UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		03-0510450 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

9 Farm Springs Road
Farmington, Connecticut 06032
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(860) 284-1300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

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

Large accelerated filer o           Accelerated filer þ           Non-accelerated filer o

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

The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding at August 3, 2007 was 17,020,910 shares.

 

 

Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

				Page
Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.		Financial Statements:
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)– June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006			3
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) – Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006			4
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006			5
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)			6
Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			17
Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk			39
Item 4.		Controls and Procedures			40
Part II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.		Legal Proceedings			40
Item 1a.		Risk Factors			41
Item 2.		Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			41
Item 3.		Defaults Upon Senior Securities			41
Item 4.		Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders			41
Item 5.		Other Information			42
Item 6.		Exhibits			42
		SIGNATURES			43
		CERTIFICATIONS			44
EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION
EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION
EX-32.1: CERTIFICATION
EX-32.2: CERTIFICATION

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

		June 30,				December 31,
		2007				2006
ASSETS:
Available for sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost: 2007, $423,053; 2006, $328,201)		$	418,581			$	329,846
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value			50,722				69,537
Total investments			469,303				399,383
Cash			5,878				26,873
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $75 as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006)			29,841				31,094
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses			117,270				96,371
Ceded unearned reinsurance premiums			45,269				44,742
Deferred insurance acquisition costs			13,123				12,724
Property and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation			2,003				1,895
Intangible assets			7,306				7,306
Net deferred income tax asset			14,749				8,720
Other assets			10,562				6,156
Total assets		$	715,304			$	635,264
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves		$	322,334			$	263,549
Unearned premium reserves			135,922				123,796
Reinsurance payable			17,005				21,385
Current income taxes payable			2,764				865
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			9,847				7,819
Total liabilities			487,872				417,414
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock; $0.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 17,021,352 shares at June 30, 2007 and 17,047,222 shares at December 31, 2006			170				170
Additional paid-in capital			203,562				203,095
Retained earnings			26,520				13,548
Accumulated other comprehensive income			(2,820	)			1,037
Total stockholders’ equity			227,432				217,850
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	715,304			$	635,264

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2007				2006				2007				2006
Revenues:
Net premiums earned		$	46,378			$	31,954			$	86,375			$	59,258
Net investment income			5,441				3,763				10,680				7,123
Net realized investment gains (losses)			17				(3	)			17				(13	)
Total revenues			51,836				35,714				97,072				66,368
Costs and expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses			25,253				21,767				50,723				41,031
Commissions and brokerage expenses			6,329				3,356				11,509				5,988
Other underwriting, acquisition and operating expenses			6,760				5,633				13,245				10,112
Other expenses			2,237				119				2,814				278
Total costs and expenses			40,579				30,875				78,291				57,409
Earnings before income taxes			11,257				4,839				18,781				8,959
Income tax expense			3,505				1,462				5,809				2,794
Net earnings		$	7,752			$	3,377			$	12,972			$	6,165
Basic earnings per share:
Net earnings per share		$	0.48			$	0.13			$	0.80			$	1.04
Weighted average shares outstanding			16,133,472				7,094,352				16,130,177				3,547,176
Diluted earnings per share:
Net earnings per share		$	0.45			$	0.10			$	0.76			$	0.37
Weighted average shares outstanding			17,064,606				8,719,928				17,076,716				16,535,853

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

		Six Months Ended
		June 30,
		2007				2006
Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities:
Net earnings		$	12,972			$	6,165
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Deferred insurance acquisition costs			(13,566	)			(7,216	)
Amortization of insurance acquisition costs			13,167				5,156
Deferred income taxes			(3,768	)			(1,590	)
Depreciation			345				279
Net realized investment (gains) losses			(17	)			13
Amortization of investment discounts and premiums			(1,525	)			(2,158	)
Stock-based compensation expense			467				187
Change in:
Premiums receivable			1,253				(1,842	)
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses			(20,899	)			(20,865	)
Ceded unearned reinsurance premiums			(527	)			(8,104	)
Current income taxes payable/receivable			1,899				1,052
Other assets			(3,706	)			3,455
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves			58,785				57,825
Unearned premium reserves			12,126				22,060
Reinsurance payable			(4,380	)			(2,502	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			2,028				(1,842	)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities			54,654				50,073
Cash flows provided by (used for) investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities			30,784				7,823
Maturities of available-for-sale securities			2,205				3,953
Purchases of available-for-sale securities			(128,292	)			(151,551	)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments			20,807				104,623
Due from/to brokers for unsettled trades			(700	)			(2,216	)
Purchases of fixed assets			(453	)			(339	)
Acquisition of Insurance Company, net of cash acquired			—				(214	)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities			(75,649	)			(37,921	)
Cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			—				96,000
Issuance costs			—				(9,712	)
Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock			—				(2,297	)
Redemption of Series C Preferred Stock			—				(2,465	)
Redemption of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock			—				(81,526	)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities			—				—
Net increase (decrease) in cash			(20,995	)			12,152
Cash, beginning of period			26,873				10,255
Cash, end of period		$	5,878			$	22,407
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for federal and state income taxes		$	7,678			$	3,332

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Organization and Basis of Presentation

  (a) Organization

     Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc. (DPUI), located in Farmington, Connecticut, is a majority-owned publicly-traded insurance underwriting subsidiary of Alleghany Insurance Holdings, LLC (AIHL), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation (Alleghany). On May 19, 2006, DPUI completed its initial public offering of its common stock (see Note 6).

     DPUI was formed in March 2003 as an underwriting manager for certain insurance company subsidiaries of Alleghany, a publicly traded company, pending the establishment or acquisition of separate insurance companies for the DPUI business. Effective September 1, 2003, DPUI entered into underwriting management agreements with three wholly-owned subsidiaries of Alleghany, Capitol Indemnity Corporation, Capitol Specialty Insurance Corporation, and Platte River Insurance Company (collectively, the Capitol Companies), to underwrite and administer specialty liability insurance business. DPUI’s specialty liability insurance business consists primarily of directors and officers liability (D&O), errors and omissions liability (E&O) and medical malpractice liability insurance.

     On February 3, 2004, Darwin Group, Inc. (Darwin Group), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIHL, was formed as an insurance holding company for the purpose of acquiring Darwin National Assurance Company (DNA). DNA was acquired on May 3, 2004 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Darwin Group. As of July 31, 2007, DNA is licensed to write property and casualty insurance on an admitted basis in 48 jurisdictions (including the District of Columbia) and is eligible to operate on an excess and surplus lines basis in one additional state (Arkansas). On May 2, 2005, DNA acquired Darwin Select Insurance Company (Darwin Select), as a wholly-owned insurance company subsidiary. As of July 31, 2007, Darwin Select is licensed to write property and casualty insurance on an admitted basis in Arkansas (its state of domicile) and is eligible to operate on an excess and surplus lines basis in 46 additional states. Effective as of January 1, 2006, Darwin Group was contributed by Alleghany to DPUI (see Note 1(b)).

     The Capitol Companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of AIHL and operate collectively in 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the business produced by DPUI and issued on policies of the Capitol Companies, the Capitol Companies have significant independent operations that are not included in these condensed consolidated financial statements. Alleghany acquired ownership of the Capitol Companies in January 2002. Prior to the formation of DPUI as an underwriting manager to underwrite professional liability coverages for the Capitol Companies in the D&O, E&O and medical malpractice lines, neither the Capitol Companies nor Alleghany wrote any of these lines of business.

     DNA, Darwin Select and the Capitol Companies (in respect of the business produced by DPUI and issued on polices of the Capitol Companies) receive underwriting, claims, management, and administrative services from DPUI.

     DPUI’s products are marketed through independent producers located throughout the United States.

   (b) Reorganization

     Effective January 1, 2006, DPUI became the parent of Darwin Group and its subsidiaries, DNA and Darwin Select and, in connection therewith, DPUI issued to AIHL shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of $197,178, equal to the book value of Darwin Group on December 31, 2005, in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of Darwin Group held by AIHL. In addition, AIHL exchanged its 6,600,000 shares of common stock of DPUI, representing 80% of the issued and outstanding shares of DPUI, for 9,560 additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock of DPUI having an additional aggregate liquidation preference of $20 per share, representing 80% of the book value of DPUI on December 31, 2005. As a result of the reorganization, the only shares of common stock outstanding as of January 1, 2006 to May 19, 2006 were unvested restricted shares.

     Collectively these operations are referred to as “Darwin” or the “Company.”

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

  (c) Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Darwin have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information. This report should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report of Darwin on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2007 is unaudited, but reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and the elimination of intercompany transactions and balances) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to a fair statement of the results of the interim periods covered thereby. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007 or any other future period. All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature except as described herein. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

     On May 3, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 33-for-two stock split of the Company’s shares of common stock, to be effected on the effective date of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 in connection with its initial public offering, which occurred on May 19, 2006. In addition, the par value of the common stock was adjusted to $0.01 per common share from $0.10 per common share. The resulting increase in common stock was offset by a decrease in additional paid-in capital.

     All common stock and per share data included in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the exchange ratios for the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 33-for-two stock split and the change in par value for all periods presented.

     Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

(2) New Accounting Standards

     In September 2005, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement of Position 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts (SOP 05-1). SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in SFAS No. 97, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, rights, or coverages that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature of coverage within a contract. Darwin adopted SOP 05-01 as of January 1, 2007, and the implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s operations or financial condition.

     In March 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement No. 155 (SFAS No. 155), Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments, an amendment to FASB Statement No. 133 and 140. This Statement permits fair value re-measurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, and establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation. This Statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Darwin adopted the provisions of this Statement as of January 1, 2007, and the implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

     In July 2006, FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. The Interpretation clarifies the accounting for income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Darwin adopted the provisions of this Interpretation as of January 1, 2007, and the implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

     In September 2006, FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This Statement provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The Standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. The Standard is effective for financial statements prepared for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Darwin does not anticipate that this Statement will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

     In February 2007, FASB Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115, was issued. This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, at specified election dates, with unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” Darwin does not anticipate that this Statement will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

(3) Reinsurance

   Reinsurance Effect on Operations

     Net premiums written, net premiums earned, and net losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) incurred including reinsurance activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2007				2006				2007				2006
Net Premiums Written:
Direct premiums written		$	52,117			$	40,115			$	115,200			$	81,195
Assumed premiums written — Capitol Companies			12,953				17,236				24,148				36,040
Assumed premiums written			812				713				812				713
Ceded premiums written			(16,850	)			(21,644	)			(42,186	)			(44,740	)
Net premiums written		$	49,032			$	36,420			$	97,974			$	73,208
Net Premiums Earned:
Direct premiums earned		$	51,528			$	19,308			$	98,428			$	31,371
Assumed premiums earned — Capitol Companies			13,812				31,269				29,238				64,437
Assumed premiums earned			190				80				368				80
Ceded premiums earned			(19,152	)			(18,703	)			(41,659	)			(36,630	)
Net premiums earned		$	46,378			$	31,954			$	86,375			$	59,258
Net Losses and LAE Incurred:
Direct losses and LAE incurred		$	30,878			$	11,366			$	61,207			$	19,784
Assumed losses and LAE incurred — Capitol Companies			2,883				19,961				10,803				42,099
Assumed losses and LAE incurred — other			118				53				223				53
Ceded losses and LAE incurred			(8,626	)			(9,613	)			(21,510	)			(20,905	)
Net losses and LAE incurred		$	25,253			$	21,767			$	50,723			$	41,031

     The net premiums written table above presents our gross premiums written on the policies of the Capitol Companies (Assumed premiums written — Capitol Companies) as well as gross premiums written directly and assumed on the policies of DNA and Darwin Select (Direct and assumed premiums written). Since each of our insurance company subsidiaries obtained its own A.M. Best rating of “A — ” (Excellent) in November 2005, whenever possible, DPUI has written coverage on policies issued by DNA or Darwin Select. However, our insurance company subsidiaries are not currently licensed (in the case of our admitted carrier DNA) or eligible to write business on a surplus lines basis (in the case of Darwin Select) in all U.S. jurisdictions, and DNA does not yet have in place all rate and form filings required to write insurance business in every jurisdiction where it is licensed. In addition, the Capitol Companies have A.M. Best ratings of “A” (Excellent), and we

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

believe that insureds in certain classes of our business (primarily public D&O) require policies issued by an insurer with an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent). Consequently, although we expect to write the majority of our future business on policies of our insurance company subsidiaries, we continue to depend upon the Capitol Companies to write policies for a portion of the business produced by DPUI. For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, we wrote $13.0 million and $24.1 million, respectively, of gross premiums through our arrangement with the Capitol Companies, representing 19.7% and 17.2%, respectively, of the total gross premiums produced by DPUI.

     As discussed in the 2006 Form 10-K, Darwin reinsures all of its lines of business through a program consisted primarily of excess of loss reinsurance treaties. In conjunction with the renewal of our major reinsurance treaties, effective April 1, 2007 Darwin restructured its reinsurance program. For the Company’s medical malpractice business, it has eliminated the variable-rated aspect of its reinsurance program and standardized the retention to $1 million for all classes of the medical malpractice business. Darwin has secured a $10 million in excess of $1 million cessions treaty. Darwin was able to increase our ceding commission by 1.5% to 24% and added the clinical trials business as a covered class of business. Darwin’s participation in this treaty remains at 15%. For the non-medical business, effective April 1, 2007, Darwin entered into a tiered excess of loss program with varying ceding commission rates. For all lines except for D&O and Healthcare E&O, the first tier is a $1 million excess of $1 million, variable rated treaty with a loss cap equal to 300% of ceded premium. For D&O and Healthcare E&O, the first tier is a $3 million excess of $2 million, flat rated excess cession treaty with a 26% ceding commission and a loss cap equal to 275% of ceded premium. In addition, the Company placed a $5 million in excess of $5 million ($10 million in excess of $5 million for A-side D&O, coverage for individual directors and officers for nonindemnifiable losses that a company cannot pay for) flat rated excess cession treaty with a 25% ceding commission and a loss cap equal to 275% of ceded premium. Darwin’s participation in the first layer is 25% and its participation in the second layer is 17.5%.

     Ceded premiums written were reduced in the quarter by $3,836 due to a favorable adjustment of the 2003 through 2006 accident year loss results and were reduced for the six months ended June 30, 2007 by $4,198 also due to the favorable adjustments for 2003 through 2006 accident year loss results. The decrease in our estimate of expected ultimate losses incurred for the 2003 through 2006 accident years reduced our estimated ultimate ceded premium cost on certain of our variable rated reinsurance contracts in-force during the 2003 through 2006 accident years.

     In September 2006, the Company established three reinsurance security trusts with sufficient assets to adequately collateralize the reinsurance obligations to the Capitol Companies for the amounts assumed by Darwin. The trust balances are adjusted on a quarterly basis to ensure that the assets held in trust are sufficient to meet Darwin’s obligations to the Capitol Companies under the reinsurance agreements between the Capitol Companies and Darwin. The investments held in the trusts had a market value of $219,754 as of June 30, 2007 and are included in total investments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Loss and LAE Reserves

     The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance, as shown in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated:

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2007				2006				2007				2006
Gross reserves balance at beginning of period		$	292,673			$	166,486			$	263,549			$	138,404
Less reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses			(106,252	)			(62,486	)			(96,258	)			(51,229	)
Net reserves balance at beginning of period			186,421				104,000				167,291				87,175
Incurred losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
Current period			28,269				22,108				54,572				41,372
Prior periods			(3,016	)			(341	)			(3,849	)			(341	)
Total loss and LAE incurred			25,253				21,767				50,723				41,031
Paid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
Current period			799				438				1,443				856
Prior periods			2,781				1,462				8,477				3,483
Total paid losses and LAE			3,580				1,900				9,920				4,339
Net reserve balance at June 30,			208,094				123,867				208,094				123,867
Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses			114,240				72,047				114,240				72,047
Gross reserves balance at June 30,		$	322,334			$	195,914			$	322,334			$	195,914

     Darwin continually reviews its loss and LAE reserves and the related reinsurance recoverable. Differences between estimates and ultimate payments are reflected in expense for the period in which the estimates are changed. The actuarial estimates are based on industry claim experience and our own experience and consider current claim trends and premium volume, as well as social and economic conditions. While Darwin has recorded its best estimate of loss and LAE reserves as of June 30, 2007 and 2006, and December 31, 2006, it is possible these estimates may materially change in the future.

     The increase in gross and net loss and LAE reserves for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006 primarily reflects increased net premiums earned for all lines of business and limited paid loss activity for the current and prior accident years. For the three and six months ending June 30, 2007, these increases are offset by a reduction in prior year losses and LAE incurred of $3,016 and $3,849, respectively, due to favorable development on net loss and LAE reserves recorded for accident years 2003 through 2006. Loss and LAE emergence on the 2003 through 2006 accident years has been more favorable than anticipated when the original gross and net loss reserves were established. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company experienced net favorable development on prior year incurred losses and ALAE of $341 related to the 2003 accident year.

(5) Credit Facility

     On March 23, 2007, Darwin entered into a three-year secured credit agreement with a bank syndicate (“Credit Agreement”), which provides commitments for revolving credit loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $25,000. The loan is secured by the common stock of Darwin Group. Borrowing under the Credit Agreement is intended to be used for general corporate purposes and for strategic merger and acquisition purposes. The cost of funds drawn down would be at an annual interest rate of LIBOR plus 112.5 basis points. The Credit Agreement also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum for any unused amount of the aggregate principal amount. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants requiring DPUI to maintain a 2.0 debt interest coverage ratio, a maximum ratio of net premiums written to surplus of 2.0 to 1.0, a covenant limiting DPUI’s debt to total capital ratio to 35%, and a covenant prohibiting the payment of dividends on its equity securities. Darwin must also have a minimum net worth equal to 80% of year end December 31, 2006 GAAP net worth plus an amount equal to 50% of subsequent earned profits. At June 30, 2007, Darwin was in full compliance with the Credit Agreement’s requirements and restrictions. There were no borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2007.

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(6) Capital Stock

     The Company’s registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with an initial public offering of common stock was declared effective on May 18, 2006 for the issuance of 5,217,391 shares of common stock at an initial offering price of $16.00 per share. Subsequently, the underwriters of the initial public offering exercised their over-allotment option in which an additional 782,609 shares of common stock were issued at the $16.00 initial public offering price. Gross proceeds from the sale of the 6,000,000 shares of common stock were $96,000. Total costs associated with the initial public offering included $6,720 of underwriting costs and $2,992 of offering expenses. Net proceeds from the offering, including the over-allotment option, after deducting underwriting costs and offering expenses were $86,288.

     The net proceeds from the offering were used to redeem all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the aggregate liquidation preference of $2,297 and all of the shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock at the aggregate liquidation preference of $2,465. The remaining proceeds of $81,526 were used to redeem a portion of the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at a redemption price per share, on an as-converted basis, equal to the public offering price less underwriting costs ($14.88 per share) or 5,478,904 shares of common stock on an as-converted basis. The remaining outstanding shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 9,371,096 shares of common stock. As a result of the foregoing, the net proceeds of the offering were used to reduce Alleghany’s ownership in the Company to approximately 55%.

(7) Share-Based Compensation

     The Company has four share-based payment plans for employees and non-employee directors: the 2003 Restricted Stock Plan (as amended November 2005), the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2006 Employees’ Restricted Stock Plan and the 2006 Stock and Unit Plan for Non-employee Directors (Directors Plan), which are described below.

     The Company has recorded total share-based compensation expense of $76 and $467 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, and $187 for each of the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006. The decrease in compensation expense for the three month period ended June 30, 2007 was due to greater than anticipated restricted stock and stock option forfeitures. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, a deferred tax benefit of $30 and $186, respectively, related to the stock-based compensation expense was recorded. The tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 was $75.

     There were no grants made or shares vested under the 2003 Restricted Stock Plan or the 2006 Employee Restricted Stock Plan in the six months ended June 30, 2007. The 2003 Restricted Stock Plan had forfeitures of 61,875 shares and the 2006 Employee Restricted Stock plan had forfeitures of 440 shares in the period. Under the Darwin 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company granted stock options and restricted shares of common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2007, with activity for the period and related outstanding shares at June 30, 2007 are as follows:

		Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
		Stock Options								Restricted Stock
						Weighted-								Weighted-
						Average								Average
						Exercise								Vesting
		Shares				Price				Shares				Value
Outstanding at beginning of year			164,006			$	16.00				4,816			$	22.69
Granted			92,316			$	25.30				37,291			$	25.30
Exercised or vested			—				—				—				—
Forfeited			(7,678	)		$	20.94				(1,646	)		$	25.30
Outstanding at end of period			248,644			$	19.30				40,461			$	24.99

     In February 2007, the Company granted, under the terms of the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, non-qualified stock options and restricted stock. The options are exercisable for ten years from the date of grant and vest at an annual rate of 25% on

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

each anniversary of the grant date, provided that the option holder is still employed by DPUI. The fair value of the options granted was estimated at $10.22 per share on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected term is based on the vesting period “simplified” method or 6.25 years. The stock price volatility for the award was 30.4%, an estimate based on the average stock price volatility data for the expected term for similar property and casualty companies. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on the 6.25 year U.S. Treasury note for the expected term, which was 4.72%. The Company does not anticipate paying dividends for any of the years. The restricted shares were granted to certain employees at a fair market value of $25.30 per share, the average of the high and low market price on the grant date. The terms for most of the awards provide for vesting over a four-year period from the date of grant, with 50% of the restricted shares vesting on the third anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining 50% of the restricted shares vesting on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. In May 2007, 40,102 options vested with a weight average exercise price of $16.00. As of June 30, 2007, the number of non-vested options was 208,542.

     For the six months ended June 30, 2007, under the Directors Plan there was a grant of share units for a new director, forfeited restricted stock and share units for a resigning director, vesting of restricted stock and grants totaling 10,320 share units to non-employee directors serving on the Company’s Board at the date of the 2007 Annual Meeting. The Directors Plan had 18,351 share units vested, 8,619 share units unvested, 11,600 restricted shares vested and no unvested restricted shares as of June 30, 2007.

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(8) Earnings Per Share

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2007				2006				2007				2006
Net earnings		$	7,752			$	3,377			$	12,972			$	6,165
Less dividend declared and paid on Series B Convertible Preferred Stock			—				(2,465	)			—				(2,465	)
Net earnings-numerator for basic earning per share			7,752				912				12,972				3,700
Add dividend declared and paid on Series B Convertible Preferred Stock			—				—				—				2,465
Net earnings-numerator for diluted earning per share		$	7,752			$	912			$	12,972			$	6,165
Weighted average common shares outstanding- denominator for basic earnings per share			16,133,472				7,094,352				16,130,177				3,547,176
Effect of dilutive securities:
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock			—				—				—				11,423,076
Restricted stock			891,670				1,582,183				913,322				1,543,904
Options			22,743				42,103				18,505				21,052
Share units			16,721				1,290				14,712				645
Weighted average common shares outstanding-denominator for dilutive earnings per share			17,064,606				8,719,928				17,076,716				16,535,853
Basic earnings per share		$	0.48			$	0.13			$	0.80			$	1.04
Dilutive earnings per share		$	0.45			$	0.10			$	0.76			$	0.37

     The diluted weighted average common shares outstanding exclude stock options with exercise prices greater that the average market price of Company’s common stock during the period because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The number of such anti-dilutive stock options for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 were 91,120 and 64,684, respectively, and none for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006.

     For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, net income available for common stockholders used in calculation of basic earnings per share reflects a reduction for $2,465 in dividends declared and paid in Series C Preferred Stock. The dividend has been added back for the six months ended June 30, 2006 calculation of diluted earnings per share.

     The diluted earnings per share calculation for the six months ended June 30, 2006 assumes the conversion of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock into 14,850,000 shares of common stock for the period from January 1, 2006 to May 19, 2006, the date of completion of the Company’s initial public offering, and it reflects the actual shares outstanding thereafter. Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2006 increased from $0.10 to $0.20 when the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock weighted average shares of 7,996,154 and the corresponding $2,465 dividend declared and paid to holders of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock are included in the computation and therefore have been excluded because of its antidilutive nature for this period. The computation of diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2006 of $0.37 reflects the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock as it is not antidilutive with respect to that period. As a result, diluted earnings per share of $0.17 and $0.10 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and June 30, 2006, respectively, do not sum to the diluted earnings per share amount of $0.37 for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(9) Comprehensive Income

     The Company’s total comprehensive income was as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2007				2006				2007				2006
Net earnings		$	7,752			$	3,377			$	12,972			$	6,165
Other comprehensive income (loss):			—
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax expense (benefit)			(3,944	)			(1,498	)			(3,846	)			(2,745	)
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) losses included			—
in income, net of tax expense (benefit)			(11	)			2				(11	)			9
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment			(3,955	)			(1,496	)			(3,857	)			(2,736	)
Total comprehensive income		$	3,797			$	1,881			$	9,115			$	3,429

     The tax benefit for the unrealized losses on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $2,312 and $885, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $2,255 and $1,608, respectively. The tax expense (benefit) for the reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $6 and $(8), respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $6 and $(5), respectively.

(10) Income Taxes

     Federal income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 have been computed using estimated effective tax rates. These rates are revised, if necessary, at the end of each successive interim period to reflect the current estimates of the annual effective tax rates. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, the Company recorded a tax expense of $3,505, or a consolidated tax rate of 31.1%, compared to a tax expense of $1,462, or a consolidated tax rate of 30.2%, for the three months ended June 30, 2006. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company recorded a tax expense of $5,809, or a consolidated tax rate of 30.9%, compared to a tax expense of $2,794, or a consolidated tax rate of 31.2%, for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The lower consolidated tax rate for the six month period in 2007 compared to 2006 was primarily attributable to an increase in investment income received on tax-exempt municipal securities.

     Up until the time of the completion of its initial public offering on May 19, 2006, Darwin filed a consolidated federal income tax return with its ultimate parent under a tax sharing agreement. The tax sharing agreement requires Darwin to retain tax records, to cooperate with Alleghany in tax matters and to bear its share of costs of tax return preparation, tax audits and contests, and interest and penalties related to Darwin’s tax liabilities reflected in the Alleghany consolidated income tax return. Also, provided Darwin performed every obligation under the tax sharing agreement Alleghany agreed to indemnify the Company for any federal income taxes imposed on the Alleghany consolidated group. Darwin is required to file its own federal income tax return for the periods subsequent to its initial public offering. Alleghany’s 2004 income tax return is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Alleghany’s 2003 and 2005 income tax returns remain open to examination.

(11) Related Party Transactions

     In connection with the business produced by DPUI and written on policies of the Capitol Companies, the parties have entered into a management service agreement under which DPUI provides underwriting, management, administration, claims settlement and reinsurance settlement services for the Capitol Companies on this business in exchange for management fees paid by the Capitol Companies to DPUI. The total amount of these fees were $4,280 and $9,726 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $9,071 and $20,320 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which because of the reinsurance agreements are eliminated in consolidation.

     Darwin’s condensed consolidated statement of operations reflects fees due to the Capitol Companies for the use of policies of the Capitol Companies for the underwriting of its business. These fees were $388 and $86 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $724 and $180 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For 2006, such fees payable are calculated as 0.5% of premiums written in 2006 by Darwin on policies issued by the Capitol Companies and effective January 1, 2007, the fee increased to 3.0% of premiums written by Darwin on policies issued by the Capitol Companies. Darwin reimbursed the Capitol Companies separately for premium taxes and

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

guaranty assessment fees. The reimbursement of expenses were $139 and $190 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $291 and $337 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, Darwin had payables of $180 and $83, respectively, to the Capitol Companies for such fees and expenses.

     Certain of Darwin’s expenses, primarily its directors and officers liability insurance and its audit fees, have been paid directly by Alleghany and then reimbursed by Darwin to Alleghany. Darwin reimbursed Alleghany for expenses of $31 and $46 in connection with these charges for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $81 and $95 in connection with these charges for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

     Up until the time of its initial public offering on May 18, 2006, Darwin had filed a consolidated federal income tax return with its ultimate parent, Alleghany. For the periods subsequent to its initial public offering, Darwin is required to file its own federal income tax return. Darwin made federal tax payments of $2,707 to Alleghany for federal taxes during the six months ended June 30, 2006.

(12) Segments

     Darwin’s specialty liability insurance operations comprise one business segment. The specialty liability insurance business consists primarily of three lines of business; directors and officers liability, errors and omissions liability and medical malpractice liability insurance. Management organizes the business around the professional specialty liability insurance market and related products. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (President and Chief Executive Officer) reviews results and operating plans and makes decisions on resource allocations on a company-wide basis. The Company’s specialty liability insurance business is produced through brokers, agents and program administrators throughout the United States.

     Net premiums earned for the three lines of business is not available as the Company purchases reinsurance that covers parts of more than one line of business, and the Company does not allocate reinsurance costs to each line of business. In addition, as reinsurance costs and structure vary by treaty and the underlying risks and limit profiles of the various products differ, a pro rata allocation of reinsurance across each line of business would not be representative of the actual cost of reinsurance for the line of business. As a result, the net premiums written and earned may not be proportional to the gross premiums written and earned. The following table presents the Company’s three specialty liability products’ gross premiums written and earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2007				2006				2007				2006
Gross premiums written:
Directors and Officers		$	11,207			$	12,006			$	20,045			$	20,212
Errors and Omissions			31,550				24,484				74,353				55,324
Medical Malpractice Liability			23,125				21,574				45,762				42,412
Total		$	65,882			$	58,064			$	140,160			$	117,948
Gross premiums earned:
Directors and Officers		$	10,071			$	9,179			$	20,081			$	17,694
Errors and Omissions			31,483				20,296				61,200				37,862
Medical Malpractice Liability			23,976				21,181				46,753				40,332
Total		$	65,530			$	50,656			$	128,034			$	95,888

(13) Contingencies

     The Company is subject to routine legal proceedings in the normal course of operating our business. The Company is not involved in any legal proceeding which the Company believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

     The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under long-term lease agreements.

DARWIN PROFESSIONAL UNDERWRITERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(14) Subsidiary Dividends

     The Company’s insurance subsidiary, DNA, received approval from the Delaware Insurance Department to pay DPUI an extraordinary dividend of $3,500 on February 28, 2007, which was paid to DPUI in March 2007.

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

     The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and accompanying notes included herein. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-Q constitutes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Note on Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited December 31, 2006 Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (the “2006 Form 10-K”), as filed on February 28, 2007 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for an expanded company history, a detailed discussion of risk factors that may affect our business and other additional information.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

     Some statements in this Report are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements other than historical information or statements of current condition contained in this Report, including statements regarding our future financial performance, our business strategy and expected developments in the commercial insurance market, are forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “will,” and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on management’s current expectations. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any of these statements.

     Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: global economic conditions which could affect the market for specialty liability insurance generally as well as alter the intensity of competition within our markets; changes in the laws, rules and regulations which apply to our insurance companies and which affect how they do business; effects of newly-emerging claim and coverage issues on our insurance businesses, including adverse judicial decisions or regulatory rulings; unexpected loss of key personnel or higher-than-anticipated turnover within our staff; effects of rating agency policies and practices which could impact our insurance companies’ claims paying and financial strength ratings; market developments affecting the availability and/or the cost of reinsurance, including changes in the recoverability of reinsurance receivables; the impact on financial results of actual claims levels’ exceeding our loss reserves, or changes in what level of loss reserves is estimated to be necessary; the impact of industry changes required as a result of insurance industry investigations by state and federal authorities; developments within the securities markets which affect the price or yield on investment securities we purchase and hold in our investment portfolio; our inability for any reason to execute announced and/or future strategic initiatives as planned; and other factors identified in filings with the SEC, including the risk factors set forth in our2006 Form 10-K.

     These statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that any anticipated event, future plan or other expectation described or discussed in this Report will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or review for any reason any forward-looking statement after the date of this Report or to conform these statements to actual results or changes in our expectations. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or individuals acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph.

Our History

     DPUI was originally formed by Stephen Sills, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Alleghany in March 2003 as an underwriting manager to underwrite professional liability coverages in the D&O, E&O and medical malpractice liability lines for three insurance companies that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Alleghany: Capitol Indemnity Corporation, Capitol Specialty Insurance Corporation and Platte River Insurance Company (which we refer to, collectively, as the “Capitol Companies”). DPUI also writes the same professional liability coverages on its two wholly-owned carriers Darwin National Assurance Company (DNA) and Darwin Select Insurance Company (Darwin Select). Since inception, we have had full responsibility for managing the business produced by DPUI and issued on policies of the Capitol Companies, including responsibility for obtaining reinsurance on such business and responsibility for administering claims. Whenever we refer to business generated, written or produced by Darwin, we include business produced by DPUI and written on policies of the Capitol Companies (whether before or after the acquisitions of DNA and Darwin Select), all of which policies are now fully reinsured by DNA.

     In February 2004, Alleghany formed Darwin Group, Inc. (“Darwin Group”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alleghany, in order to acquire DNA, an admitted insurance company domiciled in Delaware, from Aegis Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of Associated Electric & Gas Insurance Services Limited. At the time of acquisition, DNA (then named U.S. Aegis Insurance Company) was licensed in 40 states. As of July 31, 2007, DNA was licensed in 48 jurisdictions (including the District of Columbia) and was eligible to write on a surplus lines basis in one additional state (Arkansas).

     In May 2005, Darwin Group, through its subsidiary DNA, acquired Darwin Select, a surplus lines insurance company (then named Ulico Indemnity Company) domiciled in Arkansas from Ulico Casualty Company, a subsidiary of ULLICO Inc. As of July 31, 2007, Darwin Select was licensed to write insurance in Arkansas and was eligible to operate on a surplus lines basis in 46 additional states.

Ongoing Arrangements with the Capitol Companies

     As described above, DPUI initially was formed as an underwriting manager for the Capitol Companies. Until DNA and Darwin Select obtained independent ratings of “A—” (Excellent) in November 2005, almost all of the business produced by DPUI was issued on policies of the Capitol Companies. Since DNA and Darwin Select obtained independent ratings from A.M. Best, whenever possible, DPUI has written coverage on policies issued by DNA or Darwin Select. However, our insurance company subsidiaries are not currently licensed (in the case of our admitted carrier DNA) or eligible to write business on a surplus lines basis (in the case of Darwin Select) in all U.S. jurisdictions, and DNA does not yet have in place all rate and form filings required to write insurance business in every jurisdiction where it is licensed. In addition, the Capitol Companies have A.M. Best ratings of “A” (Excellent), and we believe that insureds in certain classes of our business (primarily public D&O) require policies issued by an insurer with an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent). Consequently, although we expect to write the majority of our business on policies issued by DNA or Darwin Select, we continue to depend upon the Capitol Companies to write policies for a portion of the business produced by DPUI. These policies are written by the Capitol Companies pursuant to the underwriting management agreements currently in effect and are fully reinsured by DNA. During the third quarter of 2006, DNA collateralized reinsurance payables to the Capitol Companies with the establishment of reinsurance trusts which are required to be funded at 100% of the reinsurance payables outstanding. The trusts balances are reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, on a quarterly basis.

     For the year ended December 31, 2006, we wrote gross premiums of $65.8 million (26.7% of our total gross premium written) through the Capitol Companies arrangement. Of this amount, $32.8 million (49.8% of the total) related to business written through the Capitol Companies because the business was in a state where our insurance company subsidiaries were not then licensed or eligible to write business, and $33.0 million (50.2%) related to business where our insured required a policy from an A.M. Best “A” rated carrier. During the first six months of 2007, $24.1 million, or 17.2% of the total gross premiums underwritten by DPUI, was written on policies of the Capitol Companies. Of this amount, approximately $7.7 million (32.1%) was written in jurisdictions where our insurance company subsidiaries were not licensed or eligible to write business as of June 30, 2007 and approximately $16.4 million (67.9%) was written for certain of our insureds requiring policies issued by an insurer with an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent).

     We expect that our issuance of policies written on the Capitol Companies for the insureds who require an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent) will continue so long as our rating is “A—” (Excellent). To date, most of the insureds in this category are public companies purchasing D&O insurance. The following table indicates the amount of public D&O gross premiums written in each of the periods presented as a percentage of total gross premiums written for such period. We believe that public D&O is the most rating sensitive class of business that we write and, accordingly, that it provides the best available indicator of our level of rating sensitive business.

		Three Months ended								Six Months ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2007				2006				2007				2006
		(Dollars in millions)
Public D&O Gross Premiums Written		$	6.8			$	10.2			$	11.9			$	16.3
Total Gross Premiums Written		$	65.9			$	58.1			$	140.2			$	117.9
Percentage of Total Represented by Public D&O			10.3	%			17.6	%			8.5	%			13.8	%

     While our public D&O writings have declined as a percentage of our total writings and our percentage of business written on the Capitol Companies has decreased accordingly, we still believe we will need to write a portion of this business on the Capitol Companies’ policies in the future.

     We do expect that our issuance of policies written on the Capitol Companies in jurisdictions where our insurance companies are not currently licensed or eligible to write business will decrease as we obtain required licenses or approvals in the various jurisdictions. The following tables show the actual or anticipated filing month of our applications in these jurisdictions by insurance company subsidiary and state as of July 31, 2007:

		Actual
DNA		Application
State		Filing Month
California		Resubmitted
Wyoming		June 2007
		September 2006

		Actual or
		Anticipated
Darwin Select		Application
State		Filing Month
Louisiana		May 2007
New Hampshire		Not approved (1)
New Mexico		February 2007
New York		Not approved (2)

     The timing of the approval of these applications is within the discretion of the various state insurance authorities, and we can provide no assurance as to when, or if, these approvals will be obtained.

     The fees charged to Darwin for the issuance of Capitol Companies’ policies in respect of business produced by DPUI are 0.5% of gross premiums written on policies of the Capitol Companies in 2006, and 3.0% thereafter. For the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, these fees were $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and $0.7 million and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In addition, Darwin is required to reimburse the Capitol Companies for direct expenses that they incur in connection with the issuance of such policies, such as premium taxes and guaranty association assessments. Pursuant to the expense reimbursement arrangements, Darwin reimbursed direct expenses in connection with the business written on policies of the Capitol Companies of $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

     The initial term of the underwriting management agreements between DPUI and the Capitol Companies extended until May 31, 2007 and thereafter renews on an annual basis. However, either party may terminate effective upon an expiration date (whether May 31, 2007 or a subsequent May 31), provided that the terminating party provides 60 days prior notice of termination. As neither party gave a notice of termination effective May 31, 2007, the agreements have been extended to May 31, 2008. In addition, a Capitol Company may terminate at any time, by written notice, when Alleghany does not own

at least 51% of the outstanding equity interests in DPUI or upon a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of DPUI to a person other than Alleghany or an affiliate of Alleghany. DPUI may terminate its underwriting management agreement with a Capitol Company at any time, by written notice, when Alleghany does not own at least 51% of the outstanding equity interests in the subject Capitol Company or upon a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the subject Capitol Company to any person other than Alleghany or an affiliate of Alleghany.

Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

     The accompanying historical condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a basis that reflects the actual business written by DPUI, regardless of the originating insurance carrier, and include the stand-alone operations of DPUI, Darwin Group and its subsidiaries, DNA and Darwin Select, and certain assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Capitol Companies resulting from the business produced by DPUI and issued on policies of the Capitol Companies. All of the business produced by DPUI and issued on policies of the Capitol Companies was assumed by DNA for all periods presented in these financial statements.

     The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Critical Accounting Estimates

     Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense (LAE) Reserves. Darwin establishes reserves on its balance sheets for unpaid losses and LAE related to our insurance contracts. The reserves are our estimated ultimate cost for all reported and unreported loss and LAE incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet date.

     The estimate of Darwin’s loss and LAE reserves reflects the types of contracts written by Darwin. Darwin’s insurance contracts are predominantly written on a “claims-made” basis. Claims-made insurance contracts are commonly used in Darwin’s lines of business and provide coverage for claims related to covered events described in the insurance contract that are made against the insured during the term of the contract and reported to the insurer during a period provided for in the contract.

     Darwin has a small number of insurance contracts that are written on an “occurrence” basis. Occurrence basis insurance contracts provide coverage for losses related to covered events described in the insurance contract that occur during the term of the contract, regardless of the date the loss is reported to the insurer.

     For both claims-made and occurrence contracts, a significant amount of time can elapse between the occurrence of an insured event, the reporting of the occurrence to the insurer and the final settlement of the claim (including related settlement costs). Since reporting periods are defined and limited in time under claims-made contracts but are not defined and limited in time under occurrence contracts, the ultimate settlement period for similar losses incurred under claims-made contracts is generally shorter than under occurrence contracts.

     The major components of our loss and LAE reserves are (1) case reserves and (2) reserves for losses and LAE incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). Both include a provision for LAE. We divide LAE into two types: (1) “allocated” expenses (“ALAE”) are those that arise from defending and settling specific claims, such as the cost of outside defense counsel, and (2) “unallocated” expenses (“ULAE”) are those that do not arise from and cannot be assigned to specific claims, such as the general expense of maintaining an internal claims department.

     Case reserves are liabilities for unpaid losses and ALAE on reported cases. Case reserves are established by claims adjustors as soon as sufficient information has been reported for a reasonable estimate of the expected cost of the claim. The amount of time required for the information to be reported may vary depending on the circumstances of the event that produced the loss. Claim adjustors seek to establish case reserves that are equal to the ultimate payments. The amount of each reserve is based upon an evaluation of the type of claim involved, the circumstances surrounding each claim, the policy provisions relating to the loss, the level of insured deductibles, retentions or co-insurance provisions within the contract and other factors relevant to the specific claim. For claims involving litigation, Darwin utilizes outside attorneys with expertise in the area of litigation as monitoring counsel or defense counsel. In addition to relying on his or her own experience and judgment, a claims adjuster will consider monitoring or defense counsel’s estimate of ultimate liability on a claim in the establishment of case reserves. Expenses incurred by the monitoring or defense counsel are included as ALAE reserves. During the loss adjustment period, these estimates are revised as deemed necessary by our claims department based upon

developments and periodic reviews of cases. Individual case reserves on all claims are reviewed regularly by claims management. Individual case reserves on severe claims are reviewed for adequacy at least quarterly by senior management.

     IBNR is the estimated liability for (1) changes in the values of claims that have been reported to the Company but are not yet settled, as well as (2) claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported. Each claim is settled individually based upon its merits, and it is not unusual for a claim to take years after being reported to settle, especially if legal action is involved. As a result, reserves for unpaid losses and ALAE include significant estimates for IBNR reserves.

     Case and IBNR reserves together constitute the reserve for losses and ALAE. In addition, a ULAE reserve is established on a formula basis as a percentage of loss and ALAE case and IBNR reserves. In total, these amounts represent management’s best estimate, as of each reserve evaluation date, of ultimate settlement costs based on the assessment of facts and circumstances known at that time.

     Darwin relies on two actuarial methods that employ significant judgments and assumptions to establish loss and ALAE reserves recorded on the balance sheet. Darwin’s choice of actuarial methodologies is limited by the fact that, due to Darwin’s relatively short history, its loss and ALAE emergence since inception lacks sufficient data to be statistically credible for many methodologies.

     For each line of business, Darwin uses two methodologies. These methodologies are generally accepted actuarial methods for estimating IBNR and are as follows:

     1) The Bornhuetter-Ferguson (“B-F”) methodology. This methodology utilizes:

a) Darwin’s initial expected loss ratio. Darwin selects this ratio based primarily on historical insurance industry results. “Loss ratio” means the ratio of loss and ALAE to premiums earned.

b) Expected reporting and development patterns for losses and ALAE. We utilize historical insurance industry results for Darwin’s product lines of insurance.

c) Darwin’s actual reported losses and ALAE.

     The B-F method blends actual reported losses with expected losses based on insurance industry experience.

2) The Expected Loss Ratio methodology. This methodology applies the expected loss and ALAE ratio to premiums earned (which is the portion of property and casualty premiums written that apply to the expired portion of the policy term). Darwin’s selected expected loss and ALAE ratios under this method are based primarily on historical insurance industry results adjusted for price and loss trends by product line.

     Darwin believes that both of the methodologies used are well-suited to Darwin’s relatively short history and low level of reported losses and ALAE, and we utilize an actuarial weighting of the two methodologies. The weighting relies predominantly on the Expected Loss Ratio methodology, which has generally produced higher reserve estimates, but allows the B-F methodology to have a modest impact on our ultimate loss estimates initially. The weighting of the B-F methodology for each individual accident year increases over time as Darwin’s actual loss and ALAE history becomes more mature and as the volume of business Darwin writes reaches levels where actuarial projections relying on this data are statistically credible.

     The two methodologies are complementary. The Expected Loss Ratio methodology directly reflects the historical, and thus potential, impact of high severity losses. The historical loss and ALAE ratios that form the basis of the Expected Loss Ratio method are directly impacted by large losses (severity) as they reflect composite industry data. By comparison, the historical insurance industry expected reporting and development patterns utilized in the B-F methodology are most predictive as reported losses and ALAE mature and/or reach a credible volume. As our losses and ALAE continue to mature, we expect that the B-F methodology will become a more reliable methodology for us, and that the actuarial weighting will utilize it as a more significant predictor of ultimate loss and ALAE.

     The actuarial weights may be subject to revision as losses are reported and develop toward ultimate values. For example, if all claims reported in an experience year are settled and closed more quickly than expected based upon industry data, the weight applied to the B-F methodology may be adjusted.

     The weight applied to the B-F indication for each experience year is 0% at 12 months of maturity and increases to 100% at 72 months of maturity. For example, losses reported to Darwin during 2004:

- Are at 12 months of maturity when evaluated on 12/31/04. The B-F indications would receive 0% weighting.

- Are at 36 months of maturity when evaluated on 12/31/06. The B-F indications would receive 30% weighting.

- Are at 72 months of maturity when evaluated on 12/31/09. The B-F indication would receive 100% weighting.

     Complementary weights are applied to the Expected Loss Ratio methodology for each experience year. This is designed to provide both stability (Expected Loss Ratio method) and moderate responsiveness (B-F method) in determining loss and ALAE reserves.

     In using the weighted loss and ALAE ratios to select our ultimate loss and ALAE incurred, we have adopted the weighted gross loss and ALAE ratios by product line for accident year 2006 earlier in the emergence and development of our 2006 loss experience than we had for prior accident years. We did this because the volume and credibility of our 2006 experience were sufficient to allow earlier estimates by product line than we have reported in previous quarters.

     In addition, we have adopted the net (of reinsurance) weighted loss and ALAE ratios for 2003 through 2006. Previously, our net ratios had been estimated assuming a pro rata allocation of our losses to each reinsurance layer.

     Thus, as of June 30, 2007, we have adopted our gross and net 2003 through 2006 actuarial weighted loss and ALAE ratios for all product lines. The only exception is accident year 2005 Public D&O, for which our selected gross and net ratios are moderately higher than the weighted ratios. We selected our 2005 Public D&O ratios based on a detailed assessment of several Public D&O claims for this accident year. Based on the detailed assessment, the limits outstanding on the underlying policies and the potential volatility in the loss ratio given the potential severity of these claims, we determined that a slightly higher loss ratio was appropriate.

     For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the impact of the actuarial weighting methodology and management judgment was a net reduction of $3.8 million, or 1.9%, of the total June 30, 2007 net loss and ALAE reserves, reflecting overall favorable loss and ALAE emergence for the 2003 through 2006 accident years.

     As mentioned above, ULAE represents claims-related expenses that do not arise from and cannot be assigned to specific claims, such as the general expense of maintaining an internal claims department. In the fourth quarter of 2006, we revised our methodology for calculating the ULAE reserve. Darwin’s experience had matured to the point that we adopted a generally accepted methodology that assumes that (1) 50% of ULAE is incurred when a claim is first reported, analyzed and a case reserve is established, and (2) the remaining 50% of ULAE is incurred over the life of the claim. The ULAE reserve is now determined by applying a fixed percentage to 50% of our loss and ALAE case reserves and 100% of our loss and ALAE IBNR reserves. We selected a fixed percentage of 3.2% based on our analysis of insurance industry averages.

     Darwin’s loss reserve analysis calculates a point estimate rather than a range of reserve estimates. This is done because a significant portion of Darwin’s loss and LAE reserves relates to lines of business that are driven by severity rather than frequency of claims. High severity lines of business tend to produce a wide range of reserve estimates which limit the usefulness of the range for selecting reserves. We believe that point estimates based on appropriate actuarial methodologies and reasonable assumptions are more actuarially reasonable. The point estimates are recorded in Darwin’s financial statements. Also, we do not discount (recognize the time value of money) in establishing our reserve for losses and LAE.

     Darwin could be exposed to losses resulting from a significant liability event, such as an unexpected adverse court decision that impacts multiple insureds, or the occurrence of an unusually high number of liability losses in one reporting period. Such events could have a material adverse impact on Darwin’s results during such period, and such impact may not be mitigated by the Company’s current reinsurance structure. In general, liability claims are susceptible to changes in the legal environment, such as changes in laws impacting claims or changes resulting from judicial decisions interpreting insurance contracts. However, it is often difficult to quantify the impact that such changes in the environment might have on Darwin’s reserves. Not all environmental changes are necessarily detrimental to Darwin’s loss ratio and reserves. For example, recent medical malpractice tort reform legislation at the state level could result in mitigation of loss which, if not offset by significant reductions in price levels, would result in improvement in Darwin’s loss and LAE ratio.

     The liabilities that we establish for loss and LAE reserves reflect implicit assumptions regarding economic, legal and insurance variables. These include changes in insurance price levels, the potential effects of future inflation, impacts from law changes and/or judicial decisions, as well as a number of actuarial assumptions that vary across Darwin’s lines of business. This data is analyzed by line of business and report/accident year, as appropriate. Along with claim severity, as

discussed above and incorporated through the use of industry loss and LAE ratios, two variables that can have significant impact on actuarial analysis of loss and LAE reserves are recent trends in insurance price levels and claim frequency.

     Regarding changes in price levels, for the first six months of 2007 compared to the first half of 2006, Darwin experienced average price decreases of 11.7% and 2.4%, respectively, across its product lines. These decreases follow several years of industry price increases in lines of business that Darwin writes and we believe they are not unusual during the insurance pricing cycle. Without mitigating factors, such as favorable loss emergence, such reductions in prior price levels could result in a commensurate increase in the expected loss and LAE ratio that is utilized in actuarial methodologies.

     Darwin monitors changes in claim frequency (number of claims). Such changes vary by line of business and can impact the expected loss and LAE ratio. For example, Darwin writes D&O liability insurance for public companies, and securities class action suits have historically generated significant losses in this line.

     The liabilities for loss and LAE reserves include significant judgments, assumptions and estimates made by management relating to the ultimate losses that will arise from the claims. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing these liabilities, the actual ultimate loss from a claim is likely to differ, perhaps materially, from the liability initially recorded and could be material to the results of Darwin’s operations. The accounting policies used in connection with the establishment of these liabilities are considered to be critical accounting policies.

     Darwin establishes its best estimate for liabilities for loss and LAE reserves. Because of the high level of uncertainty regarding the setting of liabilities for loss and LAE reserves, it is the practice of Darwin to engage, at least annually, an outside actuary to evaluate and opine on the reasonableness of these gross and net liabilities. Based on the Company’s analyses and the external actuarial opinions as of December 31, 2006, management believes that the reserves for loss and LAE established as of December 31, 2006 and June 30, 2007 are adequate and represent the best estimate of Darwin’s liabilities. For December 31, 2006, our external actuaries issued unqualified statements of actuarial opinion as to the reasonableness of the reserves for each of DNA and Darwin Select. These unqualified statements were filed with the insurance departments of the respective states of domicile of DNA and Darwin Select (Delaware and Arkansas). The statements of actuarial opinion issued by our external actuaries indicate that the opinions may be relied upon only by the DNA, Darwin Select and the insurance departments of the various states with which the companies file annual statutory statements

     The following tables show the breakdown of our reserves between case reserves, IBNR reserves and ULAE reserves both gross and net of reinsurance:

Gross Loss and LAE Reserves

		At June 30, 2007																At December 31, 2006
Statutory Line of Business		Case				IBNR				ULAE				Total				Case				IBNR				ULAE				Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Other liability, claims-made		$	21,270			$	170,737			$	4,893			$	196,900			$	17,779			$	135,938			$	3,931			$	157,648
Other liability, occurrence			10				2,863				77				2,950				—				1,725				47				1,772
Medical Malpractice Liability, claims-made			18,034				99,981				4,469				122,484				15,334				84,952				3,843				104,129
Total		$	39,314			$	273,581			$	9,439			$	322,334			$	33,113			$	222,615			$	7,821			$	263,549
Percentage of total gross reserves			12.2	%			84.9	%			2.9	%			100.0	%			12.6	%			84.4	%			3.0	%			100.0	%

Loss and LAE Reserves, Net of Reinsurance

		At June 30, 2007																At December 31, 2006
Statutory Line of Business		Case				IBNR				ULAE				Total				Case				IBNR				ULAE				Total
Other liability, claims-made		$	15,943			$	105,200			$	4,857			$	126,000			$	14,653			$	82,887			$	3,895			$	101,435
Other liability, occurrence			10				2,274				77				2,361				—				1,364				47				1,411
Medical Malpractice Liability, claims-made			15,020				60,244				4,469				79,733				12,556				48,046				3,843				64,445
Total		$	30,973			$	167,718			$	9,403			$	208,094			$	27,209			$	132,297			$	7,785			$	167,291
Percentage of total net reserves			14.9	%			80.6	%			4.5	%			100.0	%			16.3	%			79.0	%			4.7	%			100.0	%

     For the B-F and Expected Loss Ratio methodologies that Darwin uses in reserve estimation, important assumptions are related to the insurance industry historical experience that forms the basis for Darwin’s estimates. These assumptions are that (1) the Expected Loss and LAE ratio is a credible estimate of Darwin’s ultimate loss ratio and (2) industry expected reporting and development patterns for losses and ALAE are indicative of the emergence pattern that Darwin will experience.

     The sensitivity of indicated reserves to changes in assumptions is estimated by creating several scenarios and applying Darwin’s actuarial methodologies. The scenarios assume:

	(1)		The expected loss and LAE ratios vary by as much as 5 percentage points above and below the key assumptions underlying our selected loss reserving methodologies. Both methodologies are sensitive to this assumption.
	(2)		Loss development factors change by an average of 5% from the key assumptions underlying our selected loss reserving methodologies. A decrease in loss development means that Darwin’s reported losses are assumed to be closer to ultimate value and thus have less development remaining than insurance industry data would indicate. An increase in loss development means that Darwin’s reported losses and LAE are assumed to have more development remaining before ultimate values are reached than insurance industry data would indicate. The B-F method is sensitive to this assumption.

     These scenarios are well within historical variation for Darwin’s lines of business and we believe they create a reasonable sensitivity test of Darwin’s reserves. Neither of these adjustments is believed to be more likely than the other in the assumptions underlying Darwin’s reserves.

     The tables below present the potential changes in Darwin’s gross loss reserves as of June 30, 2007 (assumes no benefit from reinsurance), before and after the effect of tax, that could result based upon changes of the key assumptions underlying our selected loss reserving methodologies:

Pre-Tax

		Change in Loss
		Development / Emergence
		5% Average								5% Average
Change in Expected Loss and LAE Ratio		Decrease				No Change				Increase
		(Dollars in thousands)
5 percentage point increase		$	9,348			$	20,307			$	30,299
No change			(10,315	)			—				9,348
5 percentage point decrease			(29,977	)			(20,307	)			(11,604	)

After-Tax (Assumes a 35% tax rate)

		Change in Loss
		Development / Emergence
		5% Average								5% Average
Change in Expected Loss and LAE Ratio		Decrease				No Change				Increase
		(Dollars in thousands)
5 percentage point increase		$	6,076			$	13,200			$	19,695
No change			(6,705	)			—				6,076
5 percentage point decrease			(19,485	)			(13,200	)			(7,543	)

     The results summarized above assumed no benefit of reinsurance. The effect of Darwin’s reinsurance program on the scenarios reflected above would depend on the nature of the loss activity that generated a change in loss development/emergence. Darwin’s reinsurance program is predominantly excess of loss in structure and will respond to the occurrence of individual large losses (severity). If the changes were produced by a large number (frequency) of small losses, the reinsurance would not respond and the scenario results would be unchanged.

     Darwin continually evaluates the potential for changes, both positive and negative, in its estimates of liabilities and uses the results of these evaluations to adjust both recorded liabilities and underwriting criteria. With respect to liabilities for loss and LAE reserves established in prior years, such liabilities are periodically analyzed and their expected ultimate cost adjusted, where necessary, to reflect positive or negative development in loss experience and new information, including revised industry estimates of the results of a particular line of business. Adjustments to previously recorded loss and LAE reserves, both positive and negative, are reflected in Darwin’s financial results in the periods in which such adjustments are made and are referred to as prior year reserve development.

     Reinsurance and Reinsurance Recoverables. Darwin purchases third party treaty reinsurance for substantially all of its lines of business. Treaty reinsurance provides protection over entire classes or lines of business. On a limited basis, Darwin has purchased facultative reinsurance (which is reinsurance obtained on a case-by-case basis for all or part of the insurance with respect to a single risk, exposure, or policy) to provide reinsurance protection on individual risks. Accounting for reinsurance contracts is complex and requires a number of significant judgments and estimates to be made regarding the calculation of amounts payable to reinsurers, amounts recoverable from reinsurers and the ultimate collectibility of those reinsurance recoverables from reinsurers. In addition, significant judgments are required in the determination of the compliance with overall risk transfer provisions that determine the accounting for reinsurance. These judgments and estimates are critical accounting estimates for Darwin.

     Part of our current excess of loss reinsurance program is structured on a variable-rated basis, which enables us to retain a greater portion of premium if our ultimate loss ratio is lower than an initial provisional loss ratio set out in the reinsurance contract. For these contracts our ceded premium incurred on these treaties is determined by the loss ratio on the business subject to the reinsurance treaty. As the expected ultimate loss ratio increases or decreases, the ceded premiums and losses recoverable from reinsurers will also increase or decrease relationally within a minimum and maximum range for ceded premium and subject to a loss ratio cap for losses recoverable. Until such time as the ceded premium reaches the maximum rate within the terms of the contract, ceded premium paid to the reinsurer will be in excess of the amount of any losses

recoverable from reinsurers. After the ceded premium incurred reaches the maximum rate stated in the contract, covered losses incurred within the contract are recoverable from reinsurers up to a loss ratio cap, without any required additional ceded premium payment. Not all variable contracts specify a loss cap, but where they are in effect, they vary, with the lowest cap being 225% of the maximum rate of ceded premium payable within the terms of the contracts. As a result, the same uncertainties associated with estimating loss and LAE reserves affect the estimates of ceded premiums and losses recoverable from reinsurers on these contracts.

     In addition to the variable-rated excess of loss reinsurance, Darwin also purchases fixed-cost excess of loss reinsurance, under which we cede a fixed percentage of premiums to our reinsurers depending upon the policy limits written, and the losses recoverable are determined based upon losses incurred in excess of the reinsurance attachment point.

     In conjunction with the renewal of our major reinsurance treaties, effective April 1, 2007 Darwin restructured its reinsurance program. For the Company’s medical malpractice business, it has eliminated the variable-rated aspect of its reinsurance program and standardized the retention to $1 million for all classes of the medical malpractice business. Darwin has secured a $10 million in excess of $1 million cessions treaty. Darwin was able to increase our ceding commission by 1.5% to 24% and added the clinical trials business as a covered class of business. Darwin’s participation in this treaty remains at 15%.

     For the non-medical business, effective April 1, 2007, Darwin entered into a tiered excess of loss program with varying ceding commission rates. For all lines except for D&O and Healthcare E&O, the first tier is a $1 million excess of $1 million, variable rated treaty with a loss cap equal to 300% of ceded premium. For D&O and Healthcare E&O, the first tier is a $3 million excess of $2 million, flat rated excess cession treaty with a 26% ceding commission and a loss cap equal to 275% of ceded premium. In addition, the Company placed a $5 million in excess of $5 million ($10 million in excess of $5 million for A-side D&O, coverage for individual directors and officers for nonindemnifiable losses that a company cannot pay for) flat rated excess cession treaty with a 25% ceding commission and a loss cap equal to 275% of ceded premium. Darwin’s participation in the first layer is 25% and its participation in the second layer is 17.5%. Darwin was able to expand the covered classes to certain of our target business segments (e.g. increased size of tech exposures we can write, expanded financial institutions for certain hedge funds, etc.). Reinsurance remains a key part of our business strategy and management believes that it has positioned the Company well with the restructured treaties as part of this renewal.

     Unpaid ceded reinsurance premium balances payable to the reinsurers are reported as liabilities and estimated ceded premiums recoverable from reinsurers are reported as assets. The ceded premiums recoverable assets due to variable rated contracts are generally recoverable beginning three years after the expiration date of the contract.

     Reinsurance contracts that do not result in a reasonable possibility that the reinsurer may realize a significant loss from the insurance risk assumed and that do not provide for the transfer of significant insurance risk generally do not meet the requirements for reinsurance accounting and are accounted for as deposits.

     Darwin performs analyses of its reinsurance contracts to ascertain whether or not they meet the risk transfer provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 113, Accounting for Reinsurance (SFAS No. 113). Evaluating risk transfer involves significant assumptions relating to the amount and timing of expected cash flows, as well as interpretations of underlying contract terms, to determine if contracts meet the conditions established by SFAS No. 113. These tests include a number of subjective judgments. Because of this subjectivity and in the context of evolving practices and application of existing and future standards, we could be required in the future to adjust our accounting treatment of these transactions. This could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Based upon the analysis performed on our reinsurance contracts, we believe that all of our contracts with third party reinsurers meet the risk transfer provisions of SFAS No. 113, and therefore we do not account for any of our reinsurance contracts as deposits.

     Reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses (including amounts related to settlement expenses and claims incurred but not reported) and ceded unearned reinsurance premiums are reported as assets. Amounts recoverable on unpaid losses from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured business.

     Ceded unearned reinsurance premiums (the portion of premiums representing the unexpired portion of the policy term as of a certain date), reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and settlement expenses and ceded premiums recoverable are reported separately as assets, rather than being netted with the related liabilities, since reinsurance does not relieve us of our liability to policyholders. Such balances are subject to the credit risk associated with the individual reinsurer. We continually monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers. Any estimate of unrecoverable amounts from troubled or insolvent reinsurers is charged to earnings at the time of determination that recoverability is in doubt. To date, Darwin has not recorded a charge to earnings for uncollectibility of reinsurance recoverables from reinsurers.

     Investment Valuation. Darwin holds its fixed-income securities as available for sale, and as such, these securities are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes. Unrealized gains and losses during the year, net of the related tax effect applicable to available-for-sale securities, are excluded from earnings and reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) and the cumulative effect is reported as a separate component of common stockholders’ equity until realized.

     Fixed maturities deemed to have declines in value that are other-than-temporary are written down to carrying values equal to their estimated fair values in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. On a quarterly basis, all securities with an unrealized loss are reviewed to determine whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below cost is other-than-temporary. Considerations relevant to this determination include the persistence and magnitude of the decline of the issuer, issuer-specific financial conditions rather than general market or industry conditions and extraordinary events including negative news releases and rating agency downgrades. Risks and uncertainties are inherent in our assessment methodology for determining whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary. Risks and uncertainties could include, but are not limited to, incorrect or overly optimistic assumptions about financial condition or liquidity, incorrect or overly optimistic assumptions about future prospects, inadequacy of any underlying collateral, unfavorable changes in economic or social conditions and unfavorable changes in interest rates or credit ratings.

     Impairment losses result in a reduction of the underlying investment’s cost basis. Significant changes in these factors could result in a considerable charge for impairment losses as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

     Part of our evaluation of whether particular securities are other-than-temporarily impaired involves assessing whether we have both the intent and ability to continue to hold securities in an unrealized loss position. Since our formation in March 2003, we have not sold any securities held in our investment portfolio for the purpose of generating cash to pay claims or dividends or to meet any other expense or obligation. Accordingly, we believe that our sale activity supports our ability to continue to hold securities in an unrealized loss position until our cost may be recovered. Based on management’s review of the factors above, no securities are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

     Deferred Taxes. Up until the time of the completion of its initial public offering on May 19, 2006, Darwin filed a consolidated federal income tax return with its ultimate parent, Alleghany. For the periods subsequent to its initial public offering Darwin is required to file its own federal income tax return. Alleghany informed us that it planned to include the Darwin results from January 1, 2006 through May 18, 2006 in the parent’s December 31, 2006 consolidated tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. At June 30, 2007, net deferred tax assets of $14.7 million were recorded. At June 30, 2007, gross deferred tax assets were $19.8 million and gross deferred tax liabilities were $5.1 million. The net deferred asset at December 31, 2006 was $8.7 million, with gross deferred tax assets of $14.2 million and gross deferred tax liabilities of $5.5 million. The increase in the net deferred tax assets was primarily due to deferred tax assets for discounting of loss and LAE reserves, unearned premium reserves, net unrealized losses on investment securities and accrued expenses.

     Darwin regularly assesses the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the projections for future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible as well as our year to date 2007 taxable income, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near or longer term, if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

     The critical accounting estimates described above should be read in conjunction with Darwin’s other accounting policies as they are described in Note 2 to the December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements presented in our 2006 Form 10-K. The accounting policies described in Note 2 require Darwin to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, but do not meet the level of materiality required for a determination that the accounting policy is a critical accounting policy. On an ongoing basis, Darwin evaluates its estimates, including those related to the

value of long-lived assets, bad debts, deferred insurance acquisition costs, and contingencies and litigation. Darwin’s estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

   New Accounting Standards

     In September 2005, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement of Position 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts (SOP 05-1). SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in SFAS No. 97, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, rights, or coverages that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature of coverage within a contract. Darwin adopted SOP 05-01 as of January 1, 2007, and the implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s operations or financial condition.

     In March 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement No. 155 (SFAS No. 155), Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments, an amendment to FASB Statement No. 133 and 140. This Statement permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, and establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation. This Statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Darwin adopted the provisions of this Statement as of January 1, 2007, and the implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

     In July 2006, FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. The Interpretation clarifies the accounting for income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Darwin adopted the provisions of this Interpretation as of January 1, 2007, and the implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

     In September 2006, FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This Statement provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The Standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. The Standard is effective for financial statements prepared for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Darwin does not anticipate that this Statement will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

     In February 2007, FASB Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115, was issued. This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, at specified election dates, with unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” Darwin does not anticipate that this Statement will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations

     The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations and underwriting results (dollars in thousands). All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

		Three Months Ended												Six Months Ended
		June 30,								% Change				June 30,								% Change
		2007				2006				2007 vs 2006				2007				2006				2007 vs 2006
		(Dollars in thousands)
Insurance Revenues:
Gross premiums written		$	65,882			$	58,064				13.5	%		$	140,160			$	117,948				18.8	%
Ceded premiums written			(16,850	)			(21,644	)			(22.1	)%			(42,186	)			(44,740	)			(5.7	)%
Net premiums written			49,032				36,420				34.6	%			97,974				73,208				33.8	%
Increase in unearned premiums			(2,654	)			(4,466	)			(40.6	)%			(11,599	)			(13,950	)			(16.9	)%
Net premiums earned			46,378				31,954				45.1	%			86,375				59,258				45.8	%
Net investment income			5,441				3,763				44.6	%			10,680				7,123				49.9	%
Realized investment gains (losses)			17				(3	)			*				17				(13	)			*
Total revenues			51,836				35,714				45.1	%			97,072				66,368				46.3	%
Costs and Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred			25,253				21,767				16.0	%			50,723				41,031				23.6	%
Commissions and brokerage expenses			6,329				3,356				88.6	%			11,509				5,988				92.2	%
Other underwriting, acquisition and operating expenses			6,760				5,633				20.0	%			13,245				10,112				31.0	%
Other expenses			2,237				119				1779.8	%			2,814				278				912.2	%
Total costs and expenses			40,579				30,875				31.4	%			78,291				57,409				36.4	%
Earnings before income taxes			11,257				4,839				132.6	%			18,781				8,959				109.6	%
Income tax expense			3,505				1,462				139.7	%			5,809				2,794				107.9	%
Net earnings		$	7,752			$	3,377				129.6	%		$	12,972			$	6,165				110.4	%

										Change												Change
										2007 vs 2006												2007 vs 200
Underwriting ratios to net premiums earned:
Loss ratio (1)			54.5	%			68.1	%			(13.6	)%			58.7	%			69.2	%			(10.5	)%
Commissions and brokerage expense ratio (2)			13.6	%			10.5	%			3.1	%			13.3	%			10.1	%			3.2	%
Other underwriting, acquisition and operating expense ratio (3)			14.6	%			17.7	%			(3.1	)%			15.4	%			17.1	%			(1.7	)%
Total expense ratio (4)			28.2	%			28.2	%			(0.0	)%			28.7	%			27.2	%			1.5	%
Combined ratio (5)			82.7	%			96.3	%			(13.6	)%			87.4	%			96.4	%			(9.0	)%
Ceded premiums written/gross premiums written			25.6	%			37.3	%			(11.7	)%			30.1	%			37.9	%			(7.8	)%
Net premiums earned/net premiums written			94.6	%			87.7	%			6.9	%			88.2	%			80.9	%			7.3	%

Three and Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Three and Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2006

     Net earnings. Darwin reported net earnings of $7.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to $3.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and net earnings of $13.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $6.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase in net earnings is due primarily to significant increases in net premiums earned (which is the portion of net premiums written that is recognized for accounting purposes as income during a period), favorable development of prior year loss reserves and higher net investment income; partially offset by an increase in total costs and expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2007 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2006. Darwin reported a combined ratio of 82.7% in the second quarter of 2007 compared with a combined ratio of 96.3% in the second quarter of 2006 and reported a combined ratio of 87.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared with a combined ratio of 96.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The improvement in combined ratios primarily reflect an increase in net premiums earned which grew at a faster pace than operating expenses as well as favorable development of prior year loss reserves. Darwin recognized approximately $4.3 million in earnings ($2.8 million, net of tax) in the second quarter of 2007, from the change in estimate of prior year loss reserves and the corresponding ceded premium, net of incentive compensation and profit-sharing expenses. For the second quarter of 2006, Darwin recognized approximately $0.6 million ($0.4 million, net after taxes) from the change in estimate of prior year loss reserves and the corresponding ceded premium, net of incentive compensation and profit-sharing expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, Darwin recognized approximately $5.2 million in earnings ($3.4 million, net of tax) for 2007 and approximately $0.6 million ($0.4 million, net after taxes) for 2006, from the change in estimate of prior year loss reserves and the corresponding ceded premium, net of incentive compensation and profit-sharing expenses. Darwin’s net investment income increased to $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2007 as compared to $3.8 million in the second quarter of 2006 as a result of an increase in average invested assets and increased to $10.7 million in the first six months of 2007 as compared to $7.1 million in the first six months of 2006 as a result of an increase in average invested assets and an increase in our investment yield.

     Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written were $65.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $58.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $7.8 million, or 13.5%. Gross premiums written were $140.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $117.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $22.3 million, or 18.8%. The increase in gross premiums written during the second quarter and first six months of 2007 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2006 reflects significant growth of Darwin’s medical malpractice and E&O lines of business. Of the $65.9 million of gross premiums written in the second quarter of 2006, approximately $23.1 million was attributable to medical malpractice liability business, $31.6 million was attributable to E&O business and $11.2 million was attributable to D&O business. Of the $140.2 million of gross premiums written in the first six months of 2006, approximately $45.8 million was attributable to medical malpractice liability business, $74.4 million was attributable to E&O business and $20.0 million was attributable to D&O business.

     Our medical malpractice liability premiums increased by $1.5 million to $23.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $21.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. This increase resulted from the writing of new medical malpractice liability policies for gross premiums of approximately $3.9 million, primarily in our hospital professional liability and miscellaneous medical facility classes of business, and the renewal of existing policies for $19.2 million of medical malpractice liability premiums. Medical malpractice liability premiums increased by $3.4 million to $45.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $42.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. This increase resulted from the writing of new medical malpractice liability policies for gross premiums of approximately $13.0 million, primarily in our hospital professional liability and miscellaneous medical facility classes of business, and the renewal of existing policies for $32.8 million of medical malpractice liability premiums. Due to competitive pricing pressures, Darwin experienced an average decrease in rate for our medical malpractice liability renewal business in the second quarter of 2007 of approximately 15.2% when compared to the second quarter of 2006, and experienced an average decrease in rate for our medical malpractice liability renewal business in the first six months of 2007 of approximately 10.6% when compared to the first six months of 2006.

     Our E&O gross premiums written increased by $7.1 million to $31.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $24.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and increased by $19.1 million to $74.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $55.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. This increase resulted from the writing of new E&O policies for approximately $14.6 million and the renewal of policies for $17.0 million of gross premiums written for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and the writing of new E&O policies for approximately $32.3 million and the renewal of policies for $42.1 million of gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2007. New business writings were primarily in our managed care, psychologists, lawyers and insurance agents E&O classes of business. Darwin experienced a decrease in average rate for our E&O business in the second quarter of 2007 of approximately 16.1% when compared to the second quarter of 2006 and experienced a decrease in average rate for our E&O business in the first six

months of 2006 of approximately 12.3% when compared to the first six months of 2006. These decreases in rate were primarily the result of competitive pricing pressures in our managed care, lawyers and insurance agents E&O classes of business.

     Our D&O gross premiums written decreased by $0.8 million to $11.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $12.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and decreased slightly by $0.2 million to $20.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $20.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. This decrease resulted from competitive pricing pressures. We wrote new policies for D&O gross premiums written of approximately $3.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and $6.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily for publicly-held companies with market capitalizations of less than $2 billion, and we renewed policies for $8.2 million of gross premiums written for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and $13.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Our average premium rate for D&O business renewed in the second quarter of 2007 decreased by 11.6% when compared to the second quarter of 2006 and decreased by 11.7% when compared to the first six months of 2006.

     Ceded premiums written. Ceded premiums written were $16.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $21.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, a decrease of $4.7 million or 22.1%. Ceded premiums written were $42.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $44.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, a decrease of $2.5 million or 5.7%. The ratio of ceded premiums written to gross premiums written was 25.6% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to 37.3% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and was 30.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 37.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Ceded premiums written were reduced in the quarter by $3.8 million due to a favorable adjustment of the 2003 through 2006 accident year loss results and were reduced for the six months ended June 30, 2007 by $4.2 million due to the favorable adjustments for 2003 through 2006 accident year loss results. The decrease in our estimate of expected ultimate losses incurred for the 2003 through 2006 accident years reduced our estimated ultimate ceded premium cost on certain of our variable rated reinsurance contracts in-force during the 2003 through 2006 accident years. The decrease in ceded premiums written as a percentage of gross premiums written was attributable to the adjustment to ceded premiums described above, the growth in classes of business for which Darwin ceded lesser amounts under our reinsurance contracts and due to the restructuring of our reinsurance program for policies written beginning on April 1, 2007. This new reinsurance program utilized less variable rated reinsurance and will generally reduce the overall cost of reinsurance on each policy.

     Net premiums written. Net premiums written were $49.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $36.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $12.6 million or 34.6%. Net premiums written were $98.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $73.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $24.8 million or 33.8%. The growth in net premiums written is attributable to the growth in gross premiums written.

     Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned were $46.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to $32.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $14.4 million or 45.1%, and were $86.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $59.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $27.1 million or 45.8%. The increase in net premiums earned is attributable to the growth in net premiums written across all lines of business as described above. The ratio of net premiums earned to net premiums written was 94.6% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and 87.7% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and was 88.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 80.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase in the ratio of net premiums earned to net premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same three and six month periods in 2006 was due primarily to the reduction of ceded premiums written and earned on prior accident year results recorded in connection with the favorable loss reserve development on those years, as described above.

     Net investment income and realized investment gains (losses). Net investment income increased to $5.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to $3.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $1.6 million, or 44.6%, and net investment income increased to $10.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $3.6 million, or 49.9%. These increases in net investment income were the result of an increase in average invested assets as of June 30, 2007 compared to June 30, 2006 primarily due to the growth in our business. The book investment yield was 4.73% on investments held at June 30, 2007 as compared to 4.22% on investments held at June 30, 2006. The increase in book investment yield was primarily attributable to the investments in 2007 of operating cash flows and a portion of December cash account balances at higher yields than the book yield on investments held at June 30, 2006. Darwin recognized realized gains of $17 thousand in the second quarter of 2007 compared to $3 thousand of realized losses in the second quarter of 2006 and realized gains of $17 thousand in the first six months of 2007 compared to $13 thousand in realized losses in the first six months of 2006.

     Losses and LAE incurred. Losses and LAE incurred was $25.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to $21.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $3.5 million or 16.0%. Losses and LAE incurred was $50.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $41.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $9.7 million or 23.6%. Losses and LAE incurred increased over the comparable periods for the prior year due to the estimated losses on the increased premium volume in the second quarter and first six months of 2007 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2006, offset by actual and anticipated reinsurance recoveries for the losses (including a provision for recoveries on IBNR losses and LAE). The increase in losses and LAE primarily reflects increased net premiums earned. During the second quarter of 2007, Darwin recognized favorable loss development of $3.0 million net of anticipated reinsurance recoveries on the 2003 through 2006 accident years. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, Darwin recognized favorable loss development of $3.8 million net of anticipated reinsurance recoveries on the 2003 through 2006 accident years. Darwin’s loss ratio for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 decreased to 54.5% compared to 68.1% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. Darwin’s loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2007 decreased to 58.7% compared to 69.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The decrease in loss ratio for the second quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2006 was primarily due to the adjustments totaling $6.8 million ($3.0 million to net losses incurred and $3.8 million to ceded premiums earned) due to Darwin’s revision of its ultimate loss ratio on its 2003 through 2006 accident years. The decrease in loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 was primarily due to the adjustments totaling $8.0 million ($3.8 million to net losses incurred and $4.2 million to ceded premiums earned) due to Darwin’s revision of its ultimate loss ratio on its 2003 through 2006 accident years.

     Commissions and brokerage expenses. Commissions and brokerage expenses were $6.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to $3.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $2.9 million or 88.6%. Commissions and brokerage expenses were $11.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $6.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $5.5 million or 92.2%. The ratio of commissions and brokerage expenses to net premiums earned increased to 13.6% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 from 10.5% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and increased to 13.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from 10.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase in commissions and brokerage expenses is attributable to growth in net premiums earned as well as the increase in the overall commissions paid as a percentage of net premiums earned. The increase in the commission and brokerage expense ratio for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same periods of 2006 is due to changes in mix of business as well as profit sharing expenses associated with certain program administrators whose arrangements allow for participation in the favorable loss development recognized in the second quarter of 2007. For certain of our classes of business, particularly business written for insureds with smaller average premiums and risk profiles, the commission rate was higher. In addition, Darwin raised its commission rates on new business during the first quarter of 2007, resulting in higher average commission rates being paid on our overall business.

     Other underwriting, acquisition and operating expenses. Other underwriting, acquisition and operating expenses were $6.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to $5.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $1.2 million or 20.0%. Other underwriting, acquisition and operating expenses were $13.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $10.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $3.1 million or 31.0%. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in personnel costs incurred to support the growth in premiums and general expenses incurred in connection with the expansion of our business. The ratio of other underwriting, acquisition and operating expenses to premiums earned decreased to 14.6% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 from 17.7% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The ratio of other underwriting, acquisition and operating expenses to premiums earned decreased to 15.4% from 17.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006.

     Darwin’s total expense ratio was 28.2% for each of the quarters ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006. Darwin’s total expense ratio increased to 28.7% for the first six months of June 30, 2007 compared to 27.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase in the total expense ratio for the first six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the first six months of 2006 is due primarily to the increase in commission expense partially offset by decreases in operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums earned. Growth in our business has been at a greater rate than our operating expenses, which has allowed us to spread our other underwriting, acquisition and operating expenses over a larger premium base.

     Other expenses. Other expenses incurred were $2.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to $0.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $2.1 million. Other expenses incurred were $2.8 million for the first six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $2.5 million. These expenses were primarily attributable to Darwin’s long-term incentive plan which is based on net underwriting profitability. The increase in the second quarter and first six months of 2007 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2006 is primarily due to the more favorable underwriting results primarily attributable to the favorable loss development recognized in the second quarter of 2007, as noted above.

     Income tax expense. Income tax expense incurred was $3.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to $1.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $2.0 million. Income tax expense incurred was $5.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, an increase of $3.0 million. These increases were due to the increased profitability for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2006, partially offset by a decrease in the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate increased to 31.1% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 from 30.2% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The increase in the effective tax rate was attributable primarily to the reserve reductions noted above, which are taxed at a marginal corporate tax rate of 35%, partially offset by an increase in the portion of net investment income received on tax-exempt municipal securities. The effective tax rate decreased to 30.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from 31.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The decrease in effective tax rate was attributable primarily to an increase in the portion of net investment income received on tax-exempt municipal securities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  DPUI Only

     General. Upon completion of our reorganization on January 1, 2006, DPUI became the ultimate parent of Darwin Group, DNA and Darwin Select. DPUI provides underwriting, claims, management, and administrative services to DNA and Darwin Select in exchange for management fees. The management fees are determined based upon agreements between DPUI and each of DNA and Darwin Select, which have been filed with and approved by the insurance departments responsible for regulatory oversight of each of such insurance companies. These agreements provide for payments to DPUI at a rate equal to 32.0% of gross premiums written on business produced by DPUI and written on the policy of the relevant insurance company or, if lower, in an allocable amount based upon the total operating expense actually incurred by DPUI. Additional payment to DPUI is due upon the achievement of profitability levels that would trigger a payout under our LTIP.

     Dividends. State insurance laws restrict the ability of our insurance company subsidiaries to declare dividends. State insurance regulators require insurance companies to maintain specified levels of statutory capital and surplus. Generally, dividends may only be paid out of earned surplus, and the amount of an insurer’s surplus following payment of any dividends must be reasonable in relation to the insurer’s outstanding liabilities and adequate to meet its financial needs. Further, prior approval of the insurance department of its state of domicile is required before either of our insurance company subsidiaries can declare and pay an “extraordinary dividend” to us.

     DNA received approval from the Delaware Insurance Department to pay DPUI an extraordinary dividend of $3.5 million on February 28, 2007, which was paid to DPUI in March 2007.

     Darwin Select has approximately $2.3 million available in 2007 for ordinary dividends to DNA without prior regulatory approval. DNA would not be permitted to dividend this amount to DPUI without receiving approval from the Delaware Insurance Department. Darwin Select did not pay any dividends in the first six months of 2007 or in 2006.

     Credit Agreement. On March 23, 2007, Darwin entered into a three-year secured credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with a bank syndicate, providing commitments for revolving credit loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $25.0 million. The loan is secured by the common stock of Darwin Group. Borrowing under the Credit Agreement is intended to be used for general corporate purposes and for strategic merger and acquisition purposes. The cost of funds drawn down would be at an annual interest rate of LIBOR plus 112.5 basis points. The Credit Agreement also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum for any unused amount of the aggregate principal amount. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants requiring DPUI to maintain a 2.0 debt interest coverage ratio, a maximum ratio of net premiums written to surplus of 2.0 to 1.0, a covenant limiting DPUI’s debt to total capital ratio to 35%, and a covenant prohibiting the payment of dividends on its equity securities. Darwin must also have a minimum net worth equal to 80% of year end December 31, 2006 GAAP net worth plus an amount equal to 50% of subsequent earned profits. At June 30, 2007, Darwin was in full compliance with the Credit Agreement’s requirements and restrictions. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2007.

     Off Balance Sheet Arrangements. Darwin did not have any off balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

   Darwin Consolidated Financial Position

     Capital Resources. Total stockholders’ equity increased to $227.4 million as of June 30, 2007 from $217.9 million as of December 31, 2006, an increase of $9.5 million or 4.4%. The increase was primarily due to the net income for the six months ended June 30, 2007 of $13.0 million, and $0.4 million of stock-based compensation during the period offset by $3.9 million of unrealized losses after taxes on fixed maturity securities.

     Capital Transactions. Effective as of January 1, 2006, 197,178 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of $197.2 million were issued to Alleghany in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of Darwin Group held by Alleghany. In addition, Alleghany exchanged its 6,600,000 shares of common stock of DPUI for 9,560 additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock having an additional aggregate liquidation preference of $0.2 million.

     On April 1, 2006, the Company declared a dividend of $2.5 million in the form of Series C Preferred Stock to the holders of Series B Preferred Stock.

     The Company’s registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with an initial public offering of common stock was declared effective on May 18, 2006 for the issuance of 5,217,391 shares of common stock at an initial offering price of $16.00 per share. Subsequently, the underwriters of the initial public offering exercised their over-allotment option in which an additional 782,609 shares of common stock were issued at the $16.00 per share initial public offering price. Gross proceeds from the sale of the 6,000,000 shares of common stock were $96.0 million. Total costs associated with the initial public offering included $9.7 million of underwriting costs and offering expenses. Net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting costs and offering expenses, were $86.3 million.

     The net proceeds from the offering were used to redeem all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the aggregate liquidation preference of $2.3 million and all of the shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of $2.5 million. The remaining proceeds of $81.5 million were used to redeem a portion of the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at a redemption price per share, on an as-converted basis, equal to the public offering price less underwriting costs ($14.88 per share) or 5,478,904 shares of common stock on an as-converted basis. The remaining outstanding shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 9,371,096 shares of common stock. As a result of the Company’s initial public offering and use of net proceeds of the offering, Alleghany’s ownership in the Company was reduced to approximately 55.0%.

     Book Value Per Common Share. As of June 30, 2007, DPUI’s book value per common share was $13.36 per share and the tangible book value per common share was $12.93 per share. This compares to the book value per common share of $12.78 per share and the tangible book value per common share of $12.35 per share as of December 31, 2006. Tangible book value per common share is determined by dividing our tangible book value (total assets excluding intangible assets less total liabilities) by the number of our common shares outstanding on the date that the book value is determined. The Company believes that the change in tangible book value per common share over time is an important indicator for investors as to the long-term common share value of the Company.

     Cash Flows. We have three primary types of cash flows: (1) cash flows from operating activities, which consist mainly of cash generated by our underwriting operations and income earned on our investment portfolio, (2) cash flows from investing activities related to the purchase, sale and maturity of investments as well as realized gains and losses on sales of investments, and (3) cash flows from financing activities that impact our capital structure, such as capital contributions, changes in paid-in capital and shares outstanding.

     For the six months ended June 30, 2007, there was a net decrease in cash of $21.0 million as the Company invested excess cash in fixed income securities and short-term investments. The Company purchased $66.9 million of short-term investments and fixed maturity securities during the six months ended June 30, 2007 with available cash balances and cash flow from operating activity. Cash flow from operating activities increased in the first six months of 2007 to $54.7 million compared to $50.1 million for the first six months of 2006, due primarily to an increase in premium volume and limited paid loss activity on current and prior accident years. Cash flows used in investing activities increased in the first six months of 2007 to $75.6 million compared to $37.9 million for the first six months of 2006 primarily due to the fact that in 2007 a greater amount of cash flows generated from operations and available cash balances was invested in our investment portfolio.

     The following table summarizes these cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006:

		Six Months Ended
		June 30,
		2007				2006
		(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities		$	54,654			$	50,073
Cash flows used in investing activities			(75,649	)			(37,921	)
Cash flows from financing activities			—				—
Net increase (decrease) in cash		$	(20,995	)		$	12,152
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses...		$	9,920			$	4,339

     At June 30, 2007, we had cash, short-term investments and other investments of $475.2 million, including cash, short-term investments and fixed maturities due within one year of approximately $64.3 million and fixed maturities of $76.1 million maturing within one to five years. Total cash, short-term investments and fixed maturities due within one year represent 13.5% of Darwin’s total investment portfolio and cash balances at June 30, 2007. At December 31, 2006, we had cash, short-term investments and other investments of $426.3 million. Included in our December 31, 2006 portfolio were cash, short-term investments and fixed maturities due within one year of approximately $103.5 million and fixed maturities of $67.6 million maturing within one to five years. Total cash, short-term investments and fixed maturities due within one year represented 24.3% of Darwin’s total investment portfolio and cash balances at December 31, 2006. In accordance with our investment guidelines in 2007, our external investment manager has purchased longer-duration fixed maturities with these funds. We believe that cash generated by operations and cash generated by investments will provide sufficient sources of liquidity to meet our anticipated needs over the foreseeable future.

     Contractual Obligations. We have certain obligations to make future payments under contracts and commitments. At June 30, 2007, long-term aggregate contractual obligations and commitments were as follows:

										More Than				More Than
										1 Year But				3 Years But				More Than
Contractual Obligations		Total				Within 1 Year				Within 3 Years				Within 5 Years				5 Years
		(Dollars in thousands)
Operating lease obligations		$	2,978			$	678			$	1,500			$	800			$	—
Other long-term liabilities reflected on consolidated balance sheet under GAAP(1)			5,208				3,325				1,733				150				—
Loss and LAE reserves			322,334				76,772				159,405				35,190				50,967
Total		$	330,520			$	80,775			$	162,638			$	36,140			$	50,967

     Darwin has obligations to make certain payments for losses and LAE pursuant to insurance policies we issue. These future payments are reflected as reserves on our financial statements. With respect to reserves for losses and LAE, there is typically no minimum contractual commitment associated with insurance contracts and the timing and ultimate amount of actual claims related to these reserves is uncertain. The table above estimates the expected payment pattern of loss and LAE reserves. Given our limited loss experience and operating history, we have utilized industry experience in estimating these amounts. Our actual future payment experience could differ materially. For additional information regarding reserves for losses and LAE, including information regarding the timing of payments of these expenses, see “Critical Accounting Estimates — Loss and LAE Reserves.”

     Investments. We utilize a third-party investment manager, General Re-New England Asset Management, to manage our investments. We have provided our investment manager with investment guidelines and our Board of Directors reviews our investment performance and the investment manager’s compliance with our investment guidelines on a quarterly basis. We

believe that we have a conservative approach to our investment and capital management strategy with an objective of providing a stable source of income and preserving capital to offset underwriting risk. We maintain an investment portfolio representing funds that have not yet been paid out as claims, as well as the capital we hold for our stockholders. As of June 30, 2007, our investment portfolio had a fair value of $469.3 million, an increase of $69.9 million over the December 31, 2006 investment portfolio fair value of $399.4 million. The increase in invested assets at June 30, 2007 when compared to December 31, 2006 was primarily due to investment of a portion of December cash balances and cash flows from operations. Our investment portfolio consists of fixed maturities and short-term investment securities. We currently do not have any equity securities in our portfolio.

     The following table presents the fair value amounts and percentage distributions of investments as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

		June 30, 2007								December 31, 2006
		Fair								Fair
		Value				%				Value				%
		(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities securities:
U.S. Government and government agencies		$	24,979				5.3	%		$	22,239				5.6	%
State and municipal			207,282				44.2	%			129,743				32.5	%
Mortgage/asset-backed securities			116,049				24.7	%			106,615				26.7	%
Corporate and other			70,271				15.0	%			71,249				17.8	%
Total fixed maturities			418,581				89.2	%			329,846				82.6	%
Short term investments			50,722				10.8	%			69,537				17.4	%
Total investments		$	469,303				100.0	%		$	399,383				100.0	%