Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

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

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2012

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to

Commission file number: 001-32938

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Switzerland   98-0681223

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Lindenstrasse 8

6340 Baar

Zug, Switzerland

(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

41-41-768-1080

(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 ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ  No ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer þ

  Accelerated filer ¨    Non-accelerated filer ¨   Smaller reporting company ¨
     (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

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

As of July 30, 2012, 35,773,639 common shares were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I    FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

     1   

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     30   

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     64   

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     66   
PART II   

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

     67   

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     67   

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     67   

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     67   

Item 4.

  

Mine Safety Disclosures

     67   

Item 5.

  

Other Information

     67   

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

     68   

SIGNATURES

     69   

EXHIBIT INDEX

  

 

-i-


Table of Contents

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)

 

     As of
June 30,
2012
    As of
December 31,
2011
 

ASSETS:

    

Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012: $28,038; 2011: $226,397)

   $ 30,214     $ 244,016  

Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012: $6,705,210; 2011: $6,207,991)

     6,796,109       6,254,686  

Equity securities trading, at fair value (cost: 2012: $419,366; 2011: $356,370)

     454,205       367,483  

Other invested assets trading, at fair value

     520,890       540,409  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

     7,801,418       7,406,594  

Cash and cash equivalents

     864,450       633,996  

Restricted cash

     239,376       82,608  

Insurance balances receivable

     845,663       652,158  

Prepaid reinsurance

     259,289       226,721  

Reinsurance recoverable

     1,073,612       1,002,919  

Accrued investment income

     30,117       38,263  

Net deferred acquisition costs

     129,818       100,334  

Goodwill

     268,376       268,376  

Intangible assets

     52,631       53,898  

Balances receivable on sale of investments

     635,727       580,443  

Net deferred tax assets

     28,477       22,646  

Other assets

     48,697       53,202  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 12,277,651     $ 11,122,158  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

    

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

   $ 5,377,518     $ 5,225,143  

Unearned premiums

     1,363,006       1,078,412  

Reinsurance balances payable

     128,306       124,539  

Balances due on purchases of investments

     1,220,246       616,728  

Senior notes

     798,080       797,949  

Dividends payable

            14,302  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     106,594       116,063  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 8,993,750     $ 7,973,136  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Common shares: 2012: par value CHF 13.69 per share and 2011: par value CHF 14.03 per share (2012: 40,003,642; 2011: 40,003,642 shares issued and 2012: 35,942,964; 2011: 37,742,131 shares outstanding)

     543,452       557,153  

Additional paid-in capital

     52,815       78,225  

Treasury shares, at cost (2012: 4,060,678; 2011: 2,261,511)

     (264,037     (136,590

Retained earnings

     2,950,257       2,635,750  

Accumulated other comprehensive income: net unrealized gains on investments, net of tax

     1,414       14,484  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,283,901       3,149,022  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 12,277,651     $ 11,122,158  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

REVENUES:

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 646,870     $ 519,598     $ 1,327,799     $ 1,080,286  

Premiums ceded

     (152,160     (123,795     (244,136     (203,612
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

     494,710       395,803       1,083,663       876,674  

Change in unearned premiums

     (64,963     (40,496     (252,026     (186,491
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     429,747       355,307       831,637       690,183  

Net investment income

     42,451       52,368       89,660       102,576  

Net realized investment gains

     8,663       58,878       142,244       109,254  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     480,861       466,553       1,063,541       902,013  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

        

Net losses and loss expenses

     240,380       235,813       465,582       540,265  

Acquisition costs

     51,588       42,971       98,726       81,053  

General and administrative expenses

     73,979       67,201       144,345       135,157  

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

     634       766       1,267       1,533  

Interest expense

     14,001       13,745       27,757       27,487  

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (1,019     1,184       (1,100     742  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     379,563       361,680       736,577       786,237  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     101,298       104,873       326,964       115,776  

Income tax expense

     4,947       11,073       12,457       13,356  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME

     96,351       93,800       314,507       102,420  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss:

        

Unrealized gains on investments arising during the period net of applicable deferred income tax (benefit) expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012: ($68); 2011:$1,461 and six months ended June 30, 2012:($96); 2011: $2,425

     231       13,680       179       5,636  

Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains included in net income, net of applicable income tax

     (1,142     (23,548     (13,249     (39,676
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

     (911     (9,868     (13,070     (34,040
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   $ 95,440     $ 83,932     $ 301,437     $ 68,380  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

PER SHARE DATA

        

Basic earnings per share

   $ 2.66     $ 2.45     $ 8.56     $ 2.69  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.59     $ 2.36     $ 8.41     $ 2.57  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     36,288,596       38,346,489       36,746,881       38,061,724  

Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding

     37,189,722       39,800,753       37,395,559       39,873,418  

Dividends paid per share

   $ 0.375     $      $ 0.750     $   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

 

     Share
Capital
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Treasury
Shares
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Retained
Earnings
     Total  

December 31, 2011

   $ 557,153     $ 78,225     $ (136,590   $ 14,484     $ 2,635,750      $ 3,149,022  

Net income

                                 314,507        314,507  

Dividends — par value reduction

     (13,701                                  (13,701

Other comprehensive loss

                          (13,070             (13,070

Stock compensation

            (25,410     32,011                      6,601  

Share repurchases

                   (159,458                    (159,458
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

June 30, 2012

   $ 543,452     $ 52,815     $ (264,037   $ 1,414     $ 2,950,257      $ 3,283,901  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

   $ 600,055     $ 170,239     $ (112,811   $ 57,135     $ 2,361,202      $ 3,075,820  

Net income

                                 102,420        102,420  

Other comprehensive loss

                          (34,040             (34,040

Stock compensation

            (34,582     48,419                      13,837  

Share repurchase

                   (60,000                    (60,000

Repurchase of founder warrants

            (53,620                           (53,620
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

June 30, 2011

   $ 600,055     $ 82,037     $ (124,392   $ 23,095     $ 2,463,622      $ 3,044,417  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 314,507     $ 102,420  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

    

Net realized gains on sales of investments

     (46,834     (52,906

Mark to market adjustments

     (94,732     (77,318

Stock compensation expense

     9,294       12,112  

Changes in:

    

Reserve for losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables

     81,682       285,753  

Unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance

     252,026       186,491  

Insurance balances receivable

     (193,505     (123,075

Reinsurance balances payable

     3,767       32,929  

Net deferred acquisition costs

     (29,484     (15,280

Net deferred tax assets

     (3,458     2,339  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (19,978     (18,629

Other items, net

     28,488       27,010  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     301,773       361,846  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Purchases of available for sale securities

            (352

Purchases of trading securities

     (4,005,352     (4,194,787

Purchases of other invested assets

     (17,778     (240,410

Sales of available for sale securities

     214,015       560,794  

Sales of trading securities

     3,959,204       3,540,053  

Sales of other invested assets

     108,759       36,067  

Purchases of fixed assets

     (879     (2,316

Change in restricted cash

     (156,768     29,520  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     101,201       (271,431
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Dividends paid — partial par value reduction

     (28,003       

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

     6,697       4,824  

Share repurchases

     (148,949     (60,000

Repurchase of founder warrants

            (53,620
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (170,255     (108,796
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     (2,265     2,190  

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     230,454       (16,191

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     633,996       756,995  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 864,450     $ 740,804  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

— Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 8,257     $ 433  

— Cash paid for interest expense

   $ 27,000     $ 27,000  

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

1. GENERAL

Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG, a Swiss holding company (“Allied World Switzerland”), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), provides property and casualty insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis through operations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND CONSOLIDATION

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are normal and recurring in nature and necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations as of the end of and for the periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The significant estimates reflected in the Company’s financial statements include, but are not limited to:

 

   

The premium estimates for certain reinsurance agreements,

 

   

Recoverability of deferred acquisition costs,

 

   

The reserve for outstanding losses and loss expenses,

 

   

Valuation of ceded reinsurance recoverables,

 

   

Determination of impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, and

 

   

Valuation of financial instruments.

Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation and all entities meeting consolidation requirements have been included in the consolidation.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, and related notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

3. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-26, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts” (“ASU 2010-26”). ASU 2010-26 clarifies what costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts can be deferred and amortized over the coverage period. Under the revised guidance of ASU 2010-26, incremental direct costs that result directly from and are essential to the insurance contract and would not have been incurred had the insurance contract not been written are costs that may be capitalized, including costs relating to activities specifically performed by the Company such as underwriting, policy issuance and processing. The Company adopted ASU 2010-26 retrospectively on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2010-26 did not have an impact on consolidated shareholders’ equity or net income as the Company had not previously capitalized costs that did not meet the requirement for capitalization of the revised standard.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 provides a consistent meaning for the term “fair value” between the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board and establishes common requirements for measuring and disclosing information related thereto. The Company adopted ASU 2011-04 prospectively on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-04

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

did not have an impact on consolidated shareholders’ equity or net income or the Company’s fair value measurements. Refer to Note 6 for the Company’s related disclosures.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income, and requires the presentation of reclassification adjustments on the face of the financial statements from other comprehensive income to net income. In December 2011, ASU 2011-05 was updated by ASU 2011-12, “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” (“ASU 2011-12”) to defer the presentation requirements of reclassification adjustments required by ASU 2011-05. The Company adopted ASU 2011-05 on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 and the related updates from ASU 2011-12 did not have an impact on the presentation of the financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”). ASU 2011-08 simplifies how goodwill is tested for impairment by permitting entities to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of the qualitative assessment will determine if an entity needs to proceed with the two-step goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted ASU 2011-08 on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have an impact on consolidated shareholders’ equity or net income.

4. INVESTMENTS

a) Available for Sale Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s available for sale investments by category are as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value  
June 30, 2012                           

U.S. Government and Government agencies

   $ 28,038      $ 2,176      $      $ 30,214  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments, available for sale

   $ 28,038      $ 2,176      $      $ 30,214  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

          

U.S. Government and Government agencies

   $ 31,309      $ 2,321      $      $ 33,630  

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     29,128        4,351               33,479  

Corporate debt:

          

Financial institutions

     17,431        348        (292     17,487  

Industrials

     73,539        4,268               77,807  

Utilities

     74,990        6,623               81,613  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments, available for sale

   $ 226,397      $ 17,911      $ (292   $ 244,016  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

b) Trading Securities

Securities accounted for at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) (“consolidated income statements”) by category are as follows:

 

     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Fair Value      Amortized Cost      Fair Value      Amortized Cost  

U.S. Government and Government agencies

   $ 1,715,141      $ 1,701,706      $ 1,278,265      $ 1,263,948  

Non-U.S. Government and Government agencies

     315,493        309,350        256,756        251,784  

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     39,741        38,584        133,902        128,633  

Corporate debt:

           

Financial institutions

     961,728        946,999        1,161,904        1,174,308  

Industrials

     1,019,043        1,013,026        987,006        974,731  

Utilities

     58,173        56,718        105,564        103,262  

Residential mortgage-backed:

           

Non-agency residential

     298,355        283,739        302,827        314,077  

Agency residential

     1,710,596        1,686,022        1,183,893        1,156,913  

Commercial mortgage-backed

     260,420        252,193        331,371        326,697  

Asset-backed

     417,419        416,873        513,198        513,638  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments, trading

   $ 6,796,109      $ 6,705,210      $ 6,254,686      $ 6,207,991  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Fair Value      Original Cost      Fair Value      Original Cost  

Equity securities

   $ 454,205      $ 419,366      $ 367,483      $ 356,370  

Other invested assets (1)

     520,890        487,938        540,409        529,851  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 975,095      $ 907,304      $ 907,892      $ 886,221  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Within the Company’s financial statements and footnotes “other invested assets” include the Company’s investments in both hedge funds and private equity funds.

c) Contractual Maturity Dates

The contractual maturity dates of available for sale fixed maturity investments are as follows:

 

     June 30, 2012  
     Amortized Cost      Fair Value  

Due within one year

   $ 7,001      $ 7,056  

Due after one year through five years

     16,958        18,111  

Due after five years through ten years

     1,077        1,180  

Due after ten years

     3,002        3,867  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 28,038      $ 30,214  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

d) Other Invested Assets

Included in other invested assets are the Company’s hedge fund and private equity investments. As of the balance sheet date, the Company held interests in 22 funds with a total fair value of $520,890, which comprised 5.8% of the total fair value of its investments and cash and cash equivalents. The fair values of these assets have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the funds.

In general, the Company has invested in hedge funds that require at least 30 days’ notice of redemption, and may be redeemed on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual or longer basis, depending on the fund. Certain hedge funds have lock-up periods ranging from 1 to 3 years from initial investment. A lock-up period refers to the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to invest before having the ability to redeem. Funds that provide for periodic redemptions may, depending on the funds’ governing documents, have the ability to deny or delay a redemption request, called a “gate.” The fund may implement this restriction because the aggregate amount of redemption requests as of a particular date exceeds a specified level, generally ranging from 15% to 25% of the fund’s net assets. The gate is a method for executing an orderly redemption process that allows for redemption requests to be

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

executed in a timely manner to reduce the possibility of adversely affecting the remaining investors in the fund. Typically, the imposition of a gate delays a portion of the requested redemption, with the remaining portion settled in cash sometime after the redemption date. Certain funds may impose a redemption fee on early redemptions. Interests in private equity funds cannot be redeemed because the investments include restrictions that do not allow for redemption until termination of the fund.

Details regarding the redemption characteristics of the other invested assets portfolio as of June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

Fund Type

   Fair Value as of
June 30, 2012
     Investments
with
Redemption
Restrictions
     Estimated
Remaining
Restriction
Period
     Investments
without
Redemption
Restrictions
     Redemption
Frequency
(1)
    Redemption
Notice  Period (1)
    Unfunded
Commitments
 

Private equity (primary and secondary)

   $ 78,199      $ 78,199        4 - 10 Years       $           $ 167,013  

Mezzanine debt

     21,756        21,756        10 Years                     94,022  

Distressed

     9,559        9,559        <6 Years                     8,699  
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

        

 

 

 

Total private equity

     109,514        109,514                       269,734  
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

        

 

 

 

Distressed

     41,131        1,042        <2 Years         40,089        Quarterly        45 - 65 Days          

Equity long/short

     165,482                   165,482        Quarterly        30 - 60 Days          

Multi-strategy

     136,160        25,830        <2 Years         110,330        Quarterly        45 - 90 Days          

Event driven

     68,603                   68,603        Annual        45 - 60 Days          
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

        

 

 

 

Total hedge funds

     411,376        26,872           384,504              
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

        

 

 

 

Total other invested assets

   $ 520,890      $ 136,386         $ 384,504          $ 269,734  
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

(1) The redemption frequency and notice periods only apply to the investments without redemption restrictions.

 

   

Private equity funds: Primary funds may invest in companies and general partnership interests. Secondary funds buy limited partnership interests from existing limited partners of primary private equity funds. As owners of private equity funds seek liquidity, they can sell their existing investments, plus any remaining commitment, to secondary market participants. These funds cannot be redeemed because the investments include restrictions that do not allow for redemption until termination of the fund.

 

   

Mezzanine debt funds: Mezzanine debt funds invest primarily in privately negotiated mezzanine investments. The funds’ strategies will focus primarily on providing capital to upper middle market and middle market companies, and private equity sponsors, in connection with leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, growth financings and other corporate transactions. The most common position in the capital structure will be between the senior secured debt holder and the equity; however, the funds will utilize a flexible approach when structuring investments, which may include secured debt, subordinated debt, preferred stock and/or private equity. These funds cannot be redeemed because the investments include restrictions that do not allow for redemption until termination of the fund.

 

   

Distressed funds: In distressed debt investing, managers take positions in the debt of companies experiencing significant financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, or in certain positions of the capital structure of structured securities. The manager relies on the fundamental analysis of these securities, including the claims on the assets and the likely return to bondholders. Certain funds cannot be redeemed because the investments include restrictions that do not allow for redemption until termination of the fund.

 

   

Equity long/short funds: In equity long/short funds, managers take long positions in companies they deem to be undervalued and short positions in companies they deem to be overvalued. Long/short managers may invest in countries, regions or sectors and vary by their use of leverage and target net long position.

 

   

Multi-strategy funds: These funds may utilize many strategies employed by specialized funds including distressed investing, equity long/short, merger arbitrage, convertible arbitrage, fixed income arbitrage and macro trading.

 

   

Event driven funds: Event driven strategies seek to deploy capital into specific securities whose returns are affected by a specific event that affects the value of one or more securities of a company. Returns for such securities are linked primarily to the specific outcome of the events and not by the overall direction of the bond or stock markets. Examples could include mergers and acquisitions (arbitrage), corporate restructurings and spin-offs and capital structure arbitrage.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

e) Net Investment Income

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 37,219     $ 50,648     $ 84,105     $ 101,594  

Equity securities and other invested assets

     8,644       5,015       12,718       7,211  

Cash and cash equivalents

     550       127       1,157       445  

Expenses

     (3,962     (3,422     (8,320     (6,674
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 42,451     $ 52,368     $ 89,660     $ 102,576  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

f) Components of Realized Gains and Losses

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Gross realized gains on sale of invested assets

   $ 52,775     $ 34,611     $ 91,944     $ 78,168  

Gross realized losses on sale of invested assets

     (14,762     (3,330     (36,669     (25,262

Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on derivatives

     (5,914     (10,040     770       (15,536

Mark-to-market changes:

        

Debt securities, trading

     (24,287     31,872       44,203       45,336  

Other invested assets and equity securities

     851       5,765       41,996       26,548  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

   $ 8,663     $ 58,878     $ 142,244     $ 109,254  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of available for sale securities

   $ 14,308     $ 202,671     $ 213,716     $ 546,191  

g) Pledged Assets

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $2,161,733 and $2,029,138, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and investments were deposited, pledged or held in trust accounts in favor of ceding companies and other counterparties or government authorities to comply with reinsurance contract provisions and insurance laws.

In addition, as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, a further $1,270,757 and $1,044,236, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and investments were pledged as collateral for the Company’s letter of credit facility. See Note 11 to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for details on the credit facility.

h) Analysis of Unrealized Losses

The following table summarizes the market value of those available for sale investments in an unrealized loss position for periods less than and greater than 12 months:

 

     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Gross Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
     Gross Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
 

Less than 12 months

           

Corporate debt:

           

Financial institutions

   $       $       $ 9,440      $ (292
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments, available for sale

   $       $       $ 9,440      $ (292
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were nil and three securities, respectively, in an unrealized loss position.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

i) Other-than-temporary impairment charges

Following the Company’s review of the securities in the investment portfolio during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, no securities were considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, none of the Company’s derivatives were designated as hedges. The following table summarizes information on the location and amounts of derivative fair values in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets (“consolidated balance sheets”):

 

     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Asset
Derivative
Notional
Amount
     Asset
Derivative
Fair Value
     Liability
Derivative
Notional
Amount
     Liability
Derivative
Fair Value
     Asset
Derivative
Notional
Amount
     Asset
Derivative
Fair Value
     Liability
Derivative
Notional
Amount
     Liability
Derivative
Fair Value
 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

  

Put options (1)

   $       $       $       $       $ 4,461       $ 336       $       $   

Foreign exchange contracts (2)

     113,828         1,964         217,588         4,317         91,162         2,030         339,533         8,934   

Interest rate futures (2)

     197,000         943         216,700         265         680,650         977         292,000         3,467   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives

   $ 310,828       $ 2,907       $ 434,288       $ 4,582       $ 776,273       $ 3,343       $ 631,533       $ 12,401   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Asset and liability derivatives relating to the put options are classified within “equity securities trading, at fair value” on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

(2) All other asset and liability derivatives are classified within “other assets” or “accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table provides the net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges recorded in the consolidated income statements:

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
    Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ (359   $ 1,345      $ 580      $ 2,601   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total included in foreign exchange (loss) gain

     (359     1,345        580        2,601   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Put options

                   (336       

Foreign exchange contracts

     4,415        723        2,110        723   

Interest rate futures

     (10,329     (10,763     (1,004     (16,259
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total included in net realized investment gains

     (5,914     (10,040     770        (15,536
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized (losses) gains on derivatives

   $ (6,273   $ (8,695   $ 1,350      $ (12,935
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk in its investment portfolio. Accordingly, the fair values of the Company’s investment portfolio are partially influenced by the change in foreign exchange rates. The Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts to manage the effect of this foreign currency risk. These foreign currency hedging activities have not been designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes.

The Company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries and branches operate in various foreign countries and consequently the Company’s underwriting portfolio is exposed to foreign currency risk. The Company manages foreign currency risk by seeking to match liabilities under the insurance policies and reinsurance contracts that it writes and that are payable in foreign currencies with

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

cash and investments that are denominated in such currencies. When necessary, the Company may also use derivatives to economically hedge un-matched foreign currency exposures, specifically forward contracts and currency options.

The Company also purchases and sells interest rate future contracts to actively manage the duration and yield curve positioning of its fixed income portfolio. Interest rate futures can efficiently increase or decrease the overall duration of the portfolio. Additionally, interest rate future contracts can be utilized to obtain the desired position along the yield curve in order to protect against certain future yield curve shapes.

The Company purchases options to actively manage the Company’s equity portfolio.

6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon whether the inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability are observable or unobservable in the market at the measurement date, with quoted market prices being the highest level (Level 1) and unobservable inputs being the lowest level (Level 3). A fair value measurement will fall within the level of the hierarchy based on the input that is significant to determining such measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

   

Level 1: Observable inputs to the valuation methodology that are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

   

Level 2: Observable inputs to the valuation methodology other than quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets in markets that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

   

Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable for the asset or liability.

The following table shows the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments and where in the fair value hierarchy the fair value measurements are included as of the dates indicated below:

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

                   Fair value measurement using:  

June 30, 2012

   Carrying
amount
     Total fair value      Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
     Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 

Available for sale securities:

              

U.S. Government and Government agencies

   $ 30,214      $ 30,214      $ 30,214      $       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Total available for sale fixed maturity investments

     30,214        30,214           
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Trading securities:

              

U.S. Government and Government agencies

   $ 1,715,141      $ 1,715,141      $ 1,231,823      $ 483,318      $   

Non-U.S. Government and Government agencies

     315,493        315,493                315,493          

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     39,741        39,741                39,741          

Corporate debt

     2,038,944        2,038,944                2,038,944          

Mortgage-backed

     2,269,371        2,269,371                2,111,412        157,959  

Asset-backed

     417,419        417,419                299,833        117,586  
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Total trading fixed maturity investments

     6,796,109        6,796,109           
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Total fixed maturity investments

     6,826,323        6,826,323           
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Equity securities

     454,205        454,205        454,205                  

Other invested assets

     520,890        520,890                        520,890  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 7,801,418      $ 7,801,418      $ 1,716,242      $ 5,288,741      $ 796,435  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative assets: (1)

              

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 1,964      $ 1,964      $       $ 1,964      $   

Interest rate futures

     943        943                943          
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities: (1)

              

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 4,317      $ 4,317      $       $ 4,317      $   

Interest rate futures

     265        265                265          
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Senior notes

   $ 798,080      $ 890,373      $       $ 890,373      $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Asset and liability derivatives relating to foreign exchange contracts and interest rate futures are classified within “other assets” or “accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

                   Fair value measurement using:  

December 31, 2011

   Carrying
amount
     Total fair value      Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
     Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 

Available for sale securities:

              

U.S. Government and Government agencies

   $ 33,630      $ 33,630      $ 33,630      $       $   

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     33,479        33,479                33,479          

Corporate debt

     176,907        176,907                176,907          
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Total available for sale fixed maturity investments

     244,016        244,016           
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Trading securities:

              

U.S. Government and Government agencies

   $ 1,278,265      $ 1,278,265      $ 1,054,003      $ 224,262      $   

Non-U.S. Government and Government agencies

     256,756        256,756                256,756          

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     133,902        133,902                133,902          

Corporate debt

     2,254,474        2,254,474                2,254,474          

Mortgage-backed

     1,818,091        1,818,091                1,568,887        249,204  

Asset-backed

     513,198        513,198                418,453        94,745  
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Total trading fixed maturity investments

     6,254,686        6,254,686           
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Total fixed maturity investments

     6,498,702        6,498,702           
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

Equity securities

     367,483        367,483        367,483                  

Other invested assets

     540,409        540,409                        540,409  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 7,406,594      $ 7,406,594      $ 1,455,116      $ 5,067,120      $ 884,358  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative assets: (1)

              

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 2,030      $ 2,030      $       $ 2,030      $   

Interest rate futures

     977        977                977          
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities: (1)

              

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 8,934      $ 8,934      $       $ 8,934      $   

Interest rate futures

     3,467        3,467                3,467          
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Senior notes

   $ 797,949      $ 872,731      $       $ 872,731      $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Asset and liability derivatives relating to foreign exchange contracts and interest rate futures are classified within “other assets” or “accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as of the balance sheet date.

U.S. Government and Government agencies: Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Federal National Mortgage Association. The fair values of the Company’s U.S. government securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. The Company believes the market for U.S. Treasury securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Non-U.S. Government and Government agencies: Comprised of fixed income obligations of non-U.S. governmental entities. The fair values of these securities are based on prices obtained from international indices and are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

States, municipalities and political subdivisions: Comprised of fixed income obligations of U.S. domiciled state and municipality entities. The fair values of these securities are based on prices obtained from the new issue market, and are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Corporate debt: Comprised of bonds issued by corporations that are diversified across a wide range of issuers and industries. The fair values of corporate bonds that are short-term are priced using spread above the London Interbank Offered Rate yield curve, and the fair value of corporate bonds that are long-term are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. The spreads are sourced from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage-backed: Primarily comprised of residential and commercial mortgages originated by both U.S. government agencies (such as the Federal National Mortgage Association) and non-U.S. government agencies. The fair values of mortgage-backed securities originated by U.S. government agencies and non-U.S. government agencies are based on a pricing model that incorporates prepayment speeds and spreads to determine appropriate average life of mortgage-backed securities. The spreads are sourced from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the mortgage-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of these securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy, unless the significant inputs used to price the mortgage-backed securities are broker-dealer quotes and the Company is not able to determine if those quotes are based on observable market inputs, in which case the fair value is included in the Level 3 hierarchy.

Asset-backed: Principally comprised of bonds backed by pools of automobile loan receivables, home equity loans, credit card receivables and collateralized loan obligations originated by a variety of financial institutions. The fair values of asset-backed securities are priced using prepayment speed and spread inputs that are sourced from the new issue market or broker-dealer quotes. As the significant inputs used to price the asset-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of these securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy, unless the significant inputs used to price the asset-backed securities are broker-dealer quotes and the Company is not able to determine if those quotes are based on observable market inputs, in which case the fair value is included in the Level 3 hierarchy.

Equity securities: The fair value of the equity securities are priced from market exchanges and therefore included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy.

Other invested assets: Comprised of funds invested in a range of diversified strategies. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the fair values of the funds are based on the net asset value of the funds as reported by the fund manager that the Company believes is an unobservable input, and as such, the fair values of those funds are included in the Level 3 fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments: The fair value of foreign exchange contracts and interest rate futures are priced from quoted market prices for similar exchange-traded derivatives and pricing valuation models that utilize independent market data inputs. The fair value of derivatives are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Senior notes: The fair value of the senior notes is based on reported trades. As of June 30, 2012, the 7.50% Senior Notes and 5.50% Senior Notes (each as defined in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011) were traded at 114.6% and 105.8% of their principal amount, providing an effective yield of 3.6% and 4.7%, respectively. The fair value of the senior notes is included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of financial instruments using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

    

Fair value measurement using significant

unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 
     Other invested assets     Mortgage-backed     Asset-backed  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

      

Opening balance

   $ 522,065     $ 178,374     $ 242,394  

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in net income

     (641     1,780       (220

Purchases

     16,728       40,352       23,267  

Sales

     (17,262     (34,755     (47,537

Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2

            3,707       8,654  

Transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2 (1)

            (31,499     (108,972
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 520,890     $ 157,959     $ 117,586  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

      

Opening balance

   $ 469,999     $ 234,087     $ 143,829  

Realized and unrealized gains included in net income

     814       1,680       494  

Purchases

     94,290       29,827       32,408  

Sales

     (2,836     (34,329     (2,800

Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2

            24,389       20,246  

Transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2 (1)

            (38,994     (80,867
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 562,267     $ 216,660     $ 113,310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    

Fair value measurement using significant

unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 
     Other invested assets     Mortgage-backed     Asset-backed  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

      

Opening balance

   $ 540,409     $ 249,204     $ 94,745  

Realized and unrealized gains included in net income

     14,882       4,324       904  

Purchases

     17,778       41,376       31,580  

Sales

     (52,179     (108,165     (48,133

Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2

            4,495       55,498  

Transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2 (1)

            (33,275     (17,008
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 520,890     $ 157,959     $ 117,586  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

      

Opening balance

   $ 347,632     $ 172,558     $ 48,707  

Realized and unrealized gains included in net income

     12,493       3,227       587  

Purchases

     245,340       62,604       115,417  

Sales

     (43,198     (43,287     (3,226

Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2

            86,085       32,801  

Transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2 (1)

            (64,527     (80,976
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 562,267     $ 216,660     $ 113,310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Transfers out of Level 3 are primarily attributable to the availability of market observable information.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

The Company attempts to verify the significant inputs used by broker-dealers in determining the fair value of the securities priced by them. If the Company could not obtain sufficient information to determine if the broker-dealers were using significant observable inputs, such securities have been transferred to the Level 3 fair value hierarchy. The Company believes the prices obtained from the broker-dealers are the best estimate of fair value of the securities being priced as the broker-dealers are typically involved in the initial pricing of the security, and the Company has compared the price per the broker-dealer to other pricing sources and noted no material differences. The Company recognizes transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the period.

The Company’s external investment accounting service provider receives prices from internationally recognized independent pricing services to measure the fair values of its fixed maturity investments. Pricing sources are evaluated and selected in a manner to ensure that the most reliable sources are used. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Each pricing service has its own proprietary method for determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded. In general, these methods involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing service uses observable market inputs, including, but not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, broker-dealer quotes, interest rates, prepayment speeds, default rates and such other inputs as are available from market sources to determine a reasonable fair value.

All of the Company’s securities classified as Level 3, other than investments in other invested assets, are valued based on unadjusted broker-dealer quotes. This includes less liquid securities such as lower quality asset-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and residential mortgage-backed securities. The primary valuation inputs include monthly payment information, the probability of default, loss severity rates and estimated prepayment rates. Significant changes in these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. In general, a change in the assumption of the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity in an event of default and prepayment rates.

The Company records the unadjusted price provided and validates this price through a process that, includes, but is not limited to monthly and/or quarterly: (i) comparison of prices between two independent sources, with significant differences requiring additional price sources; (ii) quantitative analysis (e.g., comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to their target benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated); (iii) evaluation of methodologies used by external parties to calculate fair value, including a review of the inputs used for pricing; (iv) comparing the price to the Company’s knowledge of the current investment market; and (v) back-testing, which includes randomly selecting purchased or sold securities and comparing the executed prices to the fair value estimates from the pricing service. In addition to internal controls, management relies on the effectiveness of the valuation controls in place at the Company’s external investment accounting service provider (supported by a Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16 report) in conjunction with regular discussion and analysis of the investment portfolio’s structure and performance.

7. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES

The reserve for losses and loss expenses consists of the following:

 

     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Outstanding loss reserves

   $ 1,431,802      $ 1,366,466  

Reserves for losses incurred but not reported

     3,945,716        3,858,677  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

   $ 5,377,518      $ 5,225,143  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

The table below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses. Losses incurred and paid are reflected net of reinsurance recoverables.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Gross liability at beginning of period

   $ 5,331,418     $ 5,100,643     $ 5,225,143     $ 4,879,188  

Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of period

     (1,056,780     (975,523     (1,002,919     (927,588
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability at beginning of period

     4,274,638       4,125,120       4,222,224       3,951,600  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses incurred related to:

        

Commutation of variable-rated reinsurance contracts

            11,529              11,529  

Current year

     282,302       279,513       546,986       628,315  

Prior years

     (41,922     (55,229     (81,404     (99,579
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred

     240,380       235,813       465,582       540,265  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net paid losses related to:

        

Current year

     18,226       19,579       19,840       21,279  

Prior years

     186,891       109,238       362,411       243,596  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total paid

     205,117       128,817       382,251       264,875  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign exchange revaluation

     (5,995     5,237       (1,649     10,363  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability at end of period

     4,303,906       4,237,353       4,303,906       4,237,353  

Reinsurance recoverable at end of period

     1,073,612       1,013,951       1,073,612       1,013,951  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross liability at end of period

   $ 5,377,518     $ 5,251,304     $ 5,377,518     $ 5,251,304  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company had net favorable reserve development in each of its segments due to actual loss emergence being lower than initially expected. The majority of the net favorable reserve development was recognized by each segment in the 2004 through 2009 loss years across most lines of business.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company had net favorable reserve development in each of its segments due to actual loss emergence being lower than initially expected. The majority of the net favorable reserve development was recognized in the international insurance and reinsurance segments in the 2004 through 2008 loss years.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company commuted certain variable-rated reinsurance contracts that have swing-rated provisions, reducing ceded losses by $11,529 in accordance with the terms of the contracts resulting in a net gain of $865.

For the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company had net favorable reserve development in each of its segments due to actual loss emergence being lower than initially expected. The majority of the net favorable reserve development was recognized in the reinsurance segment related to the 2004 through 2007 loss years for casualty reinsurance lines and in the international insurance segment related to the 2004 through 2007 loss years for casualty lines of business.

For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company had net favorable reserve development in its international and reinsurance segments due to actual loss emergence being lower than initially expected. The majority of the net favorable reserve development was recognized in the international insurance and reinsurance segments in the 2004 through 2007 loss years related to casualty insurance and reinsurance lines of business. The Company had net unfavorable reserve development in its U.S. insurance segment due to actual loss emergence being higher than initially expected. The majority of the net unfavorable reserve development was recognized in the 2006 through 2010 loss years related to the professional liability line of business.

While the Company has experienced favorable development in its insurance and reinsurance lines, there is no assurance that conditions and trends that have affected the development of liabilities in the past will continue. It is not appropriate to extrapolate future redundancies based on prior years’ development. The methodology of estimating loss reserves is periodically reviewed to ensure that the key assumptions used in the actuarial models continue to be appropriate.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

8. INCOME TAXES

Under Swiss law, a resident company is subject to income tax at the federal, cantonal and communal levels that is levied on net income. Income attributable to permanent establishments or real estate located abroad is excluded from the Swiss tax base. Allied World Switzerland is a holding company and, therefore, is exempt from cantonal and communal income tax. As a result, Allied World Switzerland is subject to Swiss income tax only at the federal level. Allied World Switzerland is a resident of the Canton of Zug and, as such, is subject to an annual cantonal and communal capital tax on the taxable equity of Allied World Switzerland in Switzerland. Allied World Switzerland has a Swiss operating company resident in the Canton of Zug. The operating company is subject to federal, cantonal and communal income tax and to annual cantonal and communal capital tax.

Under current Bermuda law, Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (“Allied World Bermuda”) and its Bermuda subsidiaries are not required to pay taxes in Bermuda on either income or capital gains. Allied World Bermuda and Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd have received an assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 of Bermuda, that in the event of any such taxes being imposed, Allied World Bermuda and Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd will be exempted until March 2035.

Certain subsidiaries of Allied World Switzerland file U.S. federal income tax returns and various U.S. state income tax returns, as well as income tax returns in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no income tax examinations pending by any tax authority.

Management has deemed all material tax positions to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained based on technical merits if challenged. The Company does not expect any material unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of January 2012.

9. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

a) Authorized shares

The issued share capital consists of the following:

 

     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Common shares issued and fully paid, 2012: CHF 13.69 per share; 2011: CHF 14.03 per share

     40,003,642        40,003,642  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share capital at end of period

   $ 543,452      $ 557,153  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
 

Total shares issued at beginning and end of period

     40,003,642  
  

 

 

 

Treasury shares issued at beginning of period

     2,261,511  

Shares repurchased

     2,336,187  

Shares issued out of treasury

     (537,020
  

 

 

 

Total treasury shares at end of period

     4,060,678  
  

 

 

 

Total shares outstanding at end of period

     35,942,964  
  

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2012, there were outstanding 35,942,964 voting common shares and nil non-voting common shares.

Effective July 30, 2012, the Company cancelled 2,326,900 voting shares and 173,100 non-voting shares held in treasury, upon completing a required filing with the Swiss Commercial Register in Zug.

As of June 30, 2012, Allied World Switzerland’s articles of association authorized its board of directors to increase the share capital by a maximum amount of 20% of the share capital registered in the commercial register up to CHF 102,685 or 7,500,728 voting shares, and create conditional capital of 5,200,000 voting shares.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

b) Share Warrants

In conjunction with the private placement offering at the formation of Allied World Bermuda, Allied World Bermuda granted warrant agreements to certain founding shareholders to acquire up to 5,500,000 common shares at an exercise price of $34.20 per share. These warrants were exercisable in certain limited conditions, including a public offering of common shares. All warrants granted were repurchased by the Company.

In February 2011, the Company repurchased the last outstanding warrant owned by American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”) in a privately negotiated transaction. The warrant entitled AIG to purchase 2,000,000 of the Company’s common shares for $34.20 per share. The Company repurchased the warrant for an aggregate purchase price of $53,620. The repurchase of the warrant was recognized as a reduction in “additional paid-in capital” on the consolidated balance sheets. The repurchase was executed separately from the share repurchase program discussed in Note 9(d) below. After this repurchase, AIG has no warrants remaining and no other disclosed equity interest in the Company.

c) Dividends

Under Swiss law, distributions to shareholders may be paid only if the Company has sufficient distributable profits from previous fiscal years, or if the Company has freely distributable reserves, each as presented on the audited stand-alone statutory balance sheet. Distributions to shareholders out of the share and participation capital may be made by way of a capital reduction in the form of a reduction to par value to achieve a similar result as the payment of a dividend.

On May 5, 2011, the shareholders approved the Company’s proposal to pay cash dividends in the form of a distribution by way of par value reductions. The aggregate reduction amount was paid to shareholders in quarterly installments of $0.375 per share, with the last of such quarterly dividend payments being made on April 6, 2012 to shareholders of record in the amount of $13,795.

On May 3, 2012, the shareholders approved the Company’s proposal to pay cash dividends in the form of a distribution by way of par value reductions. The aggregate reduction amount is expected to be paid to shareholders in quarterly installments of $0.375 per share. The Company expects to distribute such dividends in August 2012, September 2012, December 2012 and March 2013.

d) Share repurchase

In May 2012, the Company established a new share repurchase program in order to repurchase up to $500 million of its common shares. Repurchases may be effected from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers or otherwise. The timing, form and amount of the share repurchases under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the Company’s capital position, legal requirements and other factors. Shares repurchased have been classified as “Treasury shares, at cost” on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company will issue shares out of treasury principally related to the Company’s employee benefit plans. Under the terms of this new share repurchase program, common shares repurchased shall be designated for cancellation and shall be cancelled upon shareholder approval. The Company’s share repurchases were as follows:

 

                                                                                   
     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Common shares repurchased

     905,383                2,336,187        969,163  

Total cost of shares repurchased

   $ 66,435      $       $ 159,458      $ 60,000  

Average price per share

   $ 73.38      $       $ 68.26      $ 61.91  

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Basic earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 96,351      $ 93,800      $ 314,507      $ 102,420  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     36,288,596        38,346,489        36,746,881        38,061,724  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 2.66      $ 2.45      $ 8.56      $ 2.69  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Diluted earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 96,351      $ 93,800      $ 314,507      $ 102,420  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     36,288,596        38,346,489        36,746,881        38,061,724  

Share equivalents:

           

Warrants and options

     440,811        333,837        413,702        503,529  

RSUs and long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) awards

     460,315        1,120,427        234,976        1,308,165  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding — diluted

     37,189,722        39,800,753        37,395,559        39,873,418  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.59      $ 2.36      $ 8.41      $ 2.57  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, a weighted average of 337,153 and 662,835 employee stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) were considered anti-dilutive and were therefore excluded from the calculation of the diluted earnings per share, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, a weighted average of 343,726 and 687,713 employee stock options and RSUs were considered anti-dilutive and were therefore excluded from the calculation of the diluted earnings per share, respectively.

11. CREDIT AGREEMENTS

In the normal course of its operations, the Company enters into agreements with financial institutions to obtain secured and unsecured credit facilities.

On June 7, 2012, Allied World Bermuda amended its existing secured credit facility. The amended $450,000 four-year secured credit facility (the “Amended Secured Credit Facility”) is primarily used for the issuance of standby letters of credit to support obligations in connection with the insurance and reinsurance business of Allied World Bermuda and its subsidiaries. A portion of the facility may also be used for revolving loans for general corporate and working capital purposes, up to a maximum of $150,000. Allied World Bermuda may request that existing lenders under the Amended Secured Credit Facility make additional commitments from time to time, up to $150,000, subject to approval by the lenders. The Amended Secured Credit Facility contains representations, warranties and covenants customary for similar bank loan facilities, including certain covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain a certain leverage ratio and financial strength rating.

On June 7, 2012, upon entering into the Amended Secured Credit Facility, Allied World Bermuda terminated its $400,000 unsecured facility.

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

12. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The determination of reportable segments is based on how senior management monitors the Company’s underwriting operations. Management monitors the performance of its direct underwriting operations based on the geographic location of the Company’s offices, the markets and customers served and the type of accounts written. The Company is currently organized into three operating segments: U.S. insurance, international insurance and reinsurance. All product lines fall within these classifications.

The U.S. insurance segment includes the Company’s direct specialty insurance operations in the United States. This segment provides both direct property and specialty casualty insurance primarily to non-Fortune 1000 North American domiciled accounts. The international insurance segment includes the Company’s direct insurance operations in Bermuda, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong. This segment provides both direct property and casualty insurance primarily to Fortune 1000 North American domiciled accounts and non-North American domiciled accounts. The reinsurance segment includes the Company’s reinsurance operations in the U.S., Bermuda, Europe and Asia. This segment provides reinsurance of property, general casualty, professional liability, specialty lines and property catastrophe coverages written by insurance companies. The Company presently writes reinsurance on both a treaty and a facultative basis, targeting several niche reinsurance markets.

Responsibility and accountability for the results of underwriting operations are assigned by major line of business within each segment. Because the Company does not manage its assets by segment, investment income, interest expense and total assets are not allocated to individual reportable segments. General and administrative expenses are allocated to segments based on various factors, including staff count and each segment’s proportional share of gross premiums written.

Management measures results for each segment on the basis of the “loss and loss expense ratio,” “acquisition cost ratio,” “general and administrative expense ratio” and the “combined ratio.” The “loss and loss expense ratio” is derived by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned. The “acquisition cost ratio” is derived by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The “general and administrative expense ratio” is derived by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned. The “combined ratio” is the sum of the “loss and loss expense ratio,” the “acquisition cost ratio” and the “general and administrative expense ratio.”

 

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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

The following tables provide a summary of the segment results:

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

   U.S. Insurance     International
Insurance
    Reinsurance     Total  

Gross premiums written

   $ 265,974     $ 183,593     $ 197,303     $ 646,870  

Net premiums written

     196,661       111,342       186,707       494,710  

Net premiums earned

     162,785       82,605       184,357       429,747  

Net losses and loss expenses

     (103,074     (22,233     (115,073     (240,380

Acquisition costs

     (21,250     582       (30,920     (51,588

General and administrative expenses

     (34,730     (21,648     (17,601     (73,979
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

     3,731       39,306       20,763       63,800  

Net investment income

           42,451  

Net realized investment gains

           8,663  

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

           (634

Interest expense

           (14,001

Foreign exchange gain

           1,019  
        

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

         $ 101,298  
        

 

 

 

Loss and loss expense ratio

     63.3     26.9     53.0     55.9

Acquisition cost ratio

     13.1     (0.7 %)      16.4     12.0

General and administrative expense ratio

     21.3     26.2     10.0     17.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     97.7     52.4     79.4     85.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

   U.S. Insurance     International
Insurance
    Reinsurance     Total  

Gross premiums written

   $ 226,738     $ 178,593     $ 114,267     $ 519,598  

Net premiums written

     172,887       108,985       113,931       395,803  

Net premiums earned

     145,857       79,956       129,494       355,307  

Net losses and loss expenses

     (92,595     (72,082     (71,136     (235,813

Acquisition costs

     (18,876     747       (24,842     (42,971

General and administrative expenses

     (31,253     (20,653     (15,295     (67,201
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

     3,133       (12,032     18,221       9,322  

Net investment income

           52,368  

Net realized investment gains

           58,878  

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

           (766

Interest expense

           (13,745

Foreign exchange loss

           (1,184
        

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

         $ 104,873  
        

 

 

 

Loss and loss expense ratio

     63.5     90.2     54.9     66.4

Acquisition cost ratio

     12.9     (0.9 %)      19.2     12.1

General and administrative expense ratio

     21.4     25.8     11.8     18.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     97.8     115.1     85.9     97.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

22


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ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

   U.S. Insurance     International
Insurance
    Reinsurance     Total  

Gross premiums written

   $ 470,185     $ 297,183     $ 560,431     $ 1,327,799  

Net premiums written

     350,507       183,951       549,205       1,083,663  

Net premiums earned

     316,143       162,476       353,018       831,637  

Net losses and loss expenses

     (200,778     (60,333     (204,471     (465,582

Acquisition costs

     (41,222     1,110       (58,614     (98,726

General and administrative expenses

     (65,774     (44,049     (34,522     (144,345
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

     8,369       59,204       55,411       122,984  

Net investment income

           89,660  

Net realized investment gains

           142,244  

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

           (1,267

Interest expense

           (27,757

Foreign exchange gain

           1,100  
        

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

           326,964  
        

 

 

 

Loss and loss expense ratio

     63.5     37.1     57.9     56.0

Acquisition cost ratio

     13.0     (0.7 %)      16.6     11.9

General and administrative expense ratio

     20.8     27.1     9.8     17.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     97.3     63.5     84.3     85.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

   U.S. Insurance     International
Insurance
    Reinsurance     Total  

Gross premiums written

   $ 410,040     $ 289,918     $ 380,328     $ 1,080,286  

Net premiums written

     312,789       183,895       379,990       876,674  

Net premiums earned

     281,338       156,246       252,599       690,183  

Net losses and loss expenses

     (208,426     (143,266     (188,573     (540,265

Acquisition costs

     (36,978     2,603       (46,678     (81,053

General and administrative expenses

     (62,052     (41,381     (31,724     (135,157
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting loss

     (26,118     (25,798     (14,376     (66,292

Net investment income

           102,576  

Net realized investment gains

           109,254  

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

           (1,533

Interest expense

           (27,487

Foreign exchange loss

           (742
        

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

         $ 115,776  
        

 

 

 

Loss and loss expense ratio

     74.1     91.7     74.7     78.3

Acquisition cost ratio

     13.1     (1.7 %)      18.5     11.7

General and administrative expense ratio

     22.1     26.5     12.6     19.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     109.3     116.5     105.8     109.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

23


Table of Contents

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

The following table shows an analysis of the Company’s gross premiums written by geographic location of the Company’s subsidiaries. All intercompany premiums have been eliminated.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

United States

   $ 349,577      $ 269,193      $ 738,548      $ 575,824  

Bermuda

     193,195        177,850        375,358        348,318  

Europe

     60,008        58,209        135,384        122,288  

Singapore

     40,128        10,331        69,311        25,567  

Hong Kong

     3,962        4,015        9,198        8,289  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross premiums written

   $ 646,870      $ 519,598      $ 1,327,799      $ 1,080,286  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In April 2006, a complaint entitled New Cingular Wireless Headquarters, LLC et al. v. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., et al. was filed against numerous brokers and 78 insurers including Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd. Plaintiffs allege that the broker defendants used a variety of illegal schemes and anti-competitive practices that resulted in the plaintiffs either paying more for insurance products or receiving less beneficial terms than the competitive market would have produced. Plaintiffs seek equitable and legal remedies, including injunctive relief, consequential and punitive damages, treble damages and attorneys’ fees. Due to various pending procedural matters, the litigation has not progressed beyond the discovery phase. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of the litigation, the Company does not believe that the outcome will have a material effect on its operations or financial position.

The Company, in common with the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of its business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against the Company in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations; estimated amounts payable under such proceedings are included in the reserve for losses and loss expenses in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2012, the Company was not a party to any material legal proceedings arising outside the ordinary course of business that is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.

14. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables present unaudited condensed consolidating financial information as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 for Allied World Switzerland (the “Parent Guarantor”) and Allied World Bermuda (the “Subsidiary Issuer”). The Subsidiary Issuer is a direct 100% owned subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Guarantor under the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the Parent Guarantor’s investment accounts and earnings. The Parent Guarantor fully and unconditionally guarantees the senior notes issued by the Subsidiary Issuer.

 

24


Table of Contents

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet:

 

As of June 30, 2012

   Allied World
Switzerland
(Parent
Guarantor)
    Allied World
Bermuda
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other Allied
World
Subsidiaries
     Consolidating
Adjustments
    Allied World
Switzerland
Consolidated
 

ASSETS:

           

Investments

   $      $      $ 7,801,418      $      $ 7,801,418  

Cash and cash equivalents

     24,319       19,212       820,919               864,450  

Insurance balances receivable

                   845,663               845,663  

Reinsurance recoverable

                   1,073,612               1,073,612  

Net deferred acquisition costs

                   129,818               129,818  

Goodwill and intangible assets

                   321,007               321,007  

Balances receivable on sale of investments

                   635,727               635,727  

Investments in subsidiaries

     3,283,286       4,220,504               (7,503,790       

Due (to) from subsidiaries

     (4,457     (7,361     11,818                 

Other assets

     880       6,817       598,259               605,956  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,304,028     $ 4,239,172     $ 12,238,241      $ (7,503,790   $ 12,277,651  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

           

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

   $      $      $ 5,377,518      $      $ 5,377,518  

Unearned premiums

                   1,363,006               1,363,006  

Reinsurance balances payable

                   128,306               128,306  

Balances due on purchases of investments

                   1,220,246               1,220,246  

Senior notes

            798,080                      798,080  

Other liabilities

     20,127       17,972       68,495               106,594  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     20,127       816,052       8,157,571               8,993,750  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,283,901       3,423,120       4,080,670        (7,503,790     3,283,901  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,304,028     $ 4,239,172     $ 12,238,241      $ (7,503,790   $ 12,277,651  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

   Allied World
Switzerland
(Parent
Guarantor)
    Allied World
Bermuda
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other Allied
World
Subsidiaries
     Consolidating
Adjustments
    Allied World
Switzerland
Consolidated
 

ASSETS:

           

Investments

   $      $      $ 7,406,594      $      $ 7,406,594  

Cash and cash equivalents

     112,672       8,886       512,438               633,996  

Insurance balances receivable

                   652,158               652,158  

Reinsurance recoverable

                   1,002,919               1,002,919  

Net deferred acquisition costs

                   100,334               100,334  

Goodwill and intangible assets

                   322,274               322,274  

Balances receivable on sale of investments

                   580,443               580,443  

Investments in subsidiaries

     3,064,066       3,964,585               (7,028,651       

Due (to) from subsidiaries

     (4,853     (6,769     11,622                 

Other assets

     1,504       6,367       415,569               423,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,173,389     $ 3,973,069     $ 11,004,351      $ (7,028,651   $ 11,122,158  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

           

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

   $      $      $ 5,225,143      $      $ 5,225,143  

Unearned premiums

                   1,078,412               1,078,412  

Reinsurance balances payable

                   124,539               124,539  

Balances due on purchases of investments

                   616,728               616,728  

Senior notes

            797,949                      797,949  

Other liabilities

     24,367       17,688       88,310               130,365  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     24,367       815,637       7,133,132               7,973,136  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,149,022       3,157,432       3,871,219        (7,028,651     3,149,022  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,173,389     $ 3,973,069     $ 11,004,351      $ (7,028,651   $ 11,122,158  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

25


Table of Contents

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Income Statement:

 

Three months ended June 30, 2012

   Allied World
Switzerland
(Parent
Guarantor)
    Allied World
Bermuda
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other Allied
World
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Allied World
Switzerland
Consolidated
 

Net premiums earned

   $      $      $ 429,747     $      $ 429,747  

Net investment income

     5       8       42,438              42,451  

Net realized investment losses

                   8,663              8,663  

Net losses and loss expenses

                   (240,380            (240,380

Acquisition costs

                   (51,588            (51,588

General and administrative expenses

     (4,278     (1,302     (68,399            (73,979

Amortization of intangible assets

                   (634            (634

Interest expense

            (14,001                   (14,001

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     460       (42     601              1,019  

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (373            (4,574            (4,947

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     100,537       115,102              (215,639       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 96,351     $ 99,765     $ 115,874     $ (215,639   $ 96,351  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gains on investments arising during the period net of applicable deferred income tax expense of $68

                   231              231  

Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains included in net income, net of applicable income tax

                   (1,142            (1,142
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

                   (911            (911
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 96,351     $ 99,765     $ 114,963     $ (215,639   $ 95,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2011

   Allied World
Switzerland
(Parent
Guarantor)
    Allied World
Bermuda
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other Allied
World
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Allied World
Switzerland
Consolidated
 

Net premiums earned

   $      $      $ 355,307     $      $ 355,307  

Net investment income

     15       8       52,345              52,368  

Net realized investment gains

                   58,878              58,878  

Net losses and loss expenses

                   (235,813            (235,813

Acquisition costs

                   (42,971            (42,971

General and administrative expenses

     (4,746     (1,483     (60,972            (67,201

Amortization of intangible assets

                   (766            (766

Interest expense

            (13,745                   (13,745

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     (3     17       (1,198            (1,184

Income tax (expense) benefit

                   (11,073            (11,073

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     98,534       114,496              (213,030       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 93,800     $ 99,293     $ 113,737     $ (213,030   $ 93,800  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gains on investments arising during the period net of applicable deferred income tax expense of $1,461

                   13,680              13,680  

Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains included in net income, net of applicable income tax

                   (23,548            (23,548
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

                   (9,868            (9,868
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 93,800     $ 99,293     $ 103,869     $ (213,030   $ 83,932  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

26


Table of Contents

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

   Allied World
Switzerland
(Parent
Guarantor)
    Allied World
Bermuda
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other Allied
World
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Allied World
Switzerland
Consolidated
 

Net premiums earned

   $      $      $ 831,637     $      $ 831,637  

Net investment income

     14       11       89,635              89,660  

Net realized investment losses

                   142,244              142,244  

Net losses and loss expenses

                   (465,582            (465,582

Acquisition costs

                   (98,726            (98,726

General and administrative expenses

     (8,234     (2,454     (133,657            (144,345

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

                   (1,267            (1,267

Interest expense

            (27,757                   (27,757

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

     549       (67     618              1,100  

Income tax (expense) benefit

     71              (12,528            (12,457

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     322,107       349,409              (671,516       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 314,507     $ 319,142     $ 352,374     $ (671,516   $ 314,507  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gains on investments arising during the period net of applicable deferred income tax expense of $96

                   179              179  

Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains included in net income, net of applicable income tax

                   (13,249            (13,249
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

                   (13,070            (13,070
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 314,507     $ 319,142     $ 339,304     $ (671,516   $ 301,437  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

   Allied World
Switzerland
(Parent
Guarantor)
    Allied World
Bermuda
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other Allied
World
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Allied World
Switzerland
Consolidated
 

Net premiums earned

   $      $      $ 690,183     $      $ 690,183  

Net investment income

     45       22       102,509              102,576  

Net realized investment gains

                   109,254              109,254  

Net losses and loss expenses

                   (540,265            (540,265

Acquisition costs

                   (81,053            (81,053

General and administrative expenses

     (5,810     (4,229     (125,118            (135,157

Amortization of intangible assets

                   (1,533            (1,533

Interest expense

            (27,487                   (27,487

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     1       (224     (519            (742

Income tax (expense) benefit

                   (13,356            (13,356

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     108,184       140,859              (249,043       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 102,420     $ 108,941     $ 140,102     $ (249,043   $ 102,420  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gains on investments arising during the period net of applicable deferred income tax expense of $2,425

                   5,636              5,636  

Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains included in net income, net of applicable income tax

                   (39,676            (39,676
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

                   (34,040            (34,040
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 102,420     $ 108,941     $ 106,062     $ (249,043   $ 68,380  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows:

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

   Allied World
Switzerland
(Parent
Guarantor)
    Allied World
Bermuda
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
     Other Allied
World
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
     Allied World
Switzerland
Consolidated
 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

   $ 81,902     $ 10,326      $ 207,280     $       $ 299,508  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

            

Purchases trading securities

                    (4,005,352             (4,005,352

Purchases of other invested assets

                    (17,778             (17,778

Sales of available for sale securities

                    214,015               214,015  

Sales of trading securities

                    3,959,204               3,959,204  

Sales of other invested assets

                    108,759               108,759  

Other

                    (157,647             (157,647
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

                    101,201               101,201  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

            

Partial par value reduction

     (28,003                            (28,003

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

     6,697                              6,697  

Share repurchases

     (148,949                            (148,949
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (170,255                            (170,255
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (88,353     10,326        308,481               230,454  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     112,672       8,886        512,438               633,996  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 24,319     $ 19,212      $ 820,919     $       $ 864,450  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share, per share, percentage and ratio information)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

   Allied World
Switzerland
(Parent
Guarantor)
    Allied World
Bermuda
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other Allied
World
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
     Allied World
Switzerland
Consolidated
 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   $ (8,013   $ (32,760   $ 404,809     $       $ 364,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

           

Purchases of available for sale securities

                   (352             (352

Purchases of trading securities

                   (4,194,787             (4,194,787

Purchases of other invested assets

                   (240,410             (240,410

Sales of available for sale securities

                   560,794               560,794  

Sales of trading securities

                   3,540,053               3,540,053  

Sales of other invested assets

                   36,067               36,067  

Other

     (4,496            31,700               27,204  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (4,496            (266,935             (271,431
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

           

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

     4,824                             4,824  

Share repurchases

     (60,000                           (60,000

Repurchase of founder warrants

            (53,620                    (53,620

Other

     (216     (881     1,097                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (55,392     (54,501     1,097               (108,796
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (67,901     (87,261     138,971               (16,191

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     138,488       125,663       492,844               756,995  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 70,587     $ 38,402     $ 631,815     $       $ 740,804  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

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

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. References in this Form 10-Q to the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the company” or other similar terms mean the consolidated operations of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG, a Swiss holding company, and our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. References in this Form 10-Q to the term “Allied World Switzerland” or “Holdings” means only Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG. References to “Allied World Bermuda” mean only Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, a Bermuda holding company. References to “our insurance subsidiaries” may include our reinsurance subsidiaries. References in this Form 10-Q to $ are to the lawful currency of the United States and to CHF are to the lawful currency of Switzerland. References in this Form 10-Q to Holdings’ “common shares” mean its registered voting shares.

Note on Forward-Looking Statement

This Form 10-Q and other publicly available documents may include, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, projections concerning financial information and statements concerning future economic performance and events, plans and objectives relating to management, operations, products and services, and assumptions underlying these projections and statements. These projections and statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control. These projections and statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, product development, financial results and reserves. Actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from these projections and statements and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those in the specific projections and statements are discussed throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A. of Part I of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 29, 2012 (the “2011 Form 10-K”). We are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Overview

Our Business

We write a diversified portfolio of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance internationally through our subsidiaries and branches based in Bermuda, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States as well as our Lloyd’s Syndicate 2232. We manage our business through three operating segments: U.S. insurance, international insurance and reinsurance. As of June 30, 2012, we had approximately $12.3 billion of total assets, $3.3 billion of total shareholders’ equity and $4.1 billion of total capital, which includes shareholders’ equity and senior notes.

During the three months ended June 30, 2012, we continued to experience rate increases on property lines that had experienced significant loss activity in the prior year. We also continued to see rate improvement during the quarter on some of our casualty lines of business in certain jurisdictions. We believe that there are opportunities where certain products have attractive premium rates and that the expanded breadth of our operations allows us to target those classes of business. Given these trends, we continue to be selective in the insurance policies and reinsurance contracts we underwrite. Our consolidated gross premiums written increased by $127.3 million, or 24.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. Our net income increased by $2.6 million to $96.4 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase resulted from the improvement in underwriting results due to significantly lower catastrophe losses. This was partially offset by lower investment income and net realized investment gains. Net realized investment gains decreased by $50.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Our consolidated gross premiums written increased by $247.5 million, or 22.9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. Our net income increased by $212.1 million to $314.5 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily as a result of lower net losses and loss expenses. The six months ended June 30, 2011 include $199.7 million of property catastrophe losses in the Asia-Pacific region and Midwestern United States.

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions except share, per share and percentage data)  

Gross premiums written

   $ 646.9     $ 519.6     $ 1,327.8     $ 1,080.3  

Net income

     96.4       93.8       314.5       102.4  

Operating income

     87.3       44.2       178.8       2.8  

Basic earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 2.66     $ 2.45     $ 8.56     $ 2.69  

Operating income

   $ 2.41     $ 1.15     $ 4.87     $ 0.08  

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 2.59     $ 2.36     $ 8.41     $ 2.57  

Operating income

   $ 2.35     $ 1.11     $ 4.78     $ 0.07  

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     36,288,596       38,346,489       36,746,881       38,061,724  

Diluted

     37,189,722       39,800,753       37,395,559       39,873,418  

Basic book value per common share

   $ 91.36     $ 80.23     $ 91.36     $ 80.23  

Diluted book value per common share

   $ 88.24     $ 76.68     $ 88.24     $ 76.68  

Annualized return on average equity (ROAE), net income

     11.8     12.6     19.6     6.8

Annualized ROAE, operating income

     10.7     6.0     11.1     0.2

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In presenting the company’s results, management has included and discussed certain non-GAAP financial measures, as such term is defined in Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, better explain the company’s results of operations in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the company’s business. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Operating income & operating income per share

Operating income is an internal performance measure used in the management of our operations and represents after-tax operational results excluding, as applicable, net realized investment gains or losses, net impairment charges recognized in earnings, net foreign exchange gain or loss, impairment of intangible assets and other non-recurring items. We exclude net realized investment gains or losses, net impairment charges recognized in earnings, net foreign exchange gain or loss and any other non-recurring items from our calculation of operating income because these amounts are heavily influenced by and fluctuate in part according to the availability of market opportunities and other factors. We exclude impairment of intangible assets as these are non-recurring charges. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we believe that showing operating income enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of our financial information to more easily analyze our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net income. The following is a reconciliation of operating income to its most closely related U.S. GAAP measure, net income.

 

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Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions except share, per share and percentage data)  

Net income

   $ 96.4     $ 93.8     $ 314.5     $ 102.4  

Add after tax effect of:

        

Net realized investment gains

     (8.1     (50.8     (134.6     (100.3

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (1.0     1.2       (1.1     0.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 87.3     $ 44.2     $ 178.8     $ 2.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic per share data:

        

Net income

   $ 2.66     $ 2.45     $ 8.56     $ 2.69  

Add after tax effect of:

        

Net realized investment gains

     (0.22     (1.32     (3.66     (2.64

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (0.03     0.02       (0.03     0.03  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 2.41     $ 1.15     $ 4.87     $ 0.08  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted per share data:

        

Net income

   $ 2.59     $ 2.36     $ 8.41     $ 2.57  

Add after tax effect of:

        

Net realized investment gains

     (0.22     (1.28     (3.60     (2.52

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (0.02     0.03       (0.03     0.02  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 2.35     $ 1.11     $ 4.78     $ 0.07  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted book value per share

We have included diluted book value per share because it takes into account the effect of dilutive securities; therefore, we believe it is an important measure of calculating shareholder returns.

 

     As of June 30,  
     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions except share and
per share data)
 

Price per share at period end

   $ 79.47     $ 57.58  

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,283.9     $ 3,044.4  

Basic common shares outstanding

     35,942,964       37,945,043  

Add:

    

Unvested restricted share units

     185,809       473,967  

Performance based equity awards

     510,530       920,164  

Dilutive options/warrants outstanding

     1,365,245       1,124,438  

Weighted average exercise price per share

   $ 46.04     $ 38.83  

Deduct:

    

Options bought back via treasury method

     (790,888     (758,342
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common shares and common share equivalents outstanding

     37,213,660       39,705,270  

Basic book value per common share

   $ 91.36     $ 80.23  

Diluted book value per common share

   $ 88.24     $ 76.68  

Annualized return on average equity

Annualized return on average shareholders’ equity (“ROAE”) is calculated using average equity, excluding the average after tax unrealized gains or losses on investments. We present ROAE as a measure that is commonly recognized as a standard of performance by investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of our financial information.

 

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Table of Contents

Annualized operating return on average shareholders’ equity is calculated using operating income and average shareholders’ equity, excluding the average after tax unrealized gains or losses on investments.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions except percentage data)  

Opening shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,245.8     $ 2,951.0     $ 3,149.0     $ 3,075.8  

Deduct: accumulated other comprehensive income

     (2.3     (33.0     (14.5     (57.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted opening shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,243.5     $ 2,918.0     $ 3,134.5     $ 3,018.7  

Closing shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,283.9     $ 3,044.4     $ 3,283.9     $ 3,044.4  

Deduct: accumulated other comprehensive income

     (1.4     (23.1     (1.4     (23.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted closing shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,282.5     $ 3,021.3     $ 3,282.5     $ 3,021.3  

Average shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,263.0     $ 2,969.7     $ 3,208.5     $ 3,020.0  

Net income available to shareholders

   $ 96.4     $ 93.8     $ 314.5     $ 102.4  

Annualized return on average shareholders’ equity — net income available to shareholders

     11.8     12.6     19.6     6.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income available to shareholders

   $ 87.3     $ 44.2     $ 178.8     $ 2.8  

Annualized return on average shareholders’ equity — operating income available to shareholders

     10.7     6.0     11.1     0.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Relevant Factors

Revenues

We derive our revenues primarily from premiums on our insurance policies and reinsurance contracts, net of any reinsurance or retrocessional coverage purchased. Insurance and reinsurance premiums are a function of the amounts and types of policies and contracts we write, as well as prevailing market prices. Our prices are determined before our ultimate costs, which may extend far into the future, are known. In addition, our revenues include income generated from our investment portfolio, consisting of net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses. Investment income is principally derived from interest and dividends earned on investments, partially offset by investment management expenses and fees paid to our custodian bank. Net realized investment gains or losses include gains or losses from the sale of investments, as well as the change in the fair value of investments that we mark-to-market through net income.

Expenses

Our expenses consist largely of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses. Net losses and loss expenses incurred are comprised of three main components:

 

   

losses paid, which are actual cash payments to insureds and reinsureds, net of recoveries from reinsurers;

 

   

outstanding loss or case reserves, which represent management’s best estimate of the likely settlement amount for known claims, less the portion that can be recovered from reinsurers; and

 

   

reserves for losses incurred but not reported, or “IBNR”, which are reserves (in addition to case reserves) established by us that we believe are needed for the future settlement of claims. The portion recoverable from reinsurers is deducted from the gross estimated loss.

Acquisition costs are comprised of commissions, brokerage fees and insurance taxes. Commissions and brokerage fees are usually calculated as a percentage of premiums and depend on the market and line of business. Acquisition costs are reported after (1) deducting commissions received on ceded reinsurance, (2) deducting the part of acquisition costs relating to unearned premiums and (3) including the amortization of previously deferred acquisition costs.

 

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Table of Contents

General and administrative expenses include personnel expenses including stock-based compensation expense, rent expense, professional fees, information technology costs and other general operating expenses.

Ratios

Management measures results for each segment on the basis of the “loss and loss expense ratio,” “acquisition cost ratio,” “general and administrative expense ratio,” “expense ratio” and the “combined ratio.” Because we do not manage our assets by segment, investment income, interest expense and total assets are not allocated to individual reportable segments. General and administrative expenses are allocated to segments based on various factors, including staff count and each segment’s proportional share of gross premiums written. The loss and loss expense ratio is derived by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned. The acquisition cost ratio is derived by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio is derived by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is the sum of the acquisition cost ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio, the acquisition cost ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio.

Critical Accounting Policies

It is important to understand our accounting policies in order to understand our financial position and results of operations. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect determinations that are inherently subjective in nature and require management to make assumptions and best estimates to determine the reported values. If events or other factors cause actual results to differ materially from management’s underlying assumptions or estimates, there could be a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. We believe that some of the more critical judgments in the areas of accounting estimates and assumptions that affect our financial condition and results of operations are related to reserves for losses and loss expenses, reinsurance recoverables, premiums and acquisition costs, valuation of financial instruments and goodwill and other intangible asset impairment valuation. For a detailed discussion of our critical accounting policies, please refer to our 2011 Form 10-K. There were no material changes in the application of our critical accounting estimates subsequent to that report.

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our selected consolidated statement of operations data for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions)  

Revenues

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 646.9      $ 519.6      $ 1,327.8      $ 1,080.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 494.7      $ 395.8      $ 1,083.7      $ 876.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 429.7      $ 355.3      $ 831.6      $ 690.2   

Net investment income

     42.5        52.4        89.7        102.6   

Net realized investment gains

     8.6        58.9        142.2        109.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 480.8      $ 466.6      $ 1,063.5      $ 902.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

        

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 240.4      $ 235.8      $ 465.6      $ 540.3   

Acquisition costs

     51.6        43.0        98.7        81.1   

General and administrative expenses

     73.9        67.2        144.3        135.2   

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

     0.6        0.8        1.3        1.5   

Interest expense

     14.0        13.7        27.7        27.5   

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (1.0     1.2        (1.1     0.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 379.5      $ 361.7      $ 736.5      $ 786.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     101.3        104.9        327.0        115.8   

Income tax expense

     4.9        11.1        12.5        13.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 96.4      $ 93.8      $ 314.5      $ 102.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios

        

Loss and loss expense ratio

     55.9     66.4     56.0     78.3

Acquisition cost ratio

     12.0     12.1     11.9     11.7

General and administrative expense ratio

     17.2     18.9     17.3     19.6

Expense ratio

     29.2     31.0     29.2     31.3

Combined ratio

     85.1     97.4     85.2     109.6

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Premiums

Gross premiums written increased by $127.3 million, or 24.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The overall increase in gross premiums written was primarily the result of the following:

 

   

Gross premiums written in our U.S. insurance segment increased by $39.3 million, or 17.3%. The increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to increased new business across most lines, growth from premiums from new products introduced in 2010 and 2011 and rate increases in all lines of business. This growth was partially offset by non-recurring business, the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition;

 

   

Gross premiums written in our international insurance segment increased by $5.0 million, or 2.8%, primarily as a result of increased premiums from new products and rate increases in select lines of business. This growth was partially offset by the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition; and

 

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Gross premiums written in our reinsurance segment increased by $83.0 million, or 72.6%. The increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to new business, both from new products and new regions, as well as increased participation on renewing business combined with rate increases. This growth was partially offset by the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition.

The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by geographic location for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Dollar      Percentage  
     2012      2011      Change      Change  
            ($ in millions)                

United States

   $   349.5      $ 269.2      $ 80.3        29.8

Bermuda

     193.3        177.9        15.4        8.7

Europe

     60.0        58.2        1.8        3.1

Singapore

     40.1        10.3        29.8        289.3

Hong Kong

     4.0        4.0                0.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 646.9      $ 519.6      $ 127.3        24.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net premiums written increased by $98.9 million, or 25.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in net premiums written was due to the increase in gross premiums written. The difference between gross and net premiums written is the cost to us of purchasing reinsurance coverage, including the cost of property catastrophe reinsurance coverage. We ceded 23.5% of gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 23.8% for the same period in 2011.

Net premiums earned increased by $74.4 million, or 20.9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011 as a result of higher net premiums written in 2011 and 2012.

We evaluate our business by segment, distinguishing between U.S. insurance, international insurance and reinsurance. The following table illustrates the mix of our business on both a gross premiums written and net premiums earned basis.

 

     Gross  Premiums
Written
    Net Premiums
Earned
 
     Three Months Ended June 30,     Three Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

U.S. insurance

     41.1     43.6     37.9     41.1

International insurance

     28.4     34.4     19.2     22.5

Reinsurance

     30.5     22.0     42.9     36.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

Net investment income decreased by $9.9 million, or 18.9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was due to lower yields on our fixed maturity investments as well as an increased allocation to other invested assets that contribute to our total return but carry little or no current yield. The annualized period book yield of the investment portfolio for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was 2.1% and 2.7%, respectively.

The decrease in the annualized period book yield was due to the reinvestment of cash at lower rates and an increased allocation to lower risk asset classes combined with lower market yields. As of June 30, 2012, we held 19.6% of our total investments and cash equivalents in U.S. government or government agency securities, compared to 14.4% as of June 30, 2011. Cash and cash equivalents also increased to 12.4% of total investments and cash equivalents as we continue to actively manage the duration of our investment portfolio, compared to 9.7% as of June 30, 2011. Our average duration decreased to 2.0 years as of June 30, 2012 compared to 2.3 years as of June 30, 2011.

 

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Investment management expenses of $4.0 million and $3.4 million were incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in investment management expenses was primarily due to the increase in the size of our investment portfolio, as well as expenses from higher expense asset classes.

As of June 30, 2012, approximately 91.4% of our fixed income investments consisted of investment grade securities. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the average credit rating of our fixed income portfolio was AA- as rated by Standard & Poor’s and Aa3 as rated by Moody’s.

Realized Investment Gains

During the three months ended June 30, 2012, we recognized $8.6 million in net realized investment gains compared to $58.9 million during the three months ended June 30, 2011. We did not recognize any net impairment charges during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. Net realized investment gains for the three months ended June 30, 2012 were comprised of the following:

 

   

Net realized investment gains of $38.0 million primarily from the sale of fixed maturity securities and equity securities, partially offset by realized losses from the sale of other invested assets,

 

   

Net realized and unrealized investment losses of $5.9 million on derivatives, and

 

   

Net realized investment losses of $23.5 million related to mark-to-market adjustments for our other invested assets, equity securities and fixed maturity investments that are accounted for as trading securities.

The following table shows the components of the mark-to-market adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2012.

 

     Three Months Ended  
     June 30, 2012  
     ($ in millions)  

Fixed maturity investments accounted for as trading securities

   $ (24.3

Other invested assets and equity securities

     0.8  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (23.5
  

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains of $58.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were primarily comprised of the following:

 

   

Net realized investment gains of $31.3 million from the sale of securities,

 

   

Net realized and unrealized investment losses of $10.0 million from derivatives, and

 

   

Net realized investment gains of $37.6 million primarily related to the mark-to-market adjustments for our other invested assets, equity securities and fixed maturity investments that are accounted for as trading securities.

The total return of our investment portfolio was 0.6% and 1.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Net Losses and Loss Expenses

Net losses and loss expenses increased by $4.6 million, or 2.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The loss and loss expense ratio decreased by 10.5 percentage points for the same period. The increase in net loss and loss expenses was due to growth in net premiums earned and lower net favorable prior year reserve development. This was partially offset by the absence of significant catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 when we recognized estimated losses from Asia-Pacific catastrophes and Midwestern U.S. storms of $67.5 million. In 2011, we also incurred $11.5 million for the commutation of prior year contracts. Excluding the prior year reserve development, property catastrophe losses and the impact of the commutation, the loss and loss expense ratios would have been 65.7% and 61.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2012
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2011
    Dollar     Change in
Percentage
 
     Amount     % of NPE     Amount     % of  NPE(2)     Change     Points  
     ($ in millions)        

Non-catastrophe

   $ 282.3       65.7   $ 212.0       61.8   $ 70.3       3.9 Pts 

Property catastrophe

                   67.5       19.7        (67.5     (19.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current period

     282.3       65.7       279.5       81.5        2.8       (15.8

Prior period

     (41.9     (9.8     (55.2     (16.1     13.3       6.3  

Impact of commutation(1)

                   11.5       1.0        (11.5     (1.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 240.4       55.9   $ 235.8       66.4   $ 4.6       (10.5 )Pts 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Reflects the impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in the three months ended June 30, 2011, which increased prior year net losses and loss expenses by $11.5 million and increased net premiums earned by $12.4 million.
(2) Current period and prior period losses as a % of net premiums earned (“NPE”) are calculated excluding the effect of the commutation on net premiums earned.

We recorded net favorable reserve development related to prior years of $41.9 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net favorable reserve development of $55.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, as shown in the tables below.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

U.S. insurance

   $      $ (0.4   $ (1.5   $ (0.2   $ (3.9   $ (9.3   $ 0.8     $ (2.7   $ 4.5     $ 6.5     $ (6.2

International insurance

     7.3       (1.1     (3.3     (7.5     (11.4     (7.5     (3.1     (1.2            (1.3     (29.1

Reinsurance

     (0.4     1.6       (1.7     (0.3     (4.8     (5.3     (0.7     1.0       (5.8     9.8       (6.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 6.9     $ 0.1     $ (6.5   $ (8.0   $ (20.1   $ (22.1   $ (3.0   $ (2.9   $ (1.3   $ 15.0     $ (41.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The net favorable reserve development is a result of actual loss emergence being lower than anticipated. The unfavorable reserve development in our U.S. insurance segment for the 2010 and 2011 loss years was due to adverse development on a terminated program and certain errors and omissions products. The unfavorable reserve development in our reinsurance segment for the 2011 loss year was due to increased property losses and casualty non-standard auto risks.

The following table shows the net favorable reserve development by loss year for each of our segments for the three months ended June 30, 2011.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

U.S. insurance

   $      $ (0.7   $ (1.8   $ (6.7   $ (1.1   $ (2.2   $ 0.9     $ 0.8     $ 0.6     $ (10.2

International insurance

     (0.3     (1.4     (3.0     (6.3     (9.8     (14.0     6.6       (6.0     22.2       (12.0

Reinsurance

     (0.5     (0.8     (1.1     (12.9     (6.3     (3.9     (0.7     (0.8     (6.0     (33.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (0.8   $ (2.9   $ (5.9   $ (25.9   $ (17.2   $ (20.1   $ 6.8     $ (6.0   $ 16.8     $ (55.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unfavorable reserve development in our international insurance segment for the 2010 loss year was primarily due to a casualty claim emanating from an oil field services risk.

 

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The following table shows the components of net losses and loss expenses for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months
Ended June 30,
    Dollar  
     2012      2011     Change  
     ($ in millions)        

Net losses paid

   $ 205.2      $ 128.7     $ 76.5  

Net change in reported case reserves

     14.0        116.5       (102.5

Net change in IBNR

     21.2        (9.4     30.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 240.4      $ 235.8     $ 4.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserves for losses and loss expenses. Losses incurred and paid are reflected net of reinsurance recoverables.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions)  

Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, April 1

   $ 4,274.6     $ 4,125.1  

Incurred related to:

    

Commutation of variable-rated reinsurance contracts

            11.5  

Current period non-catastrophe

     282.3       212.0  

Current period property catastrophe

            67.5  

Prior period

     (41.9     (55.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred

     240.4       235.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paid related to:

    

Current period non-catastrophe

     18.2       9.6  

Current period property catastrophe

            9.9  

Prior period

     187.0       109.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total paid

     205.2       128.7  

Foreign exchange revaluation

     (5.9     5.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, June 30

     4,303.9       4,237.4  

Losses and loss expenses recoverable

     1,073.6       1,013.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reserve for losses and loss expenses, June 30

   $ 5,377.5     $ 5,251.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition Costs

Acquisition costs increased by $8.6 million, or 20.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in acquisition costs was primarily due to the increase in net premiums earned. Acquisition costs as a percentage of net premiums earned were 12.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 12.1% for the same period in 2011.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $6.7 million, or 10.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased salary and related costs as average headcount increased by 8% to support our continued growth, combined with higher stock compensation expense resulting from the 15.7% increase in our share price during the quarter. This was partially offset by $2.6 million in non-recurring costs incurred in 2011 related to the proposed merger with Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.

 

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Our general and administrative expense ratio was 17.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2012, which was lower than the 18.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was due to the growth in net premiums earned being greater than the increase in expenses.

The expense ratio is the sum of the acquisition cost ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio. Our expense ratio was 29.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 31.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to the 1.7 percentage point decrease in the general and administrative expense ratio, as discussed above.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The amortization of intangible assets decreased by $0.2 million, or 25.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease is due to certain intangible assets that were fully amortized during 2011.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased by $0.3 million, or 2.2%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase was due to fees associated with the termination of our $400 million unsecured credit facility.

Net Income

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $96.4 million compared to net income of $93.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The $2.6 million increase was primarily the result of significantly lower catastrophe losses, partially offset by lower investment returns.

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Premiums

Gross premiums written increased by $247.5 million, or 22.9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The overall increase in gross premiums written was primarily the result of the following:

 

   

Gross premiums written in our U.S. insurance increased by $60.1 million, or 14.7%. The increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to increased new business across most lines, growth from new products introduced in 2010 and 2011, and rate increases in all lines of business. This growth was partially offset by non-recurring business, the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition;

 

   

Gross premiums written in our international insurance segment increased by $7.3 million, or 2.5%, primarily as a result of increased premiums from new products, specifically our trade credit and small to mid-sized enterprise (“SME”) insurance products, and rate increases in select lines of business. This growth was partially offset by non-recurring business, the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition; and

 

   

Gross premiums written in our reinsurance segment increased by $180.1 million, or 47.4%. The increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to new business, both from new products and new regions, as well as increased participations on renewing business combined with rate increases. This growth was partially offset by the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition.

 

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The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by geographic location for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,      Dollar      Percentage  
     2012      2011      Change      Change  
     ($ in millions)  

United States

   $ 738.5      $ 575.8      $ 162.7        28.3

Bermuda

     375.4        348.3        27.1        7.8

Europe

     135.4        122.3        13.1        10.7

Singapore

     69.3        25.6        43.7        170.7

Hong Kong

     9.2        8.3        0.9        10.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 1,327.8      $ 1,080.3      $ 247.5        22.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net premiums written increased by $207.0 million, or 23.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in net premiums written was due to the increase in gross premiums written. The difference between gross and net premiums written is the cost to us of purchasing reinsurance coverage, including the cost of property catastrophe reinsurance coverage. We ceded 18.4% of gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 18.8% for the same period in 2011. This decrease was due to higher writings in our reinsurance segment, where we retain substantially all of the premiums written.

Net premiums earned increased by $141.4 million, or 20.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011 as a result of higher net premiums written in 2011 and 2012.

We evaluate our business by segment, distinguishing between U.S. insurance, international insurance and reinsurance. The following table illustrates the mix of our business on both a gross premiums written and net premiums earned basis.

 

     Gross  Premiums
Written
    Net Premiums
Earned
 
     Six Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

U.S. insurance

     35.4     38.0     38.1     40.8

International insurance

     22.4     26.8     19.5     22.6

Reinsurance

     42.2     35.2     42.4     36.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

Net investment income decreased by $12.9 million, or 12.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was due to lower yields on our fixed maturity investments as well as an increased allocation to other invested assets, which contribute to our total return but carry little or no current yield. The annualized period book yield of the investment portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was 2.2% and 2.7%, respectively.

The decrease in the annualized period book yield was due to the reinvestment of cash at lower rates and an increased allocation to lower risk asset classes combined with lower market yields. As of June 30, 2012, we held 19.6% of our total investments and cash equivalents in U.S. government or government agency securities, compared to 14.4% as of June 30, 2011. Cash and cash equivalents also increased to 12.4% of total investments and cash equivalents as we continue to actively manage the duration of our investment portfolio, compared to 9.7% as of June 30, 2011. Our average duration decreased to 2.0 years as of June 30, 2012 compared to 2.3 years as of June 30, 2011.

Investment management expenses of $8.3 million and $6.7 million were incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in investment management expenses was primarily due to the increase in the size of our investment portfolio, as well as expenses from higher expense asset classes.

 

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Table of Contents

Realized Investment Gains

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we recognized $142.2 million in net realized investment gains compared to net realized investment gains of $109.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011. During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not recognize any net impairment charges. Net realized investment gains for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were comprised of the following:

 

   

Net realized investment gains of $55.3 million primarily from the sale of fixed maturity securities and equity securities, partially offset by realized losses on other invested assets,

 

   

Net realized and unrealized investment gains of $0.8 million from derivatives, and

 

   

Net realized investment gains of $86.2 million related to mark-to-market adjustments for other invested assets, equity securities and fixed maturity investments accounted for as trading securities.

The following table shows the components of the mark-to-market adjustments for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

 

     Six Months Ended
June  30, 2012
 
     ($ in millions)  

Fixed maturity investments accounted for as trading securities

   $ 44.2  

Other invested assets and equity securities

     42.0  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 86.2  
  

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were comprised primarily of the following:

 

   

Net realized investment gains of $52.9 million from the sale of securities,

 

   

Net realized and unrealized investment losses of $15.5 million on derivatives, and

 

   

Net realized investment gains of $71.9 million primarily related to the mark-to-market adjustments for our other invested assets, equity securities and fixed maturity investments that are accounted for as trading securities.

The total return of our investment portfolio was 2.6% and 2.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Net Losses and Loss Expenses

Net losses and loss expenses decreased by $74.7 million, or 13.8%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The loss and loss expense ratio decreased by 22.3 percentage points for the same period. The decrease in net loss and loss expenses was due to the absence of significant catastrophe losses for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, when we recognized estimated losses from Asia-Pacific catastrophes and Midwestern U.S. storms of $199.7 million. This was partially offset by lower net favorable prior year reserve development. Excluding the prior year reserve development, property catastrophe losses and the impact of the commutation, the loss and loss expense ratios would have been 65.8% and 63.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents
     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2011
    Dollar
Change
    Change in
Percentage

Points
 
     Amount     % of NPE     Amount     % of  NPE(2)      
     ($ in millions)        

Non-catastrophe

   $ 547.0       65.8   $ 428.6       63.2   $ 118.4       2.6 Pts 

Property catastrophe

                   199.7       29.5        (199.7     (29.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current period

     547.0       65.8       628.3       92.7        (81.3     (26.9

Prior period

     (81.4     (9.8     (99.5     (14.7     18.1       4.9  

Impact of commutation(1)

                   11.5       0.3        (11.5     (0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 465.6       56.0   $ 540.3       78.3   $ (74.7     (22.3 )Pts 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Reflects the impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in the six months ended June 30, 2011, which increased prior year net losses and loss expenses by $11.5 million and increased net premiums earned by $12.4 million.
(2) Current period and prior period losses as a % of NPE are calculated excluding the effect of the commutation on net premiums earned.

We recorded net favorable reserve development related to prior years of $81.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net favorable reserve development of $99.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, as shown in the tables below.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011      Total  
     ($ in millions)  

U.S. insurance

   $ (0.1   $      $ (1.2   $ (3.8   $ (10.4   $ (18.4   $ 1.1     $ (5.3   $ 9.3     $ 15.4      $ (13.4

International insurance

     5.7       (2.4     (5.8     (10.5     (28.3     (17.4     (5.4     (1.8     (6.6     23.1        (49.4

Reinsurance

     0.1       0.7       (0.8     (7.6     (7.0     (11.5     (1.6     1.9       (1.3     8.5        (18.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5.7     $ (1.7   $ (7.8   $ (21.9   $ (45.7   $ (47.3   $ (5.9   $ (5.2   $ 1.4     $ 47.0      $ (81.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The net favorable reserve development is a result of actual loss emergence being lower than anticipated. The unfavorable reserve development in our U.S. insurance segment for the 2010 and 2011 loss years was due to adverse development on a terminated program and certain errors and omissions products. The unfavorable reserve development in our international insurance segment for the 2011 loss year was due to adverse development on an individual general casualty claim, estimated to reach our full limit of $20.0 million, net of reinsurance. The unfavorable reserve development in our reinsurance segment for the 2011 loss year was due to increased property catastrophe losses.

The following table shows the net favorable reserve development by loss year for each of our segments for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

U.S. insurance

   $ (0.1   $ (1.4   $ (3.5   $ (12.7   $ 23.8     $ (2.1   $ (0.7   $ (0.3   $ 9.0     $ 12.0  

International insurance

     1.2       (4.0     (1.1     (23.5     (14.3     (21.7     10.2       (7.4     20.0       (40.6

Reinsurance

     (0.6     (3.0     (3.8     (24.7     (12.2     (7.1     (3.1     (9.5     (6.9     (70.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 0.5     $ (8.4   $ (8.4   $ (60.9   $ (2.7   $ (30.9   $ 6.4     $ (17.2   $ 22.1     $ (99.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unfavorable reserve development of $23.8 million in our U.S. insurance segment for the 2006 loss year was primarily due to directors and officers claims within our professional liability line of business related to a class action suit filed against a number of private equity firms alleging collusion. The unfavorable reserve development in our international insurance segment for the 2010 loss year was primarily due to a casualty claim emanating from an oil field services risk.

 

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The following table shows the components of net losses and loss expenses for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
     Dollar  
     2012      2011      Change  
     ($ in millions)  

Net losses paid

   $ 382.3      $ 264.8      $ 117.5  

Net change in reported case reserves

     47.0        228.8        (181.8

Net change in IBNR

     36.3        46.7        (10.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 465.6      $ 540.3      $ (74.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The table below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserves for losses and loss expenses. Losses incurred and paid are reflected net of reinsurance recoverables

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions)  

Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, January 1

   $ 4,222.2     $ 3,951.6  

Incurred related to:

    

Commutation of variable rated reinsurance contracts

            11.5  

Current period non-catastrophe

     547.0       428.6  

Current period property catastrophe

            199.7  

Prior period

     (81.4     (99.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred

     465.6       540.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paid related to:

    

Current period non-catastrophe

     19.8       11.1  

Current period property catastrophe

            10.2  

Prior period

     362.5       243.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total paid

     382.3       264.8  

Foreign exchange revaluation

     (1.6     10.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, June 30

     4,303.9       4,237.4  

Losses and loss expenses recoverable

     1,073.6       1,013.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reserve for losses and loss expenses, June 30

   $ 5,377.5     $ 5,251.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition Costs

Acquisition costs increased by $17.6 million, or 21.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in acquisition costs was primarily due to the increase in net premiums earned. Acquisition costs as a percentage of net premiums earned were 11.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 11.7% for the same period in 2011.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $9.1 million, or 6.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in June 30, 2011. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased salary and related costs as average headcount increased by 6% to support our continued growth, combined with increased stock compensation expense resulting from the 26.3% increase in our share price during the six months ended June 30, 2012. This was partially offset by $2.6 million in non-recurring costs incurred in 2011 related to the proposed merger with Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.

Our general and administrative expense ratio was 17.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 19.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was due to the growth in net premiums earned being greater than the increase in expenses.

 

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The expense ratio is the sum of the acquisition cost ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio. Our expense ratio was 29.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 31.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to the 2.3 percentage point decrease in the general and administrative expense ratio, as discussed above.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The amortization and impairment of intangible assets decreased by $0.2 million, or 13.3%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease is due to certain intangible assets that were fully amortized during 2011.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased by $0.2 million, or 0.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase was due to fees associated with the termination of our $400 million unsecured credit facility.

Net Income

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $314.5 million compared to $102.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The $212.1 million increase was primarily the result of lower net loss and loss expenses. The six months ended June 30, 2011 included $199.7 million of property catastrophe losses in the Asia-Pacific region and Midwestern United States.

Underwriting Results by Operating Segments

Our company is organized into three operating segments:

U.S. Insurance Segment. The U.S. insurance segment includes our direct specialty insurance operations in the United States. This segment provides both direct property and specialty casualty insurance primarily to non-Fortune 1000 North American domiciled accounts.

International Insurance Segment. The international insurance segment includes our direct insurance operations in Bermuda, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong. This segment provides both direct property and casualty insurance primarily to Fortune 1000 North American domiciled accounts and non-North American domiciled accounts.

Reinsurance Segment. Our reinsurance segment has operations in Bermuda, Europe, Singapore and the United States. This segment includes the reinsurance of property, general casualty, professional liability, specialty lines and property catastrophe coverages written by insurance companies. We presently write reinsurance on both a treaty and a facultative basis, targeting several niche reinsurance markets.

 

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U.S. Insurance Segment

The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the U.S. insurance segment for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions)  

Revenues

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 266.0     $ 226.7     $ 470.2     $ 410.1  

Net premiums written

     196.7       172.9       350.5       312.8  

Net premiums earned

     162.8       145.9       316.1       281.3  

Expenses

        

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 103.1     $ 92.6     $ 200.8     $ 208.4  

Acquisition costs

     21.3       18.9       41.2       37.0  

General and administrative expenses

     34.7       31.3       65.8       62.0  

Underwriting income (loss)

     3.7       3.1       8.3       (26.1

Ratios

        

Loss and loss expense ratio

     63.3     63.5     63.5     74.1

Acquisition cost ratio

     13.1     12.9     13.0     13.1

General and administrative expense ratio

     21.3     21.4     20.8     22.1

Expense ratio

     34.4     34.3     33.8     35.2

Combined ratio

     97.7     97.8     97.3     109.3

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Premiums. Gross premiums written increased by $39.3 million, or 17.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to increased new business across most lines, growth from new products introduced in 2010 and 2011 and rate increases in all lines of business. This growth was partially offset by non-recurring business, the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition.

The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by line of business for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Dollar     Percentage  
     2012      2011      Change     Change  
     ($ in millions)        

General casualty

   $ 78.3      $ 56.5      $ 21.8       38.6

Professional liability

     66.7        58.8        7.9       13.4

Healthcare

     46.3        50.2        (3.9     (7.8 %) 

General property

     37.1        32.9        4.2       12.8

Programs

     25.6        20.3        5.3       26.1

Other *

     12.0        8.0        4.0       50.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
   $ 266.0      $ 226.7      $ 39.3       17.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

* Includes our inland marine, environmental and mergers and acquisitions lines of business

Net premiums written increased by $23.8 million, or 13.8%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in net premiums written was primarily due to higher gross premiums written, partially offset by the impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in 2011. The three months ended June 30, 2011 included a $12.4 million reduction in premiums ceded due to the commutation of certain variable-rated reinsurance contracts that have swing-rated

 

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provisions. We ceded 26.1% of gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 23.7% for the same period in 2011. The increase in the cession percentage was due to the impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in 2011.

Net premiums earned increased by $16.9 million, or 11.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to the growth of our U.S. insurance operations during 2012 and 2011, partially offset by the $12.4 million impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in 2011, which was fully earned.

Net losses and loss expenses. Net losses and loss expenses increased by $10.5 million, or 11.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The loss and loss expense ratio decreased by 0.2 percentage points for the same period. The increase in net losses and loss expenses was primarily due to growth in the U.S. insurance segment combined with lower favorable prior year reserve development. We also incurred $6.5 million of non-catastrophe property losses on two claims that added 4.0 percentage points to the current period’s loss and loss expense ratio. This was partially offset by the $11.5 million impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in 2011. Excluding the prior year reserve development, property catastrophe losses and the impact of the commutation, the loss and loss expense ratios would have been 67.1% and 64.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2012
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2011
    Dollar     Change in
Percentage
 
     Amount     % of NPE     Amount     % of  NPE(2)     Change     Points  
     ($ in millions)        

Non-catastrophe

   $ 109.3       67.1   $ 86.3       64.6   $ 23.0       2.5 Pts 

Property catastrophe

                   5.0       3.7        (5.0     (3.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current period

     109.3       67.1       91.3       68.3        18.0       (1.2

Prior period

     (6.2     (3.8     (10.2     (7.6     4.0       3.8  

Impact of commutation(1)

                   11.5       2.8        (11.5     (2.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 103.1       63.3   $ 92.6       63.5   $ 10.5       (0.2 )Pts 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Reflects the impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in the three months ended June 30, 2011, which increased prior year net losses and loss expenses by $11.5 million and increased net premiums earned by $12.4 million.
(2) Current period and prior period losses as a % of NPE are calculated excluding the effect of the commutation on net premiums earned.

Overall, our U.S. insurance segment recorded net favorable reserve development of $6.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net favorable reserve development of $10.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, as shown in the tables below.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     2002      2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

Professional liability

   $       $      $      $ (0.2   $ 0.2     $ (8.3   $ 0.6     $ (1.0   $ 0.8     $ 4.1     $ (3.8

Healthcare

             (0.2     (1.6     0.4       (0.3     (0.8     1.1       (1.2     0.1       0.5       (2.0

General casualty

             (0.2     (0.3     (0.3     (3.7     (0.1     (1.2     (0.4     (0.1            (6.3

General property

                    0.4       (0.1                   0.3              (0.1            0.5  

Programs

                                  (0.1     (0.1            (0.1     3.8       2.6       6.1  

Other

                                                                     (0.7     (0.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $       $ (0.4   $ (1.5   $ (0.2   $ (3.9   $ (9.3   $ 0.8     $ (2.7   $ 4.5     $ 6.5     $ (6.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unfavorable reserve development in our U.S. insurance segment for the 2010 and 2011 loss years was due to adverse development on a terminated program and certain errors and omissions products.

 

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Table of Contents
     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

Professional liability

   $      $ (0.1   $ (0.1   $ (0.6   $ (0.2   $ (2.0   $      $ (1.1   $ 0.6     $ (3.5

Healthcare

     (0.1     (0.4     (1.3     (0.7     (0.9     0.3       (0.5     0.7       (0.9     (3.8

General casualty

     0.1       (0.2     (0.4     (5.4                          0.1              (5.8

General property

                                               0.7       0.2       0.3       1.2  

Programs

                                        (0.5     0.7       0.9       0.6       1.7  

Other

                                                                      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $      $ (0.7   $ (1.8   $ (6.7   $ (1.1   $ (2.2   $ 0.9     $ 0.8     $ 0.6     $ (10.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs increased by $2.4 million, or 12.7%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase was primarily caused by increased net premiums earned. The acquisition cost ratio increased slightly to 13.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 from 12.9% for the same period in 2011.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $3.4 million, or 10.9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase was due to the continued growth of the U.S. insurance operations. The general and administrative ratio decreased slightly to 21.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 from 21.4% for the same period in 2011 due to the higher growth in net premiums earned relative to expenses.

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Premiums. Gross premiums written increased by $60.1 million, or 14.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to increased new business across most lines, growth from new products introduced in 2010 and 2011 and rate increases in most lines of business. This growth was partially offset by the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition.

The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by line of business for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
     Dollar     Percentage  
     2012      2011      Change     Change  
     ($ in millions)  

General casualty

   $ 126.7      $ 97.5      $ 29.2       29.9

Professional liability

     125.9        113.8        12.1       10.6

Healthcare

     93.3        95.6        (2.3     (2.4 %) 

General property

     55.6        46.5        9.1       19.6

Programs

     48.9        40.2        8.7       21.6

Other*

     19.8        16.5        3.3       20.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
   $ 470.2      $ 410.1      $ 60.1       14.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

* Includes our inland marine, environmental and mergers and acquisitions lines of business

Net premiums written increased by $37.7 million, or 12.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in net premiums written was primarily due to higher gross premiums written, partially offset by the impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in 2011. The six months ended June 30, 2011 included a $12.4 million reduction in premiums ceded due to the commutation of certain variable-rated reinsurance contracts that had swing-rated provisions. We ceded 25.5% of gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 23.7% for the same period in 2011. The increase in the cession percentage was due to the impact of the commutation on the prior year.

 

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Net premiums earned increased by $34.8 million, or 12.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to the growth of our U.S. insurance operations during 2012 and 2011, partially offset by the $12.4 million impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in 2011, which was fully earned.

Net losses and loss expenses. Net losses and loss expenses decreased by $7.6 million, or 3.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The loss and loss expense ratio decreased by 10.6 percentage points for the same period. The decrease in net losses and loss expenses was primarily due to favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 compared to unfavorable prior year reserve development in 2011 and the $11.5 million impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in 2011. Excluding the prior year reserve development, property catastrophe losses and the impact of the commutation, the loss and loss expense ratios would have been 67.7% and 66.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2011
    Dollar
Change
    Change in
Percentage

Points
 
     Amount     % of NPE     Amount      % of NPE  (2)      
     ($ in millions)        

Non-catastrophe

   $ 214.2       67.7   $ 179.9        66.9   $ 34.3       0.8  Pts 

Property catastrophe

                   5.0        1.9        (5.0     (1.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current period

     214.2       67.7       184.9        68.8        29.3       (1.1

Prior period

     (13.4     (4.2     12.0        4.5        (25.4     (8.7

Impact of commutation (1)

                   11.5        0.8        (11.5     (0.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 200.8       63.5   $ 208.4        74.1   $ (7.6     (10.6 )Pts 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Reflects the impact of the commutation of prior year contracts in the six months ended June 30, 2011, which increased prior year net losses and loss expenses by $11.5 million and increased net premiums earned by $12.4 million.
(2) Current period and prior period losses as a % of NPE are calculated excluding the effect of the commutation on net premiums earned.

Overall, our U.S. insurance segment recorded net favorable reserve development of $13.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net unfavorable reserve development of $12.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, as shown in the tables below.

 

    (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
    For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  
    2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Total  
    ($ in millions)  

Professional liability

  $      $      $ (0.1   $ (0.3   $ 0.1     $ (15.1   $ (0.1   $ (2.8   $ (0.9   $ 10.2     $ (9.0

Healthcare

           0.3       (2.7     (2.6     (2.3     (2.8     1.1       (1.7     3.5       0.5       (6.7

General casualty

    (0.1     (0.3     0.9       (0.6     (8.1     (0.1     (1.0     (0.4     (0.1            (9.8

General property

                  0.7       (0.3            (0.2     1.7       (0.4     (0.5     1.1       2.1  

Programs

                                (0.1     (0.2     (0.6            7.3       3.8       10.2  

Other

                                                                   (0.2     (0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ (0.1   $      $ (1.2   $ (3.8   $ (10.4   $ (18.4   $ 1.1     $ (5.3   $ 9.3     $ 15.4     $ (13.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unfavorable reserve development in our U.S. insurance segment for the 2010 and 2011 loss years was due to adverse development on a terminated program and certain errors and omissions products.

 

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     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

Professional liability

   $      $ (0.1   $ (0.2   $ (1.3   $ 24.1     $ (2.2   $ 0.5     $ (2.7   $ 6.9     $ 25.0  

Healthcare

     (0.2     (0.9     (1.8     0.3       (0.3     0.7       (1.7     1.2       (0.8     (3.5

General casualty

     0.1       (0.4     (1.2     (11.1                                        (12.6

General property

                   (0.3     (0.6                   (0.3            1.4       0.2  

Programs

                                        (0.6     0.8       1.2       1.5       2.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (0.1   $ (1.4   $ (3.5   $ (12.7   $ 23.8     $ (2.1   $ (0.7   $ (0.3   $ 9.0     $ 12.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unfavorable reserve development of $24.1 million for the 2006 loss year was primarily due to directors and officers claims within our professional liability line of business related to a class action suit filed against a number of private equity firms alleging collusion.

Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs increased by $4.2 million, or 11.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase was primarily caused by increased net premiums earned. The acquisition cost ratio decreased to 13.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from 13.1% for the same period in 2011.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $3.8 million, or 6.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011, due to the continued growth of our U.S. insurance operations. The general and administrative expense ratio decreased to 20.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 from 22.1% in the same period in 2011 as a result of our increased net premiums earned.

 

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International Insurance Segment

The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the international insurance segment for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions)  

Revenues

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 183.6     $ 178.6     $ 297.2     $ 289.9  

Net premiums written

     111.3       109.0       184.0       183.9  

Net premiums earned

     82.6       80.0       162.5       156.3  

Expenses

        

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 22.2     $ 72.1     $ 60.3     $ 143.3  

Acquisition costs

     (0.6     (0.7     (1.1     (2.6

General and administrative expenses

     21.7       20.7       44.0       41.4  

Underwriting income (loss)

     39.3       (12.1     59.3       (25.8

Ratios

        

Loss and loss expense ratio

     26.9     90.2     37.1     91.7

Acquisition cost ratio

     (0.7 %)      (0.9 %)      (0.7 %)      (1.7 %) 

General and administrative expense ratio

     26.2     25.8     27.1     26.5

Expense ratio

     25.5     24.9     26.4     24.8

Combined ratio

     52.4     115.1     63.5     116.5

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Premiums. Gross premiums written increased by $5.0 million, or 2.8%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily a result of new business and rate increases in select lines of business. We saw continued growth from new products, specifically trade credit which grew $3.5 million, and growth in Asia, which increased $1.0 million. However, this increase was partially offset by decreases in other lines due to the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions), continued competition and a reduction in limits deployed for the general property line of business.

The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by line of business for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Dollar     Percentage  
     2012      2011      Change     Change  
     ($ in millions)        

General property

   $ 61.2      $ 63.3      $ (2.1     (3.3 %) 

Professional liability

     52.8        48.2        4.6       9.5

General casualty

     43.2        45.3        (2.1     (4.6 %) 

Healthcare

     20.3        19.2        1.1       5.7

Other *

     6.1        2.6        3.5       134.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
   $ 183.6      $ 178.6      $ 5.0       2.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

* Includes our trade credit line of business

Net premiums written increased by $2.3 million, or 2.1%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. We ceded to reinsurers 39.4% of gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 39.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Net premiums written increased primarily due to an increase in gross premiums written.

 

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Net premiums earned increased by $2.6 million, or 3.2%, primarily due to higher net premiums written in the latter half of 2011 and first half of 2012.

Net losses and loss expenses. Net losses and loss expenses decreased by $49.9 million, or 69.2%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The loss and loss expense ratio decreased by 63.3 percentage points for the same period. The decrease in net losses and loss expenses was primarily due to the absence of significant catastrophe losses in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, which included $30.5 million in catastrophe losses. This was combined with higher net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Excluding the prior year reserve development and property catastrophe losses, the loss and loss expense ratios would have been 62.1% and 67.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2012
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2011
    Dollar     Change in
Percentage
 
     Amount     % of NPE     Amount     % of NPE     Change     Points  
     ($ in millions)        

Non-catastrophe

   $ 51.3       62.1   $ 53.6       67.1   $ (2.3     (5.0 )Pts 

Property catastrophe

                   30.5       38.1       (30.5     (38.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current period

     51.3       62.1       84.1       105.2       (32.8     (43.1

Prior period

     (29.1     (35.2     (12.0     (15.0     (17.1     (20.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 22.2       26.9   $ 72.1       90.2   $ (49.9     (63.3 )Pts 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Overall, our international insurance segment recorded net favorable reserve development of $29.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net favorable reserve development of $12.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, as shown in the tables below.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010      2011     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

General property

   $      $      $ 0.1     $ (2.5   $ (0.2   $ 0.2     $ (2.1   $ (1.2   $       $ (1.3   $ (7.0

Professional liability

            (0.1     (1.2     (1.4     (8.3     (1.1     4.7                             (7.4

General casualty

     7.4       (0.9     (1.9     (3.1     (2.5     (6.1     (3.1                           (10.2

Healthcare

     (0.1     (0.1     (0.3     (0.5     (0.4     (0.5     (2.6                           (4.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 7.3     $ (1.1   $ (3.3   $ (7.5   $ (11.4   $ (7.5   $ (3.1   $ (1.2   $       $ (1.3   $ (29.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

General property

   $      $      $ (0.3   $ (0.2   $ (0.4   $ (1.5   $ (7.4   $ (6.0   $ (0.3   $ (16.1

Professional liability

     (0.1     (0.1     (1.4     (3.4     (1.8     (4.1     14.0                     3.1  

General casualty

     (0.2     (1.1     (0.8     (2.2     (7.1     (4.4                   22.5       6.7  

Healthcare

            (0.2     (0.5     (0.5     (0.5     (4.0                          (5.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (0.3   $ (1.4   $ (3.0   $ (6.3   $ (9.8   $ (14.0   $ 6.6     $ (6.0   $ 22.2     $ (12.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unfavorable reserve development for the 2010 loss year was primarily due to a casualty claim emanating from an oil field services risk.

Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs increased by $0.1 million, or 14.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The negative cost represents ceding commissions received on ceded premiums in excess of the brokerage fees and commissions paid on gross premiums written. The acquisition cost ratio was negative 0.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to negative 0.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2011.

 

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General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $1.0 million, or 4.8%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased salary and related costs incurred as we continue to expand internationally. The general and administrative expense ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were 26.2% and 25.8%, respectively.

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Premiums. Gross premiums written increased by $7.3 million, or 2.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily a result of new business, including $6.5 million from new products, specifically our trade credit and SME insurance products, growth in Asia and rate increases in select lines of business. However, this increase was partially offset by decreases in other lines due to the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions), continued competition and a reduction in limits deployed for the general property line of business.

The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by line of business for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,      Dollar
Change
    Percentage
Change
 
     2012      2011       
     ($ in millions)        

General property

   $ 98.0      $ 100.5      $ (2.5     (2.5 %) 

Professional liability

     83.8        77.1        6.7       8.7

General casualty

     64.9        68.7        (3.8     (5.5 %) 

Healthcare

     40.3        39.9        0.4       1.0

Other *

     10.2        3.7        6.5       175.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
   $ 297.2      $ 289.9      $ 7.3       2.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

* Includes our trade credit line of business

Net premiums written increased by $0.1 million, or 0.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. We ceded to reinsurers 38.1% of gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 36.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Net premiums earned increased by $6.2 million, or 4.0%, primarily due to higher net premiums written in the latter half of 2011.

Net losses and loss expenses. Net losses and loss expenses decreased by $83.0 million, or 57.9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The loss and loss expense ratio decreased by 54.6 percentage points for the same period. The decrease in net losses and loss expenses was due to the absence of significant catastrophe losses in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, which included $73.7 million for Asia-Pacific catastrophes and Midwestern U.S. storms. This was combined with higher net favorable prior year reserve development in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Excluding the prior year reserve development and property catastrophe losses, the loss and loss expense ratios would have been 67.5% and 70.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

     Six Months Ended     Six Months Ended           Change in  
     June 30, 2012     June 30, 2011     Dollar     Percentage  
     Amount     % of NPE     Amount     % of NPE     Change     Points  
     ($ in millions)        

Non-catastrophe

   $ 109.7       67.5   $ 110.2       70.5   $ (0.5     (3.0 )Pts 

Property catastrophe

                   73.7       47.2       (73.7     (47.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current period

     109.7       67.5       183.9       117.7       (74.2     (50.2

Prior period

     (49.4     (30.4     (40.6     (26.0     (8.8     (4.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 60.3       37.1   $ 143.3       91.7   $ (83.0     (54.6 )Pts 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Overall, our international insurance segment recorded net favorable reserve development of $49.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net favorable reserve development of $40.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, as shown in the tables below.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011      Total  
     ($ in millions)  

General property

   $      $      $ 0.2     $ (1.5   $ (1.0   $ 1.1     $ (2.2   $ (1.8   $ (6.6   $ 3.1      $ (8.7

Professional liability

            (0.2     (2.3     (3.1     (15.1     (7.2     7.0                             (20.9

General casualty

     5.8       (1.6     (3.1     (4.8     (11.4     (7.2     (7.6                   20.0        (9.9

Healthcare

     (0.1     (0.6     (0.6     (1.1     (0.8     (4.1     (2.6                           (9.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5.7     $ (2.4   $ (5.8   $ (10.5   $ (28.3   $ (17.4   $ (5.4   $ (1.8   $ (6.6   $ 23.1      $ (49.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The net favorable reserve development for loss years 2003 to 2010 is a result of actual loss emergence being lower than anticipated. The unfavorable reserve development in our general casualty line for loss year 2011 was due to adverse development on an individual claim, estimated to reach our full limit of $20.0 million, net of reinsurance.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

General property

   $      $      $ (0.7   $ (2.3   $ 0.3     $ (1.6   $ (12.8   $ (14.6   $ (2.5   $ (34.2

Professional liability

     2.0       (1.1     (3.9     (7.7     (10.0     (4.1     23.0                     (1.8

General casualty

     (0.7     (2.4     4.4       (12.5     4.2       (12.0            7.2       22.5       10.7  

Healthcare

     (0.1     (0.5     (0.9     (1.0     (8.8     (4.0                          (15.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1.2     $ (4.0   $ (1.1   $ (23.5   $ (14.3   $ (21.7   $ 10.2     $ (7.4   $ 20.0     $ (40.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unfavorable reserve development for the 2010 loss year was primarily due to a casualty claim emanating from an oil field services risk.

Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs increased by $1.5 million, or 57.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The negative cost represents ceding commissions received on ceded premiums in excess of the brokerage fees and commissions paid on gross premiums written. The acquisition cost ratio was negative 0.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and negative 1.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $2.6 million, or 6.3%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased salary and related costs incurred as we continue to expand internationally. The general and administrative expense ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were 27.1% and 26.5%, respectively. The increase was due to higher expenses, partially offset by higher net premiums earned.

 

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Reinsurance Segment

The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the reinsurance segment for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions)  

Revenues

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 197.3     $ 114.3     $ 560.4     $ 380.3  

Net premiums written

     186.7       113.9       549.2       380.0  

Net premiums earned

     184.3       129.4       353.0       252.6  

Expenses

        

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 115.1     $ 71.1     $ 204.5     $ 188.6  

Acquisition costs

     30.9       24.8       58.6       46.7  

General and administrative expenses

     17.5       15.3       34.5       31.7  

Underwriting income (loss)

     20.8       18.2       55.4       (14.4

Ratios

        

Loss and loss expense ratio

     62.4     54.9     57.9     74.7

Acquisition cost ratio

     16.8     19.2     16.6     18.5

General and administrative expense ratio

     9.5     11.8     9.8     12.6

Expense ratio

     26.3     31.0     26.4     31.1

Combined ratio

     88.7     85.9     84.3     105.8

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Premiums. Gross premiums written increased by $83.0 million, or 72.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Approximately $65.0 million, or 56.9%, of the increase was due to new business, from both new products and new regions, as well as increased participations on renewing business combined with rate increases. Within our specialty unit, crop reinsurance premiums increased $8.7 million and marine reinsurance premiums increased $3.3 million. Our North American property reinsurance business increased $23.5 million due to a combination of new business opportunities and rate increases. Our international book also continued to grow, with a $28.6 million increase from our Singapore branch. In addition, approximately $13.5 million of gross premiums written in the third quarter of 2011 was written in the second quarter of 2012 as a result of the earlier timing of renewal business. This was partially offset by the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition.

The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by geographic location for our reinsurance operations.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Dollar      Percentage  
     2012      2011      Change      Change  
     ($ in millions)         

United States

   $ 83.6      $ 42.5      $ 41.1        96.7

Bermuda

     59.6        55.0        4.6        8.4

Singapore

     38.7        10.0        28.7        287.0

Europe

     15.4        6.8        8.6        126.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 197.3      $ 114.3      $ 83.0        72.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by line of business for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Dollar      Percentage  
     2012      2011      Change      Change  
     ($ in millions)         

Property

   $ 121.7      $ 64.0      $ 57.7        90.2

Casualty

     52.8        38.8        14.0        36.1

Specialty

     22.8        11.5        11.3        98.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 197.3      $ 114.3      $ 83.0        72.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net premiums written increased by $72.8 million, or 63.9%, consistent with the increase in gross premiums written.

Net premiums earned increased by $54.9 million, or 42.4%, as a result of the increase in net premiums written during the year ended December 31, 2011 and the six months ended June 30, 2012. Premiums related to our reinsurance business earn at a slower rate than those related to our direct insurance business. Direct insurance premiums typically earn ratably over the term of a policy. Reinsurance premiums under a quota share reinsurance contract are typically earned over the same period as the underlying policies, or risks, covered by the contract. As a result, the earning pattern of a quota share reinsurance contract may extend up to 24 months, reflecting the inception dates of the underlying policies. Property catastrophe premiums, crop reinsurance premiums and premiums for other treaties written on a losses occurring basis generally earn ratably over the term of the reinsurance contract.

Net losses and loss expenses. Net losses and loss expenses increased by $44.0 million, or 61.9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The loss and loss expense ratio increased by 7.5 percentage points for the same period. The increase in net losses and loss expenses was due to growth in net premiums earned and lower prior year net favorable reserve development for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. This was partially offset by the absence of significant catastrophe losses in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, which included $32.0 million for the Asia-Pacific catastrophes and Midwestern U.S. storms. Excluding the prior year reserve development and property catastrophe losses, the loss and loss expense ratios would have been 66.0% and 55.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in the loss and loss expense ratio was due to $12.4 million in non-catastrophe large losses, including U.S. weather related losses, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 that increased the loss and loss expense ratio by 6.7 percentage points.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2012
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2011
    Dollar     Change in
Percentage
 
     Amount     % of NPE     Amount     % of NPE     Change     Points  
     ($ in millions)        

Non-catastrophe

   $ 121.7       66.0   $ 72.1       55.7   $ 49.6       10.3  Pts 

Property catastrophe

                   32.0       24.7       (32.0     (24.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current period

     121.7       66.0       104.1       80.4       17.6       (14.4

Prior period

     (6.6     (3.6     (33.0     (25.5     26.4       21.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 115.1       62.4   $ 71.1       54.9   $ 44.0       7.5  Pts 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Overall, our reinsurance segment recorded net favorable reserve development of $6.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net favorable reserve development of $33.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, as shown in the tables below.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

Specialty

   $      $ (0.2   $ (1.1   $ (1.4   $ (1.3   $ (1.6   $ (0.1   $      $ 0.2     $ (0.3   $ (5.8

Property

                   (0.1            (0.1     (0.1            1.1       (5.9     5.4       0.3  

Casualty

     (0.4     1.8       (0.5     1.1       (3.4     (3.6     (0.6     (0.1     (0.1     4.7       (1.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (0.4   $ 1.6     $ (1.7   $ (0.3   $ (4.8   $ (5.3   $ (0.7   $ 1.0     $ (5.8   $ 9.8     $ (6.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

Specialty

   $      $      $ (0.2   $ 0.1     $      $ (0.8   $      $ 0.1     $ (1.3   $ (2.1

Property

     (0.1     (0.2     (0.5     (0.6            (1.7            (0.9     (4.7     (8.7

Casualty

     (0.4     (0.6     (0.4     (12.4     (6.3     (1.4     (0.7                   (22.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (0.5   $ (0.8   $ (1.1   $ (12.9   $ (6.3   $ (3.9   $ (0.7   $ (0.8   $ (6.0   $ (33.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs increased by $6.1 million, or 24.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended 2011, primarily due to the increase in net premiums earned. The acquisition cost ratio was 16.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 19.2% for the three months ended 2011, primarily due to the change in mix of business. The proportion of premiums from excess of loss reinsurance contracts, which carry lower acquisition costs, has increased compared to the prior year.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $2.2 million, or 14.4%, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase was due to higher salary and related costs due to higher headcount to support our growing operations. The general and administrative expense ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were 9.5% and 11.8%, respectively, reflecting the higher growth in net premiums earned relative to expenses in 2012.

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Premiums. Gross premiums written increased by $180.1 million, or 47.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to new business, from both new products and new regions, as well as increased participations on renewing business combined with rate increases. Within our specialty unit, crop reinsurance premiums increased by $58.8 million while marine contributed a further $16.3 million. Our North American property reinsurance business also increased by $41.8 million due to a combination of new business opportunities and rate increases. Our international book also continued to grow, with a $42.4 million increase from our Singapore branch. This was partially offset by the non-renewal of business that did not meet our underwriting requirements (which included inadequate pricing and/or terms and conditions) and continued competition.

The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by geographic location for our reinsurance operations.

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,      Dollar
Change
     Percentage
Change
 
     2012      2011        
     ($ in millions)         

United States

   $ 268.3      $ 165.8      $ 102.5        61.8

Bermuda

     169.6        152.4        17.2        11.3

Singapore

     67.3        24.9        42.4        170.3

Europe

     55.2        37.2        18.0        48.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 560.4      $ 380.3      $ 180.1        47.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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The table below illustrates our gross premiums written by line of business for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
     Dollar      Percentage  
     2012      2011      Change      Change  
     ($ in millions)         

Property

   $ 275.3      $ 183.2      $ 92.1        50.3

Casualty

     148.4        144.8        3.6        2.5

Specialty

     136.7        52.3        84.4        161.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 560.4      $ 380.3      $ 180.1        47.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net premiums written increased by $169.2 million, or 44.5%, consistent with the increase in gross premiums written.

Net premiums earned increased by $100.4 million, or 39.7%, as a result of the increase in net premiums written during the year ended December 31, 2011 and the six months ended June 30, 2012. Premiums related to our reinsurance business earn at a slower rate than those related to our direct insurance business. Direct insurance premiums typically earn ratably over the term of a policy. Reinsurance premiums under a quota share reinsurance contract are typically earned over the same period as the underlying policies, or risks, covered by the contract. As a result, the earning pattern of a quota share reinsurance contract may extend up to 24 months, reflecting the inception dates of the underlying policies. Property catastrophe premiums and premiums for other treaties written on a losses occurring basis generally earn ratably over the term of the reinsurance contract.

Net losses and loss expenses. Net losses and loss expenses increased by $15.9 million, or 8.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The loss and loss expense ratio decreased by 16.8 percentage points for the same period. The increase in net losses and loss expenses was due to growth in net premiums earned and lower prior year net favorable reserve development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. This was partially offset by the absence of significant catastrophe losses in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, which included $121.0 million for the Asia-Pacific catastrophes and Midwestern U.S. storms. Excluding the prior year reserve development and property catastrophe losses, the loss and loss expense ratios would have been 63.2% and 54.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The higher loss and loss expense ratio is due to the change in mix of business to specialty products with higher attritional loss ratios, combined with $16.5 million in non-catastrophe large losses for the six months ended June 30, 2012 that added 4.7 percentage points to the loss and loss expense ratio.

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2011
    Dollar     Change in
Percentage
 
     Amount     % of NPE     Amount     % of NPE     Change     Points  
     ($ in millions)        

Non-catastrophe

   $ 223.1       63.2   $ 138.5       54.9   $ 84.6       8.3  Pts 

Property catastrophe

                   121.0       47.9       (121.0     (47.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current period

     223.1       63.2       259.5       102.8       (36.4     (39.6

Prior period

     (18.6     (5.3     (70.9     (28.1     52.3       22.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

   $ 204.5       57.9   $ 188.6       74.7   $ 15.9       (16.8 )Pts 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Overall, our reinsurance segment recorded net favorable reserve development of $18.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net favorable reserve development of $70.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, as shown in the tables below.

 

     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     2002      2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

Specialty

   $       $ (0.3   $ (3.2   $ (5.1   $ (1.8   $ (2.2   $ (0.1   $      $      $ (2.0   $ (14.7

Property

                    (0.8     0.2       (0.1     0.1       (0.3     2.0       (1.2     5.5       5.4  

Casualty

     0.1        1.0       3.2       (2.7     (5.1     (9.4     (1.2     (0.1     (0.1     5.0       (9.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 0.1      $ 0.7     $ (0.8   $ (7.6   $ (7.0   $ (11.5   $ (1.6   $ 1.9     $ (1.3   $ 8.5     $ (18.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     (Favorable) and Unfavorable Loss Reserve Development by Loss Year  
     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     Total  
     ($ in millions)  

Specialty

   $      $      $ (0.2   $ 0.1     $      $ (0.8   $ (0.2   $ (5.7   $ (3.3   $ (10.1

Property

     (0.1     (0.7     (0.7     (2.0     (1.0     (3.9     (1.8     (3.8     (6.4     (20.4

Casualty

     (0.5     (2.3     (2.9     (22.8     (11.2     (2.4     (1.1            2.8       (40.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (0.6   $ (3.0   $ (3.8   $ (24.7   $ (12.2   $ (7.1   $ (3.1   $ (9.5   $ (6.9   $ (70.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs increased by $11.9 million, or 25.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011 primarily due to the increase in net premiums earned. The acquisition cost ratio was 16.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to 18.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to the change in mix of business. The proportion of premiums from excess-of-loss reinsurance contracts, which carry lower acquisition costs, has increased compared to the prior year.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $2.8 million, or 8.8%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase was due to higher salary and related costs due to higher headcount to support our growing operations. The general and administrative expense ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were 9.8% and 12.6%, respectively, reflecting the higher growth in net premiums earned relative to expenses in 2012.

Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses

Reserves for losses and loss expenses by segment were comprised of the following:

 

     U.S. Insurance     International Insurance     Reinsurance     Total  
     Jun. 30,
2012
    Dec. 31,
2011
    Jun. 30,
2012
    Dec. 31,
2011
    Jun. 30,
2012
    Dec. 31,
2011
    Jun. 30,
2012
    Dec. 31,
2011
 
     ($ in millions)  

Case reserves

   $ 442.5     $ 387.6     $ 517.4     $ 522.6     $ 471.9     $ 456.2     $ 1,431.8     $ 1,366.4  

IBNR

     1,317.7       1,274.8       1,729.2       1,726.4       898.8       857.5       3,945.7       3,858.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

     1,760.2       1,662.4       2,246.6       2,249.0       1,370.7       1,313.7       5,377.5       5,225.1  

Reinsurance recoverables

     (471.0     (438.3     (601.8     (564.3     (0.8     (0.3     (1,073.6     (1,002.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses

   $ 1,289.2     $ 1,224.1     $ 1,644.8     $ 1,684.7     $ 1,369.9     $ 1,313.4     $ 4,303.9     $ 4,222.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We participate in certain lines of business where claims may not be reported for many years. Accordingly, management does not solely rely upon reported claims on these lines for estimating ultimate liabilities. We also use statistical and actuarial methods to estimate expected ultimate losses and loss expenses. Loss reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, loss reserves are estimates of what we expect the ultimate resolution and administration of claims will cost. These estimates are based on various factors including underwriters’ expectations about loss experience, actuarial analysis, comparisons with the results of industry benchmarks and loss experience to date. Loss reserve estimates are refined as experience develops and as claims are reported and resolved. Establishing an appropriate level of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process. Ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ from our reserves, possibly by material amounts.

 

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Table of Contents

The following tables provide our ranges of loss and loss expense reserve estimates by business segment as of June 30, 2012:

 

     Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Gross of Reinsurance  Recoverable
 
     Carried
Reserves
     Low
Estimate
     High
Estimate
 
     ($ in millions)  

U.S. insurance

   $ 1,760.2      $ 1,377.5      $ 1,995.1  

International insurance

     2,246.6        1,679.8        2,581.7  

Reinsurance

     1,370.7        1,114.9        1,591.3  

Consolidated (1)

     5,377.5        4,464.5        5,875.9  
        
     Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Net of Reinsurance  Recoverable
 
     Carried
Reserves
     Low
Estimate
     High
Estimate
 
     ($ in millions)  

U.S. insurance

   $ 1,289.2      $ 1,021.1      $ 1,458.6  

International insurance

     1,644.8        1,208.2        1,888.5  

Reinsurance

     1,369.9        1,114.1        1,590.0  

Consolidated (1)

     4,303.9        3,576.8        4,703.7  

 

(1) For statistical reasons, it is not appropriate to add together the ranges of each business segment in an effort to determine the low and high range around the consolidated loss reserves.

Our range for each business segment was determined by utilizing multiple actuarial loss reserving methods along with various assumptions of reporting patterns and expected loss ratios by loss year. The various outcomes of these techniques were combined to determine a reasonable range of required loss and loss expense reserves. While we believe our approach to determine the range of loss and loss expense is reasonable, there are no assurances that actual loss experience will be within the ranges of loss and loss expense noted above.

Our selection of the actual carried reserves is generally above the midpoint of the range. We believe that we should be prudent in our reserving practices due to the lengthy reporting patterns and relatively large limits of net liability for any one risk of our direct excess casualty business and of our casualty reinsurance business. Thus, due to this uncertainty regarding estimates for reserve for losses and loss expenses, we have carried our consolidated reserve for losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverable, above the midpoint of the low and high estimates for the consolidated net losses and loss expenses. We believe that relying on the more prudent actuarial indications is appropriate for these lines of business.

Reinsurance Recoverable

The following table illustrates our reinsurance recoverable as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
     ($ in millions)  

Ceded case reserves

   $ 216.4      $ 196.5  

Ceded IBNR reserves

     857.2        806.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable

   $ 1,073.6      $ 1,002.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

We remain obligated for amounts ceded in the event our reinsurers do not meet their obligations. Accordingly, we have evaluated the reinsurers that are providing reinsurance protection to us and will continue to monitor their credit ratings and financial stability. We generally have the right to terminate our treaty reinsurance contracts at any time, upon prior written notice to the reinsurer, under specified circumstances, including the assignment to the reinsurer by A.M. Best of a financial strength rating of less than “A-.” Approximately 95% of ceded reserves as of June 30, 2012 were recoverable from reinsurers who had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or higher.

 

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Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Liquidity is a measure of our ability to access sufficient cash flows to meet the short-term and long-term cash requirements of our business operations. The Company believes that its cash flows from operations and investments will provide sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future.

Holdings is a holding company and transacts no business of its own. Cash flows to Holdings may comprise dividends, advances and loans from its subsidiary companies. Holdings is therefore reliant on receiving dividends and other permitted distributions from its subsidiaries to make dividend payments on its common shares.

Our operating subsidiaries depend upon cash inflows from premium receipts, net of commissions, investment income and proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments. Cash outflows for our operating subsidiaries are in the form of claims payments, reinsurance premium payments, purchase of investments, operating expenses and income tax payments as well as dividend payments to the holding company.

Historically, our operating subsidiaries have generated sufficient cash flows to meet all of their obligations. Because of the inherent volatility of our business, the seasonality in the timing of payments by insureds and cedents, the irregular timing of loss payments, and the impact of a change in interest rates and credit spreads on the investment income as well as seasonality in coupon payment dates for fixed income securities, cash flows from operating activities may vary between periods. In the unlikely event that paid losses exceed operating cash flows in any given period, we would use our cash balances available, or liquidate a portion of our investment portfolio in order to meet our short-term liquidity needs. Our total investments and cash totaled $8.9 billion as of June 30, 2012, the main components of which were investment grade fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents.

Dividend Restrictions

The jurisdictions in which our operating subsidiaries are licensed to write business impose regulations requiring companies to maintain or meet various defined statutory ratios, including solvency and liquidity requirements. Some jurisdictions also place restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions. See Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7 of Part II of the Company’s 2011 Form 10-K.

Cash Flows

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     ($ in millions)  

Cash flows provided by operating activities

   $ 301.8     $ 361.8  

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

     101.2       (271.4

Cash flows used in financing activities

     (170.3     (108.8

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     (2.2     2.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     230.5       (16.2

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     634.0       757.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 864.5     $ 740.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The decrease in cash flows from operations was due to the $117.5 million increase in paid losses resulting from the growth in operations and the 2011 catastrophe events. This was partially offset by higher premiums collected, net of reinsurance, due to continued growth in 2012.

Cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of proceeds on the sale of investments and payments for investments acquired in addition to changes in restricted cash. The increase in cash flows provided by investing activities reflects net sales of securities and a $156.8 million increase in restricted cash.

Cash flows from financing activities consist primarily of capital raising activities, which include the issuance of common shares or debt, the repurchase of our shares, the payment of dividends and the repayment of debt. The increase in cash flows used in financing

 

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activities was due to the $88.9 million increase in share repurchases for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. No shares were repurchased in the three months ended June 30, 2011 because of the merger negotiations with Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. In addition, $53.6 million in founder warrants were repurchased in February 2011.

Investments

Our funds are primarily invested in liquid, high-grade fixed income securities. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 91.4% and 92.6%, respectively, of our fixed income portfolio consisted of investment grade securities. The maturity distribution of our fixed income portfolio (on a fair value basis) as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was as follows:

 

     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
     ($ in millions)  

Due in one year or less

   $ 827.2      $ 661.6  

Due after one year through five years

     2,811.2        2,686.1  

Due after five years through ten years

     429.8        725.5  

Due after ten years

     71.3        94.2  

Mortgage-backed

     2,269.4        1,818.1  

Asset-backed

     417.4        513.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,826.3      $ 6,498.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

We have investments in other invested assets, comprising interests in hedge funds and private equity funds, the market value of which was $520.9 million as of June 30, 2012. Some of these funds have redemption notice requirements. For each of our funds, liquidity is allowed after certain defined periods based on the terms of each fund. See Note 4(d) “Investments — Other Invested Assets” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional details on our other invested assets.

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations. The potential exists, after a catastrophe loss, for the development of inflationary pressures in a local economy. The effects of inflation are considered implicitly in pricing. Loss reserves are established to recognize likely loss settlements at the date payment is made. Those reserves inherently recognize the effects of inflation. The actual effects of inflation on our results cannot be accurately known, however, until claims are ultimately resolved.

Pledged Assets

Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd uses trust accounts primarily to meet security requirements for inter-company and certain reinsurance transactions. We also have cash and cash equivalents and investments on deposit with various state or government insurance departments or pledged in favor of ceding companies in order to comply with reinsurance contract provisions and relevant insurance regulations. In addition, Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd currently has access to up to $1.35 billion in letters of credit under two letter of credit facilities, $900 million with Citibank Europe plc and $450 million with a syndication of lenders (the “Amended Secured Credit Facility”). These facilities are used to provide security to reinsureds and are collateralized by us, at least to the extent of letters of credit outstanding at any given time.

Security arrangements with ceding insurers may subject our assets to security interests or require that a portion of our assets be pledged to, or otherwise held by, third parties. Both of our letter of credit facilities are fully collateralized by assets held in custodial accounts at the Bank of New York Mellon held for the benefit of the banks. Although the investment income derived from our assets while held in trust accrues to our benefit, the investment of these assets is governed by the terms of the letter of credit facilities or the investment regulations of the state or territory of domicile of the ceding insurer, which may be more restrictive than the investment regulations otherwise applicable to us. The restrictions may result in lower investment yields on these assets, which may adversely affect our profitability.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $2,161.7 million and $2,029.1 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and investments were deposited, pledged or held in escrow accounts in favor of ceding companies and other counterparties or government authorities to comply with reinsurance contract provisions and insurance laws.

 

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In addition, as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, a further $1,270.8 million and $1,044.2 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and investments were pledged as collateral for our credit facilities.

We do not currently anticipate that the restrictions on liquidity resulting from restrictions on the payment of dividends by our subsidiary companies or from assets committed in trust accounts or to collateralize the letter of credit facilities will have a material impact on our ability to carry out our normal business activities, including interest and dividend payments, respectively, on our senior notes (described below) and common shares.

Financial Strength Ratings

Financial strength ratings represent the opinions of rating agencies on our capacity to meet our obligations. In the event of a significant downgrade in ratings, our ability to write business and to access the capital markets could be impacted. Our financial strength ratings as of June 30, 2012 have not changed since December 31, 2011. See Item 1. “Business” in our 2011 Form 10-K.

Capital Resources

The table below sets forth the capital structure of the Company as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     As of
June 30,
2012
     As of
December 31,
2011
 
     ($ in millions)  

Senior notes

   $ 798.1      $ 798.0  

Shareholders’ equity

     3,283.9        3,149.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 4,082.0      $ 3,947.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share Repurchases

In May 2012, we established a new $500 million share repurchase program. Under the terms of this new share repurchase program, common shares repurchased shall be designated for cancellation and shall be cancelled upon prior shareholder approval. As of June 30, 2012, no shares had been repurchased under the new share repurchase program.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, our share repurchases were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June  30,

2012
     Six Months Ended
June  30,

2012
 

Common shares repurchased

     905,383        2,336,187  

Total cost of shares repurchased

   $ 66,435      $ 159,458  

Average price per share

   $ 73.38      $ 68.26  

We have classified the repurchased shares as “treasury shares, at cost” on the consolidated balance sheets.

Long-Term Debt

In July 2006, Allied World Bermuda issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% senior notes due August 1, 2016, with interest payable August 1 and February 1 each year. Allied World Bermuda can redeem the senior notes prior to maturity, subject to payment of a “make-whole” premium; however, Allied World Bermuda currently has no intention of redeeming the notes.

In November 2010, Allied World Bermuda issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes due November 1, 2020, with interest payable May 15 and November 15 each year, commencing May 15, 2011. Allied World Bermuda can redeem the senior notes prior to maturity, subject to payment of a “make-whole” premium; however, Allied World Bermuda currently has no intention of redeeming the notes.

 

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The senior notes issued in 2006 and 2010 have been unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed for the payment of the principal and interest by Holdings.

Credit Facility

In the normal course of our operations, we enter into agreements with financial institutions to obtain secured and unsecured credit facilities.

On June 7, 2012, Allied World Bermuda amended its existing secured credit facility. The amended $450 million four-year secured credit facility (the “Amended Secured Credit Facility”) is primarily for the issuance of standby letters of credit to support obligations in connection with the insurance and reinsurance business of Allied World Bermuda and its subsidiaries. A portion of the facility may also be used for revolving loans for general corporate and working capital purposes, up to a maximum of $150 million. Allied World Bermuda may request that existing lenders under the Amended Secured Credit Facility make additional commitments from time to time, up to $150 million, subject to approval by the lenders. The Amended Secured Credit Facility contains representations, warranties and covenants customary for similar bank loan facilities, including certain covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain a certain leverage ratio and financial strength rating. We are in compliance with all covenants under the Facility as of June 30, 2012.

On June 7, 2012, upon entering into the Amended Secured Credit Facility, Allied World Bermuda terminated its $400 million unsecured facility.

As of June 30, 2012, we had a combined unused letters of credit capacity of $350.7 million from the Amended Secured Credit Facility and Citibank Europe plc. We believe that this remaining capacity is sufficient to meet our future letter of credit needs.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 30, 2012, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of market risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and currency risk.

The fixed income securities in our investment portfolio are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. Any changes in interest rates and credit spreads have a direct effect on the market values of fixed income securities. As interest rates rise, the market values fall, and vice versa. As credit spreads widen, the market values fall, and vice versa.

In the table below changes in market values as a result of changes in interest rates is determined by calculating hypothetical June 30, 2012 ending prices based on yields adjusted to reflect the hypothetical changes in interest rates, comparing such hypothetical ending prices to actual ending prices, and multiplying the difference by the principal amount of the security. The sensitivity analysis is based on estimates. The estimated changes of our fixed maturity investments and cash and cash equivalents are presented below and actual changes for interest rate shifts could differ significantly.

 

     Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points  
     -200     -100     -50     0     +50     +100     +200  
     ($ in millions)  

Total market value

   $ 8,092.3     $ 8,033.7     $ 7,993.9     $ 7,930.1     $ 7,855.5     $ 7,773.2     $ 7,589.5  

Market value change from base

     162.2       103.6       63.8              (74.6     (156.9     (340.6

Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     2.0     1.3     0.8     0     (0.9 %)      (2.0 %)      (4.3 %) 

In the table below changes in market values as a result of changes in credit spreads are determined by calculating hypothetical June 30, 2012 ending prices adjusted to reflect the hypothetical changes in credit spreads, comparing such hypothetical ending prices to actual ending prices, and multiplying the difference by the principal amount of the security. The sensitivity analysis is based on estimates. The estimated changes of our non-cash, non-U.S. Treasury fixed maturity investments are presented below and actual changes in credit spreads could differ significantly.

 

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     Credit Spread Shift in Basis Points  
     -200     -100     -50     0     +50     +100     +200  
     ($ in millions)  

Total market value

   $ 5,830.3     $ 5,697.3     $ 5,630.8     $ 5,564.3     $ 5,497.8     $ 5,431.3     $ 5,298.3  

Market value change from base

     266.0       133.0       66.5              (66.5     (133.0     (266.0

Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     4.8     2.4     1.2     0     (1.2%     (2.4%     (4.8%

In addition to credit spread risk, our portfolio is also exposed to the risk of securities being downgraded or of issuers defaulting. In an effort to minimize this risk, our investment guidelines have been defined to ensure that the assets held are well diversified and are primarily high-quality securities. As of June 30, 2012, we held $6.8 billion of fixed income securities. Of those assets, approximately 91.4% were rated investment grade (Baa3/BBB- or higher) with the remaining 8.6% rated in the below investment grade category. The average credit quality of the fixed maturity portfolios was AA- by Standard & Poor’s.

As of June 30, 2012, we held $2,038.9 million, or 22.9%, of our total investments and cash and cash equivalents in corporate bonds. $961.7 million of these corporate bonds were issued by entities within the financial services industry and had an average rating of A+.

As of June 30, 2012, we held $2,269.4 million, or 25.5%, of our total investments and cash and cash equivalents in mortgage-backed securities, which included agency pass-through mortgage-backed securities (19.2%), non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (3.3%) and non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities (3.0%).

The agency pass-through mortgage-backed securities are exposed to prepayment risk, which occurs when holders of individual mortgages increase the frequency with which they prepay the outstanding principal before the maturity date to refinance at a lower interest rate cost. Given the proportion that these securities comprise of the overall portfolio, and the current interest rate environment and condition of the credit market, prepayment risk is not considered significant at this time.

As of June 30, 2012, we held $101.1 million in non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities, with an average credit rating of A+, and $197.3 million of high yield (below investment grade) non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities, with an average credit rating of CCC. As of June 30, 2012, 93.3% of the high yield non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities were rated below investment grade.

As of June 30, 2012, we held $260.4 million of non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities. These securities are subject to the risk of non-payment due to increased levels of delinquencies, defaults and losses on commercial loans that cumulatively create shortfalls beyond the level of subordination in our specific securities. As of June 30, 2012, 17.0% of our non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities were rated below Aaa/AAA.

As of June 30, 2012, we held investments in other invested assets with a fair value of $520.9 million. Investments in these funds involve certain risks related to, among other things, the illiquid nature of the fund shares, the limited operating history of the fund, as well as risks associated with the strategies employed by the managers of the funds. The funds’ objectives are generally to seek attractive long-term returns with lower volatility by investing in a range of diversified investment strategies. As our reserves and capital continue to build, we may consider additional investments in these or other alternative investments.

During 2011, concerns about sovereign and corporate credits throughout the European Economic Area became elevated. As of June 30, 2012, our direct exposure to European credit across all of Europe was $689.4 million and is included within “fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value” and “equity securities trading, at fair value” in the consolidated balance sheets. Of that, approximately $213.7 million was invested in debt issued or guaranteed by European nations, $21.1 million was invested in structured products and $454.7 million was invested in debt and equity securities of European corporations (not guaranteed by a sovereign nation) as outlined in the table below. As of June 30, 2012, we had no direct sovereign exposure to Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal or Spain.

 

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     June 30, 2012  
     Sovereign and
Sovereign
Guaranteed
     Structured
Products
     Corporate Bonds
and Equities
     Total
Exposure
 
     ($ in millions)  

Belgium

   $ 21.7      $       $ 24.5      $ 46.2  

Denmark

     34.9                        34.9  

France

             7.6        50.8        58.4  

Germany

     70.9                23.4        94.3  

Ireland

                     0.1        0.1  

Italy

                     2.9        2.9  

Luxembourg

                     13.0        13.0  

Netherlands

     38.2                34.0        72.2  

Norway

     7.8                60.0        67.8  

Russia

                     12.0        12.0  

Spain

                     12.2        12.2  

Sweden

                     29.0        29.0  

Switzerland

     10.7                38.7        49.4  

United Kingdom

     29.5        13.5        154.0        197.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total exposure

   $ 213.7      $ 21.1      $ 454.6      $ 689.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The U.S. dollar is our reporting currency and the functional currency of all of our operating subsidiaries. However, we enter into insurance and reinsurance contracts where the premiums receivable and losses payable are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In addition, we maintain a portion of our investments and liabilities in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily Euro, British Sterling, Swiss Franc and the Canadian dollar. Receivables in non-U.S. currencies are generally converted into U.S. dollars at the time of receipt. When we incur a liability in a non-U.S. currency, we carry such liability on our books in the original currency. These liabilities are converted from the non-U.S. currency to U.S. dollars at the time of payment. As a result, we have an exposure to foreign currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates. We utilize a hedging strategy to minimize the potential loss of value caused by currency fluctuations by using foreign currency forward contract derivatives that expire in 90 days from purchase.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, less than 3.6% and 3.1%, respectively, of our total investments and cash and cash equivalents were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Of our business written during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, approximately 12% was written in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

In connection with the preparation of this quarterly report, our management has performed an evaluation, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of June 30, 2012. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2012, our company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by SEC rules and forms and accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must

 

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be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide an absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected.

No changes were made in our internal controls over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings.

The Company, in common with the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of its business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against the Company in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations; estimated amounts payable under such proceedings are included in the reserve for losses and loss expenses in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2012, the Company was not a party to any material legal proceedings arising outside the ordinary course of business that is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.

Item 1A.     Risk Factors.

Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Item 1A. of Part I of our 2011 Form 10-K, that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in our 2011 Form 10-K. The risks described in our 2011 Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.

Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

(c) The following table summarizes our repurchases of our common shares during the three months ended June 30, 2012:

 

Period

   Total Number  of
Shares
Purchased
     Average Price
Paid
per Share
     Total Number of
Shares  Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
     Maximum Dollar Value
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
 

April 1 - 30, 2012

     430,700       $ 69.65         430,700       $ 51,153,422   

May 1 - 31, 2012

     251,724         75.53         251,724         532,141,682   

June 1 - 30, 2012

     222,959         78.16         222,959         514,714,727   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     905,383       $ 73.38         905,383       $ 514,714,727  (1) 

 

(1) In May 2010, the company established a share repurchase program in order to repurchase Holdings’ common shares. At the 2012 Annual Shareholder Meeting on May 3, 2012, Holdings’ shareholders approved a new, two-year $500 million share repurchase program. Share repurchases may be effected from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers or otherwise.

Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.     Other Information.

None.

 

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Item 6.     Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number
 

Description

10.1(1)   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and among Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG; Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd; Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd; the lenders party thereto; Citibank, N.A., as syndication agent; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, fronting bank and letter of credit agent.
10.2(1)   Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and between Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd, as pledgor; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
10.3(1)   Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and between Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, as pledgor; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
10.4(1)   Amended and Restated Account Control Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and among Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd, as pledgor; The Bank of New York Mellon, as custodian; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
10.5(1)   Account Control Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and among Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, as pledgor; The Bank of New York Mellon, as custodian; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
31.1   Certification by Chief Executive Officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification by Chief Financial Officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*   Certification by Chief Executive Officer, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*   Certification by Chief Financial Officer, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.1**   Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(1) Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG filed with the SEC on June 13, 2012.

 

* These certifications are being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18 United States Code) and are not being filed as part of this report.

 

** In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in Exhibit 101.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG
Dated: August 3, 2012     By:   /s/ Scott A. Carmilani
      Name:  Scott A. Carmilani
      Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: August 3, 2012     By:   /s/ Joan H. Dillard
      Name:  Joan H. Dillard
      Title:    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
 

Description

10.1(1)   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and among Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG; Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd; Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd; the lenders party thereto; Citibank, N.A., as syndication agent; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, fronting bank and letter of credit agent.
10.2(1)   Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and between Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd, as pledgor; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
10.3(1)   Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and between Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, as pledgor; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
10.4(1)   Amended and Restated Account Control Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and among Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd, as pledgor; The Bank of New York Mellon, as custodian; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
10.5(1)   Account Control Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2012, by and among Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, as pledgor; The Bank of New York Mellon, as custodian; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
31.1   Certification by Chief Executive Officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification by Chief Financial Officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*   Certification by Chief Executive Officer, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*   Certification by Chief Financial Officer, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.1**   Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(1) Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG filed with the SEC on June 13, 2012.

 

* These certifications are being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18 United States Code) and are not being filed as part of this report.

 

** In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in Exhibit 101.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.