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

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED:
June 30, 2011
 
Commission file number:
1-15731

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Bermuda
 
98-0365432
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Wessex House – 2 nd Floor
45 Reid Street
PO Box HM 845
Hamilton HM DX, Bermuda
441-295-0006

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES
X
 
NO
 

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

YES
X
 
NO
 

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

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

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

YES
   
NO
X

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

 
Number of Shares Outstanding
Class
At August 1, 2011
Common Shares, $0.01 par value
54,349,548
 

 
 

 

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD

Table of Contents
Form 10-Q


Page
PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
1
     
   
 
2
     
   
 
3
     
   
 
4
     
 
5
     
Item 2.
 
 
29
     
Item 3.
57
     
Item 4.
57
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
57
     
Item 1A.
57
     
Item 2.
58
     
Item 3.
58
     
Item 4.
58
     
Item 5.
58
     
Item 6.
59
     
 



PART I

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
   
June 30,
 
December 31,
(Dollars and share amounts in thousands, except par value per share)
 
2011
 
2010
   
(unaudited)
     
ASSETS:
           
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  $ 12,456,773     $ 12,450,469  
    (amortized cost: 2011, $11,924,068; 2010, $12,011,336)
               
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value
    128,337       180,482  
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2011, $452,942; 2010, $363,283)
    461,503       363,736  
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value
    1,012,214       721,449  
Short-term investments
    784,681       785,279  
Other invested assets (cost: 2011, $581,803; 2010, $603,681)
    581,588       605,196  
Cash
    411,523       258,408  
       Total investments and cash
    15,836,619       15,365,019  
Accrued investment income
    144,322       148,990  
Premiums receivable
    1,007,428       844,832  
Reinsurance receivables
    693,952       684,718  
Funds held by reinsureds
    350,595       379,616  
Deferred acquisition costs
    352,067       383,769  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    95,210       133,007  
Deferred tax asset
    129,605       149,101  
Federal income taxes recoverable
    158,943       147,988  
Other assets
    235,176       170,931  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 19,003,917     $ 18,407,971  
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 10,145,655     $ 9,340,183  
Future policy benefit reserve
    62,608       63,002  
Unearned premium reserve
    1,348,332       1,455,219  
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
    100,544       99,213  
Commission reserves
    37,330       45,936  
Other net payable to reinsurers
    20,136       47,519  
Revolving credit borrowings
    40,000       50,000  
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014
    249,835       249,812  
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067
    238,352       238,351  
Junior subordinated debt securities payable
    329,897       329,897  
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
    4,789       4,793  
Equity index put option liability
    54,313       58,467  
Other liabilities
    219,568       142,062  
       Total liabilities
    12,851,359       12,124,454  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
               
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized;
               
    no shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized; (2011) 66,363
               
    and (2010) 66,017 outstanding before treasury shares
    664       660  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,878,242       1,863,031  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense
               
    (benefit) of $121,456 at 2011 and $102,868 at 2010
    460,403       332,258  
Treasury shares, at cost; 12,017 shares (2011) and 11,589 shares (2010)
    (1,019,091 )     (981,480 )
Retained earnings
    4,832,340       5,069,048  
       Total shareholders' equity
    6,152,558       6,283,517  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 19,003,917     $ 18,407,971  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
               



EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
REVENUES:
                       
Premiums earned
  $ 1,039,835     $ 989,899     $ 2,051,281     $ 1,917,201  
Net investment income
    158,618       165,731       337,323       327,230  
Net realized capital gains (losses):
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    -       -       (14,767 )     -  
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
                               
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       -       -  
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
    (4,845 )     (41,693 )     22,078       31,025  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
    (4,845 )     (41,693 )     7,311       31,025  
Net derivative gain (loss)
    (3,371 )     (22,304 )     4,154       (19,250 )
Other income (expense)
    (13,446 )     7,798       (16,833 )     13,137  
Total revenues
    1,176,791       1,099,431       2,383,236       2,269,343  
                                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                               
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    735,789       643,948       1,985,565       1,550,804  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    237,374       236,493       473,831       449,155  
Other underwriting expenses
    45,897       41,747       90,853       80,691  
Corporate expenses
    3,790       3,887       7,718       8,462  
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense
    13,116       13,016       26,114       29,658  
Total claims and expenses
    1,035,966       939,091       2,584,081       2,118,770  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    140,825       160,340       (200,845 )     150,573  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    9,513       3,667       (16,263 )     16,552  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 131,312     $ 156,673     $ (184,582 )   $ 134,021  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    123,066       65,889       128,145       94,828  
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 254,378     $ 222,562     $ (56,437 )   $ 228,849  
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
                               
Basic
  $ 2.42     $ 2.70     $ (3.40 )   $ 2.29  
Diluted
    2.41       2.70       (3.40 )     2.28  
Dividends declared
    0.48       0.48       0.96       0.96  
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements .
                               

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except share and dividends per share amounts)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
COMMON SHARES (shares outstanding):
                       
Balance, beginning of period
    54,224,433       58,922,474       54,428,168       59,317,741  
Issued during the period, net
    121,783       37       346,086       167,076  
Treasury shares acquired
    -       (2,680,492 )     (428,038 )     (3,242,798 )
Balance, end of period
    54,346,216       56,242,019       54,346,216       56,242,019  
                                 
COMMON SHARES (par value):
                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 662     $ 660     $ 660     $ 658  
Issued during the period, net
    2       -       4       2  
Balance, end of period
    664       660       664       660  
                                 
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
    1,868,153       1,849,441       1,863,031       1,845,181  
Share-based compensation plans
    10,089       3,717       15,211       7,977  
Balance, end of period
    1,878,242       1,853,158       1,878,242       1,853,158  
                                 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),
                               
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
    337,337       300,977       332,258       272,038  
Net increase (decrease) during the period
    123,066       65,889       128,145       94,828  
Balance, end of period
    460,403       366,866       460,403       366,866  
                                 
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
    4,727,109       4,515,835       5,069,048       4,566,771  
Net income (loss)
    131,312       156,673       (184,582 )     134,021  
Dividends declared ($0.48 per quarter and $0.96 year-to-date
                               
per share in 2011 and 2010)
    (26,081 )     (27,556 )     (52,126 )     (55,840 )
Balance, end of period
    4,832,340       4,644,952       4,832,340       4,644,952  
                                 
TREASURY SHARES AT COST:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
    (1,019,091 )     (629,958 )     (981,480 )     (582,926 )
Purchase of treasury shares
    -       (200,079 )     (37,611 )     (247,111 )
Balance, end of period
    (1,019,091 )     (830,037 )     (1,019,091 )     (830,037 )
                                 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
  $ 6,152,558     $ 6,035,599     $ 6,152,558     $ 6,035,599  
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                               

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 131,312     $ 156,673     $ (184,582 )   $ 134,021  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable
    (35,074 )     2,624       (153,497 )     (5,135 )
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net
    22,645       (11,156 )     39,488       (13,585 )
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables
    537       (29,147 )     17,755       (62,291 )
Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset
    (17,582 )     (11,853 )     1,658       (5,064 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
    22,319       (13,098 )     39,346       (12,688 )
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    146,938       30,445       693,385       449,390  
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserve
    (176 )     (434 )     (394 )     (569 )
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
    (106,556 )     (28,341 )     (113,687 )     13,257  
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
    (14,309 )     (16,091 )     (50,614 )     (32,255 )
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    (21,301 )     86,141       23,947       30,264  
Non-cash compensation expense
    4,212       3,589       7,658       7,130  
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    12,818       10,454       25,570       21,339  
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes
    12       11       24       53  
Net realized capital (gains) losses
    4,845       41,693       (7,311 )     (31,025 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    150,640       221,510       338,746       492,842  
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    372,401       369,775       810,665       783,165  
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value
    5,875       -       12,775       -  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    336,770       238,940       867,680       723,462  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    17,168       6,115       50,120       8,612  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value
    110       712       27,206       712  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    37,000       51,400       93,667       72,742  
Distributions from other invested assets
    40,535       19,630       127,094       30,360  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (582,696 )     (938,124 )     (1,537,328 )     (1,961,623 )
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (7,148 )     (9,486 )     (15,224 )     (23,680 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (28,683 )     (1,426 )     (115,811 )     (1,426 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (213,658 )     (38,095 )     (342,300 )     (80,417 )
Cost of other invested assets acquired
    (27,544 )     (10,034 )     (52,102 )     (37,078 )
Cost of businesses acquired
    -       -       (63,100 )     -  
Net change in short-term investments
    (130,222 )     209,878       2,717       291,897  
Net change in unsettled securities transactions
    175,061       (58,493 )     47,201       (11,195 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (5,031 )     (159,208 )     (86,740 )     (204,469 )
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Common shares issued during the period, net
    5,879       128       7,557       849  
Purchase of treasury shares
    -       (200,079 )     (37,611 )     (247,111 )
Revolving credit borrowings
    -       133,000       (10,000 )     133,000  
Net cost of senior notes maturing
    -       -       -       (200,000 )
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (26,081 )     (27,556 )     (52,126 )     (55,840 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (20,202 )     (94,507 )     (92,180 )     (369,102 )
                                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    1,969       9,499       (6,711 )     24,584  
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    127,376       (22,706 )     153,115       (56,145 )
Cash, beginning of period
    284,147       214,159       258,408       247,598  
Cash, end of period
  $ 411,523     $ 191,453     $ 411,523     $ 191,453  
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                               
Income taxes paid (recovered)
  $ (24,471 )   $ (48,597 )   $ (12,546 )   $ (35,838 )
Interest paid
    20,259       20,160       25,778       34,361  
                                 
Non-cash transaction:
                               
Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed from business acquisitions
    -       -       19,130       -  
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                               


 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

1.  GENERAL

Everest Re Group, Ltd. (“Group”), a Bermuda company, through its subsidiaries, principally provides reinsurance and insurance in the U.S., Bermuda and international markets.  As used in this document, “Company” means Group and its subsidiaries.  On December 30, 2008, Group contributed Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Holdings”) to its Irish holding company, Everest Underwriting Group (Ireland), Limited (“Holdings Ireland”).

2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results on an interim basis.  Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The December 31, 2010 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filing.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes.

Financial Accounting Standards Board Launched Accounting Codification.   In June 2009, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance establishing the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (“Codification”) as the single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative.

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

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



Treatment of Insurance Contract Acquisition Costs. In October 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts.  The guidance identifies the incremental direct costs of contract acquisition and costs directly related to acquisition activities that should be capitalized.  This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company will adopt this guidance prospectively, as of January 1, 2012.

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

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

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Investment Securities.   In April 2009, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance for the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments. This new guidance amends the recognition guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities and expands the financial statement disclosures for other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities. For available for sale debt securities that the Company has no intent to sell and more likely than not will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment would be recognized in earnings, while the rest of the fair value loss would be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The Company adopted this guidance effective April 1, 2009.  Upon adoption the Company recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment increase in retained earnings and decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
     
Cumulative-effect adjustment, gross
  $ 65,658  
Tax
    (8,346 )
Cumulative-effect adjustment, net
  $ 57,312  
 


3.  INVESTMENTS

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


   
At June 30, 2011
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 312,358     $ 11,997     $ (3,391 )   $ 320,964  
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    2,110,206       109,724       (5,985 )     2,213,945  
Corporate securities
    3,222,053       183,137       (19,746 )     3,385,444  
Asset-backed securities
    184,042       7,439       (183 )     191,298  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    313,214       21,059       (5,262 )     329,011  
Agency residential
    1,923,180       97,009       (506 )     2,019,683  
Non-agency residential
    68,189       946       (585 )     68,550  
Foreign government securities
    1,764,176       95,292       (17,608 )     1,841,860  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,026,650       86,826       (27,458 )     2,086,018  
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 11,924,068     $ 613,429     $ (80,724 )   $ 12,456,773  
Equity securities
  $ 452,942     $ 8,564     $ (3 )   $ 461,503  
 

   
At December 31, 2010
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 394,690     $ 12,772     $ (5,655 )   $ 401,807  
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    2,809,514       116,920       (24,929 )     2,901,505  
Corporate securities
    2,916,977       168,687       (16,518 )     3,069,146  
Asset-backed securities
    210,717       7,799       (215 )     218,301  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    324,922       17,751       (5,454 )     337,219  
Agency residential
    2,018,384       76,367       (1,469 )     2,093,282  
Non-agency residential
    76,259       1,205       (1,723 )     75,741  
Foreign government securities
    1,584,355       79,661       (25,668 )     1,638,348  
Foreign corporate securities
    1,675,518       71,268       (31,666 )     1,715,120  
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 12,011,336     $ 552,430     $ (113,297 )   $ 12,450,469  
Equity securities
  $ 363,283     $ 3,039     $ (2,586 )   $ 363,736  
 
In accordance with FASB guidance, the Company reclassified the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments from retained earnings into accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), on April 1, 2009.  The table below presents the pre-tax cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on those corporate securities, for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
At June 30, 2011
 
At December 31, 2010
Pre-tax cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
  $ 3,630     $ 1,743  
 


The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following table by contractual maturity.  Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately.
 
   
At June 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
   
Amortized
   
Market
   
Amortized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale
                       
        Due in one year or less
  $ 552,557     $ 566,288     $ 572,985     $ 580,528  
        Due after one year through five years
    4,433,423       4,612,294       3,911,482       4,057,230  
        Due after five years through ten years
    2,590,743       2,720,260       2,564,948       2,686,005  
        Due after ten years
    1,858,720       1,949,389       2,331,639       2,402,163  
Asset-backed securities
    184,042       191,298       210,717       218,301  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    313,214       329,011       324,922       337,219  
Agency residential
    1,923,180       2,019,683       2,018,384       2,093,282  
Non-agency residential
    68,189       68,550       76,259       75,741  
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 11,924,068     $ 12,456,773     $ 12,011,336     $ 12,450,469  
 
The changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the Company’s investments are derived from the following sources for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost
                       
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:
                       
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 128,231     $ 129,039     $ 91,685     $ 146,237  
Fixed maturity securities, cumulative other-than-temporary impairment adjustment
    723       33       1,887       6,085  
Equity securities
    8,728       (32 )     8,108       268  
Other invested assets
    (3,165 )     (19 )     (1,730 )     495  
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax
    134,517       129,021       99,950       153,085  
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
    (22,885 )     (15,934 )     (12,800 )     (4,358 )
Deferred tax benefit (expense), cumulative other-than-temporary impairment adjustment
    5       164       (2 )     (904 )
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),
                               
net of deferred taxes, included in shareholders’ equity
  $ 111,637     $ 113,251     $ 87,148     $ 147,823  


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



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

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:
 
   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2011 By Security Type
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                                   
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 45,218     $ (2,868 )   $ 3,417     $ (523 )   $ 48,635     $ (3,391 )
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    34,916       (1,152 )     55,794       (4,833 )     90,710       (5,985 )
Corporate securities
    335,186       (10,277 )     123,138       (9,469 )     458,324       (19,746 )
Asset-backed securities
    9,250       (85 )     939       (98 )     10,189       (183 )
Mortgage-backed securities
                                               
Commercial
    11,445       (731 )     58,760       (4,531 )     70,205       (5,262 )
Agency residential
    44,495       (210 )     17,438       (296 )     61,933       (506 )
Non-agency residential
    272       (8 )     12,116       (577 )     12,388       (585 )
Foreign government securities
    147,502       (4,460 )     158,544       (13,148 )     306,046       (17,608 )
Foreign corporate securities
    293,117       (14,041 )     109,163       (13,417 )     402,280       (27,458 )
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 921,401     $ (33,832 )   $ 539,309     $ (46,892 )   $ 1,460,710     $ (80,724 )
Equity securities
    -       -       12       (3 )     12       (3 )
Total
  $ 921,401     $ (33,832 )   $ 539,321     $ (46,895 )   $ 1,460,722     $ (80,727 )

 
   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2011 By Maturity
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
 
Fixed maturity securities
                                   
Due in one year or less
  $ 18,085     $ (729 )   $ 40,580     $ (5,047 )   $ 58,665     $ (5,776 )
Due in one year through five years
    339,365       (15,199 )     181,797       (14,515 )     521,162       (29,714 )
Due in five years through ten years
    403,944       (13,222 )     104,581       (8,235 )     508,525       (21,457 )
Due after ten years
    94,545       (3,648 )     123,098       (13,593 )     217,643       (17,241 )
Asset-backed securities
    9,250       (85 )     939       (98 )     10,189       (183 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    56,212       (949 )     88,314       (5,404 )     144,526       (6,353 )
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 921,401     $ (33,832 )   $ 539,309     $ (46,892 )   $ 1,460,710     $ (80,724 )
 
The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2011 were $1,460,722 thousand and $80,727 thousand, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses on a single issuer that exceeded 0.05% of the market value of the fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2011.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $33,832 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of highly rated municipal, U.S. and foreign government and domestic and foreign corporate securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $30,165 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The majority of the unrealized losses related to foreign government and foreign corporate securities are due to currency exchange rate movements as opposed to market value movements.  The $46,892 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related


primarily to highly rated municipal, foreign government and domestic and foreign corporate securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $38,491 thousand related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The majority of the unrealized losses related to foreign government and foreign corporate securities are due to currency exchange rate movements as opposed to market value movements.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses were mainly comprised of corporate and commercial mortgage-backed securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities included $303 thousand related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.  Unrealized losses at June 30, 2011 are comparable with unrealized losses at December 31, 2010.

The Company, given the size of its investment portfolio and capital position, does not have the intent to sell these securities; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  In addition, all securities currently in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to principal and interest payments.

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:
 
   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2010 By Security Type
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                                   
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 70,193     $ (2,425 )   $ 43,264     $ (3,230 )   $ 113,457     $ (5,655 )
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    336,522       (9,520 )     171,812       (15,409 )     508,334       (24,929 )
Corporate securities
    186,898       (5,077 )     107,520       (11,441 )     294,418       (16,518 )
Asset-backed securities
    7,816       (92 )     2,408       (123 )     10,224       (215 )
Mortgage-backed securities
                                               
Commercial
    962       (25 )     58,036       (5,429 )     58,998       (5,454 )
Agency residential
    208,930       (1,236 )     614       (233 )     209,544       (1,469 )
Non-agency residential
    -       -       44,341       (1,723 )     44,341       (1,723 )
Foreign government securities
    194,113       (6,416 )     203,913       (19,252 )     398,026       (25,668 )
Foreign corporate securities
    309,627       (9,452 )     198,161       (22,214 )     507,788       (31,666 )
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,315,061     $ (34,243 )   $ 830,069     $ (79,054 )   $ 2,145,130     $ (113,297 )
Equity securities
    273,378       (2,584 )     13       (2 )     273,391       (2,586 )
Total
  $ 1,588,439     $ (36,827 )   $ 830,082     $ (79,056 )   $ 2,418,521     $ (115,883 )
 

   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2010 By Maturity
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
 
Fixed maturity securities
                                   
Due in one year or less
  $ 24,854     $ (450 )   $ 55,204     $ (9,061 )   $ 80,058     $ (9,511 )
Due in one year through five years
    313,179       (11,829 )     224,770       (19,685 )     537,949       (31,514 )
Due in five years through ten years
    358,468       (9,538 )     144,264       (12,624 )     502,732       (22,162 )
Due after ten years
    400,852       (11,073 )     300,432       (30,176 )     701,284       (41,249 )
Asset-backed securities
    7,816       (92 )     2,408       (123 )     10,224       (215 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    209,892       (1,261 )     102,991       (7,385 )     312,883       (8,646 )
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,315,061     $ (34,243 )   $ 830,069     $ (79,054 )   $ 2,145,130     $ (113,297 )



The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010 were $2,418,521 thousand and $115,883 thousand, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses on a single issuer that exceeded 0.08% of the market value of the fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2010.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $34,243 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of highly rated municipal, foreign government and domestic and foreign corporate securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $33,463 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The $79,054 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to highly rated domestic and foreign corporate, mortgage-backed, foreign government and municipal securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $66,514 thousand related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses were mainly comprised of corporate and commercial mortgage-backed securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation greater than 12 months for mortgage-backed securities included $210 thousand related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 132,668     $ 149,017     $ 265,524     $ 294,216  
Equity securities
    13,156       2,856       25,019       5,379  
Short-term investments and cash
    439       (82 )     676       (390 )
Other invested assets
                               
Limited partnerships
    14,344       15,611       50,975       31,509  
Other
    4,126       330       4,723       702  
Total gross investment income
    164,733       167,732       346,917       331,416  
Interest debited (credited) and other investment expense
    (6,115 )     (2,001 )     (9,594 )     (4,186 )
Total net investment income
  $ 158,618     $ 165,731     $ 337,323     $ 327,230  
 
The Company records results from limited partnership investments on the equity method of accounting with changes in value reported through net investment income.  Due to the timing of receiving financial information from these partnerships, the results are generally reported on a one month or quarter lag.  If the Company determines there has been a significant decline in value of a limited partnership during this lag period, a loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company indentifies the decline.

The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $194,342 thousand in limited partnerships at June 30, 2011.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2016.



The components of net realized capital gains (losses) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Fixed maturity securities, market value:
                       
Other-than-temporary impairments
  $ -     $ -     $ (14,767 )   $ -  
Gains (losses) from sales
    (5,603 )     (2,249 )     (15,618 )     50,757  
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:
                               
Gains (losses) from sales
    565       190       (950 )     273  
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
    (41 )     (2,518 )     (3,524 )     482  
Equity securities, market value:
                               
Gains (losses) from sales
    1       111       38       111  
Equity securities, fair value:
                               
Gains (losses) from sales
    (206 )     (2,894 )     1,698       (999 )
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
    440       (34,341 )     40,434       (19,608 )
Short-term investments gain (loss)
    (1 )     8       -       9  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
  $ (4,845 )   $ (41,693 )   $ 7,311     $ 31,025  
 
The Company recorded as net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) both fair value re-measurements and write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis as displayed in the table above.  The Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component.

The proceeds and split between gross gains and losses, from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities
  $ 353,938     $ 245,055     $ 917,800     $ 732,074  
Gross gains from sales
    7,165       7,699       24,515       66,371  
Gross losses from sales
    (12,203 )     (9,758 )     (41,083 )     (15,341 )
                                 
Proceeds from sales of equity securities
  $ 37,110     $ 52,112     $ 120,873     $ 73,454  
Gross gains from sales
    725       1,324       3,207       3,695  
Gross losses from sales
    (930 )     (4,107 )     (1,471 )     (4,583 )
 
4.  DERIVATIVES

The Company sold seven equity index put option contracts, based on two indices, in 2001 and 2005, which are outstanding.  The Company sold these equity index put options as insurance products with the intent of achieving a profit.  These equity index put option contracts meet the definition of a derivative under FASB guidance and the Company’s position in these equity index put option contracts is unhedged.  Accordingly, these equity index put option contracts are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

The Company sold six equity index put option contracts, based on the Standard & Poor’s 500 (“S&P 500”) index, for total consideration, net of commissions, of $22,530 thousand.  At June 30, 2011, fair value for these equity index put option contracts was $48,244 thousand.  These equity index put option contracts each have a single exercise date, with maturities ranging from 12 to 30 years and strike prices ranging from $1,141.21 to $1,540.63.  No amounts will be payable under these equity index put option contracts if the S&P 500 index is at, or above, the strike prices on the exercise dates, which fall between June 2017 and March 2031.  If the S&P 500 index is lower than the strike price on the applicable exercise date, the amount due would vary proportionately with the percentage by which the index is below the strike price.  Based on


historical index volatilities and trends and the June 30, 2011 S&P 500 index value, the Company estimates the probability that each equity index put option contract of the S&P 500 index falling below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 37%.  The theoretical maximum payouts under the equity index put option contracts would occur if on each of the exercise dates the S&P 500 index value were zero.  At June 30, 2011, the present value of these theoretical maximum payouts using a 6% discount factor was $277,129 thousand.

The Company sold one equity index put option contract based on the FTSE 100 index for total consideration, net of commissions, of $6,706 thousand.  At June 30, 2011, fair value for this equity index put option contract was $6,069 thousand.  This equity index put option contract has an exercise date of July 2020 and a strike price of ₤5,989.75.  No amount will be payable under this equity index put option contract if the FTSE 100 index is at, or above, the strike price on the exercise date.  If the FTSE 100 index is lower than the strike price on the exercise date, the amount due will vary proportionately with the percentage by which the index is below the strike price.  Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the June 30, 2011 FTSE 100 index value, the Company estimates the probability that the equity index put option contract of the FTSE 100 index will fall below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 33%.  The theoretical maximum payout under the equity index put option contract would occur if on the exercise date the FTSE 100 index value was zero.  At June 30, 2011, the present value of the theoretical maximum payout using a 6% discount factor and current exchange rate was $31,465 thousand.

The fair value of the equity index put options can be found in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows:


(Dollars in thousands)
               
Derivatives not designated as
 
Location of fair value
 
At
 
At
hedging instruments
 
in balance sheets
 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
                 
Equity index put option contracts
 
Equity index put option liability
  $ 54,313     $ 58,467  
Total
      $ 54,313     $ 58,467  
 
The change in fair value of the equity index put option contracts can be found in the Company’s statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
     
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as
 
Location of gain (loss) in statements of
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
hedging instruments
 
operations and comprehensive income (loss)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
                             
Equity index put option contracts
 
Net derivative gain (loss)
  $ (3,371 )   $ (22,304 )   $ 4,154     $ (19,250 )
Total
      $ (3,371 )   $ (22,304 )   $ 4,154     $ (19,250 )
 
The Company’s equity index put option contracts contain provisions that require collateralization of the fair value, as calculated by the counterparty, above a specified threshold, which is based on the Company’s financial strength ratings (Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.) and/or debt ratings (Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services). The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position on June 30, 2011, was $54,313 thousand for which the Company had posted collateral with a market value of $32,331 thousand.  If on June 30, 2011, the Company’s ratings were such that the collateral threshold was zero, the Company’s collateral requirement would increase by $55,000 thousand.



5.  FAIR VALUE

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

In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers.  The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers.  In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices.  In addition, the Company tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source.  In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  The Company made no such adjustments at June 30, 2011 and 2010.

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

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

The Company sold seven equity index put option contracts which meet the definition of a derivative.  The Company’s position in these contracts is unhedged.  The Company records the change in fair value of equity index put option contracts in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

The fair value was calculated using an industry accepted option pricing model, Black-Scholes, which used the following assumptions:
 
 
At June 30, 2011
     
Contract
 
Contracts
 
based on
 
based on
 
FTSE 100
 
S & P 500 Index
 
Index
Equity index
 1,320.6
 
 5,945.7
Interest rate
3.32% to 5.00%
 
4.27%
Time to maturity
5.9 to 19.8 yrs
 
9.1 yrs
Volatility
21.9% to 24.5%
 
24.6%




The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:
 
         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
June 30, 2011
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities, market value
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 320,964     $ -     $ 320,964     $ -  
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions
    2,213,945       -       2,213,945       -  
Corporate securities
    3,385,444       -       3,385,444       -  
Asset-backed securities
    191,298       -       188,806       2,492  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    329,011       -       329,011       -  
Agency residential
    2,019,683       -       2,019,683       -  
Non-agency residential
    68,550       -       67,197       1,353  
Foreign government securities
    1,841,860       -       1,841,860       -  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,086,018       -       2,086,018       -  
Total fixed maturities, market value
    12,456,773       -       12,452,928       3,845  
                                 
Fixed maturities, fair value
    128,337       -       128,337       -  
Equity securities, market value
    461,503       445,265       16,238       -  
Equity securities, fair value
    1,012,214       938,558       73,656       -  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Equity index put option contracts
  $ 54,313     $ -     $ -     $ 54,313  
 
There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the six months ended June 30, 2011.



The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:
 
         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2010
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities, market value
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 401,807     $ -     $ 401,807     $ -  
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions
    2,901,505       -       2,901,505       -  
Corporate securities
    3,069,146       -       3,069,146       -  
Asset-backed securities
    218,301       -       217,306       995  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    337,219       -       337,219       -  
Agency residential
    2,093,282       -       2,093,282       -  
Non-agency residential
    75,741       -       74,241       1,500  
Foreign government securities
    1,638,348       -       1,638,348       -  
Foreign corporate securities
    1,715,120       -       1,710,704       4,416  
Total fixed maturities, market value
    12,450,469       -       12,443,558       6,911  
                                 
Fixed maturities, fair value
    180,482       -       180,482       -  
Equity securities, market value
    363,736       363,736       -       -  
Equity securities, fair value
    721,449       721,449       -       -  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Equity index put option contracts
  $ 58,467     $ -     $ -     $ 58,467  




The following tables present the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by asset type, for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
   
Asset-backed
 
Foreign
 
Non-agency
     
Asset-backed
 
Foreign
 
Non-agency
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities
 
Corporate
 
RMBS
 
Total
 
Securities
 
Corporate
 
RMBS
 
Total
Beginning balance
  $ 9,345     $ 519     $ 1,570     $ 11,434     $ 995     $ 4,416     $ 1,500     $ 6,911  
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                                                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    64       -       95       159       64       -       240       304  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    (123 )     -       (168 )     (291 )     (147 )     -       (33 )     (180 )
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    (81 )     -       (144 )     (225 )     56       -       (354 )     (298 )
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    (6,713 )     (519 )     -       (7,232 )     1,524       (4,416 )     -       (2,892 )
Ending balance
  $ 2,492     $ -     $ 1,353     $ 3,845     $ 2,492     $ -     $ 1,353     $ 3,845  
                                                                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included
                                                               
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the
                                                               
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets
                                                               
still held at the reporting date
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               
 

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
   
Corporate
 
Asset-backed
 
Non-agency
     
Corporate
 
Asset-backed
 
Non-agency
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities
 
Securities
 
RMBS
 
Total
 
Securities
 
Securities
 
RMBS
 
Total
Beginning balance
  $ 9,900     $ 6,388     $ 1,459     $ 17,747     $ 9,900     $ 6,268     $ 1,394     $ 17,563  
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                                                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    (2 )     -       68       66       (2 )     -       160       158  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    52       112       79       243       52       44       184       280  
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    -       71       (97 )     (26 )     -       259       (230 )     29  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    -       (10 )     -       (10 )     -       (10 )     -       (10 )
Ending balance
  $ 9,950     $ 6,562     $ 1,508     $ 18,020     $ 9,950     $ 6,562     $ 1,508     $ 18,020  
                                                                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included
                                                               
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the
                                                               
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets
                                                               
still held at the reporting date
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               


The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for equity index put option contracts, for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Liabilities:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 50,943     $ 54,295     $ 58,467     $ 57,349  
Total (gains) or losses (realized/unrealized)
                               
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    3,371       22,304       (4,154 )     19,250  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       -       -  
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    -       -       -       -  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    -       -       -       -  
Balance, end of period
  $ 54,313     $ 76,599     $ 54,313     $ 76,599  
                                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings
                               
(or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized
                               
gains or losses relating to liabilities still held at the reporting date
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               




6.  CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS

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

7.  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Net income (loss) per common share has been computed as per below, based upon weighted average common basic and dilutive shares outstanding.


     
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
     
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Net income (loss) per share:
                       
Numerator
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 131,312     $ 156,673     $ (184,582 )   $ 134,021  
Less:  dividends declared-common shares and nonvested common shares
    (26,081 )     (27,557 )     (52,126 )     (55,840 )
Undistributed earnings
    105,231       129,116       (236,708 )     78,181  
Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1)
    99.3 %     99.5 %     99.4 %     99.5 %
        104,514       128,450       (235,249 )     77,822  
Add:  dividends declared-common shareholders
    25,910       27,414       51,770       55,552  
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share
  $ 130,424     $ 155,863     $ (183,479 )   $ 133,374  
                                   
Denominator
                               
Denominator for basic earnings per weighted-average common shares
    53,949       57,691       54,002       58,305  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Options
    159       118       175       153  
Denominator for diluted earnings per adjusted weighted-average common shares
    54,108       57,808       54,177       58,459  
                                   
Per common share net income (loss)
                               
Basic
  $ 2.42     $ 2.70     $ (3.40 )   $ 2.29  
Diluted
  $ 2.41     $ 2.70     $ (3.40 )   $ 2.28  
                                   
(1 )
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
    53,949       57,691       54,002       58,305  
 
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and nonvested common shares expected to vest
    54,319       57,990       54,337       58,574  
 
Percentage allocated to common shareholders
    99.3 %     99.5 %     99.4 %     99.5 %
                                   
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
The table below presents the options to purchase common shares that were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of earnings per diluted share as they were anti-dilutive, for the periods indicated:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Anti-dilutive options
 1,537,790
 
 1,924,070
 
 1,542,790
 
 1,923,110
 
All outstanding options expire on or between September 21, 2011 and May 18, 2021.



8.  CONTINGENCIES

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

There are no known significant pending legal issues not involving insurance or reinsurance business activity.

In 1993 and prior, the Company had a business arrangement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“The Prudential”) wherein, for a fee, the Company accepted settled claim payment obligations of certain property and casualty insurers, and, concurrently, became the owner of the annuity or assignee of the annuity proceeds funded by the property and casualty insurers specifically to fulfill these fully settled obligations.  In these circumstances, the Company would be liable if The Prudential, which has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), was unable to make the annuity payments.  The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
At June 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
    $ 143,013     $ 150,560  

Prior to its 1995 initial public offering, the Company purchased annuities from an unaffiliated life insurance company with an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best to settle certain claim liabilities of the company.  Should the life insurance company become unable to make the annuity payments, the Company would be liable for those claim liabilities.  The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
At June 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
    $ 26,988     $ 26,542  




9.  OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on
                       
securities arising during the period
                       
URA(D) of investments - temporary
  $ 133,794     $ 128,988     $ 98,063     $ 147,000  
URA(D) of investments - non-credit OTTI
    723       33       1,887       6,085  
Tax benefit (expense) from URA(D) arising during the period
    (22,880 )     (15,770 )     (12,802 )     (5,262 )
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period, net of tax
    111,637       113,251       87,148       147,823  
                                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    10,101       (50,911 )     44,488       (53,198 )
Tax benefit (expense) from foreign currency translation
    582       3,113       (4,983 )     (641 )
Net foreign currency translation adjustments
    10,683       (47,798 )     39,505       (53,839 )
                                 
Pension adjustments
    1,147       671       2,295       1,299  
Tax benefit (expense) on pension
    (401 )     (235 )     (803 )     (455 )
Net pension adjustments
    746       436       1,492       844  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
  $ 123,066     $ 65,889     $ 128,145     $ 94,828  


The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:
 
   
At June 30,
 
At December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
URA(D) on securities, net of deferred taxes
           
Temporary
  $ 453,245     $ 367,983  
Non-credit, OTTI
    3,341       1,455  
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of deferred taxes
    456,586       369,438  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes
    28,408       (11,097 )
Pension adjustments, net of deferred taxes
    (24,591 )     (26,083 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 460,403     $ 332,258  
 
10.  CREDIT FACILITIES

The Company has three credit facilities for a total commitment of up to $1,300,000 thousand, providing for the issuance of letters of credit and/or unsecured revolving credit lines. The following table presents the costs incurred in connection with the three credit facilities for the periods indicated:
 
   
Th ree Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Credit facility fees incurred
  $ 522     $ 592     $ 990     $ 1,030  
 


 
The terms and outstanding amounts for each facility are discussed below:

Group Credit Facility

Effective July 27, 2007, Group, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into a five year, $850,000 thousand senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders referred to as the “Group Credit Facility”.  Wells Fargo Corporation (“Wells Fargo Bank”) is the administrative agent for the Group Credit Facility, which consists of two tranches.  Tranche one provides up to $350,000 thousand of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity and general corporate purposes, and for the issuance of unsecured standby letters of credit.  The interest on the revolving loans shall, at the Company’s option, be either (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin.  The Base Rate is the higher of (a) the prime commercial lending rate established by Wells Fargo Bank or (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Group Credit Facility depends on Group’s senior unsecured debt rating.  Tranche two exclusively provides up to $500,000 thousand for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis.

The Group Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth.  Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $3,575,381 thousand plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group’s fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after January 1, 2007 and for which consolidated net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at June 30, 2011, was $4,262,806 thousand.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all Group Credit Facility covenants.

The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)
   
At June 30, 2011
 
At December 31, 2010
Bank
   
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Expiry
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Expiry
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility
Tranche One
  $ 350,000     $ -       $ 350,000     $ -    
 
Tranche Two
    500,000       400,951  
12/31/2011
    500,000       406,427  
12/31/2011
Total Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility
  $ 850,000     $ 400,951       $ 850,000     $ 406,427    
 
Holdings Credit Facility

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

The Holdings Credit Facility requires Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $1,500,000 thousand plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2005, which at June 30, 2011, was $2,005,890 thousand.  As of June 30, 2011, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.



The following table summarizes outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
At June 30, 2011
 
At December 31, 2010
Bank
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Loan
Maturity/Expiry Date
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Loan
Maturity/Expiry Date
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility
  $ 150,000     $ 15,000  
6/16/2011
7/18/2011
  $ 150,000     $ 50,000  
12/16/2010
1/18/2011
              10,000  
6/28/2011
7/28/2011
            -      
              15,000  
6/06/2011
7/06/2011
            -      
Total revolving credit borrowings
            40,000                   50,000      
Total letters of credit
            9,527    
12/31/2011
            9,527    
12/31/2011
                                         
Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility
  $ 150,000     $ 49,527         $ 150,000     $ 59,527      
 
Prior to August 23, 2011, the Company plans to enter into a new Holdings Credit Facility with terms similar to the expiring facility.

Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility

Bermuda Re has a $300,000 thousand letter of credit issuance facility with Citibank N.A. referred to as the “Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility”, which commitment is reconfirmed annually.  The Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility provides for the issuance of up to $300,000 thousand of secured letters of credit to collateralize reinsurance obligations as a non-admitted reinsurer.  The interest on drawn letters of credit shall be (A) 0.20% per annum of the principal amount of issued standard letters of credit (expiry of 15 months or less) and (B) 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of issued extended tenor letters of credit (expiry maximum of up to 60 months).  The commitment fee on undrawn credit shall be 0.10% per annum.

The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thou sands )
 
At June 30, 2011
 
At December 31, 2010
Bank
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Expiry
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Expiry
Citibank Bilateral Letter of Credit Agreement
  $ 300,000     $ 2,291  
11/24/2011
  $ 300,000     $ 2,291  
11/24/2011
              79,920  
12/31/2011
            79,681  
12/31/2011
              926  
6/15/2011
            36,462  
1/31/2011
              5,021  
12/31/2014
            340  
6/15/2011
              26,838  
6/30/2015
            25,581  
6/30/2014
              12,149  
9/30/2015
            11,580  
9/30/2014
              10,088  
11/22/2015
            72,398  
12/31/2014
              52,370  
12/31/2015
            -  
-
Total Citibank Bilateral Agreement
  $ 300,000     $ 189,603       $ 300,000     $ 228,333    
 
11.  TRUST AGREEMENTS

Certain subsidiaries of Group, principally Bermuda Re, a Bermuda insurance company and direct subsidiary of Group, have established trust agreements, which effectively use the Company’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to certain non-affiliated ceding companies.  At June 30, 2011, the total amount on deposit in trust accounts was $86,814 thousand.



12.  SENIOR NOTES

The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding senior notes.  Market value is based on quoted market prices.

               
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
               
Consolidated Balance
     
Consolidated Balance
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Date Issued
 
Date Due
 
Principal Amounts
 
Sheet Amount
 
Market Value
 
Sheet Amount
 
Market Value
5.40% Senior notes
10/12/2004
 
10/15/2014
  $ 250,000     $ 249,835     $ 270,570     $ 249,812     $ 267,500  
8.75% Senior notes (matured and paid on March 15, 2010)
03/14/2000
 
03/15/2010
  $ 200,000     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 
Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes is as follows for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Interest expense incurred
  $ 3,387     $ 3,385     $ 6,773     $ 10,447  


13.  LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes.  Market value is based on quoted market prices.
 
           
Maturity Date
 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
     
Original
         
Consolidated Balance
     
Consolidated Balance
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Date Issued
 
Principal Amount
 
Scheduled
 
Final
 
Sheet Amount
 
Market Value
 
Sheet Amount
 
Market Value
6.6% Long term subordinated notes
04/26/2007
  $ 400,000    
05/15/2037
 
05/01/2067
  $ 238,352     $ 236,031     $ 238,351     $ 227,825  
 
During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest will be at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month LIBOR plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  Deferred interest will accumulate interest at the applicable rate compounded semi-annually for periods prior to May 15, 2017, and compounded quarterly for periods from and including May 15, 2017.

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



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

Interest expense incurred in connection with these long term subordinated notes is as follows for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Interest expense incurred
  $ 3,937     $ 3,937     $ 7,874     $ 7,874  


14.  JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES PAYABLE

The following table displays Holdings’ outstanding junior subordinated debt securities due to Everest Re Capital Trust II (“Capital Trust II”), a wholly-owned finance subsidiary of Holdings.  Fair value is primarily based on the quoted market price of the related trust preferred securities.
 
             
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
             
Consolidated Balance
     
Consolidated Balance
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Date Issued
 
Date Due
 
Amount Issued
 
Sheet Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Sheet Amount
 
Fair Value
6.20% Junior subordinated debt securities
03/29/2004
 
03/29/2034
  $ 329,897     $ 329,897     $ 321,577     $ 329,897     $ 294,825  


Holdings may redeem the junior subordinated debt securities before their maturity at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest as of the date of redemption.  The securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions at any time on or after March 30, 2009; or at any time, in whole, but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence and continuation of a determination that the Trust may become subject to tax or the Investment Company Act.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these junior subordinated debt securities is as follows for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Interest expense incurred
  $ 5,114     $ 5,114     $ 10,227     $ 10,227  


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

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

There are certain regulatory and contractual restrictions on the ability of Holdings’ operating subsidiaries to transfer funds to Holdings in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.  The insurance laws of the State of Delaware, where Holdings’ direct insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, require regulatory approval before those subsidiaries can pay dividends or make loans or advances to Holdings that exceed certain statutory thresholds.  In addition, the terms of Holdings Credit Facility (discussed in Note 10) require Everest Re, Holdings’ principal insurance subsidiary, to maintain a certain statutory surplus level as measured at the end of each fiscal year.  At December 31, 2010, $2,293,643 thousand of the $2,929,526 thousand in net assets of Holdings’ consolidated subsidiaries were subject to the foregoing regulatory restrictions.



15.  SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in five segments:  U.S. Reinsurance, Insurance, Specialty Underwriting, International and Bermuda.  The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the U.S.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. and Canada.  The Specialty Underwriting operation writes accident and health (“A&H”), marine, aviation and surety business within the U.S. and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies.  The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and the Company’s Ireland subsidiary.

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

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.  Underwriting results are measured using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.  The Company utilizes inter-affiliate reinsurance, although such reinsurance does not materially impact segment results, as business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced.

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

The following tables present the underwriting results for the operating segments for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
U.S. Reinsurance
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Gross written premiums
  $ 230,260     $ 268,215     $ 484,167     $ 512,223  
Net written premiums
    230,184       268,559       484,108       512,825  
                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 259,664     $ 286,886     $ 523,798     $ 523,626  
Incurred losses and LAE
    200,674       146,199       446,960       300,003  
Commission and brokerage
    65,449       71,182       134,953       128,380  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,871       9,377       15,773       17,183  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ (14,330 )   $ 60,128     $ (73,888 )   $ 78,060  
 

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
Insurance
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Gross written premiums
  $ 226,132     $ 204,941     $ 480,607     $ 433,178  
Net written premiums
    196,908       141,534       411,187       318,517  
                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 195,641     $ 155,323     $ 392,280     $ 317,146  
Incurred losses and LAE
    141,304       118,589       289,282       230,652  
Commission and brokerage
    30,285       29,276       62,674       61,082  
Other underwriting expenses
    22,401       16,279       44,273       32,856  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 1,651     $ (8,821 )   $ (3,949 )   $ (7,444 )



 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
Sp ecialty Underwriting
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Gross written premiums
  $ 66,367     $ 65,855     $ 135,537     $ 131,742  
Net written premiums
    65,600       64,460       134,216       129,580  
                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 64,316     $ 68,814     $ 136,218     $ 136,238  
Incurred losses and LAE
    46,372       62,436       93,259       108,173  
Commission and brokerage
    14,633       16,802       30,171       33,598  
Other underwriting expenses
    2,001       2,407       4,005       4,358  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 1,310     $ (12,831 )   $ 8,783     $ (9,891 )
 

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
International
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Gross written premiums
  $ 288,749     $ 306,998     $ 597,596     $ 582,348  
Net written premiums
    286,043       306,960       590,544       582,272  
                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 317,160     $ 291,964     $ 633,495     $ 568,564  
Incurred losses and LAE
    221,618       224,127       826,346       651,717  
Commission and brokerage
    73,786       77,846       152,216       142,781  
Other underwriting expenses
    6,950       7,308       13,389       13,688  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 14,806     $ (17,317 )   $ (358,456 )   $ (239,622 )

 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
Bermuda
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Gross written premiums
  $ 176,357     $ 167,500     $ 354,887     $ 375,037  
Net written premiums
    176,386       167,457       354,950       375,029  
                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 203,054     $ 186,912     $ 365,490     $ 371,627  
Incurred losses and LAE
    125,821       92,597       329,718       260,259  
Commission and brokerage
    53,221       41,387       93,817       83,314  
Other underwriting expenses
    6,674       6,376       13,413       12,606  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 17,338     $ 46,552     $ (71,458 )   $ 15,448  

 
The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 20,775     $ 67,711     $ (498,968 )   $ (163,449 )
Net investment income
    158,618       165,731       337,323       327,230  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    (4,845 )     (41,693 )     7,311       31,025  
Net derivative gain (loss)
    (3,371 )     (22,304 )     4,154       (19,250 )
Corporate expenses
    (3,790 )     (3,887 )     (7,718 )     (8,462 )
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
    (13,116 )     (13,016 )     (26,114 )     (29,658 )
Other income (expense)
    (13,446 )     7,798       (16,833 )     13,137  
Income (loss) before taxes
  $ 140,825     $ 160,340     $ (200,845 )   $ 150,573  
 


The Company produces business in the U.S., Bermuda and internationally.  The net income deriving from and assets residing in the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company’s financial records.  Based on gross written premium, the table below presents the largest country, other than the U.S., in which the Company writes business, for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
United Kingdom
  $ 90,259     $ 107,585     $ 209,827     $ 239,918  


No other country represented more than 5% of the Company’s revenues.

16.  SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

For the three months ended June 30, 2011, share-based compensation awards granted were 5,657 restricted shares and 5,500 options, granted on May 18, 2011, with a grant exercise price of $90.49 per share and a per option fair value of $21.858.  The fair value per option was calculated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of the options granted:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30, 2011
     
Weighted-avera ge volatility
26.37%
 
Weighted-average dividend yield
2.00%
 
Weighted-average expected term
6.65 years
 
Weighted-average risk-free rate
2.40%
 


17.  RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and a retiree health plan for its U.S. employees employed prior to April 1, 2010.

Net periodic benefit cost for U.S. employees included the following components for the periods indicated:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Service cost
  $ 2,048     $ 1,704     $ 4,095     $ 3,472  
Interest cost
    1,922       1,804       3,843       3,526  
Expected return on plan assets
    (2,265 )     (2,045 )     (4,530 )     (3,985 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    12       12       25       25  
Amortization of net (income) loss
    1,095       656       2,190       1,233  
ASC 715 settlement charge
    231       846       461       2,241  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 3,043     $ 2,977     $ 6,084     $ 6,512  
                                 
Other Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
    2011     2010     2011     2010
Service cost
  $ 290     $ 228     $ 580     $ 508  
Interest cost
    235       196       469       424  
Amortization of net (income) loss
    40       4       81       41  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 565     $ 428     $ 1,130     $ 973  
 
The Company did not make any contributions to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.


18.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

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

19.  INCOME TAXES

The Company is domiciled in Bermuda and has significant subsidiaries and/or branches in Canada, Ireland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.  The Company’s Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are exempt from income taxation under Bermuda law until 2035. The Company’s non-Bermudian subsidiaries and branches are subject to income taxation at varying rates in their respective domiciles.

The Company generally will use the estimated annual effective tax rate approach for calculating its tax provision for interim periods as prescribed by ASC 740-270, Interim Reporting.  Under the estimated annual effective tax rate approach, the estimated annual effective tax rate is applied to the interim year-to-date pre-tax income to determine the income tax expense or benefit for the year-to-date period.  The tax expense or benefit for a quarter represents the difference between the year-to-date tax expense or benefit for the current year-to-date period less such amount for the immediately preceding year-to-date period. Management considers the estimated impact of all known events in its estimation of the Company’s annual pre-tax income and effective tax rate.

20.  ACQUISITIONS

During the first quarter of 2011, the Company made several acquisitions to expand its domestic and Canadian insurance operations.  Below are descriptions of the transactions.

On January 2,   2011, the Company acquired the entire business and operations of Heartland Crop Insurance, Inc. (“Heartland”) of Topeka, Kansas for $55,000 thousand in cash, plus contingent payments in future periods based upon achievement of performance targets. Heartland is a managing general agent specializing in crop insurance.

On January 28, 2011, the Company acquired the entire business and operations of Premiere Underwriting Services (“Premiere”) of Toronto, Canada. Premiere is a managing general agent specializing in entertainment and sports and leisure risks.  On January 31, 2011, the Company acquired the renewal rights and operations of the financial lines business of Executive Risk Insurance Services, Ltd. (“Executive Risk”) of Toronto, Canada. The financial lines business of Executive Risk mainly underwrites Directors and Officers Liability, Fidelity, and Errors and Omissions Liability.

Overall, the Company recorded $35,068 thousand of goodwill and $26,903 thousand of intangible assets related to these acquisitions.  All intangible assets recorded as part of these acquisitions will be amortized on a straight line basis over seven years.

21.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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


 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
 
Industry Conditions.
The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market.  As such, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, high rates and strong profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, low rates and constrained profitability.  Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written.  Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to reinsurance and insurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.

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

Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive, particularly in the casualty lines of business.  Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand.  Competition and its effect on rates, terms and conditions vary widely by market and coverage yet continued to be most prevalent in the U.S. casualty insurance and reinsurance markets.

However, during the first half of 2011, the industry experienced significant losses from Australian floods, the New Zealand earthquake, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and spring storms in the U.S.  It is too early to determine the impact on market conditions as a result of these events.  While there have been meaningful rate increases for catastrophe coverages in some global catastrophe prone regions, particularly areas impacted by these losses, whether the magnitude of these losses is sufficient to increase rates and improve market conditions for other lines of business remains to be seen.

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


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


   
Three Months Ended
   
Percentage
   
Six Months Ended
   
Percentage
 
   
June 30,
   
Increase/
   
June 30,
   
Increase/
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
(Decrease)
   
2011
   
2010
   
(Decrease)
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 987.9     $ 1,013.5       -2.5 %   $ 2,052.8     $ 2,034.5       0.9 %
Net written premiums
    955.1       949.0       0.6 %     1,975.0       1,918.2       3.0 %
                                                 
REVENUES:
                                               
Premiums earned
  $ 1,039.8     $ 989.9       5.0 %   $ 2,051.3     $ 1,917.2       7.0 %
Net investment income
    158.6       165.7       -4.3 %     337.3       327.2       3.1 %
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    (4.8 )     (41.7 )     -88.4 %     7.3       31.0       -76.4 %
Net derivative gain (loss)
    (3.4 )     (22.3 )     -84.9 %     4.2       (19.3 )     -121.6 %
Other income (expense)
    (13.4 )     7.8    
NM 
    (16.8 )     13.1       -228.1 %
Total revenues
    1,176.8       1,099.4       7.0 %     2,383.2       2,269.3       5.0 %
                                                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                               
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    735.8       643.9       14.3 %     1,985.6       1,550.8       28.0 %
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    237.4       236.5       0.4 %     473.8       449.2       5.5 %
Other underwriting expenses
    45.9       41.7       9.9 %     90.9       80.7       12.6 %
Corporate expenses
    3.8       3.9       -2.5 %     7.7       8.5       -8.8 %
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense
    13.1       13.0       0.8 %     26.1       29.7       -11.9 %
Total claims and expenses
    1,036.0       939.1       10.3 %     2,584.1       2,118.8       22.0 %
                                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    140.8       160.3       -12.2 %     (200.8 )     150.6       -233.4 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
    9.5       3.7       159.4 %     (16.3 )     16.6       -198.3 %
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 131.3     $ 156.7       -16.2 %   $ (184.6 )   $ 134.0       -237.7 %
                                                 
                   
Point
                   
Point
 
RATIOS:
                 
Change
                   
Change
 
Loss ratio
    70.8 %     65.1 %     5.7       96.8 %     80.9 %     15.9  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    22.8 %     23.9 %     (1.1 )     23.1 %     23.4 %     (0.3 )
Other underwriting expense ratio
    4.4 %     4.2 %     0.2       4.4 %     4.2 %     0.2  
Combined ratio
    98.0 %     93.2 %     4.8       124.3 %     108.5 %     15.8  
                                                 
                           
At
   
At
   
Percentage
 
                           
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
Increase/
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
                            2011       2010    
(Decrease)
 
Balance sheet data:
                                               
Total investments and cash
                          $ 15,836.6     $ 15,365.0       3.1 %
Total assets
                            19,003.9       18,408.0       3.2 %
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
                            10,145.7       9,340.2       8.6 %
Total debt
                            858.1       868.1       -1.2 %
Total liabilities
                            12,851.4       12,124.5       6.0 %
Shareholders' equity
                            6,152.6       6,283.5       -2.1 %
Book value per share
                            113.21       115.45       -1.9 %
                                                 
(NM, not meaningful)
                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                       
 
Revenues.
Premiums.   Gross written premiums decreased by $25.6 million, or 2.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2010 reflecting a $46.8 million decrease in our reinsurance business, partially offset by a $21.2 million increase in our insurance business.  Gross written premiums increased by $18.3 million, or 0.9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2010 reflecting a $47.4 million increase in our insurance business, partially offset by a $29.2 million decrease in our reinsurance business.  The increase in insurance premiums was primarily
 
 
due to the acquisition of Heartland, which provided $77.4 million of new crop insurance business, as well as improved premium rates on our California workers’ compensation business, partially offset by our reduced participation on a large casualty program.  The decrease in reinsurance premiums was due to the continued reduction in U.S. casualty business as well as the planned reduction of catastrophe exposed business in certain territories, partially offset by higher reinstatement premiums resulting from catastrophe losses, year over year and favorable foreign exchange impact period over period of $24.6 million and $34.2 million for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively.
 
Net written premiums increased $6.2 million, or 0.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2010 and increased $56.8 million, or 3.0%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The larger increase in net written premiums relative to the change in gross written premiums was due to a lower level of ceded reinsurance in the Insurance segment due to the planned reduction in one casualty program. Premiums earned increased $49.9 million, or 5.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2010 and increased by $134.1 million, or 7.0%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Net Investment Income.   Net investment income decreased $7.1 million, or 4.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily driven by declining reinvestment rates and a $1.3 million decrease in investment income from our limited partnerships.  Net investment income increased $10.1 million, or 3.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily as a result of a $19.5 million increase in investment income from our limited partnerships.  Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 4.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to 4.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 4.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).   Net realized capital losses were $4.8 million and $41.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Of the $4.8 million, there were $5.2 million from net realized capital losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities which were partially offset by $0.4 million of gains from fair value re-measurements.  The net realized capital loss of $41.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was the result of a $36.9 million loss from fair value re-measurements and $4.8 million of net realized capital losses from sales on our available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities.

Net realized capital gains were $7.3 million and $31.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The $7.3 million was comprised of $36.9 million of gains from fair value re-measurements which were partially offset by $14.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $14.8 million from net realized capital losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities.  The net realized capital gain of $31.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was the result of $50.2 million of net realized capital gains from sales on our available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by a $19.1 million loss from fair value re-measurements.

Net Derivative Gain (Loss).   In 2005 and prior, we sold seven equity index put option contracts, which are outstanding.  These contracts meet the definition of a derivative in accordance with FASB guidance and as such, are fair valued each quarter with the change recorded as net derivative gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  As a result of these adjustments in value, we recognized net derivative losses of $3.4 million and $22.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and net derivative gain of $4.2 million and net derivative loss of $19.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The change in the fair value of these equity index put option contracts is indicative of the change in the financial markets over the same periods.

Other Income (Expense).   We recorded other expense of $13.4 million and $16.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and other income of $7.8 million and $13.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for the corresponding periods.


Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.   The following tables present our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional (a)
  $ 614.4       59.1 %     $ (2.4 )     -0.2 %     $ 612.0       58.9 %  
Catastrophes
    123.0       11.8 %       -       0.0 %       123.0       11.8 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       0.8       0.1 %       0.8       0.1 %  
Total
  $ 737.4       70.9 %     $ (1.6 )     -0.1 %     $ 735.8       70.8 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional (a)
  $ 584.0       59.0 %     $ (9.8 )     -0.9 %     $ 574.3       58.0 %  
Catastrophes
    80.5       8.1 %       (10.8 )     -1.1 %       69.7       7.0 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total
  $ 664.5       67.1 %     $ (20.6 )     -2.1 %     $ 643.9       65.1 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional (a)
  $ 30.4       0.1  
pts
  $ 7.4       0.7  
pts
  $ 37.7       0.9  
pts
Catastrophes
    42.5       3.7  
pts
    10.8       1.1  
pts
    53.3       4.8  
pts
A&E
    -       -  
pts
    0.8       0.1  
pts
    0.8       0.1  
pts
Total
  $ 72.9       3.8  
pts
  $ 19.0       2.0  
pts
  $ 91.9       5.7  
pts
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional (a)
  $ 1,200.5       58.6 %     $ (3.8 )     -0.2 %     $ 1,196.7       58.4 %  
Catastrophes
    788.1       38.4 %       -       0.0 %       788.1       38.4 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       0.8       0.0 %       0.8       0.0 %  
Total
  $ 1,988.6       97.0 %     $ (3.0 )     -0.2 %     $ 1,985.6       96.8 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional (a)
  $ 1,135.7       59.2 %     $ (9.0 )     -0.4 %     $ 1,126.7       58.8 %  
Catastrophes
    435.5       22.7 %       (11.4 )     -0.6 %       424.1       22.1 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total
  $ 1,571.2       82.0 %     $ (20.4 )     -1.1 %     $ 1,550.8       80.9 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional (a)
  $ 64.8       (0.6 )
pts
  $ 5.2       0.2  
pts
  $ 70.0       (0.4 )
pts
Catastrophes
    352.6       15.7  
pts
    11.4       0.6  
pts
    364.0       16.3  
pts
A&E
    -       -  
pts
    0.8       -  
pts
    0.8       -  
pts
Total
  $ 417.4       15.0  
pts
  $ 17.4       0.9  
pts
  $ 434.8       15.9  
pts
                                                       
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe and Asbestos and Environmental ("A&E") losses.
                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                     
 
Incurred losses and LAE increased by $91.9 million, or 14.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.  Of the $91.9 million increase, current year catastrophe losses increased $42.5 million, or 3.7 points, period over period, primarily due to losses from the U.S. Midwest tornadoes and the first quarter earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan. The current year attritional losses increased $30.4 million primarily due to an increase in earned premium for the quarter; as the current year attritional loss ratio remained relatively flat compared to the same period last year.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by $434.8 million, or 28.0%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.  Of the $434.8 million increase, current year catastrophe losses increased $352.6 million, or 15.7 points, period over period, primarily due to losses from the Japan and New Zealand earthquakes, Australia floods, and the U.S. Midwest tornadoes. The current year attritional loss ratio is 0.6 points lower than the first six months of 2010, but attritional losses increased $64.8 million due to a higher earned premium, year over year.


Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.   Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by $0.9 million, or 0.4%, for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, and by $24.7 million, or 5.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.  The increases were primarily the result of increases in premiums earned.

Other Underwriting Expenses.   Other underwriting expenses were $45.9 million and $41.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $90.9 million and $80.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The increases in other underwriting expenses were mainly due to expenses of Heartland, which was acquired in January, 2011.

Corporate Expenses.   Corporate expenses, which are expenses that are not allocated to segments, were comparable at $3.8 million and $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $7.7 million and $8.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.   Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $13.1 million and $13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $26.1 million and $29.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The decrease for the six month period was primarily due to the maturing of debt in March, 2010.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).   We had an income tax expense of $9.5 million and an income tax benefit of $16.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and an income tax expense of $3.7 million and $16.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  Our income tax is primarily a function of the statutory tax rates and corresponding pre-tax income in the jurisdictions where we operate, coupled with the impact from tax-preferenced investment income.  Variations in our effective tax rate generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income among jurisdictions with different tax rates.  The decrease in taxes year over year was primarily attributable to the previously mentioned catastrophe losses.

Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $131.3 million and our net loss was $184.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.  Our net income was $156.7 million and $134.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  The decreases were primarily driven by an increase in catastrophe losses in 2011 in addition to the other components discussed above.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio increased by 4.8 points to 98.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to 93.2% for the same period in 2010, and increased by 15.8 points to 124.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to 108.5% for the same period in 2010.  The loss ratio component increased 5.7 points and 15.9 points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, over the same periods last year, principally due to the increase in current year catastrophe losses as a result of the Japan earthquake, New Zealand earthquake, tornadoes, Slave Lake fire and the Australia floods.  The other underwriting expense ratio component increased slightly and the commission and brokerage ratio component decreased slightly over the same periods last year.

Shareholders’ Equity.
Shareholders’ equity decreased by $131.0 million to $6,152.6 million at June 30, 2011 from $6,283.5 million at December 31, 2010, principally as a result of $184.6 million of net loss, $52.1 million of shareholder dividends and repurchases of 428,038 common shares for $37.6 million, partially offset by $87.1 million of unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, $39.5 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments and share-based compensation transactions of $15.2 million.
 
Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income decreased by 4.3% to $158.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $165.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, mainly due to declining reinvestment rates and a decline in income from our limited partnership investments.  Net investment income increased by 3.1% to $337.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $327.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to an increase in income from our limited partnership investments and increased dividend income from equities due to our expanded public equity portfolio and emerging market debt mutual funds.  The increase for the six months ended was partially offset by a decline in income from our fixed maturities, reflective of reducing our municipal bond exposure and declining reinvestment rates.  Proceeds from reducing this portfolio were used to expand our public equity and emerging markets portfolios.

The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Fixed maturities
  $ 132.7     $ 149.0     $ 265.5     $ 294.2  
Equity securities
    13.2       2.9       25.0       5.4  
Short-term investments and cash
    0.4       (0.1 )     0.7       (0.4 )
Other invested assets
                               
Limited partnerships
    14.3       15.6       51.0       31.5  
Other
    4.1       0.3       4.7       0.7  
Total gross investment income
    164.7       167.7       346.9       331.4  
Interest debited (credited) and other expense
    (6.1 )     (2.0 )     (9.6 )     (4.2 )
Total net investment income
  $ 158.6     $ 165.7     $ 337.3     $ 327.2  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated.
 
 
At
 
At
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets
4.0%
 
3.9%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets
3.5%
 
3.5%
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
4.2%
 
4.6%
 
4.5%
 
4.5%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
3.6%
 
4.0%
 
3.9%
 
4.0%
 
Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital gains (losses) for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
 
Gains (losses) from sales:
                                   
Fixed maturity securities, market value
                                   
Gains
  $ 6.5     $ 7.5     $ (1.0 )   $ 23.7     $ 66.1     $ (42.4 )
Losses
    (12.1 )     (9.7 )     (2.4 )     (39.3 )     (15.3 )     (24.0 )
Total
    (5.6 )     (2.2 )     (3.4 )     (15.6 )     50.8       (66.4 )
                                                 
Fixed maturity securities, fair value
                                               
Gains
    0.6       0.2       0.4       0.8       0.3       0.5  
Losses
    -       -       -       (1.7 )     -       (1.7 )
Total
    0.6       0.2       0.4       (0.9 )     0.3       (1.2 )
                                                 
Equity securities, market value
                                               
Gains
    -       0.1       (0.1 )     0.2       0.1       0.1  
Losses
    -       -       -       (0.2 )     -       (0.2 )
Total
    -       0.1       (0.1 )     -       0.1       (0.1 )
                                                 
Equity securities, fair value
                                               
Gains
    0.7       1.2       (0.5 )     3.0       3.6       (0.6 )
Losses
    (0.9 )     (4.1 )     3.2       (1.3 )     (4.6 )     3.3  
Total
    (0.2 )     (2.9 )     2.7       1.7       (1.0 )     2.7  
                                                 
Total net realized capital gains (losses) from sales
                                               
Gains
    7.8       9.0       (1.2 )     27.7       70.1       (42.4 )
Losses
    (13.0 )     (13.8 )     0.8       (42.5 )     (19.9 )     (22.6 )
Total
    (5.2 )     (4.8 )     (0.4 )     (14.8 )     50.2       (65.0 )
                                                 
Other-than-temporary impairments:
    -       -       -       (14.8 )     -       (14.8 )
                                                 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:
                                               
Fixed maturities, fair value
    -       (2.5 )     2.5       (3.5 )     0.5       (4.0 )
Equity securities, fair value
    0.4       (34.3 )     34.7       40.4       (19.6 )     60.0  
Total
    0.4       (36.9 )     37.2       36.9       (19.1 )     56.0  
                                                 
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
  $ (4.8 )   $ (41.7 )   $ 36.9     $ 7.3     $ 31.0     $ (23.7 )
                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                 
 
Net realized capital losses were $4.8 million and $41.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  For the three months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded $5.2 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $0.4 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities.  The gains and losses on the sales of fixed maturity securities included the impact of selling part of our municipal bond portfolio as credit concerns arose in this market sector.  For the three months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded $36.9 million of losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and $4.8 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities.
 
Net realized capital gains were $7.3 million and $31.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded $36.9 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $14.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities and $14.8 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities.  The gains and losses on the sales of fixed maturity securities included the impact of selling part of our municipal bond portfolio as credit concerns arose in this market sector.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded $50.2 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $19.1 million of losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities.  The gains on the sales of fixed maturity securities were primarily the result of selling securities in foreign currencies, which reduced our exposure to currency fluctuations.

Segment Results.
Through our subsidiaries, we operate in five segments:  U.S. Reinsurance, Insurance, Specialty Underwriting, International and Bermuda.  The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the U.S.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S and Canada.  The Specialty Underwriting operation writes A&H, marine, aviation and surety business within the U.S. and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies.  The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey.  The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and the Company’s Ireland subsidiary.

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

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.  We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.  We utilize inter-affiliate reinsurance, although such reinsurance does not materially impact segment results, as business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced.

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

U.S. Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 230.3     $ 268.2     $ (38.0 )     -14.2 %   $ 484.2     $ 512.2     $ (28.1 )     -5.5 %
Net written premiums
    230.2       268.6       (38.4 )     -14.3 %     484.1       512.8       (28.7 )     -5.6 %
                                                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 259.7     $ 286.9     $ (27.2 )     -9.5 %   $ 523.8     $ 523.6     $ 0.2       0.0 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    200.7       146.2       54.5       37.3 %     447.0       300.0       147.0       49.0 %
Commission and brokerage
    65.4       71.2       (5.7 )     -8.1 %     135.0       128.4       6.6       5.1 %
Other underwriting expenses
    7.9       9.4       (1.5 )     -16.1 %     15.8       17.2       (1.4 )     -8.2 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ (14.3 )   $ 60.1     $ (74.5 )     -123.8 %   $ (73.9 )   $ 78.1     $ (151.9 )     -194.7 %
                                                                 
                           
Point Chg
                           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    77.3 %     51.0 %             26.3       85.3 %     57.3 %             28.0  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    25.2 %     24.8 %             0.4       25.8 %     24.5 %             1.3  
Other underwriting expense ratio
    3.0 %     3.2 %             (0.2 )     3.0 %     3.3 %             (0.3 )
Combined ratio
    105.5 %     79.0 %             26.5       114.1 %     85.1 %             29.0  
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               
 
Premiums.   Gross written premiums decreased by 14.2% to $230.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from $268.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to reduced premium volume for treaty casualty and crop reinsurance business due to the non-renewal of several contracts, partially offset by a $4.9 million increase in reinstatement premiums due to current quarter catastrophe loss activity.  Net written premiums decreased 14.3% to $230.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $268.6 million for the same period in 2010, which is in line with the decrease in gross written premiums for the quarter.  Premiums earned decreased 9.5% to $259.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $286.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  The change in premiums earned is relatively consistent with the decrease in net written premiums.  

Gross written premiums decreased by 5.5% to $484.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from $512.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to reduced premium volume for treaty casualty and crop reinsurance business due to the non-renewal of several contracts, partially offset by an $18.6 million increase in reinstatement premiums due to catastrophe loss activity.  Net written premiums decreased 5.6% to $484.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $512.8 million for the same period in 2010, which is in line with the decrease in gross written premiums for the year.  Premiums earned remained flat at $523.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $523.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.  
 
Incurred Losses and LAE.   The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 138.0       53.0 %     $ 1.3       0.5 %     $ 139.3       53.6 %  
Catastrophes
    51.8       20.0 %       9.6       3.7 %       61.4       23.7 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 189.8       73.0 %     $ 10.9       4.2 %     $ 200.7       77.3 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 148.0       51.6 %     $ 5.6       2.0 %     $ 153.6       53.5 %  
Catastrophes
    (5.0 )     -1.7 %       (2.4 )     -0.8 %       (7.4 )     -2.6 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 143.0       49.8 %     $ 3.2       1.1 %     $ 146.2       51.0 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (10.0 )     1.4  
pts
  $ (4.3 )     (1.5 )
pts
  $ (14.3 )     0.1  
pts
Catastrophes
    56.8       21.7  
pts
    12.0       4.5  
pts
    68.8       26.3  
pts
A&E
    -       -  
pts
    -       -  
pts
    -       -  
pts
Total segment
  $ 46.8       23.2  
pts
  $ 7.7       3.1  
pts
  $ 54.5       26.3  
pts
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 269.7       51.4 %     $ 1.0       0.2 %     $ 270.6       51.6 %  
Catastrophes
    165.8       31.7 %       10.5       2.0 %       176.4       33.7 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 435.5       83.1 %     $ 11.5       2.2 %     $ 447.0       85.3 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 270.7       51.7 %     $ 5.8       1.1 %     $ 276.5       52.8 %  
Catastrophes
    23.0       4.4 %       0.5       0.1 %       23.5       4.5 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 293.7       56.1 %     $ 6.3       1.2 %     $ 300.0       57.3 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (1.0 )     (0.3 )
pts
  $ (4.8 )     (0.9 )
pts
  $ (5.9 )     (1.2 )
pts
Catastrophes
    142.8       27.3  
pts
    10.0       1.9  
pts
    152.9       29.2  
pts
A&E
    -       -  
pts
    -       -  
pts
    -       -  
pts
Total segment
  $ 141.8       27.0  
pts
  $ 5.2       1.0  
pts
  $ 147.0       28.0  
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                             
 
Incurred losses were $54.5 million (26.3 points) higher at $200.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $146.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily as a result of the $56.8 million (21.7 points) increase in current year catastrophe losses, largely due to the U.S. Midwest tornadoes and the Australian floods and the $12.0 million (4.5 points) increase to prior year catastrophe losses, primarily due to development on the Chile earthquake, partially offset by the $10.0 million decrease in current year attritional losses, reflective of lower earned premium.

Incurred losses were $147.0 million (28.0 points) higher at $447.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $300.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily as a result of the $142.8 million (27.3 points) increase in current year catastrophe losses, largely due to the Japan and New Zealand earthquakes, U.S. Midwest tornadoes, and Australian floods, and the $10.0 million (1.9 points) increase in prior year catastrophe losses, largely due to the Chile earthquake. The current year attritional losses decreased $1.0 million (0.3 points), due, in part, to higher reinstatement premiums in the current year, which are booked without an additional loss provision.


Segment Expenses.   Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 8.1% to $65.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $71.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 5.1% to $135.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $128.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  These variances were due to the changes in premiums earned and the mix of business with varying commission rates.

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $7.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $9.4 million for the same period in 2010.  Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $15.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $17.2 million for the same period in 2010.  These variances were due to reduced operating costs for the segment.

Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 226.1     $ 204.9     $ 21.2       10.3 %   $ 480.6     $ 433.2     $ 47.4       10.9 %
Net written premiums
    196.9       141.5       55.4       39.1 %     411.2       318.5       92.7       29.1 %
                                                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 195.6     $ 155.3     $ 40.3       26.0 %   $ 392.3     $ 317.1     $ 75.1       23.7 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    141.3       118.6       22.7       19.2 %     289.3       230.7       58.6       25.4 %
Commission and brokerage
    30.3       29.3       1.0       3.4 %     62.7       61.1       1.6       2.6 %
Other underwriting expenses
    22.4       16.3       6.1       37.6 %     44.3       32.9       11.4       34.7 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 1.7     $ (8.8 )   $ 10.5       -118.7 %   $ (3.9 )   $ (7.4 )   $ 3.5       -47.0 %
                                                                 
                           
Point Chg
                           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    72.2 %     76.3 %             (4.1 )     73.7 %     72.7 %             1.0  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    15.5 %     18.8 %             (3.3 )     16.0 %     19.3 %             (3.3 )
Other underwriting expense ratio
    11.5 %     10.6 %             0.9       11.3 %     10.3 %             1.0  
Combined ratio
    99.2 %     105.7 %             (6.5 )     101.0 %     102.3 %             (1.3 )
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                           
 
Premiums.   Gross written premiums increased by 10.3% to $226.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $204.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. This was due to strategic portfolio changes with growth in short-tail business, primarily driven by the acquisition of Heartland, which provided $38.7 million of new crop insurance premium in the current quarter, partially offset by the planned reduction of a large casualty program.  Net written premiums increased 39.1% to $196.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $141.5 million for the same period in 2010 due to higher gross premiums and reduced levels of ceded reinsurance primarily related to the reduced casualty program. Premiums earned increased 26.0% to $195.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $155.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  The change in premiums earned is relatively consistent with the increase in net written premium.

Gross written premiums increased by 10.9% to $480.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $433.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. This was due to strategic portfolio changes with growth in short-tail business, primarily driven by the acquisition of Heartland, which provided $77.4 million of new crop insurance premium in 2011, partially offset by the reduction of a large casualty program.  Net written premiums increased 29.1% to $411.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $318.5 million for the same period in 2010 due to higher gross premiums and reduced levels of ceded reinsurance. Premiums earned increased 23.7% to $392.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $317.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The change in premiums earned is relatively consistent with the increase in net written premium.
 
Incurred Losses and LAE.   The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 141.0       72.0 %     $ -       0.0 %     $ 141.0       72.0 %  
Catastrophes
    -       0.0 %       0.3       0.2 %       0.3       0.2 %  
Total segment
  $ 141.0       72.0 %     $ 0.3       0.2 %     $ 141.3       72.2 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 113.1       72.8 %     $ 5.5       3.5 %     $ 118.6       76.3 %  
Catastrophes
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 113.1       72.8 %     $ 5.5       3.5 %     $ 118.6       76.3 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 27.9       (0.8 )
pts
  $ (5.5 )     (3.5 )
pts
  $ 22.4       (4.3 )
pts
Catastrophes
    -       -  
pts
    0.3       0.2  
pts
    0.3       0.2  
pts
Total segment
  $ 27.9       (0.8 )
pts
  $ (5.2 )     (3.3 )
pts
  $ 22.7       (4.1 )
pts

 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 288.9       73.6 %     $ -       0.0 %     $ 288.9       73.6 %  
Catastrophes
    -       0.0 %       0.3       0.1 %       0.3       0.1 %  
Total segment
  $ 288.9       73.6 %     $ 0.3       0.1 %     $ 289.3       73.7 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 228.4       72.0 %     $ 2.2       0.7 %     $ 230.7       72.7 %  
Catastrophes
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 228.4       72.0 %     $ 2.2       0.7 %     $ 230.7       72.7 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 60.5       1.6  
pts
  $ (2.2 )     (0.7 )
pts
  $ 58.2       0.9  
pts
Catastrophes
    -       -  
pts
    0.3       0.1  
pts
    0.3       0.1  
pts
Total segment
  $ 60.5       1.6  
pts
  $ (1.9 )     (0.6 )
pts
  $ 58.6       1.0  
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                             
 
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 19.2% to $141.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $118.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The increase was primarily due to higher net premiums earned, partially offset by lower prior year attritional loss development and a decrease of 0.8 points in the current year attritional loss ratio, year over year.  The lower current year attritional loss ratio was due to a change in the mix of business with growth in short-tail/package business that has a lower loss ratio.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 25.4% to $289.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $230.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase was due to higher net premiums earned and an increase of 1.6 points in the current year attritional loss ratio, due to higher expected loss ratios on several casualty programs, reflective of current market conditions, partially offset by growth in short-tail/package business with a lower loss ratio.

Segment Expenses.   Commission and brokerage increased by 3.4% to $30.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $29.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Commission and brokerage increased by 2.6% to $62.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $61.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  These increases were primarily the result of an increase in net premiums earned offset by reduced commission ratios due to changes in the mix of business.
 
Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $22.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $16.3 million for the same period in 2010.   Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $44.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $32.9 million for the same period in 2010.  These increases were primarily due to the expenses of the newly acquired Heartland.

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


   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 66.4     $ 65.9     $ 0.5       0.8 %   $ 135.5     $ 131.7     $ 3.8       2.9 %
Net written premiums
    65.6       64.5       1.1       1.8 %     134.2       129.6       4.6       3.6 %
                                                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 64.3     $ 68.8     $ (4.5 )     -6.5 %   $ 136.2     $ 136.2     $ -       0.0 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    46.4       62.4       (16.1 )     -25.7 %     93.3       108.2       (14.9 )     -13.8 %
Commission and brokerage
    14.6       16.8       (2.2 )     -12.9 %     30.2       33.6       (3.4 )     -10.2 %
Other underwriting expenses
    2.0       2.4       (0.4 )     -16.9 %     4.0       4.4       (0.4 )     -8.1 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 1.3     $ (12.8 )   $ 14.1       -110.2 %   $ 8.8     $ (9.9 )   $ 18.7       -188.8 %
                                                                 
                           
Point Chg
                           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    72.1 %     90.7 %             (18.6 )     68.5 %     79.4 %             (10.9 )
Commission and brokerage ratio
    22.8 %     24.4 %             (1.6 )     22.1 %     24.7 %             (2.6 )
Other underwriting expense ratio
    3.1 %     3.5 %             (0.4 )     3.0 %     3.2 %             (0.2 )
Combined ratio
    98.0 %     118.6 %             (20.6 )     93.6 %     107.3 %             (13.7 )
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                         
 
Premiums.   Gross written premiums increased by 0.8% to $66.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $65.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to an increase in A&H primary business for medical stop loss insurance offset by reductions in A&H reinsurance, Marine, and Surety writings.  Correspondingly, net written premiums increased 1.8% to $65.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $64.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Premiums earned decreased 6.5% to $64.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $68.8 million for the same period in 2010.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 2.9% to $135.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $131.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to an increase in A&H primary business for medical stop loss insurance offset by a reduction in A&H reinsurance and Marine business.  Correspondingly, net written premiums increased 3.6% to $134.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $129.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  Premiums earned remained flat at $136.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
 
Incurred Losses and LAE.   The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the Specialty Underwriting segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 44.5       69.1 %     $ 0.1       0.1 %     $ 44.6       69.3 %  
Catastrophes
    2.5       3.9 %       (0.7 )     -1.0 %       1.8       2.8 %  
Total segment
  $ 47.0       73.0 %     $ (0.6 )     -0.9 %     $ 46.4       72.1 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 60.0       87.1 %     $ -       0.0 %     $ 60.0       87.1 %  
Catastrophes
    -       0.0 %       2.5       3.6 %       2.5       3.6 %  
Total segment
  $ 60.0       87.1 %     $ 2.5       3.6 %     $ 62.4       90.7 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (15.5 )     (18.0 )
pts
  $ 0.1       0.1  
pts
  $ (15.4 )     (17.8 )
pts
Catastrophes
    2.5       3.9  
pts
    (3.2 )     (4.6 )
pts
    (0.7 )     (0.8 )
pts
Total segment
  $ (13.0 )     (14.1 )
pts
  $ (3.1 )     (4.5 )
pts
  $ (16.1 )     (18.6 )
pts
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 91.3       67.0 %     $ 0.1       0.1 %     $ 91.4       67.1 %  
Catastrophes
    2.5       1.8 %       (0.6 )     -0.4 %       1.9       1.4 %  
Total segment
  $ 93.8       68.8 %     $ (0.5 )     -0.3 %     $ 93.3       68.5 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 104.1       76.4 %     $ -       0.0 %     $ 104.1       76.4 %  
Catastrophes
    -       0.0 %       4.1       3.0 %       4.1       3.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 104.1       76.4 %     $ 4.0       3.0 %     $ 108.2       79.4 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (12.8 )     (9.4 )
pts
  $ 0.1       0.1  
pts
  $ (12.7 )     (9.3 )
pts
Catastrophes
    2.5       1.8  
pts
    (4.7 )     (3.4 )
pts
    (2.2 )     (1.6 )
pts
Total segment
  $ (10.3 )     (7.6 )
pts
  $ (4.6 )     (3.3 )
pts
  $ (14.9 )     (10.9 )
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                             
 
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 25.7% to $46.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $62.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, due primarily to the Deep Water Horizon rig loss included in the 2010 attritional losses, representing 16.7 points in the segment, as well as changes in the mix of business.

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 13.8% to $93.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $108.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, due primarily to the Deep Water Horizon rig losses included in the 2010 attritional losses and changes in the mix of business.

Segment Expenses.   Commission and brokerage decreased 12.9% to $14.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $16.8 million for the same period in 2010.  Commission and brokerage decreased 10.2% to $30.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $33.6 million for the same period in 2010.  This decrease was primarily due to changes in the mix of business, with a higher level of primary A&H business, which carries a lower commission ratio.

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2010.  Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2010.
 
International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 288.7     $ 307.0     $ (18.2 )     -5.9 %   $ 597.6     $ 582.3     $ 15.2       2.6 %
Net written premiums
    286.0       307.0       (20.9 )     -6.8 %     590.5       582.3       8.3       1.4 %
                                                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 317.2     $ 292.0     $ 25.2       8.6 %   $ 633.5     $ 568.6     $ 64.9       11.4 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    221.6       224.1       (2.5 )     -1.1 %     826.3       651.7       174.6       26.8 %
Commission and brokerage
    73.8       77.8       (4.1 )     -5.2 %     152.2       142.8       9.4       6.6 %
Other underwriting expenses
    7.0       7.3       (0.4 )     -4.9 %     13.4       13.7       (0.3 )     -2.2 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 14.8     $ (17.3 )   $ 32.1       -185.5 %   $ (358.5 )   $ (239.6 )   $ (118.8 )     49.6 %
                                                                 
                           
Point Chg
                           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    69.9 %     76.8 %             (6.9 )     130.4 %     114.6 %             15.8  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    23.3 %     26.7 %             (3.4 )     24.0 %     25.1 %             (1.1 )
Other underwriting expense ratio
    2.1 %     2.4 %             (0.3 )     2.2 %     2.4 %             (0.2 )
Combined ratio
    95.3 %     105.9 %             (10.6 )     156.6 %     142.1 %             14.5  
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               
 
Premiums.   Gross written premiums decreased by 5.9% to $288.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $307.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, due to a decrease in premiums written through Asia, $16.6 million; and Canada, $10.7 million; partially offset by a $9.0 million net increase in business written in the Latin America, South America, Middle East, and Africa regions. Non-renewed business in certain catastrophe exposed territories that have not responded to the recent elevation in catastrophe loss activity resulted in the overall decline in writings, partially offset by generally higher rate levels on retained business and favorable foreign exchange impact of $14.2 million.  Net written premiums decreased by 6.8% to $286.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $307.0 million for the same period in 2010, principally as a result of the decrease in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased 8.6% to $317.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $292.0 million for the same period in 2010.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 2.6% to $597.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $582.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, due to a net increase of $22.8 million in premiums written in the Latin America, Middle East, and Africa regions and favorable foreign exchange impact of $22.1 million, partially offset by lower premium in Asia ($5.6 million) and Canada ($2.1 million).  Growth from increased rate levels, particularly in regions recently affected by catastrophe losses was partially offset by non-renewed business which did not meet our current pricing targets.  Net written premiums increased by 1.4% to $590.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $582.3 million for the same period in 2010, principally as a result of the increase in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased 11.4% to $633.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $568.6 million for the same period in 2010.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
 
Incurred Losses and LAE.   The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 168.8       53.3 %     $ (5.0 )     -1.6 %     $ 163.8       51.7 %  
Catastrophes
    64.2       20.2 %       (6.3 )     -2.0 %       57.8       18.2 %  
Total segment
  $ 233.0       73.5 %     $ (11.3 )     -3.6 %     $ 221.6       69.9 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 153.5       52.6 %     $ (5.8 )     -2.0 %     $ 147.7       50.6 %  
Catastrophes
    86.9       29.8 %       (10.5 )     -3.6 %       76.4       26.2 %  
Total segment
  $ 240.4       82.3 %     $ (16.2 )     -5.6 %     $ 224.1       76.8 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 15.3       0.7  
pts
  $ 0.8       0.4  
pts
  $ 16.1       1.1  
pts
Catastrophes
    (22.7 )     (9.6 )
pts
    4.2       1.6  
pts
    (18.6 )     (8.0 )
pts
Total segment
  $ (7.4 )     (8.8 )
pts
  $ 4.9       2.0  
pts
  $ (2.5 )     (6.9 )
pts
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 334.0       52.8 %     $ (10.0 )     -1.6 %     $ 324.0       51.2 %  
Catastrophes
    505.2       79.7 %       (2.9 )     -0.5 %       502.3       79.2 %  
Total segment
  $ 839.2       132.5 %     $ (12.9 )     -2.1 %     $ 826.3       130.4 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 315.5       55.5 %     $ (6.0 )     -1.1 %     $ 309.5       54.4 %  
Catastrophes
    353.9       62.2 %       (11.6 )     -2.0 %       342.3       60.2 %  
Total segment
  $ 669.4       117.7 %     $ (17.6 )     -3.1 %     $ 651.7       114.6 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 18.5       (2.7 )
pts
  $ (4.0 )     (0.5 )
pts
  $ 14.5       (3.2 )
pts
Catastrophes
    151.3       17.5  
pts
    8.7       1.5  
pts
    160.0       19.0  
pts
Total segment
  $ 169.8       14.8  
pts
  $ 4.7       1.0  
pts
  $ 174.6       15.8  
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                 

Incurred losses and LAE decreased 1.1% to $221.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $224.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  The decrease was principally due to a $22.7 million (9.6 points) decrease in current year catastrophes (Japan and New Zealand earthquakes, and the wildfire loss in Alberta, Canada) in 2011, compared to the catastrophe losses reported in the second quarter of 2010 (Chile earthquake).  The current year attritional losses increased to $168.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from $153.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to the increase in premiums earned.

Incurred losses and LAE increased 26.8% to $826.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $651.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The increase was principally due to a $151.3 million (17.5 points) increase in current year catastrophes in 2011 related to the Japan and New Zealand earthquakes, the Australia floods, and the wildfire loss in Alberta, Canada, compared to the 2010 reported catastrophe losses (Chile earthquake and Australia hailstorms).  The current year attritional loss ratio was down to 52.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from 55.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to a shift in the mix of business with a lower level of quota share business, which generally carries a higher loss ratio.
 
Segment Expenses.   Commission and brokerage decreased 5.2% to $73.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $77.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Commission and brokerage increased 6.6% to $152.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $142.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  These variances were due to changes in commission rates, premiums earned and the mix of business.

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $7.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $7.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $13.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $13.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Bermuda.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Bermuda segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 176.4     $ 167.5     $ 8.9       5.3 %   $ 354.9     $ 375.0     $ (20.2 )     -5.4 %
Net written premiums
    176.4       167.5       8.9       5.3 %     355.0       375.0       (20.1 )     -5.4 %
                                                                 
Premiums earned
  $ 203.1     $ 186.9     $ 16.1       8.6 %   $ 365.5     $ 371.6     $ (6.1 )     -1.7 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    125.8       92.6       33.2       35.9 %     329.7       260.3       69.5       26.7 %
Commission and brokerage
    53.2       41.4       11.8       28.6 %     93.8       83.3       10.5       12.6 %
Other underwriting expenses
    6.7       6.4       0.3       4.7 %     13.4       12.6       0.8       6.4 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 17.3     $ 46.6     $ (29.2 )     -62.8 %   $ (71.5 )   $ 15.4     $ (86.9 )  
NM 
                                                                 
                           
Point Chg
                           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    62.0 %     49.5 %             12.5       90.2 %     70.0 %             20.2  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    26.2 %     22.1 %             4.1       25.7 %     22.4 %             3.3  
Other underwriting expense ratio
    3.3 %     3.5 %             (0.2 )     3.7 %     3.4 %             0.3  
Combined ratio
    91.5 %     75.1 %             16.4       119.6 %     95.8 %             23.8  
                                                                 
(NM, not meaningful)
                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                 
 
Premiums.   Gross written premiums increased 5.3% to $176.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $167.5 million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to favorable foreign exchange impact of $9.0 million.  Net written premiums increased 5.3% to $176.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $167.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, in line with the increase in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased 8.6% to $203.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $186.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, consistent with the trend noted for net written premiums.

Gross written premiums decreased 5.4% to $354.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $375.0 million for the same period in 2010, primarily due to reduced participations and non-renewal of U.K. property and property catastrophe business, where rate increases were not achieved, partially offset by higher reinstatement premiums for catastrophe excess of loss business and favorable foreign exchange impact of $10.2 million .   Net written premiums decreased 5.4% to $355.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $375.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, in line with the decrease in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned decreased 1.7% to $365.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $371.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, consistent with the trend noted for net written premiums.
Incurred Losses and LAE.   The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the Bermuda segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 122.1       60.2 %     $ 1.3       0.6 %     $ 123.4       60.8 %  
Catastrophes
    4.5       2.2 %       (2.9 )     -1.4 %       1.6       0.8 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       0.8       0.4 %       0.8       0.4 %  
Total segment
  $ 126.6       62.4 %     $ (0.8 )     -0.4 %     $ 125.8       62.0 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 109.6       58.6 %     $ (15.2 )     -8.1 %     $ 94.4       50.5 %  
Catastrophes
    (1.4 )     -0.8 %       (0.4 )     -0.2 %       (1.8 )     -1.0 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 108.2       57.9 %     $ (15.6 )     -8.3 %     $ 92.6       49.5 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 12.5       1.6  
pts
  $ 16.5       8.7  
pts
  $ 29.0       10.3  
pts
Catastrophes
    5.9       3.0  
pts
    (2.5 )     (1.2 )
pts
    3.4       1.8  
pts
A&E
    -       -  
pts
    0.8       0.4  
pts
    0.8       0.4  
pts
Total segment
  $ 18.4       4.5  
pts
  $ 14.8       7.9  
pts
  $ 33.2       12.5  
pts
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2011
                                         
Attritional
  $ 216.6       59.3 %     $ 5.2       1.4 %     $ 221.8       60.7 %  
Catastrophes
    114.5       31.3 %       (7.4 )     -2.0 %       107.1       29.3 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       0.8       0.2 %       0.8       0.2 %  
Total segment
  $ 331.1       90.6 %     $ (1.4 )     -0.4 %     $ 329.7       90.2 %  
                                                       
2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 216.9       58.4 %     $ (11.0 )     -3.0 %     $ 205.9       55.4 %  
Catastrophes
    58.6       15.8 %       (4.2 )     -1.1 %       54.4       14.6 %  
A&E
    -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %       -       0.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 275.5       74.1 %     $ (15.2 )     -4.1 %     $ 260.3       70.0 %  
                                                       
Variance 2011/2010
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (0.3 )     0.9  
pts
  $ 16.2       4.4  
pts
  $ 15.9       5.3  
pts
Catastrophes
    55.9       15.5  
pts
    (3.2 )     (0.9 )
pts
    52.7       14.7  
pts
A&E
    -       -  
pts
    0.8       0.2  
pts
    0.8       0.2  
pts
Total segment
  $ 55.6       16.5  
pts
  $ 13.8       3.7  
pts
  $ 69.4       20.2  
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               
 
Incurred losses and LAE increased 35.9% to $125.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $92.6 million for the same period in 2010, representing a 12.5 point increase to the loss ratio, quarter over quarter.  The increase was primarily attributable to a swing in prior year development of attritional losses of $16.5 million (8.7 points); 2010 reflected favorable development of $15.2 million compared to modest development in the current year quarter and an increase in current year attritional losses due primarily to the increase in premiums earned.

Incurred losses and LAE increased 26.7% to $329.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $260.3 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase was principally due to a $55.9 million (15.5 points) increase in current year catastrophe losses, primarily for the Japan and New Zealand earthquakes and Australia floods.
 
Segment Expenses.   Commission and brokerage increased 28.6% to $53.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $41.4 million for the same period in 2010.  Commission and brokerage increased 12.6% to $93.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $83.3 million for the same period in 2010.  These variances were due to an increase in commission on a large Bermuda transaction, higher 2010 reinstatement premiums in London, which have no commission expense, and changes in the mix of business.

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $6.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $6.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $13.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $12.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  These increases were primarily the result of expanded operations in Ireland.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Cash and Invested Assets.   Aggregate invested assets, including cash and short-term investments, were $15,836.6 million at June 30, 2011, an increase of $471.6 million compared to $15,365.0 million at December 31, 2010.  This increase was primarily the result of $338.7 million of cash flows from operations, $109.5 million due to fluctuations in foreign currencies, $100.0 million of unrealized appreciation, $49.7 million in equity adjustments of our limited partnership investments, $47.2 million of unsettled securities and $36.9 million in fair value re-measurements, partially offset by $63.1 million due to the cost of businesses acquired, $52.1 million paid out in dividends to shareholders, $37.6 million paid for share repurchases and $10.0 million paid out in revolving credit.

Our principal investment objectives are to ensure funds are available to meet our insurance and reinsurance obligations and to maximize after-tax investment income while maintaining a high quality diversified investment portfolio.  Considering these objectives, we view our investment portfolio as having two components: 1) the investments needed to satisfy outstanding liabilities (our core fixed maturities portfolio) and 2) investments funded by our shareholders’ equity.

For the portion needed to satisfy global outstanding liabilities, we generally invest in taxable and tax-preferenced fixed income securities with an average credit quality of Aa3.  For the U.S. portion of this portfolio, our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected U.S. operating results, market conditions and our tax position.  This global fixed maturity securities portfolio is externally managed by an independent, professional investment manager using portfolio guidelines approved by us.

Over the past few years and particularly in 2010 and 2011, we have expanded the allocation of our investments funded by shareholders’ equity to include:  1) a greater percentage of publicly traded equity securities, 2) emerging market fixed maturities through mutual fund structures, 3) high yield fixed maturities, 4) bank loan securities and 5) private equity limited partnership investments.  The objective of this portfolio diversification is to enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio by allocating a prudent portion of the portfolio to higher return asset classes, which are also less subject to changes in value with movements in interest rates.  We limit our allocation to these asset classes because of 1) the potential for volatility in their values and 2) the impact of these investments on regulatory and rating agency capital adequacy models.  We use investment managers experienced in these markets and adjust our allocation to these investments based upon market conditions.  At June 30, 2011, the market value of investments in these investment market sectors, carried at both market and fair value, approximated 48% of shareholders’ equity.

The Company’s limited partnership investments are comprised of limited partnerships that invest in private equities.  Generally, the limited partnerships are reported on a quarter lag.  All of the limited partnerships are required to report using fair value accounting in accordance with FASB guidance.  We receive annual audited financial statements for all of the limited partnerships.  For the quarterly reports, the Company’s staff performs reviews of the financial reports for any unusual changes in carrying value.  If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value during the lag reporting period, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.


The tables below summarize the composition and characteristics of our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated.
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
At June 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
Fixed maturities, market value
  $ 12,456.8       78.7 %   $ 12,450.5       81.0 %
Fixed maturities, fair value
    128.3       0.8 %     180.5       1.2 %
Equity securities, market value
    461.5       2.9 %     363.7       2.4 %
Equity securities, fair value
    1,012.2       6.4 %     721.4       4.7 %
Short-term investments
    784.7       4.9 %     785.3       5.1 %
Other invested assets
    581.6       3.7 %     605.2       3.9 %
Cash
    411.5       2.6 %     258.4       1.7 %
Total investments and cash
  $ 15,836.6       100.0 %   $ 15,365.0       100.0 %
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
 
At
 
At
 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Fixed income portfolio duration (years)
3.5
 
3.8
Fixed income composite credit quality
Aa3
 
Aa2
Imbedded end of period yield, pre-tax
4.0%
 
3.9%
Imbedded end of period yield, after-tax
3.5%
 
3.5%
 
The following table provides a comparison of our total return by asset class relative to broadly accepted industry benchmarks for the periods indicated.
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Fixed income portfolio total return
2.4%
 
5.3%
Barclay's Capital - U.S. aggregate index
2.7%
 
6.5%
       
Common equity portfolio total return
5.3%
 
15.4%
S&P 500 index
6.0%
 
15.1%
       
Other invested asset portfolio total return
11.9%
 
18.7%


Reinsurance Receivables.   Reinsurance receivables for both paid and recoverable on unpaid losses totaled $694.0 million at June 30, 2011 and $684.7 million at December 31, 2010.  At June 30, 2011, $206.8 million, or 29.8%, was receivable from C.V. Starr (Bermuda); $100.0 million, or 14.4%, was receivable from Continental Insurance Company; $95.0 million, or 13.7%, was receivable from Transatlantic Reinsurance Company; $48.2 million, or 6.9%, was receivable from Munich Reinsurance Company and $43.0 million, or 6.2%, was receivable from Berkley Insurance Company.  The receivable from C.V. Starr (Bermuda) is fully collateralized by a trust agreement.  The receivable from Continental Insurance Company is collateralized by a funds held arrangement under which we have retained the premiums earned by the retrocessionaire to secure obligations of the retrocessionaire, recorded them as a liability, credited interest on the balances at a stated contractual rate and reduced the liability account as payments became due.  No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our receivables.
Loss and LAE Reserves.   Gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $10,145.7 million at June 30, 2011 and $9,340.2 million at December 31, 2010.

The following tables summarize gross outstanding loss and LAE reserves by segment, classified by case reserves and IBNR reserves, for the periods indicated.
 
   
At June 30, 2011
 
   
Case
   
IBNR
   
Total
   
% of
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Reserves
   
Reserves
   
Reserves
   
Total
 
U.S. Reinsurance
  $ 1,199.5     $ 1,801.5     $ 3,001.1       29.6 %
Insurance
    868.7       1,211.5       2,080.3       20.5 %
Specialty Underwriting
    240.3       196.3       436.6       4.3 %
International
    1,301.7       887.6       2,189.3       21.6 %
Bermuda
    829.0       1,082.8       1,911.7       18.8 %
Total excluding A&E
    4,439.2       5,179.7       9,618.9       94.8 %
A&E
    284.8       241.9       526.7       5.2 %
Total including A&E
  $ 4,724.1     $ 5,421.6     $ 10,145.7       100.0 %
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
   
At December 31, 2010
 
   
Case
   
IBNR
   
Total
   
% of
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Reserves
   
Reserves
   
Reserves
   
Total
 
U.S. Reinsurance
  $ 1,293.3     $ 1,672.7     $ 2,966.0       31.8 %
Insurance
    859.6       1,142.0       2,001.6       21.4 %
Specialty Underwriting
    237.1       193.8       430.9       4.6 %
International
    945.8       711.6       1,657.4       17.7 %
Bermuda
    788.2       941.3       1,729.5       18.5 %
Total excluding A&E
    4,123.9       4,661.5       8,785.4       94.1 %
A&E
    290.4       264.4       554.8       5.9 %
Total including A&E
  $ 4,414.4     $ 4,925.8     $ 9,340.2       100.0 %
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
Changes in premiums earned and business mix, reserve re-estimations, catastrophe losses and changes in catastrophe loss reserves and claim settlement activity all impact loss and LAE reserves by segment and in total.

Our loss and LAE reserves represent our best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims.  We continuously re-evaluate our reserves, including re-estimates of prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, newly reported loss and claim experience.  Changes in reserves resulting from such re-evaluations are reflected in incurred losses in the period when the re-evaluation is made.  Our analytical methods and processes operate at multiple levels including individual contracts, groupings of like contracts, classes and lines of business, internal business units, segments, legal entities, and in the aggregate.  In order to set appropriate reserves, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses and judgments at these various levels.  Additionally, the attribution of reserves, changes in reserves and incurred losses among accident years requires qualitative and quantitative adjustments and allocations at these various levels.  We utilize actuarial science, business expertise and management judgment in a manner intended to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our reserving practices.  Nevertheless, our reserves are estimates, which are subject to variation, which may be significant.

There can be no assurance that reserves for, and losses from, claim obligations will not increase in the future, possibly by a material amount.  However, we believe that our existing reserves and reserving methodologies lessen the probability that any such increase would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  In this context, we note that over the past 10 years, our calendar year operations have been affected by effects from prior period reserve re-estimates, ranging from a favorable $30.9 million in 2010, representing 0.4% of the net prior period reserves for the year in which the adjustment was made, to an unfavorable $249.4 million in 2004, representing 3.7% of the net prior period reserves for the year in which the adjustment was made.


Asbestos and Environmental Exposures.   A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy.  The following table summarizes incurred losses and outstanding loss reserves with respect to A&E reserves on both a gross and net of retrocessions basis for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Gross Basis:
                       
Beginning of period reserves
  $ 535.8     $ 625.2     $ 554.8     $ 638.7  
Incurred losses
    0.8       -       0.8       -  
Paid losses
    (9.8 )     (11.1 )     (28.8 )     (24.5 )
End of period reserves
  $ 526.7     $ 614.1     $ 526.7     $ 614.1  
                                 
Net Basis:
                               
Beginning of period reserves
  $ 514.7     $ 600.2     $ 532.9     $ 613.1  
Incurred losses
    0.8       -       0.8       -  
Paid losses
    (9.5 )     (10.7 )     (27.8 )     (23.6 )
End of period reserves
  $ 505.9     $ 589.5     $ 505.9     $ 589.5  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
At June 30, 2011, the gross reserves for A&E losses were comprised of $139.2 million representing case reserves reported by ceding companies, $108.7 million representing additional case reserves established by us on assumed reinsurance claims, $36.9 million representing case reserves established by us on direct excess insurance claims, including Mt. McKinley, and $241.9 million representing IBNR reserves.

With respect to asbestos only, at June 30, 2011, we had gross asbestos loss reserves of $505.1 million, or 95.9%, of total A&E reserves, of which $403.1 million was for assumed business and $102.0 million was for direct business.

Industry analysts use the “survival ratio” to compare the A&E reserves among companies with such liabilities.  The survival ratio is typically calculated by dividing a company’s current net reserves by the three year average of annual paid losses.  Hence, the survival ratio equals the number of years that it would take to exhaust the current reserves if future loss payments were to continue at historical levels.  Using this measurement, our net three year asbestos survival ratio was 5.1 years at June 30, 2011.  These metrics can be skewed by individual large settlements occurring in the prior three years and therefore, may not be indicative of the timing of future payments.

Because the survival ratio was developed as a comparative measure of reserve strength and does not indicate absolute reserve adequacy, we consider, but do not rely on, the survival ratio when evaluating our reserves.  In particular, we note that year to year loss payment variability can be material.  This is due, in part, to our orientation to negotiated settlements, particularly on our Mt. McKinley exposures, which significantly reduces the credibility and utility of this measure as an analytical tool.  In the second quarter of 2011, we made asbestos net claim payments of $0.8 million to Mt McKinley high profile claimants where the claim was either closed or a settlement had been reached.  Such payments, which are non-repetitive, distort downward our three year survival ratio.  Adjusting for such settlements, recognizing that total settlements are generally considered fully reserved to an agreed settlement, we consider that our adjusted asbestos survival ratio for net unsettled claims is 9.0 years, which is better than prevailing industry norms.

Shareholders’ Equity.   Our shareholders’ equity decreased to $6,152.6 million as of June 30, 2011 from $6,283.5 million as of December 31, 2010.  This decrease was the result of $184.6 million in net loss, $52.1 million of shareholder dividends and repurchases of 428,038 common shares for $37.6 million, partially offset by unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, of $87.1 million, $39.5 million of foreign currency translation adjustments, share-based compensation transactions of $15.2 million and $1.5 million of benefit plan obligation adjustments.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital.   Our business operations are in part dependent on our financial strength and financial strength ratings, and the market’s perception of our financial strength, as measured by shareholders’ equity, which was $6,152.6 million at June 30, 2011 and $6,283.5 million at December 31, 2010.  On March 13, 2009, Everest Re and Everest National, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company, received notification of a one level ratings downgrade by Standard & Poor’s.  On April 7, 2010, Standard & Poor’s upgraded the Company’s debt ratings one level.  We continue to possess significant financial flexibility and access to the debt and equity markets as a result of our perceived financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings as assigned by independent rating agencies.

From time to time, we have used open market share repurchases to adjust our capital position and enhance long term expected returns to our shareholders.  On July 21, 2008, our existing authorization to purchase up to 5 million of our shares was amended to authorize the purchase of up to 10 million shares.  On February 24, 2010, our existing authorization to purchase up to 10 million of our shares was amended to authorize the purchase of up to 15 million shares.  As of June 30, 2011, we had repurchased 12.0 million shares under this authorization.

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

Liquidity.   Our principal investment objectives are to ensure funds are available to meet our insurance and reinsurance obligations and to maximize after-tax investment income while maintaining a high quality diversified investment portfolio.  Considering these objectives, we view our investment portfolio as having two components: 1) the investments needed to satisfy outstanding liabilities (our core fixed maturities portfolio) and 2) investments funded by our shareholders’ equity.

For the portion needed to satisfy global outstanding liabilities, we generally invest in taxable and tax-preferenced fixed income securities with an average credit quality of Aa3.  For the U.S. portion of this portfolio, our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected U.S. operating results, market conditions and our tax position.  This global fixed maturity securities portfolio is externally managed by an independent, professional investment manager using portfolio guidelines approved by us.

Over the past few years and particularly in 2010 and 2011, we have expanded the allocation of our investments funded by shareholders’ equity to include:  1) a greater percentage of publicly traded equity securities, 2) emerging market fixed maturities through mutual fund structures, 3) high yield fixed maturities, 4) bank loan securities and 5) private equity limited partnership investments.  The objective of this portfolio diversification is to enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio by allocating a prudent portion of the portfolio to higher return asset classes, which are also less subject to changes in value with movements in interest rates.  We limit our allocation to these asset classes because of 1) the potential for volatility in their values and 2) the impact of these investments on regulatory and rating agency capital adequacy models.  We use investment managers experienced in these markets and adjust our allocation to these investments based upon market conditions.  At June 30, 2011, the market value of investments in these investment market sectors, carried at both market and fair value, approximated 48% of shareholders’ equity.

Our liquidity requirements are generally met from positive cash flow from operations.  Positive cash flow results from reinsurance and insurance premiums being collected prior to disbursements for claims, which disbursements generally take place over an extended period after the collection of premiums, sometimes a period of many years.  Collected premiums are generally invested, prior to their use in such disbursements, and investment income provides additional funding for loss payments.  Our net cash flows from operating activities were $338.7 million and $492.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Additionally, these cash flows reflected net tax refunds of $12.5 million and $35.8 million for
 
 
the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively; net catastrophe loss payments of $186.7 million and $143.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively; and net A&E payments of $27.8 million and $23.6 million for six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
If disbursements for claims and benefits, policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses were to exceed premium inflows, cash flow from reinsurance and insurance operations would be negative.  The effect on cash flow from insurance operations would be partially offset by cash flow from investment income.  Additionally, cash inflows from investment maturities and dispositions, both short-term investments and longer term maturities are available to supplement other operating cash flows.

As the timing of payments for claims and benefits cannot be predicted with certainty, we maintain portfolios of long term invested assets with varying maturities, along with short-term investments that provide additional liquidity for payment of claims.  At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we held cash and short-term investments of $1,196.2 million and $1,043.7 million, respectively.  All of our short-term investments are readily marketable and can be converted to cash.  In addition to these cash and short-term investments, at June 30, 2011, we had $566.3 million of available for sale fixed maturity securities maturing within one year or less, $4,612.3 million maturing within one to five years and $4,669.6 million maturing after five years.  Our $1,473.7 million of equity securities are comprised primarily of publicly traded securities that can be easily liquidated.  We believe that these fixed maturity and equity securities, in conjunction with the short-term investments and positive cash flow from operations, provide ample sources of liquidity for the expected payment of losses in the near future.  We do not anticipate selling securities or using available credit facilities to pay losses and LAE but have the ability to do so.  Sales of securities might result in realized capital gains or losses.  At June 30, 2011 we had $541.3 million of net pre-tax unrealized appreciation, comprised of $622.0 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation and $80.7 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation.

Management expects annual positive cash flow from operations, which in general reflects the strength of overall pricing, to persist over the near term, absent any unusual catastrophe activity.  Due to the significant catastrophe losses in the first half of 2011, cash flow from operations may be slightly negative in the near term as these losses are paid.  In the intermediate and long term, our cash flow from operations will be impacted to the extent by which competitive pressures affect overall pricing in our markets and by which our premium receipts are impacted from our strategy of emphasizing underwriting profitability over premium volume.

Effective July 27, 2007, Group, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into a five year, $850.0 million senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders referred to as the “Group Credit Facility”.  Wells Fargo Corporation (“Wells Fargo Bank”) is the administrative agent for the Group Credit Facility, which consists of two tranches.  Tranche one provides up to $350.0 million of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity and general corporate purposes, and for the issuance of unsecured standby letters of credit.  The interest on the revolving loans shall, at the Company’s option, be either (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin.  The Base Rate is the higher of (a) the prime commercial lending rate established by Wells Fargo Bank or (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Group Credit Facility depends on Group’s senior unsecured debt rating.  Tranche two exclusively provides up to $500.0 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis.

The Group Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth.  Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $3,575.4 million plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group’s fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after January 1, 2007 and for which consolidated net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at June 30, 2011, was $4,262.8 million.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all Group Credit Facility covenants.



At June 30, 2011, the Group Credit Facility had no outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $401.0 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two.  At December 31, 2010, the Group Credit Facility had no outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $406.4 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two.

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

The Holdings Credit Facility requires Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest Reinsurance Company (“Everest Re”) to maintain its statutory surplus at $1.5 billion plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2005, which at June 30, 2011, was $2,005.9 million.  As of June 30, 2011, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.

At June 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding $40.0 million of short-term borrowings from the Holdings Credit Facility revolving credit line, with a maturity dates ranging from July 6, 2011 to July 28, 2011.  These short-term borrowings can be paid either through renewal with a one, two, three or six month term; or out of available liquidity.  The highest amount outstanding in short-term borrowings during 2011 and 2010 was $50.0 million and $133.0 million for the periods from January 1, 2011 to January 18, 2011 and June 15, 2010 to August 9, 2010, respectively.  In addition, at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Holdings Credit Facility had outstanding letters of credit of $9.5 million.

Prior to August 23, 2011, the Company plans to enter into a new Holdings Credit Facility with terms similar to the expiring facility.

Costs incurred in connection with the Group Credit Facility and the Holdings Credit Facility were $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

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

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

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


Interest Rate Risk.   Our $15.8 billion investment portfolio, at June 30, 2011, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk.  The impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.

Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates.  In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $2,417.2 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $12,585.1 million fixed maturity portfolio.  Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.

The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $784.7 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates.  For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually.  To generate appropriate price estimates on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.
 
   
Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
   
At June 30, 2011
 
      -200       -100       0       100       200  
(Dollars in millions)
                                       
Total Market/Fair Value
  $ 14,227.1     $ 13,819.7     $ 13,369.8     $ 12,876.5     $ 12,384.4  
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    6.4 %     3.4 %     0.0 %     -3.7 %     -7.4 %
Change in Unrealized Appreciation
                                       
After-tax from Base ($)
  $ 709.1     $ 372.4     $ -     $ (407.2 )   $ (814.5 )
 
We had $10,145.7 million and $9,340.2 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money.  Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value.  As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases.  These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments.  While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid.  Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration of approximately 3.8 years, which is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio.  If we were to discount our loss and LAE reserves, net of $0.7 billion of reinsurance receivables on unpaid losses, the discount would be approximately $1.5 billion resulting in a discounted reserve balance of approximately $7.9 billion, representing approximately 59.3% of the market value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio funds.

Equity Risk.   Equity risk is the potential change in fair and/or market value of the common stock, preferred stock and mutual fund portfolios arising from changing prices.  Our equity investments consist of a diversified portfolio of individual securities and mutual funds, which invest principally in high quality common and preferred stocks, that are traded on the major exchanges, and mutual fund investments in emerging market debt.  The primary objective of the equity portfolio is to obtain greater total return relative to our core bonds over time through market appreciation and income.
 
The table below displays the impact on fair/market value and after-tax change in fair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the period indicated.
 
   
Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
 
   
At June 30, 2011
 
(Dollars in millions)
    -20 %     -10 %     0 %     10 %     20 %
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio
  $ 1,179.0     $ 1,326.3     $ 1,473.7     $ 1,621.1     $ 1,768.5  
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value
    (223.0 )     (111.5 )     -       111.5       223.0  
 
Foreign Currency Risk.   Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  Each of our non-U.S./Bermuda (“foreign”) operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines.  Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates.  The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro.  We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities.  In accordance with FASB guidance, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar.  This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.  As of June 30, 2011 there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December, 31, 2010.

Equity Index Put Option Contracts.   Although not considered material in the context of our aggregate exposure to market sensitive instruments, we have issued six equity index put option contracts based on the Standard & Poor’s 500 (“S&P 500”) index and one equity index put option contract based on the FTSE 100 index, that are market sensitive and sufficiently unique to warrant supplemental disclosure.

We sold six equity index put option contracts, based on the S&P 500 index, for total consideration, net of commissions, of $22.5 million.  At June 30, 2011, fair value for these equity index put option contracts was $48.2 million.  These equity index put option contracts each have a single exercise date, with maturities ranging from 12 to 30 years and strike prices ranging from $1,141.21 to $1,540.63.  The S&P 500 index value at June 30, 2011 was $1,320.64.  No amounts will be payable under these equity index put option contracts if the S&P 500 index is at, or above, the strike prices on the exercise dates, which fall between June 2017 and March 2031.  If the S&P 500 index is lower than the strike price on the applicable exercise date, the amount due would vary proportionately with the percentage by which the index is below the strike price.  Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the June 30, 2011 S&P 500 index value, we estimate the probability that each equity index put option contract of the S&P 500 index falling below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 37%.  The theoretical maximum payouts under the equity index put option contracts would occur if on each of the exercise dates the S&P 500 index value were zero.  At June 30, 2011, the present value of these theoretical maximum payouts using a 6% discount factor was $277.1 million.

We sold one equity index put option contract based on the FTSE 100 index for total consideration, net of commissions, of $6.7 million.  At June 30, 2011, fair value for this equity index put option contract was $6.1 million.  This equity index put option contract has an exercise date of July 2020 and a strike price of ₤5,989.75.  The FTSE 100 index value at June 30, 2011 was ₤5,945.70.  No amount will be payable under this equity index put option contract if the FTSE 100 index is at, or above, the strike price on the exercise date.  If the FTSE 100 index is lower than the strike price on the exercise date, the amount due will vary proportionately with the percentage by which the index is below the strike price.  Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the June 30, 2011 FTSE 100 index value, we estimate the probability that the equity index put option contract of the FTSE 100 index will fall below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 33%.  The theoretical maximum payout under the equity index put option contract would occur if on the exercise date the FTSE 100 index value was zero.  At June 30, 2011, the present value of the theoretical maximum payout using a 6% discount factor and current exchange rate was $31.5 million.
 
Because the equity index put option contracts meet the definition of a derivative, we report the fair value of these instruments in our consolidated balance sheets as a liability and record any changes to fair value in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as a net derivative gain (loss).

Our financial statements reflect fair values for our obligations on these equity index put option contracts at June 30, 2011, of $54.3 million and at December 31, 2010, of $58.5 million; even though it may not be likely that the ultimate settlement of these transactions would require a payment that would exceed the initial consideration received, or any payment at all.

As there is no active market for these instruments, the determination of their fair value is based on an industry accepted option pricing model, which requires estimates and assumptions, including those regarding volatility and expected rates of return.

The table below displays the impact of potential movements in interest rates and the equity indices, which are the principal factors affecting fair value of these instruments, looking forward from the fair value for the period indicated.  As these are estimates, there can be no assurance regarding future market performance.  The asymmetrical results of the interest rate and S&P 500 and FTSE 100 indices shift reflect that the liability cannot fall below zero whereas it can increase to its theoretical maximum.
 
   
Equity Indices Put Options Obligation – Sensitivity Analysis
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
At June 30, 2011
 
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points:
    -200       -100       0       100       200  
Total Fair Value
  $ 92.4     $ 71.0     $ 54.3     $ 41.4     $ 31.5  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -70.0 %     -30.7 %     0.0 %     23.8 %     42.1 %
                                         
Equity Indices Shift in Points (S&P 500/FTSE 100):
    -500/-2000       -250/-1000       0       250/1000       500/2000  
Total Fair Value
  $ 109.2     $ 76.5     $ 54.3     $ 39.2     $ 28.8  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -101.1 %     -40.8 %     0.0 %     27.8 %     46.9 %
                                         
Combined Interest Rate /
    -200/       -100/               100/       200/  
   Equity Indices Shift (S&P 500/FTSE 100):
    -500/-2000       -250/-1000       0/0       250/1000       500/2000  
Total Fair Value
  $ 166.2     $ 97.2     $ 54.3     $ 29.2     $ 15.1  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -206.0 %     -79.0 %     0.0 %     46.3 %     72.2 %


Safe Harbor Disclosure.
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws.  In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “plan”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” and “intend”.  Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our catastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic events on our financial statements, the ability of Everest Re, Holdings, Holdings Ireland and Bermuda Re to pay dividends and the settlement costs of our specialized equity index put option contracts.  Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance.  These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations. Important factors that could cause our actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include those discussed under the caption ITEM 1A, “Risk Factors”.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Market Risk Instruments.   See “Liquidity and Capital Resources - Market Sensitive Instruments” in PART I – ITEM 2.

 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.


PART II
 
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine our rights and obligations under insurance, reinsurance and other contractual agreements.  These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation.  In all such matters, we believe that our positions are legally and commercially reasonable, and we vigorously seek to preserve, enforce and defend our legal rights under various agreements.  The statuses of these proceedings are considered when we determine our reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses.  While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that any of these matters, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity.  However, an adverse resolution of one or more of these items in any one quarter or fiscal year could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in that period.

There are no known significant pending legal issues not involving insurance or reinsurance business activity.

 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
No material changes.

 
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
 
                     
Maximum Number (or
 
               
Total Number of
   
Approximate Dollar
 
               
Shares (or Units)
   
Value) of Shares (or
 
               
Purchased as Part
   
Units) that May Yet
 
   
Total Number of
         
of Publicly
   
Be Purchased Under
 
   
Shares (or Units)
   
Average Price Paid
   
Announced Plans or
   
the Plans or
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
per Share (or Unit)
   
Programs
   
Programs (1)
 
April 1 - 30, 2011
    0     $ -       0       2,976,953  
May 1 - 31, 2011
    403     $ 90.3400       0       2,976,953  
June 1 - 30, 2011
    0     $ -       0       2,976,953  
Total
    403     $ -       0       2,976,953  
 
(1)       On September 21, 2004, the Company’s board of directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 of the Company’s common shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.  On July 21, 2008, the Company’s executive committee of the board of directors approved an amendment to the September 21, 2004 share repurchase program authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase up to an aggregate of 10,000,000 of the Company’s common shares (recognizing that the number of shares authorized for repurchase has been reduced by those shares that have already been purchased) in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.  On February 24, 2010, the Company’s executive committee of the board of directors approved an amendment to the September 21, 2004, share repurchase program and the July 21, 2008, amendment authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings, to purchase up to 15,000,000 of the Company’s common shares (recognizing that the number of shares authorized for repurchase has been reduced by those shares that have already been purchased) in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.

 
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.

 
ITEM 4. RESERVED
 
 
ITEM 5 OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.

 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit Index:
   
     
Exhibit No.
Description
 
     
   3(ii) Bye-laws of Everest Re Group, Ltd.  
     
   31.1
Section 302 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto
 
     
   31.2
Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso
 
     
   32.1
Section 906 Certification of Joseph V. Taranto and Dominic J. Addesso
 
     
   101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
     
   101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
     
   101.CAL
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Everest Re Group, Ltd.

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  Everest Re Group, Ltd.  
  (Registrant)  
       
       
  /S/ DOMINIC J. ADDESSO  
    Dominic J. Addesso  
    President and  
     Chief Financial Officer  
       
  (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)  
 
Dated:  August 9, 2011
Exhibit 3(ii) 
B Y E - L A W S
 
 
of
 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
 

 
(as adopted with effect on February 22, 2000, as
 
amended May 14, 2008 and May18, 2011)
 

 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
INTERPRETATION
1
       
1.
 
INTERPRETATION
1
       
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5
       
2.
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5
3.
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
5
4.
 
POWER TO APPOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR OR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
6
5.
 
POWER TO APPOINT MANAGER
6
6.
 
POWER TO AUTHORISE SPECIFIC ACTIONS
6
7.
 
POWER TO APPOINT ATTORNEY
6
8.
 
POWER TO DELEGATE TO A COMMITTEE
6
9.
 
POWER TO APPOINT AND DISMISS EMPLOYEES
7
10.
 
POWER TO BORROW AND CHARGE PROPERTY
8
       
DIRECTORS
8
       
11.
 
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
8
12.
 
NOMINATIONS PROPOSED BY MEMBERS
9
13.
 
DEFECTS IN APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS
9
14.
 
ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
9
15.
 
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
10
16.
 
VACANCIES ON THE BOARD
10
17.
 
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD
11
18.
 
QUORUM AT MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
11
19.
 
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
11
20.
 
UNANIMOUS WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS
12
21.
 
CONTRACTS AND DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTORS' INTERESTS
12
22.
 
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS
12
       
OFFICERS
13
       
23.
 
OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
13
24.
 
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
13
25.
 
REMUNERATION OF OFFICERS
13
26.
 
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
13
27.
 
CHAIRMAN OF MEETINGS
13
28.
 
REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
14
       
MINUTES
14
       
29.
 
OBLIGATIONS OF BOARD TO KEEP MINUTES
14
       
INDEMNITY
14
       
30.
 
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
14
31.
 
WAIVER OF CLAIM
16
       
MEETINGS
16
       
32.
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
16
33.
 
NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
16
34.
 
ACCIDENTAL OMISSION OF NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING
16
35.
 
MEETING CALLED ON REQUISITION OF MEMBERS
16
36.
 
SHORT NOTICE
17
37.
 
POSTPONEMENT OF MEETINGS
17
38.
 
QUORUM FOR GENERAL MEETING
17
39.
 
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETINGS
17
40.
 
BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT MEETINGS
18
 
 

 
i

 

41.
 
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
18
42.
 
WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS
18
43.
 
ATTENDANCE OF DIRECTORS
19
44.
 
VOTING AT MEETINGS
19
45.
 
VOTING ON SHOW OF HANDS
19
46.
 
DECISION OF CHAIRMAN
19
47.
 
DEMAND FOR A POLL
19
48.
 
SENIORITY OF JOINT HOLDERS VOTING
20
49.
 
INSTRUMENT OF PROXY
21
50.
 
REPRESENTATION OF CORPORATIONS AT MEETINGS
22
       
SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARES
22
       
51.
 
AUTHORISATION OF SHARES
22
52.
 
LIMITATION ON VOTING RIGHTS OF CONTROLLED SHARES
23
53.
 
LIMITATIONS ON THE POWER TO ISSUE SHARES
24
54.
 
VARIATION OF RIGHTS AND ALTERATION OF HARE CAPITAL
25
55.
 
PURCHASE OF SHARES BY COMPANY
26
56.
 
REGISTERED HOLDER OF SHARES
28
57.
 
DEATH OF A JOINT HOLDER
28
58.
 
SHARE CERTIFICATES
28
       
REGISTER OF MEMBERS
29
       
59.
 
CONTENTS OF REGISTER OF MEMBERS
29
60.
 
INSPECTION OF REGISTER OF MEMBERS
29
61.
 
SETTING OF RECORD DATE
29
       
TRANSFER OF SHARES
29
       
62.
 
INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
29
63.
 
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER
30
64.
 
TRANSFERS BY JOINT HOLDERS
31
       
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
31
       
65.
 
REPRESENTATIVE OF DECEASED MEMBER
31
66.
 
REGISTRATION ON DEATH OR BANKRUPTCY
31
67.
 
REGISTRATION FEES
32
       
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
32
       
68.
 
DECLARATION OF DIVIDENDS BY THE BOARD
32
69.
 
OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
32
70.
 
RESERVE FUND
32
71.
 
DEDUCTION OF AMOUNTS DUE TO THE COMPANY
32
72.
 
UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS
32
73.
 
INTEREST ON DIVIDEND
33
       
CAPITALIZATION
33
       
74.
 
CAPITALIZATION
33
       
ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
33
       
75.
 
RECORDS OF ACCOUNT
33
76.
 
FINANCIAL YEAR END
33
77.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
33
       
AUDIT
34
       
78.
 
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
34
79.
 
REMUNERATION OF AUDITOR
34
80.
 
VACATION OF OFFICE OF AUDITOR
34
 
 
 
ii

 

81.
 
ACCESS TO BOOKS OF THE COMPANY
34
82.
 
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR
34
       
GRATUITIES, PENSIONS AND INSURANCE
35
       
83.
 
BENEFITS
35
84.
 
INSURANCE
35
85.
 
LIMITATION ON ACCOUNTABILITY
35
       
NOTICES
35
       
86.
 
NOTICES TO MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY
35
87.
 
NOTICES TO JOINT MEMBERS
36
88.
 
SERVICE AND DELIVERY OF NOTICE
36
       
REGISTERED OFFICE
36
       
89.
 
REGISTERED OFFICE
36
       
SEAL OF THE COMPANY
36
       
90.
 
THE SEAL
36
91.
 
MANNER IN WHICH SEAL IS TO BE AFFIXED
36
92.
 
DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS
36
       
UNTRACED MEMBERS
37
       
93.
 
SALE OF SHARES
37
94.
 
INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
38
95.
 
PROCEEDS OF SALE
38
       
WINDING-UP
38
       
96.
 
DETERMINATION TO LIQUIDATE
38
97.
 
WINDING-UP/DISTRIBUTION BY LIQUIDATOR
39
       
ALTERATION OF BYE-LAWS
39
       
98.
 
ALTERATION OF BYE-LAWS
39

 
 
iii

 

B Y E - L A W S
 
 
OF
 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
 

 
(as adopted with effect on February 22, 2000,
 
amended May 14, 2008 and May18, 2011)
 
INTERPRETATION
 
1.  
Interpretation
 
                           (a)   In these Bye-Laws the following words and expressions shall, where not inconsistent with the context, have the following meanings respectively:
 
(i)  
“Act” means the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended, or any Bermuda statute then in effect that has replaced such statute, and any reference in these Bye-laws to a provision of the Act means such provision as amended from time to time or any provision of a Bermuda law from time to time in effect that has replaced such provision;
 
(ii)  
“Alternate Director” means an alternate Director appointed in accordance with these Bye-laws;
 
(iii)  
“Auditor” includes any individual, company or partnership;
 
(iv)  
“Board” means the Board of Directors appointed or elected pursuant to these Bye-laws and acting by resolution in accordance with the Act and these Bye-laws or the Directors present at a meeting of Directors at which there is a quorum;
 
(v)  
“Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any day on which banks in Hamilton, Bermuda or the City of New York, United States are authorised or obligated by law or executive order to close;
 
(vi)  
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any United States federal statute then in effect that has replaced such statute, and any reference in these Bye-laws to a provision of the Code or a rule or regulation promulgated thereunder means such provision, rule or regulation as amended from time to time or any provision of a United States federal law, or any United States federal rule or regulation, from time to time in effect that has replaced such provision, rule or regulation;
 
 
 

 
 
 
(vii)  
“Common Shares” means the common shares, initially having a par value U.S. $0.01 per share, of the Company and includes a fraction of a Common Share;
 
(viii)  
“Company” means the company for which these Bye-laws are approved and confirmed;
 
(ix)  
“Controlled Shares” of any Person means all shares of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company owned by such Person, whether:
 
(A)  
directly;
 
(B)  
with respect to Persons who are U.S. Persons, by application of the attribution and constructive ownership rules of Sections 958(a) and 958(b) of the Code;
 
(C)  
with respect to Persons who are U.S. Persons, by application of the attribution and constructive ownership rules of Sections 544 and 554 of the Code; or
 
(D)  
beneficially within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder;
 
(x)  
“Director” means a director of the Company and shall include an Alternate Director;
 
(xi)  
“Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any United States federal statute from time to time in effect that has replaced such statute, and any reference in these Bye-laws to a provision of the Exchange Act or a rule or regulation promulgated thereunder means such provision, rule or regulation as amended from time to time or any provision of a United States federal law, or any United States federal rule or regulation, from time to time in effect that has replaced such provision, rule or regulation;
 
(xii)  
“Fair Market Value” means, with respect to a redemption or purchase of any shares of the Company in accordance with these Bye-laws, (A) if such shares are listed on a securities exchange (or quoted in a securities quotation system ), the average of the high and low sale (or bid) prices of such shares on such exchange (or in such quotation system), or, if such shares are listed on (or quoted in) more than one exchange (or quotation system), the average of the high and low sale (or bid) prices of the shares on the principal securities exchange (or quotation system) on which such shares are then traded, or, if such shares are not then listed on a securities exchange (or quotation system) but are traded in the over-the-counter market, the average of the latest bid and asked quotations for such shares in such market, in each case for the last 15 trading days immediately preceding the day on which notice of the redemption or purchase of such shares is sent pursuant to these
 
 
 
2

 
 
 
Bye-laws or (B) if no such sales (or bid) prices or quotations are available because such shares are not publicly traded or otherwise, the fair value of such shares as determined by one independent nationally recognized investment banking firm chosen by the Board and reasonably satisfactory to the Member or Person whose shares are to be so repurchased by the Company, provided , that the calculation of the Fair Market Value of the shares made by such appointed investment banking firm (x) shall not include any discount relating to the absence of a public trading market for, or any transfer restrictions on, such shares and (y) such calculation shall be final and the fees and expenses stemming from such calculation shall be borne by the Company or its assignee, as the case may be;
 
 
(xiii)  
“Investment Company” means a registered investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act;
 
(xiv)  
“Investment Company Act” means the United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time, or any federal statute from time to time in effect that has replaced such statute, and any reference in these Bye-laws to a provision of the Investment Company Act or a rule or regulation promulgated thereunder means such provision, rule or regulation as amended from time to time or any provision of a federal law, or any federal rule or regulation, from time to time in effect that has replaced such provision, rule or regulation;
 
(xv)  
“Maximum Percentage” means, with respect to any Person, nine and nine-tenths percent (9.9%) or, if applicable, such other percentage as the Board shall have previously approved for such Person in accordance with these Bye-laws;
 
(xvi)  
“Member” means the Person registered in the Register of Members as the holder of shares in the Company and, when two or more Persons are so registered as joint holders of shares, means the Person whose name stands first in the Register of Members as one of such joint holders or all of such Persons as the context so requires;
 
(xvii)  
“notice” means written notice as further defined in these Bye-laws unless otherwise specifically stated;
 
(xviii)  
“Officer” means any individual appointed by the Board to hold an office in the Company;
 
(xix)  
“Person” means an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, corporation, firm or other legal entity or enterprise;
 
 
3

 
 
(xx)  
“Preferred Shares” means the preferred shares, initially having a par value U.S. $0.01 per share, of the Company and includes a fraction of a Preferred Share;
 
(xxi)  
“Record Date” means the date referred to in Bye-law 61;
 
(xxii)  
“Registered Office” means the office of the Company selected to be the registered office in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Bye-law 89;
 
(xxiii)  
“Register of Directors and Officers” means the Register of Directors and Officers referred to in Bye-law 28;
 
(xxiv)  
“Register of Members” means the Register of Members referred to in Bye-law 59;
 
(xxv)  
 “Repurchase Price” means the Fair Market Value of the shares to be redeemed or purchased on the date the Repurchase Notice (as defined in paragraph (b) of Bye-law 55) with respect thereto is sent by the Company;
 
(xxvi)  
“Secretary” means the individual appointed to perform any or all the duties of secretary of the Company and includes any deputy, assistant or acting secretary;
 
(xxvii)  
“Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any United States federal statute from time to time in effect which has replaced such statute, and any reference in these Bye-laws to a provision of the Securities Act or a rule or regulation promulgated thereunder means such provision, rule or regulation as amended from time to time or any provision of a United States federal law, or any United States federal rule or regulation, from time to time in effect that has replaced such provision, rule or regulation;
 
(xxviii)  
“share” means any share in the share capital of the Company;
 
(xxix)  
“Treasury Share” means a share of the Company that was or is treated as having been acquired and held by the Company and has been held continuously by the Company since it was so acquired and has not been cancelled.”
 
(xxx)  
“United States” means the United States of America and dependent territories or any part thereof;  and
 
(xxxi)  
 “U.S. Person” means, except as otherwise indicated, an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, an estate whose income is includable in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes, regardless of its source, or a trust, if and only if (A) a court within the United States is able
 
 
4

 
 
 
to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and (B) one or more U.S. Persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
 
                           (b)   In these Bye-Laws the following words and expressions shall, where not inconsistent with the context, have the following meanings respectively:
 
(i)  
words denoting the plural number include the singular number and vice versa;
 
(ii)  
words denoting the masculine gender include the feminine gender;
 
(iii)  
the word:
 
(A)  
“may” shall be construed as permissive;
 
(B)  
“shall” shall be construed as imperative; and
 
                          (c)   Expressions referring to writing or written shall, unless the contrary intention appears, include facsimile, printing, lithography, photography, electronic-mail and other modes of representing words in a legible and non-transitory form.
 
                          (d)   Headings used in these Bye-laws are for convenience only and are not to be used or relied upon in the construction hereof.
 
                          (e)   In these Bye-laws, (i) powers of delegation shall not be restrictively construed but the widest interpretation shall be given thereto, (ii) the word “Board” in the context of the exercise of any power contained in these Bye-laws includes any committee consisting of one or more individuals appointed by the Board, any Director holding executive office and any local or divisional Board, manager or agent of the Company to which or, as the case may be, to whom the power in question has been delegated in accordance with these Bye-laws, (iii) no power of delegation shall be limited by the existence of any other power of delegation and (iv) except where expressly provided by the terms of delegation, the delegation of a power shall not exclude the concurrent exercise of that power by any Person who is for the time being authorised to exercise it under these Bye-laws or under another delegation of the powers.
 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
2.  
Board of Directors
 
               The business of the Company shall be managed and conducted by the Board.
 
3.  
Management of the Company
 
             (a)   In managing the business of the Company, the Board may exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, by statute or by these Bye-laws, required to be exercised by the Company in general meeting and the business and affairs of the Company shall be so controlled by the Board.  The Board also may present any petition and make any application in connection with the winding up or liquidation of the Company.
 
 
5

 
 
             (b)   No regulation or alteration to these Bye-laws made by the Company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if that regulation or alteration had not been made.
 
             (c)   Subject to Section 39 of the Act, the Board may procure that the Company pays to Members or third parties all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating the Company.
 
             (d)   The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to discontinue the Company to a named country or jurisdiction outside Bermuda pursuant to Section 132G of the Act.
 
4.  
Power to appoint managing director or chief executive officer
 
                The Board may from time to time appoint one or more Directors to the office of managing director or chief executive officer of the Company who shall, subject to the control of the Board, supervise and administer all of the general business and affairs of the Company.
 
5.  
Power to appoint manager
 
                                Without limiting the provisions of Bye-law 4, the Board may appoint a Person or body of Persons to act as manager of all or some of the Company’s day to day business and may entrust to and confer upon such manager such powers and duties as it deems appropriate for the transaction or conduct of such business.
 
6.  
Power to authorise specific actions
 
                                The Board may from time to time and at any time authorise any Director, Officer or other Person or body of Persons to act on behalf of the Company for any specific purpose and in connection therewith to execute any agreement, document or instrument on behalf of the Company.
 
7.  
Power to appoint attorney
 
                                 The Board may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney appoint any Person or body of Persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Board, to be an attorney of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Board) and for such period (or for an unspecified length of time) and subject to such conditions as it may think fit and any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney as the Board may think fit and may also authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions so vested in the attorney.  Such attorney may, if so authorised under the seal of the Company, execute any deed or instrument under such attorney’s personal seal with the same effect as the affixation of the seal of the Company.
 
8.  
Power to delegate to a committee
 
                                 The Board may delegate any of its powers to a committee of one or more individuals appointed by the Board (and the Board may appoint alternative committee members or authorize the members to appoint their own alternates), which committee
 
 
6

 
 
 
may consist partly or entirely of non-Directors. Without limiting the foregoing, such committees may include:
 
             (a)   an Executive Committee, which shall have all of the powers of the Board between meetings of the Board;
 
             (b)   an Underwriting Committee, which shall, among other things, establish, review and monitor the underwriting policies of the Company’s subsidiary companies or other companies associated with the Company, review underwriting decisions, monitor any appointed underwriting services provider, advise the Board with respect to actuarial services, review actuarial decisions, monitor any provider of actuarial services and  otherwise monitor the risks insured or reinsured by the Company’s subsidiary companies or other companies associated with the Company;
 
             (c)   an Investment Committee, which shall, among other things, establish, review and monitor the investment policies of the Company and the Company’s subsidiary companies or other companies associated with the Company, review investment decisions and review and monitor any provider of investment services;
 
             (d)   an Audit Committee, which shall, among other things, review the internal administrative and accounting controls of the Company and the Company’s subsidiary companies or other companies associated with the Company and recommend to the Board the appointment of independent auditors;
 
             (e)   a Compensation Committee, which shall, among other things, establish and review the compensation of Officers and the compensation policies and procedures of the Company and the Company’s subsidiary companies or other companies associated with the Company; and
 
             (f)   a Nominating Committee, which shall, among other things, propose to the Members or to continuing Directors, before any election of Directors by Members or the filling of any vacancy by the Board, a slate of director candidates equal in number to the vacancies to be filled (for purposes of paragraph (f) of this Bye-law 8 only, “Director” shall not include Alternate Director).
 
                                All Board committees shall conform to such directions as the Board shall impose on them; provided , that each member shall have one  vote, and each committee shall have the right as it deems appropriate to retain outside advisors and experts.  Each committee may adopt rules for the conduct of its affairs, including rules governing the adoption of resolutions by unanimous written consent, and the place, time, and notice of meetings, as shall be advisable and as shall not be inconsistent with these Bye-laws regarding Board meetings or with any applicable resolution adopted by the Board. Each committee shall cause minutes to be made of all meetings of such committee and of the attendance thereat and shall cause such minutes and copies of resolutions adopted by unanimous consent to be promptly inscribed or incorporated by the Secretary in the minute book.
 
9.  
Power to appoint and dismiss employees
 
                                The Board may appoint, suspend or remove any Officer, manager, secretary, clerk, agent or employee of the Company and may fix their remuneration and determine their duties.
 
 
 
7

 
 
         
10.  
Power to borrow and charge property
 
                                The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money, to assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable for indebtedness for borrowed money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, or any part thereof, and may issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or any third party.
 
 
DIRECTORS
 
11.  
Election of Directors
 
             (a)   The Board shall consist of not less than three and not more than 12 Directors, the exact number to be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of more than fifty percent (50%) of the Directors then in office; provided , that if no such resolution shall be in effect the number of Directors shall be six.  Each Director shall be elected, except in the case of casual vacancy, by the Members in the manner set forth in paragraph (b) of this Bye-law 11 at the annual general meeting or any special general meeting called for the purpose and who shall hold office for the term set forth in paragraph (c) of this Bye-law 11.
 
             (b)   Except as permitted under paragraph (d) of this Bye-law 11, no individual shall, unless recommended for election by the Board or any Nominating Committee of the Board, be eligible for election as a Director unless advance notice of the nomination of such individual shall have been given to the Company in the manner provided in Bye-law 12.
 
             (c)   The Directors elected at the annual general meeting that is held in calendar year 2011 shall be elected for a term expiring at the annual general meeting that is held in calendar year 2014 or until such Directors’ successors shall have been duly elected or appointed or until such Directors’ successors shall have been duly elected or appointed or until such Director’s office is otherwise vacated.  Commencing at the annual general meeting of Shareholders that is held in calendar year 2012, and at each annual general meeting thereafter, each Director then standing for election shall be elected annually for a term expiring at the next annual general meeting or until such Directors’ successors shall have been duly elected or appointed or until such Director’s office is otherwise vacated. Any Director already in office at the 2012 annual general meeting whose term expires at the annual general meeting of Shareholders to be held in calendar year 2013 or 2014 shall continue to hold office until the end of the term for which such Director was elected or until such Director’s successor shall have been duly elected or appointed or until such Director’s office is otherwise vacated.
 
             (d)   Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more classes or series of Preferred Shares shall have the right, voting separately by class or series, to elect Directors at an annual or special general meeting, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of the Board resolution creating such classes or series of Preferred Shares.
 
 
 
8

 
 
 
             (e)   For the purposes of this Bye-law 11 only, “Director” shall not include an Alternate Director.
 
12.  
  Nominations proposed by Members
 
             (a)   If a Member desires to nominate one or more individuals for election as Directors at any general meeting duly called for the election of Directors, written notice of such Member’s intent to make such a nomination must be received by the Company at the Registered Office (or at such other place or places as the Board may otherwise specify from time to time for this purpose) not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days before the first anniversary of the date of the notice convening the Company’s annual general meeting of shareholders for the prior year.  Such notice shall set forth (i) the name and address, as it appears in the Register of Members, of the Member who intends to make such nomination; (ii) a representation that the Member is a holder of record of shares of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to make such nomination; (iii) the class and number of shares of the Company which are held by the Member; (iv) the name and address of each individual to be nominated; (v) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the Member and any such nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which such nomination is to be made by the Member; (vi) such other information regarding any such nominee proposed by such Member as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, whether or not the Company is then subject to such Regulation; and (vii) the consent of any such nominee to serve as a Director, if so elected.  The chairman of such general meeting shall, if the facts warrant, refuse to acknowledge a nomination that is not made in compliance with the procedure specified in this Bye-law 12, and any such nomination not properly brought before the meeting shall not be considered.
 
13.  
Defects in appointment of Directors
 
                           All acts done bona fide by any meeting of the Board or by a committee of the Board or by any individual acting as a Director shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any Director or individual acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if every such individual had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a Director.
 
14.  
Alternate Directors
 
             (a)   Any Director may appoint an individual or individuals to act as a Director in the alternative to himself or herself by notice in writing received by the Company at the Registered Office (or at such other place or places as the Board may otherwise specify from time to time for this purpose).  Any individual so appointed shall have all the rights and powers of the Director or Directors for whom such individual is appointed in the alternative; provided , that such individual shall not be counted more than once in determining whether or not a quorum is present. Any Director may, upon notice in writing received by the Company at the Registered Office (or at such other place or places as the Board may otherwise specify from time to time for this purpose), remove or replace any individual so appointed as his or her alternate with or without cause.
 
 
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             (b)   An Alternate Director shall be entitled to receive notice of all meetings of the Board and to attend and vote at any such meeting at which a Director for whom such Alternate Director was appointed in the alternative is not personally present and generally to perform at such meeting all the functions of such Director for whom such Alternate Director was appointed.
 
             (c)   An Alternate Director shall be entitled to receive any proposed written resolutions being circulated among the Directors for signature and an Alternate Director may sign any written resolution in the absence of a Director for whom such Alternate Director was appointed.
 
             (d)   An Alternate Director shall cease to be such if the Director for whom such Alternate Director was appointed ceases for any reason to be a Director but may be re-appointed as an alternate to the individual appointed to fill the vacancy in accordance with these Bye-laws.
 
15.  
Removal of Directors
 
             (a)   The Members shall not be entitled to remove a Director other than for cause.
 
             (b)   Subject to any provision to the contrary in these Bye-laws, the Members may, at any special general meeting convened for that purpose and held in accordance with these Bye-laws, remove any Director for cause with the sanction of a resolution passed by the holders of not less than fifty percent (50 %) of the issued and outstanding shares conferring the right to vote on such resolution; provided , that (i) the notice of any such meeting convened for the purpose of removing a Director shall contain a statement of the intention so to do and be served on such Director not less than 14 days before the meeting and (ii) at such meeting such Director shall be entitled to be heard on the motion for such Director’s removal.
 
             (c)   A vacancy on the Board created by the removal of a Director under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Bye-law 15 may be filled by the Members at the meeting at which such Director is removed and, in the absence of such appointment, the Board may fill any such vacancy in accordance with Bye-law 16.  A Director so appointed shall hold office for the balance of the term of such vacant Board position, or until such Director’s successor is elected or appointed or such Director’s office is otherwise vacated.
 
16.  
Vacancies on the Board
 
             (a)   The Board shall have the power from time to time and at any time to appoint any individual as a Director to fill a vacancy on the Board occurring as the result of the death, disability, disqualification, resignation or removal of any Director or if such  Director’s office is otherwise vacated and to appoint an Alternate Director to any Director so appointed.  A Director so appointed shall hold office for the balance of the term of such vacant Board position or until such Director’s successor is elected or appointed or such Director’s office is otherwise vacated.
 
                           (b)   The Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its number but, if and so long as its number is reduced below the number fixed by these Bye-laws as the minimum number necessary for the transaction of business at meetings of the Board, the
 
 
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continuing Directors or Director may, notwithstanding that the number of Directors is below the number fixed by or in accordance with these Bye-laws as the quorum or that there is only one continuing Director, act for the purpose of (i) filling vacancies on the Board, (ii) summoning a general meeting of the Company or (iii) preserving the assets of the Company, but not for any other purpose.
 
             (c)   The office of Director shall be vacated if the Director:
 
(i)  
is removed from office pursuant to these Bye-laws or is prohibited from being a Director by law;
 
(ii)  
is or becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally;
 
(iii)  
is or becomes of unsound mind as determined by the Board in its sole discretion or dies;
 
(iv)  
resigns his or her office by notice in writing to the Company.
 
17.  
Notice of meetings of the Board
 
             (a)   The Chairman or Deputy Chairman, or any two Directors may, and the Secretary on the requisition of the Chairman, Deputy Chairman or any two Directors shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Board by not less than three Business Days’ notice in writing to each Director and Alternate Director, unless such Director or Alternate Director consents to shorter notice.
 
             (b)   Notice of a meeting of the Board shall specify the general nature of the business to be considered at such meeting and shall be deemed to be duly given to a Director if it is given to such Director in person or otherwise communicated or sent to such Director by mail, courier service, cable, telex, telecopier, facsimile, electronic-mail or other mode of representing words in a legible and non-transitory form at such Director’s address in the Register of Directors and Officers or any other address given by such Director to the Company for this purpose.  If such notice is sent by next-day courier, cable, telex, telecopier, facsimile or electronic-mail it shall be deemed to have been given the Business Day following the sending thereof and, if by registered mail, three Business Days following the sending thereof.
 
             (c)   Meetings of the Board may be held within or outside of Bermuda and shall be held outside of the United States.
 
18.  
Quorum at meetings of the Board
 
               The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Board shall be a majority of the Directors then in office, present in person or represented by an Alternate Director or another Director appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 91A of the Act.
 
19.  
Meetings of the Board
 
             (a)   The Board may meet for the transaction of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it sees fit.
  
 
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             (b)   Directors may participate in any meeting of the Board by means of such telephone, electronic or other communication facilities as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.  No Director may participate in any such meeting of the Board while in the United States.
 
             (c)   A resolution put to the vote at a duly constituted meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present and acting throughout shall be carried by the affirmative votes of a majority of the votes cast.  Each Director shall have one vote on all matters put to the Board for resolution, except that in the case of an equality of votes the Chairman, if he or she is present (and if he or she is not present, the Deputy Chairman, if he or she is present), shall have a second or casting vote, otherwise no Director has a second or casting vote.
 
20.  
Unanimous written resolutions
 
              A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors, which may be in counterparts, shall be as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board duly called and constituted, such resolution to be effective on the date on which the last Director signs the resolution.  An Alternate Director may sign a resolution in writing in the stead of any Director for whom he or she has been appointed an Alternate Director.  Any resolution in writing may be signed within or outside of the United States; provided , that the last Director or Alternate Director, as the case may be, to sign the resolution must sign outside of the United States.
 
21.  
Contracts and disclosure of Directors’ interests
 
             (a)   Any Director, or any Director’s firm, partner or any company or enterprise with whom any Director is associated, may act in a professional capacity for the Company and such Director or such Director’s firm, partner or such company or enterprise shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services as if such Director were not a Director; provided , that nothing herein contained shall authorise a Director or Director’s firm, partner or such company to act as Auditor of the Company.
 
             (b)   A Director who is directly or indirectly interested in a contract or proposed contract or arrangement with the Company shall declare the nature of such interest as required by the Act.
 
             (c)   Following a declaration being made pursuant to this Bye-law 21, and unless disqualified by the chairman of the relevant Board meeting, a Director may vote in respect of any contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement in which such Director is interested and may be counted in the quorum at such meeting.
 
22.  
Remuneration of Directors
 
             (a)   The remuneration and benefits (if any) of the Directors, including without limitation, participation in any share option or incentive plan and loans (with the general   or specific consent required by Section 96 of the Act) in connection therewith, shall be determined by the Board and shall be deemed to accrue from day to day.  The Directors shall also be reimbursed for all travel, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in attending and returning from meetings of the Board, any committee appointed by
 
 
12

 
 
the Board, general meetings of the Company, or in connection with the business of the Company or their duties as Directors generally.
 
             (b)   A Director may hold any other office or place of profit under the Company (other than the office of Auditor) in conjunction with his or her office of Director for such period on such terms as to remuneration and otherwise as the Board may determine.
 
             (c)   The Board may award special remuneration and benefits to any Director undertaking any special work or services for, or undertaking any special mission on behalf of, the Company other than his or her ordinary routine work as a Director.  Any fees paid to a Director who is also counsel or attorney to the Company, or otherwise serves it in a profession capacity, shall be in addition to his or her remuneration as a Director.
 
 
OFFICERS
 
23.  
Officers of the Company
 
              The Officers of the Company shall consist of a Chairman, a Deputy Chairman, a Secretary and such additional Officers as the Board may from time to time determine to be necessary or advisable in the conduct of the affairs of the Company, all of whom shall be deemed to be Officers for the purposes of these Bye-laws.  The same individual may hold two or more offices in the Company, except for the offices of Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
 
24.  
Appointment of Officers
 
              The Board shall, as soon as possible after each annual general meeting, appoint the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman who shall be Directors.  The Secretary and additional Officers, if any, shall be appointed by the Board from time to time; provided , that the Chairman may appoint any Officer ranking equal or junior to a Vice President, and such appointee shall be deemed to be an Officer for the purposes of these Bye-laws.
 
25.  
Remuneration of Officers
 
              The Officers shall receive such remuneration as the Board may from time to time determine; provided , that the Chairman shall be entitled to determine the remuneration for those Officers appointed by the Chairman pursuant to Bye-law 24.
 
26.  
Duties of Officers
 
                                The Officers shall have such powers and perform such duties in the management, business and affairs of the Company as may be delegated to them from time to time by these Bye-laws, or the Board or, in the case of those Officers appointed by the Chairman pursuant to Bye-law 24, the Chairman.
 
27.  
Chairman of meetings
 
               The Chairman shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Members and of the Board at which such individual is present.  In his or her absence, the Deputy Chairman shall act as chairman and in the absence of both of them a chairman shall be appointed or elected by those present at the meeting and entitled to vote.
 
 
 
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28.  
Register of Directors and Officers
 
             (a)   The Board shall cause to be kept in one or more books at the Registered Office a Register of Directors and Officers and shall enter therein the particulars required by the Act.
 
             (b)   The Register of Directors and Officers shall be open to inspection by Members at the Registered Office in compliance with the requirements of the Act, subject to such reasonable restrictions as the Board may impose.
 
 
MINUTES
 
29.  
Obligations of Board to keep minutes
 
             (a)   The Board shall cause minutes to be duly entered in books provided for the purpose:
 
(i)  
of all elections and appointments of Officers;
 
(ii)  
of the names of the Directors present at each meeting of the Board and of any committee appointed by the Board; and
 
(iii)  
of all resolutions and proceedings of general meetings of the Members, meetings of the Board, meetings of managers and meetings of committees appointed by the Board.
 
             (b)   Minutes prepared in accordance with the Act and these Bye-laws shall be kept by the Secretary at the Registered Office.
 

 
 
INDEMNITY
 
30.  
Indemnification of Directors and Officers of the Company
 
             (a)   The Company shall indemnify its Officers and Directors to the fullest extent possible except as prohibited under the Act.  Without limiting the foregoing, the Directors, Secretary and other Officers (such term to include for the purposes of Bye-laws 30 and 31, any Alternate Director or Person appointed to any committee by the Board or any Person who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including any employee benefit plan)) and employees of the Company acting in relation to any of the affairs of the Company and the liquidator or trustees (if any) acting in relation to any of the affairs of the Company, and every one of them, and their heirs, executors and administrators, shall be indemnified and secured harmless out of the assets of the Company (and the Company, in the discretion of the Board, may so indemnify and secure harmless a Person by reason of the fact that such Person was an agent of the Company or was serving at the request of the Company in any other capacity for or on behalf of the Company) from and against all actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) which they or any of them, their heirs, executors or administrators, shall or may incur or sustain by or by
 
 
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reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted (actual or alleged) in or about the execution of their duty, or supposed duty, or in their respective offices or trusts, including, without limitation, any acts taken or omitted with regard to subsidiary companies of the Company, and none of them shall be answerable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of the others of them or for joining in any receipts for the sake of conformity, or for the acts of or the solvency or honesty of any bankers or other persons with whom any moneys or effects belonging to the Company shall or may be lodged or deposited for safe custody, or for insufficiency or deficiency of any security upon which any moneys of or belonging to the Company shall be placed out on or invested, or for any other loss, misfortune or damage which may happen in the execution of their respective offices or trusts, or in relation thereto; provided , that this indemnity shall not extend to any matter prohibited by the Act.
 
             (b)   Any indemnification under this Bye-law 30, unless ordered by a court, shall be made by the Company only as authorised in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of such Person is proper in the circumstances because such Person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in paragraph (a) of this Bye-law 30.  Such determination shall be made (i) by the Board by a majority vote of disinterested Directors or (ii) if a majority of the disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iii) by the Members.
 
             (c)   Expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by any Director, Secretary, other Officer or employee of the Company in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding or threat thereof for which indemnification is sought pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Bye-law 30 shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Person to repay such amount if it shall be ultimately determined that such Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorised in these Bye-laws or otherwise pursuant to applicable law; provided , that if it is determined by either (i) a majority vote of Directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding or (ii) if a majority of the disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that there is no reasonable basis to believe that such Person is entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorised in these Bye-laws or otherwise pursuant to applicable law, then no expense shall be advanced in accordance with this paragraph (c) of this Bye-law 30.  The Company, in the discretion of the Board, may pay such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by agents of the Company  or by Persons serving at the request of the Company in any other capacity for or on behalf of the Company upon the receipt of the aforesaid undertaking and such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board deems appropriate.
      
                          (d)   The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided in these Bye-laws shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification and advancement of expenses may now or hereafter be entitled under any statute, agreement, vote of Members or otherwise, both as to action in an official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
 
                          (e)   The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Bye-law 30 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorised or ratified,
 
 
15

 
 
continue as to a Person who has ceased to hold the position for which such Person is entitled to be indemnified or advanced expenses and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a Person.
 
             (f)   The Company may purchase and maintain insurance to protect itself and any Director, Officer or other Person entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Bye-law to the fullest extent permitted by law.
 
             (g)   No amendment or repeal of any provision of this Bye-law 30 shall alter, to the detriment of any Person, the right of such Person to the indemnification or advancement of expenses related to a claim based on an act or failure to act which took place prior to such amendment, repeal or termination.
 
31.  
Waiver of claim
 
               The Company and each Member agrees to waive any claim or right of action it might have, whether individually or by or in the right of the Company, against any Director or Officer on account of any action taken by such Director or Officer, or the failure of such Director or Officer to take any action in the performance of his or her duties with or for the Company; provided , that such waiver shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty which may attach to such Director or Officer.
 
 
MEETINGS
 
32.  
Notice of annual general meeting
 
               The annual general meeting of the Company shall be held in each year at such time and place as the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman or any two Directors or any Director and the Secretary or the Board shall appoint.  At least five days written notice of such meeting shall be given to each Member entitled to vote thereat as at the relevant Record Date stating the date, place and time at which the meeting is to be held, that the election of Directors will take place thereat, and as far as practicable, the other business to be conducted at the meeting.  The annual general meeting may be held within or outside of Bermuda and shall be held outside of the United States.
 
33.  
Notice of special general meeting
 
               The Chairman, the Deputy Chairman or any two Directors or any Director and the Secretary or the Board may convene a special general meeting of the Company whenever in their judgment such a meeting is necessary, upon not less than five days’ written notice to each Member entitled to attend and vote thereat as at the relevant Record Date, which shall state the date, time, place and the general nature of the business to be considered at the meeting.  Any special general meeting may be held within or outside of Bermuda and shall be held outside of the United States.
 
34.  
Accidental omission of notice of general meeting
 
              The accidental omission to give notice of a general meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a general meeting by, any Member entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.
 
35.  
Meeting called on requisition of Members
 
 
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              Notwithstanding anything herein, the Board shall, on the requisition of Members holding at the date of the deposit of the requisition not less than one-tenth of such of the paid-up share capital of the Company as at the date of the deposit carries the right to vote at general meetings of the Company, forthwith proceed to convene a special general meeting of the Company and the provisions of Section 74 of the Act shall apply.
 
36.  
Short notice
 
              A general meeting of the Company shall, notwithstanding that it is called by shorter notice than that specified in these Bye-laws, be deemed to have been properly called if it is so agreed by (a) all the Members entitled to attend and vote thereat in the case of an annual general meeting; and (b)  a majority in number of the Members having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding not less than ninety-five percent (95%) in nominal value of the shares conferring a right to attend and vote thereat in the case of a special general meeting.
 
37.  
Postponement of meetings
 
               The Chairman or the Board may postpone any general meeting called in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws (other than a meeting requisitioned under Bye-law 35); provided , that notice of postponement is given before the time for such meeting to each Member entitled to attend and vote thereat as at the relevant Record Date for the meeting being postponed.  Fresh notice of the date, time and place for the postponed meeting shall be given to each Member entitled to attend and vote thereat as at the relevant Record Date for the meeting being postponed in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws.
 
38.  
Quorum for general meeting
 
              At any general meeting of the Company two or more individuals present in person and representing in person or by proxy in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the total issued and outstanding shares conferring a right to attend and vote at such meeting throughout the meeting shall form a quorum for the transaction of business; provided , that if the Company shall at any time have only one Member, one Member present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any general meeting of the Company held during such time.  If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day one week later, at the same time and place or to such other day, time or place as the Chairman or the Board may determine.  Unless the meeting is so adjourned to a specific date and time, fresh notice of the date, time and place for the resumption of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Member in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws.  No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is  present when the meeting proceeds to business and continues throughout the meeting, but the absence of a quorum shall not preclude the appointment, choice or election of a chairman of the meeting which shall not be treated as part of the business of the meeting.
 
39.  
Adjournment of meetings
 
              The chairman of a general meeting may, with the consent of the Members at any general meeting whether or not a quorum is present (and shall if so directed), adjourn the meeting.  Unless the meeting is so adjourned to a specific date and time, fresh notice of
 
 
17

 
 
the date, time and place for the resumption of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Member in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws with respect to a special general meeting.
 
40.  
Business to be conducted at meetings
 
              Subject to the Act, business to be brought before a general meeting of the Company must be specified in the notice of the meeting.  Only business that the Board has determined can be properly brought before a general meeting in accordance with these Bye-laws and applicable law shall be conducted at any general meeting, and the chairman of the general meeting may refuse to permit any business to be brought before such meeting that has not been properly brought before it in accordance with these Bye-laws and applicable law.
 
 
41.  
Attendance at meetings
 
              Unless the Chairman or the Board determines otherwise, Members may participate in any general meeting by means of such telephone, electronic or other communication facilities as permit all individuals participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting; provided , that no Member may participate in any such meeting while in the United States.
 
42.  
Written resolutions
 
             (a)   Subject to paragraph (f) of this Bye-law 42, anything which may be done by resolution of the Company in general meeting or by resolution of a meeting of any class of the Members of the Company, may, without a meeting and without any previous notice being required, be done by resolution in writing signed by, or, in the case of a Member that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act, on behalf of, all the Members who at the date of the resolution or, if earlier, the Record Date would be entitled to attend the meeting and vote on the resolution.
 
             (b)   A resolution in writing may be signed by, or, in the case of a Member that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act, on behalf of, all the Members, or any class thereof, in as many counterparts as may be necessary.
 
             (c)   For the purposes of this Bye-law 42, the date of the resolution is the date when the resolution is signed by, or, in the case of a Member that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act, on behalf of, the last Member to sign and any reference in any Bye-law to the date of passing of a resolution is, in relation to a resolution made in accordance with this Bye-law, a reference to such date.  Any resolution in writing may be signed within or outside the United States; provided , that the last Member to sign the resolution must sign outside of the United States.
 
             (d)   A resolution in writing made in accordance with this Bye-law is as valid as if it had been passed by the Company in general meeting or by a meeting of the relevant class of Members, as the case may be, and any reference in any Bye-law to a meeting at which a resolution is passed or to Members voting in favor of a resolution shall be construed accordingly.
 
 
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             (e)   A resolution in writing made in accordance with this Bye-law shall constitute minutes for the purposes of Sections 81 and 82 of the Act.
 
             (f)   This Bye-law shall not apply to:
 
(i)  
a resolution passed pursuant to Section 89(5) of the Act; or
 
(ii)  
a resolution passed for the purpose of removing a Director before the expiration of his term of office under these Bye-laws.
 
43.  
Attendance of Directors
 
               The Directors of the Company shall be entitled to receive notice of and to attend and be heard at any general meeting.
 
44.  
Voting at meetings
 
               Subject to the provisions of the Act and these Bye-laws, any question proposed for the consideration of the Members at any general meeting shall be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws and in the case of an equality of votes the resolution shall fail.
 
45.  
Voting on show of hands
 
               At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall, in the first instance, be voted upon by a show of hands and, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being lawfully attached to any class of shares and subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws, every Member present in person and every individual holding a valid proxy at such meeting shall be entitled to one vote and shall cast such vote by raising his or her hand.
 
46.  
Decision of chairman
 
               At any general meeting a declaration by the chairman of the meeting that a question proposed for consideration has, on a show of hands, been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, and an entry to that effect in a book containing the minutes of the proceedings of the Company shall, subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws, be conclusive evidence of that fact.
 
47.  
Demand for a poll
 
             (a)   Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding two Bye-laws, at any general meeting of the Company, in respect of any question proposed for the consideration of the Members (whether before or on the declaration of the result of a show of hands as provided for in these Bye-laws), a poll may be demanded by any of the following Persons:
 
(i)  
the chairman of such meeting; or
 
(ii)  
at least three Members present in person or represented by proxy; or
 
(iii)  
any Member or Members present in person or represented by proxy and holding between them not less than one-tenth (1/10) of the
 
 
 
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total voting rights of all the Members having the right to vote at such meeting; or
 
(iv)  
any Member or Members present in person or represented by proxy holding shares conferring the right to attend and vote at such meeting on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one-tenth (1/10) of the total sum paid up on all Common Shares.
 
             (b)   Where, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Bye-law 47, a poll is demanded, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being lawfully attached to any class of shares and subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws, every Member present in person or by proxy at such meeting shall have one vote for each share conferring the right to attend and vote at such meeting of which such Member is the registered holder or for which such a proxyholder holds a proxy and such votes shall be counted in the manner set out in paragraph (d) of this Bye-law 47 or, in the case of a general meeting at which one or more Members or proxyholders are present by telephone,  in such manner as the chairman of the meeting may direct, and the result of such poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded and shall replace any previous resolution upon the same matter which has been the subject of a show of hands.
 
             (c)   A poll demanded in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Bye-law 47, for the purpose of electing a chairman of the meeting or on a question of adjournment, shall be taken forthwith and a poll demanded on any other question shall be taken in such manner and at such time and place as the chairman (or acting chairman) may direct and any business other than that upon which a poll has been demanded may be proceeded with pending the taking of the poll.
 
             (d)   Where a vote is taken by poll, each Member present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall be furnished with a ballot on which such Member or proxyholder shall record his or her vote in such manner as shall be determined at the meeting having regard to the nature of the question on which the vote is taken, and each ballot paper shall be signed or initialed or otherwise marked so as to identify the voter and the registered holder in the case of a proxy.  The Board may appoint one or more inspectors to act at any general meeting where a vote is taken by a poll.  Each inspector shall take and sign an oath faithfully to exercise the duties of inspector at such meeting with strict impartiality and according to the best of his, her or its ability.  The inspectors shall determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each by reference to the Register of Members, the number of shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies and examine and count all ballots and determine the results of any vote.  The inspector shall also hear and determine challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote.  No Director or candidate for the office of Director shall act as an inspector.  The determination and decision of the inspectors shall be final and binding.
 
48.  
Seniority of joint holders voting
 
               In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint
 
 
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holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the Register of Members.
 
49.  
Instrument of proxy
 
             (a)   Every Member entitled to vote has the right to do so either in person or by one or more Persons authorised by a written proxy executed and delivered in accordance with these Bye-laws.  The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointor or of his or her attorney authorised by him or her in writing or, if the appointor is a corporation, either under its seal or under the hand of an officer, attorney or other person authorised to sign the same.
 
             (b)   Any Member may appoint a standing proxy or (if a corporation) representative by depositing at the Registered Office, or at such place or places as the Board may otherwise specify from time to time for the purpose, a proxy or (if a corporation) an authorisation and such proxy or authorisation shall be valid for all general meetings and adjournments thereof or, resolutions in writing, as the case may be, until notice of revocation is received at the Registered Office, or at such place or places as the Board may otherwise specify from time to time for the purpose.  A Person so authorised as a proxy or representative shall be entitled to exercise the same power on behalf of the grantor of the authority as the grantor could exercise and the grantor shall for the purposes of these Bye-laws be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting if a Person so authorised is present at the meeting.  Where a standing proxy or authorisation exists, its operation shall be deemed to have been suspended at any general meeting or adjournment thereof at which the Member is present or in respect to which the Member has specially appointed a proxy or representative. The Board may from time to time require such evidence as it shall deem necessary as to the due execution and continuing validity of any such standing proxy or authorisation and the operation of any such standing proxy or authorisation shall be deemed to be suspended until such time as the Board determines that it has received the requested evidence or other evidence satisfactory to it.
 
             (c)   Subject to paragraph (b) of this Bye-law 49, the instrument appointing a proxy together with such other evidence as to its due execution as the Board may from time to time require shall be delivered at the Registered Office (or at such place or  places as may be specified in the notice convening the meeting or in any notice of any adjournment or, in either case or the case of a written resolution, in any document sent therewith) not less than 24 hours or such other period as the Board may determine, prior to the holding of the relevant meeting or adjourned meeting at which the individual named in the instrument proposes to vote or, in the case of a poll taken subsequently to the date of a meeting or adjourned meeting, before the time appointed for the taking of the poll, or, in the case of a written resolution, prior to the effective date of the written resolution and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid.
 
             (d)   Instruments of proxy shall be in any common form or other form as the Board may approve and the Board may, if it thinks fit, send out with the notice of any meeting or any written resolution forms of instruments of proxy for use at that meeting or in connection with that written resolution. The instrument of proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll and to vote on any amendment of
 
 
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a written resolution or amendment of a resolution put to the meeting for which it is given as the proxy thinks fit. The instrument of proxy shall unless the contrary is stated therein be valid as well for any adjournment of the meeting as for the meeting to which it relates.
 
             (e)   A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid notwithstanding the previous death or unsoundness of mind of the  principal, or revocation of the instrument of proxy or of the authority under which it was executed, provided , that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity or revocation shall have been received by the Company at the Registered Office (or such other place as may be specified for the delivery of instruments of proxy in the notice convening the meeting or other documents sent therewith) at least one hour before the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting, or the taking of the poll, or the day before the effective date of any written resolution at which the instrument of proxy is used.
 
             (f)   Subject to the Act, the Board may at its discretion, or the chairman of the relevant meeting may at his or her discretion with respect to such meeting only, waive any of  the provisions of these Bye-laws related to proxies or authorisations and, in particular, may accept such verbal or other assurances as it thinks fit as to the right of any person to attend and vote on behalf of any Member at general meetings or to sign written resolutions.
 
50.  
Representation of corporations at meetings
 
               A corporation which is a Member may, by written instrument, authorise such Person or Persons as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the Members and the Person or Persons so authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which such Person or Persons represent as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual Member. Such corporation shall for the purpose of these Bye-laws be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting if a Person so authorized is present at the meeting.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the chairman of the meeting may accept such assurances as he or she thinks fit as to the right of any individual or individuals to attend and vote at general meetings on behalf of a corporation which is a Member.
 
 
SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARES
 
51.  
Authorisation of shares
 
             (a)   Upon adoption of these Bye-laws, the share capital of the Company shall initially be divided into two classes of shares consisting of (i) two hundred million (200,000,000) Common Shares and (ii) fifty million (50,000,000) Preferred Shares. The Board may create classes of shares and may increase or decrease the number of shares of any class as it sees fit.  The Board also may, subject to the Act, cancel, redeem or purchase shares of any class of shares.
 
             (b)   Subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws, the Common Shares shall entitle the holders thereof to:
 
(i)  
one vote per Common Share;
 
(ii)  
such dividends as the Board may from time to time declare;
 
 
 
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(iii)  
in the event of a winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary or for the purpose of an amalgamation, a reorganization or otherwise or upon any distribution of capital, share equally and ratably in the assets of the Company, if any, remaining after the payment of all debts and liabilities of the Company and the liquidation preference of any issued and outstanding Preferred Shares or other shares ranking ahead of the Common Shares; and
 
(iv)  
generally be entitled to enjoy all of the rights attaching to shares.
 
             (c)   Subject to these Bye-laws, the Act and to any resolution of the Members to the contrary, the unissued share capital of the Company (as it stands from time to time) shall be at the disposal of the Board and the Board shall have power to issue, offer, allot, exchange or otherwise dispose of any unissued shares of the Company, at such times, for such consideration and  on such terms and conditions as it may determine and any shares or class of shares may be issued as a new or existing class of shares and with such preferred, deferred or other special rights or such restrictions or as comprising a new or existing class of shares, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise as the Board may from time to time prescribe and the Board may generally exercise the powers set out in Sections 45(1)(b), (c), (d) and (e) of the Act.  Further the Board shall have the power to issue, offer, allot, exchange or otherwise dispose of options, warrants or other rights to purchase or acquire shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares (including any employee benefit plan providing for the issuance of shares or options or rights in respect thereof), at such times, for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as it may determine.
 
             (d)   The Board is authorised, subject to the Act, to issue the Preferred Shares in series, at such times, for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as it may determine with similar or different rights or restrictions as any other series and to establish from time to time the number of Preferred Shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences, voting rights, dividend rates, redemption provisions, and other rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof.  The terms of any series of Preferred Shares shall be set forth in a Certificate of Designation in the minutes of the Board meeting authorising the issuance of such Preferred Shares and such Certificate of Designations shall be attached as an exhibit to these Bye-laws, but shall not form part of these Bye-laws, and may be examined by any Member on request.  The rights attaching to any Common Share or any Preferred Share shall be deemed not to be altered by the allotment of any other Preferred Share even if such Preferred Share does or will rank in priority for payment of a dividend or in respect of capital or which confer on the holder thereof voting rights more favorable than those conferred by such Common Share or existing Preferred Share and shall not otherwise be deemed to be altered by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.
 
52.  
Limitation on voting rights of controlled shares
 
             (a)   If and for so long as the aggregate number of Controlled Shares of any Person exceeds the Maximum Percentage of the total voting power of all of the issued
 
 
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and outstanding share capital of the Company (calculated after giving effect to any prior reduction in voting rights attaching to Controlled Shares of other Persons as provided in this Bye-law 52), each such Controlled Share, regardless of the identity of the registered holder thereof, shall confer only a fraction of a vote as determined by the following formula (the “Formula”):
 
 
 
(T - C) Divided By (9.1 x C)
 
 
Where:
“T” is the aggregate number of votes conferred by all the issued and outstanding share capital immediately prior to that application of the Formula with respect to any particular Person, adjusted to take into account any prior reduction taken with respect to any other Person pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Bye-law 52 as at the same date;
 
 
 
"C" is the number of controlled Shares attributable to such Person.
 
             (b)   The Formula shall be applied successively as many times as may be necessary to ensure that the number of Controlled Shares of any Person does not exceed the Maximum Percentage of the total voting power of all of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company at any time. For the purposes of determining the votes exercisable by Persons as at any date, the Formula shall be applied to the shares of each Person in declining order based on the respective numbers of total Controlled Shares attributable to each Person. Thus, the Formula will be applied first to the votes of shares held by the Person to whom the largest number of total Controlled Shares is attributable and thereafter sequentially with respect to the Person with the next largest number of total Controlled Shares. In each case, calculations shall be made on the basis of the aggregate number of votes conferred by the shares as of such date, as reduced by the application of the Formula to any issued shares of any Person with a larger number of total Controlled Shares as of such date.
 
             (c)   Notwithstanding the provisions of  paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Bye-law 52, having applied the provisions thereof as best as they consider reasonably practicable, the Board may make such final adjustments to the aggregate number of votes attaching to the Controlled Shares of any Person that it considers fair and reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the number of Controlled Shares of any Person does not exceed the Maximum Percentage of the total voting power of all of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company at any time.
 
             (d)   Notwithstanding anything in these Bye-laws, this Bye-law 52 shall not apply for so long as the Company shall have only one Member.
 
53.  
Limitations on the power to issue shares
 
             (a)   Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) of Bye-law 51, no share may be issued, without prior Board approval, if the Board has reason to believe that the effect of such issuance would cause (i) any Person that is not an Investment Company to beneficially own (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder), in excess of five percent (5%) of any class of issued and outstanding share capital of the Company, (ii) the aggregate number of
 
 
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Controlled Shares of any Person to exceed the Maximum Percentage of any class of issued and outstanding share capital of the Company or (iii) any adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequences to the Company, any of its subsidiaries or any of the Members or any Person who beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) any of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company.  The restrictions of this paragraph (a) of this Bye-law 53 shall not apply to any issuance of shares to a Person acting as an underwriter in the ordinary course of its business purchasing such shares for resale pursuant to a purchase agreement to which the Company is a party.
 
             (b)   The Board shall, in connection with the issue of any share, have the power to pay such commissions and brokerage fees and charges as may be permitted by law.
 
             (c)   The Company shall not give, whether directly or indirectly, whether by means of loan, guarantee, provision of security or otherwise, any financial assistance for the purpose of or in connection with a purchase or subscription made or to be made by any Person of or for any shares in the Company, but nothing in this Bye-law 53 shall prohibit transactions permitted pursuant to Sections 39A, 39B and 39C of the Act.
 
             (d)   The Company may from time to time do any one or more of the following things:
 
(i)  
make arrangements on the issue of shares for a difference between the Members in the amounts and times of payments of calls on their shares;
 
(ii)  
accept from any Member the whole or a part of the amount remaining unpaid on any shares held by such Member, although no part of that amount has been called up;
 
(iii)  
pay dividends in proportion to the amount paid up on each share where a larger amount is paid up on some shares than on others; and
 
(iv)  
issue its shares in fractional denominations and deal with such fractions to the same extent as its whole shares and shares in fractional denominations shall have in proportion to the respective fractions represented thereby all of the rights of whole shares including (but without limiting the generality of the foregoing) the right to vote, to receive dividends and distributions and to participate in a winding up.
 
54.  
Variation of rights and alteration of share capital
 
             (a)   If at any time the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may, whether or not the Company is being wound-up, be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by the holders of not less than a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of that class at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of the class held in accordance with Section 47 (7) of the Act.  The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued
 
 
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with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.  The rights of the holders of Common Shares shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of shares with preferred or other rights, which may be effected by the Board as provided in these Bye-laws without any vote or consent of the holders of Common Shares.
 
             (b)   The Company may from time to time by resolution of the Members alter the conditions of its Memorandum of Association by all or any of those actions listed in Section 45(1) of the Act and accordingly may change the currency denomination of, increase, alter or reduce its share capital in accordance with the provisions of Sections 45 and 46 of the Act; provided , that any resolution of the Members to alter or reduce its share capital be by the affirmative vote of Members representing not less than a majority of the votes conferred by the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote.  Where, on any alteration of share capital, fractions of shares or some other difficulty would arise, the Board may deal with or resolve the same in such manner as it thinks fit including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the issue to Members, as appropriate, of fractions of shares and/or arranging for the sale or transfer of the fractions of shares of Members to a purchaser thereof who shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, nor shall his or her title to the same be affected by any irregularity in, or in invalidity of, the proceedings relating to sale.
 
55.  
Purchase of shares by Company
 
             (a)   Exercise of power to redeem and purchase shares of the Company
 
               The Company shall have the power to,  and may from time to time, redeem or purchase all or any part of its own shares pursuant to Sections 42 and 42A of the Act.  The Board may, at its discretion and without the sanction of a resolution of the Members, authorise any redemption or purchase by the Company of its own shares (all or any part thereof), of any class, at any price (whether at par or above or below par), and so that any share to be so redeemed or purchased may be selected in any manner whatsoever, upon such terms as the Board may in its discretion determine; provided , that such redemption or purchase is effected in accordance with the provisions of the Act.  The rights attaching to any share shall be deemed not to be altered (unless such right specifically provides otherwise) by any redemption or purchase by the Company of any of its own shares.
 
             (b)   Unilateral purchase right
 
               Subject to Section 42A of the Act, if the Board has reason to believe that (i) any Person that is not an Investment Company beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) in excess of five percent (5%) of any class of issued and outstanding share capital of the Company, (ii) the aggregate number of Controlled Shares of any Person exceeds the Maximum Percentage of any class of issued and outstanding share capital of the Company or (iii) the direct or indirect share ownership in the Company of any Person may result in adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequences to the Company, any of its subsidiaries, any of the Members or any Person who beneficially owns  (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) any of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company, the Company shall have the option, but not the
 
 
 
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obligation, to redeem or purchase all or any part of the shares so owned (to the extent the Board, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, determines necessary or advisable to avoid or cure any adverse or potential adverse consequences) for the Repurchase Price by delivering written notice to the Person that owns and, where the registered holder of the shares is not such Person, the Member that holds the shares to be redeemed or purchased specifying the number of shares to be redeemed or purchased and the Repurchase Price therefor (the “Repurchase Notice”).  The Company shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to exercise its redemption or purchase option ratably among similarly situated Persons to the extent possible under the circumstances.  Within 10 days after the delivery of the Repurchase Notice, the Company or its designee shall redeem or purchase from such Person and such Member (if any), and such Person and such Member (if any), shall sell to the Company or its designee, the number of shares specified in the Repurchase Notice at a mutually agreeable time and place.  At such closing, the Company or its designee shall pay to such Person or to such Member (as the Board may consider appropriate) the Repurchase Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds and such Person and such Member (if any), shall deliver to the Company or its designee share certificates representing the redeemed or purchased shares duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by duly executed stock powers.  The Company may revoke the Repurchase Notice at any time prior to payment for the shares.
 
             (c)   Unilateral repurchase right in the event of involuntary transfer
 
               If a Person (including without limitation a Member) shall be involuntarily wound up, dissolved or liquidated or shall have entered in respect of it an order for relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code (or any similar law of any applicable jurisdiction) or shall otherwise be required to transfer involuntarily any or all of its shares pursuant to a court order, foreclosure, tax lien, government seizure, death or otherwise, and, in any such case as a result thereof, any or all of such Person’s shares (the “Involuntary Transfer Shares”) shall be actually or purportedly transferred or otherwise disposed of, such Person, or its legal representative or successor, and, where the registered holder of the shares is not such Person, the Member that holds the shares, shall promptly give notice to the Company of such transfer and the Company shall have the option, but not the obligation, to redeem or purchase all or any part of the Involuntary Transfer Shares for the Repurchase Price by delivering a Repurchase Notice to such Person and such Member (if any). Within 10 days after the delivery of the Repurchase Notice, the Company or its designee shall redeem or purchase from such Person and such Member (if any), and such Person and such Member (if any) shall sell to the Company or its designee, the number of Involuntary Transfer Shares specified in the Repurchase Notice at a mutually agreeable time and place.  At such closing, the Company or its designee shall pay to such Person or to such Member (as the Board may consider appropriate) the Repurchase Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds and such Person and such Member (if any) shall deliver to the Company or its designee share certificates representing the Involuntary Transfer Shares duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by duly executed stock powers.  The Company may revoke the Repurchase Notice at any time prior to the payment for shares.
 
(d)  In any circumstances where the Company is entitled to redeem or purchase its own shares by the foregoing provisions of this Bye-law 55, the Company shall also be
 
 
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entitled to acquire such shares as Treasury Shares in accordance with the Act on such terms as the Board shall think fit.  All the rights attaching to a Treasury Share shall be  suspended and shall not be exercised by the Company while it holds such Treasury Share and, except where required by the Act, all Treasury Shares shall be excluded from the calculation of any percentage or fraction of the share capital, or shares, of the Company.
 
56.  
Registered holder of shares
 
             (a)   The Company shall be entitled to treat the registered holder of any share as the absolute owner thereof and,  accordingly, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law or as specifically provided in these Bye-laws, no Person shall be recognized by the Company as holding any share upon trust and the Company shall not be bound by or required in any way to recognize (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any interest in any fractional part of a share or (except only as otherwise provided in these Bye-laws or by law) any other right in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.
 
             (b)   Any dividend, interest or other monies payable in cash in respect of shares may be paid by cheque or draft sent through the post directed to the Member at such Member’s address in the Register of Members or, in the case of joint holders, to such address of the holder first named in the Register of Members, or to such Person and to such address as the holder or joint holders may in writing direct.  If two or more Persons are registered as joint holders of any shares, any one can give an effectual receipt for any dividend paid in respect of such shares.
 
57.  
Death of a joint holder
 
               Where two or more Persons are registered as joint holders of a share or shares, then in the event of the death of any joint holder or holders the remaining joint holder or holders shall be absolutely entitled to the said share or shares and the Company shall recognize no claim in respect of the estate of any joint holder except in the case of the last survivor of such joint holders.
 
58.  
Share certificates
 
             (a)   Every Member shall be entitled to a share certificate under the seal of the Company (or a facsimile or representation thereof as the Board may determine) specifying the number and, where appropriate, the class of shares held by such Member and whether the same are fully paid up and, if not, how much has been paid thereon.  The Board may determine, either generally or in a particular case, that any or all signatures on share certificates may be printed thereon or affixed by mechanical means.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Bye-law 91, the Board may determine that a share certificate need not be signed on behalf of the Company.
 
             (b)   The Company shall be under no obligation to complete and deliver a share certificate unless specifically called upon to do so by the Person to whom such shares have been allotted.
 
             (c)   If any such share certificate shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Board to have been worn out, lost, mislaid or destroyed, the Board may cause a new share
 
 
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certificate to be issued and may request an indemnity with or without security for the lost share certificate as it sees fit.
 
REGISTER OF MEMBERS
 
59.  
Contents of Register of Members
 
               The Board shall cause to be kept in one or more books a Register of Members and shall enter therein the particulars required by the Act.  Unless the Board so determines, no Member or intending Member shall be entitled to have entered in the Register of Members any indication of any trust or any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any interest in any fractional part of a share and if any such entry exists or is permitted by the Board it shall not be deemed to abrogate any of the provisions of paragraph (a) of  Bye-law 56.
 
60.  
Inspection of Register of Members
 
             (a)   The Register of Members shall be open to inspection by Members or other entitled Persons at the Registered Office (or at such other place or places in Bermuda as the Board may from time to time determine) during business hours, subject to such reasonable restrictions as the Board may impose, so that not less than two hours in each normal day of business in Bermuda be allowed for inspection.  The Register of Members may, after notice has been given by advertisement in an appointed newspaper to that effect, be closed for any time or times not exceeding in the whole 30 days in each year.
 
             (b)   Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company may keep one or more overseas or branch registers in any place, and the Board may make, amend and revoke any such regulations as it may think fit respecting the keeping of such registers and the contents thereof.
 
61.  
Setting of record date
 
               Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bye-laws, the Board shall fix any date as the record date for:
 
             (a)   determining the Members entitled to receive any dividend;
 
             (b)   determining the Members entitled to receive notice of and to vote at any general meeting of the Company and the Board may determine a different record date for any adjournment or postponement thereof; and
 
             (c)   determining the Members entitled to execute a resolution in writing.
 
 
TRANSFER OF SHARES
 
62.  
Instrument of transfer
 
             (a)   An instrument of transfer shall be in such common form or other form as the Board or any transfer agent appointed from time to time may accept.  Such instrument of transfer shall be signed by or on behalf of the transferor.  The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of such share until the same has been transferred to the transferee in the Register of Members.
 
 
 
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             (b)   The Board may refuse to recognize any instrument of transfer unless it is accompanied by the certificate in respect of the shares to which it relates and by such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer.
 
63.  
Restrictions on transfer
 
             (a)   Subject to the Act, this Bye-law 63 and such other restrictions contained in these Bye-laws and elsewhere as may be applicable, any Member may sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of shares of the Company for which the Member is the registered holder at the time and, upon receipt of a duly executed form of transfer in writing, the Board shall procure the timely registration of the same. If the Board refuses to register a transfer for any reason it shall notify the proposed transferor and transferee within 30 days of such refusal.
 
             (b)   Without prior Board approval, no transfer of any share shall be registered if the Board has reason to believe that the effect of such transfer would be to (i) increase the number of shares beneficially owned (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) by any Person that is not an Investment Company to more than five percent (5%) of any class of issued and outstanding share capital of the Company, (ii) to increase the aggregate number of Controlled Shares of any Person to more than the Maximum Percentage of any class of issued and outstanding share capital of the Company or (iii) to result in adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequences to the Company, any of its subsidiaries, any of the Members or any Person who beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) any of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company.
 
             (c)   Without limiting the foregoing, no transfer of any share shall be registered unless all applicable consents, authorisations, permissions or approvals of any governmental body or agency in Bermuda, the United States or any other applicable jurisdiction required to be obtained prior to such transfer shall have been obtained.
 
             (d)   The registration of transfers may be suspended at such time and for such periods as the Board may from time to time determine; provided , that such registration shall not be suspended for more than 45 days in any period of 365 consecutive days.
 
             (e)   The Board may, by notice in writing, require any Member, any Person that beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) any of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company or any Person proposing to acquire shares of the Company, to certify or otherwise provide to the Board, within 10 Business Days of request, complete and accurate information in writing as to such matters as the Board may request for the purpose of giving effect to Bye-laws 52(a), 52(b), 53(a), 55(b), 55(c) and paragraph (b) of this Bye-law 63, including information in respect of the following matters:
 
(i)  
the number of shares of the Company in which such Person is legally or beneficially interested;
 
(ii)  
the Persons who are beneficially interested in shares in respect of which any Member is the registered holder;
 
 
 
30

 
 
 
(iii)  
the relationship, association or affiliation of such Person with any other Member or Person whether by means of common control or ownership or otherwise; and
 
(iv)  
any other facts or matters which the Board in its absolute discretion  may consider relevant to the determination of the number of shares beneficially owned by any Person or the number of Controlled Shares attributable to any Person.
 
                  If any Member, any Person that beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) any of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company or any proposed acquiror does not respond to any such request within the time specified therein, or if the Board has reason to believe that any certification or other information provided pursuant to any such request is inaccurate or incomplete, the Board may decline to approve any transfer or issuance to which such request relates or may determine to disregard for all purposes the votes attached to any shares held or owned by such Member or Person (and by the registered holder of such shares owned by such Person).
 
             (f)   The restrictions on transfer authorised or imposed by these Bye-laws shall not be imposed in any circumstances in a way that would interfere with the settlement of trades or transactions entered into through the facilities of a stock exchange on which the shares are listed or traded from time to time; provided , that the Company may decline to register transfers in accordance with these Bye-laws and resolutions of the Board after a settlement has taken place.
 
64.  
Transfers by joint holders
 
               The joint holders of any share or shares may transfer such share or shares to one or more of such joint holders, and the surviving holder or holders of any share or shares previously held by them jointly with a deceased Member may transfer any such share to the executors or administrators of such deceased Member.
 
 
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
 
65.  
Representative of deceased Member
 
               In the case of the death of a Member, the survivor or survivors where the deceased Member was a joint holder, and the legal personal representatives of the deceased Member where the deceased Member was a sole holder, shall be the only persons recognized by the Company as having any title to the deceased Member’s interest in the shares. Nothing herein contained shall release the estate of a deceased joint holder from any liability in respect of any share which had been jointly held by such deceased Member with other persons.  Subject to the provisions of Section 52 of the Act, for the purpose of this Bye-law, “legal personal representative” means the executor or administrator of a deceased Member or such other person as the Board may in its absolute discretion decide as being properly authorised to deal with the shares of a deceased Member.
 
66.  
Registration on death or bankruptcy
 
 
 
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                         Any Person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of any Member may be registered as a Member upon such evidence as the Board may deem sufficient or may  elect to nominate some Person to be registered as a transferee of such share, and in such case the Person becoming entitled shall execute in favor of such nominee an instrument of transfer in a form satisfactory to the Board.  On the presentation thereof to the Board, accompanied by such evidence as the Board may require to prove the title of the transferor and such other information as the Board shall deem necessary or appropriate, and the transferee shall be registered as a Member but the Board shall, in either case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration as it would have had in the case of a transfer of the share by that Member before such Member’s death or bankruptcy, as the case may be.
 
67.  
Registration Fees
 
               A fee may be charged by the Company for registering any transfer, probate, letters of administration, certificate of death or marriage, power of attorney, distringas or stop notice, order of court or other instrument relating to or affecting the title to any share, or otherwise making an entry in the Register of Members relating to any share.
 
 
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
 
68.  
Declaration of dividends by the Board
 
               Subject to any rights or restrictions at the time lawfully attached to any class or series of shares and subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws, the Board may, in accordance with Section 54 of the Act, declare a dividend to be paid to the Members, in proportion to the number of shares held by them, and such dividend may be paid in cash or wholly or partly in specie in which case the Board may fix the value for distribution in specie of any assets.
 
69.  
Other distributions
 
               The Board may declare and make such other distributions (in cash or in specie) to the Members as may be lawfully made out of the assets of the Company.
 
70.  
Reserve fund
 
               The Board may from time to time before declaring a dividend set aside, out of the surplus or profits of the Company, such sum as it thinks proper as a reserve fund to be used to meet contingencies or for equalizing dividends or for any other special or general purpose.
 
71.  
Deduction of Amounts due to the Company
 
               The Board may deduct from the dividends or distributions payable to any Member all monies due from such Member to the Company.
 
72.  
Unclaimed dividends
 
               Any dividend or distribution unclaimed for a period of six years from the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution shall be forfeited and shall revert and belong to the Company and the payment by the Board of any unclaimed dividend or distribution,
 
 
 
 
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interest or other sum payable on or in respect of the share into a separate account shall not constitute the Company a trustee in respect thereof.
 
73.  
Interest on dividend
 
               No dividend or distribution shall bear interest against the Company.
 
 
CAPITALIZATION
 
74.  
Capitalization
 
             (a)   The Board may resolve to capitalize any part of the amount for the time being standing to the credit of any of the Company’s share premium or other reserve accounts or funds or to the credit of the profit and loss account or otherwise available for distribution by applying such sum in paying up unissued shares to be allotted as fully paid shares pro rata to the Members.
 
             (b)   The Board may resolve to capitalize any sum standing to the credit of a reserve account or funds or sums otherwise available for dividend or distribution by applying such amounts in paying up in full partly paid shares of those Members who would have been entitled to such sums if they were distributed by way of dividend or distribution.
 
 
ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
75.  
Records of account
 
               The Board shall cause to be kept proper records of account with respect to all transactions of the Company and in particular with respect to:
 
             (a)   all sums of money received and expended by the Company and the matters in respect of which the receipt and expenditure relates;
 
             (b)   all sales and purchases of goods by the Company; and
 
             (c)   the assets and liabilities of the Company.
 
                  Such records of account shall be kept at the Registered Office or, subject to Section 83(2) of the Act, at such other place as the Board thinks fit and shall be available for inspection by the Directors during normal business hours.  No Member in its capacity as a Member shall have any right to inspect any accounting record or book or document of the Company except as conferred by the Act or as authorised by the Board.
 
76.  
Financial year end
 
The financial year end of the Company may be determined by resolution of the Board and failing such resolution shall be December 31 in each year.
 
77.  
Financial statements
 
Subject to any rights to waive laying of accounts pursuant to Section 88 of the Act, financial statements as required by the Act shall be laid before the Members in general meeting.
 
 
 
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AUDIT
 
78.  
Appointment of Auditor
 
               Subject to Section 88 of the Act, at the annual general meeting or at a subsequent special general meeting in each year, an independent representative of the Members shall be appointed by them as Auditor of the accounts of the Company.  Such Auditor may be a Member but no Director, Officer or employee of the Company shall, during his or her continuance in office, be eligible to act as an Auditor of the Company.
 
79.  
Remuneration of Auditor
 
               The remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by the Company in general meeting or in such manner as the Members may determine.
 
80.  
Vacation of office of Auditor
 
               If the office of Auditor becomes vacant by the resignation or death of the Auditor, or by the Auditor becoming incapable of acting by reason of illness or other disability at a time when the Auditor’s services are required, the Board may fill the vacancy thereby created.
 
81.  
Access to books of the Company
 
               The Auditor shall at all reasonable times have access to all books kept by the Company and to all accounts and vouchers relating thereto, and the Auditor may call on the Directors or Officers of the Company for any information in their possession relating to the books or affairs of the Company.
 
82.  
Report of the Auditor
 
             (a)   Subject to any rights to waive laying of accounts or appointment of an Auditor pursuant to Section 88 of the Act, the accounts of the Company shall be audited at least once in every year.
 
             (b)   The financial statements provided for by these Bye-laws shall be audited by the Auditor in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.  The Auditor shall make a written report thereon in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and the report of the Auditor shall be submitted to the Members in general meeting.
 
             (c)   The generally accepted auditing standards referred to in paragraph (b) of this Bye-law 82 shall be those of the United States and the financial statements and the report of the Auditor shall disclose this fact.
 
 
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GRATUITIES, PENSIONS AND INSURANCE
 
83.  
Benefits
 
               The Board may (by establishment of or maintenance of schemes or otherwise) provide benefits, whether by share options and incentive plans and loans to acquire shares (subject to obtaining any general or specific consent under the provision of Section 96 of   the Act), by the payment of gratuities or pensions or by insurance or otherwise, for any past or present Director, Officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and for any member of his or her family (including a spouse and a former spouse) or any individual who is or was dependent on him or her, and may (as well before as after he ceases to hold such office or employment) contribute to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such benefit.
 
84.  
Insurance
 
               Without prejudice to the provisions of Bye-laws 30 and 31, the Board shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance for or for the benefit of any individuals who are or were at any time Directors, Officers or employees of the Company, or of any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or who are or were at any time trustees of any pension fund in which Directors, Officers or employees of the Company or any such subsidiary or affiliate are interested, including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) insurance against any liability incurred by such individuals in respect of any act or omission in the actual or purported execution or discharge of their duties or in the exercise or purported exercise of their powers or otherwise in relation to their duties, powers or offices in relation to the Company or any such other company, subsidiary, affiliate or pension fund.
 
85.  
Limitation on Accountability
 
               No Director or former Director shall be accountable to the Company or the Members for any benefit provided pursuant to Bye-law 83 or 84 and the receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any individual from being or becoming a Director of the Company.
 
 
NOTICES
 
86.  
Notices to Members of the Company
 
               A notice may be given by the Company to any Member either by delivering it to such Member in person or by sending it to such Member’s address in the Register of Members or to such other address given for the purpose.  For the purposes of this Bye-law, a notice may be sent by mail, courier service, cable, telex, telecopier, facsimile, electronic-mail or other mode of representing words in a legible and non-transitory form.  If such notice is sent by next-day courier, cable, telex, telecopier, facsimile or electronic- mail, it shall be deemed to have been given the Business Day following the sending thereof and, if by registered mail, three Business Days following the sending thereof.
 
 
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87.  
Notices to Joint Members
 
               Any notice required to be given to a Member shall, with respect to any shares held jointly by two or more Persons, be given to whichever of such Persons is named first in the Register of Members and notice so given shall be sufficient notice to all the holders of such shares.
 
88.  
Service and delivery of notice
 
               Subject to Bye-law 86, any notice shall be deemed to have been served at the time when the same would be delivered in the ordinary course of transmission and, in proving such service, it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice was properly addressed and prepaid, if posted, and the time when it was posted, delivered to the courier or to the cable company or transmitted by telex, facsimile or other method as the case may be.
 
 
REGISTERED OFFICE
 
89.  
Registered Office
 
               The Registered Office shall be at such address as the Board may fix from time to time by resolution.
 
 
SEAL OF THE COMPANY
 
90.  
The seal
 
               The seal of the Company shall be in such form as the Board may from time to time determine.  The Board may adopt one or more duplicate seals.
 
91.  
Manner in which seal is to be affixed
 
               The seal of the Company shall not be affixed to any instrument except attested by the signature of a Director and the Secretary or any two Directors, or any person appointed by the Board for the purpose; provided , that any Director or Officer may affix the seal of the Company attested by such Director’s or Officer’s signature only to any authenticated copies of these Bye-laws, the incorporating documents of the Company, the minutes of any meetings or any other documents required to be authenticated by such Director or Officer.  Any such signature may be printed or affixed by mechanical means on any share certificate, debenture, stock certificate or other security certificate .
 
92.  
Destruction of Documents
 
               The Company shall be entitled to destroy all instruments of transfer of shares which have been registered, and all other documents on the basis of which any entry is made in the Register of Members, at any time after the expiration of six years from the date of registration thereof and all dividends mandates or variations or cancellations thereof and notifications of change of address at any time after the expiration of two years from the date of recording thereof and all share certificates which have been canceled at any time after the expiration of one year from the date of cancellation thereof and all paid dividends, warrants and checks (cheques) at any time after the expiration of one year from the date of actual payment thereof and all instruments of proxy which have been used for the purpose of a poll at any time after the expiration of one year from the date of such use  
 
 
36

 
 
and all instruments of proxy which have not been used for the purpose of a poll at any time after one month from the end of the meeting to which the instrument of proxy relates and at which no poll was demanded. It shall conclusively be presumed in favor of the Company that every entry in the Register of Members  purporting to have been made on the basis of an instrument of transfer or other document so destroyed was duly and properly made, that every instrument of transfer so destroyed was a valid and effective instrument duly and properly registered, that every share certificate so destroyed was a valid and effective certificate duly and properly canceled and that every other document hereinbefore mentioned so destroyed was a valid and effective document in accordance with the recorded particulars thereof in the books or records of the Company; provided , that:
 
             (a)    the provisions aforesaid shall apply only to the destruction of a document in good faith and without notice of any claim (regardless of the parties thereto) to which the document might be relevant;
 
             (b)   nothing herein contained shall be construed as imposing upon the Company any liability in respect of the destruction of any such document earlier than as aforesaid or in any other circumstances which would not attach to the Company in the absence of this Bye-law; and
 
             (c)   references herein to the destruction of any document include references to the disposal thereof in any manner.
 
 
  UNTRACED MEMBERS
 
93.  
Sale of Shares
 
               The Company shall be entitled to sell at the best price reasonably obtainable, or if the shares are listed on a stock exchange to purchase at the trading price on the date of purchase, the shares of a Member or the shares to which a Person is entitled by virtue of transmission on death, bankruptcy or otherwise by operation of law; provided, that:
 
             (a)   during the period of 12 years prior to the date of the publication of the advertisements referred to in paragraph (b) of this Bye-law 93 (or, if published on different dates, the first thereof) at least three dividends in respect of the shares in question have been declared and all dividends, warrants and checks (cheques) that have been sent in the manner authorised by these Bye-laws in respect of the shares in question have remained uncashed;
 
             (b)    the Company shall as soon as practicable after expiry of the said period of 12 years have inserted advertisements both in a national daily newspaper and in a newspaper circulating in the area of the last known address of such Member or other Person giving notice of its intention to sell or purchase the shares;
 
             (c)   during the said period of 12 years and the period of three months following the publication of the said advertisements the Company shall have received no indication either of the whereabouts or of the existence of such Member or Person; and
 
 
37

 
 
             (d)   if the shares are listed on a stock exchange, notice shall have been given to the relevant department of such stock exchange of the Company's intention to make such sale or purchase  prior to the publication of advertisements.
 
If during any 12-year period referred to above, further shares have been issued in right of those held at the beginning of such period or of any previously issued during such period and all the other requirements of this Bye-law 93 (other than the requirement that they be in issue for 12 years) have been satisfied in regard to the further shares, the Company may also sell or purchase the further shares.
 
 
94.  
Instrument of Transfer
 
               To give effect to any such sale or purchase pursuant to Bye-law 93, the Board may authorise some person to execute an instrument of transfer of the shares sold or purchased to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser and an instrument of transfer executed by that person shall be as effective as if it had been executed by the holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares. The transferee of any shares sold shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of, the proceedings relating to the sale.
 
95.  
Proceeds of Sale
 
               The net proceeds of sale or purchase of shares pursuant to Bye-law 93 shall belong to the Company which, for the period of six years after the transfer or purchase, shall be obliged to account to the former Member or other Person previously entitled as aforesaid for an amount equal to such proceeds and shall enter the name of such former Member or other Person in the books of the Company as a creditor for such amount.  No trust shall be created in respect of the debt, no interest shall be payable in respect of the same and the Company shall not be required to account for any money earned on the net proceeds, which may be employed in the business of the Company or invested in such investments as the Board from time to time thinks fit.  After the said six-year period has passed, the net proceeds of share shall become the property of the Company, absolutely, and any rights of the former Member or other Person previously entitled as aforesaid shall terminate completely.
 
 
WINDING-UP
 
96.  
Determination to liquidate
 
               Subject to the Act, the Company shall be wound up voluntarily by resolution of the Members; provided , that the Board shall have the power to present any petition and make application in connection with the winding up or liquidation of the Company.
 
 
 
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97.  
Winding-up/distribution by liquidator
 
               If the Company shall be wound up the liquidator may, with the sanction of a resolution of the Members, divide among the Members in specie or in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may, for such purpose, set such value as he or she deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the Members or different classes of Members.  The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the Members as the liquidator shall think fit, but so that no Member shall be compelled to accept any shares or other securities or assets whereon there is any liability.
 
 
ALTERATION OF BYE-LAWS
 
98.  
Alteration of Bye-laws
 
               No Bye-law shall be rescinded, altered or amended and no new Bye-law shall be made until the same has been approved by a resolution of the Board and confirmed by a resolution of the Members. Paragraph (b) of Bye-law 11 and all of Bye-law 12 shall not be rescinded, altered or amended and no new Bye-law inconsistent with such existing Bye-laws shall be made until the same has been approved by a resolution of the Board and confirmed by a resolution of Members holding at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3 %) of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company.
 

 
******
 
***
 
*
 
 
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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Joseph V. Taranto, certify that:
 
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Everest Re Group, Ltd;
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)and 15d-15(f)) or the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


August 9, 2011

/S / JOSEPH V. TARANTO
 
Joseph V. Taranto
 
Chairman and
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Dominic J. Addesso, certify that:
 
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Everest Re Group, Ltd;
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)and 15d-15(f)) or the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


August 9, 2011
/S/ DOMINIC J. ADDESSO
 
Dominic J. Addesso
 
President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 

Exhibit 32.1


CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 of Everest Re Group, Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Bermuda (the “Company”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as enacted by section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

 
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


August 9, 2011


/S/ JOSEPH V. TARANTO
 
Joseph V. Taranto
 
Chairman and
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 



/S/ DOMINIC J. ADDESSO
 
Dominic J. Addesso
 
President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer