UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2018

OR

For the Transition Period from                to               

001-34809

Commission File Number

 

GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

27 HOSPITAL ROAD

GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN

KY1-9008

CAYMAN ISLANDS

(Address of principal executive office including zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (345) 949-0100

 

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 [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrant was required to submit such files.).  Yes [X] No [ ]

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

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  [ ]

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

As of November 2, 2018, the registrant had outstanding 10,089,507 A Ordinary Shares and 4,133,366 B Ordinary Shares.

 

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

 

 

(1) For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, “diluted” loss per share is the same as “basic” loss per share since there was a net loss for the period.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Global Indemnity Limited (“Global Indemnity” or “the Company”) was incorporated on February 9, 2016 and is domiciled in the Cayman Islands.  On November 7, 2016, Global Indemnity replaced Global Indemnity plc as the ultimate parent company as a result of a redomestication transaction.  The Company’s A ordinary shares are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol GBLI.  Please see Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 Part II of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Company’s redomestication.

The Company manages its business through three business segments:  Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, and Reinsurance Operations.  The Company’s Commercial Lines offers specialty property and casualty insurance products in the excess and surplus lines marketplace.  The Company manages its Commercial Lines by differentiating them into four product classifications: Penn-America, which markets property and general liability products to small commercial businesses through a select network of wholesale general agents with specific binding authority; United National, which markets insurance products for targeted insured segments, including specialty products, such as property, general liability, and professional lines through program administrators with specific binding authority; Diamond State, which markets property, casualty, and professional lines products, which are developed by the Company’s underwriting department by individuals with expertise in those lines of business, through wholesale brokers and also markets through program administrators having specific binding authority; and Vacant Express, which insures dwellings which are currently vacant, undergoing renovation, or are under construction and is distributed through aggregators, brokers, and retail agents. These product classifications comprise the Company’s Commercial Lines business segment and are not considered individual business segments because each product has similar economic characteristics, distribution, and coverage. The Company’s Personal Lines segment offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage through general and specialty agents with specific binding authority on an admitted basis.  Collectively, the Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Commercial Lines and Personal Lines segments comprise the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations (‘Insurance Operations”).   The Company’s Reinsurance Operations consist solely of the operations of its Bermuda-based wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Indemnity Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“Global Indemnity Reinsurance”).  Global Indemnity Reinsurance is a treaty reinsurer of specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies.  The Company’s Reinsurance Operations segment provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies.  

The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but have been prepared in conformity with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which differs in certain respects from those principles followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities.  The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature and are necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods.  Results of operations for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results of a full year.  The accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance which requires equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in net income.  Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax, of $10.0 million which reduced accumulated other comprehensive income and increased retained earnings.  During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, net realized investment gains (losses) included a gain of $2.7 million and a loss of $1.4 million, respectively, related to the change in the fair value of equity investments in accordance with this new accounting guidance.  In addition, under the new guidance, equity investments, are no longer classified into different categories as either trading or available for sale.  Prior to the adoption of this new guidance, equity securities were previously classified as available for sale.

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance regarding the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments within the statement of cash flows.  Upon adoption, the Company made a policy election to use the cumulative earnings approach for presenting distributions received from equity method investees.  Under this approach, distributions up to the amount of cumulative equity in earnings recognized will be treated as returns on investment and presented in operating activities and those in excess of that amount will be treated as returns of investment and presented in the investing section.  Prior to adoption, all distributions received from equity method investees were presented in the investing section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.  The provisions of this accounting guidance were adopted on a retrospective basis.  As a result, the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 that was included in the Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was restated.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net cash flows from operating activities was increased by $2.4 million and net cash flows from investing activities was reduced by $2.4 million.  

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Global Indemnity and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments were as follows as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

 

 

Excluding U.S. treasuries and agency bonds, the Company did not hold any debt or equity investments in a single issuer that was in excess of 5% of shareholders' equity at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio classified as available for sale at September 30, 2018, by contractual maturity, 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.

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

The following table contains an analysis of the Company’s fixed income securities with gross unrealized losses, categorized by the period that the securities were in a continuous loss position as of September 30, 2018.  Due to new accounting guidance implemented in 2018 regarding the treatment of gains and losses on equity securities, common stock is no longer included in the table:  

 

 

The following table contains an analysis of the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses, categorized by the period that the securities were in a continuous loss position as of December 31, 2017:  

 

 

The Company regularly performs various analytical valuation procedures with respect to its investments, including reviewing each fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position to assess whether the security has a credit loss.  Specifically, the Company considers credit rating, market price, and issuer specific financial information, among other factors, to assess the likelihood of collection of all principal and interest as contractually due.  Securities for which the Company determines that a credit loss is likely are subjected to further analysis through discounted cash flow testing to estimate the credit loss to be recognized in earnings, if any.  The specific methodologies and significant assumptions used by asset class are discussed below.  Upon identification of such securities and periodically thereafter, a detailed review is performed to determine whether the decline is considered other than temporary.  This review includes an analysis of several factors, including but not limited to, the credit ratings and cash flows of the securities and the magnitude and length of time that the fair value of such securities is below cost.  

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For fixed maturities, the factors considered in reaching the conclusion that a decline below cost is other than temporary include, among others, whether:

(1) the issuer is in financial distress;

(2) the investment is secured;

(3) a significant credit rating action occurred;

(4) scheduled interest payments were delayed or missed;

(5) changes in laws or regulations have affected an issuer or industry;

(6) the investment has an unrealized loss and was identified by the Company’s investment manager as an investment to be sold before recovery or maturity; and

(7) the investment failed cash flow projection testing to determine if anticipated principal and interest payments will be realized. 

According to accounting guidance for debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company is required to assess whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before the anticipated recovery.  If either of these conditions is met the Company must recognize an other than temporary impairment with the entire unrealized loss being recorded through earnings.  For debt securities in an unrealized loss position not meeting these conditions, the Company assesses whether the impairment of a security is other than temporary.  If the impairment is deemed to be other than temporary, the Company must separate the other than temporary impairment into two components: the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors, such as changes in interest rates.  The credit loss represents the portion of the amortized book value in excess of the net present value of the projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment.  The credit loss component of the other than temporary impairment is recorded through earnings, whereas the amount relating to factors other than credit losses is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.  

The following is a description, by asset type, of the methodology and significant inputs that the Company used to measure the amount of credit loss recognized in earnings, if any:

U.S. treasury and agency obligations – As of September 30, 2018, gross unrealized losses related to U.S. treasury and agency obligations were $2.051 million. Of this amount, $1.772 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated AA+.  Macroeconomic and market analysis is conducted in evaluating these securities.  Consideration is given to the interest rate environment, duration and yield curve management of the portfolio, sector allocation and security selection.

Obligations of states and political subdivisions – As of September 30, 2018, gross unrealized losses related to obligations of states and political subdivisions were $0.998 million. Of this amount, $0.220 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated A- or better.  All factors that influence performance of the municipal bond market are considered in evaluating these securities.  The aforementioned factors include investor expectations, supply and demand patterns, and current versus historical yield and spread relationships. The analysis relies on the output of fixed income credit analysts, as well as dedicated municipal bond analysts who perform extensive in-house fundamental analysis on each issuer, regardless of their rating by the major agencies.

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) – As of September 30, 2018, gross unrealized losses related to mortgage-backed securities were $3.878 million. Of this amount, $1.315 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater. 99.3% of the unrealized losses for twelve months or greater are related to securities rated AA+ or better. Mortgage-backed securities are modeled to project principal losses under downside, base, and upside scenarios for the economy and home prices.  The primary assumption that drives the security and loan level modeling is the Home Price Index (“HPI”) projection.  These forecasts incorporate not just national macro-economic trends, but also regional impacts to arrive at the most granular and accurate projections.  These assumptions are incorporated into the model as a basis to generate delinquency probabilities, default curves, loss severity curves, and voluntary prepayment curves at the loan level within each deal. The model utilizes HPI-adjusted current LTV, payment history, loan terms, loan modification history, and borrower characteristics as inputs to generate expected cash flows and principal loss for each bond under various scenarios.

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Asset backed securities (“ABS”) - As of September 30, 2018, gross unrealized losses related to asset backed securities were $1.641 million. Of this amount, $0.394 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater. 78.2% of the unrealized losses for twelve months or greater are related to securities rated A or better. The weighted average credit enhancement for the Company’s asset backed portfolio is 23.2.  This represents the percentage of pool losses that can occur before an asset backed security will incur its first dollar of principal losses.  Every ABS transaction is analyzed on a stand-alone basis.  This analysis involves a thorough review of the collateral, prepayment, and structural risk in each transaction.  Additionally, the analysis includes an in-depth credit analysis of the originator and servicer of the collateral.  The analysis projects an expected loss for a deal given a set of assumptions specific to the asset type.  These assumptions are used to calculate at what level of losses the deal will incur its first dollar of principal loss.  The major assumptions used to calculate this ratio are loss severities, recovery lags, and no advances on principal and interest.

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) - As of September 30, 2018, gross unrealized losses related to the CMBS portfolio were $5.876 million. Of this amount, $2.627 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated A- or better. The weighted average credit enhancement for the Company’s CMBS portfolio is 49.1.  This represents the percentage of pool losses that can occur before a mortgage-backed security will incur its first dollar of principal loss.  For the Company’s CMBS portfolio, a loan level analysis is utilized where every underlying CMBS loan is re-underwritten based on a set of assumptions reflecting expectations for the future path of the economy.  Each loan is analyzed over time using a series of tests to determine if a credit event will occur during the life of the loan. Inherent in this process are several economic scenarios and their corresponding rent/vacancy and capital market states. The five primary credit events that frame the analysis include loan modifications, term default, balloon default, extension, and ability to pay off at balloon. The resulting output is the expected loss adjusted cash flows for each bond under the base case and distressed scenarios.

Corporate bonds - As of September 30, 2018, gross unrealized losses related to corporate bonds were $9.601 million. Of this amount, $0.976 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater. 89.0% of the unrealized losses for twelve months or greater are related to securities rated investment grade or better. The analysis for this asset class includes maintaining detailed financial models that include a projection of each issuer’s future financial performance, including prospective debt servicing capabilities, capital structure composition, and the value of the collateral.  The analysis incorporates the macroeconomic environment, industry conditions in which the issuer operates, the issuer’s current competitive position, its vulnerability to changes in the competitive and regulatory environment, issuer liquidity, issuer commitment to bondholders, issuer creditworthiness, and asset protection.  Part of the process also includes running downside scenarios to evaluate the expected likelihood of default as well as potential losses in the event of default.

Foreign bonds – As of September 30, 2018, gross unrealized losses related to foreign bonds were $2.814 million. Of this amount, $0.590 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater. 95.5% of the unrealized losses for twelve months or greater are related to securities rated investment grade or better. For this asset class, detailed financial models are maintained that include a projection of each issuer’s future financial performance, including prospective debt servicing capabilities, capital structure composition, and the value of the collateral.  The analysis incorporates the macroeconomic environment, industry conditions in which the issuer operates, the issuer’s current competitive position, its vulnerability to changes in the competitive and regulatory environment, issuer liquidity, issuer commitment to bondholders, issuer creditworthiness, and asset protection.  Part of the process also includes running downside scenarios to evaluate the expected likelihood of default as well as potential losses in the event of default.

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

The Company recorded the following other than temporary impairments (“OTTI”) on its investment portfolio for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

The following table is an analysis of the credit losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturities held by the Company for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows:

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, by component for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

 

 

The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

 

 

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net realized investment gains (losses) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

New accounting guidance regarding equity securities was implemented on January 1, 2018 which requires companies to disclose realized gains and losses for equity securities still held at period end and gains and losses from securities sold during the period.  See Note 15 for additional information regarding new accounting pronouncements.  The following table shows the calculation of the portion of realized gains and losses related to common stock held as of September 30, 2018:

 

 

The proceeds from sales and redemptions of available for sale and equity securities resulting in net realized investment gains (losses) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

Net Investment Income

The sources of net investment income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

The Company’s total investment return on a pre-tax basis for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

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Insurance Enhanced Asset-Backed and Credit Securities

As of September 30, 2018, the Company held insurance enhanced collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage-backed and credit securities with a market value of approximately $34.2 million.  Approximately $0.71 million of these securities were tax-free municipal bonds, which represented less than 0.1% of the Company’s total cash and invested assets, net of payable/ receivable for securities purchased and sold.  These securities had an average rating of “AA.” None of these bonds are pre-refunded with U.S. treasury securities, nor would they have carried a lower credit rating had they not been insured.  

A summary of the Company’s insurance enhanced municipal bonds that are backed by financial guarantors, including the pre-refunded bonds that are escrowed in U.S. government obligations, as of September 30, 2018, is as follows:

 

 

In addition to the tax-free municipal bonds, the Company held $33.5 million of insurance enhanced bonds, which represented approximately 2.2% of the Company’s total invested assets, net of receivable/payable for securities purchased and sold.  The insurance enhanced bonds are comprised of $20.5 million of taxable municipal bonds, $12.8 million of commercial mortgage-backed securities, and $0.2 million of collateralized mortgage obligations.  The financial guarantors of the Company’s $33.5 million of insurance enhanced commercial-mortgage-backed, taxable municipal securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations include Municipal Bond Insurance Association ($6.0 million), Assured Guaranty Corporation ($14.5 million), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ($12.8 million), and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ($0.2 million).

The Company had no direct investments in the entities that have provided financial guarantees or other credit support to any security held by the Company at September 30, 2018.

Bonds Held on Deposit

Certain cash balances, cash equivalents, equity securities, and bonds available for sale were deposited with various governmental authorities in accordance with statutory requirements, were held as collateral pursuant to borrowing arrangements, or were held in trust pursuant to intercompany reinsurance agreements.  The fair values were as follows as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

 

Variable Interest Entities

A Variable Interest Entity (VIE) refers to an investment in which an investor holds a controlling interest that is not based on the majority of voting rights.  Under the VIE model, the party that has the power to exercise significant management

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influence and maintain a controlling financial interest in the entity’s economics is said to be the primary beneficiary, and is required to consolidate the entity within their results. Other entities that participate in a VIE, for which their financial interests fluctuate with changes in the fair value of the investment entity’s net assets but do not have significant management influence and the ability to direct the VIE’s significant economic activities are said to have a variable interest in the VIE but do not consolidate the VIE in their financial results.

The Company has variable interests in three VIE’s for which it is not the primary beneficiary. These investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as their ownership interest exceeds 3% of their respective investments.   

The fair value of one of the Company’s VIE’s, which invests in distressed securities and assets, was $19.0 million and $26.3 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from this VIE, which factors in future funding commitments, was $33.2 million and $40.5 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.  The fair value of a second VIE that provides financing for middle market companies, was $34.2 million and $33.8 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from this VIE, which factors in future funding commitments, was $39.4 million and $43.8 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.  The fair value of a third VIE that also invests in distressed securities and assets, was $32.1 million and $17.8 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.  The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from this VIE, which factors in future funding commitments, was $52.6 million and $51.3 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company’s investment in VIEs is included in other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce risks from changes in interest rates.  Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount.

The Company accounts for the interest rate swaps as non-hedge instruments and recognizes the fair value of the interest rate swaps in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recognized as net realized investment gains in the consolidated statements of operations.  The Company is ultimately responsible for the valuation of the interest rate swaps.  To aid in determining the estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps, the Company relies on the forward interest rate curve and information obtained from a third party financial institution.  

The following table summarizes information on the location and the gross amount of the derivatives’ fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

 

The following table summarizes the net gains (losses) included in the consolidated statements of operations for changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the periodic net interest settlements under the derivatives for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company is due $2.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for funds it needed to post to execute the swap transaction and $0.7 million and $9.5 million, respectively, for margin calls made in connection with the interest rate swaps.  These amounts are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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The accounting standards related to fair value measurements define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, outline a fair value hierarchy based on inputs used to measure fair value, and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.  These standards do not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value.  The Company has determined that its fair value measurements are in accordance with the requirements of these accounting standards.

The Company’s invested assets and derivative instruments are carried at their fair value and are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy:

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy.  In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset.

The following table presents information about the Company’s invested assets and derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.

 

 

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The securities classified as Level 1 in the above table consist of U.S. Treasuries and equity securities actively traded on an exchange.

The securities classified as Level 2 in the above table consist primarily of fixed maturity securities and derivative instruments.  Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, security prices are derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information.  If there are no recent reported trades, matrix or model processes are used to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate.  Included in the pricing of asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and mortgage-backed securities are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal over the remaining life of the securities.  Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and prepayment speeds previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral.  The estimated fair value of the derivative instruments, consisting of interest rate swaps, is obtained from a third party financial institution that utilizes observable inputs such as the forward interest rate curve.

For the Company’s material debt arrangements, the current fair value of the Company’s debt at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows:

 

 

The fair value of the margin borrowing facility approximates its carrying value due to the facility being due on demand.  The subordinated notes due 2045 and 2047 are publicly traded instruments and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

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There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Fair Value of Alternative Investments

Other invested assets consist of limited liability partnerships whose fair value is based on net asset value per share practical expedient.  The following table provides the fair value and future funding commitments related to these investments at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

 

Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships with ownership interest exceeding 3%

The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships where its ownership interest exceeds 3%. The equity method of accounting for an investment in a limited liability company and limited partnership requires that its cost basis be updated to account for the income or loss earned on the investment. The investment income associated with these limited liability companies or limited partnerships, which is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, was $1.6 million and $0.7 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $5.2 million and $2.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Pricing

The Company’s pricing vendors provide prices for all investment categories except for investments in limited partnerships whose fair value is based on net asset values as a practical expedient.  Two primary vendors are utilized to provide prices for equity and fixed maturity securities.  

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used by the Company’s pricing vendors for investment securities carried at fair value:

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The Company performs certain procedures to validate whether the pricing information received from the pricing vendors is reasonable, to ensure that the fair value determination is consistent with accounting guidance, and to ensure that its assets are properly classified in the fair value hierarchy.  The Company’s procedures include, but are not limited to:

During the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company has not adjusted quotes or prices obtained from the pricing vendors.

As of September 30, 2018, the statutory income tax rates of the countries where the Company conducts business are 21% in the United States, 0% in Bermuda, 0% in the Cayman Islands, 26.01% for companies with a registered office in Luxembourg City, 0.25% to 2.5% in Barbados, and 25% on non-trading income, 33% on capital gains and 12.5% on trading income in the Republic of Ireland.  The statutory income tax rate of each country is applied against the expected annual taxable income of the Company in each country to estimate the annual income tax expense.  Generally, during interim periods, the Company will divide total estimated annual income tax expense by total estimated annual pre-tax income to determine the expected annual income tax rate used to compute the income tax provision.  The expected annual income tax rate is then applied against interim pre-tax income, excluding net realized gains and losses and limited partnership distributions, and that amount is then added to the actual income taxes on net realized gains and losses, discrete items and limited partnership distributions.  However, when there is significant volatility in the expected effective tax rate, the Company records its actual income tax provision in lieu of the estimated effective income tax rate.

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The Company’s income before income taxes from its non-U.S. subsidiaries and U.S. subsidiaries for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

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For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s income before income taxes from its non-U.S. subsidiaries and U.S. subsidiaries, as reported in the table above, includes the results of the quota share agreement between Global Indemnity Reinsurance and the Insurance Operations.  This quota share agreement was cancelled on a runoff basis effective January 1, 2018.

The following table summarizes the components of income tax benefit:

 

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The weighted average expected tax provision has been calculated using income before income taxes in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate.  

The following table summarizes the differences between the tax provision for financial statement purposes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate:

 

 

The effective income tax benefit for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 was $3,292, compared with an effective income tax benefit of $7,855 for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in the effective income tax benefit in the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2017 is due to less pretax losses in the U.S. and the change in the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 per the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”).

.  

 

 

The effective income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $5,944, compared with an effective income tax benefit of $13,193 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in the effective income tax benefit in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is due to the change in the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 upon the passage of the TCJA.  Taxes were computed using a discrete period computation because a reliable estimate of an effective tax rate could not be made.  

Financial results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 reflect provisional tax estimates related to the TCJA. These provisional estimates are based on the Company’s initial analysis and current interpretation of the legislation. Given the complexity of the legislation, anticipated guidance from the U.S. Treasury, and the potential for additional guidance from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), these estimates may be adjusted during 2018. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were no adjustments to provisional tax estimates recorded in prior periods.

The Company had an alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforward of $11.0 million as of December 31, 2017.  The TCJA repealed the corporate AMT.  The AMT credit carryforward of $11.0 million was reclassed to federal income taxes receivable at December 31, 2017 and will be fully refunded by the end of 2021.  The Company has a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of $21.9 million as of September 30, 2018, which begins to expire in 2035 based on when the original NOL was generated.  The Company’s NOL carryforward as of December 31, 2017 was $16.3 million. The Company has a

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Section 163(j) (“163(j)”) carryforward of $10.8 million and $7.9 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, which can be carried forward indefinitely. The 163(j) carryforward is for disqualified interest paid or accrued.

Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:

 

 

When analyzing loss reserves and prior year development, the Company considers many factors, including the frequency and severity of claims, loss trends, case reserve settlements that may have resulted in significant development, and any other additional or pertinent factors that may impact reserve estimates.

During the third quarter of 2018, the Company reduced its prior accident year loss reserves by $12.0 million, which consisted of a $1.2 million decrease related to Commercial Lines, $7.5 million decrease related to Personal Lines, and a $3.3 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.

The $1.2 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:

The $7.5 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Personal Lines primarily consisted of the following:

The $3.3 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Reinsurance Operations was from the property lines for accident years 2007, 2009 through 2012 and 2014 through 2016, partially offset by an increase in the 2017 accident year.  The accident year changes were based on a review of the experience reported from cedants.

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In the third quarter of 2017, the Company reduced its prior accident year loss reserves by $9.4 million, which consisted of a $7.3 million decrease related to Commercial Lines, a $1.3 million decrease related to Personal Lines, and a $0.8 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.

The $7.3 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:

The $1.3 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Personal Lines reflects $1.3 million in subrogation recoveries involving the 2015 wildfire.

The $0.8 million reduction related to Reinsurance Operations was from the property lines.  Ultimate losses were lowered primarily in the 2015 accident year and partially offset by an increase in the 2016 accident year based on a review of the experience reported from cedants.

During the first nine months of 2018, the Company reduced its prior accident year loss reserves by $27.5 million, which consisted of a $9.1 million decrease related to Commercial Lines, $10.6 million decrease related to Personal Lines, and a $7.8 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.

The $9.1 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:

The $10.6 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Personal Lines primarily consisted of the following:

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The $7.8 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Reinsurance Operations was from the property lines for accident years 2007, 2009 through 2012 and 2015 through 2016, partially offset by an increases in the 2013 through 2014 and 2017 accident years.  The accident year changes were based on a review of the experience reported from cedants.

During the first nine months of 2017, the Company reduced its prior accident year loss reserves by $34.8 million, which consisted of a $26.2 million decrease related to Commercial Lines, a $4.5 million decrease related to Personal Lines, and a $4.1 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.

The $26.2 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:

The $4.5 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Personal Lines primarily consisted of the following:

The $4.1 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserve related to Reinsurance Operations was from the property lines.  Ultimate losses were lowered in the 2013 through 2015 accident years and partially offset by an increase in the 2016 accident year based on a review of the experience reported from cedants.

Loss indemnification related to Purchase of American Reliable

On March 8, 2018, the Company settled its final reserve calculation which resulted in $41.5 million being due to Global Indemnity Group, Inc. in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement between Global Indemnity Group, Inc. and American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc. for the purchase of American Reliable.  The settlement is comprised of (i) receipt of $38.8 million for loss and loss adjustment expenses paid on or after January 1, 2015 or payable as of December 31, 2017 with respect to losses incurred prior to January 1, 2015, (ii) receipt of $6.2 million for accrued interest and (iii) payment of $3.5 million for the difference between the agreed upon purchase price and actual settlement on January 1, 2015. These amounts, which were included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017, were received on March 9, 2018.

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The Company’s outstanding debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

 

On April 25, 2018, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. ("GIGI"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, became a subordinated co-obligor with respect to the 7.75% Subordinated Notes due in 2045 and the 7.875% Subordinated Notes due in 2047 with the same obligations and duties as the Company under the Indenture (including the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions to be performed by the Company, including, without limitation, the obligation to pay the principal of, and interest on, the Notes of either series when due whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise), and with the same rights, benefits and privileges of the Company thereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, GIGI's obligations (including the obligation to pay the principal of and interest in respect of the Notes of any series) are subject to subordination to all monetary obligations or liabilities of GIGI owing to Global Indemnity Reinsurance, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and/or any other regulated reinsurance or insurance company that is a direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company, in addition to indebtedness of GIGI for borrowed money.  If the Company pays any amount with respect to the subordinated note obligations, the Company is entitled to be reimbursed by GIGI within 10 business days after a demand is made to GIGI by the Company.  In consideration for becoming a subordinated co-obligor on the subordinated notes, GIGI received a promissory note from the Company with a principal amount of $230 million due April 15, 2047 that has since been assigned to an affiliate. This promissory note is eliminated in consolidation.

Please see Note 12 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 Part II of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Company’s 7.75% Subordinated Notes due in 2045 and the 7.875% Subordinated Notes due in 2047 as well as the Margin Borrowing Facility.

There were no A ordinary shares that were surrendered or repurchased during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.

The following table provides information with respect to the A ordinary shares that were surrendered or repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

 

 

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The following table provides information with respect to the A ordinary shares that were surrendered or repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

 

 

There were no B ordinary shares that were surrendered or repurchased during the quarters or nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.

Please see Note 13 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 Part II of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Company’s repurchase program.

Dividends

On March 4, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a dividend payment of $0.25 per ordinary share to all shareholders of record on the close of business on March 21, 2018.  On March 29, 2018, dividends totaling $3.5 million were paid to shareholders.  

On June 3, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a dividend payment of $0.25 per ordinary share to all shareholders of record on the close of business on June 22, 2018.  On June 29, 2018, dividends totaling $3.5 million were paid to shareholders.  

On September 16, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a dividend payment of $0.25 per ordinary share to all shareholders of record on the close of business on September 27, 2018.  On October 1, 2018, dividends totaling $3.5 million were paid to shareholders.  

As of September 30, 2018, accrued dividends on unvested shares, which were included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, were $0.1 million.  

Please see Note 13 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 Part II of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Company’s dividend program.

Fox Paine & Company (“Fox Paine”)

As of September 30, 2018, Fox Paine beneficially owned shares having approximately 82% of the Company’s total outstanding voting power.  Fox Paine has the right to appoint a number of the Company’s Directors equal in aggregate to the pro rata percentage of the voting shares of the Company beneficially held by Fox Paine for so long as Fox Paine holds an aggregate of 25% or more of the voting power in the Company. Fox Paine controls the election of all of the Company’s Directors due to its controlling share ownership.  The Company’s Chairman is a member of Fox Paine.    

The Company relies on Fox Paine to provide management services and other services related to the operations of the Company, and Fox Paine may propose and negotiate transaction fees with the Company, subject to the provisions of the Company’s related party transaction policies including approval of the Company’s Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, for those services from time to time.  The Company incurred management fees of $0.6 million during each of the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and $1.6 million in each of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and

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2017 as part of the annual management fee paid to Fox Paine. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, unpaid management fees, which were included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, were $0.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively.  

Fox Paine also performed advisory services for the Company in relation to a transaction whereby one of the Company’s indirect wholly owned subsidiaries became a co-obligor on the Company’s subordinated notes. The advisory services were performed during the first and second quarter of 2018. The total fee for these services was $12.5 million which was paid during June, 2018.  Advisory fees were $12.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  

Legal Proceedings

The Company is, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business.  The Company maintains insurance and reinsurance coverage for such risks in amounts that it considers adequate.  However, there can be no assurance that the insurance and reinsurance coverage that the Company maintains is sufficient or will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost.  The Company does not believe that the resolution of any currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or taken as a whole, will have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.  

There is a greater potential for disputes with reinsurers who are in runoff.  Some of the Company’s reinsurers’ have operations that are in runoff, and therefore, the Company closely monitors those relationships.  The Company anticipates that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, it will continue to be subject to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary course of business.

Commitments

In 2014, the Company entered into a $50 million commitment to purchase an alternative investment vehicle which is comprised of European non-performing loans.  As of September 30, 2018, the Company has funded $35.8 million of this commitment leaving $14.2 million as unfunded.

In 2016, the Company entered into a $40 million commitment with an investment manager that provides financing for middle market companies.  As of September 30, 2018, the Company has completely funded the $40.0 million commitment. Of this amount, $5.2 million is still recallable.

In 2017, the Company entered into a $50 million commitment to purchase an alternative investment vehicle comprised of stressed and distressed securities and structured products.  As of September 30, 2018, the Company has funded $29.5 million of this commitment leaving $20.5 million as unfunded. 

On June 13, 2018, the Company’s Shareholders approved the Global Indemnity Limited 2018 Share Incentive Plan (“the 2018 Plan”).  The purpose of the 2018 Plan is to provide the Company a competitive advantage in attracting, retaining, and motivating officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors, and to provide the Company with a share plan providing incentives linked to the financial results of the Company’s business and increases in shareholder value.  Under the 2018 Plan, the Company may issue up to 2.5 million A ordinary shares pursuant to awards granted under the Plan.  The 2018 Plan replaced the Global Indemnity Limited Share Incentive Plan, effective since February 2014, which was set to expire pursuant to its terms on February 9, 2019.

Options

No stock options were awarded during the quarters ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.  No unvested stock options were forfeited during the quarters ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.

On March 6, 2018, the Company entered into a Chief Executive Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Cynthia Y. Valko, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.  In accordance with the Employment Agreement, the vesting schedule on the 300,000 stock options issued in 2014 (“Tranche 2 Options”) was modified.  The Tranche 2 Options will now vest on each December 31 of 2018, 2019 and 2020 in an amount based on Ms. Valko’s attainment of Return on Equity criteria specified in the Employment Agreement.  As a result of applying modification accounting, stock based compensation was increased by $0.2 million and $0.3 million during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.  

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Under the terms of the Employment Agreement, Ms. Valko was also granted an additional 300,000 Time-Based Options (“Tranche 3 Options”) with an exercise price of $50 per share.  Tranche 3 Options vest 1/3 on December 31 of 2018, 2019 and 2020, if Ms. Valko remains employed and in good standing as of such date.  Tranche 3 Options expire on the earlier of December 31, 2027 and 90 calendar days after Ms. Valko is neither employed by Global Indemnity nor a member of the Board of Directors.  

Other than the Tranche 3 Options granted to Ms. Valko, no additional stock options were awarded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  No stock options were awarded during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  No unvested stock options were forfeited during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.

Restricted Shares

No restricted shares were issued to employees during the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company granted 38,778 A ordinary shares, with a weighted average grant date value of $40.57 per share, to key employees under the Plan.   11,843 of these shares vested immediately.  The remainder will vest as follows:

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company granted 22,503 A ordinary shares, with a weighted average grant date value of $38.21 per share, to key employees under the Plan.   These shares will vest as follows:

During the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company granted 7,049 and 6,245 A ordinary shares, respectively, at a weighted average grant date value of $37.70 and $42.40 per share, respectively, to non-employee directors of the Company under the Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company granted 23,983 and 19,713 A ordinary shares, respectively, at a weighted average grant date value of $36.90 and $39.82 per share, respectively, to non-employee directors of the Company under the Plan. All of the shares granted to non-employee directors of the Company in 2018 and 2017 were fully vested but are subject to certain restrictions.

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Earnings per share have been computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period.  

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

 

 

 

A reconciliation of weighted average shares for basic earnings per share to weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share is as follows:

 

 

If the Company had not incurred a loss in the quarter ended September 30, 2017, 17,721,954 weighted average shares would have been used to compute the diluted loss per share calculation which would have included 164,693 shares of non-vested restricted stock and 213,969 share equivalents for options.

 

The weighted average shares outstanding used to determine dilutive earnings per share for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 does not include 600,000 shares which were deemed to be anti-dilutive.  There were no anti-dilutive shares for the quarter or nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The Company manages its business through three business segments.  Commercial Lines offers specialty property and casualty products designed for product lines such as Small Business Binding Authority, Property Brokerage, and Programs. Personal Lines offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage. Reinsurance Operations provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies.

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The following are tabulations of business segment information for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

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The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, condensed consolidating statements of operations and condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.  GIGI is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company.  See Note 7 for information on the Company’s debt obligations.

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Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018

In July, 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that affected a wide variety of topics in the Codification.  The amendments in this update represent changes to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the Codification.  This amendment is meant to make the Codification easier to understand and easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarification.  Some of the amendments in this guidance are effective immediately with the remainder effective for annual periods beginning after December 31, 2018.  The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.

In March, 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance whereby the SEC provided clarification to address any uncertainty or diversity of views in practice related to the application of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, in situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting under ASC Topic 740 for certain income tax effects of the TCJA for the reporting period in which the Act was enacted.   This guidance is effective immediately.  Accordingly, provisional estimates were recorded based on the Company’s initial analysis and current interpretation of the legislation and disclosed in the notes above.  The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.    

In February, 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA.  The amendments in this Update also require certain disclosures related to stranded tax effects.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company early adopted the provisions of this new guidance on a retrospective basis as of January 1, 2018 and made an election to reclassify, in its entirety, all stranded tax effects related to TCJA.  As a result, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $0.1 million which was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.  The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.    

In May, 2017, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance which clarified whether changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting.  This guidance is effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018.  The provisions of this guidance were adopted on a prospective basis.  As a result of adopting this guidance, stock based compensation was increased by $0.2 million and $0.3 million during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.  The adjustment was due to the Company entering into an Employment Agreement with its Chief Executive Officer which modified the vesting schedule on 300,000 options issued in 2014.  The Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to shareholders’ equity as a result of adopting this guidance and the adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.    

In October, 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance regarding intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory.  Prior to adoption, the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers (intercompany sales) were deferred until the transferred asset was sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use. This is an exception to the principle in ASC 740, Income Taxes, that generally requires comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes. The new guidance eliminates the exception for all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory. As a result, a reporting entity would recognize the tax expense from the sale of the asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction would also be recognized at the time of the transfer. Upon adoption on January 1, 2018, the Company applied the provisions of this guidance on a modified retrospective basis resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment which increased retained earnings by $0.2 million.  The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.    

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In August, 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance regarding the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments within the statements of cash flows.  The new guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice.  This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Upon adoption on January 1, 2018, the Company made an accounting policy election to use the cumulative earnings approach for presenting distributions received from equity method investees.  Under this approach, distributions up to the amount of cumulative equity in earnings recognized will be treated as returns on investment and presented in operating activities and those in excess of that amount will be treated as returns of investment and presented in the investing section.  Prior to adoption, all distributions received from equity method investees were presented in the investing section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.  The other cash flow issues addressed by the new guidance did not impact the Company. The provisions of this accounting guidance were adopted on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.    

In January, 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance surrounding the accounting for financial instruments.  The new guidance addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments.  In particular, the guidance requires equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in net income.  It also simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment.  This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Upon adoption on January 1, 2018, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax, of $10.0 million which reduced accumulated other comprehensive income and increased retained earnings.  During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, net realized investment gains (losses) included a gain of $2.7 million and loss of $1.4 million, respectively, related to the change in the fair value of equity investments in accordance with this new accounting guidance.

In May, 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from customers arising from the transfer of goods and services. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period.  The Company adopted the standard and all related amendments using the modified retrospective method.  Long and short duration insurance contracts, which comprise the majority of the Company’s revenues, are excluded from this accounting guidance.  As such, revenue within the scope of the new guidance primarily includes fee income. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows. There were no material changes in the timing or measurement of revenues based upon the guidance.  As a result, there is no cumulative effect on retained earnings.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

 

In August, 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which removed, modified, and added certain disclosures related to Topic 820, Fair Value.  This guidance is effective for all fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In July, 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to Update 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) which clarified or corrected unintended application of the new guidance in Update 2016-02.  It also provided entities with an additional and optional transition method to adopt the new lease standard.  Under this new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance sheet of retained earnings.  In addition, the amendments in this update also provide lessors with a practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease components, and instead, to account for those components as a single component if the non-lease component otherwise would be accounted for under the new revenue guidance, Topic 606.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 including interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company is still evaluating the impact of this guidance on the balance sheet and opening retained earnings. The Company expects the new guidance to have minimal impact on the Consolidated Statement of Operations or Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  

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In June, 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which expanded the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 including interim periods.  The Company does not anticipate the new guidance having a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Please see Note 22 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 Part II of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on accounting pronouncements issued in 2017 which have not been implemented in 2018.

 

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes of Global Indemnity included elsewhere in this report.  Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this report, including information with respect to the Company’s plans and strategy, constitutes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Please see "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this Item 2 for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein.  For more information regarding the Company’s business and operations, please see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Recent Developments

During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company received regulatory approval to terminate the quota share agreement between Global Indemnity Reinsurance and the Company’s U.S. insurance companies effective January 1, 2018.

Each quarter, the Board of Directors approved a dividend payment of $0.25 per ordinary share to all shareholders of record on the close of business on March 21, 2018, June 22, 2018, and September 27, 2018.  Dividends of $3.5 million were paid on March 29, 2018, June 29, 2018, and October 1, 2018.  

On April 25, 2018, the Company and Global Indemnity Group, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement pursuant to which Global Indemnity Group, Inc. agreed to become a subordinated co-obligor with respect to the 7.75% subordinated notes due 2045 and the 7.875% subordinated notes due 2047.  Please see Note 7 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for further discussion on this transaction.  

Overview

The Company’s Commercial Lines segment distribute property and casualty insurance products through a group of approximately 130 professional general agencies that have limited quoting and binding authority, as well as a number of wholesale insurance brokers who in turn sell the Company’s insurance products to insureds through retail insurance brokers.  Commercial Lines operates predominantly in the excess and surplus lines marketplace.  The Company manages its Commercial Lines segment via product classifications.  These product classifications are: 1) Penn-America, which includes property and general liability products for small commercial businesses distributed through a select network of wholesale general agents with specific binding authority; 2) United National, which includes property, general liability, and professional lines products distributed through program administrators with specific binding authority; 3) Diamond State, which includes property, casualty, and professional lines products distributed through wholesale brokers and program administrators with specific binding authority; and 4) Vacant Express, which primarily insures dwellings which are currently vacant, undergoing renovation, or are under construction and is distributed through aggregators, brokers, and retail agents.  

The Company’s Personal Lines segment, via American Reliable, offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage through a group of approximately 270 agents, primarily comprised of wholesale general agents, with specific binding authority in the admitted marketplace.

The Company’s Reinsurance Operations, consisting solely of the operations of Global Indemnity Reinsurance, currently provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and on a direct basis.  Global Indemnity Reinsurance is a Bermuda based treaty reinsurer for specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies. Global Indemnity Reinsurance conducts business in Bermuda and is focused on using its capital capacity to write catastrophe-oriented placements and other niche or specialty-focused treaties meeting the Company’s risk tolerance and return thresholds.  

The Company derives its revenues primarily from premiums paid on insurance policies that it writes and from income generated by its investment portfolio, net of fees paid for investment management services.  The amount of insurance premiums that the Company receives is a function of the amount and type of policies it writes, as well as prevailing market prices.  

The Company’s expenses include losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses, corporate and other operating expenses, interest, investment expenses, and income taxes.  Losses and loss adjustment expenses are estimated by management and reflect the Company’s best estimate of ultimate losses and costs arising during

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the reporting period and revisions of prior period estimates.  The Company records its best estimate of losses and loss adjustment expenses considering both internal and external actuarial analyses of the estimated losses the Company expects to incur on the insurance policies it writes.  The ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses will depend on the actual costs to resolve claims.  Acquisition costs consist principally of commissions and premium taxes that are typically a percentage of the premiums on the insurance policies the Company writes, net of ceding commissions earned from reinsurers.  Other underwriting expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses and general operating expenses related to underwriting activities.  Corporate and other operating expenses are comprised primarily of outside legal fees, other professional and accounting fees, directors’ fees, management fees & advisory fees, and salaries and benefits for company personnel whose services relate to the support of corporate activities. Interest expense is primarily comprised of amounts due on outstanding debt.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, which require it to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.  

The most critical accounting policies involve significant estimates and include those used in determining the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, recoverability of reinsurance receivables, investments, fair value measurements, goodwill and intangible assets, deferred acquisition costs, and taxation.  For a detailed discussion on each of these policies, please see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.  There have been no significant changes to any of these policies or underlying methodologies during the current year except for the following:

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Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the Company’s results for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

NM – not meaningful

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Premiums

The following table summarizes the change in premium volume by business segment:

 

 

NM – not meaningful

Gross premiums written increased by 7.6% and 6.3% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to same period in 2017.  Gross premiums written include business written by American Reliable that was ceded to insurance entities owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement in the amount of ($3) and ($1,427) for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and ($1,859) and ($185) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Excluding the business that is ceded 100% to insurance entities owned by Assurant, gross premiums written increased by 6.4%  and 6.8% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to same period in 2017.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the increase is mainly due to premium growth within Commercials Lines which is primarily being driven by rate increases mainly due to catastrophe experienced in the prior year, new programs, and increased interaction with agents offset by decline in Reinsurance Operations primarily due to the non-renewal of a treaty.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the increase is mainly due to the premium growth within the Company’s Commercial Lines partially offset by a reduction in premiums written within the Company’s Reinsurance Operations. The growth experienced in Commercial Lines is primarily being driven by rate increases mainly due to catastrophes experienced in the prior year, new programs, and increased interactions with agents.  The reduction in gross premiums written within the Company’s Reinsurance Operations

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is primarily due to the non-renewal of a treaty partially offset by growth in the property catastrophe treaties and professional liability portfolio.

Net Retention

The ratio of net premiums written to gross premiums written is referred to as the Company’s net premium retention.  The Company’s net premium retention is summarized by segments as follows:

 

 

The net premium retention for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by 0.2 points and decreased by 1.7 points, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017.  The change in retention for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is primarily driven by the Company’s Personal Lines.  The net premium retention for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 decreased by 4.1 points for Personal Lines as compared to 2017 primarily due to primarily due to the Property Catastrophe Quota Share Treaty that became effective on April 15, 2017.  Please see the Liquidity section within Item 7 of Part II in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the Property Catastrophe Quota Share.  

Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned within the Commercial Lines segment increased by 25.8% and 17.0% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017.  The increase in net premiums earned was primarily due to an increase in gross premiums written.  Property net premiums earned were $31.0 million and $22.0 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $81.3 million and $67.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Casualty net premiums earned were $25.4 million and $22.8 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $74.7 million and $65.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  

Net premiums earned within the Personal Lines segment decreased by 2.7% and 7.8% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to a slight decline in gross premiums written in previous quarters as well as additional premiums being ceded due to the Property Catastrophe Quota Share Treaty that became effective on April 15, 2017.  Property net premiums earned were $43.5 million and $44.3 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $128.4 million and $139.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Casualty net premiums earned were $7.4 million and $8.0 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $23.0 million and $24.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  

Net premiums earned within the Reinsurance Operations segment increased by 15.2% and 11.8% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to growth in gross premiums written within the property and professional lines of business as well as earnings from a treaty that was non-renewed.  Property net premiums earned were $11.7 million and $10.4 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $30.7 million and $27.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Casualty net premiums earned were $1.7 million and $1.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $4.4 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  

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Reserves

Management’s best estimate at September 30, 2018 was recorded as the loss reserve.  Management’s best estimate is as of a particular point in time and is based upon known facts, the Company’s actuarial analyses, current law, and the Company’s judgment.  This resulted in carried gross and net reserves of $608.6 million and $522.3 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2018.  A breakout of the Company’s gross and net reserves, as of September 30, 2018, is as follows:

 

 

 

Each reserve category has an implicit frequency and severity for each accident year as a result of the various assumptions made.  If the actual levels of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate losses will be different than management’s best estimate.  For most of its reserve categories, the Company believes that frequency can be predicted with greater accuracy than severity.  Therefore, the Company believes management’s best estimate is more likely influenced by changes in severity than frequency.  The following table, which the Company believes reflects a reasonable range of variability around its best estimate based on historical loss experience and management’s judgment, reflects the impact of changes (which could be favorable or unfavorable) in frequency and severity on the Company’s current accident year net loss estimate of $222.9 million for claims occurring during the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

 

 

The Company’s net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses of $522.3 million as of September 30, 2018 relate to multiple accident years.  Therefore, the impact of changes in frequency and severity for more than one accident year could be higher or lower than the amounts reflected above.

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Underwriting Results

Commercial Lines

The components of income from the Company’s Commercial Lines segment and corresponding underwriting ratios are as follows:

 

 

 

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Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and ratios

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP measures or ratios, which excludes the impact of prior accident year adjustments, to its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures or ratios are useful to investors when evaluating the Company's underwriting performance as trends in the Company's Commercial Lines may be obscured by prior accident year adjustments. These non-GAAP measures or ratios should not be considered as a substitute for its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio and does not reflect the overall underwriting profitability of the Company.

 

 

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Premiums

See “Result of Operations” above for a discussion on premiums.

Loss Ratio

The current accident year losses and loss ratio is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

The current accident year catastrophe loss ratio improved by 8.1 points during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to lower claims frequency compared to last year.

The current accident year catastrophe loss ratio improved by 4.1 points during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.  The loss ratio improvement reflects lower claims frequency compared to last year, particularly in the third accident quarter.

The current accident year non-catastrophe property loss ratio increased by 7.1 points during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to an increase in the quarter for the ultimate claims frequency and severity from the second accident quarter.

The current accident year non-catastrophe property loss ratio increased by 2.9 points during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.  The increase in the loss ratio reflects a higher claims severity for each of the accident quarters of 2018 compared to the same accident quarters last year.

The current accident year casualty loss ratio increased by 1.7 points during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due an increase in claims frequency in the latest accident quarter.

The current accident year casualty loss ratio improved by 1.8 points during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 mainly due to lower claims severity compared to last year.

The calendar year loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes a decrease of $1.2 million, or 2.1 percentage points, and a decrease of $9.1 million, or 5.8 percentage points, respectively, related to reserve development on prior accident years.  The calendar year loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes a decrease of $7.3 million, or 16.2 percentage points, and a decrease of $26.2 million, or 19.6 percentage points, respectively, related to reserve development on prior accident years.  Please see Note 6 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for further discussion on prior accident year development.

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Expense Ratios

The expense ratio for the Company’s Commercial Lines improved by 0.7 points from 40.7% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 to 40.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 and improved by 1.3 points from 41.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to 40.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  The improvement in the expense ratio is primarily due to an increase in the net earned premiums as discussed above.

Personal Lines

The components of income and loss from the Company’s Personal Lines segment and corresponding underwriting ratios are as follows:

 

 

 

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Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and ratios

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP measures or ratios, which excludes the impact of prior accident year adjustments, to its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures or ratios are useful to investors when evaluating the Company's underwriting performance as trends in the Company's Personal Lines may be obscured by prior accident year adjustments. These non-GAAP measures or ratios should not be considered as a substitute for its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio and does not reflect the overall underwriting profitability of the Company.

 

 

Premiums

See “Result of Operations” above for a discussion on consolidated premiums.

Other Income

Other income was $0.5 million and $2.3 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $1.5

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million and $5.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In 2018, other income is primarily comprised of fee income.  In 2017, other income is primarily comprised of fee income, commission income and accrued interest on the anticipated indemnification of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. In accordance with a dispute resolution agreement between Global Indemnity Group, Inc. and American Bankers Group, Inc., any variance paid related to the loss indemnification was subjected to interest of 5% compounded semi-annually.  The reduction in other income is primarily due to the Company settling its final reserve calculation with American Bankers Group, Inc. with an effective date of December 31, 2017 resulting in no interest on the loss indemnification being accrued in 2018.

Loss Ratio

The current accident year losses and loss ratio is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

The current accident year catastrophe loss ratio increased by 10.1 points during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to higher losses experienced from the California wildfire, Arizona monsoon, and Hurricane Florence.

 

The current accident year catastrophe loss ratio improved by 3.5 points during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.  The loss ratio improvement reflects a lower claims frequency for both the first accident quarter and second accident quarter compared to last year.

The current accident year non-catastrophe property loss ratio increased by 4.1 points and 1.3 points during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017 reflecting a higher claims frequency and severity in the third accident quarter compared to last year.

The current accident year casualty loss ratio improved by 1.1 points and 12.0 points during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017.  The decrease is driven by a lower claims frequency and severity compared to last year.

The calendar year loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes a decrease of $7.5 million, or 14.7 percentage points, and a decrease of $10.6 million, or 7.0 percentage points, respectively, related to reserve development on prior accident years.  The calendar year loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes a decrease of $1.3 million, or 2.5 percentage points, and a decrease of $4.5 million, or 2.7 percentage points, respectively, related to reserve development on prior accident years.  Please see Note 6 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for further discussion on prior accident year development.

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Expense Ratios

The expense ratio for the Company’s Personal Lines improved 2.0 points from 43.4% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 to 41.4% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to reduction in commission expense due to mix of business as well as a reduction in corporate overhead.  

The expense ratio for the Company’s Personal Lines increased 1.0 points from 42.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to 43.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  The increase in the expense ratio is primarily due to a reduction in net earned premiums which is the result of additional premiums being ceded due to the Property Catastrophe Quota Share Treaty that became effective on April 15, 2017 as well as an increase in contingent commissions.  This increase was partially offset by a reduction in commission expense due to mix of business.  

Reinsurance Operations

The components of income from the Company’s Reinsurance Operations segment and corresponding underwriting ratios are as follows:

 

 

 

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Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and ratios

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP measures or ratios, which excludes the impact of prior accident year adjustments, to its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio.  The Company believes the non-GAAP measures or ratios are useful to investors when evaluating the Company's underwriting performance as trends in the Company's Reinsurance Operations may be obscured by prior accident year adjustments. These non-GAAP measures or ratios should not be considered as a substitute for its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio and does not reflect the overall underwriting profitability of the Company.

 

 

Premiums

See “Result of Operations” above for a discussion on premiums.

Other Income

The Company recognized a loss of $0.1 million and income of less than $0.1 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and a loss of $0.2 million and income of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Other income is comprised of foreign exchange gains and losses.

Loss Ratio

The current accident year loss ratio improved by 106.7 points  and 40.6 points during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017.  The decrease is driven by lower loss ratios in the property catastrophe contracts as the third quarter of 2017 was adversely impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

The calendar year loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes a decrease of $3.3 million, or 25.0 percentage points, and a decrease of $7.8 million or 22.3 percentage points, respectively, related to reserve development on prior accident years.  The calendar year loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes a decrease of $0.8 million, or 6.8 percentage points, and a decrease of $4.1 million, or 13.1 percentage points, respectively, related to reserve development on prior accident years.  Please see Note 6 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for further discussion on prior accident year development.

Expense Ratio

The expense ratio for the Company’s Reinsurance Operations increased by 3.1 points from 35.2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 to 38.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018.  The expense ratio for the Company’s Reinsurance Operations increased by 4.0 points from 32.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to 36.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This was primarily due to the expense ratio for 2017 being lower than it otherwise would have been due to receiving a federal excise tax refund related to prior years of $0.7 million and $1.1 million during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

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Unallocated Corporate Items

The Company’s investments are managed distinctly according to assets supporting future insurance obligations and assets in excess of those supporting future insurance obligations. Assets supporting insurance obligations are referred to as the Insurance Obligations Portfolio. The Insurance Obligations Portfolio consists of cash and high-quality fixed income investments.  Assets in excess of insurance obligations are referred to as the Surplus Portfolio. The Surplus Portfolio targets higher returns and is comprised of cash, fixed income, common stocks, and alternative investments.

The Insurance Obligations Portfolio has a market value of $780.0 million and the fixed income securities excluding cash have a credit quality of AA- and duration of 3.1 years. The Surplus Portfolio has a market value of $752.3 million and the fixed income securities within have a credit quality of A- and duration of 3.4 years.

The Insurance Obligations Portfolio returned (0.1%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 with net investment income of $15.4 million, offset by realized losses of $0.4 million and unrealized losses of $15.6 million. The Surplus Portfolio returned 1.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 with net investment income of $18.7 million, realized gains of $1.2 million offset by unrealized losses of $10.2 million.

Net Investment Income

 

 

Gross investment income increased by 15.1% and 21.6% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in yield within the fixed maturities portfolio due to extending duration in 2017 and increased returns from alternative investments.

Investment expenses increased by 2.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 and decreased 2.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017.  The increase for the quarter ended was primarily due to increased service fees related to the Company’s equity portfolio during 2018.  The decrease for the nine months ended was primarily due to reduced fees related to the custody of the Company’s investment portfolio during 2018.

At September 30, 2018, the Company held agency mortgage-backed securities with a market value of $35.3 million.  Excluding the agency mortgage-backed securities, the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio was 3.2 years as of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.  Including cash and short-term investments, the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio, excluding agency mortgage-backed securities, was 3.1 years as of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.  Changes in interest rates can cause principal payments on certain investments to extend or shorten which can impact duration.  At September 30, 2018, the Company’s embedded book yield on its fixed maturities, not including cash, was 3.0% compared with 2.7% at September 30, 2017.  The embedded book yield on the $99.6 million of municipal bonds in the Company’s portfolio, which includes $98.9 million of taxable municipal bonds, was 3.2% at September 30, 2018, compared to an embedded book yield of 3.1% on the Company’s municipal bond portfolio of $117.2 million at September 30, 2017.

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Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net realized investment gains (losses) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

See Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for an analysis of total investment return on a pre-tax basis for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Corporate and Other Operating Expenses

Corporate and other operating expenses consist of outside legal fees, other professional fees, directors’ fees, management fees & advisory fees, salaries and benefits for holding company personnel, development costs for new products, and taxes incurred which are not directly related to operations.  Corporate and other operating expenses were $3.5 million and $4.6 million during the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $23.7 million and $11.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The decrease in corporate expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 is primarily due to 2017 including $1.1 million in professional fees related to the share redemption.  The increase in corporate expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is primarily due to incurring an advisory fee related to the co-obligor transaction of $12.5 million.  Of the $12.5 million advisory fee, $6.25 million was incurred in the first quarter of 2018 and an additional $6.25 million was incurred in the second quarter of 2018.  For additional information on the co-obligor transaction, see Note 7 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased 1.8% during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.  This increase is primarily due to higher interest rates on the Margin Borrowing Facility.  

Interest expense increased 22.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.  This increase is primarily due to the Company’s $130 million debt offering in March, 2017.

Income Tax Benefit

 

The income tax benefit was $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared with income tax benefit of $7.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.  The decrease in the income tax benefit for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2017 is due to less pretax losses in the U.S. and the change in the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 per the passage of the TCJA .

The income tax benefit was $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared with income tax benefit of $13.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  The decrease in the income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is due to the change in the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 upon the passage of the TCJA.

See Note 5 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for a comparison of income tax between periods.  

Net Income (Loss)

The factors described above resulted in a net income of $3.7 million and a net loss of $8.9 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and net income of $16.6 million and $13.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Funds

Global Indemnity is a holding company.  Its principal asset is its ownership of the shares of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including those of its U.S. insurance companies: United National Insurance Company, Diamond State Insurance Company, Penn-America Insurance Company, Penn-Star Insurance Company, Penn-Patriot Insurance Company, and American Reliable Insurance Company; and its Reinsurance Operations: Global Indemnity Reinsurance.

Global Indemnity’s short term and long term liquidity needs include the payment of corporate expenses, debt service payments, dividend payments to shareholders, and share repurchases.  In order to meet their short term and long term needs, the Company’s principal sources of cash includes dividends from subsidiaries, other permitted disbursements from its direct and indirect subsidiaries, reimbursement for equity awards granted to employees and intercompany borrowings. The principal sources of funds at these direct and indirect subsidiaries include underwriting operations, investment income, and proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments.  Funds are used principally by these operating subsidiaries to pay claims and operating expenses, to make debt payments, fund margin requirements on interest rate swap agreements, to purchase investments, and to make dividend payments.  In addition, the Company periodically reviews opportunities related to business acquisitions and as a result, liquidity may be needed in the future.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company also had future funding commitments of $39.9 million related to investments.  The timing of commitments related to investments is uncertain.  

The future liquidity of Global Indemnity is dependent on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends.  Global Indemnity’s U.S. insurance companies are restricted by statute as to the amount of dividends that they may pay without the prior approval of regulatory authorities. The dividend limitations imposed by state laws are based on the statutory financial results of each insurance company within the Insurance Operations that are determined by using statutory accounting practices that differ in various respects from accounting principles used in financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP.  See “Regulation - Statutory Accounting Principles” in Item 1 of Part I of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Key differences relate to, among other items, deferred acquisition costs, limitations on deferred income taxes, reserve calculation assumptions and surplus notes.  See Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on dividend limitations related to the U.S. Insurance Companies.  The U.S. Insurance Companies did not declare or pay any dividends during the quarter or nine months ended September 30, 2018.  

For 2018, the Company believes that Global Indemnity Reinsurance, including distributions it could receive from its subsidiaries, should have sufficient liquidity and solvency to pay dividends.  Global Indemnity Reinsurance is prohibited, without the approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”), from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set out in its previous year’s statutory financial statements, and any application for such approval must include such information as the BMA may require.  See “Regulation—Bermuda Insurance Regulation” in Item 1 of Part I of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s Board authorized, but did not declare, a dividend in the aggregate amount of up to $50 million which may be declared and paid on or before June 30, 2019 to its parent company, Global Indemnity Limited.  Global Indemnity Reinsurance did not declare or pay any dividends during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 but it did receive a dividend payment from its wholly owned subsidiary, GBLI Barbados, Ltd in the amount of $17.9 million.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Global Indemnity Reinsurance paid a $20.0 million dividend, which was previously declared in 2017, to its parent company, Global Indemnity Limited.

Cash Flows

Sources of operating funds consist primarily of net premiums written and investment income.  Funds are used primarily to pay claims and operating expenses and to purchase investments.

The Company’s reconciliation of net income to cash provided by (used for) operations is generally influenced by the following:

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Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities was $45.9 million and ($11.2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The increase in operating cash flows of approximately $57.1 million from the prior year was primarily a net result of the following items:

 

 

See the consolidated statement of cash flows in the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for details concerning the Company’s investing and financing activities.

Liquidity

The Board of Directors approved a dividend payment of $0.25 per ordinary share to all shareholders of record on the close of business on March 21, 2018, June 22, 2018, and September 27, 2018.  Dividends of $3.5 million were paid on March 29, 2018, June 29, 2018, and October 1, 2018.  

On March 8, 2018, the Company settled its final reserve calculation which resulted in the recovery of $41.5 million in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement between Global Indemnity Group, Inc. and American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc. for the purchase of American Reliable.

Other than the items discussed in the preceding paragraphs, there have been no material changes to the Company’s liquidity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  Please see Item 7 of Part II in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding the Company’s liquidity.

Capital Resources

On April 25, 2018 the Company and Global Indemnity Group, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement pursuant to which Global Indemnity Group, Inc. agreed to become a subordinated co-obligor with respect to the 7.75% subordinated notes due 2045 and the 7.875% subordinated notes due 2047.  Global Indemnity Group, Inc. has agreed to pay all amounts due and payable in respect of the subordinated note obligations, including, without limitation, the payment of principal of and interest on each series of notes.   In consideration for becoming a subordinated co-obligor on the subordinated notes, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. received a promissory note from the Company with a principal amount of $230 million at an interest rate of 7.825% per annum and due on April 15, 2047.  Global Indemnity Group, Inc. assigned the $230 million promissory note from the Company to U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l. as payment on $230 million of the outstanding debt owed to U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l. by Global Indemnity Group, Inc.

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In July, 2018, U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l. declared and paid a dividend totaling $430.4 million.  The ultimate recipient of this dividend was GBLI (Barbados) Limited.  This dividend was satisfied by the assignment of intercompany note receivables totaling $412.5 million, $11.6 million in accrued interest receivables on the intercompany notes, and $6.3 million in fixed income securities.  The $412.5 million in intercompany notes were then converted into interest free loans. GBLI (Barbados) Limited subsequently declared and paid a dividend to its parent, Global Indemnity Reinsurance, in the amount of $17.9 million which consisted of the accrued interest receivable and fixed income securities.  These transactions all eliminate in consolidation and have no impact on the consolidating financial statements.

Other than the items discussed in the preceding paragraph, there have been no material changes to the Company’s capital resources during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  Please see Item 7 of Part II in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding the Company’s capital resources.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no off balance sheet arrangements.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements under “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this report may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance.  Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts.  These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "project," "plan," "seek," "intend," or "anticipate" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and include discussions of strategy, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of identified transactions or natural disasters, and statements about the future performance, operations, products and services of the companies.

The Company’s business and operations are and will be subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Consequently, actual results and experience may materially differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected.  The Company’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

For the quarter ending September 30, 2018, global equities rose for the second straight quarter. Global markets stabilized in the wake of robust US economic data, while political uncertainty and trade concerns weighed on some regions. US-China trade relations remained volatile: US tariffs on approximately US$200 billion of Chinese imports took effect in September, and China promptly retaliated with tariffs on about US$60 billion of US exports. Emerging markets volatility spiked after Turkey’s financial crisis rattled global markets, but receded at the end of the quarter. Oil approached a four-year high amidst global supply uncertainties and strong global growth. On the monetary front, the US Federal Reserve (Fed), the Bank of England, and the Bank of Canada raised interest rates. The European Central Bank (ECB) remained dovish, leaving rates unchanged and reiterating its pledge to keep them low at least until the summer of 2019. Within the S&P 500 Index, all 11 sectors posted positive results for the quarter. Health care stocks performed best, climbing for the second consecutive quarter, led by strength in pharmaceuticals and health care providers and services. Information technology continued to drive the market higher, led by technology hardware, storage and peripherals.

Global fixed income markets posted negative returns in USD terms during the third quarter, while the US fixed income market returns were flat. Global monetary policy turned more hawkish in aggregate during the period. The Fed upgraded its projection for US growth, raised its target interest rate by 25 bps, and forecast four additional rate hikes through the end of next year. The Bank of England and Bank of Canada each hiked rates by 25 bps. Sovereign yields rose across the long end of most developed markets’ yield curves, as trade war concerns lifted inflation expectations. Greater confidence for continued monetary tightening pushed up short-term yields in the US and Canada.

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The Company’s investment grade fixed income portfolio continues to maintain high quality with an A+ average rating and a duration of 3.1 years. The Insurance Obligations Portfolio has a credit quality of AA- and duration of 3.0 years. The portion of the Surplus Portfolio comprised of cash and fixed income securities has a credit quality of A- and duration of 3.4 years.  Portfolio purchases were focused within investment grade credit and asset backed securities (“ABS”). These purchases were funded primarily through sales of ABS and investment grade credit, as well as maturities and paydowns. During the third quarter, the portfolio’s allocation to investment grade credit increased, while allocations to securitized sectors and cash and equivalents decreased.

There have been no other material changes to the Company’s market risk since December 31, 2017.  Please see Item 7A of Part II in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding the Company’s market risk.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2018.  Based upon that evaluation, and subject to the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2018, the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.  

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.  

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PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

The Company is, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains insurance and reinsurance coverage for risks in amounts that it considers adequate.  However, there can be no assurance that the insurance and reinsurance coverage that the Company maintains is sufficient or will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost.  The Company does not believe that the resolution of any currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or taken as a whole, will have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.  

There is a greater potential for disputes with reinsurers who are in runoff.  Some of the Company’s reinsurers’ have operations that are in runoff, and therefore, the Company closely monitors those relationships.  The Company anticipates that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, it will continue to be subject to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary course of business.

The Company’s results of operations and financial condition are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A of Part I in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2018.  The risk factors identified therein have not materially changed.

The Company’s Share Incentive Plan allows employees to surrender the Company’s A ordinary shares as payment for the tax liability incurred upon the vesting of restricted stock.  There were no shares surrendered by the Company’s employees during the quarter ended September 30, 2018.  All A ordinary shares surrendered by the employees by the Company are held as treasury stock and recorded at cost until formally retired.  

None.

None.

None

 

 

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SIGNATURE

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

 

 

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