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VALIDUS HOLDINGS LTD - 10-K - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Edgar Glimpses Via Acquire Media NewsEdge)
The following is a discussion and analysis of the Company's consolidated results
of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for
years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and the Company's consolidated
financial condition, liquidity and capital resources at December 31, 2012 and
2011. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
Company's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto
included elsewhere within this filing.
For a variety of reasons, the Company's historical financial results may not
accurately indicate future performance. See "Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements." The Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A above present
a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking
statements contained herein.
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Executive Overview
The Company conducts its operations worldwide through three operating segments
which have been determined under U.S. GAAP segment reporting, Validus Re, Talbot
and AlphaCat. The Company, provides reinsurance, insurance and insurance linked
securities fund management. Validus Re is a Bermuda based reinsurer focused on
short tail lines of reinsurance. Talbot is the Bermuda parent of the specialty
insurance group primarily operating within the Lloyd's insurance market through
Syndicate 1183. AlphaCat is a Bermuda based investment adviser, managing
third-party capital in insurance linked securities and other investments in the
property catastrophe reinsurance space.
The Company's strategy has been to concentrate primarily on short-tail risks,
which has been an area where management believes current prices and terms
provide an attractive risk adjusted return and the management team has proven
expertise. The Company's profitability in any given period is based upon premium
and investment revenues, less net losses and loss expenses, acquisition expenses
and operating expenses. Financial results in the insurance and reinsurance
industry are influenced by the frequency and/or severity of claims and losses,
including as a result of catastrophic events, changes in interest rates,
financial markets and general economic conditions, the supply of insurance and
reinsurance capacity and changes in legal, regulatory and judicial environments.
On April 2, 2012, the Company capitalized PaCRe, a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer
formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance.
PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed capital. Validus invested
$50.0 million in PaCRe's common equity. The Company will underwrite business for
PaCRe, for which it will be paid a profit commission based on PaCRe's
underwriting results. As Validus Re holds a majority of PaCRe's outstanding
voting rights, the financial statements of PaCRe are included in the
consolidated financial statements for the Company. The portion of PaCRe's
earnings attributable to third party investors for the year ended December 31,
2012 is recorded in the consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as "Net
loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest."
On May 29, 2012, the Company announced that it has joined with other investors
in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2012. AlphaCat Re 2012 is a new special purpose
reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance with a
particular focus on windstorm risks for Florida domiciled insurance companies.
AlphaCat Re 2012 was funded with $70.0 million of equity capital. The Company
will underwrite business for AlphaCat Re 2012, for which it will be paid a
commission for originating the business and a profit commission based on
underwriting results. Validus Re has an equity interest and voting rights in
AlphaCat Re 2012 which is below 50%, therefore the investment in AlphaCat Re
2012 is included as an equity method investment in the consolidated financial
statements of the Company.
On November 30, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Flagstone, strengthening the Company's leading property catastrophe reinsurance
and short-tail specialty insurance platform. For segmental reporting purposes,
the results of Flagstone's operations since the acquisition date have been
included within the Validus Re segment in the consolidated financial statements.
On December 17, 2012, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing
AlphaCat 2013, a new special purpose vehicle formed for the purpose of investing
in collateralized reinsurance. AlphaCat 2013 was funded with $230.0 million of
contributed capital. Validus Re has an equity interest and voting rights in
AlphaCat 2013 which is below 50%, therefore the investment in AlphaCat 2013 is
included as an equity method investment in the consolidated financial statements
of the Company.
On December 17, 2012, the Company also received $219.4 million of third party
subscriptions for AlphaCat Insurance Linked Securities ("ILS") Funds.
Written premiums are a function of the number and type of contracts written and
the prevailing market prices. Renewal dates for reinsurance business tend to be
concentrated at the beginning of quarters, with the timing of premiums written
varying by line of business. Most property catastrophe business incepts
January 1, April 1, June 1 and July 1 with an annual policy, while most
insurance and specialty lines renewals are more evenly spread throughout the
year. Written premiums are generally highest in the first quarter and lowest
during the fourth quarter of the year. Gross premiums written for pro rata
programs are initially recorded as estimates and are then adjusted as actual
results become known. Pro rata reinsurance is a type of reinsurance whereby the
reinsurer indemnifies the policyholder against a predetermined portion of losses
in return for a proportional share of the direct premiums. Premiums are then
generally earned over a 24 month period and paid in monthly or quarterly
installments.
The following are the primary lines in which the Company conducts business:
Property: Validus Re underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance, property per
risk reinsurance and property pro rata reinsurance. Property catastrophe
includes reinsurance for insurance companies' exposures to an accumulation of
property and related losses from separate policies, typically relating to
natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Property per risk provides
reinsurance for insurance companies' excess retention on individual property and
related risks, such as highly-valued buildings. In property pro rata contracts
the reinsurer shares the premiums as well as the losses and expenses in an
agreed proportion with
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the cedant. AlphaCat underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance. Talbot
primarily writes direct and facultative property insurance, lineslips and
binding authorities and property treaty. The business written is principally
onshore energy, commercial and industrial insurance. The business is short-tail
with premiums generally earned within one year and claims generally paid within
two years.
Marine: The Company underwrites insurance and reinsurance on marine risks
covering damage to or losses of marine vessels or cargo, yachts and marinas,
third-party liability for marine accidents and physical loss and liability from
principally offshore energy properties. Talbot underwrites both marine treaty
reinsurance and insurance on a direct and facultative basis. Validus Re
underwrites marine reinsurance on an excess of loss basis, and to a lesser
extent, on a pro rata basis.
Specialty: The Company underwrites other specialty lines with very limited
exposure correlation with its property, marine and energy portfolios. Validus Re
underwrites other lines of business depending on an evaluation of pricing and
market conditions, which include aerospace, terrorism, life and accident &
health and workers' compensation catastrophe. With the exception of the
aerospace line of business, which has a meaningful portion of its gross premiums
written volume on a proportional basis, Validus Re's other specialty lines are
primarily written on an excess of loss basis. Talbot underwrites war, political
risks, political violence, financial institutions, contingency, accident and
health, and aviation. Most of the Talbot specialty business is written on a
direct or facultative basis or through a binding authority or coverholder in
conjunction with a significant aviation treaty account.
Income from the Company's investment portfolio primarily comprises interest
income on fixed maturity investments net of investment expenses and net
realized/unrealized gains/losses on investments. A significant portion of the
Company's contracts provide short-tail coverage for damages resulting mainly
from natural and man-made catastrophes, which means that the Company could
become liable for a significant amount of losses on short notice. Accordingly,
the Company has structured its investment portfolio to preserve capital and
maintain a high level of liquidity, which means that the large majority of the
Company's investment portfolio consists of short-term fixed maturity
investments. The Company's fixed income investments are classified as trading.
Under U.S. GAAP, these securities are carried at fair value, and unrealized
gains and losses are included in net income in the Company's Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income.
The Company's expenses consist primarily of losses and loss expenses,
acquisition costs, general and administrative expenses, and finance expenses
related to debentures, senior notes and our credit facilities.
Losses and loss expenses are a function of the amount and type of insurance and
reinsurance contracts written and of the loss experience of the underlying
risks. Reserves for losses and loss expenses include a component for outstanding
case reserves for claims which have been reported and a component for losses
incurred but not reported. The uncertainties inherent in the reserving process,
together with the potential for unforeseen developments, may result in losses
and loss expenses materially different than the reserve initially established.
Changes to prior year loss reserves will affect current underwriting results by
increasing net income if a portion of the prior year reserves prove to be
redundant or decreasing net income if the prior year reserves prove to be
insufficient. Adjustments resulting from new information will be reflected in
income in the period in which they become known. The Company's ability to
estimate losses and loss expenses accurately, and the resulting impact on
contract pricing, is a critical factor in determining profitability.
Since most of the lines of business underwritten have large aggregate exposures
to natural and man-made catastrophes, the Company expects that claims experience
will often be the result of irregular and significant events. The occurrence of
claims from catastrophic events is likely to result in substantial volatility
in, and could potentially have a material adverse effect on, the Company's
financial condition, results of operations, and ability to write new business.
The business written by Talbot helps to mitigate these risks by providing us
with significant benefits in terms of product line and geographic
diversification.
Acquisition costs consist principally of brokerage expenses and commissions
which are driven by contract terms on reinsurance contracts written, and are
normally a specific percentage of premiums. Under certain contracts, cedants may
also receive profit commissions which will vary depending on the loss experience
on the contract. Acquisition costs are presented net of commissions or fees
received on any ceded premium.
General and administrative expenses are generally comprised of expenses which do
not vary with the amount of premiums written or losses incurred. Applicable
expenses include salaries and benefits, professional fees, office expenses, risk
management, and stock compensation expenses. Stock compensation expenses include
costs related to the Company's long-term incentive plan, under which restricted
stock are granted to certain employees.
Business Outlook and Trends
We underwrite global specialty property insurance and reinsurance and have large
aggregate exposures to natural and man-made disasters. The occurrence of claims
from catastrophic events results in substantial volatility, and can have
material adverse effects on the Company's financial condition and results and
ability to write new business. This volatility affects results for the
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period in which the loss occurs because U.S. accounting principles do not permit
reinsurers to reserve for such catastrophic events until they occur.
Catastrophic events of significant magnitude historically have been relatively
infrequent, although management believes the property catastrophe reinsurance
market has experienced a higher level of worldwide catastrophic losses in terms
of both frequency and severity in the period from 1992 to the present. We also
expect that increases in the values and concentrations of insured property will
increase the severity of such occurrences in the future. The Company seeks to
reflect these trends when pricing contracts.
Property and other reinsurance premiums have historically risen in the aftermath
of significant catastrophic losses. As loss reserves are established, industry
surplus is depleted and the industry's capacity to write new business
diminishes. At the same time, management believes that there is a heightened
awareness of exposure to natural catastrophes on the part of cedants, rating
agencies and catastrophe modeling firms, resulting in an increase in the demand
for reinsurance protection. The global property and casualty insurance and
reinsurance industry has historically been highly cyclical. Since 2007,
increased capital provided by new entrants or by the commitment of capital by
existing insurers and reinsurers increased the supply of insurance and
reinsurance which resulted in a softening on rates on most lines. During 2010
there was an increased level of catastrophe activity, principally the Chilean
earthquake and the Deepwater Horizon events but the Company continued to see
increased competition and decreased premium rates in most classes of business.
During the January 2011 renewal season, Validus Re increased gross premiums
written on its U.S. Cat XOL lines and decreased gross premiums written in the
proportional lines. In addition, Validus Re decreased gross premiums written in
the International Property lines as market conditions dictated. In the aftermath
of 2010's Deepwater Horizon loss, Validus Re saw additional opportunities and
rate increases in the marine lines. Within its specialty lines, Validus Re
increased gross premiums written in the terrorism lines among other sub-classes.
Until the third quarter of 2011, premiums within Talbot remained relatively
stable, then significant price increases were seen across offshore energy,
onshore energy and property classes. Most other classes also experienced low
level rate increases as the Lloyd's market responded to the year's highly
publicized catastrophes (including the Christchurch earthquake, Brisbane floods,
Tohuku earthquake and the Thailand floods) together with high frequency risk
losses. These increases were offset by some pricing pressure remaining in
places, resulting in an overall price increase at a whole account level of 3.1%
for the year.
During the January 2012 renewal season, the Validus Re segment showed rate
improvement relative to 2011. This improvement was largely due to the large
catastrophe loss activity during 2011. During the first quarter of 2012, Talbot
experienced rate increases in loss affected lines without seeing a systemic rise
in rates across all lines. During the July 2012 renewal period, the Validus Re
segment experienced rate improvements in the U.S. property lines while European
and Latin American property rates were unchanged. The Talbot segment experienced
a rate increase of 2.7% against a planned rate movement of 2% across the
portfolio, with marine treaty, property and energy related lines outperforming
the plan.
During the January 2013 renewal season, the Validus Re and AlphaCat segments
underwrote $655.7 million in gross premiums written, an increase of 12.7% from
the prior year period. This increase is driven primarily by an increase in gross
premiums written in the specialty lines. This renewal data does not include
Talbot's operations as its business is distributed relatively evenly throughout
the year.
Financial Measures
The Company believes the following financial indicators are important in
evaluating performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for
shareholders:
Annualized return on average equity represents the level of net income available
to shareholders generated from the average shareholders' equity during the
period. Annualized return on average equity is calculated by dividing the net
income available to Validus for the period by the average shareholders' equity
available to Validus during the period. Average shareholders' equity is the
average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end shareholders'
equity balances. The Company's objective is to generate superior returns on
capital that appropriately reward shareholders for the risks assumed and to grow
revenue only when returns meet or exceed internal requirements. Details of
annualized return on average equity are provided below.
Three Months Ended Years Ended
December 31, December 31,
2012 2011 2012 2011 2010Annualized return on average equity (9.5 )% 3.2 % 11.3 % 0.6 % 10.8 %
The decrease in annualized return on average equity was driven primarily by a
decrease in net income available to Validus for the three months ended
December 31, 2012. Net income available to Validus for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 decreased by $118.0 million, or 432.0% compared to the three
months ended December 31, 2011 due primarily to losses incurred
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on Hurricane Sandy. Net income available to Validus for the year ended
December 31, 2012 increased by $387.1 million, compared to the year ended
December 31, 2011 due primarily to the decreased impact of notable loss events
for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31,
2011.
Diluted book value per common share is considered by management to be an
appropriate measure of our returns to common shareholders, as we believe growth
in our book value on a diluted basis ultimately translates into growth of our
stock price. Diluted book value per common share after dividends paid, increased
by $2.94, or 9.1%, from $32.28 at December 31, 2011 to $35.22 at December 31,
2012. The increase was due to the income generated during the year ended
December 31, 2012. Diluted book value per common share is a Non-GAAP financial
measure. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure is book value per
common share. Diluted book value per common share is calculated based on total
shareholders' equity plus the assumed proceeds from the exercise of outstanding
options and warrants, divided by the sum of common shares, unvested restricted
shares, options and warrants outstanding (assuming their exercise). A
reconciliation of diluted book value per common share to book value per common
share is presented below in the section entitled "Other Non-GAAP Financial
Measures."
Cash dividends per common share are an integral part of the value created for
shareholders. The Company declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.25 per common
share and common share equivalent in each of the four quarters of 2012. On
February 6, 2013, the Company announced an increase in the quarterly cash
dividend to $0.30 per common share and $0.30 per common share equivalent for
which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on March 29, 2013 to
holders of record on March 15, 2013. In addition, the Company announced a
special dividend in the amount of $2.00 per common share and $2.00 per common
share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on
February 26, 2013 to shareholders and warrant holders of record as of
February 19, 2013.
Underwriting income measures the performance of the Company's core underwriting
function, excluding revenues and expenses such as net investment income (loss),
other income, finance expenses, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on
investments, foreign exchange gains (losses), gain on bargain purchase, net of
expenses and transaction expenses. The Company believes the reporting of
underwriting income enhances the understanding of our results by highlighting
the underlying profitability of the Company's core insurance and reinsurance
operations. Underwriting loss for the three months ended December 31, 2012 was
$(113.1) million and underwriting income for the three months ended December 31,
2011 was $12.8 million. Underwriting income for the year ended December 31, 2012
and 2011 was $248.7 million and $11.8 million, respectively. Underwriting income
is a Non-GAAP financial measure as described in detail and reconciled to net
income in the section below entitled "Underwriting (Loss) Income."
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities as at the balance sheet date and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Management believes the following accounting policies are critical to the
Company's financial reporting as the application of these policies requires
management to make significant judgments. Management believes the items that
require the most subjective and complex estimates are (1) reserve for losses and
loss expenses, (2) premiums, (3) reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance
recoverable and (4) investment valuation.
Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Description: We believe that the most significant accounting judgment made by
management is our estimate of reserve for losses and loss expenses. The Company
establishes its reserve for losses and loss expenses to cover the estimated
remaining liability incurred for both reported claims ("case reserves") and
unreported amounts ("incurred but not reported" or "IBNR reserves"). For
insurance and reinsurance business, the IBNR reserves include provision for loss
incidents that have occurred but have not yet been reported to the Company as
well as for future variation in case reserves (where the claim has been reported
but the ultimate cost is not yet known). The provision for future variation in
current case reserves is generally calculated using actuarial estimates of total
IBNR at the aggregated line of business level. Additional individual claim IBNR
amounts are sometimes calculated for larger claims within our insurance and
reinsurance businesses.Within the reinsurance business, the portion of total
IBNR related to future variation on known claims is calculated at the individual
claim level in some instances (either as an additional case reserve or
individual claim IBNR). Within the insurance business, the provision for future
variation in current case reserves is generally calculated using actuarial
estimates of total IBNR, while individual claim IBNR amounts are sometimes
calculated for larger claims. For AlphaCat, Talbot and Validus Re, IBNR is
established separately for certain large or catastrophe losses and smaller
"attritional" losses. The Company has procedures in place to aggregate large or
catastrophe losses on a consolidated basis for financial reporting and
disclosure purposes. For disclosure purposes, only those loss events which
aggregate to over $15.0 million on a consolidated basis are disclosed separately
and included in the reserve for notable loss events and reserve for development
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on events tables. Notable loss events are first determined at the respective
operating segments based on segment thresholds and are then aggregated and
disclosed if it is determined that they reach the consolidated threshold for
notable loss disclosure.
For all lines of business, the Company's reserve for losses and loss adjustment
expenses and loss reserves recoverable consist of three categories: (1) case
reserves, (2) in certain circumstances, additional case reserves (ACR), and
(3) IBNR reserves. The reserves and recoverables for attritional and large or
catastrophe losses are established on an annual and interim basis as follows:
1.Case reserves: Case reserves generally are analyzed and established by each
segment's claims department on all lines, making use of third party input where
appropriate (including, for the reinsurance business, reports of losses from
ceding companies). For insurance business where Talbot is not the lead
underwriter on the business, the case reserves are established by the lead
underwriter and validated by the central Lloyd's market claims bureau, with a
sample reviewed by Talbot.
2.ACR reserves: ACRs are established for AlphaCat and Validus Re business by
our claims department in cases where we believe the case reserves reported by
the cedant require adjustment. ACRs supplement case reserves based on
information obtained through ceding company audits or other sources. ACRs are
not generally used at Talbot as claim volumes are generally greater and thus the
potential for future variation in case reserve estimates on known claims often
can be analyzed at an aggregate level using historical data.
3.IBNR reserves:
a.Large or catastrophe events-IBNR reserves are established for all lines based
on each segment's estimates for known loss events for which not all claims have
been reported to the Company. In establishing such IBNR reserves, the Company
accumulates loss information from modeling agencies, where possible, publicly
available sources and information contained in client reports and estimates. The
loss information is applied to the Company's book of in-force contracts to
establish an estimate of the Company's ultimate exposure to the loss event. For
some large loss events, the Company estimates an ultimate loss expectation for
the individual event. Paid losses, case reserves and any additional case
reserves are then deducted from the ultimate loss to ascertain the IBNR estimate
for these individual large claims or catastrophe events. The size of event for
which the Company establishes a separate ultimate loss estimate may vary based
on an assessment of the materiality of the event, as well as on other factors.
b.Attritional losses-IBNR reserves are established using some combination of the
actuarial methods described above, including the Chain Ladder method, the
Generalized Cape Cod method and the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method. In situations
where limited historic development data is available and/or the year being
analyzed is more recent (less mature), the expected loss method and the
Bornhuetter-Ferguson method are more commonly used. Under all methods used at
AlphaCat, Talbot and Validus Re, an ultimate loss amount is established. Paid
losses, case reserves and any additional case reserves are then deducted from
the ultimate loss to ascertain the attritional IBNR reserves.
For all sources of IBNR, net reserves are estimated by first estimating gross
IBNR reserves, then estimating reinsurance recoverables on IBNR.
Judgments and Uncertainties: Loss reserve estimates for insurance and
reinsurance business are not precise in that they deal with the inherent
uncertainty in the outcome of insurance and reinsurance claims made on the
Company, many of which have not yet been reported to the Company. Estimating
loss reserves requires management to make assumptions, both explicit and
implicit, regarding future paid and reported loss development patterns,
frequency and severity trends, claims settlement practices, potential changes in
the legal environment and other factors. These estimates and judgments are based
on numerous factors, and may be revised over time as additional experience or
other data becomes available, as new or improved methodologies are developed or
as current laws change.
As predominantly a broker market insurer and reinsurer, the Company must rely on
loss information reported to us by brokers from clients, where such information
is often incomplete or changing. The quality and type of information received
varies by client and by the nature of the business, insurance or reinsurance.
In the insurance business, for risks that the Company leads, the Company
receives from brokers details of potential claims, on the basis of which the
Company's loss adjusters make estimates of the likely ultimate outcome of the
claims. In determining these reserves, the Company takes into account a number
of factors including the facts and circumstances of the individual claim, the
nature of the coverage and historical information about its experience on
similar types of claims. For insurance business where another company is the
lead, the case reserves are established by the lead underwriter and validated
centrally by the Lloyd's market claims bureau, with a sample reviewed by the
Company. The sum of the individual claim estimates for lead and follow business
constitutes the case reserves.
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For reinsurance business, the Company typically receives from brokers details of
paid losses and estimated case reserves recorded by the ceding company. In
addition to this, the ceding company's estimated provision for IBNR losses is
sometimes also available, although this in itself introduces additional
uncertainty owing to the differing and typically unknown reserving practices of
ceding companies.
There will also be a time lag between a loss occurring and it being reported,
first by the original claimant to its insurer, via the insurance broker, and for
reinsurance business, subsequently from the insurer to the reinsurer via the
reinsurance broker.
The Company writes a mix of predominantly short-tail business, both insurance
and reinsurance. The combination of low claim frequency and high claim severity
that is characteristic of much of this short-tail business makes the available
data more volatile and less reliable for predicting ultimate losses. For
example, in property lines, there can be additional uncertainty in loss
estimation related to large catastrophe events, whether natural or man-made.
With wind events, such as hurricanes, the damage assessment process may take
more than a year. The cost of claims is also subject to volatility due to supply
shortages for construction materials and labor. In the case of earthquakes, the
damage assessment process may take longer as buildings are discovered to have
structural weaknesses not initially detected.
The Company also writes longer tail insurance lines of business, predominantly
financial institutions ($35.8 million of gross premiums written on a claims made
basis) and marine and energy liabilities ($60.3 million of gross premiums
substantially written on a losses occurring basis) for the year ended
December 31, 2012. These longer tail lines represent 8.9% of Talbot's gross
premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2012. For marine and energy
liability, the time from the occurrence of a claim to its first report to the
Company can also be years. For both marine and energy liability and financial
institutions, the subsequent time between reporting of a claim and its
settlement can be years. In these intervening periods between occurrence,
reporting and settlement, additional facts regarding individual claims and
trends often will become known and current laws and case law may change,
affecting the ultimate value of the claim.
Taken together, these issues add considerable uncertainty to the process of
estimating ultimate losses, hence loss reserves, and this uncertainty is
increased for reinsurance business compared with insurance business due to the
additional parties in the chain of reporting from the original claimant to the
reinsurer.
As a result of the uncertainties described above, the Company must estimate IBNR
reserves, which consist of a provision for future development on known loss
events, as well as a provision for claims which have occurred but which have not
yet been reported to us by clients. Because of the degree of reliance that is
necessarily placed on brokers and (re)insured companies for claims reporting,
the associated time lag, the low frequency/high severity nature of much of the
business underwritten, the rapidly emerging and changing nature of facts and
circumstances surrounding large events and, for reinsurance business, the
varying reserving practices among ceding companies as described above, reserve
estimates are highly dependent on management's judgment and are subject to
uncertainty.
The Company strives to take account of these uncertainties in the judgments and
assumptions made when establishing loss reserves, but it is not possible to
eliminate the uncertainties. As a result, there is a risk that the Company's
actual losses may be higher or lower than the reserves booked.
For the Company's insurance business written by Talbot, where a longer reserving
history exists, the Company examines the development of its own historical paid
and incurred losses to identify trends, which it then incorporates into the
reserving process where it deems appropriate.
For the Company's reinsurance business, especially that written by Validus Re
where the Company relies more heavily on information provided by clients in
order to assist it in estimating reserves, the Company performs certain
processes in order to help assess the completeness and accuracy of such
information as follows:
1.In addition to information received from clients on reported claims, the
Company also uses information on the patterns of client loss reporting and loss
settlements from previous events in order to estimate the Company's ultimate
liability related to these events;
2.The Company uses reinsurance industry information in order to perform
consistency checks on the data provided by ceding companies and to identify
trends in loss reporting and settlement activity. Where it deems appropriate,
the Company incorporates such information in establishing reinsurance reserves;
and
3.For both insurance and reinsurance business, the Company supplements the loss
information received from clients with loss estimates developed by market share
techniques and third party catastrophe models when such information is
available.
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Although there is normally a lag in receiving reinsurance data from cedants, the
Company currently has no backlog related to the processing of assumed
reinsurance information. The Company actively manages its relationships with
brokers and clients and considers existing disputes with counterparties to be in
the normal course of business.
As described above, the reserve for losses and loss expenses includes both a
component for outstanding case reserves for claims which have been reported and
a component for IBNR reserves. IBNR reserves are the difference between ultimate
losses and reported losses, where reported losses are the sum of paid losses and
outstanding case reserves. Ultimate losses are estimated by management using
various actuarial methods, including exposure-based and loss-based methods, as
well as other qualitative assessments regarding claim trends.
The Company uses a reserving methodology that establishes a point estimate for
ultimate losses. The point estimate represents management's best estimate of
ultimate losses and loss expenses. The Company does not select a range as part
of its loss reserving process. The extent of reliance on management judgment in
the reserving process differs depending on the circumstances surrounding the
estimations, including the volume and credibility of data, the perceived
relevance of historical data to future conditions, the stability or level of
stability in the Company's operational processes for handling losses (including
claims practices and systems) and other factors. The Company reviews its
reserving assumptions and methodologies on a quarterly basis. Two of the most
critical assumptions in establishing reserves are loss emergence patterns and
expected loss ratios. Loss emergence patterns are critical to the reserving
process as they can be one key indicator of the ultimate liability. A pattern of
reported loss emergence which is different from expectations may indicate a
change in the loss climate and may thus influence the estimate of future
payments that should be reflected in reserves. Expected loss ratios are a
primary component in the Company's calculation of estimated ultimate losses for
business at an early stage in its development.
Loss emergence patterns for the business written by Talbot are generally derived
from Talbot's own historic loss development triangulations, supplemented in some
instances by Lloyd's market data. For the business written by Validus Re, where
its own historic loss development triangulations are currently more limited,
greater use is made of market data including reinsurance industry data available
from organizations such as statistical bureaus and consulting firms, where
appropriate. Expected loss ratios are estimated in a variety of ways, largely
dependent upon the data available. Wherever it deems appropriate, management
incorporates the Company's own loss experience in establishing initial expected
loss ratios and reserves. This is particularly true for the business written by
Talbot where a longer reserving history exists and expected losses and loss
ratios consider, among other things, rate increases and changes in terms and
conditions that have been observed in the market. For reinsurance business,
expected losses and loss ratios are typically developed using vendor and
proprietary computer models. The information used in these models is collected
by underwriters and actuaries during the initial pricing of the business.
The Company has large catastrophe event ultimate loss reserve estimation
procedures for the investigation, analysis, and estimation of ultimate losses
resulting from large catastrophe events. The determination regarding which
events follow these procedures is made by members of senior management from
relevant departments within the Company. The procedures are designed to
facilitate the communication of information between various relevant functions
and provide an efficient approach to determining the estimated loss for the
event.
In developing estimates for large catastrophe events, the Company considers
various sources of information including: specific loss estimates reported by
our cedants and policyholders, ceding company and overall insurance industry
loss estimates reported by our brokers and by claims reporting services,
proprietary and third party vendor models and internal data regarding insured or
reinsured exposures related to the geographical location of the event. Use of
these various sources enables management to estimate the ultimate loss for known
events with a higher degree of accuracy and timeliness than if the Company
relied solely on one data source. Indicated ultimate loss estimates for
catastrophe events are compiled by a committee of management, and these
indicated ultimate losses are incorporated into the process of selecting
management's best estimate of reserves.
As with large catastrophe events, the Company separately estimates ultimate
losses for certain large claims using a number of methods, including estimation
based on vendor models, analyses of specific industry occurrences and facts, as
well as information from cedants and policyholders on individual contract
involvements.
During 2010 and 2011, given the complexity and severity of notable loss events,
an explicit reserve for potential development on 2010 and 2011 notable loss
events (RDE) was included within the Company's IBNR reserving process. As
uncertainties surrounding initial estimates on notable loss events develop, it
is expected that this reserve will be allocated to specific notable loss events.
No RDE was established for 2012 notable losses.
The requirement for a reserve for potential development on notable loss events
in a quarter is a function of (a) the number of significant events occurring in
that quarter and (b) the complexity and volatility of those events. Complexity
and volatility factors considered are as follows:
•Contract complexity;
• Nature and number of perils arising from an event;
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• Limits and sub limits exposed;
• Quality, timing and flow of information received from each loss;
• Timing of receipt of information to the Company;
• Information regarding retrocessional covers;
• Assumptions, both explicit and implicit, regarding future paid and reported
loss development patterns;
• Frequency and severity trends;
• Claims settlement practices; and
• Potential changes in the legal environment.
Each of these factors may lead to associated volatility for each notable loss
event as well as consideration of the total reserve for loss events in the
aggregate. Consequently, all of these factors are considered in the aggregate
for the events occurring in the quarter, recognizing that it is more likely that
one or some of the events may deteriorate significantly, rather than all
deteriorating proportionately. The establishment of each quarter's requirement
for a reserve for potential development on notable loss events takes place as
part of the quarterly evaluation of the Company's overall reserve requirements.
It is not directly linked in isolation to any one significant/notable loss in
the quarter. The reserve for potential development on notable loss events is
evaluated by our in-house actuaries as part of their normal process in setting
of indicated reserves for the quarter. In ensuing quarters the senior management
and the in-house actuaries revisit and re-estimate certain events previously
considered in the catastrophe loss event process as well as events that have
subsequently emerged in the current quarter. To the extent that there has been
adverse development on a notable loss event, if there is RDE remaining from that
accident year, an allocation from the respective accident year RDE will be made
to the notable loss event. If there is no remaining RDE relating to the accident
year of the loss, then adverse development will be recorded for the notable loss
event.
Changes to the reserve for potential development on notable loss events will be
considered in light of changes to previous loss estimates from notable losses in
this re-estimation process.To the extent that there are continued complexity and
volatility factors relating to notable loss events in the aggregate, additions
to the RDE may be established for a specific accident year, as illustrated in
the RDE roll forward table below.
Management's loss estimates are subject to annual corroborative review by
independent external actuaries using generally accepted actuarial techniques and
other analytical and qualitative methods.
The Company's reserving methodology was not changed materially in the year ended
December 31, 2012 from the methodology used in the year ended December 31, 2011
for either Validus Re, AlphaCat or Talbot. Management's best estimate of the
gross reserve for losses and loss expenses and loss reserves recoverable at
December 31, 2012 were $3,517.6 million and $440.0 million, respectively. The
following table sets forth a breakdown between gross case reserves and gross
IBNR by segment at December 31, 2012.
As at December 31, 2012
Total Gross
Reserve for
Gross Case Gross Losses and
(Dollars in thousands) Reserves IBNR Loss Expenses
Validus Re $ 1,009,434 $ 1,113,461 $ 2,122,895
AlphaCat 5,000 - 5,000
Talbot 760,149 720,158 1,480,307
Eliminations (55,485 ) (35,144 ) (90,629 )
Total $ 1,719,098 $ 1,798,475 $ 3,517,573
Management's best estimate of the gross reserve for losses and loss expenses and
loss reserves recoverable at December 31, 2011 were $2,631.1 million and $372.5
million, respectively. The following table sets forth a breakdown between gross
case reserves and gross IBNR by segment at December 31, 2011.
As at December 31, 2011
Total Gross
Reserve for
Gross Case Gross Losses and
(Dollars in thousands) Reserves IBNR Loss Expenses
Validus Re $ 765,299 $ 585,550 $ 1,350,849
AlphaCat - 10,000 10,000
Talbot 703,965 673,596 1,377,561
Eliminations (54,822 ) (52,445 ) (107,267 )
Total $ 1,414,442 $ 1,216,701 $ 2,631,143
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To the extent insurance and reinsurance industry data is relied upon to aid in
establishing reserve estimates, there is a risk that the data may not match the
Company's risk profile or that the industry's reserving practices overall differ
from those of the Company and its clients. In addition, reserving can prove
especially difficult should a significant loss event take place near the end of
an accounting period, particularly if it involves a catastrophic event. These
factors further contribute to the degree of uncertainty in the reserving
process.
The uncertainties inherent in the reserving process, together with the potential
for unforeseen developments, including changes in laws and the prevailing
interpretation of policy terms, may result in losses and loss expenses
materially different from the reserves initially established. Changes to prior
year reserves will affect current period underwriting income by increasing
income if the prior year ultimate losses are reduced or decreasing income if the
prior year ultimate losses are increased. The Company expects volatility in
results in periods when significant loss events occur because U.S. GAAP does not
permit insurers or reinsurers to reserve for loss events until they have both
occurred and are expected to give rise to a claim. As a result, the Company is
not allowed to record contingency reserves to account for expected future
losses. The Company anticipates that claims arising from future events will
require the establishment of substantial reserves in future periods.
Effect if Actual Results Differ From Assumptions: Given the risks and
uncertainties associated with the process for estimating reserves for losses and
loss expenses, management has performed an evaluation of the potential
variability in loss reserves and the impact this variability may have on
reported results, financial condition and liquidity. Because of the inherent
uncertainties discussed above, we have developed a reserving philosophy which
attempts to incorporate prudent assumptions and estimates, and we have generally
experienced favorable net development on prior year reserves in the last several
years. However, there is no assurance that this will occur in future periods.
Management's best estimate of the net reserve for losses and loss expenses at
December 31, 2012 is $3,077.6 million. The following tables show the effect on
estimated net reserves for losses and loss expenses as of December 31, 2012 of a
change in two of the most critical assumptions in establishing reserves:
(1) loss emergence patterns, accelerated or decelerated by three and six months;
and (2) expected loss ratios varied by plus or minus five and ten percent.
Management believes that a reasonably likely scenario is represented by such a
standard, as used by some professional actuaries as part of their review of an
insurer's or reinsurer's reserves. Utilizing this standard as a guide,
management has selected these variances to determine reasonably likely scenarios
of variability in the loss emergence and loss ratio assumptions. These scenarios
consider normal levels of catastrophe events. Loss reserves may vary beyond
these scenarios in periods of heightened or reduced claim activity. The reserves
resulting from the changes in the assumptions are not additive and should be
considered separately. The following tables vary the assumptions employed
therein independently. In addition, the tables below do not adjust any
parameters other than the ones described above. Specifically, reinsurance
collectability was not explicitly stressed as part of the calculations below.
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Net reserve for losses and loss expenses at December 31, 2012-Sensitivity to
loss emergence patterns
Reserve for losses and loss
Change in assumption expenses
(Dollars in thousands)
Six month acceleration $ 2,661,432
Three month acceleration 2,855,922
No change (selected) 3,077,606
Three month deceleration 3,325,264
Six month deceleration 3,598,079
Net reserve for losses and loss expenses at December 31, 2012-Sensitivity to
expected loss expenses
Reserve for losses and loss
Change in assumption expenses
(Dollars in thousands)
10% favorable $ 2,959,320
5% favorable 3,018,463
No change (selected) 3,077,606
5% unfavorable 3,136,749
10% unfavorable 3,195,892
The most significant variance in the above scenarios, six month deceleration in
loss emergence patterns, would have the effect of increasing losses and loss
expenses by $520.5 million.
Management believes that the reserve for losses and loss expenses is sufficient
to cover expected claims incurred before the evaluation date on the basis of the
methodologies and judgments used to support its estimates. However, there can be
no assurance that actual payments will not vary significantly from total
reserves. The reserve for losses and loss expenses and the methodology of
estimating such reserve are regularly reviewed and updated as new information
becomes known. Any resulting adjustments are reflected in income in the period
in which they become known.
Premiums
Description: For insurance business, written premium estimates are determined
from the business plan estimates of premiums by class, the aggregate of
underwriters' estimates on a policy-by-policy basis, and projections of ultimate
premiums using generally accepted actuarial methods. In particular, direct
insurance premiums are recognized in accordance with the type of contract
written.
The majority of our insurance premium is accepted on a direct open market or
facultative basis. We receive a premium which is identified in the policy and
recorded as unearned premium on the inception date of the contract. This premium
will typically adjust only if the underlying insured values adjust. We actively
monitor underlying insured values and record adjustment premiums in the period
in which amounts are reasonably determinable.
Judgments and Uncertainties: For business written on a facultative basis,
although a premium estimate is not contractually stated for the amount of
business to be written under any particular facility, an initial estimate of the
expected premium written is received from the coverholder via the broker. Our
estimate of premium is derived by reference to one or more of the following: the
historical premium volume experienced by any facility; historical premium volume
of similar facilities; the estimates provided by the broker; and industry
information on the underlying business. We actively monitor the development of
actual reported premium against the estimates made; where actual reported
premiums deviate from the estimate, we carry out an analysis to determine the
cause and may, if necessary, adjust the estimated premiums. In the year ended
December 31, 2012, premiums written on a facultative basis accounted for
approximately $357.2 million of total gross premiums written at Talbot.
For contracts written on a losses occurring basis or claims made basis, premium
income is generally earned proportionately over the expected risk period,
usually 12 months. For all other contracts, comprising contracts written on a
risks attaching basis, premiums are generally earned over a 24 month period due
to the fact that some of the underlying exposures may attach towards the end of
the contract, and such underlying exposures generally have a 12 month coverage
period. The portion of the premium
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related to the unexpired portion of the policy at the end of any reporting
period is presented on the consolidated balance sheet as unearned premiums.
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross
Written Written Written Written Written Written
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums (%) Premiums Premiums (%) Premiums Premiums (%)
Proportional $ 333,469 15.4 % $ 267,378 12.6 % $ 260,149 13.1 %
Non-proportional 1,832,971 84.6 % 1,857,313 87.4 % 1,730,417 86.9 %
Total $ 2,166,440 100.0 % $ 2,124,691 100.0 % $ 1,990,566 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
For reinsurance business where the assumed reinsurance premium is written on an
excess of loss or on a pro rata basis, reinsurance contracts are generally
written prior to the time the underlying direct policies are written by cedants
and accordingly cedants must estimate such premiums when purchasing reinsurance
coverage. For excess of loss contracts, the deposit premium is defined in the
contract. The deposit premium is based on the client's estimated premiums, and
this estimate is the amount recorded as written premium in the period the risk
incepts. In the majority of cases, these contracts are adjustable at the end of
the contract period to reflect the changes in underlying risks during the
contract period. Subsequent adjustments, based on reports by the clients of
actual premium, are recorded in the period in which the cedant reports are
received, which would normally be reported within six months to one year
subsequent to the expiration of the contract. For pro rata reinsurance
contracts, an estimate of written premium is recorded in the period in which the
risk incepts. The written premiums estimate is based on the pro rata cession
percentage, on information provided by ceding companies and on management's
judgment. Management critically evaluates the information provided by ceding
companies based on experience with the cedant, broker and the underlying book of
business.
Throughout the term of the policy, periodic review of the estimated premium
takes place based on the latest information available, which may include actual
reported premium to date, the latest premium estimates as provided by cedants
and brokers, historical experience, management's professional judgment,
information obtained during the underwriting renewal process, as well as an
assessment of relevant economic conditions. If necessary, subsequent adjustments
are recorded at the time of review.
On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the appropriateness of these premium
estimates based on the latest information available, which may include actual
reported premium to date, the latest premium estimates as provided by cedants
and brokers, historical experience, management's professional judgment,
information obtained during the underwriting renewal process, as well as an
assessment of relevant economic conditions. Past experience may not be
indicative of how future premium estimates develop. The Company believes that
reasonably likely changes in assumptions made in the estimation process would
not have a significant impact on gross premiums written as recorded.
Where contract terms on excess of loss contracts require the mandatory
reinstatement of coverage after a client's loss, the mandatory reinstatement
premiums are recorded as written and earned premiums when the loss event occurs.
Management includes an assessment of the creditworthiness of cedants in the
review process above, primarily based on market knowledge, reports from rating
agencies, the timeliness of cedants' payments and the status of current balances
owing. Based on this assessment, management believes that as at December 31,
2012 no provision for doubtful accounts is necessary for receivables from
cedants.
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded and Reinsurance Recoverables
Description: As discussed in Item 1 "Business-Underwriting Risk Management,"
the Company primarily uses ceded reinsurance for risk mitigation purposes.
Talbot purchases reinsurance on an excess of loss and a proportional basis
together with a relatively small amount of facultative reinsurance and ILWs.
Validus Re purchases reinsurance on an excess of loss and a proportional basis
together with ILW coverage.
Judgments and Uncertainties: For excess of loss business, the amount of premium
payable is usually contractually documented at inception and management judgment
is only necessary in respect of any loss-related elements of the premium, for
example reinstatement or adjustment premiums, and loss-related commissions. The
full premium is recorded at inception and if the contract is purchased on a
"losses occurring " basis, the premium is earned on a straight line basis over
the life of the contract. If the policy is purchased on a "risks attaching "
basis, the premium is earned in line with the inwards gross premiums to which
the risk attaching relates. After the contract has expired, a No Claims Bonus
may be received for certain policies, and this is recorded as a reinsurance
premium adjustment in the period in which it can be reasonably determined.
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Reinsurance receivable and reinsurance recoverable balances include amounts owed
to us in respect of paid and unpaid ceded losses and loss expenses,
respectively. The balances are presented net of a reserve for
non-recoverability. As at December 31, 2012, reinsurance recoverable balances
were $440.0 million and paid losses recoverable balances were $46.4 million. In
establishing our reinsurance recoverable balances, significant judgment is
exercised by management in determining the amount of unpaid losses and loss
expenses to be ceded as well as our ability to cede losses and loss expenses
under our reinsurance contracts.
Our ceded unpaid losses and loss expense consists of two elements, those for
reported losses and those for losses incurred but not reported ("IBNR"). Ceded
amounts for IBNR are developed as part of our loss reserving process.
Consequently, the estimation of ceded unpaid losses and loss expenses is subject
to similar risks and uncertainties in the estimation of gross IBNR (see "Reserve
for Losses and Loss Expenses" above). As at December 31, 2012, ceded IBNR
recoverable balances were $185.3 million.
Although our reinsurance receivable and reinsurance recoverable balances are
derived from our determination of contractual provisions, the recoverability of
such amounts may ultimately differ due to the potential for a reinsurer to
become financially impaired or insolvent or for a contractual dispute over
contract language or coverage. Consequently, we review our reinsurance
recoverable balances on a regular basis to determine if there is a need to
establish a provision for non-recoverability. In performing this review, we use
judgment in assessing the credit worthiness of our reinsurers and the
contractual provisions of our reinsurance agreements. As at December 31, 2012,
we had a provision for non-recoverability of $6.6 million. In the event that the
credit worthiness of our reinsurers were to deteriorate, actual uncollectible
amounts could be significantly greater than our provision for
non-recoverability.
The Company uses a default analysis to estimate uncollectible reinsurance. The
primary components of the default analysis are reinsurance recoverable balances
by reinsurer and default factors used to determine the portion of a reinsurer's
balance deemed to be uncollectible. Default factors require considerable
judgment and are determined using the current rating, or rating equivalent, of
each reinsurer as well as other key considerations and assumptions.
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions: At December 31, 2012, the use
of different assumptions within the model could have an effect on the provision
for uncollectible reinsurance reflected in the Company's consolidated financial
statements. To the extent the creditworthiness of the Company's reinsurers was
to deteriorate due to an adverse event affecting the reinsurance industry, such
as a large number of major catastrophes, actual uncollectible amounts could be
significantly greater than the Company's provision.
Investment Valuation
Description: Consistent with U.S. GAAP, the Company recognizes fixed maturity
and short-term investments at their fair value in the consolidated balance
sheets. 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. U.S. GAAP also established 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"). Generally, the degree of judgment
used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments inversely correlates
with the availability of observable inputs. All of the Company's fixed maturity
and short-term investment fair value measurements have either quoted market
prices or other observable inputs.
Judgments and Uncertainties:The Company's external investment accounting service
provider receives prices from independent pricing sources to measure the fair
values of its fixed maturity investments. These independent pricing sources are
prioritized with respect to reliability to ensure that only the highest priority
pricing inputs are used. The independent pricing sources are received via
automated feeds from indices, pricing and broker-dealers services. Pricing is
also obtained from other external investment managers. This information is
applied consistently across all portfolios. The Company's external investment
accounting service provider confirms and documents all prices received from
broker-dealers on a daily basis for quality control and audit purposes.
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 SSAE 16 Report) in conjunction with regular
discussion and analysis of the investment portfolio's structure and performance.
To date, management has not noted any issues or discrepancies related to
investment valuation.
Other investments consist of hedge funds, a fund of hedge funds, private equity
investments and a deferred compensation trust held in mutual funds. The hedge
funds were valued at $538.5 million at December 31, 2012. The hedge funds
consist of an investment in four Paulson & Co. managed funds and three
investment funds assumed from the Flagstone Acquisition. The Paulson & Co. Inc.
funds' administrator provides monthly reported Net Asset Values ("NAVs") with a
one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the funds' administrator's
November 30, 2012 NAV was used as a partial basis for fair value measurement in
the
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Company's December 31, 2012 balance sheet. The fund manager provides an estimate
of the NAV at December 31, 2012 based on estimated performance. The Company
adjusts fair value to the fund manager's estimated NAV that incorporates
relevant valuation sources on a timely basis. As this valuation technique
incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the Paulson
hedge funds are classified as Level 3 assets. To determine the reasonableness of
the estimated NAV, the Company assesses the variance between the fund manager's
estimated NAV and the fund administrator's NAV. Material variances are recorded
in the current reporting period while immaterial variances are recorded in the
following reporting period. These managed hedge funds are subject to quarterly
liquidity.
The Flagstone investment funds and private equity investments' monthly reported
NAV is provided with a one-month or one-quarter delay in its valuation. As a
result, the November 30, 2012 NAV or the September 30, 2012 NAV was used as a
basis for fair value measurement in the Company's December 31, 2012 balance
sheet. As this valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant
unobservable inputs, the investments funds and private equity investments are
classified as Level 3 assets.
The fund of hedge funds includes a side pocket valued at $4.1 million at
December 31, 2012. While a redemption request has been submitted, the timing of
receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is unknown. The fund's administrator
provides a monthly reported NAV with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a
result, the fund administrator's November 30, 2012 NAV was used as a basis for
fair value measurement in the Company's December 31, 2012 balance sheet. The
fund manager provides an estimate of the fund NAV at December 31, 2012 based on
the estimated performance provided from the underlying third-party funds. To
determine the reasonableness of the NAV, the Company compares the one-month
delayed fund administrator's NAV to the fund manager's estimated NAV that
incorporates relevant valuation sources on a timely basis. Material variances
are recorded in the current reporting period while immaterial variances are
recorded in the following reporting period. As this valuation technique
incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the fund of
hedge funds is classified as a Level 3 asset.
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions: Refer to Item 7A.
"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for further
discussion of interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis of the impact of
interest rate variances on the valuation of the Company's fixed maturity and
short-term investments.
Segment Reporting
Management has determined that the Company operates in three reportable
segments. These segments are its significant operating subsidiaries, Validus Re,
AlphaCat and Talbot. For segmental reporting purposes, the results of
Flagstone's operations since the acquisition date have been included within the
Validus Re segment in the consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations
The Company commenced operations on December 16, 2005. The Company's fiscal year
ends on December 31. Financial statements are prepared in accordance with
U.S. GAAP and relevant SEC guidance.
The following table presents results of operations for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 and years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
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Three Months Ended
December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2012 (a) 2011 2012 (a) 2011 2010
Gross premiums written $ 311,847 $ 278,279 $ 2,166,440 $ 2,124,691 1,990,566
Reinsurance premiums ceded (35,659 ) (16,489 ) (307,506 ) (289,241 ) (229,482 )
Net premiums written 276,188 261,790 1,858,934 1,835,450 1,761,084
Change in unearned premiums 223,098 226,556 14,282 (33,307 ) 39
Net premiums earned 499,286 488,346 1,873,216 1,802,143 1,761,123
Losses and loss expenses 458,310 334,829 999,446 1,244,401 987,586
Policy acquisition costs 81,814 81,253 334,698 314,184 292,899
General and administrative
expenses 65,095 52,253 263,652 197,497 209,290
Share compensation expenses 7,126 7,237 26,709 34,296 28,911
Total underwriting deductions 612,345 475,572 1,624,505 1,790,378 1,518,686
Underwriting (loss) income (b) (113,059 ) 12,774 248,711 11,765 242,437
Net investment income 28,802 28,080 107,936 112,296 134,103
Other income 187 3,517 22,396 5,718 5,219
Finance expenses (14,510 ) (13,520 ) (53,857 ) (54,817 ) (55,870 )
Operating (loss) income before
taxes and (loss) income from
operating affilites (b) (98,580 ) 30,851 325,186 74,962 325,889
Tax (expense) benefit (615 ) 226 (2,501 ) (824 ) (3,126 )
(Loss) income from operating
affiliates (614 ) - 12,580 - -
Net operating (loss) income (b) (99,809 ) 31,077 335,265
74,138 322,763
Gain on bargain purchase, net of
expenses (c) 21,485 - 17,701 - -
Net realized (losses) gains on
investments (4,516 ) 5,355 18,233 28,532 32,498
Net unrealized (losses) gains on
investments (35,857 ) 2,159 17,585 (19,991 ) 45,952
(Loss) from investment affiliate (406 ) - (964 ) - -
Foreign exchange gains (losses) 1,181 266 4,798 (22,124 ) 1,351
Transaction expenses (d) - (3,850 ) - (17,433 ) -
Net (loss) income (117,922 ) 35,007 392,618 43,122 402,564
Net loss (income) attributable to
noncontrolling interest 27,206 (7,683 ) 15,820 (21,793 ) -
Net (loss) income (attributable)
available to Validus $ (90,716 ) $ 27,324 $ 408,438 $ 21,329 $ 402,564
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross
premiums written 88.6 % 94.1 % 85.8 % 86.4 % 88.5 %
Losses and loss expenses 91.8 % 68.6 % 53.4 % 69.1 % 56.1 %
Policy acquisition costs 16.4 % 16.6 % 17.9 % 17.4 % 16.6 %
General and administrative
expenses (e) 14.5 % 12.2 % 15.5 % 12.9 % 13.5 %
Expense ratio 30.9 % 28.8 % 33.4 % 30.3 % 30.1 %
Combined ratio 122.7 % 97.4 % 86.8 % 99.4 % 86.2 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company's results, management
has included and discussed underwriting income and operating income that are
not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such
measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or
calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Reconciliations of these measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial
measure, are presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income."
(c) The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arises from the acquisition of
Flagstone on November 30, 2012 and is net of transaction related expenses.
(d) The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the
Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic. Transaction expenses are
primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.
(e) The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation
expenses.
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Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31,
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2012 (a) 2011 2012 (a) 2011 2010
Validus Re
Gross premiums written $ 79,233 $ 55,851 $ 1,131,959 $ 1,114,493 $ 1,089,443
Reinsurance premiums ceded (7,074 ) (49 ) (144,578 ) (150,718 ) (63,147 )
Net premiums written 72,159 55,802 987,381 963,775 1,026,296
Change in unearned premiums 213,105 196,679 35,890 2,150 13,822
Net premiums earned 285,264 252,481 1,023,271 965,925 1,040,118
Losses and loss expenses 331,130 215,903 575,416 749,305 601,610
Policy acquisition costs 40,703 39,227 154,362 154,582 159,527
General and administrative expenses 14,716 11,716 63,048 44,663 45,613
Share compensation expenses 1,849 2,191 7,763 9,309 7,181
Total underwriting deductions 388,398 269,037 800,589 957,859 813,931
Underwriting (loss) income (b) (103,134 ) (16,556 ) 222,682 8,066 226,187
AlphaCat
Gross premiums written $ (4 ) $ (1,323 ) $ 21,603 $ 75,727 $ 11,796
Reinsurance premiums ceded - - - - -
Net premiums written (4 ) (1,323 ) 21,603 75,727 11,796
Change in unearned premiums 5,895 27,834 (3,937 ) (9,761 ) (714 )
Net premiums earned 5,891 26,511 17,666 65,966 11,082
Losses and loss expenses - 10,000 - 10,000 -
Policy acquisition costs 589 3,331 1,774 7,946 1,072
General and administrative expenses 2,011 6,807 7,532 10,929 5,327
Share compensation expenses 84 33 279 107 594
Total underwriting deductions 2,684 20,171 9,585 28,982 6,993
Underwriting income (b) 3,207 6,340 8,081 36,984 4,089
Legal Entity adjustments
Gross premiums written $ 7 $ - $ 7 $ - $ -
Reinsurance premiums ceded - - - - -
Net premiums written 7 - 7 - -
Change in unearned premiums (3,833 ) - (3,833 ) - -
Net premiums earned (3,826 ) - (3,826 ) - -
Losses and loss expenses - - - - -
Policy acquisition costs (365 ) (1,093 ) (390 ) (2,394 ) -General and administrative expenses 1,673 (5,438 ) 5,130 (1,658 ) 15,927
Share compensation expenses
115 196 561 982 80
Total underwriting deductions 1,423 (6,335 ) 5,301 (3,070 ) 16,007
Underwriting (loss) income (b) (5,249 ) 6,335 (9,127 ) 3,070 (16,007 )
Talbot
Gross premiums written $ 241,100 $ 235,242 $ 1,078,636 $ 1,014,122 $ 981,073
Reinsurance premiums ceded (37,067 ) (27,931 ) (228,686 ) (218,174 ) (258,081 )
Net premiums written 204,033 207,311 849,950 795,948 722,992
Change in unearned premiums 4,098 2,043 (17,671 ) (25,696 ) (13,069 )
Net premiums earned 208,131 209,354 832,279 770,252 709,923
Losses and loss expenses 127,180 108,926 424,030 485,096 385,976
Policy acquisition costs 41,745 41,160 183,926 157,334 143,769
General and administrative expenses 32,371 29,676 133,281 112,072 107,557
Share compensation expenses 2,442 1,934 7,789 8,582 6,923
Total underwriting deductions 203,738 181,696 749,026 763,084 644,225
Underwriting income (b) 4,393 27,658 83,253 7,168 65,698
Corporate & Eliminations
Gross premiums written $ (8,489 ) $ (11,491 ) $ (65,765 ) $ (79,651 ) $ (91,746 )
Reinsurance premiums ceded 8,482 11,491 65,758 79,651 91,746
Net premiums written (7 ) - (7 ) - -
Change in unearned premiums 3,833 - 3,833 - -
Net premiums earned 3,826 - 3,826 - -
Losses and loss expenses - - - - -
Policy acquisition costs (858 ) (1,372 ) (4,974 ) (3,284 ) (11,469 )
General and administrative expenses 14,324 9,492 54,661 31,491 34,866
Share compensation expenses 2,636 2,883 10,317 15,316 14,133
Total underwriting deductions 16,102 11,003 60,004 43,523 37,530
Underwriting (loss) (b) (12,276 ) (11,003 ) (56,178 ) (43,523 ) (37,530 )
Total underwriting (loss) income (b) $ (113,059 ) $ 12,774 $ 248,711 $ 11,765 $ 242,437
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(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company's results, management
has included and discussed underwriting income that is not calculated under
standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as
non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other
companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those
determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to
net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in
the section below entitled "Underwriting Income."
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 compared to Three Months Ended December 31,
2011
Net loss attributable to Validus for the three months ended December 31, 2012
was $(90.7) million compared to net income available to Validus of $27.3 million
for the three months ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $118.0 million or
432.0%.
The primary factors driving the net loss attributable to Validus were:
• Decrease in underwriting income of $125.8 million primarily due to:
• A $123.5 million increase in loss and loss expenses;
• A $12.8 million increase in general and administrative expenses; and
• Offset by a $10.9 million increase in net premiums earned.
• Unfavorable movements in net realized and unrealized losses on
investments of $9.9 million and $38.0 million, respectively.
The above items were partially offset by the following factors:
• Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses and transaction expenses of
$21.5 million; and
• Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest which resulted in an
increase to net income attributable to Validus of $34.9 million.
The change in net income available to Validus for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 of $118.0 million as compared to the three months ended
December 31, 2011 is described in the following table:
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) Over the Three Months Ended December 31, 2011 (a)
Corporate and
(Dollars in thousands) Validus Re (a) AlphaCat Talbot Eliminations (b) Total
Notable losses-(increase) in net
loss and loss expenses (c)
$ (259,639 ) $ - $ (47,249 ) $ - $ (306,888 )
Less: Notable losses-increase in
net reinstatement premium (c) 33,177 - 4,540 - 37,717
Other underwriting income (loss) 139,884 (3,133 ) 19,444 (12,857 ) 143,338
Underwriting (loss) income (d) (86,578 ) (3,133 ) (23,265 ) (12,857 ) (125,833 )
Net investment income (535 ) 528 (1,132 ) 1,861 722
Other income (2,311 ) (5,076 ) (1,291 ) 5,348 (3,330 )
Finance expenses (462 ) (1,043 ) 75 440 (990 )
Operating (loss) income before
taxes and (loss) from operating
affiliates (89,886 ) (8,724 ) (25,613 ) (5,208 ) (129,431 )
Tax (expense) benefit (152 ) - (1,776 ) 1,087 (841 )
(Loss) from operating affiliates - (614 ) - - (614 )
Net operating (loss) income (90,038 ) (9,338 ) (27,389 ) (4,121 ) (130,886 )
Gain on bargain purchase, net of
expenses - - - 21,485 21,485
Net realized (losses) on
investments (9,367 ) - (504 ) - (9,871 )
Net unrealized (losses) gains on
investments (4,266 ) (31,819 ) (1,932 ) 1 (38,016 )
(Loss) from investment affiliate (406 ) - - - (406 )
Foreign exchange gains (losses) 413 136 749 (383 ) 915
Transaction expenses - - - 3,850 3,850
Net (loss) income (103,664 ) (41,021 ) (29,076 ) 20,832 (152,929 )
Net loss (income) attributable to
noncontrolling interest - 34,889 - - 34,889
Net (loss) income (attributable)
available to Validus $ (103,664 ) $ (6,132 ) $ (29,076 ) $ 20,832 $ (118,040 )
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) The Corporate and Eliminations column includes legal entity adjustments.
(c) Notable losses for the three months ended December 31, 2012 include:
Hurricane Sandy. Notable losses for the three months ended December 31, 2011
include: the Thai floods and excludes the reserve for potential development
on 2011 notable loss events. The AlphaCat segment's non-consolidated
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affiliates incurred loss and loss expenses of $8.4 million related to Hurricane
Sandy for the three months ended December 31, 2012. These losses are not
included in the table above as the entities are accounted for as investments in
operating affiliates.
(d) Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company's results, management
has included and discussed underwriting income (loss) that is not calculated
under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred
to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by
other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for
those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this
measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is
presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income."
Gross Premiums Written
Gross premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were $311.8
million compared to $278.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011,
an increase of $33.6 million or 12.1%. The property and marine lines increased
by $37.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively, while the specialty lines
decreased by $8.9 million. Details of gross premiums written by line of business
are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31,
2012 (a) 2011
Gross Premiums Gross Premiums Gross Premiums Gross Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) % Change
Property $ 110,561 35.4 % $ 73,200 26.3 % 51.0 %
Marine 89,394 28.7 % 84,247 30.3 % 6.1 %
Specialty 111,892 35.9 % 120,832 43.4 % (7.4 )%
Total $ 311,847 100.0 % $ 278,279 100.0 % 12.1 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re gross premiums written for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 were $79.2 million compared to $55.9 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $23.4 million or 41.9%. Details
of Validus Re gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31,
2012 (a) 2011
Gross Premiums Gross Premiums Gross Premiums Gross Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) % Change
Property $ 54,878 69.2 % $ 34,053 61.0 % 61.2 %
Marine 8,621 10.9 % 9,742 17.4 % (11.5 )%
Specialty 15,734 19.9 % 12,056 21.6 % 30.5 %
Total $ 79,233 100.0 % $ 55,851 100.0 % 41.9 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
The increase in gross premiums written in the property lines of $20.8 million
was due primarily to an increase in reinstatement premiums of $28.0 million
primarily due to Hurricane Sandy and a $7.4 million increase in premiums
relating to the Flagstone acquisition, slightly offset by a decrease in per risk
excess of loss treaties of $5.1 million. The decrease in gross premiums written
of $1.1 million in the marine lines was due primarily to a $6.8 million decrease
in premium adjustments on proportional treaties, partially offset by an increase
in reinstatement premiums of $4.1 million primarily on Hurricane Sandy. The
increase in gross premiums written in the specialty lines of $3.7 million was
due primarily to a $3.1 million increase in premiums relating to the Flagstone
acquisition and a $2.5 million increase in per risk excess of loss treaties and
premium adjustments on proportional treaties, slightly offset by a $2.2 million
decrease in premium adjustments relating to non-proportional treaties.
Gross premiums written under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss
contracts with Talbot for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were $8.5
million compared to $11.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011,
a decrease of by $3.0 million as compared to the three months ended December 31,
2011. These reinsurance transactions with Talbot are eliminated upon
consolidation.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat gross premiums written for the three months ended December
31, 2012 were $0.0 million compared to $(1.3) million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $1.3 million or 99.7%. The AlphaCat segment
generally does not write premiums in the fourth quarter.
The increase in gross premiums written in the property lines of $1.3 million was
due primarily to the change in accounting treatment for AlphaCat Re 2011 which
occurred as at December 31, 2011, when the individual assets and liabilities and
corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from
the consolidated Balance Sheet of the
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Company. AlphaCat Re 2011 was consolidated in 2011 whereas in 2012, AlphaCat Re
2011 is accounted for as an equity method operating affiliate.
Managed gross premiums written from our non-consolidated affiliates, AlphaCat Re
2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012, for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were
$0.0 million compared to $(1.4) million for the three months ended December 31,
2011, an increase of $1.3 million or 97.3%. Gross premiums written from our
consolidated AlphaCat entities for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were
$0.0 million compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $0.1 million or 106.5%.
Talbot. Talbot gross premiums written for the three months ended December 31,
2012 were $241.1 million compared to $235.2 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $5.9 million or 2.5%. The $241.1 million of
gross premiums written translated at 2011 rates of exchange would have been
$240.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2012, giving an
effective increase of $5.7 million or 2.4%. Details of Talbot gross premiums
written by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands) Gross Premiums Written Gross Premiums Written (%) Gross Premiums Written Gross Premiums Written (%) % Change
Property $ 62,258 25.8 % $ 51,793 22.0 % 20.2 %
Marine 81,540 33.8 % 74,235 31.6 % 9.8 %
Specialty 97,302 40.4 % 109,214 46.4 % (10.9 )%
Total $ 241,100 100.0 % $ 235,242 100.0 % 2.5 %
The increase in gross premiums written in the property lines of $10.5 million
was due primarily to a $6.4 million increase in premiums written in the direct
property lines and a $4.2 million increase in the construction lines, partially
offset by a $1.0 million decrease in property treaty lines. The increase in
gross premiums written in the marine lines of $7.3 million was due primarily to
a $5.1 million increase in premiums written in the cargo lines and a $5.1
million increase in the other treaty lines, $3.5 million of which relates to
reinstatement premiums on Hurricane Sandy. These were partially offset by a $2.5
million decrease in yachts lines. The decrease in gross premiums written in the
specialty lines of $11.9 million was due primarily to a $12.2 million decrease
in premiums written in the direct aviation and aviation treaty lines. This
decrease primarily relates to a premium reassessment of $8.2 million which has
no net earned impact on the direct aviation and aviation treaty lines. In
addition, there was a $2.9 million decrease in the war lines, partially offset
by a $3.7 million increase in the political violence lines.
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
Reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were
$35.7 million compared to $16.5 million for the three months ended December 31,
2011, an increase of $19.2 million or 116.3%. Details of reinsurance premiums
ceded by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Reinsurance Reinsurance
Reinsurance Premiums Reinsurance Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Ceded Ceded (%) Premiums Ceded Ceded (%) % Change
Property $ 19,644 55.1 % $ 11,979 72.7 % 64.0 %
Marine 4,890 13.7 % (1,363 ) (8.3 )% 458.8 %
Specialty 11,125 31.2 % 5,873 35.6 % 89.4 %
Total $ 35,659 100.0 % $ 16,489 100.0 % 116.3 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 were $7.1 million compared to $0.0 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $7.0 million. Details of Validus
Re reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
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Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Reinsurance
Reinsurance Reinsurance Premiums Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Ceded Ceded (%) Reinsurance Premiums Ceded Ceded (%) % Change
Property $ 4,275 60.5 % $ 980 2,000.0 % 336.2 %
Marine 2,803 39.6 % (931 ) (1,900.0 )% 401.1 %
Specialty (4 ) (0.1 )% - - % NM
Total $ 7,074 100.0 % $ 49 100.0 % NM
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
NM: Not meaningful
Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines increased by $3.3 million, due
primarily to increases in ceded reinstatement premiums and non-proportional
coverage of $2.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The increase in
reinsurance premiums of $3.7 million ceded in the marine lines was primarily due
to a $1.4 million increase in non-proportional coverage and $1.3 million of
adjustments to coverage from prior periods.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat did not cede reinsurance premiums for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Talbot. Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended December
31, 2012 were $37.1 million compared to $27.9 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $9.1 million or 32.7%. Details of Talbot
reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Reinsurance
Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Ceded Premiums Ceded (%) Premiums Ceded (%) % Change
Property $ 21,940 59.2 % $ 22,322 79.9 % (1.7 )%
Marine 2,854 7.7 % (702 ) (2.5 )% 506.6 %
Specialty 12,273 33.1 % 6,311 22.6 % 94.5 %
Total $ 37,067 100.0 % $ 27,931 100.0 % 32.7 %
The increase in reinsurance premiums ceded in the marine lines of $3.6 million
was due primarily to a $5.5 million increase in premiums ceded in the marine
energy and cargo lines, $5.2 million of which relates to reinstatement premiums,
partially offset by a $2.1 million decrease in other marine lines. The increase
in reinsurance premiums ceded in the specialty lines of $6.0 million was due
primarily to a $3.0 million increase in premiums ceded in the war, political
risk and violence lines and a $2.0 million increase in financial institution
lines, mainly due to higher reinstatement premiums and prior period adjustments.
Reinsurance premiums ceded under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of
loss contracts with Validus Re for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were
$8.5 million compared to $11.5 million for the three months ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $3.0 million. These reinsurance agreements with Validus Re
are eliminated upon consolidation.
Net Premiums Written
Net premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were $276.2
million compared to $261.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011,
an increase of $14.4 million or 5.5%. The ratios of net premiums written to
gross premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
were 88.6% and 94.1%, respectively. Details of net premiums written by line of
business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31,
2012 (a) 2011
Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) % Change
Property $ 90,917 32.9 % $ 61,221 23.4 % 48.5 %
Marine 84,504 30.6 % 85,610 32.7 % (1.3 )%
Specialty 100,767 36.5 % 114,959 43.9 % (12.3 )%
Total $ 276,188 100.0 % $ 261,790 100.0 % 5.5 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
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Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums written for the three months ended December
31, 2012 were $72.2 million compared to $55.8 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $16.4 million or 29.3%. Details of Validus Re
net premiums written by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31,
2012 (a) Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Written Written (%) Net Premiums Written Written (%) % Change
Property $ 50,603 70.1 % $ 33,073 59.3 % 53.0 %
Marine 5,818 8.1 % 10,673 19.1 % (45.5 )%
Specialty 15,738 21.8 % 12,056 21.6 % 30.5 %
Total $ 72,159 100.0 % $ 55,802 100.0 % 29.3 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
The increase in Validus Re net premiums written was driven by the factors
highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums
ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 91.1%
and 99.9% for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums written for the three months ended December 31,
2012 were $0.0 million compared to $(1.3) million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $1.3 million or 99.7%.
The increase in AlphaCat net premiums written was driven by the factors
highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written. The ratios of net
premiums written to gross premiums written were 100.0% for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Talbot. Talbot net premiums written for the three months ended December 31,
2012 were $204.0 million compared to $207.3 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, a decrease of $3.3 million or 1.6%. Details of Talbot net
premiums written by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31,
2012 2011
Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) % Change
Property $ 40,318 19.8 % $ 29,471 14.2 % 36.8 %
Marine 78,686 38.5 % 74,937 36.1 % 5.0 %
Specialty 85,029 41.7 % 102,903 49.7 % (17.4 )%
Total $ 204,033 100.0 % $ 207,311 100.0 % (1.6 )%
The decrease in net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above
in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded. The ratios
of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 84.6% and 88.1%, respectively.
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
Net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended December 31, 2012 was
$223.1 million compared to $226.6 million for the three months ended December
31, 2011, a decrease of $3.5 million or 1.5%.
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Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, 2012 (a) December 31, 2011
Net Change in
Net Change in Unearned Unearned
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums % Change
Change in gross unearned premium $ 140,243 $ 286,211 (51.0 )%
Less change due to Flagstone acquisition 139,389 - NM
Deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 - (9,405 ) NM
Net change in gross unearned premium 279,632 276,806 1.0 %
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium (45,195 ) (50,250 ) (10.1 )%
Less change due to Flagstone acquisition (11,339 ) - NM
Net change in prepaid reinsurance premiums (56,534 ) (50,250 ) 12.5 %
Net change in unearned premium $ 223,098 $ 226,556 (1.5 )%
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
NM: Not meaningful
Validus Re. Validus Re's net change in unearned premiums for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 was $213.1 million compared to $196.7 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $16.4 million or 8.4%.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, 2012 (a) December 31, 2011
Net Change in
Net Change in Unearned Unearned
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums % Change
Change in gross unearned premium $ 110,621 $ 228,747 (51.6 )%
Less change due to Flagstone acquisition 139,389 - NM
Deconsolidation of AlphaCatRe 2011 - (9,405 ) NM
Net change in gross unearned premium 250,010 219,342 14.0 %
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium (25,566 ) (22,663 ) (12.8 )%
Less change due to Flagstone acquisition (11,339 ) - NM
Net change in prepaid reinsurance premiums (36,905 ) (22,663 ) (62.8 )%
Net change in unearned premium $ 213,105 $ 196,679 8.4 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
NM: Not meaningful
Validus Re net change in unearned premiums has increased for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written
and reinsurance premiums ceded.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat's net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 was $5.9 million compared to $27.8 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $21.9 million or 78.8%.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, 2012 December 31, 2011
Net Change in Unearned Net Change in Unearned
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums % Change
Change in gross unearned premiums $ 5,895 $ 27,834 (78.8 )%
Net change in unearned premiums $ 5,895 $ 27,834 (78.8 )%
AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums has decreased for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 due primarily to the deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011
and the earnings pattern of gross premiums written.
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Talbot. Talbot's net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 was $4.1 million compared to $2.0 million for the three months
ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $2.1 million or 100.6%.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, 2012 December 31, 2011
Net Change in Unearned Net Change in Unearned
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums % Change
Change in gross unearned premiums $ 23,727 $ 29,630 (19.9 )%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums (19,629 ) (27,587 ) 28.8 %
Net change in unearned premiums $ 4,098 $ 2,043 100.6 %
Talbot's net change in unearned premium has increased for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and
reinsurance premiums ceded.
Net Premiums Earned
Net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were $499.3
million compared to $488.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011,
an increase of $10.9 million or 2.2%. Details of net premiums earned by line of
business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31,
2012 (a) 2011
Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%) % Change
Property $ 250,480 50.2 % $ 236,671 48.5 % 5.8 %
Marine 146,744 29.4 % 146,953 30.1 % (0.1 )%
Specialty 102,062 20.4 % 104,722 21.4 % (2.5 )%
Total $ 499,286 100.0 % $ 488,346 100.0 % 2.2 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums earned for three months ended December 31,
2012 were $285.3 million compared to $252.5 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $32.8 million or 13.0%. Details of Validus Re
net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31,
2012 (a) 2011
Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%) % Change
Property $ 198,002 69.4 % $ 169,052 67.0 % 17.1 %
Marine 60,163 21.1 % 57,524 22.8 % 4.6 %
Specialty 27,099 9.5 % 25,905 10.2 % 4.6 %
Total $ 285,264 100.0 % $ 252,481 100.0 % 13.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
The overall increase in net premiums earned was due primarily to the increase in
reinstatement premiums relating to Hurricane Sandy and an increase in net
premiums earned relating to the acquisition of Flagstone. The increase in
premiums earned in the property lines of $29.0 million is due primarily to the
increase in earned reinstatement premiums of $25.7 million relating primarily to
Hurricane Sandy and a $20.9 million increase in premiums earned relating to the
acquisition of Flagstone. These items are partially offset by a $10.3 million
decrease in intercompany premiums with Talbot which are eliminated upon
consolidation and a $6.0 million decrease in assumed earned premium.The increase
in premiums earned in the marine lines of $2.6 million is due primarily to an
increase in earned reinstatement premiums of $3.1 million relating primarily to
Hurricane Sandy and a $1.6 million premiums earned relating to the Flagstone
acquisition, partially offset by a $3.6 million decrease in premium adjustments
on proportional business. These increases are consistent with the relevant
pattern of net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the three
months ended December 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended December 31,
2011.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31,
2012 were $5.9 million compared to $26.5 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, a decrease of $20.6 million or 77.8%. Details of AlphaCat net
premiums earned by line of business are provided below.
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Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Net Premiums Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Net Premiums Earned Earned (%) Net Premiums Earned Earned (%) % Change
Property $ 5,891 100.0 % $ 26,511 100.0 % (77.8 )%
Total $ 5,891 100.0 % $ 26,511 100.0 % (77.8 )%
The decrease in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant pattern of
net premiums written and the deconsolidation of AlphaCatRe 2011, influencing the
earned premiums for the three months ended December 31, 2012 compared to the
three months ended December 31, 2011.
Talbot. Talbot net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2012
were $208.1 million compared to $209.4 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, a decrease of $1.2 million or 0.6%. Details of Talbot net
premiums earned by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31,
2012 2011
Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%) % Change
Property $ 46,587 22.4 % $ 41,108 19.6 % 13.3 %
Marine 86,581 41.6 % 89,429 42.8 % (3.2 )%
Specialty 74,963 36.0 % 78,817 37.6 % (4.9 )%
Total $ 208,131 100.0 % $ 209,354 100.0 % (0.6 )%
The decrease in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant patterns of
net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the three months ended
December 31, 2012, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011.
Losses and Loss Expenses
Losses and loss expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were
$458.3 million compared to $334.8 million for the three months ended December
31, 2011, an increase of $123.5 million or 36.9%. The loss ratios, defined as
losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 91.8% and 68.6%, respectively. Details of
loss ratios by line of business are provided below.
Three Months Three Months Percentage
Ended December Ended December Point Change
31, 2012 (a) 31, 2011
Property 126.0 % 90.0 % 36.0
Marine 76.2 % 53.0 % 23.2
Specialty 30.2 % 42.0 % (11.8 )
All lines 91.8 % 68.6 % 23.2
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred $361.0
million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 72.3 percentage
points of the overall loss ratio. Net of $36.4 million of reinstatement
premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $324.6
million. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, the Company incurred
$54.1 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 11.1
percentage points of the overall loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential
development on notable loss events. Including the impact of $(1.3) million of
reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease
of $55.5 million. The Company's loss ratio, excluding notable loss events,
reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss
reserve development for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was
31.0% and 50.3%, respectively.
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Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 (b)
(Dollars in thousands)
Fourth Quarter 2012 Notable Loss
Events (a) (b) Validus Re (b) Talbot Total
Net Losses Net Losses Net Losses
(Dollars in and Loss and Loss and Loss
thousands) Description Expenses(c) % of NPE Expenses(c) % of NPE Expenses(c) % of NPE
Hurricane
Sandy (d) Windstorm $ 282,603 99.1 % $ 78,433 37.7 % $ 361,036 72.3 %
Total $ 282,603 99.1 % $ 78,433 37.7 % $ 361,036 72.3 %
Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
Fourth Quarter 2011 Notable
Loss Events (a) Validus Re Talbot Total
Net Losses Net Losses Net Losses
(Dollars in and Loss and Loss and Loss
thousands) Description Expenses(c) % of NPE Expenses(c) % of NPE Expenses(c) % of NPE
Thailand Multiple
floods flooding events $ 22,964 9.1 % $ 31,184 14.9 % $ 54,148 11.1 %
Total $ 22,964 9.1 % $ 31,184 14.9 % $ 54,148 11.1 %
(a) These notable loss event amounts exclude the reserve for potential
development on 2011 notable loss events and are based on management's
estimates following a review of the Company's potential exposure and
discussions with certain clients and brokers. Given the magnitude and recent
occurrence of these events in relation to the corresponding period end date,
and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty
exists at the relevant reporting date regarding losses from these events and
the Company's actual ultimate net losses from these events can vary
materially from these estimates.
(b) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(c) Net of reinsurance but not of reinstatement premiums. Total reinstatement
premiums were $36.4 million and $(1.3) million for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
(d) The AlphaCat segment's non-consolidated affiliates incurred loss and loss
expenses of $8.4 million related to Hurricane Sandy for the three months
ended December 31, 2012. These losses are not included in the table above as
the entities are accounted for as investments in operating affiliates.
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Details of loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided
below.
Three Months Ended December 31,
Percentage
2012 (a) 2011 Point Change
Property-current period-excluding items below 21.0 % 46.9 % (25.9 )
Property-current period-notable losses 113.2 % 20.3 % 92.9
Property-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 30.8 % (30.8 )
Property-change in prior accident years (8.2 )% (8.0 )% (0.2 )
Property-loss ratio 126.0 % 90.0 % 36.0
Marine-current period-excluding items below 42.8 % 53.8 % (11.0 )
Marine-current period-notable losses 47.5 % 2.9 % 44.6
Marine-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 3.4 % (3.4 )
Marine-change in prior accident years (14.1 )% (7.1 )% (7.0 )
Marine-loss ratio 76.2 % 53.0 % 23.2
Specialty-current period-excluding items below 38.2 % 53.0 % (14.8 )
Specialty-current period-notable losses 7.7 % 1.8 % 5.9
Specialty-change in prior accident years (15.7 )% (12.8 )% (2.9 )
Specialty-loss ratio 30.2 % 42.0 % (11.8 )
All lines-current period-excluding items below 31.0 % 50.3 % (19.3 )
All lines-current period-notable losses 72.3 % 11.1 % 61.2
All lines-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 16.0 % (16.0 )
All lines-change in prior accident years (11.5 )% (8.8 )% (2.7 )
All lines-loss ratio 91.8 % 68.6 % 23.2
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re losses and loss expenses for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 were $331.1 million compared to $215.9 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $115.2 million or 53.4%. The loss
ratio, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was
116.1% and 85.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011,
respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re incurred
losses of $350.9 million related to current year losses and $19.8 million of
favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For three
months ended December 31, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior
accident years benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 6.9 percentage points. For
the three months ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re incurred losses of $223.0
million related to current year losses and $7.1 million of favorable loss
reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended
December 31, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior years benefited
the Validus Re loss ratio by 2.8 percentage points.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re incurred $282.6 million
of losses from notable loss events, which represented 99.1 percentage points of
the overall loss ratio. Net of $34.8 million of reinstatement premiums, the
effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $247.8 million. For the
three months ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re incurred $23.0 million of
losses from notable loss events, which represented 9.1 percentage points of the
overall loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable
loss events. Net of reinstatement premiums of $1.6 million, the effect of these
events on Validus Re segment income was a decrease of $21.4 million. Validus Re
segment loss ratios excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential
development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for
the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 23.9% and 48.3%,
respectively. Details of Validus Re loss ratios by line of business and period
of occurrence are provided below.
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Three Months Ended
December 31,
Percentage
2012 (a) 2011 Point Change
Property-current period excluding items below 18.7 % 39.3 % (20.6 )
Property-current period-notable losses 120.2 % 11.7 % 108.5
Property-current period-reserves for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 43.2 % (43.2 )
Property-change in prior accident years (3.2 )% (2.8 )% (0.4 )
Property-loss ratio 135.7 % 91.4 % 44.3
Marine-current period excluding items below 39.3 % 62.5 %
(23.2 )
Marine-current period-notable losses 72.3 % 5.6 % 66.7
Marine-current period-reserves for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 8.7 % (8.7 )
Marine-change in prior accident years (7.0 )% (0.5 )% (6.5 )
Marine-loss ratio 104.6 % 76.3 % 28.3
Specialty-current period excluding items below 28.4 % 75.6 %
(47.2 )
Specialty-current period-notable losses 4.2 % 0.0 % 4.2
Specialty-change in prior accident years (34.4 )% (8.1 )% (26.3 )
Specialty-loss ratio (1.8 )% 67.5 % (69.3 )
All lines-current period excluding items below 23.9 % 48.3 % (24.4 )
All lines-current period-notable losses 99.1 % 9.1 % 90.0
All lines-current period-reserves for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 30.9 % (30.9 )
All lines-change in prior accident years (6.9 )% (2.8 )% (4.1 )
All lines-loss ratio 116.1 % 85.5 % 30.6
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re property lines losses
and loss expenses included $274.9 million related to current year losses and
$6.3 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident
years. The favorable loss reserve development was due to a decrease in loss
estimates on prior year notable loss events, as well as a reduction in loss
estimates on attritional losses. For the three months ended December 31, 2011,
Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses included $159.3 million
related to current year losses and $4.7 million of favorable loss reserve
development relating to prior accident years.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re property lines incurred
$237.9 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 120.2
percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. Net of $29.5 million of
reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease
of $208.4 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re
property lines incurred $19.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which
represented 11.7 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio, excluding
reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Validus Re property
lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential
development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for
the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 18.7% and 39.3%,
respectively.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re marine lines losses and
loss expenses included $67.2 million related to current year losses and $4.2
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to a reduction in loss
estimates on attritional losses, which was partially offset by an increase in
prior year notable loss events. For the three months ended December 31, 2011,
Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses included $44.2 million related
to current year losses and $0.3 million of favorable loss reserve development
relating to prior accident years.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re marine lines incurred
$43.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 72.3
percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio. Net of $5.2 million of
reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease
of $38.3 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re
marine lines incurred $3.2 million of losses from notable loss events, which
represented 5.6 percentage points of the marine
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lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss
events. Validus Re marine lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events,
reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss
reserve development, for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were
39.3% and 62.5%, respectively.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re specialty lines losses
and loss expenses included $8.8 million related to current year losses and $9.3
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to a reduction in loss
estimates on attritional losses. For the three months ended December 31, 2011,
Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $19.6 million
related to current year losses and $2.1 million of favorable loss reserve
development relating to prior accident years.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Validus Re specialty
lines incurred $1.1 million of losses from notable loss events which represented
4.2 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. Validus Re specialty
lines loss ratios, excluding prior year loss reserve development, for the three
months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 28.4% and 75.6%, respectively.
The net negative financial impact from Hurricane Sandy to Flagstone for the year
ended December 31, 2012 was $39.1 million. The financial impact to Flagstone did
not impact Validus' results of operations in the fourth quarter 2012 as the loss
event took place prior to the date of Validus' acquisition of Flagstone which
was completed on November 30, 2012.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat contributed $nil to the losses and loss expenses for the
three months ended December 31, 2012 compared to $10.0 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $10.0 million or 100.0%. The loss
ratio defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was
nil% and 37.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011,
respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2012, AlphaCat Re 2011 and
AlphaCat Re 2012 incurred Hurricane Sandy net losses of $25.0 million and $7.5
million, respectively. The AlphaCat segment's portion of incurred losses and
loss expenses related to Hurricane Sandy was $8.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2012 and are included in 'income from operating affiliates'.
Talbot. Talbot losses and loss expenses for the three months ended December 31,
2012 were $127.2 million compared to $108.9 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $18.3 million or 16.8%. The loss ratio defined
as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 61.1% and 52.0%
for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the
three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot incurred losses of $164.6 million
related to current year losses and $37.4 million of favorable loss reserve
development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended
December 31, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years
benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 18.0 percentage points. For the three months
ended December 31, 2011, Talbot incurred losses of $144.6 million related to
current year losses and $35.7 million in favorable loss reserve development
relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended December 31, 2011,
favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Talbot
loss ratio by 17.0 percentage points.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot incurred $78.4 million of
losses from notable loss events, which represented 37.7 percentage points of the
overall loss ratio. Net of $1.6 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of
these events on net income was a decrease of $76.8 million. For the three months
ended December 31, 2011, Talbot incurred $31.2 million of losses from notable
loss events, which represented 14.9 percentage points of the overall loss ratio.
Talbot loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve
development, for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 41.4%
and 54.1%, respectively. Details of Talbot loss ratios by line of business and
period of occurrence are provided below.
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Three Months Ended
December 31,
Percentage
2012 2011 Point Change
Property-current period excluding items below 33.5 % 83.8 % (50.3 )
Property-current period-notable losses 97.8 % 68.9 % 28.9
Property-change in prior accident years (30.5 )% (34.8 )% 4.3
Property-loss ratio 100.8 % 117.9 % (17.1 )
Marine-current period excluding items below 45.3 % 48.2 % (2.9 )
Marine-current period-notable losses 30.2 % 1.1 % 29.1
Marine-change in prior accident years (19.0 )% (11.3 )% (7.7 )
Marine-loss ratio
56.5 % 38.0 % 18.5
Specialty-current period excluding items below 41.8 % 45.6 % (3.8 )
Specialty-current period-notable losses 8.9 % 2.3 % 6.6
Specialty-change in prior accident years (8.9 )% (14.3 )% 5.4
Specialty-loss ratio 41.8 % 33.6 % 8.2
All lines-current period excluding items below 41.4 % 54.1 % (12.7 )
All lines-current period-notable losses 37.7 % 14.9 % 22.8
All lines-change in prior accident years (18.0 )% (17.0 )% (1.0 )
All lines-loss ratio 61.1 % 52.0 % 9.1
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot property lines losses and
loss expenses included $61.2 million related to current year losses and $14.2
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The prior year favorable loss reserve development was due to lower than expected
claims development on attritional and large losses. For the three months ended
December 31, 2011, Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses included $62.8
million related to current year losses and $14.3 million of favorable loss
reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable
loss reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims
development on large losses.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot property lines incurred
$45.6 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 97.8
percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. Net of $1.2 million of
reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease
of $44.3 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, Talbot's
property lines incurred $28.3 million of losses from notable loss events, which
represented 68.9 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. Talbot
property line loss ratio, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss
reserve development for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were
33.5% and 83.8%, respectively.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot marine lines losses and
loss expenses included $65.4 million related to current year losses and $16.5
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The prior year favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to lower
than expected claims development on attritional losses. For the three months
ended December 31, 2011, Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses included
$44.1 million related to current year losses and $10.1 million of favorable loss
reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable
loss reserve development was primarily due to favorable development on
attritional losses.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot marine lines incurred $26.2
million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 30.2 percentage
points of the marine lines loss ratio. Net of $0.9 million of reinstatement
premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $25.2
million. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, Talbot's marine lines
incurred $1.0 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 1.1
percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio. Talbot marine lines loss
ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development
for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 45.3% and 48.2%,
respectively.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot specialty lines losses and
loss expenses included $38.0 million relating to current year losses and $6.7
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The prior year favorable loss reserve development was attributable to lower than
expected claims development on attritional losses. For the three months ended
December 31, 2011, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses included
$37.8 million relating to current year losses and $11.3 million of favorable
loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year
favorable loss reserve development was primarily due to favorable development on
attritional losses.
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For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot specialty lines incurred
$6.7 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 8.9
percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. Net of $(0.5) million of
reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease
of $7.2 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, Talbot's
specialty lines incurred $1.9 million of losses from notable loss events, which
represented 2.3 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. Talbot
specialty lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss
reserve development for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were
41.8% and 45.6%, respectively.
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, gross and net reserves for losses and loss
expenses were estimated using the methodology as outlined in the Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates as discussed above. The Company did not make
any significant changes in assumptions or methodology used in its reserving
process for the year ended December 31, 2012.
As at December 31, 2012
Gross Case Total Gross Reserve for
(Dollars in thousands) Reserves Gross IBNR Losses and Loss Expenses
Property $ 930,553 $ 892,227 $ 1,822,780
Marine 522,907 477,948 1,000,855
Specialty 265,638 428,300 693,938
Total $ 1,719,098 $ 1,798,475 $ 3,517,573
As at December 31, 2012
Net Case Total Net Reserve for
(Dollars in thousands) Reserves Net IBNR Losses and Loss Expenses
Property $ 768,722 $ 803,182 $ 1,571,904
Marine 465,080 438,009 903,089
Specialty 230,584 372,029 602,613
Total $ 1,464,386 $ 1,613,220 $ 3,077,606
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of gross and net reserves for
losses and loss expenses by segment for the three months ended December 31,
2012:
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
Validus Re
(Dollars in thousands) Segment AlphaCat Segment Talbot Segment Eliminations Total
Gross reserves at period
beginning $ 1,216,560 $ 10,000 $ 1,422,568 $ (86,524 ) $ 2,562,604
Losses recoverable (38,371 ) - (365,405 ) 86,524 (317,252 )
Net reserves at period
beginning 1,178,189 10,000 1,057,163 - 2,245,352
Net reserves acquired in
Flagstone acquisition 639,641 - - - 639,641
Incurred losses-current
year 350,926 - 164,605 - 515,531
Change in prior accident
years (19,796 ) - (37,425 ) - (57,221 )
Incurred losses 331,130 - 127,180 - 458,310
Foreign exchange (1,804 ) - 2,747 - 943
Paid losses (172,907 ) (5,000 ) (88,733 ) - (266,640 )
Net reserves at period end 1,974,249 5,000 1,098,357 - 3,077,606
Losses recoverable 148,646 - 381,950 (90,629 ) 439,967
Gross reserves at period
end $ 2,122,895 $ 5,000 $ 1,480,307 $ (90,629 ) $ 3,517,573
The amount of recorded reserves represents management's best estimate of
expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. For the three months ended
December 31, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years
was $57.2 million of which, $19.8 million of the favorable loss reserve
development related to the Validus Re segment and $37.4 million related to the
Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company's loss
ratio by 11.5 percentage points for the three months ended December 31, 2012.
For the three months ended December 31, 2011, favorable loss reserve development
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on prior accident years was $42.8 million, of which, $7.1 million related to the
Validus Re segment and $35.7 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable
loss reserve development benefited the Company's loss ratio by 8.8 percentage
points for the three months ended December 31, 2011.
Management of insurance and reinsurance companies use significant judgment in
the estimation of reserves for losses and loss expenses. Given the magnitude of
recent loss events and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation,
meaningful uncertainty remains regarding the estimation for recent notable loss
events. The Company's actual ultimate net loss may vary materially from these
estimates. Ultimate losses for notable loss events are estimated through
detailed review of contracts which are identified by the Company as potentially
exposed to the specific notable loss event. However, there can be no assurance
that the ultimate loss amount estimated for a specific contract will be
accurate, or that all contracts with exposure to a specific notable loss event
will be identified in a timely manner. Potential losses in excess of the
estimated ultimate loss assigned to a contract on the basis of a specific
review, or loss amounts from contracts not specifically included in the detailed
review are reserved for in the reserve for potential development on notable loss
events. The reserve for potential development on notable loss events (or "RDE")
is included as part of the Company's overall reserve requirement as defined and
disclosed in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section above. As at
September 30, 2012, the reserve for potential development on 2010 and 2011
notable loss events was $nil and $51.3 million, respectively. During the three
months ended December 31, 2012, the Company increased certain loss estimates and
allocated $9.1 million of 2011 RDE to the Christchurch earthquake, the Thailand
floods and the Gryphon Alpha mooring failure. As at December 31, 2012, the
reserve for potential development on 2010 and 2011 notable loss events was $nil
and $42.2 million, respectively. No RDE was established for 2012 notable losses.
Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were $81.8
million compared to $81.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011,
an increase of $0.6 million or 0.7%. Policy acquisition costs as a percent of
net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were
16.4% and 16.6%, respectively. The changes in policy acquisition costs are due
to the factors provided below.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Policy Policy Policy
Policy Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition
(Dollars in thousands) Acquisition Costs Costs (%) Cost Ratio Costs Costs (%) Cost Ratio % Change
Property $ 29,237 35.8 % 11.7 % $ 26,753 32.9 % 11.3 % 9.3 %
Marine 29,429 36.0 % 20.1 % 31,603 38.9 % 21.5 % (6.9 )%
Specialty 23,148 28.3 % 22.7 % 22,897 28.2 % 21.9 % 1.1 %
Total $ 81,814 100.1 % 16.4 % $ 81,253 100.0 % 16.6 % 0.7 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re policy acquisition costs for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 were $40.7 million compared to $39.2 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $1.5 million or 3.8%.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Policy Policy Policy
Policy Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition
(Dollars in thousands) Acquisition Costs Costs (%) Cost Ratio Costs Costs (%) Cost Ratio % Change
Property $ 25,820 63.4 % 13.0 % $ 24,734 63.0 % 14.6 % 4.4 %
Marine 10,526 25.9 % 17.5 % 11,165 28.5 % 19.4 % (5.7 )%
Specialty 4,357 10.7 % 16.1 % 3,328 8.5 % 12.8 % 30.9 %
Total $ 40,703 100.0 % 14.3 % $ 39,227 100.0 % 15.5 % 3.8 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Policy acquisition costs include brokerage, commission and excise tax, are
generally driven by contract terms, are normally a set percentage of premiums
and are also net of ceding commission income on retrocessions. Items such as
ceded premium, earned premium adjustments and reinstatement premiums that are
recognized in the period have an effect on the policy acquisition costs ratio.
Validus Re policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned (the
policy acquisition cost ratio) for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and
2011 were 14.3% and 15.5%, respectively. The policy acquisition cost ratio on
the specialty line has increased by 3.3 percentage points due to certain large
proportional contracts that have higher policy acquisition cost ratios.
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AlphaCat. AlphaCat policy acquisition costs for the three months ended December
31, 2012 were $0.6 million compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, a decrease of $2.7 million or 82.3%.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Policy Policy Policy Policy
Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition
(Dollars in thousands) Costs Costs (%) Cost Ratio Costs Costs (%) Cost Ratio % Change
Property $ 589 100.0 % 10.0 % $ 3,331 100.0 % 12.6 % (82.3 )%
Total $ 589 100.0 % 10.0 % $ 3,331 100.0 % 12.6 % (82.3 )%
Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three
months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 10.0% and 12.6%, respectively.
Talbot. Talbot policy acquisition costs for the three months ended December 31,
2012 were $41.7 million compared to $41.2 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $0.6 million or 1.4%.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Policy Policy Policy Policy
Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition
(Dollars in thousands) Costs Costs (%) Cost Ratio Costs Costs (%) Cost Ratio % Change
Property $ 4,648 11.1 % 10.0 % $ 1,053 2.5 % 2.6 % 341.4 %
Marine 18,269 43.8 % 21.1 % 20,523 49.9 % 22.9 % (11.0 )%
Specialty 18,828 45.1 % 25.1 % 19,584 47.6 % 24.8 % (3.9 )%
Total $ 41,745 100.0 % 20.1 % $ 41,160 100.0 % 19.7 % 1.4 %
Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three
months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 20.1% and 19.7%, respectively. The
policy acquisition ratio on the property line increased by 7.4 percentage points
primarily due to a decrease in the ceding acquisition rates on the onshore
energy lines.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2012
were $65.1 million compared to $52.3 million for the three months ended December
31, 2011, an increase of $12.8 million or 24.6%.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
General and General and General and General and
Administrative Administrative Administrative Administrative
(Dollars in thousands) Expenses Expenses (%) Expenses Expenses (%) % Change
Validus Re $ 14,716 22.6 % $ 11,716 22.4 % 25.6 %
AlphaCat 2,011 3.1 % 6,807 13.0 % (70.5 )%
Talbot 32,371 49.7 % 29,676 56.8 % 9.1 %
Corporate & Eliminations(b) 15,997 24.6 % 4,054 7.8 % 294.6 %
Total $ 65,095 100.0 % $ 52,253 100.0 % 24.6 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments
General and administrative expenses of $65.1 million in the three months ended
December 31, 2012 represents 13.0 percentage points of the expense ratio. Share
compensation expense is discussed in the following section.
Validus Re. Validus Re general and administrative expenses for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 were $14.7 million compared to $11.7 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $3.0 million or 25.6%.
General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to the Company
consolidating the general and administrative expenses as a result of the
acquisition of Flagstone. General and administrative expenses include salaries
and benefits, professional fees, rent and office expenses. Validus Re general
and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three
months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 5.2% and 4.6%, respectively.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat general and administrative expenses for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 were $2.0 million as compared to $6.8 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $4.8 million or 70.5%.
General and administrative expenses have decreased primarily due to the
deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 as at December 31, 2011.
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AlphaCat's general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums
earned for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 34.1% and
25.7%, respectively. The AlphaCat segment's general and administrative ratio has
been impacted by the reduction in net premiums earned as a greater proportion of
the segment's revenues are generated in equity earnings from operating
affiliates which is not included in the ratio calculation.
Talbot. Talbot general and administrative expenses for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 were $32.4 million compared to $29.7 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $2.7 million or 9.1%. General and
administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in
performance bonus expense for the three months ended December 31, 2012 as
compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011. Talbot's general and
administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 15.6% and 14.2%, respectively.
Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate general and administrative expenses for the
three months ended December 31, 2012 were $16.0 million compared to $4.1 million
for the three months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $11.9 million or
294.6%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an
increase in performance bonus expense as well as a decrease in eliminations
between segments. Corporate general and administrative expenses are comprised of
executive and board expenses, internal and external audit expenses and other
costs relating to the Company as a whole.
Share Compensation Expenses
Share compensation expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were
$7.1 million compared to $7.2 million for the three months ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $0.1 million or 1.5%. This expense is non-cash and has no
net effect on total shareholders' equity, as it is balanced by an increase in
additional paid-in capital.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Share Share Share
Compensation Compensation Share Compensation Compensation
(Dollars in thousands) Expenses Expenses (%) Expenses Expenses (%) % Change
Validus Re $ 1,849 25.9 % $ 2,191 30.3 % (15.6 )%
AlphaCat 84 1.2 % 33 0.5 % 154.5 %
Talbot 2,442 34.3 % 1,934 26.7 % 26.3 %
Corporate & Eliminations (b) 2,751 38.6 % 3,079 42.5 % (10.7 )%
Total $ 7,126 100.0 % $ 7,237 100.0 % (1.5 )%
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.
Share compensation expenses of $7.1 million in the three months ended December
31, 2012 represents 1.5 percentage points of the general and administrative
expense ratio.
Validus Re. Validus Re share compensation expenses for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 were $1.8 million compared to $2.2 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $0.3 million or 15.6%. Share
compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months
ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 0.6% and 0.9%, respectively.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums
earned for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 1.5% and 0.1%,
respectively.
Talbot. Talbot share compensation expenses for the three months ended December
31, 2012 was $2.4 million compared to $1.9 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $0.5 million or 26.3%. Share compensation
expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended December
31, 2012 and 2011 were 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively.
Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate share compensation expenses for the three
months ended December 31, 2012 were $2.8 million compared to $3.1 million for
the three months ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $0.3 million or 10.7%.
Selected Ratios
The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are often
measured by reference to its combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss ratio
and the expense ratio. The net loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses and
loss expenses incurred (including estimates for incurred but not reported
losses) by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is calculated by dividing
policy acquisition costs combined with general and administrative expenses
(including share compensation expenses)
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by net premiums earned. The following table presents the losses and loss expense
ratio, policy acquisition cost ratio, general and administrative expense ratio,
expense ratio and combined ratio for the three months ended December 31, 2012
and 2011.
Three Months
Ended December Three Months Ended Percentage
31, 2012 (a) December 31, 2011 Point Change
Consolidated
Losses and loss expense ratio 91.8 % 68.6 % 23.2
Policy acquisition cost ratio 16.4 % 16.6 % (0.2 )
General and administrative expense ratio (b) 14.5 % 12.2 % 2.3
Expense ratio 30.9 % 28.8 % 2.1
Combined ratio 122.7 % 97.4 % 25.3
Validus Re
Losses and loss expense ratio 116.1 % 85.5 % 30.6
Policy acquisition cost ratio 14.3 % 15.5 % (1.2 )
General and administrative expense ratio (b) 5.8 % 5.5 % 0.3
Expense ratio 20.1 % 21.0 % (0.9 )
Combined ratio 136.2 % 106.5 % 29.7
AlphaCat
Losses and loss expense ratio 0.0 % 37.7 % (37.7 )
Policy acquisition cost ratio 10.0 % 12.6 % (2.6 )
General and administrative expense ratio (b) 35.6 % 25.8 % 9.8
Expense ratio 45.6 % 38.4 % 7.2
Combined ratio 45.6 % 76.1 % (30.5 )
Talbot
Losses and loss expense ratio 61.1 % 52.0 % 9.1
Policy acquisition cost ratio 20.1 % 19.7 % 0.4
General and administrative expense ratio (b) 16.7 % 15.1 % 1.6
Expense ratio 36.8 % 34.8 % 2.0
Combined ratio 97.9 % 86.8 % 11.1
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Includes general and administrative expenses and share compensation
expenses.
General and administrative expense ratios for the three months ended December
31, 2012 and 2011 were 14.5% and 12.2%, respectively. General and administrative
expense ratio is the sum of general and administrative expenses and share
compensation expense divided by net premiums earned.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Expenses as % of Expenses as % of
(Dollars in thousands) Expenses Net Earned Premiums Expenses Net Earned Premiums
General and administrative expenses $ 65,095 13.0 % $ 52,253 10.7 %
Share compensation expenses 7,126 1.5 % 7,237 1.5 %
Total $ 72,221 14.5 % $ 59,490 12.2 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Underwriting (Loss) Income
Underwriting loss for the three months ended December 31, 2012 was $(113.1)
million compared to income of $12.8 million for the three months ended December
31, 2011, a decrease of $125.8 million, or 985.1%.
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Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2012 (a) % of Sub-total December 31, 2011 % of Sub-total % Change
Validus Re $ (103,134 ) 108.0 % $ (16,556 ) (94.9 )% (522.9 )%
AlphaCat 3,207 (3.4 )% 6,340 36.3 % (49.4 )%
Talbot 4,393 (4.6 )% 27,658 158.6 % (84.1 )%
Sub-total (95,534 ) 100.0 % 17,442 100.0 % (647.7 )%
Corporate &
Eliminations (b) (17,525 ) (4,668 ) (275.4 )%
Total $ (113,059 ) $ 12,774 (985.1 )%
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Corporate and Eliminations include legal entity adjustments.
The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are also often
measured by reference to its underwriting income, which is a non-GAAP financial
measure. Underwriting income, as set out in the table below, is reconciled to
net income (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) by the addition
or subtraction of certain Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
line items, as illustrated below.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2012 (a) December 31, 2011
Underwriting (loss) income $ (113,059 ) $ 12,774
Net investment income 28,802 28,080
Other income 187 3,517
Finance expenses (14,510 ) (13,520 )
Net realized (losses) gains on investments (4,516 ) 5,355
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments (35,857 ) 2,159
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses 21,485 -
Transaction expenses - (3,850 )
(Loss) from investment affiliate (406 ) -
Foreign exchange gains 1,181 266
Tax (expense) benefit (615 ) 226
(Loss) from operating affiliates (614 ) -
Net (loss) income $ (117,922 ) $ 35,007
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Underwriting income indicates the performance of the Company's core underwriting
function, excluding revenues and expenses such as the reconciling items in the
table above. The Company believes the reporting of underwriting income enhances
the understanding of our results by highlighting the underlying profitability of
the Company's core insurance and reinsurance business. Underwriting
profitability is influenced significantly by earned premium growth, adequacy of
the Company's pricing and loss frequency and severity. Underwriting
profitability over time is also influenced by the Company's underwriting
discipline, which seeks to manage exposure to loss through favorable risk
selection and diversification, its management of claims, its use of reinsurance
and its ability to manage its expense ratio, which it accomplishes through its
management of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company
believes that underwriting income provides investors with a valuable measure of
profitability derived from underwriting activities.
The Company excludes the U.S. GAAP measures noted above, in particular net
realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, from its calculation of
underwriting income because the amount of these gains and losses is heavily
influenced by, and fluctuates in part, according to availability of investment
market opportunities. The Company believes these amounts are largely independent
of its underwriting business and including them distorts the analysis of trends
in its operations. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance
with U.S. GAAP, the Company believes that showing underwriting income enables
investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial
information to more easily analyze the Company's results of operations in a
manner similar to how management analyzes the Company's underlying business
performance. The Company uses underwriting income as a primary measure of
underwriting results in its analysis of historical financial information and
when performing its budgeting and forecasting processes. Analysts, investors and
rating agencies who follow the Company
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request this non-GAAP financial information on a regular basis. In addition,
underwriting income is one of the factors considered by the compensation
committee of our Board of Directors in determining the total annual incentive
compensation.
Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net
income as there are inherent material limitations associated with the use of
underwriting income as compared to using net income, which is the most directly
comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. The most significant limitation is the
ability of users of the financial information to make comparable assessments of
underwriting income with other companies, particularly as underwriting income
may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Therefore, the
Company provides more prominence in this filing to the use of the most
comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, net income, which includes the
reconciling items in the table above. The Company compensates for these
limitations by providing both clear and transparent disclosure of net income and
reconciliation of underwriting income to net income.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2012 was $28.8
million compared to $28.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011,
an increase of $0.7 million or 2.6%. Net investment income increased due to the
Flagstone acquisition. Net investment income is comprised of accretion of
premium or discount on fixed maturities, interest on coupon-paying bonds,
short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by
investment management fees. The components of net investment income for the
three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as provided below.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2012 (a) December 31, 2011 % Change
Fixed maturities and short-term investments $ 26,487 $ 27,740 (4.5 )%
Other investments 2,790 - NM
Cash and cash equivalents 1,723 2,153 (20.0 )%
Securities lending income 5 27 (81.5 )%
Total gross investment income 31,005 29,920 3.6 %
Investment expenses (2,203 ) (1,840 ) (19.7 )%
Net investment income $ 28,802 $ 28,080 2.6 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
NM: Not meaningful
Annualized investment yield is calculated by dividing net investment income
(excluding other investments) by the average balance of the assets managed by
our portfolio managers (excluding other investments). Average assets is the
average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end asset balances.
Percentages for the quarter periods are annualized. The Company's annualized
effective investment yield was 1.53% and 1.84% for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 respectively, and the average duration of the
portfolio at December 31, 2012 was 1.34 years (December 31, 2011-1.63 years).
The annualized effective investment yield decreased for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 due to the consolidation of the Flagstone investment portfolio
which included $1,060.4 million in cash and short term investments, or 72.4% of
Flagstone's total investments and cash as at December 31, 2012. Excluding the
effect of the consolidation of the Flagstone investment portfolio, the
annualized effective investment yield would have been 1.69% for the three months
ended December 31, 2012. Overall yield has decreased due to falling yields on
fixed maturity investments.
Other Income
Other income for the three months ended December 31, 2012 was $0.2 million
compared to $3.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011, a
decrease of $3.3 million or 94.7%. The decrease was due primarily to a reduction
in Talbot third party income and the deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 as at
December 31, 2011. AlphaCat Re 2011 was a consolidated subsidiary during the
three months ended December 31, 2011. The balance sheet of AlphaCat Re 2011 was
deconsolidated as at December 31, 2011.
Finance Expenses
Finance expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were $14.5 million
compared to $13.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011, an
increase of $1.0 million or 7.3%. Finance expenses also include the amortization
of debt offering costs and discounts, and fees related to our credit facilities.
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Three Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2012 (a) 2011 % Change
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures $ 2,235 $ 1,496 49.4 %
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures 1,850 3,029 (38.9 )%
2010 Senior Notes due 2040 5,596 5,597 0.0 %
Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes 459 - NM
Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes 327 - NM
Credit facilities 1,469 1,671 (12.1 )%
Bank charges 138 218 22.9 %
AlphaCat Re 2011 fees (b) - 1,497 (100.0 )%
AlphaCat ILS Funds fees (c) 2,432 - NM
Talbot FAL Facility 4 12 (66.7 )%
Finance expenses $ 14,510 $ 13,520 7.3 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Includes preferred share dividends and finance expenses attributable to
AlphaCat Re 2011.
(c) Includes finance expenses incurred by AlphaCat Managers, Ltd. in relation to
the AlphaCat ILS funds and fund-raising for AlphaCat 2013.
NM: Not Meaningful
The increase in finance expenses of $1.0 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 was due primarily to placements fees incurred by AlphaCat for
its investments in ILS Funds of $2.4 million, partially offset by a $1.5 million
decrease in the preferred dividends and finance expenses attributable to
AlphaCat Re 2011.
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Tax expense for the three months ended December 31, 2012 was $(0.6) million
compared to a benefit of $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31,
2011, an increase in expense of $0.8 million. The increase was primarily due to
higher profit commission, UK taxable profit and Canadian tax charge, partially
offset by a higher bonus deduction.
The Company provides for income taxes based upon amounts reported in the
financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws. The
Company is registered in Bermuda and is subject to Bermuda law with respect to
taxation. Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not taxed on any Bermuda
income or capital gains and has received an undertaking from the Bermuda
Minister of Finance that, in the event of any Bermuda income or capital gains
taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from those taxes until March 31,
2035.
Within the segment information contained in the Financial Statements, gross
premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure are presented
for the periods indicated. Gross premiums written allocated to the United States
are written primarily through Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., a Bermuda Registered
Reinsurance Company. As noted, under current Bermuda law, the Company is not
taxed on any Bermuda income and therefore the premium disclosed in the segment
information does not correlate to pre-tax income generated in the United States.
(Loss) Income From Operating Affiliates
Loss from operating affiliates for the three months ended December 31, 2012 was
$(0.6) million, compared to $nil for the three months ended December 31, 2011, a
decrease of $(0.6) million. For the three months ended December 31, 2012, loss
from operating affiliates of $(0.6) million relates to equity losses relating to
AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012.
In the second quarter of 2011, AlphaCat Re 2011 was included in the consolidated
results of the Company, therefore there was no comparative information for the
three months ended December 31, 2011. As at December 31, 2012, the Company owned
22.3% of AlphaCat Re 2011, therefore loss from operating affiliates reflects the
Company's share of AlphaCat Re 2011's net loss for the three months ended
December 31, 2012.
AlphaCat Re 2012 was formed on May 29, 2012 therefore there was no comparative
information for the three months ended December 31, 2011. As at December 31,
2012, the Company owned 37.9% of AlphaCat Re 2012, therefore loss from operating
affiliates reflects the Company's share of AlphaCat Re 2012's net loss for the
three months ended December 31, 2012.
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Gain on Bargain Purchase, Net of Expenses
On November 30, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Flagstone. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company acquired all of
Flagstone's outstanding common shares in exchange for the Company's common
shares and cash. The purchase price paid by the Company was $646.0 million for
net assets acquired of $695.7 million. The Company expensed as incurred $2.0
million of transaction expenses, $20.2 million of termination expenses and $6.0
million for amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition for the three
months ended December 31, 2012, resulting in a gain on bargain purchase of $21.5
million. Transaction expenses are comprised of primarily legal and corporate
advisory services.
Net Realized (Losses) Gains on Investments
Net realized losses on investments for the three months ended December 31, 2012
were $(4.5) million compared to gains of $5.4 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, a decrease of $9.9 million or 184.3%.
Net Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Investments
Net unrealized losses on fixed maturities and short term investments for the
three months ended December 31, 2012 were $(3.1) million compared to gains of
$1.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $5.0
million or 263.2%.
Net unrealized losses on other investments for the three months ended December
31, 2012 were $(32.8) million compared to gains of $0.3 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2011. Net unrealized losses for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 were driven primarily by a $(31.3) million unrealized loss
relating to the Paulson & Co. hedge fund investments held by PaCRe. The amount
of net unrealized losses attributable to noncontrolling interest was $(28.2)
million for the three months ended December 31, 2012, leaving a net impact to
the Company of $(3.1) million.
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments are recorded as a component of net
income. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance on U.S. GAAP fair
value measurements in effect as of the balance sheet date. Consistent with these
standards, certain market conditions allow for fair value measurements that
incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based
measurements are unavailable.
Loss From Investment Affiliate
The loss from investment affiliate for the three months ended December 31, 2012
was $(0.4) million compared to $nil for the three months ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $(0.4) million. The loss from investment affiliate relates
to the loss incurred in the Company's investment in the Aquiline Financial
Services Fund II L.P. for the three months ended December 31, 2012. As at
December 31, 2011, the investment in the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P
was included in other investments.
Foreign Exchange Gains
Foreign exchange gains for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were $1.2
million compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011, a
favorable movement of $0.9 million or 344.0%. For the three months ended
December 31, 2012, Validus Re recognized foreign exchange gains of $0.2 million
and Talbot recognized foreign exchange gains of $1.2 million.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re segment foreign
exchange gains were $0.2 million compared to foreign exchange losses of $(0.2)
million for the three months ended December 31, 2011, a favorable movement of
$0.4 million or 196.7%. Validus Re currently hedges foreign currency exposure by
balancing assets (primarily cash and premium receivables) with liabilities
(primarily case reserves and event IBNR) for certain major non-USD currencies.
Consequently, Validus Re aims to have a limited exposure to foreign exchange
fluctuations.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Talbot segment foreign exchange
gains were $1.2 million compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011, a favorable movement of $0.7 million or 168.7%. The favorable
movement in Talbot foreign exchange was due primarily to a $0.6 million gain due
to the revaluation of assets held in Euros and other currencies.
As at December 31, 2012, Talbot's balance sheet includes net unearned premiums
and deferred acquisition costs denominated in foreign currencies of
approximately $107.4 million and $21.5 million, respectively. These balances
consisted of British pound sterling and Canadian dollars of $78.0 million and
$7.9 million, respectively. Net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs
are classified as non-monetary items and are translated at historic exchange
rates. All of Talbot's other balance sheet items are classified as monetary
items and are translated at period end exchange rates. Additional foreign
exchange gains (losses) may be incurred on the translation of net unearned
premiums and deferred acquisition costs arising from insurance and reinsurance
premiums written in future periods.
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Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
On April 2, 2012, the Company capitalized PaCRe, a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer
formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe
reinsurance. PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed
capital. Validus invested $50.0 million in PaCRe's common equity and therefore
owns 10.0% of PaCRe. The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of
$27.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012 was calculated as
90.0% of the net loss in PaCRe for the quarter.
On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing
AlphaCat Re 2011, a new special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of
writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance. Validus Re
has an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and Validus Re held a majority of
AlphaCat Re 2011's outstanding voting rights up to December 23, 2011 when
AlphaCat Re 2011 completed a secondary offering of its common shares to third
party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re common shares to one of
the third party investors. As a result of these transactions, the Company's
outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%. As a result of the Company's
voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and
corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from
the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the
remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 is treated as an equity method
investment as at December 31, 2012. For the three months ended December 31,
2011, the Company recorded $(7.7) million in net income attributable to
noncontrolling interest relating to AlphaCat Re 2011.
Transaction Expenses
During the three months ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred $nil in
transaction expenses compared to $3.9 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2011. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, the Company
incurred transaction expenses related to its proposed acquisition of
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. ("Transatlantic"). The transaction expenses related
to the November 30, 2012 acquisition of Flagstone are netted against the gain on
bargain purchase. Refer to the section above entitled "Gain on Bargain Purchase,
Net of Expenses." Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal,
financial advisory and audit related services.
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The following table presents results of operations for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 and years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
Three Months Ended
December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2012 (a) 2011 2012 (a) 2011 2010
Gross premiums written $ 311,847 $ 278,279 $ 2,166,440 $ 2,124,691 1,990,566
Reinsurance premiums ceded (35,659 ) (16,489 ) (307,506 ) (289,241 ) (229,482 )
Net premiums written 276,188 261,790 1,858,934 1,835,450 1,761,084
Change in unearned premiums 223,098 226,556 14,282 (33,307 ) 39
Net premiums earned 499,286 488,346 1,873,216 1,802,143 1,761,123
Losses and loss expenses 458,310 334,829 999,446 1,244,401 987,586
Policy acquisition costs 81,814 81,253 334,698 314,184 292,899
General and administrative
expenses 65,095 52,253 263,652 197,497 209,290
Share compensation expenses 7,126 7,237 26,709 34,296 28,911
Total underwriting deductions 612,345 475,572 1,624,505 1,790,378 1,518,686
Underwriting (loss) income (b) (113,059 ) 12,774 248,711 11,765 242,437
Net investment income 28,802 28,080 107,936 112,296 134,103
Other income 187 3,517 22,396 5,718 5,219
Finance expenses (14,510 ) (13,520 ) (53,857 ) (54,817 ) (55,870 )
Operating (loss) income before
taxes and (loss) income from
oprating affiliates (b) (98,580 ) 30,851 325,186 74,962 325,889
Tax (expense) benefit (615 ) 226 (2,501 ) (824 ) (3,126 )
(Loss) income from operating
affiliates (614 ) - 12,580 - -
Net operating (loss) income (b) (99,809 ) 31,077 335,265
74,138 322,763
Gain on bargain purchase, net of
expenses (c) 21,485 - 17,701 - -
Net realized (losses) gains on
investments (4,516 ) 5,355 18,233 28,532 32,498
Net unrealized (losses) gains on
investments (35,857 ) 2,159 17,585 (19,991 ) 45,952
(Loss) from investment affiliate (406 ) - (964 ) - -
Foreign exchange gains (losses) 1,181 266 4,798 (22,124 ) 1,351
Transaction expenses (d) - (3,850 ) - (17,433 ) -
Net (loss) income (117,922 ) 35,007 392,618 43,122 402,564
Net loss (income) attributable to
noncontrolling interest 27,206 (7,683 ) 15,820 (21,793 ) -
Net (loss) income (attributable)
available to Validus $ (90,716 ) $ 27,324 $ 408,438 $ 21,329 $ 402,564
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross
premiums written 88.6 % 94.1 % 85.8 % 86.4 % 88.5 %
Losses and loss expenses 91.8 % 68.6 % 53.4 % 69.1 % 56.1 %
Policy acquisition costs 16.4 % 16.6 % 17.9 % 17.4 % 16.6 %
General and administrative
expenses (e) 14.5 % 12.2 % 15.5 % 12.9 % 13.5 %
Expense ratio 30.9 % 28.8 % 33.4 % 30.3 % 30.1 %
Combined ratio 122.7 % 97.4 % 86.8 % 99.4 % 86.2 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company's results, management
has included and discussed underwriting income and operating income that are
not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such
measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or
calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Reconciliations of these measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial
measure, are presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income"
(c) The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arises from the acquisition of
Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. on November 30, 2012 and is net of
transaction related expenses.
(d) The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the
Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic. Transaction expenses are
primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.
(e) The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation
expenses.
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Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31,
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2012 (a) 2011 2012 (a) 2011 2010
Validus Re
Gross premiums written $ 79,233 $ 55,851 $ 1,131,959 $ 1,114,493 $ 1,089,443
Reinsurance premiums ceded (7,074 ) (49 ) (144,578 ) (150,718 ) (63,147 )
Net premiums written 72,159 55,802 987,381 963,775 1,026,296
Change in unearned premiums 213,105 196,679 35,890 2,150 13,822
Net premiums earned 285,264 252,481 1,023,271 965,925 1,040,118
Losses and loss expenses 331,130 215,903 575,416 749,305 601,610
Policy acquisition costs 40,703 39,227 154,362 154,582 159,527
General and administrative expenses 14,716 11,716 63,048 44,663 45,613
Share compensation expenses 1,849 2,191 7,763 9,309 7,181
Total underwriting deductions 388,398 269,037 800,589 957,859 813,931
Underwriting (loss) income (b) (103,134 ) (16,556 ) 222,682 8,066 226,187
AlphaCat
Gross premiums written $ (4 ) $ (1,323 ) $ 21,603 $ 75,727 $ 11,796
Reinsurance premiums ceded - - - - -
Net premiums written (4 ) (1,323 ) 21,603 75,727 11,796
Change in unearned premiums 5,895 27,834 (3,937 ) (9,761 ) (714 )
Net premiums earned 5,891 26,511 17,666 65,966 11,082
Losses and loss expenses - 10,000 - 10,000 -
Policy acquisition costs 589 3,331 1,774 7,946 1,072
General and administrative expenses 2,011 6,807 7,532 10,929 5,327
Share compensation expenses 84 33 279 107 594
Total underwriting deductions 2,684 20,171 9,585 28,982 6,993
Underwriting income (b) 3,207 6,340 8,081 36,984 4,089
Legal Entity adjustments
Gross premiums written $ 7 $ - $ 7 $ - $ -
Reinsurance premiums ceded - - - - -
Net premiums written 7 - 7 - -
Change in unearned premiums (3,833 ) - (3,833 ) - -
Net premiums earned (3,826 ) - (3,826 ) - -
Losses and loss expenses - - - - -
Policy acquisition costs $ (365 ) $ (1,093 ) $ (390 ) $ (2,394 ) $ -
General and administrative expenses 1,673 (5,438 ) 5,130 (1,658 ) 15,927
Share compensation expenses 115 196 561 982 80
Total underwriting deductions 1,423 (6,335 ) 5,301 (3,070 ) 16,007
Underwriting (loss) income(b) (5,249 ) 6,335 (9,127 ) 3,070 (16,007 )
Talbot
Gross premiums written $ 241,100 $ 235,242 $ 1,078,636 $ 1,014,122 $ 981,073
Reinsurance premiums ceded (37,067 ) (27,931 ) (228,686 ) (218,174 ) (258,081 )
Net premiums written 204,033 207,311 849,950 795,948 722,992
Change in unearned premiums 4,098 2,043 (17,671 ) (25,696 ) (13,069 )
Net premiums earned 208,131 209,354 832,279 770,252 709,923
Losses and loss expenses 127,180 108,926 424,030 485,096 385,976
Policy acquisition costs 41,745 41,160 183,926 157,334 143,769
General and administrative expenses 32,371 29,676 133,281 112,072 107,557
Share compensation expenses 2,442 1,934 7,789 8,582 6,923
Total underwriting deductions 203,738 181,696 749,026 763,084 644,225
Underwriting income (b) 4,393 27,658 83,253 7,168 65,698
Corporate & Eliminations
Gross premiums written $ (8,489 ) $ (11,491 ) $ (65,765 ) $ (79,651 ) $ (91,746 )
Reinsurance premiums ceded 8,482 11,491 65,758 79,651 91,746
Net premiums written (7 ) - (7 ) - -
Change in unearned premiums 3,833 - 3,833 - -
Net premiums earned 3,826 - 3,826 - -
Losses and loss expenses - - - - -
Policy acquisition costs (858 ) (1,372 ) (4,974 ) (3,284 ) (11,469 )
General and administrative expenses 14,324 9,492 54,661 31,491 34,866
Share compensation expenses 2,636 2,883 10,317 15,316 14,133
Total underwriting deductions 16,102 11,003 60,004 43,523 37,530
Underwriting (loss) (b) (12,276 ) (11,003 ) (56,178 ) (43,523 ) (37,530 )
Total underwriting (loss) income (b) $ (113,059 ) $ 12,774 $ 248,711 $ 11,765 $ 242,437
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(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company's results, management
has included and discussed underwriting income that is not calculated under
standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as
non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other
companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those
determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to
net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in
the section below entitled "Underwriting Income."
Year Ended December 31, 2012 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011
Net income available to Validus for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $408.4
million compared to $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an
increase of $387.1 million. The primary factors driving the increase in net
income were:
• Increase in underwriting income of $236.9 million due primarily to:
• A $245.0 million decrease in loss and loss expenses and a $71.1
million increase in net premiums earned;
• Offset by the following factors:
A $20.5 million increase in policy acquisition costs; and
A $66.2 million increase in general and administrative
expenses, partially offset by a $7.6 million decrease in share
compensation expenses;
• Increases in other income of $16.7 million and income from operating
affiliates of $12.6 million;
• Increase in net unrealized gains on investments and foreign exchange of
$37.6 million and $26.9 million, respectively;
• Decrease in transaction expenses of $17.4 million ($nil in the current
year) and a $17.7 million gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses; and
• Net loss attributable to controlling interest which resulted in an
increase to net income attributable to Validus of $37.6 million.
The above items were partially offset by the following factors:
• Unfavorable movement in net investment income and net realized gains on
investments of $4.4 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
The change in net income available to Validus for the year ended December 31,
2012 of $387.1 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 is
described in the following table:
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Year Ended December 31, 2012
Decrease (increase) overthe year ended December 31, 2011
Corporate and
(Dollars in thousands) Validus Re (a) AlphaCat Talbot Eliminations(b) Total
Notable losses-decrease in net
losses and loss expenses (c) $ 72,055 $ - $ 61,240 $ - $ 133,295
Less: Notable losses- increase in
net reinstatement premiums (c) 6,932 - 5,898 - 12,830
Other underwriting (loss) income 135,629 (28,903 ) 8,947 (24,852 ) 90,821
Underwriting income (loss) (d) 214,616 (28,903 ) 76,085 (24,852 ) 236,946
Net investment income (4,521 ) 503 (4,070 ) 3,728 (4,360 )
Other income (2,305 ) 11,763 (1,452 ) 8,672 16,678
Finance expenses (1,166 ) 598 65 1,463 960
Operating income (loss) before
taxes and income from operating
affiliates 206,624 (16,039 ) 70,628 (10,989 ) 250,224
Tax (expense) (150 ) - (1,578 ) 51 (1,677 )
Income from operating affiliates - 12,580 - - 12,580
Net operating income (loss) 206,474 (3,459 ) 69,050 (10,938 ) 261,127
Gain on bargain purchase, net of
expenses - - - 17,701 17,701
Net realized gains on investments (9,112 ) (315 ) (872 ) - (10,299 )
Net unrealized gains (losses) on
investments 49,731 (18,168 ) 6,013 - 37,576
(Loss) from investment affiliate (964 ) - - - (964 )
Foreign exchange gains (losses) 22,188 508 4,715 (489 ) 26,922
Transaction expenses - - - 17,433 17,433
Net income (loss) 268,317 (21,434 ) 78,906 23,707 349,496
Net loss (income) attributable to
noncontrolling interest - 37,613 - - 37,613
Net income (loss) available
(attributable) to Validus $ 268,317 $ 16,179 $ 78,906 $ 23,707 $ 387,109
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) The Corporate and Eliminations column includes legal entity adjustments.
(c) Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2012 include: Costa Concordia,
Cat 67, U.S. drought, Hurricane Isaac and Hurricane Sandy. Notable losses for
the year ended December 31, 2011 include: Tohoku earthquake, Gryphon Alpha
mooring failure, Christchurch earthquake, Brisbane floods, CNRL Horizon, Cat
46, Cat 48, Jupiter 1, Danish floods, Hurricane Irene and the Thai floods.
Excludes the reserve for potential development on 2011 notable loss events.
(d) Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company's results, management
has included and discussed underwriting income (loss) that is not calculated
under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred
to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by
other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for
those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this
measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is
presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income".
Gross Premiums Written
Gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $2,166.4
million compared to $2,124.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an
increase of $41.7 million or 2.0%. The marine and specialty lines increased by
$79.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively, while the property lines decreased
by $39.0 million. Details of gross premiums written by line of business are
provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross
(Dollars in Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums
thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) Written Written (%)
Property $ 1,060,297 48.9 % $ 1,099,303 51.7 % $ 1,037,061 52.1 %
Marine 649,421 30.0 % 569,981 26.9 % 525,307 26.4 %
Specialty 456,722 21.1 % 455,407 21.4 % 428,198 21.5 %
Total $ 2,166,440 100.0 % $ 2,124,691 100.0 % $ 1,990,566 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
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Validus Re. Validus Re gross premiums written for the year ended December 31,
2012 were $1,132.0 million compared to $1,114.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $17.5 million or 1.6%. Details of Validus Re
gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross
(Dollars in Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums
thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) Written Written (%)
Property $ 771,617 68.2 % $ 786,937 70.6 % $ 778,794 71.5 %
Marine 257,469 22.7 % 232,401 20.9 % 227,135 20.8 %
Specialty 102,873 9.1 % 95,155 8.5 % 83,514 7.7 %
Total $ 1,131,959 100.0 % $ 1,114,493 100.0 % $ 1,089,443 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $15.3 million
was due primarily to a $25.8 million decrease in renewing premiums written on
proportional and per risk excess of loss treaties relating to reduced
participation on several large contracts not meeting the Company's underwriting
requirements and a $12.4 million decrease in intercompany premiums written with
Talbot. These were partially offset by a $9.3 million increase in new business
written in the Singapore branch, a $9.1 million increase in premium adjustments
and catastrophe excess of loss business and a $7.4 million increase in premiums
relating to the Flagstone acquisition. The increase in gross premiums written of
$25.1 million in the marine lines was due to a $24.6 million increase in
reinstatement premiums primarily relating to the Costa Concordia event and a
$2.8 million increase in premium adjustments on proportional business, slightly
offset by a $3.8 million decrease in premiums on new business incepting during
the period. The increase in gross premiums written of $7.7 million in the
specialty lines was due primarily to a $6.0 million increase in premium
adjustments on proportional business, a $3.1 million increase in premiums
relating to the Flagstone acquisition and a $2.8 million increase in new
business written in the Singapore branch. These were slightly offset by a $2.1
million decrease in premiums on new business incepting during the period and a
$2.0 million decrease in intercompany premiums written with Talbot.
Gross premiums written under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss
contracts between Validus Re and Talbot for the year ended December 31, 2012
decreased by $14.4 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.
These reinsurance agreements with Talbot are eliminated upon consolidation.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $21.6 million compared to $75.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2011 , a decrease of $54.1 million or 71.5%. Details of AlphaCat gross premiums
written by line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Gross Premiums Gross Premiums Gross Premiums Gross Premiums Gross Premiums Gross Premiums
(Dollars in thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) Written Written (%)
Property 21,603 100.0 % 75,727 100.0 % 11,796 100.0 %
Total 21,603 100.0 % 75,727 100.0 % 11,796 100.0 %
The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $54.1 million
was due primarily to the deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 which occurred as
at December 31, 2011, when the individual assets and liabilities and
corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from
the consolidated Balance Sheet of the Company. AlphaCat Re 2011 was consolidated
in 2011 until December 31, 2011 whereas in 2012, AlphaCat Re 2011 is accounted
for as an equity method operating affiliate. Therefore the comparative renewals
are not reflected in gross premiums written in 2012, but are included in gross
managed premiums, a comparable measure.
Managed gross premiums written from our non-consolidated affiliates, AlphaCat Re
2011and AlphaCat Re 2012, for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $126.5
million compared to $60.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an
increase of $66.5 million or 110.8%. Gross premiums written from our
consolidated AlphaCat entities for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $21.6
million compared to $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an
increase of $5.9 million or 37.5% .
Gross premiums written with Talbot for the year ended December 31, 2012
increased by $0.5 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. These
reinsurance agreements with Talbot are eliminated upon consolidation.
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Talbot. Talbot gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2012 were
$1,078.6 million compared to $1,014.1 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, an increase of $64.5 million or 6.4%. The $1,078.6 million of gross
premiums written translated at 2011 rates of exchange would have been $1,081.7
million for the year ended December 31, 2012, giving an effective increase of
$67.6 million or 6.7%. Details of Talbot gross premiums written by line of
business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross
(Dollars in Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums
thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written(%) Written Written (%)
Property $ 324,910 30.1 % $ 306,317 30.2 % $ 314,769 32.1 %
Marine 396,207 36.7 % 341,821 33.7 % 315,102 32.1 %
Specialty 357,519 33.2 % 365,984 36.1 % 351,202 35.8 %
Total $ 1,078,636 100.0 % $ 1,014,122 100.0 % $ 981,073 100.0 %
The increase in gross premiums written in the property lines of $18.6 million
was due primarily to a $16.1 million increase in the direct property lines and a
$9.1 million increase in the construction lines, partially offset by an $8.3
million decrease in the property treaty lines. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission costs on underwriting years
2007 and prior, related to business on the marine class. This resulted in a
$14.8 million increase in gross premiums written and earned premium, offset by
an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the marine class, resulting in
no net impact. The increase in gross premiums written in the marine lines of
$54.4 million was due primarily to a $14.8 million increase in premium
adjustments, described above, a $29.9 million increase in premium adjustments in
the cargo and offshore energy lines, an $8.0 million increase in premiums
written in the marine energy and liability lines and a $4.9 million increase in
other treaty lines mainly driven by reinstatement premiums on Hurricane Sandy.
These increases were slightly offset by a $2.3 million decrease in premiums
written in the hull lines. The decrease in gross premiums written in the
specialty lines of $8.5 million was due primarily to a $15.1 million decrease in
premiums written in direct aviation and aviation treaty lines. This decrease
primarily relates to a premium reassessment of $8.2 million which has no net
earned impact on the direct aviation and aviation treaty lines. In addition,
there was a $1.7 million decrease in financial institutions lines, partially
offset by a $9.3 million increase in political risk lines.
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
Reinsurance premiums ceded for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $307.5
million compared to $289.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an
increase of $18.3 million, or 6.3%. The marine and specialty lines increased by
$14.0 million and $7.2 million, respectively, while the property lines decreased
by $3.0 million. Details of reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are
provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance
(Dollars in Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums
thousands) Ceded Ceded (%) Ceded Ceded (%) Ceded Ceded (%)
Property $ 206,000 67.0 % $ 208,968 72.2 % $ 123,383 53.7 %
Marine 46,853 15.2 % 32,847 11.4 % 38,701 16.9 %
Specialty 54,653 17.8 % 47,426 16.4 % 67,398 29.4 %
Total $ 307,506 100.0 % $ 289,241 100.0 % $ 229,482 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded for the year ended December
31, 2012 were $144.6 million compared to $150.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2011, a decrease of $6.1 million, or 4.1%. Details of Validus Re
reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance
(Dollars in Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums
thousands) Ceded Ceded (%) Ceded Ceded (%) Ceded Ceded (%)
Property $ 123,610 85.5 % $ 136,369 90.5 % $ 45,536 72.2 %
Marine 20,397 14.1 % 13,848 9.2 % 17,643 27.9 %
Specialty 571 0.4 % 501 0.3 % (32 ) (0.1 )%
Total $ 144,578 100.0 % $ 150,718 100.0 % $ 63,147 100.0 %
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(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines decreased by $12.8 million, due
primarily to a $7.9 million decrease in non-proportional retrocessional
coverage, a $3.3 million decrease in adjustments from prior periods and a $2.1
million decrease in proportional retrocessional coverage. These were slightly
offset by a $0.7 million increase in ceded reinstatement premiums. The reduction
in both non-proportional and proportional retrocessional coverage is a result of
comparatively higher purchases of this coverage in the three months ended
March 31, 2011 prior to, and following, the notable loss events of that quarter.
The increase in reinsurance premiums ceded in the marine lines of $6.5 million
was due primarily to a $6.0 million increase in non-proportional coverage
incepting in the year.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat did not cede reinsurance premiums during the year ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Talbot. Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $228.7 million compared to $218.2 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, an increase of $10.5 million or 4.8%. Details of Talbot reinsurance
premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Reinsurance
(Dollars in Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums Premiums
thousands) Ceded Ceded (%) Ceded Ceded (%) Ceded Ceded (%)
Property $ 140,223 61.3 % $ 142,277 65.2 % $ 146,145 56.6 %
Marine 30,711 13.4 % 23,240 10.7 % 37,988 14.7 %
Specialty 57,752 25.3 % 52,657 24.1 % 73,948 28.7 %
Total $ 228,686 100.0 % $ 218,174 100.0 % $ 258,081 100.0 %
The decrease in reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines of $2.1 million
was due primarily to a $4.1 million decrease in premium ceded in the onshore
energy lines and a $2.3 million decrease in property treaty lines, partially
offset by a $3.1 million increase in the direct property lines. The increase in
reinsurance premiums ceded in the marine lines of $7.5 million was primarily due
to an increase in premiums ceded in the energy lines of $5.6 million driven
primarily by an increase in reinstatement premiums and prior period adjustments.
The increase in reinsurance premiums ceded in the specialty lines of $5.1
million was primarily due to a $4.3 million increase in excess of loss coverage
and reinstatement premiums on aviation direct lines.
Reinsurance premiums ceded under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of
loss contracts with Validus Re and AlphaCat for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $65.8 million compared to $79.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $13.9 million. These reinsurance agreements with Validus Re
and AlphaCat are eliminated upon consolidation.
Net Premiums Written
Net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $1,858.9 million
compared to $1,835.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase
of $23.5 million, or 1.3%. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums
written for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 85.8% and 86.4%,
respectively. Details of net premiums written by line of business are provided
below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) Written Written (%)
Property $ 854,297 46.0 % $ 890,335 48.5 % $ 913,678 51.9 %
Marine 602,568 32.4 % 537,134 29.3 % 486,606 27.6 %
Specialty 402,069 21.6 % 407,981 22.2 % 360,800 20.5 %Total $ 1,858,934 100.0 % $ 1,835,450 100.0 % $ 1,761,084 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums written for the year ended December 31,
2012 were $987.4 million compared to $963.8 million for the year ended December
31, 2011, an increase of $23.6 million or 2.4%. Details of Validus Re net
premiums written by line of business are provided below.
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Year Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) Written Written (%)
Property $ 648,007 65.6 % $ 650,568 67.5 % $ 733,258 71.5 %
Marine 237,072 24.0 % 218,553 22.7 % 209,492 20.4 %
Specialty 102,302 10.4 % 94,654 9.8 % 83,546 8.1 %
Total $ 987,381 100.0 % $ 963,775 100.0 % $ 1,026,296 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
The increase in Validus Re net premiums written was driven by factors
highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums
ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 87.2%
and 86.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $21.6 million compared to $75.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $54.1 million or 71.5%. Details of AlphaCat net premiums
written by line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) Written Written (%)
Property $ 21,603 100.0 % $ 75,727 100.0 % $ 11,796 100.0 %
Total $ 21,603 100.0 % $ 75,727 100.0 % $ 11,796 100.0 %
The decrease in AlphaCat net premiums written was driven by the factors
highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written. The ratios of net
premiums written to gross premiums written were 100.0% for the year ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Talbot. Talbot net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2012 were
$850.0 million compared to $795.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011,
an increase of $54.0 million or 6.8%. Details of Talbot net premiums written by
line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
thousands) Written Written (%) Written Written (%) Written Written (%)
Property $ 184,687 21.7 % $ 164,040 20.6 % $ 168,624 23.4 %
Marine 365,496 43.0 % 318,581 40.0 % 277,114 38.3 %
Specialty 299,767 35.3 % 313,327 39.4 % 277,254 38.3 %
Total $ 849,950 100.0 % $ 795,948 100.0 % $ 722,992 100.0 %
The increase in Talbot net premiums written was driven by the factors
highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums
ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the year
ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 78.8% and 78.5%, respectively.
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
Net change in unearned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $14.3
million compared to $(33.3) million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an
increase of $47.6 million or 142.9%.
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Year Ended December Year Ended December Year Ended December
31, 2012 (a) 31, 2011 31, 2010
Net Change in Net Change in Net Change in
Unearned Unearned Unearned
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums Premiums
Change in gross unearned premium $ (121,980 ) $ (43,866 ) $ (12,079 )
Less change due to Flagstone acquisition 139,389 - -
Deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 - (9,405 ) -
Net change in gross unearned premium 17,409 (53,271 ) (12,079 )
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium 8,212 19,964 12,118
Less change due to Flagstone acquisition (11,339 ) - -
Net change in prepaid reinsurance premium (3,127 ) 19,964 12,118
Net change in unearned premium $ 14,282 $ (33,307 ) $ 39
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re net change in unearned premiums for the year ended
December 31, 2012 was $35.9 million compared to $2.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $33.7 million, or 1,569.3%.
Year Ended December Year Ended December Year Ended December
31, 2012(a) 31, 2011 31, 2010
Net Change in Net Change in Net Change in
Unearned Unearned Unearned
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums Premiums
Change in gross unearned premium $ (104,420 ) $ (7,771 ) $ 16,277
Less change due to Flagstone acquisition 139,389 - -
Deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 - (9,405 ) -
Net change in gross unearned premium 34,969 (17,176 ) 16,277
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium 12,260 19,326 (2,455 )
Less change due to Flagstone acquisition (11,339 ) - -
Net change in prepaid reinsurance premium 921 19,326 (2,455 )
Net change in unearned premium $ 35,890 $ 2,150 $ 13,822
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re net change in unearned premiums has increased for the year ended
December 31, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and
reinsurance premiums ceded during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared
to the year ended December 31, 2011.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums for the year ended December
31, 2012 was $(3.9) million compared to $(9.8) million for the year ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $5.8 million or 59.7%.
Year Ended December Year Ended December Year Ended December 31,
31, 2012 31, 2011 2010
Net Change in Net Change in Net Change in
Unearned Unearned Unearned
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums Premiums
Change in gross unearned premium $ (3,937 ) $ (9,761 ) $ (714 )
Net change in unearned premium $ (3,937 ) $ (9,761 ) $ (714 )
AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums has increased for the year ended
December 31, 2012 due primarily to the deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 and
the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded
during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to year ended December 31,
2011.
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Talbot. Talbot net change in unearned premiums for the year ended December 31,
2012 was $(17.7) million compared to $(25.7) million for the year ended December
31, 2011, an increase of $8.0 million or 31.2%.
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, 2012 December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010
Net Change in NetChange in Net Change in
Unearned Unearned Unearned
(Dollars in thousands) Premiums Premiums Premiums
Change in gross unearned premium $ (13,623 ) $ (26,334 ) $ (27,642 )
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium (4,048 ) 638 14,573
Net change in unearned premium $ (17,671 ) $ (25,696 ) $ (13,069 )
Talbot net change in unearned premiums has increased for the year ended December
31, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance
premiums ceded during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year
ended December 31, 2011.
Net Premiums Earned
Net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $1,873.2 million
compared to $1,802.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase
of $71.1 million or 3.9%. Details of net premiums earned by line of business are
provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
thousands) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%)
Property $ 866,365 46.3 % $ 891,448 49.5 % $ 923,370 52.4 %
Marine 609,012 32.5 % 517,376 28.7 % 445,426 25.3 %
Specialty 397,839 21.2 % 393,319 21.8 % 392,327 22.3 %
Total $ 1,873,216 100.0 % $ 1,802,143 100.0 % $ 1,761,123 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $1,023.3 million compared to $965.9 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, an increase of $57.3 million or 5.9%. Details of Validus Re net premiums
earned by line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
thousands) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%)
Property $ 673,928 65.9 % $ 664,244 68.8 % $ 754,583 72.5 %
Marine 254,092 24.8 % 211,344 21.9 % 176,601 17.0 %
Specialty 95,251 9.3 % 90,337 9.3 % 108,934 10.5 %
Total $ 1,023,271 100.0 % $ 965,925 100.0 % $ 1,040,118 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
The increase in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant pattern of
net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the year ended December
31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $17.7 million compared to $66.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $48.3 million or 73.2%. Details of AlphaCat net premiums
earned by line of business are provided below.
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Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
thousands) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%)
Property $ 17,666 100.0 % $ 65,966 100.0 % $ 11,082 100.0 %
Total $ 17,666 100.0 % $ 65,966 100.0 % $ 11,082 100.0 %
The decrease in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant pattern of
net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the year ended December
31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 and the deconsolidation of
AlphaCat Re 2011.
Talbot. Talbot net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2012 were
$832.3 million compared to $770.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011,
an increase of $62.0 million or 8.1%. Details of Talbot net premiums earned by
line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums Net Premiums
thousands) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%) Earned Earned (%)
Property $ 174,771 21.0 % $ 161,238 21.0 % $ 157,705 22.2 %
Marine 354,920 42.6 % 306,032 39.7 % 268,825 37.9 %
Specialty 302,588 36.4 % 302,982 39.3 % 283,393 39.9 %
Total $ 832,279 100.0 % $ 770,252 100.0 % $ 709,923 100.0 %
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission
costs on underwriting years 2007 and prior, related to business on the marine
class. This resulted in a $14.8 million increase in gross premiums written and
earned premium, offset by an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the
marine class, resulting in no net impact. Increases in previously written
premium income also contributed to an increase in net premiums earned of $34.1
million, driven mainly by energy, cargo, other treaty and marine energy and
liability classes, offset by small decreases in other classes.
The increase in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant patterns of
net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the year ended December
31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.
Losses and Loss Expenses
Losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $999.4
million compared to $1,244.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a
decrease of $245.0 million or 19.7%. The loss ratios, defined as losses and loss
expenses divided by net premiums earned, for the year ended December 31, 2012
and 2011 were 53.4% and 69.1%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of
business are provided below.
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010
2012 (a)
Property 54.7 % 87.1 % 60.5 %
Marine 60.1 % 61.7 % 50.3 %
Specialty 40.0 % 37.8 % 52.2 %
All lines 53.4 % 69.1 % 56.1 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
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Year Ended
December 31,
2012 (a) 2011 2010Property-current period-excluding items below 25.5 % 28.2 %
21.7 %
Property-current period-notable losses 37.5 % 58.7 % 45.7 %
Property-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 8.2 % 0.9 %
Property-change in prior accident years (8.3 )% (8.0 )% (7.8 )%
Property-loss ratio 54.7 % 87.1 % 60.5 %
Marine-current period-excluding items below 44.6 % 48.4 % 44.9 %
Marine-current period-notable losses 23.9 % 20.3 % 15.5 %
Marine-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 1.0 % 5.6 %
Marine-change in prior accident years (8.4 )% (8.0 )% (15.7 )%
Marine-loss ratio 60.1 % 61.7 % 50.3 %
Specialty-current period-excluding items below 45.4 % 47.3 % 45.7 %
Specialty-current period-notable losses (b) 7.6 % 1.5 % 10.1 %
Specialty-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Specialty-change in prior accident years (b) (13.0 )% (11.0 )% (3.6 )%
Specialty-loss ratio 40.0 % 37.8 % 52.2 %
All lines-current period-excluding items below 36.0 % 38.3 % 33.0 %
All lines-current period-notable losses (b) 26.7 % 35.2 % 30.1 %
All lines-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 4.3 % 1.9 %
All lines-change in prior accident years (b) (9.3 )% (8.7 )% (8.9 )%
All lines-loss ratio 53.4 % 69.1 % 56.1 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) The financial institution loss occurred in a prior period but developed over
the notable loss threshold in the three months ended December 31, 2010. In
2010, this loss was included in the change in prior year development and
excluded as a notable loss as presented above.
Validus Re. Validus Re losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31,
2012 were $575.4 million compared to $749.3 million for the year ended December
31, 2011, a decrease of $173.9 million or 23.2%. The loss ratio, defined as
losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 56.2% and 77.6% for
the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the year ended
December 31, 2012, Validus Re incurred losses of $648.0 million related to
current year losses and $72.6 million of favorable loss reserve development
relating to prior accident years. For the year ended December 31, 2012,
favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Validus
Re loss ratio by 7.1 percentage points. For the year ended December 31, 2011,
Validus Re incurred losses of $817.9 million related to current year losses and
$68.6 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident
years. For the year ended December 31, 2011, favorable loss reserve development
relating to prior accident years benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 7.1
percentage points.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re incurred $402.7 million of
losses from notable loss events, which represented 39.4 percentage points of the
loss ratio. Net of reinstatement premiums of $60.8 million, the effect of these
events on Validus Re segment income was a decrease of $342.0 million. For the
year ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re incurred $474.8 million of losses from
notable loss events, which represented 49.2 percentage points of the loss ratio,
excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of
reinstatement premiums of $53.8 million, the effect of these events on Validus
Re segment income was a decrease of $420.9 million. Validus Re segment loss
ratios excluding, notable loss events, reserve for potential development on
notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the year ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 23.9% and 27.4%, respectively. Details of
Validus Re loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided
below.
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Year Ended
December 31,
2012 (a) 2011 (b) 2010 (b)
Property-current period excluding items below 18.5 % 21.0 % 16.6 %
Property-current period-notable losses 41.1 % 61.1 % 46.5 %
Property-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 11.0 % 1.1 %
Property-change in prior accident years (6.8 )% (7.4 )% (6.6 )%
Property-loss ratio 52.8 % 85.7 % 57.6 %
Marine-current period excluding items below 36.3 % 44.0 % 36.5 %
Marine-current period-notable losses 40.3 % 32.7 % 29.1 %
Marine-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 2.4 % 14.2 %
Marine-change in prior accident years (4.4 )% (4.8 )% (10.0 )%
Marine-loss ratio 72.2 % 74.3 % 69.8 %
Specialty-current period excluding items below 29.9 % 36.3 % 19.2 %
Specialty-current period-notable losses 24.3 % 0.0 % 23.7 %
Specialty-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Specialty-change in prior accident years (16.3 )% (10.4 )% (2.9 )%
Specialty-loss ratio 37.9 % 25.9 % 40.0 %
All lines-current period excluding items below 23.9 % 27.4 % 20.3 %
All lines-current period-notable losses 39.4 % 49.2 % 41.1 %
All lines-current period-reserve for potential
development on notable loss events 0.0 % 8.1 % 3.2 %
All lines-change in prior accident years (7.1 )% (7.1 )% (6.8 )%
All lines-loss ratio 56.2 % 77.6 % 57.8 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) The prior year ratios have been represented to exclude the impact of the
AlphaCat segment premiums.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re property lines losses and loss
expenses included $401.5 million related to current year losses and $45.7
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to a reduction in loss
estimates on attritional losses. This movement was largely offset by an increase
in loss estimates on prior year notable loss events, which led to a movement in
the reserve for potential development on notable loss events during the year
ended December 31, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re
property lines losses and loss expenses included $618.0 million related to
current year losses and $49.0 million of favorable loss reserve development
relating to prior accident years. This favorable development was primarily due
to a reduction in the loss estimates on certain large loss events and favorable
development on attritional losses and various smaller loss events.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re property lines incurred $277.1
million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 41.1 percentage
points of the property lines loss ratio. Net of $33.0 million in reinstatement
premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $244.1
million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re property lines
incurred $405.6 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented
61.1 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. Validus Re property
lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential
development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for
the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 18.5% and 21.0%, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re marine lines losses and loss
expenses included $194.8 million related to current year losses and $11.3
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The favorable loss reserve development is due primarily to a reduction in loss
estimates on attritional losses, which was partially offset by an increase in
prior year notable loss events. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re
marine lines losses and loss expenses included $167.2 million related to current
year losses and $10.2 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to
prior accident years. This favorable development was due primarily to favorable
development on large loss events and attritional losses and various smaller loss
events.
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For the year ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re marine lines incurred $102.5
million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 40.3 percentage
points of the loss ratio. Net of $27.8 million in reinstatement premiums, the
effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $74.7 million. For the
year ended December 31, 2011, Validus Re marine lines incurred $69.2 million of
losses from notable loss events, which represented 32.7 percentage points of the
marine lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable
loss events. Validus Re marine lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events,
reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss
reserve development, for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 36.3%
and 44.0%, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss
expenses included $51.6 million related to current year losses and $15.5 million
of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The
favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to a reduction in loss
estimates on attritional losses. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Validus
Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $32.7 million related to
current year losses and $9.4 million of favorable loss reserve development
relating to prior accident years. This favorable development was attributable to
favorable development on attritional losses partially offset by adverse
development on large loss events.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re specialty lines incurred $23.2
million of losses from notable loss events which represented 24.3 percentage
points of the loss ratio.Validus Re specialty lines loss ratios, excluding
notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events
and prior year loss reserve development, for the year ended December 31, 2012
and 2011 were 29.9% and 36.3%, respectively.
The net negative financial impact from Hurricane Sandy to Flagstone for the year
ended December 31, 2012 was $39.1 million. The financial impact to Flagstone did
not impact Validus' results of operations in the fourth quarter 2012 as the loss
event took place prior to the date of Validus' acquisition of Flagstone which
was completed on November 30, 2012.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat contributed $nil to the losses and loss expenses for the year
ended December 31, 2012 compared to $10.0 million for the year ended December
31, 2011, a decrease of $10.0 million or 100.0%. The loss ratio defined as
losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was nil% and 15.2% for
the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the year ended
December 31, 2012, AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012 incurred Hurricane
Sandy losses of $25.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively. The AlphaCat
segment's portion of incurred losses and loss expenses related to Hurricane
Sandy was $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and are included in
income from operating affiliates.
Talbot. Talbot losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $424.0 million compared to $485.1 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $61.1 million or 12.6%. The loss ratio defined as losses and
loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 50.9% and 63.0% for the year
ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the year ended December 31,
2012, Talbot incurred losses of $526.4 million related to current year losses
and $102.4 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior
accident years. For the year ended December 31, 2012, favorable loss reserve
development on prior accident years benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 12.3
percentage points. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Talbot incurred losses
of $572.6 million related to current year losses and $87.5 million in favorable
loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the year ended
December 31, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years
benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 11.4 percentage points.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Talbot incurred $97.8 million of losses
from notable loss events, which represented 11.8 percentage points of the loss
ratio. Including the impact of reinstatement premiums of $(3.3) million, the
effect of these events on Talbot segment income was a decrease of $101.1
million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Talbot incurred $159.1 million of
losses from notable loss events, which represented 20.7 percentage points of the
Talbot loss ratio. Talbot loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior
year loss reserve development, for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
were 51.4% and 53.7%, respectively. Details of Talbot loss ratios by line of
business and period of occurrence are provided below.
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Year Ended
December 31,
2012 2011 2010
Property-current period excluding items below 55.6 % 63.6 % 47.5 %
Property-current period-notable losses 27.2 % 72.8 % 45.3 %
Property-change in prior accident years (15.0 )% (13.7 )% (14.2 )%
Property-loss ratio 67.8 % 122.7 % 78.6 %
Marine-current period excluding items below 50.5 % 51.5 % 50.5 %
Marine-current period-notable losses
12.2 % 11.7 % 6.6 %
Marine-change in prior accident years (11.3 )% (10.2 )% (19.5 )%
Marine-loss ratio
51.4 % 53.0 % 37.6 %
Specialty-current period excluding items below 50.3 % 50.6 % 55.8 %
Specialty-current period-notable losses (a) 2.3 % 1.9 % 4.9 %
Specialty-change in prior accident years (a) (11.9 )% (11.2 )% (3.9 )%
Specialty-loss ratio 40.7 % 41.3 % 56.8 %
All lines-current period excluding items below 51.4 % 53.7 % 52.0 %
All lines-current period-notable losses (a) 11.8 % 20.7 % 14.5 %
All lines-change in prior accident years (a) (12.3 )% (11.4 )% (12.1 )%
All lines-loss ratio 50.9 % 63.0 % 54.4 %
(a) The financial institution loss occurred in a prior period but developed over
the notable loss threshold in the three months ended December 31, 2010. In
2010, this loss was included in the change in prior year development and
excluded as a notable loss as presented above.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Talbot property lines losses and loss
expenses include $144.7 million related to current year losses and $26.3 million
of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The
prior year favorable loss reserve development was due to favorable experience on
attritional losses. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Talbot property lines
losses and loss expenses included $220.0 million related to current year losses
and $22.2 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior
accident years. This favorable development was attributable to lower than
expected development on large losses as well as favorable development on
attritional losses.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Talbot property lines incurred $47.5
million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 27.2 percentage
points of the property lines loss ratio. Net of reinstatement premiums of $1.2
million, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $46.2
million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Talbot's property lines incurred
$117.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 72.8
percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. Talbot property lines loss
ratio, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for
the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 55.6% and 63.6%, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Talbot marine lines losses and loss
expenses included $222.4 million related to current year losses and $40.1
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The prior year favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to favorable
development on attritional losses. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Talbot
marine lines losses and loss expenses included $193.5 million related to current
year losses and $31.4 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to
prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was due
to favorable development on attritional losses.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Talbot marine lines incurred $43.3 million
of losses from notable loss events, which represented 12.2 percentage points of
the marine lines loss ratio. Net of reinstatement premiums of $(3.0) million,
the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $46.3 million. For
the year ended December 31, 2011, Talbot's marine lines incurred $35.8 million
of losses from notable loss events, which represented 11.7 percentage points of
the marine lines loss ratio. Talbot marine lines loss ratios, excluding notable
loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the year ended December
31, 2012 and 2011 were 50.5% and 51.5%, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss
expenses included $159.3 million relating to current year losses and $36.1
million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
The prior year favorable reserve development was due primarily to favorable
development on attritional losses. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Talbot
specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $159.1 million relating to
current year losses and $34.0 million of favorable loss reserve development
relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve
development was due to favorable development on attritional losses.
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For the year ended December 31, 2012, Talbot specialty lines incurred $7.1
million losses from notable loss events, which represented 2.3 percentage points
of the specialty lines loss ratio. Net of reinstatement premiums of $(1.5)
million, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $8.5
million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Talbot's specialty lines incurred
$5.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 1.9
percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. Talbot specialty lines loss
ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development
for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 50.3% and 50.6%,
respectively.
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, gross and net reserves for losses and loss
expenses were estimated using the methodology as outlined in the Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates above.
As at December 31, 2012
Total Gross
Reserve for
Gross Case Losses and Loss
(Dollars in thousands) Reserves Gross IBNR Expenses
Property $ 930,553 $ 892,227 $ 1,822,780
Marine 522,907 477,948 1,000,855
Specialty 265,638 428,300 693,938
Total $ 1,719,098 $ 1,798,475 $ 3,517,573
As at December 31, 2012
Total Net Reserve for
(Dollars in thousands) Net Case Reserves Net IBNR Losses and Loss Expenses
Property $ 768,722 $ 803,182 $ 1,571,904
Marine 465,080 438,009 903,089
Specialty 230,584 372,029 602,613
Total $ 1,464,386 $ 1,613,220 $ 3,077,606
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of gross and net reserves for
losses and loss expenses by segment for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Validus Re
(Dollars in thousands) Segment AlphaCat Segment Talbot Segment Eliminations Total
Gross reserves at period
beginning $ 1,350,849 $ 10,000 $ 1,377,561 $ (107,267 ) $ 2,631,143
Losses recoverable (95,509 ) - (384,243 ) 107,267 (372,485 )
Net reserves at period
beginning 1,255,340 10,000 993,318 - 2,258,658
Net reserves acquired in
purchase of Flagstone 639,641 - - - 639,641
Incurred losses-current
year 647,977 - 526,438 - 1,174,415
Change in prior accident
years (72,561 ) - (102,408 ) - (174,969 )
Incurred losses 575,416 - 424,030 - 999,446
Foreign exchange 4,203 - 11,678 - 15,881
Paid losses (500,351 ) (5,000 ) (330,669 ) - (836,020 )
Net reserves at period end 1,974,249 5,000 1,098,357 - 3,077,606
Losses recoverable 148,646 - 381,950 (90,629 ) 439,967
Gross reserves at period
end $ 2,122,895 $ 5,000 $ 1,480,307 $ (90,629 ) $ 3,517,573
The amount of recorded reserves represents management's best estimate of
expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. For the year ended
December 31, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years
was $175.0 million of which, $72.6 million related to the Validus Re segment and
$102.4 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development
benefited the Company's loss ratio by 9.3 percentage points for the year ended
December 31, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2011, favorable loss reserve
development on prior accident years was $156.1 million, of which, $68.6 million
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related to the Validus Re segment and $87.5 million related to the Talbot
segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company's loss ratio
by 8.7 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2011.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred $500.6 million of
losses from notable loss events, which represented 26.7 percentage points of the
loss ratio. Net of $57.5 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these
events on net income was a decrease of $443.0 million. For the year ended
December 31, 2011, the Company incurred $633.9 million of losses from notable
loss events, which represented 35.2 percentage points of the loss ratio,
excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of
$44.7 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net
income was a decrease of $589.2 million. The Company's loss ratio, excluding
notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events
and prior year loss reserve development for the year ended December 31, 2012 and
2011 was 36.0% and 38.3%, respectively.
Management of insurance and reinsurance companies use significant judgment in
the estimation of reserves for losses and loss expenses. Given the magnitude of
recent loss events and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation,
meaningful uncertainty remains regarding the estimation for recent notable loss
events. The Company's actual ultimate net loss may vary materially from these
estimates. Ultimate losses for notable loss events are estimated through
detailed review of contracts which are identified by the Company as potentially
exposed to the specific notable loss event. However, there can be no assurance
that the ultimate loss amount estimated for a specific contract will be
accurate, or that all contracts with exposure to a specific notable loss event
will be identified in a timely manner. Potential losses in excess of the
estimated ultimate loss assigned to a contract on the basis of a specific
review, or loss amounts from contracts not specifically included in the detailed
review are reserved for in the reserve for potential development on notable loss
events. The reserve for potential development on notable loss events (or "RDE")
is included as part of the Company's overall reserve requirement as defined and
disclosed in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section above.
As of December 31, 2011 the reserve for potential development on 2010 and 2011
notable loss events was $18.6 million and $78.0 million, respectively. During
the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company increased certain loss estimates
and allocated $82.4 million of the 2010 and 2011 reserve to the Deepwater
Horizon, Danish flood, Thailand floods, Tohoku earthquake, Christchurch
earthquake and the Gryphon Alpha mooring failure. The Company also increased the
reserve for potential development on 2011 notable loss events by $27.9 million.
The 2011 notable loss events, principally the Tohoku earthquake, the
Christchurch earthquake, the Thailand floods and the Gryphon Alpha continued to
experience adverse development as shown in the reserves for notable loss events
roll forward table. Contract complexity, the nature and number of perils arising
from these events, limits and sub limits exposed, the quality, flow and timing
of information received by the Company, information regarding retrocessional
covers, assumptions, both explicit and implicit, regarding future paid and
reported loss development patterns, frequency and severity trends, claims
settlement practices and potential changes in the legal environment continue to
lead to complexity and volatility in the ultimate loss estimates for these
events. Given the potential that one or some of the 2011 notable loss events
eligible for potential allocation from the 2011 RDE may experience adverse
development, rather than all deteriorating proportionately, an addition to the
2011 RDE of $27.9 million was made. As at December 31, 2012, the reserve for
potential development on 2010 and 2011 notable loss events was $nil and $42.2
million, respectively. No RDE was established for 2012 notable losses.
For disclosure purposes, only those notable loss events which had an initial
consolidated ultimate loss estimate above $15.0 million are disclosed separately
and included in the reserve for notable loss events and reserve for development
on events tables. To the extent that there are continued complexity and
volatility factors relating to notable loss events in the aggregate, additions
to the RDE may be established for a specific accident year, as illustrated in
the RDE roll forward table. The Company increased the consolidated threshold for
disclosure for notable losses effective January 1, 2011, from $5.0 million to
$15.0 million.
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RESERVES FOR NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS - (Dollars in thousands)
2010 NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS Year Ended December 31, 2010 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2012
Development Closing Development Closing Development Closing
Initial (Favorable) / Allocations Estimate (c) (Favorable) / Allocations Estimate (c)
(Favorable) / Allocations Estimate (c)
Notable Loss Estimate (a) Unfavorable (b) of RDE (f)
31-Dec-10 Unfavorable (b) of RDE (f) 31-Dec-11 Unfavorable (b) of RDE (f) 31-Dec-12
Chilean
earthquake $ 293,116 $ 2,548 $ 19,242 $ 314,906 $ (14,449 ) $ - $ 300,457 $ (15,172 ) $ - $ 285,285
Deepwater
Horizon (e) 44,101 737 - 44,838 3 14,769 59,610 13,529 18,617 91,756
New Zealand
earthquake 28,685 1,167 16,614 46,466 (297 ) - 46,169 3,026 - 49,195
Queensland
floods 25,000 - - 25,000 (17,966 ) - 7,034 (3,700 ) - 3,334
Melbourne
hailstorm 18,200 2,644 - 20,844 293 - 21,137 - - 21,137
Windstorm
Xynthia 12,558 (11,177 ) - 1,381 (220 ) - 1,161 - - 1,161
Political
violence loss 12,500 - - 12,500 2,195 - 14,695 - - 14,695
Aban Pearl 10,500 20 - 10,520 272 - 10,792 - - 10,792
Satellite
failure 8,786 - - 8,786 (810 ) - 7,976 - - 7,976
Perth
hailstorm 8,390 - - 8,390 1,063 - 9,453 - - 9,453
Oklahoma
windstorm 7,677 29 - 7,706 (841 ) - 6,865 1 - 6,866
Bangkok riots 7,500 4,159 - 11,659 1,055 - 12,714 (203 ) - 12,511
Hurricane
Karl 6,313 - - 6,313 - - 6,313 (4,320 ) - 1,993
Financial
institutions
loss 5,487 - - 5,487 95 - 5,582 - - 5,582
Political
risk loss 5,000 349 - 5,349 (3,828 ) - 1,521 - - 1,521
Total 2010
Notable Loss
Events $ 493,813 $ 476 $ 35,856 $ 530,145 $ (33,435 ) $ 14,769 $ 511,479 $ (6,839 ) $ 18,617 $ 523,257
Closing Closing Closing
Paid Loss Reserve (d) Paid Loss Reserve (d) Paid Loss Reserve (d)
Notable Loss (Recovery) 31-Dec-10 (Recovery) 31-Dec-11 (Recovery) 31-Dec-12
Chilean
earthquake $ 120,549 $ 194,357 $ 103,847 $ 76,061 $ 25,380 $ 35,509
Deepwater
Horizon (e) 45,152 (314 ) (34,881 ) 49,339 14,458 67,027
New Zealand
earthquake - 46,466 1,254 44,915 12,182 35,759
Queensland
floods - 25,000 - 7,034 112 3,222
Melbourne
hailstorm 7,163 13,681 11,611 2,363 1,290 1,073
Windstorm
Xynthia 111 1,270 369 681 53 628
Political
violence loss - 12,500 - 14,695 - 14,695
Aban Pearl 7,346 3,174 2,418 1,028 165 863
Satellite
failure 5,206 3,580 2,234 536 82 454
Perth
hailstorm 5,339 3,051 3,751 363 134 229
Oklahoma
windstorm 4,054 3,652 2,047 764 79 686
Bangkok riots (1 ) 11,660 7,500 5,215 - 5,012
Hurricane
Karl - 6,313 - 6,313 1,637 356
Financial
institutions
loss 57 5,430 3,039 2,486 174 2,312
Political
risk loss 7 5,342 1,514 - - -
Total 2010
Notable Loss
Events $ 194,983 $ 335,162 $ 104,703 $ 211,793 $ 55,746 $ 167,825
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RESERVES FOR NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS - (Dollars in thousands) - CONTINUED
2011 NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2012
Development Closing Development Closing
Initial (Favorable) / Allocations Estimate (c) (Favorable) / Allocations Estimate (c)
Notable Loss Estimate (a)
Unfavorable (b) of RDE 31-Dec-11 Unfavorable (b) of RDE 31-Dec12
Tohoku
earthquake $ 148,926 $ 37,963 $ 29,788 $ 216,677 $ (6,652 ) $ 16,342 $ 226,367
Thailand
floods 54,148 - - 54,148 10,704 14,262 79,114
Gryphon Alpha 52,434 9,151 - 61,585 874 5,355 67,814
Cat 46 43,806 18,553 - 62,359 $ 118 - 62,477Christchurch
earthquake 41,881 16,854 20,212 78,947 (495 ) 20,121 98,573
Hurricane
Irene 32,451 3 - 32,454 (10,788 ) - 21,666
Cat 48 31,481 9,190 - 40,671 5,612 - 46,283
Brisbane
floods 31,023 4,848 - 35,871 (1,394 ) - 34,477
CNRL Horizon
(g) 19,500 (8,706 ) - 10,794 558 - 11,352
Danish flood 19,429 5,987 - 25,416 2,566 7,665 35,647
Jupiter 1 15,008 (73 ) - 14,935 (166 ) - 14,769
Total 2011
Notable Loss
Events $ 490,087 $ 93,770 $ 50,000 $ 633,857 $ 937 $ 63,745 $ 698,539
Closing Closing
Paid Loss Reserve (d) Paid Loss Reserve (d)
Notable Loss (Recovery) 31-Dec-11 (Recovery) 31-Dec-12
Tohoku
earthquake $ 59,100 $ 157,577 $ 94,011 $ 73,256
Thailand
floods 1,748 52,400 13,017 64,349
Gryphon Alpha 8,686 52,899 19,487 39,641
Cat 46 51,429 10,930 1,700 9,348
Christchurch
earthquake (42 ) 78,989 5,708 92,907
Hurricane
Irene 8,669 23,785 3,743 9,254
Cat 48 19,934 20,737 14,032 12,317
Brisbane
floods 16,151 19,720 10,998 7,328
CNRL Horizon
(g) 5,600 5,194 5,746 6
Danish flood 7,872 17,544 15,099 12,676
Jupiter 1 14,342 593 245 182
Total 2011
Notable Loss
Events $ 193,489 $ 440,368 $ 183,786 $ 321,264
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RESERVES FOR NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS - (Dollars in thousands) CONTINUED
2012 NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS Year Ended December 31, 2012
Development Closing
Initial (Favorable) / Allocations Estimate (c)
Notable Loss Estimate (a) Unfavorable (b) of RDE 30-Dec-12
Hurricane
Sandy $ 361,036 $ - $ - $ 361,036
Costa
Concordia 76,197 (2,061 ) - 74,136
Cat 67 22,713 5,377 - 28,090
U.S. drought 22,021 - - 22,021
Hurricane
Isaac 15,209 67 - 15,276
Total 2012
Notable Loss
Events $ 497,176 $ 3,383 $ - $ 500,559
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Closing
Reserve (d)
Notable Loss Paid Loss 31-Dec-12
Hurricane
Sandy $ 38,515 $ 322,521
Costa
Concordia 13,040 61,096
Cat 67 13,432 14,658
U.S. drought 12,346 9,675
Hurricane
Isaac 313 14,963
Total 2012
Notable Loss
Events $ 77,646 $ 422,913
(a) Includes paid losses, case reserves and IBNR reserves.
(b) Development other than allocation of RDE.
(c) Excludes impact of movements in foreign exchange rates.
(d) Closing Reserve for the period equals Closing Estimate for the period less
cumulative Paid Losses.
(e) Net movement in 2011 impacted by recognition of recoveries under
retrocessional contracts.
(f) As at December 31, 2012, the Company has allocated all of the 2010 RDE.
(g) As at December 31, 2012, the Company has concluded that CNRL Horizon and
Jupiter 1 no longer remains eligible for potential allocations from the 2011
RDE.
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RESERVE FOR DEVELOPMENT ON EVENTS Reserve for Reserve for Reserve for Total Reserve
potential potential potential for potential
development on development on development on development on
2010 notable 2011 notable 2012 notable loss notable loss
loss events loss events events events
(dollars in (dollars in (dollars in (dollars in
thousands) thousands) thousands) thousands)
As at December 31, 2009 $ - $ -
Reserve for potential development
additions 69,242 69,242
Reserve for potential development
allocations (a) (35,856 ) (35,856 )
Reserve for potential development
releases - -
As at December 31, 2010 (b) $ 33,386 $ - $ - $ 33,386
Reserve for potential development
additions - 128,000 128,000
Reserve for potential development
allocations (a) (14,769 ) (50,000 ) (64,769 )
Reserve for potential development
releases - - -
As at December 31, 2011 (b) $ 18,617 $ 78,000 $ - $ 96,617
Reserve for potential development
additions (c) - 27,926 - 27,926
Reserve for potential development
allocations (a) (18,617 ) (63,746 ) - (82,363 )
Reserve for potential development
releases - - - -
As at December 31, 2012 (b) $ - $ 42,180 $ - $ 42,180
(a) During the year ended December 31, 2010, $19,242 was allocated to the Chilean
earthquake and $16,614 was allocated to the New Zealand earthquake from the
2010 reserve for development on notable loss events.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, $14,769 was allocated to Deepwater
Horizon from the 2010 reserve for development on notable loss events. During the
same period $29,788 was allocated to the Tohoku earthquake and $20,212 was
allocated to the Christchurch earthquake from the 2011 reserve for development
on notable loss events.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, $18,617 was allocated to Deepwater
Horizon from the 2010 reserve for development on notable loss events. During the
same period $16,342 was allocated to the Tohoku earthquake, $20,121 was
allocated to the Christchurch earthquake, $7,665 was allocated to the Danish
flood and $14,262 was allocated to the Thailand floods and $5,355 was allocated
to the Gryphon Alpha mooring failure.
(b) Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2010 included Chilean
earthquake, Melbourne hailstorm, Windstorm Xynthia, Deepwater Horizon, Aban
Pearl, Bangkok riots, Perth hailstorm, New Zealand earthquake, Oklahoma
windstorm, Political risk loss, Hurricane Karl, Queensland floods, Political
violence loss, Satelite failure and Financial institution loss.
Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2011 included Tohoku earthquake,
Gryphon Alpha mooring failure, Christchurch earthquake, Brisbane floods, CNRL
Horizon, Cat 46, Cat 48, Jupiter 1, Danish floods, Hurricane Irene and Thailand
floods. As at September 30, 2012, the Company has concluded that CNRL Horizon
and Jupiter 1 no longer remains eligible for potential allocations from the 2011
RDE.
Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2012 included Costa Concordia,
Cat 67, U.S. drought, Hurricane Isaac and Hurricane Sandy.
(c) The 2011 notable loss events, principally the Tohoku earthquake, the
Christchurch earthquake and the Thailand floods continued to experience
adverse development as shown in the notable loss roll forward table. Contract
complexity, the nature and number of perils arising from these events, limits
and sub limits exposed, the quality, flow and timing of information received
by the Company, information regarding retrocessional covers, assumptions,
both explicit and implicit, regarding future paid and reported loss
development patterns, frequency and severity trends, claims settlement
practices and potential changes in the legal environment continue to lead to
complexity and volatility in the ultimate loss estimates for these events.
Given the potential that one or some of the 2011 notable loss events eligible
for potential allocation from the 2011 RDE may experience adverse
development, rather than all deteriorating proportionately, an addition to
the 2011 RDE of $27.9 million was made.
(d) The RDE is included as part of the Company's overall reserve requirement as
defined and disclosed in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
section above.
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Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $334.7
million compared to $314.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an
increase of $20.5 million or 6.5%. Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net
premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 17.9% and
17.4%, respectively. Details of policy acquisition costs by line of business are
provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Policy Policy Acquisition Policy Policy Acquisition Policy Policy Acquisition
(Dollars in Acquisition Acquisition Cost Acquisition Acquisition Cost Acquisition Acquisition Cost
thousands) Costs Costs (%) Ratio Costs Costs (%) Ratio Costs Costs (%) Ratio
Property $ 107,062 32.0 % 12.4 % $ 112,261 35.8 % 12.6 % $ 119,894 40.9 % 13.0 %
Marine 140,714 42.0 % 23.1 % 113,845 36.2 % 22.0 % 92,271 31.5 % 20.7 %
Specialty 86,922 26.0 % 21.8 % 88,078 28.0 % 22.4 % 80,734 27.6 % 20.6 %
Total $ 334,698 100.0 % 17.9 % $ 314,184 100.0 % 17.4 % $ 292,899 100.0 % 16.6 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Validus Re. Validus Re policy acquisition costs for the year ended December 31,
2012 were $154.4 million compared to $154.6 million for the year ended December
31, 2011, a decrease of $0.2 million or 0.1%. Details of Validus Re policy
acquisition costs by line of business are provided below.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Policy Policy Acquisition Policy Policy Acquisition Policy Policy Acquisition
(Dollars in Acquisition Acquisition Cost Acquisition Acquisition Cost Acquisition Acquisition Cost
thousands) Costs Costs (%) Ratio Costs Costs (%) Ratio Costs Costs (%) Ratio
Property $ 94,239 61.1 % 14.0 % $ 95,893 62.1 % 14.4 % $ 111,478 69.9 % 14.8 %
Marine 44,343 28.7 % 17.5 % 44,431 28.7 % 21.0 % 33,691 21.1 % 19.1 %
Specialty 15,780 10.2 % 16.6 % 14,258 9.2 % 15.8 % 14,358 9.0 % 13.2 %
Total $ 154,362 100.0 % 15.1 % $ 154,582 100.0 % 16.0 % $ 159,527 100.0 % 15.3 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Policy acquisition costs include brokerage, commission and excise tax, are
generally driven by contract terms, are normally a set percentage of premiums
and are also net of ceding commission income on retrocessions. Items such as
ceded premium, earned premium adjustments and reinstatement premiums that are
recognized in the period have an effect on policy acquisition costs. Validus Re
policy acquisition costs as a percentage of net premiums earned for the year
ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 15.1% and 16.0%, respectively. The policy
acquisition cost ratio on the marine line has decreased by 3.5 percentage points
due to an increase in reinstatement premiums that attract little or no policy
acquisition costs.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat policy acquisition costs for the year ended December 31,
2012 were $1.8 million compared to $7.9 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $6.2 million or 77.7%.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Policy Policy Acquisition Policy Policy Acquisition Policy Policy Acquisition
(Dollars in Acquisition Acquisition Cost Acquisition Acquisition Cost Acquisition Acquisition Cost
thousands) Costs Costs (%) Ratio Costs Costs (%) Ratio Costs Costs (%) Ratio
Property $ 1,774 100.0 % 10.0 % $ 7,946 100.0 % 12.0 % $ 1,072 100.0 % 9.7 %
Total $ 1,774 100.0 % 10.0 % $ 7,946 100.0 % 12.0 % $ 1,072 100.0 % 9.7 %
Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the year ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 10.0% and 12.0%, respectively
Talbot. Talbot policy acquisition costs for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $183.9 million compared to $157.3 million for the year ended December 31,
2011, an increase of $26.6 million or 16.9%. Details of Talbot policy
acquisition costs by line of business are provided below.
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Year Ended December 31, 2012 Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Policy Policy Acquisition Policy Policy Acquisition Policy Policy Acquisition
(Dollars in Acquisition Acquisition Cost Acquisition Acquisition Cost Acquisition Acquisition Cost
thousands) Costs Costs (%) Ratio Costs Costs (%) Ratio Costs Costs (%) Ratio
Property $ 16,114 8.8 % 9.2 % $ 13,814 8.7 % 8.6 % $ 18,628 12.9 % 11.8 %
Marine 96,582 52.5 % 27.2 % 69,624 44.3 % 22.8 % 58,614 40.8 % 21.8 %
Specialty 71,230 38.7 % 23.5 % 73,896 47.0 % 24.4 % 66,527 46.3 % 23.5 %
Total $ 183,926 100.0 % 22.1 % $ 157,334 100.0 % 20.4 % $ 143,769 100.0 % 20.3 %
Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the year ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 22.1% and 20.4%, respectively. During the nine
months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission costs on
underwriting years 2007 and prior, related to business on the marine class. This
resulted in a $14.8 million increase in gross premiums written and earned
premium, offset by an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the marine
class, resulting in no net impact. The effect on the policy acquisition cost
ratio was an increase of 9.3 percentage points for the year ended December 31,
2012. Excluding the effect of this implementation, the marine lines and total
policy acquisition cost ratios would have been 23.0% and 20.3%, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were
$263.7 million compared to $197.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011,
an increase of $66.2 million or 33.5%. The increase was primarily due to an
increase in Corporate expenses of $30.0 million, a $21.2 million increase in the
Talbot segment and a $18.4 million increase in the Validus Re segment. The
increase was offset by a $3.4 million decrease in the AlphaCat segment.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
General and General and General and General and General and General and
(Dollars in Administrative Administrative Administrative Administrative Administrative Administrative
thousands) Expenses Expenses (%) Expenses Expenses (%) Expenses Expenses (%)
Validus Re $ 63,048 23.9 % $ 44,663 22.6 % $ 45,613 21.8 %
AlphaCat 7,532 2.9 % 10,929 5.5 % 5,327 2.5 %
Talbot 133,281 50.5 % 112,072 56.7 % 107,557 51.4 %
Corporate &
Eliminations (b) 59,791 22.7 % 29,833 15.2 % 50,793 24.3 %
Total $ 263,652 100.0 % $ 197,497 100.0 % $ 209,290 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.
General and administrative expenses of $263.7 million in the year ended December
31, 2012 represented 14.1 percentage points of the expense ratio. General and
administrative expenses of $197.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2011
represented 11.0 percentage points of the expense ratio. Share compensation
expenses are discussed in the following section.
Validus Re. Validus Re general and administrative expenses for the year ended
December 31, 2012 were $63.0 million compared to $44.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $18.4 million or 41.2%. General and
administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in the
performance bonus expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to
the year ended December 31, 2011. Other contributing factors of the increase in
general and administrative expense include an increase in rent and office
expenses due to the Bermuda office refurbishment, the departure of a senior
executive and the Company consolidating the general and administrative expenses
as a result of the acquisition of Flagstone. General and administrative expenses
include salaries and benefits, professional fees, rent and office expenses.
Validus Re general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums
earned for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 6.2% and 4.6%,
respectively.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat general and administrative expenses for the year ended
December 31, 2012 were $7.5 million compared to $10.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2011, a decrease of $3.4 million or 31.1%. General and
administrative expenses include salaries and benefits and professional fees.
General and administrative expenses have decreased primarily due to the
deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 as at December 31, 2011, offset by an
increase in salaries and benefits and performance bonus expense. AlphaCat's
general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the
year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 42.6% and 16.5%, respectively. The
AlphaCat segment general and administrative expense ratio has
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been impacted by the reduction in net premiums earned as a greater proportion of
the segment's revenues are generated in equity earnings from operating
affiliates which is not included in the ratio calculation.
Talbot. Talbot general and administrative expenses for the year ended December
31, 2012 were $133.3 million compared to $112.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2011, an increase of $21.2 million or 18.9%. General and
administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in the
performance bonus expense. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in
Lloyd's syndicate costs. Talbot's general and administrative expenses as a
percent of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
were 16.0% and 14.6%, respectively.
Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate general and administrative expenses for the
year ended December 31, 2012 were $59.8 million compared to $29.8 million for
the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $30.0 million or 100.4%.
General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase
in the performance bonus expense and professional fees. Corporate general and
administrative expenses are comprised of executive and board expenses, internal
and external audit expenses and other costs relating to the Company as a whole.
Share Compensation Expenses
Share compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $26.7
million compared to $34.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a
decrease of $7.6 million or 22.1%. This expense is non-cash and has no net
effect on total shareholders' equity, as it is balanced by an increase in
additional paid-in capital.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 (a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Share Share Share
Share Compensation Share Compensation Share Compensation
(Dollars in Compensation Expense Compensation
Expense Compensation Expense
thousands) Expense Expenses (%) Expense Expenses (%) Expense Expenses (%)
Validus Re $ 7,763 29.1 % $ 9,309 27.2 % $ 7,181 24.9 %
AlphaCat 279 1.0 % 107 0.3 % 594 2.1 %
Talbot 7,789 29.2 % 8,582 25.0 % 6,923 23.9 %
Corporate &
Eliminations
(b) 10,878 40.7 % 16,298 47.5 % 14,213 49.1 %
Total $ 26,709 100.0 % $ 34,296 100.0 % $ 28,911 100.0 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.
Share compensation expenses of $26.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2012
represented 1.4 percentage points of the general and administrative expense
ratio. The decrease in share compensation expenses of $7.6 million is due to a
reversal of $1.4 million of expenses related to performance shares based on a
review of current and projected performance criteria and a reduced expense of
$1.3 million on the non-qualified options which fully vested in May 2012. In
addition, the share compensation expenses of $34.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2011 included $2.2 million of expenses on the employee seller
shares and $1.1 million of Talbot restricted share awards which fully vested on
July 2, 2011.
Validus Re. Validus Re share compensation expenses for the year ended December
31, 2012 were $7.8 million compared to $9.3 million for the year ended December
31, 2011, a decrease of $1.5 million or 16.6%. Share compensation expense as a
percent of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
were 0.7% and 1.0%, respectively.
AlphaCat. AlphaCat share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums
earned for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 1.6% and 0.2%,
respectively.
Talbot. Talbot share compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $7.8 million compared to $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011,
a decrease of $0.8 million or 9.2%. Share compensation expense as a percent of
net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were 0.9% and
1.1%, respectively.
Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate share compensation expenses for the year
ended December 31, 2012 were $10.9 million compared to $16.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $5.4 million or 33.3%.
Selected Ratios
The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are often
measured by reference to its combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss ratio
and the expense ratio. The loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses and loss
expenses incurred (including estimates for incurred but not reported losses) by
net premiums earned. The expense ratio is calculated by dividing
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acquisition costs combined with general and administrative expenses by net
premiums earned. The following table presents the losses and loss expenses
ratio, policy acquisition cost ratio, general and administrative expense ratio,
expense ratio and combined ratio for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and
2010.
Year Ended
December Year Ended Year Ended
31, 2012 December 31, December 31,
(a) 2011 2010
Consolidated
Losses and loss expenses ratio 53.4 % 69.1 % 56.1 %
Policy acquisition costs ratio 17.9 % 17.4 % 16.6 %
General and administrative expenses ratio (b) 15.5 % 12.9 % 13.5 %
Expense ratio 33.4 % 30.3 % 30.1 %
Combined ratio 86.8 % 99.4 % 86.2 %
Validus Re
Losses and loss expenses ratio 56.2 % 77.6 % 57.8 %
Policy acquisition costs ratio 15.1 % 16.0 % 15.3 %
General and administrative expenses ratio (b) 6.9 % 5.6 % 5.1 %
Expense ratio 22.0 % 21.6 % 20.4 %
Combined ratio 78.2 % 99.2 % 78.2 %
AlphaCat
Losses and loss expenses ratio 0.0 % 15.2 % 0.0 %
Policy acquisition costs ratio 10.0 % 12.0 % 9.7 %
General and administrative expenses ratio (b) 44.2 % 16.7 %
53.4 %
Expense ratio 54.2 % 28.7 % 63.1 %
Combined ratio 54.2 % 43.9 % 63.1 %
Talbot
Losses and loss expenses ratio 50.9 % 63.0 % 54.4 %
Policy acquisition costs ratio 22.1 % 20.4 % 20.3 %
General and administrative expenses ratio (b) 16.9 % 15.7 % 16.1 %
Expense ratio 39.0 % 36.1 % 36.4 %
Combined ratio 89.9 % 99.1 % 90.7 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Includes general and administrative expenses and share compensation expenses.
General and administrative expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 2012
and 2011 were 15.5% and 12.9%, respectively. General and administrative expense
ratio is the sum of general and administrative expenses and share compensation
expense divided by net premiums earned.
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(a) Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010
Expenses as Expenses as Expenses as
% of Net % of Net % of Net
Earned Earned Earned
(Dollars in thousands) Expenses Premiums Expenses Premiums Expenses Premiums
General and administrative
expenses $ 263,652 14.1 % $ 197,497 11.0 % $ 209,290 11.9 %
Share compensation expenses 26,709 1.4 % 34,296 1.9 % 28,911 1.6 %
Total $ 290,361 15.5 % $ 231,793 12.9 % $ 238,201 13.5 %
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
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Underwriting Income
Underwriting income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $248.7 million
compared to $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of
$236.9 million or 2,014.0%.
Year Ended % of Sub- Year Ended % of Sub- Year Ended % of Sub-
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2012 total December 31, 2011 total December 31, 2010 total
Validus Re (a) $ 222,682 70.9 % $ 8,066 15.5 % $ 226,187 76.4 %
AlphaCat 8,081 2.6 % 36,984 70.8 % 4,089 1.4 %
Talbot 83,253 26.5 % 7,168 13.7 % 65,698 22.2 %
Sub total 314,016 100.0 % 52,218 100.0 % 295,974 100.0 %
Corporate & Eliminations (65,305 ) (40,453 ) (53,537 )
Total $ 248,711 $ 11,765 $ 242,437
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are also often
measured by reference to its underwriting income, which is a non-GAAP measure as
previously defined. Underwriting income, as set out in the table below, is
reconciled to net income (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure)
by the addition or subtraction of net investment income, other income, finance
expenses, gain on bargain purchase, realized gain on repurchase of debentures,
net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, foreign exchange
gains (losses) and transaction expenses, as illustrated below.
Year Ended
December 31, 2012 Year Ended Year Ended
(Dollars in thousands) (a) December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010
Underwriting income $ 248,711 $ 11,765 $ 242,437
Net investment income 107,936 112,296 134,103
Other income 22,396 5,718 5,219
Finance expenses (53,857 ) (54,817 ) (55,870 )
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses 17,701 - -
Net realized gains on investments 18,233 28,532 32,498
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments 17,585 (19,991 ) 45,952
(Loss) from investment affiliate (964 ) - -
Foreign exchange gains (losses) 4,798 (22,124 ) 1,351
Transaction expenses - (17,433 ) -
Tax (expense) benefit (2,501 ) (824 ) (3,126 )
Income from operating affiliates 12,580 - -
Net income $ 392,618 $ 43,122 $ 402,564
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Underwriting income indicates the performance of the Company's core underwriting
function, excluding revenues and expenses such as the reconciling items in the
table above. The Company believes the reporting of underwriting income enhances
the understanding of our results by highlighting the underlying profitability of
the Company's core insurance and reinsurance business. Underwriting
profitability is influenced significantly by earned premium growth, adequacy of
the Company's pricing and loss frequency and severity. Underwriting
profitability over time is also influenced by the Company's underwriting
discipline, which seeks to manage exposure to loss through favorable risk
selection and diversification, its management of claims, its use of reinsurance
and its ability to manage its expense ratio, which it accomplishes through its
management of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company
believes that underwriting income provides investors with a valuable measure of
profitability derived from underwriting activities.
The Company excludes the U.S. GAAP measures noted above, in particular net
realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, from its calculation of
underwriting income because the amount of these gains and losses is heavily
influenced by, and fluctuates in part, according to availability of investment
market opportunities. The Company believes these amounts are largely independent
of its underwriting business and including them distorts the analysis of trends
in its operations. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance
with U.S. GAAP, the Company believes that showing underwriting income
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enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial
information to more easily analyze the Company's results of operations in a
manner similar to how management analyzes the Company's underlying business
performance. The Company uses underwriting income as a primary measure of
underwriting results in its analysis of historical financial information and
when performing its budgeting and forecasting processes. Analysts, investors and
rating agencies who follow the Company request this non-GAAP financial
information on a regular basis. In addition, underwriting income is one of the
factors considered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors in
determining total annual incentive compensation.
Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net
income as there are inherent material limitations associated with the use of
underwriting income as compared to using net income, which is the most directly
comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. The most significant limitation is the
ability of users of the financial information to make comparable assessments of
underwriting income with other companies, particularly as underwriting income
may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Therefore, the
Company provides more prominence in this filing to the use of the most
comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, net income, which includes the
reconciling items in the table above. The Company compensates for these
limitations by providing both clear and transparent disclosure of net income and
reconciliation of underwriting income to net income.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $107.9 million
compared to $112.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of
$4.4 million or 3.9%. Net investment income decreased due to falling yields on
fixed maturity investments. Net investment income includes accretion of premium
or discount on fixed maturities, interest on coupon-paying bonds, short-term
investments and cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by investment
management fees. The components of net investment income for the year ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as presented below.
Year Ended December Year Ended December Year Ended December
(Dollars in thousands) 31, 2012 (a) 31, 2011 31, 2010
Fixed maturities and short-term investments $ 105,937 $
111,983 $ 132,669
Other investments 2,790 - -
Cash and cash equivalents 7,259 7,285 8,180
Securities lending income 14 58 200
Total gross investment income 116,000 119,326 141,049
Investment expenses (8,064 ) (7,030 ) (6,946 )
Net investment income $ 107,936 $ 112,296 $ 134,103
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Annualized investment yield is calculated by dividing net investment income
(excluding other investments) by the average balance of the assets managed by
our portfolio managers (excluding other investments). Average assets is the
average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end asset balances. The
Company's annualized effective investment yield was 1.65% and 1.87% for the
years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the average duration
of the portfolio at December 31, 2012 was 1.34 years (December 31, 2011-1.63
years).
The annualized effective investment yield decreased for the year ended December
31, 2012 due to the consolidation of the Flagstone investment portfolio which
included $1,060.4 million in cash and short term investments, or 72.4% of
Flagstone's total investments and cash as at December 31, 2012. Excluding the
effect of the consolidation of the Flagstone investment portfolio, the
annualized effective investment yield would have been 1.72% for the year ended
December 31, 2012. Overall yield has decreased due to falling yields on fixed
maturity investments.
Other Income
Other income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $22.4 million compared to
$5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $16.7 million
or 291.7%. The primary component of other income for the year ended December 31,
2012 is $23.2 million in underwriting and performance fees the AlphaCat segment
earned from business written by AlphaCat Re 2011, PaCRe and AlphaCat Re 2012.
AlphaCat Re 2011 was a consolidated subsidiary during the three months ended
June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2011. The balance sheet of AlphaCat Re
2011 was deconsolidated as at December 31, 2011.
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Finance Expenses
Finance expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $53.9 million
compared to $54.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of
$1.0 million or 1.8%. Finance expenses also include the amortization of debt
offering costs and discounts, and fees related to our credit facilities.
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2012 (a) 2011 2010
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures $ 6,964 $ 9,768 14,354
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures 8,922 12,115 12,114
2010 Senior Notes due 2040 22,388 22,388 20,770
Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes 459 - -
Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes 327 - -
Credit facilities 11,999 6,492 5,246
Bank charges 269 218 246
AlphaCat Re 2011 preferred dividend(b) - 3,609 -
AlphaCat ILS Funds fees (c) 2,432 - -
Talbot FAL Facility 97 227 333
Talbot third party FAL facility - - 2,807
Finance expenses $ 53,857 $ 54,817 55,870
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
(b) Includes preferred share dividends and finance expenses attributable to
AlphaCat Re 2011.
(c) Includes finance expenses incurred by AlphaCat Managers, Ltd. in relation to
the AlphaCat ILS funds and fund-raising for AlphaCat 2013.
The decrease in finance expenses of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2012 was due primarily to a $3.2 million decrease in interest paid on the 2007
Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures due to the basis of repayments
changing from a fixed interest rate of 8.480% per annum through June 15, 2012 to
a floating rate of three month LIBOR plus 295 basis points, a $2.8 million
decrease in interest paid on the 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
due to the basis of repayments changing from a fixed interest rate of 9.069% per
annum through June 15, 2011 to a floating rate of three month LIBOR plus 355
basis points and a $3.6 million decrease in the preferred dividends and finance
expenses attributable to AlphaCat Re 2011. These decreases were partially offset
by placement fees incurred by AlphaCat for its investments in ILS Funds of $2.4
million and a $5.5 million increase in credit facility fees primarily due to
closing fees on the renewal of the credit facilities and the acceleration of
fees expensed on the credit facilities that were terminated during the year.
Tax (Expense)
Tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $(2.5) million compared to
$(0.8) million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase in expense of
$1.7 million or 203.5%. The increase was primarily due to underwriting profits
in the Talbot segment for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to
underwriting losses for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase was also
due to an increase in UK taxable profits arising from higher fee income,
partially offset by a higher bonus deduction and a reduction in the deferred tax
liability due to a reduction in the UK tax rate from 2013.
The Company provides for income taxes based upon amounts reported in the
financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws. The
Company is registered in Bermuda and is subject to Bermuda law with respect to
taxation. Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not taxed on any Bermuda
income or capital gains and has received an undertaking from the Bermuda
Minister of Finance that, in the event of any Bermuda income or capital gains
taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from those taxes until March 31,
2035.
Within the segment information contained in the Financial Statements, gross
premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure are presented
for the periods indicated. Gross premiums written allocated to the United States
are written primarily through Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., a Bermuda Registered
Reinsurance Company. As noted, under current Bermuda law, the Company is not
taxed on any Bermuda income and therefore the premium disclosed in the segment
information does not correlate to pre-tax income generated in the United States.
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Income From Operating Affiliates
Income from operating affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2012, was $12.6
million compared to $nil for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of
$12.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2012 income from operating
affiliates of $12.6 million relates to equity earnings relating to AlphaCat Re
2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012.
In the second quarter of 2011, AlphaCat Re 2011 was included in the consolidated
results of the Company, therefore there was no comparative information for the
year ended December 31, 2011. As at December 31, 2012, the Company owned 22.3%
of AlphaCat Re 2011, therefore income from operating affiliates reflects the
Company's share of AlphaCat Re 2011's net income for the year ended December 31,
2012.
AlphaCat Re 2012 was formed on May 29, 2012 therefore there was no comparative
information for the year ended December 31, 2011. As at December 31, 2012, the
Company owned 37.9% of AlphaCat Re 2012, therefore income from operating
affiliates reflects the Company's share of AlphaCat Re 2012's net income for the
year ended December 31, 2012.
Gain on Bargain Purchase, Net of Expenses
On November 30, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Flagstone. Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, the Company acquired all of
Flagstone's outstanding common shares in exchange for the Company's common
shares and cash. The purchase price paid by the Company was $646.0 million for
net assets acquired of $695.7 million. The Company expensed as incurred $5.8
million of transaction expenses, $20.2 million of termination expenses and $6.0
million for amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition for the year
ended December 31, 2012, resulting in a gain on bargain purchase, net of
expenses of $17.7 million. Transaction expenses are comprised of primarily legal
and corporate advisory services.
Net Realized Gains on Investments
Net realized gains on investments for the year ended December 31, 2012 were
$18.2 million compared to $28.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a
decrease of $10.3 million or 36.1%.
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity and short term investments for the year
ended December 31, 2012 were $17.6 million compared to losses of $(20.0) million
for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $37.6 million or 188.0%.
The net unrealized gains for the year ended December 31, 2012 were a result
primarily of increased market appetite for corporate credit.
Net unrealized losses on other investments for the year ended December 31, 2012
were $(20.4) million compared to $(1.3) million for the year ended December 31,
2011, a decrease of $19.1 million. The net unrealized losses for the year ended
December 31, 2012 were driven primarily by the $(19.2) million unrealized loss
relating to the Paulson & Co. hedge fund investments held by PaCRe. The amount
of net unrealized losses attributable to noncontrolling interest was $(17.3)
million for the year ended December 31, 2012, leaving a net impact to the
Company of $(1.9) million.
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments are recorded as a component of net
income. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance on U.S. GAAP fair
value measurements in effect as of the balance sheet date. Consistent with these
standards, certain market conditions allow for fair value measurements that
incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based
measurements are unavailable.
Loss From Investment Affiliate
The loss from investment affiliate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was
$(1.0) million as compared to $nil for the year ended December 31, 2011, a
decrease of $(1.0) million. The loss from investment affiliate relates to the
loss incurred in the Company's investment in the Aquiline Financial Services
Fund II L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2012. As at December 31, 2011, the
investment in the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P was included in other
investments.
Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)
Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Our subsidiaries have one of the
following functional currencies: U.S. dollar, British pound sterling, Euro,
Canadian dollar, Swiss franc, Indian rupee, South African rand and Singapore
dollar. As a significant portion of our operations are transacted in foreign
currencies, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may affect period-to-period
comparisons. To the extent that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
affect comparisons, their impact has been quantified, when possible, and
discussed in each of the relevant sections. See Note 3 "Significant accounting
policies" to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data."
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Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31,
U.S. dollar (weakened) strengthened against: 2012 2011 2010
British Pound sterling (4.4 )% (0.4 )% 3.0 %
Euro (1.7 )% 2.3 % 8.2 %
Canadian Dollar (2.7 )% 2.1 % (4.7 )%
Swiss Franc (2.4 )% (0.2 )% (9.4 )%
Indian Rupee 3.6 % 16.5 % (2.6 )%
South African Rand 4.7 % 21.6 % (10.4 )%
Singapore Dollar (5.8 )% 0.4 % (8.1 )%
Foreign exchange gains for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $4.8 million
compared to losses of $(22.1) million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a
favorable movement of $26.9 million or 121.7%. For the year ended December 31,
2012, Validus Re recognized foreign exchange gains of $2.7 million and Talbot
recognized foreign exchange gains of $2.5 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Validus Re segment foreign exchange gains
were $2.7 million compared to a foreign exchange loss of $(19.5) million for the
year ended December 31, 2011, a favorable movement of $22.2 million or 113.6%.
Validus Re currently hedges foreign currency exposure by balancing assets
(primarily cash and premium receivables) with liabilities (primarily case
reserves and event IBNR) for certain major non-USD currencies. Consequently,
Validus Re aims to have a limited exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations. The
$2.7 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2012 primarily occurred as a
result of the British pound sterling and Japanese Yen strengthening during the
period. In the year ended December 31, 2011 a foreign exchange loss occurred as
a result of the Company having liabilities in both New Zealand Dollars and
Japanese Yen during a period when both of these currencies strengthened against
the U.S. dollar.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Talbot segment foreign exchange gains were
$2.5 million compared to losses of $(2.2) million for the year ended December
31, 2011, a favorable movement of $4.7 million or 215.5%. The favorable movement
in Talbot foreign exchange was due primarily to a $2.1 million translation of
non U.S. dollar balances and a $3.5 million translation of non-monetary assets,
partially of offset a $1.2 million losses incurred in the revaluation of assets
held in Euros and other currencies. During 2012, the U.S. dollar to British
pound sterling weakened by 4.4% as compared to a weakening of the U.S. dollar to
British pound sterling of 0.4% for the in 2011.
At December 31, 2012, Talbot's balance sheet includes net unearned premiums and
deferred acquisition costs denominated in foreign currencies of approximately
$107.4 million and $21.5 million, respectively. These balances consisted of
British pound sterling and Canadian dollars of $78.0 million and $7.9 million,
respectively. Net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs are
classified as non-monetary items and are translated at historic exchange rates.
All of Talbot's other balance sheet items are classified as monetary items and
are translated at period end exchange rates. Additional foreign exchange gains
(losses) may be incurred on the translation of net unearned premiums and
deferred acquisition costs arising from insurance and reinsurance premiums
written in future periods.
Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
On April 2, 2012, the Company capitalized PaCRe, a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer
formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe
reinsurance. PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed
capital. Validus invested $50.0 million in PaCRe's common equity and therefore
owns 10.0% of PaCRe. The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of
$15.8 million for the period from April 2, 2012 to December 31, 2012 was
calculated as 90.0% of the net loss in PaCRe for the period.
On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing
AlphaCat Re 2011, a new special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of
writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance. Validus Re
has an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and Validus Re held a majority of
AlphaCat Re 2011's outstanding voting rights up to December 23, 2011 when
AlphaCat Re 2011 completed a secondary offering of its common shares to third
party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re common shares to one of
the third party investors. As a result of these transactions, the Company's
outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%. As a result of the Company's
voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and
corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from
the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the
remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 is treated as an equity method
investment as at December 31, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the
Company recorded $(21.8) million in net income attributable to noncontrolling
interest relating to AlphaCat Re 2011.
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Transaction Expenses
During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred $nil in
transaction expenses compared to $17.4 million for the year ended December 31,
2011. The 2011 transaction expenses related to the Company's proposed
acquisition of Transatlantic. The transaction expenses related to the November
30, 2012 acquisition of Flagstone were used in the calculation of the gain on
bargain purchase of Flagstone and are presented on the section above entitled
"Gain on Bargain Purchase of Flagstone." Transaction expenses are primarily
comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.
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Year Ended December 31, 2011 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010
Net income available to Validus for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $21.3
million compared to $402.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, a
decrease of $381.2 million or 94.7%. The primary factors driving the decrease in
net income were:
• Decrease in underwriting income of $230.7 million due primarily to a
$256.8 million increase in loss and loss expenses from increased severity
of catastrophe events. This was partially offset by a $41.0 million
increase in net premiums earned;
• Decrease in net investment income of $21.8 million;
• Unfavorable movement in net unrealized gains on investments of $65.9
million; and
• Unfavorable movement in foreign exchange of $23.5 million.
The change in net income available to Validus for the year ended December 31,
2011 of $381.2 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 is
described in the following table:
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Decrease (increase) over the year ended December 31, 2010
Corporate and
other reconciling
(Dollars in thousands) Validus Re AlphaCat Talbot items Total
Notable losses-(increase)
decrease in net losses and
loss expenses(a) $ (46,951 ) $ - $ (56,111 ) $ - $ (103,062 )
Less: Notable losses-increase
(decrease) net reinstatement
premiums(a) 21,989 - 1,602 - 23,591
Other underwriting (loss)
income (193,159 ) 32,895 (4,021 ) 13,084 (151,201 )
Underwriting (loss) income(b) (218,121 ) 32,895 (58,530 )
13,084 (230,672 )
Net investment income (14,922 ) (2,613 ) (3,907 ) (365 ) (21,807 )
Other income 3,452 7,617 (2,830 ) (7,740 ) 499
Finance expenses (2,306 ) (3,659 ) 2,913 4,105 1,053
Operating (loss) income
before taxes and income from
operating affiliates (231,897 ) 34,240 (62,354 ) 9,084 (250,927 )
Tax benefit 63 - 2,079 160 2,302
Net operating (loss) income (231,834 ) 34,240 (60,275 )
9,244 (248,625 )
Net realized gains (losses)
on investments (2,393 ) 425 (1,998 ) - (3,966 )
Net unrealized (losses) on
investments (59,314 ) (2,001 ) (4,628 ) - (65,943 )
Foreign exchange (losses)
gains (18,902 ) 99 (4,279 ) (393 ) (23,475 )
Transaction expenses - - - (17,433 ) (17,433 )
Net (loss) income (312,443 ) 32,763 (71,180 ) (8,582 ) (359,442 )
Net (income) attributable to
noncontrolling interest - (21,793 ) - - (21,793 )
Net (loss) income available
to Validus $ (312,443 ) $ 10,970 $ (71,180 ) $ (8,582 ) $ (381,235 )
(a) Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2011 include: the Tohoku
earthquake, Gryphon Alpha mooring failure, Christchurch earthquake, Brisbane
floods, CNRL Horizon, Cat 46, Cat 48, Jupiter 1, Danish floods, Hurricane
Irene and the Thailand floods. Excludes reserve for potential development on
2011 notable loss events. Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2010
include: the Chilean earthquake, Melbourne hailstorm, windstorm Xynthia,
Deepwater Horizon, Aban Pearl, Bangkok riots, Perth hailstorm, New Zealand
earthquake, Oklahoma windstorm, two Political risk losses, Hurricane Karl,
Queensland floods, a Political violence loss, a Satellite failure and a
Financial institutions loss.
(b) Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company's results, management
has included and discussed underwriting income (loss) that is not calculated
under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred
to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by
other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for
those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this
measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is
presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income".
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Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed
certain schedules containing net operating income, underwriting income (loss),
managed gross premiums written, annualized return on average equity and diluted
book value per common share that are not calculated under standards or
rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP.
Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies.
These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in
accordance with U.S. GAAP. The calculation of annualized return on average
equity is discussed in the section above entitled "Financial Measures." A
reconciliation of underwriting income to net income, the most comparable U.S.
GAAP financial measure, is presented above in the section entitled "Underwriting
Income (Loss)." A reconciliation of diluted book value per share to book value
per share, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented below.
Operating income is calculated based on net income (loss) excluding net realized
gains (losses), net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, income (loss) from
investment affiliates, gains (losses) arising from translation of
non-US$ denominated balances and non-recurring items. A reconciliation of
operating income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure,
is embedded in the table presenting results of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 in the section above entitled "Results of
Operations." Realized gains (losses) from the sale of investments are driven by
the timing of the disposition of investments, not by our operating performance.
Gains (losses) arising from translation of non-U.S. dollar denominated balances
are unrelated to our underlying business.
Managed gross premiums written represents gross premiums written by the Company
and its operating affiliates. Managed gross premiums written differs from total
gross premiums written, which the Company believes is the most directly
comparable GAAP measure, due to the inclusion of premiums written on behalf of
the Company's operating affiliates, AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012, which
are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. A reconciliation of
managed gross premiums written to gross premiums written, the most comparable
U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below.
The following tables present reconciliations of diluted book value per share to
book value per share, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, at
December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
As at December 31, 2012
Book Value Per
Equity Amount Shares Exercise Price Share
Book value per common share
Total shareholders' equity $ 4,020,827 107,921,259 $ 37.26
Diluted book value per common share
Total shareholders' equity 4,020,827 107,921,259
Assumed exercise of outstanding
warrants 118,015 6,410,472 $ 18.41
Assumed exercise of outstanding
stock options 37,745 1,823,947 $ 20.69
Unvested restricted shares - 2,443,631
Diluted book value per common share $ 4,176,587 118,599,309
$ 35.22
As at December 31, 2011
Book Value Per
Equity Amount Shares Exercise Price Share
Book value per common share
Total shareholders' equity $ 3,448,425 99,471,080 $ 34.67
Diluted book value per common share
Total shareholders' equity 3,448,425 99,471,080
Assumed exercise of outstanding
warrants 121,445 6,916,678 $ 17.56
Assumed exercise of outstanding
stock options 45,530 2,263,012 $ 20.12
Unvested restricted shares - 3,340,729
Diluted book value per common share $ 3,615,400 111,991,499
$ 32.28
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The following tables present reconciliations of total gross premiums written to
total managed gross premiums written, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial
measure, at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
Year Ended
(unaudited)
December 31, December 31,
2012 2011(a)
Total gross premiums written $ 2,166,440 $ 2,124,691
Adjustments for:
Gross premiums written on behalf of AlphaCat Re 2011 94,317 -
Gross premiums written on behalf of AlphaCat Re 2012 32,171 -
Total managed gross premiums written $ 2,292,928 $ 2,124,691
(a) Total gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2011 included
$(1.4) million and $60.0 million of gross premiums written from AlphaCat Re
2011, which was a consolidated subsidiary during the three months ended June 30,
September 30 and December 31, 2011. The balance sheet of AlphaCat Re 2011 was
deconsolidated as at December 31, 2011.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
Validus Holdings, Ltd. is a holding company and conducts no operations of its
own. The Company relies primarily on cash dividends and other permitted payments
from Validus Re and Talbot to pay finance expenses and other holding company
expenses. There are restrictions on the payment of dividends from Validus Re and
Talbot to the Company. Please refer to Part II, Item 5, "Market for Registrants
Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities" for further discussion of the Company's dividend policy. We believe
the dividend/distribution capacity of the Company's subsidiaries will provide
the Company with sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future. We continue to
generate substantial cash from operating activities and remain in a strong
financial position, with resources available for reinvestment in existing
businesses, strategic acquisitions and managing our capital structure to meet
short- and long-term objectives.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Three main sources provide cash flows for the Company: operating activities,
investing activities and financing activities. The movement in net cash provided
by operating activities, net cash provided by (used in) investing activities,
net cash (used in) provided by financing activities and the effect of foreign
currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents for the years ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is described in the following table.
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2012 (a) 2011 2010
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 562,565 $ 545,140
$ 630,001
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities (268,915 ) (392,834 ) 378,426
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities 75,345 68,681 (774,842 )
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents 17,540 (8,883 ) (430 )
Net increase in cash $ 386,535 $ 212,104 $ 233,155
(a) The results of operations for Flagstone are consolidated only from the
November 30, 2012 date of acquisition.
Operating Activities
Cash flow from operating activities is derived primarily from the net receipt of
premiums less claims and expenses related to underwriting activities.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, net cash provided by operating
activities of $562.6 million was driven primarily by an increase in the reserve
for losses and loss expenses of $116.9 million and a decrease of $95.0 million
in loss reserves recoverable and paid losses recoverable.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, net cash provided by operating
activities of $545.1 million was driven primarily by a significant portion of
the 2011 incurred losses had yet to be paid as of December 31, 2011, which
resulted in cash provided from operating activities for the period being higher
than net income for the period.
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During the year ended December 31, 2010, net cash provided by operating
activities of $630.0 million was driven by increased levels of underwriting net
premiums written arising from the impact of the IPC acquisition in late 2009. A
significant portion of the 2010 incurred losses had yet to be paid as of
December 31, 2010, which resulted in cash provided from operating activities for
the period being higher than net income for the period.
We anticipate that cash flows from operations will continue to be sufficient to
cover cash outflows under our contractual commitments as well as most loss
scenarios through the foreseeable future. Refer to the "Capital Resources"
section below for further information on our anticipated obligations.
Investing Activities
Cash flow from investing activities is derived primarily from the receipt of net
proceeds on the Company's investment portfolio. As at December 31, 2012, the
Company's portfolio was composed of fixed income investments, short-term and
other investments amounting to $6,764.0 million or 84.7% of total cash and
investments. Please refer to Note 7 (c) to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Part II, Item 8) for further details of investments pledged as collateral.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, net cash used in investing activities
of $268.9 million was driven primarily by net purchases of investments of
$737.8 million and $104.3 million of purchases of investments in operating and
investment affiliates, partially offset by $548.2 million in proceeds on
maturities of investments.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, net cash provided by investing
activities of $392.8 million was driven primarily by the net sales of short term
securities of $208.3 million and a decrease in securities lending collateral of
$14.6 million. The decrease in securities lending collateral was due to the
winding down of the securities lending program beginning in the third quarter of
2011.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, net cash provided by investing
activities of $378.4 million was driven primarily by the net sales of short term
securities of $208.3 million and a decrease in securities lending collateral of
$67.0 million.
Acquisitions and Investments in Affiliates
Year Ended December 31,
Net cash used in: 2012 2011 2010
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired $ 17,196 $ - $ -
Investments in operating affiliates, net
(91,500 ) (56,808 ) -
Investments in investment affiliates, net (12,835 ) - -
2012 Acquisitions and Investments
Purchase of Subsidiary, net of cash acquired: On November 30, 2012, pursuant to
a Merger Agreement, the Company acquired all of Flagstone's outstanding common
shares in exchange for 0.1935 Company common shares and $2.00 cash per Flagstone
common share. The Flagstone Acquisition resulted in the payment of $147.7
million in cash to Flagstone shareholders and the net cash acquired from
Flagstone was $164.9 million resulting in a net cash inflow to the Company of
$17.2 million.
The Company assumed a letter of credit facility and long term debt as described
in Note 18 "Debt and financing arrangements" to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Part II, Item 8). On August 30, 2012, Flagstone had a $200.0 million
secured committed letter of credit facility with Barclays Bank Plc (the
"Barclays Facility"). The Barclays Facility was terminated prior to the
acquisition date.
For additional information about our acquisitions, please refer to Note 5
"Business combination," to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II,
Item 8) for further details.
Investments in operating affiliates, net: During the year ended December 31,
2012, the Company joined with other investors and contributed $26.5 million to
AlphaCat Re 2012, $45.0 million to AlphaCat 2013 and $20.0 million to the
AlphaCat ILS funds. Please refer to Note 8 "Investment in affiliates" to the
Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8) for further details.
Investments in investment affiliates, net: During the year ended December 31,
2012, the Company made $14.4 million in capital contributions to the Aquiline
Financial Services Fund II L.P. and incurred $1.4 million in net unrealized
losses. Please refer to Note 8 "Investment in affiliates" to the Consolidated
Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8) for further details.
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2011 Investments
Investments in operating affiliates, net: In May 2011, the Company joined with
other investors contributed $50.0 million to AlphaCat Re 2011. During the fourth
quarter of 2011, the Company sold a portion of its investment in AlphaCat Re
2011 for $11.0 million and redeemed $(67.8) million in cash in the
deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011.
Financing Activities
Cash flow from financing activities is derived primarily from the issuance of
common shares and debentures payable.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, net cash provided by financing
activities of $75.3 million was driven primarily by the net cash received for
the third party investment in PacRe of $450.1 million, partially offset by
$260.0 million purchases of common shares under share repurchase program and
$110.0 million of quarterly dividends.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, net cash provided by financing
activities of $68.7 million was driven primarily by the net cash received for
the third party investment in non-controlling interest of $192.1 million,
partially offset by $107.7 million of quarterly dividends.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, net cash used in financing activities
of $(774.8) million was driven primarily by the purchase of $856.9 million of
common shares under the Company's share repurchase program and the payment of
$105.7 million in quarterly dividends, partially offset by the issuance $246.8
million of 8.875% Senior Notes due 2040.
Year Ended December 31,
Net cash used in: 2012 2011 2010
Net borrowings under long term revolving credit
facilities - - 246,793
Payments on long term debt (40,303 ) (48,882 ) (51,149 )
Details of the Company's debt and financing arrangements at December 31, 2012
are provided below.
Maturity Date / In Use/
(Dollars in thousands) Term Outstanding
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures June 15, 2036 $ 150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures June 15, 2037 139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040 January 26, 2040 250,000
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit
facility March 9, 2016 -
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility March 9, 2016
376,570
$500,000 secured letter of credit facility Evergreen 92,402
Talbot FAL facility December 31, 2015 25,000
PaCRe Senior secured letter of credit May 10, 2013 219
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility Evergreen 40,613
Flagstone Bi-Lateral Facility Evergreen 381,019
Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes September 15, 2037 137,159
Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes September 15, 2036 113,750
Total $ 1,706,532
For additional information about our debt, including the terms of our financing
arrangements, basis for variable interest rates and debt covenants, Please refer
to Note 18 "Debt and financing arrangements" to the Consolidated Financial
Statements (Part II, Item 8) for further details.
Equity Transactions
Year Ended December 31,
Net cash used in: 2012 2011 2010
Share repurchases $ (259,962 ) $ (5,995 ) $ (856,926 )
Dividends paid to shareholders (110,037 ) (107,691 ) (105,662 )
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Under share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors, we
purchased 8.1 million, 0.2 million, and 31.7 million common shares on the open
market during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010,
respectively, for $260.0 million, $6.0 million and $856.9 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2012, the Company had $122.3 million remaining for stock
repurchases under the existing Board authorization.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we paid cash
dividends to shareholders of $110.0 million,$107.7 million and $105.7 million,
respectively, at $1.00 per share for 2012, $1.00 per share for 2011 and $0.88
per share for 2010.
Capital Resources
Shareholders' equity at December 31, 2012 was $4,455.1 million.
On February 6, 2013, the Company announced an increase in the quarterly cash
dividend from $0.25 to $0.30 per common share and $0.30 per common share
equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on
March 29, 2013 to holders of record on March 15, 2013. In addition, the Company
announced a special dividend in the amount of $2.00 per common share and $2.00
per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable,
payable on February 26, 2013 to shareholders and warrant holders of record as of
February 19, 2013.
The timing and amount of any future cash dividends, however, will be at the
discretion of the Board and will depend upon our results of operations and cash
flows, our financial position and capital requirements, general business
conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, rating agency and contractual constraints or
restrictions and any other factors that the Board deems relevant.
On August 5, 2011, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3
(No. 333-176116) with the U.S Securities Exchange Committee under which we may
offer from time to time common shares, preference shares, depository shares
representing common shares or preference shares, senior or subordinated debt
securities, warrants to purchase common shares, preference shares and debt
securities, share purchase contracts, share purchase units and units which may
consist of any combination of the securities listed above. In addition, the
shelf registration statement will provide for secondary sales of common shares
sold by the Company's shareholders. The registration statement is intended to
provide the Company with additional flexibility to access capital markets for
general corporate purposes, subject to market conditions and the Company's
capital needs.
On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing
AlphaCat Re 2011, a special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing
collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance. At the time of
formation, Validus Re had an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and as Validus
Re held a majority of AlphaCat Re 2011's outstanding voting rights, the
financial statements of AlphaCat Re 2011 were included in the consolidated
financial statements of the Company.
On December 23, 2011, the Company completed a secondary offering of common
shares of AlphaCat Re 2011 to third party investors, along with a partial sale
of Validus Re's common shares to one of the third party investors. As a result
of these transactions, Validus Re maintained an equity interest in AlphaCat Re
2011; however its share of AlphaCat Re 2011's outstanding voting rights
decreased to 43.7%. As a result of the Company's voting interest falling below
50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling
interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 have been derecognized from the consolidated
balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and therefore the remaining
investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 is treated as an equity method investment as at
December 31, 2012 and 2011. The portion of AlphaCat Re 2011's earnings
attributable to third party investors for the years ended December 31, 2012 and
2011 is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.
On April 2, 2012, the Company capitalized PaCRe, a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer
formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance.
PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed capital. Validus invested
$50.0 million in PaCRe's common equity. The Company will underwrite business for
PaCRe, for which it will be paid a profit commission based on PaCRe's
underwriting results.
On May 29, 2012, the Company announced that it has joined with other investors
in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2012. AlphaCat Re 2012 is a new special purpose
reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance with a
particular focus on windstorm risks for Florida domiciled insurance companies.
AlphaCat Re 2012 was funded with $70.0 million of equity capital. The Company
will underwrite business for AlphaCat Re 2012, for which it will be paid a
commission for originating the business and a profit commission based on
underwriting results.
On June 5, 2012, the Company announced the final results of its "modified Dutch
auction" tender offer. Pursuant to this tender offer, the Company purchased
6,383,884 of its common shares at a price of $32.00 per common share for a total
cost of $204.3 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender
offer. The Company funded the purchase of the shares in the tender offer using
cash on hand.
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The Company may from time to time repurchase its securities, including common
shares, Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures and Senior Notes. On
February 6, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an increase
in the Company's common share repurchase authorization to $500.0 million. This
amount is in addition to, and in excess of, the $1,206.8 million of common
shares repurchased by the Company through February 6, 2013 under its previously
authorized share repurchase program.
The Company repurchased 43,688,633 shares at a cost of $1,227.1 million under
the share repurchase programs for the period November 4, 2009 through
February 13, 2013.
The Company expects the purchases under its share repurchase program to be made
from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.
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 relative to internal and rating agency targets, legal
requirements and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, extended
or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The Company's contractual obligations and commitments as at December 31, 2012
are set out below:
Payment Due by Period
Less Than More Than
(Dollars in thousands) Total 1 Year 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years 5 Years
Reserve for losses and loss
expenses(a) $ 3,517,573 $ 1,686,439 $ 1,290,199 $ 399,042 141,893
2010 Senior Notes due
2040-principal(b) 250,000 - - - 250,000
2010 Senior Notes due
2040-interest(b) n/a 22,188 44,375 44,375 22,188 p.a.
2006 Junior Subordinated
Deferrable
Debentures-principal(c) 150,000 - - - 150,000
2006 Junior Subordinated
Deferrable
Debentures-interest(c) n/a 8,747 17,494 17,494 8,747 p.a.
2007 Junior Subordinated
Deferrable
Debentures-principal(d) 200,000 - - - 200,000
2007 Junior Subordinated
Deferrable
Debentures-interest(d) n/a 10,360 20,720 20,720 10,360 p.a.
Flagstone 2006 Junior
Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes-principal (e) 137,159 - - - 137,159
Flagstone 2006 Junior
Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes-interest (e) n/a 5,278 20,720 7,576 5,278 p.a.
Flagstone 2007 Junior
Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes-principal (f) 113,750 - - - 113,750
Flagstone 2007 Junior
Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes-interest (f) n/a 3,788 7,576 7,576 3,788 p.a.
Operating lease obligations 70,962 11,933 20,328 16,785 21,916
Aquiline Financial Services
Fund II L.P. (g) 32,382 32,382 - - -
(a) The reserve for losses and loss expenses represents an estimate, including
actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time of an
insurer's or reinsurer's expectations of the ultimate settlement and
administration costs of claims incurred. As a result, it is likely that the
ultimate liability will differ from such estimates, perhaps significantly.
Such estimates are not precise in that, among other things, they are based on
predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends in loss
severity and frequency and other variable factors such as inflation,
litigation and tort reform. This uncertainty is heightened by the short time
in which the Company has operated, thereby providing limited claims loss
emergence patterns specifically for the Company. The lack of historical
information for the Company has necessitated the use of industry loss
emergence patterns in deriving IBNR. Further, expected losses and loss ratios
are typically developed using vendor and proprietary computer models and
these expected loss ratios are a material component in the calculation
deriving IBNR. Actual loss ratios will deviate from expected loss ratios and
ultimate loss ratios will be greater or less than expected loss ratios.
During the loss settlement period, it often becomes necessary to refine and
adjust the estimates of liability on a claim either upward or downward. Even
after such adjustments, ultimate liability will exceed or be less than the
revised estimates. The actual payment of the reserve for losses and loss
expenses will differ from estimated payouts.
(b) The 2010 Senior Notes mature on January 26, 2040, and are redeemable at the
Company's option in whole or any time or in part from time to time at a
make-whole redemption price. The Company may redeem the notes in whole, but
not in part, at any time upon the occurrence of certain tax events as
described in the notes prospectus supplement. The 2010 Senior Notes bear
interest at the rate of 8.875% per annum from January 26, 2010 to maturity or
early redemption.
(c) The 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (the "2006 JSDs") mature
on mature on June 15, 2036, are redeemable at the Company's option at par
beginning June 15, 2011, and require quarterly interest payments by the
Company to the holders of the 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures.
Interest was payable at 9.069% per annum through June 15, 2011, and
thereafter at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 355 basis points,
reset
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quarterly. We have estimated the interest due in 2013 and future years using the
December 31, 2012 LIBOR rate. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company
entered into an interest rate swap which fixed the rate of interest on the 2006
JSDs at 5.83125%. The term of the swap is matched to the maturity date of the
2006 JSDs.
(d) The 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (the "2007 JSDs") mature
on mature on June 15, 2037, are redeemable at the Company's option at par
beginning June 15, 2012, and require quarterly interest payments by the
Company to the holders of the 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures.
Interest was payable at 8.480% per annum through June 15, 2012, and
thereafter at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 295 basis points,
reset quarterly. We have estimated the interest due in 2013 and future years
using the December 31, 2012 LIBOR rate. During the third quarter of 2012, the
Company entered into an interest rate swap which fixed the rate of interest
on the 2007 JSDs at 5.18%. The term of the swap is matched to the maturity
date of the 2007 JSDs.
(e) The Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes mature on
September 15, 2036, are redeemable at the Company's option at par beginning
September 15, 2011, and require quarterly interest payments by the Company to
the holders of the Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest
Notes. Interest is payable at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus
354 basis points, reset quarterly. We have estimated the interest due in 2013
and future years using the December 31, 2012 LIBOR rate.
(f) $88,750 of the Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes
mature on July 30, 2037, are redeemable at the Company's option at par
beginning July 30, 2012, and require quarterly interest payments by the
Company to the holders of the Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Notes. Interest is payable at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR
plus 300 basis points, reset quarterly. $25,000 of the Flagstone 2007 Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes mature on September 15, 2037, are
redeemable at the Company's option at par beginning September 15, 2012, and
require quarterly interest payments by the Company to the holders of the
Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes. Interest is
payable at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 310 basis points, reset
quarterly. We have estimated the interest due in 2013 and future years using
the December 31, 2012 LIBOR rate.
(g) Please refer to Note 20 (f) to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Part II, Item 8) for further details describing the Aquiline commitment.
While the commitment expires on July 2, 2015, it does not have a defined
contractual commitment date and therefore it is included in the less than one
year category.
The following table details the capital resources of the Company's more
significant subsidiaries on an unconsolidated basis:
Capital at
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2012
Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (consolidated), excluding Validus Re
Americas, Ltd. and Validus UPS, Ltd.
$ 2,928,446
Validus Re Americas, Ltd. (formerly IPCRe, Ltd) 132,405
Validus UPS, Ltd. (formerly Flagstone) 1,028,281
Total Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (consolidated) 4,089,132
Noncontrolling Interest in PaCRe, Ltd. 434,280
Talbot Holdings, Ltd. (consolidated) 774,184
Other subsidiaries, net 35,885
Other, net (90,575 )
Total consolidated capitalization 5,242,906
Senior notes payable (247,090 )
Debentures payable (540,709 )
Total shareholders' equity $ 4,455,107
RatingsThe following table summarizes the financial strength ratings of the Company and
its principal reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries from internationally
recognized rating agencies as of February 15, 2013:
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A.M. Best(a) S&P(b) Moody's(c) Fitch(d)
Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Issuer credit rating bbb BBB+ Baa2 BBB+
Senior debt bbb BBB+ Baa2 BBB
Subordinated debt bbb- BBB- Baa3 BB+
Preferred stock bb+ BBB- Ba1 -
Outlook on ratings Stable Stable Stable Positive
Validus Reinsurance, Ltd.
Financial strength rating A A A3 A-
Issuer credit rating a - - -
Outlook on ratings Stable Stable Stable Positive
Talbot
Financial strength rating applicable
to all Lloyd's syndicates A A+ - A+
Flagstone Reassurance Suisse, SA
Financial strength rating A-
Issuer credit rating a-
Outlook on ratings Stable
(a) The A.M. Best ratings were most recently affirmed on February 7, 2013
(b) The S&P ratings were most recently affirmed on August 30, 2012
(c) All Moody's ratings were most recently affirmed on August 31, 2012
(d) All Fitch ratings were most recently affirmed on May 8, 2012
Recent accounting pronouncements
Please refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II,
Item 8) for further discussion of relevant recent accounting pronouncements.
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Debt and Financing Arrangements
The following table details the Company's borrowings and credit facilities as at
December 31, 2012.
(Dollars in thousands) Commitments(a) In Use/Outstanding
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures $ 150,000 $ 150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures 200,000 139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040 250,000 250,000
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility 400,000 -
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility 525,000 376,570
$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility 500,000 92,402
Talbot FAL Facility(b) 25,000 25,000
PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility 10,000 219
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility 80,000 40,613
Flagstone Bi-Lateral Facility 550,000 381,019
Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes 137,159 137,159
Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes 113,750 113,750
Total $ 2,940,909 $ 1,706,532
(a) Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not drawn borrowings.
(b) Talbot operates in Lloyd's through a corporate member, Talbot 2002
Underwriting Capital Ltd ("T02"), which is the sole participant in Syndicate
1183. Lloyd's sets T02's required capital annually based on syndicate 1183's
business plan, rating environment, reserving environment together with input
arising from Lloyd's discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating
agencies. Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd's ("FAL"), comprises: cash,
investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks.
Please refer to Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II,
Item 8) for further discussion of the Company's debt and financing arrangements.
Regulation
Validus Re, Validus Re Americas, Ltd., Flagstone Reassurance Suisse SA (Bermuda
Branch), PaCRe and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd. ("TIBL") (together, the
"Bermuda registered companies") are registered under the Insurance Act 1978 of
Bermuda ("the Act"). Under the Act, the Bermuda registered companies are
required annually to prepare and file Statutory Financial Statements and a
Statutory Financial Return. The Act also requires the Bermuda registered
companies to meet minimum solvency and liquidity requirements. For the year
ended December 31, 2012, the Bermuda registered companies satisfied these
requirements. Please refer to Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Part II, Item 8) for further discussion of statutory and regulatory
requirements.
Bermuda law limits the maximum amount of annual dividends or distributions
payable by Bermuda registered companies to the Company and in certain cases
requires the prior notification to, or the approval of, the Bermuda Monetary
Authority. Subject to such laws, the directors of the Bermuda registered
companies have the unilateral authority to declare or not declare dividends to
the Company. There is no assurance that dividends will be declared or paid in
the future.
Talbot's underwriting activities are regulated by the Financial Services
Authority ("FSA"). The FSA has substantial powers of intervention in relation to
the Lloyd's managing agents which it regulates including the power to remove
their authorization to manage Lloyd's syndicates. In addition, Talbot's managing
agent operates under the Lloyd's "franchise." Lloyd's approves annually
Syndicate 1183's business plan and any subsequent material changes, and the
amount of capital required to support that plan. Lloyd's may require changes to
any business plan presented to it or additional capital to be provided to
support the underwriting (known as Funds at Lloyd's).
The U.K. government has set out proposals to replace the current system of
financial regulation, which it believes has weaknesses, with a new regulatory
framework. The key weakness it identified was that no single institution has the
responsibility, authority and tools to monitor the financial system as a whole,
and respond accordingly. That power will be given to the Bank of England. The
U.K. government intends to create a new Financial Policy Committee ("FPC")
within the Bank, which will look at the wider economic and financial risks to
the stability of the system.
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In addition, the FSA will cease to exist in its current form, and the U.K.
government will create two new focused financial regulators:
• A new Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA") will be responsible for the
day-to-day supervision of financial institutions that are subject to
significant prudential regulation. It will adopt a more judgment-focused
approach to regulation so that business models can be challenged, risks
identified and action taken to preserve financial stability.
• A new Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") will have a strong mandate for
promoting confidence and transparency in financial services and to give
greater protection for consumers of financial services.
The Financial Services Bill was introduced to Parliament on January 26, 2012 and
received Royal Assent in December 2012. "Legal cutover," when the new system
will be operational, is expected to be April 2013.
In November 2007, Talbot established Talbot Risk Services Pte Ltd in Singapore
to source business in the Far East under the Lloyd's Asia Scheme. The Lloyd's
Asia Scheme was established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to encourage
members of Lloyd's to expand insurance activities in Asia.
An EU directive covering the capital adequacy, risk management and regulatory
reporting for insurers, known as Solvency II was adopted by the European
Parliament in April 2009. A directive, known as Omnibus II, which will amend
certain of the Solvency II proposals, including the implementation date, is due
to be considered by the European Parliament in 2012. The proposed Solvency II
insurance directive is currently expected to come into force with a soft launch
on January 1, 2013 and a full implementation on January 1, 2014. Insurers and
reinsurers are undertaking a significant amount of work to ensure that they meet
the new requirements and this may divert resources from other operational roles.
The Company's implementation plans are well underway, although final Solvency II
guidelines have not been published.
Flagstone Suisse is licensed to operate as a reinsurer in Switzerland and is
also licensed in Bermuda through the Flagstone Suisse branch office and is not
licensed in any other jurisdictions. Swiss law permits dividends to be declared
only after profits have been allocated to the reserves required by law and to
any reserves required by the articles of incorporation. The articles of
incorporation of Flagstone Suisse do not require any specific reserves.
Therefore, Flagstone Suisse must allocate any profits first to the reserve
required by Swiss law generally, and may pay as dividends only the balance of
the profits remaining after that allocation. In the case of Flagstone Suisse,
Swiss law requires that 20% of the company's profits be allocated to a "general
reserve" until the reserve reaches 50% of its paid-in share capital. In
addition, a Swiss reinsurance company may pay a dividend only if, after payment
of the dividend, it will continue to comply with regulatory requirements
regarding minimum capital, special reserves and solvency requirements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company is not party to any off-balance sheet transaction, agreement or
other contractual arrangement as defined by Item 303(a) (4) of Regulation S-K to
which an entity unconsolidated with the Company is a party that management
believes is reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its
financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity,
capital expenditures or capital resources that the Company believes is material
to investors.
Investments
A significant portion of (re)insurance contracts written by the Company provide
short-tail reinsurance coverage for losses resulting mainly from natural and
man-made catastrophes, which could result in a significant amount of losses on
short notice. Accordingly, the Company's investment portfolio is structured to
provide significant liquidity and preserve capital, which means the investment
portfolio contains a significant amount of relatively short-term fixed maturity
investments, such as U.S. government securities, U.S. government-sponsored
enterprises securities, corporate debt securities and mortgage-backed and
asset-backed securities.
Substantially all of the fixed maturity investments held at December 31, 2012
were publicly traded. At December 31, 2012, the average duration of the
Company's fixed maturity portfolio was 1.34 years (December 31, 2011:
1.63 years) and the average rating of the portfolio was AA- (December 31, 2011:
AA-). At December 31, 2012, the total fixed maturity portfolio was $5,085.3
million (December 31, 2011: $4,894.1 million), of which $1,062.8 million
(December 31, 2011: $882.9 million) were rated AAA.
On November 30, 2012, as part of the Flagstone Acquisition, the Company assumed
Flagstone's investment portfolio containing $910.3 million of cash and short
term investments, $231.4 million of asset-backed securities, $90.0 million of
non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities, $19.0 million of catastrophe
bonds, $59.3 million fund of hedge funds and $13.0 million of private equity
funds.
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With the exception of the Company's bank loan portfolio, the Company's
investment guidelines require that investments be rated BBB- or higher at the
time of purchase. The Company reports the ratings of its investment portfolio
securities at the lower of Moody's or Standard & Poor's rating for each
investment security and, as a result, the Company's investment portfolio now has
$19.0 million of non-agency mortgage backed securities rated less than
investment grade. The other components of less than investment grade securities
held by the Company at December 31, 2012 were $56.9 million of catastrophe
bonds, $658.9 million of bank loans and $0.9 million of corporate bonds.
Cash and cash equivalents and investments held by Talbot of $1,901.5 million at
December 31, 2012 were held in trust for the benefit of cedants and
policyholders and to facilitate the accreditation as an alien insurer/reinsurer
by certain regulators (December 31, 2011: $1,686.6 million). Total cash and cash
equivalents and investments in Talbot were $1,942.6 million at December 31, 2012
(December 31, 2011: $1,743.0 million).
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company has performed an impairment analysis of its carried goodwill and
indefinite lived intangible assets as required by U.S. GAAP. The impairment
analysis of goodwill and intangible assets was performed in line with Accounting
Standards Update No. 2011-08, "Testing Goodwill for Impairment" ("ASU 2011-08")
which was released in September 2011 and Accounting Standards Update No.
2012-02, "Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment" ("ASU
2012-02") which was released in July 2012. The goodwill assessment included a
qualitative analysis in determining whether it is more likely than not that the
fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Reporting
units are consistent with the segmental basis. The indefinite lived intangible
asset assessment included a qualitative analysis in determining whether it is
more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than
its carrying amount. Based on this analysis, management has concluded that an
impairment valuation is not required against the carried goodwill and carried
indefinite lived intangible assets.
Cash Flows
During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company generated net
cash from operating activities of $562.6 million and $545.1 million,
respectively. Cash flows from operations generally represent premiums collected,
investment earnings realized and investment gains realized less losses and loss
expenses paid and underwriting and other expenses paid. Cash flows from
operations may differ substantially from net income.
On November 30, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of Flagstone. Upon
completion of the Merger each issued and outstanding share of Flagstone was
converted into the right to receive 0.1935 Validus common shares, $2.00 in cash,
without interest, and cash in lieu of any fractional share to which the holder
was entitled. The Flagstone acquisition resulted in the issuance by the Company
of 14,290,389 common shares valued at $34.87 per share and the payment of $147.7
million to Flagstone shareholders.
As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash
equivalents of $1,219.4 million and $832.8 million, respectively.
The Company has written certain (re)insurance business that has loss experience
generally characterized as having low frequency and high severity. This results
in volatility in both results and operational cash flows. The potential for
large claims or a series of claims under one or more reinsurance contracts means
that substantial and unpredictable payments may be required within relatively
short periods of time. As a result, cash flows from operating activities may
fluctuate, perhaps significantly, between individual quarters and years.
Management believes the Company's unused credit facility amounts and highly
liquid investment portfolio are sufficient to support any potential operating
cash flow deficiencies. Please refer to the table detailing the Company's
borrowings and credit facilities as at December 31, 2012, presented above.
In addition to relying on premiums received and investment income from the
investment portfolio, the Company intends to meet these cash flow demands by
carrying a substantial amount of short and medium term investments that would
mature, or possibly be sold, prior to the settlement of expected liabilities.
The Company cannot provide assurance, however, that it will successfully match
the structure of its investments with its liabilities due to uncertainty related
to the timing and severity of loss events.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA") provides a "safe
harbor" for forward-looking statements. Any prospectus, prospectus supplement,
the Company's Annual Report to shareholders, any proxy statement, any other
Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K of the Company or any other written or oral
statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking
statements that reflect the Company's current views with respect to future
events and financial performance. Such statements include forward-looking
statements both with respect to the Company in general, and to the insurance and
reinsurance sectors in particular. Statements that include the words "expect",
"intend", "plan", "believe", "project", "anticipate", "will", "may", and similar
statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking
statements for
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purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise. All forward-looking statements address
matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be
important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue
reliance on any such statement.
We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
• unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events;
• our ability to obtain and maintain ratings, which may affect by our
ability to raise additional equity or debt financings, as well as other
factors described herein;
• adequacy of the Company's risk management and loss limitation methods;
• cyclicality of demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets;
• the Company's ability to implement its business strategy during "soft" as
well as "hard" markets;
• adequacy of the Company's loss reserves;
• continued availability of capital and financing;
• the Company's ability to identify, hire and retain, on a timely and
unimpeded basis and on anticipated economic and other terms, experienced
and capable senior management, as well as underwriters, claims
professionals and support staff;
• acceptance of our business strategy, security and financial condition by
rating agencies and regulators, as well as by brokers and (re)insureds;
• competition, including increased competition, on the basis of pricing,
capacity, coverage terms or other factors;
• potential loss of business from one or more major insurance or reinsurance
brokers;
• the Company's ability to implement, successfully and on a timely basis,
complex infrastructure, distribution capabilities, systems, procedures and
internal controls, and to develop accurate actuarial data to support the
business and regulatory and reporting requirements;
• general economic and market conditions (including inflation, volatility in
the credit and capital markets, interest rates and foreign currency
exchange rates) and conditions specific to the insurance and reinsurance
markets in which we operate;
• the integration of businesses we may acquire or new business ventures,
including overseas offices, we may start and the risk associated with
implementing our business strategies and initiatives with respect to the
new business ventures;
• accuracy of those estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our
financial statements, including those related to revenue recognition,
insurance and other reserves, reinsurance recoverables, investment
valuations, intangible assets, bad debts, taxes, contingencies, litigation
and any determination to use the deposit method of accounting, which, for
a relatively new insurance and reinsurance company like our company, are
even more difficult to make than those made in a mature company because of
limited historical information;
• the effect on the Company's investment portfolio of changing financial
market conditions including inflation, interest rates, liquidity and other
factors;
• acts of terrorism, political unrest, outbreak of war and other hostilities
or other non-forecasted and unpredictable events;
• availability and cost of reinsurance and retrocession coverage;
• the failure of reinsurers, retrocessionaires, producers or others to meet
their obligations to us;
• the timing of loss payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance
recoverables being slower than anticipated by us;
• changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their interpretations;
• changes in accounting principles or the application of such principles by
regulators;
• statutory or regulatory or rating agency developments, including as to tax
policy and reinsurance and other regulatory matters such as the adoption
of proposed legislation that would affect Bermuda-headquartered companies
and/or Bermuda-based insurers or reinsurers; and
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• the other factors set forth herein under Part I Item 1A "Risk Factors" and
under Part II Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the other sections of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as well as the
risk and other factors set forth in the Company's other filings with the
SEC, as well as management's response to any of the aforementioned
factors.
In addition, other general factors could affect our results, including:
(a) developments in the world's financial and capital markets and our access to
such markets; (b) changes in regulations or tax laws applicable to us, and
(c) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to terrorism
or other hostilities.
The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive
and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are
included herein or elsewhere. Any forward-looking statements made in this report
are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that
the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even
if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or
effects on, us or our business or operations. We undertake no obligation to
update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of
new information, future developments or otherwise.
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