UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
or
Commission File Number: 001-15811
MARKEL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
4521 Highwoods Parkway, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6148
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(804) 747-0136
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at October 29, 2010: 9,716,369
Markel Corporation
Form 10-Q
Index
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets—
September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income—
Quarters and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity—
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Critical Accounting Estimates
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6. Exhibits
Signatures
Exhibit Index
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MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Investments, available-for-sale, at estimated fair value:
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $5,156,263 in 2010 and $4,961,745 in 2009)
Equity securities (cost of $962,650 in 2010 and $843,841 in 2009)
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)
Investments in affiliates
Total Investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
Goodwill and intangible assets
Other assets
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
Unearned premiums
Payables to insurance companies
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $1,101,000 in 2010 and $1,011,000 in 2009)
Other liabilities
Total Liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total Equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums
Net investment income
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income
Net realized investment gains (losses), excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Other revenues
Total Operating Revenues
OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Other expenses
Total Operating Expenses
Operating Income
Interest expense
Income Before Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net Income
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net Income to Shareholders
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes:
Net holding gains arising during the period
Unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period
Reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) included in net income
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes
Change in currency translation adjustments, net of taxes
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes
Total Other Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive Income to Shareholders
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic
Diluted
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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
December 31, 2008
Cumulative effect of adoption of FASB ASC 320-10, net of taxes
Comprehensive income
Restricted stock units expensed
Other
September 30, 2009
December 31, 2009
Issuance of common stock
Repurchase of common stock
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
September 30, 2010
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased
Net change in short-term investments
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt
Repayments of senior long-term debt and other debt
Repurchases of common stock
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Financing Activities
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation
Markel Corporation markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets.
The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated statements of changes in equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of such consolidated financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consist only of normal, recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 was derived from Markel Corporation’s audited annual consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and all subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Prior to the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company accounted for its two non-insurance subsidiaries as investments in affiliates under the equity method of accounting. The Company had determined that the differences between the equity method of accounting and consolidation accounting for these two entities were immaterial to the consolidated financial statements. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company acquired two additional businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace and, as a result, the Company consolidated the two entities that had previously been accounted for as investments in affiliates. This change had no impact on the Company’s net income to shareholders for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009. The Company consolidates the results of its non-insurance subsidiaries on a one-month lag.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes. Readers are urged to review the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company’s business and accounting policies.
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2. Net Income per Share
a) Net income per share was determined by dividing net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income to shareholders
Basic common shares outstanding
Dilutive potential common shares
Diluted shares outstanding
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
b) The Markel Corporation Omnibus Incentive Plan (Omnibus Incentive Plan) provides for grants or awards of cash, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance grants and other stock-based awards to employees and directors. The Omnibus Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (Compensation Committee) and will terminate on March 5, 2013. In May 2010, the Compensation Committee awarded 26,410 restricted stock units to certain associates and executive officers. The restricted stock units had a grant-date fair value of $9.5 million. Each restricted stock unit will ultimately allow the recipient to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. The restricted stock units are designed to assist the Company in retaining the services of key employees. Twenty percent of the restricted stock units vest after one year, and the balance after five years, with pro rata vesting in case of death, disability or retirement. Shares will be issued in respect of the initial twenty percent of the restricted stock units promptly after vesting. The remaining shares will be issued only following termination of employment, except that issuance of a portion of the shares may occur earlier if designated share price targets are attained. Violation of non-competition agreements contained in the award agreement may result in cancellation of the award, even after vesting.
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3. Reinsurance
The following tables summarize the effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned.
Direct
Assumed
Ceded
Net premiums
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $24.1 million and $21.3 million, respectively, for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and $87.9 million and $38.1 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. The nine months ended September 30, 2010 included $43.2 million of estimated reinsurance recoverables related to the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion.
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4. Investments
a) The following tables summarize the Company’s available-for-sale investments.
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions
Foreign governments
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Public utilities
Convertible bonds
All other corporate bonds
Total fixed maturities
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts
Industrial, consumer and all other
Total equity securities
Short-term investments
Investments, available-for-sale
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b) The following tables summarize gross unrealized investment losses by the length of time that securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.
Total
At September 30, 2010, the Company held 44 securities with a total estimated fair value of $224.8 million and gross unrealized losses of $23.9 million. Of these 44 securities, 21 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year and had a total estimated fair value of $61.3 million and gross unrealized losses of $3.8 million. All 21 securities were fixed maturities where the Company expects to receive all interest and principal payments when contractually due. The Company does not intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell these fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost.
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At December 31, 2009, the Company held 190 securities with a total estimated fair value of $955.6 million and gross unrealized losses of $54.3 million. Of these 190 securities, 78 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year and had a total estimated fair value of $313.4 million and gross unrealized losses of $14.0 million. All 78 securities were fixed maturities.
The Company completes a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed. The Company considers many factors in completing its quarterly review of securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairment, including the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. For equity securities, the ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery is considered. For fixed maturities, the Company considers whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the implied yield-to-maturity, the credit quality of the issuer and the ability to recover all amounts outstanding when contractually due.
For equity securities, a decline in fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. For fixed maturities where the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, a decline in fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security
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at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. If the decline in fair value of a fixed maturity below its amortized cost is considered to be other-than-temporary based upon other considerations, the Company compares the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost of the security. The extent to which the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security represents the credit-related portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in net income, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any remaining decline in fair value represents the non-credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is the effective interest rate implicit for the security at the date of purchase.
When assessing whether it intends to sell a fixed maturity or if it is likely to be required to sell a fixed maturity before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and potential sales of investments to capitalize on favorable pricing. Additional information on the methodology and significant inputs, by security type, that the Company used to determine the amount of credit loss recognized on fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost that were considered to be other-than-temporary is provided below.
Residential mortgage-backed securities. For U.S. mortgage-backed securities, credit impairment is assessed by estimating future cash flows from the underlying mortgage loans and interest payments. The cash flow estimate incorporates actual cash flows from the mortgage-backed securities through the current period and then projects the remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions, including prepayment rates, default rates, recovery rates on foreclosed properties and loss severity assumptions. Management develops specific assumptions using market data and internal estimates, as well as estimates from rating agencies and other third party sources. Default rates are estimated by considering current underlying mortgage loan performance and expectations of future performance. Estimates of future cash flows are discounted to present value. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost, the Company recognizes the estimated credit loss in net income.
Corporate bonds. For corporate bonds, credit impairment is assessed by evaluating the underlying issuer. As part of this assessment, the Company analyzes various factors, including the following:
fundamentals of the issuer, including current and projected earnings, current liquidity position and ability to raise capital;
fundamentals of the industry in which the issuer operates;
expectations of defaults and recovery rates;
changes in ratings by the rating agencies;
other relevant market considerations; and
receipt of interest payments
Default probabilities and recovery rates from rating agencies are key factors used in calculating the credit loss. Additional research of the industry and issuer is completed to determine if there is any current information that may affect the fixed maturity or its issuer in a negative manner and require an adjustment to the cash flow assumptions.
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c) The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at September 30, 2010 are shown below by contractual maturity and investment type.
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies:
Due in one year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions:
Foreign governments:
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Asset-backed securities:
Public utilities:
Convertible bonds and all other corporate bonds:
Total fixed maturities:
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d) The following tables summarize the activity for credit losses recognized in net income on fixed maturities where other-than-temporary impairment was identified and a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was included in other comprehensive income.
Quarter Ended
September 30,
Cumulative credit loss, beginning balance
Additions:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses not previously recognized
Increases related to other-than-temporary impairment losses previously recognized
Total additions
Reductions:
Sales of fixed maturities on which credit losses were recognized
Cumulative credit loss, ending balance
Nine Months Ended
Adoption of FASB ASC 320-10
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e) The following tables present net realized investment gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized gains on investments.
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities
Sales of equity securities
Total realized gains
Realized losses:
Other-than-temporary impairments
Total realized losses
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Fixed maturities
Equity securities
Net increase
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f) The following tables present other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment gains (losses) by investment type.
Corporate bonds
There were no write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Net realized investment losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 included $22.4 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments. Net realized investment gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and net realized investment losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $6.3 million and $85.9 million, respectively, of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments.
g) The merger of First Market Bank with Union Bankshares Corporation was completed in the first quarter of 2010 and formed Union First Market Bankshares Corporation (Union). As a result of this merger, the Company received 3.5 million shares of common stock in Union for the Company’s investment in First Market Bank. Prior to the merger, the Company’s investment in First Market Bank was included in investments in affiliates on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s investment in Union is included in equity securities on the consolidated balance sheet.
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5. Property and Equipment
The Company’s Atlas project is focused on the transformation of systems and business processes, primarily within the Excess and Surplus Lines segment, in support of the One Markel business model. During the third quarter of 2010, in response to continuous assessments of cost, organizational effort, program complexity and enterprise risks associated with Atlas, the Company decided to defer certain Atlas initiatives beyond 2011. Previously capitalized costs of $7.7 million were expensed during the third quarter of 2010.
6. Revolving Credit Facility
On June 9, 2010, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility, which provides $270 million of capacity for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The Company may increase the capacity of the revolving credit facility to $350 million subject to certain terms and conditions. The Company may select from two interest rate options for balances outstanding under the facility and pays a commitment fee (0.50% at September 30, 2010) on the unused portion of the facility based on the Company’s debt to equity leverage ratio as calculated under the agreement. At September 30, 2010, the Company had no borrowings outstanding related to the facility. This facility replaced the Company’s previous $375 million revolving credit facility and expires in June 2013.
7. Segment Reporting Disclosures
The Company operates in three segments of the specialty insurance marketplace: the Excess and Surplus Lines, the Specialty Admitted and the London markets. The Company considers many factors, including the nature of its insurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and regulatory environment in determining how to aggregate operating segments.
All investing activities related to our insurance operations are included in the Investing segment. For purposes of segment reporting, the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued in conjunction with an acquisition. The Company’s non-insurance operations primarily consist of controlling interests in various businesses, principally manufacturing operations. For purposes of segment reporting, the Company’s non-insurance operations are not considered to be an operating segment.
Segment profit or loss for each of the Company’s operating segments is measured by underwriting profit or loss. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. Underwriting profit or loss does not replace operating income or net income computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of profitability. Underwriting profit or loss provides a basis for management to evaluate the Company’s underwriting performance. Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses.
For management reporting purposes, the Company allocates assets to its underwriting, investing and non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are all assets not specifically allocated to the Investing segment or to the Company’s non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are not allocated to the Excess and Surplus Lines, Specialty Admitted, London Insurance Market or Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segments since the Company does not manage its assets by operating segment. Invested assets and net investment income related to our insurance operations are allocated to the Investing segment since these assets are available for payment of losses and expenses for all operating segments. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its operating segments for management reporting purposes.
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a) The following tables summarize the Company’s segment disclosures.
Quarter Ended September 30, 2010
Gross premium volume
Net written premiums
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current year
Prior years
Underwriting profit (loss)
Net realized investment gains
Other revenues (insurance)
Other expenses (insurance)
Segment profit (loss)
Other revenues (non-insurance)
Other expenses (non-insurance)
Income before income taxes
U.S. GAAP combined ratio(1)
Quarter Ended September 30, 2009
Net realized investment losses
The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.
NM – Ratio is not meaningful.
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
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b) The following table reconciles segment assets to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Segment Assets:
Investing
Underwriting
Total Segment Assets
Non-insurance operations
8. Derivatives
The Company is a party to a credit default swap agreement, under which third party credit risk is transferred from a counterparty to the Company. The Company entered into the credit default swap agreement for investment purposes. At both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the notional amount of the credit default swap was $33.1 million, which represented the Company’s aggregate exposure to losses if specified credit events involving third party reference entities occur. These third party reference entities are specified under the terms of the agreement and represent a portfolio of names upon which the Company has assumed credit risk from the counterparty. The Company’s exposure to loss from any one reference entity is limited to $20.0 million. The credit default swap has a scheduled termination date of December 2014.
The credit default swap is accounted for as a derivative instrument and is recorded at fair value with any changes in fair value recorded in net investment income. The fair value of the credit default swap was $27.0 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The fair value of the credit default swap is determined by the Company using an external valuation model that is dependent upon several inputs, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, expected default rates, changes in credit quality, future expected recovery rates and other market factors. The fair value of the credit default swap is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010, net investment income included a favorable change in the fair value of the credit default swap of $1.4 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009, net investment income included a favorable change in the fair value of the credit default swap of $0.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
The Company had no other material derivative instruments at September 30, 2010.
9. Employee Benefit Plans
a) Expenses relating to all of the Company’s defined contribution plans were $3.5 million and $10.1 million, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and $3.3 million and $9.4 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2009.
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b) The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Terra Nova Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan.
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of net actuarial pension loss
Net periodic benefit cost
The Company contributed $6.2 million to the Terra Nova Pension Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The Company expects plan contributions to total $6.5 million in 2010.
10. Contingencies
On February 10, 2009, Guaranty Bank, an insured under a program written by the Company covering financial institutions against defaults on second mortgages and home equity loans, filed a lawsuit against the Company’s subsidiary, Evanston Insurance Company (Evanston), and the managing general agent for the program, Universal Assurors Agency, Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The lawsuit alleged violations of the Wisconsin insurance code relating to Guaranty Bank’s policy, which has been in force since 2004, and sought, among other things, the return of all premiums paid under the policy and a declaration requiring continued coverage of losses notwithstanding the claim for return of premiums paid. In September 2010, the parties reached agreement to settle the litigation, with Evanston paying outstanding claims under the policy as of July 1, 2010, and the terms of the policy being amended for the period after July 1, 2010. An underwriting loss of $19.9 million relating to the settlement was recognized in the third quarter of 2010.
Other contingencies arise in the normal conduct of the Company’s operations and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. However, adverse outcomes are possible and could negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Effective in the first quarter of 2010, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which expands disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. ASU No. 2010-06 requires disclosure of the amounts of and reasons for significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. This guidance also requires gross rather than net disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements relating to Level 3 fair value measurements. Disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements are required as well. Since ASU No. 2010-06 addresses financial statement disclosures only, the adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company has included the disclosures required by ASU No. 2010-06 in note 12.
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (Statement) No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-17, Improvements to
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Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities, to amend their codification for Statement No. 167. This guidance removes the scope exception for qualifying special-purpose entities, includes new criteria for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and increases the frequency of required assessments to determine whether an entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. In January 2010, the FASB decided to indefinitely defer the consolidation requirements of ASU No. 2009-17 for interests in certain investment entities. The FASB also decided to revise the provisions of ASU No. 2009-17 for determining whether service-provider or decision-maker fee arrangements represent a variable interest. Both the provisions of ASU No. 2009-17 as issued and the subsequent revisions to this guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Effective July 1, 2010, the Company adopted ASU No. 2010-11, Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives, which clarifies that the only type of embedded credit derivatives that are exempt from bifurcation requirements are those that relate to the subordination of one financial instrument to another. This guidance requires analysis of embedded credit derivative features other than subordination to determine if they require bifurcation and separate accounting treatment. The adoption of ASU No. 2010-11 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts, to address diversity in practice within the insurance industry regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. This guidance modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred by insurance companies that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal contracts. This guidance specifies that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be capitalized. ASU No. 2010-26 becomes effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012, and would allow, but not require, retrospective application. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2010-26 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
12. Fair Value Measurements
FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the assets or liabilities fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. Classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy considers the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability and transparency of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.
Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.
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Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability and are significant to the fair value measurement.
In accordance with FASB ASC 820, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods, including the market, income and cost approaches. The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value, including an indication of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.
Investments available-for-sale. Investments available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments. Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, commercial paper, discount notes and treasury bills with original maturities of one year or less. Fair value for investments available-for-sale is determined by the Company after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, the Company generally does not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company obtains an understanding of the pricing service’s valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. The Company validates prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.
Fair value for investments available-for-sale is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. Due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, the fair value of fixed maturities is normally derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities, making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable data described above. If there are no recent reported trades, the fair value of fixed maturities may be derived through the use of matrix pricing or model processes, where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate.
The Company has evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Level 1 investments include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 2 investments include U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, foreign government bonds, residential mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities.
Derivatives. Derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include a credit default swap. The fair value of the credit default swap is measured by the Company using a third party pricing model. See note 8 for a discussion of the valuation model for the credit default swap, including the key inputs and assumptions to the model. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs required in measuring the fair value of the credit default swap, the credit default swap has been classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
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The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010, by level within the fair value hierarchy.
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Total investments available-for-sale
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts
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The following tables summarize changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Derivatives, Beginning of Period
Total gains included in:
Other comprehensive income
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Derivatives, End of Period
Net unrealized gains included in net income relating to liabilities held at September 30, 2010 and 2009
Included in net investment income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. At September 30, 2010, the Company did not hold material investments in auction rate securities, loans held for sale or mortgage-backed securities backed by subprime or Alt-A collateral, which were financial instruments whose valuations, in many cases, were significantly affected by the lack of market liquidity during 2008 and 2009.
13. Acquisitions
On October 15, 2010, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Aspen Holdings, Inc. (Aspen), a Nebraska-based privately held insurance group that provides workers’ compensation insurance and related services, principally to small businesses, in 31 states. This acquisition will provide the Company with the ability to expand its insurance operations to include workers’ compensation coverage. Aspen’s subsidiaries collectively underwrite more than $300 million of gross written premium annually. The subsidiaries operate through a network of over 9,000 retail agents and have more than 500 employees based in Nebraska, Rhode Island, Nevada, California and Florida.
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Aspen shareholders received cash consideration of approximately $125 million, as well as contingent value rights that may result in the payment of additional cash consideration depending, among other things, upon the development of Aspen’s loss reserves and loss sensitive profit commissions over time. Based on current expectations, the Company believes that it is unlikely that any contingent consideration will be paid related to the contingent value rights.
As an additional part of the consideration, outstanding options to purchase shares of Aspen’s common stock were converted into options to purchase 58,116 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average exercise price of $225.94 per share.
Aspen’s operating results will be included in the Specialty Admitted segment.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and all subsidiaries.
Critical accounting estimates are those estimates that both are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require us to exercise significant judgment. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of material contingent assets and liabilities, including litigation contingencies. These estimates, by necessity, are based on assumptions about numerous factors.
We review our critical accounting estimates and assumptions quarterly. These reviews include evaluating the adequacy of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, the reinsurance allowance for doubtful accounts and income tax liabilities, as well as analyzing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, assessing goodwill for impairment and evaluating the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Readers are urged to review our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of our critical accounting estimates.
Our Business
We market and underwrite specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets and believe that our specialty product focus and niche market strategy enable us to develop expertise and specialized market knowledge. We seek to differentiate ourselves from competitors by our expertise, service, continuity and other value-based considerations. We compete in three segments of the specialty insurance marketplace: the Excess and Surplus Lines, the Specialty Admitted and the London markets. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.
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Our Excess and Surplus Lines segment writes property and casualty insurance outside of the standard market for hard-to-place risks including catastrophe-exposed property, professional liability, products liability, general liability, commercial umbrella and other coverages tailored for unique exposures. In March 2009, we transitioned the four underwriting units included in our Excess and Surplus Lines segment to a customer-focused regional office model as part of our “One Markel” initiative. Each regional office is responsible for serving the wholesale producers located in its region. The underwriters at our regional offices have access to and expertise in all of our product offerings and are located closer to our producers.
Our Specialty Admitted segment writes risks that, although unique and hard-to-place in the standard market, must remain with an admitted insurance company for marketing and regulatory reasons. Our underwriting units in this segment write specialty program insurance for well-defined niche markets and personal and commercial property and liability coverages. Our Specialty Admitted segment is comprised of two underwriting units, the Markel Specialty and Markel American Specialty Personal and Commercial Lines units. Our Specialty Admitted segment included a third underwriting unit, Markel Global Marine and Energy, until late 2008 when we decided to close that unit and place its programs into run-off.
Our London Insurance Market segment writes specialty property, casualty, professional liability, equine and marine insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis. We participate in the London market through Markel International, which includes Markel Capital Limited and Markel International Insurance Company Limited, wholly-owned subsidiaries. Markel Capital Limited is the corporate capital provider for Markel Syndicate 3000 at Lloyd’s, which is managed by Markel Syndicate Management Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary.
For purposes of segment reporting, the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued in conjunction with an acquisition.
Through our wholly-owned subsidiary Markel Ventures, Inc., we own interests in various businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace. These businesses are viewed by management as separate and distinct from our insurance operations. Local management teams oversee the day-to-day operations of these companies, while strategic decisions are made in conjunction with members of our executive management team, principally our President and Chief Investment Officer. The financial results of those companies in which we own controlling interests have been consolidated in our financial statements. The financial results of those companies in which we hold a noncontrolling interest are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Our strategy in making these private equity investments is similar to our strategy for purchasing equity securities. We seek to invest in profitable companies, with honest and talented management, that exhibit reinvestment opportunities and capital discipline, at reasonable prices. We intend to own the businesses acquired for a long period of time.
Our non-insurance operations are comprised of a diverse portfolio of companies from various industries, including a manufacturer of dredging equipment, a manufacturer of high-speed bakery equipment, an owner and operator of manufactured housing communities and a manufacturer of laminated furniture products. During the second quarter of 2010, we acquired a controlling interest in a manufacturer of food processing equipment, and we acquired a noncontrolling interest in a real estate investment fund manager.
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Key Performance Indicators
We measure financial success by our ability to compound growth in book value per share at a high rate of return over a long period of time. To mitigate the effects of short-term volatility, we measure ourselves over a five-year period. We believe that growth in book value per share is the most comprehensive measure of our success because it includes all underwriting and investing results. We measure underwriting results by our underwriting profit or loss and combined ratio. These measures are discussed in greater detail under “Results of Operations.”
Results of Operations
The following table presents the components of net income to shareholders.
Underwriting profit
Income tax (expense) benefit
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income to shareholders for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 increased 7% compared to the same period of 2009 primarily due to an increase in underwriting profit and improved investment returns, which were partially offset by an increase in income taxes. Net income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased 17% compared to the same period of 2009 primarily due to improved investment returns. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the improved investment returns were partially offset by a deterioration in underwriting results, which was due in part to higher losses from catastrophes, and an increase in income taxes compared to the same period of 2009. For both periods of 2010, the improved investment returns resulted from lower write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments compared to 2009. The components of net income to shareholders are discussed in further detail under “Underwriting Results,” “Investing Results,” “Non-Insurance Operations” and “Interest Expense and Income Taxes.”
Underwriting Results
Underwriting profits are a key component of our strategy to grow book value per share. We believe that the ability to achieve consistent underwriting profits demonstrates knowledge and expertise, commitment to superior customer service and the ability to manage insurance risk. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. We use underwriting profit or loss as a basis for evaluating our underwriting performance.
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The following table presents selected data from our underwriting operations.
Net retention
U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios(1)
Excess and Surplus Lines
Specialty Admitted
London Insurance Market
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)
Markel Corporation (Consolidated)
The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums. A combined ratio less than 100% indicates an underwriting profit, while a combined ratio greater than 100% reflects an underwriting loss.
Our combined ratio was 93% and 99%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 96% and 97%, respectively, for the same periods in 2009. For the third quarter of 2010, the decrease in the combined ratio was due to more favorable development of prior accident years’ loss reserves and a lower expense ratio, partially offset by a higher current accident year loss ratio compared to the same period of 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the increase in the combined ratio was due to a higher current accident year loss ratio and a higher expense ratio, partially offset by more favorable development of prior years’ loss reserves compared to the same period of 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the combined ratio included $32.7 million, or 3 points, of underwriting loss on the Chilean earthquake and the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion, which occurred in February 2010 and April 2010, respectively.
The combined ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included $32.9 million, or 8 points, and $71.9 million, or 6 points, respectively, of underwriting loss for two programs previously underwritten in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment that were exposed to losses associated with the adverse conditions in the residential mortgage market in recent years. The first of these programs provided coverage to financial institutions for losses on defaults by borrowers on second mortgages and home equity loans. We have been in the process of exiting this program since the first quarter of 2009. During the third quarter of 2010, we settled litigation related to this program with Guaranty Bank, the program’s largest insured, and recognized an underwriting loss of $19.9 million. The second of these programs was an errors and omissions program for mortgage servicing companies, which primarily experienced losses on the 2008 and 2007 accident years. We placed this program into run-off in the third quarter of 2010. Exposure on both programs is principally with regard to loan transactions that occurred before the end of 2008. Delinquencies and losses with regard to these loans have been greater than anticipated, resulting in greater frequency and severity of claims under both programs. Our loss reserves are based on judgments about the future performance of the underlying loans; however, continued weakness or other disruptions in the residential housing markets may result in additional loss experience and require strengthening of our loss reserves.
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The expense ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included approximately 4 points and 3 points, respectively, of costs associated with the implementation of our One Markel initiative. The expense ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009 included approximately 1 point and 2 points, respectively, of costs associated with the implementation of our One Markel initiative. As discussed in prior periods, the goal of the Atlas project, which is focused on the transformation of our systems and business processes in support of the One Markel business model, is to provide unified systems to handle operational functions, including underwriting and policy issuance, claims, billing, agency management and reinsurance, primarily within the Excess and Surplus Lines segment. During the third quarter of 2010, in response to continuous assessments of cost, organizational effort, program complexity and enterprise risks associated with the Atlas project, we have re-focused and simplified our implementation approach. While our ultimate objectives remain unchanged, we have focused our attention for the immediate future on the successful delivery of the billing and collections system in October 2010, and the development and delivery of a data warehouse and agency internet functionality in 2011. We believe we can be more successful by completing these projects before proceeding with development of the remaining initiatives. Previously capitalized costs of $7.7 million were expensed during the third quarter of 2010.
The combined ratio for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment was 103% and 98%, respectively for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 94% and 98%, respectively, for the same periods in 2009. For the third quarter of 2010, the increase in the combined ratio was primarily due to a higher current accident year loss ratio, partially offset by more favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, a higher current accident year loss ratio was offset by more favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. The combined ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included $32.9 million, or 18 points, and $71.9 million, or 13 points, respectively, of underwriting loss on two programs described above that were impacted by the adverse conditions in the residential mortgage market in recent years. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the combined ratio included $11.8 million, or 6 points, and $26.3 million, or 4 points, respectively, of underwriting loss for these same two programs.
The Excess and Surplus Lines segment’s combined ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included $52.8 million and $103.5 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to $37.5 million and $88.5 million of favorable development for the same periods in 2009. The redundancies on prior years’ loss reserves experienced within the Excess and Surplus Lines segment during both periods of 2010 were primarily on the 2006 to 2009 accident years of our professional and products liability programs due to lower loss severity than originally anticipated. As the average claim severity estimates on these long-tail books of business decreased, our actuarial estimates of the ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses were reduced, and management reduced prior years’ loss reserves accordingly.
The combined ratio for the Specialty Admitted segment was 100% and 101%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 99% for each of the same periods in 2009. For the third quarter of 2010, the increase in the combined ratio was due to a higher current accident year loss ratio and less favorable development of prior accident years’ loss reserves, partially offset by a lower expense ratio compared to the same period of 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the increase in the combined ratio was due to a higher expense ratio, partially offset by a lower current accident year loss ratio. The Specialty Admitted segment’s combined ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included $3.9 million and $4.8 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to $4.4 million and $4.8 million, respectively, of favorable development for the same periods in 2009.
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The combined ratio for the London Insurance Market segment was 77% and 99%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 91% and 93%, respectively, for the same periods in 2009. For the third quarter of 2010, the decrease in the combined ratio was primarily due to more favorable development of prior accident years’ loss reserves compared to the same period of 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the combined ratio included $32.7 million, or 8 points, of underwriting loss on the Chilean earthquake and the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion, which occurred in February 2010 and April 2010, respectively. Excluding the effects of losses from these two catastrophes, the London Insurance Market segment’s combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased primarily due to more favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves.
The London Insurance Market segment’s combined ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included $49.3 million and $75.2 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to $29.3 million and $67.2 million of favorable development for the same periods in 2009. The redundancies on prior years’ loss reserves experienced within the London Insurance Market segment during both periods of 2010 occurred in a variety of programs across each of our divisions, primarily on the 2004 to 2008 accident years. These redundancies were due in part to the adverse impact of softening insurance market conditions that began in 2005 and the poor economic conditions experienced in recent years not being as significant as initially anticipated. Actual losses have been less than originally expected in our actuarial analyses, most notably in our long-tail professional liability programs. As a result of this favorable experience, management reduced prior years’ loss reserves accordingly.
The loss reserve redundancies in the London Insurance Market segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were partially offset by adverse loss reserve development on prior years’ loss reserves in the Professional and Financial Risks division related to medical malpractice coverage for Italian hospitals and professional indemnity coverage for construction professionals in Australia. During the second quarter of 2010, actual claims experience for both of these books of business was greater than expected and as a result, our actuaries increased their estimates of ultimate losses, and management increased prior years’ loss reserves by $28.8 million. In late 2008, we ceased writing medical malpractice coverage at Markel International, and in June 2010, we ceased writing coverage on construction professionals in Australia.
Results for the London Insurance Market segment for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 also included the results of Elliott Special Risks (ESR), a Canadian managing general agent that we acquired in October 2009. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010, ESR had operating revenues of $1.3 million and $6.2 million, respectively. Operating revenues for both periods of 2010 were primarily related to commission income from third party insurance entities. Operating revenues and expenses for ESR are included in other revenues and other expenses in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.
The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment produced underwriting losses of $0.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to underwriting losses of $9.5 million and $5.3 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2009. The underwriting loss for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $10 million of loss reserve development on asbestos and environmental exposures. We completed an annual review of these exposures during the third quarters of 2010 and 2009. During our 2009 annual review, we increased our estimate of the number of claims that would
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ultimately be closed with an indemnity payment and, as a result, increased prior years’ loss reserves accordingly. During our 2010 review, we determined that no adjustment to loss reserves was required. Asbestos and environmental loss reserves are subject to significant uncertainty due to potential loss severity and frequency resulting from an uncertain and unfavorable legal climate. Our asbestos and environmental reserves are not discounted to present value and are forecasted to pay out over the next 50 years. We seek to establish appropriate reserve levels for asbestos and environmental exposures; however, these reserves could be subject to increases in the future.
Premiums and Net Retentions
The following tables summarize gross premium volume, net written premiums and earned premiums by segment.
Gross Premium Volume
Quarter Ended September 30,
Gross premium volume for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased 8% and 3%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009. In both periods of 2010, we had higher gross premium volume in the London Insurance Market segment, which was due in part to our acquisition of ESR in late 2009. In addition, the Excess and Surplus Lines segment included $18.8 million of gross premium volume related to our settlement with Guaranty Bank in both periods of 2010. These increases were partially offset by continued competition across many of our product lines, particularly within the Excess and Surplus Lines segment. In general, we believe prevailing rates within the property and casualty insurance marketplace are lower than our targeted pricing levels. When we believe the prevailing market price will not support our underwriting profit targets, the business is not written. As a result of our underwriting discipline, gross premium volume for many of our product lines, most notably within the Excess and Surplus Lines segment, has declined and, if the competitive environment does not improve, could decline further in the future.
During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010, gross premium volume in both the Excess and Surplus Lines and Specialty Admitted segments was impacted by the transfer of certain programs from the Excess and Surplus Lines segment to the Specialty Admitted segment. This transfer had no impact on total gross premium volume and was made to better align the reporting of these programs with their distribution strategy. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Specialty Admitted segment included approximately $7 million and $24 million, respectively, of gross premium volume on these transferred programs.
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Net Written Premiums
Net retention of gross premium volume was 90% for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 89% and 90%, respectively, for the same periods in 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, net written premiums in the London Insurance Market segment were reduced by $10.7 million of additional reinsurance costs resulting from the Deepwater Horizon loss. As part of our underwriting philosophy, we seek to offer products with limits that do not require significant amounts of reinsurance. We purchase reinsurance in order to reduce our retention on individual risks and enable us to write policies with sufficient limits to meet policyholder needs.
Earned Premiums
Earned premiums for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased 3% and 7%, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2009. The decrease in both periods of 2010 was primarily due to lower earned premiums in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment as a result of lower gross premium volume compared to 2009. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Excess and Surplus Lines segment included $18.8 million of earned premiums related to our settlement with Guaranty Bank. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, earned premiums in the London Insurance Market segment were reduced by $10.7 million of additional reinsurance costs resulting from the Deepwater Horizon loss.
Investing Results
Net investment income for the third quarter of 2010 was $68.7 million compared to $66.3 million for the third quarter of 2009. Net investment income was $201.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and $199.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. For both periods of 2010, net investment income increased primarily due to having higher average invested assets compared to the same periods of 2009, although market yields continue to trend downward. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010, net investment income included a favorable change in the fair value of our credit default swap of $1.4 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, compared to a favorable change in the fair value of our credit default swap of $0.6 million and $3.0 million in the same periods of 2009.
Net realized investment gains for the third quarter of 2010 were $8.8 million compared to net realized investment losses of $29.8 million for the same period of 2009. For the third quarter of 2010, we did not
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recognize any write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments. For the third quarter of 2009, net realized investment losses included $22.4 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, net realized investment gains were $22.1 million compared to net realized investment losses of $100.4 million for the same period of 2009. Net realized investment gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 included $6.3 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments. Net realized investment losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $85.9 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments.
We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. At September 30, 2010, we held securities with gross unrealized losses of $23.9 million, or less than 1% of our total invested assets. All securities with unrealized losses were reviewed, and we believe that there were no securities with indications of declines in estimated fair value that were other-than-temporary at September 30, 2010. However, given the volatility in the debt and equity markets, we caution readers that future declines in fair value could be significant and may result in additional other-than-temporary impairment charges. Variability in the timing of realized and unrealized gains and losses is to be expected.
Non-Insurance Operations (Markel Ventures)
Our non-insurance operations include the results of AMF Bakery Systems, ParkLand Ventures, Inc., Panel Specialists, Inc. (effective October 2009), Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC (effective November 2009), Solbern, Inc. (effective May 2010) and Markel Eagle Partners, LLC (effective May 2010). Operating revenues and expenses associated with our non-insurance operations are included in other revenues and other expenses in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Revenues for our non-insurance operations were $47.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 compared to $15.4 million for the same period of 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, revenues for our non-insurance operations were $119.6 million compared to $58.4 million for the same period of 2009.
Interest Expense and Income Taxes
Interest expense for the third quarter of 2010 increased to $18.6 million from $12.3 million in the same period of 2009. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased to $54.9 million from $35.9 million in the same period of 2009. For both periods of 2010, the increase compared to the same periods of 2009 was primarily due to our $350 million issuance of 7.125% unsecured senior notes in September 2009.
The estimated annual effective tax rate was 31% as of September 30, 2010, which differed from the statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the benefit from tax-exempt investment income was partially offset by having a higher effective tax rate on foreign operations. The estimated income tax benefit was 2% of income before income taxes as of September 30, 2009, which included tax benefits associated with our foreign operations. Before considering the tax benefits related to foreign operations, the effective tax rate as of September 30, 2009 was 20%, which differed from the statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. The effective tax rate as of September 30, 2009 included a 24% income tax benefit that resulted from a one-time tax benefit related to a change in United Kingdom tax law that became effective in the third quarter of 2009.
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During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, our 2006 federal income tax year closed to audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to income tax examination by tax authorities for years ended before January 1, 2007.
Comprehensive income to shareholders was $225.3 million for the third quarter of 2010 compared to comprehensive income to shareholders of $339.9 million for the same period of 2009. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the third quarter of 2010 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $161.6 million and net income to shareholders of $63.3 million. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the third quarter of 2009 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $277.5 million and net income to shareholders of $59.1 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, comprehensive income to shareholders was $326.0 million compared to $509.7 million for the same period in 2009. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $196.4 million and net income to shareholders of $126.7 million. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $389.8 million and net income to shareholders of $108.3 million.
Financial Condition
Invested assets were $8.2 billion at September 30, 2010 compared to $7.8 billion at December 31, 2009. Net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, were $614.2 million at September 30, 2010 compared to $417.8 million at December 31, 2009. Equity securities were $1.6 billion, or 19% of invested assets, at September 30, 2010 compared to $1.3 billion, or 17% of invested assets, at December 31, 2009.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $172.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $218.6 million for the same period of 2009. In 2009, net cash provided by operating activities included the receipt of $33.6 million related to our 2008 federal income tax refund.
Net cash used by investing activities was $172.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $85.9 million for the same period of 2009. During 2010, given the improvement in the financial markets over the latter half of 2009 and continuing into 2010, we increased our purchases of fixed maturities and equity securities and have been gradually shifting our investment portfolio’s allocation from short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents to higher yielding investment securities. During the first nine months of 2010, cash of $30.8 million was used by ParkLand Ventures, Inc., a subsidiary of Markel Ventures, to acquire additional manufactured housing communities.
Net cash used by financing activities was $33.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $251.8 million for the same period of 2009. During the first nine months of 2010, cash of $42.1 million was used to repurchase 123,950 shares of our common stock. In September 2009, we received net proceeds of $347.2 million associated with the issuance of $350 million of 7.125% unsecured senior notes, and we repaid $150 million of borrowings that were outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
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On June 9, 2010, we entered into a new revolving credit facility, which provides $270 million of capacity for working capital and other general corporate purposes. This facility replaced our previous $375 million revolving credit facility and expires in June 2013. We had no borrowings outstanding related to the facility during the third quarter of 2010.
We seek to maintain prudent levels of liquidity and financial leverage for the protection of our policyholders, creditors and shareholders. Our target capital structure includes approximately 30% debt. Our debt to total capital ratio was 25% at September 30, 2010 compared to 26% at December 31, 2009. From time to time, our debt to total capital ratio may increase due to business opportunities that may be financed in the short term with debt. Alternatively, our debt to total capital ratio may fall below our target capital structure, which provides us with additional borrowing capacity to respond quickly when future opportunities arise.
On October 15, 2010, we completed our acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Aspen Holdings, Inc. (Aspen), a Nebraska-based privately held insurance group that provides workers’ compensation insurance and related services, principally to small businesses, in 31 states. This acquisition will provide us with the ability to expand our insurance operations to include workers’ compensation coverage. Aspen’s subsidiaries collectively underwrite more than $300 million of gross written premium annually.
Aspen shareholders received cash consideration of approximately $125 million, as well as contingent value rights that may result in the payment of additional cash consideration depending, among other things, upon the development of Aspen’s loss reserves and loss sensitive profit commissions over time. Based on current expectations, we believe that it is unlikely that any contingent consideration will be paid related to the contingent value rights. As an additional part of the consideration, outstanding options to purchase shares of Aspen’s common stock were converted into options to purchase 58,116 shares of our common stock at an average exercise price of $225.94 per share.
We have access to various capital sources, including dividends from certain of our insurance subsidiaries, holding company invested assets, undrawn capacity under our revolving credit facility and access to the debt and equity capital markets. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet our capital needs.
At September 30, 2010, our holding company had $902.6 million of invested assets compared to $1.0 billion of invested assets at December 31, 2009.
Shareholders’ equity was $3.1 billion at September 30, 2010 compared to $2.8 billion at December 31, 2009. Book value per share increased to $314.74 at September 30, 2010 from $282.55 at December 31, 2009 primarily due to $326.0 million of comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument as the result of changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities with estimated fair values that are subject to market risk. Historically, our primary market risks have been equity price risk associated with investments in equity securities, interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturities and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our international operations. We have no material commodity risk.
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, there were no material changes to the market risk components described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
We monitor our portfolio to ensure that credit risk does not exceed prudent levels. We have consistently invested in high credit quality, investment grade securities. Our fixed maturity portfolio has an average rating of “AA,” with approximately 92% rated “A” or better by at least one nationally recognized rating organization. Our policy is to invest in investment grade securities and to minimize investments in fixed maturities that are unrated or rated below investment grade. At September 30, 2010, approximately 2% of our fixed maturity portfolio was unrated or rated below investment grade. Our fixed maturity portfolio includes securities issued with financial guaranty insurance. We purchase fixed maturities based on our assessment of the credit quality of the underlying assets without regard to insurance.
The estimated fair value of our investment portfolio at September 30, 2010 was $8.2 billion, 81% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents and 19% of which was invested in equity securities. At December 31, 2009, the estimated fair value of our investment portfolio was $7.8 billion, 82% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents and 18% of which was invested in equity securities and investments in affiliates.
Our fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments are recorded at fair value, which is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. We determine fair value for these investments after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of our fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, we generally do not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. We obtain an understanding of the pricing service’s valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. We validate prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances. At September 30, 2010, we did not hold material investments in auction rate securities, loans held for sale or mortgage-backed securities backed by subprime or Alt-A collateral, which were financial instruments whose valuations, in many cases, were significantly affected by the lack of market liquidity during 2008 and 2009.
As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 (Disclosure Controls). This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur
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because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
Based upon our controls evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that effective Disclosure Controls were in place to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
During the third quarter of 2010, we completed a redesign of our general ledger accounting system that allows for additional regional financial reporting functionality to support our One Markel initiative within the Excess and Surplus Lines segment. We also completed the implementation of a new tax provision software package that provides opportunities for greater efficiency and enhanced controls within our tax accounting process.
There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2010 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
This report contains statements concerning or incorporating our expectations, assumptions, plans, objectives, future financial or operating performance and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results in forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ are often presented with the forward-looking statements themselves. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ from those predicted are set forth under “Risk Factors” and “Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement” in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K or are included in the items listed below:
our anticipated premium volume is based on current knowledge and assumes no significant man-made or natural catastrophes, no significant changes in products or personnel and no adverse changes in market conditions;
we are legally required in certain instances to offer terrorism insurance and have attempted to manage our exposure; however, if there is a covered terrorist attack, we could sustain material losses;
the impact of the events of September 11, 2001 will depend on the resolution of on-going insurance coverage litigation and arbitrations;
the frequency and severity of catastrophic events (including earthquakes and weather-related catastrophes) is unpredictable and, in the case of weather-related catastrophes, may be exacerbated if, as many forecast, conditions in the oceans and atmosphere result in increased hurricane or other adverse weather-related activity;
changing legal and social trends and inherent uncertainties (including but not limited to those uncertainties associated with our asbestos and environmental reserves) in the loss estimation process can adversely impact the adequacy of loss reserves and the allowance for reinsurance recoverables;
we have exposure to losses associated with the adverse conditions in the residential mortgage market, principally with respect to loan transactions that occurred before the end of 2008;
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our loss reserves are based on judgments about the future performance of the underlying loans; however, continued weakness or other disruptions in the residential housing markets may result in additional loss experience and require strengthening of our loss reserves;
adverse developments in insurance coverage litigation could result in material increases in our estimates of loss reserves;
the loss estimation process may become more uncertain if we experience a period of rising inflation;
the costs and availability of reinsurance may impact our ability to write certain lines of business;
industry and economic conditions can affect the ability and/or willingness of reinsurers to pay balances due;
after the commutation of ceded reinsurance contracts, any subsequent adverse development in the re-assumed loss reserves will result in a charge to earnings;
regulatory actions can impede our ability to charge adequate rates and efficiently allocate capital;
economic conditions, volatility in interest and foreign currency exchange rates and changes in market value of concentrated investments can have a significant impact on the fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities, as well as the carrying value of other assets and liabilities, and this impact is heightened by the recent levels of market volatility;
we cannot predict the extent and duration of the current economic slowdown; the effects of government intervention into the markets to address the recent financial crisis (including, among other things, financial stability and recovery initiatives; the government’s ownership interest in American International Group, Inc. and the restructuring of that company; changes in tax policy; and the effects of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and regulations to be adopted thereunder); and their combined impact on our industry, business and investment portfolio;
we cannot predict the impact of recently adopted U.S. health care reform legislation and regulations under that legislation on our business;
our Atlas system and business process initiative may take longer to implement and cost more than we anticipate and may not achieve some or all of its objectives;
we have recently completed a number of acquisitions, have other acquisitions pending and may engage in additional acquisition activity in the future, which may increase operational and control risks for a period of time;
if we experience a pandemic or a localized catastrophic event in an area where we have offices, our business operations could be adversely affected;
loss of services of any executive officers could impact our operations; and
adverse changes in our assigned financial strength or debt ratings could impact our ability to attract and retain business or obtain capital.
Our premium volume, underwriting and investment results and results from our non-insurance operations have been and will continue to be potentially materially affected by these factors. By making forward-looking statements, we do not intend to become obligated to publicly update or revise any such statements whether as a result of new information, future events or other changes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as at their dates.
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The following table summarizes our common stock repurchases for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
July 1, 2010 through July 31, 2010
August 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010
September 1, 2010 through September 30, 2010
The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program publicly announced on August 22, 2005 (the Program). Under the Program, we may repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock from time to time, primarily through open-market transactions. The Program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
See Exhibit Index for a list of exhibits filed as part of this report.
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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, this 5th day of November 2010.
/s/ Alan I. Kirshner
/s/ Anne G. Waleski
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