Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Results

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:00am EDT

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TRH) today reported a net loss
for the third quarter of 2008 of ($107.5) million, or ($1.62) per
common share (diluted), compared to net income of $141.7 million, or
$2.12 per common share (diluted), in the third quarter of 2007. Net
income for the first nine months of 2008 totaled $97.9 million, or
$1.47 per common share (diluted), compared to $374.6 million, or $5.62
per common share (diluted), in the first nine months of 2007.

   Commenting on the quarter, Robert F. Orlich, Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Results for the third quarter were
impacted by tumultuous financial and credit markets and natural
catastrophes. In particular, Hurricane Ike was a meaningful event,
both in terms of its initial damage in the Gulf of Mexico and Texas
and its significant trail of damage through Kentucky and Ohio. While
we reported a net loss for the quarter, for the first nine months of
this year we achieved an underwriting profit, substantial net income
and net operating cash inflows ahead of last year's pace.

   "Stockholders' equity declined this quarter, as was the case with
many financial institutions. Despite a generally conservative
investment portfolio, we recorded significant unrealized depreciation
due mostly to the impact of an increase in credit spreads on our fixed
maturity portfolio. In addition, we recorded unrealized currency
translation losses caused by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar."

   Looking forward to the January 1, 2009 renewal season, Mr. Orlich
added, "Despite the financial market volatility and recent large loss
events, our capital and reserve positions remain strong. We see
opportunities in the current environment that we will pursue for the
right price. Catastrophe losses and financial market difficulties have
strained market capacity, and we have already seen signs of market
price stabilization that counteract trends from recent periods. In
several classes and regions, we expect to see price increases.

   "Transatlantic remains strong - and we are committed to our
customers and markets worldwide. Our financial strength, history of
excellent relationships with brokers and clients, strong ratings
assigned by each of the major rating agencies and high quality and
experienced staff continue to serve us well."

   (Loss) income before income taxes for the third quarter of 2008
amounted to ($153.7) million compared to $174.7 million in the third
quarter of 2007. Income before income taxes for the first nine months
of 2008 amounted to $98.4 million compared to $463.3 million in the
first nine months of 2007.

   In the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, (loss) income before income
taxes includes pre-tax realized net capital (losses) gains of ($157.6)
million and $14.7 million, respectively. For the nine month periods,
income before income taxes includes pre-tax realized net capital
(losses) gains of ($232.5) million and $32.0 million in 2008 and 2007,
respectively. Realized net capital losses in the 2008 periods, which
include significant other-than-temporary impairment write-downs
related to fixed maturity (including fixed maturities included in
securities lending invested collateral) and equity securities, were
due primarily to a severe decline in market values resulting from the
downturn in the U.S. economy, ongoing turmoil in the financial markets
and credit events related to certain financial industry companies.
(Refer to the analysis of realized net capital (losses) gains in the
Consolidated Statistical Supplement for detail of the components of
realized net capital (losses) gains.)

   (Loss) income before income taxes in the third quarter and first
nine months of 2008 also includes estimated pre-tax net catastrophe
costs of $146.1 million and $143.8 million, respectively, relating
largely to Hurricane Ike. Income before income taxes in the third
quarter and first nine months of 2007 also includes estimated pre-tax
net catastrophe costs of $2.9 million and $56.6 million, respectively.
The computation of net catastrophe costs involves a significant amount
of judgment and is based on information available at the time of
estimation.

   Net premiums written for the third quarter of 2008 increased 11.1%
to $1,094.2 million compared to $984.6 million in the third quarter of
2007. Net premiums written for the first nine months of 2008 increased
5.6% to $3,118.3 million compared to $2,951.9 million in the first
nine months of 2007. (Refer to the table in the Consolidated
Statistical Supplement presenting the effect of changes in foreign
currency exchange rates on the increase in net premiums written
between periods.) International business represented 51% of net
premiums written in the first nine months of 2008 versus 50% in the
first nine months of 2007.

   Net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred include estimated
net adverse development related to losses (including catastrophe
events) occurring in prior years which totaled $1 million and $11
million for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $2
million and $47 million in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007,
respectively.

   The combined ratio for the third quarter of 2008 was 107.8% versus
93.7% in the comparable 2007 quarter. The combined ratio for the first
nine months of 2008 was 98.7% versus 95.4% in the first nine months of
2007. The aggregate net impact of pre-tax catastrophe costs and
estimated net loss reserve development related to losses occurring in
prior years added 14.8% and 1.2% to the combined ratio for the third
quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 5.0% and 3.4% to the
combined ratio for the first nine months of 2008 and 2007,
respectively.

   Net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves increased $220.9
million during the third quarter of 2008, bringing the amount of such
reserves to $7.54 billion at September 30, 2008. (Refer to the
analysis of changes in net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
in the Consolidated Statistical Supplement for additional
information.)

   TRH's loss ratio represents net losses and loss adjustment
expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned.
The underwriting expense ratio represents the sum of net commissions
and other underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of net
premiums written. The combined ratio represents the sum of the loss
ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. Net loss and loss adjustment
expense reserves represent unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses,
net of related reinsurance recoverable. The combined ratio and its
components, as well as net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves,
are presented in accordance with principles prescribed or permitted by
insurance regulatory authorities, as these are standard measures in
the insurance and reinsurance industries.

   Net investment income totaled $110.4 million in the third quarter
of 2008 compared to $112.2 million in the third quarter of 2007. Net
investment income totaled $348.1 million for the first nine months of
2008 compared to $347.7 million for the first nine months of 2007.
Investment income from limited partnerships was significantly lower in
the 2008 periods than in the comparable 2007 periods. At September 30,
2008, investments totaled $11.23 billion. (Refer to the analysis of
net investment income in the Consolidated Statistical Supplement for
additional information.)

   Net operating cash flows for the third quarter and first nine
months of 2008 totaled $408.3 million and $901.7 million,
respectively. Net operating cash flows for the third quarter and first
nine months of 2007 totaled $353.1 million and $712.7 million,
respectively. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, net
repayments reduced TRH's securities lending payable by $402.7 million
and $841.3 million, respectively.

   At September 30, 2008, TRH's consolidated assets and stockholders'
equity were $14.64 billion and $3.02 billion, respectively. Book value
per common share was $45.64.

   In the third quarter of 2008, the Board of Directors declared a
quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per common share to stockholders of
record as of November 21, 2008, payable on December 5, 2008.

   On September 22, 2008, American International Group, Inc. (AIG),
the holder of approximately 59% of the Company's outstanding common
stock, entered into an $85 billion revolving credit facility with the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York and agreed to issue shares of
preferred stock to a trust that will hold the shares for the benefit
of the United States Treasury. In order to satisfy its repayment
obligations for amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility,
AIG has publicly announced its intention to sell certain of its
non-core assets. On September 29, 2008, the Company announced that a
Special Committee of its independent directors was formed to evaluate
proposals received from AIG relating to the possible disposition of,
or other transactions involving, AIG's 59% common stock interest in
the Company as well as any related business combination transactions
involving the Company's outstanding shares. The Special Committee is
continuing its process, however, there can be no assurance as to
whether or when AIG will dispose of all or any portion of its interest
in the Company or whether or when the Company will engage in any
transaction.

   Visit - www.transre.com - for additional information about TRH.

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Caution concerning forward-looking statements:
*T

   This press release contains forward-looking statements, including
management's beliefs about market conditions and expectations
regarding the aggregate net impact on operating results from recent
catastrophe losses, within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities
laws. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and
opinions concerning a variety of known and unknown risks. Please refer
to TRH's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007 and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008 as well as its future filings and
reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission for a description of the business environment in which TRH
operates and the important factors, risks and uncertainties that may
affect its business and financial results. If any assumptions or
opinions prove incorrect, any forward-looking statements made on that
basis may also prove materially incorrect. TRH is not under any
obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligations to) update
or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.

   Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (TRH) is a leading international
reinsurance organization headquartered in New York, with operations on
six continents. Its subsidiaries, Transatlantic Reinsurance
Company(R), Trans Re Zurich and Putnam Reinsurance Company, offer
reinsurance capacity on both a treaty and facultative basis --
structuring programs for a full range of property and casualty
products, with an emphasis on specialty risks.


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            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                     Consolidated Financial Data

Statement of Operations Data:
                                         Three Months Ended
                                           September 30,
                                      ------------------------
                                          2008        2007     Change
                                      ------------ ----------- -------
                                       (in thousands, except
                                           per share data)
Revenues:
 Net premiums written                 $ 1,094,182  $  984,624   11.1 %
 Increase in net unearned premiums        (67,251)    (24,817)
                                      ------------ -----------
 Net premiums earned                    1,026,931     959,807    7.0
 Net investment income                    110,433     112,244   (1.6)
 Realized net capital (losses) gains     (157,604)     14,723
                                      ------------ -----------
       Total revenues                     979,760   1,086,774   (9.8)
                                      ------------ -----------

Expenses:
 Net losses and loss adjustment
  expenses                                848,258     630,053
 Net commissions                          241,705     249,344
 Other underwriting expenses               33,638      26,597
 Increase in deferred acquisition
  costs                                    (8,215)     (7,833)
 Interest on senior notes                  10,861      10,856
 Other, net                                 7,197       3,017
                                      ------------ -----------
       Total expenses                   1,133,444     912,034
                                      ------------ -----------

(Loss) income before income taxes        (153,684)    174,740      -
Income taxes (benefits)                   (46,163)     33,014
                                      ------------ -----------
Net (loss) income                      ($ 107,521) $  141,726      -
                                      ============ ===========

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net (loss) income per common share:
 Basic                                     ($1.62) $     2.14      -
 Diluted                                    (1.62)       2.12      -

Cash dividends per common share             0.190       0.160   18.8

Weighted average common
 shares outstanding:
       Basic                               66,265      66,148
       Diluted                             66,265      66,732

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios:
 Loss                                        82.6 %      65.7 %
 Underwriting expense                        25.2        28.0
 Combined                                   107.8        93.7

----------------------------------------------------------------------


Statement of Operations Data:
                                         Nine Months Ended
                                           September 30,
                                      ------------------------
                                          2008        2007     Change
                                      ------------ ----------- -------
                                       (in thousands, except
                                           per share data)
Revenues:
 Net premiums written                 $ 3,118,319  $2,951,872    5.6 %
 Increase in net unearned premiums        (51,504)    (78,834)
                                      ------------ -----------
 Net premiums earned                    3,066,815   2,873,038    6.7
 Net investment income                    348,135     347,665    0.1
 Realized net capital (losses) gains     (232,523)     32,002
                                      ------------ -----------
       Total revenues                   3,182,427   3,252,705   (2.2)
                                      ------------ -----------

Expenses:
 Net losses and loss adjustment
  expenses                              2,204,313   1,947,623
 Net commissions                          739,008     736,041
 Other underwriting expenses               97,854      80,227
 Increase in deferred acquisition
  costs                                    (8,723)    (21,256)
 Interest on senior notes                  32,577      32,564
 Other, net                                18,982      14,237
                                      ------------ -----------
       Total expenses                   3,084,011   2,789,436
                                      ------------ -----------

(Loss) income before income taxes          98,416     463,269  (78.8)
Income taxes (benefits)                       551      88,652
                                      ------------ -----------
Net (loss) income                     $    97,865  $  374,617  (73.9)
                                      ============ ===========

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net (loss) income per common share:
 Basic                                $      1.48  $     5.67  (73.9)
 Diluted                                     1.47        5.62  (73.9)

Cash dividends per common share             0.540       0.455   18.7

Weighted average common
 shares outstanding:
       Basic                               66,252      66,098
       Diluted                             66,762      66,604

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios:
 Loss                                        71.9 %      67.8 %
 Underwriting expense                        26.8        27.6
 Combined                                    98.7        95.4
*T

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            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                     Consolidated Financial Data
            As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007

Balance Sheet Data:
                                                 2008         2007
                                             ------------ ------------
                                              (in thousands, except
                                                    share data)
                   ASSETS
Investments:
 Fixed maturities:
  Held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair
   value: 2008-$1,177,861; 2007-$1,280,011)  $ 1,219,675  $ 1,249,935
  Available for sale, at fair value
   (amortized cost: 2008-$8,352,246; 2007-
   $8,034,738) (pledged, at fair value:
   2008-$1,181,828; 2007-$1,966,364)           7,928,655    8,099,252
 Equities:
  Available for sale, at fair value:
   Common stocks (cost: 2008-$565,579; 2007-
    $572,468) (pledged, at fair value: 2008-
    $39; 2007-$21,900)                           507,073      587,373
   Nonredeemable preferred stocks (cost:
    2008-$121,087; 2007-$224,298)                113,134      197,870
  Trading: common stocks, at fair value
   (cost: 2007-$35,916) (pledged, at fair
   value: 2007-$2,144)                                 -       35,357
 Other invested assets                           268,016      250,921
 Securities lending invested collateral, at
  fair value (amortized cost: 2008-
  $1,025,840; 2007-$2,053,271)                   959,756    2,012,031
 Short-term investments, at cost
  (approximates fair value)                      237,232       67,801
                                             ------------ ------------
   Total investments                          11,233,541   12,500,540
Cash and cash equivalents                        338,223      255,432
Accrued investment income                        153,851      143,675
Premium balances receivable, net                 723,997      641,026
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid
 losses and loss adjustment expenses             858,081    1,074,643
Deferred acquisition costs                       256,804      248,081
Prepaid reinsurance premiums                     106,277       71,617
Deferred income taxes                            763,018      426,600
Other assets                                     207,007      122,713
                                             ------------ ------------
   Total assets                              $14,640,799  $15,484,327
                                             ============ ============
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses   $ 8,371,470  $ 7,926,261
Unearned premiums                              1,308,830    1,226,647
Securities lending payable                     1,104,017    2,054,649
5.75% senior notes due December 14, 2015:
 Affiliates                                      448,298      448,158
 Other                                           298,865      298,772
Other liabilities                                 84,943      180,798
                                             ------------ ------------
   Total liabilities                          11,616,423   12,135,285
                                             ------------ ------------

Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value; shares
 authorized: 5,000,000; none issued                    -            -
Common Stock, $1.00 par value; shares
 authorized: 100,000,000; shares issued:
 2008-67,260,447; 2007-67,222,470                 67,260       67,222
Additional paid-in capital                       267,043      249,853
Accumulated other comprehensive loss            (438,660)     (34,692)
Retained earnings                              3,150,652    3,088,578
Treasury Stock, at cost; 988,900 shares of
 common stock                                    (21,919)     (21,919)
                                             ------------ ------------
   Total stockholders' equity                  3,024,376    3,349,042
                                             ------------ ------------
   Total liabilities and stockholders'
    equity                                   $14,640,799  $15,484,327
                                             ============ ============
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            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                     Consolidated Financial Data

Condensed Cash Flow Data:
                                                Three Months Ended
                                                   September 30,
                                             -------------------------
                                                 2008         2007
                                             ------------ ------------
                                                  (in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities    $   408,304  $   353,103
                                             ------------ ------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
 Proceeds of fixed maturities available
  for sale sold                                1,445,444      175,761
 Proceeds of fixed maturities available for
  sale redeemed or matured                        52,307      141,197
 Proceeds of fixed maturities held to
  maturity redeemed                               25,000            -
 Proceeds of equities available for sale
  sold                                           344,614      360,584
 Purchase of fixed maturities available
  for sale                                    (1,439,911)    (734,663)
 Purchase of equities available for sale        (347,311)    (353,439)
 Net sale (purchase) of other invested
  assets                                             406          952
 Net sales (purchases) in securities
  lending invested collateral                    133,800     (287,318)
 Net purchase of short-term investments         (116,077)     (10,556)
 Change in other liabilities for securities
  in course of settlement                       (133,763)      69,190
 Other, net                                      (13,666)       7,530
                                             ------------ ------------
  Net cash (used in) provided by investing
   activities                                    (49,157)    (630,762)
                                             ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Net change in securities lending payable       (402,744)     287,318
 Dividends to stockholders                       (12,591)     (10,585)
 Proceeds from common stock issued                   366        1,323
 Other, net                                         (130)           -
                                             ------------ ------------
  Net cash (used in) provided by financing
   activities                                   (415,099)     278,056
                                             ------------ ------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
 cash equivalents                                 (6,541)       2,017
                                             ------------ ------------
  Change in cash and cash equivalents            (62,493)       2,414
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 period                                          400,716      223,655
                                             ------------ ------------
  Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $   338,223  $   226,069
                                             ============ ============

Supplemental cash flow information:
 Income taxes paid, net                      $    25,807  $    38,888
 Interest paid on senior notes                         -            -


Condensed Cash Flow Data:
                                                 Nine Months Ended
                                                   September 30,
                                             -------------------------
                                                 2008         2007
                                             ------------ ------------
                                                  (in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities    $   901,731  $   712,680
                                             ------------ ------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
 Proceeds of fixed maturities available
  for sale sold                                2,794,577      928,913
 Proceeds of fixed maturities available for
  sale redeemed or matured                       512,559      421,903
 Proceeds of fixed maturities held to
  maturity redeemed                               25,000            -
 Proceeds of equities available for sale
  sold                                           801,756      902,011
 Purchase of fixed maturities available
  for sale                                    (3,498,192)  (2,063,363)
 Purchase of equities available for sale        (825,527)    (881,060)
 Net sale (purchase) of other invested
  assets                                         (22,772)       4,677
 Net sales (purchases) in securities
  lending invested collateral                    572,356     (199,541)
 Net purchase of short-term investments         (174,395)     (21,336)
 Change in other liabilities for securities
  in course of settlement                       (129,228)      39,268
 Other, net                                        2,581       (1,507)
                                             ------------ ------------
  Net cash (used in) provided by investing
   activities                                     58,715     (870,035)
                                             ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Net change in securities lending payable       (841,300)     199,541
 Dividends to stockholders                       (33,791)     (28,427)
 Proceeds from common stock issued                   747        4,302
 Other, net                                          566          116
                                             ------------ ------------
  Net cash (used in) provided by financing
   activities                                   (873,778)     175,532
                                             ------------ ------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
 cash equivalents                                 (3,877)       2,628
                                             ------------ ------------
  Change in cash and cash equivalents             82,791       20,805
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 period                                          255,432      205,264
                                             ------------ ------------
  Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $   338,223  $   226,069
                                             ============ ============

Supplemental cash flow information:
 Income taxes paid, net                      $   104,310  $   153,079
 Interest paid on senior notes                    21,563       21,563
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            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                     Consolidated Financial Data



Comprehensive (Loss) Income Data:
                           Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                              September 30,         September 30,
                          --------------------- ----------------------
                             2008       2007        2008       2007
                          ----------- --------- ------------ ---------
                                         (in thousands)
Net (loss) income         ($ 107,521) $141,726  $    97,865  $374,617
                          ----------- --------- ------------ ---------

Other comprehensive (loss)
 gain:
  Net unrealized
   (depreciation)
   appreciation of
   investments, net of
   tax:

    Net unrealized holding
     (losses) gains         (471,111)   36,686     (794,285)  (84,933)
    Deferred income tax
     benefit (charge) on
     above                   164,890   (12,840)     278,000    29,727
    Reclassification
     adjustment for losses
     (gains) included in
     net (loss) income       161,907   (17,011)     222,594   (43,397)
    Deferred income tax
     (charge) benefit on
     above                   (56,668)    5,954      (77,908)   15,189
                          ----------- --------- ------------ ---------
                            (200,982)   12,789     (371,599)  (83,414)
                          ----------- --------- ------------ ---------

  Net unrealized currency
   translation (loss)
   gain, net of tax:
    Net unrealized
     currency translation
     (loss) gain            (108,025)   60,977      (49,799)   91,134
    Deferred income tax
     benefit (charge) on
     above                    37,809   (21,342)      17,430   (31,897)
                          ----------- --------- ------------ ---------
                             (70,216)   39,635      (32,369)   59,237
                          ----------- --------- ------------ ---------

  Other comprehensive
   (loss) gain              (271,198)   52,424     (403,968)  (24,177)
                          ----------- --------- ------------ ---------

Comprehensive (loss)
 income                   ($ 378,719) $194,150   ($ 306,103) $350,440
                          =========== ========= ============ =========
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            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statistical Supplement


Supplemental Premium Data:
                             Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
                               September 30,         September 30,
                            -------------------- ---------------------
                               2008      2007       2008       2007
                            ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
                                          (in thousands)
Net premiums written by
 office:

 Domestic                   $  525,155  $472,368 $1,528,474 $1,482,348
                            ---------- --------- ---------- ----------

 International:

  Europe:
              London           221,267   210,363    637,495    600,636
              Paris             86,522    85,893    280,965    257,429
              Zurich           106,574   101,615    283,898    265,711
                            ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
                               414,363   397,871  1,202,358  1,123,776
                            ---------- --------- ---------- ----------

  Other:
              Toronto           25,750    28,918     63,144     75,421
              Miami (Latin
               America and
               the
               Caribbean)       92,660    58,319    211,122    170,403
              Hong Kong         26,786    21,251     72,744     65,826
              Tokyo              9,468     5,897     40,477     34,098
                            ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
                               154,664   114,385    387,487    345,748
                            ---------- --------- ---------- ----------

 Total international           569,027   512,256  1,589,845  1,469,524
                            ---------- --------- ---------- ----------

Total net premiums written  $1,094,182  $984,624 $3,118,319 $2,951,872
                            ========== ========= ========== ==========


Net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the
 increase in net premiums written in 2008 as compared to 2007:


                            Three      Nine
                             Months     Months
                             Ended      Ended
                            September  September
                             30,        30,
                            ---------- ---------
 Increase in original
  currency                         9.8%      2.6%
 Foreign exchange effect           1.3       3.0
                            ---------- ---------
 Increase as reported in
  U.S. dollars                    11.1%      5.6%
                            ========== =========
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            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statistical Supplement


Supplemental Premium Data (continued):

Other net premiums written data (estimated):

                          Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                            September 30,          September 30,
                        ---------------------- ----------------------
                           2008        2007       2008        2007
                        ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------

 Treaty                       96.3 %      96.2%      96.7 %      96.2%
 Facultative                   3.7         3.8        3.3         3.8
                        ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
                             100.0 %     100.0%     100.0 %     100.0%
                        =========== ========== =========== ==========

 Property                     33.2 %      28.7%      31.0 %      29.5%
 Casualty                     66.8        71.3       69.0        70.5
                        ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
                             100.0 %     100.0%     100.0 %     100.0%
                        =========== ========== =========== ==========

Total gross premiums
 written (in thousands) $1,181,280  $1,043,625 $3,377,769  $3,214,939
                        =========== ========== =========== ==========

Source of gross premiums written:

 Affiliates                   12.0 %      11.7%      12.9 %      13.2%
 Other                        88.0        88.3       87.1        86.8
                        ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
                             100.0 %     100.0%     100.0 %     100.0%
                        =========== ========== =========== ==========


Supplemental Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve Data:

Changes in net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves:

                          Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended
                            September 30,           September 30,
                        ---------------------- -----------------------
                           2008        2007       2008        2007
                        ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
                                        (in millions)
 Reserve for net unpaid
  losses and loss
  adjustment expenses
  at beginning of
  period                $  7,316.6  $  6,450.5 $  6,899.7  $  6,207.2
 Net losses and loss
  adjustment expenses
  incurred                   848.3       630.1    2,204.3     1,947.6
 Net losses and loss
  adjustment expenses
  paid                       506.2       434.9    1,497.9     1,540.9
 Foreign exchange
  effect                    (121.2)       23.0      (68.6)       54.8
                        ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
 Reserve for net unpaid
  losses and loss
  adjustment expenses
  at end of period      $  7,537.5  $  6,668.7 $  7,537.5  $  6,668.7
                        =========== ========== =========== ==========
*T

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*T
            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statistical Supplement

Supplemental Investment Data:
Net investment income:
                                  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
                                    September 30,      September 30,
                                  ------------------ -----------------
                                     2008     2007     2008     2007
                                  ---------- ------- --------- -------
                                             (in millions)
 Fixed maturities                   $ 105.8  $101.3   $ 318.9  $291.5
 Equities                               5.7     5.3      13.9    20.8
 Other invested assets
  (including limited partnerships)     (4.5)    3.8       5.1    27.5
 Other                                  5.9     4.3      17.9    14.8
                                  ---------- ------- --------- -------
  Total investment income             112.9   114.7     355.8   354.6
 Investment expenses                   (2.5)   (2.5)     (7.7)   (6.9)
                                  ---------- ------- --------- -------
  Net investment income             $ 110.4  $112.2   $ 348.1  $347.7
                                  ========== ======= ========= =======


Realized net capital (losses) gains:
                                  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
                                    September 30,      September 30,
                                  ------------------ -----------------
                                     2008     2007     2008     2007
                                  ---------- ------- --------- -------
                                             (in millions)
 Sales of securities               ($  37.7) $ 19.9  ($  20.2) $ 46.8
 Other-than-temporary impairment
  write-downs                        (124.2)   (2.9)   (202.4)   (3.4)
 Net foreign currency transaction
  gains (losses)                        4.3    (2.3)     (9.9)  (11.4)
                                  ---------- ------- --------- -------
  Realized net capital (losses)
   gains                           ($ 157.6) $ 14.7  ($ 232.5) $ 32.0
                                  ========== ======= ========= =======
*T

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*T
            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statistical Supplement

Supplemental Investment Data:
Investments by category:
                                                 September 30, 2008
                                              ------------------------
                                                 Amount      Percent
                                              ------------ -----------
                                               (dollars in thousands)
 Fixed maturities:
  Held to maturity (at amortized cost):
   Municipalities                             $  1,219,675       10.8%
                                              ------------ ----------

  Available for sale (at fair value):
   Corporate                                     2,012,249       17.9
   U.S. Government and government agencies         167,027        1.5
   Foreign government                              237,288        2.1
   Municipalities                                5,298,472       47.2
   Asset-backed securities                         213,619        1.9
                                              ------------ ----------
                                                 7,928,655       70.6
                                              ------------ ----------
    Total fixed maturities                       9,148,330       81.4
                                              ------------ ----------
 Equities available for sale:
  Common stocks                                    507,073        4.5
  Nonredeemable preferred stocks                   113,134        1.0
                                              ------------ ----------
    Total equities                                 620,207        5.5
                                              ------------ ----------
 Other invested assets                             268,016        2.4
 Securities lending invested collateral            959,756        8.6
 Short-term investments                            237,232        2.1
                                              ------------ ----------
    Total investments                         $ 11,233,541      100.0%
                                              ============ ==========
*T

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*T
            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statistical Supplement

Supplemental Investment Data (continued):

Fixed maturities portfolio data:

 Ratings as of September 30, 2008:

                            AAA    AA     A    BBB   Other (b)  Total
                          ------ ------ ----- ----- ---------- -------
                                         (in millions)
  Held to maturity:
     Non-asset-backed (a) $  596 $  561 $  63 $   -  $       - $ 1,220
                          ------ ------ ----- ----- ---------- -------

  Available for sale:
     Asset-backed:
      Commercial mortgage-
       backed                 67      -    10     -         10      87
      Residential:
       Mortgage-backed:
        Alt-A                 62      -     -     -         12      74
        Prime non-agency      31      -     -     -          -      31
       HELOC                   -      -     -     -          9       9
      Other asset-backed       -     12     -     -          -      12
     Non-asset-backed (a)  2,869  4,059   736    26         25   7,715
                          ------ ------ ----- ----- ---------- -------
       Total available for
        sale (c)           3,029  4,071   746    26         56   7,928
                          ------ ------ ----- ----- ---------- -------

       Total fixed
        maturities        $3,625 $4,632 $ 809 $  26  $      56 $ 9,148
                          ====== ====== ===== ===== ========== =======

  Percent of total fixed
   maturities              39.6%  50.6%  8.9%  0.3%       0.6%  100.0%
                          ====== ====== ===== ===== ========== =======

  (a) Non-asset-backed fixed maturities in the aggregate include
       insured municipal bonds with ratings as follows:

                                                      Below
                                                      BBB or
                            AAA    AA     A    BBB   Not Rated  Total
                          ------ ------ ----- ----- ---------- -------
     Insured rating       $1,125 $1,597 $ 314 $   -  $       4 $ 3,040
     Underlying rating       224  2,065   718    22         11   3,040

  (b) Consists of BB rated securities, except for $6 million of non-
       asset-backed securities which are not rated.

  (c) At September 30, 2008, pre-tax net unrealized depreciation on
       the available for sale fixed maturity portfolio totaled $424
       million. $39 million of such amount relates to asset-backed
       securities and $385 million relates to non-asset-backed
       securities.

 Duration as of September 30, 2008: 6.2 years
*T

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*T
   Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
        Consolidated Statistical Supplement

Supplemental Investment Data (continued):

Securities lending invested collateral data (a):

 Ratings of securities lending invested collateral
  as of September 30, 2008:

                       AAA     AA          A        BBB    B    Total
                     ------- ------- ------------- ----- ----- -------
                                     (in millions)
  Fixed maturities
   available for
   sale:
     Foreign asset-
      backed:
       Commercial
        mortgage-
        backed       $ 78.8  $  5.9  $          -  $  -  $  -  $ 84.7
       Residential
        mortgage-
        backed        241.4    13.6             -     -     -   255.0
       Other asset-
        backed         22.2     5.2             -     -     -    27.4
                     ------- ------- ------------- ----- ----- -------
         Total
          foreign
          asset-
          backed      342.4    24.7             -     -     -   367.1
     Foreign non-
      asset-backed     37.8   278.4         207.1   1.0   1.9   526.2
                     ------- ------- ------------- ----- ----- -------
  Total fixed
   maturities
   available for sale$380.2  $303.1   $     207.1  $1.0  $1.9   893.3
                     ======= ======= ============= ===== =====
  Cash equivalents                                               66.5

                                                                -----
  Total securities
   lending invested
   collateral (b)                                              $959.8
                                                               =======

  Total securities
   lending invested
   collateral
   invested in fixed
   maturities
   available for sale
   by rating           42.6%   33.9%         23.2%  0.1%  0.2%  100.0%

  (a) Information presented herein represents the
       fair value of underlying securities included
       on the Balance Sheet as securities lending
       invested collateral.
  (b) At September 30, 2008, pre-tax net unrealized
       depreciation on the securities lending
       invested collateral totaled $66.1 million.
       $45.9 million of such amount relates to
       asset-backed securities and $20.2 million
       relates to non-asset-backed securities.


 Duration of fixed maturities available for sale
  included above as of September 30, 2008: 0.1
  years
*T

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*T
            Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statistical Supplement

Supplemental Investment Data (continued):

Other investment data:

                               Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                                  September 30,       September 30,
                              --------------------- -----------------
                                 2008       2007      2008     2007
                              ---------- ---------- --------  -------

Pre-tax yield on fixed
 maturity portfolio (a)              4.5%       4.5%     4.5%     4.4%

Effective tax rate on net
 investment income (b)              12.0%      15.8%    14.0%    16.8%

(a)  Represents annualized pre-tax net investment income from fixed
      maturities (excluding fixed maturities included in securities
      lending invested collateral) for the periods indicated divided
      by the average balance sheet carrying value of the related fixed
      maturity portfolio for such periods.
(b)  Represents the portion of income tax expense related to
      net investment income divided by net investment
      income.

Other
 Data:
                             (Estimated)
                             September   December
                                 30,         31,
                                2008        2007
                             ----------- ----------
                                 (in thousands)
Statutory surplus of
 Transatlantic Reinsurance
 Company(R)                  $ 3,321,000 $3,368,801
*T

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., New York
Steven S. Skalicky, 212-770-2040

Copyright Business Wire 2008
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