1 FORM 10-Q SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 [ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended MARCH 31, 2001 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission file number: 1-13277 CNA SURETY CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter) DELAWARE 36-4144905 (State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or organization) Identification No.) CNA PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60685 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (312) 822-5000 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No --- --- APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 42,733,958 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value as of May 4, 2001. 2 CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX Page Part I. Financial Information (Unaudited): Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements: Independent Accountants' Report.................................................. 3 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2001 and at December 31, 2000............................................................. 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 and 2000.......................................................... 5 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 and 2000............................................. 6 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 and 2000.......................................................... 7 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements at March 31, 2001 .......... 8 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations............................................................ 12 Part II. Other Information: Item 1. Legal Proceedings................................................................ 19 Item 2. Changes in the Rights of the Company's Security Holders.......................... 19 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.................................................. 19 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.............................. 19 Item 5. Other Information................................................................ 19 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ................................................ 19 2 3 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of CNA Surety Corporation Chicago, Illinois We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of CNA Surety Corporation and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2001, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and of making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet of CNA Surety Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 12, 2001, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2000 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived. Deloitte & Touche LLP Chicago, Illinois April 30, 2001 3 4 CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (Unaudited) March 31, December 31, 2001 2000 ---------------- --------------- ASSETS Invested assets and cash: Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost: $452,025 and $453,570) $ 462,080 $ 458,284 Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $41,655 and $37,761)................... 33,918 33,927 Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value)...................... 49,874 52,660 Other investments, at fair value............................................... 5,268 5,154 Cash........................................................................... 4,529 5,950 ---------- ---------- Total invested assets and cash.............................................. 555,669 555,975 Deferred policy acquisition costs................................................ 91,993 91,403 Insurance receivables: Premiums, including $32,547 and $31,607 from affiliates........................ 42,599 41,207 Reinsurance, including $11,951 and $13,349 from affiliates..................... 80,611 75,330 Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization: $20,950 and $19,426)....... 148,358 149,882 Property and equipment, at cost (less accumulated depreciation: $14,353 and $13,677)............................................. 15,437 15,332 Prepaid reinsurance premiums..................................................... 2,932 2,532 Receivables for securities sold.................................................. -- 10,406 Other assets..................................................................... 7,424 8,501 ---------- ---------- Total assets.............................................................. $ 945,023 $ 950,568 ========== ========== LIABILITIES Reserves: Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses..................................... $ 212,014 $ 204,457 Unearned premiums.............................................................. 198,456 202,179 ---------- ---------- Total reserves.............................................................. 410,470 406,636 Debt............................................................................. 81,556 101,556 Deferred income taxes, net....................................................... 20,657 19,700 Payable for securities purchased................................................. 2,897 -- Current income taxes payable..................................................... 11,988 6,820 Reinsurance and other payables to affiliates..................................... 9,237 8,117 Other liabilities................................................................ 24,980 33,707 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities........................................................... $ 561,785 $ 576,536 ---------- ---------- Commitments and contingencies (See Note 4) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 20,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding................................................................ -- -- Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 100,000 shares authorized; 44,168 shares issued and 42,725 shares outstanding at March 31, 2001 and 44,146 shares issued and 42,702 shares outstanding at December 31, 2000 ..................... 442 441 Additional paid-in capital....................................................... 253,658 253,497 Retained earnings................................................................ 143,406 135,308 Accumulated other comprehensive income........................................... 1,213 267 Treasury stock, at cost.......................................................... (15,481) (15,481) --------- --------- Total stockholders' equity.................................................. 383,238 374,032 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................................. $ 945,023 $ 950,568 ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 4 5 CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended March 31, ---------------------------------- 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- Revenues: Net earned premiums......................................... $ 76,749 $ 75,687 Net investment income....................................... 7,735 7,201 Net realized investment losses.............................. (29) (4) ----------- ----------- 84,455 82,884 ---------- ---------- Expenses: Net losses and loss adjustment expenses..................... 16,086 13,572 Net commissions, brokerage and other underwriting........... 46,837 44,808 Interest expense............................................ 1,588 1,621 Amortization of intangible assets........................... 1,524 1,525 ---------- ---------- 66,035 61,526 ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes.................................... 18,420 21,358 Income taxes.................................................. 6,476 7,245 ---------- ---------- Net income.................................................... $ 11,944 $ 14,113 ========== ========== Earnings per share............................................ $ 0.28 $ 0.33 ========== ========== Earnings per share, assuming dilution......................... $ 0.28 $ 0.33 ========== ========== Weighted average shares outstanding........................... 42,713 42,962 ========== ========== Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution........ 42,917 43,065 ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 5 6 CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) Common Stock Additional Shares Common Paid-In Comprehensive Retained Outstanding Stock Capital Income Earnings ------------------------ --------------------------- -------------- Balance, December 31, 1999................................... 43,006 $ 441 $ 253,366 $ 95,419 Comprehensive income: Net income................................................. -- -- -- $ 14,113 14,113 Other comprehensive income: Change in unrealized gains on securities (after income taxes), net of reclassification adjustment of $135......... -- -- -- 2,183 -- --------- Total comprehensive income.............................. $ 16,296 ========= Purchase of treasury stock................................... (110) -- -- -- Stock options exercised and other............................ -- -- 1 -- Dividends paid to stockholders............................... -- -- -- (3,432) ------- ------- --------- -------- Balance, March 31, 2000...................................... 42,896 $ 441 $ 253,367 $106,100 ======= ======= ========= ======== Balance, December 31, 2000................................... 42,702 $ 441 $ 253,497 $135,308 Comprehensive income: Net income................................................. -- -- -- $ 11,944 11,944 Other comprehensive income: Change in unrealized gains on securities (after income taxes), net of reclassification adjustment of $209......... -- -- -- 946 -- --------- Total comprehensive income.............................. $ 12,890 ========= Stock options exercised and other............................ 23 1 161 -- Dividends paid to stockholders............................... -- -- -- (3,846) ------- ------- --------- -------- Balance, March 31, 2001...................................... 42,725 $ 442 $ 253,658 $143,406 ======= ======= ========= ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. Accumulated Other Treasury Total Comprehensive Stock Stockholders' Income (Loss) (at cost) Equity ------------------------------------------- Balance, December 31, 1999................................... $ (11,150) $(11,772) $ 326,304 Comprehensive income: Net income................................................. -- -- 14,113 Other comprehensive income: Change in unrealized gains on securities (after income taxes), net of reclassification adjustment of $135......... 2,183 -- 2,183 Total comprehensive income.............................. Purchase of treasury stock................................... -- (1,213) (1,213) Stock options exercised and other............................ -- -- 1 Dividends paid to stockholders............................... -- -- (3,432) --------- -------- --------- Balance, March 31, 2000...................................... $ (8,967) $(12,985) $ 337,956 ========== ========= ========= Balance, December 31, 2000................................... $ 267 $(15,481) $374,032 Comprehensive income: Net income................................................. -- -- 11,944 Other comprehensive income: Change in unrealized gains on securities (after income taxes), net of reclassification adjustment of $209......... 946 -- 946 Total comprehensive income.............................. Stock options exercised and other............................ -- -- 162 Dividends paid to stockholders............................... -- -- (3,846) --------- -------- --------- Balance, March 31, 2001...................................... $ 1,213 $(15,481) $ 383,238 ========= ========= ========= 6 7 CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended March 31, -------------------------------------- 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income........................................................................ $ 11,944 $ 14,113 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization.................................................. 2,381 2,284 Accretion of bond discount, net................................................ 247 319 Net realized investment losses................................................. 29 4 Changes in: Insurance receivables.......................................................... (6,673) (11,040) Reserve for unearned premiums.................................................. (3,723) 3,289 Reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses......................... 7,557 5,015 Deferred policy acquisition costs.............................................. (590) (3,839) Deferred income taxes, net..................................................... 421 591 Reinsurance and other payables to affiliates................................... 1,120 29,337 Other assets and liabilities................................................... (2,689) 346 ----------- ---------- Net cash provided by operating activities.................................... 10,024 40,419 ---------- ---------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Fixed income securities: Purchases...................................................................... (31,673) (29,302) Maturities..................................................................... 25,533 12,864 Sales.......................................................................... 7,408 3,119 Purchases of equity securities.................................................... (4,303) (868) Proceeds from the sale of equity securities....................................... 409 967 Changes in short-term investments................................................. 2,787 (17,742) Purchases of property and equipment............................................... (1,043) (2,300) Changes in receivables/payables for securities sold/purchased..................... 13,303 (1,596) Other, net........................................................................ (88) 269 ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.......................... 12,333 (34,589) ---------- ----------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Principal payments on long-term debt.............................................. (20,000) -- Dividends to stockholders......................................................... (3,846) (3,432) Purchase of treasury stock........................................................ -- (1,213) Other............................................................................. 68 -- ---------- ---------- Net cash used in financing activities........................................ (23,778) (4,645) ----------- ----------- Increase (decrease) in cash........................................................ (1,421) 1,185 Cash at beginning of period......................................................... 5,950 7,237 ---------- ---------- Cash at end of period............................................................... $ 4,529 $ 8,422 ========== ========== Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest....................................................................... $ 1,561 $ 2,127 Income taxes................................................................... $ 750 $ 750 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 7 8 CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2000 (UNAUDITED) 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CNA Surety Corporation and all majority-owned subsidiaries. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Basis of Presentation These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Shareholders. Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, that is not required for interim reporting has been condensed or omitted. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements. All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The financial results for interim periods may not be indicative of financial results for a full year. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2000 Financial Statements to conform with the presentation in the 2001 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Changes In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 entitled "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133"). SFAS No. 133 was subsequently amended by SFAS No. 137, which delayed the effective date by one year, and SFAS No. 138, which clarified four areas which were causing difficulties in implementation. SFAS No. 133 requires the recognition of all derivative financial instruments, including embedded derivative instruments, as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measurement of those instruments at fair value. The accounting for gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of a derivative and the effect on the consolidated financial statements will depend on its hedge designation and whether the hedge is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the asset or liability hedged. If the derivative is designated in a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item will be recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will be recorded in other comprehensive income and will be recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. A derivative that does not qualify as a hedge will be marked to fair value through earnings. The transition adjustments resulting from adoption must be reported in net income or other comprehensive income, as appropriate, as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The Company has adopted this standard effective January 1, 2001, such adoption did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. 8 9 In March of 1998, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopted the Codification of Statutory Accounting Principles ("Codification"). Codification, which intends to standardize regulatory accounting and reporting to state insurance departments, became effective on January 1, 2001. However, statutory accounting principles will continue to be established by individual state laws and permitted practices. The states in which CNA Surety's insurance subsidiaries conduct business required adoption of Codification for the preparation of statutory financial statements effective January 1, 2001. The adoption of Codification increased the Company's statutory capital and surplus as of January 1, 2001 by approximately $21.9 million. 9 10 2. INVESTMENTS The estimated amortized cost and fair value of fixed income securities held by CNA Surety at March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, by investment category, were as follows (dollars in thousands): Gross Gross Amortized Cost Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Fair March 31, 2001 or Cost Gains Losses Value --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government and agencies: U.S. Treasury............................. $ 17,893 $ 382 $ -- $ 18,275 U.S. Agencies............................. 55,573 2,019 (685) 56,907 Collateralized mortgage obligations....... 1,000 4 (4) 1,000 Mortgage pass-through securities.......... 40,920 466 (38) 41,348 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 186,734 6,653 (111) 193,276 Corporate bonds................................ 79,970 1,690 (1,459) 80,201 Non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations 11,714 135 (59) 11,790 Other asset-backed securities: Second mortgages/home equity loans........... 19,637 343 (45) 19,935 Credit card receivables...................... 10,462 203 (30) 10,635 Manufactured housing......................... 7,663 219 (64) 7,818 Other........................................ 6,038 92 -- 6,130 Redeemable preferred stock..................... 14,421 344 -- 14,765 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total fixed income securities............. 452,025 12,550 (2,495) 462,080 Equity securities.............................. 41,655 1,992 (9,729) 33,918 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total..................................... $ 493,680 $ 14,542 $ (12,224) $ 495,998 ========== ========== =========== ========== Gross Gross Amortized Cost Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Fair December 31, 2000 or Cost Gains Losses Value --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government and agencies: U.S. Treasury............................. $ 19,727 $ 279 $ (8) $ 19,998 U.S. Agencies............................. 52,760 1,835 (212) 54,383 Collateralized mortgage obligations....... 1,098 1 (9) 1,090 Mortgage pass-through securities.......... 42,054 149 (189) 42,014 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 208,423 5,136 (929) 212,630 Corporate bonds................................ 62,055 675 (2,011) 60,719 Non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations 12,319 70 (132) 12,257 Other asset-backed securities: Second mortgages/home equity loans........... 18,043 160 (210) 17,993 Credit card receivables...................... 10,490 106 (5) 10,591 Manufactured housing......................... 12,967 143 (235) 12,875 Other........................................ 1,272 69 (3) 1,338 Redeemable preferred stock..................... 12,362 89 (55) 12,396 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Total fixed income securities............. 453,570 8,712 (3,998) 458,284 Equity securities.............................. 37,761 3,562 (7,396) 33,927 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total..................................... $ 491,331 $ 12,274 $ (11,394) $ 492,211 ========== ========== =========== ========== 10 11 3. REINSURANCE The effect of reinsurance on the Company's written and earned premium was as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, --------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 --------------------- --------------------- Written Earned Written Earned --------- --------- --------- --------- Direct.......................... $ 32,657 $ 27,620 $ 30,297 $ 25,880 Assumed from affiliates......... 42,827 51,622 50,358 52,994 Ceded........................... (2,857) (2,493) (1,476) (3,187) --------- --------- --------- --------- $ 72,627 $ 76,749 $ 79,179 $ 75,687 ========= ========= ========= ========= The effect of reinsurance on the Company's provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses was as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, -------------------------- 2001 2000 --------- --------- Gross losses and loss adjustment expenses.......... $ 25,062 $ 36,704 Ceded amounts...................................... (8,976) (23,132) --------- --------- Net losses and loss adjustment expenses............ $ 16,086 $ 13,572 ========= ========= 4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various lawsuits arising in the normal course of business, some seeking material damages. The Company believes the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or its results of operations. 11 12 CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL The following is a discussion and analysis of CNA Surety Corporation ("CNA Surety" or the "Company") and its insurance subsidiaries' operating results, liquidity and capital resources, and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of CNA Surety and notes thereto. FORMATION OF CNA SURETY AND MERGER In December 1996, CNA Financial Corporation ("CNAF") and Capsure Holdings Corp. ("Capsure") agreed to merge (the "Merger") the surety business of CNAF with Capsure's insurance subsidiaries, Western Surety Company ("Western Surety") and Universal Surety of America ("USA"), into CNA Surety Corporation ("CNA Surety" or the "Company"). CNAF, through its operating subsidiaries, writes multiple lines of property and casualty insurance, including surety business that is reinsured by Western Surety. CNAF owns approximately 64% of the outstanding common stock of CNA Surety. Loews Corporation owns approximately 87% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF. The principal operating subsidiaries of CNAF that wrote the surety line of business for their own account prior to the Merger were Continental Casualty Company and its property and casualty affiliates (collectively, "CCC") and The Continental Insurance Company and its property and casualty affiliates (collectively, "CIC"). CIC was acquired by CNAF on May 10, 1995. Pursuant to a reorganization agreement, CCC Surety Operations and Capsure merged their respective operations at the close of business on September 30, 1997 ("Merger Date"). CNAF, through its property and casualty subsidiaries, CCC and CIC, contributed $52.25 million of capital to CNA Surety. Through reinsurance agreements, CCC and CIC ceded to Western Surety all of their net unearned premiums and loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, as of the Merger Date, and will cede to Western Surety all surety business written or renewed by CCC and CIC for a period of five years thereafter. Further, CCC and CIC have agreed to assume the obligation for any adverse development on recorded reserves for CCC Surety Operations as of the Merger Date, to limit the loss ratio on certain defined business written by CNA Surety through December 31, 2000 and to provide certain additional excess of loss reinsurance. BUSINESS CNA Surety's insurance subsidiaries write surety and fidelity bonds in all 50 states through a combined network of approximately 37,000 independent agencies. CNA Surety's principal insurance subsidiaries are Western Surety and USA. The insurance subsidiaries write, on a direct basis or as business assumed from CCC and CIC, small fidelity and non-contract surety bonds, referred to as commercial bonds; small, medium and large contract bonds; international surety and credit insurance; and errors and omissions ("E&O") liability insurance. Western Surety is a licensed insurer in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. USA is licensed in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Western Surety's affiliated company, Surety Bonding Company of America ("SBCA"), is licensed in 25 states and the District of Columbia. 12 13 "SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 The statements which are not historical facts contained in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, product and policy demand and market response risks, the effect of economic conditions, the impact of competitive products, policies and pricing, product and policy development, regulatory changes and conditions, rating agency policies and practices, development of claims and the effect on loss reserves, the performance of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts with the Company, investment portfolio developments and reaction to market conditions, the results of financing efforts, the actual closing of contemplated transactions and agreements, the effect of the Company's accounting policies, and other risks detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. No assurance can be given that the actual results of operations and financial condition will conform to the forward-looking statements contained herein. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS CNA SURETY RESULTS FOR THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000 The components of income for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- Total revenues........................... $ 84,455 $ 82,884 ========== ========== Underwriting income...................... $ 13,826 $ 17,307 Net investment income.................... 7,735 7,201 Net realized investment losses........... (29) (4) Interest expense......................... 1,588 1,621 Amortization of intangible assets........ 1,524 1,525 ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes............... 18,420 21,358 Income taxes............................. 6,476 7,245 ---------- ---------- Net income............................... $ 11,944 $ 14,113 ========== ========== Net income per share..................... $ 0.28 $ 0.33 ========== ========== 13 14 Insurance Underwriting Underwriting results for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 are summarized in the following table (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- Gross written premiums.................... $ 75,484 $ 80,655 ========== ========== Net written premiums...................... $ 72,627 $ 79,179 ========== ========== Net earned premiums....................... $ 76,749 $ 75,687 Net losses and loss adjustment expenses... 16,086 13,572 Net commissions, brokerage and other...... 46,837 44,808 ---------- ---------- Underwriting income....................... $ 13,826 $ 17,307 ========== ========== Loss ratio................................ 21.0% 17.9% Expense ratio............................. 61.0 59.2 ---------- ---------- Combined ratio............................ 82.0% 77.1% ========== ========== Premiums Written CNA Surety primarily markets contract and commercial surety bonds. Contract surety bonds generally secure a contractor's performance and/or payment obligation with respect to a construction project. Contract surety bonds are generally required by federal, state and local governments for public works projects. The most common types include bid, performance and payment bonds. Commercial surety bonds include all surety bonds other than contract and cover obligations typically required by law or regulation. The commercial surety market includes numerous types of bonds categorized as court judicial, court fiduciary, public official, license and permit and many miscellaneous bonds that include guarantees of financial performance. The Company also writes fidelity bonds which cover losses arising from employee dishonesty and other insurance products. Gross written premiums are shown in the table below (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- Contract................................ $ 38,332 $ 37,415 Commercial.............................. 28,991 35,747 Fidelity and other...................... 8,161 7,493 ---------- ---------- $ 75,484 $ 80,655 ========== ========== Effective January 1, 2001, the Company began delaying the recording of written premium until the effective date of the bond, rather than recording on the date the bond is processed ("processed premium"). The change did not impact the recognition of net earned premium but did impact gross written premiums. Gross written premiums decreased 6.4% to $75.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 over the comparable period in 2000. First quarter gross written premium reflects a decrease associated with the change in the timing of recording written premiums of $7.9 million and the discontinuance of the CNA Reinsurance Company, Limited (London) ("CNA Re") assumed international credit and surety business of $3.0 million. Gross written premiums for core direct commercial surety (excluding international reinsurance business assumed from CNA Re) decreased 11.5% to $29.0 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2001. Gross processed premiums for core direct commercial surety increased 8.4% to $35.5 million, but this increase was primarily attributable to fluctuations in large account activity. 14 15 Absent this fluctuation in large account activity, the commercial business would have grown 3.8%. Gross written premiums for contract surety increased 2.5% to $38.3 million. Gross processed premiums for contract surety increased 6.0% to $39.7 million. This increase is primarily due to continued strength in public construction spending. Fidelity and other products increased 8.9% to $8.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 as compared to the same period in 2000. Net written premiums are shown in the table below (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- Contract............................... $ 35,767 $ 35,930 Commercial............................. 28,699 35,315 Fidelity and other..................... 8,161 7,934 ---------- ---------- $ 72,627 $ 79,179 ========== ========== For the three months ended March 31, 2001, net written premiums decreased 8.3% to $72.6 million as compared to the same period in 2000, reflecting the aforementioned gross production variances and the effects of higher reinsurance costs. The reinsurance costs reflected in ceded premiums are based upon reinsurers' loss experience under the Company's surety excess of loss reinsurance contract. Due primarily to increased large losses reported to the Company's excess of loss reinsurers, ceded written premiums increased $1.4 million to $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001. Net written premiums for contract surety business decreased 0.5% to $35.8 million. Net written premiums for commercial surety, excluding international reinsurance business assumed, decreased 11.2% to $28.7 million for the first three months in 2001. The fidelity and other products increased 2.9% to $8.2 million, for the first three months in 2001 as compared to the same period in 2000. Since the second half of calendar year 1999, the Company has experienced an increase in claim severity in the most recent accident years, primarily with respect to large commercial risks. As a result of this increase in large loss activity where the Company cedes loss amounts in excess of $5 million per principal under its excess of loss reinsurance program, CNA Surety is paying higher costs for reinsurance. Given the relatively unfavorable economic outlook for at least the first half of 2001, the Company's reinsurance costs are unlikely to return to historical levels in 2001. The higher reinsurance costs will have an adverse impact on the Company's future results of operations. Underwriting Income Underwriting income decreased 20.1% to $13.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 compared to $17.3 million for the same period in 2000. This decrease is primarily due to adverse loss experience. Increased claim severity, primarily in large commercial risks, has reduced underwriting profits by increasing the estimates of incurred losses for more recent accident years. The period to period changes in underwriting income reflect an 18.5% increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses. Loss Ratio The loss ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 were 21.0% and 17.9%, respectively. The loss ratios included $0.3 million and $2.1 million of net favorable loss reserve development for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Excluding the impact of net favorable loss reserve development, the loss ratios would have been 21.4% and 20.7% for the period ended March 31, 2001 and March 31, 2000, respectively. The increase in the adjusted loss ratio in 2001 relates primarily to changes in business mix. The surety business assumed from CCC and CIC is subject 15 16 to an aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract between CCC and the Company that limits the Company's accident year net loss ratio on this business to 24% for accident years 1997 (October 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997), 1998, 1999 and 2000. Expense Ratio The expense ratio increased to 61.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2001 compared to 59.2% for the same period in 2000. The increase in the expense ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2001 primarily reflects higher operating costs and the impact of higher reinsurance costs on net earned premiums. Net earned premiums increased 1.4% and operating expenses increased at a higher rate of 4.5%, primarily associated with increased technology related expenditures. Investment Income For the three months ended March 31, 2001, net investment income was $7.7 million compared to net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2000 of $7.2 million. The increase in investment income primarily reflects higher average invested assets. The annualized pretax yields for the Company's equity and fixed income portfolio were 5.7% and 5.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The annualized after-tax yields for the Company's equity and fixed income portfolio were 4.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. Net realized investment losses were approximately $29,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2001 compared to $4,000 of net realized investment losses for the same period in 2000. Analysis of Other Operations Amortization expense was $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and March 31, 2000. Intangible assets primarily represent goodwill and identified intangibles arising from the acquisition of Capsure. Intangible assets are generally amortized over 30 years. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2001 decreased slightly for the first quarter of 2001 as compared to the first quarter in 2000. Average debt outstanding was $100.9 million for the first quarter of 2001 compared to $101.9 million in the first quarter of 2000. The weighted average interest rate for the three months ended March 31, 2001 was 6.1% compared to 6.2% for the same period in 2000. Income Taxes Income tax expense was $6.5 million and $7.2 million and the effective income tax rates were 35.2% and 33.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. This increase in the estimated effective tax rate in first quarter 2001 primarily relates to anticipated decreases in tax exempt investment income. 16 17 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES It is anticipated that the liquidity requirements of CNA Surety will be met primarily by funds generated from operations. The principal sources of operating cash flows are premiums, investment income, and sales and maturities of investments. CNA Surety also may generate funds from additional borrowings under the credit facility described below. The primary cash flow uses are payments for claims, operating expenses, federal income taxes, debt service for the credit facility, as well as dividends to CNA Surety stockholders. In general, surety operations generate premium collections from customers in advance of cash outlays for claims. Premiums are invested until such time as funds are required to pay claims and claims adjusting expenses. The Company believes that total invested assets, including cash and short-term investments, are sufficient in the aggregate and have suitably scheduled maturities to satisfy all policy claims and other operating liabilities, including dividend and income tax sharing payments of its insurance subsidiaries. At March 31, 2001, the carrying value of the Company's insurance subsidiaries' invested assets was comprised of $457.0 million of fixed income securities, $33.9 million of equity securities, $22.4 million of short-term investments, $5.3 million of other investments and $5.9 million of cash. At December 31, 2000, the carrying value of the Company's insurance subsidiaries' invested assets was comprised of $453.2 million of fixed income securities, $33.9 million of equity securities, $8.7 million of short-term investments, $5.1 million of other investments and $4.0 million of cash. Cash flow at the parent company level is derived principally from dividend and tax sharing payments from its insurance subsidiaries. The principal obligations at the parent company level are to service debt, pay operating expenses, including income taxes, and pay dividends to stockholders. At March 31, 2001, the parent company's invested assets consisted of $5.1 million of fixed income securities and $26.1 million of short-term investments and cash. At December 31, 2000, the parent company's invested assets consisted of $5.1 million of fixed income securities, $44.0 million of short-term investments and $2.0 million of cash. The Company's consolidated net cash flow provided by operating activities was $10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and $40.4 million for the comparable period in 2000. The decrease in net cash flow provided by operating activities primarily relates to a large increases in reinsurance and other payables to affiliates in the prior period. CNA Surety's bank borrowings are under a five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") that provides for borrowings of up to $130 million. As of March 31, 2001, the Company has unused capacity under the revolver of approximately $50 million. The interest rate on borrowings under the Credit Facility may be fixed, at CNA Surety's option, for a period of one, two, three, or six months and is based on, among other rates, the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), plus the applicable margin. The margin, including the facility fee, was 0.30% at March 31, 2000 and can vary based on CNA Surety's leverage ratio (debt to total capitalization) from 0.25% to 0.40%. As of March 31, 2001, the weighted average interest rate was 5.6% on the $80.0 million of outstanding borrowings. As of December 31, 2000, the weighted average interest rate was 6.9% on the $100.0 million of outstanding borrowings. The Credit Facility contains, among other conditions, limitations on CNA Surety with respect to the incurrence of additional indebtedness and requires the maintenance of certain financial ratios. As of March 31, 2001, the Company was in compliance with all restrictions and covenants contained in the 17 18 Credit Facility agreement. The Credit Facility provides for the payment of all outstanding principal balances by September 30, 2002 with no required principal payments prior to such time. Principal prepayments, if any, and interest payments are expected to be funded primarily through dividends from CNA Surety's insurance subsidiaries. In 1999 CNA Surety acquired certain assets of Clark Bonding Company, Inc., a Charlotte, North Carolina, insurance agency and brokerage doing business as The Bond Exchange for $5.9 million. As part of this acquisition, the Company incurred an additional $1.9 million of debt in the form of a promissory note. The promissory note matures on July 27, 2004 and has an interest rate of 5.0%. The balance of this promissory note at March 31, 2001 was $1.6 million. As an insurance holding company, CNA Surety is dependent upon dividends and other permitted payments from its insurance subsidiaries to pay operating expenses, meet debt service requirements, as well as to pay cash dividends. The payment of dividends by the insurance subsidiaries is subject to varying degrees of supervision by the insurance regulatory authorities in South Dakota and Texas. In South Dakota, where Western Surety and SBCA are domiciled, insurance companies may only pay dividends from earned surplus excluding surplus arising from unrealized capital gains or revaluation of assets. In Texas, where USA is domiciled, an insurance company may only declare or pay dividends to stockholders from the insurer's earned surplus. The insurance subsidiaries may pay dividends without obtaining prior regulatory approval only if such dividend or distribution (together with dividends or distributions made within the preceding 12-month period) is less than, as of the end of the immediately preceding year, the greater of (i) 10% of the insurer's surplus to policyholders or (ii) statutory net income. In South Dakota, net income includes net realized capital gains in an amount not to exceed 20% of net unrealized capital gains. All dividends must be reported to the appropriate insurance department prior to payment. The dividends that may be paid without prior regulatory approval are determined by formulas established by the applicable insurance regulations, as described above. The formulas that determine dividend capacity in the current year are dependent on, among other items, the prior year's ending statutory surplus and statutory net income. Dividend capacity for 2001 is based on statutory surplus and income at and for the year ended December 31, 2000. Without prior regulatory approval in 2001, CNA Surety's insurance subsidiaries may pay stockholder dividends of $60.2 million in the aggregate. CNA Surety received $20.0 million in dividends from its insurance subsidiaries during the first three months of 2001 and 2000. In accordance with the provisions of intercompany tax sharing agreements between CNA Surety and its subsidiaries, the tax of each subsidiary shall be determined based upon each subsidiary's separate return liability. Intercompany tax payments are made at such times as estimated tax payments would be required by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). CNA Surety received tax sharing payments from its subsidiaries of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and $0.8 million for the same period in 2000. CNA Surety management believes that it will have sufficient available resources to meet its present capital needs. 18 19 CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings - None. ITEM 2. Changes in the Rights of the Company's Security Holders - None. ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None. ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders - None. ITEM 5. Other Information - None. ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K: (a) Exhibits: - None. (b) Reports on Form 8-K: March 12, 2001; CNA Surety Corporation Press Release issued on February 12, 2001. 19 20 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. CNA SURETY CORPORATION (Registrant) /s/ John S. Heneghan ------------------------------------------ John S. Heneghan Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Date: May 11, 2001 20