UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q


 

 

 

x

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

 

 

 

OR

 

 

o

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

 

For the transition period from _______ to ______

Commission file number 1-10804

 

XL GROUP

Public Limited Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 

 

 

Ireland

 

98-0665416

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

No. 1 Hatch Street Upper, 4th Floor, Dublin 2, Ireland
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
+353 (1) 405-2033
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

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

          As of November 6, 2012, there were 300,605,273 outstanding Ordinary Shares, $0.01 par value per share, of the registrant.


XL GROUP PLC

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 


 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

 

1

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

2

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

3

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

4

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

5

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6

 

Item 2.

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

 

41

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

80

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

89

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

90

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

90

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

91

 

 

Signatures

 

92

 



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 


 

 

ITEM 1.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 

 

XL GROUP PLC

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012: $26,150,520; 2011: $25,771,715)

 

$

27,426,293

 

$

26,190,025

 

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2012: $554,962; 2011: $480,685)

 

 

565,927

 

 

468,197

 

Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012: $323,039; 2011: $359,378)

 

 

323,705

 

 

359,063

 

 

 



 



 

Total investments available for sale

 

$

28,315,925

 

$

27,017,285

 

Fixed maturities, held to maturity at amortized cost (fair value: 2012: $3,222,900; 2011:$2,895,688)

 

 

2,805,796

 

 

2,668,978

 

Investments in affiliates

 

 

1,027,122

 

 

1,052,729

 

Other investments

 

 

1,215,556

 

 

985,262

 

 

 



 



 

Total investments

 

$

33,364,399

 

$

31,724,254

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

3,197,305

 

 

3,825,125

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

365,516

 

 

331,758

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

720,847

 

 

647,113

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

721,465

 

 

596,895

 

Premiums receivable

 

 

2,791,807

 

 

2,411,611

 

Reinsurance balances receivable

 

 

225,251

 

 

220,017

 

Unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable

 

 

3,319,266

 

 

3,654,948

 

Receivable from investments sold

 

 

45,328

 

 

59,727

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

 

407,221

 

 

407,321

 

Deferred tax asset

 

 

132,931

 

 

115,601

 

Other assets

 

 

688,992

 

 

670,895

 

 

 



 



 

Total assets

 

$

45,980,328

 

$

44,665,265

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unpaid losses and loss expenses

 

$

20,074,668

 

$

20,613,901

 

Deposit liabilities

 

 

1,561,076

 

 

1,608,108

 

Future policy benefit reserves

 

 

4,848,734

 

 

4,845,394

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

4,081,557

 

 

3,555,310

 

Notes payable and debt

 

 

1,673,350

 

 

2,275,327

 

Reinsurance balances payable

 

 

508,177

 

 

90,552

 

Payable for investments purchased

 

 

281,630

 

 

58,494

 

Deferred tax liability

 

 

192,419

 

 

91,104

 

Other liabilities

 

 

1,001,298

 

 

770,945

 

 

 



 



 

Total liabilities

 

$

34,222,909

 

$

33,909,135

 

 

 



 



 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary shares, 999,990,000 authorized, par value $0.01; issued and outstanding: (2012: 300,580,557; 2011: 315,645,796)

 

$

3,006

 

$

3,156

 

Additional paid in capital

 

 

8,630,377

 

 

8,938,679

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

1,423,448

 

 

583,064

 

Retained earnings (deficit)

 

 

354,206

 

 

(113,241

)

 

 



 



 

Shareholders’ equity attributable to XL Group plc

 

$

10,411,037

 

$

9,411,658

 

Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries

 

 

1,346,382

 

 

1,344,472

 

 

 



 



 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

$

11,757,419

 

$

10,756,130

 

 

 



 



 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

45,980,328

 

$

44,665,265

 

 

 



 



 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

1


XL GROUP PLC

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

1,548,040

 

$

1,453,326

 

$

4,471,053

 

$

4,213,048

 

Net investment income

 

 

239,480

 

 

290,106

 

 

767,353

 

 

866,874

 

Realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold

 

 

7,136

 

 

4,461

 

 

64,704

 

 

(6,899

)

Other-than-temporary impairments on investments

 

 

(10,295

)

 

(67,513

)

 

(45,028

)

 

(141,321

)

Other-than-temporary impairments on investments transferred to (from) other comprehensive income

 

 

(2,334

)

 

698

 

 

(16,759

)

 

9,885

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

$

(5,493

)

$

(62,354

)

$

2,917

 

$

(138,335

)

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 

 

6,254

 

 

(26,916

)

 

2,656

 

 

(34,299

)

Income (loss) from investment fund affiliates

 

 

16,050

 

 

(7,123

)

 

38,555

 

 

30,277

 

Fee income and other

 

 

13,153

 

 

10,980

 

 

34,121

 

 

30,494

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total revenues

 

$

1,817,484

 

$

1,658,019

 

$

5,316,655

 

$

4,968,059

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses incurred

 

$

894,076

 

$

988,059

 

$

2,574,496

 

$

3,020,508

 

Claims and policy benefits

 

 

119,439

 

 

139,549

 

 

371,896

 

 

410,196

 

Acquisition costs

 

 

236,347

 

 

207,553

 

 

679,435

 

 

611,142

 

Operating expenses

 

 

305,746

 

 

247,815

 

 

887,209

 

 

774,949

 

Exchange (gains) losses

 

 

18,690

 

 

(39,425

)

 

13,432

 

 

(38,409

)

Interest expense

 

 

37,906

 

 

48,911

 

 

134,564

 

 

158,157

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total expenses

 

$

1,612,204

 

$

1,592,462

 

$

4,661,032

 

$

4,936,543

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income (loss) before income tax and income (loss) from operating affiliates

 

$

205,280

 

$

65,557

 

$

655,623

 

$

31,516

 

Income (loss) from operating affiliates

 

 

2,917

 

 

35,552

 

 

41,731

 

 

95,439

 

Provision (benefit) for income tax

 

 

451

 

 

24,718

 

 

51,813

 

 

16,747

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income (loss)

 

$

207,746

 

$

76,391

 

$

645,541

 

$

110,208

 

Non-controlling interests

 

 

(35,844

)

 

(33,993

)

 

(75,855

)

 

(69,431

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc and ordinary shareholders

 

$

171,902

 

$

42,398

 

$

569,686

 

$

40,777

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding – basic

 

 

304,199

 

 

311,714

 

 

309,675

 

 

310,793

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding – diluted

 

 

307,764

 

 

313,848

 

 

312,602

 

 

314,842

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – basic

 

$

0.57

 

$

0.14

 

$

1.84

 

$

0.13

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent –diluted

 

$

0.56

 

$

0.14

 

$

1.82

 

$

0.13

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

2


XL GROUP PLC

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc

 

$

171,902

 

$

42,398

 

$

569,686

 

$

40,777

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax

 

 

456,642

 

 

110,124

 

 

778,299

 

 

291,330

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on affiliate and other investments, net of tax

 

 

14,615

 

 

2,954

 

 

30,998

 

 

35,620

 

Change in OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

25,936

 

 

3,995

 

 

52,353

 

 

28,119

 

Change in underfunded pension liability

 

 

(2,026

)

 

1,684

 

 

(2,033

)

 

1,287

 

Change in value of cash flow hedge

 

 

110

 

 

110

 

 

330

 

 

330

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

17,411

 

 

(85,635

)

 

(19,563

)

 

(1,278

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

684,590

 

$

75,630

 

$

1,410,070

 

$

396,185

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

3


XL GROUP PLC

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Ordinary Shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - beginning of year

 

$

3,156

 

$

3,165

 

Issuance of ordinary shares

 

 

9

 

 

307

 

Buybacks of ordinary shares

 

 

(162

)

 

(267

)

Exercise of stock options

 

 

3

 

 

1

 

 

 



 



 

Balance - end of period

 

$

3,006

 

$

3,206

 

 

 



 



 

Additional Paid in Capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - beginning of year

 

$

8,938,679

 

$

8,993,016

 

Issuance of ordinary shares

 

 

1,380

 

 

573,460

 

Buybacks of ordinary shares

 

 

(350,996

)

 

(566,673

)

Exercise of stock options, net of tax

 

 

4,784

 

 

1,195

 

Share based compensation expense

 

 

36,530

 

 

29,261

 

 

 



 



 

Balance - end of period

 

$

8,630,377

 

$

9,030,259

 

 

 



 



 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - beginning of year

 

$

583,064

 

$

100,795

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax

 

 

778,299

 

 

291,330

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on affiliate and other investments, net of tax

 

 

30,998

 

 

35,620

 

Change in OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

52,353

 

 

28,119

 

Change in underfunded pension liability

 

 

(2,033

)

 

1,287

 

Change in value of cash flow hedge

 

 

330

 

 

330

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

(19,563

)

 

(1,278

)

 

 



 



 

Balance - end of period

 

$

1,423,448

 

$

456,203

 

 

 



 



 

Retained Earnings (Deficit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - beginning of year

 

$

(113,241

)

$

500,497

 

Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc

 

 

569,686

 

 

40,777

 

Dividends on ordinary shares

 

 

(102,239

)

 

(104,020

)

 

 



 



 

Balance - end of period

 

$

354,206

 

$

437,254

 

 

 



 



 

Non-controlling Interest in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiaries:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - beginning of year

 

$

1,344,472

 

$

1,002,296

 

Non-controlling interests - contribution

 

 

1,500

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

 

 

(63

)

 

4

 

Non-controlling interest share in change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

473

 

 

(16

)

Purchase of Series E preference ordinary shares

 

 

 

 

(500

)

 

 



 



 

Balance - end of period

 

$

1,346,382

 

$

1,001,784

 

 

 



 



 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

 

$

11,757,419

 

$

10,928,706

 

 

 



 



 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

4


XL GROUP PLC

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

        Nine Months Ended
        September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)   2012    2011 
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:            
  Net income (loss)   $ 645,541    $ 110,208 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:            
  Net realized (gains) losses on investments     (2,917)     138,335 
  Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments     (2,656)     34,299 
  Amortization of premiums (discounts) on fixed maturities     119,819      83,252 
  (Income) loss from investment and operating affiliates     (80,286)     (125,716)
  Share based compensation     41,827      32,043 
  Depreciation     41,735      36,544 
  Accretion of deposit liabilities     65,585      63,492 
  Unpaid losses and loss expenses     (609,175)     185,023 
  Future policy benefit reserves     (132,834)     (101,047)
  Unearned premiums     524,341      615,699 
  Premiums receivable     (380,164)     (448,133)
  Unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable     354,698      (24,758)
  Ceded unearned premiums     (121,791)     (233,148)
  Reinsurance balances receivable     (5,146)     (9,422)
  Deferred acquisition costs     (47,629)     (92,859)
  Reinsurance balances payable     413,658      412,103 
  Deferred tax asset - net     24,058      (47,803)
  Derivatives     49,567      (30,032)
  Other assets     (51,039)     (67,851)
  Other liabilities     108,067      (105,212)
  Other     (61,079)     (59,500)
    Total adjustments   $ 248,639    $ 255,309 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ 894,180    $ 365,517 
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:            
  Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities and short-term investments   $ 2,456,889    $ 3,233,941 
  Proceeds from redemption of fixed maturities and short-term investments     3,212,626      2,700,412 
  Proceeds from sale of equity securities     212,034      189,818 
  Purchases of fixed maturities and short-term investments     (5,874,664)     (5,411,886)
  Purchases of equity securities     (289,553)     (571,031)
  Net dispositions of investment affiliates     58,415      166,950 
  Other investments, net     (113,538)     (39,502)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   $ (337,791)   $ 268,702 
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:            
  Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares and exercise of stock options   $ 4,651    $ 1,196 
  Buybacks of ordinary shares     (351,158)     (566,940)
  Repurchase of Redeemable Series C preference ordinary shares         (71,801)
  Repurchase of Series E preference ordinary shares         (465)
  Dividends paid on ordinary shares     (101,753)     (103,331)
  Distributions to non-controlling interests     (43,283)     (38,580)
  Proceeds from issuance of debt         396,400 
  Contribution from non-controlling interest     1,500     
  Repayment of debt     (600,000)    
  Deposit liabilities     (114,376)     (116,472)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   $ (1,204,419)   $ (499,993)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash     20,210      19,189 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   $ (627,820)   $ 153,415 
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period     3,825,125      3,022,868 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period   $ 3,197,305    $ 3,176,283 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

5


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Preparation and Consolidation

          Unless the context otherwise indicates, references herein to the “Company” include XL Group plc and its consolidated subsidiaries.

          These unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In addition, the year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In the opinion of management, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations at the end of and for the periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. For further information, see Item 8, Note 2(a), “Significant Accounting Policies – Basis of Preparation and Consolidation,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          To facilitate period-to-period comparisons, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period consolidated financial statement amounts to conform to current period presentation.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

          In October 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to address disparities in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. The provisions of the guidance specify that only costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts may be capitalized. These include incremental direct costs of contract acquisition and certain other costs related directly to underwriting activities. Incremental direct costs of contract acquisition are those that result directly from and are essential to a contract transaction, and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the transaction not occurred. Administrative costs, rent, depreciation, occupancy, equipment and all other general overhead costs are considered indirect costs and should be charged to expense as incurred. On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis for all fiscal years presented, and interim periods within those years. The impact of adoption was a reduction in deferred acquisition costs of approximately $21 million, a reduction in deferred tax liabilities of approximately $7 million, and a corresponding reduction in opening retained earnings of approximately $14 million within the Company’s December 31, 2011 balance sheet. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of income or comprehensive income.

          In May 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to amend existing requirements for fair value measurements and disclosures. The guidance expands the disclosure requirements around fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, requiring quantitative and qualitative information to be disclosed related to: (1) the valuation processes used, (2) the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs, and (3) use of a nonfinancial asset in a way that differs from the asset’s highest and best use. The guidance requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value, but whose fair value must be disclosed. It also clarifies and expands upon existing requirements for fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities, as well as instruments classified in shareholders’ equity. The Company has adopted this guidance from January 1, 2012; however, it impacted disclosure only and did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. See Note 3, “Fair Value Measurements,” for these updated disclosures.

6


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

          In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update concerning the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements. This guidance allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both options, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income only as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The guidance does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. However, a separate accounting standards update issued in December 2011deferred indefinitely a provision within the original standard requiring entities to present components of reclassifications of other comprehensive income on the face of the income statement. The Company adopted the guidance from January 1, 2012; however, it did not have an impact on the Company’s disclosure, financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

          In September 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment, by allowing an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting entity is less than its carrying amount, as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test required in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350. After assessing the circumstances that should be considered in making the qualitative assessment, if an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit as compared to its carrying value meets the threshold, then performing the two-step impairment step is unnecessary. In other circumstances, performance of the two-step test is required. The guidance also eliminates the option for an entity to carry forward its detailed calculation of a reporting unit’s fair value in certain situations. The amendments do not change the current guidance for testing other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The Company adopted this guidance from January 1, 2012. It did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

          In December 2011, the FASB issued new guidance requiring additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either: (1) offset for balance sheet presentation purposes or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement, regardless of whether they are offset for balance sheet presentation purposes. This guidance will be effective on January 1, 2013, with retrospective presentation of the new disclosures required. As this new guidance is disclosure-related only and does not amend the existing balance sheet offsetting guidance, the adoption of this guidance will not impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

3. Fair Value Measurements

          Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price), in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. Applicable accounting guidance provides an established hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. Assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.

          The fair values for available for sale investments are generally sourced from third parties. The fair value of fixed income securities is based upon quoted market values where available, “evaluated bid” prices provided by third party pricing services (“pricing services”) where quoted market values are not available, or by reference to broker quotes where pricing services do not provide coverage for a particular security. While the Company receives values for the majority of the investment securities it holds from pricing services, it is ultimately management’s responsibility to determine whether the values received and recorded in the financial statements are representative of appropriate fair value measurements.

7


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

          The Company performs regular reviews of the prices received from its third party valuation sources to assess if the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. This process is completed by investment and accounting personnel who are independent of those responsible for obtaining the valuations. The approaches taken by the Company include, but are not limited to, annual reviews of the controls of the external parties responsible for sourcing valuations, which are subjected to automated tolerance checks, quarterly reviews of the valuation sources and dates, and monthly reconciliations between the valuations provided by our external parties and valuations provided by our third party investment managers at a portfolio level.

          Where broker quotes are the primary source of the valuations, sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the brokers is generally not available to support a Level 2 classification. The Company obtains the majority of broker quoted values from third party investment managers who perform independent verifications of these valuations using pricing matrices based upon information gathered by market traders. In addition, for the majority of these securities, the Company compares the broker quotes to independent valuations obtained from third party pricing vendors, which may also consist of broker quotes, to assess if the prices received represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value.

          For further information, see Item 8, Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

(a) Fair Value Summary

          The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by level within the fair value hierarchy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Collateral
and
Counterparty
Netting

 

Balance at
September 30,
2012

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government - Related/Supported

 

$

 

$

2,135,368

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,135,368

 

Corporate (1) (2)

 

 

 

 

9,978,002

 

 

29,135

 

 

 

 

10,007,137

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities – Agency (“RMBS - Agency”)

 

 

 

 

5,343,046

 

 

33,857

 

 

 

 

5,376,903

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities – Non-Agency (“RMBS - Non-Agency”)

 

 

 

 

628,486

 

 

7,839

 

 

 

 

636,325

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)

 

 

 

 

1,001,040

 

 

33,369

 

 

 

 

1,034,409

 

Collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”)

 

 

 

 

7,773

 

 

674,793

 

 

 

 

682,566

 

Other asset-backed securities (2)

 

 

 

 

1,441,381

 

 

17,163

 

 

 

 

1,458,544

 

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

 

 

1,820,105

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,820,105

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 

 

 

 

4,274,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,274,936

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities, at fair value

 

$

 

$

26,630,137

 

$

796,156

 

$

 

$

27,426,293

 

Equity securities, at fair value (3)

 

 

230,539

 

 

335,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

565,927

 

Short-term investments, at fair value (1)(4)

 

 

 

 

323,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

323,705

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total investments available for sale

 

$

230,539

 

$

27,289,230

 

$

796,156

 

$

 

$

28,315,925

 

Cash equivalents (5)

 

 

2,037,971

 

 

321,646

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,359,617

 

Other investments (6)

 

 

 

 

783,813

 

 

119,975

 

 

 

 

903,788

 

Other assets (7)

 

 

 

 

10,611

 

 

 

 

41,540

 

 

52,151

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total assets accounted for at fair value

 

$

2,268,510

 

$

28,405,300

 

$

916,131

 

$

41,540

 

$

31,631,481

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (8)

 

$

 

$

30,944

 

$

 

$

 

$

30,944

 

Other liabilities (7)

 

 

 

 

82,009

 

 

35,062

 

 

 

 

117,071

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value

 

$

 

$

112,953

 

$

35,062

 

$

 

$

148,015

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

8


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2011
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Collateral
and
Counterparty
Netting

 

Balance at
December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government - Related/Supported

 

$

 

$

1,990,983

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,990,983

 

Corporate (1) (2)

 

 

 

 

10,084,804

 

 

23,818

 

 

 

 

10,108,622

 

RMBS – Agency

 

 

 

 

5,347,365

 

 

32,041

 

 

 

 

5,379,406

 

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

 

 

641,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

641,815

 

CMBS

 

 

 

 

974,835

 

 

 

 

 

 

974,835

 

CDO

 

 

 

 

7,751

 

 

650,851

 

 

 

 

658,602

 

Other asset-backed securities (2)

 

 

 

 

1,323,697

 

 

16,552

 

 

 

 

1,340,249

 

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

 

 

1,797,378

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,797,378

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 

 

 

 

3,298,135

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,298,135

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities, at fair value (2)

 

$

 

$

25,466,763

 

$

723,262

 

$

 

$

26,190,025

 

Equity securities, at fair value (3)

 

 

239,175

 

 

229,022

 

 

 

 

 

 

468,197

 

Short-term investments, at fair value (1)(4)

 

 

 

 

359,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

359,063

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total investments available for sale

 

$

239,175

 

$

26,054,848

 

$

723,262

 

$

 

$

27,017,285

 

Cash equivalents (5)

 

 

1,686,101

 

 

1,068,264

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,754,365

 

Other investments (6)

 

 

 

 

547,598

 

 

113,959

 

 

 

 

661,557

 

Other assets (7)

 

 

 

 

143,622

 

 

 

 

(77,888

)

 

65,734

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total assets accounted for at fair value

 

$

1,925,276

 

$

27,814,332

 

$

837,221

 

$

(77,888

)

$

30,498,941

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (8)

 

$

 

$

20,844

 

$

 

$

 

$

20,844

 

Other liabilities (7)

 

 

 

 

16,871

 

 

42,644

 

 

(809

)

 

58,706

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value

 

$

 

$

37,715

 

$

42,644

 

$

(809

)

$

79,550

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 



 

(1)

Included within Corporate are certain medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes, which are in a gross unrealized loss position, had a fair value of $192.3 million and $266.0 million and an amortized cost of $199.8 million and $297.7 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.

(2)

The Company invests in covered bonds issued by financial institutions (“Covered Bonds”). Covered Bonds are senior secured debt instruments issued by financial institutions and backed by over-collateralized pools of public sector or mortgage loans. At September 30, 2012, Covered Bonds within Total fixed maturities with a fair value of $599.9 million are included within Other asset-backed securities to align the Company’s classification to market indices. At December 31, 2011, Covered Bonds within Total fixed maturities with a fair value of $353.9 million were reclassified from Corporate to Other asset-backed securities to conform to current period presentation.

(3)

Included within Equity securities are investments in fixed income funds with a fair value of $99.3 million and $91.6 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

(4)

Short-term investments consist primarily of Corporate securities and U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported securities.

(5)

Cash equivalents balances subject to fair value measurement include certificates of deposit and money market funds. Operating cash balances are not subject to fair value measurement guidance.

(6)

The Other investments balance excludes certain structured transactions including certain investments in project finance transactions, a payment obligation and liquidity financing provided to a structured credit vehicle as a part of a third party medium term note facility. These investments, which totaled $311.8 million at September 30, 2012 and $323.7 million at December 31, 2011, are carried at amortized cost. For further details regarding the nature of Other investments and related features see Item 8, Note 7, “Other Investments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011

(7)

Other assets and other liabilities include derivative instruments. The derivative balances included in each category are reported on a gross basis by level with a netting adjustment presented separately in the Collateral and Counterparty Netting column. The Company often enters into different types of derivative contracts with a single counterparty and these contracts are covered under a netting agreement. In addition, at September 30, 2012 the Company paid net cash collateral related to these derivative positions of $41.5 million. The assets related to the net collateral paid have been recorded as Other assets within the balance sheet. At December 31, 2011, the Company held net cash collateral of $77.1 million. The collateral balance is included within Cash and cash equivalents and the corresponding liability to return the collateral has been offset against the derivative asset within the balance sheet as appropriate under the netting agreement. The fair values of the individual derivative contracts are reported gross in their respective levels based on the fair value hierarchy.

(8)

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, represent “short sales” and are included within “Payable for investments purchased” on the balance sheet.

9


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

(b) Level 3 Assets and Liabilities

          The tables below present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which Level 3 inputs were utilized to determine fair value. The tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The tables do not include gains or losses that were reported in Level 3 in prior periods for assets that were transferred out of Level 3 prior to September 30, 2012 and 2011. Gains and losses for assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 in the table below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Further, it should be noted that the following tables do not take into consideration the effect of offsetting Level 1 and 2 financial instruments entered into by the Company that are either economically hedged by certain exposures to the Level 3 positions or that hedge the exposures in Level 3 positions.

          In general, Level 3 assets include securities for which values were obtained from brokers where either significant inputs were utilized in determining the values that were difficult to corroborate with observable market data, or sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the broker was not available to support a Level 2 classification. Transfers into or out of Level 3 primarily arise as a result of the valuations utilized by the Company changing between either those provided by independent pricing services that do not contain significant observable inputs, or other valuations sourced from brokers that are considered Level 3.

          There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

10


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Corporate

 

RMBS - Agency

 

RMBS - Non
Agency

 

CMBS

 

CDO

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

33,511

 

$

52,588

 

$

1,596

 

$

 

$

642,179

 

Realized gains (losses)

 

 

20

 

 

4

 

 

(22

)

 

 

 

913

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

673

 

 

106

 

 

(424

)

 

 

 

35,886

 

Purchases and issuances

 

 

 

 

34

 

 

6,821

 

 

33,369

 

 

 

Sales and settlements

 

 

(555

)

 

(4,645

)

 

(59

)

 

 

 

(5,347

)

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,162

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

(4,514

)

 

(14,230

)

 

(73

)

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, end of period

 

$

29,135

 

$

33,857

 

$

7,839

 

$

33,369

 

$

674,793

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

 

$

674

 

$

110

 

$

(447

)

$

 

$

35,806

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Other asset-
backed
securities

 

Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported

 

Short-term
investments

 

Other investments

 

Derivative Contracts
- Net

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

25,248

 

$

 

$

 

$

117,765

 

$

(35,947

)

Realized gains (losses)

 

 

7,017

 

 

 

 

 

 

343

 

 

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

(6,552

)

 

 

 

 

 

1,686

 

 

885

 

Purchases and issuances

 

 

8,753

 

 

 

 

 

 

982

 

 

 

Sales and settlements

 

 

(16,141

)

 

 

 

 

 

(807

)

 

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

(1,162

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, end of period

 

$

17,163

 

$

 

$

 

$

119,975

 

$

(35,062

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

 

$

456

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,334

 

$

885

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

11


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Corporate

 

RMBS - Agency

 

RMBS - Non
Agency

 

CMBS

 

CDO

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

4,786

 

$

15,385

 

$

3,194

 

$

4,563

 

$

727,239

 

Realized gains (losses)

 

 

23

 

 

(81

)

 

(328

)

 

(501

)

 

(2,662

)

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

(22

)

 

52

 

 

76

 

 

564

 

 

(46,520

)

Purchases and issuances

 

 

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and settlements

 

 

 

 

(206

)

 

(143

)

 

(232

)

 

(12,215

)

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, end of period

 

$

4,787

 

$

15,183

 

$

2,799

 

$

4,394

 

$

665,842

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

 

$

1

 

$

(29

)

$

(252

)

$

63

 

$

(49,432

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Other asset-
backed
securities

 

Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported

 

Short-term
investments

 

Other investments

 

Derivative Contracts
- Net

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

17,048

 

$

 

$

 

$

114,540

 

$

(49,645

)

Realized gains (losses)

 

 

(238

)

 

 

 

 

 

(244

)

 

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

302

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,642

 

 

(2,344

)

Purchases and issuances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,667

 

 

 

Sales and settlements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,243

)

 

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, end of period

 

$

17,112

 

$

 

$

 

$

114,362

 

$

(51,989

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

 

$

64

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,398

 

$

(2,344

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

12


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Corporate

 

RMBS - Agency

 

RMBS - Non
Agency

 

CMBS

 

CDO

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

23,818

 

$

32,041

 

$

 

$

 

$

650,851

 

Realized gains (losses)

 

 

4

 

 

(23

)

 

 

 

 

 

(523

)

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

346

 

 

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

75,489

 

Purchases and issuances

 

 

8,949

 

 

103

 

 

6,821

 

 

33,369

 

 

 

Sales and settlements

 

 

(181

)

 

(6,233

)

 

 

 

 

 

(51,024

)

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

838

 

 

15,254

 

 

1,018

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

(4,639

)

 

(7,343

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, end of period

 

$

29,135

 

$

33,857

 

$

7,839

 

$

33,369

 

$

674,793

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

 

$

351

 

$

35

 

$

 

$

 

$

71,738

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Other asset-
backed
securities

 

Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported

 

Short-term
investments

 

Other investments

 

Derivative Contracts
- Net

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

16,552

 

$

 

$

 

$

113,959

 

$

(42,644

)

Realized gains (losses)

 

 

6,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,782

 

 

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

(2,873

)

 

 

 

 

 

6,206

 

 

7,582

 

Purchases and issuances

 

 

8,753

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,664

 

 

 

Sales and settlements

 

 

(15,867

)

 

 

 

 

 

(7,327

)

 

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

3,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(315

)

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, end of period

 

$

17,163

 

$

 

$

 

$

119,975

 

$

(35,062

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

 

$

3,652

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,385

 

$

7,582

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

13


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Corporate

 

RMBS - Agency

 

RMBS - Non
Agency

 

CMBS

 

CDO

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

36,866

 

$

30,255

 

$

4,964

 

$

1,623

 

$

721,572

 

Realized gains (losses)

 

 

(257

)

 

(81

)

 

(329

)

 

(1,179

)

 

(3,733

)

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

173

 

 

2

 

 

61

 

 

1,078

 

 

(10,104

)

Purchases and issuances

 

 

6,878

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

3,155

 

 

2,379

 

Sales and settlements

 

 

(10,049

)

 

(492

)

 

(517

)

 

(283

)

 

(46,158

)

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,886

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

(28,824

)

 

(14,534

)

 

(1,380

)

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, end of period

 

$

4,787

 

$

15,183

 

$

2,799

 

$

4,394

 

$

665,842

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

 

$

(52

)

$

(79

)

$

(268

)

$

(855

)

$

(15,656

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Other asset-
backed
securities

 

Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported

 

Short-term
investments

 

Other investments

 

Derivative Contracts
- Net

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

24,650

 

$

3,667

 

$

 

$

133,717

 

$

(39,195

)

Realized gains (losses)

 

 

(555

)

 

 

 

 

 

11,911

 

 

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

7,162

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,134

 

 

(12,620

)

Purchases and issuances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,782

 

 

 

Sales and settlements

 

 

(9,114

)

 

 

 

 

 

(51,182

)

 

(174

)

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

(5,031

)

 

(3,667

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, end of period

 

$

17,112

 

$

 

$

 

$

114,362

 

$

(51,989

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

 

$

6,287

 

$

 

$

 

$

19,735

 

$

(12,620

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

14


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

(c) Fixed maturities and short-term investments

          The Company’s Level 3 assets consist primarily of CDOs, for which non-binding broker quotes are the primary source of the valuations. Sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the brokers was not available to support a Level 2 classification. The Company obtains the majority of broker quotes for these CDOs from third party investment managers who perform independent verifications of these valuations using pricing matrices based upon information gathered by market traders. In addition, for the majority of these securities, the Company compares the broker quotes to independent valuations obtained from third party pricing vendors, which may also consist of broker quotes, to assess if the prices received represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. Although the Company does not have access to the specific unobservable inputs that may have been used in the fair value measurements of the CDO securities provided by brokers, we would expect that the significant inputs considered are prepayment rates, probability of default, loss severity in the event of default, recovery rates, liquidity premium and reinvestment rates. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly different fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.

          The remainder of the Level 3 assets relate to primarily to private equity investments and certain derivative positions as described below.

(d) Other investments

          Included within the Other investments component of the Company’s Level 3 valuations are private investments and alternative fund investments where the Company is not deemed to have significant influence over the investee. The fair value of these investments is based upon net asset values received from the investment manager or general partner of the respective entity. The nature of the underlying investments held by the investee that form the basis of the net asset value include assets such as private business ventures and are such that significant Level 3 inputs are utilized in the determination of the individual underlying holding values and, accordingly, the fair value of the Company’s investment in each entity is classified within Level 3. The Company has not adjusted the net asset values received; however, management incorporates factors such as the most recent financial information received, annual audited financial statements and the values at which capital transactions with the investee take place when applying judgment regarding whether any adjustments should be made to the net asset value in recording the fair value of each position. Investments in alternative funds included in Other investments utilize strategies including arbitrage, directional, event driven and multi-style. These funds potentially have lockup and gate provisions which may limit redemption liquidity. For further details regarding the nature of Other investments and related features see Item 8, Note 7, “Other Investments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

(e) Derivative instruments

          Derivative instruments recorded within Other liabilities and classified within Level 3 include credit derivatives sold providing protection on senior tranches of structured finance transactions where the value is obtained directly from the investment bank counterparty and sufficient information regarding the inputs utilized in such valuation was not obtained to support a Level 2 classification and guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) embedded within one reinsurance contract. The majority of inputs utilized in the valuations of these types of derivative contracts are considered Level 1 or Level 2; however, each valuation includes at least one Level 3 input that was significant to the valuation and, accordingly, the values are disclosed within Level 3.

15


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Fair Value Measurements

(f) Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

          Authoritative guidance over disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments requires additional disclosure of fair value information for financial instruments not carried at fair value in both interim and annual reporting periods. Certain financial instruments, particularly insurance contracts, are excluded from these fair value disclosure requirements. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, net receivable from investments sold, other assets, net payable for investments purchased, other liabilities and other financial instruments not included below approximated their fair values. The following table includes financial instruments for which the carrying value differs from the estimated fair values at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. All of these fair values estimates are considered Level 2 fair value measurements. The fair values for fixed maturities held to maturity are provided by third party pricing vendors and significant valuation inputs for all other items included were based upon market data obtained from sources independent of the Company, and are subject to the same control environment previously described.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

December 31, 2011

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Carrying
Value

 

Fair
Value

 

Carrying
Value

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 


 


 

Fixed maturities, held to maturity

 

$

2,805,796

 

$

3,222,900

 

$

2,668,978

 

$

2,895,688

 

Other investments - structured transactions

 

 

311,767

 

 

287,136

 

 

323,705

 

 

297,124

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Financial Assets

 

$

3,117,563

 

$

3,510,036

 

$

2,992,683

 

$

3,192,812

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposit liabilities

 

$

1,561,076

 

$

1,885,194

 

$

1,608,108

 

$

1,809,812

 

Notes payable and debt

 

 

1,673,350

 

 

1,866,084

 

 

2,275,327

 

 

2,340,148

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Financial Liabilities

 

$

3,234,426

 

$

3,751,278

 

$

3,883,435

 

$

4,149,960

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

          The Company historically participated in structured transactions. Remaining structured transactions include cash loans supporting project finance transactions, providing liquidity facility financing to structured project deals and an investment in a payment obligation with an insurance company. These transactions are carried at amortized cost. The fair value of these investments held by the Company is determined through use of internal models utilizing reported trades, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data.

          Deposit liabilities include obligations under structured insurance and reinsurance transactions. For purposes of fair value disclosures, the Company determined the estimated fair value of the deposit liabilities by assuming a discount rate equal to the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate plus 102.3 basis points at September 30, 2012 and the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate plus 161.8 basis points at December 31, 2011. The discount rate incorporates the Company’s own credit risk into the determination of estimated fair value.

          The fair values of the Company’s notes payable and debt outstanding were determined based on quoted market prices.

          There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the Company’s financial instruments as defined in the authoritative guidance over disclosures of fair value of financial instruments not carried at fair value, which excludes certain financial instruments, particularly insurance contracts.

16


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Segment Information

          The Company is organized into three operating segments: Insurance, Reinsurance and Life operations. The Company’s general investment and financing operations are reflected in Corporate.

          The Company evaluates the performance of both the Insurance and Reinsurance segments based on underwriting profit while the Life operations segment performance is based on contribution. Other items of revenue and expenditure of the Company are not evaluated at the segment level. In addition, the Company does not allocate investment assets by segment for its Property and Casualty (“P&C”) operations. Investment assets related to the Company’s Life operations and certain structured products included in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments and Corporate are held in separately identified portfolios. As such, net investment income from these assets is included in the contribution from the applicable segment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Total P&C

 

Life
Operations

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

1,158,683

 

$

417,548

 

$

1,576,231

 

$

87,413

 

$

1,663,644

 

Net premiums written

 

 

905,054

 

 

403,210

 

 

1,308,264

 

 

79,487

 

 

1,387,751

 

Net premiums earned

 

 

985,623

 

 

482,930

 

 

1,468,553

 

 

79,487

 

 

1,548,040

 

Net losses and loss expenses

 

 

(623,543

)

 

(270,533

)

 

(894,076

)

 

(119,439

)

 

(1,013,515

)

Acquisition costs

 

 

(128,514

)

 

(97,739

)

 

(226,253

)

 

(10,094

)

 

(236,347

)

Operating expenses (1)

 

 

(186,794

)

 

(47,227

)

 

(234,021

)

 

(2,352

)

 

(236,373

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Underwriting profit (loss)

 

$

46,772

 

$

67,431

 

$

114,203

 

$

(52,398

)

$

61,805

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

148,482

 

 

73,479

 

 

221,961

 

Net results from structured products (2)

 

 

3,087

 

 

2,614

 

 

5,701

 

 

 

 

5,701

 

Net fee income and other (3)

 

 

591

 

 

657

 

 

1,248

 

 

240

 

 

1,488

 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,257

 

 

(7,750

)

 

(5,493

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Contribution from P&C and Life Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

271,891

 

$

13,571

 

$

285,462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Corporate & other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized & unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,254

 

Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,967

 

Exchange gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18,690

)

Corporate operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(57,604

)

Interest expense (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(26,192

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(35,844

)

Income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(451

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

171,902

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios – P&C operations: (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss expense ratio

 

 

63.3

%

 

56.0

%

 

60.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

 

32.0

%

 

30.0

%

 

31.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined ratio

 

 

95.3

%

 

86.0

%

 

92.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Operating expenses exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.

(2)

The net results from P&C structured products include net investment income and interest expense of $17.4 million and $11.7 million, respectively.

(3)

Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company’s loss prevention consulting services business.

(4)

The Company records the income related to the alternative funds and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.

(5)

Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.

(6)

Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

17


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Segment Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Total P&C

 

Life
Operations

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

1,156,901

 

$

619,260

 

$

1,776,161

 

$

100,564

 

$

1,876,725

 

Net premiums written

 

 

872,757

 

 

419,949

 

 

1,292,706

 

 

90,769

 

 

1,383,475

 

Net premiums earned

 

 

930,067

 

 

432,465

 

 

1,362,532

 

 

90,794

 

 

1,453,326

 

Net losses and loss expenses

 

 

(767,091

)

 

(220,968

)

 

(988,059

)

 

(139,549

)

 

(1,127,608

)

Acquisition costs

 

 

(118,521

)

 

(79,839

)

 

(198,360

)

 

(9,193

)

 

(207,553

)

Operating expenses (1)

 

 

(158,134

)

 

(40,179

)

 

(198,313

)

 

(2,352

)

 

(200,665

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Underwriting profit (loss)

 

$

(113,679

)

$

91,479

 

$

(22,200

)

$

(60,300

)

$

(82,500

)

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

190,886

 

 

80,349

 

 

271,235

 

Net results from structured products (2)

 

 

2,457

 

 

3,388

 

 

5,845

 

 

 

 

5,845

 

Net fee income and other (3)

 

 

(3,484

)

 

1,120

 

 

(2,364

)

 

41

 

 

(2,323

)

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(39,047

)

 

(23,307

)

 

(62,354

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Contribution from P&C and Life Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

133,120

 

$

(3,217

)

$

129,903

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Corporate & other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized & unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(26,916

)

Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,429

 

Exchange gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,425

 

Corporate operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(33,847

)

Interest expense (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(35,885

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(33,993

)

Income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(24,718

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

42,398

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios – P&C operations: (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss expense ratio

 

 

82.5

%

 

51.1

%

 

72.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

 

29.7

%

 

27.7

%

 

29.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined ratio

 

 

112.2

%

 

78.8

%

 

101.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Operating expenses exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.

(2)

The net results from P&C structured products include net investment income and interest expense of $18.9 million and $13.0 million, respectively.

(3)

Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company’s loss prevention consulting services business and expenses related to the cost of an endorsement facility with National Indemnity Company.

(4)

The Company records the income related to the alternative funds and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.

(5)

Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.

(6)

Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

18


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Segment Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Total P&C

 

Life
Operations

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

3,806,351

 

$

1,850,315

 

$

5,656,666

 

$

267,000

 

$

5,923,666

 

Net premiums written

 

 

2,885,847

 

 

1,732,923

 

 

4,618,770

 

 

243,606

 

 

4,862,376

 

Net premiums earned

 

 

2,878,973

 

 

1,348,450

 

 

4,227,423

 

 

243,630

 

 

4,471,053

 

Net losses and loss expenses

 

 

(1,890,512

)

 

(683,984

)

 

(2,574,496

)

 

(371,896

)

 

(2,946,392

)

Acquisition costs

 

 

(380,054

)

 

(273,706

)

 

(653,760

)

 

(25,675

)

 

(679,435

)

Operating expenses (1)

 

 

(564,387

)

 

(127,965

)

 

(692,352

)

 

(7,788

)

 

(700,140

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Underwriting profit (loss)

 

$

44,020

 

$

262,795

 

$

306,815

 

$

(161,729

)

$

145,086

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

492,031

 

 

223,150

 

 

715,181

 

Net results from structured products (2)

 

 

14,953

 

 

(17,801

)

 

(2,848

)

 

 

 

(2,848

)

Net fee income and other (3)

 

 

(3,276

)

 

1,980

 

 

(1,296

)

 

330

 

 

(966

)

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,070

 

 

(22,153

)

 

2,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Contribution from P&C and Life Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

819,772

 

$

39,598

 

$

859,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Corporate & other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized & unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,656

 

Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80,286

 

Exchange gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13,432

)

Corporate operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(151,925

)

Interest expense (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(79,601

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(75,855

)

Income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(51,813

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

569,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios – P&C operations: (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss expense ratio

 

 

65.7

%

 

50.7

%

 

60.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

 

32.8

%

 

29.8

%

 

31.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined ratio

 

 

98.5

%

 

80.5

%

 

92.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Operating expenses exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.

(2)

The net results from P&C structured products include net investment income and interest expense of $52.2 million and $55.0 million, respectively.

(3)

Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company’s loss prevention consulting services business.

(4)

The Company records the income related to the alternative funds and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.

(5)

Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.

(6)

Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

19


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Segment Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Total P&C

 

Life
Operations

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

3,669,280

 

$

1,968,444

 

$

5,637,724

 

$

298,504

 

$

5,936,228

 

Net premiums written

 

 

2,684,938

 

 

1,628,109

 

 

4,313,047

 

 

272,635

 

 

4,585,682

 

Net premiums earned

 

 

2,713,430

 

 

1,226,923

 

 

3,940,353

 

 

272,695

 

 

4,213,048

 

Net losses and loss expenses

 

 

(2,163,786

)

 

(856,722

)

 

(3,020,508

)

 

(410,196

)

 

(3,430,704

)

Acquisition costs

 

 

(340,048

)

 

(244,813

)

 

(584,861

)

 

(26,281

)

 

(611,142

)

Operating expenses (1)

 

 

(488,837

)

 

(129,362

)

 

(618,199

)

 

(7,241

)

 

(625,440

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Underwriting profit (loss)

 

$

(279,241

)

$

(3,974

)

$

(283,215

)

$

(171,023

)

$

(454,238

)

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

570,504

 

 

239,382

 

 

809,886

 

Net results from structured products (2)

 

 

8,407

 

 

9,828

 

 

18,235

 

 

 

 

18,235

 

Net fee income and other (3)

 

 

(12,614

)

 

2,505

 

 

(10,109

)

 

178

 

 

(9,931

)

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(76,181

)

 

(62,154

)

 

(138,335

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Contribution from P&C and Life Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

219,234

 

$

6,383

 

$

225,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Corporate & other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized & unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(34,299

)

Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125,716

 

Exchange gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38,409

 

Corporate operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(109,105

)

Interest expense (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(119,383

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(69,431

)

Income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,747

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

40,777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios – P&C operations: (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss expense ratio

 

 

79.7

%

 

69.8

%

 

76.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

 

30.6

%

 

30.5

%

 

30.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined ratio

 

 

110.3

%

 

100.3

%

 

107.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Operating expenses exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.

(2)

The net results from P&C structured products include net investment income and interest expense of $57.0 million and $38.8 million, respectively.

(3)

Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company’s loss prevention consulting services business and expenses related to the cost of an endorsement facility with National Indemnity Company.

(4)

The Company records the income related to the alternative funds and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.

(5)

Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.

(6)

Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

20


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Segment Information

          The following tables summarize the Company’s net premiums earned by line of business:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Life
Operations

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

P&C Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casualty - professional lines

 

$

345,722

 

$

47,874

 

$

 

$

393,596

 

Casualty - other lines

 

 

181,265

 

 

81,798

 

 

 

 

263,063

 

Property catastrophe

 

 

 

 

113,167

 

 

 

 

113,167

 

Other property

 

 

140,858

 

 

170,856

 

 

 

 

311,714

 

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 

 

130,497

 

 

33,091

 

 

 

 

163,588

 

Other specialty lines (1)

 

 

185,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

185,622

 

Other (2)

 

 

1,659

 

 

36,144

 

 

 

 

37,803

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total P&C Operations

 

$

985,623

 

$

482,930

 

$

 

$

1,468,553

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Life Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

$

 

$

 

$

31,960

 

$

31,960

 

Other Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,527

 

 

47,527

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total Life Operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

79,487

 

$

79,487

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

985,623

 

$

482,930

 

$

79,487

 

$

1,548,040

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P&C Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casualty - professional lines

 

$

319,101

 

$

51,945

 

$

 

$

371,046

 

Casualty - other lines

 

 

172,684

 

 

64,274

 

 

 

 

236,958

 

Property catastrophe

 

 

 

 

97,158

 

 

 

 

97,158

 

Other property

 

 

120,394

 

 

161,585

 

 

 

 

281,979

 

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 

 

138,290

 

 

32,162

 

 

 

 

170,452

 

Other specialty lines (1)

 

 

178,706

 

 

 

 

 

 

178,706

 

Other (2)

 

 

892

 

 

25,341

 

 

 

 

26,233

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total P&C Operations

 

$

930,067

 

$

432,465

 

$

 

$

1,362,532

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Life Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

$

 

$

 

$

33,342

 

$

33,342

 

Other Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,452

 

 

57,452

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total Life Operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

90,794

 

$

90,794

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

930,067

 

$

432,465

 

$

90,794

 

$

1,453,326

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Other specialty lines within the Insurance segment includes: environmental, programs, equine, warranty, fine art and specie, middle markets, political risk and trade credit, product recall, surety, inland marine and surplus lines.

(2)

Other includes whole account contracts, structured indemnity, internal reinsurance and other lines.

21


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Segment Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Life
Operations

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

P&C Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casualty - professional lines

 

$

1,000,417

 

$

156,082

 

$

 

$

1,156,499

 

Casualty - other lines

 

 

516,185

 

 

231,879

 

 

 

 

748,064

 

Property catastrophe

 

 

 

 

329,313

 

 

 

 

329,313

 

Other property

 

 

399,170

 

 

451,625

 

 

 

 

850,795

 

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 

 

394,578

 

 

104,462

 

 

 

 

499,040

 

Other specialty lines (1)

 

 

559,826

 

 

 

 

 

 

559,826

 

Other (2)

 

 

8,797

 

 

75,089

 

 

 

 

83,886

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total P&C Operations

 

$

2,878,973

 

$

1,348,450

 

$

 

$

4,227,423

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Life Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

$

 

$

 

$

94,660

 

$

94,660

 

Other Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

148,970

 

 

148,970

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total Life Operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

243,630

 

$

243,630

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

2,878,973

 

$

1,348,450

 

$

243,630

 

$

4,471,053

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P&C Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casualty - professional lines

 

$

957,399

 

$

157,576

 

$

 

$

1,114,975

 

Casualty - other lines

 

 

501,634

 

 

184,238

 

 

 

 

685,872

 

Property catastrophe

 

 

 

 

286,085

 

 

 

 

286,085

 

Other property

 

 

344,403

 

 

433,083

 

 

 

 

777,486

 

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 

 

392,183

 

 

101,026

 

 

 

 

493,209

 

Other specialty lines (1)

 

 

512,399

 

 

 

 

 

 

512,399

 

Other (2)

 

 

5,412

 

 

64,915

 

 

 

 

70,327

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total P&C Operations

 

$

2,713,430

 

$

1,226,923

 

$

 

$

3,940,353

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Life Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

$

 

$

 

$

100,232

 

$

100,232

 

Other Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

172,463

 

 

172,463

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total Life Operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

272,695

 

$

272,695

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

2,713,430

 

$

1,226,923

 

$

272,695

 

$

4,213,048

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Other specialty lines within the Insurance segment includes: environmental, programs, equine, warranty, fine art and specie, middle markets, political risk and trade credit, product recall, surety, inland marine and surplus lines.

(2)

Other includes whole account contracts, structured indemnity, internal reinsurance and other lines.

22


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments

(a) Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments and Equity Securities

          Amortized Cost and Fair Value Summary

          The cost (amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments), fair value, gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized (losses), including, other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of the Company’s available for sale (“AFS”) and held to maturity (“HTM”) investments at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Cost or
Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Related to
Changes in
Estimated
Fair Value

 

Non-credit
Related
OTTI

 

Fair Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Fixed maturities - AFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (1)

 

$

1,996,119

 

$

142,683

 

$

(3,434

)

$

 

$

2,135,368

 

Corporate (2) (3) (4)

 

 

9,392,587

 

 

738,040

 

 

(109,187

)

 

(14,303

)

 

10,007,137

 

RMBS – Agency

 

 

5,126,903

 

 

252,738

 

 

(2,738

)

 

 

 

5,376,903

 

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

705,785

 

 

38,297

 

 

(2,716

)

 

(105,041

)

 

636,325

 

CMBS

 

 

963,365

 

 

75,031

 

 

(1,123

)

 

(2,864

)

 

1,034,409

 

CDO

 

 

791,737

 

 

9,735

 

 

(114,017

)

 

(4,889

)

 

682,566

 

Other asset-backed securities (2)

 

 

1,421,005

 

 

57,025

 

 

(12,573

)

 

(6,913

)

 

1,458,544

 

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

1,665,392

 

 

156,366

 

 

(1,653

)

 

 

 

1,820,105

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (1)

 

 

4,087,627

 

 

196,732

 

 

(9,423

)

 

 

 

4,274,936

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities - AFS

 

$

26,150,520

 

$

1,666,647

 

$

(256,864

)

$

(134,010

)

$

27,426,293

 

Total short-term investments (1)

 

$

323,039

 

$

1,124

 

$

(458

)

$

 

$

323,705

 

Total equity securities

 

$

554,962

 

$

16,218

 

$

(5,253

)

$

 

$

565,927

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total investments - AFS

 

$

27,028,521

 

$

1,683,989

 

$

(262,575

)

$

(134,010

)

$

28,315,925

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Fixed maturities - HTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (1)

 

$

10,845

 

$

1,859

 

$

 

$

 

$

12,704

 

Corporate (2)

 

 

1,430,220

 

 

192,803

 

 

(2,932

)

 

 

 

1,620,091

 

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

83,896

 

 

9,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

93,478

 

CMBS

 

 

12,917

 

 

2,109

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,026

 

Other asset-backed securities (2)

 

 

224,508

 

 

29,218

 

 

(295

)

 

 

 

253,431

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (1)

 

 

1,043,410

 

 

187,562

 

 

(2,802

)

 

 

 

1,228,170

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total investments - HTM

 

$

2,805,796

 

$

423,133

 

$

(6,029

)

$

 

$

3,222,900

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported, Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincials, Supranationals and Government-Related/Supported and Total short-term investments includes government-related securities with an amortized cost of $2,182.5 million and fair value of $2,258.6 million and U.S. Agencies with an amortized cost of $453.8 million and fair value of $499.5 million.

(2)

At September 30, 2012, Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities – AFS with an amortized cost of $561.5 million and a fair value of $599.9 million and Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities – HTM with an amortized cost of $8.4 million and a fair value of $8.3 million have been included within Other asset-backed securities to align the Company’s classification to market indices. Covered Bonds were included in Corporate prior to January 1, 2012.

(3)

Included within Corporate are certain medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes have a fair value of $192.3 million and an amortized cost of $199.8 million. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.

(4)

Included within Corporate are Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments, which are senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions. These securities have a fair value of $348.8 million and an amortized cost of $402.1 million at September 30, 2012.

23


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

December 31, 2011
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Cost or
Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Related to
Changes in
Estimated
Fair Value

 

Non-credit
Related
OTTI

 

Fair Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Fixed maturities - AFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (1)

 

$

1,864,354

 

$

130,874

 

$

(4,245

)

$

 

$

1,990,983

 

Corporate (2) (3) (4)

 

 

9,866,677

 

 

527,192

 

 

(233,581

)

 

(51,666

)

 

10,108,622

 

RMBS – Agency

 

 

5,189,473

 

 

193,782

 

 

(3,849

)

 

 

 

5,379,406

 

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

851,557

 

 

19,667

 

 

(112,867

)

 

(116,542

)

 

641,815

 

CMBS

 

 

927,684

 

 

56,704

 

 

(2,405

)

 

(7,148

)

 

974,835

 

CDO

 

 

843,553

 

 

6,624

 

 

(186,578

)

 

(4,997

)

 

658,602

 

Other asset-backed securities (2)

 

 

1,341,309

 

 

30,731

 

 

(25,486

)

 

(6,305

)

 

1,340,249

 

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

1,698,573

 

 

101,025

 

 

(2,220

)

 

 

 

1,797,378

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (1)

 

 

3,188,535

 

 

127,439

 

 

(17,839

)

 

 

 

3,298,135

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities - AFS

 

$

25,771,715

 

$

1,194,038

 

$

(589,070

)

$

(186,658

)

$

26,190,025

 

Total short-term investments (1)

 

$

359,378

 

$

519

 

$

(834

)

$

 

$

359,063

 

Total equity securities

 

$

480,685

 

$

27,947

 

$

(40,435

)

$

 

$

468,197

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total investments - AFS

 

$

26,611,778

 

$

1,222,504

 

$

(630,339

)

$

(186,658

)

$

27,017,285

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Fixed maturities - HTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (2)

 

$

10,399

 

$

1,510

 

$

 

$

 

$

11,909

 

Corporate (2)

 

 

1,290,209

 

 

91,313

 

 

(14,433

)

 

 

 

1,367,089

 

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

80,955

 

 

6,520

 

 

(32

)

 

 

 

87,443

 

Other asset-backed securities (2)

 

 

288,741

 

 

20,875

 

 

(320

)

 

 

 

309,296

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (1)

 

 

998,674

 

 

127,227

 

 

(5,950

)

 

 

 

1,119,951

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total investments - HTM

 

$

2,668,978

 

$

247,445

 

$

(20,735

)

$

 

$

2,895,688

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported, Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincials, Supranationals and Government-Related/Supported and Total short-term investments includes government-related securities with an amortized cost of $1,878.3 million and fair value of $1,915.6 million and U.S. Agencies with an amortized cost of $494.0 million and fair value of $541.2 million.

(2)

Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities – AFS with an amortized cost of $345.4 million and a fair value of $353.9 million and Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities – HTM with an amortized cost of $8.1 million and a fair value of $7.7 million at December 31, 2011 have been reclassified from Corporate to Other asset-backed securities to align the Company’s classification to market indices and conform to current period presentation.

(3)

Included within Corporate are certain medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes have a fair value of $266.0 million and an amortized cost of $297.7 million. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.

(4)

Included within Corporate are Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments, which are senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions. These securities have a fair value of $386.1 million and an amortized cost of $494.9 million at December 31, 2011.

          At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, approximately 2.7% and 2.4%, respectively, of the Company’s fixed income investment portfolio at fair value was invested in securities that were below investment grade or not rated. Approximately 36.2% and 31.4% of the gross unrealized losses in the Company’s fixed income securities portfolio at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, related to securities that were below investment grade or not rated.

24


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments

          Classification of Fixed Income Securities

          During the third quarter of 2011, the Company changed the manner in which it classifies fixed income securities between Fixed maturities and Short-term investments on the balance sheet and the related note disclosure. Short-term investments under the Company’s previous classification comprised investments with a remaining maturity of less than one year from the reporting date. Under this prior presentation, longer term securities were reclassified from Fixed maturities to Short-term investments as they neared maturity. Under the Company’s new classification, Short-term investments include investments due to mature within one year from the date of purchase and are valued using the same external factors and in the same manner as Fixed maturities. No reclassifications will be made between Fixed maturities and Short-term investments subsequent to the initial date of purchase.

          This change in classification did not have an impact on the total value of investments available for sale on the balance sheet, nor did it impact the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity or cash flows. The only impact, other than the changes in the balance sheet line items, are changes required within the detailed tables included within this note as well as Note 3, “Fair Value Measurements,” to allocate securities previously classified as Short-term investments under the former practice into the appropriate categories of Fixed maturities within each table to conform to the new accounting presentation for current and comparative periods.

          During 2009 and 2010, the Company elected to hold certain fixed income securities to maturity. Consistent with this intention, the Company reclassified these securities from AFS to HTM in the consolidated financial statements. As a result of this classification, these fixed income securities are reflected in the HTM portfolio and recorded at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets and not fair value. Additional subsequent securities purchased that have already been designated as HTM are included as part of the HTM portfolio. The HTM portfolio is comprised of long duration Euro and U.K. sterling securities. The Company believes this HTM strategy is achievable due to the relatively stable and predictable cash flows of the Company’s long-term liabilities within its Life operations, along with its ability to substitute other assets at a future date in the event that liquidity was required due to changes in expected cash flows or other transactions entered into related to the long-term liabilities supported by the HTM portfolio. At September 30, 2012, 96.5% of the HTM securities were rated A or higher. The unrealized appreciation at the dates of these reclassifications continues to be reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and is being amortized over the remaining lives of the securities as an adjustment to yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount. At the time of the reclassifications, the unrealized U.S. dollar equivalent appreciation related to securities reclassified was $131.5 million in total, with $107.0 million and $108.4 million unamortized at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

          Covered Bonds were included within Corporate securities prior to January 1, 2012. They are now classified as Other asset-backed securities to align the Company’s classification to market indices. At December 31, 2011, Covered Bonds with a fair value of $353.9 million have been reclassified from Corporate to Other asset-backed securities to conform to current period presentation.

          Contractual Maturities Summary

          The contractual maturities of AFS and HTM fixed income securities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

25


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,2012 (1)

 

December 31, 2011 (1)

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Fixed maturities - AFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due less than one year

 

$

2,165,727

 

$

2,176,654

 

$

2,004,395

 

$

2,020,361

 

Due after 1 through 5 years

 

 

8,413,665

 

 

8,787,679

 

 

7,736,717

 

 

7,909,354

 

Due after 5 through 10 years

 

 

4,252,492

 

 

4,609,302

 

 

3,619,141

 

 

3,777,073

 

Due after 10 years

 

 

2,309,841

 

 

2,663,911

 

 

3,257,886

 

 

3,488,330

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

17,141,725

 

$

18,237,546

 

$

16,618,139

 

$

17,195,118

 

RMBS – Agency

 

 

5,126,903

 

 

5,376,903

 

 

5,189,473

 

 

5,379,406

 

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

705,785

 

 

636,325

 

 

851,557

 

 

641,815

 

CMBS

 

 

963,365

 

 

1,034,409

 

 

927,684

 

 

974,835

 

CDO

 

 

791,737

 

 

682,566

 

 

843,553

 

 

658,602

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

1,421,005

 

 

1,458,544

 

 

1,341,309

 

 

1,340,249

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities

 

$

9,008,795

 

$

9,188,747

 

$

9,153,576

 

$

8,994,907

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities - AFS

 

$

26,150,520

 

$

27,426,293

 

$

25,771,715

 

$

26,190,025

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Fixed maturities - HTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due less than one year

 

$

25,392

 

$

25,615

 

$

11,796

 

$

11,768

 

Due after 1 through 5 years

 

 

171,077

 

 

180,080

 

 

122,091

 

 

123,871

 

Due after 5 through 10 years

 

 

407,520

 

 

447,813

 

 

393,865

 

 

402,424

 

Due after 10 years

 

 

1,880,486

 

 

2,207,457

 

 

1,771,530

 

 

1,960,886

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

2,484,475

 

$

2,860,965

 

$

2,299,282

 

$

2,498,949

 

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

83,896

 

 

93,478

 

 

80,955

 

 

87,443

 

CMBS

 

 

12,917

 

 

15,026

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

224,508

 

 

253,431

 

 

288,741

 

 

309,296

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities

 

$

321,321

 

$

361,935

 

$

369,696

 

$

396,739

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities - HTM

 

$

2,805,796

 

$

3,222,900

 

$

2,668,978

 

$

2,895,688

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Included in the table above are Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments, which are senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions, at their fair value of $348.8 million and $386.1 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. These securities are reflected in the table based on their call date and have net unrealized losses of $53.3 million and $108.8 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

          OTTI Considerations

          Under final authoritative accounting guidance, a debt security for which amortized cost exceeds fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired if it meets either of the following conditions: (a) the Company intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, the security before a recovery in value, or (b) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Other than in a situation in which the Company has the intent to sell a debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell a debt security, the amount of the OTTI related to a credit loss on the security is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the OTTI related to other factors (e.g., interest rates, market conditions, etc.) is recorded as a component of OCI. The net amount recognized in earnings (“credit loss impairments”) represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment (“NPV”). The remaining difference between the security’s NPV and its fair value is recognized in OCI. Subsequent changes in the fair value of these securities are included in OCI unless a further impairment is deemed to have occurred.

          In the scenario where the Company has the intent to sell a security in which its amortized cost exceeds its fair value, or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell such a security, the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost and its fair value is recognized in earnings.

          The determination of credit losses is based on detailed analyses of underlying cash flows. Such analyses require the use of certain assumptions to develop the estimated performance of underlying collateral. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, items such as RMBS default rates based on collateral duration in arrears, severity of losses on default by collateral class, collateral reinvestment rates and expected future general corporate default rates.

26


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments

          Factors considered for all securities on a quarterly basis in determining that a gross unrealized loss is not other-than-temporarily impaired include management’s consideration of current and near term liquidity needs and other available sources of funds, an evaluation of the factors and time necessary for recovery and an assessment of whether the Company has the intention to sell or considers it more likely than not that it will be forced to sell a security.

          Pledged Assets

          Certain of the Company’s invested assets are held in trust and pledged in support of insurance and reinsurance liabilities as well as credit facilities. Such pledges are largely required by the Company’s operating subsidiaries that are “non-admitted” under U.S. state insurance regulations, in order for the U.S. cedant to receive statutory credit for reinsurance. Also, certain deposit liabilities and annuity contracts require the use of pledged assets. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $17.5 billion and $17.2 billion in pledged assets, respectively.

(b) Gross Unrealized Losses

          The following is an analysis of how long the AFS and HTM securities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 had been in a continual unrealized loss position:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

Equal to or greater
than 12 months

 

 

 


 


 

September 30, 2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported

 

$

248,665

 

$

(2,246

)

$

25,692

 

$

(1,478

)

Corporate (1) (2) (3)

 

 

178,324

 

 

(4,239

)

 

821,415

 

 

(119,408

)

RMBS – Agency

 

 

145,444

 

 

(1,698

)

 

14,888

 

 

(1,040

)

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

10,119

 

 

(200

)

 

466,064

 

 

(107,557

)

CMBS

 

 

90,884

 

 

(485

)

 

24,571

 

 

(3,502

)

CDO

 

 

13,919

 

 

(2,242

)

 

655,280

 

 

(116,664

)

Other asset-backed securities (3)

 

 

64,400

 

 

(192

)

 

105,520

 

 

(19,294

)

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

13,136

 

 

(137

)

 

13,788

 

 

(1,516

)

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 

 

281,234

 

 

(1,146

)

 

191,321

 

 

(8,288

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS

 

$

1,046,125

 

$

(12,585

)

$

2,318,539

 

$

(378,747

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total equity securities (4)

 

$

272,543

 

$

(5,253

)

$

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Fixed maturities -HTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate (3)

 

$

890

 

$

(31

)

$

41,547

 

$

(2,901

)

Other asset-backed securities (3)

 

 

1,236

 

 

(151

)

 

8,273

 

 

(144

)

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,483

 

 

(2,802

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities - HTM

 

$

2,126

 

$

(182

)

$

59,303

 

$

(5,847

)

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Included within Corporate are certain medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes, which are in a gross unrealized loss position, have a fair value of $192.3 million and an amortized cost of $199.8 million. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.

(2)

Included within Corporate are Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments, which are senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions. These securities, which are in a gross unrealized loss position, have a fair value of $348.8 million and an amortized cost of $402.1 million at September 30, 2012.

(3)

Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities and short-term investments – AFS with a fair value of $599.9 million and Covered Bonds within Fixed Maturities – HTM with a fair value of $8.3 million have been included within Other asset-backed securities to align the Company’s classification to market indices. Covered Bonds were included in Corporate prior to January 1, 2012.

(4)

Included within equity securities are investments in fixed income funds with a fair value of $99.3 million and an amortized cost of $100.0 million at September 30, 2012.

27


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

Equal to or greater
than 12 months

 

 

 


 


 

December 31, 2011
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported

 

$

289,260

 

$

(332

)

$

43,622

 

$

(3,984

)

Corporate (1) (2) (3)

 

 

1,078,664

 

 

(42,151

)

 

1,185,535

 

 

(243,683

)

RMBS – Agency

 

 

310,318

 

 

(849

)

 

36,960

 

 

(3,000

)

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

106,294

 

 

(31,714

)

 

449,138

 

 

(197,695

)

CMBS

 

 

69,109

 

 

(2,716

)

 

39,444

 

 

(6,837

)

CDO

 

 

3,357

 

 

(2,261

)

 

636,362

 

 

(189,456

)

Other asset-backed securities (3)

 

 

227,098

 

 

(3,324

)

 

161,312

 

 

(28,467

)

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

25,309

 

 

(199

)

 

27,646

 

 

(2,021

)

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 

 

265,766

 

 

(4,707

)

 

202,890

 

 

(13,166

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS

 

$

2,375,175

 

$

(88,253

)

$

2,782,909

 

$

(688,309

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total equity securities (4)

 

$

361,585

 

$

(40,435

)

$

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Fixed maturities -HTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate (3)

 

$

147,836

 

$

(7,770

)

$

62,343

 

$

(6,663

)

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

9,372

 

 

(32

)

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities (3)

 

 

7,743

 

 

(314

)

 

1,106

 

 

(6

)

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 

 

79,242

 

 

(1,206

)

 

18,330

 

 

(4,744

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities - HTM

 

$

244,193

 

$

(9,322

)

$

81,779

 

$

(11,413

)

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Included within Corporate are certain medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes, which are in a gross unrealized loss position, have a fair value of $266.0 million and an amortized cost of $297.7 million. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.

(2)

Included within Corporate are Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments, which are senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions. These securities, which are in a gross unrealized loss position, have a fair value of $386.1 million and an amortized cost of $494.9 million at December 31, 2011.

(3)

Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities and short-term investments – AFS with a fair value of $353.9 million and Covered Bonds within Fixed Maturities – HTM with a fair value of $7.7 million have been included within Other asset-backed securities to align the Company’s classification to market indices and to conform to current period presentation. Covered Bonds were included in Corporate prior to January 1, 2012.

(4)

Included within equity securities are investments in fixed income funds with a fair value of $91.6 million and an amortized cost of $100.0 million at December 31, 2011.

          The Company had gross unrealized losses totaling $396.6 million on 1,072 securities out of a total of 7,215 held at September 30, 2012 in its AFS portfolio and $6.0 million on 9 securities out of a total of 207 held in its HTM portfolio, which it considers to be temporarily impaired or with respect to which reflects non-credit losses on OTTI. Individual security positions comprising this balance have been evaluated by management to determine the severity of these impairments and whether they should be considered other-than-temporary. Management believes it is more likely than not that the issuer will be able to fund sufficient principal and interest payments to support the current amortized cost.

          Management, in its assessment of whether securities in a gross unrealized loss position are temporarily impaired, as described above, considers the significance of the impairments. At September 30, 2012, the Company had structured credit securities with gross unrealized losses of $37.0 million, which had a fair value of $12.0 million, and a cumulative fair value decline of greater than 50% of amortized cost. All of these securities are mortgage and asset-backed securities. These greater than 50% impaired securities include gross unrealized losses of $21.6 million on non-Agency RMBS, $14.8 million on Core CDOs and $0.6 million of CMBS holdings.

28


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments

(c) Net Realized Gains (Losses)

          The following represents an analysis of net realized gains (losses) on investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Gross realized gains

 

$

33,136

 

$

55,625

 

$

153,757

 

$

143,804

 

Gross realized losses on investments sold

 

 

(26,000

)

 

(51,164

)

 

(89,053

)

 

(150,703

)

OTTI on investments, net of amounts transferred to other comprehensive income

 

 

(12,629

)

 

(66,815

)

 

(61,787

)

 

(131,436

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

$

(5,493

)

$

(62,354

)

$

2,917

 

$

(138,335

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

          The significant components of the net impairment charges of $12.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were:

 

 

 

 

§

$5.6 million for structured securities where the Company determined that the likely recovery on these securities was below the carrying value and, accordingly, recorded an impairment of the securities to the discounted value of the cash flows expected to be received on these securities.

 

 

 

 

§

$2.2 million related to medium term notes backed primarily by European investment grade credit. On certain notes, management concluded that expected future returns on the underlying assets were not sufficient to support the previously reported amortized cost.

 

 

 

 

§

$2.7 million related to private investments.

          The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed income securities held by the Company as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit Loss Impairments

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Opening balance

 

$

299,720

 

$

315,844

 

$

333,379

 

$

426,372

 

Credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired

 

 

2,805

 

 

10,478

 

 

8,683

 

 

26,384

 

Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period

 

 

(33,114

)

 

(14,611

)

 

(87,092

)

 

(173,056

)

Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12,891

)

 

 

Additional credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired

 

 

4,834 

 

 

35,574

 

 

41,716

 

 

74,372

 

Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected

 

 

(2,773

)

 

(4,010

)

 

(12,323

)

 

(10,797

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Balance at September 30,

 

$

271,472

 

$

343,275

 

$

271,472

 

$

343,275

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

During the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the $33.1 million and $14.6 million, respectively, of credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities that matured, or were paid down, prepaid or sold, includes $11.6 million and $7.5 million, respectively, of non-Agency RMBS.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the $87.1 million and $173.1 million, respectively, of credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities that matured, or were paid down, prepaid or sold, includes $38.3 million and $114.9 million, respectively, of non-Agency RMBS.

29


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Investments

(d) Other Investments

          Structured Transactions - Project Finance Loans

          The Company historically participated in structured transactions in project finance related areas under which the Company provided a cash loan supporting project finance transactions. These transactions are accounted for in accordance with guidance governing accounting by certain entities (including entities with trade receivables) that lend to or finance the activities of others under which the loans are considered held for investment as the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff. Accordingly, these funded loan participations are reported in the balance sheet at outstanding principal adjusted for any allowance for loan losses as considered necessary by management.

          The following table shows a summary of the structured project finance loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Finance Loans
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

Aggregate loan value

 

$

36,960

 

$

49,650

 

Aggregate loan net carrying value

 

$

31,377

 

$

40,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening allowance for loan losses

 

$

(9,167

)

$

(9,167

)

Amounts charged off during the period

 

 

3,584

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Closing allowance for loan losses

 

$

(5,583

)

$

(9,167

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of individual loan participations

 

 

4

 

 

6

 

Number of individual loan participations relating to the allowance for loan losses

 

 

1

 

 

2

 

Weighted average contractual term to maturity

 

 

0.9 years

 

 

2.1 years

 

Weighted average credit rating

 

 

BB

 

 

BB-

 

Range of individual credit ratings

 

 

BB+ to BB-

 

 

BB+ to CCC

 

          Surveillance procedures are conducted over each structured project finance loan on an ongoing basis with current expectations of future collections of contractual interest and principal used to determine whether any allowance for loan losses may be required at each period end. If it is determined that a future credit loss on a specific contract is reasonably possible and an amount can be estimated, an allowance is recorded. The contractual receivable is only charged off when the final outcome is known and the Company has exhausted all commercial efforts to try and collect any outstanding balances.

          During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011, management conducted separate reviews of each loan participation and determined loss allowance estimates, as shown in the table above, using a recovery value concept. Management considers recovery value to be the percentage of all future contractual interest and principal that the Company expects to receive from the borrower through any combination of regular debt service, other payments, salvage and recovery. The allowances for loan losses are made when it is probable that a loss will be incurred based upon current information received from the borrower.

          Investment Fund Consolidation

          During May 2012, the Company invested $25.0 million to obtain an approximately 94% interest in Five Oaks Investment Corp. (“Five Oaks”), a newly formed private investment company. Five Oaks is a mortgage real estate investment trust that follows an investment strategy balancing a leveraged portfolio of Agency RMBS with an unlevered or moderately levered portfolio of non-Agency RMBS. Five Oaks enters into repurchase agreements to acquire investment leverage up to a maximum of $79.5 million. At September 30, 2012, the Company has consolidated Five Oaks resulting in the recording within its balance sheet of: RMBS securities at their fair value of $103.3 million (amortized cost: $95.4 million) within Fixed maturities, $6.8 million of Cash and cash equivalents, $76.8 million of liabilities related to obligations under repurchase agreements within Other liabilities, and $1.9 million of Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries. $91.1 million of securities held by Five Oaks and consolidated by XL are pledged as collateral under the repurchase agreements. The repurchase agreements do not provide the counterparties any recourse to assets of XL aside from its investment in Five Oaks. Amounts recorded within the Company’s consolidated statement of income related to Five Oaks were immaterial during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. In addition, the Company has purchased an equity interest in Oak Circle Capital Partners (“Oak Circle”), the investment management company that provides portfolio management and other administrative services to Five Oaks. XL’s investment in Oak Circle has been accounted for using the equity method consistent with other investment manager affiliate positions held by the Company.

30


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Derivative Instruments

          The Company enters into derivative instruments for both risk management and investment purposes. The Company is exposed to potential loss from various market risks, and manages its market risks based on guidelines established by management and the Risk and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of XL Group plc. The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value, with the changes in fair value of derivatives shown in the consolidated statement of income as “net realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments” unless the derivatives are designated as hedging instruments. The accounting for derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments is described in Item 8, Note 2(h), “Significant Accounting Policies – Derivative Instruments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          The following table summarizes information about the location and gross amounts of derivative fair values contained in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

December 31, 2011

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Asset
Derivative
Notional
Amount

 

Asset
Derivative
Fair Value
(1)

 

Liability
Derivative
Notional
Amount

 

Liability
Derivative
Fair Value
(1)

 

Asset
Derivative
Notional
Amount

 

Asset
Derivative
Fair Value
(1)

 

Liability
Derivative
Notional
Amount

 

Liability
Derivative
Fair Value
(1)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Derivatives designed as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (2)

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

156,271

 

$

109,761

 

$

 

$

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

 

532,583

 

 

8,173

 

 

2,237,428

 

 

(78,246

)

 

2,033,428

 

 

25,387

 

 

457,892

 

 

(4,518

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total derivatives designed as hedging instruments

 

$

532,583

 

$

8,173

 

$

2,237,428

 

$

(78,246

)

$

2,189,699

 

$

135,148

 

$

457,892

 

$

(4,518

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designed as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Related Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate exposure

 

$

83,265

 

$

2,402

 

$

26,878

 

$

(292

)

$

70,978

 

$

1,946

 

$

55,033

 

$

(43

)

Foreign exchange exposure

 

 

77,366

 

 

484

 

 

19,902

 

 

(710

)

 

232,422

 

 

3,759

 

 

384,592

 

 

(11,737

)

Credit exposure

 

 

62,000

 

 

906

 

 

397,574

 

 

(15,627

)

 

172,500

 

 

5,271

 

 

449,513

 

 

(13,986

)

Financial market exposure

 

 

72,707

 

 

787

 

 

17,528

 

 

(191

)

 

23,874

 

 

615

 

 

14,321

 

 

 

Financial Operations Derivatives: (3) Credit exposure (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

58,149

 

 

(3,626

)

 

 

 

 

 

81,678

 

 

(10,288

)

Other Non-Investment Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guaranteed minimum income benefit contract

 

 

 

 

 

 

67,528

 

 

(20,519

)

 

 

 

 

 

78,777

 

 

(22,490

)

Modified coinsurance funds withheld contract

 

 

77,023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

77,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total derivatives not designed as hedging instruments

 

$

372,361

 

$

4,579

 

$

587,559

 

$

(40,965

)

$

576,974

 

$

11,591

 

$

1,063,914

 

$

(58,544

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Derivative instruments in an asset or liability position are included within Other assets or Other liabilities, respectively, in the balance sheet on a net basis where the Company has both a legal right of offset and the intentions to settle the contracts on a net basis.

(2)

At September 30, 2012 the Company paid net cash collateral related to these derivative positions of $41.5 million. The assets related to the net collateral paid have been recorded as Other assets within the balance sheet. At December 31, 2011, the Company held net cash collateral of $77.1 million. The collateral balance is included within Cash and cash equivalents and the corresponding liability to return the collateral has been offset against the derivative asset within the balance sheet as appropriate under the netting agreement.

(3)

Financial operations derivatives represent interests in variable interest entities as described in Note 10, “Variable Interest Entities.”

31


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Derivative Instruments

(a) Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges

          The Company designates certain of its derivative instruments as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivative to specific assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge both at inception and on an on-going basis, and determines whether the hedge is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the linked hedged item.

          The Company may hedge portions of its liabilities against changes in the applicable designated benchmark interest rate. Interest rate swaps are also used to hedge the changes in fair value of certain fixed rate liabilities and fixed income securities due to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate. In addition, the Company utilizes foreign exchange contracts to hedge the fair value of certain fixed income securities as well as to hedge certain net investments in foreign operations.

          The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to derivative instruments formally designated as fair value hedges along with the impacts of the related hedged items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hedged Items - Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in Income Attributable to Risk

 

 

 


 

 

 

Gain/(Loss)
Recognized
in Income on
Derivative

 

Deposit
Liabilities

 

Fixed Maturity
Investments

 

Ineffective
Portion of
Hedging
Relationship -
Gain/(Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Interest rate exposure

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange exposure

 

 

(22,323

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(22,323

)

$

 

$

22,126

 

$

(197

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate exposure

 

$

20,514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange exposure

 

 

18,219

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

38,733

 

$

(21,659

)

$

(18,116

)

$

(1,042

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate exposure

 

$

1,813

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange exposure

 

 

(30,126

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(28,313

)

$

(6,182

)

$

29,665

 

$

(4,830

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate exposure

 

$

25,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange exposure

 

 

(3,084

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

22,282

 

$

(25,950

)

$

2,890

 

$

(778

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

          The gains (losses) recorded on both the derivatives instruments and specific items designated as being hedged as part of the fair value hedging relationships outlined above are recorded through Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the income statement along with any associated ineffectiveness in the relationships. In addition, the periodic coupon settlements relating to the interest rate swaps are recorded as adjustments to net investment income for the hedges of fixed maturity investments and as adjustments to interest expense for the hedges of deposit liabilities and notes payable and debt.

          The periodic coupon settlements also resulted in decreases to Interest expense of nil and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and decreases to Interest expense of $2.6 million and $7.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

32


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Derivative Instruments

Settlement of Fair Value Hedges

          During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company settled the interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges of certain of the Company’s notes payable and debt and also settled three interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges of certain of the Company’s deposit liability contracts. The cumulative increase recorded to the carrying value of the hedged notes payable and debt of $21.6 million, and the deposit liability contracts of $149.5 million, representing the effective portion of the hedging relationship, is amortized through interest expense over the remaining terms of the debt and deposit liability contracts.

          In July 2012, the Company settled two interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges of certain of the Company’s deposit liability contracts. At settlement, the cumulative increase recorded to the carrying value of the hedged deposit liability contracts was $83.7 million. This amount will be amortized, through interest expense, over the remaining terms of the deposit liability contracts. At settlement, the weighted average term remaining to maturity for these contracts was 16.1 years.

          A summary of the fair value hedges that have been settled and their results during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is shown below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlement of Fair Value Hedges - Summary

 

Fair Value Hedges - Notes
Payable and Debt
September 30,

 

Fair Value Hedges - Deposit
Liabilities
September 30,

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except years)

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Cumulative reduction to interest expense

 

$

13,973

 

$

9,173

 

$

17,060

 

$

7,511

 

Remaining balance

 

$

7,651

 

$

12,451

 

$

216,135

 

$

141,974

 

Weighted average years remaining to maturity

 

 

2.0

 

 

2.8

 

 

25.9

 

 

34.3

 

(b) Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges of the Net Investment in a Foreign Operation

          The Company utilizes foreign exchange contracts to hedge the fair value of certain net investments in foreign operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company entered into foreign exchange contracts that were formally designated as hedges of investments in foreign subsidiaries, the majority of which have functional currencies of either U.K. sterling or the Euro. There was no ineffectiveness in these transactions.

          The following table provides the weighted average U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign denominated net assets that were hedged and the resultant gain (loss) that was recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account within AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges of the
Net Investment in a Foreign Operation - Summary

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Weighted average of U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign denominated net assets

 

$

1,920,421

 

$

1,972,176

 

$

1,892,964

 

$

1,686,045

 

Derivative gains (losses) (1)

 

$

(40,784

)

$

75,083

 

$

(21,879

)

$

5,876

 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Derivative gains (losses) from derivative instruments designated as hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account within AOCI for each period.

33


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Derivative Instruments

(c) Derivative Instruments Not Formally Designated As Hedging Instruments

          The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to derivative instruments not formally designated as hedging instruments under authoritative accounting guidance and from the ineffective portion of fair value hedges. The impacts are all recorded through Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives in the income statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Derivative Instruments

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Investment Related Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate exposure

 

$

243

 

$

2,559

 

$

860

 

$

(1,720

)

Foreign exchange exposure

 

 

1,218

 

 

(23,214

)

 

1,547

 

 

(5,763

)

Credit exposure

 

 

(2,281

)

 

5,207

 

 

343

 

 

(8,452

)

Financial market exposure

 

 

2,337

 

 

(7,304

)

 

312

 

 

(6,339

)

Financial Operations Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit exposure

 

 

 

 

25

 

 

143

 

 

331

 

Other Non-Investment Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent credit facility

 

 

 

 

(2,075

)

 

 

 

(6,158

)

Guaranteed minimum income benefit contract

 

 

885

 

 

(2,038

)

 

1,971

 

 

(860

)

Modified coinsurance funds withheld contract

 

 

4,049

 

 

966

 

 

2,310

 

 

(4,560

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

$

6,451

 

$

(25,874

)

$

7,486

 

$

(33,521

)

Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income from ineffective
portion of fair value hedges

 

 

(197

)

 

(1,042

)

 

(4,830

)

 

(778

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative
instruments

 

$

6,254

 

$

(26,916

)

$

2,656

 

$

(34,299

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

          The Company’s objectives in using these derivatives are explained below.

(d)(i) Investment Related Derivatives

          The Company, either directly or through its investment managers, may use derivative instruments within its investment portfolio, including interest rate swaps, inflation swaps, credit derivatives (single name and index credit default swaps), options, forward contracts and financial futures (foreign exchange, bond and stock index futures), primarily as a means of economically hedging exposures to interest rate, credit spread, equity price changes and foreign currency risk or, in limited instances, for investment purposes. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties under any swap contracts, although the Company generally seeks to use credit support arrangements with counterparties to help manage this risk.

          Investment Related Derivatives – Interest Rate Exposure

          The Company utilizes risk management and overlay strategies that incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments, primarily to manage its fixed income portfolio duration and exposure to interest rate risks associated with primarily those assets and liabilities related to certain legacy other financial lines and structured indemnity transactions. The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert certain liabilities from a fixed rate to a variable rate of interest and may also use them to convert a variable rate of interest from one basis to another.

          Investment Related Derivatives – Foreign Exchange Exposure

          The Company has exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through its operations and in its investment portfolio. The Company uses foreign exchange contracts to manage its exposure to the effects of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of certain of its foreign currency fixed maturities primarily within its Life operations portfolio. These contracts are not designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes and, therefore, realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in income in the period in which they occur. These contracts generally have maturities of twelve months or less.

          In addition, certain of the Company’s investment managers may, subject to investment guidelines, enter into forward contracts where potential gains may exist.

34


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Derivative Instruments

          Investment Related Derivatives – Credit Exposure

          Credit derivatives may be purchased within the Company’s investment portfolio in the form of single name and basket credit default swaps, which are used to mitigate credit exposure through a reduction in credit spread duration (i.e., macro credit strategies rather than single-name credit hedging) or exposure to selected issuers, including issuers that are not held in the underlying bond portfolio.

          Investment Related Derivatives – Financial Market Exposure

          Stock index futures may be purchased within the Company’s investment portfolio in order to create synthetic equity exposure and to add value to the portfolio with overlay strategies where market inefficiencies are believed to exist. From time to time, the Company may enter into other financial market exposure derivative contracts on various indices including, but not limited to, inflation and commodity contracts.

(d)(ii) Financial Operations Derivatives – Credit Exposure

          At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company held two credit derivative exposures that were written as part of the Company’s previous financial lines business and are outside of the Company’s investment portfolio: one is a European project finance loan participation; the other provides credit protection on the senior tranches of a structured finance transaction. An aggregate summary of these credit derivative exposures at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Operations Derivatives - Credit Exposure Summary:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except term to maturity)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

Principal outstanding

 

$

55,484

 

$

78,425

 

Interest outstanding

 

 

2,665

 

 

3,253

 

 

 



 



 

Aggregate outstanding exposure

 

$

58,149

 

$

81,678

 

 

 



 



 

Total liability recorded

 

$

3,626

 

$

10,288

 

Weighted average contractual term to maturity

 

 

4.5 years

 

 

5.0 years

 

Underlying obligations credit rating

 

 

BBB-

 

 

BB

 

          The European project finance loan participation benefits from an 80% deficiency guarantee from the German state and federal governments. The credit protection related to the structured finance transaction is a credit default swap that was executed in 2000. The underlying collateral is predominantly securitized pools of leveraged loans and bonds. Management continues to monitor the underlying performance.

          At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no reported events of default on these obligations. Credit derivatives are recorded at fair value based upon prices received from the investment bank counterparties and corroborated by using models developed by the Company. Although the Company does not have access to the specific unobservable inputs that may have been used in the value provided by the counterparties, it expects that the significant inputs considered would include changes in interest rates, future default rates, credit spreads, changes in credit quality, future expected recovery rates and other market factors. The change resulting from movements in credit and credit quality spreads is unrealized as the credit derivatives are not traded to realize this resultant value.

(d)(iii) Other Non-Investment Derivatives

          The Company also has derivatives embedded in certain reinsurance contracts. For a particular life reinsurance contract, the Company pays the ceding company a fixed amount equal to the estimated present value of the excess of guaranteed benefit over the account balance upon the policyholder’s election to take the income benefit. The fair value of this derivative is determined based on the present value of expected cash flows. In addition, the Company has modified coinsurance and funds withheld reinsurance agreements that provide for a return based on a portfolio of fixed income securities. As such, the agreements contain embedded derivatives. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the funds withheld balance and recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings through Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments.

35


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Derivative Instruments

(e) Contingent Credit Features

          Certain derivatives agreements entered into by the Company or its subsidiaries contain rating downgrade provisions that permit early termination of the agreement by the counterparty if collateral is not posted following failure to maintain certain credit ratings from one or more of the principal credit rating agencies. If the Company were required to early terminate such agreements due to a rating downgrade, it could potentially be in a net liability position at the time of settlement. The aggregate fair value of all derivatives agreements containing such rating downgrade provisions that were in a liability position and the collateral posted under any of these agreements as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent Credit Features - Summary:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

Aggregate fair value of derivative agreements with downgrade provisions in a net liability position

 

$

10,152

 

$

15,763

 

Collateral posted to counterparty

 

$

 

$

809

 

7. Share Capital

(a) Authorized and Issued

          Ordinary Share Buybacks

          On February 27, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a share buyback program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $750 million of its ordinary shares. This authorization replaced the approximately $190 million remaining under the share buyback program that was authorized in November 2010 as described in further detail in Item 8, Note 18, “Share Capital,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and canceled 5.3 million ordinary shares under the program for $125.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and canceled 16.2 million ordinary shares under the program for $350.0 million. All share buybacks were carried out by way of redemption in accordance with Irish law and the Company’s constitutional documents. All shares so redeemed were canceled upon redemption. At September 30, 2012, $400.0 million remained available for purchase under the program.

(b) Stock Plans

          The Company’s performance incentive programs provide for grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units and stock appreciation rights. Share based compensation granted by the Company generally contains a vesting period of three or four years, and certain awards also contain performance conditions. The Company records compensation expense related to each award over its vesting period incorporating the best estimate of the expected outcome of performance conditions where applicable. Compensation expense is generally recorded on a straight line basis over the vesting period of an award. See Item 8, Note 18, “Share Capital,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information on the Company’s performance incentive programs and associated accounting.

          During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted approximately 1.2 million stock options with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $7.65 per option. The fair value of the options issued was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend yield

 

 

1.90

%

Risk free interest rate

 

 

1.15

%

Volatility

 

 

46.0

%

Expected lives

 

 

6.0

 years

          During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted approximately 0.3 million restricted stock awards to certain employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $6.8 million. The award recipients generally have the rights and privileges of a shareholder as to the restricted stock, including the right to receive dividends and the right to vote such restricted stock. The recipients are not entitled to receive delivery of a stock certificate prior to vesting nor may any restricted stock be sold, transferred, pledged, or otherwise disposed of prior to the satisfaction of all vesting requirements.

36


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. Share Capital

          During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted approximately 1.3 million restricted stock units to certain employees of the Company and its subsidiaries with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $26.6 million. Each restricted stock unit represents the Company’s obligation to deliver to the holder one ordinary share upon satisfaction of the three year vesting term. Restricted stock units are granted at the closing market price on the day of grant and entitle the holder to receive dividends declared and paid in the form of additional ordinary shares contingent upon vesting.

          During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted approximately 1.5 million performance units (representing a potential maximum share payout of approximately 3.0 million ordinary shares) to certain employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $29.5 million. The performance units vest after three years, subject to the achievement of stated performance metrics, and entitle the holder to ordinary shares of the Company. There are no dividend rights associated with the performance units. Each grant of performance units has a target number of shares, with final payouts ranging from 0% to 200% of the grant amount depending upon a combination of corporate and business segment performance along with each employee’s continued service through the vest date. Performance targets are based on relative and absolute financial performance metrics.

8. Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements

(a) Notes Payable and Debt

          All outstanding debt of the Company at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was issued by XLIT Ltd. (“XL-Cayman”) except for the $600 million par value 6.5% Guaranteed Senior Notes (the “XLCFE Notes”), which were issued by XL Capital Finance (Europe) plc (“XLCFE”) and were repaid at maturity on January 15, 2012. Both XL-Cayman and XLCFE are 100% owned subsidiaries of XL Group plc. The XLCFE Notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by XL Company Switzerland GmbH. XL-Cayman’s outstanding debt is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by XL Group plc. The Company’s ability to obtain funds from its subsidiaries to satisfy any of its obligations under guarantees is subject to certain contractual restrictions, applicable laws and statutory requirements of the various countries in which the Company operates, including, among others, Bermuda, the United States, Ireland, Switzerland and the U.K. Aggregated required statutory capital and surplus for the principal operating subsidiaries of the Company was $6.7 billion at December 31, 2011.

          The Company was in compliance with all covenants by significant margins at September 30, 2012, and the Company currently remains in compliance.

(b) Letter of Credit Facilities and Other Sources of Collateral

          The Company has several letter of credit facilities provided on a syndicated and bilateral basis from commercial banks. These facilities are utilized primarily to support non-admitted insurance and reinsurance operations in the U.S. and capital requirements at Lloyd’s. The Company’s letter of credit facilities and revolving credit facilities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letter of Credit Summary:
(U.S. dollars in thousands except percentages)

 

September 30,
2012 (1)

 

December 31,
2011 (1)

 

 

 


 


 

Revolving credit facility (2)

 

$

1,000,000

 

$

1,000,000

 

Available letter of credit facilities - commitments (3)

 

$

4,000,000

 

$

4,000,000

 

Available letter of credit facilities - in use

 

$

1,790,505

 

$

1,871,192

 

Collateralized by certain assets of the Company’s investment portfolio

 

 

93.5

%

 

93.8

%


 

 

 


 

(1)

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were five available letter of credit facilities.

(2)

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the revolving credit facility was unutilized.

(3)

The Company has the option to increase the size of the March 2011 Credit Agreement by an additional $500 million and the size of the facilities under the December 2011 Credit Agreements by an additional $500 million across both such facilities.

37


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. Related Party Transactions

          At September 30, 2012, the Company owned minority stakes in four independent investment management companies (“Investment Manager Affiliates”) that are actively managing client capital and seeking growth opportunities. The Company seeks to develop relationships with specialty investment management organizations, generally acquiring an equity interest in the business. The Company also invests in certain of the funds and limited partnerships and other legal entities managed by these affiliates and through these funds and partnerships pays management and performance fees to the Company’s Investment Manager Affiliates.

          In the normal course of business, the Company enters into certain quota share reinsurance contracts with a subsidiary of one of its other strategic affiliates, ARX Holding Corporation. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, these contracts resulted in reported net premiums written, net reported claims and reported acquisition costs as summarized below. Management believes that these transactions are conducted at market rates consistent with negotiated arms-length contracts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARX Holding Corporation
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 


 


 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Reported net premiums written

 

$

27,480

 

$

22,854

 

$

53,676

 

$

45,626

 

Net losses incurred

 

 

10,730

 

 

11,318

 

 

26,553

 

 

24,580

 

Reported acquisition costs

 

 

8,945

 

 

6,743

 

 

21,558

 

 

17,810

 

10. Variable Interest Entities

          At times, the Company has utilized variable interest entities (“VIEs”) both indirectly and directly in the ordinary course of the Company’s business.

           The Company invests in CDOs and other investment vehicles that are issued through VIEs as part of the Company’s investment portfolio. The activities of these VIEs are generally limited to holding the underlying collateral used to service investments therein. The Company’s involvement in these entities is passive in nature and we are not the arranger of these entities. In addition, the Company has not been involved in establishing these entities and is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as contemplated in current authoritative accounting guidance.

          The Company has a limited number of remaining outstanding credit enhancement exposures, including written financial guarantee and credit default swap contracts. The obligations related to these transactions are often securitized through VIEs. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as contemplated in current authoritative accounting guidance on the basis that management does not believe that the Company has the power to direct the activities, such as asset selection and collateral management, which most significantly impact each entity’s economic performance. For further details on the nature of the obligations and the size of the Company’s maximum exposure, see Note 6, “Derivative Instruments,” and Note 12 (a), “Commitments and Contingencies – Financial Guarantee Exposures.”

38


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11. Computation of Earnings Per Ordinary Share and Ordinary Share Equivalent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

September 30,
2012

 

September 30,
2011

 

September 30,
2012

 

September 30,
2011

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Basic earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

 

$

171,902

 

$

42,398

 

$

569,686

 

$

40,777

 

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic

 

 

304,199

 

 

311,714

 

 

309,675

 

 

310,793

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Basic earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding

 

$

0.57

 

$

0.14

 

$

1.84

 

$

0.13

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

 

$

171,902

 

$

42,398

 

$

569,686

 

$

40,777

 

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic

 

 

304,199

 

 

311,714

 

 

309,675

 

 

310,793

 

Impact of share based compensation and certain conversion features

 

 

3,565

 

 

2,134

 

 

2,927

 

 

4,049

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted

 

 

307,764

 

 

313,848

 

 

312,602

 

 

314,842

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Diluted earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding

 

$

0.56

 

$

0.14

 

$

1.82

 

$

0.13

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Dividends per ordinary share

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.33

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

          For the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and for nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, ordinary shares available for issuance under share based compensation plans of 8.6 million and 10.0 million, and 8.8 million and 10.0 million, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the assumed exercise or issuance of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

(a) Financial Guarantee Exposures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Guarantee Exposure Summary
(U.S. dollars in thousands except number of contracts and term to maturity)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

Opening number of financial guarantee contracts

 

 

4

 

 

37

 

Number of financial guarantee contracts matured, prepaid or commuted during the period

 

 

 

 

(33

)

 

 


 


 

Closing number of financial guarantee contracts

 

 

4

 

 

4

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal outstanding

 

$

115,464

 

$

115,464

 

Interest outstanding

 

$

 

$

 

 

 


 


 

Aggregate exposure outstanding

 

$

115,464

 

$

115,464

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross claim liability recorded

 

$

1,399

 

$

1,399

 

Total unearned premiums and fees recorded

 

$

316

 

$

425

 

Weighted average contractual term to maturity in years

 

 

25.7

 

 

26.7

 

          The Company’s outstanding financial guarantee contracts at September 30, 2012 provide credit support for a variety of collateral types with the exposures comprised of (i) a $108.3 million notional financial guarantee on three notes backed by zero coupon long dated bonds and bank perpetual securities, including some issued by European financials; and (ii) a $7.2 million notional financial guarantee relating to future scheduled repayments on a government-subsidized housing project. At September 30, 2012, there were no reported events of default on these obligations.

          Surveillance procedures to track and monitor credit deteriorations in the insured financial obligations are performed by the primary obligors for each transaction on the Company’s behalf. Information regarding the performance status and updated exposure values is provided to the Company on a quarterly basis and evaluated by management in recording claims reserves.

39


XL GROUP PLC

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Commitments and Contingencies

(b) Claims and Other Litigation

          The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of business. These lawsuits and arbitrations principally involve claims on policies of insurance and contracts of reinsurance and are typical for the Company and for the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry in general. Such legal proceedings are considered in connection with the Company’s loss and loss expense reserves. Reserves in varying amounts may or may not be established in respect of particular claims proceedings based on many factors, including the legal merits thereof. In addition to litigation relating to insurance and reinsurance claims, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on insurance or reinsurance policies. These types of actions typically involve, among other things, allegations of underwriting errors or misconduct, employment disputes, actions brought by or on behalf of shareholders or disputes arising from business ventures. The status of these legal actions is actively monitored by management.

          Legal actions are subject to inherent uncertainties, and future events could change management’s assessment of the probability or estimated amount of potential losses from pending or threatened legal actions. Based on available information, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending or threatened legal actions, both individually and in the aggregate, will not result in losses having a material effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity at September 30, 2012.

          If management believes that, based on available information, it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss (or additional material loss in excess of any accrual) will be incurred in connection with any legal actions or claims, the Company discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, either individually or in the aggregate, as appropriate, if such an estimate can be made, or discloses that an estimate cannot be made. Based on the Company’s assessment at September 30, 2012, no such disclosures are considered necessary.

13. Subsequent Event

          In late October 2012, Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy made landfall in the United States. Given its recent occurrence and the limited information available, it is too early for the Company to arrive at a reasonable estimate of the amount of any possible losses from this event. The impact of this event will be reflected in our fourth quarter 2012 results.

40



 

 

 


 

 

ITEM 2.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


 

 

GENERAL

          On July 1, 2010, XL Group plc, an Irish public limited company (“XL-Ireland”), and XL Group Ltd. (now known as XLIT Ltd.), a Cayman Islands exempted company (“XL-Cayman”), completed a redomestication transaction in which all of the ordinary shares of XL-Cayman were exchanged for all of the ordinary shares of XL-Ireland (the “Redomestication”). As a result, XL-Cayman became a wholly owned subsidiary of XL-Ireland. Prior to July 1, 2010, unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” to the “Company” are to XL-Cayman and its consolidated subsidiaries. On and subsequent to July 1, 2010, unless the context otherwise indicates, references herein to the “Company” are to XL-Ireland and its consolidated subsidiaries.

          The following is a discussion of the Company’s financial condition and liquidity and results of operations. Certain aspects of the Company’s business have loss experience characterized as low frequency and high severity. This may result in volatility in both the Company’s and an individual segment’s results of operations and financial condition.

          This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a list of additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, as well as Item 1, “Risk Factors,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, presented under Item 7 and Item 8, respectively, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

          See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Overview,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. That discussion is updated with the disclosures set forth below.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND KEY FINANCIAL MEASURES

Results of Operations

          The following table presents an analysis of the Company’s net income available to ordinary shareholders and other financial measures (described below) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

 

$

171,902

 

$

42,398

 

$

569,686

 

$

40,777

 

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share – basic

 

$

0.57

 

$

0.14

 

$

1.84

 

$

0.13

 

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share – diluted

 

$

0.56

 

$

0.14

 

$

1.82

 

$

0.13

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents – basic

 

 

304,199

 

 

311,714

 

 

309,675

 

 

310,793

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents – diluted

 

 

307,764

 

 

313,848

 

 

312,602

 

 

314,842

 

41


Key Financial Measures

          The following are some of the financial measures management considers important in evaluating the Company’s operating performance in the Company’s P&C operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 


 


 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Underwriting profit (loss) - P&C operations

 

$

114,203

 

$

(22,200

)

$

306,815

 

$

(283,215

)

Combined ratio - P&C operations

 

 

92.2

%

 

101.6

%

 

92.7

%

 

107.2

%

Net investment income - P&C operations (1)

 

$

166,001

 

$

209,757

 

$

544,203

 

$

627,492

 

Annualized return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity (2)

 

 

6.8

%

 

1.7

%

 

7.7

%

 

0.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

Change
Three Months

 

Change
Nine Months

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Book value per ordinary share (3)

 

$

34.63

 

$

29.81

 

$

2.36

 

$

4.82

 

Fully diluted book value per ordinary share (4)

 

$

34.16

 

$

29.59

 

$

2.20

 

$

4.57

 


 

 


(1)

Net investment income relating to P&C operations includes the net investment income related to the net results from structured products.

(2)

Annualized return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity (“ROE”) is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) for the year by the average of the opening and closing ordinary shareholders’ equity. See “Annualized Return on Ordinary Shareholders’ Equity Calculation” at the end of this Item 2 for a reconciliation of ROE to average ordinary shareholders’ equity.

(3)

Book value per ordinary share, a non-GAAP financial measure, is calculated by dividing ordinary shareholders’ equity (total shareholders’ equity less non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries) by the number of outstanding ordinary shares at the applicable period end. Book value per ordinary share is affected primarily by the Company’s net income (loss), by any changes in the net unrealized gains and losses on its investment portfolio, by currency translation adjustments and also by the impact of any share buyback or issuance activity. Ordinary shareholders’ equity was $10.4 billion and $9.4 billion and the number of ordinary shares outstanding was 300.6 million and 315.7 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Ordinary shares outstanding include all ordinary shares legally issued and outstanding (as disclosed on the face of the balance sheet) as well as all director share units outstanding.

(4)

Fully diluted book value per ordinary share, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents book value per ordinary share combined with the dilutive impact of potential future share issuances at period end. The Company believes that book value per share and fully diluted book value per ordinary share are financial measures important to investors and other interested parties. However, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by companies either outside or inside of the insurance industry.

          Underwriting profit – property and casualty (“P&C”) operations

          One way that the Company evaluates the performance of its insurance and reinsurance operations is by underwriting profit or loss. The Company does not measure performance based on the amount of gross premiums written. Underwriting profit or loss is calculated from premiums earned less net losses incurred and expenses related to underwriting activities. The Company’s underwriting profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was consistent with the combined ratio discussed below.

          Combined ratio – P&C operations

          The combined ratio for P&C operations is used by the Company and many other insurance and reinsurance companies as another measure of underwriting profitability. The combined ratio is calculated from the net losses incurred and underwriting expenses as a ratio of the net premiums earned for the Company’s insurance and reinsurance operations. A combined ratio of less than 100% indicates an underwriting profit and greater than 100% reflects an underwriting loss. The Company’s combined ratio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 is lower than for the same periods in the previous year, as a result of a decrease in the loss and loss expense ratio partially offset by a marginal increase in the underwriting expense ratio. The loss and loss expense ratio, which is the ratio of losses and loss expenses incurred to net premiums earned, has decreased as a result of overall lower levels of catastrophe losses and other large loss events for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods of 2011. The increased underwriting expense ratio, which is the ratio of the sum of acquisition expenses and operating expenses to the net premiums earned, is reflective of the additional costs incurred from strategic initiatives and compensation costs.

          Net investment income – P&C operations

          Net investment income related to P&C operations is an important measure that affects the Company’s overall profitability. The largest liability of the Company relates to its unpaid loss reserves, and the Company’s investment portfolio provides liquidity for claims settlements of these reserves as they become due. As a result, a significant part of the investment portfolio is invested in fixed income securities. Net investment income is influenced by a number of factors, including the amounts and timing of inward and outward cash flows, the level of interest rates and credit spreads and changes in overall asset allocation.

42


          Annualized return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity (“ROE”)

          ROE is another non-GAAP financial measure that management considers important in evaluating the Company’s operating performance. ROE is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for any period by the average of the opening and closing ordinary shareholders’ equity. The Company establishes minimum target ROEs for its total operations, segments and lines of business. If the Company’s minimum ROE targets over the longer term are not met with respect to any line of business, the Company seeks to modify and/or exit this line. In addition, among other factors, the Company’s compensation of its senior officers is dependent on the achievement of the Company’s performance goals to enhance ordinary shareholder value as measured by ROE (adjusted for certain items considered to be “non-operating” in nature). For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, annualized ROE was 7.7%, which is 7.1 percentage points higher than the same period in the prior year, due primarily to the lower net income attributable to ordinary shareholders in the prior period as a result of natural catastrophe losses. See “Annualized Return on Ordinary Shareholders’ Equity Calculation” herein for the calculation of annualized ROE to average ordinary shareholders’ equity.

          Book value per ordinary share

          Management also views the change in the Company’s book value per ordinary share as an additional measure of the Company’s performance. Book value per ordinary share, a non-GAAP financial measure, is calculated by dividing ordinary shareholders’ equity (total shareholders’ equity less non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries) by the number of outstanding ordinary shares at the applicable period end. Book value per ordinary share is affected primarily by the Company’s net income (loss), by any changes in the net unrealized gains and losses on its investment portfolio, by currency translation adjustments and by the impact of any share buyback or issuance activity. Ordinary shareholders’ equity was $10.4 billion and $9.4 billion and the number of ordinary shares outstanding was 300.6 million and 315.7 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Ordinary shares outstanding include all ordinary shares legally issued and outstanding (as disclosed on the face of the balance sheet) as well as all director share units outstanding.

          Book value per ordinary share increased by $2.36 in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and by $4.82 in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. These increases were due to the net income in both periods, an increase in net unrealized gains on investments and the benefit of share buyback activity. In the three months ended September 30, 2011 book value per share decreased by $0.53 as compared to the comparable period of 2010, primarily due to the issuance of ordinary shares in connection with the settlement of the forward purchase contracts associated with the 10.75% Units, partially offset by the benefit of share buyback activity, the net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and an increase in net unrealized gains on available for sale investments. In the nine months ended September 30, 2011 book value per share increased by $0.64 mainly due to the net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, an increase in net unrealized gains on available for sale investments, and the benefit of share buyback activity, partially offset by the settlement of the forward purchase contracts associated with the 10.75% Units.

          Fully diluted book value per ordinary share

          Fully diluted book value per ordinary share, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents book value per ordinary share combined with the dilutive impact of potential future share issuances at period end. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, fully diluted book value per ordinary share increased by $2.20 and $4.57, respectively, as a result of the factors contributing to the increase in book value per share noted above. In the three months ended September 30, 2011 fully diluted book value per ordinary share decreased by $0.07 and in the nine months ended September 30, 2011, fully diluted book value per ordinary share increased by $1.02 as compared to the same periods in the prior year, as a result of the factors contributing to the three month decrease and nine month increase in book value per share noted above.

43


SIGNIFICANT ITEMS AFFECTING THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

          The Company’s net income and other financial measures as shown above for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 have been affected by, among other things, the following significant items:

          1)        the impact of significant large loss events;

          2)        market movement impacts on the Company’s investment portfolio; and

          3)        continuing competitive factors impacting the underwriting environment.

1) The impact of significant large loss events

          The Company had a P&C underwriting profit of $114.2 million and $306.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to P&C underwriting losses of $22.2 and $283.2 million for the same periods of 2011, respectively. The increase in underwriting profit in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to lower levels of natural catastrophe losses and lower non-catastrophe large loss activity in energy, property and marine business units as explained further below.

          Natural Catastrophe Losses

          For the three months ended September 30, 2012, natural catastrophe losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums were $32.0 million, compared to $110.6 million in the same period of 2011.

          For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, natural catastrophe losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums were $112.5 million, compared to $566.3 million in the same period of 2011. Natural catastrophe losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the earthquake that struck Christchurch, New Zealand on February 22, 2011, the 2011 flooding events in Australia, the severe weather occurrences, including tornado activity, in the United States over the periods April 22 - 28 and May 20 - 23, 2011 and the Atlantic Hurricanes (Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee).

          Large Loss Events

          In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the results from operations were impacted by significant losses from large non-catastrophe loss events in both the Insurance and Reinsurance segments. In 2012, the impact was mainly related to a single large marine loss during the first quarter. Management’s preliminary loss estimate for this large marine loss at September 30, 2012, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, was $46.6 million, of which $24.3 million was attributable to the Insurance segment and $22.3 million to the Reinsurance segment. In addition, the results from operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were affected by crop losses attributable to the severe drought conditions in the U.S. in 2012. Management’s preliminary loss estimate for these drought and crop losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums was $26.1 million, all attributable to the Company’s Reinsurance segment.

          See “Income Statement Analysis,” herein for further information regarding these large loss events within each of the Company’s operating segments.

          Subsequent Event

          In late October 2012, Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy made landfall in the United States. Given its recent occurrence and the limited information available, it is too early for the Company to arrive at a reasonable estimate of the amount of any possible losses from this event. The impact of this event will be reflected in our fourth quarter 2012 results.

44


2) Market movement impacts on the Company’s investment portfolio

          During the three months ended September 30, 2012, credit spreads tightened combined with decreasing interest rates. The net impact of the market conditions on the Company’s investment portfolio for the three months was favorable and resulted in an increase of $512.0 million in net unrealized gains on available for sale investments as compared to June 30, 2012. This represents an approximately 1.1% appreciation in average assets for the three months ended September 30, 2012.

          The following table provides further detail regarding the movements in relevant credit markets, as well as in government interest rates using selected market indices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Movement for the three months
ended September 30, 2012 (1)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents increases / decreases
in interest rates)

 

Credit Spread Movement for the three months
ended September 30, 2012 (2)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents widening / tightening
of credit spreads)

 

 


 


United States

 

-9 basis points (5 year Treasury)

 

-48 basis points (US Corporate A rated)

 

 

 

 

-56 basis points (US Mortgage Master Index)

 

 

 

 

-51 basis points (US CMBS, AAA rated)

United Kingdom

 

-1 basis points (10 year Gilt)

 

-41 basis points (UK Corporate, AA rated)

Euro-zone

 

-10 basis points (5 year Bund)

 

-54 basis points (Europe Corporate, A rated)


 

 


(1)

Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.

(2)

Source: Merrill Lynch Global Indices.

          Net realized losses on investments in the three months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $5.5 million, including net realized losses of approximately $12.6 million related to OTTI charges on certain of the Company’s fixed income investments. For further analysis of this, see “Results of Operations” below.

          During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, credit spreads tightened combined with decreasing interest rates. The net impact of the market conditions on the Company’s investment portfolio for the nine-month period was favorable and resulted in an increase of $881.9 million in net unrealized gains on available for sale investments as compared to December 31, 2011. This represents an approximately 2.0% appreciation in average assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

          The following table provides further detail regarding the movements in relevant credit markets, as well as in government interest rates using selected market indices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Movement for the nine months
ended September 30, 2012 (1)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents increases / decreases
in interest rates)

 

Credit Spread Movement for the nine months
ended September 30, 2012 (2)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents widening / tightening
of credit spreads)

 

 


 


United States

 

-21 basis points (5 year Treasury)

 

-100 basis points (US Corporate A rated)

 

 

 

 

-63 basis points (US Mortgage Master Index)

 

 

 

 

-109 basis points (US CMBS, AAA rated)

United Kingdom

 

-25 basis points (10 year Gilt)

 

-58 basis points (UK Corporate, AA rated)

Euro-zone

 

-25 basis points (5 year Bund)

 

-139 basis points (Europe Corporate, A rated)


 

 


(1)

Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.

(2)

Source: Merrill Lynch Global Indices.

          Net realized gains on investments in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $2.9 million, including net realized losses of approximately $61.8 million related to OTTI charges on certain of the Company’s fixed income investments. For further analysis of this, see “Results of Operations” below.

3) Continuing competitive factors impacting the underwriting environment

          Insurance

          The trading environment for the core lines of insurance business written by the Company remains competitive, although the gradual rate improvement which began in the second half of 2011 has been sustained through the first nine months of 2012. Gross premiums written in the Insurance segment increased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 by 2.5% after adjusting for changes in foreign exchange rates. This premium increase was partly driven by improved pricing and also from new business in NAPC construction and surplus lines, U.S. D&O, as well as growth in the new political risk and trade credit business.

          Improved pricing contributed to the premium growth in the third quarter with an overall 3.3% rate increase. Rate improvement occurred in nearly all of the segment’s businesses. NAPC rates improved by almost 8% led by double digit increases in excess casualty and surplus lines businesses, Professional increased by over 2% driven by U.S. D&O, architects & engineers and miscellaneous professional liability, and Specialty pricing increased by low single digits. Only IPC was flat to slightly down, driven by competitive conditions in both its property and casualty businesses.

          Reinsurance

          Gross premiums written in the Reinsurance segment decreased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 by 30.8% after adjusting for changes in foreign exchange rates. This premium decrease was predominantly driven by changes in the structure of a U.S. agricultural program, which renewed as a reinsurance treaty rather than a primary facility with significant ceded premiums. Normalizing for foreign exchange movements and excluding the U.S. agricultural program premiums for both years, gross premiums written increased by 1.6% due to premium increases in the Bermuda and International business groups, partially offset by selected cancelations in the U.S. and Latin America portfolios due to the re-underwriting actions in these regions.

          Both the primary and reinsurance markets remain highly competitive with substantial capacity available in both traditional and non-traditional forms. In general, July 1 renewals saw pricing in line with management’s expectations, except for the U.S. catastrophe book where the level of risk adjusted improvement was lower than expected due to a relatively benign hurricane season. However, given the likely industry losses relating to Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy in the United States at the end of October 2012, it is possible that year-end pricing will be impacted.

          There can be no assurance, however, that such (re)insurance rate conditions or growth opportunities will be sustained or further materialize, or lead to improvements in our books of business. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” The Company continues its disciplined underwriting approach to grow on a very selective basis and exit lines where margins are unacceptable.

45


OTHER KEY FOCUSES OF MANAGEMENT

          The Company remains focused on, among other things, managing its capital and enhancing its enterprise risk management capabilities. Details of these and other initiatives are outlined below.

Capital Management

          Fundamental to supporting the Company’s business model is its ability to underwrite business, which is largely dependent upon the quality of its claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. As a result, in the event that the Company is downgraded, its ability to write business, as well as its financial condition and/or results of operations, could be adversely affected.

          Buybacks of Ordinary Shares

          On February 27, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a share buyback program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $750 million of its ordinary shares. This authorization replaced the approximately $190 million remaining under the share buyback program that was authorized in November 2010 as described in further detail in Item 8, Note 18, “Share Capital,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and canceled 5.3 million ordinary shares under the program for $125.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and canceled 16.2 million ordinary shares under the program for $350.0 million. All share buybacks were carried out by way of redemption in accordance with Irish law and the Company’s constitutional documents. All shares so redeemed were canceled upon redemption. At September 30, 2012, $400.0 million remained available for purchase under the program.

          Repayment of the 6.5% Guaranteed Senior Notes due January 2012 (the “XLCFE Notes”)

          On January 15, 2012, the $600 million principal amount outstanding on the XLCFE Notes, which were issued by XL Capital Finance (Europe) plc (“XLCFE”), was repaid at maturity. For further detail, see Item 1, Note 8, “Notes Payable and Debt Financing Arrangements,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

Risk Management

          The Company’s risk management and risk appetite framework is detailed in Item 1, “Business - Enterprise Risk Management,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The table below shows the Company’s estimated per event net 1% and 0.4% exceedance probability exposures for certain peak natural catastrophe peril regions. These estimates assume that amounts due from reinsurance and retrocession purchases are 100% collectible. There may be credit or other disputes associated with these potential receivables. Finally, the probable maximum losses in the table below were derived by application of a vendor model that was released during the first quarter of 2011 and, accordingly, could be more unreliable than the model that was used historically.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1-in-100 Event

 

1-in-250 Event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in millions)
Geographical Zone

 

Peril

 

Measurement
Date
of In-Force
Exposures
(1)

 

Probable
Maximum
Loss (2)

 

Percentage of
Tangible
Shareholders’
Equity at
September 30,
2012

 

Probable
Maximum
Loss (2)

 

Percentage of
Tangible
Shareholders’
Equity at
September 30,
2012

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

North America

 

Earthquake

 

July 1, 2012

 

$

808

 

 

7.1

%

$

1,333

 

 

11.7

%

North Atlantic

 

Windstorm

 

July 1, 2012

 

 

1,286

 

 

11.3

%

 

1,706

 

 

15.0

%

U.S.

 

Windstorm

 

July 1, 2012

 

 

1,270

 

 

11.2

%

 

1,687

 

 

14.9

%

Europe

 

Windstorm

 

July 1, 2012

 

 

509

 

 

4.5

%

 

716

 

 

6.3

%

Japan

 

Earthquake

 

July 1, 2012

 

 

283

 

 

2.5

%

 

353

 

 

3.1

%

Japan

 

Windstorm

 

July 1, 2012

 

 

196

 

 

1.7

%

 

265

 

 

2.3

%


 

 


(1)

Detailed analyses of aggregated in-force exposures and maximum loss levels are done periodically. The measurement dates represent the date of the last completed detailed analysis by geographical zone.

(2)

Probable maximum losses, which include secondary uncertainty that incorporates variability around the expected probable maximum loss for each event, do not represent the Company’s maximum potential exposures and are pre-tax.

46


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

          See the discussion of the Company’s Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND OTHER OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

          For further information, see the discussion of the Company’s variable interest entities and other off-balance sheet arrangements in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) and Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and Item 1, Note 10, “Variable Interest Entities,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

SEGMENTS

          The Company is organized into three operating segments: Insurance, Reinsurance and Life operations. The Company’s general investment and financing operations are reflected in Corporate.

          The Company evaluates the performance of both the Insurance and Reinsurance segments based on underwriting profit and the performance of the Life operations segment based on its contribution to net income. Other items of revenue and expenditure of the Company are not evaluated at the segment level for reporting purposes. In addition, the Company does not allocate investment assets by segment for its P&C operations. Investment assets related to the Company’s Life operations and certain structured products included in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments are held in separately identified portfolios. As such, net investment income from these assets is included in the contribution from the applicable segment. See Item 1, Note 4, “Segment Information,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for a reconciliation of segment data to the Company’s Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

47


INCOME STATEMENT ANALYSIS

Segment Results for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011

Insurance

          The Company’s Insurance segment provides commercial property, casualty and specialty insurance products on a global basis. Products generally provide tailored coverages for complex corporate risks and include the following lines of business: property, casualty, professional liability, environmental liability, aviation and satellite, marine and offshore energy, equine, fine art and specie, excess and surplus lines, political risk and trade credit, product recall, surety and other insurance coverages including those mentioned above, through the Company’s program business. The Company focuses on those lines of business within its Insurance operations that are believed to provide the best return on capital over time. These lines of business are divided into the following business groups: North America Property and Casualty (“NAPC”), International Property and Casualty (“IPC”), Global Professional Lines (“Professional”) and Global Specialty (“Specialty”).

          The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Insurance segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

1,158,683

 

$

1,156,901

 

 

0.2

%

Net premiums written

 

 

905,054

 

 

872,757

 

 

3.7

%

Net premiums earned

 

 

985,623

 

 

930,067

 

 

6.0

%

Net losses and loss expenses

 

 

(623,543

)

 

(767,091

)

 

(18.7

)%

Acquisition costs

 

 

(128,514

)

 

(118,521

)

 

8.4

%

Operating expenses

 

 

(186,794

)

 

(158,134

)

 

18.1

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Underwriting profit (loss)

 

$

46,772

 

$

(113,679

)

 

NM

*

Net results – structured products

 

 

3,087

 

 

2,457

 

 

25.6

%

Net fee income and other

 

 

591

 

 

(3,484

)

 

NM

*

          Gross premiums written marginally increased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 by 0.2% and, when evaluated in local currency, increased by 2.5%. The NAPC and Professional business groups both experienced an increase in gross premiums written while premiums declined in the IPC and Specialty business groups. For NAPC, the growth in premium was largely driven by new business growth across most lines, improved retentions in both property and environmental and improved pricing in all lines, partially offset by lower multi-year transactions in excess casualty and the non-renewal of certain under-priced business. In Professional, new business, primarily in the U.S. professional business, and favorable amendments to prior year premium estimates and retention contributed to the increased premiums. The decline in IPC premiums was from lower retention, lower new business and lower multi-year transactions as well as the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. The lower retention and new business relates to property accounts that did not meet the Company’s underwriting requirements. In Specialty, there was a decrease in gross premiums written due lower new business in product recall and a decrease in retentions in marine lines due to the Company’s re-underwriting actions for businesses not meeting underwriting requirements, partially offset by premium growth from the new political risk business.

          Net premiums written increased by 3.7% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase resulted from the gross written premium increases outlined above together with a decrease in ceded written premiums. The decrease in ceded premiums relates to decreased utilization of facultative reinsurance, primarily in IPC, changes to the structure and cost of certain Professional and Specialty reinsurance treaties and from reduced ceded reinstatement premiums, partially offset by a new retrocession cover in NAPC.

          Net premiums earned increased by 6.0% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase primarily resulted from higher net written premiums earned in NAPC and Professional partially offset by the decrease in Specialty property premiums as outlined above.

48


          The following table presents the ratios for the Insurance segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Loss and loss expense ratio

 

 

63.3

%

 

82.5

%

Acquisition expense ratio

 

 

13.0

%

 

12.7

%

Operating expense ratio

 

 

19.0

%

 

17.0

%

 

 



 



 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

 

32.0

%

 

29.7

%

 

 



 



 

Combined ratio

 

 

95.3

%

 

112.2

%

 

 



 



 

          The loss and loss expense ratio includes net losses incurred for both the current quarter and any favorable or adverse prior year development of loss and loss expense reserves held at the beginning of the year. The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development relating to the Insurance segment for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

(U.S. dollars in millions, except ratios)

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Property

 

$

(10.2

)

$

12.8

 

Casualty

 

 

2.7

 

 

5.1

 

Professional

 

 

(0.2

)

 

2.6

 

Specialty and other

 

 

6.9

 

 

0.9

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

(0.8

)

$

21.4

 

 

 



 



 

Loss and loss expense ratio excluding prior year development

 

 

63.3

%

 

80.2

%

 

 



 



 

          Excluding prior year development, the loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by 16.9 loss percentage points as compared to the same period in 2011 predominantly due to higher levels of catastrophe losses occurring in the third quarter of 2011. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $70.6 million lower than the same period of 2011. For further details on catastrophe losses in 2011, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Significant Items Affecting the Results of Operations – 1) The impact of significant large natural catastrophe activity,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Excluding favorable prior year development, net catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by 9.6 points to 62.6%, mainly due to significant large loss activity in the property lines of the IPC business group in the third quarter of 2011 and better property loss experience in the NAPC business group in the third quarter of 2012.

          Explanations of significant components of the net favorable prior year reserve development of $0.8 million, as shown in the table above, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:

 

 

For property lines, net prior year development was $10.2 million favorable. This was driven by releases of $2.4 million, $3.3 million and $4.0 million for the non-catastrophe exposures in the general property, energy and construction books, respectively, due to better than expected reported loss development mainly in the 2011 accident year.

 

 

For specialty and other lines, the unfavorable movement of $6.9 million was driven by adverse development of $5.0 million in the run-off mortgages book.

          The increase in the underwriting expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 was due to an increase in the operating expense ratio of 2.0 points combined with an increase in the acquisition expense ratio of 0.3 points. The increase in the operating expense ratio was due to higher compensation expenses due to different bonus accrual assumptions in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase in the acquisition expense ratio was mainly due to lower ceding commission income in IPC and through lower ceding commission income and changes in the mix of business in Professional.

          Fee income and other improved in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 mainly as a result of higher income related to the Company’s loss prevention consulting services as well as lower expenses in professional lines related to the cost of an endorsement facility with National Indemnity Company, which was incurred in 2011. For further information about this facility, see Item 8, Note 7, “Other Investments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

49


          Net results from structured insurance products include certain structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts. Net results from these contracts improved in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 due to higher net investment income from a larger invested portfolio.

Reinsurance

          The Company’s Reinsurance segment provides casualty, property risk, property catastrophe, marine, aviation and other specialty reinsurance on a global basis with business being written on both a proportional and non-proportional treaty basis and also on a facultative basis. The reinsurance operations are structured into geographical business groups: North America, Bermuda, International (Europe and Asia Pacific) and Latin America.

          The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Reinsurance segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

417,548

 

$

619,260

 

 

(32.6

)%

Net premiums written

 

 

403,210

 

 

419,949

 

 

(4.0

)%

Net premiums earned

 

 

482,930

 

 

432,465

 

 

11.7

%

Net losses and loss expenses

 

 

(270,533

)

 

(220,968

)

 

22.4

%

Acquisition costs

 

 

(97,739

)

 

(79,839

)

 

22.4

%

Operating expenses

 

 

(47,227

)

 

(40,179

)

 

17.5

%

 

 


 


 

 

 

Underwriting profit (loss)

 

$

67,431

 

$

91,479

 

 

(26.3

)%

Net results – structured products

 

 

2,614

 

 

3,388

 

 

(22.8

)%

Fee income and other

 

 

657

 

 

1,120

 

 

(41.3

)%

          Gross premiums written decreased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 by 32.6% and, when evaluated in local currency, decreased by 30.8%. The premium decrease was predominantly from the North America business groups, and to a lesser extent from the Latin America business group. The gross premiums written decline from the North America business group was primarily as a result of changes in the structure of a U.S. agricultural program which renewed as reinsurance rather than as primary business, the net impact of which to gross premiums written was a decrease of $196.5 million. Premiums from the Latin America business group declined compared to the prior year quarter due to the non-renewal of certain property treaties in Argentina and surety treaties in Columbia, Chile and Argentina as a result of the re-underwriting of the business. Offsetting these declines were premium increases from the Bermuda and International business groups due to revised premium estimates for policies written in prior periods.

          Net premiums written decreased by 4.0% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The decrease resulted from the gross written premium decreases outlined above offset by a reduction in ceded written premiums from the change in structure of the U.S. agricultural program which resulted in a $13.2 million net impact on written premiums.

          Net premiums earned increased by 11.7% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase is a reflection of the overall growth in net premiums written in recent quarters particularly from the Bermuda and International business groups.

          The following table presents the ratios for the Reinsurance segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Loss and loss expense ratio

 

 

56.0

%

 

51.1

%

Acquisition expense ratio

 

 

20.2

%

 

18.5

%

Operating expense ratio

 

 

9.8

%

 

9.2

%

 

 



 



 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

 

30.0

%

 

27.7

%

 

 



 



 

Combined ratio

 

 

86.0

%

 

78.8

%

 

 



 



 

50


          The loss and loss expense ratio includes net losses incurred for both the current year and any favorable or adverse prior year development of loss and loss expense reserves held at the beginning of the year. The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development relating to the Reinsurance segment for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

(U.S. dollars in millions, except ratios)

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Property and other short-tail lines

 

$

(21.8

)

$

1.9

 

Casualty and other

 

 

(13.9

)

 

(41.7

)

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

(35.7

)

$

(39.8

)

 

 



 



 

Loss and loss expense ratio excluding prior year development

 

 

63.4

%

 

60.3

%

 

 



 



 

          Excluding prior year development, the loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased by 3.1 loss percentage points as compared to the same period of 2011 despite lower levels of catastrophe losses occurring in the third quarter of 2012. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by $8.0 million compared to the same period of 2011. Excluding favorable prior year development, net catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased by 5.8 points to 57.9% due mainly to crop losses as a result of the severe drought conditions in the U.S. in 2012.

          Net favorable prior year reserve development of $35.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was mainly attributable to the following:

 

 

 

 

 

Net favorable prior year development of $21.8 million for the short-tailed lines and details of these by specific lines are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

For property catastrophe lines, net prior year development was $9.0 million favorable mainly driven by lower than expected incurred losses for the 2011 catastrophe losses on the Bermuda book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For property other lines, net prior year development was $4.2 million favorable mainly due to favorable claim development on the 2005 and 2011 catastrophe losses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For marine and aviation lines, net prior year development was $8.6 million favorable due to $4.3 million favorable development on large losses together with favorable attritional development on the International book.

 

 

 

 

 

Net favorable prior year development of $13.9 million for the long-tailed lines and details of these by specific lines are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

For casualty lines, net prior year development was $4.4 million favorable arising mainly out of the Europe Casualty book due to a $2.4 million reduction on large losses and more favorable than expected development on attritional losses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For other lines, net prior year development was $9.5 million favorable of which $6.4 million comes from Surety lines in Brazil on the 2005 and 2006 underwriting years.

          The increase in the underwriting expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 was due to an increase in both the operating expense and acquisition ratios of 0.6 points and 1.7 points, respectively. The increase in the operating expense ratio was due to higher compensation expenses due to a change in bonus accrual assumptions as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase in the acquisition expense ratio was largely from fronting fees received on a U.S. agricultural program, which due to the change in structure, did not occur in the three months ended September 30, 2012. In addition, there was a reduction in profit and sliding scale commissions in the Latin America business group because of loss activity in Brazil for the three months ended September 30, 2011 which did not occur in the same period of 2012.

          Net results from structured reinsurance products include certain structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts. Net results from these contracts have decreased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The decrease is due to lower net investment income, primarily from a reduction in investment yields.

51


Life Operations

          The following table summarizes the contribution from the Life operations segment, which has been in run-off since 2009. Prior to the decision to run-off the business, products offered included a broad range of underlying lines of life reinsurance business, including term assurances, group life, critical illness cover, immediate annuities and disability income. In addition, prior to selling the renewal rights to the Continental European Business, the products offered included short-term life, accident and health business. The segment also covers a range of geographic markets, with an emphasis on the U.K., United States, Ireland and Continental Europe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

87,413

 

$

100,564

 

 

(13.1

)%

Net premiums written

 

 

79,487

 

 

90,769

 

 

(12.4

)%

Net premiums earned

 

 

79,487

 

 

90,794

 

 

(12.5

)%

Claims and policy benefits

 

 

(119,439

)

 

(139,549

)

 

(14.4

)%

Acquisition costs

 

 

(10,094

)

 

(9,193

)

 

9.8

%

Operating expenses

 

 

(2,352

)

 

(2,352

)

 

0.0

%

Net investment income

 

 

73,479

 

 

80,349

 

 

(8.6

)%

Net fee income and other

 

 

240

 

 

41

 

 

NM

*

Realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

(7,750

)

 

(23,307

)

 

(66.7

)%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Contribution from Life operations

 

$

13,571

 

$

(3,217

)

 

NM

*


 

 

 


 

*

NM - Not Meaningful

          The following table is an analysis of the Life operations’ gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Gross
Premiums
Written

 

Net
Premiums
Written

 

Net
Premiums
Earned

 

Gross
Premiums
Written

 

Net
Premiums
Written

 

Net
Premiums
Earned

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Other Life

 

$

48,364

 

$

47,527

 

$

47,527

 

$

59,815

 

$

57,428

 

$

57,452

 

Annuity

 

 

39,049

 

 

31,960

 

 

31,960

 

 

40,749

 

 

33,341

 

 

33,342

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

87,413

 

$

79,487

 

$

79,487

 

$

100,564

 

$

90,769

 

$

90,794

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

          Gross premiums written decreased by 13.1% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011, across the lines of business. The decrease was in line with the run-off expectations combined with favorable foreign exchange movements. Ceded premiums written marginally decreased largely due to timing differences.

          Net premiums earned decreased by 12.4% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. This decrease was consistent with the decrease in gross premiums written as described above.

          Claims and policy benefit reserves decreased by 14.4% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011, as a result of the factors noted above affecting gross and net premiums written, the impact of foreign exchange movements, prior year reserve development on certain product lines and claims volatility.

          Acquisition costs increased by 9.8% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011, mainly due to the impact of profit commission adjustments for prior underwriting years.

          Operating expenses were flat for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year.

          Net investment income is included in the calculation of contribution from Life operations, as it relates to income earned on portfolios of separately identified and managed life investment assets and other allocated assets. Net investment income decreased by 8.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 due to unfavorable foreign exchange movements and cash outflows from the invested portfolio, reflecting the run-off nature of the Life operations business.

52


Investment Activities

          The following table illustrates the change in net investment income from P&C operations, net income from investment fund affiliates, net realized gains (losses) on investments and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment derivative instruments for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net investment income - P&C operations (1)

 

$

166,001

 

$

209,757

 

 

(20.9

)%

Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates (2)

 

 

16,050

 

 

(7,123

)

 

NM

*

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

(5,493

)

 

(62,354

)

 

(91.2

)%

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment and other derivative
instruments (3)

 

 

6,254

 

 

(26,916

)

 

NM

*


 

 

 


 

(1)

Net investment income relating to P&C operations includes the net investment income related to the net results from structured products.

(2)

The Company generally records the income related to alternative fund affiliates on a one-month lag and the private investment fund affiliates on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the information provided by the investees.

(3)

For a summary of realized and unrealized gains and losses on all derivative instruments, see Item 1, Note 6, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

*

NM - Not Meaningful

          Net investment income related to P&C business decreased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 due primarily to a reduction in investment yields as well as an accumulation of cash over the prior year quarter given uncertainty in Europe and a negative adjustment related to inflation protected holdings.

          Net income from investment fund affiliates increased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. This was driven by positive results from alternative and private fund affiliates in the current quarter as compared to negative results for alternative funds, partially offset by modest positive returns from private funds, in the same period of 2011.

          The Company manages its fixed income portfolio in accordance with investment guidelines approved by the Risk and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of XL-Ireland. The following is a summary of the investment portfolio returns for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 of the fixed income and non-fixed income portfolios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2012 (1)

 

2011 (1)

 

 

 


 


 

Total Return on Investments

 

 

2.5

%

 

1.7

%

P&C fixed income portfolio

 

 

2.0

%

 

1.0

%

Life fixed income portfolio

 

 

4.6

%

 

4.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Portfolios (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alternative portfolio (3)

 

 

1.4

%

 

(1.3

)%

Equity portfolio

 

 

7.1

%

 

(17.4

)%

High-Yield fixed income portfolio

 

 

2.5

%

 

(3.4

)%


 

 

 


 

(1)

Portfolio returns are calculated by dividing the sum of gross investment income or net income from investment affiliates, realized gains (losses) and unrealized gains (losses) by the average market value of each portfolio. The performance of investment portfolios is measured on a local currency basis and is not annualized. For aggregate performance calculation, respective local currency balances are translated to U.S. dollars at quarter end rates to calculate composite portfolio results.

(2)

Performance on Other Portfolios is included in the Total Return on Investments.

(3)

Performance on the alternative portfolio reflects the three months ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments and Other-than-Temporary Declines in the Value of Investments

          Net realized losses on investments of $5.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 included net realized losses of approximately $12.6 million related to the write-down of certain of the Company’s AFS investments.

53


          The significant components of the net impairment charges of $12.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were:

 

 

 

 

§

$5.6 million for structured securities where the Company determined that the likely recovery on these securities was below the carrying value and, accordingly, recorded an impairment of the securities to the discounted value of the cash flows expected to be received on these securities.

 

 

 

 

§

$2.2 million related to medium term notes backed primarily by European investment grade credit. On certain notes, management concluded that expected future returns on the underlying assets were not sufficient to support the previously reported amortized cost.

 

 

 

 

§

$2.7 million related to private investments.

          Net realized losses on investments during the three months ended September 30, 2011 included net realized losses of $66.8 million related to the write-down of certain of the Company’s fixed income, equity and other investments with respect to which the Company determined that there was an other-than-temporary decline in the value of those investments as well as net realized gains of $4.5 million from sales of investments.

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivatives

          Net realized and unrealized losses on derivatives of $6.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 resulted from the Company’s investment strategy to manage interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and credit risk, and to replicate permitted investments. For a further discussion see Item 1, Note 6, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

Other Revenues and Expenses

          The following table sets forth other revenues and expenses of the Company for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net income (loss) from operating affiliates (1)

 

$

2,917

 

$

35,552

 

 

(91.8

)%

Exchange gains (losses)

 

 

(18,690

)

 

39,425

 

 

NM

*

Corporate operating expenses

 

 

(57,604

)

 

(33,847

)

 

70.2

%

Interest expense (2)

 

 

(26,192

)

 

(35,885

)

 

(27.0

)%

Income tax expense

 

 

(451

)

 

(24,718

)

 

(98.2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

(1)

The Company generally records the income related to certain operating affiliates on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the information provided by the investees.

(2)

Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.

*

NM - Not Meaningful

          The following table sets forth the net income (loss) from operating affiliates for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net income (loss) from investment manager affiliates

 

$

(7,409

)

$

30,288

 

 

NM

*

Net income (loss) from strategic operating affiliates

 

 

10,326

 

 

5,264

 

 

96.2

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

2,917

 

$

35,552

 

 

(91.8

)%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

          Investment manager affiliates generated a loss in the three months ended September 30, 2012 due to incentive fee reversals. The income in the three months ended September 30, 2011 arose principally from the sale of the Company’s ownership stake in Finisterre.

          Strategic operating affiliate income increased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the three months of 2011 due to higher current period income related to an insurance affiliate that writes direct U.S. homeowners insurance.

54


Foreign exchange losses in the three months ended September 30, 2012 were a result of an overall weakening of the value of the U.S. dollar against the Company’s major currency exposures, principally the Euro and U.K. sterling. Foreign exchange gains in the three months ended September 30, 2011 were a result of an overall strengthening of the value of the U.S. dollar against certain European currencies, including the U.K. sterling, the Swiss franc and the Euro, as well as the Canadian dollar.

          Corporate operating expenses increased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of performance based compensation costs and certain strategic corporate initiatives taking place in 2012.

          Interest expense decreased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of the overall reduction in the Company’s debt following the repayment at maturity on January 15, 2012 of $600 million principal amount outstanding 6.5% XLCFE Notes and the purchase and retirement of the $575 million principal amount outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes in August 2011, partially offset by the issuance of $400 million principal amount outstanding 5.75% Senior Notes in September 2011. For further information about these debt financing transactions, see Item 8, Note 13, “Notes Payable and Debt Financing Arrangements,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          A tax charge of $0.5 million was incurred in the three months ended September 30, 2012 that included a benefit of $6.6 million arising on the conclusion of a U.S. federal income tax audit and a further benefit of $5.5 million following the issuance of an IRS directive in July 2012 regarding certain worthlessness deductions that may be claimed in respect of credit-related impairments of eligible securities. The Company recognized a tax charge of $24.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011. Excluding the 2012 benefits, the decrease in the Company’s income tax expense in the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same quarter in 2011 reflects the Company’s expected full year effective tax rate applicable in each of the years.

Segment Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011

Insurance

          The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Insurance segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

3,806,351

 

$

3,669,280

 

 

3.7

%

Net premiums written

 

 

2,885,847

 

 

2,684,938

 

 

7.5

%

Net premiums earned

 

 

2,878,973

 

 

2,713,430

 

 

6.1

%

Net losses and loss expenses

 

 

(1,890,512

)

 

(2,163,786

)

 

(12.6

)%

Acquisition costs

 

 

(380,054

)

 

(340,048

)

 

11.8

%

Operating expenses

 

 

(564,387

)

 

(488,837

)

 

15.5

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Underwriting profit (loss)

 

$

44,020

 

$

(279,241

)

 

NM

*

Net results – structured products

 

 

14,953

 

 

8,407

 

 

77.9

%

Net fee income and other

 

 

(3,276

)

 

(12,614

)

 

(74.0

)%


 

 

 


 

*

NM - Not Meaningful

          Gross premiums written increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 by 3.7% and, when evaluated in local currency, increased by 5.8%. This increase was experienced across the business groups predominantly from new business and improved pricing, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. For NAPC, the growth in premium was largely driven by new business growth across most lines, improved retention for construction, property and primary casualty, and improved pricing in all lines over the prior year, partially offset by lower multi-year transactions in property and excess casualty. In Professional, improved pricing and new premiums primarily from the U.S. professional business and favorable amendments to prior year premium estimates contributed to increased premiums but were partially offset by the non-renewal of certain under-priced business. In Specialty, there was premium growth from the new political risk business and new business and favorable amendments to prior year premium estimates in marine cargo lines, partially offset by lower retention levels and adverse amendments to prior year premium estimates in aerospace. Finally, there was a decline in gross premiums written in IPC from lower retention and reduced new business in property and primary casualty. The lower retention and reduced new business relates to property accounts that did not meet the Company’s underwriting requirements. Partially offsetting these declines was improved retention levels and growth over the prior year in middle market lines.

          Net premiums written increased by 7.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase resulted from the gross written premium increases outlined above together with a decrease in ceded written premiums. The decrease in ceded premiums relates to decreased utilization of facultative reinsurance, primarily in IPC, following the cancelation of a large general property program, lower cessions as a result of lower retention levels in IPC property, as outlined above, lower multi-year transactions and the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by changes in the structure and costs of certain property and casualty reinsurance treaties and a new retrocession cover in NAPC.

55


          Net premiums earned increased by 6.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase primarily resulted from higher net written premiums earned in NAPC, Professional and Specialty, and the favorable amendments to certain prior year premium estimates partially offset by marine reinstatement premiums.

          The following table presents the ratios for the Insurance segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Loss and loss expense ratio

 

 

65.7

%

 

79.7

%

Acquisition expense ratio

 

 

13.2

%

 

12.5

%

Operating expense ratio

 

 

19.6

%

 

18.1

%

 

 



 



 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

 

32.8

%

 

30.6

%

 

 



 



 

Combined ratio

 

 

98.5

%

 

110.3

%

 

 



 



 

          The loss and loss expense ratio includes net losses incurred for both the current period and any favorable or adverse prior year development of loss and loss expense reserves held at the beginning of the year. The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development relating to the Insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(U.S. dollars in millions, except ratios)

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Property

 

$

(27.2

)

$

(10.9

)

Casualty

 

 

(59.2

)

 

17.1

 

Professional

 

 

(52.8

)

 

(72.6

)

Specialty and other

 

 

41.6

 

 

17.4

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

(97.6

)

$

(49.0

)

 

 



 



 

Loss and loss expense ratio excluding prior year development

 

 

69.1

%

 

81.5

%

 

 



 



 

          Excluding prior year development, the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by 12.4 loss percentage points as compared to the same period in 2011 predominantly due to lower levels of catastrophe losses occurring in 2012. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events were $147 million lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. For further details on catastrophe losses in 2011, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Significant Items Affecting the Results of Operations – 1) The impact of significant large natural catastrophe activity,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Excluding favorable prior year development, net catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both periods, the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by 6.9 points to 66.5%, due to significant large loss activity in the IPC and NAPC energy and property units in 2011 partially offset by a large marine loss in the first quarter of 2012.

          Net favorable prior year reserve development of $97.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was mainly attributable to the following:

 

 

For property lines, net prior year development was $27.2 million favorable. The main drivers were releases of $19.7 million and $5.6 million for the non-catastrophe exposures in the general property and energy books, respectively, due to better than expected loss development mainly in the 2011 accident year. This favorable experience was partially offset by adverse development of $3.2 million in the construction book also primarily attributable to the 2011 accident year and again for the non-catastrophe exposures. The other main driver was releases in the catastrophe exposures totaling $2.8 million overall with $6.6 million arising from the 2010 accident year partially offset by a strengthening of $3.3 million in the 2011 accident year.

 

 

For casualty lines, net prior year development was $59.2 million favorable. The principal drivers were releases of $34.9 million and $37.1 million in the primary and excess casualty lines, respectively, partially offset by strengthening of $9.6 million in U.S. middle markets. The $34.9 million release in primary casualty was driven by better than expected reported loss experience in the 2002 to 2007 accident years as well as the 2010 and 2011 accident years. The $37.1 million release in the excess casualty lines was due primarily to better than expected reported loss experience in the more mature accident years. The $9.6 million strengthening in U.S. middle markets was due to worse than expected reported loss experience.

56



 

 

For professional lines, net prior year development was $52.8 million favorable. The main driver was releases in reserves for clash losses (which cover a number of substantially similar claims against multiple policyholders) in the U.S. and Bermuda core professional businesses totaling $50.4 million, comprised of a release of $4.5 million for the 2006 and prior report years to reflect favorable reported loss experience across these years, and a release of $45.9 million for report year 2010 to reflect the limited clash events in the U.S. and Bermuda core professional businesses for this year.

 

 

 

In terms of non-clash losses in the professional lines, the prior year reserve development was small in total but there were some fairly significant offsetting movements. $24.5 million and $18.1 million were released from the U.S. and Bermuda core professional businesses, respectively, due to better than expected reported loss development while the International core professional business was strengthened $37.2 million due to unfavorable reported loss development. The Design portfolio covering architects and engineers professional liability was strengthened by $4.8 million driven by worse than expected reported loss experience in the Canadian book.

 

 

For specialty and other lines, net prior year development was $41.6 million unfavorable. The principal driver was adverse non-catastrophe loss emergence which led to strengthening of $30.0 million in the excess and surplus lines, $14.7 million in marine, $17.5 million in a discontinued specialty program, $10.9 million in NAPC Programs and $4.4 million in environmental. These increases were partially offset by a release of $25.3 million in aerospace and a release of $8.9 million for the catastrophe exposures in marine.

 

 


          The increase in the underwriting expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 was due to an increase in the operating expense ratio of 1.5 points combined with an increase in the acquisition expense ratio of 0.7 points. The increase in the operating expense ratio was due to higher compensation expenses due to different bonus accrual assumptions and severance costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase in the acquisition expense ratio was largely from the impact of reinstatement premiums and other earned premium adjustments on the ratio, lower ceding income in IPC, NAPC and Professional and a change in the mix of business in Professional.

          Fee income and other improved in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 mainly as a result of higher income related to the Company’s loss prevention consulting services as well as lower expenses in professional lines related to the cost of an endorsement facility with National Indemnity Company, which was incurred in 2011. For further information about this facility, see Item 8, Note 7, “Other Investments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          Net results from structured insurance products include certain structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts. Net results from these contracts have improved in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 due to a lower interest expense as a result of an accretion rate adjustment recorded in the second quarter of 2012 based on changes in expected cash flows and payout patterns on certain structured indemnity contracts.

Reinsurance

          The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Reinsurance segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

1,850,315

 

$

1,968,444

 

 

(6.0

)%

Net premiums written

 

 

1,732,923

 

 

1,628,109

 

 

6.4

%

Net premiums earned

 

 

1,348,450

 

 

1,226,923

 

 

9.9

%

Net losses and loss expenses

 

 

(683,984

)

 

(856,722

)

 

(20.2

)%

Acquisition costs

 

 

(273,706

)

 

(244,813

)

 

11.8

%

Operating expenses

 

 

(127,965

)

 

(129,362

)

 

(1.1

)%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Underwriting profit (loss)

 

$

262,795

 

$

(3,974

)

 

NM

*

Net results – structured products

 

 

(17,801

)

 

9,828

 

 

NM

*

Fee income and other

 

 

1,980

 

 

2,505

 

 

(21.0

)%


 

 

 


 

*

NM - Not Meaningful

          Gross premiums written decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 by 6.0% and, when evaluated in local currency, decreased by 4.4%. The decrease in premium was predominantly from the North America business group and the Latin America business group. The North America business group experienced a decrease in gross premiums written, primarily as a result of changes in the structure of a U.S. agricultural program that renewed as reinsurance rather than as primary business, as well as a reduction in volume, shares and price for certain renewed property quota share and property excess of loss contracts, partially offset by new business. Premiums from the Latin America business group declined compared to the same period of the prior year due to the non-renewal of certain significant property and surety treaties as a result of the re-underwriting of the business within this region. For the International business group there was an increase in premiums, attributable to casualty lines through new writings and higher renewals; increased property catastrophe shares and rates in Continental Europe; and new business and increased shares in Asia Pacific property proportional lines of business. For the Bermuda business group, there was premium growth from renewals through price, share, line and capacity increases. These were partially offset by the absence of property catastrophe reinstatement premiums in the Bermuda and International business units, which were written and earned in the same period of 2011 in connection with natural catastrophe losses from the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

57


          Net premiums written increased by 6.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase resulted from the International and Bermuda groups gross written premium increases outlined above coupled with a reduction in ceded written premiums. The decrease in ceded written premiums was mainly the result of the change in the U.S. agricultural program from the North America business, partially offset by increased ceded reinstatement premiums in the International business group related to the 2011 Thailand flood loss.

          Net premiums earned increased by 9.9% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. The increase is a reflection of the overall growth in net premiums written in recent quarters, partially offset by an increase, in 2011, of catastrophe loss related reinstatement premiums which were earned immediately.

          The following table presents the ratios for the Reinsurance segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Loss and loss expense ratio

 

 

50.7

%

 

69.8

%

Acquisition expense ratio

 

 

20.3

%

 

20.0

%

Operating expense ratio

 

 

9.5

%

 

10.5

%

 

 



 



 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

 

29.8

%

 

30.5

%

 

 



 



 

Combined ratio

 

 

80.5

%

 

100.3

%

 

 



 



 

          The loss and loss expense ratio includes net losses incurred for both the current period and any favorable or adverse prior year development of loss and loss expense reserves held at the beginning of the year. The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development relating to the Reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(U.S. dollars in millions, except ratios)

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 


 

Property and other short-tail lines

 

$

(62.4

)

$

(54.1

)

Casualty and other

 

 

(58.1

)

 

(114.0

)

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

(120.5

)

$

(168.1

)

 

 



 



 

Loss and loss expense ratio excluding prior year development

 

 

59.7

%

 

83.5

%

 

 



 



 

          Excluding prior year development, the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by 23.8 loss percentage points as compared to the same period of 2011 predominantly due to lower levels of catastrophe losses occurring in 2012. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events were $306.7 million lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. For further details on catastrophe losses in 2011 see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Significant Items Affecting the Results of Operations – 1) The impact of significant large natural catastrophe activity,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Excluding favorable prior year development, net catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both periods, the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased by 2.1 points to 56.8%, due mainly to crop losses as a result of the severe drought conditions in the U.S. in 2012.

          Net favorable prior year reserve development of $120.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was mainly attributable to the following:

 

 

 

 

 

Net favorable prior year development of $62.4 million for the short-tailed lines and details of these by specific lines are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

For property catastrophe lines, net prior year development during the year-to-date was $9.4 million favorable mainly driven by lower than expected incurred losses for the 2011 catastrophe losses on the Bermuda book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For property other lines, net prior year development during the year-to-date was $26.6 million favorable mainly due to favorable attritional claim development on the International, North America and Bermuda books offset by some unfavorable attritional claim development on the Latin America book. Total development on large losses is a favorable $2.5 million.

58



 

 

 

 

 

 

For marine and aviation lines, net prior year development was $26.5 million favorable due mainly to favorable attritional development of $15.0 million on the International book together with a $9.8 million release on prior year large losses.

 

 

 

 

 

Net favorable prior year development of $58.1 million for the long-tailed lines and details of these by specific lines are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

For casualty lines, net prior year development was $39.7 million favorable arising mainly out of the North America book due to more favorable than expected development on the 2003 and 2004 underwriting years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For other lines, net prior year development was $18.4 million favorable mainly driven by an $8.8 million release on the structured indemnity book and a $6.4 million release on the surety lines in Brazil on the 2005 and 2006 underwriting years.

          The decrease in the underwriting expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 was due to a reduction in both the operating expense ratio of 1.0 points partially offset by an increase in the acquisition expense ratio of 0.3 points. The decrease in the operating expense ratio was due to operating expenses remaining largely flat, while net earned premiums increased compared to the same period of 2011. The acquisition expense ratio was largely in line with the same period of 2011, with a slight increase from Latin America due to a favorable movement on sliding scale commissions in the prior year.

          Net results from structured reinsurance products include certain structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts. Net results from these contracts have decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 due to higher interest expense. The higher interest expense was due to an accretion rate adjustment recorded in the second quarter based on changes in expected cash flows and payout patterns on one of the larger structured indemnity contracts and from lower net investment income in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 reflecting lower investment yields and the run-off nature of this line of business.

Life Operations

          The following table summarizes the contribution from the Life operations segment, which has been in run-off since 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Gross premiums written

 

$

267,000

 

$

298,504

 

 

(10.6

)%

Net premiums written

 

 

243,606

 

 

272,635

 

 

(10.6

)%

Net premiums earned

 

 

243,630

 

 

272,695

 

 

(10.7

)%

Claims and policy benefits

 

 

(371,896

)

 

(410,196

)

 

(9.3

)%

Acquisition costs

 

 

(25,675

)

 

(26,281

)

 

(2.3

)%

Operating expenses

 

 

(7,788

)

 

(7,241

)

 

7.6

%

Net investment income

 

 

223,150

 

 

239,382

 

 

(6.8

)%

Net fee income and other

 

 

330

 

 

178

 

 

85.4

%

Realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

(22,153

)

 

(62,154

)

 

(64.4

)%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Contribution from Life operations

 

$

39,598

 

$

6,383

 

 

NM

*


 

 

 


 

*

NM - Not Meaningful

          The following table is an analysis of the Life operations’ gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Gross
Premiums
Written

 

Net
Premiums
Written

 

Net
Premiums
Earned

 

Gross
Premiums
Written

 

Net
Premiums
Written

 

Net
Premiums
Earned

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Other Life

 

$

151,132

 

$

148,945

 

$

148,970

 

$

175,842

 

$

172,403

 

$

172,463

 

Annuity

 

 

115,868

 

 

94,661

 

 

94,660

 

 

122,662

 

 

100,232

 

 

100,232

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

267,000

 

$

243,606

 

$

243,630

 

$

298,504

 

$

272,635

 

$

272,695

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

59


          Gross premiums written decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 by 10.6%, driven predominantly by the Other Life business. The decrease was in line with the run-off expectations combined with unfavorable foreign exchange movements. Ceded premiums written marginally decreased largely due to timing differences.

          Net premiums earned decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 by 10.6%. This decrease was consistent with the decrease in gross premiums written as described above.

          Claims and policy benefit reserves decreased by 9.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011, as a result of the factors noted above affecting gross and net premiums written, partially offset by adverse reserve development.

          Acquisition costs decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 by 2.3%, mainly due to the natural run-off of the business and lower letters of credit costs, which more than offset an increase in profit commissions in the current quarter.

          Operating expenses increased by 7.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year due to certain accrual adjustments in the prior year that lowered the expenses in that period.

          Net investment income is included in the calculation of contribution from Life operations, as it relates to income earned on portfolios of separately identified and managed life investment assets and other allocated assets. Net investment income decreased by 6.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 due to unfavorable foreign exchange movements, lower investment yields and a lower invested asset base, reflecting the run-off nature of the Life operations business.

Investment Activities

          The following table illustrates the change in net investment income from P&C operations, net income from investment fund affiliates, net realized (losses) gains on investments and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment derivative instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net investment income - P&C operations (1)

 

$

544,203

 

$

627,492

 

 

(13.3

)%

Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates (2)

 

 

38,555

 

 

30,277

 

 

27.3

%

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

2,917

 

 

(138,335

)

 

NM

*

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment and other derivative instruments (3)

 

 

2,656

 

 

(34,299

)

 

NM

*


 

 

 


 

(1)

Net investment income relating to P&C operations includes the net investment income related to the net results from structured products.

(2)

The Company generally records the income related to alternative fund affiliates on a one-month lag and the private investment fund affiliates on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the information provided by the investees.

(3)

For a summary of realized and unrealized gains and losses on all derivative instruments, see Item 1, Note 6, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

*

NM - Not Meaningful

          Net investment income related to P&C business decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011 due primarily to a reduction in investment yields as well as an accumulation of cash over the prior year given uncertainty in Europe and a negative adjustment related to inflation protected holdings.

          Net income from investment fund affiliates increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011. Alternative fund affiliate results were significantly higher in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 relative to the same period of 2011, while results from private fund affiliates, while positive, were lower than the same period of 2011.

60


          The Company manages its fixed income portfolio in accordance with investment guidelines approved by the Risk and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of XL-Ireland. The following is a summary of the investment portfolio returns for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 of the fixed income and non-fixed income portfolios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2012 (1)

 

2011 (1)

 

 

 


 


 

Total Return on Investments

 

 

5.6

%

 

4.1

%

P&C fixed income portfolio

 

 

4.7

%

 

3.6

%

Life fixed income portfolio

 

 

9.2

%

 

6.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Portfolios (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alternative portfolio (3)

 

 

3.3

%

 

3.0

%

Equity portfolio

 

 

11.7

%

 

(12.9

)%

High-Yield fixed income portfolio

 

 

6.9

%

 

(0.4

)%


 

 

 


 

(1)

Portfolio returns are calculated by dividing the sum of gross investment income or net income from investment affiliates, realized gains (losses) and unrealized gains (losses) by the average market value of each portfolio. The performance of investment portfolios is measured on a local currency basis and is not annualized. For aggregate performance calculation, respective local currency balances are translated to U.S. dollars at quarter end rates to calculate composite portfolio results.

(2)

Performance on Other Portfolios is included in the Total Return on Investments.

(3)

Performance on the alternative portfolio reflects the nine months ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments and Other-than-Temporary Declines in the Value of Investments

          Net realized gains on investments of $2.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included net realized losses of approximately $61.8 million related to the write-down of certain of the Company’s AFS investments as well as losses arising on targeted sales of European financial exposures. In addition, included in the net realized gains noted above are net realized gains of $57.6 million due primarily to gains from a repositioning of the Agency RMBS portfolio and net realized gains of $33.8 million on sales of equity securities.

          The significant components of the net impairment charges of $61.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were:

 

 

 

 

§

$36.9 million for structured securities where the Company determined that the likely recovery on these securities was below the carrying value and, accordingly, recorded an impairment of the securities to the discounted value of the cash flows expected to be received on these securities.

 

 

 

 

§

$15.4 million related to medium term notes backed primarily by European investment grade credit. On certain notes, management concluded that expected future returns on the underlying assets were not sufficient to support the previously reported amortized cost. The Company also adjusted the estimated remaining holding period of certain notes resulting in a shorter reinvestment spectrum.

 

 

 

 

§

$3.4 million related to certain equities as the holdings were in a loss position for more than 11 months.

 

 

 

 

§

$2.7 million related to private investments.

 

 

 

 

§

$2.2 million related to currency losses primarily arising on U.K. sterling denominated securities held in U.S. dollar portfolios.

 

 

 

 

§

$1.2 million for corporate securities, excluding medium term notes, principally on hybrid securities which had not been called on the first call date.

          Net realized losses on investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included net realized losses of $131.4 million related to the write-down of certain of the Company’s fixed income, equity and other investments with respect to which the Company determined that there was an other-than-temporary decline in the value of those investments as well as $6.9 million of net realized losses from sales of investments principally on European financials and non-Agency RMBS partially offset by gains on Agency RMBS.

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivatives

          Net realized and unrealized gains on derivatives of $2.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 resulted from the Company’s investment strategy to manage interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and credit risk, and to replicate permitted investments. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 6, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

61


Other Revenues and Expenses

          The following table sets forth other revenues and expenses of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net income (loss) from operating affiliates (1)

 

$

41,731

 

$

95,439

 

 

(56.3

)%

Exchange gains (losses)

 

 

(13,432

)

 

38,409

 

 

NM

*

Corporate operating expenses

 

 

(151,925

)

 

(109,105

)

 

39.2

%

Interest expense (2)

 

 

(79,601

)

 

(119,383

)

 

(33.3

)%

Income tax expense

 

 

(51,813

)

 

(16,747

)

 

NM

*


 

 

 


 

(1)

The Company generally records the income related to certain operating affiliates on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the information provided by the investees.

(2)

Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.

*

NM – Not meaningful

The following table sets forth the net income (loss) from operating affiliates for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

2012

 

2011

 

% change

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net income (loss) from financial operating affiliates

 

$

 

$

(1,018

)

 

(100.0

)%

Net income (loss) from investment manager affiliates

 

 

17,203

 

 

76,799

 

 

(77.6

)%

Net income (loss) from strategic operating affiliates

 

 

24,528

 

 

19,658

 

 

24.8

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

41,731

 

$

95,439

 

 

(56.3

)%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

          The financial operating affiliate loss in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is wholly attributable to a write down in the value of one investment following a restructuring.

          Investment manager affiliate income decreased significantly in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The prior year results included the positive impact of the sale of the Company’s ownership stake in Finisterre, especially strong performance by the investment manager affiliates (including Finisterre prior to the closing of the sale transaction) and the achievement of results that surpassed certain performance fee hurdles by various funds under management in the second quarter of 2011, as compared to solid results for the investment manager affiliates in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

          Strategic operating affiliate income increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to higher income related to an insurance affiliate that writes direct U.S. homeowners insurance.

          Foreign exchange losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were a result of an overall weakening of the value of the U.S. dollar against the Company’s major currency exposures, which include the U.K. sterling, the Euro and the Swiss franc. In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the foreign exchange gains were due to a stronger U.S. dollar against Australian and Canadian dollars but weaker against the Swiss franc and the Euro.

          Corporate operating expenses increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of performance based compensation costs and certain strategic corporate initiatives taking place in 2012.

          Interest expense decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of the overall reduction in the Company’s debt following the repayment at maturity on January 15, 2012 of $600 million 6.5% XLCFE Notes, the purchase and retirement of the $575 million 8.25% Senior Notes in August 2011, partially offset by the issuance of $400 million 5.75% Senior Notes in September 2011. For further information about these debt financing transactions see Item 8, Note 13, “Notes Payable and Debt Financing Arrangements,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          A tax charge of $51.8 million was incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and a tax charge of $16.7 million was incurred in the nine months September 30, 2011. The increase in the tax charge arose principally from higher income in taxable jurisdictions in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 than in the previous year.

62


BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Investments

          The primary objectives of the investment strategy are to support the liabilities arising from the operations of the Company, generate stable investment income and build book value for the Company over the longer term. The strategy strives to balance investment returns against market and credit risk. The Company’s overall investment portfolio is structured to take into account a number of variables including local regulatory requirements, business needs, collateral management and risk tolerance.

          At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, total investments, cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net receivable/(payable) for investments sold/(purchased) were approximately $37 billion and $36 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes the composition of the Company’s invested assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

December 31, 2011

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Carrying
Value (1)

 

Percent
of Total

 

Carrying
Value (1)

 

Percent
of Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

3,197,305

 

 

8.7

%

$

3,825,125

 

 

10.7

%

Net receivable/ (payable) for investments sold/ (purchased)

 

 

(236,302

)

 

(0.6

)%

 

1,233

 

 

0.0

%

Accrued investment income

 

 

365,516

 

 

1.0

%

 

331,758

 

 

0.9

%

Short-term investments

 

 

323,705

 

 

0.9

%

 

359,063

 

 

1.0

%

Fixed maturities - AFS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (2)

 

 

2,135,368

 

 

5.8

%

 

1,990,983

 

 

5.5

%

Corporate - Financials (3) (4) (5)

 

 

2,944,630

 

 

8.0

%

 

3,038,398

 

 

8.5

%

Corporate - Non Financials (4)

 

 

7,062,507

 

 

19.2

%

 

7,070,224

 

 

19.7

%

RMBS – Agency

 

 

5,376,903

 

 

14.7

%

 

5,379,406

 

 

15.0

%

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

636,325

 

 

1.7

%

 

641,815

 

 

1.8

%

CMBS

 

 

1,034,409

 

 

2.8

%

 

974,835

 

 

2.8

%

CDO

 

 

682,566

 

 

1.9

%

 

658,602

 

 

1.8

%

Other asset-backed securities (5)

 

 

1,458,544

 

 

4.0

%

 

1,340,249

 

 

3.7

%

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

1,820,105

 

 

5.0

%

 

1,797,378

 

 

5.0

%

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (2)

 

 

4,274,936

 

 

11.7

%

 

3,298,135

 

 

9.2

%

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities - AFS

 

$

27,426,293

 

 

74.8

%

$

26,190,025

 

 

73.0

%

Fixed maturities - HTM:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (2)

 

 

10,845

 

 

0.0

%

 

10,399

 

 

0.0

%

Corporate - Financials (3) (4) (5)

 

 

267,069

 

 

0.7

%

 

305,122

 

 

0.9

%

Corporate - Non Financials (4)

 

 

1,163,151

 

 

3.2

%

 

985,087

 

 

2.7

%

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

83,896

 

 

0.2

%

 

80,955

 

 

0.2

%

CMBS

 

 

12,917

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

0.0

%

Other asset-backed securities (5)

 

 

224,508

 

 

0.6

%

 

288,741

 

 

0.8

%

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and
Government-Related/Supported (2)

 

 

1,043,410

 

 

2.8

%

 

998,674

 

 

2.8

%

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities - HTM

 

$

2,805,796

 

 

7.5

%

$

2,668,978

 

 

7.4

%

Equity securities (6)

 

 

565,927

 

 

1.5

%

 

468,197

 

 

1.3

%

Investments in affiliates

 

 

1,027,122

 

 

2.8

%

 

1,052,729

 

 

2.9

%

Other investments

 

 

1,215,556

 

 

3.4

%

 

985,262

 

 

2.8

%

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total investments and cash and cash equivalents

 

$

36,690,918

 

 

100.0

%

$

35,882,370

 

 

100.0

%

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Carrying values represents the fair value for available for sale fixed maturities and amortized cost for held to maturity securities.

(2)

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported and Non U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported include government-related securities with an amortized cost of $2,182.5 million and $1,878.3 million and fair value of $2,258.6 million and $1,915.6 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and U.S. Agencies with an amortized cost of $453.8 million and $494.0 million and fair value of $499.5 million and $541.2 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

(3)

Included in Corporate - Financials are gross unrealized losses of $56.1 million and $108.8 million on Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities of financial institutions (“Hybrids”) with fair value of $348.8 million and $386.1 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, as well as gross unrealized losses of $19.8 million and $70.1 million on subordinated debt (including lower Tier Two securities) with a fair value of $656.7 million and $701.3 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

(4)

Included within Corporate are certain floating rate medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes have a fair value of $192.3 million and $266.0 million and an amortized cost of $199.8 million and $297.7 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. These securities have been allocated ratings of the underlying pool of securities. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.

(5)

At September 30, 2012, Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities – AFS with a carrying value of $599.9 million and Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities – HTM with a carrying value of $8.3 million have been included within Other asset-backed securities to align the Company’s classification to market indices. Covered Bonds were included in Corporate prior to January 1, 2012. At December 31, 2011, Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities – AFS with a carrying value of $353.9 million and Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities – HTM with a carrying value of $7.7 million have been reclassified from Corporate to Other asset-backed securities to conform to the current period presentation.

(6)

Included within equity securities are investments in fixed income funds of $99.3 million and $91.6 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

63


          The Company reviews its corporate debt investments on a regular basis to consider its concentration, credit quality and compliance with established guidelines. At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the average credit quality of the Company’s total fixed income portfolio (including fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and net receivable/(payable) for investment sold/(purchased)) was “Aa2/AA”. Included in the table below are the credit ratings of the fixed income portfolio excluding operating cash at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

December 31, 2011

 

 

 


 


 

Investments by Credit Rating (1) (2)
(U.S. dollars in millions)

 

Carrying
Value

 

Percent
of Total

 

Carrying
Value

 

Percent
of Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

AAA

 

$

17,065

 

 

51.5

%

$

16,276

 

 

51.1

%

AA

 

 

5,091

 

 

15.4

%

 

5,266

 

 

16.6

%

A

 

 

6,980

 

 

21.1

%

 

7,098

 

 

22.3

%

BBB

 

 

3,083

 

 

9.3

%

 

2,418

 

 

7.6

%

BB and below

 

 

849

 

 

2.6

%

 

718

 

 

2.3

%

Not rated

 

 

18

 

 

0.1

%

 

39

 

 

0.1

%

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

33,086

 

 

100.0

%

$

31,815

 

 

100.0

%

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $192.3 million and $266.0 million or 0.6% and 0.8% of the portfolio, respectively, represents medium term notes rated at the average credit rating of the underlying asset pools backing the notes.

(2)

The credit rating for each asset reflected above was principally determined based on the weighted average rating of the individual securities from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings (when available). U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage backed securities, whether with implicit or explicit government support, reflect the credit quality rating of the U.S. government for the purpose of these calculations.

Gross and Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments

          The Company had gross unrealized losses totaling $396.6 million on 1,072 securities out of a total of 7,215 held at September 30, 2012 in its AFS portfolio and $6.0 million on 9 securities out of a total of 207 held in its HTM portfolio, which it considers to be temporarily impaired or with respect to which it reflects non-credit losses on OTTI. Individual security positions comprising this balance have been evaluated by management, in conjunction with its investment managers, to determine the severity of these impairments and whether they should be considered other-than-temporary.

          Gross unrealized losses can be attributed to the following significant drivers:

 

 

 

 

gross unrealized losses of $118.9 million related to the P&C portfolios of Core CDO holdings (defined by the Company as investments in non-subprime CDOs), which consisted primarily of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and had a fair value of $682.6 million at September 30, 2012.

 

 

 

 

gross unrealized losses of $107.8 million related to the Non-Agency RMBS portfolio (which consists of the Company’s holdings of sub-prime Non-Agency RMBS, second liens, ABS CDOs with sub-prime collateral, Alt-A and Prime RMBS), which had a fair value of $720.2 million at September 30, 2012. The Company has incurred realized losses, consisting of charges for OTTI and realized losses from sales, of approximately $1.4 billion since the beginning of 2007 through September 30, 2012 on these asset classes.

 

 

 

 

gross unrealized losses of $105.5 million related to the Company’s Life operations investment portfolio, which had a fair value of $6.5 billion at September 30, 2012. Of these gross unrealized losses, $65.8 million related to $3.7 billion of exposures to corporate financial institutions, including $284.7 million related to Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities.

 

 

 

 

 

At September 30, 2012, this portfolio had an average interest rate duration of 8.7 years, primarily denominated in U.K. sterling and Euros. As a result of the long duration, significant gross losses have arisen as the fair values of these securities are more sensitive to prevailing government interest rates and credit spreads. This portfolio is generally matched to corresponding long duration liabilities. A hypothetical parallel increase in interest rates and credit spreads of 50 and 25 basis points, respectively, would increase the unrealized losses related to this portfolio at September 30, 2012 by approximately $297.1 million and $115.2 million, respectively, on both the AFS and HTM Life operations investments portfolios.

64



 

 

 

 

 

Given the long-term nature of the Life operations investments portfolio, the level of credit spreads on financial institutions at September 30, 2012 relative to historical averages within the U.K. and Euro-zone, and the Company’s liquidity needs at September 30, 2012, the Company believes that these assets will continue to be held until such time as they mature, or credit spreads on financial institutions revert to levels more consistent with historical averages.

 

 

 

 

gross unrealized losses of $60.9 million related to the corporate holdings within the Company’s non-life fixed income portfolios, which had a fair value of $7.8 billion at September 30, 2012. Of the gross unrealized losses, $29.9 million relate to financial institutions. In addition, $10.2 million relate to medium term notes primarily supported by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. These had a fair value of $192.3 million at September 30, 2012. Management believes that expected cash flows from these bonds over the expected holding period will be sufficient to support the remaining reported amortized cost.

          The following is the maturity profile of the available for sale fixed income securities that were in a continual gross unrealized loss position at September 30, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

 

 

Amount of
Unrealized
Loss

 

Fair Value
of Securities in
an Unrealized
Loss Position

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Security Type and Length of Time in a Continual Unrealized Loss Position

 

 

 




 


 

Fixed Maturities and Short-Term Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 6 months

 

$

(6,091

)

$

892,535

 

At least 6 months but less than 12 months

 

 

(6,494

)

 

153,590

 

At least 12 months but less than 2 years

 

 

(27,976

)

 

275,676

 

2 years and over

 

 

(350,771

)

 

2,042,863

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

(391,332

)

$

3,364,664

 

 

 



 



 

Equities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 6 months

 

$

(139

)

$

2,884

 

At least 6 months but less than 12 months

 

 

(5,114

)

 

269,659

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

(5,253

)

$

272,543

 

 

 



 



 

          The following is the maturity profile of the AFS fixed income securities that were in a continual gross unrealized loss position at September 30, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

 

 

Amount of
Unrealized
Loss

 

Fair Value
of Securities in
an Unrealized
Loss Position

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Maturity profile in years of AFS fixed income securities in a gross unrealized loss position

 

 

 




 


 

Less than 1 year remaining

 

$

(14,923

)

$

350,319

 

At least 1 year but less than 5 years remaining (1)

 

 

(55,465

)

 

874,881

 

At least 5 years but less than 10 years remaining (1)

 

 

(28,958

)

 

286,135

 

At least 10 years but less than 20 years remaining (1)

 

 

(28,481

)

 

160,842

 

At least 20 years or more remaining (1)

 

 

(10,631

)

 

101,398

 

RMBS - Agency

 

 

(2,738

)

 

160,332

 

RMBS - Non-Agency

 

 

(107,757

)

 

476,183

 

CMBS

 

 

(3,987

)

 

115,455

 

CDO

 

 

(118,906

)

 

669,199

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

(19,486

)

 

169,920

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

(391,332

)

$

3,364,664

 

 

 



 



 


 

 


(1)

Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions, are allocated based on the call date and medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage are allocated on contractual maturity.

65


          The following is the maturity profile of the HTM fixed income securities that were in a gross unrealized loss position at September 30, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

 

 

Amount of
Unrealized
Loss

 

Fair Value
of Securities in
an Unrealized
Loss Position

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Maturity profile in years of HTM fixed income securities in a gross unrealized loss position

 

 

 




 


 

At least 5 years but less than 10 years remaining

 

$

(72

)

$

2,347

 

At least 10 years but less than 20 years remaining

 

 

(1,507

)

 

29,071

 

At least 20 years or more remaining

 

 

(4,155

)

 

20,502

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

(295

)

 

9,509

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

(6,029

)

$

61,429

 

 

 



 



 

          Factors considered in determining that additional OTTI charges were not warranted include management’s consideration of current and near term liquidity needs along with other available sources, and in certain instances an evaluation of the factors and time necessary for recovery. For further information, see Item 1, Note 5, “Investments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

          As noted in Item 8, Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, the determination of the amount of OTTI varies by investment type and is based upon management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Management considers a wide range of factors about the securities and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Management updates its evaluations regularly and reflects additional impairments in net income as determinations are made. Management’s determination of the amount of the impairment taken on investments is highly subjective and could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations. There can be no assurance that management has accurately assessed the level of OTTI taken and reflected in the Company’s financial statements. Furthermore, additional impairments may need to be taken in the future. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments.

          Levels of write down or OTTI are also impacted by the Company’s assessment of the intent to sell securities that have declined in value prior to recovery. If, due to changes in circumstances, the Company determines to reposition or realign portions of the portfolio and the Company determines not to hold certain securities in an unrealized loss position to recovery, the Company will incur OTTI charges, which could be significant.

          Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses

          Management, in its assessment of whether securities in a gross unrealized loss position are temporarily impaired, considers the significance of the impairments. These securities include gross unrealized losses of $107.8 million on non-Agency RMBS, $118.9 million on Core CDOs and $4.0 million on CMBS holdings. At September 30, 2012, the Company had structured credit securities with gross unrealized losses of $37.0 million, which had a fair value of $12.0 million and a cumulative fair value decline of greater than 50% of amortized costs. All of these are mortgage-and asset-backed securities. The Company has evaluated each of these securities in conjunction with its investment manager service providers and believes it is more likely than not that the issuer will be able to fund sufficient principal and interest payments to support the current amortized cost.

          Net Unrealized Gains and Losses – Corporate Financial Sector Securities

          At September 30, 2012, approximately $1.2 billion of the Company’s $3.2 billion in corporate financial sector securities was held in the portfolios supporting the Company’s Life operations portfolios representing 65.0% of the gross unrealized losses on this asset class. The assets associated with that business are more heavily weighted towards longer term securities from financial institutions, including a significant portion of the Company’s Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments senior to the common and preferred equity of the financial institutions. Financials held in Life operations portfolios accounted for $22.5 million of the Company’s net unrealized loss at September 30, 2012. At September 30, 2012, approximately 45.3% of the overall sensitivity to interest rate risk and 36.6% of the overall sensitivity to credit risk was related to the Life operations portfolios, despite these portfolios accounting for only 20.3% of the fixed income portfolio.

66


          Net Unrealized Gains and Losses – Structured Securities

          The following table details the current exposures to structured credit portfolios excluding Agency RMBS within the Company’s fixed income portfolio as well as the current net unrealized (loss) gain position at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

December 31, 2011

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Carrying
Value

 

Percent
of Fixed
Income
Portfolio

 

Net
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Carrying
Value

 

Percent
of Fixed
Income
Portfolio

 

Net
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

RMBS - Non-Agency:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-prime first lien mortgages

 

$

293,709

 

 

1.0

%

$

(64,510

)

$

295,498

 

 

1.0

%

$

(136,981

)

Alt-A mortgages

 

 

138,418

 

 

0.5

%

 

(4,793

)

 

114,506

 

 

0.4

%

 

(39,659

)

Second lien mortgages (including sub-prime second lien mortgages)

 

 

26,944

 

 

0.1

%

 

105

 

 

26,461

 

 

0.1

%

 

(6,076

)

Prime RMBS

 

 

142,582

 

 

0.5

%

 

(620

)

 

158,264

 

 

0.5

%

 

(26,328

)

Other assets

 

 

118,568

 

 

0.4

%

 

358

 

 

128,041

 

 

0.4

%

 

5,790

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total exposure to Non-Agency RMBS

 

$

720,221

 

 

2.5

%

$

(69,460

)

$

722,770

 

 

2.4

%

$

(203,254

)

CMBS

 

 

1,047,326

 

 

3.5

%

 

71,044

 

 

974,835

 

 

3.3

%

 

47,152

 

Core CDOs (1)

 

 

682,566

 

 

2.3

%

 

(109,171

)

 

662,949

 

 

2.3

%

 

(185,611

)

Other Structured

 

 

1,683,052

 

 

5.6

%

 

37,539

 

 

1,635,162

 

 

5.6

%

 

7,732

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total Non-Agency Structured Securities

 

$

4,133,165

 

 

13.9

%

$

(70,048

)

$

3,995,716

 

 

13.6

%

$

(333,981

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 


(1)

The Company defines Core CDOs as investments in non-subprime collateralized debt obligations, which primarily consisted of CLOs.

          At September 30, 2012, the Company’s sub-prime, Alt-A and CDO exposures had adequate underlying asset characteristics and the Company believed at such date that the current amortized cost levels were at or below the discounted cash flow value of the holdings, based on an analysis of subordination levels relative to current expectations of prepayment rates, probability of default and loss severity in the event of default. Approximately $38.8 million of the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS were downgraded during the three months ended September 30, 2012. However, 40.6% of the Company’s holdings in Non-Agency RMBS remain rated investment grade at September 30, 2012.

          Refer to “Significant Items Affecting the Results of Operations” above for further discussion surrounding the impact of credit market movements on the Company’s investment portfolio.

European Sovereign Debt Crisis

          The ongoing global financial crisis has led to the deterioration of economies globally, as sovereign governments have reacted to the crisis by further increasing public expenditures in order to provide stimulus and security, which has created significant budgetary shortfalls. Several key nations within the European Union – particularly Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain (“GIIPS”) – have suffered a high level of fiscal distress and economic vulnerability due to overreliance on external credit sources and imprudent borrowing and other monetary practices. This has raised doubts within the global financial community as to whether these sovereign nations will remain able to service their own debt obligations both at a national and local level and as to whether the Euro will remain the currency for the European Union.

          The Company’s primary exposure to this European sovereign debt crisis is from direct investment in fixed maturity securities issued by GIIPS national and local governments, as well as from fixed maturity securities issued by certain financial and non-financial corporate entities operating within GIIPS. The Company continues to monitor its financial exposure to this crisis, and continually assesses the impact of a potential default by any of GIIPS on their respective debt issuances, including the associated impact on non-sovereign entities in these five nations in the event of such a default. With regard to non-sovereign securities, the Company considers a security to be at risk if the security issuer’s main operations are physically located within GIIPS, as opposed to where the issuer is legally domiciled.

          The Company currently has no unfunded investment exposures or commitments to either sovereign or non-sovereign entities within these EU nations. The Company does invest in various alternative and private investment funds that from time to time may invest in securities or investments related to these five EU nations. Currently, these are not material exposures.

67


          The following is an analysis of the Company’s AFS and HTM fixed maturity investment exposures related to this GIIPS crisis at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the contractual maturities of these securities. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

December 31, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Carrying
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Carrying
Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Fixed maturities GIIPS - AFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government and government related – National Governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

5,431

 

$

4,854

 

$

6,601

 

$

5,927

 

Government and government related – Local Governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,594

 

 

5,594

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate investments – Financial Institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

372

 

 

368

 

 

6,001

 

 

4,626

 

Corporate investments – Non-Financial Institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,277

 

 

54,014

 

 

138,834

 

 

131,890

 

Structured Credit (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,216

 

 

9,885

 

 

22,172

 

 

19,417

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities GIIPS - AFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

76,890

 

$

74,715

 

$

173,608

 

$

161,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due less than one year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,810

 

$

4,822

 

$

13,824

 

$

14,028

 

Due after 1 through 5 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,984

 

 

17,269

 

 

32,992

 

 

31,050

 

Due after 5 through 10 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,425

 

 

19,797

 

 

72,988

 

 

70,651

 

Due after 10 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,671

 

 

32,827

 

 

53,804

 

 

46,131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

76,890

 

$

74,715

 

$

173,608

 

$

161,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Fixed maturities GIIPS - HTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government and government related – National Governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

12,285

 

$

9,483

 

$

11,738

 

$

8,739

 

Government and government related – Local Governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,360

 

 

7,649

 

Corporate investments – Non-Financial Institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

59,725

 

 

57,309

 

 

72,782

 

 

65,380

 

Structured Credit (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total fixed maturities GIIPS - HTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

72,010

 

$

66,792

 

$

93,880

 

$

81,768

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due less than one year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,264

 

$

6,233

 

Due after 1 through 5 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,326

 

 

4,336

 

 

4,199

 

 

4,110

 

Due after 5 through 10 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,450

 

 

12,883

 

 

20,705

 

 

18,260

 

Due after 10 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,234

 

 

49,573

 

 

62,712

 

 

53,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

72,010

 

$

66,792

 

$

93,880

 

$

81,768

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 


(1)

During 2012, Covered Bonds have been included within Other asset-backed securities under Structured Credit to align the Company’s classification to market indices. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.


          The following table details the gross and net unrealized (loss) gain position at September 30, 2012 relating to GIIPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Greece

 

Italy

 

Ireland

 

Portugal

 

Spain

 

TOTAL

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Gross Unrealized (Losses) - GIIPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government and government related – National Governments

 

$

 

$

(3,379

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(3,379

)

Government and government related – Local Governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate investments – Financial Institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4

)

Corporate investments – Non-Financial Institutions

 

 

(39

)

 

(4,005

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,547

)

 

(6,591

)

Structured Credit (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(46

)

 

 

 

 

 

(46

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total gross unrealized gains (losses) relating to GIIPS

 

$

(39

)

$

(7,384

)

$

(50

)

$

 

$

(2,547

)

$

(10,020

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) - GIIPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government and government related – National Governments

 

$

 

$

(577

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(577

)

Government and government related – Local Governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate investments – Financial Institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4

)

Corporate investments – Non-Financial Institutions

 

 

239

 

 

(2,098

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,404

)

 

(3,263

)

Structured Credit (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,669

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,669

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total net unrealized gains (losses) relating to GIIPS

 

$

239

 

$

(2,675

)

$

1,665

 

$

 

$

(1,404

)

$

(2,175

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 


(1)

Covered Bonds have been included within Other asset-backed securities under Structured Credit to align the Company’s classification to market indices. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

68


          In addition to the direct investment portfolio considerations discussed above, as an international (re)insurance company, European credit exposures may exist for the Company within unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable. For further details on these balances including the names of the Company’s most significant reinsurance counterparties, see Item 8, Note 9, “Reinsurance,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Other sources of potential exposure to European credit issues may exist within certain lines of insurance or reinsurance business written (including but not limited to lines such as surety, business interruption, and political risk), or within underlying investments held in securitized financial instruments or in structured transactions in which the Company has an interest. Management considers these potential exposures as part of its ongoing enterprise risk management processes.

Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities

          As described in Item 1, Note 3, “Fair Value Measurements,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and, accordingly, has provided required disclosures by level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value. As defined in the hierarchy, those assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3 have valuations determined using unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs may include the entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions, applied to a modeled valuation, however, this is not the case with respect to the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities. The vast majority of the assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 are made up of those securities for which the values were obtained from brokers where either significant inputs were utilized in determining the value that were difficult to corroborate with observable market data, or sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the broker was not obtained to support a Level 2 classification or the Company utilized internal valuation models.

          Controls over Valuation of Financial Instruments

          The Company performs regular reviews of the prices received from its third party valuation sources to assess if the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. This process is completed by investment and accounting personnel who are independent of those responsible for obtaining the valuations. The approaches taken by the Company include, but are not limited to, annual reviews of the controls of the external parties responsible for sourcing valuations which are subjected to automated tolerance checks, quarterly reviews of the valuation sources and dates, and monthly reconciliations between the valuations provided by our external parties and valuations provided by our third party investment managers at a portfolio level.

          In addition, the Company assesses the effectiveness of valuation controls performed by external parties responsible for sourcing appropriate valuations from third parties on the Company’s behalf. The approaches taken by these external parties to gain comfort include, but are not limited to, comparing valuations between external sources, completing recurring reviews of third party pricing services’ methodologies and reviewing controls of the third party service providers to support the completeness and accuracy of the prices received. Where broker quotes are the primary source of the valuations, sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the brokers is generally not available to support a Level 2 classification. The Company obtains the majority of broker quoted values from third party investment managers who perform independent verifications of these valuations using pricing matrices based upon information gathered by market traders. In addition, for the majority of these securities, the Company compares the broker quotes to independent valuations obtained from third party pricing vendors, which may also consist of broker quotes, to assess if the prices received represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value.

          Valuation Methodology of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities

          Refer to Item 1, Note 3, “Fair Value Measurements,” of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, for a description of the valuation methodology utilized to value Level 3 assets and liabilities, how the valuation methodology is validated as well as further details associated with various assets classified as Level 3. At September 30, 2012, the Company did not have any liabilities that were carried at fair value based on Level 3 inputs other than derivative instruments in a liability position at September 30, 2012.

69


          Fair Value of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities

          At September 30, 2012, the fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities as a percentage of the Company’s total assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Total Assets
and Liabilities
Carried at
Fair Value at
September 30,
2012

 

Fair Value
of Level 3
Assets and
Liabilities

 

Level 3 Assets
and Liabilities
as a Percentage
of Total Assets
and Liabilities
Carried at Fair
Value, by Class

 

 

 


 


 


 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government and Government Agency-Related/Supported

 

$

2,135,368

 

$

 

 

0.0

%

Corporate (1)

 

 

10,007,137

 

 

29,135

 

 

0.3

%

RMBS – Agency

 

 

5,376,903

 

 

33,857

 

 

0.6

%

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 

636,325

 

 

7,839

 

 

1.2

%

CMBS

 

 

1,034,409

 

 

33,369

 

 

3.2

%

CDO

 

 

682,566

 

 

674,793

 

 

98.9

%

Other asset-backed securities (1)

 

 

1,458,544

 

 

17,163

 

 

1.2

%

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

1,820,105

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Supranational and Government-Related

 

 

4,274,936

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total Fixed maturities, at fair value

 

$

27,426,293

 

$

796,156

 

 

2.9

%

Equity securities, at fair value

 

 

565,927

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

Short-term investments, at fair value

 

 

323,705

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total investments available for sale

 

$

28,315,925

 

$

796,156

 

 

2.8

%

Cash equivalents (2)

 

 

2,359,617

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

Other investments (3)

 

 

903,788

 

 

119,975

 

 

13.3

%

Other assets (4)

 

 

52,151

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total assets carried at fair value

 

$

31,631,481

 

$

916,131

 

 

2.9

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (5)

 

$

30,944

 

$

 

 

0.0

%

Other liabilities (6)

 

 

117,071

 

 

35,062

 

 

29.9

%

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total liabilities carried at fair value

 

$

148,015

 

$

35,062

 

 

23.7

%

 

 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

During 2012, Covered Bonds previously included as Corporate securities are now classified as Other asset-backed securities to align the Company’s classification to market indices. At September 30, 2012, these securities had a fair value of $599.9 million.

 

 

(2)

Cash equivalents balances subject to fair value measurements include certificates of deposit and money market funds.

 

 

(3)

The Other investments balance excludes certain structured transactions including certain investments in project finance transactions and a payment obligation (for further information, see Item 8, Note 7, “Other Investments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011) that has provided liquidity financing to a structured credit vehicle as a part of a third party medium term note facility. These Other investments are carried at amortized cost that totaled $311.8 million at September 30, 2012 and $323.7 million at December 31, 2011.

 

 

(4)

Other assets include derivative instruments, reported on a gross basis.

 

 

(5)

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased are included within “Payable for investments purchased” on the balance sheet.

 

 

(6)

Other liabilities include derivative instruments, reported on a gross basis.

          At September 30, 2012, the Company’s Level 3 assets represented approximately 2.9% of assets that are measured at fair value and less than 2% of total assets. The Company’s Level 3 liabilities represented approximately 23.7% of liabilities that are measured at fair value and less than 1% of total liabilities at September 30, 2012.

          Changes in the Fair Value of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities

          See Item 1, Note 3, “Fair Value Measurements,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, for an analysis of the change in fair value of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities.

70


Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses

          The Company establishes reserves to provide for estimated claims, the general expenses of administering the claims adjustment process and losses incurred but not reported. These reserves are calculated using actuarial and other reserving techniques to project the estimated ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses. The Company’s reserving practices and the establishment of any particular reserve reflects management’s judgment concerning sound financial practice and do not represent any admission of liability with respect to any claims made against the Company.

          Unpaid losses and loss expenses totaled $20.1 billion and $20.6 billion at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The table below represents a reconciliation of the Company’s P&C unpaid losses and loss expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Gross unpaid
losses and
loss
expenses

 

Unpaid
losses and
loss
expenses
recoverable

 

Net
unpaid losses
and loss
expenses

 

 

 


 


 


 

Balance at December 31, 2011

 

$

20,613,901

 

$

(3,629,928

)

$

16,983,973

 

Losses and loss expenses incurred

 

 

2,994,257

 

 

(419,761

)

 

2,574,496

 

Losses and loss expenses paid/recovered

 

 

(3,631,839

)

 

766,224

 

 

(2,865,615

)

Foreign exchange and other

 

 

98,349

 

 

(15,846

)

 

82,503

 

 

 



 



 



 

Balance at September 30, 2012

 

$

20,074,668

 

$

(3,299,311

)

$

16,775,357

 

 

 



 



 



 

          While the Company reviews the adequacy of established reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses regularly, no assurance can be given that actual claims made and payments related thereto will not be in excess of the amounts reserved. In the future, if such reserves develop adversely, such deficiency would have a negative impact on future results of operations. For further discussion, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – 1) Unpaid Loss and Loss Expenses and Unpaid Loss and Loss Expenses Recoverable,” and Item 8, Note 10, “Losses and Loss Expenses,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses Recoverable and Reinsurance Balances Receivable

          In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the potential amount of loss arising from claims events by reinsuring certain levels of risk assumed in various areas of exposure with other insurers or reinsurers. While reinsurance agreements are designed to limit the Company’s losses from large exposures and permit recovery of a portion of direct unpaid losses, reinsurance does not relieve the Company of its ultimate liability to the Company’s insureds. Accordingly, the losses and loss expense reserves on the balance sheet represent the Company’s total unpaid gross losses. Unpaid losses and loss expense recoverable relates to estimated reinsurance recoveries on the unpaid loss and loss expense reserves.

          Unpaid losses and loss expense recoverables were $3.3 billion and $3.7 billion at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, reinsurance balances receivable were $0.2 billion. The table below presents the Company’s net paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

Reinsurance balances receivable

 

$

263,951

 

$

263,877

 

Reinsurance recoverable on future policy benefits

 

 

19,955

 

 

25,020

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses

 

 

3,360,935

 

 

3,685,260

 

Bad debt reserve on unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable

 

 

(100,324

)

 

(99,192

)

 

 



 



 

Net paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable

 

$

3,544,517

 

$

3,874,965

 

 

 



 



 

71


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

          Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short and long-term cash requirements of the Company’s business operations. As a global insurance and reinsurance company, one of the Company’s principal responsibilities to its clients is to ensure that the Company has ready access to funds with which to settle large unforeseen claims. The Company would generally expect that positive cash flow from operations (underwriting activities and investment income) will be sufficient to cover cash outflows under most future loss scenarios. However, there is a possibility that unforeseen demands could be placed on the Company due to extraordinary events and, as such, the Company’s liquidity needs may change. Such events include, among other things, several significant catastrophes occurring in a relatively short period of time resulting in material incurred losses; rating agency downgrades of the Company’s core insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries that would require posting of collateral in connection with the Company’s letter of credit and revolving credit facilities, return of unearned premiums and/or the settlement of derivative transactions and large scale uncollectible reinsurance recoverables on paid losses (as a result of coverage disputes, reinsurers’ credit problems or decreases in the value of collateral supporting reinsurance recoverables). Any one or a combination of such events may cause a liquidity strain for the Company. In addition, a liquidity strain could also occur in an illiquid market, such as that which was experienced in 2008. Investments that may be used to meet liquidity needs in the event of a liquidity strain may not be liquid, given inactive markets, or may have to be sold at a significant loss as a result of depressed prices. Because each subsidiary focuses on a more limited number of specific product lines than is collectively available from the consolidated group of companies, the mix of business tends to be less diverse at the subsidiary level. As a result, the probability of a liquidity strain, as described above, may be greater for individual subsidiaries than when liquidity is assessed on a consolidated basis. If such a liquidity strain were to occur in a subsidiary, XL-Ireland may be required to contribute capital to the particular subsidiary and/or curtail dividends from the subsidiary to support holding company operations, which may be difficult given that XL-Ireland is a holding company and has limited liquidity.

          A downgrade below “A–” of the Company’s principal insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries by either S&P or A.M. Best, which is two notches below the current S&P financial strength rating of “A” (Stable) and the A.M. Best financial strength rating of “A” (Stable) of these subsidiaries, may trigger cancelation provisions in a significant amount of the Company’s assumed reinsurance agreements and may potentially require the Company to return unearned premiums to cedants. In addition, due to collateral posting requirements under the Company’s letter of credit and revolving credit facilities, such a downgrade may require the posting of cash collateral in support of certain “in use” portions of these facilities. Specifically, a downgrade below “A–” by A.M. Best would constitute an event of default under the Company’s three largest credit facilities and may trigger such collateral requirements. In certain limited instances, such downgrades may require the Company to return cash or assets to counterparties or to settle derivative and/or other transactions with the respective counterparties. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Holding Company Liquidity

          As holding companies, XL-Ireland and XL-Cayman have no operations of their own and their assets consist primarily of investments in subsidiaries. XL-Ireland’s principal uses of liquidity are ordinary share-related transactions, including dividend payments to holders of its ordinary shares as well as share buybacks, capital investments in its subsidiaries and certain corporate operating expenses. XL-Cayman’s principal uses of liquidity are preference share related transactions, including dividend payments to its preference shareholders as well as preference share buybacks from time to time, interest and principal payments on debt and certain corporate operating expenses.

          As holding companies, XL-Ireland’s and XL-Cayman’s future cash flows largely depend on the availability of dividends or other statutorily permissible payments from subsidiaries. The ability to pay such dividends is limited by applicable laws and regulations of the various jurisdictions in which the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries operate, certain additional required regulatory approvals and financial covenants contained in the Company’s letters of credit and revolving credit facilities. The payment of dividends to the holding companies by the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries is regulated under the laws of various jurisdictions including Bermuda, the U.K., Ireland and Switzerland and certain insurance statutes of various states in the United States in which the principal operating subsidiaries are licensed to transact business and the other jurisdictions where the Company has regulated subsidiaries. See Item 8, Note 23, “Statutory Financial Data,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further discussion and details regarding the dividend capacity of the Company’s major operating subsidiaries. See also Item 1A, “Risk Factors – Our holding company structure and certain regulatory and other constraints affect our ability to pay dividends, make payments on our debt securities and make other payments,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The ability to pay such dividends is also limited by the regulations of the Society of Lloyd’s and certain contractual provisions. No assurance can be given that the Company’s subsidiaries will pay dividends in the future to XL-Ireland and XL-Cayman.

          Under Irish law, share premium was required to be converted to “distributable reserves” for the Company to have the ability to pay cash dividends and redeem and buyback shares following the Redomestication. On July 23, 2010, the Irish High Court approved XL-Ireland’s conversion of share premium to $5.0 billion of distributable reserves, subject to the completion of certain formalities under Irish Company law. These formalities were completed in early August 2010. At September 30, 2012, XL-Ireland had $3.7 billion in distributable reserves.

72


          During 2009, management changed the internal ownership structure of certain of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Bermuda and Ireland in order to more efficiently utilize capital and to improve overall liquidity. In connection with these changes, certain dividends were paid to XL-Cayman by operating subsidiaries.

          At September 30, 2012, XL-Ireland and XL-Cayman held cash and investments, net of liabilities associated with cash sweeping arrangements, of $1.0 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, compared to $1.6 million and $2.0 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2011.

          All outstanding debt of the Company at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was issued by XL-Cayman except for the $600 million XLCFE Notes which were issued by XL Capital Finance (Europe) plc (“XLCFE”) and were repaid at maturity on January 15, 2012. Both XL-Cayman and XLCFE are wholly-owned subsidiaries of XL-Ireland. XL-Cayman’s outstanding debt is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by XL-Ireland. The Company’s ability to obtain funds from its subsidiaries to satisfy any of its obligations under guarantees is subject to certain contractual restrictions, applicable laws and statutory requirements of the various countries in which the Company operates, including, among others, Bermuda, the United States, Ireland, Switzerland and the U.K. At December 31, 2011, required statutory capital and surplus for the principal operating subsidiaries of the Company was $6.7 billion.

          XL-Ireland and its subsidiaries provide no guarantees or other commitments (express or implied) of financial support to the Company’s subsidiaries or affiliates, except for such guarantees or commitments that are in writing.

          See also the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 1, Financial Statements included herein.

Sources of Liquidity for the Company

          At September 30, 2012, the consolidated Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.2 billion as compared to approximately $3.8 billion at December 31, 2011. There are three main sources of cash flows for the Company – those provided by operations, investing activities and financing activities.

          Operating Cash Flows

          Historically, cash receipts from operations, consisting of premiums and investment income, generally have provided sufficient funds to pay losses as well as operating expenses of the Company’s subsidiaries and to fund dividends to XL-Ireland. Cash receipts from operations is generally derived from the receipt of investment income on the Company’s investment portfolio as well as the net receipt of premiums less claims and expenses related to the Company’s underwriting activities in its P&C operations as well as its Life operations segment. The Company’s operating subsidiaries provide liquidity in that premiums are generally received months or even years before losses are paid under the policies related to such premiums. Premiums and acquisition expenses are settled based on terms of trade as stipulated by an underwriting contract, and generally are received within the first year of inception of a policy when the premium is written, but can be up to three years on certain reinsurance business assumed. Operating expenses are generally paid within a year of being incurred. Claims, especially for casualty business, may take a much longer time before they are reported and ultimately settled, requiring the establishment of reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses. Therefore, the amount of claims paid in any one year is not necessarily related to the amount of net losses incurred, as reported in the consolidated statement of income.

          During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net cash flows provided by operating activities were $894.2 million compared to net cash flows provided by operating activities of $365.5 million for the same period in 2011. The operating cash increase was primarily due to the increase in net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year.

          Investing Cash Flows

          Generally, positive cash flow from operations and financing activities is invested in the Company’s investment portfolio, including affiliates or the acquisition of subsidiaries.

          Net cash used in investing activities was $337.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to net cash provided of $268.7 million for the same period in 2011. These cash flows were associated with the normal purchase and sale of portfolio investments.

          Certain of the Company’s invested assets are held in trust and pledged in support of insurance and reinsurance liabilities as well as credit facilities. Such pledges are largely required by the Company’s operating subsidiaries that are “non-admitted” under U.S. state insurance regulations, in order for the U.S. cedant to receive statutory credit for reinsurance. Also, certain deposit liabilities and annuity contracts require the use of pledged assets. As further outlined in Item 1, Note 5, “Investments — Pledged Assets,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, certain assets of the investment portfolio are collateralized for the Company’s letter of credit facilities. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $17.5 billion and $17.2 billion in pledged assets, respectively.

73


          Financing Cash Flows

          Cash flows related to financing activities include ordinary and preferred share related transactions, the payment of dividends, the issue or repayment of preference ordinary shares and deposit liability transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net cash flows used in financing activities were $1,204.4 million. Net cash outflows related primarily to the buybacks of the Company’s ordinary shares and repayment of debt as described below.

          On February 27, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a share buyback program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $750 million of its ordinary shares. This authorization replaced the approximately $190 million remaining under the share buyback program that was authorized in November 2010 as described in further detail in Item 8, Note 18, “Share Capital,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and canceled 5.3 million ordinary shares under the program for $125.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and canceled 16.2 million ordinary shares under the program for $350.0 million. All share buybacks were carried out by way of redemption in accordance with Irish law and the Company’s constitutional documents. All shares so redeemed were canceled upon redemption. At September 30, 2012, $400.0 million remained available for purchase under the program.

          On January 15, 2012, the $600 million principal amount outstanding on the XLCFE Notes, which were issued by XLCFE, was repaid at maturity. For further detail, see Item 1, Note 8, “Notes Payable and Debt Financing Arrangements,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

          In addition, the Company maintains credit facilities that provide liquidity. Details of these facilities are described below in “Capital Resources.”

Capital Resources

          At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had total shareholders’ equity of $11.8 billion and $10.8 billion, respectively. In addition to ordinary share capital, the Company depends on external sources of financing to support its underwriting activities in the form of:

 

 

 

 

a.

debt;

 

 

 

 

b.

preference shares;

 

 

 

 

c.

letter of credit facilities and other sources of collateral; and

 

 

 

 

d.

revolving credit facilities.

 

 

 

In particular, the Company requires, among other things:

 

 

 

§

sufficient capital to maintain its financial strength and credit ratings, as issued by several ratings agencies, at levels considered necessary by management to enable the Company’s key operating subsidiaries to compete;

 

 

 

 

§

sufficient capital to enable its regulated subsidiaries to meet the regulatory capital levels required in the United States, the U.K., Bermuda, Ireland, Switzerland and other key markets;

 

 

 

 

§

letters of credit and other forms of collateral that are required to be posted or deposited, as the case may be, by the Company’s operating subsidiaries that are “non-admitted” under U.S. state insurance regulations in order for the U.S. cedant to receive statutory credit for reinsurance. The Company also uses letters of credit to support its operations at Lloyd’s; and

 

 

 

 

§

revolving credit to meet short-term liquidity needs.

 

 

 

 

The following risks are associated with the Company’s requirement to renew its credit facilities:

 

 

 

 

§

the credit available from banks may be reduced resulting in the Company’s need to pledge its investment portfolio to customers. This could result in a lower investment yield;

 

 

 

 

§

the Company may be downgraded by one or more rating agencies, which could materially and negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity; and

 

 

 

 

§

the volume of business that the Company’s subsidiaries that are not admitted in the United States are able to transact could be reduced if the Company is unable to renew its letter of credit facilities at an appropriate amount.

74


          Consolidation within the banking industry may result in the aggregate amount of credit provided to the Company being reduced. The Company attempts to mitigate this risk by identifying and/or selecting additional banks that can participate in the credit facilities upon renewal. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s current capital resources as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

Series D preference ordinary shares

 

$

345,000

 

$

345,000

 

Series E preference ordinary shares

 

 

999,500

 

 

999,500

 

Ordinary share capital

 

 

10,411,037

 

 

9,411,658

 

 

 



 



 

Total ordinary and non-controlling interests capital

 

$

11,755,537

 

$

10,756,158

 

Notes payable and debt

 

 

1,665,699

 

 

2,264,618

 

 

 



 



 

Total capital

 

$

13,421,236

 

$

13,020,776

 

 

 



 



 

          Ordinary Share Capital

          The following table reconciles the opening and closing ordinary share capital positions as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

Ordinary shareholders’ equity – beginning of period

 

$

9,411,658

 

$

9,597,473

 

Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc

 

 

569,686

 

 

(474,760

)

Share buybacks

 

 

(351,158

)

 

(667,022

)

Share issues

 

 

6,176

 

 

573,015

 

Ordinary share dividends

 

 

(102,239

)

 

(138,978

)

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

840,384

 

 

482,269

 

Share based compensation and other

 

 

36,530

 

 

39,661

 

 

 



 



 

Ordinary shareholders’ equity – end of period

 

$

10,411,037

 

$

9,411,658

 

 

 



 



 

          Debt

          The following tables present the Company’s debt under outstanding securities and lenders’ commitments at September 30, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Commitment/
Debt

 

In Use/
Outstanding

 

Year of
Expiry

 

Less than
1 Year

 

1 to 3
Years

 

3 to 5
Years

 

After 5
Years

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

4-year revolver

 

$

1,000,000

 

$

 

 

2015

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

5.25% Senior Notes

 

 

600,000

 

 

598,193

 

 

2014

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

 

 

 

 

5.75% Senior Notes

 

 

400,000

 

 

396,123

 

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

400,000

 

6.375% Senior Notes

 

 

350,000

 

 

348,674

 

 

2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

350,000

 

6.25% Senior Notes

 

 

325,000

 

 

322,709

 

 

2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

325,000

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

2,675,000

 

$

1,665,699

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

600,000

 

$

 

$

1,075,000

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Adjustment to carrying value - impact of fair value hedges

 

 

 

 

$

7,651

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

$

1,673,350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           “In Use/Outstanding” data represent September 30, 2012 accreted values. “Payments Due by Period” data represent ultimate redemption values.

          In addition, see Item 1, Note 13, “Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information.

75


          At September 30, 2012, banks and investors provided the Company and its subsidiaries with $2.7 billion of debt capacity, of which $1.7 billion was utilized by the Company. These facilities consist of:

 

 

a revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion.


 

 

 

senior unsecured notes of approximately $1.7 billion. These notes require the Company to pay a fixed rate of interest during their terms. At September 30, 2012, there were four outstanding issues of senior unsecured notes:

 

 

 

$600 million senior notes due September 2014, with a fixed coupon of 5.25%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued in two tranches of $300 million aggregate principal amount each – one tranche at 99.432% and the other at 98.419% with aggregate net proceeds of $590.9 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $2.7 million.

 

 

 

 

$400 million senior notes due October 2021, with a fixed coupon of 5.75%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued at 100.0% and net proceeds were $395.7 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $4.3 million.

 

 

 

 

$350 million senior notes due November 2024, with a fixed coupon of 6.375%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued at 100.0% and net proceeds were $347.8 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $2.2 million.

 

 

 

 

$325 million of senior notes due May 2027, with a fixed coupon of 6.25%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued at 99.805% and net proceeds were $321.9 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $2.5 million.

          Preferred Shares and Non-controlling Interest in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiaries

          Neither the Redeemable Series C preference ordinary shares nor the Series E preference ordinary shares were transferred from XL-Cayman to XL-Ireland in the Redomestication. Accordingly, subsequent to July 1, 2010, these instruments represent non-controlling interests in the consolidated financial statements of the Company and have been reclassified to non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries. See Item 8, Note 1, “General,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information. During the third quarter of 2011, all Redeemable Series C preference ordinary shares were purchased and canceled. At September 30, 2012, the face value of the outstanding Series E preference ordinary shares was $999.5 million.

          On October 15, 2011, XL-Cayman issued 350,000 non-cumulative Series D Preference Ordinary Shares for $350 million of cash and liquid investments that were held in a trust account that was part of the Stoneheath facility. Holders of the Stoneheath Securities received one Series D Preference Ordinary Share in exchange for each Stoneheath Security. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Contingent Capital” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information.

          On December 5, 2011, the Company repurchased 5,000 of the outstanding Series D Preference Ordinary Shares with a liquidation preference value of $5.0 million for $3.7 million, including accrued dividends. As a result of these repurchases, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $1.3 million through Non-controlling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Income in the fourth quarter of 2011. At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the face value of the outstanding Series D Preference Ordinary Shares was $345.0 million.

          Letter of Credit Facilities and other sources of collateral

          At September 30, 2012, the Company had five letter of credit (“LOC”) facilities in place with total availability of $4.0 billion, of which $1.8 billion was utilized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

 

Commitment/
Debt

 

In Use/
Outstanding

 

Year of
Expiry

 

Less than
1 Year

 

1 to 3
Years

 

3 to 5
Years

 

After 5
Years

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

LOC Facility (1)

 

$

1,000,000

 

$

850,497

 

$

2014

 

$

 

$

850,497

 

$

 

$

 

LOC Facility (2) (3)

 

 

1,350,000

 

 

116,664

 

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

116,664

 

 

 

LOC Facility (3)

 

 

650,000

 

 

369,230

 

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

369,230

 

 

 

LOC Facility

 

 

750,000

 

 

332,719

 

 

Continuous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

332,719

 

LOC Facility

 

 

250,000

 

 

121,395

 

 

Continuous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

121,395

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Five LOC facilities

 

$

4,000,000

 

$

1,790,505

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

850,497

 

$

485,894

 

$

454,114

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

The Company has the option to increase the size of the March 2011 Credit Agreement by an additional $500 million.

(2)

This letter of credit facility includes $1.0 billion that is also included in the “4-year revolver” listed under Debt.

(3)

The Company has the option to increase the size of the facilities under the December 2011 Credit Agreements by an additional $500 million across both such facilities.

76


          In 2011, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (i) entered into three new credit agreements, which provided for an aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit and revolving credit loans up to $3 billion, subject to certain options to increase the size of the facilities, and (ii) terminated the five-year credit agreement dated June 21, 2007 (the “2007 Credit Agreement”), which had provided for an aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit and revolving credit loans up to $4 billion.

          On March 25, 2011, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a secured credit agreement (the “March 2011 Credit Agreement”) that currently provides for the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $1 billion with the option to increase the size of the facility by an additional $500 million. Concurrent with the effectiveness of the March 2011 Credit Agreement, the commitments of the lenders under the 2007 Credit Agreement were reduced from $4 billion to $3 billion. The commitments under the March 2011 Credit Agreement will expire on, and the credit facility is available on a continuous basis until, the earlier of (i) March 25, 2014 and (ii) the date of termination in whole of the commitments upon an optional termination or reduction of the commitments by the account parties or upon an event of default.

          On December 9, 2011, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into (i) a new secured credit agreement (the “December 2011 Secured Credit Agreement”) and (ii) a new unsecured credit agreement (the “December 2011 Unsecured Credit Agreement” and together with the December 2011 Secured Credit Agreement, the “December 2011 Credit Agreements”). In connection with the December 2011 Credit Agreements, the 2007 Credit Agreement was terminated. The March 2011 Credit Agreement continues in force, but was amended to conform certain of its terms to those of the December 2011 Secured Credit Agreement.

          The 2007 Credit Agreement had provided for letters of credit and for revolving credit loans of up to $750 million with the aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit and revolving credit loans thereunder not to exceed $3 billion. At the time at which it was terminated and the December 2011 Credit Agreements became effective, there were no outstanding revolving credit loans under the 2007 Credit Agreement. A portion of the letters of credit outstanding under the 2007 Credit Agreement at the time of its termination were continued under the March 2011 Credit Agreement and the remainder were continued under the December 2011 Credit Agreements.

          The December 2011 Secured Credit Agreement provides for the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $650 million. The December 2011 Unsecured Credit Agreement is a $1.35 billion facility that provides for the issuance of letters of credit and revolving credit loans in an aggregate amount up to $1 billion. The Company has the option to increase the maximum amount of letters of credit available by an additional $500 million across the facilities under the December 2011 Credit Agreements.

          The commitments under each December 2011 Credit Agreement expire on, and such credit facilities are available until, the earlier of (i) December 9, 2015 and (ii) the date of termination in whole of the commitments upon an optional termination or reduction of the commitments by the account parties or upon an event of default.

          The availability of letters of credit under the December 2011 Secured Credit Agreement and the March 2011 Credit Agreements is subject to a borrowing base requirement, determined on the basis of specified percentages of the face value of eligible categories of assets varying by type of collateral. In the event that such credit support is insufficient, the Company could be required to provide alternative security to cedants. This could take the form of insurance trusts supported by the Company’s investment portfolio or funds withheld (amounts retained by ceding companies to collateralize loss or premium reserves) using the Company’s cash resources or combinations thereof. The face amount of letters of credit required is driven by, among other things, loss development of existing reserves, the payment pattern of such reserves, the expansion of business written by the Company and the loss experience of such business. In addition to letters of credit, the Company has established insurance trusts in the United States that provide cedants with statutory credit for reinsurance under state insurance regulation in the United States.

          The Company reviews current and projected collateral requirements on a regular basis, as well as new sources of collateral. Management’s objective is to maintain an excess amount of collateral sources over expected uses. The Company also reviews its liquidity needs on a regular basis.

          In October 2011, the $75,000 letter of credit facility that was supporting a subsidiary of the Company was terminated.

          Other

          For information regarding cross-default and certain other provisions in the Company’s debt and convertible securities documents, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Cross-Default and Other Provisions in Debt Instruments,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2011.

          See Part II, Item 2, “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds,” below.

77


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 ordinary shareholders, any proxy statement, any 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 (both as to underwriting and investment matters). 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 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. The Company believes that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) changes in the size of the Company’s claims relating to natural or man-made catastrophe losses due to the preliminary nature of some reports and estimates of loss and damage to date; (ii) trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance; (iii) the timely and full recoverability of reinsurance placed by the Company with third parties, or other amounts due to the Company; (iv) changes in ratings or rating agency policies or practices; (v) changes in the projected amount of ceded reinsurance recoverables and the ratings and creditworthiness of reinsurers; (vi) the timing of claims payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being slower than anticipated by the Company; (vii) the Company’s ability to successfully implement its business strategy especially during a “soft” market cycle; (viii) increased competition on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors, which could harm the Company’s ability to maintain or increase its business volumes or profitability; (ix) greater frequency or severity of claims and loss activity than the Company’s underwriting, reserving or investment practices anticipate based on historical experience or industry data; (x) changes in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation on the Company’s business, including on pricing and reserving, and changes in interest rates, credit spreads, foreign currency exchange rates and future volatility in the world’s credit, financial and capital markets that adversely affect the performance and valuation of the Company’s investments or access to such markets; (xi) developments, including uncertainties related to: the future of the Euro-zone, the ability of Euro-zone countries to service existing debt obligations and the strength of the Euro as a currency; and to the financial condition of counterparties, reinsurers and other companies that are at risk of bankruptcy; (xii) the potential impact on the Company from government-mandated insurance coverage for acts of terrorism; (xiii) the potential for changes to methodologies, estimations and assumptions that underlie the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that could result in changes to investment valuations; (xiv) changes to the Company’s assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, or has the intent to sell, available for sale debt securities before their anticipated recovery; (xv) the availability of borrowings and letters of credit under the Company’s credit facilities; (xvi) the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends to XL Group plc and XLIT Ltd.; (xvii) the potential effect of regulatory developments in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, including those which could impact the financial markets or increase the Company’s business costs and required capital levels; (xviii) changes in regulations or laws applicable to XL Group plc or its subsidiaries, brokers or customers; (xix) acceptance of the Company’s products and services, including new products and services; (xx) changes in the availability, cost or quality of reinsurance; (xxi) changes in the distribution or placement of risks due to increased consolidation of insurance and reinsurance brokers; (xxii) loss of key personnel; (xxiii) changes in accounting policies or practices or the application thereof; (xxiv) legislative or regulatory developments including, but not limited to, changes in regulatory capital balances that must be maintained by the Company’s operating subsidiaries and governmental actions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets; (xxv) the effects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; (xvi) developments related to bankruptcies of companies insofar as they affect property and casualty insurance and reinsurance coverages or claims that the Company may have as a counterparty; (xxvii) changes in applicable tax laws, tax treaties or tax regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof; (xxviii) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to war, terrorism or other hostilities; (xxix) the Company’s ability to realize the expected benefits from the redomestication; and (xxx) the other factors set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the Company’s other documents on file with the SEC. 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by the federal securities laws.

78


ANNUALIZED RETURN ON ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY CALCULATION

          The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s annualized return on ordinary shareholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 to annualized net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except percentages)

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 


 




 


 

Opening shareholders’ equity

 

$

11,213,802

 

$

10,614,451

 

$

10,756,130

 

$

10,599,769

 

Less: Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries

 

 

(1,345,993

)

 

(1,001,781

)

 

(1,344,472

)

 

(1,002,296

)

 

 



 






 



 

Opening ordinary shareholders’ equity

 

$

9,867,809

 

$

9,612,670

 

$

9,411,658

 

$

9,597,473

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing shareholders’ equity

 

 

11,757,419

 

 

10,928,706

 

 

11,757,419

 

 

10,928,706

 

Less: Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries

 

 

(1,346,382

)

 

(1,001,784

)

 

(1,346,382

)

 

(1,001,784

)

 

 



 






 



 

Closing ordinary shareholders’ equity

 

$

10,411,037

 

$

9,926,922

 

$

10,411,037

 

$

9,926,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average ordinary shareholders’ equity

 

 

10,139,423

 

 

9,769,796

 

 

9,911,348

 

 

9,762,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

 

 

171,902

 

 

42,398

 

 

569,686

 

 

40,777

 

Annualized net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

 

 

687,608

 

 

169,592

 

 

759,581

 

 

54,369

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annualized return on ordinary shareholders’ equity - Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

 

 

6.8

%

 

1.7

%

 

7.7

%

 

0.6

%

 

 



 






 



 

79



 

 

 


 

 

ITEM 3.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


 

 

General

          The following discussion should be read in conjunction with “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” presented under Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

          Market risk represents the potential for loss due to adverse changes in the fair value of financial and other instruments. The Company is principally exposed to the following market risks: interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, equity price risk, credit risk, and other related market risks.

          The majority of the Company’s market risk arises from its investment portfolio which consists of fixed income securities, alternative investments, public equities, private investments, derivatives, other investments, and cash, denominated in both U.S. and foreign currencies, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and other related market risks. The Company’s fixed income and equity securities are generally classified as available for sale, and, as such, changes in interest rates, credit spreads on corporate and structured credit, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates or other related market instruments will have an immediate effect on comprehensive income and shareholders’ equity but will not ordinarily have an immediate effect on net income. Nevertheless, changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices and other related market instruments affect consolidated net income when, and if, a security is sold or impaired.

          The Company may enter into derivatives and other financial instruments primarily for risk management purposes. For example, the Company may use derivatives to hedge foreign exchange and interest rate risk related to its consolidated net exposures. From time to time, the Company may also use instruments such as futures, options, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and foreign currency forward contracts to manage the risk of interest rate changes, credit deterioration, foreign currency exposures, and other market related exposures as well as to obtain exposure to a particular financial market. Historically, the Company entered into credit derivatives outside of the investment portfolio in conjunction with the legacy financial guarantee and financial products operations. The Company attempts to manage the risks associated with derivative use with guidelines established by senior management. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value with the resulting changes in fair value recognized in income in the period in which they occur. For further information, see Item 1, Note 6, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

          This risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the sensitivity and VaR analyses presented in this document are forward-looking statements of market risk assuming certain adverse market conditions occur. Actual results in the future may differ materially from these estimated results due to, among other things, actual developments in the global financial markets and changes in the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio. The results of analysis used by the Company to assess and mitigate risk should not be considered projections of future events of losses. See Item 2, “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Interest Rate Risk

          Interest rate risk is the price sensitivity of a fixed income security to changes in interest rates. The Company’s fixed income portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. The Company’s liabilities are accrued at a static rate from an accounting standpoint. However, management considers the liabilities to have an economic exposure to interest rate risk and manages the net economic exposure to interest rate risk considering both assets and liabilities. Interest rate risk is managed within the context of the Company’s Strategic Asset Allocation (“SAA”) process by specifying SAA benchmarks relative to the estimated duration of its liabilities and managing the fixed income portfolio relative to the benchmarks such that the overall economic effect of interest rate risk is within management’s risk tolerance. Nevertheless, the Company remains exposed to interest rate risk with respect to the Company’s overall net asset position and more generally from an accounting standpoint since the assets are marked to market, while liabilities are accrued at a static rate.

          In addition, while the Company’s debt is not carried at fair value and not adjusted for market changes, changes in market interest rates could have an impact on debt values at the time of any refinancing.

80


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

          Many of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries maintain both assets and liabilities in local currencies; therefore, foreign exchange risk is generally limited to net assets denominated in foreign currencies.

          Foreign currency exchange rate gains and losses in the Company’s Statement of Income arise for accounting purposes when net assets or liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the functional currency of those subsidiaries. While unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on underwriting balances are reported in earnings, the offsetting unrealized gains and losses on invested assets are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, to the extent that the asset currency does not match that entity’s functional currency. This results in an accounting mismatch that will result in foreign exchange gains or losses in the consolidated statements of income depending on the movement in certain currencies. The Company has formed several branches with Euro and U.K. sterling functional currencies and continues to focus on attempting to limit exposure to foreign exchange risk.

          Foreign currency exchange rate risk in general is reviewed as part of the Company’s risk management framework. Within its asset liability framework for the investment portfolio, the Company pursues a general policy of holding the assets and liabilities in the same currency and, as such, the Company is not generally exposed to the risks associated with foreign exchange movements within its investment portfolio as currency impacts on the assets are generally matched by corresponding impacts on the related liabilities. However, locally-required capital levels are invested in local currencies in order to satisfy regulatory requirements and to support local insurance operations and are not matched by related liabilities. Foreign exchange contracts within the investment portfolio may be utilized to manage individual portfolio foreign exchange exposures, subject to investment management service providers’ guidelines established by management. Where these contracts are not designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes, realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in income in the period in which they occur. These contracts generally have maturities of three months or less. The Company may also attempt to manage the foreign exchange volatility arising on certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. These include, but are not limited to, premium receivable, reinsurance contracts, claims payable and investments in subsidiaries.

          The principal currencies creating foreign exchange risk for the Company are the U.K. sterling, the Euro, the Swiss franc and the Canadian dollar. The following table provides more information on the Company’s net exposures to its principal foreign currencies at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Foreign Currency in Millions)

 

September 30,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 


 


 

Euro

 

 

145.7

 

 

52.0

 

U.K. Sterling

 

 

228.3

 

 

35.1

 

Swiss Franc

 

 

126.4

 

 

153.7

 

Canadian Dollar

 

 

186.6

 

 

222.5

 

Credit Risk

          Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of an obligor’s continued ability to make timely payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the instrument or contract. The Company is exposed to direct credit risk within its investment portfolio as well as through general counterparties, including customers and reinsurers. The Company manages credit risk within its investment portfolio through its SAA framework and its established investment credit policies, which address quality of obligors and counterparties, industry limits, and diversification requirements. The Company’s exposure to market credit spreads primarily relates to market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in credit spreads.

          Certain of the Company’s underwriting activities expose it to indirect credit risk in that profitability of certain strategies can correlate with credit events at the issuer level, industry level or country level. The Company manages these risks through established underwriting policies that operate in accordance with established limit and escalation frameworks.

          The Company has an established credit risk governance process delegated to the Credit Sub-Committee of the Enterprise Risk Management Committee. The governance process is designed to ensure that transactions and activities, individually and in the aggregate, are carried out within management’s risk tolerances.

          Credit Risk – Investment Portfolio

          Credit risk in the investment portfolio is the exposure to adverse changes in the creditworthiness of individual investment holdings, issuers, groups of issuers, industries and countries. A widening of credit spreads will increase the net unrealized loss position, will increase losses associated with credit-based derivatives where the Company assumes credit exposure, and, if issuer credit spreads increase significantly for an extended period of time and, in a period of increasing defaults, would also likely result in higher OTTI charges. All else held equal, credit spread tightening will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed maturities. In addition, market volatility can make it difficult to value certain of the Company’s securities if trading becomes less frequent. As such, valuations may include assumptions or estimates that may have significant period to period changes that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. The credit spread duration in the Company’s fixed income portfolio, excluding the impact of the HTM election, was 3.6 years at September 30, 2012.

81


          The Company manages credit risk in the investment portfolio, including fixed income, alternative and short-term investment, through the credit research performed primarily by the investment management service providers. The management of credit risk in the investment portfolio is also fully integrated in the Company’s credit risk management governance framework and the management of credit exposures and concentrations within the investment portfolio is carried out in accordance with the Company’s risk policies, philosophies, appetites, limits and risk concentrations delegated to the investment portfolio. In the investment portfolio, the Company reviews on a regular basis its asset concentration, credit quality and adherence to the Company’s credit limit guidelines. Any issuer over its credit limits, experiencing financial difficulties, material credit quality deterioration or potentially subject to forthcoming credit quality deterioration is placed on a watch list for closer monitoring. Where appropriate, exposures are reduced or prevented from increasing.

          The table below shows the Company’s aggregate fixed income portfolio by credit rating in percentage terms of the Company’s aggregate fixed income exposure (including fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash equivalents and net payable for investments purchased) at September 30, 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of
Aggregated Fixed
Income Portfolio (1)(2)

 

 

 


 

AAA

 

 

51.5

%

AA

 

 

15.4

%

A

 

 

21.1

%

BBB

 

 

9.3

%

BB or Below

 

 

2.6

%

NR

 

 

0.1

%

 

 



 

Total

 

 

100.0

%


 

 

 


 

(1)

Included in the above are $192.3 million or 0.6% of the portfolio that represents medium term notes rated at the average credit rating of the underlying asset pools backing the notes.

(2)

The credit ratings above were principally determined based on the weighted average rating of the individual securities from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings (where available). U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage backed securities, whether with implicit or explicit government support, reflects the credit quality rating of the U.S. government for the purpose of these calculations.

          At September 30, 2012, the average credit quality of the Company’s aggregate fixed income investment portfolio was “Aa2/AA”. The calculation of average credit quality excludes operating cash. The Company’s $9.4 billion portfolio of government and government related, agency, sovereign and cash holdings was rated “AAA” at September 30, 2012. The Company’s $11.4 billion portfolio of corporates was rated “A.” The Company’s $9.5 billion structured credit portfolio was “AA+” rated.

82


          The Company is closely monitoring its corporate financial bond holdings given the events of the past four years. The table below summarizes the Company’s significant exposures (defined as bonds issued by financial institutions with an amortized cost in excess of $50.0 million) to corporate bonds of financial issuers including Covered Bonds held within its AFS and HTM investment portfolio at September 30, 2012, representing both amortized cost and net unrealized gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in millions)
Issuer (by Global Ultimate Parent) (1)

 

Weighted
Average
Credit Quality (2)

 

Amortized Cost

 

Unrealized Gain/
(Loss)

 


 


 


 


 

Lloyds Banking Group plc

 

AA

 

$

163.6

 

$

6.8

 

National Australia Bank Limited

 

AA-

 

 

141.9

 

 

5.0

 

Rabobank Nederland NV

 

AA

 

 

140.1

 

 

5.0

 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

 

BBB+

 

 

129.0

 

 

8.2

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

A-

 

 

121.5

 

 

(1.4

)

Citigroup Inc.

 

BBB+

 

 

117.2

 

 

4.6

 

UBS AG

 

A+

 

 

115.0

 

 

2.4

 

Morgan Stanley

 

A-

 

 

108.9

 

 

2.1

 

Bank of America Corporation

 

BBB+

 

 

107.7

 

 

2.5

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

AA

 

 

106.3

 

 

4.3

 

Wells Fargo & Company

 

A+

 

 

96.7

 

 

5.8

 

Westpac Banking Corporation

 

AA-

 

 

93.1

 

 

5.8

 

HSBC Holdings plc

 

A

 

 

86.9

 

 

(3.0

)

Credit Suisse Group AG

 

A+

 

 

85.0

 

 

2.4

 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

 

AA-

 

 

82.0

 

 

4.5

 

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

 

AA+

 

 

74.2

 

 

3.4

 

Nordea Bank AB

 

AA

 

 

72.3

 

 

2.5

 

Standard Chartered plc

 

A

 

 

72.1

 

 

1.5

 

Royal Bank of Canada

 

AA-

 

 

70.6

 

 

2.2

 

Bank of Montreal

 

AA

 

 

66.4

 

 

3.1

 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

 

AA-

 

 

65.2

 

 

2.9

 

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited

 

A+

 

 

61.6

 

 

1.9

 

U.S. Bancorp

 

A+

 

 

56.0

 

 

3.0

 

BNP Paribas

 

A+

 

 

53.6

 

 

1.8

 

Government of Netherlands (ABN AMRO)

 

AAA+

 

 

53.1

 

 

6.6

 

Barclays plc

 

BBB-

 

 

52.1

 

 

(10.3

)

Legal & General Group PLC

 

BBB+

 

 

50.4

 

 

(2.7

)


 

 

 


 

(1)

Includes Covered Bonds.

(2)

The credit rating for each asset reflected above was principally determined based on the weighted average rating of the individual securities from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings. U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage backed securities, whether with implicit or explicit government support, reflects the credit quality rating of the U.S. government for the purpose of these calculations.

          Within the Company’s corporate financial bond holdings, the Company is further monitoring its exposures to hybrid securities, representing Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities of various financial institutions. The following table summarizes the top ten exposures to hybrid securities, listed by amortized cost representing both amortized cost and unrealized (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2012

 

 

 


 

(U.S. dollars in millions)
Issuer (by Global Ultimate Parent)

 

Tier One
Amortized Cost

 

Upper Tier Two
Amortized Cost

 

Total
Amortized Cost

 

Net Unrealized
(Loss)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Barclays, Plc

 

$

4.8

 

$

44.5

 

$

49.3

 

$

(10.5

)

JPMorgan Chas & Co.

 

 

30.2

 

 

 

 

30.2

 

 

(8.2

)

Zurich Financial Services AG

 

 

 

 

26.8

 

 

26.8

 

 

(0.9

)

Nationwide Building Society

 

 

25.6

 

 

 

 

25.6

 

 

(5.3

)

HSBC Holdings PLC

 

 

23.0

 

 

 

 

23.0

 

 

(2.3

)

Standard Life Plc

 

 

 

 

22.2

 

 

22.2

 

 

(2.0

)

RSA Insurance Group Plc

 

 

 

 

21.4

 

 

21.4

 

 

(1.4

)

The British United Provident Association Limited

 

 

 

 

20.9

 

 

20.9

 

 

(2.8

)

National Australia Bank Limited

 

 

20.9

 

 

 

 

20.9

 

 

(1.4

)

Aviva PLC

 

 

5.6

 

 

13.5

 

 

19.1

 

 

(4.0

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

110.1

 

$

149.3

 

$

259.4

 

$

(38.8

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

83


          At September 30, 2012, the top 10 corporate financial holdings, which exclude government guaranteed and government sponsored enterprises, represented approximately 3.9% of the aggregate fixed income portfolio and approximately 11.3% of all corporate holdings. The top 10 corporate bond holdings listed below represent the direct exposure to the corporations listed below, including their subsidiaries, and excludes any securitized, credit enhanced and collateralized asset or mortgage-backed securities, cash and cash equivalents, pooled notes and any over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative counterparty exposures, if applicable, but does include Covered Bonds.

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Corporate Financial Holdings (1)

 

Percentage of Aggregate
Fixed Income Portfolio

 


 


 

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

 

0.5%

 

National Australia Bank Limited

 

0.5%

 

Rabobank Nederland NV

 

0.4%

 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

 

0.4%

 

Citigroup Inc.

 

0.4%

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

0.4%

 

UBS AG

 

0.4%

 

Morgan Stanley

 

0.3%

 

Bank of America Corporation

 

0.3%

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

0.3%

 


 

 


(1)

Corporate issuers include Covered Bonds.

          At September 30, 2012, the top 5 corporate sector exposures listed below represented 26.9% of the aggregate fixed income investment portfolio and 79.7% of all corporate holdings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in millions)
Top 5 Sector Exposures

 

Carrying Value

 

Percentage of
Aggregate
Fixed Income
Portfolio

 


 


 


 

Financials (1)

 

$

3,212.2

 

 

9.5

%

Consumer, Non-Cyclical

 

 

2,278.2

 

 

6.7

%

Utilities

 

 

1,533.1

 

 

4.5

%

Communications

 

 

1,050.9

 

 

3.1

%

Industrial

 

 

1,037.8

 

 

3.1

%

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

9,112.2

 

 

26.9

%

 

 



 



 


 

 


(1)

Government-guaranteed securities and Covered Bonds have been excluded from the above figures.

          Within the Company’s fixed income portfolios, the Company is further monitoring its exposures to holdings representing risk in certain Euro-zone countries (Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain). In particular, the carrying value of the Company’s holdings are: government holdings of $19.9 million, corporate holdings of $111.7 million (financials $0.4 million, non-financials $111.3 million) and structured credit holdings totaling $9.9 million in GIIPS. The non-financial corporate holdings primarily consist of securities issued by multinational companies with low reliance on local economics and systemically important industries such as utilities and telecoms. For further detail on the Company’s exposure to the Euro-zone sovereign debt crisis, please refer to Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – European Sovereign Debt Crisis.”

          The Company also has exposure to credit risk associated with its mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The table below shows the breakdown of the $9.5 billion structured credit portfolio, of which 80.1% is AAA rated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in millions)

 

Carrying Value

 

Percentage of
Structured Portfolio

 

 

 


 


 

Agency RMBS

 

$

5,376.9

 

 

56.5

%

Other ABS (1)

 

 

1,683.1

 

 

17.7

%

CMBS

 

 

1,047.3

 

 

11.0

%

Non-Agency RMBS

 

 

720.2

 

 

7.6

%

Core CDO (non-ABS CDOs and CLOs)

 

 

682.6

 

 

7.2

%

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

9,510.1

 

 

100.0

%

 

 



 



 


 

 


(1)

Includes Covered Bonds.

84


          Credit Risk – Other

          Credit derivatives are purchased within the Company’s investment portfolio, have been sold through a limited number of contracts written as part of the Company’s previous XL financial lines business, and were previously entered into through the Company’s prior reinsurance agreements with Syncora. From time to time, the Company may purchase credit default swaps to hedge an existing position or concentration of holdings. The credit derivatives are recorded at fair value. For further details with respect to the Company’s exposure to Credit derivatives, see Item 1, Note 6, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

          The Company has exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, alternatives and other investment funds and other institutions. Many of these transactions expose the Company to credit risk in the event of default of the Company’s counterparty. In addition, with respect to secured transactions, the Company’s credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Company cannot be sold or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure that is due. The Company also has exposure to financial institutions in the form of unsecured debt instruments, derivative transactions, revolving credit facility and letter of credit commitments and equity investments. There can be no assurance that any such losses or impairments to the carrying value of these assets would not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations.

          With regard to unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable, the Company has credit risk should any of its reinsurers be unable or unwilling to settle amounts due to the Company; however, these exposures are not marked to market. For further information relating to reinsurer credit risk, see Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses Recoverable and Reinsurance Balances Receivable.”

          The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the other parties to its derivative instruments in general; however, the Company does not anticipate non-performance. The difference between the notional principal amounts and the associated market value is the Company’s maximum credit exposure.

Equity Price Risk

          Equity price risk is the potential loss arising from changes in the market value of equities. The Company’s equity investment portfolio is exposed to equity price risk. At September 30, 2012, the Company’s equity portfolio was approximately $466.6 million as compared to $376.6 million at December 31, 2011. This excludes fixed income fund investments of $99.3 million and $91.6 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, that generally do not have the risk characteristics of equity investments but are treated as equity investments under U.S. GAAP. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s direct allocation to equity securities was 1.4% and 1.1%, respectively, of the total investment portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net payable for investments purchased.) The Company also estimates the equity risk embedded in certain alternative and private investments. Such estimates are derived from market exposures provided to the Company by certain individual fund investments and/or internal statistical analyses.

Other Market Risks

          The Company’s private investment portfolio is invested in limited partnerships and other entities that are not publicly traded. In addition to normal market risks, these positions may also be exposed to liquidity risk, risks related to distressed investments, and risks specific to startup or small companies. At September 30, 2012, the Company’s exposure to private investments, excluding unfunded commitments, was $300.0 million, representing 0.9% of the fixed income portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net payable for investments purchased) compared to $288.4 million at December 31, 2011.

          The Company’s alternative investment portfolio, which is exposed to equity and credit risk as well as certain other market risks, had a total exposure of $1,240.0 million representing approximately 3.7% of the investment portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net payable for investments purchased) at September 30, 2012, as compared to December 31, 2011, when the Company had a total exposure of $1,027.2 million representing approximately 3.1% of the fixed income investment portfolio.

          At September 30, 2012, bond and stock index futures outstanding had a net long position of $66.2 million as compared to a net long position of $12.6 million at December 31, 2011. The Company may reduce its exposure to these futures through offsetting transactions, including options and forwards.

          As noted above, the Company also invests in certain derivative positions that can be impacted by market value movements. For further details on derivative instruments, see Item 1, Note 6, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

85


Sensitivity and Value-at-Risk Analysis

          The table below summarizes the Company’s assessment of the estimated impact on the value of the Company’s investment portfolio at September 30, 2012 associated with an immediate and hypothetical: +100bps increase in interest rates, a -10% decline in equity markets, a +100bps widening in spreads and a +10% widening in spreads. The table also reports the 95%, 1-year VaRs for the Company’s investment portfolios at September 30, 2012, excluding foreign exchange.

          The interest rate, spread risk, and VaR referenced in the table below include the impact of market movements on the Company’s held to maturity fixed maturities from the Company’s Life investment portfolios. While the market value of these holdings is sensitive to prevailing interest rates and credit spreads, the Company’s book value is not impacted as these holdings are carried at amortized cost. At September 30, 2012, if the Company were to exclude these impacts in order to present the impact of these risks to the Company’s book value, the interest rate risk would be reduced by approximately $326.8 million, absolute spread risk would be reduced by approximately $224.0 million, relative spread risk would be reduced by approximately $27.1 million, and VaR would be reduced by approximately $359.0 million.

          The table below excludes the impact of foreign exchange rate risk on the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company’s investment strategy incorporates asset-liability management, and, accordingly, any foreign exchange movements impact the assets and liabilities equally. See “Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk,” for further details. The Company considers that the investment portfolio VaR estimated results as well as the P&C and Life investment portfolios VaR estimated results excluding foreign exchange rate risk are the more relevant and appropriate metrics to consider when assessing the actual risk of the investment portfolio.

          The estimated results below also do not include any risk contributions from our various operating affiliates (strategic, investment manager or financial operating affiliates) or certain other investments that are carried at amortized cost.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. dollars in millions)

 

Interest
Rate
Risk (1)

 

Equity
Risk
(2)

 

Absolute
Spread
Risk (3)

 

Relative
Spread
Risk (4)

 

VaR
(5), (6)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Total Investment Portfolio (7)

 

$

(1,292.6

)

$

(104.0

)

$

(1,296.3

)

$

(164.3

)

$

996.0 

 

A. P&C Investment Portfolio

 

$

(715.4

)

$

(104.0

)

$

(799.0

)

$

(72.3

)

$

480.9 

 

(I) P&C Fixed Income Portfolio

 

 

(715.4

)

 

 

 

(799.0

)

 

(72.3

)

 

511.5 

 

(a) Cash & Short Term Investments

 

 

(7.6

)

 

 

 

(4.4

)

 

 

 

2.9 

 

(b) Total Government Related

 

 

(299.8

)

 

 

 

(210.3

)

 

(9.3

)

 

176.0 

 

(c) Total Corporate Credit

 

 

(269.7

)

 

 

 

(301.6

)

 

(33.8

)

 

201.5 

 

(d) Total Structured Credit

 

 

(138.3

)

 

 

 

(282.7

)

 

(29.1

)

 

177.0 

 

(II) P&C Non-Fixed Income Portfolio

 

 

 

 

(104.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

139.3 

 

(e) Equity Portfolio

 

 

 

 

(49.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

74.9 

 

(f) Alternative Portfolio

 

 

 

 

(22.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

62.3 

 

(g) Private Investments

 

 

 

 

(32.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

56.0 

 

(h) Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.9 

 

B. Life Investment Portfolio

 

$

(569.7

)

$

 

$

(460.5

)

$

(87.9

)

$

578.0 

 

(III) Life Fixed Income Portfolio

 

 

(569.7

)

 

 

 

(460.5

)

 

(87.9

)

 

578.0 

 

(i) Cash & Short Term Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1 

 

(j) Total Government Related

 

 

(234.3

)

 

 

 

(90.0

)

 

(5.8

)

 

258.5 

 

(k) Total Corporate Credit

 

 

(273.4

)

 

 

 

(298.6

)

 

(65.4

)

 

269.4 

 

(l) Total Structured Credit

 

 

(62.0

)

 

 

 

(71.9

)

 

(16.8

)

 

65.4 

 

(IV) Life Non-Fixed Income Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


(1)

The estimated impact on the fair value of the Company’s fixed income portfolio of an immediate hypothetical +100 bps adverse parallel shift in global bond curves.

(2)

The estimated impact on the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio of an immediate hypothetical -10% change in the value of equity exposures in the Company’s equity portfolio, certain equity-sensitive alternative investments and private equity investments. This includes the Company’s estimate of equity risk embedded in the alternatives and private investment portfolio with such estimates utilizing market exposures provided to the Company by certain individual fund investments, internal statistical analyses, and/or various assumptions regarding illiquidity and concentrations.

(3)

The estimated impact on the fair value of the Company’s fixed income portfolio of an immediate hypothetical +100 basis point increase in all global government related, corporate and structured credit spreads to which the Company’s fixed income portfolio is exposed. This excludes exposure to credit spreads in the Company’s alternative investments, private investments and counterparty exposure.

(4)

The estimated impact on the fair value of the Company’s fixed income portfolio of an immediate hypothetical +10% increase in all global government related, corporate and structured credit spreads to which the Company’s fixed income portfolio is exposed. This excludes exposure to credit spreads in the Company’s alternative investments, private investments and counterparty exposure.

(5)

The VaR results are based on a 95% confidence interval, with a one-year holding period, excluding foreign exchange rate risk. The Company’s investment portfolio VaR at September 30, 2012 is not necessarily indicative of future VaR levels as these are based on statistical estimates of possible price changes and, therefore, exclude other sources of investment return such as coupon and dividend income.


 

 

(6)

The VaR results are the standalone VaRs, based on the prescribed methodology, for each component of the Company’s Total Investment Portfolio. The standalone VaRs of the individual components are non-additive, with the difference between the summation of the individual component VaRs and their respective aggregations being due to diversification benefits across the individual components. In the case of the VaR results for the Company’s Total Investment Portfolio, the results also include the impact associated with the Company’s Business and Other Investments.

(7)

The Company’s Total Investment Portfolio comprises the Company’s P&C Investment Portfolio and Life Investment Portfolio as well as the Company’s Business and Other Investments that do not form part of the Company’s P&C Investment Portfolio or Life Investment Portfolio. The individual results reported in the above table for the Company’s Total Investment Portfolio therefore represent the aggregate impact on the Company’s P&C Investment Portfolio, Life Investment Portfolio and the majority of the Company’s Other Investments.

86


Stress Testing

          VaR does not provide the means to estimate the magnitude of the loss in the 5% of occurrences when the Company expects the VaR level to be exceeded. To complement the VaR analysis based on normal market environments, the Company considers the impact on the investment portfolio in several different stress scenarios to analyze the effect of unusual market conditions. The Company establishes certain stress scenarios that are applied to the actual investment portfolio. As these stress scenarios and estimated gains and losses are based on scenarios established by the Company, they will not necessarily reflect future stress events or gains and losses from such events. The results of the stress scenarios are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they are appropriate, based on current shareholders’ equity, market conditions and the Company’s total risk tolerance. It is important to note that when assessing the risk of the Company’s investment portfolio, the Company does not take into account either the value or risk associated with the liabilities arising from the Company’s operations.

87



 

 

 


 

 

ITEM 4.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


 

 

          Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

          The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that all material information relating to the Company required to be included in this report has been made known to them in a timely fashion.

          Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

          There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the Company’s evaluation required pursuant to Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

88


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 


 

 

ITEM 1.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


 

 

          The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims, as described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Material developments to such proceedings during the three months ended September 30, 2012 are described below.

          In August 2005, plaintiffs in a proposed class action (the “Class Action”) that was consolidated into a multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, captioned In re Brokerage Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 1663, Civil Action No. 04-5184 (the “MDL”), filed a consolidated amended complaint (the “Amended Complaint”), which named as new defendants approximately 30 entities, including Greenwich Insurance Company, Indian Harbor Insurance Company and XL-Cayman (the “XL Defendants”). In the MDL, the Class Action plaintiffs asserted various claims purportedly on behalf of a class of commercial insureds against approximately 113 insurance companies and insurance brokers through which the named plaintiffs allegedly purchased insurance. The Amended Complaint alleged that the defendant insurance companies and insurance brokers conspired to manipulate bidding practices for insurance policies in certain insurance lines and failed to disclose certain commission arrangements and asserted statutory claims under the Sherman Act, various state antitrust laws and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), as well as common law claims alleging breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment. By Opinion and Order dated August 31, 2007, the District Court dismissed the Sherman Act claims with prejudice and, by Opinion and Order dated September 28, 2007, the District Court dismissed the RICO claims with prejudice. The plaintiffs then appealed both Orders to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. On August 16, 2010, the Third Circuit affirmed in large part the District Court’s dismissal. The Third Circuit reversed the dismissal of certain Sherman Act and RICO claims alleged against several defendants including the XL Defendants but remanded those claims to the District Court for further consideration of their adequacy. In light of its reversal and remand of certain of the federal claims, the Third Circuit also reversed the District Court’s dismissal (based on the District Court’s declining to exercise supplemental jurisdiction) of the state-law claims against all defendants. On October 1, 2010, the remaining defendants, including the XL Defendants, filed motions to dismiss the remanded federal claims and the state-law claims. The motions were fully briefed in November 2010. In May 2011, a majority of the remaining defendants, including the XL Defendants, executed a formal Settlement Agreement with the Class Action plaintiffs to settle the Class Action and dismiss all claims with prejudice. The settlement was approved by the District Court by Order dated March 30, 2012. The XL Defendants’ portion of the defendants’ aggregate settlement payment is $6.75 million. Certain objectors have filed appeals from the District Court’s March 30, 2012 Order approving the settlement.

          Various XL entities have been named as defendants in three of the many tag-along actions that were consolidated into the MDL for pretrial purposes. The complaints in these tag-along actions make allegations similar to those made in the Amended Complaint but do not purport to be class actions. On April 4, 2006, a tag-along complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on behalf of New Cingular Wireless Headquarters LLC and several other corporations and remains pending against approximately 100 defendants, including Greenwich Insurance Company, XL Specialty Insurance Company, XL Insurance America, Inc., XL Insurance Company Limited and XL-Cayman. On or about May 21, 2007, a tag-along complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of Henley Management Company, Big Bear Properties, Inc., Northbrook Properties, Inc., RCK Properties, Inc., Kitchens, Inc., Aberfeldy LP and Payroll and Insurance Group, Inc. against multiple defendants, including “XL Winterthur International.” On October 12, 2007, a complaint in a third tag-along action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia by Sears, Roebuck & Co., Sears Holdings Corporation, Kmart Corporation and Lands’ End Inc. against many named defendants including X.L. America, Inc., XL Insurance America, Inc., XL Specialty Insurance Company and XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd. On October 17, 2011, the District Court lifted the stay of the tag-along actions, including the three in which the XL entities are named defendants. On April 30, 2012, the District Court set a pre-trial litigation schedule governing the tag-along actions. The parties are currently engaged in discovery, and it is anticipated that the defendants will file and brief over the next few months various threshold motions directed to plaintiffs’ complaints.

          The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of its business. These lawsuits and arbitrations principally involve claims on policies of insurance and contracts of reinsurance and are typical for the Company and for the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry in general. Such legal proceedings are considered in connection with the Company’s loss and loss expense reserves. Reserves in varying amounts may or may not be established in respect of particular claims proceedings based on many factors, including the legal merits thereof. In addition to litigation relating to insurance and reinsurance claims, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on insurance or reinsurance policies. These types of actions typically involve, among other things, allegations of underwriting errors or misconduct, employment disputes, actions brought by or on behalf of shareholders or disputes arising from business ventures. The status of these legal actions is actively monitored by management.

          Legal actions are subject to inherent uncertainties, and future events could change management’s assessment of the probability or estimated amount of potential losses from pending or threatened legal actions. Based on available information, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending or threatened legal actions, both individually and in the aggregate, will not result in losses in amounts exceeding recognized reserves having a material adverse effect on the Company’s position or liquidity at September 30, 2012.

89


 

 

 


 

 

ITEM 1A.

 

RISK FACTORS


 

 

          Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information.

 

 

 


 

 

ITEM 2.

 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS


 

 

           (c) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliate Purchasers

          The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2012 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

 

Average
Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

 

Approximate
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (1) (2)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

July 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012

 

 

2,494

 

$

21.04

 

 

 

$

525.0 million

 

August 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012

 

 

2,768,659

 

 

23.17

 

 

2,767,739

 

 

460.9 million

 

September 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012

 

 

2,565,988

 

 

23.72

 

 

2,565,988

 

 

400.0 million

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

 

5,337,141

 

$

23.43

 

 

5,333,727

 

$

400.0 million

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Shares purchased in connection with the vesting of restricted shares granted under the Company’s restricted stock plan do not represent shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs. All such purchases were made in connection with satisfying tax withholding obligations of those employees. These shares were not purchased as part of the Company’s share buyback programs noted below.

(2)

On February 27, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a share buyback program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $750 million of its ordinary shares. This authorization replaced the approximately $190 million remaining under the share buyback program that was authorized in November 2010 as described in further detail in Item 8, Note 18, “Share Capital,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and canceled 5.3 million ordinary shares under the program for $125.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased and canceled 16.2 million ordinary shares under the program for $350.0 million. All share buybacks were carried out by way of redemption in accordance with Irish law and the Company’s constitutional documents. All shares so redeemed were canceled upon redemption. At September 30, 2012, $400.0 million remained available for purchase under the program.

90



 

 

 


 

 

ITEM 6.

 

EXHIBITS


 

 

 

 

 

The following exhibits are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report:

 

 

 

12*

 

Statements regarding computation of ratios

 

 

 

31*

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

 

 

 

32*

 

Section 1350 Certification

 

 

 

101.INS*

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

101.SCH*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

101.CAL*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.LAB*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.PRE*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.DEF*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*          Filed herewith.

91


SIGNATURES

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

 

 

Date: November 7, 2012

 

 

XL Group plc

 

(Registrant)

 

/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK

 


 

Name: Michael S. McGavick

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

XL Group plc

 

 

Date: November 7, 2012

 

 

/s/ PETER R. PORRINO

 


 

Name: Peter R. Porrino

 

Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

XL Group plc

92