-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, UH+WYDO0GOA3fPkLphSuhZ/mHPNbiqD3ozT3D5GSvL0qJIXNFVKgNFjgjsj5MluQ AgiMdsQKRgaC2L7dkiiBPw== 0001157523-08-001344.txt : 20080213 0001157523-08-001344.hdr.sgml : 20080213 20080213161242 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001157523-08-001344 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20080213 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Regulation FD Disclosure FILED AS OF DATE: 20080213 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080213 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NAVIGATORS GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000793547 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE [6331] IRS NUMBER: 133138397 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-15886 FILM NUMBER: 08604908 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE PENN PLAZA STREET 2: 55TH FL CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10119 BUSINESS PHONE: 2122442333 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE PENN PLAZA 55TH FL CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10119 8-K 1 a5609149.htm THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest reported event): February 13, 2008

The Navigators Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

0-15886

13-3138397

(State of organization)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

One Penn Plaza, New York, NY

10119

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)


Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (914) 934-8999

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (SEE General Instruction A.2. below):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


Item 2.02     Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
Item 7.01     Regulation FD Disclosure.

The following information is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 "Results of Operations and Financial Condition" and Item 7.01 "Regulation FD Disclosure". This information, including the Exhibit attached hereto, shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

On February 13, 2008, The Navigators Group, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release announcing its earnings for the fourth quarter of 2007. This press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Elliot S. Orol

Name:

Elliot S. Orol

Title:

Senior Vice President, General Counsel

and Secretary

 

Date:

February 13, 2008


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Number

 

Description

99.1

Fourth Quarter Earnings Release dated February 13, 2008.

EX-99.1 2 a5609149ex99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99-1

Exhibit 99.1

Navigators Reports Record Earnings

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Navigators Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NAVG) reported net income of $26,540,000 or $1.55 per share for the 2007 fourth quarter compared to net income of $20,607,000 or $1.22 per share for the 2006 fourth quarter. The 2007 fourth quarter results include a net realized capital gain of $0.04 per share and the 2006 fourth quarter results include a net realized capital loss of $0.01 per share.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $95,620,000 or $5.62 per share, compared to $72,563,000 or $4.30 per share for the year ended December 31, 2006. The 2007 year results include a net realized capital gain of $0.08 per share and the 2006 year results include a net realized capital loss of $0.04 per share.

Gross written premium for the 2007 fourth quarter and year was $247,336,000 and $1,070,707,000, respectively, increases of 6% and 10% from the comparable 2006 year periods.

Net written premium for the 2007 fourth quarter and year was $152,325,000 and $645,796,000, respectively, increases of 18% and 24% from the comparable 2006 year periods.

The combined loss and expense ratios for the 2007 fourth quarter and year were 87.7% and 87.5%, respectively, compared to 87.7% and 87.8% for the comparable 2006 year periods. Net paid loss ratios for the 2007 fourth quarter and year were 32.5% and 31.5%, respectively, compared to 28.0% and 32.7% for the comparable 2006 year periods. The combined loss and expense ratios for the 2007 fourth quarter and year were favorably impacted by 10.8 loss ratio points and 7.8 loss ratio points, respectively, reflecting redundancies in prior period loss reserves.

Net investment income for the 2007 fourth quarter and year was $19,186,000 and $70,662,000, respectively, increases of 23% and 24% from the comparable 2006 year periods. The pre-tax investment yields for the 2007 and 2006 fourth quarters and years were all 4.4%.

Navigators’ Chief Executive Officer Stan Galanski commented, “Our strong underwriting results continue to benefit from favorable loss emergence patterns across all business units. Our underwriters understand that our top priority is always underwriting profit, not premium growth, and how important it is to maintain disciplined underwriting as market conditions soften. We also continue to benefit from the diversification strategy implemented over the last six years, which has increased the number of products we offer and expanded both our distribution network and our geographic presence. At a time of great turbulence within the financial services sector, our prudent investment approach has served us well. We are confident in both the adequacy of our net loss reserves and the overall quality of our balance sheet.”

Consolidated cash flow from operations for the 2007 fourth quarter and year was $53,307,000 and $284,643,000, respectively, compared to $57,932,000 and $146,030,000 for the comparable 2006 periods.

Stockholders’ equity increased 20% to $662,106,000 or $39.24 per share at December 31, 2007 compared to $551,343,000 or $32.94 per share at December 31, 2006. Statutory surplus of Navigators Insurance Company was $578,668,000 at December 31, 2007.

The Company will hold a conference call on Thursday, February 14, 2008 starting at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the 2007 fourth quarter’s results. The call will be available via live webcast on Navigators’ website (www.navg.com) by clicking on the February 14th Live Audio Webcast link.

To participate by telephone, the domestic dial-in number is 888-679-8033 and the international dial-in is 617-213-4846. The access code is 46653382. Participants may pre-register for the call at www.theconferencingservice.com/prereg/key.process?key=PNDFT349L. Pre-registrants will be issued a pin number to use when dialing into the live call that will provide quick access by bypassing the operator upon connection.

The webcast will be available for replay on the "News & Events" page of Navigators' website.

The Navigators Group, Inc. is an international specialty insurance holding company with insurance company operations, underwriting management companies, and operations at Lloyd's of London. Headquartered in New York City, Navigators has offices in major insurance centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Whenever used in this release, the words “estimate”, “expect”, “believe” or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We cannot assure that anticipated results will be achieved, since actual results may differ materially because of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which we face. Please refer to Navigators’ most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a description of Navigators’ business and the important factors which may affect that business. Navigators undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Financial Highlights
($'s in thousands, except per share data)
             
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
Financial Highlights 2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
 
Gross written premium $ 247,336 $ 232,974 6 % $ 1,070,707 $ 970,790 10 %
Net written premium 152,325 129,096 18 % 645,796 520,807 24 %
 
Revenues:
Net earned premium 161,276 134,364 20 % 601,977 468,323 29 %
Commission income 725 610 19 % 1,736 3,075 -44 %
Investment Income 19,186 15,651 23 % 70,662 56,895 24 %
Net realized capital gains (losses) 1,031 (259 ) NM 2,006 (1,026 ) NM
Other income (expense)   304       (19 ) NM   278       (673 ) NM
Total revenues   182,522       150,347   21 %   676,659       526,594   28 %
 
Operating expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
91,642 76,987 19 % 340,592 270,187 26 %
Commission expense 23,188 16,689 39 % 77,613 57,787 34 %
Other operating expenses 27,610 24,737 12 % 110,409 85,755 29 %
Interest expense   2,217       2,214   NM   8,863       6,248   NM
Total operating expenses   144,657       120,627   20 %   537,477       419,977   28 %
 
Income before income taxes   37,865       29,720   27 %   139,182       106,617   31 %
 
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current 13,662 11,152 23 % 47,963 38,644 24 %
Deferred   (2,337 )     (2,039 ) NM   (4,401 )     (4,590 ) NM
Income tax expense (benefit)   11,325       9,113   24 %   43,562       34,054   28 %
 
Net income $ 26,540     $ 20,607   29 % $ 95,620     $ 72,563   32 %
 
Per Share Data
 
Net income per common share:
Basic $ 1.57 $ 1.23 28 % $ 5.69 $ 4.34 31 %
Diluted $ 1.55 $ 1.22 27 % $ 5.62 $ 4.30 31 %
 
Average shares outstanding:
Basic 16,863 16,712 16,812 16,722
Diluted 17,078 16,877 17,005 16,856
 
Underwriting Ratios
Loss Ratio 56.8 % 57.3 % 56.6 % 57.7 %
Expense Ratio   30.9 %     30.4 %   30.9 %     30.1 %
Combined Ratio 87.7 % 87.7 % 87.5 % 87.8 %
 
 
Balance Sheet Data Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
  2007       2006  
Stockholders' equity $ 662,106 $ 551,343 20 %
Book value per share $ 39.24 $ 32.94 19 %
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($'s in thousands)
   

December 31,

December 31,

2007 2006
ASSETS
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2007, $1,508,489; 2006, $1,263,283)
$ 1,522,320 $ 1,258,717
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2007, $65,492; 2006, $31,879) 67,240 37,828
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value 170,685 176,961
Cash   7,056   2,404
Total investments and cash   1,767,301

 

  1,475,910
 
Premiums in course of collection 163,081 163,309
Commissions receivable 2,381 3,647
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 188,961 179,493
Reinsurance receivable on paid losses 94,818 108,878
Reinsurance receivable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses 801,461 911,439
Net deferred income tax benefit 29,249 30,422
Deferred policy acquisition costs 51,895 41,700
Accrued investment income 15,605 13,052
Goodwill and other intangible assets 8,084 8,012
Other assets   20,935   20,824
 
Total assets $ 3,143,771 $ 2,956,686
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 1,648,764 $ 1,607,555
Unearned premium 469,481 415,096
Reinsurance balances payable 161,829 194,266
Senior notes 123,673 123,560
Federal income tax payable 10,868 3,934
Accounts payable and other liabilities   67,050   60,932
Total liabilities   2,481,665   2,405,343
 
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.10 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued - -

Common stock, $.10 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized for 2007 and 50,000,000 for 2006; issued and outstanding: 16,873,094 for 2007 and 16,735,898 for 2006

1,687 1,674
Additional paid-in capital 291,616 286,732
Retained earnings 355,084 259,464
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   13,719   3,473
Total stockholders' equity   662,106   551,343
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,143,771 $ 2,956,686
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Comparative Premium Data
($'s in thousands)
         
Gross Written Premium: Fourth Quarter Twelve Months
Insurance Companies: 2007   2006   Change 2007   2006   Change
Marine $ 61,351 $ 56,423 9% $ 266,647 $ 266,351 0%
Specialty 92,010 91,533 1% 381,393 311,376 22%
Professional Liability 30,177 27,596 9% 99,556 92,760 7%
Other   5,316     1,078 NM   26,750     2,359 NM
188,854 176,630 7% 774,346 672,846 15%
Lloyd's Operations:
Marine 41,555 43,060 -3% 225,216 245,134 -8%
Professional Liability 8,630 5,655 53% 34,281 21,759 58%
Other   8,297     7,629 9%   36,864     31,051 19%
  58,482     56,344 4%   296,361     297,944 -1%
Total $ 247,336   $ 232,974 6% $ 1,070,707   $ 970,790 10%
Net Written Premium: Fourth Quarter Twelve Months
Insurance Companies: 2007   2006   Change 2007   2006   Change
Marine $ 32,271 $ 27,029 19% $ 137,724 $ 128,920 7%
Specialty 69,324 58,858 18% 263,433 195,104 35%
Professional Liability 17,711 16,298 9% 59,117 51,192 15%
Other   2,914     717 NM   17,744     963 NM
122,220 102,902 19% 478,018 376,179 27%
Lloyd's Operations:
Marine 21,531 20,610 4% 131,430 127,636 3%
Professional Liability 5,148 2,690 91% 23,349 9,016 159%
Other   3,426     2,894 18%   12,999     7,976 63%
  30,105     26,194 15%   167,778     144,628 16%
Total $ 152,325   $ 129,096 18% $ 645,796   $ 520,807 24%
 
Net Earned Premium: Fourth Quarter Twelve Months
Insurance Companies: 2007   2006   Change 2007   2006   Change
Marine $ 36,921 $ 34,414 7% $ 133,452 $ 115,093 16%
Specialty 68,589 51,346 34% 243,915 172,479 41%
Professional Liability 14,594 11,943 22% 55,149 41,437 33%
Other   2,745     686 NM   10,940     714 NM
122,849 98,389 25% 443,456 329,723 34%
Lloyd's Operations:
Marine 28,490 31,615 -10% 132,443 130,644 1%

Professional Liability

8,161 2,107 287% 17,659 4,237 317%
Other   1,776     2,253 -21%   8,419     3,719 126%
  38,427     35,975 7%   158,521     138,600 14%
Total $ 161,276   $ 134,364 20% $ 601,977   $ 468,323 29%
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Segment Information
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2007
       
($'s in thousands)
 
Insurance Lloyd's
Companies Operations Corporate Total
Gross written premium $ 188,854 $ 58,482 $ 247,336
Net written premium 122,220 30,105 152,325
 
Net earned premium 122,849 38,427 161,276
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses (71,771 ) (19,871 ) (91,642 )
Commission expense (14,418 ) (8,770 ) (23,188 )
Other operating expenses (20,070 ) (7,540 ) (27,610 )
Other income (expense)   621     408     1,029  
 
Underwriting profit 17,211 2,654 19,865
 
Investment income 15,351 3,357 $ 478 19,186
Net realized capital gains (losses) 855 176 1,031
Interest expense       (2,217 )   (2,217 )
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
33,417 6,187 (1,739 ) 37,865
 
Income tax expense (benefit)   9,794     2,140     (609 )   11,325  
Net income (loss) $ 23,623   $ 4,047   $ (1,130 ) $ 26,540  
 
Loss and loss expenses ratio 58.4 % 51.7 % 56.8 %
Commission expense ratio 11.7 % 22.8 % 14.4 %
Other operating expenses ratio (1)   15.8 %   18.6 %   16.5 %
Combined ratio   85.9 %   93.1 %   87.7 %
 
(1) The other operating expenses ratio includes other income (expense).
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Segment Information
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2006
       
($'s in thousands)
 
Insurance Lloyd's
Companies Operations Corporate Total
Gross written premium $ 176,630 $ 56,344 $ 232,974
Net written premium 102,902 26,194 129,096
 
Net earned premium 98,389 35,975 134,364
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses (56,184 ) (20,803 ) (76,987 )
Commission expense (11,487 ) (5,202 ) (16,689 )
Other operating expenses (18,363 ) (6,374 ) (24,737 )
Other income (expense)   891     (300 )   591  
 
Underwriting profit 13,246 3,296 16,542
 
Investment income 12,945 2,246 $ 460 15,651
Net realized capital gains (losses) (293 ) 34

 

(259 )
Interest expense  

 

   

 

    (2,214 )   (2,214 )
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
25,898 5,576 (1,754 ) 29,720
 
Income tax expense (benefit)   8,401     1,951     (1,239 )   9,113  
Net income (loss) $ 17,497   $ 3,625   $ (515 ) $ 20,607  
 
Loss and loss expenses ratio 57.1 % 57.8 % 57.3 %
Commission expense ratio 11.7 % 14.5 % 12.4 %
Other operating expenses ratio (1)   17.7 %   18.5 %   18.0 %
Combined ratio   86.5 %   90.8 %   87.7 %
 
(1) The other operating expenses ratio includes other income (expense).
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Segment Information
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2007
       
($'s in thousands)
 
Insurance Lloyd's
Companies Operations Corporate Total
Gross written premium $ 774,346 $ 296,361 $ 1,070,707
Net written premium 478,018 167,778 645,796
 
Net earned premium 443,456 158,521 601,977
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses (256,652 ) (83,940 ) (340,592 )
Commission expense (52,490 ) (25,123 ) (77,613 )
Other operating expenses (81,053 ) (29,356 ) (110,409 )
Other income (expense)   1,510     504     2,014  
 
Underwriting profit 54,771 20,606 75,377
 
Investment income 58,261 10,524 $ 1,877 70,662
Net realized capital gains (losses) 1,973 33 2,006
Interest expense       (8,863 )   (8,863 )
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
115,005 31,163 (6,986 ) 139,182
 
Income tax expense (benefit)   35,061     10,946     (2,445 )   43,562  
Net income (loss) $ 79,944   $ 20,217   $ (4,541 ) $ 95,620  
 
Loss and loss expenses ratio 57.9 % 53.0 % 56.6 %
Commission expense ratio 11.8 % 15.8 % 12.9 %
Other operating expenses ratio (1)   17.9 %   18.2 %   18.0 %
Combined ratio   87.6 %   87.0 %   87.5 %
 
(1) The other operating expenses ratio includes other income (expense).
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Segment Information
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2006
       
($'s in thousands)
 
Insurance Lloyd's
Companies Operations Corporate Total
Gross written premium $ 672,846 $ 297,944 $ 970,790
Net written premium 376,179 144,628 520,807
 
Net earned premium 329,723 138,600 468,323
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses (191,740 ) (78,447 ) (270,187 )
Commission expense (36,412 ) (21,375 ) (57,787 )
Other operating expenses (62,459 ) (23,296 ) (85,755 )
Other income (expense)   3,552     (1,150 )   2,402  
 
Underwriting profit 42,664 14,332 56,996
 
Investment income 47,723 7,694 $ 1,478 56,895
Net realized capital gains (losses) (622 ) (404 )

 

(1,026 )
Interest expense  

 

   

 

    (6,248 )   (6,248 )
Income before income tax expense
89,765 21,622 (4,770 ) 106,617
 
Income tax expense   28,843     7,601     (2,390 )   34,054  
Net income (loss) $ 60,922   $ 14,021   $ (2,380 ) $ 72,563  
 
Loss and loss expenses ratio 58.2 % 56.6 % 57.7 %
Commission expense ratio 11.0 % 15.4 % 12.3 %
Other operating expenses ratio (1)   17.9 %   17.6 %   17.8 %
Combined ratio   87.1 %   89.6 %   87.8 %
 
(1) The other operating expenses ratio includes other income (expense).

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Underwriting Results

($'s in thousands)

 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2007

Net
Earned
Premium

Losses
and LAE
Incurred

 

Underwriting
Expenses

Combined Ratio

Insurance Companies:   Loss Expense Total
Marine $ 36,921 $ 20,477 $ 10,692 55.4 % 29.0 % 84.4 %
Specialty 68,589 40,994 16,337 59.8 % 23.7 % 83.5 %
Professional Liability 14,594 7,613 4,776 52.2 % 32.6 % 84.8 %
Other   2,745   2,687     2,062   NM   NM   NM  
122,849 71,771 33,867 58.4 % 27.5 % 85.9 %
Lloyd's Operations   38,427   19,871     15,902   51.7 % 41.4 % 93.1 %
Total $ 161,276 $ 91,642   $ 49,769   56.8 % 30.9 % 87.7 %
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2006

Net
Earned
Premium

Losses
and LAE
Incurred

Underwriting
Expenses

Combined Ratio

Insurance Companies:   Loss Expense Total
Marine $ 34,414 $ 18,247 $ 9,776 53.0 % 28.4 % 81.4 %
Specialty 51,346 29,935 14,826 58.3 % 28.9 % 87.2 %
Professional Liability 11,943 8,041 3,572 67.3 % 29.9 % 97.2 %
Other   686   (39 )   785   NM   NM   NM  
98,389 56,184 28,959 57.1 % 29.4 % 86.5 %
Lloyd's Operations   35,975   20,803     11,876   57.8 % 33.0 % 90.8 %
Total $ 134,364 $ 76,987   $ 40,835   57.3 % 30.4 % 87.7 %

 

 

Amounts   Loss Ratio
Net Incurred Loss Activity For the Three Months Ended: Dec. 31,   Dec. 31, Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
2007   2006 2007   2006
Insurance Companies:
Loss and LAE payments $ 40,434 $ 23,856 32.9% 24.2%
Change in reserves   31,337     32,328 25.5%   32.9%
Net incurred loss and LAE   71,771     56,184 58.4%   57.1%
 
Lloyd's Operations:
Loss and LAE payments 11,901 $ 13,779 31.0% 38.3%
Change in reserves   7,970     7,024 20.7%   19.5%
Net incurred loss and LAE   19,871     20,803 51.7%   57.8%
 
Total
Loss and LAE payments 52,335 37,635 32.5% 28.0%
Change in reserves   39,307     39,352 24.4%   29.3%
Net incurred loss and LAE $ 91,642   $ 76,987 56.8%   57.3%
 
Impact of Prior Years Reserves Amounts Loss Ratio Impact
Favorable / (Unfavorable) Development Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
For the Three Months Ended: 2007   2006 2007   2006
Insurance Companies $ 11,625 $ 3,452 9.5% 3.5%
Lloyd's Operations   5,800     1,100 15.1%   3.1%
Total $ 17,425   $ 4,552 10.8%   3.4%
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Underwriting Results
($'s in thousands)
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2007

Net
Earned
Premium

Losses
and LAE
Incurred

Underwriting
Expenses

Combined Ratio

Insurance Companies:   Loss Expense Total
Marine $ 133,452 $ 77,593 $ 39,180 58.1 % 29.4 % 87.5 %
Specialty 243,915 136,220 66,206 55.8 % 27.1 % 82.9 %
Professional Liability 55,149 32,602 19,646 59.1 % 35.6 % 94.7 %
Other   10,940   10,237   7,001   NM   NM   NM  
443,456 256,652 132,033 57.9 % 29.7 % 87.6 %
Lloyd's Operations   158,521   83,940   53,975   53.0 % 34.0 % 87.0 %
Total $ 601,977 $ 340,592 $ 186,008   56.6 % 30.9 % 87.5 %
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006

Net
Earned
Premium

Losses
and LAE
Incurred

Underwriting
Expenses

Combined Ratio

Insurance Companies:   Loss Expense Total
Marine $ 115,093 $ 65,856 $ 31,339 57.2 % 27.2 % 84.4 %
Specialty 172,479 99,112 50,138 57.5 % 29.1 % 86.6 %
Professional Liability 41,437 26,756 12,648 64.6 % 30.5 % 95.1 %
Other   714   16   1,194   NM   NM   NM  
329,723 191,740 95,319 58.2 % 28.9 % 87.1 %
Lloyd's Operations   138,600   78,447   45,821   56.6 % 33.0 % 89.6 %
Total $ 468,323 $ 270,187 $ 141,140   57.7 % 30.1 % 87.8 %
  Amounts   Loss Ratio
Net Incurred Loss Activity For the Twelve Months Ended: Dec. 31,   Dec. 31, Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
2007   2006 2007   2006
Insurance Companies:
Loss and LAE payments $ 132,077 $ 90,997 29.8% 27.6%
Change in reserves   124,575     100,743 28.1%   30.6%
Net incurred loss and LAE   256,652     191,740 57.9%   58.2%
 
Lloyd's Operations:
Loss and LAE payments $ 57,327 $ 62,051 36.2% 44.8%
Change in reserves   26,613     16,396 16.8%   11.8%
Net incurred loss and LAE   83,940     78,447 53.0%   56.6%
 
Total
Loss and LAE payments 189,404 153,048 31.5% 32.7%
Change in reserves   151,188     117,139 25.1%   25.0%
Net incurred loss and LAE $ 340,592   $ 270,187 56.6%   57.7%
 
Impact of Prior Years Reserves Amounts Loss Ratio Impact
Favorable / (Unfavorable) Development Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
For the Twelve Months Ended: 2007   2006 2007   2006
Insurance Companies $ 33,796 $ 12,702 7.6% 3.9%
Lloyd's Operations   13,213     4,500 8.3%   3.2%
Total $ 47,009   $ 17,202 7.8%   3.7%
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Net Loss Data
($'s in thousands)
     
Case IBNR
Net Loss Reserves, December 31, 2007: Reserves Reserves Total
Insurance Companies:
Marine $ 93,110 $ 103,229 $ 196,339
Specialty 64,745 278,814 343,559
Professional Liability 20,335 50,584 70,919
Other   13,147   11,717   24,864
Total Insurance Companies   191,337   444,344   635,681
Lloyd's Operations:
Marine 89,957 93,069 183,026
Other   7,485   21,111   28,596
Total Lloyd's Operations   97,442   114,180   211,622
 
Total Net Loss Reserves $ 288,779 $ 558,524 $ 847,303
 
Case IBNR
Net Loss Reserves, December 31, 2006: Reserves Reserves Total
Insurance Companies:
Marine $ 83,295 $ 96,098 $ 179,393
Specialty 55,284 205,560 260,844
Professional Liability 14,013 37,558 51,571
Other   9,866   9,433   19,299
Total Insurance Companies   162,458   348,649   511,107
Lloyd's Operations:
Marine 77,621 95,876 173,497
Other   3,104   8,408   11,512
Total Lloyd's Operations   80,725   104,284   185,009
 
Total Net Loss Reserves $ 243,183 $ 452,933 $ 696,116
Professional Liability
Reported Claims or Notices of Potential Claims
Related to Subprime Exposure (1)
December 31, 2007
($'s in thousands)
       

The following table sets forth claims data and other information related to subprime exposure for our professional liability business.  Our management believes that its reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate to cover the ultimate costs for such loss contingencies related to subprime exposure for our professional liability business.

 
Number Average Average Average
of Gross Net Excess
Claims (2) Limit Limit (3) Attachment
Primary:
D&O Securities/Other Claims - $ - $ -
 
Excess:
D&O Securities Claims 4 7,500 4,500 $ 37,500
D&O Side A Securities Claims 2 5,000 3,500 137,500
Other Claims 2   10,000   5,500 35,000
 
Subtotal/Average 8   7,500   4,500
 
Total 8 $ 7,500 $ 4,500
 

(1) There are a total of 29 professional liability insurance policies with $2.6 million of gross written premium written by the Insurance Companies with possible or potential exposure to sub-prime issues.  None were written by our Lloyd’s Operations.

 

(2) Claims include all professional liability policies written by the Insurance Companies.  There are no reported claims or notices of potential claims reported for the Lloyd’s Operations.

 

All policies are claims made.  Defense costs are inside the limits of liability.

 

(3) Amounts are net of reinsurance.

THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Investment Data
December 31, 2007
($'s in thousands)
       

At December 31, 2007, the average quality of the investment portfolio as rated by S&P and Moody’s was AA/Aa with an average duration of 4.3 years.  All of the Company’s mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities except $0.2 million are rated AAA/Aaa by S&P and Moody’s and the Company does not own any collateralized debt obligations (CDO’s), collateralized loan obligations (CLO’s) or asset backed commercial paper.

 

The following table sets forth our cash and investments at December 31, 2007:

 
Gross Gross Cost or
Fair Unrealized Unrealized Amortized
Value Gains (Losses) Cost
 
Fixed maturities:
 
U.S. Government Treasury bonds, GNMAs and foreign government bonds
$ 234,375 $ 5,724 $ (337 ) $ 228,988
Non-guaranteed government agency bonds 29,818 342 (4 ) 29,480
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
515,883 7,050 (657 ) 509,490
Mortgage-backed securities 232,869 1,824 (479 ) 231,524
Collateralized mortgage obligations 134,899 524 (823 ) 135,198
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 113,488 544 (1,031 ) 113,975
Asset-backed securities 64,352 533 (79 ) 63,898
Corporate bonds 196,636 2,504 (1,804 ) 195,936
Short-term investments   170,685   -   -     170,685
Total fixed maturities 1,693,005 19,045 (5,214 ) 1,679,174
 
Equity securities - common stocks 67,240 6,452 (4,704 ) 65,492
Cash   7,056   -   -     7,056
Total $ 1,767,301 $ 25,497 $ (9,918 ) $ 1,751,722
 

At December 31, 2007, the Company owned three asset-backed securities approximating $0.5 million with subprime mortgage exposures.  The securities are rated AAA/Aaa by S&P and Moody’s, respectively, and have an effective maturity of 0.8 years.  In addition, the Company owned eleven collateralized mortgage obligations approximating $20.9 million classified as Alt-A which is a credit category between prime and subprime.  The Alt-A bonds, also rated AAA/Aaa, have an effective maturity of 2.3 years.  Such subprime and Alt-A categories are as defined by S&P.  The Company is receiving principal and/or interest payments on all of these securities and believes such amounts are fully collectible.

The Navigators Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Investment Data
December 31, 2007
($'s in thousands)
       

The following three tables set forth our mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and asset-backed securities by those issued by FNMA and FHLMC and the quality category (prime, Alt-A and subprime) for all other such investments at December 31, 2007:

 
Gross Gross Cost or
Fair Unrealized Unrealized Amortized
Mortgage-backed securities: Value Gains (Losses) Cost
FNMA $ 173,773 $ 1,539 $ (415 ) $ 172,649
FHLMC 59,096 285 (64 ) 58,875
Prime - - - -
Alt-A - - - -
Subprime   -   -   -     -
Total $ 232,869 $ 1,824 $ (479 ) $ 231,524
 
Gross Gross Cost or
Fair Unrealized Unrealized Amortized
Collateralized mortgage obligations: Value Gains (Losses) Cost
GNMA $ 585 $ 7 $ - $ 578
FNMA 11,359 154 - 11,205
FHLMC 13,455 169 - 13,286
Prime 88,628 180 (525 ) 88,973
Alt-A 20,872 14 (298 ) 21,156
Subprime   -   -   -     -
Total $ 134,899 $ 524 $ (823 ) $ 135,198
 
Gross Gross Cost or
Fair Unrealized Unrealized Amortized
Asset-backed securities: Value Gains (Losses) Cost
GNMA $ 3,347 $ 148 $ - $ 3,199
FNMA - - - -
FHLMC - - - -
Prime 60,553 385 (54 ) 60,222
Alt-A - - - -
Subprime   452   -   (25 )   477
Total $ 64,352 $ 533 $ (79 ) $ 63,898
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Investment Data
December 31, 2007
($'s in thousands)
         

The Company owns securities credit enhanced by financial guarantors that generally result in such securities receiving the financial guarantor’s credit ratings by S&P and Moody’s.  The following two tables set forth the amount of credit enhanced securities in the portfolio by category at December 31, 2007, identify the amount insured by each financial guarantor and identify the average underlying credit rating of such credit enhanced securities.

 
Average
Gross Gross Cost or Underlying
Fair Unrealized Unrealized Amortized Credit
Fixed Maturities: Value Gains (Losses) Cost Rating
 
Credit enhanced securities:
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
$ 272,491 $ 3,665 $ (287 ) $ 269,113
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 13,047 35 (10 ) 13,022
Corporate bonds   2,194   3   (27 )   2,218
Total $ 287,732 $ 3,703 $ (324 ) $ 284,353
 
Financial guarantors:
AMBAC $ 63,003 $ 629 $ (98 ) $ 62,472 A+
Assured Guaranty LTD 4,005 68 - 3,937 A
FGIC 54,812 631 (76 ) 54,257 AA-
Financial Security Assurance 72,046 1,339 (18 ) 70,725 A+
MBIA 76,433 918 (65 ) 75,580 AA-
Radian Group, Inc. 7,681 78 (55 ) 7,658 AA-
XL Capital   9,752   40   (12 )   9,724 A
Total $ 287,732 $ 3,703 $ (324 ) $ 284,353 AA-
 

The average underlying credit rating by bond insurer of the insured securities rated by S&P or Moody’s if such securities did not have the credit enhancing insurance is included in the “Underlying Credit Rating” column in the above table.  This average rating includes $16.2 million of prerefunded municipal bonds which have an implied rating of AAA but are not otherwise rated by S&P or Moody’s.  Such average ratings exclude a total of 44 credit enhanced securities approximating $30.9 million that do not have an underlying rating consisting of 22 municipal bonds approximating $15.7 million, 17 asset backed securities approximating $13.0 million and 5 corporate bonds approximating $2.2 million.

CONTACT:
The Navigators Group, Inc.
Paul J. Malvasio, 914-933-6088
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
pmalvasio@navg.com
www.navg.com

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