10-Q 1 v122505_10q.htm Unassociated Document
 
 


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________

Commission file no. 001-33143
 
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
04-3106389
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
 
 
 
59 Maiden Lane, 6  th Floor, New York, New York
10038
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(212) 220-7120
(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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act). Yes o  No x

As of July 28, 2008, the Registrant had one class of Common Stock ($.01 par value), of which 59,999,164 shares were issued and outstanding.
 
 


 
INDEX

PART I
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
Unaudited Financial Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 
4
 
 
— Three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
5
 
 
— Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
24
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
39
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures
 
41
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
         
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
42
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
42
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibits
 
43
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signatures
 
44
 
 
- 2 -


PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  Item 1. Financial Statements
 
AMTRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per share data)

    
 
June 30,
 2008
 
December 31,
2007
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
 
ASSETS
         
Investments:
         
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $105,694; $162,661)
 
$
105,657
 
$
161,901
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at market value (amortized cost $959,386; $745,132)
   
919,775
   
726,749
 
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at market value (cost $101,093; $106,956)
   
57,563
   
79,037
 
Short-term investments
   
258,322
   
148,541
 
Other investments
   
15,355
   
28,035
 
Total investments
   
1,356,672
   
1,144,263
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
191,086
   
145,337
 
Assets under management
   
   
18,541
 
Accrued interest and dividends
   
10,254
   
9,811
 
Premiums receivable, net
   
394,952
   
257,756
 
Note receivable – related party
   
21,164
   
20,746
 
Reinsurance recoverable
   
232,838
   
225,941
 
Reinsurance recoverable – related party
   
120,862
   
55,973
 
Prepaid reinsurance premium
   
142,087
   
107,585
 
Prepaid reinsurance premium – related party
   
248,682
   
137,099
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
32,391
   
26,131
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
   
80,853
   
70,903
 
Deferred income taxes
   
48,240
   
36,502
 
Property and equipment, net
   
13,688
   
12,974
 
Goodwill
   
20,199
   
10,549
 
Intangible assets
   
81,633
   
42,683
 
  
 
$
2,995,601
 
$
2,322,794
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Liabilities:
             
Loss and loss expense reserves
 
$
823,023
 
$
775,392
 
Unearned premiums
   
712,391
   
527,758
 
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable
   
95,019
   
39,464
 
Ceded reinsurance premium payable – related party
   
112,936
   
38,792
 
Reinsurance payable on paid losses
   
   
4,266
 
Federal income tax payable
   
616
   
4,123
 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
   
771
   
4,400
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased, at market
   
3,450
   
18,426
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value
   
347,288
   
146,403
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
123,691
   
113,800
 
Derivatives liabilities
   
3,747
   
4,101
 
Note payable – related party
   
167,661
   
113,228
 
Note payable
   
26,845
   
 
Term loan
   
40,000
   
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
123,714
   
123,714
 
Total liabilities
   
2,581,152
   
1,913,867
 
Commitments and contingencies
             
Minority Interest
   
   
18,541
 
Stockholders’ equity:
             
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized, 84,088 and 84,047 issued in June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively; 59,994 and 59,952 outstanding in June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
   
841
   
841
 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized
   
   
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
536,925
   
535,123
 
Treasury stock at cost; 24,094 shares in 2008 and 2007
   
(294,671
)
 
(294,671
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(53,238
)
 
(31,688
)
Retained earnings
   
224,592
   
180,781
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
414,449
   
390,386
 
  
 
$
2,995,601
 
$
2,322,794
 
 
  See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated statements.

- 3 -


AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Revenues:
                 
Premium income:
                 
Net premium written
 
$
132,057
 
$
163,522
 
$
249,499
 
$
324,141
 
Change in unearned premium
   
(16,112
)
 
(33,102
)
 
(36,141
)
 
(75,029
)
Net earned premium
   
115,945
   
130,420
   
213,358
   
249,112
 
Ceding commission – related party
   
35,222
   
   
55,406
   
 
Commission and fee income
   
8,375
   
4,292
   
14,662
   
8,782
 
Net investment income
   
14,190
   
13,019
   
27,721
   
24,410
 
Net realized (loss) gain on investments
   
(2,135
)
 
4,962
   
(7,355
)
 
11,022
 
Other investment (loss) income on managed assets
   
   
2,191
   
(2,900
)
 
1,901
 
Total revenues
   
171,597
   
154,884
   
300,892
   
295,227
 
Expenses:
                         
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
74,134
   
84,999
   
129,299
   
159,556
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
22,691
   
17,447
   
40,999
   
32,030
 
Salaries and benefits
   
17,602
   
9,921
   
29,646
   
18,933
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
15,544
   
5,004
   
25,378
   
12,578
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
2,504
   
3,427
   
7,298
   
6,540
 
Total expenses
   
132,475
   
120,798
   
232,620
   
229,637
 
Operating income from continuing operations
   
39,122
   
34,086
   
68,272
   
65,590
 
Other income (expenses):
                     
Foreign currency gain (loss)
   
(15
)
 
629
   
144
   
119
 
Interest expense
   
(5,541
)
 
(2,531
)
 
(8,170
)
 
(4,335
)
Total other expenses
   
(5,556
)
 
(1,902
)
 
(8,026
)
 
(4,216
)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and minority interest
   
33,566
   
32,184
   
60,246
   
61,374
 
Provision for income taxes
   
7,216
   
8,597
   
14,533
   
16,599
 
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
   
   
2,191
   
(2,900
)
 
1,901
 
Net income
   
26,350
   
21,396
   
48,613
   
42,874
 
 
                     
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.44
 
$
0.36
 
$
0.81
 
$
0.72
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.43
 
$
0.35
 
$
0.80
 
$
0.71
 
Dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.04
   
0.025
 
$
0.08
   
0.045
 
 
See accompanying notes unaudited to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 4 -


AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
  2008
 
  2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities: 
             
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
48,613
 
$
42,874
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
3,736
   
1,986
 
Realized gain on marketable securities
   
(616
)
 
(11,022
)
Non-cash write-down of marketable securities
   
7,971
   
 
Bad debt expense
   
1,237
   
569
 
Accretion of imputed interest
   
101
   
 
Foreign currency (gain) loss
   
(144
)
 
(119
)
Non-cash stock compensation expense
   
1,495
   
785
 
Changes in assets - (increase) decrease:
             
Premiums receivable
   
(91,137
)
 
(72,087
)
Reinsurance recoverable
   
(6,869
)
 
(8,076
)
Reinsurance recoverable – related party
   
(64,889
)
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net
   
(9,950
)
 
(20,969
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
(34,502
)
 
(20,811
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums – related party
   
(111,583
)
   
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
(4,591
)
 
(8,541
)
Deferred tax asset
   
(11,738
)
 
(2,532
)
Changes in liabilities - increase (decrease):
             
Ceded reinsurance premium payable
   
83,991
   
21,116
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
(3,981
)
 
13,399
 
Loss and loss expense reserve
   
47,631
   
80,146
 
Unearned premiums
   
184,553
   
97,428
 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties – related party
   
54,433
   
 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
   
(3,629
)
 
(95
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
90,132
   
114,051
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
Net (purchases) of securities with fixed maturities
   
(237,556
)
 
(112,475
)
Net sales (purchases) of equity securities
   
14,234
   
(12,858
)
Net sales (purchases) of other investments
   
12,680
   
(10,401
)
Note receivable - related party
   
(2,000
)
 
(18,000
)
Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash obtained
   
(55,883
)
 
(11,436
)
Acquisition of renewal rights and goodwill
   
(963
)
 
(1,055
)
Purchase of property and equipment
   
(1,214
)
 
(646
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(270,702
)
 
(166,871
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
Term loan
   
40,000
   
 
Issuance of junior subordinated debentures
   
   
40,000
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
   
185,909
   
86,075
 
Debt financing fees
   
(52
)
 
(820
)
Stock option exercises
   
307
   
 
Dividends distributed on common stock
   
(4,800
)
 
(2,398
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
221,364
   
122,857
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
4,955
   
52
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
45,749
   
70,089
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period
   
145,337
   
59,916
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period
 
$
191,086
 
$
130,005
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
             
Income tax payments
 
$
18,125
 
$
22,790
 
Interest payments on debt
   
7,125
   
4,179
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

- 5 -


Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
1.   
Basis of Reporting

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust” or the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 14, 2008. The balance sheet at December 31, 2007 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
 
These interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year.   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

A detailed description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and management judgments is located in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.   To facilitate period-to-period comparisons, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period consolidated financial statement amounts to conform to current period presentation. There was no effect on net income from the change in presentation.

2.   
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
With the exception of those discussed below, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the three months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the recent accounting pronouncements described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, that are of significance, or potential significance, to us.

In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities” (“FSP 03-6-1”). FSP 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are to be included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 (“SFAS No. 128”), “Earnings Per Share.” This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and requires all presented prior-period earnings per share data to be adjusted retrospectively. The Company does not believe the adoption will have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 163 (“SFAS 163”), “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts”, an interpretation of SFAS Statement No. 60. SFAS 163 requires that an insurance enterprise recognize a claim liability prior to an event of default (insured event) when there is evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. SFAS 163 also clarifies how Statement 60 applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement to be used to account for premium revenue and claim liabilities. Those clarifications will increase comparability in financial reporting of financial guarantee insurance contracts by insurance enterprises. SFAS 163 also requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. SFAS 163 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS 163 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”). This statement supersedes the existing hierarchy contained in the U.S. auditing standards. The existing hierarchy was carried over to Statement No. 162 essentially unchanged. The statement becomes effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to the auditing literature. The new hierarchy is not expected to change current accounting practice in any area.

- 6 -


In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing assumptions about renewal or extension used in estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”). This standard is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under Statement No. 141R and other GAAP. FSP 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The measurement provisions of this standard will apply only to intangible assets of the Company acquired after the effective date.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 161”). Statement 161 requires companies with derivative instruments to disclose information that should enable financial-statement users to understand how and why a company uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect a company's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Statement 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that Statement 161 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51”. SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require that the ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; and changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently. SFAS No. 160 also requires that any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No. 160 also sets forth the disclosure requirements to identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. SFAS No. 160 must be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which SFAS No. 160 is initially applied, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements. The presentation and disclosure requirements are applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The Company does not have a noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries. The Company does not believe the adoption will have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations”. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase. SFAS No. 141(R) also sets forth the disclosures required to be made in the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Accordingly, SFAS No. 141(R) will be applied by the Company to business combinations occurring on or after January 1, 2009.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. Under SFAS 159, companies may elect to measure certain financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected be reported in earnings. SFAS 159 was effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. We chose not elect the fair value option. Therefore, the adoption of SFAS 159 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB FSP 157-2 which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These nonfinancial items include assets and liabilities such as reporting units measured at fair value in a goodwill impairment test and nonfinancial assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis. The partial adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 5. “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for information and related disclosures regarding our fair value measurements.

- 7 -

 
(dollars in thousands)
3. 
Investments

(a) Available-for-Sale Securities

The original cost, estimated market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2008, are presented in the table below:
 
 
 
Original or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
 
Market
value
 
Preferred stock
 
$
5,750
 
$
 
$
(532
)
$
5,218
 
Common stock
   
95,343
   
365
   
(43,363
)
 
52,345
 
U.S. treasury securities
   
15,265
   
277
   
(1
)
 
15,541
 
U.S. government agencies
   
22,985
   
419
   
(4
)
 
23,400
 
U.S. agency - collateralized mortgage obligations
   
323,949
   
942
   
(2,070
)
 
322,821
 
U.S. agency - mortgage backed securities
   
120,286
   
780
   
(805
)
 
120,261
 
Other mortgage backed securities
   
4,239
   
12
   
(24
)
 
4,227
 
Municipal bonds
   
28,303
   
301
   
(256
)
 
28,348
 
Asset backed securities
   
6,417
   
44
   
(133
)
 
6,328
 
Corporate bonds
   
437,942
   
1,013
   
(40,106
)
 
398,849
 
      
 
$
1,060,479
 
$
4,153
 
$
(87,294
)
$
977,338
 
 
  (b) Held-to-Maturity Securities
 
The amortized cost, estimated market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of held to maturity securities as of June 30, 2008 are presented in the table below:

 
 
    Amortized
cost
 
Unrealized
gains
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
U.S. treasury securities
 
$
6,289
 
$
85
 
$
(1
)
$
6,373
 
U.S. government agencies
   
52,634
   
223
   
   
52,857
 
U.S. agency - collateralized mortgage obligations
   
1,553
   
15
   
(12
)
 
1,556
 
U.S. agency - mortgage backed securities
   
45,181
   
135
   
(408
)
 
44,908
 
     
 
$
105,657
 
$
458
 
$
(421
)
$
105,694
 

(c) Investment Income
 
Net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were derived from the following sources:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Fixed maturities
 
$
12,183
 
$
8,236
 
$
23,066
 
$
16,166
 
Equity securities
   
274
   
952
   
805
   
1,440
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
3,534
   
3,691
   
6,869
   
6,175
 
Loss on equity investment in Warrantech
   
(561
)
 
(215
)
 
(561
)
 
(215
)
Note receivable - related party
   
980
   
505
   
1,569
   
1,258
 
 
   
16,410
   
13,169
   
31,748
   
24,824
 
Less: Investment expenses and interest expense on securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
2,220
   
150
   
4,027
   
414
 
 
 
$
14,190
 
$
13,019
 
$
27,721
 
$
24,410
 
 
- 8 -

 
(dollars in thousands)
(d) Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
 
We review our investment portfolio for impairment on a quarterly basis. Impairment of investment securities result in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. As of June 30, 2008, we reviewed our fixed-maturity and equity securities portfolios to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. The Company determined that four equity investments were other-than-temporarily impaired and accordingly wrote down the investments and recorded a $7,230 and $7,972 realized loss during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. There were no write-downs recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
 
The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses of our fixed maturity and equity securities as of June 30, 2008:
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
 
 
 
Fair market
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair market
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair market
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                         
Common and preferred stock
 
$
23,459
 
$
(18,116
)
$
23,386
 
$
(25,779
)
$
46,845
 
$
(43,895
)
U. S. treasury securities
   
2,100
   
(1
)
 
   
   
2,100
   
(1
)
U. S. government agencies
   
1,599
   
(4
)
 
   
   
1,599
   
(4
)
U. S. agency - collateralized mortgage obligations
   
234,910
   
(2,070
)
 
   
   
234,910
   
(2,070
)
U.S. agency - mortgage backed securities
   
60,179
   
(805
)
 
   
   
60,179
   
(805
)
Other mortgage backed securities
   
1,433
   
(21
)
 
197
   
(3
)
 
1,630
   
(24
)
Municipal bonds
   
17,586
   
(256
)
 
   
   
17,586
   
(256
)
Asset backed securities
   
3,265
   
(133
)
 
   
   
3,265
   
(133
)
Corporate bonds
   
238,982
   
(25,605
)
 
116,691
   
(14,501
)
 
355,673
   
(40,106
)
Total temporarily impaired -available-for-sale securities
 
$
583,513
 
$
(47,011
)
$
140,274
 
$
(40,283
)
$
723,787
 
$
(87,294
)
 
 
 
Less than 12 months  
 
12 months or more  
 
Total  
 
   
Fair market
value  
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair market
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
 Fair market
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Held-to-maturity securities:
                           
U.S. treasury securities
 
$
249
 
$
(1
)
$
 
$
 
$
249
 
$
(1
)
U.S. agency - collateralized mortgage obligations
   
   
   
858
   
(12
)
 
858
   
(12
)
U.S. agency - mortgage backed securities
   
   
   
23,850
   
(408
)
 
23,850
   
(408
)
Total temporarily impaired - held-to-maturity securities
 
$
249
 
$
(1
)
$
24,708
 
$
(420
)
$
24,957
 
$
(421
)

(e) Derivatives
 
The following table presents the notional amounts by remaining maturity of the Company’s Total Return Swaps, Credit Default Swaps and Contracts for Differences as of June 30, 2008:
 

 
 
Remaining Life of Notional Amount  (1)
 
 
 
 
One Year
 
Two Through
Five Years
 
Six Through
Ten Years
 
After Ten
Years
 
 
Total
 
Total return swaps
 
$
 
$
13,775
 
$
 
$
 
$
13,775
 
Credit default swaps
   
5,261
   
1,988
   
   
   
7,249
 
Interest rate swaps
   
   
40,000
   
   
   
40,000
 
Contracts for differences
   
   
   
2,066
   
   
2,066
 
  
 
$
5,261
 
$
55,763
 
$
2,066
 
$
 
$
63,090
 
 
 
(1)
Notional amount is not representative of either market risk or credit risk and is not recorded in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
- 9 -

 
(dollars in thousands)
(f) Other
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased, represent obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price and thereby, create a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices. The Company’s liability for securities to be delivered is measured at their fair value and as of June 30, 2008 and was $1,160 for corporate bonds and $2,290 and   for equity securities. These transactions result in off-balance sheet risk, as the Company’s ultimate cost to satisfy the delivery of securities sold, not yet purchased, may exceed the amount reflected at June 30, 2008. Substantially all securities owned are pledged to the clearing broker to sell or repledge the securities to others subject to certain limitations.
 
The Company enters into repurchase agreements. The agreements are accounted for as collateralized borrowing transactions and are recorded at contract amounts. The Company receives cash or securities, that it invests or hold in short term or fixed income securities. As of June 30, 2008, there were $347,288 principal amount outstanding at interest rates between 2.23% and 2.52%. Interest expense associated with these repurchase agreements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was $2,219 and $4,004, respectively, of which $290 was accrued as of June 30, 2008. The Company has approximately $350,288 of collateral pledged in support of these agreements.

4.  
Assets Under Management

In December 2006, the Company formed two, wholly-owned subsidiaries, AmTrust Capital Management, Inc. (ACMI) and AmTrust Capital Management GP, LLC (ACM). Concurrently with these formations, the Company also formed Leap Tide Partners, LP (LTP), a hedge fund limited partnership, for the purpose of managing the assets of its limited partners. ACM has a 1% ownership in LTP. ACMI earns a management fee equal to 1% of the LTP’s assets. ACM also earns an incentive fee of 20% of the cumulative profits of the LTP. Through March 31, 2008 ACM, the general partner of LTP, consolidated LTP in accordance with EITF 04-05 “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights,” as the rights of the limited partners did not overcome the rights of the general partner. Effective April 1, 2008, the limited partnership agreement was amended such that a majority of the limited partners had the right to liquidate the limited partnership. In addition the Company ceased being the managing member of ACM. Due to this amendment, in accordance with EITF 04-05, the Company ceased to consolidate LTP as of April 1, 2008.
 
Through March 31, 2008, we allocated an equivalent portion of the limited partners’ income or loss to minority interest. For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, LTP had an investment (loss) gain of $0 and $2,191, respectively and resulted in an allocation to minority interest of $0 and $2,191. For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, LTP had an investment (loss) gain of $(2,900) and $1,901, respectively and resulted in an allocation to minority interest of $(2,900) and $1,901. The management companies earned approximately $37 and $54 of fees under the agreement during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and $80 and $109 of fees during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 was derived from the following sources:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Equity securities:
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
Dividends
   
   
31
   
8
   
105
 
Realized gain (loss)
   
   
559
   
431
   
1,124
 
Unrealized gain (loss)
   
   
1,599
   
(3,297
)
 
588
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
   
57
   
6
   
193
 
     
   
2,246
   
(2,852
)
 
2,010
 
Less: Investment expenses
   
   
(55
)
 
(48
)
 
(109
)
 
 
$
 
$
2,191
 
$
(2,900
)
$
1,901
 

- 10 -

 
(dollars in thousands)
5.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in SFAS 157. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the SFAS 157 hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

 
·
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.
 
·
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.
 
·
Level 3 - Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use.

In accordance with SFAS 157, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value, including an indication of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.

Investments held to maturity. Investments held to maturity are recorded at cost on a recurring basis and include fixed maturities. Fair value of investments held to maturity is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. If quoted prices in active markets are not available, the Company estimates the fair value of fixed maturities not traded in active markets, by referring to traded securities with similar attributes, using dealer quotations, a matrix pricing methodology, discounted cash flow analyses or internal valuation models. This methodology considers such factors as the issuer’s industry, the security’s rating and tenor, its coupon rate, its position in the capital structure of the issuer, yield curves, credit curves, prepayment rates and other relevant factors. Level 1 investments include those traded on an active exchange, such as the NASDAQ. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the Company’s fixed maturities, other than U.S. treasury securities, are classified as Level 2 investments and include obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and other mortgage backed securities.
 
Investments available for sale. Investments available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include fixed maturities, equity securities, securities sold not yet purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. Fair value of investments is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. If quoted prices in active markets are not available, the Company estimates the fair value of the investments not traded in active markets, including securities purchased (sold) under agreements to resell (repurchase), by referring to traded securities with similar attributes, using dealer quotations, a matrix pricing methodology, discounted cash flow analyses or internal valuation models. This methodology considers such factors as the issuer’s industry, the security’s rating and tenor, its coupon rate, its position in the capital structure of the issuer, yield curves, credit curves, prepayment rates and other relevant factors. Level 1 investments include those traded on an active exchange, such as the NASDAQ. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury are classified as Level 2 investments and include obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and other mortgage backed securities.
 
Other investments. Other investments consist primarily of limited partnerships or hedge funds where the fair value estimate is determined by an external fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals. Due to the significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the Company includes the estimate in the amount disclosed in Level 3.
 
- 11 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

Derivatives. The Company from time to time invests in a limited amount of derivatives and other financial instruments as part of its investment portfolio. Derivatives, as defined in SFAS 133, are financial arrangements among two or more parties with returns linked to an underlying equity, debt, commodity, asset, liability, foreign exchange rate or other index. Unless subject to a scope exclusion, the Company carries all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The changes in fair value of the derivative are presented as a component of operating income. The Company primarily utilizes the following types of derivatives:

 
·
Total return swap contracts (“TRS”), which, are valued based upon market maker quoted prices. Fair values are based on valuations provided by the counterparty based on prices provided by an independent pricing service or dealer runs;

 
·
Credit default swap contracts (“CDS”), which, are valued in accordance with the terms of each contract based on the current interest rate spreads and credit risk of the referenced obligation of the underlying issuer and interest accrual through valuation date. Fair values are based on valuations provided by a counterparty. The Company may be required to deposit collateral with the counterparty if the market values of the contract fall below a stipulated amount in the contract. Such amounts are limited to the total equity of the account; and

 
·
Interest rate swaps (“IRS”), which are valued in terms of the contract between The Company and the issuer of the swaps, are based on the difference between the stated floating rate of the underlying indebtedness, in this case LIBOR, and a predetermined fixed rate for such indebtedness with the result that the indebtedness carries a net fixed interest rate; and
 
 
·
Contracts for difference contracts (“CFD”), which, are valued based on the market price of the underlying stock. The Company may be required to deposit collateral with the counterparty if the market values of the contract fall below a stipulated amount in the contract.
 
The Company estimates fair value using information provided by the portfolio manager for TRS and CDS and the counterparty for CFD.

Fair Value Hierarchy

The following table presents the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2008:

 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Assets:
                 
Held-to-maturity securities
 
$
105,694
 
$
6,373
 
$
99,321
 
$
 
Available-for-sale fixed securities
   
919,775
   
15,541
   
904,234
   
 
Equity securities
   
57,563
   
57,131
   
432
   
 
Other investments
   
15,355
   
   
   
15,355
 
 
 
$
1,098,387
 
$
79,045
 
$
1,003,987
 
$
15,355
 
Liabilities:
                 
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market
 
$
3,450
 
$
2,290
 
$
1,160
 
$
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value
   
347,288
   
   
347,288
   
 
Derivatives
   
3,747
   
   
   
3,747
 
  
 
$
354,485
 
$
2,290
 
$
348,448
 
$
3,747
 
 
- 12 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets as of June 30, 2008:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:  
Other
investments 
 
Derivatives 
 
Total  
 
Beginning balance as of April 1, 2008
 
$
22,739
 
$
(5,932
)
$
16,807
 
Total net losses for the quarter include in:
               
Net income
   
   
2,185
   
2,185
 
Other comprehensive loss
   
(2,706
)
 
   
(2,706
)
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
   
(4,678
)
 
   
(4,678
)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3
   
   
   
 
Ending balance as of June 30, 2008
 
$
15,355
 
$
(3,747
)
$
11,608
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:  
Other
investments 
 
Derivatives 
 
Total  
 
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2008
 
$
28,035
 
$
(4,101
)
$
23,934
 
Total net losses for the six months ended include in:
               
Net income
   
44
   
354
   
398
 
Other comprehensive loss
   
(2,706
)
 
   
(2,706
)
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
   
(10,018
)
 
   
(10,018
)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3
   
   
   
 
Ending balance as of June 30, 2008
 
$
15,355
 
$
(3,747
)
$
11,608
 
 
6.
Debt

Junior Subordinated Debt

The Company established four special purpose trusts between 2005 and 2007 for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The proceeds from such issuances, together with the proceeds of the related issuances of common securities of the trusts, were invested by the trusts in junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company. As a result of FIN 46, the Company does not consolidate such special purpose trusts, as the Company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary under this accounting standard. The equity investment, totaling $3,714 as of June 30, 2008 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, represents the Company’s ownership of common securities issued by the trusts. The debentures require interest-only payments to be made on a quarterly basis, with principal due at maturity. The Company incurred $2,605 of placement fees in connection with these issuances which is being amortized over thirty years.
 
- 13 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

The table below summarizes the Company’s trust preferred securities as of June 30, 2008:

Name of Trust
 
Aggregate
Liquidation
Amount of
Trust
Preferred
Securities
 
Aggregate
Liquidation
Amount of
Common
Securities
 
Aggregate
Principal
Amount
of Notes
 
Stated
Maturity
of Notes
 
Per
Annum
Interest
Rate of
Notes
      
AmTrust Capital Financing Trust I
 
$
25,000
 
$
774
 
$
25,774
   
3/17/2035
   
8.275
%(1)
AmTrust Capital Financing Trust II
   
25,000
   
774
   
25,774
   
6/15/2035
   
7.710
(1)
AmTrust Capital Financing Trust III
   
30,000
   
928
   
30,928
   
9/15/2036
   
8.830
(2)
AmTrust Capital Financing Trust IV
   
40,000
   
1,238
   
41,238
   
3/15/2037
   
7.930
(3)
Total trust preferred securities
 
$
120,000
 
$
3,714
 
$
123,714
             
 
(1)  
The interest rate will change to three-month LIBOR plus 3.40% after the tenth anniversary.
The interest rate will change to LIBOR plus 3.30% after the fifth anniversary.
(3)  
The interest rate will change to LIBOR plus 3.00% after the fifth anniversary.
 
Term Loan

On June 3, 2008, the Company entered into a term loan with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. in the aggregate amount of $40,000. The term of loan is for a period of three years and requires quarterly principal payments of $3,333 beginning on September 3, 2008 and ending on June 3, 2011. The loan carries a variable rate and is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin. The Eurodollar rate is a periodic fixed rate equal to the London Inter bank Offered Rate “LIBOR” plus a margin rate, which was 185 basis points. As of June 30, 2008 the interest rate was 4.52%. The Company can prepay any amount after the first anniversary date without penalty upon prior notice. The term loan contains affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on additional debt, limitations on investments and acquisitions outside the Company’s normal course of business. The loan requires the Company to maintain debt to equity ratio of 0.35 to 1 or less. The Company incurred financing fees of $52 related to the agreement.

On June 4, 2008, the Company entered into a fixed rate interest swap agreement totaling $40,000 to convert the term loan from variable to fixed rates. Under this agreement, the Company will pay a fixed rate of and receive a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 267 basis points. The variable rate is reset every three months, at which time the interest will be settled and will be recognized as adjustments to interest expense.
 
Promissory Note

In connection with the stock and asset purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc. (See Note 12. “Acquisitions”), the Company entered into a promissory note with Unitrin in the amount of $30,000. The note was non interest bearing and requires four annual principal payments of $7,500 beginning on June 1, 2009 through June 1, 2012. The Company calculated imputed interest of $3,155 based on current interest rates available to the Company which was 5.4%. Accordingly, the note’s carrying balance was adjusted to $26,845. The note is required to be paid in full immediately, under certain circumstances involving default of payment or change of control of the Company.
 
Line of Credit

On June 3, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement for an unsecured line of credit with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. in the aggregate amount of $25,000. The line will be used for collateral for letters of credit. The line will expire on June 30, 2009.   Interest payments are required to be paid monthly on any unpaid principal and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 150 basis points.  As of June 30, 2008 there was no outstanding balance on the line of credit. The Company has an outstanding letters of credit in place at June 30, 2008 for $22,409 that reduced the availability on the line of credit to $2,591 as of June 30, 2008. The Company incurred financing fees of $25 related to the agreement.

- 14 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

7.  
Earnings Per Share

The following, is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
26,350
 
$
21,396
 
$
48,613
 
$
42,874
 
 
                         
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic
   
59,989
   
59,959
   
59,979
   
59,959
 
Potentially dilutive shares:
                         
Dilutive shares from stock-based compensation
   
1,012
   
576
   
981
   
338
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - dilutive
   
61,001
   
60,535
   
60,960
   
60,297
 
 
                         
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.44
 
$
0.36
 
$
0.81
 
$
0.72
 
 
                         
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.43
 
$
0.35
 
$
0.80
 
$
0.71
 
 
As of June 30, 2008, there were approximately less than 200 anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share.

8.  
Share Based Compensation

The Company’s 2005 Equity and Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”) permits the Company to grant to officers, employees and non-employee directors of the Company incentive compensation directly linked to the price of the Company’s stock. The Company grants options at prices equal to the closing stock price of the Company’s stock on the dates the options were granted. The Company recognizes compensation expense under SFAS No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment” for its share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards. The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each vesting date. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the award and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. SFAS 123(R)’s fair value valuation method resulted in share-based expense (a component of salaries and benefits) in the amount of approximately $737 and $1,495 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively compared to $424 and $785 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.

The following schedule shows all options granted, exercised, expired and exchanged under the 2005 Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

   
2008
 
2007
 
Amounts in thousands except per share
 
Number of
Shares
 
Amount per
Share
 
Number of
Shares
 
Amount per
Share
 
 
                 
Outstanding beginning of period
   
3,126
 
$
7.00-14.55
   
2,390
 
$
7.00-7.50
 
Granted
   
50
   
15.02
   
160
   
10.56-10.77
 
Exercised
   
(41
)
 
7.50
   
   
 
Cancelled or terminated
   
(15
)
 
7.50
   
(34
)
 
7.50
 
Outstanding end of period
   
3,120
 
$
7.00-15.02
   
2,516
 
$
7.00-10.77
 
 
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the first six months of 2008 was $4.89. As of June 30, 2008 there was approximately $6,200 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements.

- 15 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

9.  
Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the components of comprehensive income:

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Net income
 
$
26,350
 
$
21,396
 
$
48,613
 
$
42,874
 
Unrealized holding gain (loss)
   
(13,329
)
  (1,489 )  
(30,416
)
 
(5,320
)
Reclassification adjustment
   
8,367
    1,826    
8,232
   
4,494
 
Foreign currency translation
   
(268
)
  (1,943    
620
   
(1,433
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
21,120
 
$
19,790
 
$
27,049
   
40,615
 
 
10.  
Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was $7,216 and $14,533, respectively, compared to $8,597 and $16,599 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007. The following table reconciles the Company’s statutory federal income tax rate to its effective tax rate.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and minority interest
 
$
33,566
 
$
32,184
 
$
60,246
 
$
61,374
 
Less: minority interest
   
   
2,191
   
(2,900
)
 
1,901
 
Income from continuing operations after minority interest before provision for income taxes
 
$
33,566
 
$
29,993
 
$
63,146
 
$
59,473
 
 
                         
Income taxes at statutory rates
 
$
11,714
 
$
10,498
 
$
22,101
 
$
20,816
 
Effect of income not subject to US taxation
   
(4,876
)
 
(1,501
)
 
(7,868
)
 
(2,990
)
Other, net
   
378
   
(400
)
 
300
   
(1,227
)
Provision for income taxes as shown on the consolidated statements of earnings
 
$
7,216
 
$
8,597
 
$
14,533
 
$
16,599
 
GAAP effective tax rate
   
21.5
%
 
28.7
%
 
23.0
%
 
27.9
%
 
The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions include the U.S. (federal and state), the United Kingdom and Ireland. The years subject to potential audit vary depending on the tax jurisdiction.  Generally, the Company’s statute of limitation is open for tax years ended December 31, 2004 and forward. At June 30, 2008, the Company has approximately $1,500 of accrued interest and penalties related to FIN 48 unrecognized tax benefits.

During 2006, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed an audit of the Company’s subsidiaries, Associated Industries Insurance Services, Inc. (“AIIS”) and Associated Industries Insurance Company’s (“AIIC”) (collectively “Associated”) which the Company acquired in 2007. For the IRS’ 2002 and 2003 consolidated federal income tax returns, the field examiner indicated Associated underpaid their liability by approximately $3,200. In addition, interest and penalties of $600 were assessed. During 2006, management of Associated accrued a liability for its best estimate of a settlement with the IRS. Although Associated’s management disagrees with the majority of the positions taken by the examiner and has appealed the assessment, the Company has estimated the potential liability related to the audit to be $4,300 (including $1,400 for penalties and interest) and has reflected this position, per FIN 48 guidelines, in the consolidated financial statements. The IRS has recently scheduled an appeals hearing in September 2008 related to the outstanding issues.

During the second quarter, AIIS also received formal notification from the IRS indicating the 2006 consolidated federal income tax return has been selected for audit. The initial audit meeting has been held and related correspondence with the field examiner exchanged. The audit is in the preliminary stage of field work and the initial information document requests have been received. All items requested by the agent have been delivered.

- 16 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

During 2007, the Company, while performing a review of the most recently filed income tax return with the IRS for calendar year ending December 31, 2006, determined an issue exists per FIN 48 guidelines concerning its position related to accrued market discount. The Company reverses accrued market discount income recognized for book purposes when calculating taxable income. The reversal results from the accrued market discount income recognized by the insurance subsidiaries for bonds and other investments. The Company inadvertently reversed the amount related to commercial paper investments on the 2006 income tax return. The Company has estimated the potential liability to be approximately $900 (including $100 for penalties and interest) and has reflected this position, per FIN 48 guidelines, in the consolidated financial statements.
 
11.
Other Investments

In February 2007, the Company participated with H.I.G. Capital, a Miami-based private equity firm, in financing H.I.G. Capital’s acquisition of Warrantech Corporation (“Warrantech”) in a cash merger. The Company contributed $3,850 for a 27% equity interest in Warrantech. Warrantech is an independent developer, marketer and third party administrator of service contracts and after-market warranties primarily for the motor vehicle and consumer products industries. The Company currently provides insurance coverage for Warrantech's consumer product programs and on certain nationwide warranty programs, which produced gross premium written of approximately $32,900 and $6,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and gross premium written of $50,600 and $11,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As the Company does not control Warrantech, the Company accounts for this investment under the equity method. The Company recorded investment loss of approximately $561 and $215 from its equity investment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Additionally, the Company provided Warrantech with a $20,000 senior secured note due January 30, 2012 (note receivable - related party). Interest on the note is payable monthly at a rate of 15% per annum and consists of a cash component at 11% per annum and 4% per annum for the issuance of additional notes (“PIK Notes”) in a principal amount equal to the interest not paid in cash on such date. The Company provided the funding for the senior secured note in two tranches, which included an initial funding of $18,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the remaining $2,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2008. As of June 30, 2008 the carrying value of the note receivable was $21,164 (note receivable - related party).
 
12.
Acquisitions

In June 2008, the Company completed a stock and asset purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc. whereby the Company acquired Unitrin, Inc.’s commercial package business (“UBI”) including its distribution networks, renewal rights and four insurance companies through which Unitrin wrote its UBI business. The acquired insurance companies are located in Kansas, Texas and Wisconsin and are collectively licensed in 33 states. Consideration paid for the transaction was approximately $88,500 and consisted of cash of $61,200, a note payable of $26,800, assumed liabilities of $300 and direct transaction costs of $200. The Company preliminarily recorded $8,800 of goodwill and $41,000 of intangible assets related to distribution networks, trademarks, licenses and non-compete agreements. The note is required to be paid in full immediately, under certain circumstances including default of a payment or change of control of the Company. The results of operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The results of operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. Additionally, at the close of the acquisition, the Company assumed approximately $82,000 of unearned premium from the UBI transaction and then ceded the entire amount to Maiden Insurance pursuant to the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement (see Note 13. “Related Party Transaction”).
 
- 17 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

In accordance with SFAS No. 141, the cost of the acquisition was preliminarily allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the fair values as of the close of acquisition, with the amounts exceeding the fair value recorded as goodwill. As the value of certain assets and liabilities are preliminary in nature, they are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained, including, but not limited to goodwill, intangible assets and other assets and liabilities. The Company expects to finalize the valuations by the end of 2008. The preliminary purchase price allocation as of the date of acquisition is as follows:
 
Assets
      
Investments
 
$
30,673
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
5,263
 
Premium receivable
   
45,296
 
Prepaid reinsurance premium
   
62,829
 
Reinsurance recoverable
   
28
 
Property and equipment
   
1,120
 
Goodwill
   
8,800
 
Intangible assets
   
41,000
 
Other assets
   
2,431
 
Total assets
 
$
197,440
 
         
Liabilities
       
Reinsurance payable on paid losses
 
$
45,708
 
Unearned premiums
   
62,910
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
364
 
Total liabilities
 
$
108,982
 
Total purchase price
 
$
88,458
 
 
In September 2007, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding stock of AIIS a Florida-based workers' compensation managing general agency, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, AIIC, a Florida workers' compensation insurer, also licensed in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi for consideration of approximately $38,854. The $38,854 consisted of approximately $33,930 of cash, $599 of direct acquisition costs and $4,325 for a contingent liability related to income taxes (see Note 10. “Income Taxes”). Upon resolution of the contingency, the will distribute the $4,325 to either the IRS or the sellers of Associated. Additionally, the Company preliminarily recorded $3,720 of goodwill and $10,210 of intangible assets related to trademarks, licenses, distribution networks and non-compete agreements. The Company determined that the trademarks and licenses have indefinite lives and the remaining intangible assets are being amortized over a period of one to 15 years.

The results of operations of Associated have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. Selected unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2007, are set forth below:

 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2007
    
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2007
 
Net premium written
 
$
177,568
 
$
363,972
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
23,597
 
$
46,198
 
Income from continuing operations:
             
per common share - basic
 
$
0.39
 
$
0.77
 
per common share - diluted
 
$
0.39
 
$
0.77
 
 
- 18 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

13.
Related Party Transactions
 
Reinsurance Agreement

Maiden Holdings, Inc. (“Maiden”) is a Bermuda insurance holding company formed by Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind, the principal shareholders, and, respectively, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a Director, and the Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company. Messrs. Karfunkel and Mr. Zyskind contributed $50,000 to Maiden Insurance. In July 2007, Maiden raised approximately $480,600 in a private placement. Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd. (“Maiden Insurance”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maiden, is a class 3 Bermuda insurance company.

During the third quarter of 2007, the Company and Maiden entered into master agreement, as amended, by which they caused the Company’s Bermuda affiliate, AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. (“AII”) and Maiden Insurance to enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement (the “Reinsurance Agreement”) by which (a) AII retrocedes to Maiden Insurance an amount equal to 40% of the premium written by AmTrust’s U.S., Irish and U.K. insurance companies (the “AmTrust Ceding Insurers”), net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance (and in the case of AmTrust’s U.K. insurance subsidiary IGI, net of commissions) and 40% of losses and (b) AII transferred to Maiden Insurance 40% of the AmTrust Ceding Insurer’s unearned premium reserves, effective as of July 1, 2007, with respect to current lines of business, excluding risks for which the AmTrust Ceding Insurers’ net retention exceeds $5,000 (“Covered Business”). AmTrust also has agreed to cause AII, subject to regulatory requirements, to reinsure any insurance company which writes Covered Business in which AmTrust acquires a majority interest to the extent required to enable AII to cede to Maiden Insurance 40% of the premiums and losses related to such Covered Business. The Agreement further provides that the AII receives a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums. The Reinsurance Agreement has an initial term of three years and will automatically renew for successive three year terms thereafter, unless either AII or Maiden Insurance notifies the other of its election not to renew not less than nine months prior to the end of any such three year term. In addition, either party is entitled to terminate on thirty day’s notice or less upon the occurrence of certain early termination events, which include a default in payment, insolvency, change in control of AII or Maiden Insurance, run-off, or a reduction of 50% or more of the shareholders’ equity of Maiden Insurance or the combined shareholders’ equity of AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers. Effective June 1, 2008 the master agreement was amended such that AII agreed to cede and Maiden Insurance agreed to accept and reinsure Retail Commercial Package Business, which the Company, through Affiliates, commenced writing effective June 1, 2008, in connection with its acquisition from Trinity Universal Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc., of its Unitrin Business Insurance unit (“UBI”). AII is ceding 100% of the unearned premium related to in-force Retail Commercial Package Business and losses related thereto assumed by the Company as a result of this acquisition and 40% the Company’s net written premium and losses on Retail Commercial Package Business written or renewed on or after the effective date. The $2,000 maximum liability for a single loss provided in the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement shall not be applicable to Retail Commercial Package Business.  AmTrust receives a ceding commission of 34.375% for Retail Commercial Package Business subject to the amendment. The Company recorded approximately $35,222 and $55,406 of ceding commission income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, as a result of this agreement.
 
The following is the effect on the Company’s balance sheet as of June 30, 2008 and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 related to the Reinsurance Agreement:

   
As of June 30, 2008
 
As of December 31, 2007
 
Assets and liabilities:
             
Reinsurance recoverable
 
$
120,862
 
$
55,973
 
Prepaid reinsurance premium
   
248,682
   
137,099
 
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable
   
112,936
   
38,792
 
Note payable
   
167,661
   
113,228
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2008
 
Six Months Ended 
June 30, 2008
 
Results of operations:
             
Premium written - ceded
 
$
(168,069
)
$
(251,017
)
Change in unearned premium - ceded
   
91,824
   
110,983
 
Earned premium - ceded
 
$
(76,245
)
$
(140,034
)
 
             
Ceding commission on premium written
 
$
54,753
 
$
80,745
 
Ceding commission – deferred
   
(19,531
)
 
(25,339
)
Ceding commission - earned
 
$
35,222
 
$
55,406
 
 
             
Incurred loss and loss adjustment expense - ceded
 
$
48,528
 
$
90,000
 
 
- 19 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

The Reinsurance Agreement requires that Maiden Insurance provide to AII sufficient collateral to secure its proportional share of AII’s obligations to the U.S. AmTrust Ceding Insurers. AII is required to return to Maiden Insurance any assets of Maiden Insurance in excess of the amount required to secure its proportional share of AII’s collateral requirements, subject to certain deductions.

Reinsurance Brokerage Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, AmTrust, through a subsidiary, entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement with Maiden. Pursuant to the brokerage agreement, AmTrust provides brokerage services relating to the Reinsurance Agreement for a fee equal to 1.25% of reinsured premium. The brokerage fee is payable in consideration of AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd.’s brokerage services. The Company recorded $2,101 and $3,138 of brokerage commission during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.

Asset Management Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, AmTrust, through a subsidiary, entered into an asset management agreement with Maiden, pursuant to which it provides investment management services to Maiden. Pursuant to the asset management agreement, AmTrust earns an annual fee equal to 0.35% of average invested assets plus all costs incurred. Effective April 1, 2008, the investment management services fee has been reduced to 0.20%. The Company recorded approximately $460 and $960 of investment management fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, as a result of this agreement.
 
Services Agreement

AmTrust, through its subsidiaries, entered into services agreements in 2008, pursuant to which it provides certain marketing and back office services to Maiden. Pursuant to the services agreements, AmTrust earns a fee equal to reimburse AmTrust for its costs plus 8%. The Company recorded approximately $382 and $498 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of this agreement.
 
Note Payable — Collateral for Proportionate Share of Reinsurance Obligation
 
In conjunction with the Reinsurance Agreement, AII entered into a loan agreement with Maiden Insurance during the fourth quarter of 2007, whereby, Maiden Insurance will lend to AII from time to time for the amount of obligation of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers that AII is obligated to secure, not to exceed an amount equal to the Maiden Insurance’s proportionate share of such obligations to such AmTrust Ceding Insurers in accordance with the reinsurance agreement. The Company is required to deposit all proceeds from the advances into a sub-account of each trust account that has been established for each AmTrust Ceding Insurer. To the extent of the loan, Maiden Insurance shall be discharged from providing security for its proportionate share of the obligations as contemplated by the reinsurance agreement. If an AmTrust Ceding Insurer withdraws loan proceeds from the trust account for the purpose of reimbursing such AmTrust Ceding Insurer, for an ultimate net loss, the outstanding principal balance of the loan shall be reduced by the amount of such withdrawal. The loan agreement was amended in February 2008 to provide for interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 90 basis points and is payable on a quarterly basis. Each advance under the loan is secured by a promissory note. Advances totaled $167,661 as of June 30, 2008. The Company recorded $2,695 of interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Other Reinsurance Agreement

Effective January 1, 2008, Maiden became a participating reinsurer in the first layer of the Company’s workers’ compensation excess of loss program, which provides coverage in the amount of $9 million per occurrence in excess of $1 million,  subject to an annual aggregate deductible of $1.25 million.  Maiden, which is one of two participating reinsurers in the layer, has a 45% participation.  Maiden participates in the first layer of the excess of loss program on the same market terms and conditions as the other participant.

AmTrust Capital Management

AmTrust Capital Management, Inc. (“ACMI”), our wholly owned subsidiary, currently manages approximately $50,400 of our assets. ACMI also serves as the Investment Manager of Leap Tide Partners, L.P., a domestic partnership, (see Note 4 “Assets under Management”) and Leap Tide Offshore, Ltd., a Cayman exempted company, both of which were formed for the purpose of providing qualified third-party investors the opportunity to invest funds in a vehicle managed by ACMI (the “Hedge Funds”).  To date, approximately $18,700 have been invested in the Hedge Funds.  Approximately 88% of these funds were contributed by Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry D. Zyskind.  Our Audit Committee has reviewed the Leap Tide transactions and determined that they were entered into at arm’s-length and did not violate our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

- 20 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

Warrantech

In February of 2007, the Company participated with H.I.G. Capital, a Miami-based private equity firm, in financing H.I.G. Capital’s acquisition of Warrantech (see Note 11 “Other Investments”) in a cash merger. The Company contributed $3,850 for a 27% equity interest Warrantech. Warrantech is an independent developer, marketer and third party administrator of service contracts and after-market warranty primarily for the motor vehicle and consumer product industries. The Company currently provides insurance coverage for Warrantech’s consumer product programs and on certain nationwide warranty programs, which produced gross premium written of approximately $32,900 and $6,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and gross premium written of $50,600 and $11,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company recorded an investment loss of $561 and $215 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As of June 30, 2008 the Company’s equity interest was approximately $2,531. Additionally in 2007, the Company provided Warrantech with a $20,000 senior secured note due January 31, 2012 (note receivable - related party). Interest on the notes is payable monthly at a rate of 15% per annum and consisted of a cash component at 11% per annum and 4% per annum for the issuance of additional notes (“PIK Notes”) in a principle amount equal to the interest not paid in cash on such date. As of June 30, 2008 the carrying value of the note receivable was $21,164 (note receivable - related party).
 
Lease Agreements

In June 2002, we entered into a lease for approximately 9,000 square feet of office space at 59 Maiden Lane in downtown Manhattan from 59 Maiden Lane Associates, LLC, an entity which is wholly owned by Michael Karfunkel and George Karfunkel. Effective January 1, 2008, we entered into an amended lease whereby we increased our leased space to 14,807 square feet and extended the lease through December 31, 2017. The Audit Committee reviewed and approved the amended lease agreement. The Company paid approximately $134 and $84 for the lease for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and $217 and $176 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

In 2008, we entered into a lease for approximately 5,000 square feet of office space in Chicago, Illinois from 33 West Monroe Associates, LLC, an entity which is owned by Michael Karfunkel and George Karfunkel. The audit committee reviewed and approved the lease agreement. The Company paid approximately $31 and $62 for the lease for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.

Employment Relationship

Barry Karfunkel, an analyst with a Company subsidiary, earned approximately $87 and $61 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Additionally, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, he earned $150 and $117. Barry Karfunkel is the son of Michael Karfunkel and the brother-in-law of Barry Zyskind.
 
14.
Contingent Liabilities
 
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are named as defendants in various legal actions arising principally from claims made under insurance policies and contracts. Those actions are considered by the Company in estimating the loss and LAE reserves. The Company’s management believes the resolution of those actions should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
15.  
Segments
 
The Company currently operates three business segments, Small Commercial Business (formerly known as Workers’ Compensation Insurance); Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Insurance; and Specialty Middle-Market Property and Casualty Insurance. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company completed a stock and asset purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc. whereby the Company acquired its retail commercial package business (“UBI”) including its distribution networks, renewal rights and four insurance companies through which Unitrin wrote its UBI business. This business was combined into the Company’s worker’s compensation segment and renamed small commercial business segment. The “Corporate & Other” segment represents the activities of the holding company as well as a portion of fee revenue. In determining total assets (excluding cash and invested assets) by segment the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as premium receivable, deferred acquisition cost, reinsurance recoverable and prepaid reinsurance while the remaining assets are allocated based on net written premium by segment. In determining cash and invested assets by segment, the Company matches certain identifiable liabilities such as unearned premium and loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by segment. The remaining cash and invested assets are then allocated based on net written premium by segment. Investment income and realized gains (losses) are determined by calculating an overall annual return on cash and invested assets and applying that overall return to the cash and invested assets by segment. Interest expense and income taxes are allocated based on net written premium by segment. Additionally, management reviews the performance of underwriting income in assessing the performance of and making decisions regarding the allocation of resources to the segments. Underwriting income excludes, primarily, commission and fee revenue, investment income and other revenues, other underwriting expenses, interest expense and income taxes. Management believes that providing this information in this manner is essential to providing Company’s shareholders with an understanding of the Company’s business and operating performance.
 
- 21 -

 
(dollars in thousands)

The following tables summarize business segments as follows:
 
   
Small commercial business
 
Specialty risk and extended warranty
 
Specialty middle-market property and casualty insurance
 
Corporate and other
 
Total
 
Three months ended June 30, 2008:
                     
Gross premium written
 
$
112,096
 
$
127,308
 
$
61,658
 
$
 
$
301,062
 
                                 
Net premium written
   
40,414
   
61,994
   
29,649
   
   
132,057
 
Change in unearned premium
   
2,218
   
(18,908
)
 
578
   
   
(16,112
)
Net earned premium
   
42,632
   
43,086
   
30,227
   
   
115,945
 
                                 
Ceding commission – related party
   
18,268
   
8,051
   
8,903
   
   
35,222
 
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
24,772
   
29,876
   
19,486
   
   
74,134
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
10,854
   
2,021
   
9,816
   
   
22,691
 
Salaries and benefits
   
9,214
   
4,178
   
4,210
   
   
17,602
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
6,104
   
6,915
   
2,525
   
   
15,544
 
     
50,944
   
42,990
   
36,037
   
   
129,971
 
                                 
Underwriting income
   
9,956
   
8,147
   
3,093
   
   
21,196
 
                                 
Commission and fee income
   
4,578
   
769
   
   
3,028
   
8,375
 
Investment income, realized gain (loss) and income (loss) on managed assets
   
5,208
   
4,315
   
2,532
   
   
12,055
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
(857
)
 
207
 
 
(1,854
)
 
   
(2,504
)
Interest expense
   
(2,094
)
 
(2,244
)
 
(1,203
)
 
   
(5,541
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
   
   
(15
)
     
   
(15
)
Provision for income taxes
   
(3,605
)
 
(3,426
)
 
483
 
 
(668
)
 
(7,216
)
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
   
   
   
   
   
 
Net income
 
$
13,186
 
$
7,753
 
$
3,051
 
$
2,360
 
$
26,350
 
                                 
Three months ended June 30, 2007:
                               
Gross premium written
 
$
78,306
 
$
69,329
 
$
62,385
 
$
 
$
210,020
 
                                 
Net premium written
   
67,462
   
52,491
   
43,570
   
   
163,523
 
Change in unearned premium
   
(1,551
)
 
(19,164
)
 
(12,388
)
 
   
(33,103
)
Net earned premium
   
65,911
   
33,327
   
31,182
   
   
130,420
 
                                 
Ceding commission – related party
   
   
   
   
   
 
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
41,557
   
24,102
   
19,340
   
   
84,999
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
9,444
   
2,394
   
5,609
   
   
17,447
 
Salaries and benefits
   
5,384
   
1,855
   
2,682
   
   
9,921
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
2,637
   
605
   
1,762
   
   
5,004
 
     
59,022
   
28,956
   
29,393
   
   
117,371
 
                                 
Underwriting income
   
6,889
   
4,371
   
1,789
   
   
13,049
 
                                 
Commission and fee income
   
2,398
   
1,794
   
   
100
   
4,292
 
Investment income, realized gain (loss) and income (loss) on managed assets
   
7,642
   
2,866
   
7,473
   
2,191
   
20,172
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
(3,017
)
 
(2,280
)
 
1,870
   
   
(3,427
)
Interest expense
   
(1,085
)
 
(784
)
 
(662
)
 
   
(2,531
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
   
   
629
       
   
629
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(3,662
)
 
(2,058
)
 
(2,848
)
 
(29
)
 
(8,597
)
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
   
   
   
   
(2,191
)
 
(2,191
)
Net income
 
$
9,165
 
$
4,538
 
$
7,622
 
$
71
 
$
21,396
 
 
- 22 -

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Small commercial business
 
Specialty risk and extended warranty
 
Specialty middle-market property and casualty insurance
 
Corporate and other
 
Total
 
                                 
Six months ended June 30, 2008:
                               
Gross premium written
 
$
201,357
 
$
215,077
 
$
119,384
 
$
 
$
535,818
 
                                 
Net premium written
   
91,746
   
100,079
   
57,674
   
   
249,499
 
Change in unearned premium
   
(2,809
)
 
(27,397
)
 
(5,935
)
 
   
(36,141
)
Net earned premium
   
88,937
   
72,682
   
51,739
   
   
213,358
 
                                 
Ceding commission – related party
   
30,177
   
11,482
   
13,747
       
55,406
 
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
49,339
   
47,790
   
32,170
   
   
129,299
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
21,348
   
3,023
   
16,628
   
   
40,999
 
Salaries and benefits
   
16,629
   
6,825
   
6,192
   
   
29,646
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
10,856
   
10,051
   
4,471
   
   
25,378
 
     
98,172
   
67,689
   
59,461
   
   
225,322
 
                                 
Underwriting income
   
20,942
   
16,475
   
6,025
   
   
43,442
 
                                 
Commission and fee income
   
7,337
   
2,565
   
   
4,760
   
14,662
 
Investment income, realized gain (loss) and income (loss) on managed assets
   
9,511
   
6,898
   
3,957
   
(2,900
)
 
17,466
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
(2,797
)
 
(2,918
)
 
(1,583
)
 
   
(7,298
)
Interest expense
   
(3,194
)
 
(3,169
)
 
(1,807
)
 
   
(8,170
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
   
   
144
         
   
144
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(7,318
)
 
(4,602
)
 
(1,517
)
 
(1,096
)
 
(14,533
)
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
   
   
   
   
2,900
   
2,900
 
Net income
 
$
24,481
 
$
15,393
 
$
5,075
 
$
3,664
 
$
48,613
 
 
Six months ended June 30, 2007:
                     
Gross premium written
 
$
168,102
 
$
117,271
 
$
114,320
 
$
-
 
$
399,693
 
                                 
Net premium written
   
152,926
   
90,802
   
80,413
   
-
   
324,141
 
Change in unearned premium
   
(21,806
)
 
(32,775
)
 
(20,448
)
 
-
   
(75,029
)
Net earned premium
   
131,120
   
58,027
   
59,965
   
-
   
249,112
 
                                 
Ceding commission - related party
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
80,381
   
42,012
   
37,163
   
-
   
159,556
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
18,684
   
2,394
   
10,952
   
-
   
32,030
 
Salaries and benefits
   
10,233
   
4,086
   
4,614
   
-
   
18,933
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
6,908
   
1,980
   
3,690
   
-
   
12,578
 
     
116,206
   
50,472
   
56,419
   
-
   
223,097
 
                                 
Underwriting income
   
14,914
   
7,555
   
3,546
   
-
   
26,015
 
                                 
Commission and fee income
   
5,040
   
3,495
   
0
   
247
   
8,782
 
Investment income, realized gain (loss) and income (loss) on managed assets
   
17,696
   
6,951
   
10,785
   
1,901
   
37,333
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
(4,396
)
 
(3,013
)
 
869
   
-
   
(6,540
)
Interest expense
   
(2,046
)
 
(1,214
)
 
(1,075
)
 
-
   
(4,335
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
   
0
   
119
               
119
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(8,632
)
 
(3,957
)
 
(3,941
)
 
(69
)
 
(16,599
)
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(1,901
)
 
(1,901
)
                                 
Net income
 
$
22,576
 
$
9,936
 
$
10,184
 
$
178
 
$
42,874
 
                                 
As of June 30, 2008
                               
Fixed assets
 
$
5,351
 
$
5,309
 
$
3,028
 
$
 
$
13,688
 
Goodwill and intangible assets
   
78,208
   
12,329
   
11,295
   
   
101,832
 
Total assets
   
1,355,414
   
1,137,702
   
502,485
   
   
2,995,601
 
                                 
As of December 31, 2007
                               
Fixed assets
 
$
5,445
 
$
4,641
 
$
2,888
 
$
 
$
12,974
 
Goodwill and intangible assets
   
28,608
   
12,799
   
11,825
   
   
53,232
 
Total assets
   
1,207,453
   
719,463
   
377,337
   
18,541
   
2,322,794
 
 
 
- 23 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The Company is a multinational specialty property and casualty insurer focused on generating consistent underwriting profits. We provide insurance coverage for small businesses and products with high volumes of insureds and loss profiles which we believe are predictable. We target lines of insurance that we believe generally are underserved by larger insurance carriers. The Company has grown by hiring teams of underwriters with expertise in our specialty lines and through stock and asset acquisitions of companies and access to distribution networks and renewal rights to established books of specialty insurance business. We have operations in three business segments:
 
 
·
Small commerical business insurance, which includes workers’ compensation, commercial package and other commercial lines produced by retail companies and brokers in the United States;
 
 
·
Specialty risk and extended warranty coverage for consumer and commercial goods and custom designed coverages, such as accidental damage plans and payment protection plans offered in connection with the sale of consumer and commercial goods, in the United Kingdom, certain other European Union countries and the United States; and
 
 
·
Specialty middle-market property and casualty insurance. We write commercial insurance for homogeneous, narrowly defined classes of insureds, requiring an in-depth knowledge of the insured’s industry segment, through general and other wholesale agents.

In June 2008, the Company completed a stock and asset purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc. whereby the Company acquired its commercial package business (“UBI”) including its distribution networks, renewal rights and four insurance companies through which Unitrin wrote its UBI business. The acquired insurance companies are located in Kansas, Texas and Wisconsin and are collectively licensed in 33 states. Consideration paid for the transaction was approximately $88.5 million and consisted of cash of $61.2 million, a note payable of $26.8 million, assumed liabilities of $0.3 million and direct transaction costs of $0.2 million. The Company preliminarily recorded $8.8 million of goodwill and $41.0 million of intangible assets related to distribution networks, trademarks, licenses and non-compete agreements. The results of operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. In connection with this transaction, the Company amended the Reinsurance Agreement with Maiden Insurance to allow for the cession of commercial business. In addition to cessions to Maiden for UBI business written in the second quarter of 2008, the Company ceded to Maiden $82.2 million of unearned premium from UBI at the acquisition date that is not included in AmTrust’s written premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.

The Company transacts business through eleven insurance company subsidiaries:

   
Name
 
Location of Domicile
 
·
Technology Insurance Company, Inc. (“TIC”)
 
New Hampshire
 
·
Rochdale Insurance Company (“RIC”)
 
New York
 
·
Wesco Insurance Company (“WIC”)
 
Delaware
 
·
Associated Industries Insurance Company, Inc. (“AIIC”)
 
Florida
 
·
Milwaukee Casualty Insurance Co. (“MCIC”)
 
Wisconsin
 
·
Security National Insurance Company (“SNIC”)
 
Texas
 
·
Trinity Universal Insurance Company of Kansas, Inc. (“TK”)
 
Kansas
 
·
Trinity Lloyd’s Insurance Company (“TLIC”)
 
Texas
 
·
AmTrust International Insurance Ltd. (“AII”)
 
Bermuda
 
·
AmTrust International Underwriters Limited (“AIU”)
 
Ireland
 
·
IGI Insurance Company, Ltd. (“IGI”)
 
England

Insurance, particularly workers’ compensation, is, generally, affected by seasonality. The first quarter generally produces greater premiums than subsequent quarters. Nevertheless, the impact of seasonality on our small commercial business and specialty middle market segments has not been significant. We believe that this is because we serve many small commercial businesses in different geographic locations. In addition, seasonality may have been muted by our acquisition activity.

- 24 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)
 
We evaluate our operations by monitoring key measures of growth and profitability. We measure our growth by examining our net income, return on average equity, and our loss, expense and combined ratios. The following provides further explanation of the key measures that we use to evaluate our results:
 
Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written represents estimated premiums from each insurance policy that we write, including as part of an assigned risk pool, during a reporting period based on the effective date of the individual policy. Certain policies that are underwritten by the Company are subject to premium audit at that policy’s cancellation or expiration. The final actual gross premiums written may vary from the original estimate based on changes to the final rating parameters or classifications of the policy.
 
Net Premium Written. Net premium written are gross premiums written less that portion of premium that is ceded to third party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement.
 
Net Premium Earned. Net premium earned is the earned portion of our net premiums written. Insurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written that are not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our commercial lines insurance policies typically have a term of one year. Thus, for a one-year policy written on July 1, 2007 for an employer with a constant payroll during the term of the policy, we would earn half of the premiums in 2007 and the other half in 2008. Our specialty risk and extended warranty coverages are earned over the estimated exposure time period. The terms vary depending on the risk and have an average duration of approximately 31 months, but range in duration from one month to 84 months.
 

Net Expense Ratio. The net expense ratio is a measure of an insurance company's operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of policy acquisition expenses, salaries and benefits, and other insurance general and administrative expenses less ceding commission to net premiums earned.
 
    Net Combined Ratio. The net combined ratio is a measure of an insurance company's overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100%, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.

    Annualized Return on Equity. Return on equity is calculated by dividing net income (net income excludes results of discontinued operations as well as any currency gain or loss associated with discontinued operations on an after tax basis) by the average of shareholders’ equity.

One of the key financial measures that we use to evaluate our operating performance is return on average equity. Our return on average equity was 26.0% and 23.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and 24.2% and 23.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In addition, we target a net combined ratio of 95.0% or lower over the long term, while seeking to maintain optimal operating leverage in our insurance subsidiaries commensurate with our A.M. Best rating objectives. Our net combined ratio was 81.7% and 90.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decline in the combined ratio period over period resulted primarily from ceding commission income from the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement that the Company entered into the third quarter of 2007. We plan to write additional premiums without a proportional increase in expenses and further reduce the expense component of our net combined ratio over time.

- 25 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The Company’s discussion and analysis of its results of operations, financial condition and liquidity are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements. As more information becomes known, these estimates and assumptions could change, which would have an impact on actual results that may differ materially from these estimates and judgments under different assumptions. The Company has not made any changes in estimates or judgments that have had a significant effect on the reported amounts as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2007.

Results of Operations

Consolidated Results of Operations (Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
($ amounts in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Gross premium written
 
$
301,062
 
$
210,020
 
$
535,818
 
$
399,693
 
                           
Net premium written
 
$
132,057
 
$
163,522
 
$
249,499
 
$
324,141
 
Change in unearned premium
   
(16,112
)
 
(33,102
)
 
(36,141
)
 
(75,029
)
Net earned premium
   
115,945
   
130,420
   
213,358
   
249,112
 
Ceding commission – related party
   
35,222
   
   
55,406
   
 
Commission and fee income
   
8,375
   
4,292
   
14,662
   
8,782
 
Net investment income
   
14,190
   
13,019
   
27,721
   
24,410
 
Net realized gains on investments
   
(2,135
)
 
4,962
   
(7,355
)
 
11,022
 
Other investment income on managed assets
   
   
2,191
   
(2,900
)
 
1,901
 
Total revenue
   
171,597
   
154,884
   
300,892
   
295,227
 
                           
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
74,134
   
84,999
   
129,299
   
159,556
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
22,691
   
17,447
   
40,999
   
32,030
 
Salaries and benefits
   
17,602
   
9,921
   
29,646
   
18,933
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
15,544
   
5,004
   
25,378
   
12,578
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
2,504
   
3,427
   
7,298
   
6,540
 
     
132,475
   
120,798
   
232,620
   
229,637
 
Operating income from continuing operations
   
39,122
   
34,086
   
68,272
   
65,590
 
                           
Other income (expense):
                         
Foreign currency gain (loss)
   
(15
)
 
629
   
144
   
119
 
Interest expense
   
(5,541
)
 
(2,531
)
 
(8,170
)
 
(4,335
)
Total other expense
   
(5,556
)
 
(1,902
)
 
(8,026
)
 
(4,216
)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and minority interest
   
33,566
   
32,184
   
60,246
   
61,374
 
                           
Provision for income taxes
   
7,216
   
8,597
   
14,533
   
16,599
 
Minority interest in net loss of subsidiary
   
   
2,191
   
(2,900
)
 
1,901
 
Net income
 
$
26,350
 
$
21,396
 
$
48,613
 
$
42,874
 
                           
Key Measures:
                         
Net loss ratio
   
63.9
%
 
65.2
%
 
60.6
%
 
64.0
%
Net expense ratio
   
17.8
%
 
24.8
%
 
19.0
%
 
25.5
%
Net combined ratio
   
81.7
%
 
90.0
%
 
79.6
%
 
89.6
%
 
- 26 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Consolidated Result of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
 
Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written increased $91.1 million or 43.3% from $210.0 million to $301.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase of $91.1 million was attributable to a $33.8 million increase in our small commercial business, a $58.0 million increase in our specialty risk and extended warranty business and a $0.7 million decrease in our specialty middle-market property and casualty business. The increase in specialty risk and extended warranty business resulted primarily from the underwriting of new coverage plans in the United States as well as the acquisition of IGI in the second quarter of 2007, which contributed approximately $12.4 million of additional gross premium written in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 2007. The increase in the small commercial business gross premium written resulted, primarily, from $38.2 million of gross premium written related to the acquisition of AIIC and UBI offset by declines attributable to mandated rate reduction in New York and Florida.
 
Net Premium Written. Net premium written decreased $31.4 million or 19.2% from $163.5 million to $132.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The decrease of $31.4 million resulted from the cession of $105.1 million of net premium to Maiden Insurance during the second quarter of 2008 under the terms of the Reinsurance Agreement, which was entered into during the third quarter of 2007. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium written increased $73.7 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The increase before cessions by segment was: small commercial business - $19.8 million; specialty risk and extended warranty - $46.8 million; and specialty middle market property and casualty - $7.2 million.

Net Premium Earned. Net premium earned decreased $14.5 million or 11.1% from $130.4 million to $115.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008. The decrease of $14.5 million resulted from the cession of earned premium to Maiden Insurance during the second quarter of 2008 under the terms of the Reinsurance Agreement. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium earned increased $52.4 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The increase by segment before cessions was: small commercial business - $3.3 million; specialty risk and extended warranty - $31.2 million; and specialty middle market property and casualty - $18.0 million.
 
Commission and Fee Income. Commission and fee income increased $4.1 million or 95.3% from $4.3 million to $8.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase resulted from the Reinsurance Agreement and asset management agreement which the Company and Maiden entered during the third quarter of 2007 whereby the Company earned reinsurance brokerage fees and management fees as well as the Company earned fees as a servicing carrier for workers’ compensation assigned risk plans in three additional states.

Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased $1.2 million or 9.0% from $13.0 million to $14.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase resulted primarily from increased invested assets over the two periods. Average invested assets (excluding equity securities) was approximately $1.4 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to approximately $0.9 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $0.5 billion. The increase was offset by overall lower yields on the Company’s fixed maturities.
 
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments. Net realized losses on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $2.1 million, compared to net realized gains of $5.0 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease related to the timing of certain sales of underperforming investments of the Company’s equity portfolio and the non-cash write-down of three equity securities of $7.2 million that were determined to be other than temporarily impaired during the second quarter of 2008.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses decreased $10.9 million or 12.8% from $85.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $74.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The Company’s loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2008 decreased to 63.9% from 65.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The improvement of the loss and loss adjustment ratio resulted from the effect of the Company’s actual loss experience, which has continued to develop more favorably than projected, on the Company’s actuarially projected ultimate losses.
 
Policy Acquisition Expense, Salaries and Benefits Expense and Other Insurance General and Administrative Expense less Ceding Commission. Policy acquisition expense, salaries and benefits expense and other insurance general and administrative expense less ceding commission decreased $11.8 million or 36.4% from $32.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $20.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The expense ratio for the same periods decreased from 24.8% to 17.8%, respectively. The decrease in expense ratio resulted primarily from ceding commission of $35.2 million earned through the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement during the period.
 
- 27 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Operating Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations increased $5.0 million or 14.7% from $34.1 million to $39.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase in income from continuing operations from 2007 to 2008 resulted primarily from earned ceding commission, higher commission and fee income and improvements in loss ratios offset by lower net earned premiums.


    Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense for three months ended June 30, 2008 was $7.2 million which resulted in an effective tax rate of 21.5%. Income tax expense for three months ended June 30, 2007 was $8.6 million which resulted in an effective tax rate of 28.7%. The decrease in our effective rate was due primarily to federal tax-exempt investment income earned during the period ending June 30, 2008 as well as a higher percentage of revenue earned in geographic locations from foreigh operations.

Consolidated Result of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written increased $136.1 million or 34.1% from $399.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $535.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was attributable to a $33.2 million increase in our small commercial business segment, a $97.8 million increase in our specialty risk and extended warranty business and a $5.1 million increase in our specialty middle-market property and casualty business. The increase in the small commercial business segment resulted primarily from the acquisition of AIIC and UBI offset by declines attributable to mandated rate reduction in New York and Florida. The increase in premiums for the specialty risk and extended warranty segment resulted, primarily, from the underwriting of new coverage plans in the United States and the acquisition of IGI in the second quarter of 2007, which contributed an incremental $29.4 million of premium year over year. The increase in the specialty middle-market gross premiums written resulted from, primarily, from the underwriting of new programs and the growth of existing programs.

Net Premium Written. Net premium written decreased $74.6 million or 23.0% from $324.1 million to $249.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The decrease of $74.6 million was net of $188.1 million of net premium written ceded to Maiden Insurance during the first half of 2008 under the terms of the Reinsurance Agreement, which was entered into during the third quarter of 2007. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium written increased $113.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase before cessions by segment was: small commercial business - $18.2 million; specialty risk and extended warranty - $79.0 million; and specialty middle market property and casualty - $16.3 million.

    Net Premium Earned. Net premium earned decreased $35.7 million or 14.4% from $249.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $213.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $35.7 million was net of earned premium ceded to Maiden Insurance during the first half of 2008 under the terms of the Reinsurance Agreement. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium increased $94.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase by segment before cessions was: small commercial business - $12.7 million; specialty risk and extended warranty - $57.7 million; and specialty middle market property and casualty - $24.5 million.
 
  Commission and Fee Income. Commission and fee income increased $5.9 million or 67% from $8.8 million to $14.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase resulted from the Reinsurance Agreement and asset management agreement with Maiden Insurance which the Company entered into during the third quarter of 2007 whereby the Company earned reinsurance brokerage fees and administration fees as well as, the Company earned fees as a servicing carrier for workers’ compensation assigned risk plans in three additional states.

  Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased $3.3 million or 13.6% from $24.4 million to $27.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase resulted from an increase of average invested assets. Average invested assets (excluding equity securities) were approximately $1.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to approximately $0.8 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $0.6 billion or 75%. Additionally, yields on the Company’s fixed maturities declined on a overall basis.

    Net Realized Gains on Investments. Net realized losses on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $7.4 million, compared to net realized gains of $11.0 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease relates to the Company’s write-down of $8.0 million of investments during 2008 and the deterioration of the equity markets in 2008.

- 28 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses decreased $30.3 million or 19.0% from $159.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $129.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Company’s loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2008 decreased to 60.6% from 64.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The improvement of the loss and loss adjustment ratio resulted from the effect of the Company’s actual loss experience on the Company’s actuarially projected ultimate losses which has continued to develop more favorably than projected loss experience.

Policy Acquisition Expense, Salaries and Benefits Expense and Other Insurance General and Administrative Expense less Ceding Commission. Policy acquisition expense, salaries and benefits expense and other insurance general and administrative expense less ceding commission decreased $22.9 million or 36.1% from $63.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $40.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The expense ratio for the same periods decreased from 25.5% to 19.0%, respectively. The decrease in expense ratio resulted primarily from ceding commissions of $55.4 million earned through the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement, which the Company entered during the third quarter of 2007.

Operating Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations increased to $68.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, from $65.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $2.7 million or 4.1%. This increase is attributable to growth in gross premium written combined with improvements in both the loss ratio and expense ratio.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $8.2 million, compared to $4.3 million for the same period in 2007. The increase was attributable primarily to interest expense on collateral loans made by Maiden Insurance pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement as well as a full six months of interest expense on $40 million of trust preferred securities issued in March 2007.
 
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense for six months ended June 30, 2008 was $14.5 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 23.0%. Income tax expense for six months ended June 30, 2007 was $16.6 million which resulting in an effective tax rate of 27.9%. The decrease in our effective rate was due primarily to federal tax-exempt investment income earned during the period ending June 30, 2008 as well as a higher percentage of revenue earned in geographic locations from foreign operations.
Small Commercial Business Segment (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
($ amounts in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Gross premium written
 
$
112,096
 
$
78,306
 
$
201,357
 
$
168,102
 
 
                         
Net premium written
   
40,414
   
67,462
   
91,746
   
152,926
 
Change in unearned premium
   
2,218
   
(1,551
)
 
(2,809
)
 
(21,806
)
Net premium earned
   
42,632
   
65,911
   
88,937
   
131,120
 
 
                         
Ceding commission revenue    
   
18,268
   
   
30,177
   
 
                           
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
24,772
   
41,557
   
49,339
   
80,381
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
10,854
   
9,444
   
21,348
   
18,684
 
Salaries and benefits
   
9,214
   
5,384
   
16,629
   
10,233
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
6,104
   
2,637
   
10,856
   
6,908
 
 
   
50,944
   
59,022
   
98,172
   
116,206
 
Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio (Underwriting income)
 
$
9,956
 
$
6,889
 
$
20,942
 
$
14,914
 
 
                         
Key Measures:
                         
Net loss ratio
   
58.1
%
 
63.0
%
 
55.5
%
 
61.3
%
Net expense ratio
   
18.5
%
 
26.5
%
 
21.0
%
 
27.3
%
Net combined ratio
   
76.6
%
 
89.5
%
 
76.5
%
 
88.6
%
                           
 
- 29 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Small Commercial Business Segment Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written increased $33.8 million or 43.2% from $78.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $112.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Gross premium written increased primarily as a result of the acquisitions of AIIC in the third quarter of 2007 and UBI in the second quarter of 2008 totaling $38.2 million, offset by mandated rate reductions in the states of New York and Florida.

Net Premium Written. Net premium written decreased $27.1 million or 40.1% from $67.5 million to $40.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The decrease of $27.1 million resulted from the cession of $46.7 million of net premium written to Maiden Insurance during the second quarter of 2008 under the Reinsurance Agreement, which the Company entered into during the third quarter of 2007. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium written increased $19.6 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The increase of $19.6 million resulted primarily from a gross premium written increase of $33.8 million period over period partially offset by mandated rate reductions in the state of New York and Florida.

Net Premium Earned. Net premium earned decreased $23.3 million or 35.3% from $65.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $42.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $23.3 million resulted from the cession of net premium earned of $26.5 million to Maiden Insurance during the second quarter of 2008. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium earned increased $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. This increase was a result of the gross premium written in the preceding twelve months being greater than the twelve months ended June 30, 2007.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses decreased $16.8 million or 40.4% from $41.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $24.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The Company’s loss ratio for the segment for the three months ended June 30, 2008 decreased to 58.1% from 63.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The improvement of the loss and loss adjustment ratio resulted from the effect of the Company’s actual loss experience, which has continued to develop more favorably than projected, on the Company’s actuarially projected ultimate losses.

Policy Acquisition Expense, Salaries and Benefits Expense and Other Insurance General and Administrative Expense less Ceding Commission. Policy acquisition expense, salaries and benefits expense and other insurance general and administrative expense less ceding commission decreased $9.6 million or 54.7% from $17.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $7.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The expense ratio decreased from 26.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to 18.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease in expense ratio resulted primarily from ceding commissions of $18.3 million earned through the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement, which the Company entered into during the third quarter of 2007 offset by increased salary expense and other general and administrative expense of $3.8 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

 Net Premiums Earned less Expenses Included in Combined Ratio (Underwriting Income).  Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio increased $3.1 million or 44.5% from $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $10.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. This increase is attributable to improvements in both the loss ratio and expense ratio as well as the ceding commission from Maiden Insurance during the second quarter of 2008.

Small Commercial Business Segment Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written increased $33.3 million or 19.8% from $168.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $201.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Gross premium written increased $33.3 million primarily as a result of the acquisitions of AIIC in the third quarter of 2007 and UBI in the second quarter of 2008.

Net Premium Written. Net premium written decreased $61.2 million or 40.0% from $152.9 million to $91.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The decrease of $61.2 million resulted from the cession of $79.2 million of net premium written to Maiden Insurance during the first half of 2008 pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement entered into during the third quarter of 2007. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium written increased $18.0 million in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. The increase of $18.0 million resulted primarily from a gross premium written increase of $33.3 million period over period.
 
Net Premium Earned. Net premium earned decreased $42.2 million or 32.2% from $131.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $88.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $42.2 million resulted from the cession of net premium earned of $54.9 million to Maiden Insurance during the first half of 2008. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium earned increased $12.7 million in the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007. This increase was a result of the gross premium written in the preceding twelve months being greater than the twelve months ended June 30, 2007.

- 30 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses decreased $31.1 million or 38.6% from $80.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $49.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Company’s loss ratio for the segment for the six months ended June 30, 2008 decreased to 55.5% from 61.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The improvement of the loss and loss adjustment ratio resulted from the effect of the Company’s actual loss experience, which has continued to develop favorably from the Company’s actuarially projected ultimate losses.
 
Policy Acquisition Expense, Salaries and Benefits Expense and Other Insurance General and Administrative Expense less Ceding Commission. Policy acquisition expense, salaries and benefits expense and other insurance general and administrative expense less ceding commission decreased $17.1 million or 47.9% from $35.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $18.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The expense ratio decreased from 27.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to 21.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease in expense ratio resulted primarily from ceding commissions of $30.2 million earned through the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement during the third quarter of 2007 offset by increased salary expense and other general and administrative expense of $6.4 million and $3.9 million, respectively, which resulted from acquisitions.
 
Net Premiums Earned less Expenses Included in Combined Ratio (Underwriting Income).  Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio increased $6.0 or 40.4% from $14.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $20.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. This increase is attributable to strong growth in revenue combined with improvements in the expense ratio.

Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Segment (Unaudited) 

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 Six Months Ended June 30,
 
($ amounts in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Gross premium written
 
$
127,308
 
$
69,329
 
$
215,077
 
$
117,271
 
                           
Net premium written
   
61,994
   
52,491
   
100,079
   
90,802
 
Change in unearned premium
   
(18,908
)
 
(19,164
)
 
(27,397
)
 
(32,775
)
Net premium earned
   
43,086
   
33,327
   
72,682
   
58,027
 
                           
Ceding commission revenue
   
8,051
   
   
11,482
   
 
                           
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
29,876
   
24,102
   
47,790
   
42,012
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
2,021
   
2,394
   
3,023
   
2,394
 
Salaries and benefits
   
4,178
   
1,855
   
6,825
   
4,086
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
6,915
   
605
   
10,051
   
1,980
 
     
42,990
   
28,956
   
67,689
   
50,472
 
Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio (Underwriting income)
 
$
8,147
 
$
4,371
 
$
16,475
 
$
7,555
 
                           
Key Measures:
                         
Net loss ratio
   
69.3
%
 
72.3
%
 
65.8
%
 
72.4
%
Net expense ratio
   
11.8
%
 
14.6
%
 
11.6
%
 
14.6
%
Net combined ratio
   
81.1
%
 
86.9
%
 
77.4
%
 
87.0
%
                           
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Segment Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written increased $58.0 million or 83.6% from $69.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $127.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in premium resulted, primarily, from the underwriting of new coverage plans and the acquisition of IGI in the second quarter of 2007, which contributed $12.4 million of additional premiums.
 
- 31 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Net Premium Written. Net premium written increased $9.5 million or 18.1% from $52.5 million to $62.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase of $9.5 million was net of the cession of $37.2 million of net premium written to Maiden Insurance during the second quarter of 2008 pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement, which the Company entered into during the third quarter of 2007. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium written increased $46.7 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The increase of $46.7 million resulted from an increase in gross premium written in 2008.
 
Net Premium Earned. Net premiums earned increased $9.8 million or 29.3% from $33.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $43.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase of $9.8 million was net of the cession of earned premium of $21.4 million to Maiden Insurance during the second quarter of 2008. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, earned premium increased $31.2 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The increase was a result of an increase in gross premium written in the twelve months June 30, 2008 compared to the twelve months June 30, 2007.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses increased $5.8 million or 24.0% from $24.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $29.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Despite the increase, the loss ratio for the segment for the three months ended June 30, 2007 decreased to 69.3% from 72.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The improvement of the loss and loss adjustment ratio resulted from the effect of the Company’s actual loss experience on the Company’s actuarially projected ultimate losses which has continued to develop more favorably than projected loss experience.
 
Policy Acquisition Expense, Salaries and Benefits Expense and Other Insurance General and Administrative Expense less Ceding Commission. Policy acquisition expense, salaries and benefits expense and other insurance general and administrative expense less ceding commission increased $0.2 million or 4.3% from $4.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $5.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The expense ratio decreased from 14.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to 11.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease in expense ratio resulted primarily from ceding commissions of $8.1 million earned in 2008 from the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement entered during the third quarter of 2007, offset by increases in general and administrative expense of $6.3 million due to acquisitions.
 
Net Premiums Earned less Expenses Included in Combined Ratio (Underwriting Income).  Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio increased $3.7 million from $4.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $8.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. This increase is attributable to growth in revenue and an improvement in both the loss ratio and expense ratio.

Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Segment Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written increased $97.8 million or 83.4% from $117.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $215.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase in premium resulted, primarily, from the underwriting of new coverage plans as well as the acquisition of IGI in the second quarter of 2007, which contributed an additional $29.4 million of premiums in 2008.

Net Premium Written. Net premium written increased $9.3 million or 10.2% from $90.8 million to $100.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase of $9.3 million was net of the cession of $69.7 million of premium written to Maiden Insurance during the first half of 2008 pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement, which the Company entered into during the third quarter of 2007. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium written increased $79.0 million in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. The increase of $79.0 million resulted from an increase in gross premium written in 2008.

Net Premiums Earned. Net premium earned increased $14.7 million or 25.3% from $58.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $72.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase of $14.7 million was net of the cession of net premium earned of $43.0 million to Maiden Insurance during the first half of 2008. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium earned increased $57.7 million in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. The increase was a result of an increase in gross premium written in the twelve months June 30, 2008 compared to the twelve months June 30, 2007.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses increased $5.8 million or 13.8% from $42.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $47.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The loss ratio for the segment for the six months ended June 30, 2007 decreased to 65.8% from 74.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The improvement of the loss and loss adjustment ratio resulted from the effect of the Company’s actual loss experience which has continued to develop more favorably on the Company’s actuarially projected ultimate losses.

- 32 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Policy Acquisition Expense, Salaries and Benefits Expense and Other Insurance General and Administrative Expense less Ceding Commission. Policy acquisition expense, salaries and benefits expense and other insurance general and administrative expense less ceding commission decreased $0.1 million or 0.5% from $8.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $8.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The expense ratio decreased from 14.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to 11.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease in expense ratio resulted primarily from ceding commissions of $11.5 million earned through the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement during the third quarter of 2007 offset by increases in general and administrative expense of $8.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Net Premiums Earned less Expenses Included in Combined Ratio (Underwriting Income).  Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio increased $9.0 million from $7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $16.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. This increase is attributable to growth in revenue and an improvement in the loss ratio and expense ratio.
 
Specialty Middle Market Property and Casualty Segment Results of Operations (Unaudited)  

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 ($ amounts in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Gross premium written
 
$
61,658
 
$
62,385
 
$
119,384
 
$
114,320
 
 
                         
Net premium written
   
29,649
   
43,570
   
57,674
   
80,413
 
Change in unearned premium
   
578
   
(12,388
)
 
(5,935
)
 
(20,448
)
Net premiums earned
   
30,227
   
31,182
   
51,739
   
59,965
 
                           
Ceding commission revenue    
   
8,903
   
   
13,747
   
 
 
                         
Loss and loss adjustment expense
   
19,486
   
19,340
   
32,170
   
37,163
 
Policy acquisition expenses
   
9,816
   
5,609
   
16,628
   
10,952
 
Salaries and benefits
   
4,210
   
2,682
   
6,192
   
4,614
 
Other insurance general and administrative expense
   
2,525
   
1,762
   
4,471
   
3,690
 
 
   
36,037
   
29,393
   
59,461
   
56,419
 
Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio (Underwriting income)
 
$
3,093
 
$
1,789
 
$
6,025
 
$
3,546
 
 
                         
Key Measures:
                         
Net loss ratio
   
64.5
%
 
62.0
%
 
62.2
%
 
62.0
%
Net expense ratio
   
25.3
%
 
32.2
%
 
26.2
%
 
32.1
%
Net combined ratio
   
89.8
%
 
94.3
%
 
88.4
%
 
94.1
%
                           
Specialty Middle Market Segment Result of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written decreased $0.7 million or 1.2% from $62.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $61.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Gross premium written was flat period over period.

Net Premium Written. Net premium written decreased $14.0 million or 32.0% from $43.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $29.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $14.0 million resulted from the cession of $21.2 million of net premium written to Maiden Insurance during the second quarter of 2008 pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement, which the Company entered into during the third quarter of 2007. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium written increased $7.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase of $7.2 million resulted primarily from the gross premium written being consistent period over period.

Net Premium Earned. Net premium earned decreased $1.0 million or 3.1% from $31.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $30.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $1.0 million resulted from the cession of net premium earned of $19.0 million to Maiden Insurance during the first quarter of 2008. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium earned increased $18.0 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The increase was a result of an increase in gross premium written in the twelve months preceding June 30, 2008 compared to the twelve months preceding June 30, 2007.
 
- 33 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses increased $0.1 million or 0.8% from $19.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $19.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The loss ratio for the segment increased for the three months ended June 30, 2008 to 64.5% from 62.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase of the loss and loss adjustment ratio resulted from the effect of the Company’s actual loss experience on the Company’s actuarially projected ultimate losses which developed unfavorably with the projected loss experience.
 
Policy Acquisition Expense, Salaries and Benefits Expense and Other Insurance General and Administrative Expense less Ceding Commission. Policy acquisition expense, salaries and benefits expense and other insurance general and administrative expense less ceding commission decreased $2.4 million or 23.9% from $10.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $7.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The expense ratio decreased from 32.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to 25.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease in expense ratio resulted primarily from ceding commission of $8.9 million earned through the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement during the second quarter of 2008 offset by increased policy acquisition expense of $4.2 million.
 
Net Premiums Earned less Expenses Included in Combined Ratio (Underwriting Income).  Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio were $3.1 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase of $1.3 million resulted from improvements in the expense ratio.

Specialty Middle Market Segment Result of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Gross Premium Written. Gross premium written increased $5.1 million or 4.4% from $114.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $119.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was related to growth in existing program and the underwriting of new programs.

Net Premium Written. Net premium written decreased $22.7 million or 28.3% from $80.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $57.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $22.7 million resulted from the cession of $39.2 million of net premium written to Maiden Insurance during the first quarter of 2008 pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement, which the Company entered into during the third quarter of 2007. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, net premium written increased $16.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase of $16.5 million was reflective of the increase in gross premium written offset by a reduction in fronted gross premium written.

Net Premiums Earned. Net premium earned decreased $8.3 million or 13.7% from $60.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $51.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease of $8.2 million resulted from the cession of $32.8 million of earned premium to Maiden Insurance during the first half of 2008. Before cessions to Maiden Insurance, earned premium increased $24.6 million in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. The increase was a result of an increase in gross premium written in the twelve months preceding June 30, 2008 compared to the preceding twelve months June 30, 2007.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses decreased $5.0 million or 13.4% from $37.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $32.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The loss ratio for the segment increased for the six months ended June 30, 2008 to 62.2% from 62.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Company’s actuarially projected ultimate losses remained consistent period over period.

Policy Acquisition Expense, Salaries and Benefits Expense and Other Insurance General and Administrative Expense less Ceding Commission. Policy acquisition expense, salaries and benefits expense and other insurance general and administrative expense less ceding commission decreased $5.7 million or 29.7% from $19.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $13.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The expense ratio decreased from 32.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to 26.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease in expense ratio resulted primarily from ceding commission of $13.7 million earned through the Maiden Reinsurance Agreement during the first half of 2008 offset by increased policy acquisition expense of $5.7 million.

Net Premiums Earned less Expenses Included in Combined Ratio (Underwriting Income).  Net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio increased $2.5 million or 69.9% from $3.5 million to $6.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively. This increase is attributable to growth in revenue and improvements in the expense ratio.

- 34 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of operating funds are premiums, investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. Our primary uses of operating funds include payments of claims and operating expenses. Currently, we pay claims using cash flow from operations and invest our excess cash primarily in fixed maturity and equity securities. We forecast claim payments based on our historical trends. We seek to manage the funding of claim payments by actively managing available cash and forecasting cash flows on short-term and long-term bases. Cash payments for claims were $119 million and $86 million in the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We expect cash flow from operations should be sufficient to meet our anticipated claim obligations. We further expect that projected cash flow from operations should provide us sufficient liquidity to fund our current operations and anticipated growth for at least the next twelve months.
 
However, if our growth attributable to acquisitions, internally generated growth or a combination of these exceeds our projections, we may have to raise additional capital sooner to support our growth. The following table is summary of our statement of cash flows:

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
($ amounts in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
 
Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in):
             
Operating activities
 
$
90,132
 
$
114,051
 
Investing activities
   
(270,702
)
 
(166,871
)
Financing activities
   
221,364
   
122,857
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was positive for the six months ended June 30, 2008 but lower than net cash provided by operating activities in the six months ended June 30, 2008, primarily because of the increase in claims paid during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Cash used in investing activities during the period represents, primarily, the net purchases (purchases less sales) of investments. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company’s net purchases of fixed income securities totaled approximately $238 million, net purchases of equity securities totaled $14 million and net sales of other investments totaled $13 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company’s net purchases of fixed income securities totaled approximately $112 million, net purchases of equity securities totaled approximately $13 million and net purchases of other investments totaled approximately $10 million. During 2007, the Company had acquisition costs of approximately $12.5 million and additionally the Company provided approximately $18 million related to a secured note (see Note 11 “Other Investments”) in connection with the Warrantech transaction.
 
 Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 consisted of $40 million from entering into a term loan, $186 million received from entering into repurchase agreements offset by dividend payments of $4.8 million. Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 consisted primarily of cash proceeds of $86 million from entering into a reverse purchase agreement, $40 million generated by the issuance of additional junior subordinated debt in connection with the issuance of trust preferred securities offset by dividend payments of $2.4 million.

Term Loan

On June 3, 2008, the Company entered into a term loan with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. in the aggregate amount of $40 million. The term of the loan is for a period of three years and requires quarterly principal payments beginning on September 3, 2008 of $3.3 million and ending on June 3, 2011. The loan carries a variable rate and is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin. The Eurodollar rate is a periodic fixed rate equal to the London Inter bank Offered Rate “LIBOR” and had a margin rate of 185 basis points. The Company can prepay any amount of the loan after the first anniversary date without penalty upon prior notice. The term loan contains affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on additional debt, limitations on investments and acquisitions outside the Company’s normal course of business. The loan requires the Company to maintain debt to equity ratio of 0.35 to 1 or less. The Company incurred financing fees of $0.1 million related to the agreement.

- 35 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)
 
Promissory Note

In connection with the stock and asset purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc., the Company entered into a promissory note with Unitrin in the amount of $30 million. The note bears no interest rate and requires four annual principal payments of $7.5 million beginning on June 1, 2009 through June 1, 2012. The Company calculated imputed interest of $3.2 million based on current interest rates available to the Company. Accordingly, the note’s carrying balance was adjusted to $26.8 million. The note is required to be paid in full immediately, under certain circumstances involving default of payment or change of control of the Company.

Line of Credit


Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase, at Contract Value
 
The Company enters into repurchase agreements. The agreements are accounted for as collateralized borrowing transactions and are recorded at contract amounts. The Company receives cash or securities that it invests or holds in short-term or fixed-income securities. As of June 30, 2008, there were $347.3 million principal amount outstanding at interest rates between 2.2% and 2.5%. Interest expense associated with these repurchase agreements for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $2.2 million of which $4.0 million was accrued as of June 30, 2008. The Company has approximately $350.0 million of collateral pledged in support of these agreements.
 
Note Payable — Collateral for Proportionate Share of Reinsurance Obligation
 
In conjunction with the Reinsurance Agreement between AII and Maiden Insurance, AII entered into a loan agreement with Maiden Insurance during the fourth quarter of 2007, whereby, Maiden Insurance will lend to AII from time to time for the amount of obligation of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers that AII is obligated to secure, not to exceed an amount equal to the Maiden Insurance’s proportionate share of such obligations to such AmTrust Ceding Insurers in accordance with the Reinsurance Agreement. The Company is required to deposit all proceeds from the advances into a sub-account of each trust account that has been established for each AmTrust Ceding Insurer. To the extent of the loan, Maiden Insurance is discharged from providing   security for its proportionate share of the obligations as contemplated by the Reinsurance Agreement. If an AmTrust Ceding Insurer withdraws loan proceeds from the trust account for the purpose of reimbursing such AmTrust Ceding Insurer, for an ultimate net loss, the outstanding principal balance of the loan shall be reduced by the amount of such withdrawal. The loan agreement was amended in February 2008 to provide for interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 90 basis points and is payable on a quarterly basis. Each advance under the loan is secured by a promissory note. Advances totaled $167.7 million as of June 30, 2008.

Reinsurance
 
The Company utilizes reinsurance agreements to reduce its exposure to large claims and catastrophic loss occurrences. These agreements provide for recovery from reinsurers of a portion of losses and LAE under certain circumstances without relieving the insurer of its obligation to the policyholder. Losses and LAE incurred and premiums earned are reflected after deduction for reinsurance. In the event reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under reinsurance agreements, the Company would not be able to realize the full value of the reinsurance recoverable balances. The Company periodically evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers in order to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. Reinsurance does not discharge or diminish the primary liability of the Company; however, it does permit recovery of losses on such risks from the reinsurers.

- 36 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

The Company has coverage for its workers’ compensation line of business under excess of loss reinsurance agreements. The agreements cover losses in excess of $0.5 million through December 31, 2004, $600 effective January 1, 2005 and $1.0 million effective July 1, 2006, per occurrence up to a maximum $130 million ($80 million prior to 2004) in losses per occurrence. Beginning with policies effective January 1, 2006, the Company retains the first $1.0 million per occurrence. We have obtained reinsurance for this line of business with higher limits as our exposures have increased. As the scale of our workers’ compensation business has increased, we have also increased the amount of risk we retain. Our reinsurance for worker’s compensation losses caused by acts of terrorism is more limited than our reinsurance for other types of workers’ compensation losses.

In addition to the coverage that the Company purchases for its workers compensation line of business the Company also purchases property per risk excess of loss coverage that has a limit of $13 million in excess of a retention $2 million; property catastrophe coverage with a limit of $61 million in excess of a retention of $4 million and a casualty excess of loss coverage with a limit of $12 million in excess of a retention of $2 million. The casualty excess of loss reinsurance treaty also provides $20 million in excess of $12 million in clash coverage.

During 2007, TIC acted as servicing carrier on behalf of both the Georgia and Virginia Workers’ Compensation Assigned Risk Plans. In 2006, TIC was only a servicing carrier for the Georgia Assigned Risk Plan. In its role as a serving carrier TIC issues and services certain workers compensation policies to Georgia and Virginia insureds. Those policies are subject to a 100% quota-share reinsurance agreement provided by the National Workers Compensation Reinsurance Pool or a state-based equivalent, which is administered by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (“NCCI”). In 2008, the Company began acting as a servicing carrier for the workers’ compensation assigned risk plans in Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas.
 
As part of the agreement to purchase Wesco Insurance Company from Household Insurance Group Holding Company (“Household”), the Company agreed to write certain business on behalf Household for a three year period. The premium written under this arrangement is 100% reinsured by HSBC Insurance Company of Delaware, a subsidiary of Household. The reinsurance recoverable associated with this business is guaranteed by Household.
 
During the third quarter of 2007, the Company and Maiden entered into a master agreement, as amended, by which they caused the Company’s Bermuda affiliate, AII and Maiden Insurance to enter into a the Reinsurance Agreement by which (a) AII retrocedes to Maiden Insurance an amount equal to 40% of the premium written by AmTrust’s U.S., Irish and U.K. insurance companies (the “AmTrust Ceding Insurers”), net of the cost of unaffiliated insuring reinsurance (and in the case of AmTrust’s U.K. insurance subsidiary IGI, net of commissions) and 40% of losses and (b) AII transferred to Maiden Insurance 40% of the AmTrust Ceding Insurer’s unearned premium reserves, effective as of July 1, 2007, with respect to then current lines of business, excluding risks for which the AmTrust Ceding Insurers’ net retention exceeds $5 million (“Covered Business”). AmTrust also agreed to cause AII, subject to regulatory requirements, to reinsure any insurance company which writes Covered Business in which AmTrust acquires a majority interest to the extent required to enable AII to cede to Maiden Insurance 40% of the premiums and losses related to such Covered Business. The Agreement further provides that the AII receives a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums for the lines of business written by AmTrust on the effective date. The Reinsurance Agreement has an initial term of three years and will automatically renew for successive three year terms thereafter, unless either AII or Maiden Insurance notifies the other of its election not to renew not less than six months prior to the end of any such three year term. In addition, either party is entitled to terminate on thirty day’s notice or less upon the occurrence of certain early termination events, which include a default in payment, insolvency, change in control of AII or Maiden Insurance, run-off, or a reduction of 50% or more of the shareholders’ equity of Maiden Insurance or the combined shareholders’ equity of AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers. Effective June 1, 2008 the master agreement was amended such that AII agreed to cede and Maiden Insurance agreed to accept and reinsure Retail Commercial Package Business, which the Company, through Affiliates, commenced writing effective June 1, 2008, in connection with its acquisition from TUIC, a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc., of its Unitrin Business Insurance unit (“UBI”). AII is ceding 100% of the unearned premium related to in-force Retail Commercial Package Business and losses related thereto assumed by the Company as a result of this acquisition and 40% the Company’s net written premium and losses on Retail Commercial Package Business written or renewed on or after June 1, 2008. The $2 million maximum liability for a single loss provided in the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement shall not be applicable to Retail Commercial Package Business.  AmTrust receives a ceding commission of 34.375% for Retail Commercial Package Business subject to the amendment.

Effective January 1, 2008, Maiden became a participating reinsurer in the first layer of the Company’s workers’ compensation excess of loss program, which provides coverage in the amount of $9 million per occurrence in excess of $1 million,  subject to an annual aggregate deductible of $1.25 million.  Maiden, which is one of two participating reinsurers in the layer, has a 45% participation.  Maiden participates in the first layer of the excess of loss program on the same market terms and conditions as the other participant.

- 37 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

As part of the acquisition of AIIC, the Company acquired reinsurance recoverables as of the date of closing. The most significant reinsurance recoverable is from American Home Assurance Co. (“American Home”). AIIC’s reinsurance relationship with American Home incepted January 1, 1998 on a loss occurring basis. From January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1999 the American Home reinsurance covered losses in excess of $0.25 million per occurrence up to statutory coverage limits. Effective April 1, 1999, American Home provided coverage in the amount of $0.15 million in excess of $0.1 million. This additional coverage terminated on December 31, 2001 on a run-off basis. Therefore, for losses occurring in 2002 that attached to a 2001 policy, the retention was $0.1 million per occurrence. Effective January 1, 2002 American Home increased its attachment to $0.25 million per occurrence. The XOL treaty that had an attachment of $0.25 million was terminated on a run-off basis on December 31, 2002. Therefore, losses occurring in 2003 that attached to a 2002 policy were ceded to American Home at an attachment point of $0.25 million per occurrence.
 
Since January 1, 2003, the Company has had variable quota share reinsurance with Munich Reinsurance Company (“Munich Re”) for our specialty risk and extended warranty insurance. The scope of this reinsurance arrangement is broad enough to cover all of our specialty risk and extended warranty insurance worldwide. However, we do not cede to Munich Re the majority of our U.S. specialty risks and extended warranty business, although we may cede more of this U.S. business to Munich Re in the future.
 
Under the variable quota share reinsurance arrangements with Munich Re, we may elect to cede from 15% to 50% of each covered risk, but Munich Re shall not reinsure more than £0.5 million for each ceded risk which we at acceptance regard as one individual risk. This means that regardless of the amount of insured losses generated by any ceded risk, the maximum coverage for that ceded risk under this reinsurance arrangement is £0.5 million. For the majority of the business ceded under this reinsurance arrangement, we cede 15% of the risk to Munich Re, but for some newer or larger risks, we cede a larger share to Munich Re. This reinsurance is subject to a limit of £2.5 million per occurrence of certain natural perils such as windstorms, earthquakes, floods and storm surge. Coverage for losses arising out of acts of terrorism is excluded from the scope of this reinsurance.
 
In October 2006, the Company entered into a quota-share reinsurance agreement with 5 syndicate members of Lloyd’s of London who collectively reinsure 70% of a particular specialty risk and extended warranty program.

Investment Portfolio

Our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, increased $270.8 million, or 21.5% to $1,532.4 million at June 30, 2008 from $1,261.6 million as of December 31, 2007 (excluding $15.4 million and $28.1 million of other investments, respectively). As of June 30, 2008, 90% of our fixed maturities are classified as available for sale, as defined by SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” As such, the reported value of those securities is equal to their fair value. Additionally, our fixed maturities classified as held to maturity are not impacted by changing interest rates. Our fixed maturity securities, gross, as of this date had a fair value of $1,025.5 million and an amortized cost of $1,065.0 million. Our equity securities are classified as available-for-sale, as defined by SFAS 115. These securities are reported at fair value. The equity securities, gross, carried at fair value were $57.6 million with a cost of $101.1 million as of June 30, 2008. Securities sold but not yet purchased, represent obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price and thereby, create a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing rates.  Sales of securities under repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized borrowing transactions and are recorded at their contracted amounts. Our investment portfolio is summarized in the table below by type of investment:
 
   
June 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
($ amounts in thousands)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Percentage of
Portfolio
 
Carrying
Value
 
Percentage of
Portfolio
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
191,086
   
12.5
%
$
145,337
   
11.5
%
Time and short-term deposits
   
258,322
   
16.9
   
148,541
   
11.8
 
U.S. treasury securities
   
21,830
   
1.4
   
19,074
   
1.5
 
U.S. government agencies
   
76,034
   
5.0
   
144,173
   
11.4
 
U.S. agency - collateralized mortgage obligations
   
324,374
   
21.2
   
239,200
   
19.0
 
U.S. agency – mortgage backed securities
   
165,442
   
10.8
   
91,663
   
7.3
 
Other mortgage backed securities
   
4,227
   
0.3
   
4,153
   
0.3
 
Municipal bonds
   
28,348
   
1.8
   
10,428
   
0.8
 
Asset backed securities
   
6,328
   
0.4
   
10,226
   
0.8
 
Corporate bonds
   
398,849
   
26.0
   
369,733
   
29.3
 
Common stock
   
52,345
   
3.4
   
78,533
   
6.3
 
Preferred stock
   
5,218
   
0.3
   
504
   
 
   
$
1,532,403
   
100.0
%
$
1,261,565
   
100.0
%
 
As of June 30, 2008, the weighted average duration of our fixed income securities was 5.7 years.
 
- 38 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Quarterly, the Company’s Investment Committee (“Committee”) evaluates for other-than-temporary-impairment, whereby it evaluates each security which has an unrealized loss as of the end of the subject reporting period. The Committee uses a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to review our investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of our investments. Some of the criteria we consider include:
 
 
·
how long and by how much the fair value of the security has been below its amortized cost;
 
 
·
the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings;
 
 
·
our intent and ability to keep the security for a sufficient time period for it to recover its value;
 
 
·
any reduction or elimination of dividends, or nonpayment of scheduled interest payments; and
 
 
·
The occurrence of discrete credit event resulting in (i) the issuer defaulting on material outstanding obligation (ii) the issuer seeking protection under bankruptcy law.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, based on the criteria above, we determined that four equity securities were other-than-temporarily-impaired and accordingly wrote them down resulting in a $7.9 million realized loss.
 
In addition to write-downs of $8.0 million the Company took for the impaired marketable securities during the six months ended June 30, 2008, at June 30, 2008, the Company had $43.9 million of gross unrealized losses related to marketable equity securities. The Company’s investment in marketable equity securities consist of investments in common stock across a wide range of sectors. The Company evaluated the near-term prospects for recovery of fair value in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment and has determined in each case that the probability of recovery is reasonable. Within the Company’s portfolio of common stocks, 38 equity securities comprised $42 million, or 96% of the unrealized loss. The stocks consisted of 17 securities in the consumer products sector and represent approximately 37% of the total fair value and 48% of the Company’s unrealized loss, four securities in the financial sector and represent approximately 8% of the total fair value and 11% of the Company’s total unrealized losses and 12 common stocks in the health care, industrial and technology sectors which have fair values of approximately 18%, 8% and 7%, respectively, and approximately 13%, 15% and 6%, respectively, of the Company’s unrealized losses. Additionally, the Company owns 5 stocks in other sectors which accounts for 3% of the Company’s unrealized losses. The duration of these impairments range from one to 22 months. The remaining securities in a loss position are not considered individually significant and accounted for 4% of the Company’s unrealized losses.
 
Corporate bonds represent 43.3% of the fair value of our fixed maturities and 93.0% of the total unrealized losses of our fixed maturities. The Company owns 202 corporate bonds in the industrial, bank & financial and other sectors, which have a fair value of approximately 11.5%, 31.1% and 0.6%, respectively, and 20.9%, 70.4% and 0.6% of total unrealized losses, respectively, of our fixed maturities. The Company believes that the unrealized losses in these securities are the result, primarily, of general economic conditions and not the condition of the issuers, which we believe are solvent and have the ability to meet their obligations.  Therefore, the Company expects that the market price for these securities should recover within a reasonable time.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The major components of market risk affecting us are liquidity risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and equity price risk.
 
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk represents the potential inability of the Company to meet all payment obligations when they become due. The Company maintains sufficient cash and marketable securities to fund claim payments and operations. We purchase reinsurance coverage to mitigate the risk of an unexpected rise in claims severity or frequency from catastrophic events or a single large loss. The availability, amount and cost of reinsurance depend on market conditions and may vary significantly.

Credit Risk. Credit risk is the potential loss arising principally from adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuers of our fixed maturity securities and the financial condition of our third party reinsurers. We address the credit risk related to the issuers of our fixed maturity securities by investing primarily in fixed maturity securities that are rated “BBB-” or higher by Standard & Poor’s. We also independently monitor the financial condition of all issuers of our fixed maturity securities. To limit our risk exposure, we employ diversification policies that limit the credit exposure to any single issuer or business sector.
 
- 39 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

We are subject to credit risk with respect to our third party reinsurers. Although our third party reinsurers are obligated to reimburse us to the extent we cede risk to them, we are ultimately liable to our policyholders on all risks we have ceded. As a result, reinsurance contracts do not limit our ultimate obligations to pay claims covered under the insurance policies we issue and we might not collect amounts recoverable from our reinsurers. We address this credit risk by selecting reinsurers which have an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent) or better at the time we enter into the agreement and by performing, along with our reinsurance broker, periodic credit reviews of our reinsurers. If one of our reinsurers suffers a credit downgrade, we may consider various options to lessen the risk of asset impairment, including commutation, novation and letters of credit. See “—Reinsurance.”
 
Interest Rate Risk. We had fixed maturity securities (excluding $258.3 million of time and short-term deposits) with a fair value of $1,025.5 million and a carrying value of $1,025.4 million as of June 30, 2008 that are subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that we may incur losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of our fixed maturity securities. We manage our exposure to interest rate risk through a disciplined asset and liability matching and capital management process. In the management of this risk, the characteristics of duration, credit and variability of cash flows are critical elements. These risks are assessed regularly and balanced within the context of our liability and capital position.

The table below summarizes the interest rate risk associated with our fixed maturity securities by illustrating the sensitivity of the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities as of June 30, 2008 to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates, and the associated impact on our stockholders’ equity. Because we anticipate that the Company will continue to meet its obligations out of income, we classify our fixed maturity securities, other than redeemable preferred stock, mortgage backed and corporate obligations, as held-to-maturity and carry them on our balance sheet at cost or amortized cost, as applicable. Any redeemable preferred stock we hold from time to time is classified as available-for-sale and carried on our balance sheet at fair value. Temporary changes in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities that are held-to-maturity, such as those resulting from interest rate fluctuations, do not impact the carrying value of these securities and, therefore, do not affect our shareholders’ equity. However, temporary changes in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities that are held as available-for-sale do impact the carrying value of these securities and are reported in our shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes. The selected scenarios in the table below are not predictions of future events, but rather are intended to illustrate the effect such events may have on the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities and on our shareholders’ equity, each as of June 30, 2008. 

Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
 
Fair
Value
 
Estimated
Change in
Fair
Value
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Change in
Carrying
Value
 
Hypothetical
Percentage
(Increase)
Decrease in
Shareholders’
Equity
 
 
 
($ amounts in thousands)
 
200 basis point increase
 
$
947,491
 
$
(77,974
$
 
$
(77,974
)
 
(18.8
)%
100 basis point increase
   
984,905
   
(40,560
)
 
   
(40,560
)
 
(9.8
)
No change
   
1,025,465
   
   
1,025,432
   
   
 
100 basis point decrease
   
1,069,324
   
43,859
   
   
43,859
   
10.6
 
200 basis point decrease
   
1,112,943
   
87,478
   
   
87,478
   
21.1
 
 
Changes in interest rates would affect the fair market value of our fixed rate debt instruments but would not have an impact on our earnings or cash flow. We currently have $358.2 million of debt instruments of which $150.6 million are fixed rate debt instruments. A fluctuation of 100 basis points in interest on our variable rate debt instruments, which are tied to LIBOR, would affect our earnings and cash flows by $2.1 million before income tax, on an annual basis, but would not affect the fair market value of the variable rate debt.
 
Foreign Currency Risk. We write insurance in the United Kingdom and certain other European Union member countries through AIU. While the functional currency of AIU is the Euro, we write coverages that are settled in local currencies, including the British Pound. We attempt to maintain sufficient local currency assets on deposit to minimize our exposure to realized currency losses. Assuming a 5% increase in the exchange rate of the local currency in which the claims will be paid and that we do not hold that local currency, we would recognize a $2.1 million after tax realized currency loss based on our outstanding foreign denominated reserves of $65.3 million at June 30, 2008.
 
- 40 -


(dollars in millions unless noted otherwise)

Equity Price Risk. Equity price risk is the risk that we may incur losses due to adverse changes in the market prices of the equity securities we hold in our investment portfolio, which include common stocks, non-redeemable preferred stocks and master limited partnerships. We classify our portfolio of equity securities as available-for-sale and carry these securities on our balance sheet at fair value. Accordingly, adverse changes in the market prices of our equity securities result in a decrease in the value of our total assets and a decrease in our shareholders’ equity. As of June 30, 2008, the equity securities in our investment portfolio had a fair value of $57.6 million, representing approximately four percent of our total invested assets on that date. We are fundamental long buyers and short sellers, with a focus on value oriented stocks. The table below illustrates the impact on our equity portfolio and financial position given a hypothetical movement in the broader equity markets. The selected scenarios in the table below are not predictions of future events, but rather are intended to illustrate the effect such events may have on the carrying value of our equity portfolio and on shareholders’ equity as of June 30, 2008. The hypothetical scenarios below assume that the Company’s Beta is 1 when compared to the S&P 500 index.

 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Estimated
Change in
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Change in
Carrying
Value
 
Hypothetical
Percentage
Increase
(Decrease) in
Shareholders
Equity
 
   
($ amounts in thousands)
 
5% increase
 
$
60,441
 
$
2,878
       
$
2,878
   
0.7
%
No change
   
57,563
       
$
57,563
             
5% decrease
   
54,685
   
(2,878
)
       
(2,878
)
 
(0.7
)%
 
Off Balance Sheet Risk. The Company has exposure or risk related to securities sold but not yet purchased.

Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements Included in this Form 10-Q

This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. These statements include the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans and objectives relating to future growth of the Company’s business activities and availability of funds. The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions, regulatory framework, weather-related events and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is timely recorded, processed, summarized and reported. The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under such Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. During the most recent fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

- 41 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

On June 16, 2008, a derivative action against the Company’s directors, certain officers and Maiden Holdings, Ltd. and Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd. was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York entitled “Erk Erginer, Derivatively on Behalf of Nominal Defendant AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., Plaintiff, v. Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel, Barry D. Zyskind, Donald T. DeCarlo, Abraham Gulkowitz, Isaac M. Neuberger, Jay J. Miller, Max G. Caviet, Ronald E. Pipoly, Jr., Maiden Holdings, Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd., Defendants and AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., Nominal Defendant.”

This complaint alleges that the Company’s transactions with Maiden Holdings, Ltd and Maiden Insurance Company, Inc. (collectively, “Maiden”) unduly benefit Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry D. Zyskind, who are minority shareholders of Maiden Holdings, Ltd., at the expense of the Company and that the Company’s directors breached their fiduciary duty to the Company by approving them.  The plaintiff further alleges claims for breach of their duty of loyalty to and employment agreements with the Company against Messrs. Zyskind, Caviet and Pipoly for accepting positions at Maiden. The complaint seeks damages from the individual defendants and Maiden and judgment declaring the Maiden transactions void. 

The time within which the Company and individual defendants must answer the complaint has not yet expired and no responsive pleadings or motions have yet been filed.  However, the Company and each of the defendants believe the complaint is without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action. 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 
(a)   
The annual meeting of the shareholders was held on May 23, 2008.
 
 
(b)   
All of the Company's director nominees, Barry D. Zyskind, Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel, Donald T. DeCarlo, Abraham Gulkowitz, Isaac Neuberger and Jay J. Miller, were elected. There was no solicitation in opposition to the Company's nominees.
 
 
(c)   
Matters voted on at the meeting and the number of votes cast:

 
1.   
Election of directors to serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified:
 
Director
 
Voted For
 
Withhold
Authority
 
Barry D. Zyskind
   
55,886,325
   
1,970,100
 
Michael Karfunkel
   
46,964,353
   
10,892,072
 
George Karfunkel
   
55,802,170
   
2,054,255
 
Donald T. DeCarlo
   
56,661,317
   
1,195,108
 
Abraham Gulkowitz
   
56,656,519
   
1,199,906
 
Isaac Neuberger
   
56,656,419
   
1,200,006
 
Jay J. Miller
   
56,656,319
   
1,200,106
 

 
2.   
Ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as Independent Auditor for the year ended December 31, 2008:
 
Voted For
 
Voted Against
 
Abstentions
57,783,853
 
45,322
 
27,250
 
 
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Item 6. Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
2.1
  Agreement for stock purchase and asset purchase agreement by and between Trinity Universal Insurance Company and AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
     
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
 
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
 
(Registrant)
       
     
/s/ Barry D. Zyskind
     
Barry D. Zyskind
     
President and Chief Executive Officer
       
Date: August 11, 2008
   
/s/ Ronald E. Pipoly, Jr.
     
Ronald E. Pipoly, Jr.
     
Chief Financial Officer
 
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