Converium Today Reports on its Financial Results for the Third Quarter of 2004


ZUG, Switzerland, Oct. 26, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Converium reports a third quarter 2004 loss of US$ 116.3 million. This result reflects the continuing satisfactory underlying performance of its in-force book and a number of previously announced extraordinary charges. The main items are an additional reserve strengthening of US$ 96.4 million net based on an in-depth analysis of Tillinghast's actuarial review, losses of US$ 95.8 million from an unusual cumulation of hurricanes and typhoons and a US$ 20.0 million expense for a retrospective stop-loss retrocession cover purchased from National Indemnity Company. Adjusted for the reserve action and natural catastrophes, Converium recorded a third quarter non-life combined ratio of 96.0%, which testifies to the favorable performance of the Company's more recent underwriting years. In addition, investment activities continued to exhibit very satisfactory results, with total investment income yield improving further to 4.9%.Third quarter 2004 highlights



 -- Operating loss: US$ -125.0 million
 -- Impact from reserve strengthening and US$ -192.2 million 
    hurricanes/typhoons: 
 -- Net loss: US$ -116.3 million
 -- Gross premiums written: US$ 1,033.3 million
 -- Non-life combined ratio: 117.3%
 -- Impact from reserve strengthening and 21.3% hurricanes/typhoons:
 -- Adjusted non-life combined ratio: 96.0%
 -- Total investment income yield: 4.9%
 -- Shareholders' equity: US$ 1,275.1 million
 -- Cash flows: US$ 21.1 million

Overview of third quarter performance and short-term outlook

The following developments had measurable effects on Converium's third quarter 2004 financial results:



 -- The business written by Converium in the underwriting years 2002, 
    2003, and 2004 continued to show a satisfactory performance, both 
    for the non-life segments as well as for the Life & Health 
    Reinsurance segment. Excluding prior years' reserves, the non-
    life combined ratio was 106.6% (including a 10.6% impact by 
    hurricanes and typhoons) for the third quarter 2004, 
    respectively 98.3% for the first nine months of 2004.

 -- Following a detailed analysis of the specific conclusions in 
    Tillinghast's actuarial study, Converium has -- as anticipated 
    on August 31, 2004 -- made additional adjustments to carried 
    reserves aggregating to a net increase of US$ 96.4 million net 
    in the third quarter of 2004. This amount equals 1.3% of 
    Converium's non-life net reserves as of September 30, 2004. 
    The reserve strengthening primarily arose from prior years' 
    North American professional liability, umbrella, excess & 
    surplus, workers' compensation, and non-US motor liability 
    business. It added 10.7 percentage points to the quarter's 
    non-life combined ratio.

 -- Since June 30, 2004, Converium has commuted approximately US$ 
    265.0 million in loss reserves related to prior years' business 
    assumed by the Company's North American operation, Converium 
    Reinsurance (North America) Inc. ("CRNA"), with a corresponding 
    reduction in cash and invested assets. Currently, CRNA is in 
    negotiations with several clients for additional offers of 
    commutation, and is pursuing these diligently. The third quarter 
    reserve adjustment of US$ 96.4 million net takes into account 
    recent commutations. In general, commutations can accelerate the 
    realization of profit inherent in long-tail reserves by 
    crystallizing outstanding claims reserves into payments, which 
    are discounted to reflect the time value of money. Since 
    commutation payments essentially reflect a discounted present 
    value of future cash flows, future investment income earned will 
    decline as the assets backing those reserves are liquidated to 
    make payments.

 -- As announced on August 31, 2004, Converium has acquired a 
    retrospective stop-loss retrocession cover from National 
    Indemnity Company, a Standard & Poor's AAA-rated member of the 
    Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies. The cost of 
    this cover represents a one-off charge to the third quarter of 
    2004 of US$ 20.0 million.

 -- Net losses from Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne 
    and typhoons in Japan amounted to US$ 95.8 million and added 10.6 
    percentage points to the quarter's non-life combined ratio.

 -- In the third quarter of 2004 Converium has incurred restructuring 
    charges of US$ 3.4 million related to severance payments and the 
    discontinuation of the Company's North American operations.

Against this backdrop there is a marked difference between Converium's reported results and its performance adjusted for the various extraordinary items. For the third quarter 2004 Converium reported an operating loss of US$ 125.0 million and a net loss of US$ 116.3 million that reflect total charges of US$ 215.6 million due to an additional strengthening of reserves, losses from hurricanes and typhoons, the cost of a retrospective stop-loss cover and restructuring charges.

The increase in gross premiums written, net premiums written, and net premiums earned in the third quarter of 2004 (by 2.3%, 5.2% and 10.4%, respectively) reflects market conditions, new client relationships in certain key markets and the weakening of the US$ compared to other major currencies; special terminations did not materially impact the quarter's top line.

Converium reports a non-life combined ratio of 117.3% for the third quarter of 2004. Adjusted for the additional strengthening of reserves by US$ 96.4 million net and the losses from hurricanes and typhoons of US$ 95.8 million, the non-life combined ratio was 96.0%, which is indicative of a continuing favorable performance of recent underwriting years.

Converium's Life & Health Reinsurance segment reported a segment income of US$ 5.7 million, an improvement of US$ 20.5 million compared to the same period of the previous year, when Converium recorded an adverse development of its Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits (GMDB) book. No further reserving actions were required for GMDB in 2004.

Converium's investment results continued to improve markedly. The Company's net investment income increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to the same periods of 2003. This increase largely resulted from growth in invested assets over 2003, particularly in Converium's fixed-maturities portfolio, as well as income received from the transition of a fixed-income bond to a direct fixed-income investment portfolio.

The Company's average annualized net investment income yield (pre-tax) was 3.9% and 3.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, as compared to 3.0% and 3.4% for the same periods of 2003, reflecting increasing interest rates in 2004.

Converium's average annualized total investment income yield (pre-tax) was 4.9% and 4.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, as compared to 2.9% and 3.5% for the same periods of 2003. During the third quarter 2004, the total investment income yields were positively impacted by the increase in realized gains as well as the decline in impairment charges compared to 2003 resulting from the sale of equity securities to adjust our asset allocation to reduce investment portfolio risks.

Converium has reached an agreement in principle on the main terms of a new US$ 1.6 billion credit facility, comprising a US$ 1.5 billion tranche for letter-of-credit issuance and a US$ 0.1 billion stand-by revolving credit tranche with its principal international relationship banks. The parties intend to finalize the transaction by mid-November 2004. This facility will replace the existing syndicated credit line of US$ 0.9 billion that was signed in July 2003.

The Company believes that its "BBB+" rating from Standard & Poor's and the availability of adequate letter-of-credit facilities will support Converium's efforts to maintain its franchise in its European, Asian and Latin American target markets and to retain relationships with key clients and intermediaries in the upcoming January 2005 renewals.



 Financial highlights:   Three months ended   Nine months     Year   
 Income statement,          September 30         ended        ended  
 return on equity                             September 30   Dec. 31 
                                                                     
 In US$ million, unless  
 noted                     2004      2003     2004    2003    2003   
 
 Gross premiums written    1,033.3  1,009.6  3,444.5 3,222.1 4,223.9 
 - growth (%)                +2.3%             +6.9%                
 
  Net premiums written        933.8    887.4  3,181.2 2,971.3 3,827.0 
 - growth (%)                +5.2%             +7.1%                 
 
 Net premiums earned       1,013.9    918.6  3,016.8 2,715.4 3,676.5 
 - growth (%)               +10.4%            +11.1%                 
 
 Non-life loss ratio         91.9%    69.2%    92.7%   72.1%   71.5% 
 - change in percentage   +22.7pts          +20.6pts                 
 points                      10.6%              3.6%                 
 - impact of                 10.7%             19.6%                 
 hurricanes/typhoons                                                 
 - impact of reserve                                                 
 strengthening                                                       
 
 Non-life underwriting       20.9%    22.5%    21.2%   21.6%   22.0% 
 expense ratio             -1.6pts           -0.4pts                 
 - change in percentage                                              
 points                                                              

 Non-life administration      4.5%     4.0%     4.0%    4.0%    4.4% 
 expense ratio             +0.5pts                 -                 
 - change in percentage                                              
 points                                                              
 
 Non-life combined ratio    117.3%    95.7%   117.9%   97.7%   97.9% 
 - change in percentage   +21.6pts          +20.2pts                 
 points                      10.6%              3.6%                 
 - impact of                 10.7%             19.6%                 
 hurricanes/typhoons                                                 
 - impact of reserve                                                 
 strengthening                                                       

 Non-life combined ratio     96.0%             94.7%                 
 excluding                                                           
 hurricanes/typhoons and                                             
 reserve strengthening                                               
 
 Life & Health technical       5.2    -12.6     13.8   -11.1    -8.0 
 result                       n.m.              n.m.                 
 - growth (%)                                                        
 
 Total investment             97.3     52.9    266.8   183.4   251.4 
 results                    +83.9%            +45.5%                 
 - growth (%)                                                        
 
 Total investment income      4.9%     2.9%     4.5%    3.5%    3.5% 
 yield                    +2.0 pts            +1.0pt                 
 - change in percentage                                              
 points                                                              

 Total investment return      6.4%     3.5%     3.7%    5.7%    5.7% 
 - growth (%)              +2.9pts           -2.0pts                 

 Operating income           -125.0     56.4   -348.2   144.7   206.0 
 - change (%)                 n.m.              n.m.                 
 
 Net (loss) income          -116.3     44.3   -710.6   128.9   185.1 
 - change (%)                 n.m.              n.m.                 

  Financial           Three months ended     Nine months      Year   
  highlights:            September 30           ended        ended   
  Income statement,                         September 30     Dec 31  
  return on equity                                                   
  in US$ million,    
  unless noted          2004       2003      2004     2003    2003   

  (Loss) earnings         -2.91     1.12     -17.83   3.24     4.65  
  per share (US$)          n.m.                n.m.                  
  - growth (%)                                                       

  Adjusted (loss)         -0.79               -4.84                  
  earnings per                                                       
  share (US$)                                                        

  Return on equity       -22.3%    10.2%     -45.5%   9.9%    10.7%  
  - change in          -32.5pts            -55.4pts                  
  percentage points                                                  

  Financial highlights:     September 30,   June 30,   December 31,  
  Balance sheet                 2004          2004         2003      
                                                                     
  In US$ million, unless                                             
  noted                                                              

  Total invested assets           7,965.1    7,926.4        7,809.5  
  plus cash                         -0.5%      +1.5%                 
  - growth (%)                                                       

  Claims supporting               1,665.9    1,739.9        2,473.9  
  capital                           -4.3%     -29.7%                 
  - growth (%)                                                       

  Shareholders' equity            1,275.1    1,349.2        2,083.3  
  - growth (%)                      -5.5%     -35.2%                 

  Total tangible equity           1,250.7    1,322.8        1,732.2  
  - growth (%)                      -5.5%     -23.6%                 

  Book value per share              31.99      33.90          52.38  
  (US$)                             -5.6%     -35.3%                 
  - growth (%)                                                       

  Book value per share              39.95      42.45          65.21  
  (CHF)                             -5.9%     -34.9%                 
  - growth (%)                                                       

  Adjusted book value per           11.52                            
  share (US$)                                                        

  Adjusted book value per           14.39                            
  share (CHF)                                                        


  Financial highlights:      Three months ended   Nine months ended  
  Investment results            September 30        September 30     
                                                                     
  in US$ million, unless    
  noted                          2004      2003      2004      2003  

  Investment income -            52.3      26.3     146.3      92.2  
  Fixed maturities                                                   

  Investment income -             1.0       1.7      10.2       9.5  
  Equity securities                                                  

  Investment income -            18.2      20.5      57.5      64.3  
  Funds Withheld Asset                                               

  Other investment income,        5.5       5.7      10.8      11.2  
  net                                                                

  Net investment income          77.0      54.2     224.8     177.2  

  Average annualized net         3.9%      3.0%      3.8%      3.4%  
  investment income yield                                            
  (pre-tax)                                                          

  Net realized capital           20.3      -1.3      42.0       6.2  
  gains (losses)                                                     

  Total investment results       97.3      52.9     266.8     183.4  

  Average annualized total       4.9%      2.9%      4.5%      3.5%  
  investment income yield                                            
  (pre-tax)                                                          

  Change in net unrealized       30.9      10.9     -46.0     115.9  
  gains (pre-tax)                                                    

  Total investment return       128.2      63.8     220.8     299.3  
  (pre-tax)                                                          

  Average annualized total       6.4%      3.5%      3.7%      5.7%  
  investment return                                                  
  (pre-tax)                                                          

  Average total invested      7,945.8   7,245.4   7,887.3   6,938.1  
  assets (including cash                                             
  and cash equivalents)                                              

Business Development

The following are comments on the development of Converium's three main business segments and the Corporate Center. Reference is made to the tables attached to this press release.

Standard Property & Casualty Reinsurance represented approximately 38.7% of total net premiums written in the third quarter of 2004. For this period of time Converium's Standard Property & Casualty Reinsurance segment reported a segment income of US$ 18.9 million, a decline of US$ 31.9 million compared to the same period of the previous year.

In the third quarter of 2004 gross premiums written increased by 6.3% to US$ 407.4 million, net premiums written increased by 6.6% to US$ 361.2 million, and net premiums earned decreased by 0.2% to US$ 422.1 million. The Standard Property & Casualty Reinsurance segment's non-life combined ratio was 105.0% for the third quarter of 2004 (compared to 93.7% for the third quarter of 2003). The results were substantially influenced by hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne and Japanese typhoons which generated losses of US$ 95.8 million and added 22.7 percentage points to the segment's third quarter loss ratio.

For the third quarter of 2004, the Standard Property & Casualty Reinsurance segment recorded a positive reserve development of US$ 31.8 million. This favorable development primarily related to property (US$ 31.5 million) and general third party liability (US$ 45.6 million) and was partially offset by reserve strengthening, mainly for motor outside the United States (US$ 45.8 million).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, gross premiums written increased 7.2% to US$ 1,483.5 million, net premiums written increased 5.5% to US$ 1,349.7 million and net premiums earned increased 6.0% to US$ 1,282.3 million.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, net premiums written growth in the Standard Property & Casualty Reinsurance segment by lines of business included:



 -- Motor (increased by 17.1% or US$ 66.3 million to US$ 454.0 
    million), which grew as a result of the expansion of motor 
    business in Western Europe;

 -- Personal accident non-life (increased by 15.5% or US$ 4.1 million 
    to US$ 30.7 million), which expanded on the back of new or 
    extended relationships with cedents in Italy and a number of 
    other European countries; and

 -- General third party liability (increased by 18.1% or US$ 48.8 
    million to US$ 317.9 million), which grew mainly due to 
    continuing rate increases and new business.

These increases were partially offset by a decrease in net premiums written within the property line of business. Property contracted by 8.3% or US$ 49.3 million to US$ 547.1 million, which was primarily driven by the softening of property rates and a consequent non-renewal of several large contracts in North America, and by reduced premium writings with cedents in Asia and Latin America.

Specialty Lines represented approximately 49.1% of total net premiums written in the third quarter of 2004. For this period of time Converium's Specialty Lines segment reported a segment loss of US$ 81.2 million. In the third quarter of 2004, gross premiums written decreased by 6.7% to US$ 506.9 million, and net premiums written decreased by 3.5% to US$ 458.3 million; net premiums earned increased by 17.2% to US$ 478.3 million. These developments reflect the strict underwriting discipline and cycle management applied by Converium. The Specialty Lines segment's non-life combined ratio was 128.2% for the third quarter of 2004.

Specialty Lines reported a segment loss which was primarily attributable to reserve additions. In the third quarter of 2004, US$ 128.2 million of reserve strengthening were recorded, which added 26.8 percentage points to the segment's loss ratio. The strengthening arose mainly from workers' compensation (US$ 26.9 million) and from the professional liability & other special liability lines, in particular umbrella, professional liability and excess & surplus lines of business in the United States (US$ 101.9 million).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, gross premiums written increased 2.9% to US$ 1,577.3 million, net premiums written increased 4.9% to US$ 1,473.9 million and net premiums earned increased 13.3% to US$ 1,395.2 million.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Specialty Lines segment exhibited the following growth dynamics:



 -- Professional liability and other special liability (increased by 
    7.0% or US$ 34.4 million to US$ 528.6 million), which grew as a 
    result of new business written and an increase in premium volume 
    for Converium's Medical Defence Union (MDU) business;

 -- Agribusiness (increased by 34.2% or US$ 22.4 million to US$ 
    88.0 million), which expanded as new business was written as 
    well as return premium received on a specific contract due to 
    favorable technical results; and

 -- Aviation & space (increased by 8.6% or US$ 23.0 million to US$ 
    289.7 million), which grew as a result of an increased net 
    retention in the business underwritten by Global Aerospace 
    Underwriting Managers Ltd.

Life & Health Reinsurance represented approximately 12.2% of total net premiums written in the third quarter of 2004. For this period of time Converium's Life & Health Reinsurance segment reported a segment income of US$ 5.7 million, an increase of US$ 20.5 million compared to the same period of the previous year.

In the third quarter of 2004 gross premiums written increased by 43.9% to US$ 119.0 million, net premiums written increased by 54.9% to US$ 114.3 million, and net premiums earned increased by 29.7% to US$ 113.5 million.

Life & Health Reinsurance reported a segment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to a segment loss for the same period in 2003. The technical result increased from minus US$ 12.6 million to US$ 5.2 million for the same period. The increases in 2004 were primarily attributable to:



 -- Strong growth in premium volume driven by the expansion of 
    existing financing reinsurance transactions in Continental 
    Europe and increased shares of current business; and 

 -- The development of Converium's GMDB book during the first nine 
    months of 2004 as compared to 2003. Whereas in the first nine 
    months of 2003 reserves were strengthened by US$ 22.6 million, no 
    actions were required in 2004.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, gross premiums written increased 25.6% to US$ 383.7 million, net premiums written increased 25.0% to US$ 357.6 million and net premiums earned increased 24.0% to US$ 339.3 million. Converium continues to build its Life & Health Reinsurance operations in order to further reduce the volatility of the Company's net income, because life and health reinsurance has a low correlation to property and casualty risk and can therefore improve risk diversification.

The Corporate Center carries certain administration expenses such as the costs of the Board of Directors, the Global Executive Committee, and other global functions. In the third quarter of 2004 other operating and administration expenses were US$ 8.2 million (an increase of 1.2% as compared to the same period in 2003).

Rights Offering

In October 2004, Converium's share capital was increased by CHF 533,416,225 by issuing 106,683,245 shares at CHF 5.00 each. The capital increase (and reduction of the nominal value) was recorded, in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug (Switzerland) on October 12, 2004. After the registration of the share capital increase in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug, Converium's issued outstanding share capital is now CHF 733,447,310, divided into 146,689,462 shares with a nominal value of CHF 5.00. The capital increase brings Converium's total tangible capital close to the level of December 31, 2003.

After the reduction of the nominal value from CHF 10 to CHF 5 for each of Converium's shares, its conditional capital is now CHF 20,000,000 pursuant to which up to 4,000,000 shares can be issued upon exercise of conversion or option rights allotted in connection with bonds and other financial market instruments. Similarly, Converium's authorized capital is now CHF 20,000,000 pursuant to which the Board is authorized to issue up to 4,000,000 shares.

The company has made it a policy not to provide any quarterly or annual earnings guidance and it will not update any past outlook for full year earnings. It will however provide investors with perspectives on its value drivers, its strategic initiatives and those factors critical to understanding its business and operating environment.

Enquiries:



   Michael Schiendorfer                Zuzana Drozd 
   Media Relations Manager             Head of Investor Relations
   michael.schiendorfer@converium.com  zuzana.drozd@converium.com 
   Phone: +41 (0) 1 639 96 57          Phone: +41 (0) 1 639 91 20 
   Fax: +41 (0) 1 639 76 57            Fax: +41 (0) 1 639 71 20

About Converium

Converium is an independent international multi-line reinsurer known for its innovation, professionalism and service. Today Converium employs more than 800 people in 20 offices around the globe and is organized into three business segments: Standard Property & Casualty Reinsurance, Specialty Lines and Life & Health Reinsurance. Converium Ltd, Converium Ruckversicherung (Deutschland) AG and Converium Insurance (UK) Ltd. have a "BBB+" rating (outlook stable) from Standard & Poor's. Converium Ltd. has a "B++" (outlook stable) rating from A.M. Best Company.

Important Disclaimer

This document contains forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, business, strategy and plans, based on currently available information. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "expects," "should continue," "believes," "anticipates," "estimates" and "intends". The specific forward-looking statements cover, among other matters, the reinsurance market, the outcome of insurance regulatory reviews, the Company's operating results, the rating environment and the prospect for improving results, the amount of capital required and impact of its capital improvement measures, including the restructuring of our U.S. business and its reserve position. Such statements are inherently subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various factors. Such factors include general economic conditions, including in particular economic conditions; the frequency, severity and development of insured loss events arising out of catastrophes, as well as man-made disasters; the outcome of our regular quarterly reserve review, our ability to raise capital and the success of our capital improvement measures, the ability to obtain applicable regulatory approval for our capital improvement measures, the ability to exclude and to reinsure the risk of loss from terrorism; fluctuations in interest rates; returns on and fluctuations in the value of fixed-income investments, equity investments and properties; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; rating agency actions; changes in laws and regulations and general competitive factors, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the SWX Swiss Exchange. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This document does not constitute or form part of an offer or solicitation of an offer, an invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities. In addition, the securities of the company to be issued in any share offering have not and will not be registered under the United States securities laws and may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States or to US persons absent registration under or an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States securities laws.

In the United Kingdom this announcement is directed only at persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments or are high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc, for the purposes of Article 49 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2001 (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This announcement must not be acted upon or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. www.converium.com



 Consolidated     Three months ended Change Nine months ended Change 
 statements of      September 30,             September 30,          
 income                                                              
 (Unaudited)                                                         

 In US$ million,                                                     
 unless noted       2004      2003    (%)     2004     2003    (%)   

 Revenues                                                            

 Gross premiums     1,033.3  1,009.6  +2.3%  3,444.5  3,222.1  +6.9% 
 written                                                             

 Less ceded           -99.5   -122.2 -18.6%   -263.3   -250.8  +5.0% 
 premiums written                                                    

 Net premiums         933.8    887.4  +5.2%  3,181.2  2,971.3  +7.1% 
 written                                                             

 Net change in                                                       
 unearned              80.1     31.2   n.m.   -164.4   -255.9 -35.8% 
 premiums                                                            

 Net premiums       1,013.9    918.6 +10.4%  3,016.8  2,715.4 +11.1% 
 earned                                                              

 Net investment        77.0     54.2 +42.1%    224.8    177.2 +26.9% 
 income                                                              

 Net realized                                                        
 capital gains         20.3     -1.3   n.m.     42.0      6.2   n.m. 
 (losses)                                                            

 Other (loss)         -31.7        -   n.m.    -28.8     -4.4   n.m. 
 income                                                              

 Total revenues     1,079.5    971.5 +11.1%  3,254.8  2,894.4   n.m. 

 Benefits, losses and expenses                                       

 Losses, loss                                                        
 adjustment          -914.2   -662.2 +38.1% -2,738.9 -1,994.9 +37.3% 
 expenses and                                                        
 life benefits                                                       

 Underwriting                                                        
 acquisition         -211.2   -201.8  +4.7%   -642.4   -582.3 +10.3% 
 costs                                                               

 Other operating                                                     
 and                  -50.6    -45.5 +11.2%   -154.9   -142.4  +8.8% 
 administration                                                      
 expenses                                                            
 
 Interest expense      -8.2     -6.9 +18.8%    -24.8    -23.9  +3.8% 

 Impairment of            -        -   n.m.    -94.0        -   n.m. 
 goodwill                                                            

 Restructuring         -3.4        -   n.m.     -3.4        -   n.m. 
 costs                                                               

 Total benefits,                                                     
 losses and        -1,187.6   -916.4 +29.6% -3,658.4 -2,743.5  33.3% 
 expenses                                                            

 (Loss) Income       -108.1     55.1   n.m.   -403.6    150.9   n.m. 
 before taxes                                                        

 (Loss) income         -8.2    -10.8 -24.1%   -307.0    -22.0   n.m. 
 tax (expense)                                                       

 Net (loss)          -116.3     44.3   n.m.   -710.6    128.9   n.m. 
 income                                                              

 Basic (loss)                                                        
 earnings per         -2.91     1.12   n.m.   -17.83     3.24   n.m. 
 share (US$)                                                         

 Diluted (loss)                                                      
 earnings per         -2.87     1.10   n.m.   -17.56     3.20   n.m. 
 share (US$)                                                         


  Consolidated balance sheets          September 30,   December 31,  

  In US$ million, unless noted             2004            2003      
                                        (unaudited)                  
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Invested assets                                                    
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Held-to-maturity securities:                                       

  Fixed maturities                             851.8          500.4  

  Available-for-sale securities:                                     

  Fixed maturities                           4,724.6        4,428.2  

  Equity securities                            372.2          840.2  

  Other investments                            259.4          173.5  

  Short-term investments                       144.0           55.8  

  Total investments                          6,352.0        5,998.1  

  Funds Withheld Asset                       1,314.5        1,530.6  

  Total invested assets                      7,666.5        7,528.7  
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Other assets                                                       
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Cash and cash equivalents                    298.6          280.8  

  Premiums receivables:                                              

  Current                                      221.7          182.8  

  Accrued                                    1,989.9        1,825.5  

  Reinsurance assets:                                                

  Underwriting reserves                      1,593.1        1,718.6  

  Insurance balances receivable, net           232.8          224.0  

  Funds held by reinsureds                   1,608.2        1,374.0  

  Deferred policy acquisition costs            415.1          380.1  

  Deferred income taxes                         90.9          345.1  

  Other assets                                 460.6          495.0  

  Total assets                              14,577.4       14,354.6  
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Liabilities                                                        
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Losses and loss adjustment                 8,809.0        7,842.8  
  expenses, gross                                                    

  Unearned premiums, gross                   1,594.8        1,467.4  

  Future life benefits, gross                  518.8          483.5  
 
  Other reinsurance liabilities              1,154.2        1,087.3  

  Funds held under reinsurance                 459.6          529.8  
  contracts                                                          

  Deferred income taxes                        137.8          158.3  

  Accrued expenses and other                   237.3          311.6  
  liabilities                                                        

  Debt                                         390.8          390.6  

  Total liabilities                         13,302.3       12,271.3  
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Equity                                                             
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Common stock                                 253.0          253.0  
 
  Additional paid-in capital                 1,330.8        1,326.7  

  Treasury stock                                -6.5          -10.0  

  Unearned stock compensation                   -6.6           -6.1  

  Accumulated other comprehensive                                    
  income:                                                            

  Net unrealized gains on                       94.3          145.3  
  investments, net of taxes                                          

  Cumulative translation adjustments           114.1          116.1  

  Total accumulated other                      208.4          261.4  
  comprehensive income                                               

  Retained (deficit) earnings                 -504.0          258.3  

  Total equity                               1,275.1        2,083.3  

  Total liabilities and equity              14,577.4       14,354.6  





  Consolidated statements of cash flows          Nine months ended   
  (Unaudited)                                      September 30,     

  In US$ million, unless noted                    2004       2003    

  Net income                                      -710.6      128.9  
 
  Net realized capital gains on investments        -42.0       -6.2  

  Amortization of premium/discount                  43.5       32.2  

  Depreciation and amortization                     18.7       22.5  

  Impairment of goodwill and deferred tax          363.8          -  
  assets                                                             

  Total adjustments                                384.0       48.5  

  Deferred policy acquisition costs                -36.0      -87.6  

  Reinsurance assets                               117.8      -11.7  
 
  Funds held by reinsureds                        -238.1     -162.9  

  Funds Withheld Asset                             218.4      116.6  

  Premiums receivables                            -195.2     -446.3  

  Unearned premiums, gross                         127.9      267.4  

  Losses and loss adjustment expenses, gross       958.5      502.4  

  Future life benefits, gross                       36.4       95.1  

  Funds held under reinsurance contracts           -71.9       68.1  

  Other reinsurance liabilities                     71.7      316.8  

  Income taxes, net                                 26.0       24.9  

  Net change in all other operational assets      -267.5       43.8  
  and liabilities                                                    

  Total changes in operational assets and          748.0      726.6  
  liabilities                                                        

  Cash provided by operating activities            421.4      904.0  

  Purchases of fixed maturities                   -212.1     -108.9  
  held-to-maturity                                                   

  Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed    2,679.5    2,786.1  
  maturities available-for-sale                                      

  Purchases of fixed maturities                 -3,106.8   -3,553.3  
  available-for-sale                                                 

  Cash flows from investing activities (fixed     -639.4     -876.1  
  maturities)                                                        

  Proceeds from sales of equity securities         958.8       41.0  

  Purchases of equity securities                  -537.5     -182.0  

  Cash flows from investing activities             421.3     -141.0  
  (equity securities)                                                

  Net (increase) decrease in short-term            -88.2      108.3  
  investments                                                        

  Proceeds from sales of other assets               65.1       25.1  

  Purchases of other assets                       -100.4      -62.7  

  Cash flows from investing activities            -123.5       70.7  
  (other)                                                            

  Net cash used in investing activities           -341.6     -946.4  
 
  Net purchases of common shares                    -4.9       -5.4  
 
  Dividends to shareholders                        -47.9      -29.2  

  Net cash used in financing activities            -52.8      -34.6  

  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and       -9.2        9.8  
  cash equivalents                                                   

  Change in cash and cash equivalents               17.8      -67.2  

  Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1        280.8      361.5  

  Cash and cash equivalents as of September        298.6      294.3  
  30                                                                 

                   Three months                                      
 Segments              ended              Nine months ended          
 (Unaudited)       September 30,  Change    September 30,    Change  

 In US$ million,    2004   2003    (%)      2004     2003     (%)    
 unless noted                                                        
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Standard Property & Casualty Reinsurance                            
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Gross premiums      407.4 383.4    +6.3%  1,483.5  1,384.3    +7.2% 
 written                                                             

 Net premiums        361.2 338.9    +6.6%  1,349.7  1,279.6    +5.5% 
 written                                                             

 Net premiums        422.1 422.9    -0.2%  1,282.3  1,210.1    +6.0% 
 earned                                                              

 Non-life loss       76.5% 66.2% +10.3pts    78.6%    66.0% +12.6pts 
 ratio                                                               

 Non-life            23.2% 23.5%  -0.3pts    22.6%                 - 
 underwriting                                         22.6%          
 expense ratio                                                       
 
 Non-life             5.3%  4.0%  +1.3pts     4.5%           +0.5pts 
 administration                                        4.0%          
 expense ratio                                                       
 
 Non-life combined  105.0% 93.7% +11.3pts   105.7%    92.6% +13.1pts 
 ratio                                                               

 Total investment     37.0  20.9   +77.0%    104.2     73.1   +42.5% 
 results                                                             

 Segment income       18.9  50.8   -62.8%     27.8    160.6   -82.7% 

 Retention ratio     88.7% 88.4%  +0.3pts    91.0%    92.4%  -1.4pts 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                     
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Specialty Lines                                                     
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Gross premiums      506.9 543.5    -6.7%  1,577.3  1,532.3    +2.9% 
 written                                                             

 Net premiums        458.3 474.7    -3.5%  1,473.9  1,405.6    +4.9% 
 written                                                             

 Net premiums        478.3 408.2   +17.2%  1,395.2  1,231.7   +13.3% 
 earned                                                              

 Non-life loss      105.4% 72.3% +33.1pts   105.7%    78.0% +27.7pts 
 ratio                                                               

 Non-life                                                            
 underwriting        18.9% 21.5%  -2.6pts    20.0%    20.7%  -0.7pts 
 expense ratio                                                       

 Non-life                                                            
 administration       3.9%  4.0%  -0.1pts     3.5%     4.0%  -0.5pts 
 expense ratio                                                       

 Non-life combined  128.2% 97.8% +30.4pts   129.2%   102.7% +26.5pts 
 ratio                                                               

 Total investment     52.7  28.0   +88.2%    142.8     96.5   +48.0% 
 results                                                             

 Segment (loss)      -81.2  34.1     n.m.   -266.9     56.3     n.m. 
 income                                                              

 Retention ratio     90.4% 87.3%  +3.1pts    93.4%    91.7%  +1.7pts 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                     
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Life & Health Reinsurance                                           
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Gross premiums      119.0  82.7   +43.9%    383.7    305.5   +25.6% 
 written                                                             

 Net premiums        114.3  73.8   +54.9%    357.6    286.1   +25.0% 
 written                                                             

 Net premiums        113.5  87.5   +29.7%    339.3    273.6   +24.0% 
 earned                                                              

 Underwriting                                                        
 expense ratio       20.1% 16.8%  +3.3pts    21.9%    19.9%  +2.0pts 
 Life & Health                                                       

 Administration       4.9%  6.4%  -1.5pts     4.6%     3.9%  +0.7pts 
 expense ratio                                                       
 Life & Health                                                       

 Total investment      7.6   4.0   +90.0%     19.8     13.8   +43.5% 
 results                                                             

 Segment income        5.7 -14.8     n.m.     11.6    -13.4     n.m. 
 (loss)                                                              

 Retention ratio     96.1% 89.2%  +6.9pts    93.2%    93.6%  -0.4pts 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                     
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Corporate Center                                                    
 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Operating and                                                       
 administration       -8.2  -8.1    +1.2%    -25.1    -24.3    +3.3% 
 expenses                                                            


            

Contact Data