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EX-23.1 - EX-23.1 - SeaBright Holdings, Inc.v55200exv23w1.htm
EX-21.1 - EX-21.1 - SeaBright Holdings, Inc.v55200exv21w1.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - SeaBright Holdings, Inc.v55200exv31w1.htm
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - SeaBright Holdings, Inc.v55200exv32w1.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - SeaBright Holdings, Inc.v55200exv31w2.htm
EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - SeaBright Holdings, Inc.v55200exv32w2.htm
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
Form 10-K
 
 
 
 
     
(Mark One)    
 
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from to          to          .
 
Commission File Number 001-34204
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Delaware
  56-2393241
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)
     
1501 4th Avenue, Suite 2600
Seattle, Washington
(Address of principal executive offices)
  98101
(Zip code)
 
(206) 269-8500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
  New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act:  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act:  Yes o     No þ
 
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 þ     No o
 
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 o     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ
 
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. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer o
  Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
             
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):  Yes o     No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the common stock on June 30, 2009 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was $208,894,165.
 
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 12, 2010 was 21,722,481.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.
 


 

 
SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
 
INDEX TO FORM 10-K
 
                 
        Page
 
PART I
  Item 1.     Business     1  
  Item 1A.     Risk Factors     38  
  Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments     50  
  Item 2.     Properties     50  
  Item 3.     Legal Proceedings     50  
 
PART II
  Item 5.     Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     51  
  Item 6.     Selected Financial Data     54  
  Item 7.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     56  
  Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     81  
  Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     84  
  Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     121  
  Item 9A.     Controls and Procedures     121  
  Item 9B.     Other Information     123  
 
PART III
  Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     123  
  Item 11.     Executive Compensation     123  
  Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     123  
  Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     123  
  Item 14.     Principal Accounting Fees and Services     123  
 
PART IV
  Item 15.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules     124  
 EX-21.1
 EX-23.1
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2


Table of Contents

 
PART I
 
In this annual report:
 
  •  references to the “Acquisition” refer to the series of transactions that occurred on September 30, 2003 described under the heading “Our History” in Item 1 of this Part I;
 
  •  references to our “predecessor,” for periods prior to the date of the Acquisition, refer collectively to PointSure Insurance Services, Inc., Eagle Pacific Insurance Company and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company;
 
  •  references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, SeaBright Insurance Company and PointSure Insurance Services, Inc., and prior to the date of the Acquisition, include references to our predecessor;
 
  •  the term “our business” refers to the business conducted by the Company since October 1, 2003 and with respect to periods prior to October 1, 2003, to the business conducted by our predecessor; and
 
  •  references to “SeaBright” refer solely to SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc., unless the context suggests otherwise.
 
Item 1.   Business.
 
Overview
 
We are a specialty provider of multi-jurisdictional workers’ compensation insurance and, on a limited basis, general liability insurance. We are domiciled in Illinois, commercially domiciled in California and headquartered in Seattle, Washington. We are licensed in 49 states and the District of Columbia to write workers’ compensation and other lines of insurance. Traditional providers of workers’ compensation insurance provide coverage to employers under one or more state workers’ compensation laws, which prescribe benefits that employers are obligated to provide to their employees who are injured arising out of or in the course of employment. We focus on employers with complex workers’ compensation exposures, and provide coverage under multiple state and federal acts, applicable common law or negotiated agreements. We also provide traditional state act coverage in markets we believe are underserved. In 2008, we began providing general liability insurance on a limited basis and only in conjunction with workers’ compensation insurance we provide for major construction projects written under a controlled insurance program (commonly known as “wrap-up” programs). At December 31, 2009, we had three general liability insurance policies in force with estimated annual premium of $1.2 million. Since our general liability insurance business is small, the majority of discussion in this annual report on Form 10-K focuses on our workers’ compensation line of business.
 
Our workers’ compensation policies are issued to employers who also pay the premiums. The policies provide payments to covered, injured employees of the policyholder for, among other things, temporary or permanent disability benefits, death benefits and medical and hospital expenses. The benefits payable and the duration of such benefits are set by statute and vary by jurisdiction and with the nature and severity of the injury or disease and the wages, occupation and age of the employee.
 
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. was formed in 2003 by members of our current management and entities affiliated with Summit Partners, a leading private equity and venture capital firm, for the purpose of acquiring from Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company (“LMC”) and certain of its affiliates the renewal rights and substantially all of the operating assets and employees of Eagle Pacific Insurance Company and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company, which we collectively refer to as Eagle or the Eagle Entities (the “Acquisition”). Eagle began writing specialty workers’ compensation insurance in the mid-1980’s. The Acquisition gave us renewal rights to an existing portfolio of business, representing a valuable asset given the customer renewal rates of our business, and a fully operational infrastructure that would have taken many years to develop. These renewal rights gave us access to Eagle’s customer lists and the right to seek to renew Eagle’s continuing in-force insurance contracts. These renewal rights were valued at the date of the Acquisition.


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Introduction to Insurance Terms
 
Throughout this annual report, we refer to certain terms that are commonly used in the insurance industry. The following terms when used herein have the following meanings:
 
     
Accident year or accident year losses
  The year in which an accident or loss occurred, regardless of when the accident was reported or when the related loss amount was recognized in our financial statements. Losses grouped by accident year are referred to as accident year losses.
Assume
  To receive from a ceding company all or a portion of a risk in consideration of receipt of a premium.
Assumed premiums written
  Premiums that we have received from an authorized state-mandated pool in connection with our involuntary assumption of a portion of the insurance written by the pool.
Cede
  To transfer to an assuming company, or reinsurer, all or a portion of a risk in consideration of payment of a premium.
Ceded premiums written
  The portion of our gross premiums written that is ceded to reinsurers in return for the portion of our risk that they reinsure. Also included in ceded premiums written are premiums related to policies that we write on behalf of the Washington State USL&H Compensation Act Assigned Risk Plan (the “Washington USL&H Plan”). We immediately cede 100% of direct premiums written related to this business, net of our expenses, and 100% of the associated losses back to the Washington USL&H Plan.
Commutation
  The termination of obligation between the parties to an agreement.
Development
  The amount by which estimated losses, measured subsequently by reference to payments and additional estimates, differ from those originally reported for a period. Development is favorable when losses ultimately settle for less than the amount reserved or subsequent estimates indicate a basis for reducing loss reserves on open claims. Development is unfavorable when losses ultimately settle for more than the levels at which they were reserved or subsequent estimates indicate a basis for reserve increases on open claims. Favorable or unfavorable development of loss reserves is reflected in our Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period in which the change is made.
Direct loss reserves
  Loss reserves related to business written directly by us, as opposed to loss reserves related to business that is assumed or ceded by us.
Direct premiums written
  All premiums, billed and unbilled, written by us during a specified policy period. Premiums are earned over the terms of the related policies. At the end of each accounting period, the portions of premiums that are not yet earned are included in unearned premiums and are realized as revenue in subsequent periods over the remaining terms of the policies.


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Excess of loss reinsurance
  A form of reinsurance in which the reinsurer pays all or a specified percentage of a loss caused by a particular occurrence or event in excess of a fixed amount and up to a stipulated limit.
Gross premiums written
  The sum of direct premiums written and assumed premiums written during a specified period.
Incurred but not reported claims
  Claims relating to insured events that have occurred but have not yet been reported to us.
In-force premiums
  The current annual gross premiums written on all active or unexpired policies, excluding premiums received from the Washington USL&H Plan.
Loss adjustment expenses
  The expenses of investigating, administering and settling claims, including legal expenses.
Loss reserves
  The liability representing estimates of amounts needed to pay reported and unreported claims and related loss adjustment expenses.
Net combined ratio
  The sum of the net loss ratio and the net underwriting expense ratio.
Net loss ratio
  A key financial measure that we use in monitoring our profitability. Calculated by dividing loss and loss adjustment expenses for the period less claims service income by premiums earned for the period.
Net premiums written
  Equal to gross premiums written minus ceded premiums written.
Net underwriting expense ratio
  A key profitability measure. Calculated by dividing underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the period less other service income by premiums earned for the period.
Reinsurance
  A contract by which one insurer transfers all or part of a risk to another insurer in exchange for all or part of the premium paid by the insured.
Retention
  The amount of losses from a single occurrence or event which is paid by the company prior to the attachment of excess of loss reinsurance.
Retrospectively-rated policy
  A policy containing a provision for determining the insurance premium for a specified policy period on the basis of the loss experience for the same period.
Treaty
  A reinsurance contract.
 
Industry Background
 
Workers’ compensation is a statutory system under which an employer is required to pay for its employees’ medical, disability, vocational rehabilitation and death benefits costs for work-related injuries or illnesses. Most employers comply with this requirement by purchasing workers’ compensation insurance. The principal concept underlying workers’ compensation laws is that an employee injured in the course of his or her employment has only the legal remedies available under workers’ compensation law and does not have any other recourse against his or her employer. Generally, workers are covered for injuries that occur in the course and within the scope of their employment. An employer’s obligation to pay workers’ compensation does not depend on any negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the employer and exists even for injuries that result from the negligence or wrongdoings of another person, including the employee.
 
Workers’ compensation insurance policies generally provide that the carrier will pay all benefits that the insured employer may become obligated to pay under applicable workers’ compensation laws. Each state has a

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regulatory and adjudicatory system that quantifies the level of wage replacement to be paid, determines the level of medical care required to be provided and the cost of permanent impairment and specifies the options in selecting healthcare providers available to the injured employee or the employer. Coverage under the United States Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (“USL&H” or the “USL&H Act”) is similar to the state statutory system, but is administered on a federal level by the U.S. Department of Labor. This coverage is required for maritime employers with employees working on or near the waterfront in coastal areas of the United States and its inland waterways. As benefits under the USL&H Act are generally more generous than in the individual state systems, the rates charged for this coverage are higher than those charged for comparable land-based employment. These state and federal laws generally require two types of benefits for injured employees: (1) medical benefits, which include expenses related to diagnosis and treatment of the injury, as well as any required rehabilitation and (2) indemnity payments, which consist of temporary wage replacement, permanent disability payments and death benefits to surviving family members. To fulfill these mandated financial obligations, virtually all employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance or, if permitted by state law or approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, to self-insure. In most states, employers may purchase workers’ compensation insurance from a private insurance carrier, a state-sanctioned assigned risk pool or a self-insurance fund (an entity that allows employers to obtain workers’ compensation coverage on a pooled basis, typically subjecting each employer to joint and several liability for the entire fund). Some states, including North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, and Wyoming, are known as “monopolistic” states, meaning that employers in those states are generally required to buy workers’ compensation insurance from the state or, in some cases, may be allowed to self-insure.
 
Our History
 
On July 14, 2003, SeaBright entered into a purchase agreement with Kemper Employers Group, Inc. (“KEG”), LMC and the Eagle Entities. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Kemper Employers Insurance Company (“KEIC”) and PointSure Insurance Services, Inc. (“PointSure”), a wholesale insurance broker and third party claims administrator, and acquired tangible assets, specified contracts, renewal rights and intellectual property rights from LMC and the Eagle Entities. We acquired KEIC, a shell company with no in-force policies or employees, solely for the purpose of acquiring its workers’ compensation licenses in 43 states and the District of Columbia and for its certification with the United States Department of Labor. SeaBright paid approximately $6.5 million for KEIC’s insurance licenses, Eagle’s renewal rights, internally developed software and other assets and PointSure and approximately $9.2 million for KEIC’s statutory surplus and capital, for a total purchase price of $15.7 million. In September 2004 we paid to LMC a purchase price adjustment in the amount of $771,116 based on the terms of the purchase agreement.
 
The Acquisition was completed on September 30, 2003, at which time entities affiliated with Summit Partners, certain co-investors and members of our management team invested approximately $45.0 million in SeaBright and received convertible preferred stock in return. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence” in Part III, Item 13 of this annual report. These proceeds were used to pay for the assets under the purchase agreement and to contribute additional capital to KEIC, which was renamed “SeaBright Insurance Company.” SeaBright Insurance Company received an “A−” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) following the completion of the Acquisition. See the discussion under the heading “Ratings” in this Item 1.
 
On January 26, 2005, we closed the initial public offering of 8,625,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $10.50 per share for net proceeds of approximately $80.8 million, after deducting underwriters’ fees, commissions and offering costs totaling approximately $9.8 million. Approximately $74.8 million of the net proceeds were contributed to SeaBright Insurance Company. In connection with our initial public offering, all 508,365.25 outstanding shares of our Series A preferred stock were converted into 7,777,808 shares of common stock.


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On February 1, 2006, we closed a follow-on public offering of 3,910,000 shares of common stock at a price of $15.75 per share for net proceeds of approximately $57.7 million, after deducting underwriters’ fees, commissions and offering costs totaling approximately $3.9 million. Following the closing of this offering, we contributed $50.0 million of the net proceeds to SeaBright Insurance Company, which used the capital to expand its business in its core markets and to new territories.
 
On December 17, 2007, we completed the acquisition of Total HealthCare Management, Inc. (“THM”), a privately held California provider of medical bill review, utilization review, nurse case management and related services. The total purchase price was $1.5 million, of which $1.2 million was paid at closing. The remaining $0.3 million was scheduled to be paid in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the closing date, provided that THM achieves certain revenue objectives in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Based on THM’s performance in 2008 and 2009, the first two installments have not been paid at this time. However, such amount may be paid later if warranted by THM’s future performance. Goodwill recognized in connection with this acquisition totaled approximately $1.4 million. Following the acquisition, THM became a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaBright.
 
In July 2008, PointSure acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of Black/White and Associates, Inc., Black/White and Associates of Nevada and Black/White Rockridge Insurance Services, Inc. (referred to collectively as “BWNV”), a privately held managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker. Also included in the transaction was a covenant not to compete from key principals of BWNV and other intangible assets. The preliminary purchase price paid at closing was $1.7 million, of which $0.5 million was allocated to the purchase of BWNV capital stock. The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $0.5 million in connection with this acquisition. Following the acquisition, BWNV became a wholly owned subsidiary of PointSure. The stock purchase agreement provided for a contingent purchase price to be paid by (or refunded to) the Company approximately 13 months following the closing date, depending on whether BWNV revenue in the 12 months following closing exceeded (or was less than) the base revenue assumed at the time of the closing. The Company paid approximately $159,000 as additional purchase consideration upon completion of the contingency period in 2009.
 
Corporate Structure
 
Our corporate structure was as follows at December 31, 2009:
 
(FLOW CHART)
 
SeaBright Insurance Company is our insurance company subsidiary and a specialty provider of multi-jurisdictional workers’ compensation insurance. PointSure acts primarily as an in-house wholesale broker and third party administrator for SeaBright Insurance Company. Total HealthCare Management, Inc. is a provider of medical bill review, utilization review, nurse case management and related services. Black/White and Associates, Inc. is a managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker.


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Services Arrangements
 
In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into services agreements with LMC and certain of its affiliates that require us to provide certain service functions to the Eagle Entities in exchange for fee income. The services that we are required to provide to the Eagle Entities under these agreements include administrative services, such as underwriting services, billing and collections services, safety services and accounting services, and claims services, including claims administration, claims investigation and loss adjustment and settlement services. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we received approximately $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.9 million, respectively, in service fee income from LMC and its affiliates under these services arrangements.
 
At the time of the Acquisition, we entered into a service agreement with Broadspire Services, Inc. (“Broadspire”), a third-party claims administrator and former subsidiary of LMC, pursuant to which Broadspire provided us with claims services for the claims that we acquired from KEIC in connection with the Acquisition. In 2008, we terminated our arrangement with Broadspire and assumed responsibility for administering these claims.
 
Issues Relating to a Potential LMC Receivership
 
LMC and its affiliates had traditionally offered a wide array of personal, risk management and commercial property and casualty insurance products. However, due to the distressed financial situation of LMC and its affiliates, LMC is no longer writing new business and is now operating under a voluntary run-off plan which has been approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance. “Run-off” is the professional management of an insurance company’s discontinued, distressed or non-renewed lines of insurance and associated liabilities outside of a judicial proceeding. Under the run-off plan, LMC has instituted aggressive expense control measures in order to reduce its future loss exposure and allow it to meet its obligations to current policyholders.
 
In the event that LMC is placed into receivership, a receiver may seek to recover certain payments made by LMC to us in connection with the Acquisition under applicable voidable preference and fraudulent transfer laws. However, we believe that there are factors that would mitigate the risk to us resulting from a potential voidable preference or fraudulent conveyance action brought by a receiver of LMC, including the fact that we believe LMC and KEIC were solvent at the time of the Acquisition and that the Acquisition was negotiated at arms length and for fair value, the fact that the Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance approved the Acquisition notwithstanding LMC’s financial condition and the fact that a substantial period of time has elapsed since the date of the Acquisition.
 
In addition, if LMC is placed into receivership, various arrangements that we established with LMC in connection with the Acquisition, including the servicing arrangements, the commutation agreement, the adverse development cover, and the collateralized reinsurance trust could be adversely affected. For a discussion of the risks relating to a potential LMC receivership, see the risks described under “Risks Related to Our Business — In the event LMC is placed into receivership, we could lose our rights to fee income and protective arrangements that were established in connection with the Acquisition, our reputation and credibility could be adversely affected and we could be subject to claims under applicable voidable preference and fraudulent transfer laws” in Part I, Item 1A of this annual report.
 
Competitive Strengths
 
We believe we enjoy the following competitive strengths:
 
  •  Niche Product Offering.  Our specialized workers’ compensation insurance products in maritime, alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) and selected state act markets enable us to address the needs of underserved markets. Our management team and staff have extensive experience serving the specific and complex needs of these customers.


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  •  Specialized Underwriting Expertise.  We identify individual risks with complex workers’ compensation needs, such as multi-jurisdictional coverage, and negotiate customized coverage plans to meet those needs. Our underwriting professionals average approximately 22 years of insurance industry experience.
 
  •  Focus on Larger Accounts.  We target a relatively small number of larger, more safety-conscious employers (businesses with 50 to 400 employees) within our niche markets. We had over 1,500 customers, with an average estimated annual premium size of approximately $198,000 at December 31, 2009 compared to approximately $248,000 at December 31, 2008, a reflection of our continued geographic diversification , lower premium rates in many jurisdictions and the introduction of our Alternative Markets and Small Maritime Program products. We believe this focus, together with our specialized underwriting expertise, increases the profitability of our book of business primarily because the more extensive loss history of larger customers enables us to better predict future losses, allowing us to price our policies more accurately. Our focus on larger accounts also enables us to provide individualized attention to our customers, which we believe leads to higher satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
 
  •  Proactive Loss Control and Claims Management.  We consult with employers on workplace safety, accident and illness prevention and safety awareness training. We also offer employers medical and disability management tools that help injured employees return to work more quickly. These tools include access to a national network of physicians, case management nurses and a national discount pharmacy benefit program. Our strong focus on proven claims management practices helps minimize attorney involvement and to expedite the settlement of valid claims. In addition, our branch office network affords us extensive local knowledge of claims and legal environments, further enhancing our ability to achieve favorable results on claims. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 98% of our total time loss claims were handled in-house as opposed to being handled by third-party administrators. Our claims managers and claims examiners are highly experienced, with an average of over 18 years in the workers’ compensation insurance industry.
 
  •  Experienced Management Team.  The members of our senior management team, consisting of John G. Pasqualetto, Richard J. Gergasko, Scott H. Maw, Richard W. Seelinger, Marc B. Miller, M.D., D. Drue Wax Esq., and Jeffrey C. Wanamaker, average over 22 years of insurance industry experience, and over 19 years of workers’ compensation insurance experience.
 
  •  Strong Distribution Network.  We market our products through independent brokers and through PointSure. This two-tiered distribution system provides us with flexibility in originating premiums and managing our commission expense. PointSure, including BWNV, produced approximately 17.2% of our direct premiums written and 17.6% of our customers in the year ended December 31, 2009. We are highly selective in establishing relationships with independent brokers. As of December 31, 2009, we had appointed 234 independent brokers to represent our products. In addition, we negotiate commissions for the placement of all risks that we underwrite, either through independent brokers or through PointSure. For the year ended December 31, 2009, our ratio of net commission expense to net premiums earned was 8.3% including business assumed from the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc., or NCCI, residual market pool.
 
Strategy
 
We pursue profitable growth and favorable returns on equity through the following strategies:
 
  •  Geographic Location.  We believe our experience with maritime coverage issues in the states in which we operate can be readily applied to other areas of the country that we do not currently serve. Nine states have enabling legislation for collectively bargained ADR that is similar to the ADR legislation in California. In 2008, we expanded our business by writing policies in several more of the approved states in which we are licensed to do business.
 
  •  Expand Business in Target Markets.  We wrote approximately 43.3% of our direct premiums in California, 9.1% in Louisiana and 8.0% in Illinois for the year ended December 31, 2009. Alaska and


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  Texas accounted for 6.2% and 5.6%, respectively, of our direct premiums written in 2009. Proceeds from our initial public offering in January 2005, the follow-on offering in February 2006 and cash provided by operations have provided us with the necessary capital to enable us to increase the amount of insurance business that we are able to write in these and other markets. We believe that our product offerings, combined with our specialized underwriting expertise and niche market focus, have positioned us to increase our market share in our target markets.
 
We have also formed several operating divisions to focus on the development and expansion of business in several key niches. In 2007, we formed the Construction Division, headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, to focus on providing construction project coverage on a per-project basis (commonly known as “wrap-ups”). In the first quarter of 2008, we formed a dedicated Energy Division, headquartered in Houston, Texas, to increase our presence in the national energy sector. In the second quarter of 2008, we formed the Alternative Markets Division, headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, to seek opportunities to partner with select managing general agents who write “program business,” or large numbers of similar risks in a given industry group.
 
  •  Increase Distribution and Leverage Key Relationships.  We are focusing our marketing efforts on developing relationships with brokers that have expertise in our product offerings. We also seek strategic partnerships with unions and union employers to increase acceptance of our ADR product in new markets.
 
  •  Effectively Manage Overall Medical Claims Cost.  With the help of our chief medical officer, we are working within medical provider networks to expand our own network of physicians that we believe will consistently produce the best outcome for injured workers and permit them to return to work more quickly. We believe this strategy enhances our profitability over time by reducing our overall claims cost.
 
  •  Focus on Profitability.  We continue our focus on underwriting discipline and profitability by selecting risks prudently, by pricing our products appropriately and by focusing on larger accounts in our target markets.
 
  •  Continue to Develop Scalable Technology.  Our in-house technology department has developed effective and customized analytical tools that we believe significantly enhance our ability to write profitable business and administer claims in a cost-effective manner. In addition, these tools allow for seamless connectivity with our branch offices. We intend to continue making investments in advanced and reliable technological infrastructure.
 
Customers
 
We currently provide workers’ compensation insurance to the following types of customers:
 
  •  Maritime employers with complex coverage needs over land, shore and navigable waters. This involves underwriting liability exposures subject to various state and federal statutes and applicable maritime common law. Our customers in this market are engaged primarily in ship building and repair, pier and marine construction, stevedoring, offshore oil and gas development and exploration.
 
  •  Employers, particularly in the construction industry in California, who are party to collectively bargained workers’ compensation agreements that provide for settlement of claims out of court in a negotiated process.
 
  •  Employers who are obligated to pay insurance benefits specifically under state workers’ compensation laws. We primarily target employers in states that we believe are underserved, such as the construction market in California, Illinois and Louisiana, and the states of Texas, Alaska, Florida and Hawaii.
 
State Act Customers
 
We provide workers’ compensation insurance to employers who are obligated to pay benefits to employees under state workers’ compensation laws. Approximately 73.2% of our state act business is written


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in Alaska, California, Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas. We provide coverage under state statutes that prescribe the benefits that employers are required to provide to their employees who may be injured in the course of their employment. Our policies are issued to employers. The policies provide payments to covered, injured employees of the policyholder for, among other things, temporary or permanent disability benefits, death benefits, medical benefits and hospital expenses. The benefits payable and the duration of these benefits are set by statute and vary by state and with the nature and severity of the injury or disease and the wages, occupation and age of the employee. We are one of a few insurance carriers that have a local claim office in Alaska and Hawaii and, as such, we do not need to rely on third party administrators in these two markets.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009, we received approximately $178.6 million, or 62.4%, of our direct premiums written from state act customers. We define a state act customer as a customer whose state act exposure arises only under state workers’ compensation laws and is not a maritime customer or an ADR customer.
 
Maritime Customers
 
Providing workers’ compensation insurance to maritime customers with multi-jurisdictional liability exposures was the core of the business of Eagle Pacific Insurance Company, which began writing specialty workers’ compensation insurance over 24 years ago, and remains a key component of our business today. We are authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor to write maritime coverage under the USL&H Act in all federal districts, and believe, based primarily on the experience of our management team, that we are highly qualified underwriters in this niche in the United States. The USL&H Act is a federal law that provides benefits to any person engaged in maritime employment, including longshoreman or others engaged in long shoring operations and any harbor workers including shipbuilders, ship repairers and ship breakers. The employee’s injury or death must occur upon navigable waters of the United States, including any adjoining pier, wharf, dry dock, terminal, building way, marine railway or other adjoining area customarily used by an employer in loading, unloading, repairing, dismantling or building a vessel.
 
One of the coverage extensions that we provide under the USL&H Act is for exposures under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (“OCSLA”). OCSLA is a federal workers’ compensation act that provides access to federal benefits to those offshore workers whose duties include research, exploration, development and extraction of natural resources from fixed platforms attached to the seabed of the Outer Continental Shelf.
 
In conjunction with our USL&H Act writings, we also underwrite Maritime Employers’ Liability coverage which falls under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, more commonly known as The Jones Act. This tort liability coverage provides remedies to injured offshore workers, or qualified Jones Act seamen, and satisfies the maritime employer’s obligation to those employees. These remedies include an action against their employer for injuries arising from negligent acts of the employer or co-workers during the course of employment on a ship or vessel.
 
The availability of maritime coverage has declined in recent years due to several factors, including market tightening and insolvency of insurers providing this type of insurance. Offshore mutual organizations have increasingly become the default mechanism for insuring exposures for maritime employers due to the withdrawal of several traditional insurance carriers from this market segment. Maritime employers that obtain coverage through offshore mutual organizations are not able to rely on the financial security of a rated domestic insurance carrier. Accordingly, these employers are exposed to joint-and-several liability along with other members of the mutual organization. We offer maritime employers cost-competitive insurance coverage (usually under one policy) for liabilities under various state and federal statutes and applicable maritime common law without the uncertain financial exposure associated with joint-and-several liability. We believe we have very few competitors who focus on maritime employers with multi-jurisdictional liability exposures.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009, we received approximately $65.6 million, or 22.9%, of our direct premiums written from our maritime customers. We define a maritime customer as a customer whose total workers’ compensation exposure consists of at least 10% of maritime exposure. When we use the term maritime exposure in this annual report, we refer to exposure under the USL&H Act and its extensions, including the OCSLA; the Jones Act; or both. Not all of the gross premiums written from our maritime


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customers are for maritime exposures. For the year ended December 31, 2009, approximately 14.7% of our direct premiums written for maritime customers were for maritime exposures. Our experience writing maritime coverage attracts maritime customers for whom we can also write state act and ADR coverage.
 
Employers Party to Collectively Bargained Workers’ Compensation Agreements
 
We also provide workers’ compensation coverage for employers, particularly in the construction industry in California, that are party to collectively bargained workers’ compensation agreements with trade unions, also known as ADR programs. These programs use informal arbitration instead of litigation to resolve disputes out of court in a negotiated process. ADR insurance programs in California were made possible by legislation passed in 1993 and expanded by legislation passed in 2003. In 2003, these ADR programs became available to all unionized employees in California, where previously they were available only to unionized employees in the construction industry. We are recognized by 18 labor/management programs as authorized to provide coverage for employers that are party to collectively bargained workers’ compensation agreements with trade unions. We are aware of 11 states, including California, Florida and Hawaii, that have enabling legislation allowing for the creation of ADR collectively bargained workers’ compensation insurance programs. Last year, SeaBright played an active role in gaining enabling legislation in the state of Nevada.
 
The primary objectives of an ADR program are to reduce litigation costs, improve the quality of medical care, improve the delivery of benefits, promote safety and increase the productivity of union workers by reducing workers’ compensation costs. The ADR process is generally handled by an ombudsman, who is typically experienced in the workers’ compensation system. The ombudsman gathers the facts and evidence in a dispute and attempts to use his or her experience to resolve the dispute among the employer, employee and insurance carrier. If the ombudsman is unable to resolve the dispute, the case goes to mediation or arbitration.
 
ADR programs have had many positive effects on the California workers’ compensation process. For example, a 2009 study conducted by the California Workers’ Compensation Institute revealed that attorney involvement decreased by 35% for claims handled under ADR programs as opposed to claims handled under California’s statutory workers’ compensation system. We are one of the few insurance companies that offer this product in the markets that we serve.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009, we received approximately $40.6 million, or 14.2%, of our direct premiums written from customers who participate in ADR programs. We define an ADR customer as any customer who pays us a premium for providing the customer with insurance coverage in connection with an ADR program. Not all of the gross premiums written from our ADR customers are for ADR exposures. Our experience writing ADR coverage attracts ADR customers for whom we can also write state act and maritime coverage. For the year ended December 31, 2009, approximately 9.5% of our direct premiums written for ADR customers were for ADR exposures. We believe we are a leading provider of the ADR product. As awareness of this product by unions and employers increases over time, we expect to have substantial opportunities for growth in states that have passed enabling legislation.
 
Customer Concentration
 
As of December 31, 2009, our largest customer had annual gross premiums written of approximately $4.3 million, or 1.4% of our total in-force premiums as of December 31, 2009. We are not dependent on any single customer, the loss of whom would have a material adverse effect on our business. As of December 31, 2009, we had in-force premiums of $304.5 million. In-force premiums refers to our current annual gross premiums written for all customers that have active or unexpired policies, excluding premiums received from the Washington State USL&H Compensation Act Assigned Risk Plan (the “Washington USL&H Plan”), and represents premiums from our total customer base. Our three largest customers have combined annual gross premiums written of $10.6 million, or 3.5% of our total in-force premiums as of December 31, 2009. We do not expect the size of our largest customers to increase significantly over time. Accordingly, as we grow in the future, we believe our largest customers will account for a decreasing percentage of our total gross premiums written.


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Distribution
 
We distribute our products primarily through independent brokers we have identified as having well-established maritime or construction expertise. As of December 31, 2009, we had a network of approximately 234 appointed insurance brokers. For the year ended December 31, 2009, no broker, excluding PointSure, accounted for more than 6.8% of our direct premiums written. We do not employ sales representatives and make limited use of third-party managing general agents in marketing our coverage to “alternative markets” customers (employers within homogenous classes, such as agriculture and health care). Our managing general agents do not have authority to underwrite or bind coverage.
 
The licensed insurance brokers with whom we contract are compensated by a commission set as a percentage of premiums. Our standard broker agreement does not contain a commission schedule because all commissions are specifically negotiated as part of our underwriting process. Our ratio of net commissions to net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 8.3%. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the accounts for 135 of our customers, constituting 9.1% of our direct premiums written for that period, were written with no commissions paid by us. Brokers do not have authority to underwrite or bind coverage on our behalf, and they are contractually bound by our broker agreement.
 
We also distribute our products through PointSure, our licensed in-house wholesale insurance broker and third-party administrator. PointSure is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SeaBright. PointSure had approximately 2,702 sub-producer agreements as of December 31, 2009 compared to 2,108 as of December 31, 2008, representing an increase of 28.2%. PointSure is authorized to act as an insurance broker under corporate licenses or licenses held by one of its officers in 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to enhancing distribution for SeaBright Insurance Company, PointSure provides SeaBright Insurance Company with a cost-effective source of business. It provides the flexibility needed to avoid the costly and time consuming process of appointing brokers directly in both existing and new territories. For the year ended December 31, 2009, excluding premiums for the Washington USL&H Plan, PointSure’s direct premiums written with SeaBright Insurance Company were $49.3 million compared to $42.5 million in 2008 and $43.5 million in 2007.
 
PointSure acts in a variety of capacities for SeaBright Insurance Company and for third parties. PointSure provides SeaBright Insurance Company with marketing, sales, distribution, and some policyholder services for its brokers that are not directly appointed with SeaBright Insurance Company. PointSure also performs services for third parties unaffiliated with SeaBright. For example, PointSure acts as a third party administrator for self-insured employers and as a wholesale insurance broker for non-affiliated insurance companies. For these services, PointSure receives commissions from insurance carriers and/or brokerage fees on policies placed through PointSure. Incentive commissions may also be received from non-affiliated carriers based on the achievement of certain premium growth, retention and profitability objectives.


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The following table provides the geographic distribution of our risks insured as represented by direct premiums written by product for the year ended December 31, 2009, excluding premiums written under the Washington USL&H Plan which are ceded 100% back to the plan.
 
                                                 
    Direct Premiums Written In Year Ended December 31, 2009  
          Alternative
                         
          Dispute
          General
          Percent of
 
State
  Maritime     Resolution     State Act     Liability     Total     Total  
                (Dollars in thousands)              
 
Alabama
  $ 479     $     $ 2,307     $     $ 2,786       *
Alaska
    2,964       9       14,737             17,710       6.3 %
Arizona
    (7 )     559       7,791             8,343       3.0 %
Arkansas
    18       17       429             464       *
California
    9,341       33,953       80,562             123,856       43.9 %
Colorado
    37       (90 )     862             809       *
Connecticut
    109       (47 )     1,110             1,172       *
Delaware
    44             1,091             1,135       *
District of Columbia
          117       213             330       *
Florida
    5,882       2,881       3,124             11,887       4.2 %
Georgia
    620       19       922             1,561       *
Hawaii
    1,255       1,154       4,558             6,967       2.5 %
Idaho
    85       (4 )     24             105       *
Illinois
    180       239       22,592             23,011       8.1 %
Indiana
    (44 )           184             140       *
Iowa
    35       1       302             338       *
Kansas
    1       (19 )     518             500       *
Kentucky
    170             127             297       *
Louisiana
    20,835       36       5,272             26,143       9.3 %
Maine
    12             6             18       *
Maryland
    125       83       984             1,192       *
Massachusetts
    34       (6 )     624             652       *
Michigan
    174       54       28             256       *
Minnesota
    77       569       113             759       *
Mississippi
    1,375       10       471             1,856       *
Missouri
    464       (37 )     449             876       *
Montana
    197       (123 )     199             273       *
Nebraska
          6       94             100       *
Nevada
    11       327       2,285             2,623       *
New Hampshire
                38             38       *
New Jersey
    1,107       (22 )     4,029             5,114       1.8 %
New Mexico
    14       (51 )     2,080             2,043       *
New York
    131             807             938       *
North Carolina
    198       282       1,877             2,357       *
Ohio
    13             4             17       *
Oklahoma
    62       4       687             753       *
Oregon
    798       (26 )     323             1,095       *
Pennsylvania
    510             5,913       586       7,009       2.5 %
Rhode Island
    13       (7 )     101             107       *
South Carolina
    693             838             1,531       *
South Dakota
                7             7       *
Tennessee
    172       11       1,214             1,397       *
Texas
    7,702       132       7,546       652       16,032       5.7 %
Utah
    28       506       110             644       *
Vermont
    14             1             15       *
Virginia
    390       15       835             1,240       *
Washington
    5,704             (2 )           5,702       2.0 %
West Virginia
                30             30       *
Wisconsin
          7       186             193       *
                                                 
Totals
  $ 62,022     $ 40,559     $ 178,602     $ 1,238     $ 282,421          
                                                 
Percent of Total
    22.0 %     14.4 %     63.2 %     0.4 %     100.0 %        
 
 
* Represents less than 1% of total


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Underwriting
 
We underwrite business on a guaranteed-cost basis. We also underwrite dividend and loss sensitive plans that make use of retrospective-rating plans and deductible plans. Guaranteed cost plans allow for fixed premium rates for the term of the insurance policy. Although the premium rates are fixed, the final premium on a guaranteed cost plan will vary based on the difference between the estimated term payroll at the time the policy is issued and the final audited payroll of the customer after the policy expires. Dividend plans allow a policyholder to earn a cash dividend if its individual loss experience is lower than predetermined levels established at the inception of the policy. Policyholder dividends are payable only if declared by the Board of Directors of SeaBright Insurance Company. Loss sensitive plans, on the other hand, provide for a variable premium rate for the policy term. The variable premium is based on the customer’s actual loss experience for claims occurring during the policy period, subject to a minimum and maximum premium. The final premium for the policy may not be known for five to seven years or longer after the expiration of the policy because the premium is recalculated at 12-month intervals beginning six months following expiration of the policy to reflect development on reported claims. Our loss sensitive plans allow our customers to choose to actively manage their insurance premium costs by sharing risk with us. For the year ended December 31, 2009 approximately 83.4% of our direct premiums written came from customers on guaranteed cost plans, 1.8% from customers on dividend plans and the remaining 14.8% from customers on loss sensitive plans.
 
As opposed to using a class underwriting approach, which targets specific classes of business or industries and where the acceptability of a risk is determined by the entire class or industry, our underwriting strategy is to identify and target individual risks with specialized workers’ compensation needs. We negotiate individual coverage plans to meet those needs with competitive pricing and supportive underwriting, risk management and service. Our underwriting is tailored to each individual risk, and involves a financial evaluation, loss exposure analysis and review of management control and involvement. Each account that we underwrite is evaluated for its acceptability, coverage, pricing and program design. We make use of risk sharing (or loss sensitive) plans to align our interests with those of the insured. Our underwriting department monitors the performance of each account throughout the coverage period, and upon renewal, the profitability of each account is reviewed and integrated into the terms and conditions of coverage going forward.
 
The underwriting of each piece of business begins with the selection process. All of our underwriting submissions are initially sent to the local underwriting office based on the location of the producer. A submission is an application for insurance coverage by a broker on behalf of a prospective policyholder. Our underwriting professionals screen each submission to ensure that the potential customer is a maritime employer, an employer involved in an ADR program, or an employer governed by a state workers’ compensation act with a record of successfully controlling high hazard workers’ compensation exposures. The submission generally must meet a minimum premium size of $75,000, higher for some classes of business, and must not involve prohibited operations. For example, we deem diving, ship breaking, employee leasing and asbestos and lead abatement to be prohibited operations that we generally do not insure. Once a submission passes the initial clearance hurdle, members of our loss control and underwriting departments jointly determine whether to accept the account. If our underwriting department preliminarily decides to accept the account, our loss control department conducts a prospect survey. We require a positive loss control survey before any piece of new business is bound, unless otherwise approved by our underwriting department management. Our loss control consultants independently verify the information contained in the submission and communicate with our underwriters to confirm the decision to accept the account.
 
We use a customized loss-rating model to determine the premium on a particular account. We compare the loss history of each customer to the expected losses underlying the rates in each state and jurisdiction. Our loss projections are based on comparing actual losses to expected losses. We estimate the annual premium by adding our expenses and profit to the loss projection selected by our underwriters. This process helps to ensure that the premiums we charge are adequate for the risk insured.
 
Our underwriting department is managed by experienced underwriters who specialize in maritime and construction exposures. We have underwriting offices in Seattle, Washington; Orange, California; Anchorage, Alaska; Houston, Texas; Concord, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Lake Mary, Florida; Radnor, Pennsylvania;


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Chicago, Illinois; Needham, Massachusetts; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As of December 31, 2009, we had a total of 89 employees in our underwriting department, consisting of 32 underwriting professionals and 57 support-level staff members. Our underwriting professionals average approximately 22 years of insurance industry experience. We use audits and “authority letters” to help ensure the quality of our underwriting decisions. Our authority letters set forth the underwriting authority for each individual underwriting staff member based on their level of experience and demonstrated knowledge of the product and market. We also maintain a table of underwriting authority controls in our custom-built quote and issue system that is designed to alert underwriters of pricing and coverage conflicts that are outside their granted underwriting authority. These controls compare the underwriter’s authority for premium size, commission level, pricing deviation, plan design and coverage jurisdiction to the terms that are being proposed for the specific policyholder. Proposals that are outside an underwriter’s authority require appropriate review and approval from our senior underwriting personnel, allowing our senior underwriting personnel to mentor and manage the individual performance of our underwriters and to monitor the selection of new accounts.
 
Loss Control
 
We place a strong emphasis on our loss control function as an integral part of the underwriting process as well as a competitive differentiator. Our loss control department delivers risk level evaluations to our underwriters with respect to the degree of an employer’s management commitment to safety and acts as a resource for our customers to effectively promote a safe workplace. Our loss control staff has extensive experience developed from years of servicing the maritime and construction industries. Our loss control staff consists of 27 employees as of December 31, 2009, averaging 22 years of experience in the industry. We believe that this experience benefits us by allowing us to serve our customers more efficiently and effectively. Specifically, our loss control staff grades each prospective customer’s safety program elements and key loss control measures, supported with explanations in an internal report to the appropriate underwriter. Our loss control staff prepares risk improvement recommendations as applicable and provides a loss control opinion of risk with supporting comments. Our loss control staff also prepares a customized loss control service plan for each policyholder based upon identified servicing needs.
 
Our loss control staff works closely with Marc B. Miller, M.D., our chief medical officer, to assist our customers in developing tailored medical cost management strategies. We believe that by analyzing our loss data, our medical management needs and the current legal and regulatory environment, our chief medical officer helps us reduce our payments for medical costs and improve the delivery of medical care to our policyholders’ employees.
 
Our loss control staff conducts large loss investigation visits on site for traumatic or fatal incidents whenever possible. Our loss control staff also conducts a comprehensive re-evaluation visit prior to the expiration of a policy term to assist the underwriter in making decisions on coverage renewal.
 
We have loss control staff located within, or in close proximity to, our offices in Anchorage, Alaska; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Chicago, Illinois; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Orange, California; Lake Mary, Florida; Radnor, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona; Concord, California; and Seattle, Washington. The majority of our loss control staff work from resident offices. A network of well-vetted independent consultants provides supplemental loss control service support throughout the country.
 
Pricing
 
Our underwriting department determines expected ultimate losses for each of our prospective accounts and renewals using a customized loss-rating model developed by staff actuaries. This loss-rating model projects expected losses for future policy periods by weighing expected losses underlying specific workers’ compensation class codes against our customer’s historical payroll and loss information. Our underwriting department uses these projections to produce an expected loss amount for each account. This loss amount provides the foundation for developing overall pricing terms for the account. After the ultimate expected losses are calculated, our underwriting department determines the appropriate premium for the risk after adding


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specific expense elements to the expected loss amount, including loss control expenses, commissions, reinsurance cost, taxes and underwriting margins.
 
We also own a customized pricing model developed completely in-house that we use to calculate insurance terms for our loss sensitive plans. This program uses industry-published excess loss factors and tables of insurance charges, as well as company-specific expenses, to calculate the appropriate pricing terms. As discussed above under the heading “Underwriting,” our loss sensitive plans align our interests with our customers’ interests by providing our customers with the opportunity to pay a premium that would otherwise be higher than under a guaranteed cost plan if they are able to keep their losses below an expected level. The premiums for our retrospectively rated loss sensitive plans are reflective of the customer’s loss experience because, beginning six months after the expiration of the relevant insurance policy, and annually thereafter, we recalculate the premium payable during the policy term based on the current value of the known losses that occurred during the policy term. Because of the long duration of our loss sensitive plans, there is a risk that the customer will fail to pay the additional premium. Accordingly, we obtain collateral in the form of letters of credit to mitigate credit risk associated with our loss sensitive plans.
 
We monitor the overall price adequacy of all new and renewal policies using a weekly price monitoring report. Our rates upon renewal were steady in 2009, up approximately 0.02%, while down 9.4% in 2008 and 16.8% in 2007. The reductions in 2008 and prior were driven primarily by our California business, where rates have declined since 2004 as a result of reform legislation enacted primarily in 2003 and 2004. Following eight straight reductions, totaling 65.1%, in the advisory pure premium rates approved by the California Insurance Commissioner, in 2008, the California Insurance Commissioner approved a 5.0% rate increase effective January 1, 2009, which we adopted. The pure premium rates approved by the California Insurance Commissioner effective January 1, 2009 were 63.4% lower than the pure premium rates in effect as of July 1, 2003. More recent data has indicated the need for an increase in rates in California. The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (the “WCIRB”) filed for rate changes on both July 1, 2009 and January 1, 2010 that were rejected by the California Insurance Commissioner. SeaBright filed for a 10.6% rate increase effective August 1, 2009 which was approved by the California Department of Insurance.
 
Claims
 
We believe we are particularly well qualified to handle multi-jurisdictional workers’ compensation claims. Our claims operation is organized around our unique product mix and customer needs. We believe that we can achieve quality claims outcomes because of our niche market focus, our local market knowledge and our superior claims handling practices. We have claims staff located in Seattle, Washington; Orange and Concord, California; Anchorage, Alaska; Phoenix, Arizona; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Lake Mary, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and Radnor, Pennsylvania. We also maintain resident claim examiners in San Diego, California, and Western Washington to better serve our client base.
 
Our maritime claims are handled by our Seattle, Washington and Houston, Texas offices. Upon completion of a thorough investigation, our maritime claims staff is able to promptly determine the appropriate jurisdiction for the claim and initiate benefit payments to the injured worker. We believe our ability to handle both USL&H Act and Jones Act claims in one integrated process results in reduced legal costs for our customers and improved benefit delivery to injured workers.
 
Claims for our California ADR product are handled by our Orange, California office. Claims for our Hawaii ADR product are handled by our Honolulu, Hawaii office and claims for our Florida ADR product are handled in our Lake Mary, Florida office. By centralizing these claims in key regional locations, we have developed tailored claims handling processes, systems and procedures. We believe this claims centralization also results in enhanced focus and improved claims execution.
 
Claims for our state act products are handled by our regional claims offices located in Anchorage, Alaska; Phoenix, Arizona; Honolulu, Hawaii; Orange and Concord, California; Houston, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Lake Mary, Florida; and Radnor, Pennsylvania. We believe in maintaining a local market presence for our claims handling process. Our regional claims staff has developed a thorough knowledge of the local medical and legal community, enabling them to make more informed claims handling decisions.


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We seek to maintain an effective claims management strategy through the application of sound claims handling practices. We are devoted to maintaining a quality, professional staff with a high level of technical proficiency. We practice a team approach to claims management, seeking to distribute each claim to the most appropriate level of technical expertise in order to obtain the best possible outcome. Our claims examiners are supported by claims assistants, at a ratio of approximately one claims assistant for every two claims examiners. Claims assistants perform a variety of routine tasks to assist our claims examiners. This support enables our claims examiners to focus on the more complex tasks associated with our unique products, including analyzing jurisdictional issues; investigating, negotiating and settling claims; considering causal connection issues; and managing the medical, disability, litigation and benefit delivery aspects of the claims process. We believe that it is critical for our claims professionals to have regular customer contact, to develop relationships with owners and risk management personnel of the employer and to be familiar with the activities of the employer.
 
Having a highly-experienced claims staff with manageable work loads is integral to our business model. Our claims staff is experienced in the markets in which we compete. As of December 31, 2009, we had a total of 72 employees in our claims department, including 50 claim management and technical staff and 22 support-level staff members. Our claims managers and examiners average 19 years of experience in the insurance industry and over 18 years of experience with workers’ compensation coverage. In addition, our in-house claims examiners maintain manageable work loads so they can more fully investigate individual claims, with each claims examiner handling, on average, 116 time loss cases concurrently as of December 31, 2009. Our target time loss case load per claims examiner is 125; consequently, we currently have capacity to handle additional claim volume without making additions to our claims staff.
 
Our claims examiners are focused on early return to work, timely and effective medical treatment and prompt claim resolution. Newly-hired examiners are assigned to experienced supervisors who monitor all activity and decision making to verify skill levels. Like our underwriting department, we use audits and “authority letters” in our claims department to help ensure the quality of our claims decisions. The authority letters set forth the claims handling authority for each individual claims professional based on their level of experience and demonstrated knowledge of the product and market. We believe that our audits are a valuable tool in measuring execution against performance standards and the resulting impact on our business. Our home office audit function conducts an annual review of each claims office for compliance with our best claims handling practices, policies and procedures.
 
Our claims staff also works closely with Marc B. Miller, M.D., our chief medical officer, to better manage medical costs. Our chief medical officer performs a variety of functions for us, including providing counsel and direction on cases involving complex medical issues and assisting with the development and implementation of innovative medical cost management strategies tailored to the unique challenges of our market niches.
 
We have an electronic claims management system that we believe enables us to provide prompt, responsive service to our customers. We offer a variety of claim reporting options, including telephone, facsimile, e-mail and online reporting from our website. This information flows into Compass, our automated claims management system.
 
In those states where we do not have claims staff, we have made arrangements with local third party administrators to handle state act claims only. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 98% of our time loss claims were being handled in-house as opposed to being handled by third-party administrators. To help ensure the appropriate level of claims expertise, we allow only our own claims personnel to handle maritime claims, regardless of where the claim occurs.
 
Until July 2008, Broadspire Services, a third-party claims administrator, handled losses associated with a small run-off book of business acquired in the Acquisition. “Run-off” is the professional management of an insurance company’s discontinued, distressed or non-renewed lines of insurance and associated liabilities outside of a judicial proceeding. In July 2008, we assumed the responsibility for servicing all remaining open claims. As of December 31, 2009, there were 49 open claims in the book of claims we acquired in the Acquisition, compared to 65 open claims at December 31, 2008. Outstanding loss reserves related to claims


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we assumed in the Acquisition totaled $2.8 million (gross) and $1.8 million (net of reinsurance) at December 31, 2009.
 
Loss Reserves
 
We maintain amounts for the payment of claims and expenses related to adjusting those claims. Unpaid losses are estimates at a given point in time of amounts that an insurer expects to pay for claims which have been reported and for claims which have occurred but are unreported. We take into consideration the facts and circumstances for each claim file as then known by our claims department, as well as actuarial estimates of aggregate unpaid losses and loss expenses.
 
Our unpaid losses consist of case amounts, which are for reported claims, and amounts for claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported (sometimes referred to as “IBNR”) as well as adjustments to case amounts for ultimate expected losses. The amount of unpaid loss for reported claims is based primarily upon a claim-by-claim evaluation of coverage, liability or injury severity, and any other information considered pertinent to estimating the exposure presented by the claim. The amounts for unreported claims and unpaid loss adjustment expenses are determined using historical information, adjusted to current conditions using actuarial judgment. Unpaid loss adjustment expense is intended to cover the ultimate cost of settling claims, including investigation and defense of lawsuits resulting from such claims. The amount of loss reserves is determined by us on the basis of industry information, historical loss information and anticipated future conditions. A loss reserve committee, comprised of senior executives from our Executive, Actuarial, Underwriting, Claims and Finance departments, meets quarterly to review our loss reserves and to make necessary recommendations regarding such amounts. Although we review our loss reserve estimates on a quarterly basis and believe that our estimates at any point in time are reasonable and appropriate, loss reserves are estimates and are inherently uncertain; they do not and cannot represent an exact measure of liability.
 
We consider the following factors to be especially important at this time because they increase the variability risk factors in our current loss reserves:
 
  •  We wrote our first policy on October 1, 2003 and, as a result, our total reserve portfolio is relatively immature when compared to other industry data.
 
  •  At December 31, 2009, approximately $135.8 million, or 44.9%, of our direct loss reserves were related to business written in California. The California workers compensation benefit system experienced significant reform activity in 2002 through 2004 which has resulted in uncertainty regarding the impact of the reforms on loss reserves. In addition, several of the reforms face ongoing challenges in the California court system.
 
We review the following significant components of loss reserves on a quarterly basis:
 
  •  IBNR reserves for pure losses, which includes amounts for the medical and indemnity components of the workers’ compensation claim payments, net of subrogation recoveries and deductibles;
 
  •  IBNR reserves for defense and cost containment expenses (“DCC”), also referred to as allocated loss adjustment expenses (“ALAE”), net of subrogation recoveries and deductibles;
 
  •  reserve for adjusting and other expenses, also known as unallocated loss adjustment expense (“ULAE”); and
 
  •  reserve for loss based assessments, also referred to as the “8F reserve” in reference to Section 8, Compensation for Disability, subsection (f), Injury increasing disability, of the USL&H Act.
 
The reserves for loss and DCC are also reviewed gross and net of reinsurance (referred to as “net”). For gross losses, the claims for the Washington USL&H Plan, the KEIC claims assumed in the Acquisition and claims assumed from the NCCI residual market pools are excluded from this discussion.
 
IBNR reserves include a provision for future development on known claims, a reopened claims reserve, a provision for claims incurred but not reported and a provision for claims in transit (incurred and reported but not recorded).
 
In light of our short operating history and uncertainties concerning the effects of recent legislative reforms, specifically as they relate to our California workers’ compensation experience, actuarial techniques


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are applied that use historical experience of our predecessor as well as industry information in the analysis of loss reserves. It should be noted that a continuity of management and adjusting staff exists between us and our predecessor. These techniques recognize, among other factors:
 
  •  our claims experience and that of our predecessor;
 
  •  the industry’s claim experience;
 
  •  historical trends in reserving patterns and loss payments;
 
  •  the impact of claim inflation and/or deflation;
 
  •  the pending level of unpaid claims;
 
  •  the cost of claim settlements;
 
  •  legislative reforms affecting workers’ compensation, including pricing levels;
 
  •  the overall environment in which insurance companies operate; and
 
  •  trends in claim frequency and severity.
 
Our actuarial analysis is done separately for the indemnity, medical and DCC components of the total loss reserves within each accident year. Prior to the December 31, 2009 report, the analysis evaluated three separate categories: State Act, California; State Act, excluding California; and USL&H claims. This structure was consistent with business concentration in our earlier history, namely USL&H and State Act in western states. This also recognized additional variation in California results due to extensive reform activity.
 
However, as we continue to grow and diversify geographically, it is important to reflect the continuing change in the business distribution for the purpose of evaluating loss reserves. Since much of workers’ compensation insurance is governed by state laws, each with its own set of benefit structures, the claim cost profile may vary significantly from state to state. Consequently, internal analysis has identified additional categories in which emerging company data shows distinctly different patterns.
 
Beginning December 31, 2009, the analysis is completed separately for the following five categories: State Act, California (California); State Act, Alaska and Hawaii (Alaska & Hawaii); State Act, Illinois (Illinois); State Act, all other states (All Other); and USL&H. The business is divided into these five categories for the determination of ultimate losses due to differences in the laws of these jurisdictions.
 
The Company’s analysis is done separately for the indemnity, medical and DCC components of the total loss reserves by accident year (AYR) within each of the categories described above. There are currently seven AYRs included in the analysis valued at the following ages as of December 31, 2009:
 
  •  AYR 2003 — Valued at age 84 months
 
  •  AYR 2004 — Valued at age 72 months
 
  •  AYR 2005 — Valued at age 60 months
 
  •  AYR 2006 — Valued at age 48 months
 
  •  AYR 2007 — Valued at age 36 months
 
  •  AYR 2008 — Valued at age 24 months
 
  •  AYR 2009 — Valued at age 12 months
 
Gross ultimate loss (indemnity, medical and ALAE separately) for each category is estimated using the following actuarial methods:
 
  •  paid loss (or ALAE) development;
 
  •  incurred loss (or ALAE) development;
 
  •  Bornhuetter-Ferguson method (“Bornhuetter-Ferguson”), a standard actuarial reserving methodology further described below, using ultimate premiums and paid loss (or ALAE); and
 
  •  Bornhuetter-Ferguson using ultimate premiums and incurred loss (or ALAE).


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The Bornheutter-Ferguson method blends the loss development and expected loss ratio methods by assigning partial weight to the initial expected losses, calculated from the expected loss ratio method, with the remaining weight applied to the actual losses, either paid or incurred. The weights assigned to the initial expected losses decrease as the accident year matures.
 
A gross ultimate value is selected by reviewing the various ultimate estimates and applying actuarial judgment to achieve a reasonable point estimate of the ultimate liability. The gross IBNR reserve equals the selected gross ultimate loss minus the gross paid losses and gross case reserves as of the valuation date. The selected gross ultimate loss and ALAE are currently reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis.
 
Excess loss and ALAE is used to determine the estimated ultimate ceded losses. Excess loss and ALAE is estimated based on excess loss factors and development factors derived from our experience and that of our predecessor. Net losses equal gross losses minus ceded losses.
 
ULAE reserves are estimated using a standard paid ULAE to paid loss approach applied to gross loss and ALAE reserves. At December 31, 2009, the selected paid ULAE to paid loss ratio was based on experience from calendar years 2006 through 2009.
 
We participate in a special fund administered by the U.S. Department of Labor related to workers’ compensation benefits under the USL&H Act. Annual assessments levied by the special fund are treated as claim payments by us and in our financial statements as loss and ALAE. Our actuarial analysis of loss and ALAE reserves excludes these payments. We separately review our liability for future assessments related to claims incurred through the valuation date of the study.
 
Reconciliation of Loss Reserves
 
The table below shows the reconciliation of our loss reserves on a gross and net basis for the periods indicated, reflecting changes in losses incurred and paid losses.
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Beginning balance:
                       
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense
  $ 292,027     $ 250,085     $ 198,356  
Reinsurance recoverables
    (18,231 )     (14,034 )     (13,504 )
                         
Net balance, beginning of year
    273,796       236,051       184,852  
                         
Incurred related to:
                       
Current year
    172,411       168,559       162,017  
Prior years
    (1,411 )     (24,978 )     (34,080 )
Receivable under adverse development cover
    1,169       (1,646 )     248  
                         
Total incurred
    172,169       141,935       128,185  
                         
Paid related to:
                       
Current year
    (43,570 )     (42,253 )     (35,480 )
Prior years
    (83,810 )     (63,583 )     (41,258 )
                         
Total paid
    (127,380 )     (105,836 )     (76,738 )
                         
Receivable under adverse development cover
    (1,169 )     1,646       (248 )
                         
Net balance, end of year
    317,416       273,796       236,051  
Reinsurance recoverables
    34,080       18,231       14,034  
                         
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense
  $ 351,496     $ 292,027     $ 250,085  
                         
 
Our practices for determining loss reserves are designed to set amounts that in the aggregate are adequate to pay all claims at their ultimate settlement value. Our loss reserves are not discounted for interest or other factors. For a discussion of the development of our loss reserves, see the discussion under Note 9, “Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report.


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The figures in the above table include the development of the KEIC loss reserves. See the discussion under the heading “Our History” in this Item 1. Prior to the Acquisition, KEIC had a limited operating history writing small business workers’ compensation policies in California and had established loss reserves in the amount of approximately $16.0 million for these policies at September 30, 2003. In an effort to minimize our exposure to this past business underwritten by KEIC and any adverse developments to KEIC’s loss reserves as they existed at the date of the Acquisition, we entered into various protective arrangements in connection with the Acquisition, including the adverse development cover and the collateralized reinsurance trust. For a discussion of the development of KEIC’s loss reserves and related matters, see the discussion under the heading “Loss Reserves — KEIC Loss Reserves” in this Item 1.
 
SeaBright Insurance Company Loss Reserves
 
SeaBright Insurance Company began writing insurance policies on October 1, 2003. Shown below is the loss development related to policies written from 2003 through 2009. The first line of the table shows, for the years indicated, the gross liability including the incurred but not reported losses as originally estimated. For example, as of December 31, 2004 it was estimated that $46.0 million would be sufficient to settle all claims not already settled that had occurred through that date, whether reported or unreported. The next section of the table shows, by year, the cumulative amounts of loss reserves paid as of the end of each succeeding year. For example, with respect to the gross loss reserves of $46.0 million as of December 31, 2004, by December 31, 2009 (five years later) $29.0 million had actually been paid in settlement of the claims which pertain to the liabilities as of December 31, 2004. The next section of the table sets forth the re-estimates in later years of incurred losses, including payments, for the years indicated. For example, with respect to the gross loss reserves of $46.0 million as of December 31, 2004, $40.2 million is the re-estimated gross loss reserve, including payments, as of December 31, 2009.
 
The “cumulative redundancy/(deficiency)” represents, as of December 31, 2009, the difference between the latest re-estimated liability and the amounts as originally estimated. A redundancy means the original estimate was higher than the current estimate; a deficiency means that the current estimate is higher than the original estimate. For example, with respect to the gross loss reserves of $46.0 million as of December 31, 2004, $5.7 million is the cumulative redundancy as of December 31, 2009.
 
Analysis of SeaBright Loss Reserve Development
 
                                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Gross liability as originally estimated:
  $ 2,054     $ 45,981     $ 122,625     $ 180,929     $ 232,538     $ 275,942     $ 335,172  
Gross cumulative payments as of:
                                                       
One year later
    609       11,693       25,691       39,744       62,308       82,925          
Two years later
    1,087       18,814       39,916       62,963       100,601                  
Three years later
    1,574       23,329       49,616       79,574                          
Four years later
    1,685       26,987       56,589                                  
Five years later
    1,803       29,045                                          
Six years later
    1,914                                                  
Gross liability re-estimated as of:
                                                       
One year later
    2,819       42,499       99,740       146,686       213,277       280,480          
Two years later
    3,453       36,428       85,850       140,161       209,395                  
Three years later
    3,314       37,957       83,396       134,063                          
Four years later
    3,354       41,030       83,389                                  
Five years later
    3,408       40,245                                          
Six years later
    3,333                                                  
Cumulative redundancy/(deficiency):
    (1,279 )     5,736       39,226       46,866       23,143       (4,538 )        


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The $1.3 million of adverse development on 2003 reserves is due to the small base of claims and losses from the NCCI pool. The $4.5 million adverse development on 2008 reserves is primarily driven by a recognition of increased in severity in California and emerging loss data in Illinois, with some additional effect due to the increased severity in the USL&H losses. Aside from 2003 and 2008, we have experienced significant redundancies in our year-end reserves as a result of the uncertainty around claim cost reductions resulting from significant legislative reforms enacted in California, primarily in 2003 and 2004, and, to a lesser extent, in other states. In 2006, we reduced our direct loss reserves by $20.4 million, of which approximately $14.6 million related to accident year 2005 and approximately $5.8 million related to accident year 2004. In 2007, we reduced our direct loss reserves by $27.7 million, of which approximately $17.3 million related to accident year 2006 and approximately $11.6 million related to accident year 2005. In 2008, we reduced our direct loss reserves by $19.7 million, of which approximately $11.6 million related to accident year 2007, approximately $5.1 million related to accident year 2006, and approximately $3.0 million related to accident years 2005 and prior. In 2009, we increased our direct loss reserves by $14.4 million, of which approximately $8.8 million related to accident year 2008, approximately $5.0 million related to accident year 2007 and approximately $0.6 million related to accident years 2006 and prior. As noted above, the adverse development is primarily driven by a recognition of increased severity in our reserving segments. The $8.8 million increase in accident year 2008 was offset by redundancies recognized in our ULAE, loss based assessment and NCCI pool reserves, resulting in a smaller $4.5 million net reserve adverse development in the table above. For further discussion of the considerations and methodology relating to the estimation of our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, see the related discussion under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments — Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report.
 
KEIC Loss Reserves
 
Shown below is the loss development from 2000 through 2009 related to KEIC policies written from 2000 through 2002. The last direct policy written by KEIC was effective in May 2002 and expired in May 2003. KEIC has claim activity in accident years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. The first line of the table shows, for the years indicated, the gross liability including the incurred but not reported losses as originally estimated. For example, as of December 31, 2001, it was estimated that $14.5 million would be sufficient to settle all claims not already settled that had occurred prior to December 31, 2001, whether reported or unreported. The next section of the table shows, by year, the cumulative amounts of loss reserves paid as of the end of each succeeding year. For example, with respect to the gross loss reserves of $14.5 million as of December 31, 2001, by December 31, 2009 (eight years later) $13.8 million had actually been paid in settlement of the claims which pertain to the liabilities as of December 31, 2001. The next section of the table sets forth the re-estimates in later years of incurred losses, including payments, for the years indicated. For example, with respect to the gross loss reserves of $14.5 million as of December 31, 2001, $17.8 million is the re-estimated gross loss reserve, including payments, as of December 31, 2009.
 
The “cumulative redundancy/(deficiency)” represents, as of December 31, 2009, the difference between the latest re-estimated liability and the amounts as originally estimated. A redundancy means the original estimate was higher than the current estimate; a deficiency means that the current estimate is higher than the original estimate. For example, with respect to the gross loss reserves of $14.5 million as of December 31, 2001, $3.4 million is the cumulative deficiency as of December 31, 2009.


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Analysis of KEIC Loss Reserve Development
 
                                                                                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2000     2001     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009  
                            (In thousands)                          
 
Gross liability as originally estimated:
  $ 3,258     $ 14,458     $ 30,748     $ 27,677     $ 22,248     $ 17,497     $ 14,126     $ 13,261     $ 10,508     $ 7,818  
Gross cumulative payments as of:
                                                                               
One year later
    723       7,525       (4,130 )     6,815       4,822       2,998       2,184       1,843       900          
Two years later
    2,070       4,443       2,283       11,637       7,820       5,182       4,027       2,743                  
Three years later
    1,438       8,107       6,884       14,635       10,004       7,025       4,927                          
Four years later
    1,792       10,312       9,651       16,819       11,847       7,925                                  
Five years later
    2,304       11,701       11,552       18,662       12,747                                          
Six years later
    2,584       12,646       13,314       19,562                                                  
Seven years later
    2,712       13,408       14,134                                                          
Eight years later
    2,858       13,840                                                                  
Nine years later
    2,901                                                                          
Gross liability re-estimated as of:
                                                                               
One year later
    3,013       19,562       23,374       29,063       23,319       17,124       15,445       12,351       8,718          
Two years later
    3,426       17,523       23,321       29,134       21,946       18,444       14,535       10,561                  
Three years later
    3,329       18,138       23,739       28,761       23,266       17,533       12,745                          
Four years later
    3,235       19,068       23,136       30,081       22,355       15,743                                  
Five years later
    3,394       18,465       24,237       29,170       20,565                                          
Six years later
    3,391       18,666       22,878       27,380                                                  
Seven years later
    3,798       18,757       21,378                                                          
Eight years later
    4,004       17,816                                                                  
Nine years later
    3,498                                                                          
Cumulative redundancy/ (deficiency):
    (240 )     (3,358 )     9,370       297       1,683       1,754       1,381       2,700       1,790          
 
The acquired book of business related to KEIC had gross reserves of $7.8 million as of December 31, 2009. These reserves represent a potential liability to us if the protective arrangements that we have established prove to be inadequate. Our initial source of protection is our external reinsurance, which is described under the heading “Reinsurance” in this Item 1. The total reserves net of external reinsurance at December 31, 2009 were $4.1 million. The ceded reserves of $3.7 million as of December 31, 2009 are subject to collection from our external reinsurers. To the extent we are not able to collect on our reinsurance recoverables, these liabilities become our responsibility. See the discussion under the heading “Risks Related to Our Business — Our loss reserves are based on estimates and may be inadequate to cover our actual losses” in Part I, Item 1A of this annual report.
 
The net reserves as of December 31, 2009 of $4.1 million are subject to the various protective arrangements that we entered into in connection with the Acquisition. Prior to the Acquisition, KEIC had a limited operating history in California writing small business workers’ compensation policies with an average annual premium size of approximately $4,100 per customer. KEIC had established loss reserves in the amount of approximately $16.0 million for these policies at September 30, 2003. In light of the deteriorating financial condition of LMC and its affiliates, we entered into a number of protective arrangements in connection with the Acquisition for the purpose of minimizing our exposure to this past business underwritten by KEIC and any adverse developments to KEIC’s loss reserves as they existed at the date of the Acquisition. One of our primary objectives in establishing these arrangements was to create security at the time of the Acquisition with respect to LMC’s potential obligations to us as opposed to having a mere future contractual right against LMC with respect to these obligations. The protective arrangements we established included a commutation agreement, an adverse development cover and a collateralized reinsurance trust.
 
Commutation Agreement.  Prior to the Acquisition, LMC and KEIC had entered into a reinsurance agreement requiring LMC to reinsure 80% of certain risks insured by KEIC in exchange for a premium paid to LMC. To help insulate us from the effects of a potential insolvency of LMC and the possibility that LMC


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may not continue to have the ability to make reinsurance payments to KEIC in the future, in connection with the Acquisition, KEIC entered into a commutation agreement with LMC to terminate the previously established reinsurance agreement. Under the commutation agreement, LMC paid us approximately $13.0 million in cash in exchange for being released from its obligations under the reinsurance agreement, and KEIC reassumed all of the risks previously reinsured by LMC.
 
Adverse Development Cover.  At the time of the Acquisition and after the commutation agreement, KEIC had loss reserves in the amount of approximately $16.0 million. In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into an agreement with LMC under which we both agreed to indemnify each other with respect to developments in these loss reserves over a period of approximately eight years. December 31, 2011 is the date to which the parties will look to determine whether the loss reserves with respect to KEIC’s insurance policies in effect at the date of the Acquisition have increased or decreased from the $16.0 million amount existing at the date of the Acquisition. If the loss reserves have increased, LMC must indemnify us in the amount of the increase. If they have decreased, we must indemnify LMC in the amount of the decrease.
 
Collateralized Reinsurance Trust.  Because of the poor financial condition of LMC and its affiliates, we required LMC to fund a trust account in connection with the Acquisition. The funds in the trust account serve as current security for potential future obligations of LMC under the adverse development cover. The minimum amount that must be maintained in the trust account is equal to the greater of (a) $1.6 million or (b) 102% of the then-existing quarterly estimate of LMC’s total obligations under the adverse development cover, requiring LMC to fund additional amounts into the trust account on a quarterly basis, if necessary, based on a quarterly review of LMC’s obligations. We are entitled to access the funds in the trust account from time to time to satisfy LMC’s obligations under the adverse development cover in the event that LMC fails to satisfy its obligations.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had recorded a receivable of approximately $3.0 million for adverse loss development under the adverse development cover since the date of the Acquisition. The balance in the trust account, including accumulated interest, totaled approximately $3.8 million at December 31, 2009. We continue to assess the reasonableness of reserves related to this business and believe that the trust balance at December 31, 2009 is adequate to cover LMC’s present liability to us for adverse development.
 
Due to the distressed financial condition of LMC and its affiliates, LMC is no longer writing new business and is now operating under a voluntary run-off plan which has been approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance. If LMC is placed into receivership, various of the protective arrangements, including the adverse development cover, the collateralized reinsurance trust and the commutation agreement, could be adversely affected. If LMC is placed into receivership and the amount held in the collateralized reinsurance trust is inadequate to satisfy the obligations of LMC to us under the adverse development cover, it is unlikely that we would recover any future amounts owed by LMC to us under the adverse development cover in excess of the amounts currently held in trust because the director of the Illinois Department of Insurance would have control of the assets of LMC. In addition, it is possible that a receiver or creditor could assert a claim seeking to unwind or recover the $13.0 million payment made by LMC to us under the commutation agreement or the funds deposited by LMC into the collateralized reinsurance trust under applicable voidable preference or fraudulent transfer laws. See “Risks Related to Our Business — In the event LMC is placed into receivership, we could lose our rights to fee income and protective arrangements that were established in connection with the Acquisition, our reputation and credibility could be adversely affected and we could be subject to claims under applicable voidable preference and fraudulent transfer laws” in Part I, Item 1A of this annual report.
 
If LMC is placed into receivership in the near future, we will be responsible for the amount of any adverse development of KEIC’s loss reserves in excess of the collateral that is then currently available to us, including the $3.8 million on deposit as of December 31, 2009 and any future amounts deposited in the collateralized reinsurance trust. For example, if LMC is placed into receivership at a time when the amount on deposit in the collateralized reinsurance trust is deficient by $1.0 million, we would have to absorb that amount. Because the $13.0 million that we received under the commutation agreement was not discounted for present value at the time of payment, the earnings on these funds, if any, will help us to absorb any adverse development on KEIC’s loss reserves in excess of amounts on deposit under the collateralized reinsurance


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trust. We believe that there are several factors that would mitigate the risk to us resulting from a potential voidable preference or fraudulent conveyance action brought by a receiver, but if a receiver is successful under applicable voidable preference and fraudulent transfer laws in recovering from us the collateral that we received in connection with the Acquisition, those funds would not be available to us to offset any adverse development in KEIC’s loss reserves. See “Our History — Issues Relating to a Potential LMC Receivership” in this Item 1.
 
Investments
 
We derive investment income from our invested assets. We invest our statutory surplus and funds to support our loss reserves and our unearned premiums. As of December 31, 2009, the amortized cost of our investment portfolio was $608.2 million and the fair value of the portfolio was $626.6 million.
 
The following table shows the fair values of various categories of invested assets, the percentage of the total fair value of our invested assets represented by each category and the tax equivalent book yield based on the fair value of each category of invested assets as of December 31, 2009.
 
                         
          Percent of
       
Category
  Fair Value     Total     Yield  
    (In thousands)              
 
Fixed income securities:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 19,392       3.1 %     3.20 %
Government sponsored agency securities
    29,622       4.8       4.18  
Corporate securities
    99,757       15.9       4.52  
Tax-exempt municipal securities
    341,635       54.5       5.57  
Mortgage pass-through securities
    78,294       12.5       5.29  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    15,222       2.4       2.90  
Asset-backed securities
    42,686       6.8       4.99  
                         
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 626,608       100.0 %     5.12  
                         
 
The average credit rating for our fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2009, using ratings assigned by Standard and Poor’s, was AA. The following table shows the ratings distribution of our fixed income portfolio as of December 31, 2009, as a percentage of total fair value.
 
         
    Percentage of
 
    Total Fair
 
Rating
  Value  
 
“AAA”
    37.0 %
“AA”
    37.3  
“A”
    22.0  
“BBB”
    3.1  
“Below BBB”
    0.6  
         
Total
    100.0 %
         
 
The following table shows the composition of our fixed income securities by remaining time to maturity at December 31, 2009. For securities that are redeemable at the option of the issuer and have a market price that is greater than par value, the maturity used for the table below is the earliest redemption date. For securities that are redeemable at the option of the issuer and have a market price that is less than par value, the maturity used for the table below is the final maturity date. For mortgage-backed securities, mortgage


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prepayment assumptions are utilized to project the expected principal redemptions for each security, and the maturity used in the table below is the average life based on those projected redemptions.
 
                 
          Percentage of
 
          Total
 
Remaining Time to Maturity
  Fair Value     Fair Value  
    (In thousands)        
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 26,421       4.2 %
Due after one year through five years
    191,065       30.5  
Due after five years through ten years
    247,224       39.5  
Due after ten years
    25,696       4.1  
Securities not due at a single maturity date
    136,202       21.7  
                 
Total fixed income securities available-for-sale
  $ 626,608       100.0 %
                 
 
Our investment strategy is to conservatively manage our investment portfolio by investing primarily in readily marketable, investment grade fixed income securities. Our investment portfolio is managed by a registered investment advisory firm. We pay a variable fee based on assets under management. Our Board of Directors has established investment guidelines and periodically reviews portfolio performance for compliance with our guidelines. Our investment policy currently allows for investment of at least 90% of the portfolio in core investment grade fixed income securities, up to 7.5% in common stocks (up to 6% domestic and 1.5% international) and up to 5% in convertible securities. Our investment policy contains additional limitations and guidelines relating to, for example, sector diversification, duration and credit rating.
 
We regularly review our investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. A number of criteria are considered during this process, including but not limited to the following: whether we intend to sell the security; the current fair value as compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, of the security; the length of time the security’s fair value has been below amortized cost; the likelihood that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis; specific credit issues related to the issuer; and current economic conditions, including interest rates.
 
In general, we review all securities that are impaired by 5% or more at the end of the period. We focus our review of securities with no stated maturity date on securities that were impaired by 20% or more at the end of the period or have been impaired 10% or more continuously for six months or longer as of the end of the period. We also analyze the entire portfolio for other factors that might indicate a risk of impairment, including credit ratings, liquidity of the issuer and interest rates. If a decline in value is deemed temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income (loss) on our consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income and in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on our consolidated balance sheets. If declines in fair value are deemed “other than temporary,” we write down the carrying value of the investment and record a realized loss in our consolidated statements of operations for the credit loss component and record the amount due to all other factors in other comprehensive income. Significant changes in the factors considered when evaluating investments for impairment losses, such as those described above, could result in a significant change in impairment losses reported in the financial statements.
 
In 2009, we recognized other-than-temporary impairment charges of approximately $0.3 million related to our investment in preferred stock issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As of December 31, 2009, we had one security with fair value less than 80% of its amortized cost or cost. The unrealized loss related to this security totaled approximately $61,000 and was determined to be a temporary impairment. As of December 31, 2009, the net unrealized gain on our investment portfolio totaled $18.4 million compared to net unrealized losses of $4.6 million as of December 31, 2008. In 2008, we recognized other-than-temporary impairment charges of approximately $10.2 million on our investments in preferred stocks (nearly all of which were government-sponsored agency fixed and variable preferred stocks) and approximately $3.2 million on our investment in equity indexed securities exchange-traded funds. No other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of our securities were recorded in 2007.


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The fair value of our investment portfolio increased significantly in 2009 from the balance at December 31, 2008, which was negatively impacted by unprecedented events in the capital and credit markets that resulted in extreme volatility and disruption of the world’s financial markets. Several factors contributed to the decrease in fair values of our investment portfolio in 2008 including the tightening/freezing of credit markets, significant failures of large financial institutions, uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of governmental solutions, as well as the current recession. Despite the significant improvement in the value of the our investment portfolio in 2009, it is possible that we could recognize future impairment losses on some securities we owned at December 31, 2009 if future events, information and the passage of time result in a determination that a decline in value is other-than-temporary.
 
We had no direct exposure to sub-prime mortgage exposure in our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2009 and $5.4 million of indirect exposure to sub-prime mortgages. As of December 31, 2009, our portfolio included $212.3 million of insured municipal bonds and $132.3 million of uninsured municipal bonds. For further information about our investment portfolio, please see the related discussion under the heading “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report.
 
Reinsurance
 
We purchase reinsurance to reduce our net liability on individual risks and to protect against possible catastrophes. Reinsurance involves an insurance company transferring, or “ceding,” a portion of its exposure on a risk to another insurer, the reinsurer. The reinsurer assumes the exposure in return for a portion of the premium. The cost and limits of reinsurance we purchase can vary from year to year based upon the availability of quality reinsurance at an acceptable price and our desired level of retention, or the amount of risk that we retain for our own account. In excess of loss reinsurance, losses in excess of the retention level up to the upper limit of the program, if any, are paid by the reinsurer.
 
Regardless of type, reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer from primary liability for the full amount due under the reinsured policies. However, the assuming reinsurer is obligated to indemnify the ceding company to the extent of the coverage ceded. To reduce our risk of the possibility of a reinsurer becoming unable to fulfill its obligations under the reinsurance contracts, we select financially strong reinsurers with an A.M. Best rating of “A−” (Excellent) or better and continue to evaluate their financial condition and monitor various credit risks to minimize our exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies. All of the reinsurers included in our current excess-of-loss reinsurance program at December 31, 2009 had A.M. Best ratings of “A−” or higher.
 
Our Excess of Loss Reinsurance Treaty Program
 
Excess of loss reinsurance is reinsurance that indemnifies the reinsured against all or a specified portion of losses on underlying insurance policies in excess of a specified amount, which is called an “attachment level” or “retention.” Excess of loss reinsurance may be written in layers, in which a reinsurer or group of reinsurers accepts a band of coverage up to a specified amount. Any liability exceeding the upper limit of the program reverts to the ceding company, or the company seeking reinsurance. The ceding company also bears the credit risk of a reinsurer’s insolvency. In the ordinary course of our business, we renewed our workers’ compensation and employers’ liability excess of loss reinsurance treaty program effective October 1, 2009, whereby our reinsurers are liable for the ultimate net losses in excess of $0.75 million for the business we write, up to an $85.0 million limit and subject to additional exclusions and limits, including those described below. We have reviewed the terms of our excess of loss reinsurance treaties and have concluded that they provide sufficient transfer of risk and meet other requirements necessary to qualify them for reinsurance accounting under the Insurance Activities Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The agreements for the current reinsurance program expire on October 1, 2010. The program provides coverage in seven layers and applies to losses occurring between October 1, 2009 and October 1, 2010 for business written by us and classified as workers’ compensation, employers’ liability and maritime employers’ liability, except in the case of the fourth through seventh layers, when classified by us as ocean marine. The second, third and fourth layers also include general liability coverage. All layers exclude our NCCI residual market assumed


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business. In order for coverage to attach, we must report all losses to our reinsurers before October 1, 2017 or, in the case of general liability losses, by October 1, 2020.
 
The first reinsurance layer, of which we decided to place only 50%, affords coverage up to $0.5 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $0.5 million for each loss occurrence. The aggregate limit for all claims under the first layer is $17.0 million. In addition, under the first layer of reinsurance, there is a sub-limit of $1.5 million for losses caused by foreign acts of terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, as extended and amended by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act of 2005 and the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (collectively referred to in this annual report as the “Terrorism Risk Act”); and maximum employer’s liability policy limits of $1.0 million ($2.0 million in Hawaii), or $5.0 million where case law provides for unlimited coverage.
 
The second layer affords coverage up to $1.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $1.0 million for each loss occurrence. The aggregate limit for all claims under the second layer is $10.0 million. In addition, under the second layer of reinsurance, there is a sub-limit of $2.0 million for losses caused by foreign acts of terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Act; a sub-limit of $1.0 million for losses caused by occupational disease or other disease or cumulative trauma; maximum employer’s liability policy limits of $1.0 million ($2.0 million in Hawaii), or $5.0 million where case law provides for unlimited coverage; and a sub-limit of $1.0 million per policy, per occurrence for general liability losses.
 
The third layer affords coverage up to $3.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $2.0 million for each loss occurrence. The aggregate limit for all claims under the third layer is $12.0 million. In addition, the third layer has a sub-limit of $6.0 million for losses caused by foreign acts of terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Act; a sub-limit of $3.0 million for losses caused by occupational disease or other disease or cumulative trauma; maximum employer’s liability policy limits of $1.0 million ($2.0 million in Hawaii), or $5.0 million where case law provides for unlimited coverage; and a sub-limit of $2.0 million per policy, per occurrence for general liability losses.
 
The fourth layer affords coverage up to $5.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $5.0 million for each loss occurrence. The aggregate limit for all claims under the fourth layer is $15.0 million. In addition, the fourth layer has a sub-limit of $5.0 million for losses caused by foreign acts of terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Act; a sub-limit of $2.0 million per policy, per occurrence for general liability losses.
 
The fifth, sixth and seventh layers in our excess of loss reinsurance treaty program afford coverage up to $75.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $10.0 million. The fifth layer affords coverage up to $10.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $10.0 million for each loss occurrence, subject to an aggregate limit of $20.0 million. The fifth layer has a sub-limit of $10.0 million for losses caused by foreign acts of terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Act. The sixth layer affords coverage up to $30.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $20.0 million for each loss occurrence, subject to an aggregate limit of $60.0 million. The sixth layer has a sub-limit of $30.0 million for losses caused by foreign acts of terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Act. The seventh layer affords coverage up to $35.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $50.0 million for each loss occurrence, subject to an aggregate limit of $70.0 million. The seventh layer has a sub-limit of $35.0 million for losses caused by foreign acts of terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Act. Under the fifth, sixth and seventh layers, the maximum amount applicable to the ultimate net loss for any one loss suffered by any one employee is $7.5 million.
 
Under the reinsurance treaty program, we are required to pay our reinsurers an aggregate deposit premium of approximately $14.0 million for the term of the agreements. The agreements for the first, second, third and fourth layers in our excess of loss reinsurance treaty program have profit-sharing provisions allowing us to commute the treaties, solely at our discretion and within 24 months following expiration, in return for payment by the reinsurers of a portion of the reinsurers’ profit on the treaty, calculated according to the terms of the contract. For example, in 2008, we commuted the three lower layer treaties (covering losses from $0.5 million to $10.0 million) in our 2005-2006 reinsurance program in return for a profit commission of approximately $2.3 million from the reinsurers. As part of the commutation, we assume all losses occurring in that treaty year up to an incurred amount of $10.0 million. In 2009, we commuted the treaty covering losses from $5.0 million to $10.0 million in our 2006-2007 reinsurance program in return for a profit commission of


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approximately $0.7 million. In addition, under each layer of our reinsurance treaty program, we are required to pay to our reinsurers the pro rata share of the amount, if any, by which any financial assistance paid to us under the Terrorism Risk Act for acts of terrorism occurring during any one program year, combined with our total private-sector reinsurance recoveries for those acts of terrorism, exceeds the amount of insured losses paid by us for those acts of terrorism.
 
Under each layer of our reinsurance treaty program, we may terminate any reinsurer’s share under the applicable agreement at any time by giving written notice to the reinsurer under certain circumstances, including if the reinsurer’s A.M. Best rating is downgraded below “A−” and/or its Standard & Poor’s rating is downgraded below “BBB+”. As of December 31, 2009, there had been no such downgrades of reinsurers in our current reinsurance treaty program. Each layer of our reinsurance treaty program includes various exclusions in addition to the specific exclusions, including an exclusion for war in specified circumstances, an exclusion for reinsurance assumed and exclusions for losses with respect to biological, chemical, radioactive or nuclear explosion, pollution, contamination or fire.
 
Please refer to Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report for a listing of participants in our current excess of loss reinsurance treaty program and a listing of our top ten reinsurers, based on net amount recoverable, as of December 31, 2009.
 
Reinsurance Arrangements Established in Connection with Past Transactions
 
In addition to the reinsurance program described above, we have existing reinsurance arrangements which were established in connection with past transactions into which we have entered. In March 2002, KEIC sold the assets and business of its commercial compensation specialty operation to Argonaut Insurance Company. In connection with the sale, KEIC entered into a reinsurance agreement effective March 31, 2002 with Argonaut pursuant to which KEIC ceded and Argonaut assumed a 100% quota share participation in the transferred insurance policies. Certain reinsurance-type arrangements, including the commutation agreement and the adverse development cover, were also established with LMC in connection with the Acquisition. See “Loss Reserves — KEIC Loss Reserves” in this Item 1.
 
Terrorism Reinsurance
 
As extended and amended, the Terrorism Risk Act is effective through December 31, 2014. The Terrorism Risk Act may provide us with reinsurance protection under certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations. The Secretary of the Treasury must declare the act to be a “certified act of terrorism” for it to be covered under this federal program. As amended in 2007, the definition of terrorism for purposes of the Terrorism Risk Act includes acts of terror perpetrated by domestic, as well as foreign, persons or interests. No federal compensation will be paid under the Terrorism Risk Act unless aggregate insured losses from the act for the entire insurance industry exceed certain threshold amounts ($100.0 million for terrorism losses occurring in 2007 and for the remainder of the program). Each insurance company is responsible for a deductible based on a percentage of the direct earned premiums of its affiliated group in the previous calendar year for commercial lines policies (except for certain excluded lines such as commercial auto) covering risks in the United States. This deductible amount is 20.0% of such premiums for losses occurring in 2007 and subsequent years. For losses in excess of the deductible, the federal government will reimburse 85% of the insurer’s loss occurring in 2007 and subsequent years. As stated above, all layers of our reinsurance program contain sublimits for losses caused by an act of terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Act, subject to certain absolute exclusions.
 
Competition
 
The insurance industry in general is highly competitive and there is significant competition in the national workers’ compensation industry. Competition in the insurance business is based on many factors, including premiums charged, services provided, financial strength ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, speed of claims payments, reputation, perceived financial strength and general experience. Many of the insurers with whom we compete have significantly greater financial, marketing and management resources and experience


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than we do. In addition, our competitive advantage may be limited due to the small number of insurance products that we offer. Some of our competitors have additional competitive leverage because of the wide array of insurance products they offer. For example, it may be more convenient for a potential customer to purchase numerous types of insurance products from one insurance carrier. We do not offer a wide array of insurance products due to our targeted market niches, and we may lose potential customers to our larger, more diverse competitors as a result. We may also compete with new market entrants in the future.
 
We operate in niche markets where we believe we have fewer competitors with a similar focus. While more than 400 insurance companies participate in the national workers’ compensation market, our competitors are relatively few in number because we operate in niche markets. We compete with regional and national insurance companies and state-sponsored insurance funds, as well as individual and group self-insurance programs. Our primary competitors vary slightly based on the type of product and by region and some competitors limit their writings on a geographic basis. For our maritime product, our primary competitors are Chartis Inc, (formerly American International Group (“AIG”)), American Longshore Mutual Association Ltd. and Signal Mutual Indemnity Association Ltd. Additional competitors by region are Alaska National Insurance Company and Liberty Northwest in our Western Region; Louisiana Workers Compensation Company (“LWCC”) and Texas Mutual in our Gulf Region; Travelers and Zurich in the Southeast; Travelers and Great American in the Midwest; and Liberty Mutual in our Northeastern Region. For our state act construction product, our primary competitors are Chartis Inc, Liberty Mutual, Old Republic and Zurich in all of our regions. Additional competitors by region are Amerisure, Alaska National and Travelers in our Western Region; LWCC and Texas Mutual in our Gulf Region; Amerisure, Acuity Group, Companion and Westfield in our Midwestern Region; Hartford and PMA in our Northeastern Region; and Builders Insurance, FCCI, Key Risk and Summit in our Southeastern Region . For our ADR product, our primary competitors are Chartis Inc., Zurich and SCIF. In Hawaii, our primary competition is DTRIC, Hawaii Employers Mutual Insurance Company and Island Insurance Company.
 
We believe our competitive advantages are our strong reputation in our niche markets, our local knowledge in the markets where we operate, our specialized underwriting expertise, our client-driven claims and loss control service capabilities, our innovative medical cost management strategies, our focus on niche markets, our loyal brokerage distribution, and our customized computer systems. In addition to these competitive advantages, we offer our maritime customers regulated insurance coverage without the joint-and-several liability associated with coverage provided by offshore mutual organizations.
 
Ratings
 
Many insurance buyers, agents and brokers use the ratings assigned by A.M. Best and other rating agencies to assist them in assessing the financial strength and overall quality of the companies from which they are considering purchasing insurance. We have been rated “A−” (Excellent) by A.M. Best since the completion of the Acquisition. This rating was most recently affirmed in January 2010. An “A−” rating is the fourth highest of 15 rating categories used by A.M. Best. In evaluating a company’s financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews a company’s profitability, indebtedness and liquidity, as well as its book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its reinsurance, the quality and estimated fair value of its assets, the adequacy of its loss reserves, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital structure, the experience and competence of its management and its market presence. This rating is intended to provide an independent opinion of an insurer’s ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and is not an evaluation directed at investors.
 
Regulation
 
Holding Company Regulation
 
As a member of an insurance holding company, SeaBright Insurance Company, our insurance company subsidiary, is subject to regulation by the states in which it is domiciled or transacts business. SeaBright Insurance Company is domiciled in Illinois and is considered to be commercially domiciled in California. An insurer is deemed “commercially domiciled” in California if, during the three preceding fiscal years, or a lesser period of time if the insurer has not been licensed in California for three years, the insurer has written


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an average of more gross premiums in California than it has written in its state of domicile, and such gross premiums written constitute 33% or more of its total gross premiums written in the United States for such period. Pursuant to the insurance holding company laws of Illinois and California, SeaBright Insurance Company is required to register with the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance. In addition, SeaBright Insurance Company is required to periodically report certain financial, operational and management data to the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance. All transactions within a holding company system affecting an insurer must have fair and reasonable terms, charges or fees for services performed must be reasonable, and the insurer’s policyholder surplus following any transaction must be both reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and adequate for its needs. Notice to, and in some cases approval from, insurance regulators in Illinois and California is required prior to the consummation of certain affiliated and other transactions involving SeaBright Insurance Company.
 
Changes of Control
 
In addition, the insurance holding company laws of Illinois and California require advance approval by the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance of any change in control of SeaBright Insurance Company. “Control” is generally presumed to exist through the direct or indirect ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or of any entity that controls a domestic insurance company. In addition, insurance laws in many states contain provisions that require prenotification to the insurance commissioners of a change in control of a non-domestic insurance company licensed in those states. Any future transactions that would constitute a change in control of SeaBright Insurance Company, including a change of control of us, would generally require the party acquiring control to obtain the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance and may require pre-acquisition notification in applicable states that have adopted pre-acquisition notification provisions. Obtaining these approvals may result in a material delay of, or deter, any such transaction.
 
These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of SeaBright, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of the stockholders of SeaBright might consider to be desirable.
 
State Insurance Regulation
 
Insurance companies are subject to regulation and supervision by the department of insurance in the state in which they are domiciled and, to a lesser extent, other states in which they conduct business. SeaBright Insurance Company is primarily subject to regulation and supervision by the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance. These state agencies have broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers, including, among other things, the power to: grant and revoke licenses to transact business; license agents; set the standards of solvency to be met and maintained; determine the nature of, and limitations on, investments and dividends; approve policy forms and rates in some states; periodically examine an insurance company’s financial condition; determine the form and content of required financial statements; and periodically examine market conduct.
 
Detailed annual and quarterly financial statements and other reports are required to be filed with the departments of insurance of the states in which we are licensed to transact business. The financial statements and condition of SeaBright Insurance Company are subject to periodic examination by the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance. In 2007, the Illinois Department of Insurance completed a routine comprehensive examination of our 2005 statutory annual statement. On June 21, 2007, the Department officially adopted, without fines or penalties assessed, its Report of Examination as of December 31, 2005.
 
In addition, many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurer’s ability to withdraw from a particular market. For example, states may limit an insurer’s ability to cancel or not renew policies. Furthermore, certain states prohibit an insurer from withdrawing one or more lines of business from the state,


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except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. The state insurance department may disapprove a plan that may lead to market disruption. Laws and regulations that limit cancellation and non-renewal and that subject program withdrawals to prior approval requirements may restrict our ability to exit unprofitable markets.
 
Federal Laws and Regulations
 
As a provider of maritime workers’ compensation insurance, we are subject to the USL&H Act, which generally covers exposures on the navigable waters of the United States and in adjoining waterfront areas, including exposures resulting from loading and unloading vessels, and the Jones Act, which covers exposures at sea. We are also subject to regulations related to the USL&H Act and the Jones Act.
 
The USL&H Act, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides medical benefits, compensation for lost wages and rehabilitation services to longshoremen, harbor workers and other maritime workers who are injured during the course of employment or suffer from diseases caused or worsened by conditions of employment. The Department of Labor has the authority to require us to make deposits to serve as collateral for losses incurred under the USL&H Act. Several other statutes extend the provisions of the USL&H Act to cover other classes of private-industry workers. These include workers engaged in the extraction of natural resources from the outer continental shelf, employees on American defense bases, and those working under contracts with the U.S. government for defense or public-works projects, outside of the continental United States. Our authorizations to issue workers’ compensation insurance from the various state departments of insurance regulating SeaBright Insurance Company are augmented by our U.S. Department of Labor certificates of authority to ensure payment of compensation under the USL&H Act and extensions of the USL&H Act, including the OCSLA and the Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act. This coverage, which we write as an endorsement to workers’ compensation and employers liability insurance policies, provides employment-injury and occupational disease protection to workers who are injured or contract occupational diseases while working on the navigable waters of the United States, or in adjoining areas, and for certain other classes of workers covered by the extensions of the USL&H Act.
 
The Jones Act is a federal law, the maritime employer provisions of which provide injured offshore workers, or seamen, with the right to seek compensation for injuries resulting from the negligence of their employers or co-workers during the course of their employment on a ship or vessel. In addition, an injured offshore worker may make a claim against a vessel owner on the basis that the vessel was not seaworthy. Our authorizations to issue workers’ compensation insurance from the various state departments of insurance regulating SeaBright Insurance Company allow us to write Jones Act coverage for our maritime customers. We are not required to have a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor to write Jones Act coverage.
 
We also offer extensions of coverage under the OCSLA, a federal workers’ compensation act that provides workers’ compensation coverage for the death or disability of an employee resulting from any injury occurring as a result of working on an off-shore drilling platform on the Outer Continental Shelf, where required by a prospective policyholder.
 
As a condition of authorization effective August 25, 2005, the U.S. Department of Labor implemented new regulations requiring insurance carriers authorized to write insurance under the USL&H Act or any of its extensions to deposit security to secure compensation payment obligations. The Department of Labor determines the amount of this deposit annually by calculating the carrier’s USL&H and extension Act obligation by state and by the percentage of those obligations deemed unsecured by those states’ guaranty funds.
 
Privacy Regulations
 
In 1999, the United States Congress enacted the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which, among other things, protects consumers from the unauthorized dissemination of certain personal information. Subsequently, a majority of states have implemented additional regulations to address privacy issues. These laws and regulations apply to all financial institutions, including insurance and finance companies, and require us to maintain appropriate procedures for managing and protecting certain personal information of our customers


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and to fully disclose our privacy practices to our customers. We may also be exposed to future privacy laws and regulations, which could impose additional costs and impact our financial condition or results of operations. For example, a National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, initiative that impacted the insurance industry in 2001 was the adoption in 2000 of the Privacy of Consumer Financial and Health Information Model Regulation, which assisted states in promulgating regulations consistent with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. In 2002, to further facilitate the implementation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the NAIC adopted the Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information Model Regulation. Several states have now adopted similar provisions regarding the safeguarding of customer information. Our insurance subsidiary has established procedures to comply with Gramm-Leach-Bliley privacy requirements.
 
Federal and State Legislative and Regulatory Changes
 
From time to time, various regulatory and legislative changes have been proposed in the insurance industry. Among the proposals that have in the past been or are at present being considered are the possible introduction of federal regulation in addition to, or in lieu of, the current system of state regulation of insurers and proposals in various state legislatures (some of which proposals have been enacted) to conform portions of their insurance laws and regulations to various model acts adopted by the NAIC. We are unable to predict whether any of these laws and regulations will be adopted, the form in which any such laws and regulations would be adopted, or the effect, if any, these developments would have on our operations and financial condition.
 
On November 26, 2002, in response to the tightening of supply in certain insurance and reinsurance markets resulting from, among other things, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 was enacted. In 2005, this law was extended and amended. The Terrorism Risk Act is designed to ensure the availability of insurance coverage for losses resulting from certain acts of terror in the United States of America. As extended in 2005, the law established a federal assistance program through the end of 2007 to help the property and casualty insurance industry cover claims related to future terrorism-related losses and required such companies to offer coverage for certain acts of terrorism. On December 26, 2007, President George W. Bush signed an Extension Bill which extended the Terrorism Risk Act to December 31, 2014. The terms and conditions applying during each of the extension years are essentially the same as those applied during 2007, except that acts of terror perpetrated on behalf of domestic, as well as foreign, persons or interests are now subject to the Terrorism Risk Act. By law, SeaBright Insurance Company may not exclude coverage for terrorism losses from its workers’ compensation policies. Although SeaBright Insurance Company is protected by federally funded terrorism reinsurance to the extent provided for in the Terrorism Risk Act, there are limitations and restrictions on this protection, including a substantial deductible that must be met, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Potential future changes to the Terrorism Risk Act could also adversely affect us by causing our reinsurers to increase prices or withdraw from certain markets where terrorism coverage is required.
 
Collectively bargained workers’ compensation insurance programs in California were enabled by S.B. 983, the workers’ compensation reform bill passed in 1993, and greatly expanded by the passage of S.B. 228 in 2003. Among other things, this legislation amended the California Labor Code to include the specific requirements for the creation of an ADR program for the delivery of workers’ compensation benefits. The passage of S.B. 228 made these programs available to all unionized employees, where previously they were available only to unionized employees in the construction industry.
 
Our workers’ compensation operations are subject to legislative and regulatory actions. In California, where we have our largest concentration of business, significant workers’ compensation legislation was enacted twice in recent years. Effective January 1, 2003, legislation became effective which provides for increases in indemnity benefits to injured workers. In September 2003 and April 2004, workers’ compensation legislation was enacted in California with the principal objectives of reducing medical costs and implementing a more predictable and equitable permanent partial disability rating schedule.
 
The principal changes in the legislation that impact medical costs are as follows: 1) a reduction in the reimbursable amount for certain physician fees, outpatient surgeries, pharmaceutical products and certain


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durable medical equipment; 2) a limitation on the number of chiropractor or physical therapy office visits; 3) the introduction of medical utilization guidelines; 4) a requirement for second opinions on certain spinal surgeries; and 5) a repeal of the presumption of correctness afforded to the treating physician, except where the employee has pre-designated a treating physician. Since the passage of the 2003 and 2004 reforms, bills have been introduced to roll back many areas of significant reform. Some compromise measures have succeeded. For example, on October 13, 2007, new legislation became effective that removed caps on physical therapy but only when the administrative director adopts new guidelines for occupational therapy and chiropractic care for post-surgical care.
 
On September 30, 2008 the Governor of California vetoed a Workers’ Compensation bill that would have substantially increased the permanent disability indemnity benefits to qualified injured workers by increasing the number of weeks such benefits are paid. The Governor also vetoed bills that would have: removed the December 31, 2009 “sunset” date permitting employees to pre-designate their personal physician for on the job injuries; required physicians performing utilization review to be licensed in California; and prohibited race, religious creed, color, national origin or various other factors from being considered in the apportionment of permanent disability.
 
Also in 2008, the California Division of Workers’ Compensation recommended changes to the formula used to determine permanent disability compensation awards for dates of injury on or after January 1, 2009. Although a series of public hearings were held to solicit public feedback on the proposed changes, the Division chose not to update the permanent disability rating schedule by January 1, 2010, as required by SB899, citing concerns about the potential impact of a change on the California economy.
 
In February of 2009, the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board ( the “Appeals Board”) rendered an en banc decision on a series of cases, commonly referred to as Almarez, Guzman and Ogilvie, that could have a material impact on the value of permanent disability awards. The en banc decision led to considerable comment and debate in the Workers’ Compensation community. Given this, the Appeals Board subsequently granted a petition for reconsideration of the subject cases, allowing interested parties until May 1, 2009 to provide input via an amicus curiae brief. In September of 2009, the Appeals Board reaffirmed most aspects of its prior work, with some clarifications to its February decisions. While its decision is considered final, several aspects are likely to still be determined by case law and through appeal. However, it could take two to three years before review by higher courts is complete.
 
We experienced significant reductions in our California premium rates from 2003 to 2008. In 2007, in response to continued reductions in California workers’ compensation claim costs, we reduced our rates by an average of 14.2% for new and renewal insurance policies written in California on or after July 1, 2007. This action was the eighth California rate reduction we had filed since October 1, 2003, resulting in a net cumulative reduction of our California rates of approximately 54.8%. On August 15, 2008, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (the “WCIRB”) submitted a filing with the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 16.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates on new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2009. The filing was based on a review of loss and loss adjustment experience through March 31, 2008. In response to this recommendation, on October 24, 2008, the California Insurance Commissioner approved a 5.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates effective January 1, 2009. With the California Department of Insurance’s approval, we adopted this 5.0% increase effective January 1, 2009.
 
On March 27, 2009, the WCIRB submitted a filing with the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 24.4% increase in advisory pure premium rates on new and renewal policies effective on or after July 1, 2009. On April 23, 2009, the WCIRB amended its filing to reduce the proposed rate increase to 23.7%. A public hearing on the proposed rate increase was held on April 28, 2009. Following the hearing, the California Insurance Commissioner issued a press release in which he urged the WCIRB to withdraw the portion of its requested rate increase related to recent decisions by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (estimated to be approximately 6%) until the judicial process related to these decisions has concluded. A second hearing on medical treatment costs was held on June 8, 2009. On July 8, 2009, the California Insurance Commissioner announced his rejection of any increase in advisory pure premium rates. Rating


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decisions made by the California Insurance Commissioner are advisory only and insurance companies may choose whether or not to adopt approved or disapproved rates. After completing an internal study of our California loss costs, on June 23, 2009, we filed with the California Department of Insurance revised rates for new and renewal workers’ compensation insurance policies written in the state of California on or after August 1, 2009. The new rates reflected an average increase of 10.6% from prior rates and were in response to increased projected medical costs and recent decisions by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. On July 7, 2009, the California Department of Insurance approved our filing for the rate increase. If other insurers do not adopt similar rate increases, this rate increase may have a negative effect on our ability to compete in California. On August 18, 2009, the WCIRB submitted a filing with the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 22.8% increase in advisory pure premium rates on new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2010. A public hearing on the proposed rate increase was held on October 6, 2009. On November 9, 2009, the California Insurance Commissioner announced his decision to approve no change in advisory pure premium rates.
 
Rate reductions have also been adopted in other states in which we operate. For example, in Alaska we adopted rate decreases of 10.3% and 7.6% effective January 1, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In Louisiana, we adopted commissioner-approved rate decreases of 17.4% and 8.6% effective May 1, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In Hawaii, we adopted rate decreases of 13.7% and 5.8% effective January 1, 2010 and February 1, 2009, respectively. In Texas, we adopted rate decreases of 10.0% and 7.7% effective May 1, 2009 and January 1, 2008, respectively. In Florida, we adopted rate decreases of 6.8% and 18.6% effective January 1, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We adopted a rate decrease of 0.1% effective January 1, 2010 and rate increases of 2.5% and 3.5% in Illinois effective April 1, 2009 and January 1, 2009, respectively. In Arizona we adopted a rate decrease of 5.1% effective January 1, 2010 and a rate increase of 7.9% effective October 1, 2008. In Washington USL&H, we adopted a rate increase of 21% effective December 1, 2009.
 
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners
 
The NAIC is a group formed by state insurance commissioners to discuss issues and formulate policy with respect to the regulation, reporting and accounting of insurance companies. Although the NAIC has no legislative authority and insurance companies are at all times subject to the laws of their respective domiciliary states and, to a lesser extent, other states in which they conduct business, the NAIC is influential in determining the form in which such laws are enacted. Model Insurance Laws, Regulations and Guidelines (the “Model Laws”) have been promulgated by the NAIC as a minimum standard by which state regulatory systems and regulations are measured. Adoption of state laws which provide for substantially similar regulations to those described in certain of the Model Laws is a requirement for accreditation by the NAIC. The NAIC provides authoritative guidance to insurance regulators on current statutory accounting issues by promulgating and updating a codified set of statutory accounting practices in its Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual. The Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance have adopted these codified statutory accounting practices.
 
Illinois and California have also adopted laws substantially similar to the NAIC’s “risk based capital” (“RBC”) laws, which require insurers to maintain minimum levels of capital based on their investments and operations. These RBC requirements provide a standard by which regulators can assess the adequacy of an insurance company’s capital and surplus relative to its operations. Among other requirements, an insurance company must maintain capital and surplus of at least 200% of the RBC computed by the NAIC’s RBC model (known as the “Authorized Control Level” of RBC). At December 31, 2009, the capital and surplus of SeaBright Insurance Company exceeded 200% of the RBC requirements.
 
The NAIC’s Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”) key financial ratios, developed to assist insurance departments in overseeing the financial condition of insurance companies, are reviewed by experienced financial examiners of the NAIC and state insurance departments to select those companies that merit highest priority in the allocation of the regulators’ resources. IRIS identifies twelve industry ratios and specifies “usual values” for each ratio. Departure from the usual values on four or more of the ratios can lead to inquiries from individual state insurance commissioners as to certain aspects of an insurer’s business.


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The 2009 IRIS results for SeaBright Insurance Company showed no results outside the “usual” range for such ratios, as such ranges are determined by the NAIC.
 
Dividend Limitations
 
SeaBright Insurance Company’s ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions contained in the insurance laws and related regulations of Illinois and California. The insurance holding company laws in these states require that ordinary dividends be reported to the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance prior to payment of the dividend and that extraordinary dividends be submitted for prior approval. An extraordinary dividend is generally defined as a dividend that, together with all other dividends made within the past 12 months, exceeds the greater of 10% of its statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the preceding year end or the net income of the company for the preceding year. Statutory policyholders’ surplus, as determined under statutory accounting principles is the amount remaining after all liabilities, including loss and loss adjustment expenses, are subtracted from all admitted assets. Admitted assets are assets of an insurer prescribed or permitted by a state insurance regulator to be recognized on the statutory balance sheet. Insurance regulators have broad powers to prevent the reduction of statutory surplus to inadequate levels, and there is no assurance that extraordinary dividend payments will be permitted.
 
Statutory Accounting Practices
 
Statutory accounting practices (“SAP”) are a basis of accounting developed to assist insurance regulators in monitoring and regulating the solvency of insurance companies. SAP is primarily concerned with measuring an insurer’s surplus available for policyholders. Accordingly, statutory accounting focuses on valuing assets and liabilities of insurers at financial reporting dates in accordance with appropriate insurance law and regulatory provisions applicable in each insurer’s domiciliary state.
 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are concerned with a company’s solvency, but such principles are also concerned with other financial measurements, such as income and cash flows. Accordingly, GAAP gives more consideration to appropriate matching of revenue and expenses and accounting for management’s stewardship of assets than does SAP. As a direct result, different assets and liabilities and different amounts of assets and liabilities will be reflected in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP as opposed to SAP.
 
Statutory accounting practices established by the NAIC and adopted, in part, by the Illinois and California regulators, determine, among other things, the amount of statutory surplus and statutory net income or loss of SeaBright Insurance Company and thus determine, in part, the amount of funds it has available to pay dividends to us.
 
Guaranty Fund Assessments
 
In Illinois, California and in most of the states where SeaBright Insurance Company is licensed to transact business, there is a requirement that property and casualty insurers doing business within each such state participate in a guaranty association, which is organized to pay contractual benefits owed pursuant to insurance policies issued by impaired, insolvent or failed insurers. These associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premium written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer is engaged. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets or policy surcharges.
 
Property and casualty insurance company insolvencies or failures may result in additional security fund assessments to SeaBright Insurance Company at some future date. At this time we are unable to determine the impact, if any, such assessments may have on the financial position or results of operations of SeaBright Insurance Company. We have established liabilities for guaranty fund assessments with respect to insurers that are currently subject to insolvency proceedings.


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PointSure
 
The brokerage and third party administrator activities of PointSure are subject to licensing requirements and regulation under the laws of each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. PointSure is authorized to act as an insurance broker under firm or officer licenses in 50 states and the District of Columbia. PointSure’s business depends on the validity of, and continued good standing under, the licenses and approvals pursuant to which it operates, as well as compliance with pertinent regulations. PointSure therefore devotes significant effort toward maintaining its licenses to ensure compliance with a diverse and complex regulatory structure.
 
Licensing laws and regulations vary from state to state. In all states, the applicable licensing laws and regulations are subject to amendment or interpretation by regulatory authorities. Generally such authorities are vested with relatively broad and general discretion as to the granting, renewing and revoking of licenses and approvals. Licenses may be denied or revoked for various reasons, including the violation of such regulations, conviction of crimes and the like. Possible sanctions which may be imposed include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in a particular business for specified periods of time, revocation of licenses, censures, redress to clients and fines. In some instances, PointSure follows practices based on interpretations of laws and regulations generally followed by the industry, which may prove to be different from the interpretations of regulatory authorities.
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had 311 full-time equivalent employees. We have employment agreements with some of our executive officers, which are described in our proxy statement for the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders and incorporated by reference into Part III, Item 11 of this annual report. We believe that our employee relations are good.
 
Corporate Website
 
Through our Internet website at www.sbic.com, we provide free access to our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The following corporate governance materials are also available on our website:
 
  •  Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charters;
 
  •  Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Employees;
 
  •  Conflict of Interest & Code of Conduct Policy; and
 
  •  Insider Trading Policy.
 
If we waive or substantially change any material provision of our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Employees, we will disclose that fact on our website within four business days of the waiver or change. Information on our website is not part of this annual report or any other report filed with the SEC.
 
Note on Forward-Looking Statements
 
Some of the statements in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report, some of the statements in this Item 1A, some of the statements under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report and statements elsewhere in this annual report, may include forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These statements include forward-looking statements both with respect to us specifically and the insurance sector in general. Statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the federal securities laws or otherwise.


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All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe that these factors include but are not limited to the following:
 
  •  greater frequency or severity of claims and loss activity, including as a result of catastrophic events, than our underwriting, reserving or investment practices anticipate based on historical experience or industry data;
 
  •  our dependency on a concentrated geographic market;
 
  •  changes in the availability, cost or quality of reinsurance and failure of our reinsurers to pay claims timely or at all;
 
  •  changes in regulations or laws applicable to us, our subsidiaries, brokers or customers;
 
  •  potential downgrades in our rating or changes in rating agency policies or practices;
 
  •  ineffectiveness or obsolescence of our business strategy due to changes in current or future market conditions;
 
  •  unexpected issues relating to claims or coverage and changes in legal theories of liability under our insurance policies;
 
  •  increased competition on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors;
 
  •  developments in financial and capital markets that adversely affect the performance of our investments;
 
  •  loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key personnel;
 
  •  our inability to raise capital in the future;
 
  •  our status as an insurance holding company with no direct operations;
 
  •  our reliance on independent insurance brokers;
 
  •  increased assessments or other surcharges by states in which we write policies;
 
  •  our potential exposure to losses if LMC were to be placed into receivership;
 
  •  the effects of acquisitions that we may undertake;
 
  •  failure of our customers to pay additional premium under our retrospectively rated policies;
 
  •  the effects of acts of terrorism or war;
 
  •  cyclical changes in the insurance industry;
 
  •  changes in accounting policies or practices; and
 
  •  changes in general economic conditions, including inflation and other factors.
 
The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this annual report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
 
If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we project. Any forward-looking statements you read in this annual report reflect our views as of the date of this annual report 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. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider all of the factors identified in this annual report that could cause actual results to differ.


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Item 1A.   Risk Factors.
 
You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this annual report. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing our company. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results could be harmed. Any of the risks described below could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, and a corresponding decline in the market price of our common stock. You could lose all or part of your investment. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in those forward-looking statements. Please refer to the discussion under the heading “Note on Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report.
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
Our loss reserves are based on estimates and may be inadequate to cover our actual losses.
 
If we fail to accurately assess the risks associated with the businesses we insure, our loss reserves may be inadequate to cover our actual losses and we may fail to establish appropriate premium rates. We establish loss reserves in our financial statements that represent an estimate of amounts needed to pay and administer claims with respect to insured events that have occurred, including events that have not yet been reported to us. Loss reserves are estimates and are inherently uncertain; they do not and cannot represent an exact measure of liability. Accordingly, our loss reserves may prove to be inadequate to cover our actual losses. Any changes in these estimates are reflected in our results of operations during the period in which the changes are made, with increases in our loss reserves resulting in a charge to our earnings and a reduction of our statutory surplus. For example, in 2009, we increased loss reserves for prior accident years by approximately $14.4 million. See the discussion under the heading “Loss Reserves” in this Item 1.
 
Our loss reserve estimates are based on estimates of the ultimate cost of individual claims and on actuarial estimation techniques. Several factors contribute to the uncertainty in establishing these estimates. Judgment is required in actuarial estimation to ascertain the relevance of historical payment and claim settlement patterns under current facts and circumstances. Key assumptions in the estimation process are the average cost of claims over time, which we refer to as severity trends, including the increasing level of medical, legal and rehabilitation costs, and costs associated with fraud or other abuses of the medical claim process; frequency of claims; the length of time to achieve ultimate resolution; judicial theories of liabilities; and other third-party factors beyond our control. If there are unfavorable changes in severity trends, we may need to increase our loss reserves, as described above.
 
Our operations could be significantly affected by the severe downturn in the U.S. economy.
 
Our operations and financial performance may be impacted by changes in the U.S. economy. The significant downturn in the U.S. economy during the fourth quarter of 2008 led to lower reported payrolls, which has had a negative impact on our gross premiums written. If our customers reduce their workforce levels, the level of workers’ compensation insurance coverage they require and, as a result the premiums that we charge, would be reduced, and if our customers cease operations, they will not renew their policies. It is uncertain if economic conditions will deteriorate further, or when economic conditions will improve. If the recession continues, it could further reduce payrolls, which could have a significant negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Our geographic concentration ties our performance to the business, economic and regulatory conditions in California, Illinois and Louisiana. Any single catastrophe or other condition affecting losses in these states could adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Our business is concentrated in California (approximately 43.9% of direct premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2009), Louisiana (approximately 9.3% of direct premiums written for the same period) and Illinois (approximately 8.1% of direct premiums written for the same period). Accordingly, unfavorable business, economic or regulatory conditions in those states could negatively impact our business. For example,


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California, Louisiana and Illinois are states that are susceptible to severe natural perils, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes, along with the possibility of terrorist acts. Accordingly, we could suffer losses as a result of catastrophic events in those states. Although geographic concentration has not adversely affected our business in the past, we may in the future be exposed to economic and regulatory risks or risks from natural perils that are greater than the risks faced by insurance companies that conduct business over a greater geographic area. This concentration of our business could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
If we are unable to obtain or collect on our reinsurance protection, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
 
We buy reinsurance coverage to protect us from the impact of large losses. Reinsurance is an arrangement in which an insurance company, called the ceding company, transfers insurance risk by sharing premiums with another insurance company, called the reinsurer. Conversely, the reinsurer receives or assumes reinsurance from the ceding company. In the ordinary course of our business we participate in a workers’ compensation and employers’ liability excess of loss reinsurance treaty program covering all of the business that we write or renew pursuant to which our reinsurers are liable for varying percentages of the ultimate net losses in excess of $0.75 million for the business we write, up to a limit of $85.0 million, subject to certain exclusions and limitations. The treaty program provides coverage in several layers. See the discussion under the heading “Reinsurance” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report. The availability, amount and cost of reinsurance depend on market conditions and may vary significantly. As a result of catastrophic events, such as the events of September 11, 2001, we may incur significantly higher reinsurance costs, more restrictive terms and conditions, and decreased availability. For example, each layer of our reinsurance treaty program contains an aggregate limit for all claims under that layer over which our reinsurers will not be liable (e.g., $17.0 million under the first layer, $10.0 million under the second layer and $12.0 million under the third layer). In addition, each layer of our reinsurance treaty program covers acts of terrorism only up to a modest limit (e.g., $1.5 million per occurrence under the first layer, $2.0 million per occurrence under the second layer and $6.0 million under the third layer). Because of these sub-limits and terrorism exclusions included in our treaties, which are common in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, we have significantly greater exposure to losses resulting from acts of terrorism. The incurrence of higher reinsurance costs and more restrictive terms could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
The agreements for our current workers’ compensation excess of loss reinsurance treaty program expire on October 1, 2010. Any decrease in the amount of our reinsurance at the time of renewal, whether caused by the existence of more restrictive terms and conditions or decreased availability, will also increase our risk of loss and, as a result, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have not experienced difficulty in qualifying for or obtaining sufficient reinsurance to appropriately cover our risks in the past. We currently have 10 reinsurers participating in our excess of loss reinsurance treaty program, and believe that this is a sufficient number of reinsurers to provide us with reinsurance in the volume that we require. However, it is possible that one or more of our current reinsurers could cancel participation, or we could find it necessary to cancel the participation of one of our reinsurers, in our excess of loss reinsurance treaty program. In either of those events, if our reinsurance broker is unable to spread the cancelled or terminated reinsurance among the remaining reinsurers in the program, we estimate that it could take approximately one to three weeks or longer to identify and negotiate appropriate documentation with a replacement reinsurer. During this time, we could be exposed to an increased risk of loss, the extent of which would depend on the volume of cancelled reinsurance.
 
In addition, we are subject to credit risk with respect to our reinsurers. Reinsurance protection that we receive does not discharge our direct obligations under the policies we write. We remain liable to our policyholders, even if we are unable to make recoveries to which we believe we are entitled under our reinsurance contracts. Losses may not be recovered from our reinsurers until claims are paid, and, in the case of long-term workers’ compensation cases, the creditworthiness of our reinsurers may change before we can recover amounts to which we are entitled. Although we have not experienced problems in the past resulting from the failure of a reinsurer to pay our claims in a timely manner, if we experience this problem in the


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future, our costs would increase and our revenues would decline. As of December 31, 2009, we had $34.3 million of amounts recoverable from our reinsurers, excluding the receivable on our adverse development cover, that we would be obligated to pay if our reinsurers failed to pay us.
 
The insurance business is subject to extensive regulation and legislative changes, which impact the manner in which we operate our business.
 
Our insurance business is subject to extensive regulation by the applicable state agencies in the jurisdictions in which we operate, perhaps most significantly by the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance. These state agencies have broad regulatory powers designed to protect policyholders, not stockholders or other investors. These powers include, among other things, the ability to:
 
  •  place limitations on our ability to transact business with our affiliates;
 
  •  regulate mergers, acquisitions and divestitures involving our insurance company subsidiary;
 
  •  require SeaBright Insurance Company, PointSure, THM and BWNV to comply with various licensing requirements and approvals that affect our ability to do business;
 
  •  approve or reject our policy coverage and endorsements;
 
  •  place limitations on our investments and dividends;
 
  •  set standards of solvency to be met and maintained;
 
  •  regulate rates pertaining to our business;
 
  •  require assessments for the provision of funds necessary for the settlement of covered claims under certain policies provided by impaired, insolvent or failed insurance companies;
 
  •  require us to comply with medical privacy laws; and
 
  •  prescribe the form and content of, and examine, our statutory financial statements.
 
Our ability to transact business with our affiliates and to enter into mergers, acquisitions and divestitures involving our insurance company subsidiary is limited by the requirements of the insurance holding company laws of Illinois and California. To comply with these laws, we are required to file notices with the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance to seek their respective approvals at least 30 days before engaging in any intercompany transactions, such as sales, purchases, exchanges of assets, loans, extensions of credit, cost sharing arrangements and extraordinary dividends or other distributions to stockholders. Under these holding company laws, any change of control transaction also requires prior notification and approval. Because these governmental agencies may not take action or give approval within the 30 day period, these notification and approval requirements may subject us to business delays and additional business expense. If we fail to give these notifications, we may be subject to significant fines and penalties and damaged working relations with these governmental agencies.
 
In addition, workers’ compensation insurance is statutorily provided for in all of the states in which we do business. State laws and regulations provide for the form and content of policy coverage and the rights and benefits that are available to injured workers, their representatives and medical providers. For example, in California, on January 1, 2003, workers’ compensation legislation became effective that provided for increases in the benefits payable to injured workers. Also, in California, workers’ compensation legislation intended to reduce certain costs was enacted in September 2003 and April 2004. Among other things, this legislation established an independent medical review process for resolving medical disputes, tightened standards for determining impairment ratings by applying specific medical treatment guidelines, capped temporary total disability payments to 104 weeks from first payment and enabled injured workers to access immediate medical care up to $10,000 but required them to get medical care through a network of doctors chosen by the employer. The implementation of these reforms affects the manner in which we coordinate medical care costs with employers and the manner in which we oversee treatment plans. However, the reforms are subject to continuing opposition in the California legislature, in the courts and by ballot initiatives, any of which could


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overturn or substantially amend the reforms and regulatory rules applicable to the legislation. Since the passage of the 2003 and 2004 reforms, bills have been introduced to roll back many areas of significant reform. Some compromise measures have succeeded. For example, on October 13, 2007, new legislation became effective that removed caps on physical therapy but only when the administrative director adopts new guidelines for occupational therapy and chiropractic care for post-surgical care. We cannot predict the ultimate impact of the reforms or of any amendments to them.
 
Our business is also affected by federal laws, including the USL&H Act, which is administered by the Department of Labor, and the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, or Jones Act. The USL&H Act contains various provisions affecting our business, including the nature of the liability of employers of longshoremen, the rate of compensation to an injured longshoreman, the selection of physicians, compensation for disability and death and the filing of claims.
 
In addition, we are impacted by the Terrorism Risk Act and by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 2002 related to disclosure of personal information. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which, among other things, protects consumers from the unauthorized dissemination of certain personal information, and various state laws and regulations addressing privacy issues, require us to maintain appropriate procedures for managing and protecting certain personal information of our customers and to fully disclose our privacy practices to our customers. The Terrorism Risk Act requires that commercial property and casualty insurance companies offer coverage for certain acts of terrorism and has established a federal assistance program through the end of 2014 to help insurers cover claims arising out of such acts. The Terrorism Risk Act only covers certified acts of terrorism, and the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury must declare the act to be a “certified act of terrorism” for it to be covered under this federal program. In addition, no federal compensation will be paid under the Terrorism Risk Act unless aggregate insured losses from the act for the entire insurance industry exceed certain threshold amounts ($100.0 million for terrorism losses occurring in 2007 and for the remainder of the program). Under this program, the federal government covers 85% of the losses from covered certified acts of terrorism occurring in 2007 and for the remainder of the program on commercial risks in the United States only, in excess of the applicable deductible amount. This deductible is calculated based on a percentage of an affiliated insurance group’s prior year direct earned premiums on commercial lines policies (except for certain excluded lines such as commercial auto) covering risks in the United States. This deductible amount is 20.0% of such premiums for losses occurring in 2007 and subsequent years.
 
Recently, the financial markets have experienced a period of extreme turmoil, including the bankruptcy, restructuring or sale of certain financial institutions, which resulted in unprecedented intervention by the U.S. federal government, including unprecedented levels of direct investment by the federal government in certain financial and insurance institutions. While the ultimate outcome of governmental initiatives intended to alleviate the recent financial crisis cannot be predicted, it is likely that governmental authorities may seek to exercise their supervisory or enforcement power in new or more robust ways, which could affect our business and the way we manage our capital, and may require us to satisfy increased capital requirements or impose additional restrictions on us.
 
This extensive regulation of our business may affect the cost or demand for our products and may limit our ability to obtain rate increases or to take other actions that we might desire to increase our profitability. In addition, we may be unable to maintain all required approvals or comply fully with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations, which are continually undergoing revision, or the relevant authority’s interpretation of such laws and regulations.
 
A downgrade in the A.M. Best rating of our insurance subsidiary could reduce the amount of business we are able to write.
 
Rating agencies rate insurance companies based on each company’s ability to pay claims. Our insurance company subsidiary currently has a rating of “A−” (Excellent) from A.M. Best, which is the rating agency that we believe has the most influence on our business. The ratings of A.M. Best are subject to periodic review using, among other things, proprietary capital adequacy models, and are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time. Insurance ratings are directed toward the concerns of policyholders and insurance agents and are not


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intended for the protection of investors or as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell any of our securities. Our competitive position relative to other companies is determined in part by our A.M. Best rating. We believe that our business is particularly sensitive to our A.M. Best rating because we focus on larger customers which tend to give substantial weight to the A.M. Best rating of their insurers. We expect that any reduction in our A.M. Best rating below “A−” would cause a reduction in the number of policies we write and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our financial position.
 
The effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business are uncertain.
 
As industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other environmental conditions change, unexpected and unintended issues related to claims and coverage may emerge. These issues may adversely affect our business by either extending coverage beyond our underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims. In some instances, these changes may not become apparent until some time after we have issued insurance contracts that are affected by the changes. As a result, the full extent of liability under our insurance contracts may not be known for many years after a contract is issued. For example, the number or nature of existing occupational diseases may expand beyond our expectation. In addition, medical claims costs associated with permanent and partial disabilities may inflate more rapidly or higher than we currently expect. Expansions of this nature may expose us to more claims than we anticipated when we wrote the underlying policy.
 
Intense competition could adversely affect our ability to sell policies at rates we deem adequate.
 
In most of the states in which we operate, we face significant competition which, at times, is intense. If we are unable to compete effectively, our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Competition in our businesses is based on many factors, including premiums charged, services provided, financial strength ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, speed of claims payments, reputation, perceived financial strength and general experience. We compete with regional and national insurance companies and state-sponsored insurance funds, as well as potential insureds that have decided to self-insure. Our principal competitors include Chartis Inc., Liberty Mutual, Zurich, Signal Mutual Indemnity Association Ltd., and American Longshore Mutual Association Ltd. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial and marketing resources than we do, and some of our competitors, including the State Compensation Insurance Fund of California, benefit financially by not being subject to federal income tax.
 
In addition, our competitive advantage may be limited due to the small number of insurance products we offer. Some of our competitors, such as Chartis Inc. or Zurich, have additional competitive leverage because of the wide array of insurance products they offer. For example, a potential customer may consider it more convenient to purchase multiple types of insurance products from one insurance carrier. We do not offer a wide array of insurance products due to our targeted market niches, and we may lose potential customers to our larger, more diverse competitors as a result.
 
We experienced significant reductions in our California premium rates from 2003 to 2008. In 2007, in response to continued reductions in California workers’ compensation claim costs, we reduced our rates by an average of 14.2% for new and renewal insurance policies written in California on or after July 1, 2007. This action was the eighth California rate reduction we had filed since October 1, 2003, resulting in a net cumulative reduction of our California rates of approximately 54.8%. On August 15, 2008, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (the “WCIRB”) submitted a filing with the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 16.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates on new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2009. The filing was based on a review of loss and loss adjustment experience through March 31, 2008. In response to this recommendation, on October 24, 2008, the California Insurance Commissioner approved a 5.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates effective January 1, 2009. With the California Department of Insurance’s approval, we adopted this 5.0% increase effective January 1, 2009.
 
After completing an internal study of our California loss costs, on June 23, 2009, we filed with the California Department of Insurance revised rates for new and renewal workers’ compensation insurance


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policies written in the state of California on or after August 1, 2009. The new rates reflected an average increase of 10.6% from prior rates and were in response to increased projected medical costs and recent decisions by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. On July 7, 2009, the California Department of Insurance approved our filing for the rate increase. We are unable to predict the impact that the rate increase adopted by us in California might have on our future financial position and results of operations. If other insurers do not adopt similar rate increases, this rate increase may have a negative effect on our ability to compete in California.
 
Rate reductions have also been adopted in other states in which we operate. For example, in Alaska we adopted rate decreases of 10.3% and 7.6% effective January 1, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In Louisiana, we adopted commissioner-approved rate decreases of 17.4% and 8.6% effective May 1, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In Hawaii, we adopted rate decreases of 13.7% and 5.8% effective January 1, 2010 and February 1, 2009, respectively. In Texas, we adopted rate decreases of 10.0% and 7.7% effective May 1, 2009 and January 1, 2008, respectively. In Florida, we adopted rate decreases of 6.8% and 18.6% effective January 1, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We adopted a rate decrease of 0.1% effective January 1, 2010 in Illinois. In Arizona we adopted a rate decrease of 5.1% effective January 1, 2010 and a rate increase of 7.9% effective October 1, 2008. If any of our competitors adopt premium rate reductions that are greater than ours, we may be unable to compete effectively and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
 
If we are unable to realize our investment objectives, our financial condition may be adversely affected.
 
Investment income is an important component of our revenues and net income. The ability to achieve our investment objectives is affected by factors that are beyond our control. For example, the significant downturn in the United States economy generally could cause our investment income to decrease. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political conditions. The United States’ participation in hostilities with other countries, acts of terrorism or large-scale natural disasters or catastrophic events may further adversely affect the economy generally. These and other factors also affect the capital markets, and, consequently, the value of the securities we own. The outlook for our investment income is dependent on the future direction of interest rates and the amount of cash flows from operations that are available for investment. The fair values of fixed maturity investments that are “available-for-sale” fluctuate with changes in interest rates and cause fluctuations in our stockholders’ equity. Any significant decline in our investment income as a result of rising interest rates or general market conditions would have an adverse effect on our net income and, as a result, on our stockholders’ equity and our policyholders’ surplus. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report for a discussion of the limited exposure in our investment portfolio at December 31, 2009 to sub-prime mortgages.
 
In 2008 and 2009, the capital markets in the United States and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and disruption. We are exposed to significant capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices and foreign exchange rates. Our investment portfolio has been affected by these changes in the capital markets. For example, for the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded an impairment charge of $13.4 million for other-than-temporary losses related principally to our preferred stock investments and holdings of equity indexed securities exchange-traded funds. In addition, changes in interest rates and credit quality may result in fluctuations in the income derived from, or the valuation of, our fixed income securities. Our investment portfolio is also subject to credit and cash flow risk, including risks associated with our investment in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, and the risk that issuers in our portfolio may cease operations or other events may cause our investments to become illiquid. Further adverse changes in the capital markets could result in other-than-temporary impairments in the future, which may affect our financial condition, or could reduce our investment income, which would adversely affect our results of operations.


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We could be adversely affected by the loss of one or more principal employees or by an inability to attract and retain staff.
 
Our success will depend in substantial part upon our ability to attract and retain qualified executive officers, experienced underwriting talent and other skilled employees who are knowledgeable about our business. We rely substantially upon the services of our senior management team and key employees, consisting of John G. Pasqualetto, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer; Richard J. Gergasko, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; D. Drue Wax — Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary; Richard W. Seelinger, Senior Vice President — Policyholder Services; Marc B. Miller, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer; Jeffrey C. Wanamaker, Senior Vice President — Underwriting; Christopher Desautel, Vice President and Chief Information Officer; Scott H. Maw, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Assistant Secretary; M. Philip Romney, Vice President — Finance, Principal Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary, and Craig A. Pankow, President — PointSure. Although we are not aware of any planned departures or retirements, if we were to lose the services of members of our management team, our business could be adversely affected. Many of our principal employees possess skills and extensive experience relating to our market niches. Were we to lose any of these employees, it may be challenging for us to attract a replacement employee with comparable skills and experience in our market niches. We have employment agreements with some of our executive officers, which are described in our proxy statement for the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders and incorporated by reference into Part III, Item 11 of this annual report. We do not currently maintain key man life insurance policies with respect to any member of our senior management team or other employees.
 
We may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available or only available on unfavorable terms.
 
Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including our ability to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and loss reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. We believe that cash provided by operations will satisfy our capital requirements for the foreseeable future. However, because the timing and amount of our future needs for capital will depend on our growth and profitability, we cannot provide any assurance in this regard. If we had to raise additional capital, equity or debt financing may not be available at all or may be available only on terms that are not favorable to us. In the case of equity financings, dilution to our stockholders could result, and in any case such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of the shares currently outstanding. If we cannot obtain adequate capital on favorable terms or at all, we may be unable to support future growth or operating requirements and, accordingly, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
 
Our status as an insurance holding company with no direct operations could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends in the future.
 
We are a holding company that transacts our business through our operating subsidiaries, SeaBright Insurance Company, PointSure, THM and BWNV. Our primary assets are the stock of these operating subsidiaries. Our ability to pay expenses and dividends depends, in the long run, upon the surplus and earnings of our subsidiaries and the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. Payment of dividends by SeaBright Insurance Company is restricted by state insurance laws, including laws establishing minimum solvency and liquidity thresholds, and could be subject to contractual restrictions in the future, including those imposed by indebtedness we may incur in the future. SeaBright Insurance Company is required to report any ordinary dividends to the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance prior to the payment of the dividend. In addition, SeaBright Insurance Company is not authorized to pay any extraordinary dividends to us under Illinois or California insurance laws without prior regulatory approval from the Illinois Department of Insurance or the California Department of Insurance. See the discussion under the heading “Regulation — Dividend Limitations” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report. As a result, at times, we may not be able to receive dividends from SeaBright Insurance Company and we may not receive dividends in amounts necessary to pay dividends on our capital stock. In addition, the payment of dividends


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by us is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on numerous factors, including our financial condition, our capital requirements and other factors that our Board of Directors considers relevant. On March 2, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per common share commencing in the first quarter 2010 and payable on April 9, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 23, 2010.
 
We rely on independent insurance brokers to distribute our products.
 
Our business depends in part on the efforts of independent insurance brokers to market our insurance programs successfully and produce business for us, as well as our ability to offer insurance programs and services that meet the requirements of the clients and customers of these brokers. The majority of the business in our workers’ compensation operations is produced by a group of licensed insurance brokers that totaled approximately 234 at December 31, 2009. Brokers are not obligated to promote our insurance programs and may sell competitors’ insurance programs. Several of our competitors, including Chartis Inc. and Zurich, offer a broader array of insurance programs than we do. Accordingly, our brokers may find it easier to promote the broader range of programs of our competitors than to promote our niche selection of insurance products. If our brokers fail or choose not to market our insurance programs successfully or to produce business for us, our growth may be limited and our financial condition and results of operations may be negatively affected.
 
Assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds and second injury funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements may reduce our profitability.
 
Virtually all states require insurers licensed to do business in their state to bear a portion of the unfunded obligations of impaired or insolvent insurance companies. These obligations are funded by assessments that are expected to continue in the future as a result of insolvencies. Assessments are levied by guaranty associations within the state, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in the state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premium written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer is engaged. See the discussion under the heading “Regulation” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report. Accordingly, the assessments levied on us may increase as we increase our premiums written. Further, Washington state legislation enacted on April 20, 2005 created a separate account within the Guaranty Fund for USL&H Act claims and authorized prefunding of potential insolvencies in order to establish a cash balance. Many states also have laws that established second injury funds to provide compensation to injured employees for aggravation of a prior condition or injury, which are funded by either assessments based on paid losses or premium surcharge mechanisms. For example, Alaska requires insurers to contribute to its second injury fund annually an amount equal to the compensation the injured employee is owed multiplied by a contribution rate based on the fund’s reserve rate. In addition, as a condition of the ability to conduct business in some states, including California, insurance companies are required to participate in mandatory workers’ compensation shared market mechanisms or pooling arrangements, which provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage from private insurers. Although we price our products to account for the obligations that we may have under these pooling arrangements, we may not be successful in estimating our liability for these obligations. Accordingly, our prices may not fully account for our liabilities under pooling arrangements, which may cause a decrease in our profits. As we write policies in new states that have pooling arrangements, we will be required to participate in additional pooling arrangements. Further, the insolvency of other insurers in these pooling arrangements would likely increase the liability for other members remaining in the pool. The effect of these assessments and mandatory shared market mechanisms or changes in them could reduce our profitability in any given period or limit our ability to grow our business.
 
In the event LMC is placed into receivership, we could lose our rights to fee income and protective arrangements that were established in connection with the Acquisition, our reputation and credibility could be adversely affected and we could be subject to claims under applicable voidable preference and fraudulent transfer laws.
 
The assets that SeaBright acquired in the Acquisition were acquired from LMC and certain of its affiliates. LMC and its insurance company affiliates are currently operating under a voluntary “run-off” plan


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approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance. Under the run-off plan, LMC has instituted aggressive expense control measures to reduce its future loss exposure and allow it to meet its obligations to current policyholders. According to LMC’s statutory financial statements, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009, LMC had a statutory surplus of $8.1 million (unaudited), a decrease of approximately $105.1 million from its surplus of $113.2 million (audited) as of December 31, 2008. In connection with the Acquisition, we established various arrangements with LMC and certain of its affiliates, including (1) servicing arrangements entitling us to fee income for providing claims administration services for Eagle and (2) other protective arrangements designed to minimize our exposure to any past business underwritten by KEIC, the shell entity that we acquired from LMC for its insurance licenses, and any adverse developments in KEIC’s loss reserves as they existed at the date of the Acquisition. See the discussion under the heading “Loss Reserves — KEIC Loss Reserves” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report. In the event LMC is placed into receivership, our business could be adversely affected in the following ways:
 
  •  A receiver could seek to reject or terminate one or more of the services agreements that were established in connection with the Acquisition between us and LMC or its affiliates, including Eagle. In that event, we could lose the revenue we currently receive under these services agreements.
 
  •  As discussed under “Loss Reserves — KEIC Loss Reserves” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report, to minimize our exposure to any past business underwritten by KEIC, we entered into an arrangement with LMC at the time of the Acquisition requiring LMC to indemnify us in the event of adverse development of the loss reserves in KEIC’s balance sheet as they existed on the date of closing of the Acquisition. We refer to this arrangement as the adverse development cover. To support LMC’s obligations under the adverse development cover, LMC funded a trust account at the time of the Acquisition. The minimum amount that must be maintained in the trust account is equal to the greater of (a) $1.6 million or (b) 102% of the then existing quarterly estimate of LMC’s total obligations under the adverse development cover. We refer to this trust account as the collateralized reinsurance trust because the funds on deposit in the trust account serve as collateral for LMC’s potential future obligations to us under the adverse development cover. At December 31, 2009, the liability of LMC under the adverse development cover was approximately $3.0 million compared to approximately $4.2 million at December 31, 2008. The development in 2008 was due primarily to a reduction in the actuarial estimate for ceded IBNR as a result of changes in selected loss development factors. The balance of the trust account, including accumulated interest, at December 31, 2009 was $3.8 million. If LMC is placed into receivership and the amount held in the collateralized reinsurance trust is inadequate to satisfy the obligations of LMC to us under the adverse development cover, it is unlikely that we would recover any future amounts owed by LMC to us under the adverse development cover in excess of the amounts currently held in trust because the director of the Illinois Department of Insurance would have control of the assets of LMC.
 
  •  Some of our customers are insured under Eagle insurance policies that we service pursuant to the claims administration servicing agreement described above. Although SeaBright is a separate legal entity from LMC and its affiliates, including Eagle, Eagle’s policyholders may not readily distinguish SeaBright from Eagle and LMC if those policies are not honored in the event LMC is found to be insolvent and placed into court-ordered liquidation. If that were to occur, our market reputation, credibility and ability to renew the underlying policies could be adversely affected.
 
  •  In connection with the Acquisition, LMC and its affiliates made various transfers and payments to SeaBright, including approximately $13.0 million under the commutation agreement and an initial amount of approximately $1.6 million to fund the collateralized reinsurance trust. In the event that LMC is placed into receivership, it is possible that a receiver or creditor could assert a claim seeking to unwind or recover these payments under applicable voidable preference and fraudulent transfer laws.
 
We may pursue strategic acquisitions, which could have an adverse impact on our business.
 
In December 2007, we acquired THM, a provider of medical bill review, utilization review, nurse case management and other related services, and in July 2008 we acquired BWNV, a privately held managing


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general agent and wholesale insurance broker. We may, from time to time, consider acquiring additional complementary companies or businesses. To do so, we would need to identify suitable acquisition candidates and negotiate acceptable acquisition terms. Pursuit of an acquisition may divert management’s attention and resources, and completion of an acquisition will require use of our capital and may require additional financing. If we complete additional acquisitions, we may have difficulty integrating acquired businesses into our existing businesses, which could adversely affect our operations, particularly in the fiscal quarters immediately following the acquisition as they are integrated into our operations.
 
If we are unable to collect future retrospective premium adjustments under our retrospectively rated policies, our financial position and results of operations may be adversely affected.
 
Retrospectively rated policies accounted for approximately 7.2% and 10.7% of direct premiums written in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Beginning six months after the expiration of the relevant insurance policy, and annually thereafter, we recalculate the premium payable during the policy term based on the current value of the known losses that occurred during the policy term. While the typical retrospectively rated policy has around five annual adjustment or measurement periods, premium adjustments continue until mutual agreement to cease future adjustments is reached with the policyholder. We bear credit risk with respect to retrospectively rated policies. Because of the long duration of our loss sensitive plans, there is a risk that the customer will fail to pay the additional premium. Accordingly, we obtain collateral in the form of letters of credit or deposits to mitigate credit risk associated with our loss sensitive plans. If we are unable to collect future retrospective premium adjustments from an insured, we would be required to write off the related amounts, which could impact our financial position and results of operations.
 
Risks Related to Our Industry
 
We may face substantial exposure to losses from terrorism for which we are required by law to provide coverage.
 
Under our workers’ compensation policies, we are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits for losses arising from acts of terrorism. The impact of any terrorist act is unpredictable, and the ultimate impact on us would depend upon the nature, extent, location and timing of such an act. Notwithstanding the protection provided by the reinsurance we have purchased and any protection provided by the Terrorism Risk Act, the risk of severe losses to us from acts of terrorism has not been eliminated because, as discussed above, our excess of loss reinsurance treaty program contains various sub-limits and exclusions limiting our reinsurers’ obligation to cover losses caused by acts of terrorism. Accordingly, events may not be covered by, or may exceed the capacity of, our reinsurance protection and any protection offered by the Terrorism Risk Act or any successor legislation. Thus, any acts of terrorism could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.
 
The threat of terrorism and military and other actions may result in decreases in our net income, revenue and assets under management and may adversely affect our investment portfolio.
 
The threat of terrorism, both within the United States and abroad, and military and other actions and heightened security measures in response to these types of threats, may cause significant volatility and declines in the equity markets in the United States and abroad, as well as loss of life, property damage, additional disruptions to commerce and reduced economic activity. Actual terrorist attacks could cause a decrease in our stockholders’ equity, net income and/or revenue. The effects of these changes may result in a decrease in our stock price. In addition, some of the assets in our investment portfolio may be adversely affected by declines in the bond markets and declines in economic activity caused by the continued threat of terrorism, ongoing military and other actions and heightened security measures.
 
We cannot predict at this time whether and the extent to which industry sectors in which we maintain investments may suffer losses as a result of potential decreased commercial and economic activity, or how any such decrease might impact the ability of companies within the affected industry sectors to pay interest or principal on their securities, or how the value of any underlying collateral might be affected.


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We can offer no assurances that terrorist attacks or the threat of future terrorist events in the United States and abroad or military actions by the United States will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Our results of operations and revenues may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including cyclical changes in the insurance industry, which may cause the price of our common stock to be volatile.
 
The results of operations of companies in the insurance industry historically have been subject to significant fluctuations and uncertainties. Our profitability can be affected significantly by:
 
  •  competition;
 
  •  decreased demand for our products;
 
  •  rising levels of loss costs that we cannot anticipate at the time we price our products;
 
  •  volatile and unpredictable developments, including man-made, weather-related and other natural catastrophes or terrorist attacks;
 
  •  changes in the level of reinsurance capacity and capital capacity;
 
  •  changes in the amount of loss reserves resulting from new types of claims and new or changing judicial interpretations relating to the scope of insurers’ liabilities; and
 
  •  fluctuations in interest rates, inflationary pressures and other changes in the investment environment, which affect returns on invested assets and may impact the ultimate payout of losses.
 
The availability of insurance is related to prevailing prices, the level of insured losses and the level of industry surplus which, in turn, may fluctuate in response to changes in rates of return on investments being earned in the insurance industry. As a result, the insurance business historically has been a cyclical industry characterized by periods of intense price competition due to excessive underwriting capacity as well as periods when shortages of capacity permitted favorable premium levels. During 1998, 1999 and 2000, the workers’ compensation insurance industry experienced substantial pricing competition, and this pricing competition greatly affected the ability of our predecessor to increase premiums. Beginning in 2001, our predecessor witnessed a decrease in pricing competition in the industry, which enabled them to raise their rates. Although rates for many products increased from 2000 to 2003, legislative reforms caused premium rates in certain states, including California, to decrease in 2004 through 2008, and rates may decrease again or may decrease in other states. In addition, the availability of insurance has and may continue to increase, either by capital provided by new entrants or by the commitment of additional capital by existing insurers, which may perpetuate rate decreases. Any of these factors could lead to a significant reduction in premium rates, less favorable policy terms and fewer submissions for our underwriting services. In addition to these considerations, changes in the frequency and severity of losses suffered by insureds and insurers may affect the cycles of the insurance business significantly, and we expect to experience the effects of such cyclicality. This cyclicality may cause the price of our securities to be volatile.
 
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
 
The price of our common stock may decrease.
 
The trading price of shares of our common stock may decline for many reasons, some of which are beyond our control, including, among others:
 
  •  quarterly variations in our results of operations;
 
  •  changes in expectations as to our future results of operations, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;
 
  •  announcements of claims against us by third parties;
 
  •  changes in law and regulation;


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  •  results of operations that vary from those expected by securities analysts and investors; and
 
  •  future sales of shares of our common stock.
 
In addition, the stock market has recently experienced substantial price and volume fluctuations that sometimes have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies whose shares are traded. The trading price of shares of our common stock may decrease if our future operating results fail to meet or exceed the expectations of market analysts and investors or current economic or market conditions persist or worsen.
 
Applicable insurance laws may make it difficult to effect a change of control of our company.
 
Our insurance company subsidiary is domiciled in the state of Illinois and commercially domiciled in the state of California. The insurance holding company laws of Illinois and California require advance approval by the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance of any change in control of SeaBright Insurance Company. “Control” is generally presumed to exist through the direct or indirect ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or of any entity that controls a domestic insurance company. In addition, insurance laws in many states contain provisions that require prenotification to the insurance commissioners of a change in control of a non-domestic insurance company licensed in those states. Any future transactions that would constitute a change in control of SeaBright Insurance Company, including a change of control of us, would generally require the party acquiring control to obtain the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance and may require pre-acquisition notification in applicable states that have adopted pre-acquisition notification provisions. Obtaining these approvals may result in a material delay of, or deter, any such transaction. See the discussion under the heading “Regulation” in Part  I, Item 1 of this annual report.
 
These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of us, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable.
 
Anti-takeover provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws and under the laws of the State of Delaware could impede an attempt to replace or remove our directors or otherwise effect a change of control of our company, which could diminish the value of our common stock.
 
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws contain provisions that may make it more difficult for stockholders to replace directors even if the stockholders consider it beneficial to do so. In addition, these provisions could delay or prevent a change of control that a stockholder might consider favorable. For example, these provisions may prevent a stockholder from receiving the benefit from any premium over the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a potential takeover. Even in the absence of an attempt to effect a change in management or a takeover attempt, these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if they are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future. In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may limit the ability of an “interested stockholder” to engage in business combinations with us. An interested stockholder is defined to include persons owning 15% or more of any class of our outstanding voting stock.
 
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws contain the following provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect:
 
  •  stockholders have limited ability to call stockholder meetings and to bring business before a meeting of stockholders;
 
  •  stockholders may not act by written consent; and
 
  •  our Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with such rights, powers and privileges as the board deems appropriate.


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These provisions may make it difficult for stockholders to replace management and could have the effect of discouraging a future takeover attempt which is not approved by our Board of Directors but which individual stockholders might consider favorable.
 
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
None.
 
Item 2.   Properties.
 
Our principal executive offices are located in approximately 36,000 square feet of leased office space in Seattle, Washington. We also lease office space consisting of approximately 2,500 square feet in Anchorage, Alaska; 2,600 square feet in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; 5,650 square feet in Chicago, Illinois; 6,100 square feet in Concord, California; 5,700 square feet in Henderson, Nevada; 2,650 square feet in Honolulu, Hawaii; 3,300 square feet in Houston, Texas; 3,400 square feet in Lake Mary, Florida; 3,700 square feet in Needham, Massachusetts; 8,300 square feet in Orange, California; 6,260 square feet in Phoenix, Arizona; 3,900 square feet in Radnor, Pennsylvania; 8,800 square feet in Santa Ana, California; and executive suites in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Yucca Valley, California. We conduct claims and underwriting operations in our branch offices, with the exception of our Honolulu office, where we conduct only claims and loss control operations. We do not own any real property. We consider our leased facilities to be adequate for our current operations.
 
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings.
 
We are, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. We believe we have sufficient loss reserves and reinsurance to cover claims under policies issued by us. Accordingly, we do not believe that the resolution of any currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or taken as a whole, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.


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PART II
 
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
Our common stock has been quoted on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SBX” since November 6, 2008 and, prior to that, was traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SEAB” since our initial public offering on January 21, 2005. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our common stock. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for our common stock as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ Global Select Market.
 
                 
    High     Low  
 
2009:
               
First quarter
  $ 12.81     $ 7.70  
Second quarter
    11.73       7.91  
Third quarter
    11.70       9.23  
Fourth quarter
    12.10       10.36  
2008:
               
First quarter
  $ 15.39     $ 13.06  
Second quarter
    16.03       13.64  
Third quarter
    16.03       10.20  
Fourth quarter
    13.49       7.64  
 
As of March 12, 2010, there were 74 holders of record of our common stock.
 
Dividend Policy
 
On March 2, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per common share commencing in the first quarter 2010 and payable on April 9, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 23, 2010. Any future determination to pay cash dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent on our earnings, financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, any contractual restrictions, regulatory and other restrictions on the payment of dividends by our subsidiaries to us, and other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant.
 
We are a holding company and have no direct operations. Our ability to pay dividends in the future depends on the ability of our operating subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. Our subsidiary, SeaBright Insurance Company, is a regulated insurance company and therefore is subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting its ability to declare and pay dividends.
 
SeaBright Insurance Company’s ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions contained in the insurance laws and related regulations of Illinois and California. The insurance holding company laws in these states require that ordinary dividends be reported to the Illinois Department of Insurance and the California Department of Insurance prior to payment of the dividend and that extraordinary dividends be submitted for prior approval. See “Regulation” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report.
 
For information regarding restrictions on the payment of dividends by us and SeaBright Insurance Company, see the discussion under the heading “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 and the discussion under the heading “Business — Regulation — Dividend Limitations” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report.
 
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
 
We did not purchase any of our equity securities during 2009.


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Performance Graph
 
The following graph and table compare the total return on $100 invested in SeaBright common stock for the period commencing on January 21, 2005 (the date of our initial public offering) and ending on December 31, 2009 with the total return on $100 invested in each of the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index, the Dow Jones Wilshire Property and Casualty Insurance Index, the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index, and the Nasdaq Insurance Index. On November 6, 2008, we transferred the listing of our common stock from the NASDAQ Global Select Market to the New York Stock Exchange. We previously compared our total cumulative return to the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index and the Nasdaq Insurance Index. Beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, we compared our cumulative total return to the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index and the Dow Jones Wilshire Property and Casualty Insurance Index because we believe these indexes provide a more meaningful comparison for our stock price performance. The closing market price for SeaBright common stock at the end of fiscal year 2009 was $11.49.
 
Comparison of 59 Month Cumulative Total Return*
Among SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc., the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index,
and the Dow Jones U.S. Property and Casualty Insurance TSM Index
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
 
 
* Based on $100 invested on January 21, 2005, the first day our common stock was publicly traded and, for purposes of the indexes, assumes the reinvestment of dividends.
 


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    Cumulative Total Return  
    SeaBright
    NYSE
    Dow Jones
 
    Insurance
    Composite
    U.S. Property & Casualty
 
    Holdings, Inc.     Index     Insurance TSM Index  
 
1/21/05
  $ 100.00     $ 100.00     $ 100.00  
3/31/05
    85.81       99.37       99.96  
6/30/05
    94.85       100.79       106.48  
9/30/05
    107.39       107.10       111.38  
12/31/05
    138.01       109.36       115.80  
3/31/06
    144.56       116.71       115.41  
6/30/06
    133.69       116.62       116.60  
9/30/06
    115.93       121.50       123.71  
12/31/06
    149.46       131.74       132.39  
3/31/07
    152.70       134.15       129.19  
6/30/07
    145.06       143.99       136.32  
9/30/07
    141.66       147.09       128.06  
12/31/07
    125.15       143.42       119.90  
3/31/08
    122.24       130.33       104.53  
6/30/08
    120.17       129.24       100.40  
9/30/08
    107.88       113.10       104.34  
12/31/08
    97.43       87.12       89.73  
3/31/09
    86.80       75.94       73.30  
6/30/09
    84.07       90.84       79.88  
9/30/09
    94.77       106.92       97.18  
12/31/09
    95.35       111.76       98.22  
 
The information in the graph and table above is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), whether made before or after the date of this annual report and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate such information by reference.

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Item 6.   Selected Financial Data.
 
The following table sets forth our selected historical financial information for the periods ended and as of the dates indicated. This information comes from our consolidated financial statements. You should read the following selected financial information along with the information contained in this annual report, including Part II, Item 7 of this annual report entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the combined and consolidated financial statements and related notes and the reports of the independent registered public accounting firm included in Part II, Item 8 and elsewhere in this annual report. These historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected from any future period.
 
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
    ($ in thousands, except share and per share data)  
 
Income Statement Data:
                                       
Gross premiums written
  $ 290,002     $ 270,344     $ 282,658     $ 230,253     $ 204,742  
Ceded premiums written
    (27,234 )     (14,520 )     (15,300 )     (15,490 )     (19,082 )
                                         
Net premiums written
  $ 262,768     $ 255,824     $ 267,358     $ 214,763     $ 185,660  
                                         
Premiums earned
  $ 244,427     $ 248,644     $ 227,995     $ 185,591     $ 158,850  
Claims service income
    1,011       959       1,711       2,026       2,322  
Other service income
    207       246       148       104       175  
Net investment income
    23,132       22,605       20,307       15,245       7,832  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (258 )     (13,405 )                  
Other net realized losses
    (171 )     (476 )     (105 )     (410 )     (226 )
Other income
    8,132       8,689       4,369       3,371       3,297  
                                         
Total revenues
    276,480       267,262       254,425       205,927       172,250  
                                         
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    172,169       141,935       128,185       107,884       105,783  
Underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses(1)
    73,044       71,169       58,932       42,306       33,839  
Interest expense
    599       867       1,139       1,101       888  
Other expenses
    14,082       11,150       7,773       6,248       4,997  
                                         
Total expenses
    259,894       225,121       196,029       157,539       145,507  
                                         
Income before taxes
    16,586       42,141       58,396       48,388       26,743  
Income tax expense
    3,051       12,863       18,484       15,159       8,451  
                                         
Net income
  $ 13,535     $ 29,278     $ 39,912     $ 33,229     $ 18,292  
                                         
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.65     $ 1.43     $ 1.96     $ 1.66     $ 1.18  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.63     $ 1.38     $ 1.90     $ 1.63     $ 1.13  
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
    20,702,572       20,498,305       20,341,931       19,986,244       15,509,547  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    21,515,153       21,232,762       20,976,525       20,403,089       16,195,855  
Selected Insurance Ratios:
                                       
Current year loss ratio(2)
    64.2 %     64.6 %     67.6 %     69.0 %     66.8 %
Prior years’ loss ratio(3)
    5.8 %     (7.9 )%     (12.1 )%     (12.0 )%     (1.7 )%
                                         
Net loss ratio
    70.0 %     56.7 %     55.5 %     57.0 %     65.1 %
Net underwriting expense ratio(4)
    29.8 %     28.5 %     25.8 %     22.7 %     21.2 %
                                         
Net combined ratio(5)
    99.8 %     85.2 %     81.3 %     79.7 %     86.3 %
                                         
 


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    As of December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
                ($ in thousands)              
 
Selected Balance Sheet
Data:
                                       
Investment securities
available-for sale, at
fair value
  $ 626,608     $ 531,505     $ 494,437     $ 399,932     $ 261,103  
Cash and cash equivalents
    12,896       22,872       20,292       20,412       12,135  
Reinsurance recoverables
    34,339       18,544       14,210       13,675       14,375  
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net
    25,537       23,175       19,832       15,433       10,299  
Total assets
    964,861       842,687       755,569       614,275       427,275  
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense
    351,496       292,027       250,085       198,356       142,211  
Unearned premiums
    175,766       155,931       147,033       114,312       86,863  
Total stockholders’ equity
    359,473       324,813       294,306       249,126       155,678  
 
 
(1) Includes acquisition expenses such as commissions, premium taxes and other general administrative expenses related to underwriting operations in our insurance subsidiary and are included in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.
 
(2) The current year loss ratio is calculated by dividing loss and loss adjustment expenses for the current year less claims service income by the current year’s net premiums earned.
 
(3) The prior years’ loss ratio is calculated by dividing the change in the loss and loss adjustment expenses for the prior years by the current year’s net premiums earned.
 
(4) The underwriting expense ratio is calculated by dividing net underwriting expenses less other service income by the current year’s net premiums earned.
 
(5) The net combined ratio is the sum of the net loss ratio and the net underwriting expense ratio.

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Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The discussion and analysis below includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in Part I, Item 1A of this annual report that could cause our actual results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities in 2010 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by those forward-looking statements. See “Note on Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report.
 
Overview
 
We provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for prescribed benefits that employers are required to provide to their employees who may be injured in the course of their employment. We currently provide workers’ compensation insurance to customers in the maritime, ADR and state act markets.
 
Principal Revenue and Expense Items
 
We derive our revenue from premiums earned, service fee income, net investment income and net realized gains and losses from investments. Our primary expense items are loss and loss adjustment expenses, underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, and interest expense.
 
Premiums Earned
 
Direct premiums written include all premiums charged for policies we issue during a fiscal period. Assumed premiums are premiums that we receive from an authorized state mandated pool. Gross premiums written is the sum of direct and assumed premiums written. Net premiums written represent gross premiums written less premiums ceded or paid to reinsurers (ceded premiums written).
 
Net premiums earned is the earned portion of our net premiums written. Premiums are earned over the terms of the related policies in proportion to the risks underwritten. Our policies typically have terms of 12 months. Thus, for example, for a policy that is written on July 1, 2009, one-half of the premiums would be earned in 2009 and the other half would be earned in 2010. At the end of each accounting period, the portion of the premiums that are not yet earned is included in unearned premiums and is realized as revenue in the subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policies.
 
We earn our direct premiums written from our maritime, ADR and state act customers. We also earn a small portion of our direct premiums written from employers who participate in the Washington USL&H Plan. We immediately cede 100% of those premiums, net of our expenses, and 100% of the losses in connection with that business to the plan.
 
Net Investment Income and Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
 
We invest our statutory surplus and the funds supporting our insurance liabilities (including unearned premiums and unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses) in cash, cash equivalents and fixed income securities. Our investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets. Realized gains and losses on invested assets are reported separately from net investment income. We earn realized gains when invested assets are sold for an amount greater than their amortized cost in the case of fixed maturity securities and recognize realized losses when investment securities are written down as a result of an other-than-temporary impairment or sold for an amount less than their carrying value.
 
Claims Service Income
 
We receive claims service income in return for providing claims administration services for other companies. The claims service income we receive for providing these services approximates our costs. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, approximately 32.3%, 46.3%, and 52.6%, respectively, of our claims service income was generated by contracts we have with LMC to provide claims handling services


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for the policies written by the Eagle Entities prior to the Acquisition. We expect income from these contracts to continue to decrease substantially over the next several years as transactions related to the Eagle Entities diminish. The next largest claims administration services customer represented approximately 20.5%, 17.9%, and 10.1% of claims service income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Other Service Income
 
We receive handling fees associated with certain large-deductible policies. These fees cover the cost of settling losses and offset expenses associated with the USL&H second injury fund and are recorded as other service income.
 
Also included in other service income are amounts received from LMC. Following the Acquisition, we entered into servicing arrangements with LMC to provide policy administration and accounting services for the policies written by the Eagle Entities prior to the Acquisition. The fee income we receive for providing these services approximates our costs and will decrease substantially over the next several years as transactions related to the Eagle Entities diminish.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses represent our largest expense item and include (1) claim payments made, (2) estimates for future claim payments and changes in those estimates for current and prior periods and (3) costs associated with investigating, defending and adjusting claims. For further information regarding our loss and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts paid and unpaid, see the discussion under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments — Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report.
 
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
 
In our insurance subsidiary, we refer to the expenses that we incur to underwrite risks as underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. Underwriting expenses consist of commission expenses, premium taxes and fees and other underwriting expenses incurred in writing and maintaining our business. We pay commission expense in our insurance subsidiary to our brokers for the premiums that they produce for us. We pay state and local taxes based on premiums; licenses and fees; assessments; and contributions to workers’ compensation security funds. Other underwriting expenses consist of general administrative expenses such as salaries and employee benefits, rent and all other operating expenses not otherwise classified separately, and boards, bureaus and assessments of statistical agencies for policy service and administration items such as rating manuals, rating plans and experience data. Certain of these costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of insurance contracts (“deferred acquisition costs”) are initially deferred and amortized over the typical policy term of 12 months. Therefore, with respect to deferred acquisition costs, there are timing differences between when the costs are incurred or paid and when the related expense is recognized in our statements of operations.
 
Interest Expense
 
Included in other expense is interest expense we incur on $12.0 million in surplus notes that our insurance subsidiary issued in May 2004. The interest expense is paid quarterly in arrears. The interest expense for each interest payment period is based on the three-month LIBOR two London banking days prior to the interest payment period plus 400 basis points. The interest rates for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 ranged from 4.26% to 6.15% and 6.15% to 9.03%, respectively.


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Results of Operations
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
Gross Premiums Written.  Gross premiums written consists of direct premiums written and premiums assumed from the NCCI residual markets. The number of customers we service, in-force payrolls and in-force premiums represent some of the factors we consider when analyzing gross premiums written.
 
Gross premiums written totaled $290.0 million in 2009 compared to $270.3 million in 2008, representing an increase of $19.7 million, or 7.3%. Much of the increase in gross premiums written resulted from premium growth primarily related to new business growth in our “program” book of business. Program business, which includes alternative markets and small maritime programs, increased $32.2 million in 2009 compared to 2008. The increase in program business was offset by a $10.0 million decrease in our “core” product lines, which includes energy, maritime and construction business. The decrease was primarily driven by our construction business as a result of the continuing impact of the current economic downturn. Excluding work we perform as the servicing carrier for the Washington USL&H Assigned Risk Plan and excluding business assumed from the NCCI residual market pool, the total number of customers we serviced increased from more than 1,120 at December 31, 2008 to approximately 1,530 at December 31, 2009. Approximately 14.1% of the 410 customer increase related to our core book of business and 85.9% of the increase related to our program business. By design, our program business will have a larger number of customers with a smaller average premium size than our core book of business. Total in-force payrolls, one of the factors used to determine premium charges, increased 12.5% from $6.4 billion at December 31, 2008 to $7.2 billion at year-end 2009. California continues to be our largest market, accounting for approximately $132.5 million, or 43.1% of our in-force premiums at December 31, 2009. This represents an increase of $22.0 million, or 19.9%, from approximately $110.5 million, or 39.6%, of in-force premiums in California at December 31, 2008.
 
The following is a summary of our top five markets based on direct premiums written:
 
                                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Direct
          Direct
       
    Premiums
          Premiums
       
    Written     %     Written     %  
    (in thousands)  
 
California
  $ 123,856       43.3 %   $ 102,392       38.8 %
Louisiana
    26,143       9.1 %     24,043       9.1 %
Illinois
    23,011       8.0 %     22,103       8.4 %
Alaska
    17,710       6.2 %     17,242       6.5 %
Texas
    16,032       5.6 %     17,789       6.8 %
                                 
Total
  $ 206,752       72.2 %   $ 183,569       69.6 %
                                 
 
Premiums assumed from the NCCI residual markets in the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 totaled $4.0 million compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 2008, representing a decrease of $2.6 million, or 39.3%. The decrease was primarily attributable to actuarial revised estimates related to the year 2007 and 2008.
 
We experienced significant reductions in our California premium rates from 2003 to 2008. On August 15, 2008, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (the “WCIRB”) submitted a filing with the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 16.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates on new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2009. The filing was based on a review of loss and loss adjustment experience through March 31, 2008. In response to this recommendation, on October 24, 2008, the California Insurance Commissioner approved a 5.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates, effective January 1, 2009. With the California Department of Insurance approval, we adopted this 5.0% increase effective January 1, 2009.
 
On March 27, 2009, the WCIRB submitted a filing with the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 24.4% increase in advisory pure premium rates on new and renewal policies effective on or


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after July 1, 2009. On April 23, 2009, the WCIRB amended its filing to reduce the proposed rate increase to 23.7%. A public hearing on the proposed rate increase was held on April 28, 2009. Following the hearing, the California Insurance Commissioner issued a press release in which he urged the WCIRB to withdraw the portion of its requested rate increase related to recent decisions by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (estimated to be approximately 6%) until the judicial process related to these decisions has concluded. A second hearing on medical treatment costs was held on June 8, 2009. On July 8, 2009, the California Insurance Commissioner announced his rejection of any increase in advisory pure premium rates. Rating decisions made by the California Insurance Commissioner are advisory only and insurance companies may choose whether or not to adopt, approve or disapprove rates. After completing an internal study of our California loss costs, on June 23, 2009, we filed with the California Department of Insurance revised rates for new and renewal workers’ compensation insurance policies written in the state of California on or after August 1, 2009. The new rates reflected an average increase of 10.6% from prior rates and were in response to increased projected medical costs and recent decisions by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. On July 7, 2009, the California Department of Insurance approved our filing for the rate increase. We are unable to predict the impact that the rate increase adopted by us in California might have on our future financial position and results of operations. If other insurers do not adopt similar rate increases, this rate increase may have a negative effect on our ability to compete in California. On August 18, 2009, the WCIRB submitted a filing with the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 22.8% increase in advisory pure premium rates on new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2010. A public hearing on the proposed rate increase was held on October 6, 2009. On November 9, 2009, the California Insurance Commissioner announced his decision to approve no change in advisory pure premium rates.
 
Rate reductions have also been adopted in other states in which we operate. For example, in Alaska we adopted rate decreases of 10.3% and 7.6% effective January 1, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In Louisiana, we adopted commissioner-approved rate decreases of 17.4% and 8.6% effective May 1, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In Hawaii, we adopted rate decreases of 13.7% and 5.8% effective January 1, 2010 and February 1, 2009, respectively. In Texas, we adopted rate decreases of 10.0% and 7.7% effective May 1, 2009 and January 1, 2008, respectively. In Florida, we adopted rate decreases of 6.8% and 18.6% effective January 1, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We adopted a rate decrease of 0.1% effective January 1, 2010 and rate increases of 2.5% and 3.5% in Illinois effective April 1, 2009 and January 1, 2009, respectively. In Arizona we adopted a rate decrease of 5.1% effective January 1, 2010 and a rate increase of 7.9% effective October 1, 2008. In Washington USL&H, we adopted a rate increase of 21% effective December 1, 2009.
 
Net Premiums Written.  Net premiums written totaled $262.8 million in 2009 compared to $255.8 million in 2008, representing an increase of $7.0 million, or 2.7%. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in gross written premiums, offset in part by a $12.7 million increase in premiums ceded related to the increased ceding rate of the 2008 reinsurance contracts due primarily to an increase in limits at the lower and upper ends of the program, as well as the addition of a new reinsurance treaty related to the residual market business. Included in gross premiums written in 2009 is a decrease in the amount of premiums we involuntarily assume on residual market business from the NCCI, which operates residual market programs on behalf of many states.
 
Premiums Earned.  Net premiums earned totaled $244.4 million in 2009 compared to $248.6 million in 2008, representing a decrease of $4.2 million, or 1.7%. We record the entire annual policy premium as unearned premium at inception and earn the premium over the life of the policy, which is generally twelve months. Consequently, the amount of premiums earned in any given year depends on when the underlying policies were written. Our direct premiums earned increased $7.6 million, or 3.0%, to $263.5 million in 2009 from $255.9 million in 2008. Net premiums earned in 2009 were reduced by net adjustments of $3.8 million on retrospectively rated policies due to favorable loss results on those policies.
 
Net premiums earned are also affected by premiums ceded under reinsurance treaties. Ceded earned premiums in 2009 totaled $22.7 million compared to $14.5 million in 2008, representing an increase of $8.2 million, or 56.6%. An increase in ceded earned premiums is a decrease to our overall net premiums earned Effective January 2009, we ceded 100% of NCCI assumed business for policy year 2009, which totaled $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.


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Net Investment Income.  Net investment income was $23.1 million in 2009 compared to $22.6 million in 2008, representing an increase of $0.5 million, or 2.3%. Average invested assets increased $62.4 million, or 11.7%, from $534.6 million in 2008 to $597.0 million in 2009. This increase in our investment portfolio is due primarily to cash flow from operations of $68.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was invested primarily in fixed income securities. Net investment income as a percentage of average invested assets decreased slightly to 3.9% in 2009 from 4.2% in 2008 due to the effects of the global financial crisis discussed previously.
 
Claims and Other Service Income.  Claims and Other Service income totaled $1.2 million in 2009 and 2008. Our service income resulted primarily from service arrangements we have with customers for claims processing services, policy administration and administrative services that we perform for them.
 
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses.  Other-than-temporary impairment losses totaled $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $13.4 million, in 2008. In 2008, we recorded $13.4 million of other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”) charges in connection with investments in government-sponsored agency and corporate preferred stock ($10.2 million charge) and equity indexed securities exchange-traded funds ($3.2 million charge). The $0.3 million OTTI charge in 2009 also related to our investment in government-sponsored agency preferred stock. The OTTI charges were the result of thorough reviews of the investment portfolio and a determination by management that these investments met the criteria for OTTI charges primarily due to the extent and duration of the impairments and the inability to forecast a complete recovery of their book values within a reasonable period of time or, in the case of the government-sponsored entity preferred stocks, a significant decline in the underlying credit fundamentals of the securities.
 
Other Income.  Other income totaled $8.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 compared to $8.7 million for the same period in 2008, representing a decrease of $0.6 million, or 6.4%. Other income is derived primarily from the operations of PointSure (including BWNV), our wholesale broker and third party administrator, and THM, our provider of medical bill review, utilization review, nurse care management and related services.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.  Loss and loss adjustment expenses totaled $172.2 million in 2009 compared to $141.9 million in 2008, representing an increase of $30.3 million, or 21.3%. Our net loss ratio, which is calculated by dividing loss and loss adjustment expenses less claims service income by premiums earned, was 70.0% in 2009 compared to 56.7% in 2008. The higher loss ratio in 2009 was attributable primarily to unfavorable development of prior accident year loss reserves of $14.4 million in 2009 compared to favorable development of $19.7 million in 2008, an increase in the current accident year loss ratio from 57.5% at December 31, 2008 to 60.0% at December 31, 2009, an increase of approximately $6.4 million in the earned premium against which the current accident year ELR is applied and a reduction of approximately $1.6 million in contingent profit commissions related to the commutation of reinsurance treaties. Offsetting these increases were a decrease in assumed losses of $4.0 million, an increase of approximately $4.0 million in assumed losses ceded to reinsurers and a decrease of approximately $5.8 million relating primarily to ULAE reserves and loss based assessments. Our direct net loss reserves are net of reinsurance and exclude reserves associated with KEIC and the business that we involuntarily assume from the NCCI.
 
For accident year 2009, an expected loss ratio was established for each jurisdiction and type of loss (indemnity, medical, allocated loss adjustment expense (“ALAE”)). The expected loss ratio was multiplied by the booked accident year earned premium to produce the ultimate loss to date. The expected loss ratio selections are reviewed quarterly with each internal IBNR study. Given the short experience period for the current accident year, the expected loss ratios are usually maintained at least through the first 12 months of the accident year and revised as the underlying data matures. However, after reviewing the year-to-date results for the 2009 accident year, we increased the expected loss ratio for this year from 56.7% to 60.0% in the fourth quarter, resulting in $8.3 million of additional loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses in the quarter.
 
For accident year 2008, the ultimate loss estimates at December 31, 2009 were higher when compared to December 31, 2008 and resulted in a net increase of our loss reserves of $8.8 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in ultimate loss estimates due to higher severity development in our indemnity


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and medical reserves. This adverse development was offset by favorable development of $3.1 million related to ULAE and $1.3 million related to loss based assessments and NCCI.
 
For accident year 2007, the ultimate loss estimates at December 31, 2009 were higher when compared to December 31, 2008 and resulted in a net increase of our loss reserves of $5.0 million. The development in the ultimate loss selections can be attributed to indemnity and medical loss development results in certain states, both in our State Act and Longshore & Maritime business. With each quarterly IBNR study, we monitor actual versus expected loss development closely, along with claim severity and frequency changes. The combination of these results warranted increases totaling $2.1 million to our indemnity and medical ultimate loss estimates in the fourth quarter. This adverse development was offset by favorable development of $2.1 million related to ULAE and $1.6 million related to loss based assessments and NCCI.
 
For accident years 2006 and prior, the ultimate loss estimates at December 31, 2009 were slightly higher when compared to December 31, 2008 and resulted in a net increase of our loss reserves of $0.6 million. This small movement resulted from the recognition of the results from the standard actuarial methodologies in our December 31, 2009 IBNR study. This adverse development was offset by favorable development of $2.4 million related to ULAE and $3.5 million related to loss based assessments and NCCI. Due to the longer tail nature of workers’ compensation, small movement in an accident year’s ultimate loss estimate can be reasonably expected.
 
There is uncertainty about whether recent lower paid loss trends, which result primarily from California legislative reforms enacted in 2003 and 2004, will be sustained, particularly in light of current efforts to change or repeal portions of the reforms. We will not know the full impact of these reforms with a high degree of confidence for several years. We have recently observed an increase in severity estimates for accident years 2007 and 2008 in California following several years of decreasing trends. We have established loss reserves at December 31, 2009 that are based upon our current best estimate of ultimate loss costs, taking into consideration the recent paid loss claim data, incurred loss trends and uncertainty regarding the permanence of recent legislative reforms. We continue to monitor the impact of reforms and potential challenges to reforms in our loss data. See the discussion under the headings “Loss Reserves” in Part I, Item 1 and “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments — Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” in this Item 7 for a further discussion of our loss reserving process.
 
Provisions in the three lower layer treaties (covering losses from $1.0 million to $10.0 million) in our 2006-2007 reinsurance program allow us the ability, at our sole discretion, to commute the contracts within 24 months of expiration in return for a contingent profit commission calculated in accordance with terms specified in the contracts. In accordance with these provisions, we commuted the $5.0 million excess $5.0 million layer of this treaty in 2009 in return for a contingent profit commission of approximately $0.7 million. The two lower layers (from $1.0 million to $5.0 Million) were not commuted. As of December 31, 2009, there were no ceded losses associated with the $5.0 million excess $5.0 million layer and it is not expected that developed losses that would otherwise be covered by reinsurance will exceed the contingent profit commission. The contingent profit commission was recorded as a reduction of loss and loss adjustment expenses.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had recorded a receivable of approximately $3.0 million for adverse loss development under the adverse development cover since the date of the Acquisition. We do not expect this receivable to have any material effect on our future cash flows if LMC fails to perform its obligations under the adverse development cover. At December 31, 2009, we had access to approximately $3.8 million under the collateralized reinsurance trust in the event that LMC fails to satisfy its obligations under the adverse development cover. See the discussion under the heading “Loss Reserves — KEIC Loss Reserves” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report.
 
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses.  Underwriting expenses totaled $73.0 million in 2009 compared to $71.2 million in 2008, representing an increase of $1.8 million, or 2.6%. Our net underwriting expense ratio, which is calculated by dividing underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses less other service income by premiums earned, was 29.8% in 2009 compared to 28.5% in 2008. The increase in the expense ratio was driven primarily by increased staffing costs and other premium production related


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expenses as we invest in the geographic expansion and development of our business, higher broker commissions, Florida policyholder dividend expense, and lower-than-expected earned premiums when compared to the increase in gross premiums written, primarily as a result of the impact of the continuing economic recession on covered payrolls, and adjustments related to retrospectively rated policies.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense related to the surplus notes issued by our insurance subsidiary in May 2004 totaled $0.6 million in 2009 and $0.9 million in 2008. The surplus notes interest rate, which is calculated at the beginning of each interest payment period using the 3-month LIBOR plus 400 basis points, ranged between 4.26% and 6.15% in 2009 down from 6.15% to 9.03% in 2008.
 
Other Expenses.  Other expenses totaled $14.1 million in 2009, an increase of $2.9 million, or 26.3%, from $11.2 million in 2008. Other expenses result primarily from the operations of PointSure (including BWNV), which continued to experience direct costs associated with the expansion of insurance products they offer, and THM. PointSure and THM each accounted for roughly half of the $2.9 million increase in other expenses.
 
Income Tax Expense.  The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 18.4% compared to 30.5% for the same period in 2008. The effective tax rate for 2009 was lower than the statutory tax rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of tax exempt interest income, which accounted for approximately 20.8 percentage points of the reduction from the statutory rate. This decrease was partially offset by approximately $0.7 million, or 4.2 percentage points, due to state income taxes and other expenses. The effective rate for December 31, 2008 was lower than the statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of tax exempt interest income, which accounted for approximately 7.5 points of the reduction from the statutory rate. This decrease in the statutory rate was partially offset by approximately $1.0 million, or 2.3 points, due to a valuation allowance established against our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2008.
 
Net Income.  Net income totaled $13.5 million in 2009 compared to $29.3 million in 2008, representing a decrease of $15.8 million, or 53.8%. The 2009 decrease in net income resulted primarily from a reduction in earned premiums, primarily resulting from the effects of the current economic downturn, and increases in loss and loss adjustment expense, underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses, and other expenses, offset by $13.4 million of OTTI losses in 2008.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
Gross Premiums Written.  Gross premiums written totaled $270.3 million in 2008 compared to $282.7 million in 2007, representing a decrease of $12.4 million, or 4.4%. Premiums assumed from the NCCI residual markets in the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 totaled $6.6 million compared to $9.7 million for the same period in 2007, representing a decrease of $3.1 million, or 32.0%. The decline in gross premiums written for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 resulted primarily from the continuing soft market, competitor pricing pressure, and deteriorating economic conditions leading to lower reported payrolls year over year. We continued to experience rate reductions in California, our largest market, as well as in other states. The average renewal rates for 2008 declined by 9.6% for California State Act, 10.3% for State Act, excluding California, and 7.0% for maritime. Excluding work we perform as the servicing carrier for the Washington USL&H Plan, the number of customers we serviced at December 31, 2008 increased 17.9% to approximately 1,120 from approximately 950 at December 31, 2007. Year-end in-force payrolls, one of the factors used to determine premium charges, increased 14.9% from $5.6 billion at December 31, 2007 to $6.4 billion at year-end 2008. California in-force payrolls increased 7.7% between December 31, 2007 and


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December 31, 2008 and non-California in-force payrolls increased 21.4% over the same period. The following is a summary of our top five markets based on direct premiums written in 2008:
 
                                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Direct
          Direct
       
    Premiums
          Premiums
       
    Written     %     Written     %  
          ($ in thousands)        
 
California
  $ 102,392       38.8 %   $ 107,989       39.6 %
Louisiana
    24,043       9.1 %     23,732       8.7 %
Illinois
    22,103       8.4 %     24,959       9.1 %
Texas
    17,789       6.8 %     13,749       5.1 %
Alaska
    17,242       6.5 %     19,480       7.1 %
                                 
Total
  $ 183,569       69.6 %   $ 189,909       69.6 %
                                 
 
We have experienced significant reductions in our California premium rates from 2003 to 2008. In 2008, in response to continued reductions in California workers’ compensation claim costs, we reduced our rates by an average 14.2% for new and renewal insurance policies written in California on or after July 1, 2007. This action was the eighth California rate reduction we had filed since October 1, 2003, resulting in a net cumulative reduction of our California rates of approximately 54.8%. On August 15, 2008, the WCIRB submitted a filing with the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 16.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates on new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2009. The filing was based on a review of loss and loss adjustment experience through March 31, 2008. In response to this recommendation, on October 24, 2008, the California Insurance Commissioner approved a 5.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates, effective January 1, 2009. With the California Department of Insurance approval, we adopted this 5.0% increase effective January 1, 2009.
 
In addition to the significant rate reductions in California over the last five years, rate reductions have also been adopted in other states in which we operate. For example, in Alaska we adopted rate decreases of 4.8% and 10.9% effective January 1, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Effective July 1, 2007, we adopted the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner’s recommendation of a 15.8% reduction in Louisiana, which was 2.0% more than the 13.8% decrease recommended by the NCCI. On March 7, 2008, we adopted a further 8.6% rate reduction approved by the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner for new and renewal workers’ compensation insurance policies written in Louisiana on or after May 1, 2008. In Florida, we adopted rated decreases of 18.6% and 18.4% effective January 1, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We have also adopted rate increases of 3.5% and 4.0% in Illinois effective January 1, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Net Premiums Written.  Net premiums written totaled $255.8 million in 2008 compared to $267.4 million in 2007, representing a decrease of $11.6 million, or 4.3%. As discussed above, the decline in net premiums written for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 was primarily attributable to the soft market and deteriorating general economic conditions leading to lower reported payrolls. Contributing to the decrease in net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2008 was a $3.1 million decrease in premiums assumed from the NCCI residual markets.
 
Net Premiums Earned.  Net premiums earned totaled $248.6 million in 2008 compared to $228.0 million in 2007, representing an increase of $20.6 million, or 9.0%. We record the entire annual policy premium as unearned premium at inception and earn the premium over the life of the policy, which is generally twelve months. Consequently, the amount of premiums earned in any given year depends on when the underlying policies were written. Our direct premiums earned increased $21.4 million, or 9.1%, to $255.9 million in 2008 from $234.5 million in 2007. Of the increase, approximately $13.6 million is directly related to the earn-out of basic policy premium and approximately $7.8 million is associated with retrospectively rated policies reflecting higher than expected loss ratios, resulting in lower premium adjustments. As we fully earn the premiums related to policies written in 2008, we expect the 2008 decrease in gross and net premiums written to have a similar impact on our 2009 net premiums earned.


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Net premiums earned are also affected by premiums ceded under reinsurance treaties. Ceded premiums earned in 2008 totaled $14.5 million compared to $15.0 million in 2007, representing a decrease of $0.5 million, or 3.3%. A decrease in ceded premiums earned is an increase to our overall net premiums earned. Offsetting the increase in net premiums earned was a decrease in the amount of premiums we involuntarily assume on residual market business from the NCCI, which operates residual market programs on behalf of many states. Assumed premiums earned decreased $1.4 million from $8.6 million in 2007 to $7.2 million in 2008.
 
Service Income.  Service income totaled $1.2 million in 2008 compared to $1.9 million in 2007, representing a decrease of $0.7 million, or 36.8%. Our service income resulted primarily from service arrangements we have with LMC for claims processing services, policy administration and administrative services we performed for the Eagle Entities’ insurance policies and from claims processing services we perform for other unrelated companies. During 2008, we discovered that claim data used to determine billing amounts for claims administration services provided by us had, since August 2006, been incorrectly reported to us by a customer, resulting in an overstatement of claims service income in 2007 and 2006 by approximately $0.3 million. As a result, the financial position and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 reflect a $0.3 million reduction in service income receivable and claims service income, and a related decrease of $0.1 million in federal income tax payable and income tax expense, to reflect the correction of this error. Average monthly fees received from LMC declined as the volume of work required for policy administration decreased as a result of the run-off of our predecessor’s business. Service income related to our arrangements with LMC decreased $0.6 million, or 66.7%, from $0.9 million in 2007 to $0.3 million in 2008.
 
Net Investment Income.  Net investment income was $22.6 million in 2008 compared to $20.3 million in 2007, representing an increase of $2.3 million, or 11.3%. Average invested assets increased $67.1 million, or 14.4%, from $467.5 million in 2007 to $534.6 million in 2008. This increase in our investment portfolio is due primarily to cash flow from operations of $66.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, which was invested primarily in fixed income securities. Net investment income as a percentage of average invested assets decreased slightly to 4.2% in 2008 from 4.3% in 2007 due to the effects of the global financial crisis discussed previously.
 
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses.  Other-than-temporary-impairments (“OTTI”) charges in 2008 were recorded in connection with investments in government-sponsored agency and corporate preferred stock ($10.2 million charge) and equity indexed securities exchange-traded funds ($3.2 million charge). Approximately $1.9 million of the total charge was recorded in the second quarter with the remaining $11.5 million recorded in the third quarter. The OTTI charges were the result of thorough reviews of the investment portfolio and a determination by management that these investments met the criteria for OTTI charges primarily due to the extent and duration of the impairments and the inability to forecast a complete recovery of their book values within a reasonable period of time or, in the case of the government-sponsored entity preferred stocks, a significant decline in the underlying credit fundamentals of the securities.
 
Other Income.  Other income totaled $8.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $4.3 million, or 97.7%. The increase in other income relates primarily to the acquisition of THM and BWNV, which contributed approximately $3.8 million in other income for the year ended December 31, 2008. Additionally, PointSure has, as a result of the expansion of its portfolio of insurance products, been able to increase the amount of income from external sources.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.  Loss and loss adjustment expenses totaled $141.9 million in 2008 compared to $128.2 million in 2007, representing an increase of $13.7 million, or 10.7%. The higher loss and loss adjustment expenses in 2008 were attributable to the increase in premiums earned for the period as well as lower favorable development of $8.0 million in 2008 compared to 2007. These increases were off set by a $2.3 million commutation gain associated with the 2005-2006 reinsurance treaty year and a $0.9 million decrease in assumed NCCI losses. The total reserve reduction of approximately $19.7 million of previously recorded direct net loss reserves in 2008, compared to approximately $27.7 million in 2007, reflects an overall


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continuation of deflation trends in the paid loss data for recent accident years. Our direct net loss reserves are net of reinsurance and exclude reserves associated with KEIC and the business that we involuntarily assume from the NCCI. Approximately $11.6 million of the 2008 reserve adjustments related to accident year 2007, approximately $5.1 million related to accident year 2006, and approximately $3.0 million of the reserve adjustment related to accident year 2005 and prior. As a result of these reserve changes, our net loss ratio increased from 55.5% in 2007 to 56.7% in 2008.
 
As discussed under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments — Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses — Actuarial Loss Reserve Estimation Methods” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report, we use an expected loss ratio (“ELR”) method to establish the loss reserves for the current accident year. Once the accident year is complete and begins to age, the ELR method is blended with the actual paid and incurred losses to determine the revised estimated ultimate losses for the accident year. For accident year 2007, this resulted in lower ultimate loss estimates at December 31, 2008 when compared to December 31, 2007. The positive development in accident year 2007 can be attributed to the actual indemnity and medical losses being lower than the losses produced by the ELR used to book the initial ultimate losses for the accident year. These lower-than-expected actual losses were a function of both claim frequency and claim severity trending below the amounts considered in the ELR. The positive development for indemnity and medical was offset by negative development for allocated loss adjustment expense (“ALAE”) as the actual ALAE costs were greater than the expected ALAE produced by the ELR method, resulting in an increase in the reserve. For accident year 2006, the positive development can be attributed to better-than-expected loss severity for indemnity and medical, resulting in a reserve reduction. While the estimated ultimate losses for accident year 2006 were reduced below the ELR level at December 31, 2007 (age 24 months), the actual loss development during 2008 warranted further reduction in the estimated ultimate losses for indemnity and medical as of December 31, 2008 (age 36 months). For accident year 2006, there was minimal change in the estimated ultimate ALAE amount at December 31, 2008 when compared to December 31, 2007. As discussed under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments — Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses — Variation in Ultimate Loss Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report, there are a number of factors that could lead to the actual losses trending below the expected amounts. We closely watch the medical and indemnity trends, loss development and claim settlement patterns in our data and believe our reserving methodology is consistent with our analysis.
 
The positive development for accident years 2005 and prior is largely attributed to accident year 2005. For accident year 2005, the actual paid and incurred loss severity developed better than expected based on the underlying development patterns, resulting in decreases in the estimated ultimate losses for indemnity and medical. The ALAE for accident year 2005 developed slightly worse than expected, resulting in an increase in the estimated ultimate ALAE. There was limited movement in the estimated ultimate losses for accident years 2004 and 2003. As discussed under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments — Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses — Impact of Changes in Key Assumptions on Reserve Volatility” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report, our loss reserve estimates rely heavily on historical reserving and loss payment patterns referred to as loss development. To the extent that the actual paid and incurred losses vary from the historical loss development patterns underlying the ultimate loss estimates, we will experience changes in reserves, either upward or downward, in future periods. The loss reserve estimates for prior years are changed when the available information indicates a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses will vary from the prior estimates.
 
There is uncertainty about whether recent lower paid loss trends, which result primarily from California legislative reforms enacted in 2003 and 2004, will be sustained, particularly in light of current efforts to change or repeal portions of the reforms. We will not know the full impact of these reforms with a high degree of confidence for several years. We had established loss reserves at December 31, 2008 that were based upon our current best estimate of ultimate loss costs, taking into consideration the recent lower paid loss claim data, incurred loss trends and uncertainty regarding the permanence of recent legislative reforms. See the discussion under the headings “Loss Reserves” in Part I, Item 1 and “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments — Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” in this Item 7 for a further discussion of our loss reserving process.


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Provisions of the three lower layer treaties (covering losses from $0.5 million to $10.0 million) in our 2005-2006 reinsurance program give SeaBright the right, at its sole discretion, to commute the contracts within 24 months of expiration in return for a contingent profit commission calculated in accordance with terms specified in the contracts. In accordance with these provisions, we commuted these treaties in 2008 in return for a contingent profit commission of approximately $2.3 million. The amount related to each treaty was as follows: $596,000 for the $500,000 excess $500,000 layer; $989,000 for the $4.0 million excess $1.0 million layer; and $666,000 for the $5.0 million excess $5.0 million layer. The contingent profit commission was recorded as a reduction of loss and loss adjustment expenses. There are currently no ceded losses associated with these layers and it is not expected that developed losses that would otherwise have been covered by reinsurance will exceed the contingent profit commission.
 
As of December 31, 2008, we had recorded a receivable of approximately $4.2 million for adverse loss development under the adverse development cover since the date of the Acquisition. We do not expect this receivable to have any material effect on our future cash flows if LMC fails to perform its obligations under the adverse development cover. At December 31, 2008, we had access to approximately $2.8 million under the collateralized reinsurance trust in the event that LMC fails to satisfy its obligations under the adverse development cover. In March 2009, we submitted a request to LMC to increase the balance in the trust to 102% of its obligations under the adverse development cover. LMC subsequently increased the balance in the trust to the required level. See the discussion under the heading “Loss Reserves — KEIC Loss Reserves” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report.
 
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses.  Underwriting expenses totaled $71.2 million in 2008 compared to $58.9 million in 2007, representing an increase of $12.3 million, or 20.9%. Our net underwriting expense ratio was 28.5% in 2008 compared to 25.8% in 2007. The increase in the expense ratio was driven primarily by $6.7 million in increased staffing costs and other premium production related expenses as we invest in the geographic expansion and development of our business. Increases of approximately $1.2 million in commission costs, driven in part by the increase in earned premium, and $2.2 million in equity compensation costs related to stock options and restricted stock also contributed to the increase in our underwriting expenses.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense related to the surplus notes issued by our insurance subsidiary in May 2004 totaled $0.9 million in 2008 and $1.1 million in 2007. The surplus notes interest rate, which is calculated at the beginning of each interest payment period using the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 400 basis points, ranged between 6.15% and 9.03% in 2008.
 
Other Expenses.  Other expenses totaled $11.2 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 43.6%, from $7.8 million in 2007. Other expenses result primarily from the operations of PointSure (including BWNV), which continued to experience direct costs associated with the expansion of insurance products they offer, and THM, which accounted for approximately $3.4 million of expense in the year ended December 31, 2008, due mainly to the fact that the acquisition occurred in December 2007.
 
Income Tax Expense.  The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2008 was 30.5% compared to 31.7% for the same period in 2007. The effective rate for December 31, 2008 was lower than the statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of tax exempt interest income, which accounted for approximately 7.5 percentage points of the reduction from the statutory rate. This decrease in the statutory rate was partially offset by $1.0 million, or 2.3 percentage points, due to a valuation allowance established against our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2008. The valuation allowance was necessary primarily as a result of the OTTI charges we incurred in the second and third quarters of 2008 and, to a lesser degree, our capital loss carry forwards.
 
Net Income.  Net income totaled $29.3 million in 2008 compared to $39.9 million in 2007, representing a decrease of $10.6 million, or 26.6%. The 2008 decrease in net income resulted primarily from the increase in premiums earned and investment income for the period, offset by related increases in loss and loss adjustment expenses, underwriting acquisition and insurance expenses, net realized losses (including OTTI charges) and net other income/other expense.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our principal sources of funds are underwriting operations, investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. Our primary use of funds is to pay claims and operating expenses and to purchase investments.
 
Our investment portfolio is structured so that investments mature periodically over time in reasonable relation to current expectations of future claim payments. Since we have limited claims history, we have derived our expected future claim payments from industry and predecessor trends and included a provision for uncertainties. Our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2009 has an effective duration of 4.98 years with individual maturities extending to 30 years. Currently, we make claim payments from positive cash flows from operations and invest excess cash in securities with appropriate maturity dates to balance against anticipated future claim payments. As these securities mature, we intend to invest any excess funds with appropriate durations to match against expected future claim payments.
 
At December 31, 2009, of our investment portfolio consisted of investment-grade fixed income securities with fair values subject to fluctuations in interest rates, as well as other factors such as credit. In July 2009, our investment policy was revised to allow for investment in domestic and international equities up to 6% and 1.5%, respectively, of our statutory consolidated capital and surplus. All of the securities in our investment portfolio are accounted for as “available for sale” securities. While we have structured our investment portfolio to provide an appropriate matching of maturities with anticipated claim payments, if we decide or are required in the future to sell securities in a rising interest rate environment, we would expect to incur losses from such sales.
 
We had no direct sub-prime mortgage exposure in our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2009 and $5.4 million of indirect exposure to sub-prime mortgages. As of December 31, 2009, our portfolio included $212.3 million of insured municipal bonds and $132.3 million of uninsured municipal bonds.
 
The following table provides a breakdown of ratings on the bonds in our municipal portfolio as of December 31, 2009:
 
                                         
    Insured Bonds           Total Municipal Portfolio Based On  
    Insured
    Underlying
    Uninsured Bonds     Overall
    Underlying
 
Rating
  Ratings     Ratings     Ratings     Ratings(1)     Ratings  
                (In thousands)              
 
AAA
  $ 11,320     $ 11,320     $ 16,846     $ 28,166     $ 28,166  
AA+
    22,712       15,327       34,946       57,658       50,273  
AA
    39,746       19,263       33,042       72,788       52,305  
AA-
    58,193       45,126       15,215       73,408       60,341  
A+
    33,837       44,656       10,001       43,838       54,657  
A
    13,142       32,651       4,255       17,397       36,906  
A−
    7,373       16,818       524       7,897       17,342  
BBB+
          1,162       5,411       5,411       6,573  
BB-
                1,339       1,339       1,339  
Pre-refunded(2)
    24,656       24,656       10,736       35,392       35,392  
Not rated
    1,330       1,330             1,330       1,330  
                                         
Total
  $ 212,309     $ 212,309     $ 132,315     $ 344,624     $ 344,624  
                                         
 
 
(1) Represents insured ratings on insured bonds and ratings on uninsured bonds.
 
(2) These bonds have been refunded by depositing highly rated government-issued securities into irrevocable trust funds established for payment of principal and interest.


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As of December 31, 2009, we had no direct investments in any bond insurer, and the following three bond insurers insured more than 10% of the municipal bond investments in our portfolio:
 
                                 
                      Average
 
         
Insurer Ratings
    Underlying Bond
 
Bond Insurer
  Fair Value    
S&P
   
Moody’s
   
Rating
 
    (Millions)                    
 
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation
  $ 96.2       A       Baa1       AA−/A+  
Financial Security Assurance Inc. 
    45.7       AAA       Aa3       A+  
Ambac Assurance Corp. 
    42.1       CC       Caa2       AA−/A+  
 
We do not expect a material impact to our investment portfolio or financial position as a result of the problems currently facing monoline bond insurers.
 
Our ability to adequately provide funds to pay claims comes from our disciplined underwriting and pricing standards and the purchase of reinsurance to protect us against severe claims and catastrophic events. Effective October 1, 2008 and as renewed on October 1, 2009, our reinsurance program provides us with reinsurance protection for each loss occurrence in excess of $0.75 million, up to $85.0 million, subject to various deductibles and exclusions. Our reinsurance program that was effective October 1, 2007 to October 1, 2008, provides us with reinsurance protection for each loss occurrence in excess of $1.0 million, up to $75.0 million, subject to various deductibles and exclusions. See the discussion under the heading “Reinsurance” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report. Given industry and predecessor trends, we believe we are sufficiently capitalized to cover our retained losses.
 
Our insurance subsidiary is required by law to maintain a certain minimum level of surplus on a statutory basis. Surplus is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total admitted assets. The NAIC has a risk-based capital standard designed to identify property and casualty insurers that may be inadequately capitalized based on inherent risks of each insurer’s assets and liabilities and its mix of net premiums written. Insurers falling below a calculated threshold may be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action. As of December 31, 2009, the statutory surplus of our insurance subsidiary was in excess of the prescribed risk-based capital requirements that correspond to any level of regulatory action.
 
SeaBright is a holding company with minimal unconsolidated revenue and expenses. As SeaBright pays dividends and has other capital needs in the future, we anticipate that it will be necessary for our insurance subsidiary to pay dividends to SeaBright. The payment of such dividends will be regulated as previously described.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2009 totaled $68.3 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 2.1%, from $66.9 million in 2008, which decreased $27.7 million, or 29.3%, from $94.6 million in 2007. The increase in 2009 was primarily attributable to an increase in premiums collected of approximately $5.5 million and a decrease in federal income taxes paid of approximately $14.8 million, offset by an increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses paid (net of reinsurance collected) of approximately $16.9 million. The decrease in 2008 is mainly attributable to increases in paid loss and loss adjustment expenses of approximately $25.8 million, paid federal and state taxes of $2.3 million and other expenses of $7.6 million. The increase in cash paid in 2008 was partially offset by an $8.0 million increase in premium collections.
 
We used net cash of $77.8 million for investing activities in 2009 compared to $65.6 million in 2008 and $95.1 million in 2007. The increase in 2009 from 2008 was driven by higher net investment purchase activity (purchases, net of sales and maturities) partially offset by a reduction in purchases of property and equipment. The reduction in 2008 from 2007 was primarily attributable to a reduction in funds generated by operations and made available for investing.
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities totaled $(0.4) million in 2009, an increase of $1.6 million from $1.2 million in 2008, which increased $0.8 million from $0.4 million in 2007.


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Contractual Obligations and Commitments
 
The following table identifies our contractual obligations by payment due period as of December 31, 2009:
 
                                         
    Payments Due by Period  
          Less than
                More than
 
    Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     4-5 Years     5 Years  
    (In thousands)  
 
Long term debt obligations:
                                       
Surplus notes
  $ 12,000     $     $     $     $ 12,000  
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    351,496       112,127       141,653       30,580       67,136  
Operating lease obligations
    17,325       2,904       6,132       4,848       3,441  
                                         
Total
  $ 380,821     $ 115,031     $ 147,785     $ 35,428     $ 82,577  
                                         
 
The loss and loss adjustment expense payments due by period in the table above are based upon the loss and loss adjustment expense estimates as of December 31, 2009 and actuarial estimates of expected payout patterns and are not contractual liabilities as to time certain. Our contractual liability is to provide benefits under the policies we write. As a result, our calculation of loss and loss adjustment expense payments due by period is subject to the same uncertainties associated with determining the level of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses generally and to the additional uncertainties arising from the difficulty of predicting when claims (including claims that have not yet been reported to us) will be paid. For a discussion of our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense process, see the heading “Loss Reserves” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report and “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments — Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report. Actual payments of loss and loss adjustment expenses by period will vary, perhaps materially, from the above table to the extent that current estimates of loss and loss adjustment expenses vary from actual ultimate claims amounts and as a result of variations between expected and actual payout patterns. See the discussion under the heading “Risks Related to our Business — Our loss reserves are based on estimates and may be inadequate to cover our actual losses” in Part I, Item 1A of this annual report for a discussion of the uncertainties associated with estimating unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
 
Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments
 
It is important to understand our accounting policies in order to understand our financial statements. Management considers some of these policies to be critical to the presentation of our financial results, since they require management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures at the financial reporting date and throughout the period being reported upon. Some of the estimates result from judgments that can be subjective and complex, and consequently, actual results reflected in future periods might differ from these estimates.
 
The most critical accounting policies involve the reporting of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses including losses that have occurred but were not reported to us by the financial reporting date, the amount and recoverability of reinsurance recoverable balances, deferred policy acquisition costs, income taxes, the impairment of investment securities, earned but unbilled premiums and retrospective premiums. The following should be read in conjunction with the notes to our consolidated financial statements.


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Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense represents our estimate of the expected cost of the ultimate settlement and administration of losses, based on known facts and circumstances. Our policy is to record the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense equal to the point estimate we determine. Included in unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense are amounts for case-based reserves, including estimates of future developments on those claims, and claims incurred but not yet reported to us, second injury fund expenses, and allocated and unallocated claim adjustment expenses. Due to the inherent uncertainty associated with the cost of unsettled and unreported claims, the ultimate liability may differ, perhaps materially, from the original estimate. These estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments are included in the current period’s operating results.
 
Following is a summary of the gross loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by line of business as of December 31, 2009 and 2008. The workers’ compensation line of business comprises over 98% of our total loss reserves as of both dates.
 
                                                 
    As of December 31, 2009     As of December 31, 2008  
Line of Business
  Case     IBNR     Total     Case     IBNR     Total  
                (In thousands)              
 
Workers’ Compensation
  $ 168,491     $ 176,807     $ 345,298     $ 131,814     $ 155,909     $ 287,723  
Ocean Marine
    1,046       4,771       5,817       1,041       3,251       4,292  
General Liability
          381       381             12       12  
                                                 
Total
  $ 169,537     $ 181,959     $ 351,496     $ 132,855     $ 159,172     $ 292,027  
                                                 
 
Actuarial Loss Reserve Estimation Methods
 
We use a variety of actuarial methodologies to assist us in establishing the reserve for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense. We also make judgments relative to estimates of future claims severity and frequency, length of time to achieve ultimate resolution, judicial theories of liability and other third-party factors that are often beyond our control.
 
For the current accident year, we establish the initial reserve for claims incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) using an expected loss ratio (“ELR”) method. The ELR method is based on an analysis of historical loss ratios adjusted for current pricing levels, exposure growth, anticipated trends in claim frequency and severity, the impact of reform activity and any other factors that may have an impact on the loss ratio. The actual paid and incurred loss data for the accident year is reviewed each quarter and changes to the ELR may be made based on the emerging data, although changes are typically not made until the end of the accident year when the loss data can be analyzed as a complete accident year. In the December 31, 2009 internal IBNR analysis, the ELR for accident year 2009 was increased from 56.7% on a net and gross basis to 60.0% on a net and gross basis. This was the first time the ELR was changed prior to the accident year being complete. The change was made to recognize the emerging loss experience primarily in the Illinois state act segment. The ELR is multiplied by the year-to-date earned premium to determine the ultimate losses for the current accident year. The actual paid and case outstanding losses are subtracted from the ultimate losses to determine the IBNR for the accident year. As the accident year matures, we incorporate a standard actuarial reserving methodology referred to as the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method. This method blends the loss development and expected loss ratio methods by assigning partial weight to the initial expected losses, calculated from the expected loss ratio method, with the remaining weight applied to the actual losses, either paid or incurred. The weights assigned to the initial expected losses decrease as the accident year matures. A reserve estimate implies a pattern of expected loss emergence. If this emergence does not occur as expected, it may cause us to revisit our previous assumptions. We may adjust loss development patterns, the various method weights or the expected loss ratios used in our analysis. Management employs judgment in each reserve valuation as to how to make these adjustments to reflect current information.


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For all other accident years, the estimated ultimate losses are developed using a variety of actuarial techniques as described below. In reviewing this information, we consider the following factors to be especially important at this time because they increase the variability risk factors in our loss reserve estimates:
 
  •  We wrote our first policy on October 1, 2003 and, as a result, our total reserve portfolio is relatively immature when compared to other industry data.
 
  •  We have been growing consistently since we began operations and have entered into several new states that are not included in our predecessor’s historical data.
 
  •  At December 31, 2009, approximately $135.8 million, or 44.9%, of our direct loss reserves were related to business written in California. Over the last several years, four significant comprehensive legislative reforms were enacted in California: AB 749 was enacted in February 2002; AB 227 and SB 228 were enacted in September 2003; and SB 899 was enacted in April 2004. This reform activity has resulted in uncertainty regarding the impact of the reforms on loss payments, loss development and, ultimately, loss reserves, making historical data less reliable as an indicator of future loss. All four bills enacted structural changes to the benefit delivery system in California, in addition to changes in the indemnity and medical benefits afforded injured workers. In response to the reform legislation and a continuing drop in the frequency of workers’ compensation claims, the pure premium rates approved by the California Insurance Commissioner effective January 1, 2009 were 63.4% lower than the pure premium rates in effect as of July 1, 2003. More recent data has indicated the need for an increase in rates in California. On June 23, 2009, we filed for a 10.6% rate increase to be effective August 1, 2009, which was approved by the California Insurance Department. With the California Department of Insurance’s approval, we adopted a 5.0% increase in advisory pure premium rates effective January 1, 2009.
 
Key elements of the reforms as they relate to indemnity and medical benefits were as follows:
 
Indemnity Benefits
 
AB 749 significantly increased most classes of workers’ compensation indemnity benefits over a four-year period beginning in 2003.
 
AB 227 and SB 228 repealed the mandatory vocational rehabilitation benefits and replaced them with a system of non-transferable education vouchers.
 
SB 899 required the Division of Workers’ Compensation (“DWC”) Administrative Director to adopt, on or before January 1, 2005, a new permanent disability rating schedule (“PDRS”) based in part on American Medical Association guidelines. Also, temporary disability was limited to a duration of two years. SB 899 also provided that, effective April 19, 2004, apportionment of disability for purposes of permanent disability determination must be based on causation.
 
Medical Benefits
 
AB 749 repealed the presumption given to the primary treating physician (except when the worker has pre-designated a personal physician), effective for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2003. (SB 228 and SB 899 later extended this to all future medical treatment on earlier injuries.)
 
SB 228 required the DWC Administrative Director to establish, by December 1, 2004, an Official Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule meeting specific criteria. SB 228 also provided that beginning three months after the publication date of the updated American College of Occupational and Environmental Medical (“ACOEM”) Practice Guidelines and continuing until such time as the DWC Administrative Director establishes an Official Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, the ACOEM standards will be presumed to be correct regarding the extent and scope of all medical treatment. The DWC Administrative Director has subsequently adopted the ACOEM Guidelines as the Official Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule.
 
SB 228 limited the number of chiropractic visits and the number of physical therapy visits to 24 each per claim.


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SB 228 established a prescription medication fee schedule set at 100% of Medi-Cal Schedule amounts.
 
SB 228 provided that the maximum facility fee for services performed in an ambulatory surgical center may not exceed 120% of the Medicare fees for the same service performed in a hospital outpatient facility.
 
SB 899 provided that after January 1, 2005, an employer or insurer may establish medical provider networks meeting certain conditions and, with limited exceptions, medical treatment can be provided within those networks.
 
These reforms are a source of variability in the reserve estimates as legislative changes affecting benefit levels not only impact the cost of benefits but also the rate at which accident year benefits or losses develop over time. Ongoing efforts by some system stakeholders to challenge the reforms, either through legislative, administrative or judicial means, further adds to the variability.
 
In the last three years there have been ongoing challenges to the PDRS, one of the most significant reforms to emerge from the 2004-2005 legislation. The PDRS was revised effective January 1, 2005. The revised schedule has resulted in significantly reduced permanent disability awards, leading to concerns that injured workers may not be adequately compensated for their work related permanent injuries.
 
In February of 2009 the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board ( the “Appeals Board”) rendered an en banc decision on a series of cases, commonly referred to as Almarez, Guzman and Ogilvie, that could have a material impact on the value of permanent disability awards. The en banc decision led to considerable comment and debate in the Workers’ Compensation community. Given this, the Appeals Board subsequently granted a petition for reconsideration on the subject cases, allowing interested parties until May 1, 2009 to provide input via an amicus curiae brief. In September of 2009, the Appeals Board reaffirmed most aspects of its prior work, with some clarifications to its February decisions. While its decision is considered final, several aspects are likely to still be determined by case law and through appeal. However, it could take two to three years before review by higher courts is complete.
 
Workers’ compensation is considered a long-tail line of business, as it takes a relatively long period of time to finalize claims from a given accident year. Management believes that it generally takes workers’ compensation losses approximately 48 to 60 months after the start of an accident year until the data is viewed as fully credible for paid and incurred reserve evaluation methods. Workers’ compensation losses can continue to develop beyond 60 months and in some cases claims can remain open more than 20 years. As indicated above, we wrote our first policy on October 1, 2003 so our first complete accident year is 2004. As of December 31, 2009, accident year 2004 was 72 months developed, accident year 2005 was 60 months developed, accident year 2006 was 48 months developed, accident year 2007 was 36 months developed, accident year 2008 was 24 months developed and accident year 2009 was 12 months developed. Our loss reserve estimates are subject to considerable variation due to the relative immaturity of the accident years from a development standpoint.
 
We review the following significant components of loss reserves on a quarterly basis:
 
  •  IBNR reserves for losses — This includes amounts for the medical and indemnity components of the workers’ compensation claim payments, net of subrogation recoveries and deductibles;
 
  •  IBNR reserves for defense and cost containment expenses (“DCC”, also referred to as allocated loss adjustment expenses (“ALAE”)), net of subrogation recoveries and deductibles;
 
  •  reserve for adjusting and other expenses, also known as unallocated loss adjustment expenses (“ULAE”); and
 
  •  reserve for loss based assessments, also referred to as the “8F reserve” in reference to Section 8, Compensation for Disability, subsection (f), Injury increasing disability, of the United States Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (“USL&H”) Act.
 
The reserves for losses and DCC are also reviewed gross and net of reinsurance (referred to as “net”). For gross losses, the claims for the Washington USL&H Plan, the KEIC claims assumed in the Acquisition and claims assumed from the NCCI residual market pools are excluded from this discussion.


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IBNR reserves include a provision for future development on known claims, a reopened claims reserve, a provision for claims incurred but not reported and a provision for claims in transit (incurred and reported but not recorded).
 
Our analysis is done separately for the indemnity, medical and DCC components of the total loss reserves within each accident year. In addition, the analysis is completed separately for the following five categories: State Act, California (California); State Act, Alaska and Hawaii (Alaska&Hawaii); State Act, Illinois (Illinois); State Act, all other states (All Other); and USL&H claims. The business is divided into these three categories for the determination of ultimate losses due to differences in the laws that cover each of these categories.
 
Workers’ compensation insurance is statutorily provided for in all of the states in which we do business. State laws and regulations provide for the form and content of policy coverage and the rights and benefits that are available to injured workers, their representatives and medical providers. Because the benefits are established by state statute, there can be significant variation in these benefits by state. We refer to this coverage as State Act.
 
Our business is also affected by federal laws including the USL&H Act, which is administered by the Department of Labor, and the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, or Jones Act. The USL&H Act contains various provisions affecting our business, including the nature of the liability of employers of longshoremen, the rate of compensation to an injured longshoreman, the selection of physicians, compensation for disability and death and the filing of claims. We refer to the business covered under the USL&H Act and the Jones Act as USL&H.
 
Because there are different laws and benefit levels that affect the State Act versus USL&H business, there is a strong likelihood that these categories will exhibit different loss development characteristics which will influence the ultimate loss calculations. Separating the data into the State Act and USL&H categories allows us to use actuarial methods that contemplate these differences.
 
Development factors, expected loss rates and expected loss ratios are derived from the combined experience of us and our predecessor.
 
Gross ultimate loss (indemnity, medical and ALAE separately) for each category is estimated using the following actuarial methods:
 
  •  paid loss (or ALAE) development;
 
  •  incurred loss (or ALAE) development;
 
  •  Bornhuetter-Ferguson using ultimate premiums and paid loss (or ALAE); and
 
  •  Bornhuetter-Ferguson using ultimate premiums and incurred loss (or ALAE).
 
A gross ultimate value is selected by reviewing the various ultimate estimates and applying actuarial judgment to achieve a reasonable point estimate of the ultimate liability. The gross IBNR reserve equals the selected gross ultimate loss minus the gross paid losses and gross case reserves as of the valuation date. The selected gross ultimate loss and ALAE are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis.
 
Variation in Ultimate Loss Estimates
 
In light of our short operating history and uncertainties concerning the effects of recent legislative reforms, specifically as they relate to our California workers’ compensation experience, the actuarial techniques discussed above use the historical experience of our predecessor as well as industry information in the analysis of loss reserves. We are able to effectively draw on the historical experience of our predecessor because most of the current members of our management and adjusting staff also served as the management and adjusting staff of our predecessor. Over time, we expect to place more reliance on our own developed loss experience and less on our predecessor’s and industry experience.
 
These techniques recognize, among other factors:
 
  •  our claims experience and that of our predecessor;


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  •  the industry’s claim experience;
 
  •  historical trends in reserving patterns and loss payments;
 
  •  the impact of claim inflation and/or deflation;
 
  •  the pending level of unpaid claims;
 
  •  the cost of claim settlements;
 
  •  legislative reforms affecting workers’ compensation, including pricing;
 
  •  the overall environment in which insurance companies operate; and
 
  •  trends in claim frequency and severity.
 
In addition, there are loss and loss adjustment expense risk factors that affect workers’ compensation claims that can change over time and also cause our loss reserves to fluctuate. Some examples of these risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
  •  recovery time from the injury;
 
  •  degree of patient responsiveness to treatment;
 
  •  use of pharmaceutical drugs;
 
  •  type and effectiveness of medical treatments;
 
  •  frequency of visits to healthcare providers;
 
  •  changes in costs of medical treatments;
 
  •  availability of new medical treatments and equipment;
 
  •  types of healthcare providers used;
 
  •  availability of light duty for early return to work;
 
  •  attorney involvement;
 
  •  wage inflation in states that index benefits; and
 
  •  changes in administrative policies of second injury funds.
 
Variation can also occur in the loss reserves due to factors that affect our book of business in general. Some examples of these risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
  •  injury type mix;
 
  •  change in mix of business by state;
 
  •  change in mix of business by employer type;
 
  •  small volume of internal data; and
 
  •  significant exposure growth over recent data periods.
 
Impact of Changes in Key Assumptions on Reserve Volatility
 
The most significant factor currently impacting our loss reserve estimates is the reliance on historical reserving patterns and loss payments from our predecessor and the industry, also referred to as loss development. This is due to our limited operating history as discussed above. The actuarial methods that we use depend at varying levels on loss development patterns based on past information. Development is defined as the difference, on successive valuation dates, between observed values of certain fundamental quantities that may be used in the loss reserve estimation process. For example, the data may be paid losses, case incurred losses and the change in case reserves or claim counts, including reported claims, closed claims or reopened


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claims. Development can be expected, meaning it is consistent with prior results; favorable (better than expected); or unfavorable (worse than expected). In all cases, we are comparing the actual development of the data in the current valuation with what was expected based on the historical patterns in the underlying data. Favorable development indicates a basis for reducing the estimated ultimate loss amounts while unfavorable development indicates a basis for increasing the estimated ultimate loss amounts. We reflect the favorable or unfavorable development in loss reserves in the results of operations in the period in which the ultimate loss estimates are changed.
 
Estimating loss reserves is an uncertain and complex process which involves actuarial techniques and management judgment. Actuarial analysis generally assumes that past patterns demonstrated in the data will repeat themselves and that the data provides a basis for estimating future loss reserves. However, since conditions and trends that have affected losses in the past may not occur in the future in the same manner, if at all, future results may not be reliably predicted by the prior data. Due to the relative immaturity of our book of business, the challenge has been to give the right weight in the ultimate loss estimation process to the new data as it becomes available. As discussed above, management believes that it generally takes workers’ compensation losses approximately 48 to 60 months after the start of an accident year until the data is viewed as fully credible for paid and incurred reserve evaluation methods. Due to our limited operating history, we have five complete accident years that were developed 72 months, 60 months, 48 months, 36 months, 24 months and 12 months (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively) at December 31, 2009. At December 31, 2009, the analysis for accident years 2003 through 2008 utilizes a Bornhuetter-Ferguson approach, which blends the loss development and expected loss ratio methods, in addition to the paid and incurred loss development methods. For accident years 2003 through 2008, the actuarial analysis did show some movement, both upward and downward, when compared to the prior actuarial estimates at December 31, 2008. For accident years 2003 through 2006, the movement was minimal and resulted in a net increase of our net ultimate loss estimates of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
For accident year 2007, there was unfavorable development in the gross losses for California State Act which resulted in an increase of our net ultimate loss estimates of $3.3 million. For non-California State Act, there was unfavorable development in the gross losses for accident year 2007 which resulted in an increase of our net ultimate loss estimates of $0.9 million. For USL&H, there was unfavorable development in the gross losses for accident year 2007 which resulted in an increase of our ultimate loss estimates of $0.7 million. For California State Act and USL&H, we placed more reliance on the most recent data points in our loss development selections than in the prior year. As with the prior year, we did not completely rely on the most recent data points in our loss development selections. We believe that our loss development factor selections are appropriate given the maturity level of our data. Over time, as the data for these accident years mature and uncertainty surrounding the ultimate outcome of the claim costs diminish, the full impact of the actual loss development will be factored into our assumptions and selections.
 
For accident year 2008, there was unfavorable development in the gross losses for California State Act which resulted in an increase of our net ultimate loss estimates of $6.2 million. For non-California State Act, there was unfavorable development in the gross losses for accident year 2008 which resulted in an increase of our net ultimate loss estimates of $1.5 million. For USL&H, there was unfavorable development in the gross losses for accident year 2008 which resulted in an increase of our ultimate loss estimates of $1.1 million.
 
For accident year 2009, the ultimate losses were set by multiplying the selected ELR to the booking earned premium. For more information on the ELR method and selection see the related discussion under the heading “Actuarial Loss Reserve Estimation Methods” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report.
 
Reserve Sensitivities
 
Although many factors influence the actual cost of claims and the corresponding unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense estimates, we do not measure and estimate values for all of these variables individually. This is due to the fact that many of the factors that are known to impact the cost of claims cannot be measured directly. This is the case for the impact of economic inflation on claim costs, coverage interpretations and jury determinations. In most instances, we rely on historical experience or industry information to estimate values


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for the variables that are explicitly used in the unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense analysis. We assume that the historical effect of these unmeasured factors, which is embedded in our experience or industry experience, is representative of future effects of these factors. It is important to note that actual claims costs will vary from our estimate of ultimate claim costs, perhaps by substantial amounts, due to the inherent variability of the business written, the potentially significant claim settlement lags and the fact that not all events affecting future claim costs can be estimated.
 
As discussed in the previous section, there are a number of variables that can impact, individually or in combination, the adequacy of our loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities. While the actuarial methods employed factor in amounts for these circumstances, the loss reserves may prove to be inadequate despite the actuarial methods used. Several examples are provided below to highlight the potential variability present in our loss reserves. Each of these examples represents scenarios that are reasonably likely to occur over time. For example, there may be a number of claims where the unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense associated with future medical treatment proves to be inadequate because the injured workers do not respond to medical treatment as expected by the claims examiner. If we assume this affects 10% of the open claims and, on average, the unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses on these claims are 20% inadequate, this would result in our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liability being inadequate by approximately $7.0 million, or 2%, as of December 31, 2009. Another example is claim inflation. Claim inflation can result from medical cost inflation or wage inflation. As discussed above, the actuarial methods employed include an amount for claim inflation based on historical experience. We assume that the historical effect of this factor, which is embedded in our experience and industry experience, is representative of future effects for claim inflation. To the extent that the historical factors, and the actuarial methods utilized, are inadequate to recognize future inflationary trends, our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities may be inadequate. If our estimate of future medical trend is two percentage points inadequate (e.g., if we estimate a 9% annual trend and the actual trend is 11%), our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liability could be inadequate. The amount of the inadequacy would depend on the mix of medical and indemnity payments and the length of time until the claims are paid. For example, if we assume that 50% of the unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense is associated with medical payments and an average payout period of 5 years, our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities would be inadequate by approximately $17.6 million on a pre-tax basis, or 5%, as of December 31, 2009. Under these assumptions, the inadequacy of approximately $17.6 million represents approximately 4.9% of total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2009. The impact of any reserve deficiencies, or redundancies, on our reported results and future earnings is discussed below.
 
In the event that our estimates of ultimate unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities prove to be greater or less than the ultimate liability, our future earnings and financial position could be positively or negatively impacted. Future earnings would be reduced by the amount of any deficiencies in the year(s) in which the claims are paid or the unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities are increased. For example, if we determined our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liability of $351.5 million as of December 31, 2009 to be 5% inadequate, we would experience a pre-tax reduction in future earnings of approximately $17.6 million. This reduction could be realized in one year or multiple years, depending on when the deficiency is identified. The deficiency would also impact our financial position because most of our statutory surplus would be reduced by an amount equivalent to the reduction in net income. Any deficiency is typically recognized in the unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liability and, accordingly, it typically does not have a material effect on our liquidity because the claims have not been paid. Since the claims will typically be paid out over a multi-year period, we have generally been able to adjust our investments to match the anticipated future claim payments. Conversely, if our estimates of ultimate unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities prove to be redundant, our future earnings and financial position would be improved.
 
Reinsurance Recoverables
 
Reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses represent the portion of the loss and loss adjustment expenses that is assumed by reinsurers. These recoverables are reported on our balance sheet separately as assets, as reinsurance does not relieve us of our legal liability to policyholders and ceding companies. We are required to pay losses even if a reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the applicable reinsurance


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agreement. Reinsurance recoverables are determined based in part on the terms and conditions of reinsurance contracts, which could be subject to interpretations that differ from ours based on judicial theories of liability. We calculate amounts recoverable from reinsurers based on our estimates of the underlying loss and loss adjustment expenses, which themselves are subject to significant judgments and uncertainties described above under the heading “Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.” Changes in the estimates and assumptions underlying the calculation of our loss reserves may have an impact on the balance of our reinsurance recoverables. In general, one would expect an increase in our underlying loss reserves on claims subject to reinsurance to have an upward impact on our reinsurance recoverables. The amount of the impact on reinsurance recoverables would depend on a number of considerations including, but not limited to, the terms and attachment points of our reinsurance contracts and the incurred amount on various claims subject to reinsurance. We also bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers, which can be significant considering that some claims may remain open for an extended period of time.
 
We periodically evaluate our reinsurance recoverables, including the financial ratings of our reinsurers, and revise our estimates of such amounts as conditions and circumstances change. Changes in reinsurance recoverables are recorded in the period in which the estimate is revised. We assessed the collectibility of our year-end receivables and believe that all amounts are collectible based on currently available information. Therefore, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had no reserve for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables. As of December 31, 2009, the top ten companies from which we had reinsurance amounts recoverable had A.M. Best ratings of “A−” or higher.
 
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
We defer commissions, premium taxes and certain other costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of insurance contracts. These costs are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to the recognition of premiums earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of these deferred costs to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the premium to be earned, related estimated investment income, anticipated losses and settlement expenses and certain other costs we expect to incur as the premium is earned. Judgments regarding the ultimate recoverability of these deferred costs are highly dependent upon the estimated future costs associated with our unearned premiums. If our expected claims and expenses, after considering investment income, exceed our unearned premiums, we would be required to write-off all or a portion of deferred policy acquisition costs. To date, we have not needed to write-off any portion of our deferred acquisition costs. If our estimate of anticipated losses and related costs was 10% inadequate, our deferred acquisition costs as of December 31, 2009 would still be fully recoverable and no write-off would be necessary. We will continue to monitor the balance of deferred acquisition costs for recoverability.
 
Income Taxes
 
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the income statement in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. This analysis requires management to make various estimates and assumptions, including the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the consideration of operating versus capital items, projected future taxable income and the effect of tax planning strategies. If actual results differ from management’s estimates and assumptions, we may be required to establish a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. The establishment of a


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valuation allowance could have a significant impact on our financial position and results of operations in the period in which it is deemed necessary. As of December 31, 2009, no valuation allowance was recorded. We established a valuation allowance of approximately $2.0 million at December 31, 2008 (of which $976,000 was recorded in tax expense and $1.0 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income) and reversed the $2.0 million allowance through accumulated other comprehensive income in 2009.
 
We apply a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and also provides guidance on the derecognition of previously recorded benefits and their classification, as well as the proper recording of interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition. As of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had no unrecognized tax benefits. We do not anticipate that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase in the next 12 months. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as an element of income tax expense (benefit) in our consolidated statements of operations. We file consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns. The tax years which remain subject to examination by the taxing authorities are the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
 
Impairment of Investment Securities
 
We regularly review our investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. A number of criteria are considered during this process, including but not limited to the following: whether we intend to sell the security; the current fair value as compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, of the security; the length of time the security’s fair value has been below amortized cost; objective information supporting recovery in a reasonable period of time; the likelihood that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis; specific credit issues related to the issuer; and current economic conditions, including interest rates.
 
For debt securities that are considered OTTI and that we do not intend to sell and more likely than not would not be required to sell prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, we recognize OTTI losses in accordance with the provisions of the Codification. The amount of the OTTI loss is separated into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective interest rate. The amount due to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized no OTTI losses related to debt securities.
 
We regularly review our investment portfolio for declines in value. In general, we review all securities that are impaired by 5% or more at the end of the period. We focus our review of securities with no stated maturity date on securities that were impaired by 20% or more at the end of the period or have been impaired 10% or more continuously for six months or longer as of the end of the period. We also analyze the entire portfolio for other factors that might indicate a risk of impairment, including credit ratings and interest rates. It is possible that we could recognize future impairment losses on some securities we owned at December 31, 2009 if future events, information and the passage of time result in a determination that a decline in value is other-than-temporary.
 
In 2009, we recognized other-than-temporary impairment charges of $0.3 million related to our investments in preferred stocks issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that were sold in 2009. In 2008, we recognized other-than-temporary impairment charges of approximately $10.2 million on our investments in preferred stocks (nearly all of which were government-sponsored agency fixed and variable preferred stocks) and approximately $3.2 million on our investment in equity indexed securities exchange-traded funds. No other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of our securities were recorded in 2007. Please refer to the tables in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report for additional information on unrealized losses on our investment securities. Please refer to Part II, Item 7A of this annual report for tables showing the sensitivity of the fair value of our fixed-income investments to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual


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report for a discussion of the limited exposure in our investment portfolio at December 31, 2009 to sub-prime mortgages.
 
Earned But Unbilled Premiums
 
Shortly following the expiration of an insurance policy, we perform a final payroll audit of each insured to determine the final premium to be billed and earned. These final audits generally result in an audit adjustment, either increasing or decreasing the estimated premium earned and billed to date. We estimate the amount of premiums that have been earned but are unbilled at the end of a reporting period by analyzing historical earned premium adjustments made at final audit for the preceding 12 months and applying the average adjustment percentage against our in-force earned premium for the period. These estimates are subject to changes in policyholders’ payrolls due to growth, economic conditions, seasonality and other factors, as well as fluctuations in our in-force premium. For example, the amount of our accrual for premiums earned but unbilled fluctuated between ($497,000) and $19,000 in 2009 and between ($611,000) and $182,000 in 2008. The balance of our accrual for premiums earned but unbilled totaled approximately ($132,000) and ($611,000) at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, management believes that the accrual for earned but unbilled premiums is reasonable. The estimates are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known. Any such adjustments are included in current operations.
 
Retrospective Premiums
 
The premiums for our retrospectively rated loss sensitive plans are reflective of the customer’s loss experience because, beginning six months after the expiration of the relevant insurance policy, and annually thereafter, we recalculate the premium payable during the policy term based on the current value of the known losses that occurred during the policy term. While the typical retrospectively rated policy has around five annual adjustment or measurement periods, premium adjustments continue until mutual agreement to cease future adjustments is reached with the policyholder. Retrospective premiums for primary and reinsured risks are included in income as earned on a pro rata basis over the effective period of the respective policies. Earned premiums on retrospectively rated policies are based on our estimate of loss experience as of the measurement date. Unearned premiums are deferred and include that portion of premiums written that is applicable to the unexpired period of the policies in force and estimated adjustments of premiums on policies that have retrospective rating endorsements.
 
We bear credit risk with respect to retrospectively rated policies. Because of the long duration of our loss sensitive plans, there is a risk that the customer will fail to pay the additional premium. Accordingly, we obtain collateral in the form of letters of credit or deposits to mitigate credit risk associated with our loss sensitive plans. If we are unable to collect future retrospective premium adjustments from an insured, we would be required to write-off the related amounts, which could impact our financial position and results of operations. To date, there have been no such write-offs. Retrospectively rated policies accounted for approximately 7.2% of direct premiums written in 2009 and approximately 10.7% of direct premiums written in 2008.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2009, the FASB issued FSP EITF 99-20-1, Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20, (“FSP EITF 99-20-1”) which amends FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interest and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor or in Securitized Financial Assets, (“EITF 99-20”) to align the impairment guidance in EITF 99-20 with the impairment guidance and related implementation guidance in SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. The provisions of FSP EITF 99-20-1 are effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008. We adopted FSP EITF 99-20-1 as of December 31, 2008, which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.


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In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2,Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP FAS 115-2/124-2”). FSP FAS 115-2/124-2 requires entities to separate an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security into two components when there are credit related losses associated with the impaired debt security for which management asserts that it does not have the intent to sell the security, and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recorded in other comprehensive loss. FSP FAS 115-2/124-2 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted the provisions of FSP FAS 115-2/124-2 in the quarter ended June 30, 2009. There were no impairments previously recognized on debt securities we owned at December 31, 2008 and therefore, there was no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings and other comprehensive income (loss) as a result of adopting this standard. There were no impairments recognized on debt securities in the year ended December 31, 2009 and therefore, the adoption of FSP FAS 115-2/124-2 had no effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4,Determining Fair Value When Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions that are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157-4”). Under FSP FAS 157-4, if an entity determines that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or the liability in relation to the normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets or liabilities), then transactions or quoted prices may not accurately reflect fair value. In addition, if there is evidence that the transaction for the asset or liability is not orderly, the entity shall place little, if any, weight on that transaction price as an indicator of fair value. FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted FSP FAS 157-4 in the quarter ended June 30, 2009, which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1,Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”). FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 requires disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments in interim and annual financial statements. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 in the quarter ended June 30, 2009. Because FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends only the disclosure requirements related to the fair value of financial instruments, adoption of FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued FAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“FAS 165”). FAS 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. FAS 165 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted FAS 165 in the quarter ended June 30, 2009, which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“SFAS 168”). SFAS 168 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in preparing the financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). SFAS 168 further identifies the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“the Codification”) as the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. The Codification does not change existing U.S. GAAP authoritative literature in place as of July 1, 2009. SFAS 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We adopted SFAS 168 as of September 30, 2009 which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.


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Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
In 2008 and 2009, a series of crises occurred in the U.S. financial and capital markets, as well as in housing and global credit markets. These conditions accelerated into a global economic recession, as evidenced by declining consumer confidence, lower consumer spending, bankruptcies and significant job losses. The declining economic conditions worsened over the last half of 2008 and continued into the first half of 2009. During this period, equity and debt markets experienced major declines in market prices on a worldwide basis. As a result, we recorded $13.4 million of OTTI losses in the year ended December 31, 2008. However, the equity and debt markets began to show improvement in mid-2009. For example, the net unrealized gain on our investment portfolio increased from $1.4 million at March 31, 2009 to $18.4 million at December 31, 2009. The disruptions in the financial markets in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in a lack of liquidity within the credit markets, which has increased credit risk in the financial markets and resulted in the widening of credit spreads.


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Our consolidated balance sheets include a substantial amount of assets and liabilities whose fair values are subject to market risks, including credit and interest rate risks. Market risk is the potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. In 2008 and 2009, conditions in the public debt and equity markets declined significantly, resulting in exceptional volatility in debt and equity prices. In 2008, we recognized, on a pre-tax basis, approximately $13.4 million of other-than-temporary impairment charges related primarily to our investments in exchange-traded funds and government-sponsored-entity preferred stock. In 2009, we recognized, on a pre-tax basis, approximately $0.3 million of other-than-temporary impairment charges related to our investments in government-sponsored-entity preferred stock. The impact of actions taken by governmental bodies in response to the current economic crisis is difficult to predict, particularly over the short term, and we cannot predict the timing or magnitude of a recovery. The fair value of our investment portfolio remains subject to considerable volatility, particularly over the short term. The following sections address the significant market risks associated with our business activities.
 
Credit Risk
 
Credit Risk is the potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the financial condition of a specific debt issuer. We address this risk by investing generally in fixed-income securities which are rated “A” or higher by Standard & Poor’s or another major rating agency. We also independently, and through our outside investment managers, monitor the financial condition of all of the issuers of fixed-income securities in the portfolio. To limit our exposure to risk, we employ stringent diversification rules that limit the credit exposure to any single issuer or business sector. See “Investments” in Part I, Item 1 of this annual report for a discussion of the limited exposure in our investment portfolio at December 31, 2009 to sub-prime mortgages.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
We had fixed-income investments with a fair value of $626.6 million at December 31, 2009 that are subject to interest rate risk compared with $522.3 million at December 31, 2008. We manage the exposure to interest rate risk through a disciplined asset/liability matching and capital management process. In the management of this risk, the characteristics of duration, credit and variability of cash flows are critical elements. These risks are assessed regularly and balanced within the context of the liability and capital position.
 
The table below summarizes our interest rate risk as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. It illustrates the sensitivity of the fair value of fixed-income investments to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The selected scenarios are not predictions of future events, but rather illustrate the effect that such events may have on the fair value of our fixed-income portfolio and stockholders’ equity.
 
Interest Rate Risk as of December 31, 2009:
 
                         
                Hypothetical
 
                Percentage
 
                Increase
 
    Estimated
          (Decrease) in
 
    Change in
          Portfolio
 
Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
  Fair Value     Fair Value     Value  
    ($ in thousands)     ($ in thousands)        
 
200 basis point increase
  $ (55,839 )   $ 570,769       (8.9 )%
100 basis point increase
    (27,561 )     599,047       (4.4 )%
No change
          626,608        
100 basis point decrease
    26,843       653,451       4.3 %
200 basis point decrease
    52,970       679,578       8.5 %


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Interest Rate Risk as of December 31, 2008:
 
                         
                Hypothetical
 
                Percentage
 
                Increase
 
    Estimated
          (Decrease) in
 
    Change in
          Portfolio
 
Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
  Fair Value     Fair Value     Value  
    ($ in thousands)     ($ in thousands)        
 
200 basis point increase
  $ (39,352 )   $ 482,937       (7.5 )%
100 basis point increase
    (19,662 )     502,627       (3.8 )%
No change
          522,289        
100 basis point decrease
    19,635       541,924       3.8 %
200 basis point decrease
    39,243       561,532       7.5 %


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Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
Index to Financial Statements
 
         
    Page
 
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements
       
    85  
    86  
    87  
    88  
    89  
    90  


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 16, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/  KPMG LLP
 
Seattle, Washington
March 16, 2010


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands, except share and per share information)  
 
ASSETS
Fixed income securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $608,222 in 2009 and $523,892 in 2008)
  $ 626,608     $ 522,289  
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $11,333 in 2008)
          8,856  
Preferred stock available for sale, at fair value (cost $851 in 2008)
          360  
Cash and cash equivalents
    12,896       22,872  
Accrued investment income
    6,734       6,054  
Premiums receivable, net of allowance
    14,477       16,374  
Deferred premiums
    182,239       163,322  
Service income receivable
    317       322  
Reinsurance recoverables
    34,339       18,544  
Due from reinsurer
    6,707       9,125  
Receivable under adverse development cover
    3,010       4,179  
Prepaid reinsurance
    6,760       1,619  
Property and equipment, net
    5,356       5,190  
Federal income tax recoverable
    4,774       1,671  
Deferred income taxes, net
    21,861       25,144  
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net
    25,537       23,175  
Intangible assets, net
    1,431       1,225  
Goodwill
    4,321       4,212  
Other assets
    7,494       8,154  
                 
Total assets
  $ 964,861     $ 842,687  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
               
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense
  $ 351,496     $ 292,027  
Unearned premiums
    175,766       155,931  
Reinsurance funds withheld and balances payable
    7,312       1,615  
Premiums payable
    4,786       6,783  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    54,028       49,518  
Surplus notes
    12,000       12,000  
                 
Total liabilities
    605,388       517,874  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 750,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
           
Undesignated preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding — 21,675,786 shares at December 31, 2009 and 21,392,854 shares at December 31, 2008
    217       214  
Paid-in capital
    205,079       200,893  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    12,927       (4,009 )
Retained earnings
    141,250       127,715  
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    359,473       324,813  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 964,861     $ 842,687  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except share and earnings per share information)  
 
Revenue:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 244,427     $ 248,644     $ 227,995  
Claims service income
    1,011       959       1,711  
Other service income
    207       246       148  
Net investment income
    23,132       22,605       20,307  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses:
                       
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (258 )     (13,405 )      
Less portion of losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
                 
                         
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
    (258 )     (13,405 )      
Other net realized losses recognized in earnings
    (171 )     (476 )     (105 )
Other income
    8,132       8,689       4,369  
                         
      276,480       267,262       254,425  
                         
Losses and expenses:
                       
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    172,169       141,935       128,185  
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    73,044       71,169       58,932  
Interest expense
    599       867       1,139  
Other expenses
    14,082       11,150       7,773  
                         
      259,894       225,121       196,029  
                         
Income before taxes
    16,586       42,141       58,396  
Income tax expense (benefit):
                       
Current
    5,805       20,031       23,762  
Deferred
    (2,754 )     (7,168 )     (5,278 )
                         
      3,051       12,863       18,484  
                         
Net income
  $ 13,535     $ 29,278     $ 39,912  
                         
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.65     $ 1.43     $ 1.96  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.63     $ 1.38     $ 1.90  
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
    20,702,572       20,498,305       20,341,931  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    21,515,153       21,232,762       20,976,525  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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                      Accumulated
             
                      Other
             
    Outstanding
                Comprehensive
          Total
 
    Common
    Common
    Paid-in
    Income
    Retained
    Stockholders’
 
    Shares     Stock     Capital     (Loss)     Earnings     Equity  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
    20,553     $ 205     $ 190,593     $ (197 )   $ 58,525     $ 249,126  
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                            39,912       39,912  
Other comprehensive income:
                                               
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses recorded into income, net of tax of $36
                      69             69  
Decrease in unrealized loss on investment securities available-for-sale, net of tax of $951
                      1,766             1,766  
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                  41,747  
Stock based compensation
                3,010                   3,010  
Restricted stock grants
    240       3                         3  
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $110
    38             420                   420  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2007
    20,831       208       194,023       1,638       98,437       294,306  
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                            29,278       29,278  
Other comprehensive income:
                                               
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses recorded into income, net of tax of $4,792
                      9,089             9,089  
Increase in unrealized loss on investment securities available-for-sale, net of tax benefit of $6,236
                      (14,736 )           (14,736 )
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                  23,631  
Stock based compensation, net of taxes of $78
                5,630                   5,630  
Restricted stock grants
    428       4                         4  
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $148
    134       2       1,240                   1,242  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2008
    21,393       214       200,893       (4,009 )     127,715       324,813  
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                            13,535       13,535  
Other comprehensive income:
                                               
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses recorded into income, net of tax of $150
                      279             279  
Increase in unrealized gain on investment securities available-for-sale, net of tax of $7,885
                      14,642             14,642  
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                  28,456  
Stock based compensation, net of taxes of $192
                4,611                   4,611  
Restricted stock grants
    320       4                         4  
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $0
    7             47                   47  
Tax effect of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance recorded in comprehensive income
                      2,015             2,015  
Surrender of stock in connection with restricted stock vesting
    (44 )     (1 )     (472 )                 (473 )
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2009
    21,676     $ 217     $ 205,079     $ 12,927     $ 141,250     $ 359,473  
                                                 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 13,535     $ 29,278     $ 39,912  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    44,653       43,631       36,481  
Policy acquisition costs deferred
    (47,015 )     (46,974 )     (40,880 )
Provision for depreciation and amortization
    5,277       4,057       2,934  
Compensation cost on restricted shares of common stock
    4,117       4,720       2,312  
Compensation cost on stock options
    686       988       698  
Net realized loss on investments
    429       13,881       105  
Benefit for deferred income taxes
    (2,736 )     (7,168 )     (5,278 )
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
                       
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense
    59,469       41,943       51,729  
Other assets and other liabilities
    2,624       (1,156 )     194  
Reinsurance recoverables, net of reinsurance withheld
    (11,652 )     (1,383 )     2,465  
Income taxes payable (recoverable)
    (3,273 )     (2,375 )     3,636  
Accrued investment income
    (680 )     (999 )     (847 )
Unearned premiums, net of deferred premiums and premiums receivable
    2,816       (11,509 )     1,097  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    68,250       66,934       94,558  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities, net of effects of acquisition:
                       
Purchases of investments
    (182,483 )     (144,538 )     (163,780 )
Sales of investments
    54,934       19,373       24,160  
Maturities and redemptions of investments
    51,828       64,636       45,948  
Payment for purchases of subsidiary net of cash acquired
          (159 )      
Purchases of property and equipment
    (2,083 )     (4,911 )     (1,431 )
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (77,804 )     (65,599 )     (95,103 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    47       1,093       310  
Excess tax benefit from disqualifying dispositions
          148       110  
Surrender of stock in connection with restricted stock vesting
    (473 )            
Proceeds from grants of restricted shares of common stock
    4       4       5  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (422 )     1,245       425  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (9,976 )     2,580       (120 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    22,872       20,292       20,412  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 12,896     $ 22,872     $ 20,292  
                         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activities:
                       
Federal income taxes paid
  $ 8,500     $ 23,345     $ 19,350  
Interest paid on surplus notes
    623       897       1,150  
The Company purchased all of the capital stock of BWNV for $484 in 2008 and THM for $1,200 in 2007. In connection with the acquisition, the following were assumed:
                       
Fair value of assets acquired
  $     $ 1,079     $ 1,637  
Cash paid for capital stock
          (484 )     (1,200 )
                         
Net liabilities assumed
  $     $ 595     $ 437  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.   Organization
 
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“SeaBright”), a Delaware corporation, was formed in June 2003. On July 14, 2003, SeaBright entered into a purchase agreement, effective September 30, 2003, with Kemper Employers Group, Inc. (“KEG”), Eagle Insurance Companies (“Eagle”), and Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company (“LMC”), the ultimate owner of KEG and Eagle (the “Acquisition”). Under this agreement, SeaBright acquired Kemper Employers Insurance Company (“KEIC”), PointSure Insurance Services, Inc. (“PointSure”), and certain assets of Eagle, primarily renewal rights.
 
At the time of the Acquisition, KEIC was licensed to write workers’ compensation insurance in 43 states and the District of Columbia. Domiciled in the State of Illinois and commercially domiciled in the State of California, it wrote both state act workers’ compensation insurance and United States Longshore and Harborworkers’ Compensation insurance (“USL&H”). Prior to the Acquisition, beginning in 2000, KEIC wrote business only in California. In May 2002, KEIC ceased writing business and by December 31, 2003, all premiums related to business prior to the Acquisition were 100% earned. As further discussed in Note 8.a., in connection with the Acquisition, KEIC and LMC entered into an agreement whereby LMC agreed to indemnify KEIC in the event of adverse development of the reserves stated on KEIC’s balance sheet at the Acquisition date, for a period of approximately eight years. In addition, KEIC agreed to share with LMC any positive development of those reserves. December 31, 2011 is the date to which the parties will look to determine whether the loss and loss adjustment expenses with respect to KEIC’s insurance policies in effect at the date of the Acquisition have increased or decreased from the amount existing at the date of the Acquisition.
 
KEIC resumed writing business effective October 1, 2003, primarily targeting policy renewals for former Eagle business in the States of California, Hawaii and Alaska. In November 2003, permission was granted by the Illinois Department of Insurance for KEIC to change its name to SeaBright Insurance Company (“SBIC”).
 
PointSure is engaged primarily in administrative and brokerage activities. Eagle consists of Eagle Pacific Insurance Company, Inc. and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company, Inc., both writers of state act workers’ compensation insurance and USL&H that are in run-off as of December 31, 2009.
 
On December 17, 2007, we completed the acquisition of Total HealthCare Management, Inc. (“THM”), a privately held California provider of medical bill review, utilization review, nurse case management and related services. The total purchase price was $1.5 million, of which $1.2 million was paid at closing. The remaining $0.3 million was scheduled to be paid in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the closing date, provided that THM achieves certain revenue objectives in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Based on THM’s performance in 2008 and 2009, the first two installments have not been paid at this time. However, such amount may be paid later if warranted by THM’s future performance. Goodwill recognized in connection with this acquisition totaled approximately $1.4 million. Following the acquisition, THM became a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaBright.
 
In July 2008, PointSure acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of Black/White and Associates, Inc., Black/White and Associates of Nevada and Black/White Rockridge Insurance Services, Inc. (referred to collectively as “BWNV”), a privately held managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker. Also included in the transaction were a covenant not to compete from key principals of BWNV and other intangible assets. The preliminary purchase price paid at closing was $1.7 million, of which $0.5 million was allocated to the purchase of BWNV capital stock. The stock purchase agreement provided for a contingent purchase price to be paid by (or refunded to) the Company approximately 13 months following the closing date, depending on whether BWNV revenue in the 12 months following closing exceeds (or is less than) the base revenue assumed at the time of the closing. The Company paid approximately $159,000 as additional purchase consideration upon resolution of the contingency period in 2009. The Company has recorded goodwill of approximately $0.5 million in connection with this acquisition as of December 31, 2009.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
a.   Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SeaBright and its wholly owned subsidiaries, SBIC, PointSure, THM and BWNV (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany transactions among these affiliated entities have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include amounts based on the best estimates and judgments of management. Such estimates and judgments could change in the future, as more information becomes known which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.
 
In accordance with ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting (formerly known as FAS 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”), the Company considers an operating segment to be any component of its business whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. Currently, the Company has one operating segment, workers’ compensation insurance and related services.
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year.
 
b.   Investment Securities
 
Investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. The estimated fair value of investments in available-for-sale securities is generally based on quoted market prices for securities traded in the public marketplace. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is generally estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.
 
The Company regularly reviews its investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of its investments. A number of criteria are considered during this process including, but not limited to: whether the Company intends to sell the security; the current fair value as compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, of the security; the length of time the security’s fair value has been below amortized cost or cost; the likelihood that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis; objective information supporting recovery in a reasonable period of time; specific credit issues related to the issuer; and current economic conditions.
 
For debt securities that are considered OTTI and that the Company does not intend to sell and more likely than not would not be required to sell prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes OTTI losses in accordance with the provisions of the Codification. The amount of the OTTI loss is separated into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective interest rate. The amount due to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recognized no OTTI losses related to debt securities.
 
In general, the Company reviews all securities that are impaired by 5% or more at the end of the period. For securities with no stated maturity date, the review focuses on securities that were impaired by 20% or more at the end of the period or had been impaired 10% or more continuously for six months or longer as of the end of the period. The Company also analyzes the entire portfolio for other factors that might indicate a risk of impairment, including credit ratings, liquidity of the issuer and interest rates. Other-than-temporary impairment losses result in a permanent reduction of the carrying amount of the underlying investment. Significant changes in the factors considered when evaluating investments for impairment losses could result in a significant change in impairment losses reported in the consolidated financial statements.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Mortgage-backed securities represent participating interests in pools of first mortgage loans originated and serviced by the issuers of securities. These securities are carried at fair value. Premiums and discounts are amortized using a method that approximates the level yield method over the remaining period to contractual maturity, adjusted for anticipated prepayments. To the extent that the estimated lives of such securities change as a result of changes in prepayment rates, the adjustment is also included in net investment income. Prepayment assumptions used for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities were obtained from an external securities information service and are consistent with the current interest rate and economic environment.
 
The fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio increased significantly in 2009 from the balance at December 31, 2008, which was negatively impacted by unprecedented events in the capital and credit markets that resulted in extreme volatility and disruption of the world’s financial markets. Several factors contributed to the decrease in fair values of the Company’s investment portfolio in 2008 including the tightening/freezing of credit markets, significant failures of large financial institutions, uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of governmental solutions, as well as the current recession. Despite the significant improvement in the value of the Company’s investment portfolio in 2009, it is possible that the Company could recognize future impairment losses on some securities it owned at December 31, 2009 if future events, information and the passage of time result in a determination that a decline in value is other-than-temporary.
 
Investment income is recorded when earned. For the purpose of determining realized gains and losses, which arise principally from the sale of investments, the cost of securities sold is based on specific-identification as of the trade date.
 
c.   Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents, which consist primarily of amounts deposited in banks and financial institutions, and all highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased, are stated at cost. Cash in excess of daily requirements is invested in money market funds and repurchase agreements with maturities of 90 days or less. Such investments are deemed to be cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows. The Company had $12.9 million and $22.9 million of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
d.   Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company has used significant estimates in determining unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, including losses that have occurred but were not reported to us by the financial reporting date; the amount and recoverability of reinsurance recoverable balances; goodwill and other intangibles; retrospective premiums; earned but unbilled premiums; deferred policy acquisition costs; income taxes; and the valuation and other-than-temporary impairments of investment securities.
 
e.   Premiums Receivable
 
Premiums receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount as they are earned over the life of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. The allowance for doubtful accounts, which represents the Company’s best estimate of the amount of uncollectible premium in the Company’s existing premiums receivable balance, is based on historical account write-offs and takes into consideration the current economic environment. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
f.   Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Acquisition costs related to premiums written are deferred and amortized over the periods in which the premiums are earned. Such acquisition costs vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of insurance contracts and include commissions, premium taxes, and certain underwriting and policy issuance costs. Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to amounts recoverable from unearned premiums and anticipated investment income.
 
g.   Property and Equipment
 
Furniture and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to five years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from approximately two to seven years, which is the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the respective lease. Depreciation expense totaled $1.9 million, $1.4 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
 
h.   Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill balances are reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.
 
The goodwill impairment test follows a two step process. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed for purposes of measuring the impairment. In the second step, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to determine an implied goodwill value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied goodwill value, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, and the charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
 
Management’s determination of the fair value of each reporting unit incorporates multiple inputs including discounted cash flow calculations, the level of the Company’s own share price and assumptions that market participants would make in valuing the reporting unit. Other assumptions include levels of economic capital, future business growth, earnings projections, assets under management for reporting units and the discount rate utilized.
 
i.   Revenue Recognition
 
Premiums for primary and reinsured risks are included in revenue over the life of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided (i.e., ratably over the policy period). The portion of the premium that is applicable to the unexpired period of a policy in-force is not included in revenue but is deferred and recorded as unearned premium in the liability section of the balance sheet. Deferred premiums represent the unbilled portion of annual premiums.
 
Earned premiums on retrospectively rated policies are based on the Company’s estimate of loss experience as of the measurement date. Loss experience includes known losses specifically identifiable to a retrospective policy as well as provisions for future development on known losses and for losses incurred but not yet reported using actuarial loss development factors and is consistent with how the Company projects losses in general. For retrospectively rated policies, the governing contractual minimum and maximum rates are established at policy inception and are made a part of the insurance contract. While the typical retrospectively rated policy has five annual adjustment or measurement periods, premium adjustments continue until mutual agreement to cease future adjustments is reached with the policyholder. For the years ended


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, approximately 7.2%, 10.7% and 11.9%, respectively, of direct premiums written related to retrospectively rated policies.
 
The Company estimates the amount of premiums that have been earned but are unbilled at the end of the period by analyzing historical earned premium adjustments made at final audit and applying an adjustment percentage against premiums earned for the period. Final audit adjustments may result in increasing or decreasing the estimated premium earned and billed to date. Included in deferred premiums at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and premiums earned for the years then ended were accruals for earned but unbilled premiums of ($132,000), ($611,000) and $44,000, respectively.
 
Service income generated from various underwriting and claims service agreements with third parties is recognized as income in the period in which services are performed.
 
j.   Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense
 
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense represents an estimate of the ultimate net cost of all unpaid losses incurred through the specified period. Loss adjustment expenses are estimates of unpaid expenses to be incurred in settlement of the claims included in the liability for unpaid losses. These liabilities, which anticipate salvage and subrogation recoveries and are presented gross of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, include estimates of future trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors that could vary as the losses are ultimately settled. Liabilities for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are not discounted to account for the time value of money.
 
In light of the Company’s short operating history, and uncertainties concerning the effects of legislative reform specifically as it relates to the Company’s California workers compensation class of business, actuarial techniques are applied that use the historical experience of the Company’s predecessor as well as industry information in the analysis of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense. These techniques recognize, among other factors:
 
  •  the Company’s claims experience and that of its predecessor;
 
  •  the industry’s claims experience;
 
  •  historical trends in reserving patterns and loss payments;
 
  •  the impact of claim inflation and/or deflation;
 
  •  the pending level of unpaid claims;
 
  •  the cost of claim settlements;
 
  •  legislative reforms affecting workers’ compensation, including pricing levels;
 
  •  the environment in which insurance companies operate; and
 
  •  trends in claim frequency and severity.
 
Although it is not possible to measure the degree of variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense is reasonable. The estimates are reviewed periodically and any necessary adjustments are included in the results of operations of the period in which the adjustment is determined.
 
k.   Reinsurance
 
The Company protects itself from excessive losses by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with nonaffiliated reinsurers. Regardless of type, reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer from primary liability for the full amount due under the reinsured policies. Reinsurance premiums,


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commissions, expense reimbursements and reserves related to ceded business are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of reinsurance contracts. The unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense subject to the adverse development cover with LMC is calculated on a quarterly basis using generally accepted actuarial methodologies for estimating unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities, including incurred loss and paid loss development methods. The minimum amount that must be maintained in the trust account is equal to the greater of (a) $1.6 million or (b) 102% of the then existing quarterly estimate of LMC’s total obligations under the adverse development cover. At December 31, 2009, the liability of LMC under the adverse development cover was approximately $3.0 million. The balance of the trust account, including accumulated interest, at December 31, 2009 was $3.8 million. Amounts recoverable in excess of acquired reserves at September 30, 2003 are recorded gross in unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (formerly known as FAS 141(R), “Business Combinations”), with a corresponding amount receivable from the seller. Amounts are shown net in the statements of operations. Premiums ceded to other companies are reported as a reduction of premiums written and earned. Reinsurance recoverables are determined based on the terms and conditions of the reinsurance contracts.
 
Balances due from reinsurers on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, including an estimate of such recoverables related to reserves for IBNR losses, are reported as assets and are included in reinsurance recoverables even though amounts due on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are not recoverable from the reinsurer until such losses are paid. The Company monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers and does not believe that it is currently exposed to any material credit risk through its reinsurance treaties because most of its reinsurance is recoverable from large, well-capitalized reinsurance companies. Historically, no amounts from reinsurers have been written-off as uncollectible.
 
l.   Income Taxes
 
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the income statement in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. This analysis requires the Company to make various estimates and assumptions, including the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the consideration of operating versus capital items, projected future taxable income and the effect of tax planning strategies. Based on this analysis, the Company may be required to establish a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized.
 
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as an element of income tax expense (benefit) in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company files consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns. The tax years which remain subject to examination by the taxing authorities are the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
m.   Earnings Per Share
 
The following table provides the reconciliation of weighted average common share equivalents outstanding used in calculating earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    20,702,572       20,498,305       20,341,931  
Weighted average shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of nonvested restricted stock
    812,581       734,457       634,594  
                         
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    21,515,153       21,232,762       20,976,525  
                         
 
n.   Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2009, the FASB issued FSP EITF 99-20-1, Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20, (“FSP EITF 99-20-1”) which amends FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interest and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor or in Securitized Financial Assets, (“EITF 99-20”) to align the impairment guidance in EITF 99-20 with the impairment guidance and related implementation guidance in SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. The provisions of FSP EITF 99-20-1 are effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008. The adoption of FSP EITF 99-20-1 did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2,Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP FAS 115-2/124-2”). FSP FAS 115-2/124-2 requires entities to separate an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security into two components when there are credit related losses associated with the impaired debt security for which management asserts that it does not have the intent to sell the security, and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recorded in other comprehensive loss. FSP FAS 115-2/124-2 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted the provisions of FSP FAS 115-2/124-2 in the quarter ended June 30, 2009. There were no impairments previously recognized on debt securities we owned at December 31, 2008 and therefore, there was no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings and other comprehensive income (loss) as a result of adopting this standard. There were no impairments recognized on debt securities in the year ended December 31, 2009 and therefore, the adoption of FSP FAS 115-2/124-2 had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4,Determining Fair Value When Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions that are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157-4”). Under FSP FAS 157-4, if an entity determines that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability in relation to the normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets or liabilities), then transactions or quoted prices may not accurately reflect fair value. In addition, if there is evidence that the transaction for the asset or liability is not orderly, the entity shall place little, if any, weight on that transaction price as an indicator of fair value. FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted FSP FAS 157-4 in the quarter ended June 30, 2009, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1,Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”). FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 requires disclosures


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
about the fair value of financial instruments in interim and annual financial statements. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 in the quarter ended June 30, 2009. Because FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends only the disclosure requirements related to the fair value of financial instruments, adoption of FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 did not affect the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued FAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“FAS 165”). FAS 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. FAS 165 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted FAS 165 in the quarter ended June 30, 2009, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“SFAS 168”). SFAS 168 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in preparing the financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP. SFAS 168 further identifies the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) as the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. The Codification does not change existing U.S. GAAP authoritative literature in place as of July 1, 2009. SFAS 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company adopted SFAS 168 as of September 30, 2009, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
3.   Investments
 
The consolidated cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, estimated fair value and carrying value of investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 
                                         
    Cost or
    Gross
    Gross
             
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Estimated
    Carrying
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value     Value  
          (In thousands)              
 
2009:
                                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 19,212     $ 433     $ (253 )   $ 19,392     $ 19,392  
Government sponsored agency securities
    28,720       1,047       (145 )     29,622       29,622  
Corporate securities
    97,135       3,117       (495 )     99,757       99,757  
Tax-exempt municipal securities
    330,855       11,595       (815 )     341,635       341,635  
Mortgage pass-through securities
    74,678       3,688       (72 )     78,294       78,294  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    15,260       104       (142 )     15,222       15,222  
Asset-backed securities
    42,362       616       (292 )     42,686       42,686  
                                         
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 608,222     $ 20,600     $ (2,214 )   $ 626,608     $ 626,608  
                                         
2008:
                                       
Fixed income securities:
                                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 10,817     $ 978     $     $ 11,795     $ 11,795  
Government sponsored agency securities
    23,361       1,597       (2 )     24,956       24,956  
Corporate securities
    56,951       1,024       (1,482 )     56,493       56,493  
Tax-exempt municipal securities
    289,989       5,008       (5,883 )     289,114       289,114  
Mortgage pass-through securities
    88,587       3,179       (1 )     91,765       91,765  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    3,585       41       (201 )     3,425       3,425  
Asset-backed securities
    50,602             (5,861 )     44,741       44,741  
                                         
Total fixed income securities
    523,892       11,827       (13,430 )     522,289       522,289  
Equity securities
    11,333             (2,477 )     8,856       8,856  
Preferred stocks
    851             (491 )     360       360  
                                         
Total investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 536,076     $ 11,827     $ (16,398 )   $ 531,505     $ 531,505  
                                         


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Equity securities at December 31, 2008 consisted of investments in exchange traded funds designed to correspond to the performance of certain indexes based on domestic or international stocks. The following tables present information about investment securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
Unrealized losses at December 31, 2009:
 
                                                 
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
          Aggregate
          Aggregate
          Aggregate
 
    Aggregate
    Unrealized
    Aggregate
    Unrealized
    Aggregate
    Unrealized
 
Investment Category
  Fair Value     Loss     Fair Value     Loss     Fair Value     Loss  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fixed income securities:
                                               
US Treasuries Securities
  $ 7,737     $ (253 )   $     $     $ 7,737     $ (253 )
Government sponsored agency securities(1)
    8,584       (145 )                 8,584       (145 )
Corporate securities
    27,001       (495 )                 27,001       (495 )
Tax-exempt municipal securities
    39,249       (416 )     9,459       (399 )     48,708       (815 )
Mortgage pass-through securities
    5,890       (72 )                 5,890       (72 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    2,960       (43 )     624       (99 )     3,584       (142 )
Asset-backed securities
    11,253       (131 )     3,847       (161 )     15,100       (292 )
                                                 
Total
  $ 102,674     $ (1,555 )   $ 13,930     $ (659 )   $ 116,604     $ (2,214 )
                                                 
 
 
(1) Government sponsored agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
 
Unrealized losses at December 31, 2008:
 
                                                 
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
          Aggregate
          Aggregate
          Aggregate
 
    Aggregate
    Unrealized
    Aggregate
    Unrealized
    Aggregate
    Unrealized
 
Investment Category
  Fair Value     Loss     Fair Value     Loss     Fair Value     Loss  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fixed income securities:
                                               
Government sponsored agency securities(1)
  $ 258     $ (2 )   $     $     $ 258     $ (2 )
Corporate securities
    23,275       (1,249 )     4,105       (233 )     27,380       (1,482 )
Tax-exempt municipal securities
    59,907       (2,578 )     46,961       (3,305 )     106,868       (5,883 )
Mortgage pass-through securities
    325       (1 )                 325       (1 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    1,561       (67 )     116       (134 )     1,677       (201 )
Asset-backed securities
    29,351       (2,652 )     15,391       (3,209 )     44,742       (5,861 )
                                                 
Total fixed income securities
    114,677       (6,549 )     66,573       (6,881 )     181,250       (13,430 )
Equity securities
    8,856       (2,477 )                 8,856       (2,477 )
Preferred stock
    360       (491 )                 360       (491 )
                                                 
Total
  $ 123,893     $ (9,517 )   $ 66,573     $ (6,881 )   $ 190,466     $ (16,398 )
                                                 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Of the $13.9 million of securities with unrealized losses of 12 months or longer at December 31, 2009 in the above table, two securities with a combined fair value of $1.5 million had fair values that were less than 90% of the securities’ amortized cost. The combined unrealized loss on those securities is $0.3 million.
 
For debt securities that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired (“OTTI”) and that the Company does not intend to sell and more likely than not would not be required to sell prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes OTTI losses in accordance with the provisions of the Codification. The amount of the OTTI loss is separated into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective interest rate. The amount due to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Approximately $0.7 million of the total unrealized losses at December 31, 2009 were from debt securities that had been impaired for one year or longer. Included in these securities was one security which had an unrealized loss that exceeded 20% of the related security’s book value at December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2009, all payments were current on these debt securities and the Company expects to fully recover its investment in these securities no later than their scheduled maturities. The Company has no current intent to sell these securities nor is it more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell these securities. Therefore, based on management’s review of the financial strength of these debt securities and the Company’s expectation regarding future receipt of principal and interest, management concluded these debt securities were temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recognized no OTTI losses related to debt securities.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recognized OTTI losses of $0.3 million related to its investment in preferred stock issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In 2008, the Company recognized OTTI losses of approximately $10.2 million on its investments in preferred stocks (nearly all of which were government-sponsored agency fixed and variable preferred stocks) and approximately $3.2 million on its investment in equity indexed securities exchange-traded funds. No other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of the Company’s securities were recorded in 2007.
 
Significant changes in the factors considered when evaluating investments for impairment losses could result in a significant change in impairment losses reported in the financial statements. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company evaluated investment securities with fair values less than amortized cost and determined that the declines in value were temporary and were related primarily to the change in market rates since purchase or to other market anomalies that are expected to correct themselves. Furthermore, the Company has the ability and intent to hold the impaired investments to maturity or for a period of time sufficient for recovery of their carrying amount.
 
The Company had no direct sub-prime mortgage exposure in its investment portfolio as of December 31, 2009 and less than $5.4 million of indirect exposure to sub-prime mortgages. The following table provides a


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breakdown of fair value by ratings on the bonds in the Company’s municipal portfolio as of December 31, 2009:
 
                                         
          Uninsured
    Total Municipal
 
    Insured Bonds     Bonds     Portfolio Based on  
    Insured
    Underlying
          Overall
    Underlying
 
Rating
  Ratings     Ratings     Ratings     Ratings(1)     Ratings  
    (In thousands)  
 
AAA
  $ 11,320     $ 11,320     $ 16,846     $ 28,166     $ 28,166  
AA+
    22,712       15,327       34,946       57,658       50,273  
AA
    39,746       19,263       33,042       72,788       52,305  
AA−
    58,193       45,126       15,215       73,408       60,341  
A+
    33,837       44,656       10,001       43,838       54,657  
A
    13,142       32,651       4,255       17,397       36,906  
A−
    7,373       16,818       524       7,897       17,342  
BBB+
          1,162       5,411       5,411       6,573  
BB−
                1,339       1,339       1,339  
Pre-refunded(2)
    24,656       24,656       10,736       35,392       35,392  
Not rated
    1,330       1,330             1,330       1,330  
                                         
Total
  $ 212,309     $ 212,309     $ 132,315     $ 344,624     $ 344,624  
                                         
 
 
(1) Represents insured ratings on insured bonds and ratings on uninsured bonds.
 
(2) These bonds have been pre-refunded by depositing highly rated government-issued securities into irrevocable trust funds established for payment of principal and interest.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had no direct investments in any bond insurer, and the following three bond insurers insured more than 10% of the municipal bond investments in our portfolio:
 
                                 
                      Average
 
          Insurer Ratings     Underlying
 
Bond Insurer
  Fair Value     S&P     Moody’s     Bond Rating  
    (Millions)                    
 
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation
  $ 96.2       A       Baa1       AA−/A+  
Financial Security Assurance Inc. 
    45.7       AAA       Aa3       A+  
Ambac Assurance Corp. 
    42.1       CC       Caa2       AA−/A+  
 
We do not expect a material impact to our investment portfolio or financial position as a result of the problems currently facing monoline bond insurers.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed income securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2009, by contractual maturity, are set forth below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
                 
    Cost or
    Estimated
 
Maturity
  Amortized Cost     Fair Value  
    (In thousands)  
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 26,086     $ 26,421  
Due after one year through five years
    182,947       191,065  
Due after five years through ten years
    241,747       247,224  
Due after ten years
    25,142       25,696  
Securities not due at a single maturity date
    132,300       136,202  
                 
Total fixed income securities
  $ 608,222     $ 626,608  
                 
 
The consolidated amortized cost of fixed income securities available-for-sale deposited with various regulatory authorities was $205.8 million and $203.6 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Major categories of consolidated net investment income are summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fixed income securities
  $ 23,696     $ 21,921     $ 19,307  
Equity securities
    161       384       65  
Preferred stock
          423       210  
Cash and short-term investments
    157       644       1,403  
                         
Total gross investment income
    24,014       23,372       20,985  
Less investment expenses
    (882 )     (767 )     (678 )
                         
Net investment income
  $ 23,132     $ 22,605     $ 20,307  
                         
 
Proceeds from the sales of fixed income and equity securities, related realized gains and losses and changes in unrealized gains (losses), excluding other-than-temporary impairments, were as follows:
 
                                 
                      Change in
 
          Realized
    Realized
    Unrealized
 
    Proceeds     Gains     Losses     Gains (Losses)  
          (In thousands)        
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009:
                               
Fixed income securities and preferred stock
  $ 95,976     $ 737     $ (361 )   $ 20,480  
Equity securities
    10,786             (547 )     2,477  
Year Ended December 31, 2008:
                               
Fixed income securities and preferred stock
  $ 84,009     $ 59     $ (535 )   $ (4,722 )
Equity securities
                      (2,369 )
Year Ended December 31, 2007:
                               
Fixed income securities and preferred stock
  $ 70,108     $ 30     $ (135 )   $ 2,941  
Equity securities
                      (119 )


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
4.   Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Estimated fair value amounts, defined as the exit price of willing market participants, have been determined using available market information and other appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or estimating methodologies may have an effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
 
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value disclosures for financial instruments in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes:
 
  •  Cash and cash equivalents, premiums receivable, accrued expenses, other liabilities and surplus notes: The carrying amounts for these financial instruments as reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values.
 
  •  Investment securities:  The Company measures and reports its financial assets and liabilities, including investment securities, in accordance with the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Topic of the Codification. The estimated fair values for available-for-sale securities are generally based on quoted market value prices for securities traded in the public marketplace. The Company also considers the impact of a significant decrease in volume and level of activity for an asset or liability when compared with normal activity. Additional information with respect to fair values of the Company’s investment securities is disclosed in Note 3.
 
Other financial instruments qualify as insurance-related products and are specifically exempted from fair value disclosure requirements.
 
The Company groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:
 
  •  Level 1 — Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 1 includes U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
 
  •  Level 2 — Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Level 2 valuations are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 2 includes government sponsored agency securities, corporate fixed-income securities, municipal bonds, mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities.
 
  •  Level 3 — Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had no Level 3 financial assets or liabilities.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
The table below presents the December 31, 2009 balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
                                 
    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
          (In thousands)        
 
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 19,392     $ 19,392     $     $  
Government sponsored agency securities
    29,622             29,622        
Corporate securities
    99,757             99,757        
Tax-exempt municipal securities
    341,635             341,635        
Mortgage pass-through securities
    78,294             78,294        
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    15,222             15,222        
Asset-backed securities
    42,686             42,686        
                                 
Total
  $ 626,608     $ 19,392     $ 607,216     $  
                                 
 
Active markets are those in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information on an ongoing basis. Inactive markets are those in which there are few transactions for the asset, prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly. When the market for an investment is judged to be inactive, appropriate adjustments must be made to observable inputs to account for such inactivity. As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s investment portfolio consisted of securities that it considered to be traded in active markets. Therefore, no adjustment for market inactivity or illiquidity was necessary.
 
The Company obtains fair value inputs for securities in its investment portfolio from independent, nationally recognized pricing services. The Company obtains one price per instrument from these pricing services. The pricing services utilize multidimensional pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate relevant inputs such as available trade, bid and quote market data for identical or similar instruments, model-based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions were observable and other market information to arrive at a fair value price for each security. This process takes into consideration the relevance of observable inputs based on factors such as the level of trading activity and the volume and currency of available prices and includes appropriate adjustments for nonperformance and liquidity risks. The Company did not obtain any broker quotes as part of the portfolio valuation process at December 31, 2009. When broker quotes are obtained, they are usually non-binding.
 
The Company also seeks input from independent portfolio managers and financial advisors engaged by the Company to assist in the management and oversight of its investment portfolio. The Company and an independent portfolio manager engaged by the Company review such amounts for reasonableness in relation to the following considerations, among others: recent trades of a particular security; the Company’s independent observations of recent developments affecting the economy in general and certain issuers in particular; and fair values from other sources, such as statements from the Company’s custodial banks. When other evidence indicates a fair value that is significantly different from that provided by an independent pricing service, the Company may challenge the fair value and request further validation and support from the independent pricing service, which may result in a revised fair value from the independent pricing service. If the Company has independent evidence indicating that a security’s fair value is significantly different from the final value provided by an independent pricing service, it may adjust the fair value accordingly. The Company did not adjust any of the December 31, 2009 values it obtained from independent pricing services and used those values in developing the fair value measurements in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2009.
 
The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain other financial assets, such as goodwill, fixed assets and other long-lived assets, at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from write-downs of individual assets. None of these assets were measured to fair value during the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
5.   Premiums
 
Direct premiums written totaled $286.0 million, $263.8 million, and $273.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Premiums receivable consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Premiums receivable
  $ 15,057     $ 16,864  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (580 )     (490 )
                 
Premiums receivable, net of allowance
  $ 14,477     $ 16,374  
                 
 
The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 is as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $ (1,109 )
Additions charged to bad debt expense
    (512 )
Write offs charged against allowance
    205  
         
Balance at December 31, 2007
    (1,416 )
Reductions credited to bad debt expense
    905  
Write offs charged against allowance
    21  
         
Balance at December 31, 2008
    (490 )
Additions charged to bad debt expense
    (91 )
Write offs charged against allowance
    1  
         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ (580 )
         
 
6.   Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Computer equipment and software
  $ 4,456     $ 3,732  
Furniture and equipment
    2,977       2,418  
Leasehold improvements
    3,190       2,389  
                 
      10,623       8,539  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (5,267 )     (3,349 )
                 
Property and equipment, net
  $ 5,356     $ 5,190  
                 


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
7.   Deferred Policy Acquisition costs
 
The following reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 23,175     $ 19,832     $ 15,433  
Policy acquisition costs deferred
    47,015       46,974       40,880  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    (44,653 )     (43,631 )     (36,481 )
                         
Ending balance
  $ 25,537     $ 23,175     $ 19,832  
                         
 
8.   Reinsurance
 
a.   Reinsurance Ceded
 
Under reinsurance treaties, the Company cedes various amounts of risk to nonaffiliated insurance companies for the purpose of limiting the maximum potential loss arising from the underlying insurance risks. These reinsurance treaties do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders.
 
On October 1, 2009, the Company renewed its reinsurance treaties with nonaffiliated reinsurers wherein it retains the first $500,000 of each loss occurrence. The next $500,000 of losses per occurrence (excess of the first $500,000 of losses per occurrence retained by the Company) are 50% reinsured. The new reinsurance program, which is effective through September 30, 2010 and similar to the program that expired September 30, 2009, provides coverage up to $85.0 million per loss occurrence as follows:
 
     
Layer
 
General Description
 
$500,000 for each loss occurrence in excess of $500,000 for each loss occurrence   50% reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $17.0 million.
$1.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $1.0 million for each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $10.0 million. Includes general liability coverage.
$3.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $2.0 million for each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $12.0 million. Includes general liability coverage.
$5.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $5.0 million for each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $15.0 million. Includes general liability coverage.
$10.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $10.0 million for each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $20.0 million and a limit of $7.5 million maximum for any one life.
$30.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $20.0 million for each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an annual aggregate limit of $60.0 million and a limit of $7.5 million maximum for any one life.
$35.0 million for each loss occurrence in excess of $50.0 million for each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an annual aggregate limit of $70.0 million and a limit of $7.5 million maximum for any one life.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s current excess of loss reinsurance treaties were placed with the following reinsurers:
 
     
Reinsurer
 
A.M. Best Rating
 
Allied World Assurance Company Ltd. 
  “A” (Excellent)
Aspen Insurance UK Limited
  “A” (Excellent)
Catlin Underwriting (US) o/b/o Lloyd’s Syndicate 2003 (SJC)
  “A” (Excellent)
Hannover Rueckversicherung AG
  “A” (Excellent)
Hannover Re (Bermuda) Limited
  “A” (Excellent)
Lloyd’s of London (Various syndicates)
  “A” (Excellent)
MAX Bermuda
  “A−” (Excellent)
Paris Re S.A. 
  “A−” (Excellent)
Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S. 
  “A+” (Excellent)
Tokio Millennium Reinsurance Limited
  “A+” (Excellent)
 
Effective January 1, 2010, the Company renewed its quota-share reinsurance agreement with a nonaffiliated reinsurer wherein it cedes 100% of its residual market business assumed from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (the “NCCI”) for policy years 2009 and 2010.
 
For the periods from October 1, 2006 through October 1, 2007 and from October 1, 2007 through October 1, 2008, the Company entered into reinsurance treaties with nonaffiliated reinsurers wherein it retains the first $1.0 million of each loss occurrence. Losses in excess of $1.0 million up to $75.0 million are reinsured as follows:
 
     
Layer
 
General Description
 
$1.0 million excess of $1.0 million each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $8.0 million.
$3.0 million excess of $2.0 million each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $12.0 million.
$5.0 million excess of $5.0 million each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $15.0 million.
$10.0 million excess of $10.0 million each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to a limit of $7.5 million maximum for any one life and an aggregate limit of $20.0 million.
$30.0 million excess of $20.0 million each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an aggregate annual limit of $60.0 million and a limit of $5.0 million maximum for any one life.
$25.0 million excess of $50.0 million each loss occurrence   Fully reinsured, subject to an annual aggregate limit of $50.0 million and a limit of $5.0 million maximum for any one life.
 
As part of the Acquisition, SeaBright and LMC entered into an adverse development excess of loss reinsurance agreement (the “Agreement”). The Agreement, after taking into account any recoveries from third party reinsurers, calls for LMC to reimburse SBIC 100% of the excess of the actual loss at December 31, 2011 over the initial loss reserves at September 30, 2003. The Agreement also calls for SBIC to reimburse LMC 100% of the excess of the initial loss reserves at September 30, 2003 over the actual loss results at December 31, 2011. The amount of adverse loss development under the Agreement was $3.0 million at December 31, 2009 and $4.2 million at December 31, 2008. The decrease in the amount receivable from LMC is netted against loss and loss adjustment expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
As part of the Agreement, LMC placed into trust (the “Trust”) $1.6 million, equal to 10% of the balance sheet reserves of SBIC at the date of the Acquisition. Thereafter, the Trust shall be adjusted each quarter, if warranted, to an amount equal to the greater of (a) $1.6 million or (b) 102% of LMC’s obligations under the Agreement. The balance of the Trust, including accumulated interest, was $3.8 million at December 31, 2009 and $2.8 million at December 31, 2008.
 
b.   Reinsurance Assumed
 
The Company involuntarily assumes residual market business either directly from various states that operate their own residual market programs or indirectly from the National Council for Compensation Insurance, which operates residual market programs on behalf of some states. The states in which the Company assumed residual market business in 2009 and 2008 include the following: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Virginia.
 
c.   Reinsurance Recoverables and Income Statement Effects
 
Balances affected by reinsurance transactions are reported gross of reinsurance in the balance sheets. Reinsurance recoverables are comprised of the following amounts at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 34,080     $ 18,231  
Reinsurance recoverables on paid losses
    259       313  
                 
Total reinsurance recoverables
  $ 34,339     $ 18,544  
                 
 
The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies. In the event a reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations, the Company would be liable for the losses under the agreement.
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s top ten reinsurers, based on net amount recoverable, as of December 31, 2009:
 
             
        Net Amount
 
        Recoverable as of
 
    A.M. Best
  December 31,
 
Reinsurer
  Rating   2009  
        (In thousands)  
 
Hannover Rucversicherungs Aktiengesellschaft*
  A   $ 14,517  
MAX RE Limited*
  A−     7,162  
Swiss Reinsurance America Corp. 
  A     3,996  
Argonaut Insurance Company
  A     1,475  
Catlin UW/Lloyds Syndicate 2003 (SJC)*
  A     1,182  
Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance
  A     978  
Partner Reinsurance Company of the US*
  A+     587  
Allied World Reinsurance Company
  A     587  
Lloyds UW Syndicate 2987 BRT*
  A     393  
Paris Re S.A.*
  A−     235  
             
Total
      $ 31,112  
             
 
 
* Participant in current excess of loss reinsurance treaty program or individual risk reinsurance placements.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
The Company recorded no write-offs of uncollectible reinsurance recoverables in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007.
 
The effects of reinsurance are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Reinsurance assumed:
                       
Written premiums
  $ 3,978     $ 6,559     $ 9,668  
Earned premiums
    3,625       7,169       8,576  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
    693       4,673       5,607  
Commission expenses incurred
    1,475       3,523       2,959  
Reinsurance ceded:
                       
Written premiums
  $ 27,234     $ 14,520     $ 15,300  
Earned premiums
    22,685       14,447       14,979  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
    17,981       6,321       2,121  
Commissions earned
    2,589       1,591       1,121  
 
Provisions in the three lower layer treaties (covering losses from $0.5 million to $10.0 million) in the Company’s 2005-2006 reinsurance program allow the Company the ability, at its sole discretion, to commute the contracts within 24 months of expiration in return for a contingent profit commission calculated in accordance with terms specified in the contracts. In accordance with these provisions, the Company commuted these treaties in 2008 in return for a contingent profit commission of approximately $2.3 million. As of December 31, 2009, there were no ceded losses associated with these layers and it is not expected that developed losses that would otherwise be covered by reinsurance will exceed the contingent profit commission. The contingent profit commission was recorded as a reduction of loss and loss adjustment expenses.
 
Provisions in the three lower layer treaties (covering losses from $1.0 million to $10.0 million) in the Company’s 2006-2007 reinsurance program allow the Company the ability, at its sole discretion, to commute the contracts within 24 months of expiration in return for a contingent profit commission calculated in accordance with terms specified in the contracts. In accordance with these provisions, the Company commuted the $5.0 million excess $5.0 million layer of this treaty in 2009 in return for a contingent profit commission of approximately $0.7 million. The two lower layers (from $1.0 million to $5.0 Million) were not commuted. As of December 31, 2009, there were no ceded losses associated with the $5.0 million excess $5.0 million layer and it is not expected that developed losses that would otherwise be covered by reinsurance will exceed the contingent profit commission. The contingent profit commission was recorded as a reduction of loss and loss adjustment expenses.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
9.   Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
The following table summarizes the activity in unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Beginning balance:
                       
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense
  $ 292,027     $ 250,085     $ 198,356  
Reinsurance recoverables
    (18,231 )     (14,034 )     (13,504 )
                         
Net balance, beginning of year
    273,796       236,051       184,852  
                         
Incurred related to:
                       
Current year
    172,411       168,559       162,018  
Prior years
    (1,411 )     (24,978 )     (34,081 )
Receivable under adverse development cover
    1,169       (1,646 )     248  
                         
Total incurred
    172,169       141,935       128,185  
                         
Paid related to:
                       
Current year
    (43,570 )     (42,253 )     (35,480 )
Prior years
    (83,810 )     (63,583 )     (41,258 )
                         
Total paid
    (127,380 )     (105,836 )     (76,738 )
                         
Receivable under adverse development cover
    (1,169 )     1,646       (248 )
                         
Net balance, end of year
    317,416       273,796       236,051  
Reinsurance recoverables
    34,080       18,231       14,034  
                         
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense
  $ 351,496     $ 292,027     $ 250,085  
                         
 
As a result of changes in estimates of insured events in prior periods, unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses decreased by a net amount of $1.4 million in 2009. Net adverse development of prior year loss reserves totaled $14.4 million and related to the following accident years: $8.8 million in 2008, $5.0 million in 2007, and $0.9 million in 2006. This adverse development was offset by $0.3 million of net favorable development of loss reserves related to accident years 2005 and prior. The net adverse development on loss reserves was offset by $15.8 million of net favorable development of other amounts such as ULAE, loss based assessments and losses assumed from the NCCI pools. The $15.8 million related to the following accident years: $4.3 million in 2008, $4.2 million in 2007, $3.5 million in 2006, and $3.8 million in 2005 and prior.
 
In 2008, unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense related to prior years decreased by a net amount of $25.0 million. Favorable development of prior year loss reserves totaled $19.7 million and related to the following accident years: $11.6 million in 2007, $5.1 million in 2006, $2.4 million in 2005, and $0.6 million in 2005 and prior. Additionally, there was $5.3 million of net favorable development of other amounts such as ULAE, loss based assessments and losses assumed from the NCCI pools. The $5.3 million related to the following accident years: $3.5 million in 2007, $2.3 million in 2006 and $1.1 million in 2005, offset by $1.6 million of adverse development in 2004 and prior.
 
In 2007, unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense related to prior years decreased by a net amount of $34.1 million. Net favorable development of prior year loss reserves totaled $27.7 million and related to the following accident years: $17.3 million in 2006 and $11.7 million in 2005, offset by $1.3 million of adverse development in 2004 and prior. Additionally, there was $6.4 million of net favorable development of other


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
amounts such as ULAE, loss based assessments and losses assumed from the NCCI pools. The $6.4 million related to the following accident years: $2.2 million in 2006, $3.5 million in 2005 and $0.7 million in 2004 and prior.
 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company reduced unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense by $8.9 million and $5.6 million, respectively, for anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries.
 
10.   Surplus Notes
 
On May 26, 2004, SBIC issued in a private placement $12.0 million in subordinated floating rate Surplus Notes due in 2034. The note holder is ICONS, Ltd. and Wilmington Trust Company acts as Trustee. Interest, paid quarterly in arrears, is calculated at the beginning of the interest payment period using the 3-month LIBOR plus 400 basis points. The quarterly interest rate cannot exceed the initial interest rate by more than 10% per year, cannot exceed the corporate base (prime) rate by more than 2% and cannot exceed the highest rate permitted by New York law. The rate or amount of interest required to be paid in any quarter is also subject to limitations imposed by the Illinois Insurance Code. Interest amounts not paid as a result of these limitations become “Excess Interest,” which the Company may be required to pay in the future, subject to the same limitations and all other provisions of the Surplus Notes Indenture. To date, there has been no Excess Interest. The interest rate at December 31, 2009 was 4.3%. Interest and principal may be paid only upon the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance. In the event of default, as defined, or failure to pay interest due to lack of Illinois Department of Insurance approval, the Company cannot pay dividends on its capital stock, is limited in its ability to redeem, purchase or acquire any of its capital stock and cannot make payments of interest or principal on any debt issued by the Company which ranks equal with or junior to the Surplus Notes. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the principal and accrued interest can become immediately due and payable. Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $0.6 million, $0.9 million, and $1.1 million, respectively.
 
The notes are redeemable prior to 2034 by the Company, in whole or in part, from time to time, on or after May 24, 2009 on an interest payment date.
 
Issuance costs of $591,000 incurred in connection with the Surplus Notes are being amortized over the life of the notes using the effective interest method. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $29,000, $43,000 and $56,000, respectively.
 
11.   Income Taxes
 
The operations of SeaBright and its subsidiaries are included in a consolidated federal income tax return.
 
The following is a reconciliation of the difference between the “expected” income tax computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes and the total income taxes reflected on the books for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Expected income tax expense at statutory rates
  $ 5,805     $ 14,749     $ 20,439  
State income tax expense, net of federal benefit
    134       240       374  
Tax exempt bond interest income
    (3,446 )     (3,153 )     (2,562 )
Valuation allowance on capital losses
          957        
Other
    558       70       233  
                         
Total income tax expense
  $ 3,051     $ 12,863     $ 18,484  
                         


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Deferred federal income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and those amounts used for federal income tax reporting purposes. The significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 17,141     $ 14,558  
Unearned premium
    11,184       10,253  
Unrealized net loss on investment securities
          1,600  
Bad debt reserves
    202       171  
Restricted stock grants
    2,559       2,244  
Amortizable assets
    168       448  
Accrued vacation and bonus
    532       408  
Guaranty fund payable
    337       262  
Net capital loss carryover
    5,356       405  
Other than temporary impairments
          4,690  
Other
    799       1,549  
                 
Total gross deferred tax assets
    38,278       36,588  
Valuation allowance
          (1,995 )
                 
Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance
    38,278       34,593  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Prepaid expenses
    (299 )     (323 )
Unrealized net gain on investment securities
    (6,435 )      
State insurance licenses
    (420 )     (420 )
Deferred acquisition costs
    (8,938 )     (8,111 )
Other
    (325 )     (595 )
                 
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (16,417 )     (9,449 )
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 21,861     $ 25,144  
                 
 
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the taxes paid in prior years, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
 
As of December 31, 2009, no valuation allowance was recorded. As of December 31, 2008, management established a valuation allowance of approximately $2.0 million (of which $976,000 was recorded in tax expense and $1.0 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income), which was reversed through accumulated other comprehensive income in 2009.
 
As of December 31, 2009, the Company had capital loss carry forwards of approximately $15.3 million. Approximately $146,000 expires in 2010, $431,000 expires in 2011, $106,000 expires in 2012, $475,000 expires in 2013 and $14.1 million expires in 2014.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
12.   Statutory Net Income and Stockholders’ Equity
 
SBIC is required to file annually with state regulatory insurance authorities financial statements prepared on an accounting basis as prescribed or permitted by such authorities (statutory basis accounting or “SAP”). Statutory net income and capital and surplus (stockholders’ equity) differ from amounts reported in accordance with GAAP, primarily because of the following accounting treatments prescribed by SAP: policy acquisition costs are expensed when incurred; certain assets designated as “nonadmitted” for statutory purposes are charged to surplus; fixed-income securities are reported primarily at amortized cost or fair value based on their rating by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”); policyholders’ dividends are expensed as declared rather than accrued as incurred; deferred income taxes are charged or credited directly to unassigned surplus; and any change in the admitted net deferred tax asset is offset to equity. Following is a summary of SBIC’s statutory net gain for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 and statutory capital and surplus as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
                         
    December 31,
    2009   2008   2007
    (In thousands)
 
Statutory net gain
  $ 12,565     $ 24,398     $ 33,693  
Statutory capital and surplus
    306,911       275,702       256,322  
 
The maximum amount of dividends that can be paid to stockholders by insurance companies domiciled in the State of Illinois without prior approval of regulatory authorities is restricted if such dividend, together with other distributions during the 12 preceding months, would exceed the greater of 10% of the insurer’s statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31 or the statutorily adjusted net income for the preceding calendar year. If the limitation is exceeded, then such proposed dividend must be reported to the Director of Insurance at least 30 days prior to the proposed payment date and may be paid only if not disapproved. The Illinois insurance laws also permit payment of dividends only out of earned surplus, exclusive of most unrealized gains. At December 31, 2009, SBIC had statutory earned surplus of $112.7 million. Consequently, SBIC would be able to pay up to $30.7 million of stockholder dividends in 2010 without the prior approval of the regulators.
 
In June 2007, the Illinois Department of Insurance completed a comprehensive financial examination of SBIC’s 2005 statutory annual statement. The examination report contained three findings, none of which resulted in any fines, penalties or adjustments to SBIC’s financial statements. Prior to this examination, KEIC was last examined by the Illinois Department of Insurance as of December 31, 2000.
 
The State of Illinois imposes minimum risk-based capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of the enterprise’s regulatory total adjusted capital to certain minimum capital amounts as defined by the NAIC. Enterprises below specified trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action. SBIC exceeded the minimum risk-based capital requirements at December 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
13.   Commitments
 
The Company leases certain office space for its headquarters and regional offices under agreements that are accounted for as operating leases. Lease expense totaled $3.4 million, $2.9 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Total rent, including the effect of rent increases and concessions, is expensed on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Future minimum payments required under the agreements are as follows:
 
         
    Operating
 
    leases  
    (In thousands)  
 
2010
  $ 2,904  
2011
    3,122  
2012
    3,010  
2013
    2,608  
2014
    2,240  
Thereafter
    3,441  
         
    $ 17,325  
         
 
14.   Retirement Plan
 
The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) retirement savings plan covering substantially all of its employees. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company matched 100% of the first five percent of eligible compensation contributed to the plan on a pre-tax basis. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company made additional contributions equal to one percent of compensation for all persons who were employed at the end of the year. Employees are 100% vested in all matching contributions when they are made. Contribution expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $1.1 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
 
15.   Contingencies
 
a. SBIC is subject to guaranty fund and other assessments by the states in which it writes business. Guaranty fund assessments are accrued at the time premiums are written. Other assessments are accrued either at the time of assessment or in the case of premium-based assessments, at the time the premiums are written, or in the case of loss-based assessments, at the time the losses are incurred. SBIC has accrued a liability for guaranty fund and other assessments of $7.9 million at December 31, 2009 and has recorded a related asset for premium tax offset and policy surcharges of $3.5 million at that date. This amount represents management’s best estimate based on information received from the states in which it writes business and may change due to many factors including the Company’s share of the ultimate cost of current insolvencies. Most assessments are paid out in the year following the year in which the premium is written or the losses are paid. Guaranty fund receivables and other surcharge items are generally realized by a charge to new and renewing policyholders in the year following the year in which the related assessments were paid.
 
b. The Company is involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
 
16.   Retrospectively Rated Contracts
 
On October 1, 2003, the Company began selling workers’ compensation insurance policies for which the premiums vary based on loss experience. Accrued retrospective premiums are determined based upon the loss experience of business subject to such experience rating adjustment. Accrued retrospectively rated premiums are determined by and allocated to individual policyholder accounts. Accrued retrospective premiums and return retrospective premiums are recorded as additions to and reductions from written premium, respectively. Approximately 7.2%, 10.7% and 11.9% of the Company’s direct premiums written for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to retrospectively rated contracts. The Company accrued $11.8 million for retrospective premiums receivable and $21.5 million for return retrospective


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
premiums at December 31, 2009 and $12.3 million for retrospective premiums receivable and $18.5 million for return retrospective premiums at December 31, 2008.
 
17.   Intangible Assets and Goodwill
 
Intangible assets, other than goodwill, consist of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
 
                                         
          Gross Carrying
       
    Amortization
    Amount
    Accumulated Amortization
 
    Period (years)     at December 31     at December 31  
          2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Intangible assets:
                                       
State insurance licenses
        $ 1,200     $ 1,200     $     $  
State business licenses
          25       25              
Renewal rights
    2       783       783       783       783  
Internally developed software
    3       944       944       944       944  
Trademark
    5       50       50       50       50  
Customer relations
    2       30       30       30       30  
Black/White Nevada Non-Compete Agreement
    3       390             184        
                                         
            $ 3,422     $ 3,032     $ 1,991     $ 1,807  
                                         
 
The Company completed its annual goodwill assessment for the individual reporting units as of December 31, 2009. The conclusion reached as a result of the annual goodwill impairment testing was that the fair value of each reporting unit to which goodwill had been allocated was in excess of the respective reporting unit’s carrying value; therefore, no impairment was necessary.
 
As part of the Company’s goodwill analysis, the Company compared the fair value of the aggregated reporting units to the market capitalization of the Company using the December 31, 2009 common stock price. The difference between the aggregated fair value of the reporting units and the market capitalization of the Company was attributed to transaction premium. The amount of the transaction premium was determined to be reasonable based on recent insurance transactions and specific facts and circumstances related to the Company.
 
If current market conditions persist during 2010, in particular if the Company’s share price remains meaningfully below book value per share, or if the Company’s actions to limit risk associated with its products or investments causes a significant change in any one reporting unit’s fair value, subsequent reviews of goodwill could result in an impairment of goodwill during 2010 or later.
 
The weighted average amortization period for all intangible assets subject to amortization is 2.7 years. Aggregate amortization expense was $184,000, $7,500 and $10,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2009, were as follows:
 
         
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance as of January 1, 2009
  $ 4,212  
Contingent purchase consideration
    159  
Acquisition purchase adjustment
    (50 )
         
Balance as of December 31, 2009
  $ 4,321  
         


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
18.   Share-Based Payment Arrangements
 
At December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding stock options and nonvested stock granted according to the terms of two equity incentive plans. The stockholders and Board of Directors approved the 2003 Stock Option Plan (the “2003 Plan”) in September 2003, and amended and restated the 2003 Plan in February 2004, and approved the 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan” and, together with the 2003 Plan, the “Stock Option Plans”) in December 2004. In April 2007, the Board of Directors further amended the 2003 Plan and amended the 2005 Plan.
 
The Board of Directors reserved an initial total of 776,458 shares of common stock under the 2003 Plan and 1,047,755 shares of common stock under the 2005 Plan, plus an automatic annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year beginning in 2006 and ending in 2015 equal to the lesser of: (i) 2% of the shares of common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year or (ii) such lesser number of shares as determined by the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2009, the Company reserved 776,458 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2003 Plan, of which options to purchase 481,946 shares had been granted, and 2,631,525 shares for issuance under the 2005 Plan, of which 2,106,692 shares had been granted. In January 2006, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors terminated the ability to grant future stock options awards under the 2003 Plan. Therefore, the Company anticipates that all future awards will be made under the 2005 Plan.
 
The 2005 Plan provides for the grant of incentive or non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units, performance awards, or any combination of the foregoing. The Board of Directors has the authority to determine all matters relating to awards granted under the Stock Option Plans, including designation as incentive or nonqualified stock options, the selection of individuals to be granted options, the number of shares subject to each grant, the exercise price, the term and the vesting period, if any. Options to purchase the Company’s common stock are granted at prices at or above the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant, generally vest 25% per year on each of the first four anniversaries of the vesting start date, and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Options granted to non-employee directors generally vest one-third on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining two-thirds in equal monthly installments over the following 24 months. Nonvested stock issued to employees and directors generally vests on the third anniversary of the grant date, assuming the holder is still employed by or providing service to the Company and satisfies all other conditions of the grant. Generally, stock options granted to employees are incentive stock options, while options granted to non-employee directors are non-qualified stock options.
 
The Company has only issued new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options or award of nonvested shares.
 
Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is shown in the following table. No compensation cost was capitalized during years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Stock-based compensation expense related to:
                       
Nonvested restricted stock
  $ 4,117     $ 4,720     $ 2,312  
Stock options
    686       988       698  
                         
Total
  $ 4,803     $ 5,708     $ 3,010  
                         
Total related tax benefit
  $ 377     $ 1,122     $ 839  


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
a.   Stock Options
 
The fair values of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were determined on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Expected term (years)
    6.3       6.3       6.3  
Expected stock price volatility
    34.0 %     29.5 %     26.3 %
Risk-free interest rate
    2.31 %     3.02 %     4.58 %
Expected dividend yield
                 
Estimated fair value per option
  $ 3.73     $ 5.15     $ 6.75  
 
The expected term of options was determined using the “simplified method,” which averages an award’s weighted average vesting period. For 2007, the expected stock price volatility was based on a weighted average of the Company’s historical stock price volatility since the initial public offering of its common stock in January 2005 and the historical volatility of a peer company’s stock for a period of time equal to the expected term of the option. In 2008 and 2009, expected stock price volatility was based on the Company’s historical stock price volatility since the public offering of its common stock in January 2005. The change in determining volatility was made in 2008 because the Company had developed credible historical data based solely on the Company’s stock volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of U.S. Treasury securities with an equivalent remaining term. The Company did not pay stockholder dividends in 2009 or in prior years.
 
The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and the Company’s historical experience and future expectations. The calculated fair value is recognized as compensation cost in the Company’s financial statements over the requisite service period of the entire award. Compensation cost is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date of grant and evaluated and adjusted periodically to reflect the Company’s historical experience and future expectations. Any change in the forfeiture assumption is accounted for as a change in estimate, with the cumulative effect of the change on periods previously reported being reflected in the financial statements of the period in which the change is made.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
 
                                 
                Weighted
       
          Weighted
    Average
       
    Shares
    Average
    Remaining
    Aggregate
 
    Subject to
    Exercise Price
    Contractual Life
    Intrinsic
 
    Options     per Share     (years)     Value  
                      (In thousands)  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    1,015,321     $ 10.70       7.0     $ 4,450  
Granted
    205,202       14.44              
Forfeited
                       
Exercised
    (134,346 )     8.29              
Cancelled
    (32,300 )     16.78              
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    1,053,877       11.55       7.1       204  
Granted
    216,202       9.86              
Forfeited
    (28,043 )     13.86              
Exercised
    (7,250 )     6.54              
Cancelled
    (9,126 )     16.91              
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    1,225,660       11.19       6.2       368  
                                 
Exercisable at December, 2009
    804,325       10.30       5.0       960  
Exercisable at December, 2008
    654,090       9.33       6.1       1,573  
 
The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above are before applicable income taxes and are based on the Company’s closing stock price of $11.49 and $11.74 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to nonvested stock options was approximately $1.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 29.1 months. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaled approximately $47,000 in 2009 and approximately $1.1 million in 2008. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was approximately $27,580 in 2009 and approximately $758,700 in 2008.
 
As of December 31, 2009, there were 524,833 shares of common stock available for issuance of future share-based awards. In accordance with the provisions of the 2005 Plan, the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2005 Plan was automatically increased by 433,516 shares on January 1, 2010, resulting in 958,349 shares available for issuance as of that date. The following table presents additional information regarding options outstanding as of December 31, 2009:
 
                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
          Weighted-
                   
          Average
                   
          Remaining
    Weighted-
          Weighted-
 
    Number
    Contractual
    Average
    Number
    Average
 
Range of Exercise Prices
  Outstanding     Life (years)     Exercise Price     Outstanding     Exercise Price  
 
$6.54 - 9.90
    497,300       5.3     $ 7.27       369,468     $ 6.54  
10.11-12.54
    323,394       6.2       10.63       239,807       10.63  
13.93-15.96
    191,766       8.1       14.65       61,345       14.80  
17.16-18.68
    213,200       6.9       18.08       133,705       18.01  
                                         
      1,225,660       6.2       11.19       804,325       10.30  
                                         


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
b.   Restricted Stock
 
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
 
                 
          Weighted
 
          Average
 
    Number of
    Grant Date
 
    Shares     Fair Value  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    473,880     $ 17.80  
Granted
    428,742       14.32  
Vested
    (102,900 )     16.47  
Forfeited
           
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    799,722       16.11  
Granted
    372,315       10.30  
Vested
    (183,625 )     17.53  
Forfeited
    (52,392 )     11.41  
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    936,020       13.78  
                 
 
As of December 31, 2009, there was $5.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock granted under the 2005 Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 20.7 months.
 
19.   Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
 
The following table summarizes selected unaudited quarterly financial data for each quarter of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    March 31     June 30     September 30     December 31  
    (In thousands, except earnings per share)  
 
2009:
                               
Premiums earned
  $ 58,004     $ 60,029     $ 64,427     $ 61,967  
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    38,564       41,212       42,216       50,177  
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    19,794       16,090       18,155       19,005  
Net income (loss)
    3,988       4,302       6,665       (1,420 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.20     $ 0.31     $ (0.07 )
2008:
                               
Premiums earned
  $ 56,722     $ 55,685     $ 68,687     $ 67,550  
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    30,409       32,156       39,154       40,216  
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    15,646       17,678       17,350       20,495  
Net income
    10,852       6,432       1,781       10,213  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.52     $ 0.30     $ 0.08     $ 0.48  
2007:
                               
Premiums earned
  $ 48,631     $ 54,757     $ 59,721     $ 64,886  
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    25,918       29,012       34,921       38,334  
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    12,631       14,692       15,172       16,437  
Net income
    10,073       10,203       9,650       9,986  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.48     $ 0.49     $ 0.46     $ 0.48  


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
20.   Subsequent Events
 
Management has evaluated subsequent events from December 31, 2009. On March 2, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per common share commencing in the first quarter 2010 and payable on April 9, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 23, 2010.


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Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
 
None.
 
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, who joined our company on February 3, 2010, we have carried out an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms specified by the SEC and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The management of SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. A system of internal control can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
 
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued their report regarding the audit of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, which is included in this Item 9A.
 
Changes in Internal Controls
 
There have not been any changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.:
 
We have audited SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those 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 the 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 receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, and our report dated March 16, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 
/s/  KPMG LLP
 
Seattle, Washington
March 16, 2010


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Item 9B.   Other Information.
 
None.
 
PART III
 
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and “Common Stock Ownership” contained in our proxy statement for the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
Item 11.   Executive Compensation.
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” contained in our proxy statement for the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Common Stock Ownership” and “Executive Compensation” contained in our proxy statement for the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” contained in our proxy statement for the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” contained in our proxy statement for the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.


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PART IV
 
Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
 
The following documents are being filed as part of this annual report.
 
(a) (1) Financial Statements. The following financial statements and notes are filed under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report.
 
         
    Page
 
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    85  
Consolidated Balance Sheets
    86  
Consolidated Statements of Operations
    87  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
    88  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    89  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    90  
 
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
 
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.
 
Schedule II — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
 
Schedule IV — Reinsurance
 
Schedule VI — Supplemental Information Concerning Insurance Operations
 
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required or the required information has been included within the financial statements or the notes thereto.
 
(3) Exhibits. The list of exhibits in the Exhibit Index to this annual report is incorporated herein by reference.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
 
  By: 
/s/  John G. Pasqualetto
John G. Pasqualetto,
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated below on March 16, 2010.
 
         
Signature
 
Title
 
     
/s/  John G. Pasqualetto

John G. Pasqualetto
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
/s/  Scott H. Maw

Scott H. Maw
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
     
/s/  M. Philip Romney

M. Philip Romney
  Vice President — Finance, Principal
Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
     
/s/  Peter Y. Chung

Peter Y. Chung
  Director
     
/s/  Joseph A. Edwards

Joseph A. Edwards
  Director
     
/s/  William M. Feldman

William M. Feldman
  Director
     
/s/  Mural R. Josephson

Mural R. Josephson
  Director
     
/s/  George M. Morvis

George M. Morvis
  Director
     
/s/  Michael D. Rice

Michael D. Rice
  Director


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.:
 
Under date of March 16, 2010, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets of SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, which report is included in this annual report on Form 10-K. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedules in this annual report on Form 10-K. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statement schedules based on our audits.
 
In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
/s/  KPMG LLP
 
Seattle, Washington
March 16, 2010


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SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
 
SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
 
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands, except share and per share information)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,116     $ 10,133  
Federal income tax recoverable
    4,441       1,671  
Other assets
    7,137       7,435  
Investment in subsidiaries
    338,813       305,627  
                 
Total assets
  $ 359,507     $ 324,866  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
               
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  $ 34     $ 53  
                 
Total liabilities
    34       53  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 750,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
           
Undesignated preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 75,000,000 authorized; issued and outstanding — 21,675,786 shares at December 31, 2009 and 21,392,854 at December 31, 2008
    217       214  
Paid-in capital
    205,079       200,893  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    12,927       (4,009 )
Retained earnings
    141,250       127,715  
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    359,473       324,813  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 359,507     $ 324,866  
                 
 
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except share and earnings per share information)  
 
Revenue:
                       
Income from subsidiaries
  $ 17,451     $ 33,341     $ 42,418  
Net investment income
    205       330       734  
                         
      17,656       33,671       43,152  
Losses and expenses
    5,594       6,329       4,375  
                         
Income before income taxes
    12,062       27,342       38,777  
                         
Income tax benefit:
                       
Current
    (1,173 )     (887 )     (303 )
Deferred
    (300 )     (1,049 )     (832 )
                         
      (1,473 )     (1,936 )     (1,135 )
                         
Net income
  $ 13,535     $ 29,278     $ 39,912  
                         
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.65     $ 1.43     $ 1.96  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.63     $ 1.38     $ 1.90  
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
    20,702,572       20,498,305       20,341,931  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    21,515,153       21,232,762       20,976,525  
 
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
                                                         
                            Accumulated
             
                            Other
             
    Outstanding
                      Comprehensive
          Total
 
    Common
    Preferred
    Common
    Paid-in
    Income
    Retained
    Stockholders’
 
    Shares     Stock     Stock     Capital     (Loss)     Earnings     Equity  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
    20,553     $     $ 205     $ 190,593     $ (197 )   $ 58,525     $ 249,126  
Net income
                                  39,912       39,912  
Other comprehensive income:
                                                       
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses recorded into income, net of tax of $36
                            69             69  
Decrease in unrealized loss on investment securities available for sale, net of tax of $951
                            1,766             1,766  
                                                         
Comprehensive income
                                        41,747  
Stock based compensation
                      3,010                   3,010  
Restricted stock grants
    240             3                         3  
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $110
    38                   420                   420  
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2007
    20,831             208       194,023       1,638       98,437       294,306  
Net income
                                  29,278       29,278  
Other comprehensive income:
                                                       
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses recorded into income, net of tax of $4,792
                            9,089             9,089  
Increase in unrealized loss on investment securities available for sale, net of tax benefit of $6,236
                            (14,736 )           (14,736 )
                                                         
Comprehensive income
                                        23,631  
Stock based compensation, net of taxes of $78
                      5,630                   5,630  
Restricted stock grants
    428             4                         4  
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $148
    134             2       1,240                   1,242  
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
    21,393             214       200,893       (4,009 )     127,715       324,813  
Net income
                                  13,535       13,535  
Other comprehensive income:
                                                       
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses recorded into income, net of tax of $150
                            279             279  
Increase in unrealized loss on investment securities available for sale, net of tax benefit of $7,885
                            14,642             14,642  
                                                         
Comprehensive income
                                        28,456  
Stock based compensation, net of taxes $192
                      4,611                   4,611  
Restricted stock grants
    320             4                         4  
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $0
    7                     47                   47  
Tax effect of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance recorded in comprehensive income
                            2,015             2,015  
Surrender of stock in connection with restricted stock vesting
    (44 )           (1 )     (472 )                 (473 )
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
    21,676     $     $ 217     $ 205,079     $ 12,927     $ 141,250     $ 359,473  
                                                         
 
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.


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SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 13,535     $ 29,278     $ 39,912  
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
                       
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (17,451 )     (33,341 )     (42,418 )
Benefit for deferred income taxes
    (300 )     (1,049 )     (832 )
Amortization of intangible assets
          10       (10 )
Compensation cost on stock options
    686       988       698  
Grant of restricted shares of common stock
    4,117       4,720       2,311  
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
                       
Receivable from subsidiaries
    1,790       2,285       (4,026 )
Federal income taxes payable (recoverable)
    (2,962 )     (4,122 )     3,606  
Other assets
    8       53       (68 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (18 )           (15 )
                         
Net cash used in operating activities
    (595 )     (1,178 )     (842 )
                         
Cash flows from investing activities, net of effects of acquisition:
                       
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired
                (1,178 )
Issuance of intercompany promissory note
          (1,700 )      
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
          (1,700 )     (1,178 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    47       1,094       313  
Deferred tax benefit from disqualifying dispositions
          148        
Surrender of stock in connection with restricted stock vesting
    (473 )            
Grant of restricted stock
    4       4        
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (422 )     1,246       313  
                         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,017 )     (1,632 )     (1,707 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    10,133       11,765       13,472  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 9,116     $ 10,133     $ 11,765  
                         
 
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.


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SCHEDULE IV — REINSURANCE
 
SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
 
                                         
                            Percent of
 
          Ceded to
    Assumed
          Amount
 
          Other
    from Other
          Assumed
 
    Direct     Companies     Companies     Net     to Net  
    (In thousands)  
 
Year ended December 31, 2009:
                                       
Premiums Earned
  $ 263,486     $ 22,685     $ 3,625     $ 244,427       1.5 %
Year ended December 31, 2008:
                                       
Premiums Earned
    255,949       14,447       7,169       248,644       2.9 %
Year ended December 31, 2007:
                                       
Premiums Earned
    234,398       14,979       8,576       227,995       3.8 %
 
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.


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SCHEDULE VI — SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING INSURANCE OPERATIONS
 
SEABRIGHT INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
 
                                                                                 
          Unpaid
                      Loss and Loss
    Amortization
             
    Deferred
    Loss and
                      Adjustment Expenses Incurred
    of Deferred
    Paid Loss
       
    Policy
    Loss
    Net
    Net
    Net
    Related to     Policy
    and Loss
    Gross
 
    Acquisition
    Adjustment
    Unearned
    Earned
    Investment
    Current
    Prior
    Acquisition
    Adjustment
    Premiums
 
    Costs, Net     Expense     Premium(1)     Premium     Income     Year     Years     Costs     Expenses     Written  
    (In thousands)  
 
Year ended December 31, 2009
  $ 25,537     $ 351,496     $ 169,006     $ 244,427     $ 23,132     $ 172,411     $ (242 )   $ 44,653     $ 127,380     $ 290,002  
Year ended December 31, 2008
    23,175       292,027       154,312       248,644       22,605       168,559       (26,624 )     43,631       105,836       270,344  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    19,832       250,085       145,213       227,995       20,307       162,018       (33,833 )     36,481       76,738       282,658  
 
 
(1) Net unearned premium represents unearned premiums minus prepaid reinsurance.
 
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
The list of exhibits in the Exhibit Index to this annual report is incorporated herein by reference.
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
 
  3 .1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form S-8 Registration Statement (File No. 333-123319), filed March 15, 2005)
  3 .2   Amended and Restated By-laws of SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form S-8 Registration Statement (File No. 333-123319), filed March 15, 2005)
  4 .1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed November 22, 2004)
  4 .2   Indenture dated as of May 26, 2004 by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .1†   Employment Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and John G. Pasqualetto (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed November 1, 2004)
  10 .2†   Employment Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and Richard J. Gergasko (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .3†   Employment Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and Joseph S. De Vita (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .4†   Employment Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and Richard W. Seelinger (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .5†   Employment Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and Jeffrey C. Wanamaker (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .6†   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2005, by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and Debra Drue Wax (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 5, 2005)
  10 .7   Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2003, by and among Insurance Holdings, Inc., Kemper Employers Group, Inc., Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .8   Amendment Letter to Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2003, by and among Insurance Holdings, Inc., Kemper Employers Group, Inc., Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company, Eagle Pacific Insurance Company and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .9   Amendment Letter to Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2003, by and among SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc., Kemper Employers Group, Inc., Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company, Eagle Pacific Insurance Company and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .10   Escrow Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and among Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Kemper Employers Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)


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Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
 
  10 .11   Adverse Development Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2004, between Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company and Kemper Employers Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .12   Amended and Restated Reinsurance Trust Agreement, dated as of February 29, 2004, by and among Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company and SeaBright Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed November 1, 2004)
  10 .13   Commutation Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between Kemper Employers Insurance Company and Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .14   Administrative Services Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and among Kemper Employers Insurance Company, Eagle Pacific Insurance Company and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .15   Administrative Services Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and among Kemper Employers Insurance Company and Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .16   Claims Administration Services Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and among Kemper Employers Insurance Company, Eagle Pacific Insurance Company and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .17   Side Letter, dated as of September 29, 2003, by and among SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc., Kemper Employers Group, Inc., Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company, Eagle Pacific Insurance Company and Pacific Eagle Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .18†   Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and John G. Pasqualetto (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed November 22, 2004)
  10 .19   Executive Stock Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and John Pasqualetto (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .20   Executive Stock Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Richard J. Gergasko (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .21   Executive Stock Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Joseph De Vita (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .22   Executive Stock Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Richard Seelinger (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .23   Executive Stock Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Jeffrey C. Wanamaker (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .24   Executive Stock Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2004, by and between SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Chris Engstrom (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)


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Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
 
  10 .25   Executive Stock Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2004, by and between SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and James Louden Borland III (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .26   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2004, by and between SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. and each of the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .27†   Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .28   Tax and Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2004, by and among SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc., SeaBright Insurance Company and PointSure Insurance Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed November 1, 2004)
  10 .29   Agency Services Agreement, effective as of October 1, 2003, by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and PointSure Insurance Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed November 1, 2004)
  10 .30   Floating Rate Surplus Note, dated May 26, 2004, from SeaBright Insurance Company to Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, for $12,000,000 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed September 17, 2004)
  10 .31   Side Letter, dated as of September 28, 2004, by and among SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc., SeaBright Insurance Company and Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed November 1, 2004)
  10 .32†   Form of Stock Option Award Agreement for awards granted under 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-119111), filed January 3, 2005)
  10 .33†   Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement for grants to directors under the 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 28, 2005)
  10 .34†   SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. Bonus Plan 2007 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-51124), filed March 17, 2008)
  10 .35†   Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement for grants to officers under the 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-51124), filed March 29, 2006)
  10 .36†   Employment Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2006, by and between SeaBright Insurance Company and Marc B. Miller, M.D. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51124), filed August 17, 2006)
  10 .37†   Second Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51124), filed April 3, 2007)
  10 .38†   Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51124), filed April 3, 2007)
  10 .39†   SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. Bonus Plan 2008 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51124), filed February 26, 2008)
  10 .40†   Form of Bonus Exhibit under SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. Bonus Plan 2008 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51124), filed April 2, 2008)
  10 .41†   Employment Offer Letter to Mr. Robert P. Cuthbert, dated August 13, 2008 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51124), filed October 17, 2008)
  10 .42†   SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc. 2009 Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34204), filed April 2, 2009)


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Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
 
  10 .43†   Release and Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34204), filed June 30, 2009)
  10 .44†   Employment Agreement with M. Philip Romney, dated November 3, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34204), filed November 6, 2009)
  10 .45†   Revised Offer Letter to Mr. Scott H. Maw (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34204), filed February 9, 2010)
  21 .1*   Subsidiaries of the registrant
  23 .1*   Consent of KPMG LLP
  31 .1*   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification (Chief Executive Officer)
  31 .2*   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification (Chief Financial Officer)
  32 .1*   Section 1350 Certification (Chief Executive Officer)
  32 .2*   Section 1350 Certification (Chief Financial Officer)
 
 
* Filed herewith.
 
Indicates a management contract, compensatory plan, contract or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.


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