, 2004 from $805.2 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of 2.6%, principally reflecting income of $55.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, partially offset by unrealized holding losses on fixed maturities arising during the period of $36.5 million and dividends paid in the amount of $2.7 million.

 

Liquidity and capital resources. We generated $328.8 million from operations during the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $177.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, an increase of 84.8%, principally reflecting the expansion of our traditional reinsurance and traditional insurance operations which generated increased gross premiums written during the period. We used $26.4 million for financing activities principally for the payment of deposit liabilities relating to one large contract. The net cash generated from operating and financing activities was applied to our investing activities through the net purchase of $115.5 million in fixed maturities and $145.6 million in alternative investments.

 

As a holding company, Max Re Capital’s principal assets are its investments in the common shares of its principal subsidiary, Max Re, and its other subsidiaries. Max Re Capital’s principal source of funds is from interest income on cash balances and cash dividends from its subsidiaries, including Max Re. The payment of dividends is limited under Bermuda insurance laws. In particular, Max Re may not declare or pay any dividends if it is in breach of its minimum solvency or liquidity levels under Bermuda law or if the declaration or payment of the dividends would cause it to fail to meet the minimum solvency or liquidity levels under Bermuda law. At June 30, 2004, Max Re, which is required to have $265.8 million in statutory capital and surplus in order to pay dividends, had $689.7 million in statutory capital and surplus.

 

Capital resources. At June 30, 2004, our capital structure consisted of equity. Total capitalization after deducting loans to employees and including retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) amounted to $826.1 million as compared to $805.2 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of 2.6%. We have flexibility with respect to capitalization as a result of our access to the debt and equity markets and evaluate various capital alternatives from time to time. We regularly review our capital adequacy and believe our current level of capital is sufficient to support our current reinsurance and insurance operations.

 

In the ordinary course of business, we are required to provide letters of credit or other regulatory approved security to certain of our clients to meet contractual and regulatory requirements. We have three letter of credit facilities as of June 30, 2004 providing $351.0 million of aggregate letter of credit capacity. Each of our letter of credit facilities requires that we comply with certain

 

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covenants, including a minimum consolidated tangible net worth and restrictions on the payment of dividends. We were in compliance with all the covenants of each of its letter of credit facilities at June 30, 2004. Additional information regarding our letter of credit facilities is set forth in note 7 of the interim consolidated financial statements.

 

On each of January 30, 2004, April 30, 2004 and July 30, 2004, Max Re Capital’s Board of Directors declared a shareholder dividend of $0.03 per share payable to shareholders of record on February 13, 2004, May 14, 2004 and August 13, 2004, respectively. Continuation of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our results of operations and cash flows, and our financial position and capital requirements, general business conditions, legal, tax, regulatory and any contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.

 

We have been assigned an insurer financial strength rating of “A- (Excellent)” by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and an insurer financial strength rating of “A (Strong)” by Fitch, Inc. These ratings reflect each rating agency’s opinion of our financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet obligations. If an independent rating agency downgrades or withdraws any of our ratings, we could be severely limited or prevented from writing any new reinsurance contracts, which would significantly and negatively affect our business. To date, our ratings have been affirmed by A.M. Best and Fitch on each rating review. Ratings are based upon factors relevant to policyholders and are not directed toward the protection of investors.

 

No off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

     Payment due by period (thousands of dollars)

Contractual Obligations


   Total

   Less than
1 year


   1-3
years


   3-5
years


   More than
5 years


Long-term debt obligations

   $ 150,000    $ 150,000    $ —      $ —      $ —  

Capital lease obligations

     —        —        —        —        —  

Operating lease obligations

     10,156      1,113      2,226      2,435      4,382

Purchase obligations

     —        —        —        —        —  

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet under GAAP

     —        —        —        —        —  
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 160,156    $ 151,113    $ 2,226    $ 2,435    $ 4,382
    

  

  

  

  

 

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We engage in an investment strategy that combines a fixed maturities investment portfolio and an alternative investment portfolio that employ strategies to manage investment risk. We attempt to maintain adequate liquidity in our cash and fixed maturities investment portfolio to fund operations, pay reinsurance and insurance liabilities and claims and provide funding for unexpected events. We seek to manage our credit risk through industry and issuer diversification, and interest rate risk by monitoring the duration and structure of our investment portfolio relative to the duration and structure of our liability portfolio. We are exposed to potential loss from various market risks, primarily changes in interest rates and equity prices. Accordingly, earnings would be affected by these changes. We manage our market risk based on Board-approved investment policies. With respect to our fixed maturities investment portfolio, our risk management strategy and investment policy is to invest in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to particular ratings categories and any one issuer. We select investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity that are tailored to the cash flow characteristics of our property and casualty and life and annuity liabilities.

 

As of June 30, 2004, we did not hold any high-yield investments in our fixed maturities investment portfolio. Our current policy is not to hold securities rated lower than BBB-/BAA- in our fixed maturities investment portfolio. At June 30, 2004, the impact on the fixed maturities investment portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated decrease in market value of 3.7%, or approximately $71.2 million, and the impact on the fixed maturities investment portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated increase in market value of 4.0%, or approximately $77.0 million.

 

With respect to our alternative investment portfolio, although our fund of funds advisor is contractually obligated to abide by our investment guidelines, we do not directly control the allocation of our assets to strategies or underlying funds, nor do we control the manner in which they are invested by the our fund managers. However, we consistently and systematically monitor the strategies and funds in which we are invested, and we believe our overall risk is limited as a result of our selected strategies’ low volatility and

 

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low correlation to the bond market, the stock market and each other. At June 30, 2004, the estimated impact on the alternative investment portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated decrease in market value of 1.9%, or approximately $19.3 million, and the impact on the alternative investment portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated increase in market value of 1.9%, or approximately $19.3 million.

 

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls. Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the “Exchange Act”), which we refer to as disclosure controls are controls, and procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this quarterly report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Internal control over financial reporting, which we refer to as internal controls, is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by the board of directors, management and our employees, with the objective of providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal controls also include policies and procedures that:

 

(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of our company;

 

(2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of our company; and

 

(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Limitations on the effectiveness of controls. Although the management of our company, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, believes that our disclosure controls and internal controls currently provide reasonable assurance that our desired control objectives have been met, management does not expect that our disclosure controls or internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

 

Quarterly evaluation of the Company’s Disclosure Controls. As of June 30, 2004, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, subject to the limitations noted above, that the design and operation of these disclosure controls were effective to ensure that material information relating to our company is made known to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, particularly during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared.

 

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

 

At June 30, 2004, we were not a party to any material litigation or arbitration We anticipate that we will be subject to litigation and arbitration from time to time in the ordinary course of business.

 

ITEM 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Max Re Capital held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 29,2004. For more information on the following proposals, see Max Re Capital’s proxy statement dated March 24, 2004.

 

(1) The shareholders elected four Class 1 directors of Max Re Capital to serve until Max Re Capital’s annual general meeting of shareholders in 2007:

 

Director


   For

   Against

   Abstain

John R. Barber

   34,252,197    107,342    13,680

W. Marston Becker

   34,248,955    110,121    14,143

Robert J. Cooney

   34,251,271    108,639    13,310

Mario P. Torsiello

   34,292,126    66,950    14,143

 

The terms of Directors Zack H. Bacon III, Laurence W. Cheng, William H. Heyman, Willis T. King, Jr., John L. Marion, Steven M. Skala and James L. Zech continued after the meeting.

 

(2) The shareholders ratified the appointment of KPMG, Hamilton, Bermuda, as the Company’s independent auditors for 2004:

 

For

   34,293,238

Against

   67,289

Abstain

   12,692

 

(3) The shareholders authorized the election of four Class 1 directors of Max Re to serve until Max Re’s annual general meeting of shareholders in 2007:

 

Director


   For

   Against

   Abstain

John R. Barber

   34,251,857    106,971    14,390

W. Marston Becker

   34,348,461    110,368    14,390

Robert J. Cooney

   34,250,653    108,886    13,680

Mario P. Torsiello

   34,291,632    67,197    14,390

 

The terms of Directors Zack H. Bacon III, Laurence W. Cheng, William H. Heyman, Willis T. King, Jr., John L. Marion, Steven M. Skala and James L. Zech continued after the meeting.

 

(2) The shareholders authorized the ratification of the appointment of KPMG, Hamilton, Bermuda, as the Max Re’s independent auditors for 2004:

 

For

   34,347,465

Against

   12,692

Abstain

   13,063

 

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ITEM 5. Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

  

Description


10.1    Employment Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, between Robert J. Cooney and Max Re Capital
31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer filed herewith pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer filed herewith pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer furnished herewith pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer furnished herewith pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1    Factors Affecting Future Financial Results (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2004).
99.2    Charter of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, adopted April 30, 2004.
99.3    Charter of the Finance and Investment Committee of the Board of Directors, adopted July 30, 2004.

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

On May 4, 2004, Max Re Capital filed a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting its earnings for its first quarter ended March 31, 2004, the declaration on April 30, 2004 of a dividend payable to shareholders of record on May 14, 2004 and its announcement of the election of a new director.

 

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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.

 

MAX RE CAPITAL LTD.

/s/ ROBERT J. COONEY

Name: Robert J. Cooney

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: August 3, 2004

 

/s/ KEITH S. HYNES

Name: Keith S. Hynes

Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: August 3, 2004

 

S-1