-----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, GDTgCfILCmAMMTQKw+AB6abeCM4oJIPgtiCnsFeBIz7Tuplrvea4S6qKaZCuhaNm NaI8vYi7afVug61gbVYTcA== 0001005477-99-001495.txt : 19990331 0001005477-99-001495.hdr.sgml : 19990331 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001005477-99-001495 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 13 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19981231 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990330 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000947484 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE [6331] IRS NUMBER: 061424716 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-26456 FILM NUMBER: 99578687 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 20 HORSENECK LANE CITY: GREENWICH STATE: CT ZIP: 06830 BUSINESS PHONE: 2038624300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 20 HORSENECK LANE CITY: GREENWICH STATE: CT ZIP: 06830 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: RISK CAPITAL RE INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950703 10-K 1 FORM 10-K ================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K |X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998 OR |_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED] For the transition period from __________ to ___________ Commission File No. 0-26456 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 06-1424716 ------------------------------- ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 20 Horseneck Lane Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 - --------------------------------------- ---------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 862-4300 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each Exchange Title of Each Class on which Registered ------------------- --------------------- None None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. |_| The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of March 24, 1999 was approximately $172,976,563 based on the closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on that date. As of March 24, 1999, there were 17,086,266 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Part III incorporates certain information by reference to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with respect to the Registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 11, 1999, which proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. ================================================================================ RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS Item Page - ---- ---- Part I 1. Business................................................................ 1 2. Properties.............................................................. 26 3. Legal Proceedings....................................................... 26 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................... 26 Part II 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters... 26 6. Selected Financial Data................................................. 28 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......................................... 29 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.............. 43 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data............................. 43 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure........................................... 43 Part III 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...................... 43 11. Executive Compensation.................................................. 43 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.......... 43 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.......................... 43 Part IV 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K......... 44 -i- Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. This Form 10-K, the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, any proxy statement, any Form 10-Q or any Form 8-K of the Company or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such statements include forward-looking statements both with respect to the Company and the insurance sector in general (both as to underwriting and investment opportunities). All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. The Company believes that these factors include, but are not limited to, acceptance in the market of the Company's reinsurance products; competition from new products (including products that may be offered by the capital markets); the availability of investments on attractive terms; competition, including increased competition (both as to underwriting and investment opportunities); changes in the performance of the insurance sector of the public equity markets or market professionals' views as to such sector; the amount of underwriting capacity from time to time in the market; general economic conditions and conditions specific to the reinsurance and investment markets in which the Company operates; regulatory changes and conditions; rating agency policies and practices; claims development, including as to the frequency or severity of claims and the timing of payments; and loss of key personnel. Changes in any of the foregoing may affect the Company's ability to realize its business strategy or may result in changes in the Company's business strategy. The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. -ii- PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Certain terms used below are defined in the "Glossary of Selected Insurance Terms" appearing on pages 22-25 of this Report. General The Company Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. ("RCHI") was incorporated in March 1995 under the laws of the State of Delaware with the objective of becoming a global reinsurance company which integrates sound reinsurance underwriting with an investment strategy focused on the insurance industry. RCHI believes that reinsurance underwriting and investment skills can be mutually reinforcing and that successfully employing such skills in an integrated manner can result in enhanced stockholder returns. RCHI operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Risk Capital Reinsurance Company ("Risk Capital Reinsurance" and, together with RCHI, unless the context otherwise requires, the "Company"), whose primary focus is on property and casualty reinsurance treaty coverages, including excess of loss reinsurance and quota share or proportional reinsurance. Based upon data available from the Reinsurance Association of America ("RAA"), Risk Capital Reinsurance is the twelfth largest United States based broker market oriented reinsurer as measured by statutory surplus at December 31, 1998. As of that date, Risk Capital Reinsurance had statutory capital and surplus of $358.7 million and an "A (Excellent)" rating from A.M. Best Company ("A.M. Best"). In September 1995, RCHI completed an (i) initial public offering of 9,775,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), and (ii) concurrent direct sales of (x) an aggregate of 6,975,625 shares of Common Stock and (y) warrants to purchase 4,451,680 shares of Common Stock (of which 2,531,079 shares are subject to immediately exercisable warrants) for aggregate proceeds, net of underwriting expenses, of approximately $335.0 million (collectively, the "Offerings"). RCHI contributed $328.0 million of such proceeds to the capital of Risk Capital Reinsurance. In November 1995, Risk Capital Reinsurance was licensed under the insurance laws of the State of Nebraska. In October 1998, the Company received regulatory authorization for a newly formed insurance subsidiary, Cross River Insurance Company ("Cross River"). As a surplus lines carrier, Cross River is licensed in only its state of domicile, Nebraska, and expects to write primary insurance business on a non-admitted basis in selected states. Marsh & McLennan Capital, Inc. (formerly Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Corp.; herein referred to as "MMCI"), a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires, "Marsh & McLennan"), is the Company's equity investment advisor. MMCI and its affiliates have successfully invested in various newly-formed insurance and reinsurance ventures, principally ACE Limited, XL Capital Ltd. (formerly EXEL Limited; herein referred to as "XL"), Mid Ocean Limited and Centre Reinsurance Holdings Limited. MMCI is also the investment advisor to The Trident Partnership, L.P. ("Trident"), a $667.0 million investment fund capitalized by institutional investors, including Marsh & McLennan, to invest selectively on a global basis in the insurance and reinsurance industry. The stockholders of RCHI owning the largest number of shares of Common Stock are (i) XL, which owns 4,755,000 shares of Common Stock, or approximately 27.8% of the outstanding Common Stock (20.8% assuming the exercise of all outstanding warrants and options to purchase Common Stock); and (ii) Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd. ("MMRCH"), which owns 1,395,625 shares of Common Stock, or approximately 8.2% of the outstanding Common Stock, and warrants to purchase 2,675,998 shares of Common Stock, which, if fully exercised, would increase MMRCH's ownership of the Common Stock to 17.8% assuming the exercise of all outstanding warrants and options to purchase Common Stock. Pursuant to Trident's registration rights, the Company registered for sale by Trident 1,750,000 shares of Common Stock owned by Trident under a shelf registration statement which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in September 1997. Under such registration statement, Trident sold 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock, of which 1,000,000 were sold to XL. As of the date of this Report, Trident continues to own 250,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 1,386,079 shares -1- of Common Stock, which represent, in the aggregate, approximately 7.1% of the Common Stock assuming the exercise of all outstanding warrants and options to purchase Common Stock. The Company's offices are located at 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830, and its telephone number is (203) 862-4300. Business Strategy Risk Capital Reinsurance is a company that assumes risk and provides capital within the worldwide insurance and reinsurance marketplace. This scope of activity allows the Company to engage in at least three kinds of transactions for its customers: reinsurance, other forms of financing, including direct capital investments, and a combination of both sets of reinsurance and financial tools into Integrated Solutions(R), highly customized packages of reinsurance and financing techniques used together to create optimal solutions to the Company's clients' needs. Using all of the tools available within the previously separate disciplines of reinsurance and finance gives the Company the opportunity to provide better and more flexible solutions to the risk transfer/risk management/financial needs of the insurance industry. The Company believes that the following elements assist it in implementing its business strategy: o as a relatively new company, its distribution and overhead structure, as well as its organizational philosophy, is not encumbered with a traditional, territorial outlook; rather the Company is positioned to respond to the functional and global approach to the placement of insurance and reinsurance; o a small, centralized staff is well motivated by incentive compensation and is assisted by new information technology; o management seeks to use both the Company's reinsurance underwriting capacity and its investment portfolio to provide increased capacity to insurers through the provision of reinsurance and other forms of capital; o the extensive experience and relationships of the Company's management and MMCI assist in identifying and capitalizing on underwriting and investment opportunities; and o the Company believes that attractive underwriting opportunities are presented to it in connection with the investment activities of the Company and MMCI as the Company's equity investment advisor, and that investment opportunities arise from the Company's underwriting activities. Reinsurance Underwriting Strategy The principal components of the Company's underwriting strategy are: (i) identifying and committing the Company's underwriting capacity to those types of reinsurance where management believes that above average underwriting results can be achieved; (ii) promoting client loyalty by providing a full range of sophisticated risk management products closely tailored to its clients' needs; (iii) conserving capacity to react to changing market conditions; (iv) soliciting business primarily through reinsurance intermediaries; (v) taking advantage of underwriting opportunities that may arise in connection with the Company's and MMCI's equity investment activities; (vi) providing reinsurance to insurers in which the Company invests, where appropriate; (vii) maintaining a small, highly skilled, performance-motivated staff; and (viii) maintaining a low expense structure. The Company seeks to write "large lines" (i.e., significant portions) on a limited number of traditional and finite risk property and casualty reinsurance treaties with a select number of insurance and reinsurance companies located throughout the world (although the Company's principal focus is on large United States and European-based insurance and reinsurance companies) and with select Lloyd's syndicates. The Company may also provide credit enhancement, time and distance and other risk management products, the nature and demand for which will vary over time depending on existing capacity, profitability, tax, regulatory and accounting aspects, and other circumstances pertaining to such products. The Company focuses its efforts on treaty reinsurance. The Company believes in the value of long-term mutually profitable treaty relationships. The Company intends to continue to establish and cultivate such long-term relationships with its reinsureds and believes it will be assisted therein by the extensive experience of its management and MMCI. In addition, the Company intends to write conservatively in terms of the Company's -2- surplus capacity. The Company does not currently intend for its premium-to-surplus ratio to exceed 1.0x, which represents an increase from the Company's prior intention that its premium-to-surplus ratio not exceed 0.7x. This increase is due to the fact that the Company's mix of business includes a higher proportion of quota share reinsurance and the average duration of the Company's loss reserves is shorter than originally anticipated, which generally presents less risk and less variability of results for the Company. However, depending on business opportunities and the mix of business that may comprise the Company's portfolio, the Company may consider underwriting at a higher premium-to-surplus ratio than 1.0x. Underwriting conservatively in terms of surplus capacity will help enable the Company to maintain underwriting capacity and flexibility. The Company believes that these objectives should, if realized, place the Company in a position (without being overly dependent on the underwriting cycle) to take advantage of underwriting opportunities that are generally only available to well-capitalized reinsurers willing to underwrite large lines. The Company participates at Lloyd's through the provision of whole account quota share reinsurance to selected Lloyd's syndicates. The Company may participate at Lloyd's in other ways, including through investments in Lloyd's corporate members and/or managing agents. (See Note 3 under the caption "Investment Information" of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company). The Company determines the aggregate amount of reinsurance it writes based upon market and other factors, including its assessment of underwriting opportunities and its premium-to-surplus ratio at the time of determination. The Company believes that insurance companies with certain identifiable characteristics have historically performed better than the industry throughout the underwriting cycle and believes that the experience of the Company's management and MMCI assist in focusing on such companies for reinsurance and investment opportunities. The Company believes that these characteristics include underwriting performance, underwriting focus and discipline (irrespective of the underwriting cycle), the ability to take advantage of opportunities and changing circumstances in the insurance industry, low expense ratio, specialization, the ability to take a lead role in structuring substantial insurance and reinsurance contracts, substantial capacity and effective use of reinsurance. The Company employs a disciplined, multi-disciplinary and highly analytical approach to underwriting designed to specify premium that is intended to be commensurate with the amount of its capital the Company estimates it is placing at risk. As part of its underwriting process, the Company focuses on the financial characteristics (including capital needs) and reputation of the proposed cedent, the likelihood of establishing a long-term relationship with the cedent, the geographic area in which the cedent does business, the cedent's market share, historical loss data for the cedent and, where available, for the industry as a whole in the relevant regions in order to compare the cedent's historical loss experience to industry averages. Operations The Company's mix of business on the basis of net premiums written for 1998, 1997 and 1996 is set forth in the following table: -3- Net Premiums Written (Dollars in millions)
Years Ended December 31, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 ----------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ Amount % Amount % Amount % Core Business Property $33.7 14.4% $17.8 12.3% $19.4 27% Casualty 80.3 34.2 69.7 48.1 17.6 24 Multi-Line 62.8 26.8 45.9 31.7 21.8 30 Other 16.5 7.0 10.0 6.9 13.7 19 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Sub-Total Core Business $193.3 82.4% $143.4 99.0% $72.5 100.0% ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Specialty Business Aviation & Space $26.0 11.1% Marine 14.4 6.1 $1.4 1.0% Surety 1.0 0.4 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Sub-Total Specialty Business $41.4 17.6% $1.4 1.0% ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total $234.7 100.0% $144.8 100.0% $72.5 100.0% ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
The Company's assumed and ceded premiums for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows: (In millions) Years Ended December 31, ---------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ----- Assumed premiums written $260.5 $147.8 $73.7 Ceded premiums written 25.8 3.0 1.2 ------ ------ ----- Net premiums written $234.7 $144.8 $72.5 ====== ====== ====== In 1998, the Company's net premiums written increased by 62% from $144.8 million in 1997 to $234.7 million in 1998. The Company's premium growth resulted from continued efforts in the Company's two key strategies, the integration of investment with reinsurance and the diversification into specialty classes of reinsurance. The Company extended its reinsurance business into marine and aviation and space underwriting in 1997, surety and fidelity underwriting in 1998, and accident and health underwriting in 1999. For 1998, 1997 and 1996, approximately 32%, 28% and 30%, respectively, of net premiums written were from non-United States clients, which are Lloyd's syndicates or are located in the United Kingdom or Continental Europe. Approximately 32%, 29% and 5% of net premiums written in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were generated from companies in which the Company has invested or committed to invest funds. Reinsurance is provided by the Company both on a quota share and excess of loss basis. In 1998, quota share reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance amounted to 81% and 19%, respectively, of the Company's net premiums written, compared to (i) 71% and 29%, respectively, during 1997 and (ii) 58% and 42%, respectively, during 1996. In the future, the mix of quota share and excess of loss reinsurance will depend on market conditions and other relevant factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy. Depending on future conditions, the Company may also write other types of reinsurance. Consistent with the Company's strategy of writing a small number of large treaties for its core business, three clients contributed approximately $74 million, or 32%, of the Company's 1998 total net premiums written, with the largest client contributing approximately 18% and the remaining two contributing 8% and 6%, respectively. The business written from the client that contributed 18% is part of an integrated transaction, and such business is subject to renewal at the Company's option for five years. In 1997, five clients contributed -4- approximately $68 million, or 45%, of the Company's total net premiums written, with the largest client contributing approximately 18% and the remaining four contributing from 5% to 8%. While not anticipated, the reduction or loss of business assumed from one or more large clients could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations to the extent not offset by new business. Approximately $32.9 million, or 46%, of net premiums written for 1996 resulted from unearned premium portfolios and other non-recurring transactions. This amount included $11.9 million of specialty premiums written from contracts pursuant to which the Company reinsures a portion of one underlying policy for multiple years. Such premiums will be earned over the multiple periods as the exposures expire. In 1998 and 1997, there were no significant unearned premium portfolios or other non-recurring transactions included in net premiums written. For a discussion of the Company's in-force business at January 1, 1999, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--General--In-Force Business." Investments Strategy The Company's investment goals are to support the Company's reinsurance activities and enhance the Company's long-term profitability. The principal components of the Company's strategy to achieve these goals include: (i) supporting short-term liquidity requirements through cash and fixed income investments and, if necessary, through the sale of marketable equity securities from the Company's investment portfolio; (ii) investing a significant portion of the Company's assets in publicly traded and privately held equity securities principally issued by insurance and reinsurance companies and companies providing services to the insurance industry; (iii) identifying trends and investment opportunities in the insurance industry that could lead to superior returns; (iv) utilizing MMCI, an experienced insurance industry advisor, as equity investment advisor; (v) investing in insurers to which the Company provides reinsurance, where appropriate; and (vi) when available, co-investing with Trident, a dedicated insurance industry private equity fund, and an entity to which MMCI also provides equity investment advisory services. The Company intends to invest a substantial portion of its investment portfolio in equity securities, principally issued by insurance and reinsurance companies and companies providing services to the insurance industry pursuant to advice from MMCI. The Company does not believe that the provision of reinsurance to insureds in which the Company invests should subject the Company to any significant additional investment risk; however, the operating performance of an insured in which the Company also invests could affect the Company more than an entity in which the Company only invests or to which the Company only provides reinsurance. The Company believes that, over the long term, a portfolio of equity securities offers a greater potential return and growth in book value than one comprised of fixed maturity securities, and that such a portfolio should most effectively maximize long term stockholders' equity. The Company also believes that an equity portfolio is appropriate for the Company because of the long-tail nature of certain of the reinsurance business that the Company may write and the Company's conservative premium-to-surplus ratio. The Company entered into an equity investment advisory agreement (the "Equity Advisory Agreement") with MMCI with respect to the management of the Company's equity investment portfolio and a fixed income investment advisory agreement (the "Fixed Income Advisory Agreement") with The Putnam Advisory Company, Inc. ("Putnam"), a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan, with respect to the management of the Company's fixed income securities and short-term cash portfolios. Subject to investment guidelines determined from time to time by the Investment/Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Investment Committee"), MMCI and Putnam have the authority, among other things, to buy, sell, retain or exchange the type of investments for which they have been retained to manage. The Equity Advisory Agreement provides that, subject to general guidelines established from time to time by the Investment Committee, the Company may not invest in, purchase or dispose of equity securities unless such investment, purchase or disposition (including the terms thereof) has been approved by MMCI. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and securities (including debt securities) convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stocks or preferred stocks, and any similar securities or instruments, and any debt securities that were originally issued together with any such securities or instruments. The Company may, however, make strategic investments without the approval of MMCI. Strategic investments are generally acquisitions (not being made for resale) of -5- securities of companies engaged in the reinsurance business or other businesses, provided that the Company obtains control of such companies. Under the Equity Advisory Agreement, MMCI receives compensation on both public securities owned by the Company (the "Public Portfolio") and private equity securities owned by the Company (the "Private Portfolio"). With respect to equity securities in the Public Portfolio, the Company pays an annual fee equal to 0.35% of the daily average of the market prices of such securities. With respect to the Private Portfolio, the Company pays an annual fee equal to the sum of (i) 1.5% per annum on the first $250,000,000 in carrying value of securities in the Private Portfolio and (ii) 1.0% per annum on the carrying value of such securities in the Private Portfolio that exceeds $250,000,000. MMCI is also entitled to annual compensation equal to the excess, if any, of (x) 7.5% of cumulative net realized gains (as defined in the Equity Advisory Agreement) on equity securities in the Private Portfolio over (y) cumulative incentive compensation previously paid in prior years on cumulative net realized gains. The Equity Advisory Agreement provided for a minimum aggregate cash fee to MMCI of $500,000 per annum through December 31, 1997. Fees incurred under the Equity Advisory Agreement during fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $2,700,000, $1,300,000 and $686,000, respectively. Under the Fixed Income Advisory Agreement, the Company pays annual fees, based on the market value of assets included in the Company's fixed income portfolio, at the following rates: 0.35% per annum on the first $50,000,000, 0.30% per annum on the next $50,000,000, 0.20% per annum on the next $100,000,000 and 0.15% per annum on the market value of assets that exceed $200,000,000. For the short-term cash portfolio, the Company pays a fee equal to 0.15% per annum of the total monthly average market value of such portfolio. Fees incurred under the Fixed Income Advisory Agreement during 1998, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $461,000, $493,000 and $547,000, respectively. MMCI serves as investment manager to Trident and, accordingly, certain restrictions exist with respect to MMCI's ability to make investment recommendations to the Company with respect to investments which would be suitable for both Trident and the Company. Under the Trident partnership agreement, until the earlier of May 6, 2000 or the date on which at least 75% of the aggregate capital of Trident has been drawn, neither MMCI nor any of its affiliates may organize, or invest in, any new or existing risk assumption entity unless Trident is first offered a reasonable opportunity to invest in such entity. Such restrictions may also apply to the Company. Such limitation, however, does not apply to investments in any such new entity where the total invested capital of such entity does not exceed $10,000,000. Pursuant to the Trident partnership agreement, where Trident has elected to make part, but not all, of the full investment otherwise available to it, the Company may not be offered the opportunity to participate in such investment unless Trident first offers at least all Trident partners with capital commitments of at least $50,000,000 the right to participate in such additional investment on a pro rata basis. Pursuant to the terms of the Equity Advisory Agreement, MMCI has agreed that it will not invest in such opportunities, and will not offer any such opportunities to its affiliates, without first offering the Company an opportunity to make such investment. Fixed income investments will be used to provide shorter-term liquidity and current returns. The fixed income securities portfolio generally will be invested in high quality, liquid securities, including securities issued by United States government agencies and United States government guaranteed securities. In addition, the Company allocated in early 1998 approximately $35,000,000 for investing in a diversified portfolio of high yielding fixed maturity investments managed by Miller Anderson & Sherrerd, LLP ("MAS"), a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley & Co. Such amount was taken from funds that were previously allocated for investing in short-term securities. MAS manages the portfolio subject to investment guidelines established by the Investment Committee. Since a significant portion of the Company's investment portfolio will generally be equity securities issued by insurance and reinsurance companies and companies providing services to the insurance industry, the portfolio will lack industry diversification and will be particularly subject to the performance of the insurance industry. Such performance will affect the market prices of a significant portion of the Company's investment portfolio and the income and return on such investments, all of which could negatively affect the Company's underwriting capacity. As the Company's investment strategy is to invest a significant portion of its investment portfolio in equity securities, its investment income in any fiscal period may be smaller, as a percentage of investments, and less predictable than other competitor reinsurance companies, which tend to invest primarily in fixed income -6- investments. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments may have a greater effect on the Company's results of operations or stockholders' equity at the end of any fiscal period than its competitor reinsurance companies. Operations At December 31, 1998, cash and invested assets totaled approximately $587.2 million, consisting of $120.9 million of cash and short-term investments, $174.5 million of publicly traded fixed maturity investments, $154.7 million of publicly traded equity securities and $137.1 million of privately held securities. Note 3 under the caption "Investment Information" of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company provides a table summarizing the components of net investment income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. The Company's investments on a consolidated basis at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 consisted of the following:
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------- Estimated Estimated Estimated Fair Value Percent Fair Value Percent Fair Value Percent ---------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- -------- Cash and short-term $120,846 20% $ 98,181 19% $106,352 27% -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- Fixed maturities: U.S. government and government agencies 39,283 6 44,135 9 35,796 9 Municipal bonds 45,273 8 37,637 7 60,041 15 Corporate bonds 56,256 10 19,323 4 17,316 5 Mortgage and asset- backed securities 33,532 6 30,487 6 26,709 7 Foreign governments 196 -- 577 -- 519 -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- Sub-total, fixed maturities 174,540 30 132,159 26 140,381 36 Equity securities: Publicly traded 154,678 27 180,052 36 117,360 30 Privately held 137,091 23 95,336 19 28,847 7 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- Sub-total, equity securities 291,769 50 275,388 55 146,207 37 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- Total $587,155 100% $505,728 100% $392,940 100% ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== =========
Guidelines established by the Company restrict the portion of the fixed maturities portfolio that can be held in lower quality securities. At December 31, 1998, 89% of the fixed maturity and short-term investments were rated investment grade by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("Standard & Poor's") and had an average quality rating of AA and an average duration of approximately 2.8 years. -7- Contractual maturities of the Company's consolidated fixed maturity securities are shown below. Expected maturities, which are management's best estimates, will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. (In thousands) December 31, 1998 -------------------------- Estimated Amortized Fair Value Cost ---------- --------- Available for sale: Due in one year or less $4,117 $4,106 Due after one year through five years 55,113 54,293 Due after five years through 10 years 47,709 48,468 Due after 10 years 34,069 33,331 -------- -------- Sub-total 141,008 140,198 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 33,532 33,181 -------- -------- Total $174,540 $173,379 ======== ======== At December 31, 1998, the Company's investment portfolio included approximately $154.7 million of publicly traded equity securities and 17 investments in privately held securities totaling approximately $137.1 million, with additional investment portfolio commitments in an aggregate amount of approximately $10.4 million. At such date, all of the Company's equity investments were in securities issued by insurance and reinsurance companies or companies providing services to the insurance industry. See Note 3 under the caption "Investment Information" of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for certain information regarding the Company's publicly traded and privately held securities and their carrying values, and commitments made by the Company relating to its privately held securities. Over the long-term, the Company intends to continue to allocate a substantial portion of its cash and short-term investments into publicly traded and privately held equity securities, subject to market conditions and opportunities in the marketplace. The Company has not invested in derivative financial instruments such as futures, forward contracts, swaps, or options or other financial instruments with similar characteristics such as interest rate caps or floors and fixed-rate loan commitments. The Company's portfolio includes market sensitive instruments, such as mortgage-backed securities, which are subject to prepayment risk and changes in market value in connection with changes in interest rates. The Company's investments in mortgage-backed securities, which amounted to approximately $33.5 million, or 6% of cash and invested assets at December 31, 1998, and $30.5 million, or 6% of cash and invested assets at December 31, 1997, are classified as available for sale and are not held for trading purposes. Marketing The Company obtains substantially all of its reinsurance business through intermediaries representing the cedent in negotiations for the purchase of reinsurance. The process of effecting a brokered reinsurance placement typically begins when a cedent enlists the aid of an intermediary in structuring a reinsurance program. Often the intermediary will consult with one or more lead reinsurers as to the pricing and contract terms of the reinsurance protection being sought. Once the cedent has approved the terms quoted by the lead reinsurer, the intermediary will offer participation to qualified reinsurers until the program is fully subscribed to by reinsurers at terms agreed upon by all parties. By working through intermediaries to originate its business, the Company need not maintain a substantial sales organization which, during periods of reduced premium volume, would comprise a significant and non-productive part of overhead. In addition, management believes that submissions from the intermediary market are more numerous and diverse, including certain targeted specialty coverages, than would be available through a salaried sales organization and that the Company is able to exercise greater selectivity than would be possible in dealing directly with cedents. -8- The Company pays commissions to intermediaries based on negotiated percentages of the premium it writes. Direct writers of reinsurance typically incur higher fixed costs that are included in their underwriting expenses. Reinsurers using intermediaries can lower these costs during a downturn in the market by writing less business and incurring lower brokerage costs. Intermediaries do not generally have the authority to bind the Company with respect to reinsurance agreements nor does the Company generally commit in advance to accept any portion of the business that intermediaries submit to it. Reinsurance business from any cedent, whether new or renewal, is generally subject to acceptance by the Company. In 1998, (i) affiliates of Marsh & McLennan, including Balis & Co., Inc. ("Balis"), Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc., Carpenter Bowring Ltd. and Cecar & Jutheau, S.A. (collectively, "Marsh Affiliates"), (ii) the Aon Group ("Aon") and (iii) E.W. Blanch Company ("E.W. Blanch") accounted for approximately 43.2%, 16.5% and 10.9%, respectively, of the Company's assumed net premiums written. In 1997, (i) Marsh Affiliates, (ii) Aon and (iii) E.W. Blanch accounted for approximately 47.3%, 19.1% and 9.3%, respectively, of the Company's assumed net premiums written. In 1996, (i) Marsh Affiliates, (ii) U.S. Reinsurance Corporation, and (iii) Aon accounted for approximately 41%, 25%, and 21.9%, respectively, of the Company's assumed net premiums written. Loss of all or a substantial portion of the business provided by any of these intermediaries could have a short-term material adverse effect on the business and operations of the Company. The Company does not believe that the loss of such business would have a long-term material adverse effect due to the Company's competitive position within the broker reinsurance market and the availability of business from other intermediaries. The terms relating to the Company's intermediary arrangements with Marsh Affiliates have been negotiated on an arm's-length basis. In addition to investment opportunities arising from the activities of MMCI as the Company's equity investment advisor, the Company is provided with investment opportunities by reinsurance brokers and traditional financing sources, including investment banking firms, venture capital firms and other banking and financing sources, both acting as principal investors and intermediaries. Underwriting opportunities may arise from such sources in connection with the Company's investment activities as part of integrated transactions. Retrocessional Arrangements Reinsurance companies enter into retrocessional arrangements for many of the same reasons primary insurers seek reinsurance, including reducing the effect of individual or aggregate losses and increasing premium writings and risk capacity without requiring additional capital. Given the Company's current level of surplus, under its current underwriting guidelines, the maximum net retention per risk for property treaties and per occurrence for casualty treaties is generally $10,000,000. Other than the Company's participation in "common account" retrocessional arrangements for certain reinsurance treaties and as provided below for certain classes of its specialty business, the Company does not maintain retrocessional arrangements on a per risk or per treaty basis, or for the purpose of limiting its exposure with respect to catastrophe losses or unusual accumulations of losses resulting from a single occurrence involving two or more reinsured policies. The Company may purchase retrocessional protection for catastrophic losses before the commencement of the hurricane season. Common account reinsurance arrangements are arrangements whereby the ceding company enters into the reinsurance market and purchases a cover for the benefit of the ceding company and the reinsurers on the reinsurance treaty. Common account retrocessional arrangements reduce the effect of individual or aggregate losses to all participating companies with respect to a reinsurance treaty, including the cedent. In connection with the Company's expansion into marine and aviation reinsurance underwriting in 1997, the Company entered into excess of loss retrocessional arrangements beginning in late 1997 covering aggregate exposures on the Company's marine and aviation business. Under the Company's current underwriting guidelines for 1999, retrocessional protection for marine business is provided in an amount of $37 million in excess of a $3 million initial retention, and additional co-participations, with the Company retaining a total of approximately $8 million. For 1999, the Company is finalizing retrocessional protection for aviation business in an amount of $65 million in excess of a $1 million initial retention, and additional co-participations, with the Company retaining a total of approximately $5.4 million. There can be no assurances -9- that such retrocessional protections will be sufficient to prevent the occurrence of underwriting losses to the Company for such business. The Company will continue to evaluate its retrocessional requirements periodically in relation to many factors, including its surplus, gross line capacity and changing market conditions. Retrocessional arrangements do not relieve the Company from its obligations to the insurers and reinsurers from which it assumes business. The failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. All retrocessionaires must conform to the Company's standards and must be specifically approved by the Company's Security Committee, which consists of four members of senior management, including the President. The evaluation process involves financial analysis of current audited financial data and comparative analysis of such data in accordance with guidelines established by the Company. Business may not be conducted with retrocessionaires that are not approved by the Security Committee. For additional discussion regarding the Company's risk management policies, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Results of Operations--Risk Retention,""--Operating Costs and Expenses" and "--Subsequent Underwriting Losses." Claims Administration Claims are managed by the Company's professional claims staff whose responsibilities include the review of initial loss reports, creation of claim files, determination of whether further investigation is required, establishment and adjustment of case reserves and payment of claims. In addition, the claims staff conducts comprehensive claims audits of both specific claims and overall claims procedures at the offices of selected ceding companies. In certain instances, as part of a comprehensive risk evaluation process, a claims audit may be performed prior to assuming reinsurance business or entering into an investment transaction. Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claims Expenses As a reinsurance company, the Company is required to establish and maintain reserves to cover its estimated ultimate liability for unpaid claims and claims expenses with respect to reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period (net of estimated related salvage and subrogation claims and retrocession recoverables (if any) of the Company). These reserves are estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given time of what the Company expects the ultimate settlement and administration of claims to cost based on facts and circumstances then known, predictions of future events, estimates of future trends in claims severity and other variable factors such as inflation and new concepts of liability. For certain types of claims, it may over time be necessary to revise estimated potential loss exposure and therefore the Company's unpaid claims and claims expense reserves. The inherent uncertainties of estimating claims and claims expense reserves are exacerbated for reinsurers by the significant periods of time (the "tail") that often elapse between the occurrence of an insured claim, the reporting of the claim to the primary insurer and ultimately to the reinsurer, and the primary insurer's payment of that claim and subsequent indemnification by the reinsurer. As a consequence, actual claims and claims expenses paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from estimates reflected in the Company's reserves in its financial statements. The estimation of reserves by new reinsurers, such as the Company, may be less reliable than the reserve estimations of a reinsurer with an established volume of business and loss history. To the extent reserves prove to be inadequate, the Company may have to augment such reserves and incur a charge to earnings. Such a development, while not anticipated, could result in a material charge to earnings or stockholders' equity in future periods. When a claim is reported to an insurance company that cedes business to the Company, its claims personnel establish a "case reserve" for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment. The estimate reflects the informed judgment of such personnel based on general insurance reserving practices and on the experience and knowledge of such personnel regarding the nature and value of the specific type of claim. The Company, in turn, typically establishes a case reserve when it receives a notice of a claim from the ceding company. Such reserves are based on an independent evaluation by the Company, taking into consideration coverage, liability, severity of injury or damage, jurisdiction, the Company's assessment of the ceding company's ability to evaluate and handle the claim and the amount of reserves recommended by the ceding company. Case reserves are adjusted periodically by the Company based on subsequent developments and audits of ceding companies. In accordance with industry practice, the Company maintains incurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserves. Such reserves are established to provide for future case reserves and loss payments on incurred claims which have not yet been reported to an insurer or reinsurer. In calculating its IBNR reserves, the Company uses -10- generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques that take into account quantitative loss experience data, together, where appropriate, with qualitative factors. IBNR reserves are based on loss experience of the Company and the industry, and are grouped both by class of business and by accident year. IBNR reserves are also adjusted to take into account certain factors such as changes in the volume of business written, reinsurance contract terms and conditions, the mix of business, claims processing and inflation that can be expected to affect the Company's liability for losses over time. The reconciliation of claims and claims expense reserves for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and December 31, 1996 is as follows:
(In thousands) Years Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- At beginning of year: Gross claims and claims expense reserves $70,768 $20,770 -- Reinsurance recoverables -- 522 -- -------- ------- ------- Net claims and claims expense reserves 70,768 20,248 -- Net claims and claims expenses incurred relating to: Current year 178,957 73,385 $24,079 Prior year (2,832) 22 -- -------- ------- ------- Total 176,125 73,407 24,079 Net paid claims and claims expenses incurred relating to: Current year 41,910 13,649 3,831 Prior year 18,794 9,238 -- -------- ------- ------- Total 60,704 22,887 3,831 At end of year: Net claims and claims expense reserves current year 186,189 70,768 20,248 Reinsurance recoverables 30,468 -- 522 -------- ------- ------- Gross claims and claims expense reserves $216,657 $70,768 $20,770 ======== ======= =======
The Company believes that its exposure, if any, to environmental impairment liability and asbestos-related claims is minimal since no business has been written prior to 1996. The Company does not currently discount its reserves to reflect the present value of claims that may eventually be paid. For a discussion of subsequent underwriting losses due to claims and claims expenses related to reinsurance provided by the Company on satellite risks and business produced by a certain managing underwriting agency, please refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Results of Operations--Subsequent Underwriting Losses" and Note 14 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. Subject to the foregoing, the Company believes that the reserves for claims and claims expenses are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of claims and claims expenses incurred through December 31, 1998. The estimates will be continuously reviewed and as adjustments to these reserves become necessary, such adjustments will be reflected in current operations. The following table represents the development of generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") balance sheet reserves for 1996 through 1998. The top line of the table shows the reserves, net of reinsurance recoverables, at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This represents the estimated amounts of net claims and claims expenses arising in all prior years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including IBNR. The table also shows the reestimated amount of the previously recorded reserve based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate changes as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years. The "Cumulative Redundancy" represents the aggregate change in the estimates over all prior years. The table also shows the cumulative amounts paid as of successive years with respect to that reserve liability. The lower portion of the table represents the claim development of the gross balance sheet reserves for years 1996 and 1998. -11- With respect to the information in the table below, it should be noted that each amount includes the effects of all changes in amounts for prior periods. This table does not present accident or policy year development data. Conditions and trends that have affected development of the liability in the past may not necessarily occur in the future. Accordingly, it may not be appropriate to extrapolate future reserve development based on the following table. For additional discussion regarding the Company's reserving and retrocessional activities, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Results of Operations--Risk Retention," "Business--Retrocessional Arrangements" and Notes 6 and 7 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. Development of GAAP Reserves Cumulative Redundancy (in millions)
Years Ended December 31, ----------------------------------------- 1996 1997 1998 ------------ ------------- ----------- Reserves for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables $20 $71 $186 Paid (cumulative) as of: One year later 13 31 Two years later 14 Reserve reestimated as of: One year later 20 69 Two years later 19 Cumulative redundancy $1 $2 ========= ======== Percentage 5.0% 2.8% Gross reserve for claims and claims expenses $20 $71 $216 Reinsurance recoverable 0 0 (30) --------- -------- -------- Net reserve for claims and claims expenses $20 $71 $186 --------- -------- -------- Gross reestimated reserve $19 $69 Reestimated reinsurance recoverable 0 0 --------- -------- Net reestimated reserve $19 $69 Gross reestimated redundancy $1 $2 --------- --------
-12- Overview of the Reinsurance Industry Reinsurance is a form of insurance in which a reinsurer indemnifies a primary insurer against part or all of the liability assumed by the primary insurer under one or more insurance policies. Reinsurance is a contractual agreement whereby an insurer or reinsurer (ceding company) remits a portion of the premium it receives to a reinsurer (assuming company) as payment for the assuming company's agreement to indemnify the ceding company for a portion of the risk. Reinsurance provides insurers with several benefits which include the following: reduction in net liability on individual risks, protection against catastrophic losses and assistance in maintaining acceptable regulatory ratios and additional underwriting capacity in that the primary insurer can accept larger risks and can expand the book of business it writes at a faster rate than would be possible without a corresponding increase in its capital and surplus position. Reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding company from its liability with respect to its obligation to the insured. There are two principal types of reinsurance: treaty reinsurance and facultative reinsurance. Treaty reinsurance is a contractual arrangement, usually renewable annually, between a primary insurer and a reinsurer under which the primary insurer must cede and the reinsurer must assume a specified portion of a type or category of risks. Facultative reinsurance is the reinsurance of individual risks. Rather than agreeing to reinsure all or a portion of a class of risk, the reinsurer separately rates and underwrites each risk. In the underwriting of treaty reinsurance, the reinsurer need not separately evaluate each of the individual risks assumed, as it must in the underwriting of facultative reinsurance, and in general depends on the original underwriting decisions made by the reinsured. Both facultative and treaty reinsurance can be written on both an excess of loss and a quota share basis. In quota share reinsurance, the reinsurer assumes from the reinsured a percentage specified in the treaty of each risk in the reinsured class of risk. Premiums that the reinsured pays to the reinsurer are proportional to the portion of the risk that the reinsurer assumes, and the reinsurer generally pays the reinsured a ceding commission to reimburse the reinsured for the expenses incurred in obtaining the business. The ceding commission may also contain a profit component. In quota share reinsurance, the reinsurer may receive the benefit of common account reinsurance and, therefore, the reinsurer will have credit risk with respect to the underlying reinsurers providing such common account reinsurance. In excess of loss treaty reinsurance, the reinsurer indemnifies the reinsured for a portion of the losses on underlying policies which exceed a specified loss retention amount up to an amount per loss specified in the treaty. Premiums that the reinsured pays to the reinsurer for excess of loss coverage are not directly proportional to the premiums that the reinsured receives because the reinsurer does not assume a proportionate risk. The reinsurer generally does not pay any commission to the reinsured in connection with excess of loss reinsurance. Excess of loss treaty reinsurance can, in turn, be written on a per risk or catastrophe basis. Per risk excess of loss reinsurance protects the reinsured against a loss resulting from a single risk or location. Catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance protects a reinsured from an accumulation or large number of related losses resulting from a variety of risks which may occur in a given catastrophe and hence is a highly volatile business. Excess of loss reinsurance is often written in layers, with one reinsurer taking the risk from the primary insurer's retention layer up to a specified amount, at which point another reinsurer takes over the excess liability or the excess liability reverts back to the primary insurer. The reinsurer taking on the risk just above the primary insurer's retention layer is said to write "working" or "low layer" excess of loss reinsurance. A loss that reaches just beyond the primary insurer's retention layer will create a loss for the lower layer reinsurer, but not for the reinsurers on higher layers. Losses incurred in low layer reinsurance tend to be more predictable than those in high layers due to the availability of greater actuarial data. Excess of loss and pro rata reinsurance are priced differently because the probability of loss is different for the two types of coverage. Premiums that the ceding company pays to the reinsurer for excess of loss reinsurance are not directly proportional to the premiums that the ceding company receives because the reinsurer does not assume a proportionate risk. In contrast, premiums that the ceding company pays to the reinsurer for pro rata reinsurance are proportional to the premiums that the ceding company receives, consistent with the proportional sharing of risk. In addition, in pro rata reinsurance the reinsurer generally pays the ceding company a ceding commission. The ceding commission generally is based on the ceding company's cost of acquiring the business being reinsured (commissions, premium taxes, assessments and miscellaneous administrative expense) and also may include a profit factor. -13- Since facultative reinsurance, unlike treaty reinsurance, usually involves the assumption of selected, individual risks and is sold in separate transactions, facultative reinsurance is typically priced for higher profit margins than treaty business. However, the reinsurer's losses may be higher for facultative business because the reinsurer may assume a higher potential liability and because the risks involved may be more volatile. In addition, underwriting expenses and, in particular, personnel costs, are higher on facultative business because each risk is individually underwritten and administered. Facultative reinsurance is normally purchased by insurance companies for individual risks not covered by their reinsurance treaties, for excess losses on risks covered by their reinsurance treaties, and for unusual risks. The demand for facultative reinsurance is typically inversely related to the supply of treaty reinsurance. Reinsurers may also purchase reinsurance, known as retrocessional reinsurance, to cover their own risk exposure. Reinsurance companies enter into retrocessional agreements for reasons similar to those that cause ceding companies to purchase reinsurance. The reinsurance market has two basic segments: reinsurers which primarily obtain their business directly from insurers and other reinsurers ("direct writers"), and those which, like the Company, primarily obtain business through reinsurance intermediaries or brokers. Competition The property and casualty reinsurance business is highly competitive. Competition is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer, premiums charged, contract terms and conditions, services offered, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience. The Company, in pursuing its investment strategy, also competes with venture capitalists, buyout funds, merchant banking firms, investment banking firms and other banking and financing sources for investment opportunities in publicly traded and privately held equity securities. Competition is based on many factors, including the ability to identify trends and investment opportunities that could lead to superior returns, financial and personnel resources of the investor, the ability to negotiate investment terms effectively, and the ability of the investor to provide expertise and advice to companies targeted for investment. The Company competes in the United States and international reinsurance markets and, in the United States markets, competes with both United States and internationally domiciled reinsurers. The Company's competitors include independent reinsurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain primary insurance companies and domestic and international underwriting syndicates, many of which have substantially greater financial resources than the Company. Competitors include direct writers and those that, like the Company, write primarily through reinsurance intermediaries. Significant competitors of the Company in the direct market include American Re-Insurance Company, Employers Reinsurance Corporation, General Reinsurance Corporation and Swiss Reinsurance Company. Significant competitors of the Company in the intermediary/broker market include Constitution Reinsurance Corporation, Everest Reinsurance Company, GE Capital Reinsurance Company, NAC Reinsurance Company, PMA Reinsurance Corporation, The St. Paul Companies, Inc., TIG Reinsurance Corporation, Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, Trenwick America Reinsurance Corporation, Underwriters Reinsurance Company and Zurich Re North America. In addition, the Company competes with Lloyd's syndicates and certain companies operating in the London reinsurance market. The Company may also face competition from other market participants that determine to devote greater amounts of capital to the types of business written by the Company. The Company believes that the reinsurance industry is consolidating, and the largest reinsurers are writing a larger proportion of total industry premiums as ceding companies place increasing importance on size and financial strength in the selection of reinsurers. The Company may also compete with new market entrants, including possibly other companies organized by (or that may, in the future, be organized by) certain of the Company's initial investors, including MMRCH, XL and Trident, their affiliates or entities that they advise or in which such initial investors, their affiliates or entities that they advise, have (or may, in the future, have) significant investments. In addition, affiliates of MMCI engage in activities in support of their ongoing business strategies, which activities may compete with those of the Company. -14- Insurance ratings are used by insurers and reinsurance intermediaries as an important means of assessing the financial strength and quality of reinsurers. In addition, a ceding company's own rating may be adversely affected by the lack of a rating of its reinsurer. A.M. Best is generally considered to be a significant rating agency with respect to the evaluation of insurance and reinsurance companies. In May 1998, the Company was assigned an initial rating of "A (Excellent)" by A.M. Best. This rating is assigned by A.M. Best to companies which A.M. Best considers to have, on balance, excellent financial strength, operating performance and market profile when compared to established standards and a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. A.M. Best's ratings reflect their independent opinion of the financial strength, operating performance and market profile of an insurer relative to standards established by A.M. Best, and are not a warranty of an insurer's current or future ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. In March 1997, Demotech, Inc., an Ohio-based ratings firm ("Demotech"), issued to Risk Capital Reinsurance a Financial Stability Rating of A double prime Unsurpassed, Demotech's highest financial stability rating. The Company cannot predict whether the ratings assigned to Risk Capital Reinsurance by A.M. Best and Demotech will increase Risk Capital Reinsurance's ability to compete in the reinsurance markets in which it operates. Insurance Regulation General The terms and conditions of reinsurance agreements generally are not subject to regulation by any governmental authority with respect to rates or policy terms. This contrasts with primary insurance policies and agreements, the rates and terms of which generally are closely regulated by state insurance regulators. As a practical matter, however, the rates charged by primary insurers do have an effect on the rates that can be charged by reinsurers. State Regulation Risk Capital Reinsurance, in common with other insurers, is subject to extensive governmental regulation and supervision in the various states and jurisdictions in which it transacts business. The laws and regulations of the State of Nebraska, the domicile of Risk Capital Reinsurance, have the most significant impact on its operations. This regulation and supervision is designed to protect policyholders rather than investors and relates to, among other things, the standards of solvency which must be met and maintained, the nature of and limitations on investments, restrictions on the size of risk which may be insured under a single policy, and reserves and provisions for unearned premiums, losses and other purposes. Some states are considering legislative proposals which would authorize the establishment of an interstate compact concerning various aspects of insurer insolvency proceedings, including interstate governance of receiverships and guaranty funds. As of March 1999, such legislation had been adopted by three states, including Illinois, Michigan and Nebraska. Insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of companies and other matters. The Nebraska Insurance Department recently completed an examination of Risk Capital Reinsurance's records, accounts and business affairs for the period October 1995 through December 31, 1997. The Nebraska Department issued its final report for such examination on March 15, 1999, which report included no material findings. Prior to such examination, Risk Capital Reinsurance had not been examined by the Nebraska Insurance Department other than in connection with the receipt of its insurance license in November 1995. Credit for Reinsurance A primary insurer ordinarily will enter into a reinsurance agreement only if it can obtain credit for the reinsurance ceded on its statutory financial statements. In general, credit for reinsurance is allowed in the following circumstances: (i) if the reinsurer is licensed in the state in which the primary insurer is domiciled and, in some instances, in certain states in which the primary insurer is licensed; (ii) if the reinsurer is an "accredited" or otherwise approved reinsurer in the state in which the primary insurer is domiciled and, in some instances, in certain states in which the primary insurer is licensed; (iii) in some instances, if the reinsurer (a) is -15- domiciled in a state that is deemed to have substantially similar credit for reinsurance standards as the state in which the primary insurer is domiciled and (b) meets certain financial requirements; or (iv) if none of the above apply, to the extent that the reinsurance obligations of the reinsurer are collateralized appropriately, typically through the posting of a letter of credit for the benefit of the primary insurer or the deposit of assets into a trust fund established for the benefit of the primary insurer. Therefore, as a result of the requirements relating to the provision of credit for reinsurance, the Company is indirectly subject to certain regulatory requirements imposed by jurisdictions in which ceding companies are licensed. As of March 24, 1999, Risk Capital Reinsurance is licensed or is an accredited or otherwise approved reinsurer in 43 states as follows: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska (state of domicile), Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Risk Capital Reinsurance also holds a Certificate of Authority from the United States Treasury Department for surety business. In addition, Risk Capital Reinsurance is an authorized reinsurer in the Argentine Republic. Risk Capital Reinsurance intends to apply for licenses or reinsurance authorizations in the remainder of the states as applicable requirements are met. If necessary, and until such time that all remaining reinsurance authorizations are granted, Risk Capital Reinsurance intends to appropriately collateralize its reinsurance obligations. The Company cannot predict if and when such authorizations will be granted. Investment Limitations The Nebraska insurance laws contain rules governing the types and amounts of investments that are permissible for Nebraska-domiciled insurers, including Risk Capital Reinsurance. These rules are designed to ensure the safety and liquidity of an insurer's investment portfolio. Investments in excess of statutory guidelines do not constitute "admitted assets" (i.e., assets permitted by the Nebraska insurance laws to be included in a domestic insurer's statutory financial statements), unless special approval is obtained from the Nebraska Director of Insurance (the "Nebraska Director"). Non-admitted assets do not count for the purposes of various financial ratios and tests, including those governing solvency and the ability to write premiums. An insurer may hold an investment authorized under more than one provision of the Nebraska insurance laws under the provision of its choice (except as otherwise expressly provided by law). Subject to the "basket" clause described below, the maximum amount of an insurer's authorized investments in preferred stock and common stock of insurance companies for calculation of admitted assets in Nebraska is the lesser of (i) the amount by which admitted assets exceed required capital and liabilities or (ii) 50% of policyholders surplus. At December 31, 1998, such amounts for Risk Capital Reinsurance were $353.7 million and $179.4 million, respectively. Stock of insurance companies is valued for these purposes at cost. Unrealized appreciation of such securities does not count for the purpose of determining the percentage of certain admitted assets attributable to insurance stock investments. While there is a concentration restriction which precludes investment of more than 5% of the insurer's admitted assets in any one issuer, this restriction does not apply to investments in common and preferred stock of other insurers whose senior debt obligations have received a designation of 1 or 2 from the Securities Valuation Office (the "SVO") of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the "NAIC"). Designations assigned by the SVO range from class 1 to class 6, with class 1 as the highest quality rating. Generally, SVO designations of 1 and 2 are comparable to investment grade ratings by Moody's and Standard & Poor's, and SVO designations of 3 to 6 are comparable to below investment grade ratings by such rating organizations. Other concentration restrictions preclude investment of more than 3%, 2%, 1% or 1/2% of an insurer's admitted assets in any one person whose senior debt obligations have received a designation of 3, 4, 5 or 6, respectively, from the SVO. In addition, an insurer's investments in debt obligations having a 4, 5 or 6 designation from the SVO may not exceed 4%, 2% or 1%, respectively, of the Company's admitted assets. Aggregate investments in obligations having any combination of 3, 4, 5 and 6 designations from the SVO may not exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the insurer's admitted assets. An insurer's investments in equity interests of business entities (e.g., corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and partnerships, trusts, joint ventures, etc.; including insurance companies) that are created or existing under the laws of the United States or Canada are also authorized under the Nebraska insurance laws, -16- provided that, in the case of an investment in a business entity other than an insurance company, (i) the insurer may not generally invest in more than 10% of the total equity interests of such entity and (ii) the investment will be subject to the concentration restrictions described above. In the case of an investment in a business entity that is a corporation, such entity must also meet certain requirements regarding retained earnings and dividend payment history. Authorized foreign investments by an insurer in foreign jurisdictions whose sovereign debt has a designation of 1, 2 or 3 from the SVO may not exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the insurer's admitted assets. Investments may not be made in foreign jurisdictions whose sovereign debt has a designation of 4, 5 or 6 from the SVO. In addition, authorized foreign investments denominated in foreign currencies may not exceed, in the aggregate, 5% of the insurer's admitted assets. Authorized foreign investments must also have a minimum designation of 1 or 2 from the SVO (or corresponding investment grade rating from any rating organization recognized by the SVO, including Moody's and Standard & Poor's), and must be aggregated with investments of the same kinds and classes made under the Nebraska insurance laws (except for the "basket" clause) for purposes of determining compliance with the limitations contained in other sections. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other limitations under the Nebraska insurance laws, there is a "basket" clause under which investments "not otherwise authorized" are permitted up to a maximum of the greater of (i) the lesser of (a) 25% of the amount by which admitted assets exceed total liabilities, excluding capital, or (b) 5% of admitted assets (investments authorized under this subsection of the "basket" clause may not include obligations with SVO designations of 3, 4, 5 or 6), or (ii) that portion of policyholders surplus which is in excess of 50% of the insurer's annual net written premiums. Derivative instruments otherwise authorized under the Nebraska insurance laws may not be authorized under the "basket" clause. As of December 31, 1998, the "basket" clause would have allowed Risk Capital Reinsurance to make investments not otherwise authorized under the Nebraska insurance laws up to a maximum amount of $241.3 million. The Nebraska insurance laws provide that the Nebraska Director may waive any of the legal investment limitations upon application by an insurer. The Nebraska Director is required to consider the following factors in determining whether to approve or disapprove any such application: (i) the credit risk quality of the proposed investment; (ii) the liquidity of the proposed investment and of the insurer's entire investment portfolio; (iii) the extent of the diversification of the insurer's investment portfolio; (iv) the yield of the proposed investment; (v) the reasonableness of the insurer's policyholders surplus in relation to the insurer's outstanding liabilities and financial needs; and (vi) any other relevant considerations. From time to time, it may be necessary for the Company to seek waivers from the Nebraska Director of the legal investment limitations imposed by the Nebraska insurance laws; no assurances can be given that such waivers can be obtained. States in which Risk Capital Reinsurance may become licensed or authorized may also seek to impose their legal investment laws on Risk Capital Reinsurance. Such laws vary from state to state and may not permit investments that are permitted under Nebraska law. To the extent that any state disallows an investment that is permitted under Nebraska law, Risk Capital Reinsurance's statutory surplus reflected in its statutory financial statements filed in such state would be reduced by the amount of such disallowance. Holding Company Acts State insurance holding company statutes provide a regulatory apparatus which is designed to protect the financial condition of domestic insurers operating within a holding company system. All holding company statutes require disclosure and, in some instances, prior approval of significant transactions between the domestic insurer and an affiliate. Such transactions typically include sales, purchases, exchanges, loans and extensions of credit, and investments between an insurance company and its affiliates, involving in the aggregate certain percentages of a company's admitted assets or policyholders surplus, or dividends that exceed certain percentages of the company's surplus or income. The Nebraska insurance laws and the insurance laws of other states generally regard an issuer as an "affiliate" of one of its investors if it is controlled by, or is under common control with, the investor. Generally, "control" means the possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the issuer, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Control is generally presumed to exist if the investor, directly or indirectly, owns or controls 10% or more of the voting securities of the issuer. The Nebraska insurance laws and the insurance laws of other states generally allow investors to rebut this presumption by filing a "disclaimer" that sets forth the bases for disclaiming affiliation. In certain states, -17- such as Nebraska, a disclaimer is deemed effective once filed unless it is specifically disallowed by the respective insurance department (after the parties in interest have been provided notice and an opportunity to be heard). In other states, a disclaimer must be specifically approved by the relevant insurance department. In cases where Risk Capital Reinsurance may be presumed to "control," and therefore deemed an affiliate of, an insurer under applicable holding company statutes, Risk Capital Reinsurance intends to continue to file disclaimers with respect to such insurer unless prevented by the surrounding circumstances. Typically, the holding company statutes also require each of the insurance subsidiaries periodically to file information with state insurance regulatory authorities, including information concerning capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general business operations. Under the terms of applicable state statutes, any person or entity desiring to acquire control of a domestic insurer is required first to obtain approval of the applicable state insurance regulator. Liquidation of Insurers The liquidation of insurance companies, including reinsurers, is generally conducted pursuant to state insurance law. In the event of the liquidation of Risk Capital Reinsurance, such liquidation would be conducted by the Nebraska Director as the domestic receiver of the properties, assets and business of Risk Capital Reinsurance. Liquidators located in other states (known as ancillary liquidators) in which Risk Capital Reinsurance conducts business may have jurisdiction over assets or properties located in such states under certain circumstances. Under Nebraska law, all creditors of Risk Capital Reinsurance, including but not limited to reinsureds under its reinsurance agreements, would be entitled to payment of their allowed claims in full from the assets of Risk Capital Reinsurance before RCHI, as a stockholder of Risk Capital Reinsurance, would be entitled to receive any distribution therefrom. Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from Insurance Subsidiaries As an insurance holding company, RCHI will be largely dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from Risk Capital Reinsurance to meet its obligations. The ability of Risk Capital Reinsurance to pay dividends or make other distributions is subject to insurance regulatory limitations of Nebraska, the state in which Risk Capital Reinsurance is domiciled. The Nebraska insurance laws provide that dividends or other distributions, together with other dividends or distributions paid during the preceding 12 months, may not exceed the greater of (i) 10% of statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31 or (ii) statutory net income from operations for the preceding calendar year not including realized capital gains. Net income (exclusive of realized capital gains) not previously distributed or paid as dividends from the preceding two calendar years may be carried forward for dividend and distribution purposes. Any proposed dividend or distribution in excess of such amount is called an "extraordinary" dividend or distribution and may not be paid until either it has been approved, or a 30-day waiting period has passed during which it has not been disapproved, by the Nebraska Director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Nebraska insurance laws provide that any distribution that is a dividend may be paid by Risk Capital Reinsurance only out of earned surplus arising from its business, which is defined as unassigned funds (surplus) as reported in the statutory financial statement filed by Risk Capital Reinsurance with the Nebraska Insurance Department for the most recent year. In addition, the Nebraska insurance laws also provide that any distribution that is a dividend and that is in excess of Risk Capital Reinsurance's unassigned funds (exclusive of any surplus arising from unrealized capital gains or revaluation of assets) will be deemed an "extraordinary" dividend subject to the foregoing requirements. See Note 10 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. The Nebraska insurance laws also require that the statutory surplus of Risk Capital Reinsurance following any dividend or distribution be reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and adequate to its financial needs. The Nebraska Director is required to apply certain factors in determining the adequacy of an insurer's surplus, including, among other things, the size of the insurer, the extent to which the insurer's business is diversified, the number and size of risks insured by each line of business, the extent of geographical dispersion of insured risks and the reinsurance program, and characteristics of the investment portfolio. In addition, the Nebraska insurance laws require that each insurer give notice to the Nebraska Director of all dividends and other distributions within five business days following declaration thereof and that any such dividend or other distribution may not be paid within 10 business days of such notice (the "Notice Period") unless for good cause shown the Nebraska Director has approved such payment within the Notice Period. -18- Insurance Regulatory Information System Ratios The NAIC's Insurance Regulatory Information System ("IRIS") was developed by a committee of state insurance regulators and is intended primarily to assist state insurance departments in executing their statutory mandates to oversee the financial condition of insurance companies operating in their respective states. IRIS identifies 11 industry ratios and specifies "usual values" for each ratio. Departure from the usual values of the ratios can lead to inquiries from individual state insurance commissioners as to certain aspects of an insurer's business. For the year ended December 31, 1998, Risk Capital Reinsurance's results were within the usual values for eight of the 11 ratios. The "change in writings" ratio was outside the usual value as a result of RCRe's continued efforts in two key strategies, the integration of investment with reinsurance and the diversification into specialty classes of reinsurance. The "investment yield" ratio was outside the usual value primarily due to Risk Capital Reinsurance's investment strategy of investing a significant portion of its investment portfolio in equity securities, which generally yield less current investment income than fixed maturity investments. The "two year operating ratio" was outside the usual value due to the combined impact of RCRe's "investment yield" ratio (described above) and the 1998 statutory combined ratio of 116.4%. The Company's 1998 statutory combined ratio was adversely affected during the second half of the year by underwriting results from the Company's satellite business, casualty reinsurance provided by the Company on business produced by a certain managing underwriting agency and a property loss on a finite risk treaty. While the Company believes that it is taking adequate steps to reduce its exposure to losses from this business, there can be no assurances that such business will not continue to generate additional underwriting losses in the future or that significant loss activity will not develop from other areas of the Company's underwriting or other activities. For a related discussion of subsequent underwriting losses due to claims and claims expenses related to reinsurance provided by the Company on satellite risks and business produced by the managing underwriting agency, please refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Results of Operations--Subsequent Underwriting Losses" and Note 14 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. Accreditation The NAIC has instituted its Financial Regulatory Accreditation Standards Program ("FRASP") in response to federal initiatives to regulate the business of insurance. FRASP provides a set of standards designed to establish effective state regulation of the financial condition of insurance companies. Under FRASP, a state must adopt certain laws and regulations, institute required regulatory practices and procedures, and have adequate personnel to enforce such items in order to become an "accredited" state. If a state was not accredited by January 1, 1994, accredited states are not able to accept certain financial examination reports of insurers prepared solely by the regulatory agency in such unaccredited state. The State of Nebraska is accredited under FRASP; however, there can be no assurance that it or any other state will remain accredited. Risk-Based Capital Requirements In order to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, the NAIC adopted in December 1993 a formula and model law to implement risk-based capital requirements for property and casualty insurance companies. Effective January 1, 1994, Nebraska adopted risk-based capital legislation for property and casualty companies which is similar to the NAIC risk-based capital requirements. These risk-based capital requirements are designed to assess capital adequacy and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides for policyholder obligations. The risk-based capital model for property and casualty insurance companies measures three major areas of risk facing property and casualty insurers: (i) underwriting, which encompasses the risk of adverse loss developments and inadequate pricing; (ii) declines in asset values arising from credit risk; and (iii) declines in asset values arising from investment risks. Insurers having less statutory surplus than required by the risk-based capital calculation will be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action, depending on the level of capital inadequacy. Equity investments in common stock typically are valued at 85% of their market value under the risk-based capital guidelines. For equity investments in an insurance company affiliate, the risk-based capital requirement for the equity securities of such affiliate would generally be the Company's proportionate share of the affiliate's risk-based capital requirement. For a discussion of "affiliate" status under the insurance laws, see "Business--Insurance Regulation--Holding Company Acts." The Company's surplus (as calculated for statutory annual statement purposes) is well above the risk-based capital thresholds that would require either company or regulatory action. -19- Regulation of Certain Reinsurance Intermediaries Certain states, including Nebraska, have adopted legislation or regulation that, in effect, places additional requirements upon insurance and reinsurance intermediaries and brokers when, on behalf of an insured, they place business with an insurance or reinsurance company that is affiliated with such intermediary or broker. While the Company believes that there is no such affiliation between the Company and reinsurance intermediaries that may be affiliated with Marsh & McLennan, no assurances can be given that other persons (including such intermediaries) may not take a contrary position. While the Company believes that compliance with such regulations would not be burdensome upon an intermediary or broker, no assurances can be given as to whether a broker or intermediary would decide to place or continue to place business with the Company if such regulations were viewed to be applicable. Federal Regulation Although the federal government does not directly regulate the insurance or reinsurance industries, federal initiatives often affect the insurance business in a variety of ways. Although state regulation remains the dominant form of regulation, the federal government has shown increasing concern over the adequacy of state regulation. It is not possible to predict the future impact of any of these or other possible laws or regulations on Risk Capital Reinsurance's capital and operations, and such laws or regulations could materially adversely affect its business. Legislative and Regulatory Proposals From time to time various regulatory and legislative changes have been proposed in the insurance and reinsurance industry, some of which could have an effect on reinsurers. Among the proposals that have in the past been or are at present being considered are the possible introduction of federal regulation in addition to, or in lieu of, the current system of state regulation of insurers and proposals in various state legislatures (some of which proposals have been enacted) to conform portions of their insurance laws and regulations to various model acts adopted by the NAIC. The Company is unable to predict whether any of these laws and regulations will be adopted, the form in which any such laws and regulations would be adopted, or the effect, if any, these developments would have on the operations and financial condition of the Company. Senior Management The Company's senior management team consists of: Name Age Position - ---- --- -------- Mark D. Mosca 45 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Robert Clements 66 Chairman and Director Peter A. Appel 37 Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary Paul J. Malvasio 52 Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer - ---------- Mark D. Mosca was elected President and Director of RCHI in June 1995 and Chief Executive Officer of RCHI in March 1998, and President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Risk Capital Reinsurance in August 1995, and has served as acting Chief Underwriting Officer of Risk Capital Reinsurance since March 1999. Prior to June 1995, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer of Zurich Reinsurance Centre Holdings, Inc. since the completion of its initial public offering in May 1993. Prior thereto, Mr. Mosca served as a Vice President of NAC Re Corporation ("NAC Re"), where he was manager of the Treaty Division since February 1986. From 1975 to 1986, Mr. Mosca was employed by General Reinsurance Corporation where he was a Vice President. Mr. Mosca holds an A.B. degree from Harvard University. Robert Clements was elected Chairman and Director of RCHI at its formation in March 1995 and Chairman and Director of Risk Capital Reinsurance in September 1995. He is currently an advisor to MMCI with whom he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 1994 to March 1996. Prior thereto, he served as President of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. since 1992, having been Vice Chairman during 1991. He was Chairman of J&H Marsh & McLennan, Incorporated (formerly Marsh & McLennan, Incorporated), a -20- subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., from 1988 until March 1992. He joined Marsh & McLennan, Ltd., a Canadian subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., in 1959. Mr. Clements is a director of XL and Hiscox plc. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The College of Insurance and a member of Rand Corp. President's Council. Peter A. Appel has been a Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary of both RCHI and Risk Capital Reinsurance since November 1995. From September 1987 to November 1995, Mr. Appel practiced law with the New York firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he was a partner from January 1995. He holds an A.B. degree from Colgate University and a law degree from Harvard University. Paul J. Malvasio has been a Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of both RCHI and Risk Capital Reinsurance since September 1995 and a Director of Risk Capital Reinsurance since November 1995. Prior to that time, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NAC Re since the completion of NAC Re's initial public offering in February 1986. From 1967 to 1986, Mr. Malvasio was employed by the public accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand, where he was an audit partner from October 1979. Mr. Malvasio is a certified public accountant and holds a B.B.A. degree in Accounting from St. Francis College. Employees At March 24, 1999, the Company employed a total of 40 full-time employees. The Company will continue to increase its staff over time commensurate with the expansion of operations. The Company's employees are not represented by a labor union and the Company believes that its employee relations are good. -21- GLOSSARY OF SELECTED INSURANCE TERMS Admitted assets ........................Assets permitted by state law to be included as "assets" in an insurance company's annual statement. Annual Statement .......................A report that an insurance company must file annually with the state insurance commissioner in its domiciliary state and each other state in which it does business. The statement shows the current status of reserves, expenses, assets, total liabilities and investment portfolio. Assume .................................To take from an insurer or reinsurer (a ceding company) all or part of a risk underwritten by such person, along with the related premiums, losses and expenses. Attachment point .......................The amount of loss (per occurrence or in the aggregate, as the case may be) above which excess of loss coverage becomes operative. Broker market reinsurer ................A reinsurer that markets and sells reinsurance through brokers rather than through its own employees. Case reserves ..........................Loss reserves established with respect to individual reported claims. Casualty insurance .....................Insurance which is primarily concerned with the losses caused by injuries to third persons (in other words, persons other than the policyholder) and the legal liability imposed on the insured resulting therefrom. Catastrophe reinsurance ................A form of excess of loss reinsurance that, subject to a specified limit, indemnifies the ceding company for the amount of loss in excess of a specified retention with respect to an accumulation of losses resulting from a catastrophic event. The actual reinsurance document is called a "catastrophe cover." Cede; Cedent; Ceding company ...........When a party reinsures all or part of its risks with another, it "cedes" business and is referred to as the "cedent" or "ceding company." Common account reinsurance .............Arrangements whereby the ceding company enters the reinsurance market and purchases a cover for the benefit of the ceding company and the reinsurers on the reinsurance treaty. A pro rata portion of the costs of this protection is deducted from the ceded premium. Credit enhancement .....................Use of financial guaranty to upgrade the quality of a security through the use of an insurance policy or letter of credit or other means. Direct underwriter; Direct writer ......An insurer or reinsurer that markets and sells insurance directly to its insureds or reinsureds without the assistance of brokers. Excess of loss reinsurance .............A generic term describing reinsurance that indemnifies the reinsured against all or a specified portion of losses on underlying insurance policies in excess of a specified amount, which is called a "level" or "retention." Also known as non-proportional reinsurance. Excess of loss reinsurance is written in layers. A reinsurer or group of reinsurers accepts a band of coverage up to a specified amount. The total coverage purchased by the cedent is referred to as a "program" and will typically be placed with predetermined reinsurers in prenegotiated layers. Any liability exceeding the outer limit of the program reverts to the ceding company, which also bears the credit risk of a reinsurer's insolvency. Facultative reinsurance ................The reinsurance of all or a portion of the insurance provided by a single policy. Each policy reinsured is separately negotiated. -22- Finite risk reinsurance ................Similar to traditional reinsurance with the exception that there is a finite risk to the reinsurer with respect to minimum and maximum exposure in relation to the premium to be received. Gross premiums written .................Total premiums for insurance and reinsurance assumed during a given period. Incurred but not reported ("IBNR") .....Reserves for estimated losses that have been incurred by insureds and reinsureds but not yet reported to the insurer or reinsurer, including unknown future developments on losses which are known to the insurer or reinsurer. In-force premiums ......................The total of estimated annualized premiums of all policies in force as of a certain date which would be anticipated to generate net premiums written during the annual period being considered. Intermediary/broker ....................One who negotiates contracts of insurance between an insured and a primary insurer on behalf of the insured and/or contracts of reinsurance between a primary insurer or other reinsured and a reinsurer on behalf of the primary insurer or reinsured, in each case receiving a commission for placement and other services rendered. Lloyd's syndicate ......................Underwriting members of Lloyd's (which can be individual "names" and/or dedicated corporate members) that group together annually to form a syndicate to underwrite insurance coverage. Each syndicate is managed by a Lloyd's-approved managing agent, which appoints one or more active or named underwriters who have the authority to bind the syndicate to contracts of insurance, pay claims and effect recoveries. Net premiums written ...................Gross premiums written for a given period less premiums ceded to retrocessionaires during such period. Primary insurer ........................An insurance company that contracts with the insured to provide insurance coverage. Such insurer may then cede a portion of its business to reinsurers. Probable maximum loss ..................Under Risk Capital Reinsurance's current guidelines, probable maximum loss is the anticipated maximum exposure to an event of a magnitude such that it would be expected to occur once in 100 years. Quota share or proportional reinsurance .........................A generic term describing all forms of reinsurance in which the reinsurer shares a proportional part of the original premiums and losses of the reinsured. (Also known as pro rata reinsurance or participating reinsurance.) In proportional reinsurance, the reinsurer generally pays the ceding company a ceding commission. The ceding commission generally is based on the ceding company's cost of acquiring the business being reinsured (including commissions, premium taxes, assessments and miscellaneous administrative expenses) and also may include a profit factor. Generally, the reinsurer gets the benefit of common account reinsurance. RAA ....................................Reinsurance Association of America, a trade association of medium and large property and casualty reinsurers doing business in the United States. The RAA provides statistical data concerning the markets, which voluntarily provide such information to the RAA. Reinsurance ............................An arrangement in which an insurance company, the reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurance or reinsurance company, the ceding company, against all or a portion of the insurance or reinsurance risks underwritten by the ceding company under one or more policies. -23- Reinsurance can provide a ceding company with several benefits, including a reduction in net liability on individual risks and catastrophe protection from large or multiple losses. Reinsurance also provides a ceding company with additional underwriting capacity by permitting it to accept larger risks and write more business than would be possible without a concomitant increase in capital and surplus, and facilitates the maintenance of acceptable financial ratios by the ceding company. Reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding company from its liability with respect to its obligations to the insured. Reserves ...............................Liabilities established by insurers and reinsurers to reflect the estimated costs of claims payments and the related expenses that the insurer or reinsurer will ultimately be required to pay in respect of insurance or reinsurance it has written. Reserves are established for losses and for unpaid claims and claims expenses and for unearned premiums. Loss reserves consist of case reserves and IBNR reserves. For reinsurers, unpaid claims and claims expense reserves are generally not significant because substantially all of the unpaid claims and claims expenses associated with particular claims are incurred by the primary insurer and reported to reinsurers as losses. Unearned premium reserves constitute the portion of premiums paid in advance for insurance or reinsurance that has not yet been provided. Retention ..............................The amount or portion of risk that an insurer retains for its own account. Losses in excess of the retention level are paid by the reinsurer. In proportional treaties, the retention may be a percentage of the original policy's limit. In excess of loss business, the retention is a dollar amount of loss, a loss ratio or a percentage. Retrocession ...........................A transaction whereby a reinsurer cedes to another reinsurer (the "retrocessionaire") all or part of the reinsurance that the first reinsurer has assumed. Retrocessions do not legally discharge the ceding reinsurer from its liability with respect to its obligations to the reinsured. Reinsurance companies cede risks to retrocessionaires for reasons similar to those that cause primary insurers to purchase reinsurance: to reduce net liability on individual risks, to protect against catastrophic losses, to stabilize financial ratios and to obtain additional underwriting capacity. Statutory accounting principles ("SAP") .............................The rules and procedures prescribed or permitted by United States state insurance regulatory authorities including the NAIC, which govern the preparation of financial statements. Such rules and procedures generally reflect a liquidating, rather than going concern, concept of accounting. Statutory composite ratio ..............Provides an overall indication of underwriting profitability. The ratio is the sum of: the ratio of commissions and other underwriting expenses to premiums written, and the ratio of claims and claims expenses to premiums earned. A statutory composite ratio under 100% indicates underwriting profitability, while a composite ratio exceeding 100% indicates an underwriting loss. Statutory surplus ......................The excess of admitted assets over total liabilities (including loss reserves), determined in accordance with SAP. Tail ...................................The period of time that elapses between the writing of the applicable insurance policy or the loss event (or the insurer's knowledge of the loss event) and the payment in respect thereof. -24- Treaties ...............................The reinsurance of a specified type or category of risks defined in a reinsurance agreement (a "treaty") between an insurer and a reinsurer or between a reinsurer and a retrocessionaire. In treaty reinsurance, the cedent is typically obligated to offer, and the reinsurer or retrocessionaire is obligated to accept, a specified portion of a type or category of risks insured by the ceding company as set forth in the governing contract. Treaty reinsurance may provide for proportional or non-proportional reinsurance. Underwriting ...........................The insurer's or reinsurer's process of reviewing applications submitted for insurance coverage, deciding whether to accept all or part of the coverage requested and determining the applicable premiums. Underwriting capacity ..................The maximum amount that an insurance company can underwrite. The limit is generally determined by the company's policyholders or statutory surplus, which depends, among other things, on the insurer's admitted assets. Reinsurance serves to increase a company's capacity by reducing its exposure from particular risks. -25- ITEM 2. PROPERTIES In March 1996, the Company entered into a sublease agreement initially expiring in October 2002 for approximately 40,000 square feet of office space in Greenwich, Connecticut, at which the Company's offices are located. Future minimum rental charges for the remaining term of the sublease, exclusive of escalation clauses and maintenance costs and net of rental income, will be approximately $2,198,000. The Company's rental expense, net of sublease income, during 1998, 1997 and 1996 was approximately $576,000, $643,000 and $613,000, respectively. Commencing in 1996, the Company subleased approximately 13,000 square feet of the office space to MMCI for a term expiring in October 2002. Future minimum rental income under the remaining term of the sublease, exclusive of escalation clauses and maintenance costs, will be approximately $1,648,000. Rental income for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $430,000, $430,000 and $264,000, respectively. MMCI also reimbursed the Company approximately $100,000 and $574,000 in 1998 and 1997, respectively, for MMCI's pro rata share of improvement and maintenance costs under the sublease. In addition, commencing in 1997, the Company subleased approximately 6,000 square feet of the office space to another tenant for a term expiring in October 2002. Future minimum rental income under the remaining term of the sublease, exclusive of escalation clauses and maintenance costs, will be approximately $549,000. Rental income for 1998 and 1997 was $225,000 and $117,000, of which $89,000 and $44,000, respectively, was paid to MMCI as its pro rata share of such income. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is subject to litigation and arbitration in the ordinary course of its business. The Company is not currently involved in any litigation or arbitration. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 1998. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Market Information Shares of the Common Stock are traded on the Nasdaq National Market tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "RCHI." For the periods presented below, the high and low sales prices and closing prices for the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market were as follows:
Three Months Ended --------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, 1998 1998 1998 1998 ------------ ------------- -------- --------- High................................ $23.75 $25.50 $25.50 $24.00 Low................................. 18.81 19.00 22.75 19.75 Close............................... 21.75 22.00 24.94 24.00
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Three Months Ended --------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, 1997 1997 1997 1997 ------------ ------------- -------- --------- High................................ $23.38 $23.38 $21.00 $19.25 Low................................. 20.88 20.50 16.00 16.13 Close............................... 22.25 23.00 21.00 17.00
On March 24, 1999, the high and low sales prices and the closing price for the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market were $16.75, $14.25 and $16.63, respectively. Holders As of March 24, 1999, there were approximately 50 holders of record of the Common Stock and approximately 1,501 beneficial holders of the Common Stock. Dividends The Company has not declared any dividends since its formation in 1995. The declaration and payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors of RCHI and will depend upon the Company's results of operations and cash flows, the financial position and capital requirements of the Company, general business conditions, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends, and other factors the Board of Directors of RCHI deems relevant. There is no requirement or assurance that dividends will be declared or paid in the future. The payment of dividends by RCHI will be dependent upon the ability of Risk Capital Reinsurance to provide funds to RCHI. For a description of the restrictions on the ability of Risk Capital Reinsurance to pay dividends or make distributions to RCHI, see "Business--Insurance Regulation--Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from Insurance Subsidiaries," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 10 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. -27- ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Set forth below is certain selected consolidated financial information for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, and the period from June 23, 1995 (date of inception) to December 31, 1995. This information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the Notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Period from June 23, 1995 to Years Ended December 31, December 31, 1998 1997 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (In thousands, except share data) Income Statement Data Net premiums earned .......................... $206,194 $107,372 $35,761 Net investment income ........................ 15,687 14,360 13,151 $4,578 Net realized investment gains (losses) ........................... 25,252 (760) 1,259 397 Total revenues ............................... 247,133 120,972 50,171 4,975 Net income ................................... 3,091 2,039 4,112 1,019 Comprehensive income (loss) ................................... ($4,375) $47,107 $9,817 $4,750 Average shares outstanding Basic .................................... 17,065,165 17,032,601 16,981,724 16,747,084 Diluted .................................. 17,718,223 17,085,788 16,983,909 16,990,425 Per Share Data Net income Basic .................................. $0.18 $0.12 $0.24 $0.06 Diluted ................................ $0.17 $0.12 $0.24 $0.06 Comprehensive income Basic .................................. ($0.26) $2.77 $0.58 $0.28 Diluted ................................ ($0.26) $2.76 $0.58 $0.28 At December 31, 1998 1997 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (In thousands, except share data) Balance Sheet Data Total assets ................................. $757,830 $581,247 $432,486 $350,986 Total stockholders' equity ................... $398,002 $401,031 $352,213 $340,215 Shares outstanding Basic .................................... 17,087,438 17,058,462 17,031,246 16,941,125 Diluted .................................. 17,497,904 17,601,608 17,065,406 -- Book value per share Basic .................................... $23.29 $23.51 $20.68 $20.08 Diluted .................................. $22.75 $22.79 $20.64 --
-28- ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. General The Company RCHI is the holding company for Risk Capital Reinsurance, its wholly owned subsidiary which is domiciled in Nebraska. RCHI was incorporated in March 1995 and commenced operations during September 1995 upon completion of the Offerings. RCHI received aggregate net proceeds from the Offerings of approximately $335 million, of which $328 million was contributed to the capital of Risk Capital Reinsurance. On November 6, 1995, Risk Capital Reinsurance was licensed under the insurance laws of the State of Nebraska. As of December 31, 1998, the statutory surplus of Risk Capital Reinsurance was approximately $359 million. In July 1998, Risk Capital Reinsurance capitalized its wholly owned subsidiary, Cross River Insurance Company ("Cross River"), with $20 million. Cross River received its Nebraska insurance license in October 1998, and intends to seek authorization to operate in most other states as an excess and surplus lines insurer. Recent Industry Performance Demand for reinsurance is influenced significantly by underwriting results of primary property and casualty insurers and prevailing general economic and market conditions, all of which affect liability retention decisions of primary insurers and reinsurance premium rates. The supply of reinsurance is directly related to prevailing prices and levels of surplus capacity, which, in turn, may fluctuate in response to changes in rates of return on investments being realized in the reinsurance industry. The 1998 year was a difficult period from both a market and earnings perspective for most insurance markets. The property and casualty insurance and reinsurance segments have experienced an increasingly more difficult and highly competitive operating environment characterized by a soft rate structure and overcapitalization. Other factors that have contributed to the prevailing competitive conditions in the reinsurance industry in recent years include new entrants to the reinsurance market (including certain specialized reinsurance operations) and the presence of certain reinsurance companies which operate within tax-advantaged jurisdictions (e.g., Bermuda, Cayman Islands) that benefit from higher after-tax investment returns. In addition, concerns with respect to the financial security of Lloyd's that had adversely impacted the competitive position of that marketplace have apparently been overcome by actions taken at Lloyd's over the last few years, thereby enhancing its competitive position. The industry's profitability can also be affected significantly by volatile and unpredictable developments, including changes in the propensity of courts to grant larger awards, natural disasters (such as catastrophic hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, floods and fires), fluctuations in interest rates and other changes in the investment environment that affect market prices of investments and the income and returns on investments, and inflationary pressures that may tend to affect the size of losses experienced by ceding primary insurers. The reinsurance industry is highly competitive and dynamic, and market changes may affect, among other things, demand for the Company's products, changes in investment opportunities (and the performance thereof), changes in the products offered by the Company or changes in the Company's business strategy. (See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.") Reinsurance treaties that are placed by intermediaries are typically for one year terms with a substantial number that are written or renewed on January 1 each year. Other significant renewal dates include April 1, July 1 and October 1. The January 1, 1999 renewal period was marked by continuing intensified competitive conditions in terms of premium rates and treaty terms and conditions in both the property and casualty segments of the marketplace. These conditions have been worsened due to large domestic primary companies retaining more of their business and ceding less premiums to reinsurers. While the Company is initially somewhat disadvantaged compared to many of its competitors, which are larger, have greater resources and longer operating histories than the Company, it believes it has been able to generate attractive opportunities in the marketplace due to its substantial unencumbered capital base, experienced management team, relationship with its equity investment advisor and strategic focus on generating a small number of large reinsurance treaty transactions that may also be integrated with an equity investment in client companies. Commencing in late 1997, in addition to its core business, the Company expanded into specialty -29- classes of reinsurance business, including marine and aviation and space in 1997, surety and fidelity in 1998, and accident and health in 1999. In-Force Business At January 1, 1999, the Company had approximately 421 renewable reinsurance treaties that are in- force, with approximately $287.5 million of estimated annualized net premiums written, compared to $172.5 million at January 1, 1998, representing an increase of 67%. Such in-force premiums at January 1, 1999 represent estimated annualized premiums from treaties entered into during 1998 and the January 1, 1999 renewal period that are expected to generate net premiums written during 1999. Such renewable treaties at January 1, 1999 are estimated to generate approximately $225 million of net premiums written over the 12-month period ending December 31, 1999 without taking into account certain factors, including the possibility that (i) several treaties entered into in 1998 that are scheduled to expire during the remainder of 1999 may be renewed and (ii) additional treaties may be bound during 1999. Results of Operations The Company had consolidated comprehensive loss of $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 and consolidated comprehensive income of $47.1 million and $9.8 million for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Comprehensive income for the Company is composed of net income and the change in unrealized appreciation of investments. Net income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $3.1 million, $2.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively. After-tax realized investment gains (losses) of $16.4 million, ($0.5 million) and $0.8 million were also included in net income for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Net income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 included losses of $1.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, representing the Company's equity in the net loss of investee companies accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Following is a table of per share data for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 on an after-tax basis:
Years Ended December 31, -------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- ---------- Basic earnings per share: Underwriting loss ($1.39) ($0.45) ($0.38) Net investment income 0.68 0.61 0.58 Net realized investment gains (losses) 0.96 (0.03) 0.05 Equity in net income (loss) of investees (0.07) (0.01) (0.01) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income 0.18 0.12 0.24 Change in net unrealized appreciation of investments (0.44) 2.65 0.34 ========== ========== ========== Comprehensive income (loss) ($0.26) $2.77 $0.58 ========== ========== ========== Average Shares Outstanding (000's) 17,065 17,033 16,982 ========== ========== ========== Diluted earnings per share: Underwriting loss ($1.35) ($0.45) ($0.38) Net investment income 0.65 0.61 0.58 Net realized investment gains (losses) 0.93 (0.03) 0.05 Equity in net income (loss) of investees (0.06) (0.01) (0.01) ========== ========== ========== Net income $0.17 $0.12 $0.24 ========== ========== ========== Comprehensive income (loss) ($0.26) $2.76 $0.58 ========== ========== ========== Average shares outstanding (000's) 17,718 17,086 16,984 ========== ========== ========== Book Value Per Share, December 31: Basic $23.29 $23.51 $20.68 Diluted $22.75 $22.79 $20.64
-30- Net Premiums Written Net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 1998 compared to 1997 and 1996 was as follows:
(In millions) Percent Years Ended December 31, Change ----------------------------------------- --------- Core Business 1998 1997 1996 1998/1997 ------- ------- ------- --------- Property $ 33.7 $ 17.8 $ 19.4 89% Casualty 80.3 69.7 17.6 15 Multi-line 62.8 45.9 21.8 37 Other 16.5 10.0 13.7 65 ------- ------- ------- ------- Sub-total Core Business $ 193.3 $ 143.4 $ 72.5 35% ------- ------- ------- ------- Specialty Business Aviation & Space $ 26.0 Marine 14.4 $ 1.4 N/M Surety 1.0 ------- ------- ------- ------- Sub-total Specialty Business $ 41.4 $ 1.4 N/M ------- ------- ------- ------- Total $ 234.7 $ 144.8 $ 72.5 62% ======= ======= ======= =======
The Company's assumed and ceded premiums written for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows: (In millions) Years Ended December 31, ----------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------- ------- ------- Assumed premiums written $ 260.5 $ 147.8 $ 73.7 Ceded premiums written 25.8 3.0 1.2 ======= ======= ======= Net premiums written $ 234.7 $ 144.8 $ 72.5 ======= ======= ======= In 1998, the Company's net premiums written increased by 62% from $144.8 million in 1997 to $234.7 million in 1998. The Company's premium growth resulted from continued efforts in the Company's two key strategies, the integration of investment with reinsurance and the diversification into specialty classes of reinsurance. Approximately 32%, 29% and 5% of net premiums written in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were generated from companies in which the Company has invested or committed to invest funds. Approximately 32%, 28% and 30% of net premiums written in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were from non-United States clients, which are Lloyd's syndicates or are located in the United Kingdom, Bermuda and Continental Europe. Consistent with the Company's strategy of writing a small number of large treaties for its core business, three clients contributed approximately $74 million, or 32%, of the Company's 1998 total net premiums written, with the largest client contributing approximately 18% and the remaining two contributing 8% and 6%, respectively. The business written from the client that contributed 18% is part of an integrated transaction, and such business is subject to renewal at the Company's option for five years. In 1997, five clients contributed approximately $68 million, or 45%, of the Company's total net premiums written, with the largest client contributing approximately 18% and the remaining four contributing from 5% to 8%. While not anticipated, the reduction or loss of business assumed from one or more large clients could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations to the extent not offset by new business. -31- The Company's ceded premiums increased to $25.8 million in 1998, compared to $3 million in 1997. This increase was primarily due to the Company's expansion in 1997 into marine and aviation and space reinsurance business, for which the Company seeks to reduce its exposure to large and catastrophic losses. See "--Results of Operations--Risk Retention" and "Business--Retrocessional Arrangements." Approximately $32.9 million, or 46%, of net premiums written in 1996 resulted from unearned premium portfolios and other non-recurring transactions. This amount included $11.9 million of specialty premiums written from contracts pursuant to which the Company reinsures a portion of one underlying policy for multiple years. Such premiums will be earned over the multiple periods as the exposures expire. In 1998 and 1997, there were no significant unearned premium portfolios or other non-recurring transactions included in net premiums written. Operating Costs and Expenses One traditional means of measuring the underwriting performance of a property/casualty insurer, such as the Company, is the statutory composite ratio. This ratio, which is based upon statutory accounting principles (which differ from generally accepted accounting principles in several respects), reflects underwriting experience, but does not reflect income from investments. A statutory composite ratio under 100% indicates underwriting profitability, while a composite ratio exceeding 100% indicates an underwriting loss. Set forth below are the Company's statutory composite ratios for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and the estimated aggregate statutory composite ratios for domestic reinsurers and domestic broker market reinsurers based on data reported by the RAA as of such dates: Years Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ Claims and claims expenses 85.4% 68.4% 67.3% Commissions and brokerage 24.2 28.8 23.7 ------ ------ ------ 109.6 97.2 91.0 Other operating expenses 6.8 9.1 15.3 ------ ====== ====== Statutory composite ratio 116.4% 106.3% 106.3% ====== ====== ====== Domestic reinsurer aggregate Statutory composite ratios 104.4% 102.3% 103.1% ====== ====== ====== The Company's 1998 statutory composite ratio was adversely affected during the second half of the year by underwriting results from the Company's satellite business, casualty reinsurance provided by the Company on business produced by a certain managing underwriting agency, and a property loss on a finite risk treaty, as set forth below (dollars in millions):
1998 ------------------------------------------------------- Net Effect Upon After-Tax Premiums Composite Underwriting Written Ratio Loss ------------ ------------ ------------ Satellite business $ 12.9 6.1% $ 8.3 Managing underwriting agency 15.4 4.1 6.6 Finite risk property treaty 5.0 2.3 3.3 ------------ ------------ ------------ $ 33.3 12.5% $ 18.2 ============ ============ ============
The frequency of satellite failures during 1998 has far exceeded the previous worst year in the history of this line of business. In order to mitigate the impact of possible future loss activity, in the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company commenced the process of re-underwriting and reducing its satellite business and seeking -32- additional retrocessional protection. There can be no assurances that any such retrocessional protection, if purchased, will be sufficient to preclude the occurrence of additional underwriting losses. The Company increased its loss reserves at December 31, 1998 relating to the reinsurance provided by the Company on business produced by the managing underwriting agency based upon reported loss activity and the results of an underwriting audit performed by the Company. The underwriting relationship has been discontinued. All deferred acquisition costs, which approximated $1 million, related to the unearned premium reserve at December 31, 1998 have been written off by the Company. For a discussion of subsequent losses due to claims and claims expenses related to reinsurance provided by the Company on satellite risks and business produced by the managing underwriting agency, see "--Results of Operations--Subsequent Underwriting Losses" below and Note 14 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. While the Company believes that it is taking adequate steps to reduce its exposure to losses from its satellite business and business produced by the managing underwriting agency, there can be no assurances that such business will not continue to generate additional underwriting losses in the future or that significant loss activity will not develop from other areas of the Company's underwriting or other activities. Estimates of prior accident year claims were reduced by approximately $2.8 million in 1998 primarily due to favorable claim development in the property and multi-line classes of business. The Company's 1997 statutory composite ratio, while essentially unchanged from the 1996 ratio, contained a higher aggregate claims and claims expenses and commissions and brokerage ratio components in 1997, which reflects a business mix with a higher casualty content. Such increase was offset by a lower other operating expenses ratio as the Company continued to leverage its infrastructure with increased premium writings. Claims and claims expenses generally represent the Company's most significant and uncertain costs. Reserves for these expenses are estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given time of what the Company expects the ultimate settlement and administration of claims to cost based on facts and circumstances then known. The reserves are based on estimates of claims and claims expenses incurred and, therefore, the amount ultimately paid may be more or less than such estimates. The inherent uncertainties of estimating claim reserves are exacerbated for reinsurers by the significant periods of time (the "tail") that often elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to the primary insurer and, ultimately, to the reinsurer, and the primary insurer's payment of that loss and subsequent indemnification by the reinsurer. As a consequence, actual claims and claims expenses paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from estimates reflected in the Company's reserves reported in its financial statements. The estimation of reserves by new reinsurers, such as the Company, may be less reliable than the reserve estimations of a reinsurer with an established volume of business and claims history. To the extent reserves prove to be inadequate, the Company may have to augment such reserves and incur a charge to earnings. See "--Results of Operations--Subsequent Underwriting Losses" below and Note 14 of the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. In pricing its reinsurance treaties, the Company focuses on many factors, including exposure to claims and commissions and brokerage expenses. Commissions and brokerage expenses are acquisition costs that generally vary by the type of treaty and line of business, and are considered by the Company's underwriting and actuarial staff in evaluating the adequacy of premium writings. In a number of reinsurance treaties, provisional commissions are initially paid and subsequently increased or decreased, subject to a minimum and maximum amount, depending upon the claims and claims expenses experience of the assumed business. The Company records the commission increase or decrease in accordance with contractual terms based on the expected ultimate experience of the contract. Other operating expenses increased to $16.5 million in 1998, compared to $13.5 million and $11.4 million for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Assuming the successful execution -33- of the Company's business strategy, the Company expects other operating expenses to grow with maturing operations, but expects other operating expenses to decline moderately as a percentage of net premiums written because increases in premium writings are generally expected to exceed the growth in such expenses. Pre-tax foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded separately from statutory underwriting results and are therefore excluded from the statutory composite ratio. Unhedged monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, with the resulting foreign exchange gains or losses recognized in income. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, pretax foreign exchange gains and (losses) were $443,000, ($682,000) and $104,000, respectively. Such future gains or losses may be affected by changes in foreign exchange rates which are unpredictable and could be material. (For additional discussion, see "--Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management" below.) Subsequent Underwriting Losses In March 1999, the Company was notified of additional satellite losses pertaining to 1998 in the amount of approximately $4 million, after-tax, that will be recorded in the first quarter of 1999. In order to mitigate the impact of possible future loss activity, in the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company commenced the process of re-underwriting and reducing its satellite business and seeking additional retrocessional protection. There can be no assurances that any such retrocessional protection, if purchased, will be sufficient to preclude the occurrence of additional underwriting losses. Based on a review of additional claims information and its continuing underwriting and actuarial analysis of the business produced by the managing underwriting agency, the Company expects to record additional after-tax underwriting losses of approximately $18 million in the first quarter of 1999 from claims, claims expenses, commissions and brokerage, net of earned premium, relating to reinsurance on business produced by the managing underwriting agency. Total estimated ultimate premiums for all business produced on behalf of the Company by the managing underwriting agency, including policies that have expired and policies that will expire in 1999 and 2000, are approximately $26 million, of which $17 million and $13 million, respectively, were recorded as net premiums written and net premiums earned through December 31, 1998. Substantially all of the remaining $9 million and $13 million, respectively, of net premiums written and net premiums earned will be recorded in the first quarter of 1999. The Company has discontinued its underwriting relationship with the managing underwriting agency. Therefore, the total after-tax underwriting losses that will be recorded in the first quarter of 1999 generated from reinsurance on satellite risks and business produced by the managing underwriting agency will be approximately $22 million. While such loss estimate represents the Company's current expectation based on all information available to the Company to date, there can be no assurances that the actual amount will not differ from such estimate due to the inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves. See also Note 14 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. While the Company believes that it is taking adequate steps to reduce its exposure to losses from its satellite business and business produced by the managing underwriting agency, there can be no assurances that such business will not continue to generate additional underwriting losses in the future or that significant loss activity will not develop from other areas of the Company's underwriting or other activities. Risk Retention Given the Company's current level of surplus, under its current underwriting guidelines, the maximum net retention on any one claim for a given property or casualty treaty risk is generally $10.0 million. The Company monitors its earthquake and wind exposures and continuously reevaluates its estimated probable maximum pre-tax loss for such exposures through the use of modeling techniques. The Company generally seeks to limit its probable maximum pre-tax loss to no more than 10% of its statutory surplus for severe catastrophic events that could be expected to occur once in every 100 years. This limitation includes combined exposure to underwriting losses, reinstatement costs for retrocessional arrangements which may be in force at the time of the losses resulting from the catastrophic event, and losses that the Company may be -34- exposed to as a result of its privately held investments in insurance and insurance-related entities. While the Company believes its risk management techniques are adequate, there can be no assurances that the Company will not suffer pre-tax losses greater than 10% of its statutory surplus from a catastrophic event due to the inherent uncertainties in estimating the frequency and severity of such exposures. In addition, the Company believes that it cannot reasonably estimate its exposure to unrealized investment losses (if any) that may result from the Company's investments in publicly traded securities of insurance and insurance-related entities. With respect to integrated transactions (where the Company combines an equity or equity-like investment in a client company with the purchase by such client of reinsurance from the Company), the Company generally limits its combined underwriting and investment exposure to pre-tax losses on any individual client to no more than 10% of its total statutory surplus, and subjects these commitments to scrutiny by the combined professional staffs of both the Company and MMCI. During 1998, the Company maintained catastrophe reinsurance protection for its marine and aviation business. For 1999, the Company has reinsurance protection for marine business of $37 million in excess of a $3 million initial retention, and additional co-participations, with the Company retaining a total of approximately $8 million. For 1999, the Company is finalizing reinsurance protection for aviation business in an amount of $65 million in excess of a $1 million initial retention, and additional co-participations, with the Company retaining a total of approximately $5.4 million. Catastrophic reinsurance protection has not been purchased for the Company's earthquake and wind exposures. The Company continues to evaluate its potential catastrophe exposure, including both gross loss estimates and the impact of available reinsurance protection. While the Company believes its management of catastrophe exposures and underwriting guidelines are adequate, an extremely large catastrophic event, multiple catastrophic events or other unforeseen events could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Net Investment Income At December 31, 1998, approximately 48% of the Company's invested assets consisted of fixed maturity and short-term investments, compared to 45% at December 31, 1997. Net investment income was approximately $15.7 million in 1998, compared to $14.4 million and $13.2 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Such amounts for 1998, 1997 and 1996 are net of investment expenses of $3.6 million, $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The investment expense amounts include investment advisory fees of $3.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The amount of investment income from quarter to quarter may vary and could diminish as the Company continues to employ its strategy of investing a substantial portion of its investment portfolio in publicly traded and privately held equity securities, which generally yield less current investment income than fixed maturity investments. The Company's investment yields at amortized cost were as follows for the periods set forth below: Years Ended December 31, ----------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ Investment yields: Pre-tax 3.4% 3.7% 3.8% Net of tax 2.5% 2.7% 2.8% Assuming a stable interest rate environment, the Company anticipates such yields to slightly decline as funds invested in short-term securities continue to be allocated by the Company into investments in equity securities, which yield less current income than fixed maturity investments. Additionally, such investment yields exclude the Company's equity in the net income or loss of private equity investments accounted for under the equity method. -35- Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
(In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ------- ------- ------- Net realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturity securities $ 1,472 $ 275 ($ 359) Publicly traded equity securities 16,582 3,878 1,549 Privately held securities 7,198 (4,913) 69 ------- ------- ------- Sub-total 25,252 (760) 1,259 Income tax expense (benefit) 8,838 (266) 441 ------- ------- ------- Net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax $16,414 ($ 494) $ 818 ======= ======= =======
Income Taxes The Company's effective tax rate of 5% for 1998, income tax benefit for 1997 and effective tax rate of 7% for 1996 are less than the 35% statutory rate on pre-tax operating income due to tax exempt income and the dividends received deductions. The 1998, 1997 and 1996 gross deferred income tax benefits of approximately $7.3 million, $2.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, which are assets considered recoverable from future taxable income, resulted from temporary differences between financial and taxable income. Investments A principal component of the Company's investment strategy is investing a significant portion of invested assets in publicly traded and privately held equity securities, primarily issued by insurance and reinsurance companies and companies providing services to the insurance industry. Cash and fixed maturity investments and, if necessary, the sale of marketable equity securities will be used to support shorter-term liquidity requirements. As a significant portion of the Company's investment portfolio will generally consist of equity securities issued by insurance and reinsurance companies and companies providing services to the insurance industry, the equity portfolio will lack industry diversification and will be particularly subject to the performance of the insurance industry. Unlike fixed income securities, equity securities such as common stocks, including the equity securities in which the Company may invest, generally are not and will not be rated by any nationally recognized rating service. The values of equity securities generally are more dependent on the financial condition of the issuer and less dependent on fluctuations in interest rates than are the values of fixed income securities. The market value of equity securities generally is regarded as more volatile than the market value of fixed income securities. The effects of such volatility on the Company's equity portfolio could be exacerbated to the extent that such portfolio is concentrated in the insurance industry and in relatively few issuers. (For additional discussion, see "--Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management.") As the Company's investment strategy is to invest a significant portion of its investment portfolio in equity securities, its investment income in any fiscal period may be smaller, as a percentage of investments, and less predictable than that of other insurance and/or reinsurance companies, and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments may have a greater effect on the Company's results of operations or stockholders' equity at the end of any fiscal period than other insurance and/or reinsurance companies. Since the realization of gains and losses on equity investments is not generally predictable, such gains and losses may differ significantly from period to period. Variability and declines in the Company's results of operations could be further exacerbated by private equity investments in start-up companies, which are accounted for under the equity method. Such start-up companies may be expected initially to generate operating losses. Investments that are or will be included in the Company's private portfolio include securities issued by privately held companies and by publicly traded companies that are generally restricted as to resale or are otherwise illiquid and do not have readily ascertainable market values. The risk of investing in such securities is generally greater than the risk of investing in securities of widely held, publicly traded -36- companies. Lack of a secondary market and resale restrictions may result in an inability by the Company to sell a security at a price that would otherwise be obtainable if such restrictions did not exist and may substantially delay the sale of a security the Company seeks to sell. At December 31, 1998, cash and invested assets totaled approximately $587.2 million, consisting of $120.9 million of cash and short-term investments, $174.5 million of publicly traded fixed maturity investments, $154.7 million of publicly traded equity securities, and $137.1 million of privately held securities. Included in privately held securities are investments totaling $53.6 million which are accounted for under the equity method. At December 31, 1998, the Company's private equity portfolio consisted of 17 investments, with additional investment portfolio commitments in an aggregate amount of approximately $10.4 million. Since December 31, 1997, the portfolio increased by five additional investments and two follow-on investments, and was decreased by two divestments. In addition, the Company has written down the value of two investments to their net realizable value (one of which included the Company's investment in the managing underwriting agency discussed above). In October 1998, the Company provided $5 million in financing on a fully secured basis to a managing general agency, and received a related reinsurance commitment expected to generate an aggregate of $90 million of reinsurance premiums over the next three years pursuant to terms and conditions that the Company believes are more favorable than those available in the open market. See Note 3 under the caption "Investment Information" of the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for certain information regarding the Company's publicly traded and privately held securities and their carrying values, and commitments made by the Company relating to its privately held securities. Over the long-term, the Company intends to continue to allocate a substantial portion of its cash and short-term investments into publicly traded and privately held equity securities, subject to market conditions and opportunities in the marketplace. At December 31, 1998, approximately 89% of the Company's fixed maturity and short-term investments were rated investment grade by Moody's or Standard & Poor's and had an average quality rating of AA and an average duration of approximately 2.8 years. At December 31, 1998, the Company is obligated under letters of credit in the aggregate amount of approximately $33.3 million, which secure certain reinsurance obligations and investment commitments in amounts of approximately $24.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively. Securities with a carrying value of approximately $38.3 million have been pledged as collateral for these letters of credit. The Company has not invested in derivative financial instruments such as futures, forward contracts, swaps, or options or other financial instruments with similar characteristics such as interest rate caps or floors and fixed-rate loan commitments. The Company's portfolio includes market sensitive instruments, such as mortgage-backed securities, which are subject to prepayment risk and changes in market value in connection with changes in interest rates. The Company's investments in mortgage-backed securities, which amounted to approximately $33.5 million at December 31, 1998, or 6% of cash and invested assets, are classified as available for sale and are not held for trading purposes. Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management In accordance with the SEC's Financial Reporting Release No. 48, the following analysis presents hypothetical losses in cash flows, earnings and fair values of market sensitive instruments which are held by the Company as of December 31, 1998 and are sensitive to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity security prices. This risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the following sensitivity analysis represent forward-looking statements of market risk assuming certain adverse market conditions occur. Actual results in the future may differ materially from these projected results due to actual developments in the global financial markets. The analysis methods used by the Company to assess and mitigate risk should not be considered projections of future events of losses. Market risk represents the risk of changes in the fair value of a financial instrument and is comprised of several components, including liquidity, basis and price risks. The focus of the SEC's market risk rules is on price risk. For purposes of specific risk analysis, the Company employs sensitivity analysis to determine the -37- effects that market risk exposures could have on the future earnings, fair values or cash flows of the Company's financial instruments. The financial instruments included in the following sensitivity analysis consist of all of the Company's cash and invested assets, excluding investments carried under the equity method of accounting. Equity Price Risk The Company is exposed to equity price risks on the public and private equity securities included in its investment portfolio. All of the Company's publicly traded equity securities and privately held securities were issued by insurance and reinsurance companies or companies providing services to the insurance industry. The Company typically does not attempt to reduce or eliminate its market exposure on these securities. Investments included in the Company's private portfolio include securities issued by privately held companies and securities issued by public companies that are generally restricted as to resale or are otherwise illiquid and do not have readily ascertainable market values. Investments in privately held securities issued by privately and publicly held companies may include both equity securities and securities convertible into, or exercisable for, equity securities (some of which may have fixed maturities). The Company's publicly traded and privately held equity securities at December 31, 1998, which are carried at a fair value of $154.7 million and $83.5 million, respectively (including unrealized gains of $44.1 million and $27.1 million), have exposure to price risk. The estimated potential losses in fair value for the Company's publicly traded and privately held equity portfolios resulting from a hypothetical 10% decrease in quoted market prices, dealer quotes or fair value are $15.5 million and $8.4 million, respectively. Interest Rate Risk The aggregate hypothetical loss generated from an immediate adverse shift in the treasury yield curve of 100 basis points would result in a decrease in total return of 4.4%, which would produce a decrease in market value of $7.7 million on the Company's fixed maturity investment portfolio valued at $174.5 million at December 31, 1998. There would be no material impact on the Company's short-term investments. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk The Company has foreign currency risk on both reinsurance balances receivable and reinsurance balances payable, including claims and claims expenses. The Company does not currently utilize derivative instruments to manage the Company's exposure to foreign currency movements. At December 31, 1998, the majority of the Company's net receivable/payable position was denominated in United States dollars. At such date, the largest foreign currency exposure related to cash and premiums receivable denominated in European Currency Units ("ECUs"; now effectively Eurodollars) in an amount equal to $10.6 million. A 10% decline in the ECU/United States dollar exchange rate would have resulted in a loss to the Company of $605,000. In addition, the Company had a net liability balance in Sterling equal to $3.1 million. A 10% increase in Sterling/United States dollar exchange rate would have resulted in a loss to the Company of $311,000. Given the Company's limited amount of net receivable balances in other foreign countries, no other currency movement has been considered for purposes of this discussion. Liquidity and Capital Resources RCHI is a holding company and has no significant operations or assets other than its ownership of all of the capital stock of Risk Capital Reinsurance, whose primary and predominant business activity is providing reinsurance and other forms of capital to insurance and reinsurance companies and making investments in insurance-related companies. RCHI will rely on cash dividends and distributions from Risk Capital Reinsurance to pay any cash dividends to stockholders of RCHI and to pay any operating expense that RCHI may incur. The payment of dividends by RCHI will be dependent upon the ability of Risk Capital Reinsurance to provide funds to RCHI. The ability of Risk Capital Reinsurance to pay dividends or make distributions to RCHI is dependent upon Risk Capital Reinsurance's ability to achieve satisfactory underwriting and investment results and to meet certain regulatory standards of the State of Nebraska. There are presently no contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by Risk Capital Reinsurance to RCHI. -38- Nebraska insurance laws provide that, without prior approval of the Nebraska Director, Risk Capital Reinsurance cannot pay a dividend or make a distribution (together with other dividends or distributions paid during the preceding 12 months) that exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31 or (ii) statutory net income from operations from the preceding calendar year not including realized capital gains. Net income (exclusive of realized capital gains) not previously distributed or paid as dividends from the preceding two calendar years may be carried forward for dividends and distribution purposes. Any proposed dividend or distribution in excess of such amount is called an "extraordinary" dividend or distribution and may not be paid until either it has been approved, or a 30-day waiting period has passed during which it has not been disapproved, by the Nebraska Director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Nebraska insurance laws provide that any distribution that is a dividend may be paid by Risk Capital Reinsurance only out of earned surplus arising from its business, which is defined as unassigned funds (surplus) as reported in the statutory financial statement filed by Risk Capital Reinsurance with the Nebraska Insurance Department for the most recent year. In addition, Nebraska insurance laws also provide that any distribution that is a dividend and that is in excess of Risk Capital Reinsurance's unassigned funds, exclusive of any surplus arising from unrealized capital gains or revaluation of assets, will be deemed an "extraordinary" dividend subject to the foregoing requirements. See "Business--Insurance Regulation--Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from Insurance Subsidiaries" and Note 10 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. RCHI, Risk Capital Reinsurance and Cross River file consolidated federal income tax returns and have entered into a tax sharing agreement (the "Tax Sharing Agreement"), allocating the consolidated income tax liability on a separate return basis. Pursuant to the Tax Sharing Agreement, Risk Capital Reinsurance and Cross River make tax sharing payments to RCHI based on such allocation. Net cash flow from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was approximately $69 million, $49 million and $31 million, respectively, consisting principally of premiums received, investment income (excluding net realized investment gains), offset by operating costs and expenses. The primary sources of liquidity for Risk Capital Reinsurance are net cash flow from operating activities, principally premiums received, the receipt of dividends and interest on investments and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. The Company's cash flow is also affected by claims payments, some of which could be large. Therefore, the Company's cash flow could fluctuate significantly from period to period. The Company does not currently have any material commitments for any capital expenditures over the next 12 months other than in connection with the further development of the Company's infrastructure. The Company expects that its financing and operational needs for the foreseeable future will be met by the Company's balance of cash and short-term investments, as well as by funds generated from operations. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in the implementation of its business strategy. At December 31, 1998, the Company's consolidated stockholders' equity totaled $398 million, or $23.29 per share based on issued and outstanding shares, and $22.75 per share on a diluted basis which includes outstanding dilutive warrants and options. At such date, statutory surplus of Risk Capital Reinsurance was approximately $359 million. Based on data available as of December 31, 1998 from the RAA, Risk Capital Reinsurance is the 12th largest domestic broker market oriented reinsurer as measured by statutory surplus. The Year 2000 Issues Many existing computer programs use only two digits to identify a year in the date field. These programs were designed and developed without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If not corrected, many computer applications could fail or create erroneous results by or at the year 2000. The year 2000 issue affects virtually all companies and organizations. The Company has instituted a comprehensive year 2000 compliance plan designed to help avoid unexpected interruption in conducting its business. The Company's year 2000 initiative includes the following strategic steps: o Inventory of business systems and operating facilities; -39- o Assessment of potential year 2000 problems; o Repair/replacement of non-compliant systems and facilities; o Testing of systems and facilities; and o Implementation of year 2000 compliant systems and facilities. The Company has completed the assessment phase for its business systems and operating facilities, and is currently in the remediation and testing phases to ensure that the Company's systems and facilities are capable of processing information for the year 2000 and beyond. The Company does not currently anticipate any material year 2000 compliance problems with respect to its internal business systems and operating facilities. Based on information currently available, the cost of this internal compliance effort, while not quantified, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. However, due to the interdependent nature of systems and facilities, the Company may be adversely impacted depending upon whether its business partners and vendors address this issue successfully. Therefore, the Company is continuing to survey its key business partners and vendors in an attempt to determine their respective level of year 2000 compliance. As part of this initiative, the Company is evaluating the year 2000 exposures to insurers included in the Company's investment portfolio. The effect, if any, on the Company's financial position or results of operations from the possible failure of these entities to be year 2000 compliant is not determinable. The Company has not established a contingency plan for noncompliance of its internal systems and operating facilities as the Company does not currently expect any material year 2000 compliance problems with respect to such internal systems and facilities. At this time, the Company is not aware of any material business partners or vendors that will not be year 2000 compliant. If the Company becomes aware of non- compliant business partners or vendors, one option will be to evaluate replacing the non-compliant business partners and vendors. The Company intends to continue to assess and attempt to mitigate its risks in the event these third parities fail to be year 2000 compliant, and will consider appropriate contingency arrangements for such potential noncompliance by such entities. In certain instances, the establishment of a contingency plan is not possible or is cost prohibitive. In these situations, noncompliance by the Company's material business partners or vendors could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations. In addition, property and casualty reinsurance companies, like the Company, may have underwriting exposure related to the year 2000. The year 2000 issue is a risk for some of the Company's reinsureds and is therefore considered during the underwriting process similar to any other risk to which the Company's clients may be exposed. Due to a significant number of variables associated with the extent and severity of the year 2000 problem, the Company's potential underwriting exposure to year 2000 losses cannot be determined at this time. These variables include, but are not limited to, actual pervasiveness and severity of year 2000 system flaws, the magnitude of the amount of costs and expenses directly attributable to year 2000 failures, the portion of such amount (if any) that constitutes insurable losses, and the extent of governmental intervention. The Company's underwriting staff has considered the risks with respect to the year 2000 problem that might be associated with underwriting their various lines of business, and have developed internal guidelines intended to minimize these risks. The Company seeks to minimize its potential year 2000 underwriting exposures by (i) assisting clients in the evaluation of their potential year 2000 underwriting exposures, (ii) performing underwriting evaluations of its clients' potential year 2000 exposure, (iii) structuring contract language to mitigate potential exposure where appropriate and (iv) recommending technical support as appropriate. However, the Company cannot be certain that these steps will adequately minimize its year 2000 underwriting exposures. Given the possible extent and severity of the year 2000 problem, the Company may incur a significant amount of year 2000 related losses, and such losses may have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. -40- New Accounting Pronouncements Derivatives and Hedging In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement requires that all derivative financial instruments be recognized in the statement of financial position as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. If a derivative instrument is not designated as a hedging instrument, gains or losses resulting from changes in fair values of such derivative are required to be recognized in earnings in the period of the change. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be designated as a hedging instrument, in which case the recording of the changes in fair value will depend on the specific exposure being hedged. The key criterion for hedge accounting is that the hedging relationship must be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes on fair values or cash flows. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999, with initial application as of the beginning of the first quarter of the applicable fiscal year. The Company will adopt this statement in the first quarter of 2000. Generally, the Company has not invested in derivative financial instruments. However, derivatives may be embedded in other financial instruments, such as convertible securities and prepayment options in mortgages. If the embedded derivative meets certain criteria, it must be bifurcated from the host contract and separately accounted for consistent with other derivatives. The Company's portfolio includes market sensitive instruments, such as convertible securities and mortgage-backed securities, which are subject to prepayment risk and changes in market value in connection with changes in interest rates. The Company's investments in mortgage-backed securities are classified as available for sale and are not held for trading purposes. Assuming the current investment strategy at the time of adoption, the Company's presentation of financial information under the new statement will not be materially different than the current presentation. Start-Up Costs In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee ("AcSEC") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-5 "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities." This statement requires costs of start-up activities, including organization costs, to be expensed as incurred. Unless another conceptual basis exists under other generally accepted accounting literature to capitalize the cost of an activity, costs of start-up activities cannot be capitalized. Start-up activities are defined broadly as those one-time activities related to opening a new facility, introducing a new product or service, conducting business in a new territory, conducting business with a new class of customer or beneficiary, initiating a new process in an existing facility or commencing some new operation. Start-up activities also include activities related to organizing a new entity. SOP 98-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The Company will adopt the new statement in the first quarter of 1999 as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20. The Company and its investee companies currently defer and amortize organization and start-up costs over a three to five year period. This change in accounting principle will result in the write-off of previously capitalized start up costs. At December 31, 1998, the Company's unamortized capitalized start-up costs, including its proportionate share of such costs deferred by investee companies, was approximately $0.7 million. -41- Internal-Use Software In March 1998, AcSEC issued SOP 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. SOP 98-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. This SOP requires companies to capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with an internal use software project. Such costs are not significant for the Company. Accordingly, the adoption of SOP 98-1 will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. Insurance Regulation Risk Capital Reinsurance, in common with other insurers, is subject to extensive governmental regulation and supervision in the various states and jurisdictions in which it transacts business. The laws and regulations of the State of Nebraska, the domicile of Risk Capital Reinsurance, have the most significant impact on its operations. From time to time various regulatory and legislative changes have been proposed in the insurance and reinsurance industry, some of which could have an effect on reinsurers. Among the proposals that have in the past been, or are at present being considered, are (i) the possible introduction of federal regulation in addition to, or in lieu of, the current system of state regulation of insurers and (ii) proposals in various state legislatures (some of which proposals have been enacted) to conform portions of their insurance laws and regulations to various model acts adopted by the NAIC. The Company is unable to predict whether any of such laws and regulations will be adopted, the form in which any such laws and regulations would be adopted, or the effect, if any, these developments would have on the operations and financial condition of the Company. See "Business--Insurance Regulation." In March 1998, the NAIC adopted the codification of statutory accounting principles project that will generally be applied to all insurance and reinsurance company financial statements filed with insurance regulatory authorities as early as the statutory filings made in 2001. Although the codification is not expected to materially effect many existing statutory accounting practices presently followed by most insurers and reinsurers such as the Company, there are several accounting practices that may be changed. The most significant change would involve accounting for deferred income taxes, which change would require a deferred tax liability to be recorded for unrealized appreciation of invested assets, net of available deferred tax assets, that would result in a reduction to statutory surplus. If such requirement had been in effect in 1998, the statutory surplus of the Company at December 31, 1998 would have been reduced by approximately $6 million, from $359 million to $353 million, due to a net deferred tax liability. Effects of Inflation The effects of inflation on the Company will be implicitly considered in pricing and estimating reserves for unpaid claims and claims expenses. The actual effects of inflation on the results of the Company cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled. -42- ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Reference is made to the information appearing above under the subheading "Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management" under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which information is hereby incorporated by reference. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA See the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and required financial statement schedules on pages F-1 through F-39 and S-1 through S-7 below. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Incorporated herein by reference to the captions "Election of Directors--Directors and Executive Officers--Nominees," "--Continuing Directors and Executive Officers" and "Election of Directors--Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management--Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 11, 1999 (the "Proxy Statement"), which statement the Company intends to file with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 1998. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Incorporated herein by reference to the captions "Election of Directors--Directors and Executive Officers--Compensation of Directors," "Election of Directors--Executive Compensation" and "--Performance Graph" in the Proxy Statement. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Incorporated herein by reference to the caption "Election of Directors--Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Incorporated herein by reference to the captions "Election of Directors--Executive Compensation--Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Election of Directors--Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement. -43- PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. Financial Statements and Schedules Financial Statements and Schedules listed in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements and Schedules on page F-1 are filed as part of this Report, and are included in Item 8. Exhibits The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed as part of this Report. Such exhibits include, without limitation, certain management contracts and compensatory plans as therein described. Reports on Form 8-K No Reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the fourth quarter of 1998. -44- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. (Registrant) By: /s/ Mark D. Mosca ------------------------------------- Mark D. Mosca, Dated: March 26, 1999 President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- President and Chief Executive Officer March 26, 1999 /s/ Mark D. Mosca (Principal Executive Officer) and - -------------------------------- Director Mark D. Mosca /s/ Robert Clements* Chairman and Director March 26, 1999 - -------------------------------- Robert Clements /s/ Paul J. Malvasio Managing Director, Chief Financial March 26, 1999 - -------------------------------- Officer and Treasurer (Principal Paul J. Malvasio Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) /s/ Michael P. Esposito, Jr.* Director March 26, 1999 - -------------------------------- Michael P. Esposito, Jr. /s/ Stephen Friedman* Director March 26, 1999 - -------------------------------- Stephen Friedman /s/ Lewis L. Glucksman* Director March 26, 1999 - -------------------------------- Lewis L. Glucksman /s/ Ian R. Heap* Director March 26, 1999 - -------------------------------- Ian R. Heap /s/ Thomas V. A. Kelsey* Director March 26, 1999 - -------------------------------- Thomas V. A. Kelsey /s/ Philip L. Wroughton* Director March 26, 1999 - -------------------------------- Philip L. Wroughton
-45- - ---------- * By Paul J. Malvasio, as attorney-in-fact and agent, pursuant to a power of attorney, a copy of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 24 hereto. /s/ Paul J. Malvasio - ---------------------------------- Paul J. Malvasio Attorney-in-Fact -46- INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiary Pages ----- Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statements.......... F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998 and 1997........... F-3 Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..................... F-4 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996...................... F-5 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996............................................... F-6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......................... F-7 Schedules Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedules S-1 I. Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties at December 31, 1998 ........................................ S-2 II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant.................. S-3 to S-5 III. Supplementary Insurance Information for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996................................ S-6 IV. Reinsurance for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.. S-7 Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable. F-1 Report of Independent Accountants To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, of changes in stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP New York, New York January 29, 1999, except as to Note 14, which is as of March 25, 1999 F-2 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Dollars in thousands)
December 31, ----------------------------- 1998 1997 --------- --------- Assets Investments: Fixed maturities (amortized cost: 1998, $173,379; 1997, $129,887) $ 174,540 $ 132,159 Publicly traded equity securities (cost: 1998, $110,598; 1997, $116,258) 154,678 180,052 Privately held securities (cost: 1998, $109,966; 1997, $77,550) 137,091 95,336 Short-term investments 108,809 89,167 --------- --------- Total investments 575,118 496,714 Cash 12,037 9,014 Accrued investment income 2,632 2,781 Premiums receivable 88,610 47,507 Reinsurance recoverable 31,087 Deferred policy acquisition costs 23,515 17,292 Other assets 24,831 7,939 --------- --------- Total Assets $ 757,830 $ 581,247 ========= ========= Liabilities Claims and claims expenses $ 216,657 $ 70,768 Unearned premiums 102,775 74,234 Reinsurance premiums payable 5,396 211 Investment accounts payable 3,981 1,996 Deferred income tax liability 13,182 25,090 Other liabilities 17,837 7,917 --------- --------- Total Liabilities 359,828 180,216 --------- --------- Stockholders' Equity Preferred stock, $.01 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized (none issued) Common stock, $.01 par value: 80,000,000 shares authorized (issued: 1998, 17,102,503; 1997, 17,069,845) 171 171 Additional paid-in capital 341,878 341,162 Deferred compensation under stock award plan (1,062) (1,778) Retained earnings 10,261 7,170 Accumulated other comprehensive income consisting of unrealized appreciation of investments, net of income tax 47,038 54,504 Less treasury stock, at cost (1998, 15,065; 1997, 11,383 shares) (284) (198) --------- --------- Total Stockholders' Equity 398,002 401,031 --------- --------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 757,830 $ 581,247 ========= =========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-3 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ------------ ------------ Revenues Net premiums written $ 234,735 $ 144,834 $ 72,532 Increase in unearned premiums (28,541) (37,462) (36,771) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net premiums earned 206,194 107,372 35,761 Net investment income 15,687 14,360 13,151 Net realized investment gains (losses) 25,252 (760) 1,259 ------------ ------------ ------------ Total revenues 247,133 120,972 50,171 ------------ ------------ ------------ Operating Costs and Expenses Claims and claims expenses 176,125 73,407 24,079 Commissions and brokerage 50,537 31,467 10,197 Other operating expenses 16,452 13,523 11,389 Foreign exchange (gain) loss (443) 682 (104) ------------ ------------ Total operating costs and expenses 242,671 119,079 45,561 ------------ ------------ ------------ Income Income before income taxes and equity in net loss of investees 4,462 1,893 4,610 ------------ ------------ ------------ Federal income taxes: Current 7,512 1,761 2,147 Deferred (7,277) (2,099) (1,810) ------------ ------------ ------------ Income tax expense (benefit) 235 (338) 337 ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before equity in net loss of investees 4,227 2,231 4,273 Equity in net loss of investees (1,136) (192) (161) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income 3,091 2,039 4,112 ------------ ------------ ------------ Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, net of tax (7,466) 45,068 5,705 ------------ ------------ ------------ Comprehensive Income (Loss) ($ 4,375) $ 47,107 $ 9,817 ============ ============ ============ Average shares outstanding Basic 17,065,165 17,032,601 16,981,724 Diluted 17,718,223 17,085,788 16,983,909 Per Share Data Net Income (Loss) - Basic $ 0.18 $ 0.12 $ 0.24 - Diluted $ 0.17 $ 0.12 $ 0.24 Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Basic ($ 0.26) $ 2.77 $ 0.58 - Diluted ($ 0.26) $ 2.76 $ 0.58
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-4 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (In thousands)
Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- Common Stock Balance at beginning of year $ 171 $ 170 $ 169 Issuance of common stock Restricted common stock issued 1 1 --------- --------- --------- Balance at end of year 171 171 170 --------- --------- --------- Additional Paid-in Capital Balance at beginning of year 341,162 340,435 338,737 Issuance of common stock 716 727 1,698 --------- --------- --------- Balance at end of year 341,878 341,162 340,435 --------- --------- --------- Deferred Compensation Under Stock Award Plan Balance at beginning of year (1,778) (2,959) (3,441) Restricted common stock issued (296) (506) (1,487) Compensation expense recognized 1,012 1,687 1,969 --------- --------- --------- Balance at end of year (1,062) (1,778) (2,959) --------- --------- --------- Retained Earnings Balance at beginning of year 7,170 5,131 1,019 Net income 3,091 2,039 4,112 --------- --------- --------- Balance at end of year 10,261 7,170 5,131 --------- --------- --------- Treasury Stock, At Cost Balance at beginning of year (198) Purchase of treasury shares (86) (198) --------- --------- --------- Balance at end of year (284) (198) --------- --------- --------- Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Consisting of Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments, Net of Income Tax Balance at beginning of year 54,504 9,436 3,731 Change in unrealized appreciation (7,466) 45,068 5,705 --------- --------- --------- Balance at end of year 47,038 54,504 9,436 --------- --------- --------- Total Stockholders' Equity Balance at beginning of year 401,031 352,213 340,215 Issuance of common stock 716 728 1,699 Change in unrealized appreciation of investments, net of income tax (7,466) 45,068 5,705 Change in deferred compensation 716 1,181 482 Net income 3,091 2,039 4,112 Purchase of treasury shares (86) (198) --------- --------- --------- Balance at end of year $ 398,002 $ 401,031 $ 352,213 ========= ========= =========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-5 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands)
Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- Operating Activities Net income $ 3,091 $ 2,039 $ 4,112 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash Provided by (used for) operating activities: Liability for claims and claims expenses, net 145,889 49,998 20,770 Unearned premiums 28,541 36,886 37,348 Premiums receivable (41,103) (23,838) (23,669) Accrued investment income 149 (630) 291 Reinsurance recoverable (31,087) 1,098 (1,098) Reinsurance balances payable 5,185 (325) 536 Deferred policy acquisition costs (6,223) (10,274) (7,018) Net realized investment (gains)/losses (25,252) 760 (1,259) Deferred income tax asset (7,889) (2,202) (1,897) Other liabilities 9,920 (78) 4,560 Other items, net (12,715) (4,396) (1,687) --------- --------- --------- Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities 68,506 49,038 30,989 --------- --------- --------- Investing Activities Purchases of fixed maturity investments (295,912) (239,395) (232,568) Sales of fixed maturity investments 254,716 241,035 226,927 Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments (16,924) 20,390 53,982 Purchases of equity securities (110,321) (95,738) (110,551) Sales of equity securities 102,876 33,104 34,352 Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements (252) (910) (2,859) --------- --------- --------- Net Cash Used For Investing Activities (65,817) (41,514) (30,717) --------- --------- --------- Financing Activities Common stock issued 716 728 1,699 Purchase of treasury shares (86) (198) Deferred compensation on restricted stock (296) (506) (1,487) --------- --------- --------- Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 334 24 212 --------- --------- --------- Increase in cash 3,023 7,548 484 Cash beginning of year 9,014 1,466 982 --------- --------- --------- Cash end of year $ 12,037 $ 9,014 $ 1,466 ========= ========= =========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Formation and Capitalization Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. ("RCHI"), incorporated in March 1995 under the laws of the State of Delaware, is a holding company whose wholly owned subsidiary, Risk Capital Reinsurance Company ("Risk Capital Reinsurance"), a Nebraska corporation, was formed to provide, on a global basis, property and casualty reinsurance and other forms of capital, either on a stand-alone basis or as part of integrated capital solutions for insurance companies with capital needs that cannot be met by reinsurance alone. RCHI and Risk Capital Reinsurance are collectively referred to herein as the "Company". In September 1995, through its initial public offering, related exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option and direct sales of 16,750,625 shares of RCHI's common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), at $20 per share, and the issuance of warrants, RCHI was capitalized with net proceeds of approximately $335.0 million, of which $328.0 million was contributed to the statutory capital of Risk Capital Reinsurance. In July 1998, Risk Capital Reinsurance capitalized its wholly owned subsidiary, Cross River Insurance Company ("Cross River"), with $20 million. Cross River received its Nebraska license in October 1998, and intends to seek authorization to operate in most other states as an excess and surplus lines insurer. Class A warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,531,079 shares of Common Stock and Class B warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,920,601 shares of Common Stock were issued in connection with the direct sales. Class A warrants are immediately exercisable at $20 per share and expire September 19, 2002. Class B warrants are exercisable at $20 per share during the seven year period commencing September 19, 1998, provided that the Common Stock has traded at or above $30 per share for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days. The Company generally seeks to write a small number of large reinsurance treaty transactions that may also be integrated with an equity investment in client companies. Such reinsurance may include traditional and finite risk property and casualty reinsurance treaty coverages, including excess of loss reinsurance and quota share or proportional reinsurance. The Company also writes treaty reinsurance for ocean marine, aviation and satellite, fidelity and surety, and accident and health risks. The Company's investment strategy is focused on the insurance industry. A principal component of this strategy is investing a significant portion of invested assets in publicly traded and privately held equity securities issued by insurance and reinsurance companies and companies providing services to the insurance industry. The Company obtains substantially all of its reinsurance through intermediaries which represent the cedent in negotiations for the purchase of reinsurance. In addition to investment opportunities arising from the activities of Marsh & McLennan Capital, Inc. ("MMCI"), as the Company's equity investment advisor, the Company is provided with investment opportunities by reinsurance brokers and traditional financing sources, including investment banking firms, venture capital firms and other banking and financing sources, both acting as principal investors and intermediaries. Underwriting opportunities may arise from such sources in connection with the Company's investment activities as part of integrated transactions. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include the accounts of RCHI, Risk Capital Reinsurance and Cross River. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. See Note 14 Subsequent Events. F-7 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Premium Revenues and Related Expenses Premiums are recognized as income on a pro rata basis over the terms of the related reinsurance contracts. These amounts are based on reports received from ceding companies, supplemented by the Company's own estimates of premiums for which ceding company reports have not been received. Unearned premium reserves represent the portion of premiums written that relates to the unexpired terms of contracts in force. Certain of the Company's contracts include provisions that adjust premiums based upon the experience under the contracts. Premiums written and earned as well as related acquisition expenses under these contracts are recorded based upon the expected ultimate experience under these contracts. Acquisition costs, which vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of policies, consisting principally of commissions and brokerage expenses incurred at the time a contract is issued, are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums and take into account anticipated claims and claims expenses, based on historical and current experience, and anticipated investment income. Investments The Company classifies all of its publicly traded fixed maturity and equity securities as "available for sale" and, accordingly, they are carried at estimated fair value. The fair value of publicly traded fixed maturity securities and publicly traded equity securities is estimated using quoted market prices or dealer quotes. Short-term investments, which have a maturity of one year or less at the date of acquisition, are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Investments in privately held securities, issued by privately and publicly held companies, may include both equity securities and securities convertible into, or exercisable for, equity securities (some of which may have fixed maturities). Privately held securities are subject to trading restrictions or are otherwise illiquid and do not have readily ascertainable market values. The risk of investing in such securities is generally greater than the risk of investing in securities of widely held, publicly traded companies. Lack of a secondary market and resale restrictions may result in the Company's inability to sell a security at a price that would otherwise be obtainable if such restrictions did not exist and may substantially delay the sale of a security which the Company seeks to sell. Such investments are classified as "available for sale" and carried at estimated fair value, except for investments in which the Company believes it has the ability to exercise significant influence (generally defined as investments in which the Company owns 20% or more of the outstanding voting common stock of the issuer), which are carried under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss for such investments in results of operations. The estimated fair value of investments in privately held securities, other than those carried under the equity method, is initially equal to the cost of such investments until the investments are revalued based principally on substantive events or other factors which could indicate a diminution or appreciation in value, such as an arm's-length third party transaction justifying an increased valuation or adverse development of a significant nature requiring a write down. The Company periodically reviews the valuation of investments in privately held securities with MMCI, its equity investment advisor. Realized investment gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined by the specific identification method and recorded in net income. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation of securities which are carried at fair value is excluded from net income and recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of applicable deferred income tax. F-8 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Net investment income, consisting of dividends and interest, net of investment expenses, is recognized when earned. The amortization of premium and accretion of discount for fixed maturity investments is computed utilizing the interest method. Anticipated prepayments and expected maturities are used in applying the interest method for certain investments such as mortgage and other asset-backed securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The net investment in the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the acquisition of the security. Such adjustments, if any, are included in net investment income. Claims and Claims Expenses The reserve for claims and claims expenses consists of unpaid reported claims and claims expenses and estimates for claims incurred but not reported. These reserves are based on reports received from ceding companies, supplemented by the Company's estimates of reserves for which ceding company reports have not been received, and the Company's own historical experience. To the extent that the Company's own historical experience is inadequate for estimating reserves, such estimates will be determined based upon industry experience and management's judgment. The ultimate liability may vary from such estimates, and any adjustments to such estimates are reflected in income in the period in which they become known (see Note 14 Subsequent Events). Reserves are recorded without consideration of potential salvage or subrogation recoveries which are estimated to be immaterial. Such recoveries, when realized, are reflected as a reduction of claims incurred. Foreign Exchange The United States dollar is the functional currency for the Company's foreign business. Gains and losses on the translation into United States dollars of amounts denominated in foreign currencies are included in net income. Foreign currency revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Income Taxes The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded using the "more-likely-than-not" criteria when some or all of a deferred tax asset may not be realized. Comprehensive Income In presenting its financial statements, the Company has adopted the reporting of comprehensive income in a one financial statement approach, consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130. Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income, which for the Company consists of the change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments, net of tax. In addition, prior periods have been reclassified to reflect the new accounting standard in order to make prior results comparable to current reporting. Comprehensive income for the Company consists of net income (loss) and the change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation, net of income tax, as follows: F-9 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(In thousands, except per share data) Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 -------- -------- -------- Net income $ 3,091 $ 2,039 $ 4,112 Other comprehensive income net of tax: Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments: Unrealized holdings gains arising during period 8,948 44,574 6,523 Less, reclassification adjustment for net realized (gains) losses included in net income (16,414) 494 (818) -------- -------- -------- Other comprehensive income (loss) (7,466) 45,068 5,705 -------- -------- -------- Comprehensive income (loss) ($ 4,375) $ 47,107 $ 9,817 ======== ======== ======== Comprehensive income (loss) per share: Basic ($ 0.26) $ 2.77 $ 0.58 ======== ======== ======== Diluted ($ 0.26) $ 2.76 $ 0.58 ======== ======== ========
Earnings Per Share Data Earnings per share are computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per share" (see Note 12 for the Company's earnings per share computations). Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for the periods. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if Class A and B warrants and employee stock options were exercised or converted into Common Stock. All earnings per share amounts for all periods presented, where necessary, have been restated to conform to the SFAS No. 128 requirements. Segment Information In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), issued SFAS No. 131 "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". This Statement establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial reports issued to stockholders. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Generally, financial information is required to be reported on the basis for which it is used internally for evaluating segment performance and determining how to allocate resources to segments. The Company operates in one reportable business segment, of providing property casualty reinsurance and other forms of capital to insurance and reinsurance companies and making investments in insurance and insurance related entities on a global basis. This segment includes the results of Risk Capital Reinsurance and Cross River, and consists primarily of the premiums, claims and claims expenses, other operating expenses and investment results. The Company's adoption of SFAS No. 131 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements or the accompanying notes. See Note 11 for information concerning the Company's business. F-10 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Market Risk Sensitive Instruments The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued Financial Reporting Release ("FRR") No. 48 which included amended rules requiring domestic and foreign issuers to clarify and expand existing disclosure for derivative financial instruments, other financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments (collectively, "market risk sensitive instruments"). The amendments require enhanced disclosure of accounting policies for derivative financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments (collectively, "derivatives"). In addition, the amendments expand existing disclosure requirements to include quantitative and qualitative information about market risk inherent in market risk sensitive instruments, which disclosure will be subject to safe harbor protection under the new SEC rule (see Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company). These amendments are designed to provide additional information about market risk sensitive instruments which investors can use to better understand and evaluate market risk exposures of registrants, including the Company. Employee Stock Options The Company follows Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB No. 25") and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options because the alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB Statement No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("FASB No. 123") requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options (see Note 8). Under APB No. 25, no compensation expense is recognized by the Company because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equal the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. In addition, under APB No. 25, the Company does not recognize compensation expense for stock issued to employees under its stock purchase plan. Goodwill In connection with its acquisitions of privately held equity securities recorded under the equity method of accounting, the Company amortizes goodwill on a straight line basis for periods from five years to 25 years. Goodwill at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $10,638,000, $12,566,000, respectively. Amortization of goodwill included in equity in net loss of investees in 1998 and 1997 was $1,000,000 and $248,000, respectively. There was no goodwill recorded in 1996. Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements The costs of furniture and equipment are charged against income over their estimated service lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the office lease. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Reclassifications The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior year information to conform with the current presentation. New Accounting Pronouncements Derivatives and Hedging In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement requires that all derivative financial instruments be recognized in the statement of financial position as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. F-11 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) If a derivative instrument is not designated as a hedging instrument, gains or losses resulting from changes in fair values of such derivative are required to be recognized in earnings in the period of the change. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be designated as a hedging instrument, in which case the recording of the changes in fair value will depend on the specific exposure being hedged. The key criterion for hedge accounting is that the hedging relationship must be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes on fair values or cash flows. This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999, with initial application as of the beginning of the first quarter of the applicable fiscal year. The Company will adopt this Statement in the first quarter of 2000. Generally, the Company has not invested in derivative financial instruments. However, derivatives may be embedded in other financial instruments, such as convertible securities and prepayment options in mortgages. If the embedded derivative meets certain criteria, it must be bifurcated from the host contract and separately accounted for consistent with other derivatives. The Company's portfolio includes market sensitive instruments, such as convertible securities and mortgage-backed securities, which are subject to prepayment risk and changes in market value in connection with changes in interest rates. The Company's investments in mortgage-backed securities are classified as available for sale and are not held for trading purposes. Assuming the current investment strategy at the time of adoption, the Company's presentation of financial information under the new Statement will not be materially different than the current presentation. Start-Up Costs In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee ("AcSEC"), issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-5 "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities." This Statement requires costs of start-up activities, including organization costs, to be expensed as incurred. Unless another conceptual basis exists under other generally accepted accounting literature to capitalize the cost of an activity, costs of start-up activities cannot be capitalized. Start-up activities are defined broadly as those one-time activities related to opening a new facility, introducing a new product or service, conducting business in a new territory, conducting business with a new class of customer or beneficiary, initiating a new process in an existing facility or commencing some new operation. Start-up activities also include activities related to organizing a new entity. SOP 98-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The Company will adopt the new Statement in the first quarter of 1999 as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20. The Company and its investee companies currently defer and amortize organization and start-up costs over a three to five year period. The change in accounting principle will result in the write-off of previously capitalized start up costs. At December 31, 1998, the Company's unamortized capitalized start-up costs, including its proportionate share of such costs deferred by investee companies, was approximately $0.7 million. F-12 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Internal-Use Software In March 1998, AcSEC issued SOP 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. The SOP is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The SOP requires companies to capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with an internal-use software project. Internal-use software includes software internally developed, acquired or modified solely to meet the Company's internal needs and no plan exists during the development to market the software externally. Such costs are not significant for the Company. Accordingly, the adoption of SOP 98-1 will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. 3. Investment Information Net Investment Income The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
(In thousands) Years Ended December 31, ----------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------- ------- ------- Fixed maturity securities $10,500 $ 7,105 $ 7,470 Publicly traded equity securities 4,022 3,272 1,606 Privately held equity securities 426 157 56 Short-term investments 4,386 6,039 5,491 ------- ------- ------- Gross investment income 19,334 16,573 14,623 Investment expenses 3,647 2,213 1,472 ------- ------- ------- Net investment income $15,687 $14,360 $13,151 ======= ======= =======
Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Realized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
(In thousands) Years Ended December 31, ------------------------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 ------- ------- ------- Net realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturity securities $ 1,472 $ 275 ($ 359) Publicly traded equity securities 16,582 3,878 1,549 Privately held securities 7,198 (4,913) 69 ------- ------- ------- Sub-total 25,252 (760) 1,259 ------- ------- ------- Income tax expense (benefit) 8,838 (266) 441 ------- ------- ------- Net realized investment gains (losses), net of tax $16,414 ($ 494) $ 818 ======= ======= =======
F-13 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) The following tables reconcile estimated fair value and carrying value to the amortized cost of fixed maturity and equity securities:
(In thousands) December 31, 1998 ---------------------------------------------------- Estimated Fair Value and Gross Gross Carrying Unrealized Unrealized Amortized Value Gains (Losses) Cost --------- --------- --------- --------- Fixed maturities: U.S. government and government agencies $ 39,283 $ 606 ($ 60) $ 38,737 Municipal bonds 45,273 1,193 (11) 44,091 Mortgage and asset backed securities 33,532 397 (46) 33,181 Corporate bonds 56,256 962 (1,882) 57,176 Foreign governments 196 2 194 --------- --------- --------- --------- Sub-total fixed maturities 174,540 3,160 (1,999) 173,379 Equity securities: Publicly traded 154,678 51,093 (7,013) 110,598 Privately held 137,091 27,125 109,966 --------- --------- --------- --------- Sub-total equity securities 291,769 78,218 (7,013) 220,564 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total $ 466,309 $ 81,378 ($ 9,012) $ 393,943 ========= ========= ========= =========
(In thousands) December 31, 1997 ---------------------------------------------------- Estimated Fair Value and Gross Gross Carrying Unrealized Unrealized Amortized Value Gains (Losses) Cost --------- --------- --------- --------- Fixed maturities: U.S. government and government agencies $ 44,135 $ 303 ($ 3) $ 43,835 Municipal bonds 37,637 1,104 36,533 Mortgage and asset backed securities 30,487 408 (3) 30,082 Corporate bonds 19,323 419 (21) 18,925 Foreign governments 577 65 512 --------- --------- --------- --------- Sub-total fixed maturities 132,159 2,299 (27) 129,887 Equity securities: Publicly traded 180,052 63,794 116,258 Privately held 95,336 17,786 77,550 --------- --------- --------- --------- Sub-total equity securities 275,388 81,580 193,808 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total $ 407,547 $ 83,879 ($ 27) $ 323,695 ========= ========= ========= =========
At December 31, 1998, all of the Company's equity investments were in securities issued by insurance and reinsurance companies or companies providing services to the insurance industry. F-14 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) At December 31, 1998, the publicly traded equity portfolio consisted of the following:
(In thousands) December 31, 1998 ------------------------------------------- Estimated Fair Net Value and Unrealized Carrying Value Gains Cost -------------- -------- -------- Common Stocks: ACE Limited $ 16,716 $ 6,177 $ 10,539 American International Group, Inc. 16,290 7,304 8,986 Arthur J. Gallagher 19,856 5,039 14,817 Centris Group 936 (94) 1,030 XL Capital Ltd. 29,250 16,565 12,685 E.W. Blanch Holdings, Inc. 25,403 14,043 11,360 Farm Family Holdings, Inc. 3,060 77 2,983 IPC Holdings, Ltd. 11,292 (2,664) 13,956 LaSalle Re Holdings, Ltd. 8,874 (3,613) 12,487 Limit PLC 2,706 (180) 2,886 Meadowbrook Insurance Group 329 (192) 521 Partner Re, Ltd. 1,702 79 1,623 Pennsylvania Mfrs. Corp. 978 (7) 985 Poe & Brown 971 (17) 988 Trenwick Group Inc. 4,362 (247) 4,609 Preferred Stock: St. Paul Companies, 6% Convertible Preferred 11,953 1,810 10,143 -------- -------- -------- Total $154,678 $ 44,080 $110,598 ======== ======== ========
F-15 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) Privately held securities consisted of the following:
(In thousands) Percentage December 31, Ownership 1998 1997 ---------- ---------- ---------- Carried under the equity method: Arbor Acquisition Corp. (Montgomery & Collins, Inc.) 37.3% $ 500 The ARC Group, LLC 27.0% 9,448 $ 10,341 Arx Holding Corp. 35.2% 2,400 2,425 Capital Protection Insurance Services, LLC 51.0% 250 182 First American Financial Corporation 37.9% 9,805 6,572 Island Heritage Insurance Company, Ltd. 33.0% 3,101 3,950 LARC Holdings, Ltd. 23.9% 25,349 24,496 New Europe Insurance Ventures 14.6% 1,083 730 Providers' Assurance Corporation 34.3% -- 3,637 Sunshine State Holding Corporation 21.5% 1,688 1,424 ---------- ---------- Sub-total 53,624 53,757 ---------- ---------- Carried at fair value: Altus Holdings, Ltd. 28.6% 6,667 Annuity and Life Re (Holdings) Ltd. 5.6% 34,243 GuideStar Health Systems, Inc. 2.6% 1,000 1,000 Peregrine Russell Miller Insurance Fund of Asia Limited 44.0% 4,399 Sorrento Holdings, Inc. n/a 5,113 Sovereign Risk Insurance Ltd. 9.0% 246 246 Stockton Holdings Limited 1.7% 10,000 Terra Nova (Bermuda) Holdings, Ltd. 3.5% 21,323 23,250 TRG Associates, LLC 8.8% 4,875 4,875 Venton Holdings, Ltd. 9.9% 7,809 ---------- ---------- Sub-total 83,467 41,579 ---------- ---------- Total $ 137,091 $ 95,336 ========== ==========
In addition, the Company had investment commitments relating to its privately held securities in the amounts of $10.4 million and $22.6 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Set forth below is certain information relating to each of the Company's investments and investment commitments in privately held securities at December 31, 1998. Investments Carried Under The Equity Method: Arbor Acquisition Corp. (Montgomery & Collins, Inc.) In March 1998, the Company purchased for approximately $2.8 million a 34.5% economic and voting interest in Arbor Acquisition Corp. ("Arbor"), the parent of Montgomery & Collins, Inc., a Boston-based national surplus lines and wholesale brokerage firm which operates in 11 cities, in addition to Boston. The investment was made concurrently with investments by Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd. ("MMRCH"), MMCI's parent. F-16 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) In September 1998, the Company invested an additional $845,000 in Arbor, increasing the Company's ownership interest to approximately 37.3%. In December 1998, the Company recorded a realized loss of $2.4 million by reducing the carrying value of its investment in Arbor to $500,000. The Company records its equity in the operating results of Arbor on a quarter-lag basis. For the period recorded in 1998, the Company's equity in net loss, net of goodwill amortization and net of tax, was $506,000 or $0.03 per share. The ARC Group, LLC In July 1997, the Company completed its acquisition, effective May 1997, of a 27.0% economic and voting interest in The ARC Group, LLC ("ARC"), a Long Island-based wholesaler of specialty insurance for approximately $9.5 million. ARC, founded in 1986, is an independent whole-sale insurance broker and managing general agent specializing in the placement of professional liability insurance, primarily directors and officers liability coverage. The Company is a co-investor with MMRCH and ARC's founders, who continue to have managerial control over the daily operations. In January 1998 and August 1998, the Company received distributions of $1.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, from ARC. Such distributions were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the investment. The Company records its equity in the operating results of ARC on a two-month lag basis. For the year ended 1998 and for the period recorded in 1997, the Company's equity in net income, net of goodwill amortization and net of tax, was $1.0 million, or $0.06 per share, and $561,000, or $0.03 per share, respectively. Arx Holding Corp. In December 1997, the Company acquired a 35.2% economic and voting interest in Arx Holding Corp. ("ARX"), a Florida-based company for $2,425,000. ARX, through its recently formed wholly owned subsidiary American Strategic Insurance Corp., underwrites homeowners policies in the State of Florida produced in the open market, and may also seek to offer other lines of insurance in Florida and other states. The Company provides reinsurance for ARX. A subsidiary of XL Capital Ltd. ("XL") is a co-investor in ARX and also provides reinsurance for ARX. The Company's net premiums written and net premiums earned from business developed by ARX were $2.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in 1998. The Company records its equity in the operating results of ARX on a quarter-lag basis. For the year ended 1998, the Company's equity in net loss, net of goodwill amortization and net of tax, was $63,000. Capital Protection Insurance Services, LLC In May 1997, the Company acquired a 51% economic interest (49% voting interest) in Capital Protection Insurance Services, LLC ("CPI"), a newly formed underwriting management company headquartered in New York City offering specialty risk and alternative market insurance solutions. The Company co-invested with CPI's founders. F-17 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) The Company also provided reinsurance capacity for the business CPI develops. Net premiums written and net premiums earned recorded by the Company from casualty and multi-line business developed by CPI were $16.3 million and $12.3 million, respectively, in 1998 and $857,399 and $178,527, respectively, in 1997. At December 31, 1998, the Company recorded a realized loss of $862,000 by reducing the carrying value of its investment in CPI to $250,000. The Company records its equity in the operating results of CPI on a one-month lag basis. For the year ended 1998 and the period recorded in 1997, the Company's equity in the net loss, net of tax, was $115,700, or $0.01 per share, and $279,786, or $0.02 per share. See Note 14 Subsequent Events. First American Financial Corporation In February 1997, the Company acquired a 35.5% voting and economic interest in First American Financial Corporation ("FAFC") for $6.5 million. First American, a Missouri-based company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries including First American Insurance Company, underwrites specialty vehicle property and casualty insurance coverages with emphasis placed on collateral protection. In June 1998, the Company invested an additional $3.8 million in FAFC, bringing the total investment to approximately $10 million, representing an approximately 38% interest. The investment was made in connection with the purchase by The Trident Partnership, L.P. ("Trident"), a dedicated insurance industry private equity fund managed by MMCI, of the remaining approximately 62% of the outstanding capital stock of FAFC. In December 1998, the Company loaned to FAFC $1.3 million in the form of a demand note. Interest will accrue at a fixed rate of 10% per annum, compounded semi-annually. The Company records its equity in the operating results of FAFC on a quarter-lag basis. For the year ended 1998, the Company's equity in net loss, net of goodwill amortization and net of tax, was $1.3 million, or $0.08 per share, and for the period recorded in 1997, the Company's equity in the net income, net of goodwill amortization and net of tax, was $32,036. Island Heritage Insurance Company, Ltd. In April 1996, the Company acquired a 33% economic interest (9.75% voting interest) in Island Heritage Insurance Company, Ltd. ("Island Heritage"), a Cayman Islands insurer, for an aggregate purchase price of $4.5 million, which was funded through $1.7 million in cash and a trust account in an amount equal to $2.8 million. Island Heritage commenced operations in May 1996 as an insurer which writes high value personal and commercial property insurance in the Caribbean. Certain directors of the Company and other investors invested in the securities of Island Heritage at the same per share price as that paid by the Company. The investment in Island Heritage is recorded under the equity method of accounting since the Company believes it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Island Heritage due to the Company's participation on the Board of Directors and through certain consent rights attaching to the Company's holdings of non-voting shares. The Company records its equity in the operating results of Island Heritage on a quarter-lag basis. F-18 3. Investment Information (continued) For the years ended 1998 and 1997 and the period recorded in 1996, the Company's equity in net loss, net of tax, was $551,850, or $0.03 per share, $195,922, or $0.01 per share, and $161,000, or $0.01 per share, respectively. LARC Holdings, Ltd. In November 1997, the Company acquired a 23.9% economic interest (9.9% voting interest) in LARC Holdings, Ltd. ("LARC"), a newly formed holding company located in Bermuda, for $24.5 million. LARC, through its newly-formed wholly owned Bermuda subsidiary, Latin American Reinsurance Company, Ltd. ("LARe"), provides multi-line reinsurance to the Latin American reinsurance market, emphasizing short-tail, multi-peril property reinsurance and, to a limited extent, casualty, marine, aviation and other lines of reinsurance. LARe may also seek to enter other reinsurance niches on both a treaty and facultative basis. The Company co-invested with a subsidiary of XL, which holds a majority interest in LARC, and the founders of LARC. The investment in LARC is recorded under the equity method of accounting since the Company believes it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of LARC due to the Company's participation on the Board of Directors and through certain consent rights attaching to the Company's holdings of non-voting shares. The Company records its equity in the operating results of LARC on a one-month lag basis. For the year ended 1998, the Company's equity in net income, net of goodwill amortization and net of tax, was $531,700, or $0.03 per share, and for the period recorded in 1997, the Company's equity in the net loss, net of tax, was $18,936. New Europe Insurance Ventures In March 1997, the Company, through a wholly owned special purpose subsidiary, committed to pay $5 million over the long term to fund its partnership interest, currently at 14.6%, in New Europe Insurance Ventures ("NEIV"), a Scottish limited partnership that targets private equity investments in insurance and insurance-related companies in Eastern Europe. The Company records its participation in this partnership under the equity method of accounting and applies the specialized accounting practices for investment companies. Unrealized gains and losses on private equity investments, expected to consist mostly of foreign exchange fluctuations, will be recorded in the income statement when such investments are revalued into United States dollars each quarter. The $1.1 million investment balance at December 31, 1998 is composed of four investments in insurance related companies and unamortized organizational costs, placement fees and other start-up expenses. The unfunded commitment remaining at December 31,1998 was approximately $3.7 million. The Company records its equity in the operating results of NEIV on a quarter-lag basis. For the year ended 1998 and for the period recorded in 1997, the Company's equity in the net loss, net of tax, was $141,700 and $54,532, respectively. F-19 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) Providers' Assurance Corporation In April 1997, the Company acquired a 34.3% economic and voting interest in Providers' Assurance Corporation ("Providers"), a Nashville Tennessee-based underwriting management company with a Bermuda insurance subsidiary, for $4 million. Providers, formed in June 1995, develops and markets workers' compensation insurance programs through joint operating arrangements with community-based healthcare providers, and offers other workers' compensation-related consulting services to the healthcare community. Under the agreements with Providers, the Company had the right to provide certain reinsurance on insurance programs developed by Providers during specified time periods. In November 1998, the Company sold its interest in Providers for approximately $1.2 million, resulting in a net realized investment loss, net of tax, of $1.2 million, or $0.07 cents per share. The Company recorded its equity in the operating results of Providers on a two-month lag basis. For the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period recorded in 1997, the Company's equity in the net loss, net of goodwill amortization and net of tax, was $214,000, or $0.01 per share, and $236,104, or $0.01 per share. The Company's net premiums written and net premiums earned from business developed by Providers were $371,175 and $310,360, respectively, in 1998 and $344,118 and $86,030, respectively in 1997. Sunshine State Holding Corporation In December 1997, the Company acquired a 21.5% economic and voting interest in Sunshine State Holding Corporation ("Sunshine State"), a newly formed Florida-based company, for $1.4 million. Sunshine State and its subsidiaries, which includes Sunshine State Insurance Company, a Florida domiciled insurer, underwrite homeowners policies in the State of Florida obtained from the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association in accordance with the Market Challenge Program of the Florida Department of Insurance. Sunshine State also insures homeowners policies produced through the open market and offers other lines of insurance in Florida and other states. In connection with the investment, the Company provides reinsurance for Sunshine State. A subsidiary of XL invested in Sunshine State and will also provide reinsurance for Sunshine State during specified periods. The Company records its equity in the operating results of Sunshine on a quarter-lag basis. The Company's net premiums written and net premiums earned from business developed by Sunshine State were $3.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively, in 1998. For the year ended 1998, the Company's equity in net loss, net of tax, was $171,600, or $0.01 per share. Investments Carried at Fair Value: Altus Holdings, Ltd. In March 1998, the Company purchased for $10 million an approximately 28.3% economic interest (9.9% voting interest) in Altus Holdings, Ltd. ("Altus"), a new Cayman Islands company formed to provide rent-a-captive and other underwriting management services for risks of individual corporations and insurance programs developed by insurance intermediaries. The Company's investment was funded through two-thirds cash and one-third through a letter of credit. The balance of the $35 million of initial capital invested in F-20 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) Altus was contributed by Trident, XL, MMRCH and members of Altus' management. The Company may provide reinsurance capacity for business developed by Altus. The Company issued a letter of credit in the amount of $5.8 million for Trident's unfunded investment commitment in Altus for an annual fee of $58,000, or 100 basis points on the letter of credit amount. Annuity and Life Re (Holdings), Ltd. In April 1998, the Company acquired for approximately $20 million a minority interest in Annuity and Life Re (Holdings), Ltd. ("Annuity and Life Re"), a new Bermuda-based reinsurance company formed to provide annuity and life reinsurance. The Company coinvested with XL concurrently with the consummation of Annuity and Life Re's initial public offering. The Company purchased approximately 1.4 million common shares of Annuity and Life Re and warrants to purchase at an exercise price of $15.00 per share (the initial public offering price) an additional 100,000 common shares. The aggregate purchase price paid by the Company was based on a price of $14.10 for a unit consisting of one common share and certain warrants. The Company owns approximately 5.6% of the outstanding common shares of Annuity and Life Re following the exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. Annuity and Life Re's common shares are quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "ALRE." The Company is subject to a one-year lock-up period and therefore carries this investment at a discount to its current market price until such restriction expires in April 1999. At December 31, 1998, the Company recorded its investment in Annuity and Life Re at the closing price reported by NASDAQ on such date less a discount for trading restrictions. GuideStar Health Systems, Inc. In December 1997, the Company acquired a 2.6% economic and voting interest in GuideStar Health Systems, Inc. ("GuideStar"), an Alabama-based managed care organization, for $1 million. Founded in late 1995, GuideStar provides comprehensive managed care services to employers and individuals through strategic alliances with selected insurance companies and health care providers. GuideStar develops health care provider networks, and provides claims processing, customer relations and comprehensive utilization management services. At December 31, 1998, the Company has an additional capital commitment of $1 million to fund GuideStar's operations. Trident also invested in GuideStar. Peregrine Russell Miller Insurance Fund of Asia Limited In March 1996, the Company acquired a 44% economic interest (18% voting interest) in the Peregrine Russell Miller Insurance Fund of Asia Limited ("Asian Fund") for $9.0 million. The Asian Fund, based in Hong Kong, invested in publicly traded and privately held insurance companies incorporated or operating in Asia. MMRCH co-invested in the Asian Fund. At December 31, 1996, the Company had recorded its investment in the Asian Fund based on the Company's interest in the unaudited net asset value of the Asian Fund reported in United States dollars at November 29, 1996. During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Asian Fund discontinued investment operations and commenced liquidating its investments. F-21 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) At December 31, 1997, the Company recorded a net realized investment loss, net of tax, of $3.0 million, or $0.18 cents per share, based on the Company's interest in the unaudited net asset value of the Asian Fund reported in United States dollars on January 6, 1998. In February 1998, the Company's investment in the Asian Fund was redeemed. Sorrento Holdings, Inc. In October 1998, the Company purchased $5 million of Class C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Preferred C Shares") of Sorrento Holdings, Inc. ("Sorrento"). The Preferred C Shares will accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum and are subject to mandatory redemptions through December 31, 2000. Sorrento's obligation to redeem the Preferred C Shares is secured by an irrevocable letter of credit. Sorrento was formed by Clarendon National Insurance Company ("Clarendon") and the Arrowhead Group ("Arrowhead"), a managing agency. Sorrento intends to form a wholly owned subsidiary, Sorrento Insurance Company, to underwrite automobile liability and physical damage policies produced by Arrowhead. In connection with the issuance of the Preferred C Shares, the Company is providing reinsurance to Clarendon in respect of automobile physical damage policies and may provide reinsurance on other business produced by Arrowhead. Sovereign Risk Insurance Ltd. In July 1997, the Company acquired a 9.0% voting and economic interest in Sovereign Risk Insurance Ltd. ("Sovereign Risk"), a newly formed Bermuda-based managing general agency, for $237,500. Sovereign Risk provides underwriting services for political risk insurance coverages for the Company, ACE Insurance Company, Ltd. and a subsidiary of XL, who are also co-investors in Sovereign Risk. The Company's net premiums written and net premiums earned from business developed by Sovereign Risk were $1,397,000 and $887,000, respectively, in 1998 and $175,000 and $51,130, respectively, in 1997. Stockton Holdings Limited In June 1998, the Company acquired for $10 million a 1.7% interest in Stockton Holdings Limited ("Stockton Holdings"), a Cayman Islands insurance holding company. Stockton Holdings conducts a world-wide reinsurance business through its wholly owned subsidiary Stockton Reinsurance Limited, a Bermuda-based reinsurance company writing specialty risks with a focus on finite products. The Company's investment was made as part of a private placement by Stockton Holdings. Terra Nova (Bermuda) Holdings, Ltd. In October 1995, the Company acquired a 3.6% voting and economic interest in Terra Nova (Bermuda) Holdings, Ltd. ("Terra Nova") for $8.9 million. Terra Nova, based in Bermuda, is a holding company for two principal operating insurance companies located in Bermuda and London that write property and casualty reinsurance. In April 1996, Terra Nova completed the initial public offering of its common stock, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "TNA." F-22 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company recorded its investment in Terra Nova at the closing price reported on the NYSE on such date. In December 1998, the Company sold 41,000 shares of Terra Nova and recorded a realized gain of approximately $800,000, reducing the Company's voting and economic interest to 3.5%. Dividend income recorded in 1998, 1997 and 1996 received from Terra Nova was $ 213,000, $157,000 and $56,000, respectively. TRG Associates, LLC In October 1997, the Company acquired an 8.8% economic interest (7.7% voting interest) in TRG Associates, LLC ("LLC"), a new limited liability company formed for the purpose of holding all of the Class 1 common stock of TRG Holding Corporation ("TRG Holdings"), for $4,875,000. TRG Holdings acquired all of the common stock of The Resolution Group, Inc. ("TRG") in exchange for $150 million in cash (funded by $50 million from the LLC and $100 million of debt incurred by TRG Holdings) and $462 million face amount of the Class 2 common stock of TRG Holdings. TRG, located in Chicago, was formed to manage and pay off claims liabilities on policies that insurance subsidiaries of Talegen Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Xerox Corporation, had written prior to 1993. Such liabilities include substantial amounts of claims from asbestos, environmental and other latent exposures, which are subject to significantly greater uncertainty than normally associated with the establishment of claims liabilities for other exposures. The investors in LLC are entitled to receive an annual 10% dividend return, which is dependent upon various factors, including the adequacy of claims liabilities, the availability of funds and the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the required payment of interest and principal on debt as well as board approval. Subject to additional considerations, LLC may also share in further dividends. The Company received a dividend of approximately $103,000 during the 1998 second quarter, of which approximately $35,000 was reinvested in LLC. Venton Holdings, Ltd. In April 1996, the Company acquired a 9.9% voting and economic interest in Venton Holdings, Ltd. ("Venton"), a Bermuda-based holding company, which owns a managing agency at Lloyd's, London ("Lloyd's") and a corporate capital vehicle at Lloyd's that provides dedicated underwriting capacity. The Company's initial investment in Venton was made for a combination of $1.1 million in cash and a $4.2 million capital contribution commitment to Venton to fund its capital requirements at Lloyd's. The Company's additional capital commitment was increased from $4.2 million to $8.7 million at December 31, 1996. The Company is a co-investor with Trident, which is a majority shareholder of Venton, and a subsidiary of XL. In June 1997, the Company recorded an increase of $3.4 million in the carrying value of its investment in Venton to $4.5 million to partially reflect the purchase price paid by the subsidiary of XL for its 20% ownership in Venton. The new carrying value was established by taking the mid-point between the per share purchase price paid by the Company in April 1996 and the per share purchase price paid by the subsidiary of XL in July 1997. In December 1997, the Company participated at its existing 9.9% economic interest with Trident and the subsidiary of XL in a rights offering issued by Venton. In that connection, the Company made an additional cash investment of $3.3 million and increased its capital contribution commitment to $13.3 million. F-23 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 3. Investment Information (continued) The Company also reinsured certain Lloyd's Syndicates managed by Venton. The Company's net premiums written and net premiums earned from such Lloyd's Syndicates were $3.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively, in 1998 and $11.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively, in 1997 and $2.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in 1996. In October 1998, the Company sold its interest in Venton to an independent third party and recorded a realized gain, net of tax, of $7.6 million, or $0.44 per share. Fixed Maturities Contractual maturities of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 1998 are shown below. Expected maturities, which are management's best estimates, will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. (In thousands) December 31, 1998 Estimated Fair Amortized Value Cost -------------- --------- Available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 4,117 $ 4,106 Due after one year through five years 55,113 54,293 Due after five years through 10 years 47,709 48,468 Due after 10 years 34,069 33,331 -------- -------- Sub-total 141,008 140,198 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 33,532 33,181 -------- -------- Total $174,540 $173,379 ======== ======== As of December 31, 1998, the weighted average contractual and expected maturities of the fixed maturity investments, based on fair value, were 11.7 years and 7.7 years, respectively. Proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity securities during 1998, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $255 million, $241 million and $227 million, respectively. Gross gains of $2,242,000, $858,000 and $1,071,000 were realized on those sales during 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Gross losses of $770,000, $583,000 and $1,430,000 were realized during 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Approximately 89% of fixed maturity investments held by the Company at December 31, 1998 were considered investment grade by Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. There are no investments in any entity in excess of 10% of the Company's stockholders' equity at December 31, 1998 other than investments issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies. Securities Pledged and on Deposit Securities with a carrying value of approximately $38.3 million have been pledged as collateral for letters of credit obtained in connection with certain reinsurance obligations of the Company (see Note 5). At December 31, 1998, securities with a face amount of $5.8 were on deposit with the Insurance Department of the State of Nebraska and other states in order to comply with insurance laws. F-24 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 4. Agreements with Related Parties Investment Advisory Agreements The Company has an investment advisory agreement with MMCI for management of the Company's portfolios of equity securities (including convertible securities) that are publicly traded ("Public Portfolio") and privately held ("Private Portfolio"). The Private Portfolio includes equity securities which at the time of acquisition do not have a readily ascertainable market or are subject to certain trading restrictions. MMCI is also an investment advisor to Trident, a dedicated insurance industry private equity fund organized by MMCI and three other sponsors. MMCI's direct parent, MMRCH, owns 1,395,625 shares, or approximately 8.2% of the outstanding Common Stock, and Class A warrants and Class B warrants to purchase 905,397 and 1,770,601 shares of RCHI Common Stock, respectively. At December 31, 1998, Trident owns 250,000 shares, or approximately 1.5% of the outstanding Common Stock, and Class A warrants to purchase 1,386,079 shares of RCHI Common Stock. The Company pays an annual fee equal to 0.35% of the daily average market value of the Public Portfolio. With respect to the Private Portfolio, the Company pays an annual fee equal to the sum of (i) 1.5% per annum on the first $250.0 million in carrying value of the Private Portfolio and (ii) 1.0% per annum on the carrying value of the Private Portfolio that exceeds $250.0 million. MMCI is also entitled to annual compensation, equal to the excess, if any, of (x) 7.5% of cumulative net realized gains including dividends, interest and other distributions, received on the Private Portfolio over (y) cumulative compensation previously paid in prior years on cumulative net realized gains. The agreement has an initial term expiring on December 31, 2001 and will be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms thereafter, unless either party delivers written notice of termination at least one year prior to the end of the then current term. The agreement provided for a minimum aggregate cash fee to MMCI of $500,000 per annum through December 31, 1997. Fees incurred under the agreement during fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $2.7 million, $1.3 million and $686,000, respectively. In addition, in 1998, 1997 and 1996, unrealized appreciation in the Private Portfolio is net of accrued fees of approximately $2.2 million, $1.4 million and $443,000, respectively The Company has an investment advisory agreement with The Putnam Advisory Company, Inc. ("Putnam"), an affiliate of MMCI, for the management of the Company's fixed income securities and short term cash portfolios. For the fixed income securities portfolio, the Company pays a fee equal to the sum of 0.35% per annum of the first $50 million of the market value of the portfolio, 0.30% per annum on the next $50.0 million, 0.20% per annum on the next $100 million and 0.15% per annum of the market value of assets that exceeds $200 million. For the short term cash portfolio, the Company pays a fee equal to 0.15% per annum of the total monthly average market value. Fees incurred under the agreement during 1998, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $461,000, $493,000, $547,000, respectively. The agreement is subject to termination by either party upon 30 days' written notice. Reinsurance Treaties In addition to business assumed from insurance companies where the Company has a private equity investment as described in Note 3, the Company also assumed premiums written and premiums earned of $3.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively, in 1998 and $5.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in 1997 from XL, which owns 4,755,000 shares, or approximately 27.8% of the outstanding Common Stock, and premiums written and premiums earned of $18.5 million and $20.7 million, respectively, in 1998 and $12.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, in 1997 from majority-owned insurance companies of Trident. F-25 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 4. Agreements with Related Parties (continued) Other Agreements Commencing in 1996, MMCI subleased office space from the Company for a term expiring in October 2002. Future minimum rental income, exclusive of escalation clauses and maintenance costs, under the remaining term of the sublease will be approximately $1,648,000. Rental income for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $430,000, $430,000 and $264,000, respectively. In addition in 1998 and 1997, MMCI reimbursed the Company approximately $11,000 and $530,000 (net of $89,000 and $44,000 for certain sublease income allocated to MMCI) for their pro-rata share of improvement and maintenance costs under the sublease. 5. Commitments Lease Agreement The Company has a sublease agreement for office facilities for a term expiring in October 2002. Future minimum rental charges under the remaining term of the sublease, exclusive of escalation clauses and maintenance costs and net of rental income, are as follows: (In thousands) -------------- 1999 $576 2000 574 2001 572 2002 476 ------ $2,198 ====== During 1998, 1997 and 1996, rental expense, net of income from subleases, was approximately $576,000, $643,000 and $613,000, respectively. Letters of Credit At December 31, 1998, the Company is obligated under letters of credit in an aggregate amount of approximately $33.3 million, which secure certain of the Company's reinsurance obligations and investment commitments (see Note 3). Severance Arrangements The Company has a program for all employees that provides for certain severance payments and continuation of benefits in the event of termination of employment resulting from a change in control. The extent of such payments depends on the position of the employee. Employment Agreements The Company has employment agreements with its executive officers. One of these agreements has a five-year term initially expiring in September 2000, and the remaining agreements may be terminated upon notice by either party. These agreements provide for compensation in the form of base salary, annual bonus, stock-based awards under the Stock Plan (as hereinafter defined), participation in the Company's employee benefit programs and the reimbursement of certain expenses. Under one of the agreements, the Company guaranteed loans in the amount of $500,000 made to an executive by a financial institution to fund such executive's purchase of 25,000 shares of Common Stock and related tax liability under such stock's vesting provisions. In connection with such guarantee, the Company is entitled to customary subrogation rights. F-26 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 6. Claims and Claims Expenses The reconciliation of claims and claims expense reserves is as follows:
(In thousands) December 31, 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- At beginning of year: Gross claims and claims expense reserves $ 70,768 $ 20,770 -- Reinsurance recoverables 522 -- --------- --------- --------- Net claims and claims expense reserves 70,768 20,248 -- Net claims and claims expenses incurred relating to: Current year 178,957 73,385 $ 24,079 Prior year (2,832) 22 -- --------- --------- --------- Total 176,125 73,407 24,079 Net paid claims and claims expenses incurred relating to: Current year 41,910 13,649 3,831 Prior year 18,794 9,238 -- --------- --------- --------- Total 60,704 22,887 3,831 At end of year: Net claims and claims expense reserves current year 186,189 70,768 20,248 Reinsurance recoverables 30,468 -- 522 --------- --------- --------- Gross claims and claims expense reserves $ 216,657 $ 70,768 $ 20,770 ========= ========= =========
The Company believes that its exposure, if any, to environmental impairment liability and asbestos-related claims is minimal since no business has been written for periods prior to 1996. Subject to the following, the Company believes that the reserves for claims and claims expenses are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of claims and claims expenses incurred through December 31, 1998. The reserves are based on estimates of claims and claims expenses incurred and, therefore, the amount ultimately paid may be more or less than such estimates. The inherent uncertainties of estimating claims and claims expense reserves are exacerbated for reinsurers by the significant periods of time (the "tail") that often elapse between the occurrence of an insured claim, the reporting of the claim to the primary insurer and, ultimately, to the reinsurer, and the primary insurer's payment of that claim and subsequent indemnification by the reinsurer. As a consequence, actual claims and claims expenses paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from estimates reflected in the Company's reserves reported in its financial statements. The estimation of reserves by new reinsurers, such as the Company, may be less reliable than the reserve estimations of a reinsurer with an established volume of business and claims history. To the extent reserves prove to be inadequate, the Company may have to augment such reserves and incur a charge to earnings. Such a development, could occur and result in a material charge to earnings or stockholders equity in future periods (see Note 14 Subsequent Events). 7. Retrocession Agreements The Company utilizes retrocession agreements for the purpose of limiting its exposure with respect to multiple claims arising from a single occurrence or event. The Company also participates in "common account" retrocessional arrangements for certain treaties. Such arrangements reduce the effect of individual or aggregate losses to all companies participating on such treaties including the reinsurer, such as the Company, and the ceding company. F-27 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 7. Retrocession Agreements (continued) Reinsurance recoverables are recorded as assets, predicated on the retrocessionaires' ability to meet their obligations under the retrocessional agreements. If the retrocessionaires are unable to satisfy their obligations under the agreements, the Company would be liable for such defaulted amounts. The effects of reinsurance on written and earned premiums and claims and claims expenses are as follows:
(In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 -------- -------- -------- Assumed premiums written $260,566 $147,878 $ 73,685 Ceded premiums written 25,831 3,044 1,153 -------- -------- -------- Net premiums written $234,735 $144,834 $ 72,532 ======== ======== ======== Assumed premiums earned $232,025 $110,992 $ 36,337 Ceded premiums earned 25,831 3,620 576 -------- -------- -------- Net premiums earned $206,194 $107,372 $ 35,761 ======== ======== ======== Assumed claims and claims expenses incurred $210,006 $ 73,407 $ 24,601 Ceded claims and claims expenses incurred 33,881 522 -------- -------- -------- Net claims and claims expenses incurred $176,125 $ 73,407 $ 24,079 ======== ======== ========
At December 31, 1998, the Company's balance sheet reflects reinsurance recoverable balances as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 1998 1997 -------- -------- Reinsurance recoverable balances: Unpaid claims and claim expenses $ 31,087 Ceded balances payable (5,396) ($ 211) -------- -------- Reinsurance balances, net $ 25,691 ($ 211) ======== ======== Reinsurance recoverable on unearned premium -- -- ======== ======== 8. Employee Benefits and Compensation Arrangements 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan In September 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan (the "Stock Plan") which is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company may grant, subject to certain restrictions, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units payable in shares of Common Stock or cash, stock awards in lieu of cash awards, and other stock-based awards to eligible employees of the Company. Awards relating to not more than 1,700,000 shares of Common Stock may be made over the five-year term of the Stock Plan. F-28 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 8. Employee Benefits and Compensation Arrangements (continued) Restricted Stock During 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company granted an aggregate of 15,700, 24,000, 76,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock under the Stock Plan. Grants of restricted stock generally vest at a rate of 20% per year over five years commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The Company records a deferred expense equal to the market value of the shares at the date of grant which is amortized and charged to income over the vesting period. The deferred expense was $296,000, $506,000 and $1,487,000, and the amortization of the deferred expense was $1,012,000, $1,687,000, and $1,969,000, for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Stock Options The Company issues incentive stock options and/or non-qualified stock options at fair market values at the grant dates to officers and non-employee directors. Options to officers generally vest and become exercisable at a rate of 20% per year over five years from the date of grant. Incentive stock options expire ten years after the grant date and non-qualified stock options expire seven years after vesting. Initial options granted to non-employee directors vest and become exercisable in three equal installments, commencing on the date of grant and annually thereafter. Annual options granted to non-employee directors in office on January 1 of each year vest on the first anniversary of the date the option is granted. Information relating to the Company's stock options is set forth below:
Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- ---------- Number of options Outstanding, beginning of year 960,650 628,950 192,700 Granted 410,825 371,700 436,350 Canceled (20,580) (39,500) -- Exercised (3,820) (500) (100) Outstanding, end of year 1,347,075 960,650 628,950 Exercisable, end of year 358,884 178,611 39,500 Average exercise price Granted $ 22.47 $ 22.86 $ 17.98 Canceled $ 20.97 $ 17.63 -- Exercised $ 19.24 $ 17.63 $ 20.00 Outstanding, end of year $ 21.00 $ 20.38 $ 18.74 Exercisable, end of year $ 19.85 $ 19.32 $ 20.43
Exercise prices for options outstanding at December 31, 1998 ranged from $16.38 to $24.94. The weighted average remaining contractual life of these options is approximately 8.5 years. F-29 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 8. Employee Benefits and Compensation Arrangements (continued) Employee Stock Purchase Plan Effective December 1, 1995, the Company established a tax-qualified employee stock purchase plan (the "Purchase Plan"). An aggregate of 120,000 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan. Eligible employees may elect to participate in an annual offering period under the Purchase Plan by authorizing after-tax payroll deductions of up to 20% (in whole percentages) of their eligible compensation for the purchase of shares of Common Stock at 85% of the lesser of the market value per share of the Common Stock at the beginning or end of the annual offering period, subject to certain restrictions. During 1998, 1997 and 1996, employees purchased approximately 18,638, 14,100 and 14,000 shares, respectively, of Common Stock under the Purchase Plan. Pro Forma Information Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by FASB Statement No. 123. Such information has been determined for the Company as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of this Statement. The fair value for the Company's employee stock options has been estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model, with the following weighted-average assumptions for options issued in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively; (i) dividend yield: 0.0%; (ii) volatility factor: 25.0%; (iii) average expected option life of six years for all years; and (iv) risk free interest rates of 4.9%, 5.8%, and 6.0% respectively. The weighted-average fair value of options granted for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $3.3 million, $3.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models, such as the Black-Scholes model, require the input of highly subjective assumptions (particularly with respect to the Company, which has a limited stock-trading history), including expected stock price volatility. As the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the Company believes that the existing option valuation models, such as the Black-Scholes model, may not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of employee stock options. For purposes of the required pro forma information, the estimated fair value of employee stock options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share follows:
(In thousands, except per share data) Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- Net income, as reported $ 3,091 $ 2,039 $ 4,112 Pro forma net income $ 1,633 $ 994 $ 3,569 Earnings per share as reported: Basic $ 0.18 $ 0.12 $ 0.24 Diluted $ 0.17 $ 0.12 $ 0.24 Pro forma earnings per share: Basic $ 0.10 $ 0.06 $ 0.21 Diluted $ 0.09 $ 0.06 $ 0.21
The effects of applying FASB 123 as shown in the pro forma disclosures may not be representative of the effects on reported net income for future years. F-30 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 8. Employee Benefits and Compensation Arrangements (continued) The effect on net income and earnings per share after applying FASB Statement No. 123's fair valuation method to stock issued to employees under the Purchase Plan does not materially differ from the pro forma information set forth above with respect to the Company's employee stock options. Retirement Plans Effective as of January 1, 1996, the Company adopted a tax-qualified, non-contributory defined contribution money purchase pension plan (the "Pension Plan") under which the Company contributes for each eligible employee an amount equal to the sum of (i) 4% of eligible compensation up to the taxable wage base (as such term is defined in the Pension Plan; for 1998, 1997 and 1996, amounts were set at $68,400, $65,400 and $62,700, respectively) and (ii) 8% of eligible compensation in excess of the taxable wage base (up to the applicable compensation limit (the "compensation limit") imposed by Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), which for 1998 and 1997 was $160,000, and for 1996 was $150,000). Substantially all employees of the Company are eligible for participation in the Pension Plan. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company expensed $215,000, $168,000 and $90,000, respectively, related to the Pension Plan. Effective as of January 1, 1996, the Company adopted a tax-qualified, employee savings plan (the "Savings Plan"). Pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code, eligible employees of the Company are able to make deferral contributions of up to 15% of their eligible compensation, subject to limitations under applicable law. The Company matches 100% of the first 3% of eligible compensation deferred by employees and 50% of the next 3% of eligible compensation so deferred. Substantially all employees of the Company are eligible for participation in the Savings Plan. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company expensed $165,000, $123,000 and $75,000, respectively, related to the Savings Plan. Effective as of January 1, 1996, the Company adopted a supplemental, non-qualified executive savings and retirement plan (the "Supplemental Plan") under which the Company contributes 8% of eligible compensation in excess of the compensation limit for eligible officers of the Company. Participants may also defer certain amounts of eligible base compensation and bonus. Under the Supplemental Plan, the Company matches 100% of the first 3% of eligible base compensation in excess of the compensation limit that is deferred by participants under the Supplemental Plan, and provides a 50% matching contribution for the next 3% of such excess eligible compensation so deferred. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company expensed $85,000, $74,000 and $46,000, respectively, related to the Supplemental Plan. 9. Income Taxes RCHI, Risk Capital Reinsurance and Cross River file a consolidated federal income tax return and have a tax sharing agreement (the "Tax Sharing Agreement"), allocating the consolidated income tax liability on a separate return basis. Pursuant to the Tax Sharing Agreement, Risk Capital Reinsurance and Cross River make tax sharing payments to RCHI based on such allocation. The provision for federal income taxes has been determined on the basis of a consolidated tax return consisting of RCHI, Risk Capital Reinsurance and Cross River. F-31 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 9. Income Taxes (continued) An analysis of the Company's effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:
(In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ------- ------- ------- Amount Amount Amount ------- ------- ------- Income taxes computed on pre-tax income $ 1,562 $ 663 $ 1,614 Reduction in income taxes resulting from: Tax-exempt investment income (582) (524) (979) Dividend received deduction (896) (650) (341) Other 151 173 43 ------- ------- ------- Income tax expense (benefit) on pre-tax income $ 235 ($ 338) $ 337 ======= ======= =======
The Company's current federal tax expense (benefit) for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was based on regular taxable income. Federal income taxes paid in 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $5.3 million, $1.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The net deferred income tax liability reflects temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes, net of a valuation allowance for any portion of the deferred tax asset that management believes will not be realized. Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 1998 1997 -------- -------- Deferred income tax assets: Net claim reserve discount $ 10,176 $ 4,036 Net unearned premium reserve 7,194 5,197 Compensation liabilities 622 675 Foreign currency 84 239 Equity in net loss of investees, net 2,328 190 -------- -------- Total deferred tax assets 20,404 10,337 -------- -------- Deferred income tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition cost (8,230) (6,052) Unrealized appreciation of investments (25,328) (29,348) Other (28) (27) -------- -------- Total deferred tax liabilities (33,586) (35,427) -------- -------- Net deferred income tax liability ($13,182) ($25,090) ======== ======== F-32 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 10. Statutory Information The Insurance Department of the State of Nebraska issued to Risk Capital Reinsurance its domiciliary insurance license on November 6, 1995. Statutory net income and surplus of Risk Capital Reinsurance, as reported to insurance regulatory authorities, differ in certain respects from the amounts prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following tables reconcile statutory net income and surplus of Risk Capital Reinsurance to consolidated GAAP net income and stockholders' equity:
(In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 -------- -------- -------- Net Income: Risk Capital Reinsurance Statutory net income (loss) ($11,973) ($ 5,649) ($ 4,636) GAAP adjustments: Dividend Income (2,635) Deferred acquisition costs 6,223 10,273 7,018 Realized loss 5,258 (4,601) Deferred income taxes 7,277 2,099 1,810 Equity in net loss of investees (1,136) (192) (161) -------- -------- -------- GAAP net income 3,014 1,930 4,031 RCHI (parent company only) operations 77 109 81 -------- -------- -------- Consolidated GAAP net income $ 3,091 $ 2,039 $ 4,112 ======== ======== ======== (In thousands) December 31, 1998 1997 --------- --------- Stockholders' Equity: Statutory surplus $ 358,702 $ 385,007 Deferred acquisition costs 23,515 17,292 Unrealized appreciation 4,579 7,464 Deferred income tax liability, net (13,164) (25,079) Non-admitted assets 11,489 4,899 --------- --------- Investment in Risk Capital Reinsurance, GAAP 385,121 389,583 RCHI (parent company only): Other net assets 12,881 11,448 --------- --------- Consolidated stockholders' equity, GAAP $ 398,002 $ 401,031 ========= =========
RCHI is a holding company and has no significant operations or assets other than its ownership of all of the capital stock of Risk Capital Reinsurance. RCHI will rely on cash dividends and distributions from Risk Capital Reinsurance to pay any cash dividends to stockholders of RCHI and to pay any operating expenses that RCHI may incur. The payment of dividends by RCHI will be dependent upon the ability of Risk Capital Reinsurance to provide funds to RCHI. The ability of Risk Capital Reinsurance to pay dividends or make distributions to RCHI is dependent upon Risk Capital Reinsurance's ability to achieve satisfactory underwriting and investment results and to meet certain regulatory standards of the State of Nebraska. There are presently no contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by Risk Capital Reinsurance to RCHI. F-33 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 10. Statutory Information (continued) Nebraska insurance laws provide that, without prior approval of the Nebraska Director of Insurance ("Nebraska Director"), Risk Capital Reinsurance cannot pay a dividend or make a distribution (together with other dividends or distributions paid during the preceding 12 months) that exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31 ($358.7 million as of December 31, 1998) or (ii) statutory net income from operations from the preceding calendar year not including after tax realized capital gains ($25.0 million loss for 1998). Net income (exclusive of realized capital gains) not previously distributed or paid as dividends from the preceding two calendar years may be carried forward for dividends and distribution purposes. Any proposed dividend or distribution in excess of such amount is called an "extraordinary" dividend or distribution and may not be paid until either it has been approved, or a 30-day waiting period has passed during which it has not been disapproved, by the Nebraska Director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Nebraska insurance laws provide that any distribution that is a dividend may only be paid out of earned surplus arising from its business, which is defined as unassigned funds (surplus) as reported in the statutory statement for the most recent years ($30.6 million as of December 31, 1998). In addition, Nebraska insurance laws also provide that any distribution that is a dividend and that is in excess of Risk Capital Reinsurance's unassigned funds, exclusive of any surplus arising from unrealized capital gains or revaluation of assets ($32.8 million deficit as of December 31, 1998) will be deemed an "extraordinary" dividend subject to the foregoing requirements. Therefore, Risk Capital Reinsurance cannot make a distribution that is a dividend without the prior approval of the Nebraska Director during 1999. Nebraska insurance laws also require that the statutory surplus of Risk Capital Reinsurance following any dividend or distribution be reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and adequate to its financial needs. In addition, Nebraska insurance laws require that each insurer give notice to the Nebraska Director of all dividends and other distributions within five business days following declaration thereof and that any such dividend or other distribution may not be paid within 10 business days of such notice (the "Notice Period") unless for good cause shown the Nebraska Director has approved such payment within the Notice Period. 11. Business Information As discussed in Note 2, the Company provides property casualty reinsurance to insurance and reinsurance companies and other forms of capital and makes investments in insurance and insurance-related entities on a global basis. The Company operates from one domestic location in Greenwich, Connecticut. During 1998, one client company contributed approximately $42 million, or 18%, of net premiums written and $36.6 million, or 17.8%, of net premiums earned. For the 1997 year, that client company contributed $25.9 million, or 18%, of net premiums written, and $15.1 million, or 14%, of net premiums earned. The following lists individual broker business greater than 10% of the 1998 year's net premiums written with comparative amounts for the years ended 1997 and 1996, respectively: F-34 Net Premiums Written 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ Balis & Co., Inc. (1) 23.7% 22.7% 8.4% Guy Carpenter & Co. (1) 11.3% 11.0% 7.2% Cecar & Jutheau S. A. (1) 13.7% Aon Group 16.5% 19.1% 21.9% E.W. Blanch 10.9% 9.3% U.S. Re Corp. 25.0% ------ ------ ------ Total 62.4% 62.1% 76.2% ====== ====== ====== RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) (1) In addition, approximately 8.2%, 13.6% and 11.7% of net premiums written in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were produced by other brokers who are affiliated with Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. 11. Business Information (continued) Net premiums written and earned recorded from client companies which are Lloyd's syndicates or are located in the United Kingdom, Bermuda and Continental Europe (some which are denominated in United States dollars) were:
1998 1997 1996 ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned -------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------ Non U.S. Premiums $76.1 $65.9 $40.1 $25.8 $21.8 $ 4.6 % of Total 32.4% 32.0% 27.7% 24.0% 30.1% 12.8%
F-35 12. Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
(In thousands, except share data) Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- ----------- Basic Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 3,091 $ 2,039 $ 4,112 Divided by: Weighted average shares outstanding for the period 17,065,165 17,032,601 16,981,724 Basic earnings per share $ 0.18 $ 0.12 $ 0.24 Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 3,091 $ 2,039 $ 4,112 Divided by: Weighted average shares outstanding for the period 17,065,165 17,032,601 16,981,724 Effect of dilutive securities: Warrants 581,327 24,836 Employee stock options 71,731 28,351 2,185 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total shares 17,718,223 17,085,788 16,983,909 =========== =========== =========== Diluted earnings per share $ 0.17 $ 0.12 $ 0.24
Certain employee stock options to purchase 22,750, 448,250 and 251,850 shares of Common Stock at per share prices averaging $23.61, $22.62 and $20.40 were outstanding as of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. These options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' average exercise prices were greater than the average market prices of the Common Stock of $23.00, $20.11 and $18.99 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. In addition, warrants to purchase 4,451,680 shares of Common Stock at $20 per share were outstanding as of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 1996 because the warrants' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the Common Stock for such year. F-36 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 13. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly financial data, restated where applicable, to conform to FASB Statement No. 128:
(In thousands, except per share data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Ended Ended Ended Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, 1998 1998 1998 1998 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income Statement Data: Net premiums written $ 71,163 $ 66,628 $ 52,536 $ 44,408 Net premiums earned 63,545 52,670 48,477 41,502 Net investment income 3,757 3,995 4,331 3,604 Net realized investment gains (losses) 25,606 (425) 2,870 477 Operating expenses 80,808 (65,334) 51,756 44,773 Equity in net income (loss) of investees (1,103) (1,046) 257 756 Net income (loss) 4,994 (6,631) 3,159 1,569 Comprehensive Income (loss) $ 2,350 ($ 20,622) ($ 2,871) $ 16,768 Statutory Composite Ratio: 124.4% 123.8% 107.8% 105.9% Per Share Data: Net Income (loss) Basic $ 0.29 ($ 0.39) $ 0.19 $ 0.09 Diluted $ 0.29 ($ 0.39) $ 0.18 $ 0.09 Comprehensive Income (loss) Basic $ 0.14 ($ 1.21) ($ 0.17) $ 0.98 Diluted $ 0.14 ($ 1.21) ($ 0.17) $ 0.95 Stockholders' equity per share Basic $ 23.29 $ 23.15 $ 24.35 $ 24.50 Diluted $ 22.75 $ 22.54 $ 23.01 $ 23.36 Common Stock Prices: High $ 23.75 $ 25.50 $ 25.50 $ 24.00 Low $ 18.81 $ 19.00 $ 22.75 $ 19.75 Close $ 21.75 $ 22.00 $ 24.94 $ 24.00
F-37 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 13. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Ended Ended Ended Quarter December 31, September 30, June 30, Ended 1997 1997 1997 March 31, 1997 ------------ ------------- -------- -------------- Income Statement Data: Net premiums written $ 45,972 $ 34,906 $ 30,090 $ 33,866 Net premiums earned 41,744 24,655 19,901 21,072 Net investment income 3,586 3,798 3,525 3,451 Net realized investment gains (losses) (4,377) 4,062 (420) (25) Operating expenses 44,505 27,655 22,523 24,396 Equity in net income (loss) of investees 281 (168) (215) (90) Net income (loss) (1,758) 3,255 344 198 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 4,340 $ 16,646 $ 21,362 $ 4,759 Statutory Composite Ratio: 106.6% 107.3% 104.4% 107.6% Per Share Data: Net Income Basic ($ 0.10) $ 0.19 $ 0.02 $ 0.01 Diluted ($ 0.10) $ 0.19 $ 0.02 $ 0.01 Comprehensive income (loss) Basic ($ 0.25) $ 0.98 $ 1.25 ($ 0.28) Diluted ($ 0.25) $ 0.95 $ 1.25 ($ 0.28) Primary and fully-diluted as previously reported: ($ 0.10) $ 0.19 $ 0.02 $ 0.01 Stockholders' equity per share Basic $ 23.51 $ 23.26 $ 22.26 $ 21.00 Diluted $ 22.79 $ 22.35 $ 21.91 $ 21.00 Common Stock Prices: High $ 23.38 $ 23.38 $ 21.00 $ 19.25 Low $ 20.88 $ 20.50 $ 16.00 $ 16.13 Close $ 22.25 $ 23.00 $ 21.00 $ 17.00
F-38 RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) 14. Subsequent Events During 1998, the Company recorded after-tax underwriting losses totaling $18.2 million from claims, claims expenses, commissions and brokerage, net of earned premiums, from the following three sources: satellite business ($8.3 million); casualty reinsurance provided by the Company on business produced by a certain managing underwriting agency ($6.6 million); and a property loss on a finite risk treaty ($3.3 million). In March 1999, the Company was notified of additional satellite losses pertaining to 1998 in the amount of approximately $4 million, after-tax, that will be recorded in the first quarter of 1999. In order to mitigate the impact of possible future loss activity, in the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company commenced the process of re-underwriting and reducing its satellite business and seeking additional retrocessional protection. There can be no assurances that any such retrocessional protection, if purchased, will be sufficient to preclude the occurrence of additional underwriting losses. Based on a review of additional claims information and its continuing underwriting and actuarial analysis of the business produced by the managing underwriting agency, the Company expects to record additional after-tax underwriting losses of approximately $18 million in the first quarter of 1999 from claims, claims expenses, commissions and brokerage, net of earned premium, relating to reinsurance on business produced by the managing underwriting agency. Total estimated ultimate premiums for all business produced on behalf of the Company by the managing underwriting agency, including policies that have expired and policies that will expire in 1999 and 2000, are approximately $26 million, of which $17 million and $13 million, respectively, were recorded as net premiums written and net premiums earned through December 31, 1998. Substantially all of the remaining $9 million and $13 million, respectively, of net premiums written and net premiums are expected to be recorded in the first quarter of 1999. The Company has discontinued its underwriting relationship with the managing underwriting agency. Therefore, the total after-tax underwriting losses that will be recorded in the first quarter of 1999 generated from reinsurance on satellite risks and business produced by the managing underwriting agency will be approximately $22 million. While such loss estimate represents the Company's current expectation based on all information available to the Company to date, there can be no assurances that the actual amount will not differ from such estimate due to the inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves. While the Company believes that it is taking adequate steps to reduce its exposure to losses from its satellite business and business produced by the managing underwriting agency, there can be no assurances that such business will not continue to generate additional underwriting losses in the future or that significant loss activity will not develop from other areas of the Company's underwriting or other activities. F-39 Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedules To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. Our audit of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report dated January 29, 1999, except as to Note 14, which is as of March 25, 1999 appearing on Page F-2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K also included an audit of the Financial Statement Schedules listed on Page F-1 of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these Financial Statement Schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP New York, New York January 29, 1999, except as to Note 14, which is as of March 25, 1999 S-1 SCHEDULE I RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (In thousands)
December 31, 1998 -------------------------------------- Amount at Which Shown in Amortized Fair the Balance Cost Value Sheet --------- -------- ----------- Type of Investment: FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES U.S. government and government agencies and authorities $ 38,737 $ 39,283 $ 39,283 Foreign governments 194 196 196 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 33,181 33,532 33,532 States, municipalities and political subdivisions 44,091 45,273 45,273 Corporate bonds 57,176 56,256 56,256 -------- -------- -------- Total Fixed Maturities 173,379 174,540 174,540 EQUITY SECURITIES Publicly traded 110,598 154,678 154,678 Privately held 109,966 137,091 137,091 -------- -------- -------- Total Equity Securities 220,564 291,769 291,769 SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 108,809 108,809 108,809 -------- -------- -------- Total Investments $502,752 $575,118 $575,118 ======== ======== ========
S-2 SCHEDULE II RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT BALANCE SHEET (Parent Company Only) (Dollars in thousands)
December 31, ------------------------- 1998 1997 --------- --------- Assets Investment in wholly owned subsidiary $ 385,121 $ 389,583 Fixed maturities (amortized cost: $8,007) 8,057 7,043 Short-term investments 1,149 2,073 Cash 3,415 1,471 Due from subsidiary 813 Other assets 411 268 --------- --------- Total Assets $ 398,153 $ 401,251 ========= ========= Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities 151 220 Stockholders' Equity Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized (none issued) Common stock, $0.01 par value: 80,000,000 shares authorized (issued: 1998, 17,102,503; 1997, 17,069,845) 171 171 Additional paid-in capital 341,878 341,162 Accumulated other comprehensive income consisting of unrealized appreciation of investments, net of income tax 47,038 54,504 Deferred compensation under stock award plan (1,062) (1,778) Retained earnings 10,261 7,170 Less treasury stock at cost (1998, 15,065; 1997, 11,383 shares) (284) (198) --------- --------- Total Stockholders' Equity 398,002 401,031 --------- --------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 398,153 $ 401,251 ========= =========
S-3 SCHEDULE II RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (continued) Statement of Income (Parent Company Only) (Dollars In thousands)
Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ Revenues Net investment income $ 631 $ 524 $ 317 Operating Costs and Expenses Operating expenses 513 357 193 ------ ------ ------ Income before income tax expense 118 167 124 Income tax expense 41 58 43 ------ ------ ------ Net income before equity in net income of wholly owned subsidiary 77 109 81 Equity in net income of wholly owned subsidiary 3,014 1,930 4,031 ------ ------ ------ Net income 3,091 2,039 4,112 Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax Change in net unrealized appreciation, of investments, net of tax 12 21 ------ ------ ------ Comprehensive Income $3,103 $2,060 $4,112 ====== ====== ======
S-4 SCHEDULE II RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (continued) Statement of Cash Flows (Parent Company Only) (In thousands) Years Ended December 31,
1998 1997 1996 -------- -------- -------- Operating Activities Net income from operations $ 77 $ 109 $ 81 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities: Net change in other assets and liabilities 226 (650) 723 -------- -------- -------- Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Operating Activities 303 (541) 804 Investing Activities: Purchases of fixed maturities (4,999) (11,014) Sales of fixed maturities 4,000 4,000 Net change in short-term investments 1,005 4,697 (905) -------- -------- -------- Net Cash (Used For) Investing Activities 6 (2,317) (905) Financing Provided By Activities: Common stock issued 716 727 1,699 Purchase of treasury shares (86) (197) Deferred compensation on restricted stock awarded (296) (506) (1,487) Amortization of deferred compensation collected 1,302 3,367 454 -------- -------- -------- Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 1,636 3,391 666 Increase in cash 1,945 533 565 Cash at beginning of period 1,471 938 373 -------- -------- -------- Cash at end of period $ 3,416 $ 1,471 $ 938 ======== ======== ========
S-5 SCHEDULE III RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (In thousands)
Future Policy Benefits, Deferred Losses, Policy Claims and Acquisition Claims Unearned Premium Costs Expenses Premiums Revenue ----------- ----------- -------- -------- December 31, 1998 Property-Casualty $23,515 $186,189 $102,775 $206,195 Accident and Health ------- -------- -------- -------- Total $23,515 $186,189 $102,775 $206,195 ======= ======== ======== ======== December 31, 1997 Property-Casualty $17,292 $ 70,768 $ 74,234 $107,372 Accident and Health ------- -------- -------- -------- Total $17,292 $ 70,768 $ 74,234 $107,372 ======= ======== ======== ======== December 31, 1996 Property-Casualty $ 7,018 $ 20,770 $ 37,348 $ 35,761 Accident and Health ------- -------- -------- -------- Total $ 7,018 $ 20,770 $ 37,348 $ 35,761 ======= ======== ======== ======== Benefits, Claims, Amortization of Net Losses and Deferred Policy Other Investment Settlement Acquisition Operating Premiums Income Expenses Costs Expenses Written ---------- ---------- --------------- --------- -------- December 31, 1998 Property-Casualty $15,687 $176,125 $50,537 $16,452 $234,735 Accident and Health ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- Total $15,687 $176,125 $50,537 $16,452 $234,735 ======= ======== ======= ======= ======== December 31, 1997 Property-Casualty $14,360 $ 73,407 $31,467 $13,523 $144,834 Accident and Health ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- Total $14,360 $ 73,407 $31,467 $13,523 $144,834 ======= ======== ======= ======= ======== December 31, 1996 Property-Casualty $13,151 $ 24,079 $10,197 $11,285 $ 72,532 Accident and Health ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- Total $13,151 $ 24,079 $10,197 $11,285 $ 72,532 ======= ======== ======= ======= ========
S-6 SCHEDULE IV RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY REINSURANCE (In thousands)
Ceded to Assumed From Percentage of Gross Other Other Amount Assumed Amount Companies Companies Net Amount to Net -------- --------- ------------ ---------- -------------- December 31, 1998 Premiums Written: Property and Casualty $ 25,831 $260,566 $234,735 111.0% Accident and Health -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total $ 25,831 $260,566 $234,735 111.0% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== December 31, 1997 Premiums Written: Property and Casualty $ 3,044 $147,878 $144,834 102.1% Accident and Health -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total $ 3,044 $147,878 $144,834 102.1% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== December 31, 1996 Premiums Written: Property and Casualty $ 1,153 $ 73,685 $ 72,532 101.6% Accident and Health -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total $ 1,153 $ 73,685 $ 72,532 101.6% ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
S-7 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description - ------ ----------- 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc.(a) 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc.(b) 4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate(a) 4.2.1 Class A Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued to Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd. on September 19, 1995(b) and September 28, 1995(c) 4.2.2 Class A Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued to The Trident Partnership, L.P. on September 19, 1995(b) and September 28, 1995(c) 4.2.3 Class A Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued to Taracay Investors on September 19, 1995(b) and September 28, 1995(c) 4.3 Class B Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued to Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd. on September 19, 1995(b) and September 28, 1995(c) 10.1.1 Employment Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Mark D. Mosca(b)+ 10.1.2 Employment Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Peter A. Appel(b)+ 10.1.3 Employment Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Bonnie L. Boccitto(b)+ 10.1.4 Employment Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Paul J. Malvasio(b)+ 10.2 Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and The Trident Partnership, L.P.(b) 10.3 Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd.(b) 10.4 Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Taracay Investors(b) 10.5 Purchase Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and X.L. Insurance Company, Ltd. (b) - ---------- (a) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-94184), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on August 11, 1995. (b) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, as filed with the SEC on March 30, 1996. (c) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 1997. (d) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, as filed with the SEC on March 27, 1998. (e) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1998, as filed with the SEC on August 14, 1998. E-1 10.6.1 Investment Advisory Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Marsh & McLennan Capital, Inc. (b) 10.6.2 Investment Advisory Agreement, between Risk Capital Reinsurance Company and Marsh & McLennan Capital, Inc. (b) 10.7 Management Agreement, among Risk Capital Holdings, Inc., Risk Capital Reinsurance Company and The Putnam Advisory Company, Inc.(b) 10.8.1 Sublease Agreement, dated as of March 18, 1996, between Risk Capital Reinsurance Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York, Inc. (b) 10.8.2 Sublease Amendment Agreement and Consent, dated as of November 11, 1997, between Risk Capital Reinsurance Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York, Inc. (c) 10.8.3 Sub-Sublease Agreement, dated as of March 18, 1996, between Risk Capital Reinsurance Company and Marsh & McLennan Capital, Inc. (e) 10.8.4 Sub-Sublease Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1997, between Risk Capital Reinsurance Company and Bank of Ireland Asset Management (US) Limited (as amended) (e) 10.9.1 Tax Sharing Agreement, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. and Risk Capital Reinsurance Company (amended)(d) 10.9.2 Addition of Cross River Insurance Company to Tax Sharing Agreement 10.10.1 Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan (the "1995 Stock Plan")(b)+ 10.10.2 First Amendment to the 1995 Stock Plan(c)+ 10.10.3 Restricted Stock Agreements--Executive Officers(f)+ 10.10.4 Stock Option Agreements--Executive Officers--1995 and 1996 grants(f) and 1997 and 1998 grants + 10.10.5 Stock Option Agreement--Chairman--1996 grant,(f) 1997 grant(d) and 1998 grant 10.10.6 Stock Option Agreements--Non-Employee Directors--initial grants 10.10.7 Stock Option Agreements--Non-Employee Directors--1996 and 1997 annual grants,(c) 1998 annual grants(d) and 1999 annual grants 10.11.1 Change in Control Agreement--President (g)+ 10.11.2 Change in Control Agreements--Managing Directors (g)+ - ---------- (f) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1997, as filed with the SEC on August 14, 1997. (g) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 1998, as filed with the SEC on November 13, 1998. (h) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-99974), as filed with the SEC on December 4, 1995. + A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K. E-2 10.12 Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan(h)+ 10.13.1 Risk Capital Reinsurance Company Money Purchase Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan")(b)+ 10.13.2 Amendment and Restatement of the Adoption Agreement relating to the Pension Plan(c)+ 10.13.3 Amendment to the Adoption Agreement relating to the Pension Plan+ 10.14.1 Risk Capital Reinsurance Company Employee Savings Plan (the "Savings Plan")(b)+ 10.14.2 Amendment and Restatement of the Adoption Agreement relating to the Savings Plan(c)+ 10.14.3 Amendment to the Adoption Agreement relating to the Savings Plan+ 10.15.1 Risk Capital Reinsurance Company Executive Supplemental Non-Qualified Savings and Retirement Plan (the "Supplemental Plan") and related Trust Agreement(b)+ 10.15.2 Amendment No. 1 to the Adoption Agreement relating to the Supplemental Plan(c)+ 10.15.3 Amendment No. 2 to the Adoption Agreement relating to the Supplemental Plan+ 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 24 Power of Attorney 27 Financial Data Schedule E-3 EX-10.9.2 2 TAX SHARING AGREEMENT -- NEW MEMBER TAX SHARING AGREEMENT---NEW MEMBER Reference is made to the Tax Sharing Agreement (the "Agreement") entered in as of September 19, 1995, as amended and restated as of June 1, 1997, by and between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Risk Capital Reinsurance Company, a Nebraska corporation ("Risk Re"), and each other Subsidiary. Unless otherwise indicated, all capitalized terms used herein will have the meanings set forth in the Agreement. WHEREAS, Section 10 of the Agreement provides that any new subsidiary that qualifies under the Agreement as a Subsidiary will become a party to this Agreement, upon signing this Agreement, without the express written consent of the other parties, for all purposes of this Agreement with respect to taxable periods ending after such Subsidiary was added to the Parent Group; NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Section 10 of the Agreement, the undersigned Subsidiary shall hereby become a party to the Agreement as of July 2, 1998. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the 2nd day of July, 1998. CROSS RIVER INSURANCE COMPANY (formerly Guard Hill Insurance Company) By: /s/ Paul J. Malvasio ------------------------------------------ Paul Malvasio Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer EX-10.10.4 3 STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS -- EXECUTIVE OFFICERS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS -- EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (1997 AND 1998 GRANTS) Each of the executive officers of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. ("RCHI") listed below has entered into agreements relating to an incentive stock option ("ISO") and a non-qualified stock option ("NQSO"), with RCHI that are substantially identical in all material respects to the agreements, dated as of November 18, 1997 and November 17, 1998, between RCHI and Mark D. Mosca, copies of which are being filed herewith in this Exhibit 10.10.4, except for the terms indicated below: Date of Grant:* Date of Grant:* 11/18/97; 11/17/98; Executive Officer Option Shares:* Option Shares:* - ----------------- --------------- --------------- Mark D. Mosca ISO: 4,347 ISO: 4,456 NQSO: 67,753 NQSO: 61,844 Peter A. Appel ISO: 4,347 ISO: 4,456 NQSO: 34,153 NQSO: 58,344 Bonnie L. Boccitto** ISO: 4,347 ISO: 4,456 NQSO: 34,153 NQSO: 33,344 Paul J. Malvasio ISO: 4,347 ISO: 4,456 NQSO: 34,153 NQSO: 33,344 - ---------- * Such terms are defined in the attached agreements. ** Former officer of RCHI. * * * * RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. Incentive Stock Option Agreement FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, hereby grants to Mark D. Mosca, an officer of the Company on the date hereof (the "Option Holder"), the option to purchase common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Shares"), upon the following terms: WHEREAS, the following terms reflect the Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan, as amended by the First Amendment thereto (the "Plan"); (a) Grant. The Option Holder is hereby granted an option (the "Option") to purchase 4,347 Shares (the "Option Shares") pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Option is granted as of November 18, 1997 (the "Date of Grant") and such grant is subject to the terms and conditions herein and the terms and conditions of the applicable provisions of the Plan. This Option is intended to be an incentive stock option as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. However, the Option will qualify as an incentive stock option only to the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined on the Date of Grant) of the Shares (together with Shares under other incentive stock options granted by the Company or any subsidiary to the Option Holder) for which the incentive stock options first become exercisable in any calendar year does not exceed $100,000. Should the fair market value exceed $100,000, the Option to the extent of such excess shall be regarded as a non-qualified stock option. (b) Status of Option Shares. The Option Shares shall upon issue rank equally in all respects with the other Shares. (c) Option Price. The purchase price for the Option Shares shall be, except as herein provided, $23.00 per Option Share, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Option Price," payable immediately in full upon the exercise of the Option. (d) Term of Option. The Option may be exercised only during the period (the "Option Period") commencing in accordance with paragraph (f) below and shall continue for ten years from the Date of Grant; thereafter the Option Holder shall cease to have any rights in respect thereof. The right to exercise the Option may be subject to sooner termination in the event employment with the Company is terminated, as provided in paragraph (j) below. (e) No Rights of Shareholder. The Option Holder shall not, by virtue hereof, be entitled to any rights of a shareholder in the Company, either at law or in equity. (f) Exercisability. One-fifth of the Option shall become exercisable on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the Date of Grant, subject to paragraph (j) below; provided that such Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable (1) to the extent provided in paragraph (j) below and (2) upon a Change in Control. Subject to paragraph (j) below, the Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time during the Option Period in regard to all or any portion of the Option which is then exercisable, as may be adjusted pursuant to paragraph (g) below. "Change in Control" means and shall be deemed to have occurred if: a. any person (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), other than a Permitted Person or an Initial Investor, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 35% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or b. any Initial Investor is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 50% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or c. the individuals who, as of the Date of Grant, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") together with those who become directors subsequent to such date and whose recommendation, election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors as of such date or whose recommendation, election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board; or d. the required stockholders of the Company approve a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or reorganization of the Company (provided that all material regulatory approvals have been obtained), or consummation of any such transaction, other than any such transaction which would (x) result in at least 60% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such transaction being beneficially owned by the former stockholders of the Company and (y) not otherwise be deemed a Change in Control under subparagraphs a, b, c or e of this paragraph (f); or e. the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes hereof, a Change in Control has occurred. (i) "Initial Investors" means (A) X.L. Insurance Company, Ltd.; (B) The Trident Partnership, L.P.; (C) Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd.; or (D) any majority-owned subsidiary or parent (or equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of the foregoing. -2- (ii) "Permitted Persons" means (A) the Company; (B) any Related Party; or (C) any group (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) comprised of any or all of the foregoing. (iii) "Related Party" means (A) a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; or (C) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of Voting Securities. (iv) "Voting Security" means any security of the Company which carries the right to vote generally in the election of directors. (g) Adjustments for Recapitalization and Dividends. In the event that, prior to the expiration of the Option, any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other such change affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares, other securities of the Company or of another corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Option Holder and preserve the value of the Option, (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Share subject to the unexercised Option the number and kind of shares, other securities or other consideration into which each outstanding Share shall be changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged, and (ii) the exercise price shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the unexercised Option shall remain the same as immediately prior to such event. (h) Nontransferability. The Option may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, disposed of or encumbered by the Option Holder, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Option Holder, the Option shall be exercisable only by the Option Holder or by his or her guardian or legal representative. (i) Exercise of Option. In order to exercise the Option, the Option Holder shall submit to the Company an instrument in writing signed by the Option Holder, specifying the number of Option Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment, in a manner acceptable to the Company, of the Option Price for the Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised. Payment to the Company in cash or Shares already owned by the Option Holder (provided that the Option Holder has owned such Shares for a minimum period of six months) and having a total Fair Market Value (as defined below) equal to the exercise price, or in a combination of cash and such Shares, shall be deemed acceptable. Option Shares will be issued accordingly by the Company within 15 business days, and a share certificate dispatched to the Option Holder within 30 days. The Company shall not be required to issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of the Option. If any fractional interest in a Share would be deliverable upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part but for the provisions of this paragraph, the Company, in lieu of delivering -3- any such fractional share therefor, shall pay a cash adjustment therefor in an amount equal to their Fair Market Value (or if any Shares are not publicly traded, an amount equal to the book value per share at the end of the most recent fiscal quarter) multiplied by the fraction of the fractional share which would otherwise have been issued hereunder. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to issue any Option Shares hereunder if the issuance of such Option Shares would violate the provision of any applicable law, in which event the Company shall, as soon as practicable, take whatever action it reasonably can so that such Option Shares may be issued without resulting in such violations of law. For purposes hereof, Fair Market Value shall mean the mean between the high and low selling prices per Share on the immediately preceding date (or, if the Shares were not traded on that day, the next preceding day that the Shares were traded) on the principal exchange on which the Shares are traded, as such prices are officially quoted on such exchange. (j) Termination of Service. In the event the Option Holder ceases to be an employee of the Company (i) due to retirement after attainment of age 65, (ii) due to death or disability, as determined under the Company's long-term disability plan, or (iii) due to (A) termination by the Company without cause (as defined in the Option Holder's employment agreement dated September 19, 1995) or (B) constructive termination (as defined below), the Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable at the time of such termination of service, and the Option may be exercised at any time during the Option Period. Subject to paragraph (f) above, if the Option Holder ceases to be an employee of the Company for any other reason, the portion of the Option which is not then exercisable shall be cancelled on the date service terminates, and the portion of the Option which is then exercisable may be exercised at any time within six months after the date of such termination, but not later than termination of the Option Period. For purposes of this Option, service with Risk Capital Reinsurance Company, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, shall be considered to be service with the Company. "Constructive termination" means the occurrence, with respect to the Option Holder, of any of the following: (i) the assignment of duties inconsistent with such Option Holder's position or a significant diminution in his/her responsibilities; (ii) a reduction in such Option Holder's base salary or bonus opportunity; (iii) the requirement that such Option Holder work at a location outside of Fairfield County, Connecticut, or Westchester County, New York; or (iv) the failure to provide such Option Holder with benefits and incentive compensation opportunities at least as favorable, in the aggregate, as the benefits and incentive compensation opportunities available to such Option Holder immediately prior to a Change in Control; or (v) the failure to secure the agreement of any successor corporation or other entity to the Company to fully assume the Company's obligations under the arrangements described herein. (k) Obligations as to Capital. The Company agrees that it will at all times maintain authorized and unissued share capital sufficient to fulfill all of its obligations under the Option. (l) Transfer of Shares. The Option, the Option Shares, or any interest in either, may be sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered, or transferred or disposed of in any other manner, in whole or in part, only in compliance with the terms, conditions and restrictions as set forth in the governing instruments of the Company, applicable United States federal and state securities laws and the terms and conditions hereof. Each certificate for Option Shares issued upon exercise of the Option, unless at the time of exercise such Option Shares are registered -4- under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall bear the following legend or such other legend as the Company deems appropriate: "The securities evidenced hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Act'), and may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except (i) in compliance with the provisions of any applicable state securities or 'Blue Sky' laws and (ii) (A) pursuant to an effective registration under the Act, (B) in compliance with Rule 144 under the Act, (C) inside the United States to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in compliance with Rule 144A under the Act, (D) outside the United States in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Act or (E) inside the United States to an institutional 'accredited investor' as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Act in a transaction which, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company, qualifies as an exempt transaction under the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder." Any certificate issued at any time in exchange or substitution for any certificate bearing such legend or such other legend deemed appropriate by the Company shall also bear such legend unless, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, the securities represented thereby need no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth therein. The provisions of this paragraph (l) shall be binding upon all subsequent holders of certificates bearing the above legend and all subsequent holders of the Option, if any. (m) Expenses of Issuance of Option Shares. The issuance of stock certificates upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part, shall be without charge to the Option Holder. The Company shall pay, and indemnify the Option Holder from and against any issuance, stamp or documentary taxes (other than transfer taxes) or charges imposed by any governmental body, agency or official (other than income taxes) by reason of the exercise of the Option in whole or in part or the resulting issuance of the Option Shares. (n) Withholding. The Option Holder agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company for satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding requirements, or similar requirements, arising out of the Option. (o) References. References herein to rights and obligations of the Option Holder shall apply, where appropriate, to the Option Holder's legal representative or estate without regard to whether specific reference to such legal representative or estate is contained in a particular provision of this Option. (p) Settlement of Disputes. Any dispute between the parties arising from or relating to the terms of this Option shall be resolved by arbitration held in the State of Connecticut in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. All costs associated with any arbitration, including all legal expenses, for both parties shall be borne by the Company. -5- (q) No Mitigation. To the extent that the vesting of any portion of the Option is accelerated upon a Change in Control or upon a termination of service as provided herein, neither the Option, nor any Option Shares nor any interest in either, shall be reduced by any compensation received by the Option Holder in connection with any other employment. (r) Notice of Transfer. The Option Holder agrees that, in the event he or she disposes (whether by sale, exchange, gift or any other transfer) of any Shares acquired by the Option Holder on exercise of this Option within two years from the Date of Grant or within one year after the acquisition of such Shares pursuant to this agreement, the Option Holder will notify the Company no later than 15 days after the date of such disposition of the date and number of Shares so disposed of by the Option Holder and any consideration received. (s) Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by courier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently by similar process give notice of: If to the Company: Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 20 Horseneck Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 Attn: Secretary If to the Option Holder: Mark D. Mosca [Address of Option Holder] (t) Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws. (u) Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and any previous agreement or understanding among the parties with respect thereto is superseded by this agreement. (v) Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. -6- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this agreement as of the Date of Grant. RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Peter A. Appel ------------------------------------- Peter A. Appel Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary /s/ Mark D. Mosca ---------------------------------------- Mark D. Mosca -7- RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. Non-Qualified Stock Option and Amendment Agreement FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, hereby grants to Mark D. Mosca, an officer of the Company on the date hereof (the "Option Holder"), the option to purchase common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Shares"), upon the following terms: WHEREAS, the following terms reflect the Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan, as amended by the First Amendment thereto (the "Plan"); (a) Grant. The Option Holder is hereby granted an option (the "Option") to purchase 67,753 Shares (the "Option Shares") pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Option is granted as of November 18, 1997 (the "Date of Grant") and such grant is subject to the terms and conditions herein and the terms and conditions of the applicable provisions of the Plan. Such Option shall not be treated as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (b) Status of Option Shares. The Option Shares shall upon issue rank equally in all respects with the other Shares. (c) Option Price. The purchase price for the Option Shares shall be, except as herein provided, $23.00 per Option Share, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Option Price," payable immediately in full upon the exercise of the Option. (d) Term of Option. The Option may be exercised only during the period (the "Option Period") commencing in accordance with paragraph (f) below and shall continue for seven years from the date the Option, or portion thereof, becomes exercisable; thereafter the Option Holder shall cease to have any rights in respect thereof. The right to exercise the Option may be subject to sooner termination in the event employment with the Company is terminated, as provided in paragraph (j) below. (e) No Rights of Shareholder. The Option Holder shall not, by virtue hereof, be entitled to any rights of a shareholder in the Company, either at law or in equity. (f) Exercisability. One-fifth of the Option shall become exercisable on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the Date of Grant, subject to paragraph (j) below; provided that such Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable (1) to the extent provided in paragraph (j) below and (2) upon a Change in Control. Subject to paragraph (j) below, the Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time during the Option Period in regard to all or any portion of the Option which is then exercisable, as may be adjusted pursuant to paragraph (g) below. "Change in Control" means and shall be deemed to have occurred if: a. any person (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), other than a Permitted Person or an Initial Investor, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 35% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or b. any Initial Investor is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 50% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or c. the individuals who, as of the Date of Grant, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") together with those who become directors subsequent to such date and whose recommendation, election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors as of such date or whose recommendation, election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board; or d. the required stockholders of the Company approve a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or reorganization of the Company (provided that all material regulatory approvals have been obtained), or consummation of any such transaction, other than any such transaction which would (x) result in at least 60% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such transaction being beneficially owned by the former stockholders of the Company and (y) not otherwise be deemed a Change in Control under subparagraphs a, b, c or e of this paragraph (f); or e. the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes hereof, a Change in Control has occurred. (i) "Initial Investors" means (A) X.L. Insurance Company, Ltd.; (B) The Trident Partnership, L.P.; (C) Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd.; or (D) any majority-owned subsidiary or parent (or equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of the foregoing. (ii) "Permitted Persons" means (A) the Company; (B) any Related Party; or (C) any group (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) comprised of any or all of the foregoing. (iii) "Related Party" means (A) a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any majority-owned subsidiary of the -2- Company; or (C) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of Voting Securities. (iv) "Voting Security" means any security of the Company which carries the right to vote generally in the election of directors. (g) Adjustments for Recapitalization and Dividends. In the event that, prior to the expiration of the Option, any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other such change affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares, other securities of the Company or of another corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Option Holder and preserve the value of the Option, (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Share subject to the unexercised Option the number and kind of shares, other securities or other consideration into which each outstanding Share shall be changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged, and (ii) the exercise price shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the unexercised Option shall remain the same as immediately prior to such event. (h) Nontransferability. The Option may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, disposed of or encumbered by the Option Holder, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Option Holder, the Option shall be exercisable only by the Option Holder or by his or her guardian or legal representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may be transferred for no consideration by the Option Holder to members of his or her "immediate family" or to a trust established for the exclusive benefit of solely one or more members of the Option Holder's "immediate family." Any Option held by the transferee will continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the Option immediately prior to the transfer, except that the Option will be transferable by the transferee only by will or the laws of descent and distribution. For purposes hereof, "immediate family" means the Option Holder's children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, spouse, siblings (including half brothers and sisters), in-laws, and relationships arising because of legal adoption. (i) Exercise of Option. In order to exercise the Option, the Option Holder shall submit to the Company an instrument in writing signed by the Option Holder, specifying the number of Option Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment, in a manner acceptable to the Company, of the Option Price for the Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised. Payment to the Company in cash or Shares already owned by the Option Holder (provided that the Option Holder has owned such Shares for a minimum period of six months) and having a total Fair Market Value (as defined below) equal to the exercise price, or in a combination of cash and such Shares, shall be deemed acceptable. Option Shares will be issued accordingly by the Company within 15 business days, and a share certificate dispatched to the Option Holder within 30 days. -3- The Company shall not be required to issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of the Option. If any fractional interest in a Share would be deliverable upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part but for the provisions of this paragraph, the Company, in lieu of delivering any such fractional share therefor, shall pay a cash adjustment therefor in an amount equal to their Fair Market Value (or if any Shares are not publicly traded, an amount equal to the book value per share at the end of the most recent fiscal quarter) multiplied by the fraction of the fractional share which would otherwise have been issued hereunder. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to issue any Option Shares hereunder if the issuance of such Option Shares would violate the provision of any applicable law, in which event the Company shall, as soon as practicable, take whatever action it reasonably can so that such Option Shares may be issued without resulting in such violations of law. For purposes hereof, Fair Market Value shall mean the mean between the high and low selling prices per Share on the immediately preceding date (or, if the Shares were not traded on that day, the next preceding day that the Shares were traded) on the principal exchange on which the Shares are traded, as such prices are officially quoted on such exchange. (j) Termination of Service. In the event the Option Holder ceases to be an employee of the Company (i) due to retirement after attainment of age 65, (ii) due to death or disability, as determined under the Company's long-term disability plan, or (iii) due to (A) termination by the Company without cause (as defined in the Option Holder's employment agreement dated September 19, 1995) or (B) constructive termination (as defined below), the Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable at the time of such termination of service, and the Option may be exercised at any time during the Option Period. Subject to paragraph (f) above, if the Option Holder ceases to be an employee of the Company for any other reason, the portion of the Option which is not then exercisable shall be cancelled on the date service terminates, and the portion of the Option which is then exercisable may be exercised at any time within six months after the date of such termination, but not later than termination of the Option Period. For purposes of this Option, service with Risk Capital Reinsurance Company, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, shall be considered to be service with the Company. "Constructive termination" means the occurrence, with respect to the Option Holder, of any of the following: (i) the assignment of duties inconsistent with such Option Holder's position or a significant diminution in his/her responsibilities; (ii) a reduction in such Option Holder's base salary or bonus opportunity; (iii) the requirement that such Option Holder work at a location outside of Fairfield County, Connecticut, or Westchester County, New York; (iv) the failure to provide such Option Holder with benefits and incentive compensation opportunities at least as favorable, in the aggregate, as the benefits and incentive compensation opportunities available to such Option Holder immediately prior to a Change in Control; or (v) the failure to secure the agreement of any successor corporation or other entity to the Company to fully assume the Company's obligations under the arrangements described herein. (k) Obligations as to Capital. The Company agrees that it will at all times maintain authorized and unissued share capital sufficient to fulfill all of its obligations under the Option. (l) Transfer of Shares. The Option, the Option Shares, or any interest in either, may be sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered, or transferred or disposed of in any other manner, in whole or in part, only in compliance with the terms, conditions and restrictions as set -4- forth in the governing instruments of the Company, applicable United States federal and state securities laws and the terms and conditions hereof. Each certificate for Option Shares issued upon exercise of the Option, unless at the time of exercise such Option Shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall bear the following legend or such other legend as the Company deems appropriate: "The securities evidenced hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Act'), and may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except (i) in compliance with the provisions of any applicable state securities or 'Blue Sky' laws and (ii) (A) pursuant to an effective registration under the Act, (B) in compliance with Rule 144 under the Act, (C) inside the United States to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in compliance with Rule 144A under the Act, (D) outside the United States in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Act or (E) inside the United States to an institutional 'accredited investor' as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Act in a transaction which, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company, qualifies as an exempt transaction under the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder." Any certificate issued at any time in exchange or substitution for any certificate bearing such legend or such other legend deemed appropriate by the Company shall also bear such legend unless, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, the securities represented thereby need no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth therein. The provisions of this paragraph (l) shall be binding upon all subsequent holders of certificates bearing the above legend and all subsequent holders of the Option, if any. (m) Expenses of Issuance of Option Shares. The issuance of stock certificates upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part, shall be without charge to the Option Holder. The Company shall pay, and indemnify the Option Holder from and against any issuance, stamp or documentary taxes (other than transfer taxes) or charges imposed by any governmental body, agency or official (other than income taxes) by reason of the exercise of the Option in whole or in part or the resulting issuance of the Option Shares. (n) Withholding. The Option Holder agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company for satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding requirements, or similar requirements, arising out of the Option. (o) References. References herein to rights and obligations of the Option Holder shall apply, where appropriate, to the Option Holder's legal representative or estate without regard to whether specific reference to such legal representative or estate is contained in a particular provision of this Option. (p) Settlement of Disputes. Any dispute between the parties arising from or relating to the terms of this Option shall be resolved by arbitration held in the State of Connecticut in -5- accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. All costs associated with any arbitration, including all legal expenses, for both parties shall be borne by the Company. (q) No Mitigation. To the extent that the vesting of any portion of the Option is accelerated upon a Change in Control or upon a termination of service as provided herein, neither the Option, nor any Option Shares nor any interest in either, shall be reduced by any compensation received by the Option Holder in connection with any other employment. (r) Amendments. Paragraph (j) of the Stock Option Agreements, dated as of September 19, 1995 and November 19, 1996 (the "Other Agreements"), between the Company and the Option Holder, shall be hereby amended by adding at the end of the last sentence thereof the following: "or (v) the failure to provide such Option Holder with benefits and incentive compensation opportunities at least as favorable, in the aggregate, as the benefits and incentive compensation opportunities available to such Option Holder immediately prior to a Change in Control." All other terms and provisions of the Other Agreements shall remain in full force and effect. (s) Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by courier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently by similar process give notice of: -6- If to the Company: Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 20 Horseneck Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 Attn: Secretary If to the Option Holder: Mark D. Mosca [Address of Option Holder] (t) Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws. (u) Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and any previous agreement or understanding among the parties with respect thereto is superseded by this agreement. (v) Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. -7- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this agreement as of the Date of Grant. RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Peter A. Appel ------------------------------------- Peter A. Appel Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary /s/ Mark D. Mosca ---------------------------------------- Mark D. Mosca -8- RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. Incentive Stock Option Agreement FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, hereby grants to Mark D. Mosca, an officer of the Company on the date hereof (the "Option Holder"), the option to purchase common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Shares"), upon the following terms: WHEREAS, the following terms reflect the Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan, as amended by the First Amendment thereto (the "Plan"); (a) Grant. The Option Holder is hereby granted an option (the "Option") to purchase 4,456 Shares (the "Option Shares") pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Option is granted as of November 17, 1998 (the "Date of Grant") and such grant is subject to the terms and conditions herein and the terms and conditions of the applicable provisions of the Plan. This Option is intended to be an incentive stock option as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. However, the Option will qualify as an incentive stock option only to the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined on the Date of Grant) of the Shares (together with Shares under other incentive stock options granted by the Company or any subsidiary to the Option Holder) for which the incentive stock options first become exercisable in any calendar year does not exceed $100,000. Should the fair market value exceed $100,000, the Option to the extent of such excess shall be regarded as a non-qualified stock option. (b) Status of Option Shares. The Option Shares shall upon issue rank equally in all respects with the other Shares. (c) Option Price. The purchase price for the Option Shares shall be, except as herein provided, $22.4375 per Option Share, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Option Price," payable immediately in full upon the exercise of the Option. (d) Term of Option. The Option may be exercised only during the period (the "Option Period") commencing in accordance with paragraph (f) below and shall continue for ten years from the Date of Grant; thereafter the Option Holder shall cease to have any rights in respect thereof. The right to exercise the Option may be subject to sooner termination in the event employment with the Company is terminated, as provided in paragraph (j) below. (e) No Rights of Shareholder. The Option Holder shall not, by virtue hereof, be entitled to any rights of a shareholder in the Company, either at law or in equity. (f) Exercisability. One-fifth of the Option shall become exercisable on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the Date of Grant, subject to paragraph (j) below; provided that such Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable (1) to the extent provided in paragraph (j) below and (2) upon a Change in Control. Subject to paragraph (j) below, the Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time during the Option Period in regard to all or any portion of the Option which is then exercisable, as may be adjusted pursuant to paragraph (g) below. "Change in Control" means and shall be deemed to have occurred if: a. any person (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), other than a Permitted Person or an Initial Investor, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 35% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or b. any Initial Investor is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 50% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or c. the individuals who, as of the Date of Grant, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") together with those who become directors subsequent to such date and whose recommendation, election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors as of such date or whose recommendation, election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board; or d. the required stockholders of the Company approve a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or reorganization of the Company (provided that all material regulatory approvals have been obtained), or consummation of any such transaction, other than any such transaction which would (x) result in at least 60% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such transaction being beneficially owned by the former stockholders of the Company and (y) not otherwise be deemed a Change in Control under subparagraphs a, b, c or e of this paragraph (f); or e. the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes hereof, a Change in Control has occurred. (i) "Initial Investors" means (A) X.L. Insurance Company, Ltd.; (B) The Trident Partnership, L.P.; (C) Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd.; or (D) any majority-owned subsidiary or parent (or equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of the foregoing. -2- (ii) "Permitted Persons" means (A) the Company; (B) any Related Party; or (C) any group (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) comprised of any or all of the foregoing. (iii) "Related Party" means (A) a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; or (C) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of Voting Securities. (iv) "Voting Security" means any security of the Company which carries the right to vote generally in the election of directors. (g) Adjustments for Recapitalization and Dividends. In the event that, prior to the expiration of the Option, any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other such change affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares, other securities of the Company or of another corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Option Holder and preserve the value of the Option, (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Share subject to the unexercised Option the number and kind of shares, other securities or other consideration into which each outstanding Share shall be changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged, and (ii) the exercise price shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the unexercised Option shall remain the same as immediately prior to such event. (h) Nontransferability. The Option may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, disposed of or encumbered by the Option Holder, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Option Holder, the Option shall be exercisable only by the Option Holder or by his or her guardian or legal representative. (i) Exercise of Option. In order to exercise the Option, the Option Holder shall submit to the Company an instrument in writing signed by the Option Holder, specifying the number of Option Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment, in a manner acceptable to the Company, of the Option Price for the Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised. Payment to the Company in cash or Shares already owned by the Option Holder (provided that the Option Holder has owned such Shares for a minimum period of six months) and having a total Fair Market Value (as defined below) equal to the exercise price, or in a combination of cash and such Shares, shall be deemed acceptable. Option Shares will be issued accordingly by the Company within 15 business days, and a share certificate dispatched to the Option Holder within 30 days. The Company shall not be required to issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of the Option. If any fractional interest in a Share would be deliverable upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part but for the provisions of this paragraph, the Company, in lieu of delivering -3- any such fractional share therefor, shall pay a cash adjustment therefor in an amount equal to their Fair Market Value (or if any Shares are not publicly traded, an amount equal to the book value per share at the end of the most recent fiscal quarter) multiplied by the fraction of the fractional share which would otherwise have been issued hereunder. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to issue any Option Shares hereunder if the issuance of such Option Shares would violate the provision of any applicable law, in which event the Company shall, as soon as practicable, take whatever action it reasonably can so that such Option Shares may be issued without resulting in such violations of law. For purposes hereof, Fair Market Value shall mean the mean between the high and low selling prices per Share on the immediately preceding date (or, if the Shares were not traded on that day, the next preceding day that the Shares were traded) on the principal exchange on which the Shares are traded, as such prices are officially quoted on such exchange. (j) Termination of Service. In the event the Option Holder ceases to be an employee of the Company (i) due to retirement after attainment of age 65, (ii) due to death or disability, as determined under the Company's long-term disability plan, or (iii) due to (A) termination by the Company without cause (as defined in the Option Holder's employment agreement dated September 19, 1995) or (B) constructive termination (as defined below), the Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable at the time of such termination of service, and the Option may be exercised at any time during the Option Period. Subject to paragraph (f) above, if the Option Holder ceases to be an employee of the Company for any other reason, the portion of the Option which is not then exercisable shall be cancelled on the date service terminates, and the portion of the Option which is then exercisable may be exercised at any time within six months after the date of such termination, but not later than termination of the Option Period. For purposes of this Option, service with Risk Capital Reinsurance Company, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, shall be considered to be service with the Company. "Constructive termination" means the occurrence, with respect to the Option Holder, of any of the following: (i) the assignment of duties inconsistent with such Option Holder's position or a significant diminution in his/her responsibilities; (ii) a reduction in such Option Holder's base salary or bonus opportunity; (iii) the requirement that such Option Holder work at a location outside of Fairfield County, Connecticut, or Westchester County, New York; (iv) the failure to provide such Option Holder with benefits and incentive compensation opportunities at least as favorable, in the aggregate, as the benefits and incentive compensation opportunities available to such Option Holder immediately prior to a Change in Control; or (v) the failure to secure the agreement of any successor corporation or other entity to the Company to fully assume the Company's obligations under the arrangements described herein. (k) Obligations as to Capital. The Company agrees that it will at all times maintain authorized and unissued share capital sufficient to fulfill all of its obligations under the Option. (l) Transfer of Shares. The Option, the Option Shares, or any interest in either, may be sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered, or transferred or disposed of in any other manner, in whole or in part, only in compliance with the terms, conditions and restrictions as set forth in the governing instruments of the Company, applicable United States federal and state securities laws and the terms and conditions hereof. Each certificate for Option Shares issued -4- upon exercise of the Option, unless at the time of exercise such Option Shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall bear the following legend or such other legend as the Company deems appropriate: "The securities evidenced hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Act'), and may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except (i) in compliance with the provisions of any applicable state securities or 'Blue Sky' laws and (ii) (A) pursuant to an effective registration under the Act, (B) in compliance with Rule 144 under the Act, (C) inside the United States to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in compliance with Rule 144A under the Act, (D) outside the United States in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Act or (E) inside the United States to an institutional 'accredited investor' as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Act in a transaction which, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company, qualifies as an exempt transaction under the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder." Any certificate issued at any time in exchange or substitution for any certificate bearing such legend or such other legend deemed appropriate by the Company shall also bear such legend unless, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, the securities represented thereby need no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth therein. The provisions of this paragraph (l) shall be binding upon all subsequent holders of certificates bearing the above legend and all subsequent holders of the Option, if any. (m) Expenses of Issuance of Option Shares. The issuance of stock certificates upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part, shall be without charge to the Option Holder. The Company shall pay, and indemnify the Option Holder from and against any issuance, stamp or documentary taxes (other than transfer taxes) or charges imposed by any governmental body, agency or official (other than income taxes) by reason of the exercise of the Option in whole or in part or the resulting issuance of the Option Shares. (n) Withholding. The Option Holder agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company for satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding requirements, or similar requirements, arising out of the Option. (o) References. References herein to rights and obligations of the Option Holder shall apply, where appropriate, to the Option Holder's legal representative or estate without regard to whether specific reference to such legal representative or estate is contained in a particular provision of this Option. (p) Settlement of Disputes. Any dispute between the parties arising from or relating to the terms of this Option shall be resolved by arbitration held in the State of Connecticut in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. All costs associated with any arbitration, including all legal expenses, for both parties shall be borne by the Company. -5- (q) No Mitigation. To the extent that the vesting of any portion of the Option is accelerated upon a Change in Control or upon a termination of service as provided herein, neither the Option, nor any Option Shares nor any interest in either, shall be reduced by any compensation received by the Option Holder in connection with any other employment. (r) Notice of Transfer. The Option Holder agrees that, in the event he or she disposes (whether by sale, exchange, gift or any other transfer) of any Shares acquired by the Option Holder on exercise of this Option within two years from the Date of Grant or within one year after the acquisition of such Shares pursuant to this agreement, the Option Holder will notify the Company no later than 15 days after the date of such disposition of the date and number of Shares so disposed of by the Option Holder and any consideration received. (s) Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by courier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently by similar process give notice of: If to the Company: Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 20 Horseneck Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 Attn: Secretary If to the Option Holder: Mark D. Mosca [Address of Option Holder] (t) Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws. (u) Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and any previous agreement or understanding among the parties with respect thereto is superseded by this agreement. (v) Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. -6- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this agreement as of the Date of Grant. RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Peter A. Appel ------------------------------------- Peter A. Appel Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary /s/ Mark D. Mosca ---------------------------------------- Mark D. Mosca -7- RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, hereby grants to Mark D. Mosca, an officer of the Company on the date hereof (the "Option Holder"), the option to purchase common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Shares"), upon the following terms: WHEREAS, the following terms reflect the Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan, as amended by the First Amendment thereto (the "Plan"); (a) Grant. The Option Holder is hereby granted an option (the "Option") to purchase 61,844 Shares (the "Option Shares") pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Option is granted as of November 17, 1998 (the "Date of Grant") and such grant is subject to the terms and conditions herein and the terms and conditions of the applicable provisions of the Plan. Such Option shall not be treated as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (b) Status of Option Shares. The Option Shares shall upon issue rank equally in all respects with the other Shares. (c) Option Price. The purchase price for the Option Shares shall be, except as herein provided, $22.4375 per Option Share, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Option Price," payable immediately in full upon the exercise of the Option. (d) Term of Option. The Option may be exercised only during the period (the "Option Period") commencing in accordance with paragraph (f) below and shall continue for seven years from the date the Option, or portion thereof, becomes exercisable; thereafter the Option Holder shall cease to have any rights in respect thereof. The right to exercise the Option may be subject to sooner termination in the event employment with the Company is terminated, as provided in paragraph (j) below. (e) No Rights of Shareholder. The Option Holder shall not, by virtue hereof, be entitled to any rights of a shareholder in the Company, either at law or in equity. (f) Exercisability. One-fifth of the Option shall become exercisable on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the Date of Grant, subject to paragraph (j) below; provided that such Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable (1) to the extent provided in paragraph (j) below and (2) upon a Change in Control. Subject to paragraph (j) below, the Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time during the Option Period in regard to all or any portion of the Option which is then exercisable, as may be adjusted pursuant to paragraph (g) below. "Change in Control" means and shall be deemed to have occurred if: a. any person (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), other than a Permitted Person or an Initial Investor, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 35% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or b. any Initial Investor is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 50% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or c. the individuals who, as of the Date of Grant, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") together with those who become directors subsequent to such date and whose recommendation, election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors as of such date or whose recommendation, election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board; or d. the required stockholders of the Company approve a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or reorganization of the Company (provided that all material regulatory approvals have been obtained), or consummation of any such transaction, other than any such transaction which would (x) result in at least 60% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such transaction being beneficially owned by the former stockholders of the Company and (y) not otherwise be deemed a Change in Control under subparagraphs a, b, c or e of this paragraph (f); or e. the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes hereof, a Change in Control has occurred. (i) "Initial Investors" means (A) X.L. Insurance Company, Ltd.; (B) The Trident Partnership, L.P.; (C) Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd.; or (D) any majority-owned subsidiary or parent (or equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of the foregoing. (ii) "Permitted Persons" means (A) the Company; (B) any Related Party; or (C) any group (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) comprised of any or all of the foregoing. (iii) "Related Party" means (A) a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any majority-owned subsidiary of the -2- Company; or (C) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of Voting Securities. (iv) "Voting Security" means any security of the Company which carries the right to vote generally in the election of directors. (g) Adjustments for Recapitalization and Dividends. In the event that, prior to the expiration of the Option, any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other such change affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares, other securities of the Company or of another corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Option Holder and preserve the value of the Option, (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Share subject to the unexercised Option the number and kind of shares, other securities or other consideration into which each outstanding Share shall be changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged, and (ii) the exercise price shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the unexercised Option shall remain the same as immediately prior to such event. (h) Nontransferability. The Option may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, disposed of or encumbered by the Option Holder, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Option Holder, the Option shall be exercisable only by the Option Holder or by his or her guardian or legal representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may be transferred for no consideration by the Option Holder to members of his or her "immediate family" or to a trust established for the exclusive benefit of solely one or more members of the Option Holder's "immediate family." Any Option held by the transferee will continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the Option immediately prior to the transfer, except that the Option will be transferable by the transferee only by will or the laws of descent and distribution. For purposes hereof, "immediate family" means the Option Holder's children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, spouse, siblings (including half brothers and sisters), in-laws, and relationships arising because of legal adoption. (i) Exercise of Option. In order to exercise the Option, the Option Holder shall submit to the Company an instrument in writing signed by the Option Holder, specifying the number of Option Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment, in a manner acceptable to the Company, of the Option Price for the Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised. Payment to the Company in cash or Shares already owned by the Option Holder (provided that the Option Holder has owned such Shares for a minimum period of six months) and having a total Fair Market Value (as defined below) equal to the exercise price, or in a combination of cash and such Shares, shall be deemed acceptable. Option Shares will be issued accordingly by the Company within 15 business days, and a share certificate dispatched to the Option Holder within 30 days. -3- The Company shall not be required to issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of the Option. If any fractional interest in a Share would be deliverable upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part but for the provisions of this paragraph, the Company, in lieu of delivering any such fractional share therefor, shall pay a cash adjustment therefor in an amount equal to their Fair Market Value (or if any Shares are not publicly traded, an amount equal to the book value per share at the end of the most recent fiscal quarter) multiplied by the fraction of the fractional share which would otherwise have been issued hereunder. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to issue any Option Shares hereunder if the issuance of such Option Shares would violate the provision of any applicable law, in which event the Company shall, as soon as practicable, take whatever action it reasonably can so that such Option Shares may be issued without resulting in such violations of law. For purposes hereof, Fair Market Value shall mean the mean between the high and low selling prices per Share on the immediately preceding date (or, if the Shares were not traded on that day, the next preceding day that the Shares were traded) on the principal exchange on which the Shares are traded, as such prices are officially quoted on such exchange. (j) Termination of Service. In the event the Option Holder ceases to be an employee of the Company (i) due to retirement after attainment of age 65, (ii) due to death or disability, as determined under the Company's long-term disability plan, or (iii) due to (A) termination by the Company without cause (as defined in the Option Holder's employment agreement dated September 19, 1995) or (B) constructive termination (as defined below), the Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable at the time of such termination of service, and the Option may be exercised at any time during the Option Period. Subject to paragraph (f) above, if the Option Holder ceases to be an employee of the Company for any other reason, the portion of the Option which is not then exercisable shall be cancelled on the date service terminates, and the portion of the Option which is then exercisable may be exercised at any time within six months after the date of such termination, but not later than termination of the Option Period. For purposes of this Option, service with Risk Capital Reinsurance Company, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, shall be considered to be service with the Company. "Constructive termination" means the occurrence, with respect to the Option Holder, of any of the following: (i) the assignment of duties inconsistent with such Option Holder's position or a significant diminution in his/her responsibilities; (ii) a reduction in such Option Holder's base salary or bonus opportunity; (iii) the requirement that such Option Holder work at a location outside of Fairfield County, Connecticut, or Westchester County, New York; (iv) the failure to provide such Option Holder with benefits and incentive compensation opportunities at least as favorable, in the aggregate, as the benefits and incentive compensation opportunities available to such Option Holder immediately prior to a Change in Control; or (v) the failure to secure the agreement of any successor corporation or other entity to the Company to fully assume the Company's obligations under the arrangements described herein. (k) Obligations as to Capital. The Company agrees that it will at all times maintain authorized and unissued share capital sufficient to fulfill all of its obligations under the Option. (l) Transfer of Shares. The Option, the Option Shares, or any interest in either, may be sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered, or transferred or disposed of in any other -4- manner, in whole or in part, only in compliance with the terms, conditions and restrictions as set forth in the governing instruments of the Company, applicable United States federal and state securities laws and the terms and conditions hereof. Each certificate for Option Shares issued upon exercise of the Option, unless at the time of exercise such Option Shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall bear the following legend or such other legend as the Company deems appropriate: "The securities evidenced hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Act'), and may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except (i) in compliance with the provisions of any applicable state securities or 'Blue Sky' laws and (ii) (A) pursuant to an effective registration under the Act, (B) in compliance with Rule 144 under the Act, (C) inside the United States to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in compliance with Rule 144A under the Act, (D) outside the United States in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Act or (E) inside the United States to an institutional 'accredited investor' as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Act in a transaction which, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company, qualifies as an exempt transaction under the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder." Any certificate issued at any time in exchange or substitution for any certificate bearing such legend or such other legend deemed appropriate by the Company shall also bear such legend unless, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, the securities represented thereby need no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth therein. The provisions of this paragraph (l) shall be binding upon all subsequent holders of certificates bearing the above legend and all subsequent holders of the Option, if any. (m) Expenses of Issuance of Option Shares. The issuance of stock certificates upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part, shall be without charge to the Option Holder. The Company shall pay, and indemnify the Option Holder from and against any issuance, stamp or documentary taxes (other than transfer taxes) or charges imposed by any governmental body, agency or official (other than income taxes) by reason of the exercise of the Option in whole or in part or the resulting issuance of the Option Shares. (n) Withholding. The Option Holder agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company for satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding requirements, or similar requirements, arising out of the Option. (o) References. References herein to rights and obligations of the Option Holder shall apply, where appropriate, to the Option Holder's legal representative or estate without regard to whether specific reference to such legal representative or estate is contained in a particular provision of this Option. (p) Settlement of Disputes. Any dispute between the parties arising from or relating to the terms of this Option shall be resolved by arbitration held in the State of Connecticut in -5- accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. All costs associated with any arbitration, including all legal expenses, for both parties shall be borne by the Company. (q) No Mitigation. To the extent that the vesting of any portion of the Option is accelerated upon a Change in Control or upon a termination of service as provided herein, neither the Option, nor any Option Shares nor any interest in either, shall be reduced by any compensation received by the Option Holder in connection with any other employment. (r) Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by courier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently by similar process give notice of: If to the Company: Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 20 Horseneck Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 Attn: Secretary -6- If to the Option Holder: Mark D. Mosca [Address of Option Holder] (s) Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws. (t) Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and any previous agreement or understanding among the parties with respect thereto is superseded by this agreement. (u) Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. -7- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this agreement as of the Date of Grant. RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Peter A. Appel ------------------------------------- Peter A. Appel Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary /s/ Mark D. Mosca ---------------------------------------- Mark D. Mosca -8- EX-10.10.5 4 STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT--CHAIRMAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT---CHAIRMAN (1998 GRANT) FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, hereby grants to Robert Clements, a director of the Company on the date hereof (the "Option Holder"), the option to purchase common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Shares"), upon the following terms: WHEREAS, the following terms reflect the Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan, as amended by the First Amendment thereto (the "Plan"); (a) Grant. The Option Holder is hereby granted an option (the "Option") to purchase 49,725 Shares (the "Option Shares") pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Option is granted as of November 17, 1998 (the "Date of Grant") and such grant is subject to the terms and conditions herein and the terms and conditions of the applicable provisions of the Plan. Such Option shall not be treated as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (b) Status of Option Shares. The Option Shares shall upon issue rank equally in all respects with the other Shares. (c) Option Price. The purchase price for the Option Shares shall be, except as herein provided, $22.4375 per Option Share, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Option Price," payable immediately in full upon the exercise of the Option. (d) Term of Option. The Option may be exercised only during the period (the "Option Period") commencing in accordance with paragraph (f) below and shall continue for seven years from the date the Option, or portion thereof, becomes exercisable; thereafter the Option Holder shall cease to have any rights in respect thereof. The right to exercise the Option may be subject to sooner termination as provided in paragraph (j) below. (e) No Rights of Shareholder. The Option Holder shall not, by virtue hereof, be entitled to any rights of a shareholder in the Company, either at law or in equity. (f) Exercisability. One-fifth of the Option shall become exercisable on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the Date of Grant, subject to paragraph (j) below; provided that such Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable (1) to the extent provided in paragraph (j) below and (2) upon a Change in Control. Subject to paragraph (j) below, the Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time during the Option Period in regard to all or any portion of the Option which is then exercisable, as may be adjusted pursuant to paragraph (g) below. "Change in Control" means and shall be deemed to have occurred if: a. any person (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), other than a Permitted Person or Initial Investor, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), -9- directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 35% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or b. any Initial Investor is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 50% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or c. the individuals who, as of the Date of Grant, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") together with those who become directors subsequent to such date and whose recommendation, election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors as of such date or whose recommendation, election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board; or d. the required stockholders of the Company approve a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or reorganization of the Company (provided that all material regulatory approvals have been obtained), or consummation of any such transaction, other than any such transaction which would (x) result in at least 60% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such transaction being beneficially owned by the former stockholders of the Company and (y) not otherwise be deemed a Change in Control under subparagraphs a, b, c or e of this paragraph (f); or e. the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes hereof, a Change in Control has occurred. (i) "Initial Investors" means (A) X.L. Insurance Company, Ltd.; (B) The Trident Partnership, L.P.; (C) Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd.; or (D) any majority-owned subsidiary or parent (or equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of the foregoing. (ii) "Permitted Persons" means (A) the Company; (B) any Related Party; or (C) any group (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) comprised of any or all of the foregoing. (iii) "Related Party" means (A) a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; or (C) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of Voting Securities. (iv) "Voting Security" means any security of the Company which carries the right to vote generally in the election of directors. (g) Adjustments for Recapitalization and Dividends. In the event that, prior to the expiration of the Option, any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split, -2- reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other such change affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares, other securities of the Company or of another corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Option Holder and preserve the value of the Option, (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Share subject to the unexercised Option the number and kind of shares, other securities or other consideration into which each outstanding Share shall be changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged, and (ii) the exercise price shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the unexercised Option shall remain the same as immediately prior to such event. (h) Transferability. The Option may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, disposed of or encumbered by the Option Holder, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Option Holder, the Option shall be exercisable only by the Option Holder or by his or her guardian or legal representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may be transferred by the Option Holder to members of his or her "immediate family" or to a trust established for the exclusive benefit of solely one or more members of the Option Holder's "immediate family." Any Option held by the transferee will continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the Option immediately prior to the transfer, except that the Option will be transferable by the transferee only by will or the laws of descent and distribution. For purposes hereof, "immediate family" means the Option Holder's children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, spouse, siblings (including half brothers and sisters), in-laws, and relationships arising because of legal adoption. (i) Exercise of Option. In order to exercise the Option, the Option Holder shall submit to the Company an instrument in writing signed by the Option Holder, specifying the number of Option Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment, in a manner acceptable to the Company, of the Option Price for the Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised. Payment to the Company in cash or Shares already owned by the Option Holder (provided that the Option Holder has owned such Shares for a minimum period of six months) and having a total Fair Market Value (as defined below) equal to the exercise price, or in a combination of cash and such Shares, shall be deemed acceptable. Option Shares will be issued accordingly by the Company within 15 business days, and a share certificate dispatched to the Option Holder within 30 days. The Company shall not be required to issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of the Option. If any fractional interest in a Share would be deliverable upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part but for the provisions of this paragraph, the Company, in lieu of delivering any such fractional share therefor, shall pay a cash adjustment therefor in an amount equal to their Fair Market Value (or if any Shares are not publicly traded, an amount equal to the book value per share at the end of the most recent fiscal quarter) multiplied by the fraction of the fractional share which would otherwise have been issued hereunder. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to issue any Option Shares hereunder if the issuance of such Option Shares would violate the provision of any applicable law, in which event the Company shall, as soon as practicable, take whatever action it reasonably can so that such Option Shares may be issued without resulting in such violations of law. For purposes hereof, Fair Market Value shall mean the mean between the high and low selling prices per Share on the immediately preceding date (or, if the Shares were not traded on that day, the next preceding day that the Shares were traded) on the principal exchange on which the Shares are traded, as such prices are officially quoted on such exchange. -3- (j) Termination of Service. In the event the Option Holder ceases to be a director of the Company (i) due to retirement after attainment of age 65 or (ii) due to death or disability, the Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable at the time of such termination of service, and the Option may be exercised at any time during the Option Period. Subject to paragraph (f) above, if the Option Holder ceases to be a director of the Company for any other reason, the portion of the Option which is not then exercisable shall be cancelled on the date service terminates, and the portion of the Option which is then exercisable may be exercised at any time within six months after the date of such termination, but not later than termination of the Option Period. (k) Obligations as to Capital. The Company agrees that it will at all times maintain authorized and unissued share capital sufficient to fulfill all of its obligations under the Option. (l) Transfer of Shares. The Option, the Option Shares, or any interest in either, may be sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered, or transferred or disposed of in any other manner, in whole or in part, only in compliance with the terms, conditions and restrictions as set forth in the governing instruments of the Company, applicable United States federal and state securities laws and the terms and conditions hereof. Each certificate for Option Shares issued upon exercise of the Option, unless at the time of exercise such Option Shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall bear the following legend or such other legend as the Company deems appropriate: "The securities evidenced hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the `Act'), and may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except (i) in compliance with the provisions of any applicable state securities or `Blue Sky' laws and (ii) (A) pursuant to an effective registration under the Act, (B) in compliance with Rule 144 under the Act, (C) inside the United States to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in compliance with Rule 144A under the Act, (D) outside the United States in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Act or (E) inside the United States to an institutional `accredited investor' as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Act in a transaction which, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company, qualifies as an exempt transaction under the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder." Any certificate issued at any time in exchange or substitution for any certificate bearing such legend or such other legend deemed appropriate by the Company shall also bear such legend unless, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, the securities represented thereby need no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth therein. The provisions of this paragraph (l) shall be binding upon all subsequent holders of certificates bearing the above legend and all subsequent holders of the Option, if any. (m) Expenses of Issuance of Option Shares. The issuance of stock certificates upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part, shall be without charge to the Option Holder. The Company shall pay, and indemnify the Option Holder from and against any issuance, stamp or documentary taxes (other than transfer taxes) or charges imposed by any governmental body, agency or official (other than income taxes) by reason of the exercise of the Option in whole or in part or the resulting issuance of the Option Shares. -4- (n) Withholding. The Option Holder agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company for satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding requirements, or similar requirements, arising out of the Option. (o) References. References herein to rights and obligations of the Option Holder shall apply, where appropriate, to the Option Holder's legal representative or estate without regard to whether specific reference to such legal representative or estate is contained in a particular provision of this Option. (p) Settlement of Disputes. Any dispute between the parties arising from or relating to the terms of this Option shall be resolved by arbitration held in the State of Connecticut in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. All costs associated with any arbitration, including all legal expenses, for both parties shall be borne by the Company. (q) No Mitigation. To the extent that the vesting of any portion of the Option is accelerated upon a Change in Control or upon a termination of service as provided herein, neither the Option, nor any Option Shares nor any interest in either, shall be reduced by any compensation received by the Option Holder in connection with any other employment. (r) Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by courier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently by similar process give notice of: If to the Company: Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 20 Horseneck Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 Attn: Secretary If to the Option Holder: [Address of Option holder] (s) Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws. (t) Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and any previous agreement or understanding among the parties with respect thereto is superseded by this agreement. (u) Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. -5- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this agreement as of the Date of Grant. RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Peter A. Appel ------------------------------------- Peter A. Appel Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary /s/ Robert Clements ---------------------------------------- Robert Clements -6- EX-10.10.6 5 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS -- INITIAL OPTION GRANTS Stock Option Agreements that are substantially identical in all material aspects to the agreement, dated as of September 19, 1995, between Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. ("RCHI") and Michael P. Esposito, Jr., a copy of which is being filed herewith in this Exhibit 10.10.7, have been entered into by RCHI and each of the following Non-Employee Directors of RCHI (unless otherwise indicated, the date of each agreement is September 19, 1995, and the exercise price is $20.00): Robert Clements Stephen Friedman (date: April 1, 1998; exercise price: $23.8125) Lewis L. Glucksman (date: November 14, 1995; exercise price: $20.9375) Ian R. Heap Thomas V. A. Kelsey (date: September 16, 1996; exercise price: $17.1875) Philip L. Wroughton * * * * -1- RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. Director Option Agreement FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, hereby grants to Michael P. Esposito, Jr., a director of the Company on the date hereof (the "Option Holder"), the option to purchase common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Shares"), upon the following terms: WHEREAS, the following terms reflect the Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan, as amended by the First Amendment thereto (the "Plan"); (a) Grant. The Option Holder is hereby automatically granted an option (the "Option") to purchase 300 Shares (the "Option Shares") pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Option is granted as of September 19, 1995 (the "Date of Grant") and such grant is subject to the terms and conditions herein and the terms and conditions of the applicable provisions of the Plan. Such Option shall not be treated as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (b) Status of Option Shares. The Option Shares shall upon issue rank equally in all respects with the other Shares. (c) Option Price. The purchase price for the Option Shares shall be, except as herein provided, $20.00 per Option Share, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Option Price," payable immediately in full upon the exercise of the Option. (d) Term of Option. The Option may be exercised only during the period (the "Option Period") commencing in accordance with paragraph (f) hereof and shall continue until September 19, 2005; thereafter the Option Holder shall cease to have any rights in respect thereof. The right to exercise the Option is subject to sooner termination as provided in paragraph (j) below. (e) No Rights of Shareholder. The Option Holder shall not, by virtue hereof, be entitled to any rights of a shareholder in the Company, either at law or in equity. (f) Exercisability. The Option shall become exercisable in three equal installments, commencing on September 19, 1995 and thereafter on the first and second anniversary thereof, subject to paragraph (j) below. The Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time during the Option Period in regard to all or any portion of the Option which are then exercisable, as may be adjusted pursuant to paragraph (g) below. (g) Adjustments for Recapitalization and Dividends. In the event that, prior to the expiration of the Option, any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other such change affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares, other securities of the Company or of another corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Option Holder and preserve the value of the Option, (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Share subject to the unexercised Option the number and kind of shares, other securities or other consideration into which each outstanding -2- Share shall be changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged, and (ii) the exercise price shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the unexercised Option shall remain the same as immediately prior to such event. (h) Transferability. The Option may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, disposed of or encumbered by the Option Holder, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Option Holder, the Option shall be exercisable only by the Option Holder or by his or her guardian or legal representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may be transferred by the Option Holder to members of his or her "immediate family" or to a trust established for the exclusive benefit of solely one or more members of the Option Holder's "immediate family." Any Option held by the transferee will continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the Option immediately prior to the transfer, except that the Option will be transferable by the transferee only by will or the laws of descent and distribution. For purposes hereof, "immediate family" means the Option Holder's children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, spouse, siblings (including half brothers and sisters), in-laws, and relationships arising because of legal adoption. (i) Exercise of Option. In order to exercise the Option, the Option Holder shall submit to the Company an instrument in writing signed by the Option Holder, specifying the number of Option Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment of the Option Price for the Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised in cash or Shares already owned by the Option Holder (provided that the Option Holder has owned such Shares for a minimum period of six months) and having a total Fair Market Value (as defined below) equal to the exercise price, or in a combination of cash and such Shares. Option Shares will be issued accordingly by the Company within fifteen business days, and a share certificate dispatched to the Option Holder within thirty days. The Company shall not be required to issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of the Option. If any fractional interest in a Share would be deliverable upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part but for the provisions of this paragraph, the Company, in lieu of delivering any such fractional share therefor, shall pay a cash adjustment therefor in an amount equal to their Fair Market Value (or if any Shares are not publicly traded, an amount equal to the book value per share at the end of the most recent fiscal quarter) multiplied by the fraction of the fractional share which would otherwise have been issued hereunder. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to issue any Option Shares hereunder if the issuance of such Option Shares would violate the provision of any applicable law, in which event the Company shall, as soon as practicable, take whatever action it reasonably can so that such Option Shares may be issued without resulting in such violations of law. For purposes hereof, Fair Market Value shall mean the mean between the high and low selling prices per Share on the immediately preceding date (or, if the Shares were not traded on that day, the next preceding day that the Shares were traded) on the principal exchange on which the Shares are traded, as such prices are officially quoted on such exchange. (j) Termination of Service. In the event the Option Holder ceases to be a director of the Company, (i) due to retirement after attainment of age 65 or (ii) due to death or disability, the Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable at the time of termination of service, and the Option may be exercised at any time during the Option Period. If the Option Holder ceases to be a director of the Company for any other reason, the portion of the Option which is not then exercisable shall be cancelled on the date service terminates, and the portion of the Option which is then exercisable may be exercised at any time within six months after the date of such termination, but not later than termination of the Option Period. -3- (k) Obligations as to Capital. The Company agrees that it will at all times maintain authorized and unissued share capital sufficient to fulfill all of its obligations under the Option. (l) Transfer of Shares. The Option, the Option Shares, or any interest in either, may be sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered, or transferred or disposed of in any other manner, in whole or in part, only in compliance with the terms, conditions and restrictions as set forth in the governing instruments of the Company, applicable United States federal and state securities laws and the terms and conditions hereof. Each certificate for Option Shares issued upon exercise of the Option, unless at the time of exercise such Option Shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall bear the following legend: "The securities evidenced hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the `Act'), and may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except (i) in compliance with the provisions of any applicable state securities or `Blue Sky' laws and (ii) (A) pursuant to an effective registration under the Act, (B) in compliance with Rule 144 under the Act, (C) inside the United States to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in compliance with Rule 144A under the Act, (D) outside the United States in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Act or (E) inside the United State to an institutional `accredited investor' as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Act in a transaction which, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company, qualifies as an exempt transaction under the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder." Any certificate issued at any time in exchange or substitution for any certificate bearing such legend shall also bear such legend unless, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, the securities represented thereby need no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth therein. The provisions of this paragraph (l) shall be binding upon all subsequent holders of certificates bearing the above legend and all subsequent holders of the Option, if any. (m) Expenses of Issuance of Option Shares. The issuance of stock certificates upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part, shall be without charge to the Option Holder. The Company shall pay, and indemnify the Option Holder from and against any issuance, stamp or documentary taxes (other than transfer taxes) or charges imposed by any governmental body, agency or official (other than income taxes) by reason of the exercise of the Option in whole or in part or the resulting issuance of the Option Shares. (n) Withholding. The Option Holder agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company for satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding requirements, or similar requirements, arising out of the Option. (o) References. References herein to rights and obligations of the Option Holder shall apply, where appropriate, to the Option Holder's legal representative or estate without regard to whether specific reference to such legal representative or estate is contained in a particular provision of this Option. -4- (p) Settlement of Disputes. Any dispute between the parties arising from or relating to the terms of this Option shall be resolved by arbitration held in the State of Connecticut in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. All costs associated with any arbitration, including all legal expenses, for both parties shall be borne by the Company. (q) Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by courier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently by similar process give notice of: If to the Company: Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 20 Horseneck Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 Attn: Secretary If to the Option Holder: [Address of Option Holder] (r) Governing Law. This Option shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws. (s) Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and any previous agreement or understanding among the parties with respect thereto is superseded by this agreement. (t) Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. -5- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly caused this agreement to be signed as of the Date of Grant. RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Peter A. Appel ------------------------------------- Peter A. Appel Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary /s/ Michael P. Esposito, Jr. ---------------------------------------- Michael P. Esposito, Jr. -6- EX-10.10.7 6 STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS -- NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS -- NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS (1999 ANNUAL GRANTS) Each of the non-employee directors of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. ("RCHI") listed below has entered into Stock Option Agreements with RCHI that are substantially identical in all material respects to the agreement, dated as of January 1, 1999, between RCHI and Michael P. Esposito, Jr., a copy of which is being filed herewith in this Exhibit 10.10.7. Robert Clements Stephen Friedman Lewis L. Glucksman Ian R. Heap Thomas V. A. Kelsey Philip L. Wroughton * * * * RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. Director Option Agreement FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, hereby grants to Michael P. Esposito, Jr., a director of the Company on the date hereof (the "Option Holder"), the option to purchase common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Shares"), upon the following terms: WHEREAS, the following terms reflect the Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan, as amended by the First Amendment thereto (the "Plan"); Grant. The Option Holder is hereby granted an option (the "Option") to purchase 500 Shares (the "Option Shares") pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Option is granted as of January 1, 1999 (the "Date of Grant") and such grant is subject to the terms and conditions herein and the terms and conditions of the applicable provisions of the Plan. Such Option shall not be treated as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Status of Option Shares. The Option Shares shall upon issue rank equally in all respects with the other Shares. Option Price. The purchase price for the Option Shares shall be, except as herein provided, $20.875 per Option Share, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Option Price," payable immediately in full upon the exercise of the Option. Term of Option. The Option may be exercised only during the period (the "Option Period") commencing in accordance with paragraph (f) below and shall continue until January 1, 2009; thereafter the Option Holder shall cease to have any rights in respect thereof. The right to exercise the Option may be subject to sooner termination as provided in paragraph (j) below. No Rights of Shareholder. The Option Holder shall not, by virtue hereof, be entitled to any rights of a shareholder in the Company, either at law or in equity. Exercisability. The Option shall become exercisable on January 1, 2000, subject to paragraph (j) below; provided that such Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable (1) to the extent provided in paragraph (j) below and (2) upon a Change in Control. Subject to paragraph (j) below, the Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time during the Option Period in regard to all or any portion of the Option which is then exercisable, as may be adjusted pursuant to paragraph (g) below. "Change in Control" means and shall be deemed to have occurred if: a. any person (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), other than a Permitted Person or Initial Investor, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 35% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or b. any Initial Investor is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting Securities representing 50% or more of the total voting power of all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or c. the individuals who, as of the Date of Grant, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") together with those who become directors subsequent to such date and whose recommendation, election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors as of such date or whose recommendation, election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board; or d. the required stockholders of the Company approve a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or reorganization of the Company (provided that all material regulatory approvals have been obtained), or consummation of any such transaction, other than any such transaction which would (x) result in at least 60% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such transaction being beneficially owned by the former stockholders of the Company and (y) not otherwise be deemed a Change in Control under subparagraphs a, b, c or e of this paragraph (f); or e. the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes hereof, a Change in Control has occurred. (i) "Initial Investors" means (A) X.L. Insurance Company, Ltd.; (B) The Trident Partnership, L.P.; (C) Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd.; or (D) any majority-owned subsidiary or parent (or equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of the foregoing. (ii) "Permitted Persons" means (A) the Company; (B) any Related Party; or (C) any group (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) comprised of any or all of the foregoing. (iii) "Related Party" means (A) a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; or (C) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of Voting Securities. (iv) "Voting Security" means any security of the Company which carries the right to vote generally in the election of directors. Adjustments for Recapitalization and Dividends. In the event that, prior to the expiration of the Option, any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other such change affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for -2- a different number or kind of shares, other securities of the Company or of another corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Option Holder and preserve the value of the Option, (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Share subject to the unexercised Option the number and kind of shares, other securities or other consideration into which each outstanding Share shall be changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged, and (ii) the exercise price shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the unexercised Option shall remain the same as immediately prior to such event. Transferability. The Option may not be assigned or otherwise transferred, disposed of or encumbered by the Option Holder, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the Option Holder, the Option shall be exercisable only by the Option Holder or by his or her guardian or legal representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may be transferred by the Option Holder to members of his or her "immediate family" or to a trust established for the exclusive benefit of solely one or more members of the Option Holder's "immediate family." Any Option held by the transferee will continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the Option immediately prior to the transfer, except that the Option will be transferable by the transferee only by will or the laws of descent and distribution. For purposes hereof, "immediate family" means the Option Holder's children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, spouse, siblings (including half brothers and sisters), in-laws, and relationships arising because of legal adoption. Exercise of Option. In order to exercise the Option, the Option Holder shall submit to the Company an instrument in writing signed by the Option Holder, specifying the number of Option Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, accompanied by payment of the Option Price for the Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised in cash or Shares already owned by the Option Holder (provided that the Option Holder has owned such Shares for a minimum period of six months) and having a total Fair Market Value (as defined below) equal to the exercise price, or in a combination of cash and such Shares. Option Shares will be issued accordingly by the Company within 15 business days, and a share certificate dispatched to the Option Holder within 30 days. The Company shall not be required to issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of the Option. If any fractional interest in a Share would be deliverable upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part but for the provisions of this paragraph, the Company, in lieu of delivering any such fractional share therefor, shall pay a cash adjustment therefor in an amount equal to their Fair Market Value (or if any Shares are not publicly traded, an amount equal to the book value per share at the end of the most recent fiscal quarter) multiplied by the fraction of the fractional share which would otherwise have been issued hereunder. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to issue any Option Shares hereunder if the issuance of such Option Shares would violate the provision of any applicable law, in which event the Company shall, as soon as practicable, take whatever action it reasonably can so that such Option Shares may be issued without resulting in such violations of law. For purposes hereof, Fair Market Value shall mean the mean between the high and low selling prices per Share on the immediately preceding date (or, if the Shares were not traded on that day, the next preceding day that the Shares were traded) on the principal exchange on which the Shares are traded, as such prices are officially quoted on such exchange. Termination of Service. In the event the Option Holder ceases to be a director of the Company (i) due to retirement after attainment of age 65 or (ii) due to death or disability, the Option, to the extent not already exercisable in full, shall become immediately and fully exercisable at the time of such termination of service, and the Option may be exercised at any time during the Option Period. -3- Subject to paragraph (f) above, if the Option Holder ceases to be a director of the Company for any other reason, the portion of the Option which is not then exercisable shall be cancelled on the date service terminates, and the portion of the Option which is then exercisable may be exercised at any time within six months after the date of such termination, but not later than termination of the Option Period. Obligations as to Capital. The Company agrees that it will at all times maintain authorized and unissued share capital sufficient to fulfill all of its obligations under the Option. Transfer of Shares. The Option, the Option Shares, or any interest in either, may be sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered, or transferred or disposed of in any other manner, in whole or in part, only in compliance with the terms, conditions and restrictions as set forth in the governing instruments of the Company, applicable United States federal and state securities laws and the terms and conditions hereof. Each certificate for Option Shares issued upon exercise of the Option, unless at the time of exercise such Option Shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall bear the following legend or such other legend as the Company deems appropriate: "The securities evidenced hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the `Act'), and may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except (i) in compliance with the provisions of any applicable state securities or `Blue Sky' laws and (ii) (A) pursuant to an effective registration under the Act, (B) in compliance with Rule 144 under the Act, (C) inside the United States to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in compliance with Rule 144A under the Act, (D) outside the United States in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Act or (E) inside the United States to an institutional `accredited investor' as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Act in a transaction which, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company, qualifies as an exempt transaction under the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder." Any certificate issued at any time in exchange or substitution for any certificate bearing such legend or such other legend deemed appropriate by the Company shall also bear such legend unless, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, the securities represented thereby need no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth therein. The provisions of this paragraph (l) shall be binding upon all subsequent holders of certificates bearing the above legend and all subsequent holders of the Option, if any. Expenses of Issuance of Option Shares. The issuance of stock certificates upon the exercise of the Option in whole or in part, shall be without charge to the Option Holder. The Company shall pay, and indemnify the Option Holder from and against any issuance, stamp or documentary taxes (other than transfer taxes) or charges imposed by any governmental body, agency or official (other than income taxes) by reason of the exercise of the Option in whole or in part or the resulting issuance of the Option Shares. Withholding. The Option Holder agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company for satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding requirements, or similar requirements, arising out of the Option. (o) References. References herein to rights and obligations of the Option Holder shall apply, where appropriate, to the Option Holder's legal representative or estate without regard to -4- whether specific reference to such legal representative or estate is contained in a particular provision of this Option. (p) Settlement of Disputes. Any dispute between the parties arising from or relating to the terms of this Option shall be resolved by arbitration held in the State of Connecticut in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. All costs associated with any arbitration, including all legal expenses, for both parties shall be borne by the Company. (q) No Mitigation. To the extent that the vesting of the Option is accelerated upon a Change in Control or upon a termination of service as provided herein, neither the Option, nor any Option Shares nor any interest in either, shall be reduced by any compensation received by the Option Holder in connection with any other employment. (r) Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by courier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently by similar process give notice of: If to the Company: Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. 20 Horseneck Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 Attn: Secretary If to the Option Holder: [Insert address of Option Holder] (s) Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws. (t) Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and any previous agreement or understanding among the parties with respect thereto is superseded by this agreement. (u) Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. -5- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this agreement as of the Date of Grant. RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Peter A. Appel ------------------------------------- Peter A. Appel Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary /s/ Michael P. Esposito, Jr. ---------------------------------------- Michael P. Esposito, Jr. -6- EX-10.13.3 7 AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE PENSION PLAN Note: These exclusions shall not apply for purposes of the "Top Heavy" requirements in Section 9.03 or for allocating Discretionary Employer Contributions if an Integrated Formula is elected in Section 1.05(a)(2). (5) |_| No exclusions. (b) Compensation for the First Year of Participation Contributions for the Plan Year in which an Employee first becomes a Participant shall be determined based on the Employee's Compensation (check one): (1) |_| For the entire Plan Year. (2) |X| For the portion of the Plan Year in which the Employee is eligible to participate in the Plan. 1.05 CONTRIBUTIONS (a) Employer Contributions (check (1) or (2)): (1) |_| Nonintegrated Formula: For each Plan Year, the Employer will contribute for each eligible Participant an amount equal to __________% (not to exceed 25%) of such Participant's Compensation. (2) |X| Integrated Formula:* For each Plan Year, the Employer shall contribute for each Participant an amount equal to (complete both (A) and (B)): (A) 5 % (not less than 3%) of each Participant's Compensation. PLUS (B) 5 % of each Participant's Compensation in excess of the Integration Level as defined in (2)(A) below. This percentage may not exceed the lesser of: (i) the percentage elected in (A) above, or (ii) the Applicable Percentage as defined in (2)(B) below. * Note: Section 1.05 (a), as amended, shall become effective on January 1, 1999. Note: If option (A), (B) or (C) above is selected then Employer contributions can only be funded by the Employer after Plan Year end. Employer contributions funded during the Plan Year shall not be subject to the eligibility requirements of this Section 1.05(a)(3). 1.06 RETIREMENT AGE(S) (a) The Normal Retirement Age under the Plan is (check one): (1) |X| age 65. (2) |_| age ____ (specify between 55 and 64). (3) |_| later of the age ___ (can not exceed 65) or the fifth anniversary of the Participant's Employment Commencement Date. (b) |X| The Early Retirement Age is the first day of the month after the Participant attains age 59 (specify 55 or greater) and completes N/A Years of Service for Vesting. (c) |X| A Participant is eligible for Disability Retirement if he/she (check the appropriate box(es)): (1) |X| satisfies the requirements for benefits under the Employer's Long-Term Disability Plan. (2) |_| satisfies the requirements for Social Security disability benefits. (3) |_| is determined to be disabled by a physician approved by the Employer. 1.07 VESTING SCHEDULE (a) The Participant's vested percentage in Employer contributions elected in Section 1.05(a) shall be based upon the schedule selected below, except with respect to any Plan Year during which the Plan is Top-Heavy. The schedule elected in Section 1.12(d) shall automatically apply for a Top-Heavy Plan Year and all Plan Years thereafter unless the Employer has already elected a more favorable vesting schedule below. (1) Employer Contributions (check one): (A) [Reserved] (B) |_| 100% Vesting immediately *(see note on following page) (C) |_| 3 year cliff (see C below) (D) |_| 5 year cliff (see D below) (E) |_| 6 year graduated (see E below) (F) |_| 7 year graduated (see F below) (G) |X| Other vesting (complete G below) *(see note on following page) VESTING SCHEDULE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Years of Service for Vesting C D E F G* ------- - - - - -- 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1 0% 0% 0% 0% 50% 2 0% 0% 20% 0% 100% 3 100% 0% 40% 20% 100% 4 100% 0% 60% 40% 100% 5 100% 100% 80% 60% 100% 6 100% 100% 100% 80% 100% 7 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Note: A schedule elected under G above must be at least as favorable as one of the schedules in C, D, E or F above. * Note: Section 1.07 (a), as amended, shall apply only to Employees of Employer who commence employment on or after January 1, 1999. For the avoidance of doubt, Employees of Employer who commenced employment prior to January 1, 1999 but first become eligible to participate in the Plan on or after such date shall be governed by the version of such section as in effect prior to this Amendment. Authorized Signature: Risk Capital Reinsurance Company By: /s/ Louis T. Petrillo -------------------------------------------- Louis T. Petrillo Vice President and Associate General Counsel Date: December 3, 1998 EX-10.14.3 8 AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE SAVINGS PLAN 1.07 VESTING SCHEDULE (a) The Participant's vested percentage in Employer contributions (Fixed or Discretionary) elected in Section 1.05(a) and/or Matching Contributions elected in Section 1.05(c) shall be based upon the schedule(s) selected below, except with respect to any Plan Year during which the Plan is Top-Heavy. The schedule elected in Section 1.12(d) shall automatically apply for a Top-Heavy Plan Year and all Plan Years thereafter unless the Employer has already elected a more favorable vesting schedule below.
(1) Employer Contributions (2) Matching Contributions (check one): (check one): (A) |_| N/A - No Employer Contributions (A) |_| N/A - No Matching Contributions (B) |_| 100% Vesting immediately (B) |_| 100% Vesting immediately (C) |_| 3 year cliff (see C below) (C) |_| 3 year cliff (see C below) (D) |_| 5 year cliff (see D below) (D) |_| 5 year cliff (see D below) (E) |_| 6 year graduated (see E below) (E) |_| 6 year graduated (see E below) (F) |_| 7 year graduated (see F below) (F) |_| 7 year graduated (see F below) (G) |_| Other vesting (complete G1 below) (G) |X| Other vesting (complete G2 below) *
VESTING SCHEDULE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Years of Service for Vesting C D E F G* G* ------- - - - - -- -- 0 0% 0% 0% 0% ____ 0% 1 0% 0% 0% 0% ____ 50% 2 0% 0% 20% 0% ____ 100% 3 100% 0% 40% 20% ____ 100% 4 100% 0% 60% 40% ____ 100% 5 100% 100% 80% 60% ____ 100% 6 100% 100% 100% 80% ____ 100% 7 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Note: A schedule elected under G1 or G2 above must be at least as favorable as one of the schedules in C, D, E or F above. *Note: Section 1.07 (a), as amended, shall apply only to Employees of Employer who commence employment on or after January 1, 1999. For the avoidance of doubt, Employees of Employer who commenced employment prior to January 1, 1999 but first become eligible to participate in the Plan on or after such date shall be governed by the version of such section as in effect prior to this Amendment. Authorized Signature: Risk Capital Reinsurance Company By: /s/ Louis T. Petrillo -------------------------------------------- Louis T. Petrillo Vice President and Associate General Counsel Date: December 3, 1998 EX-10.15.3 9 AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN Rider 5 1.05(c) Additional Contributions. Effective January 1, 1999, the Employer shall make an Additional Contribution in accordance with Section 4.04 on behalf of each Participant in an amount equal to 10% (ten percent) of the Participant's Excess Compensation. Employer: Risk Capital Reinsurance Company By: /s/ Louis T. Petrillo Louis T. Petrillo Vice President and Associate General Counsel Date: December 3, 1998 EX-21 10 SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT Name State of Incorporation - ---- ---------------------- Risk Capital Reinsurance Company Nebraska Cross River Insurance Company Nebraska (wholly owned subsidiary of Risk Capital Reinsurance Company) EX-23 11 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS [Letterhead of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP] Consent of Independent Accountants To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-34499) and in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-99974) of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. of our report dated January 29, 1999, except as to Note 14, which is as of March 25, 1999 appearing on page F-2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report on the Financial Statement Schedules, also dated January 29, 1999, except as to Note 14, which is as of March 25, 1999 which appears on page S-1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP New York, New York March 25, 1999 EX-24 12 POWER OF ATTORNEY POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Mark D. Mosca, Paul J. Malvasio and Peter A. Appel, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report of Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, including one or more amendments to such Form 10-K, which amendments may make such changes as such person deems appropriate, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power-of-Attorney on the date set opposite his respective name. Signature Title Date - --------- ----- ---- /s/ Mark D. Mosca President and Chief March 26, 1999 - -------------------------- Executive Officer and Mark D. Mosca Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Robert Clements Chairman and Director - -------------------------- Robert Clements /s/ Paul J. Malvasio Managing Director, Chief March 26, 1999 - -------------------------- Financial Officer and Paul J. Malvasio Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) /s/ Michael P. Esposito, Jr. - -------------------------- Director March 26, 1999 Michael P. Esposito, Jr. /s/ Stephen Friedman - -------------------------- Director March 26, 1999 Stephen Friedman /s/ Lewis L. Glucksman - -------------------------- Director March 26, 1999 Lewis L. Glucksman /s/ Ian R. Heap - -------------------------- Director March 26, 1999 Ian R. Heap /s/ Thomas V. A. Kelsey - -------------------------- Director March 26, 1999 Thomas V. A. Kelsey /s/ Philip L. Wroughton Director March 26, 1999 - -------------------------- Philip L. Wroughton EX-27 13 FDS --
7 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF RISK CAPITAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY AT DECEMBER 31, 1998, AND THE RELATED STATEMENT OF INCOME, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1998 JAN-01-1998 DEC-31-1998 174,540 0 0 291,769 0 0 575,118 12,037 31,087 23,515 757,830 216,657 102,775 0 0 0 0 0 171 397,831 757,830 206,194 15,687 25,252 0 176,125 50,537 16,009 4,462 235 3,091 0 0 0 3,091 .18 .17 70,768 178,957 (2,832) 41,910 18,794 186,189 (2,832) Includes equity in net loss of investees of $1,136. Net income excludes Other Comprehensive income (loss) which the Company adopted 1st Qtr 1998 in a one financial statement approach. Comprehensive loss was $4,375 or $.26 per share Basic and Diluted. Loss reserves net of reinsurance.
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