Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

x    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2009

OR

¨    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File No. 001-14428

 

 

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Bermuda   98-014-1974

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

Renaissance House, 8-20 East Broadway, Pembroke HM 19 Bermuda

(Address of principal executive offices)

(441) 295-4513

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer  x, Accelerated filer  ¨, Non-accelerated filer  ¨, Smaller reporting company  ¨.

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

The number of outstanding shares of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s common shares, par value US $1.00 per share, as of October 22, 2009 was 62,400,299.

Total number of pages in this report: 80

 

 

 


Table of Contents

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
        Item 1 —   Financial Statements   
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008    3
  Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008    4
  Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008    5
  Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008    6
  Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008    7
  Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements    8
        Item 2 —   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    35
        Item 3 —   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    77
        Item 4 —   Controls and Procedures    77

Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

   78
        Item 1 —   Legal Proceedings    78
        Item 1A —   Risk Factors    78
        Item 2 —   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    78
        Item 3 —   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    79
        Item 4 —   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    79
        Item 5 —   Other Information    79
        Item 6 —   Exhibits    79

Signatures —

  RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.    80

 

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Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

     September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008
     (Unaudited)    (Audited)

Assets

     

Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value

     

(Amortized cost $4,413,428 and $2,916,991 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively)

   $ 4,505,446    $ 2,996,885

Short term investments, at fair value

     880,406      2,172,343

Other investments, at fair value

     812,056      773,475

Investments in other ventures, under equity method

     94,859      99,879
             

Total investments

     6,292,767      6,042,582

Cash and cash equivalents

     347,993      274,692

Premiums receivable

     826,562      565,630

Ceded reinsurance balances

     207,257      88,019

Losses recoverable

     253,312      299,534

Accrued investment income

     34,076      26,614

Deferred acquisition costs

     95,614      81,904

Receivable for investments sold

     188,497      236,485

Other secured assets

     27,464      76,424

Other assets

     201,982      217,986

Goodwill and other intangibles

     69,175      74,181
             

Total assets

   $ 8,544,699    $ 7,984,051
             

Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities

     

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

   $ 1,837,879    $ 2,160,612

Reserve for unearned premiums

     805,199      510,235

Debt

     450,000      450,000

Reinsurance balances payable

     457,947      315,401

Payable for investments purchased

     247,502      378,111

Other secured liabilities

     27,500      77,420

Other liabilities

     251,504      290,998
             

Total liabilities

     4,077,531      4,182,777
             

Commitments and Contingencies

     

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     746,698      768,531

Shareholders’ Equity

     

Preference shares

     650,000      650,000

Common shares

     62,390      61,503

Additional paid-in capital

     25,494      —  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     78,338      75,387

Retained earnings

     2,904,248      2,245,853
             

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,720,470      3,032,743
             

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity

   $ 8,544,699    $ 7,984,051
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

(in thousands of United States Dollars, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
   September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 

Revenues

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 202,413      $ 239,806      $ 1,655,886      $ 1,574,419   
                                

Net premiums written

   $ 75,098      $ 194,408      $ 1,153,304      $ 1,211,546   

Decrease (increase) in unearned premiums

     220,915        184,934        (175,726     (146,717
                                

Net premiums earned

     296,013        379,342        977,578        1,064,829   

Net investment income

     106,815        15,767        263,234        106,955   

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

     1,556        3,448        (12,761     8,153   

Equity in earnings of other ventures

     4,331        2,333        11,499        13,455   

Other income (loss)

     13,424        2,258        (5,027     10,246   

Net realized gains on investments

     16,794        11,198        57,809        28,322   

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     (1,408     (98,808     (25,719     (150,763

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     1,062        —          4,518        —     
                                

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     (346     (98,808     (21,201     (150,763
                                

Total revenues

     438,587        315,538        1,271,131        1,081,197   
                                

Expenses

        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     38,567        535,347        191,587        731,720   

Acquisition expenses

     44,203        54,231        141,302        154,272   

Operational expenses

     45,498        30,296        132,120        93,903   

Corporate expenses

     (4,319     3,116        8,608        18,930   

Interest expense

     3,748        5,379        12,084        18,120   
                                

Total expenses

     127,697        628,369        485,701        1,016,945   
                                

Income (loss) before taxes

     310,890        (312,831     785,430        64,252   

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (3,993     455        (3,793     (936
                                

Net income (loss)

     306,897        (312,376     781,637        63,316   

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (37,694     91,977        (122,821     10,321   
                                

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

     269,203        (220,399     658,816        73,637   

Dividends on preference shares

     (10,575     (10,575     (31,725     (31,725
                                

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ 258,628      $ (230,974   $ 627,091      $ 41,912   
                                

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - basic

   $ 4.15      $ (3.79   $ 10.09      $ 0.66   

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted (1)

   $ 4.12      $ (3.79   $ 10.03      $ 0.65   

Dividends per common share

   $ 0.24      $ 0.23      $ 0.72      $ 0.69   

 

(1) Earnings per share calculations use average common shares outstanding - basic, when in a net loss position, as required by the Earnings Per Share Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended  
   September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 

Preference shares

    

Balance - January 1

   $ 650,000      $ 650,000   

Repurchase of shares

     —          —     
                

Balance - September 30

     650,000        650,000   
                

Common shares

    

Balance - January 1

     61,503        68,920   

Repurchase of shares

     —          (8,064

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock and awards

     887        545   
                

Balance - September 30

     62,390        61,401   
                

Additional paid-in capital

    

Balance - January 1

     —          107,867   

Repurchase of shares

     —          (129,428

Reduction in redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     1,870        —     

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock and awards

     23,624        21,561   
                

Balance - September 30

     25,494        —     
                

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    

Balance - January 1

     75,387        44,719   

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of taxes (1)

     (76,198     —     

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments

     83,667        (28,175

Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income

     (4,518     —     
                

Balance - September 30

     78,338        16,544   
                

Retained earnings

    

Balance - January 1

     2,245,853        2,605,997   

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of taxes (1)

     76,198        —     

Net income

     781,637        63,316   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (122,821     10,321   

Repurchase of shares

     —          (290,914

Dividends on common shares

     (44,894     (43,699

Dividends on preference shares

     (31,725     (31,725
                

Balance - September 30

     2,904,248        2,313,296   
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 3,720,470      $ 3,041,241   
                

 

(1) Cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of April 1, 2009, related to the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments, as required by the Investments - Debt and Equity Securities Topic of the FASB ASC.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
   September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 

Comprehensive income (loss)

        

Net income (loss)

   $ 306,897      $ (312,376   $ 781,637      $ 63,316   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

        

Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

     75,777        (22,005     91,699        (33,567

Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,062     —          (4,518     —     
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

     381,612        (334,381     868,818        29,749   

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (37,694     91,977        (122,821     10,321   

Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (8,442     2,987        (8,032     5,392   
                                

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (46,136     94,964        (130,853     15,713   
                                

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

   $ 335,476      $ (239,417   $ 737,965      $ 45,462   
                                

Disclosure regarding net unrealized gains (losses)

        

Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

   $ 83,783      $ (106,628   $ 120,275      $ (150,616

Net realized (gains) losses and net other-than-temporary impairments included in net income

     (16,448     87,610        (36,608     122,441   
                                

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments

   $ 67,335      $ (19,018   $ 83,667      $ (28,175
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

(in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended  
   September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 781,637      $ 63,316   

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

    

Amortization and depreciation

     1,749        (1,408

Net realized (gains) losses on investments

     (57,809     (28,322

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     21,201        150,763   

Equity in undistributed earnings of other ventures

     356        6,900   

Net unrealized (gains) losses included in net investment income

     (71,478     104,031   

Net unrealized losses included in other (loss) income

     (8,745     934   

Change in:

    

Premiums receivable

     (260,932     (252,971

Ceded reinsurance balances

     (119,238     (47,571

Deferred acquisition costs

     (13,710     (9,826

Reserve for claims and claim expenses, net

     (276,511     288,123   

Reserve for unearned premiums

     294,964        194,288   

Reinsurance balances payable

     142,546        85,399   

Other

     17,968        810   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     451,998        554,466   
                

Cash flows provided by investing activities

    

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments available for sale

     7,233,832        7,924,853   

Purchases of investments available for sale

     (8,687,053     (7,903,037

Net sales of short term investments

     1,291,937        383,348   

Net sales (purchases) of other investments

     32,897        (192,485

Net purchases of investments in other ventures

     —          (31,332

Net sales of other assets

     69        —     

Net purchase of subsidiaries

     —          (76,631
                

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (128,318     104,716   
                

Cash flows used in financing activities

    

Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares

     (44,894     (43,699

Dividends paid - preference shares

     (31,725     (31,725

RenaissanceRe common share repurchase

     —          (428,406

DaVinciRe share repurchase

     —          (100,000

Third party DaVinciRe share transactions

     (123,718     43,549   

Redemption of 7.0% Senior Notes

     —          (150,000

Reverse repurchase agreement

     (50,042     —     

Net (repayment) drawdown of debt

     —          148,049   
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (250,379     (562,232
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     73,301        96,950   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     274,692        330,226   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 347,993      $ 427,176   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars) (Unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from these statements. The preparation of unaudited 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The major estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the reserve for claims and claim expenses; losses recoverable, including allowances for losses recoverable deemed uncollectible; estimates of written and earned premiums; the fair value of investments and financial instruments, including derivative instruments; premiums and other accounts receivable, including allowances for amounts deemed uncollectible; and estimates relating to the Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance. This report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries include the following principal entities:

 

  •  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe” or the “Company”), was formed under the laws of Bermuda on June 7, 1993. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides reinsurance and insurance to a broad range of customers.

 

  •  

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (“Renaissance Reinsurance”), the Company’s principal reinsurance subsidiary, provides property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance coverages to insurers and reinsurers on a worldwide basis.

 

  •  

The Company also manages property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance business written on behalf of joint ventures, which principally include Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd. (“Top Layer Re”), recorded under the equity method of accounting, and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. (“DaVinci”). Because the Company owns a noncontrolling equity interest in, but controls a majority of the outstanding voting power of, DaVinci’s parent, DaVinciRe Holdings Ltd. (“DaVinciRe”), the results of DaVinci and DaVinciRe are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. Noncontrolling interest represents the interests of external parties with respect to the net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity of DaVinciRe. Renaissance Underwriting Managers Ltd. (“RUM”), a wholly owned subsidiary, acts as exclusive underwriting manager for these joint ventures in return for fee-based income and profit participation.

 

  •  

The Company’s Individual Risk operations include direct insurance and quota share reinsurance written through the operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance Holdings Ltd. (“RenRe Insurance”), formerly known as Glencoe Group Holdings Ltd. These operating subsidiaries principally include Stonington Insurance Company (“Stonington”), which writes business in the United States on an admitted basis, and Glencoe Insurance Ltd. (“Glencoe”) and Lantana Insurance Ltd. (“Lantana”), which write business in the United States on an excess and surplus lines basis, and also provide reinsurance coverage, principally through quota share contracts, which are analyzed on an individual risk basis. The Individual Risk operations also include the results of Agro National Inc. (“Agro National”), a managing general underwriter of multi-peril crop insurance.

 

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  •  

RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458 (“Syndicate 1458”), the Company’s Lloyd’s syndicate, which was licensed to start writing certain lines of insurance and reinsurance business effective June 1, 2009. RenaissanceRe Corporate Capital (UK) Limited (“RenaissanceRe CCL”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is Syndicate 1458’s sole corporate member.

Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Because of the seasonality of the Company’s business, the results of operations and cash flows for any interim period will not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations and cash flows for the full fiscal year or subsequent quarters.

 

2. Ceded Reinsurance

The Company purchases reinsurance and other protection to manage its risk portfolio and to reduce its exposure to large losses. The Company currently has in place contracts that provide for recovery of a portion of certain claims and claim expenses from reinsurers generally in excess of various retentions or on a proportional basis. The Company remains liable to the extent that any third-party reinsurer or other obligor fails to meet its obligations. The earned reinsurance premiums ceded were $170.2 million and $96.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $383.3 million and $315.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition to loss recoveries, certain of the Company’s ceded reinsurance contracts provide for recoveries of additional premiums, reinstatement premiums and for lost no-claims bonuses, which are incurred when losses are ceded to other reinsurance contracts. Total reinsurance recoveries netted against claims and claim expenses incurred were $20.1 million and $112.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $85.2 million and $151.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

3. Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per common share is based on weighted average common shares and excludes any dilutive effects of stock options and restricted stock. Diluted earnings per common share assumes the exercise of all dilutive stock options and restricted stock grants.

In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to determine whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic Earnings per Share. Effective January 1, 2009, the two-class method is used to determine earnings per share based on dividends declared on common stock and participating securities (i.e. distributed earnings) and participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. Unvested restricted stock granted by the Company to its employees is now considered a participating security. The Company now uses the two-class method to calculate its net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic and diluted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s prior calculations of net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic and diluted, and therefore prior periods have not been restated.

 

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The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)             

Numerator:

    

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ 258,628      $ (230,974

Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)

     (6,067     2,901   
                
   $ 252,561      $ (228,073
                

Denominator (in thousands):

    

Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Weighted average common shares

     60,898        60,943   

Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares

     469        751   
                

Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions

     61,367        61,694   
                

Basic income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share

   $ 4.15      $ (3.79

Diluted income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share (2)

   $ 4.12      $ (3.79

 

(1) Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.
(2) Earnings per share calculations use average common shares outstanding - basic, when in a net loss position, as required by the Earnings Per Share Topic of the FASB ASC.

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)             

Numerator:

    

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ 627,091      $ 41,912   

Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)

     (13,310     (607
                
   $ 613,781      $ 41,305   
                

Denominator (in thousands):

    

Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Weighted average common shares

     60,832        63,131   

Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares

     394        994   
                

Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions

     61,226        64,125   
                

Basic income per RenaissanceRe common share

   $ 10.09      $ 0.66   

Diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share

   $ 10.03      $ 0.65   

 

  (1) Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

 

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4. Dividends

The Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe declared, and RenaissanceRe paid, a dividend of $0.24 per common share to shareholders of record on each of March 13, 2009, June 15, 2009 and September 15, 2009.

On May 20, 2008, the Board of Directors publicly announced an increase in the Company’s authorized share repurchase program to $500.0 million, of which $382.4 million remained available at October 22, 2009. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full value of the shares authorized. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 under its authorized share repurchase program. Future repurchases of common shares will depend on, among other matters, the market price of the common shares and the capital requirements of RenaissanceRe. See “Part II, Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” for additional information.

 

5. Segment Reporting

The Company conducts its business through two reportable segments, Reinsurance and Individual Risk. The Company’s Reinsurance segment provides reinsurance through its catastrophe and specialty units and through joint ventures and other activities managed by its ventures unit. Only ventures’ business activities that appear in the Company’s consolidated underwriting results, such as DaVinci and certain reinsurance transactions, are included in the Company’s Reinsurance segment results. The Company’s Individual Risk segment provides primary insurance and quota share reinsurance.

The Company’s financial results relating to the operating subsidiaries managed by the ventures unit include the financial results of Weather Predict Inc., Weather Predict Consulting Inc., RenRe Energy Advisors Ltd. (“REAL”), formerly known as RenRe Investment Managers Ltd., and Renaissance Trading Ltd. (“Renaissance Trading”) and are included in the Other category of the Company’s segment results. Also included in the Other category of the Company’s segment results are its investments in other ventures, including Top Layer Re, Tower Hill Holdings Inc. (“Tower Hill”), Tower Hill Insurance Group, LLC, Tower Hill Claims Services, LLC and Tower Hill Claims Management LLC (collectively the “Tower Hill Companies”), and in respect of the Company’s ownership of a warrant to purchase 2.5 million common shares of Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd. (“Platinum”).

The Company does not manage its assets by segment; accordingly, net investment income and total assets are not allocated to the segments.

A summary of the significant components of the Company’s revenues and expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 

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Three months ended September 30, 2009

   Reinsurance     Individual Risk     Eliminations (1)     Other     Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                               

Gross premiums written

   $ 132,487      $ 83,349      $ (13,423   $ —        $ 202,413   
                                  

Net premiums written

   $ 43,202      $ 31,896          —        $ 75,098   
                            

Net premiums earned

   $ 202,260      $ 93,753          —        $ 296,013   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (15,914     54,481          —          38,567   

Acquisition expenses

     17,164        27,039          —          44,203   

Operational expenses

     33,961        11,537          —          45,498   
                                  

Underwriting income

   $ 167,049      $ 696          —          167,745   
                      

Net investment income

           106,815        106,815   

Equity in earnings of other ventures

           4,331        4,331   

Other income

           13,424        13,424   

Interest and preference share dividends

           (14,323     (14,323

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

           (37,694     (37,694

Other items, net

           1,882        1,882   

Net realized gains on investments

           16,794        16,794   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

           (346     (346
                      

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

         $ 90,883      $ 258,628   
                      

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 46,755      $ 62,256          $ 109,011   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (62,669     (7,775         (70,444
                            

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ (15,914   $ 54,481          $ 38,567   
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     23.1     66.4         36.8

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (31.0 %)      (8.3 %)          (23.8 %) 
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     (7.9 %)      58.1         13.0

Underwriting expense ratio

     25.3     41.2         30.3
                            

Combined ratio

     17.4     99.3         43.3
                            

 

  (1) Represents gross premiums ceded from the Individual Risk segment to the Reinsurance segment.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2008

   Reinsurance     Individual Risk     Eliminations (1)     Other     Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                               

Gross premiums written

   $ 169,463      $ 83,685      $ (13,342   $ —        $ 239,806   
                                  

Net premiums written

   $ 129,229      $ 65,179          —        $ 194,408   
                            

Net premiums earned

   $ 251,058      $ 128,284          —        $ 379,342   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     423,568        111,779          —          535,347   

Acquisition expenses

     34,469        19,762          —          54,231   

Operational expenses

     20,602        9,694          —          30,296   
                                  

Underwriting loss

   $ (227,581   $ (12,951       —          (240,532
                      

Net investment income

           15,767        15,767   

Equity in earnings of other ventures

           2,333        2,333   

Other income

           2,258        2,258   

Interest and preference share dividends

           (15,954     (15,954

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

           91,977        91,977   

Other items, net

           787        787   

Net realized gains on investments

           11,198        11,198   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

           (98,808     (98,808
                      

Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

         $ 9,558      $ (230,974
                      

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 454,187      $ 117,157          $ 571,344   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (30,619     (5,378         (35,997
                            

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 423,568      $ 111,779          $ 535,347   
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     180.9     91.3         150.6

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (12.2 %)      (4.2 %)          (9.5 %) 
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     168.7     87.1         141.1

Underwriting expense ratio

     21.9     23.0         22.3
                            

Combined ratio

     190.6     110.1         163.4
                            

 

  (1) Represents gross premiums ceded from the Individual Risk segment to the Reinsurance segment.

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2009

   Reinsurance     Individual Risk     Eliminations (1)     Other     Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                               

Gross premiums written

   $ 1,221,035      $ 447,229      $ (12,378   $ —        $ 1,655,886   
                                  

Net premiums written

   $ 852,970      $ 300,334          —        $ 1,153,304   
                            

Net premiums earned

   $ 656,143      $ 321,435          —        $ 977,578   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (40,132     231,719          —          191,587   

Acquisition expenses

     57,321        83,981          —          141,302   

Operational expenses

     98,265        33,855          —          132,120   
                                  

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 540,689      $ (28,120       —          512,569   
                      

Net investment income

           263,234        263,234   

Equity in earnings of other ventures

           11,499        11,499   

Other loss

           (5,027     (5,027

Interest and preference share dividends

           (43,809     (43,809

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

           (122,821     (122,821

Other items, net

           (25,162     (25,162

Net realized gains on investments

           57,809        57,809   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

           (21,201     (21,201
                      

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

         $ 114,522      $ 627,091   
                      

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 143,636      $ 217,350          $ 360,986   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (183,768     14,369            (169,399
                            

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ (40,132   $ 231,719          $ 191,587   
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     21.9     67.6         36.9

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (28.0 %)      4.5         (17.3 %) 
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     (6.1 %)      72.1         19.6

Underwriting expense ratio

     23.7     36.6         28.0
                            

Combined ratio

     17.6     108.7         47.6
                            

 

  (1) Represents gross premiums ceded from the Individual Risk segment to the Reinsurance segment.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2008

   Reinsurance     Individual Risk     Eliminations (1)     Other     Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                               

Gross premiums written

   $ 1,100,984      $ 479,351      $ (5,916   $ —        $ 1,574,419   
                                  

Net premiums written

   $ 825,336      $ 386,210          —        $ 1,211,546   
                            

Net premiums earned

   $ 709,571      $ 355,258          —        $ 1,064,829   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     490,757        240,963          —          731,720   

Acquisition expenses

     78,495        75,777          —          154,272   

Operational expenses

     64,497        29,406          —          93,903   
                                  

Underwriting income

   $ 75,822      $ 9,112          —          84,934   
                      

Net investment income

           106,955        106,955   

Equity in earnings of other ventures

           13,455        13,455   

Other income

           10,246        10,246   

Interest and preference share dividends

           (49,845     (49,845

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

           10,321        10,321   

Other items, net

           (11,713     (11,713

Net realized gains on investments

           28,322        28,322   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

           (150,763     (150,763
                      

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

         $ (43,022   $ 41,912   
                      

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 582,624      $ 279,748          $ 862,372   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (91,867     (38,785         (130,652
                            

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 490,757      $ 240,963          $ 731,720   
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     82.1     78.7         81.0

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (12.9 %)      (10.9 %)          (12.3 %) 
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     69.2     67.8         68.7

Underwriting expense ratio

     20.1     29.6         23.3
                            

Combined ratio

     89.3     97.4         92.0
                            

 

  (1) Represents gross premiums ceded from the Individual Risk segment to the Reinsurance segment.

 

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6. Investment Related Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During the Second Quarter of 2009

In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments which extends the disclosure requirements regarding the fair value of financial instruments to interim financial statements of publicly traded companies. This guidance became effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company adopted the guidance effective for its interim period ended June 30, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Also in April 2009, the FASB issued guidance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments on determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability has significantly decreased and also for identifying transactions that are not orderly. The FASB affirmed that the objective of fair value when the market for an asset is not active is the price that would be received to sell the asset in an orderly transaction, and clarifies and includes additional factors for determining whether there has been a significant decrease in market activity for an asset when the market for that asset is not active. If an entity determines that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or the liability in relation to the normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets or liabilities), then transactions or quoted prices may not accurately reflect fair value. In addition, if there is evidence that the transaction for the asset or liability is not orderly, the entity shall place little, if any, weight on that transaction price as an indicator of fair value. Certain disclosure requirements were also expanded. This guidance became effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company adopted the guidance effective for its interim period ending June 30, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Additionally, in April 2009 the FASB issued guidance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments on the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments. The Company is required to evaluate all of its fixed maturity securities available for sale that are considered impaired at each balance sheet date. A security is considered impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its amortized cost basis at the measurement date. Prior to the adoption of this new guidance, the Company was required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments in earnings if the Company could not assert that it had the ability and intent to hold its securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. If the impairment was determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment was recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.

In accordance with the guidance issued in April 2009, the Company now recognizes other-than-temporary impairments in earnings for its impaired fixed maturity securities available for sale (i) for which the Company has the intent to sell the security or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery and (iii) for those securities which have a credit loss. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, the Company compares the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. In instances in which a determination is made that a credit loss exists but the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into (i) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss and (ii) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. In periods after the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments on the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale, the Company accounts for such securities as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. For debt securities in which other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be amortized into net investment income. The above process became effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009, and is applied to existing and new investments held by the Company as of the beginning of the period in which it is adopted. The Company adopted this new guidance effective April 1, 2009.

 

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Upon adoption of the guidance on the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments, the Company recognized a cumulative effect adjustment in retained earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income to reclassify certain other-than-temporary impairments previously taken under the former authoritative accounting guidance for securities held as of April 1, 2009, relating to other-than-temporary impairments that did not qualify as such under the new guidance. In accordance with the new guidance, the Company determined that of the $117.8 million in other-than-temporary impairments previously recorded in earnings on fixed maturity investments available for sale held as of April 1, 2009, $76.2 million (net of tax) of these impairments are not considered other-than-temporary impairments. As a result, the Company increased the amortized cost basis of these fixed maturity investments available for sale by $76.6 million, resulting in a $76.2 million (net of tax) decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income and a $76.2 million (net of tax) increase in retained earnings. The cumulative effect adjustment had no net effect on the Company’s shareholders’ equity or previously reported net income (loss). Of the $41.6 million difference between the $117.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments previously recorded in earnings and the $76.2 million cumulative effect adjustment, $20.6 million represents other-than-temporary impairments due to the Company’s intent to sell these securities and as of April 1, 2009, $21.0 million represents other-than-temporary impairments due to credit losses.

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded $1.4 million of total other-than-temporary impairments of which $0.3 million was recognized in earnings, with the remaining $1.1 million related to all other factors recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Of the $0.3 million of net other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2009, $0.3 million relates to credit losses and $nil relates to the Company’s intent to sell securities as of September 30, 2009.

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value and related unrealized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturity investments available for sale at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

          Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income
            

At September 30, 2009

   Amortized Cost    Gross Unrealized
Gains
   Gross Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Non-Credit
Other-Than-
Temporary
Impairments (1)
 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                            

U.S. treasuries

   $ 709,262    $ 4,746    $ (293   $ 713,715    $ —     

Agencies

     252,836      3,760      (26     256,570      —     

Non-U.S. government

     112,603      10,319      (165     122,757      (88

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     892,871      10,420      (154     903,137      —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     224,606      3,445      (333     227,718      —     

Corporate

     817,276      44,359      (1,578     860,057      (4,744

Agency mortgage-backed securities

     1,019,302      20,926      (283     1,039,945      —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

     46,908      1,790      (2,519     46,179      (6,303

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     235,753      2,188      (5,888     232,053      —     

Asset-backed

     102,011      1,885      (581     103,315      (933
                                     

Total

   $ 4,413,428    $ 103,838    $ (11,820   $ 4,505,446    $ (12,068
                                     

 

  (1) Represents the non-credit component of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income since the adoption of guidance related to the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments - Debt and Equity Securities, during the second quarter of 2009, adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

 

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At December 31, 2008

   Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
   Amortized Cost    Gross Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized Losses
   Fair Value
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                    

U.S. treasuries

   $ 462,489    $ 4,991    $ —      $ 467,480

Agencies

     431,527      16,994      —        448,521

Non-U.S. government

     51,904      3,466      —        55,370

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     202,064      5,329      —        207,393

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     2,903      627      —        3,530

Corporate

     515,955      22,020      —        537,975

Agency mortgage-backed securities

     731,679      25,223      —        756,902

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

     98,104      568      —        98,672

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     254,373      647      —        255,020

Asset-backed

     165,993      29      —        166,022
                           

Total

   $ 2,916,991    $ 79,894    $ —      $ 2,996,885
                           

Contractual maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale are as follows. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

At September 30, 2009

   Amortized Cost    Fair Value
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)          

Due in less than one year

   $ 123,668    $ 125,570

Due after one through five years

     2,502,287      2,550,285

Due after five through ten years

     280,052      297,289

Due after ten years

     103,447      110,810

Mortgage-backed

     1,301,963      1,318,177

Asset-backed

     102,011      103,315
             

Total

   $ 4,413,428    $ 4,505,446
             

The components of net investment income are as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Fixed maturity investments available for sale

   $ 44,127      $ 52,087   

Short term investments

     2,285        9,990   

Other investments

    

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     15,510        (15,080

Other

     47,748        (30,306

Cash and cash equivalents

     102        1,956   
                
     109,772        18,647   

Investment expenses

     (2,957     (2,880
                

Net investment income

   $ 106,815      $ 15,767   
                

 

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Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Fixed maturity investments available for sale

   $ 123,261      $ 147,930   

Short term investments

     8,097        41,124   

Other investments

    

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     8,096        (46,415

Other

     131,309        (32,884

Cash and cash equivalents

     632        5,900   
                
     271,395        115,655   

Investment expenses

     (8,161     (8,700
                

Net investment income

   $ 263,234      $ 106,955   
                

Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method and include adjustments to the cost basis of investments for declines in value that are considered to be other-than-temporary. The analysis of realized gains and net other-than-temporary impairments is as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Gross realized gains

   $ 26,734      $ 20,007   

Gross realized losses

     (9,940     (8,809
                

Net realized gains on investments

   $ 16,794      $ 11,198   
                

Gross other than temporary impairments

     (1,408     (98,808

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income

     1,062        —     
                

Net other than temporary impairments recognized in earnings

   $ (346   $ (98,808
                

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Gross realized gains

   $ 91,370      $ 58,885   

Gross realized losses

     (33,561     (30,563
                

Net realized gains on investments

   $ 57,809      $ 28,322   
                

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     (25,719     (150,763

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     4,518        —     
                

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (21,201   $ (150,763
                

 

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The following table provides an analysis of the length of time the Company’s fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized loss have been in a continual unrealized loss position. Prior to the adoption of guidance related to the recognition and presentation of other-then-temporary impairments, which became effective for the Company on April 1, 2009, the Company had essentially no fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized loss position:

 

At September 30, 2009

   Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater     Total  
   Fair Value    Unrealized Losses     Fair Value    Unrealized Losses     Fair Value    Unrealized Losses  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                                  

U.S. treasuries

   $ 214,736    $ (293   $ —      $ —        $ 214,736    $ (293

Agencies

     23,889      (26     —        —          23,889      (26

Non-U.S. government

     5,333      (126     467      (39     5,800      (165

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     28,543      (154     —        —          28,543      (154

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     22,367      (333     —        —          22,367      (333

Corporate

     41,414      (518     21,847      (1,060     63,261      (1,578

Agency mortgage-backed securities

     17,748      (131     3,195      (152     20,943      (283

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

     5,256      (266     18,835      (2,253     24,091      (2,519

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     78,249      (1,630     34,481      (4,258     112,730      (5,888

Asset-backed

     5,776      (424     19,392      (157     25,168      (581
                                             

Total

   $ 443,311    $ (3,901   $ 98,217    $ (7,919   $ 541,528    $ (11,820
                                             

At September 30, 2009, the Company held 173 fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position. The Company performed reviews of its investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, in order to determine whether declines in the fair value below the amortized cost basis of its fixed maturity investments available for sale were considered other-than-temporary in accordance with the applicable guidance, as discussed below.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Process Prior to April 1, 2009

Under the pre-existing guidance, which was in effect for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company assessed, on a quarterly basis, whether declines in the fair value of its fixed maturity investments available for sale represented impairments that were other-than-temporary based on several factors. The factors the Company considered in the assessment of a security included: (i) the time period during which there had been a significant decline below cost; (ii) the extent of the decline below cost; (iii) the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security; (iv) the potential for the security to recover in value; (v) an analysis of the financial condition of the issuer; and (vi) an analysis of the collateral structure and credit support of the security, if applicable. Where the Company determined that there was an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of the security, the cost of the security was written down to its fair value and the unrealized loss at the time of determination was reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The majority of the Company’s fixed maturity investments available for sale are managed by external investment managers in accordance with specific investment mandates and guidelines. The investment managers are directed to manage the Company’s investments to maximize total investment return in accordance with these investment mandates and guidelines. While the Company has adequate capital and liquidity to support its operations and to hold its fixed maturity investments available for sale which were in an unrealized loss position until they recover in value, the Company has not prohibited or restricted its investment managers from selling these investments and its investment managers actively traded the Company’s investments. The Company was therefore unable to represent or certify that it had the intent or ability to hold these investments until they recovered in value. As a consequence, under the pre-existing guidance the Company impaired essentially all of its fixed maturity investments available for sale that were in an unrealized loss position at each quarterly reporting date. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, and the nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $19.0 million and $150.8 million, respectively. As of each of March 31, 2009, and September 30, 2008, respectively, the Company had essentially no fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized loss position.

 

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Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Process Effective April 1, 2009

Pursuant to the guidance effective April 1, 2009, the Company revised its quarterly process for assessing whether declines in the fair value of its fixed maturity investments available for sale represent impairments that are other-than-temporary. The process now includes reviewing each fixed maturity investment available for sale that is impaired and determining: (i) if the Company has the intent to sell the debt security or (ii) if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery; and (iii) assessing whether a credit loss exists, that is, where the Company expects that the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security are less than the amortized cost basis of the security.

In assessing the Company’s intent to sell securities, the Company’s procedures may include actions such as discussing planned sales with its third party investment managers, reviewing sales that have occurred shortly after the balance sheet date, and consideration of other qualitative factors that may be indicative of the Company’s intent to sell or hold the relevant securities. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recognized $nil and $0.2 million, respectively, of other-than-temporary impairments due to the Company’s intent to sell these securities as of September 30, 2009.

In assessing whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a security before its anticipated recovery, the Company considers various factors including its future cash flow forecasts and requirements, legal and regulatory requirements, the level of its cash, cash equivalents, short term investments and fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized gain position, and other relevant factors. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recognized $nil and $nil, respectively, of other-than-temporary impairments due to required sales.

In evaluating credit losses, the Company considers a variety of factors in the assessment of a security including: (i) the time period during which there has been a significant decline below cost; (ii) the extent of the decline below cost and par; (iii) the potential for the security to recover in value; (iv) an analysis of the financial condition of the issuer; (v) the rating of the issuer; (vi) the implied rating of the issuer based on an analysis of option adjusted spreads; (vii) the absolute level of the option adjusted spread for the issuer; and (viii) an analysis of the collateral structure and credit support of the security, if applicable.

Once the Company determines that it is possible that a credit loss may exist for a security, the Company performs a detailed review of the cash flows expected to be collected from the issuer. The Company estimates expected cash flows by applying estimated default probabilities and recovery rates to the contractual cash flows of the issuer, with such default and recovery rates reflecting long term historical averages adjusted to reflect current credit, economic and market conditions, giving due consideration to collateral and credit support, if applicable, and discounting the expected cash flows at the purchase yield on the security. In instances in which a determination is made that a credit loss exists but the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into: (i) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss; and (ii) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recognized $0.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of credit related other-than-temporary impairments which were recognized in earnings and $1.1 million and $4.5 million, respectively, related to other factors which were recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

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The following table provides a rollforward of the amount of other-than-temporary impairments related to credit losses recognized in earnings for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2009

 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)       

Balance - July 1, 2009

   $ 11,995   

Additions:

  

Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized

     —     

Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized

     346   

Reductions:

  

Securities sold during the period

     (3,765

Securities for which the amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income was recognized in earnings, because the Company intends to sell the security or is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security

     —     

Increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security

     —     
        

Balance - September 30, 2009

   $ 8,576   
        

 

Six months ended September 30, 2009 (1)

 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)       

Balance - April 1, 2009

   $ 10,620   

Additions:

  

Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized

     3   

Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized

     1,718   

Reductions:

  

Securities sold during the period

     (3,765

Securities for which the amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income was recognized in earnings, because the Company intends to sell the security or is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security

     —     

Increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security

     —     
        

Balance - September 30, 2009

   $ 8,576   
        

 

  (1) Table is for the six months ended September 30, 2009, rather than the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as updated guidance related to the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments - Debt and Equity Securities, became effective April 1, 2009 for the Company.

 

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7. Fair Value Measurements

The use of fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities with resulting unrealized gains or losses is pervasive within the Company’s financial statements, and is a critical accounting policy and estimate for the Company. Fair value is defined under accounting guidance currently applicable to the Company to be the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in its consolidated statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on its fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.

FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the respective valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

  •  

Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets for identical assets or liabilities for which the Company has access to. The fair value is determined by multiplying the quoted price by the quantity held by the Company;

 

  •  

Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals, broker quotes and certain pricing indices; and

 

  •  

Level 3 inputs are based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In these cases, significant management assumptions can be used to establish management’s best estimate of the assumptions used by other market participants in determining the fair value of the asset or liability.

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 in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and the Company considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

There have been no material changes in the Company’s valuation techniques in the period represented by these interim financial statements.

 

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Below is a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and also represents the carrying amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:

 

At September 30, 2009

  Total    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3)
 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                     

Fixed maturity investments available for sale  

  $ 4,505,446    $ 713,715    $ 3,791,731    $ —     

Short term investments

    880,406      —        880,406      —     

Other investments

    812,056      —        426,712      385,344   

Other secured assets

    27,464      —        27,464      —     

Other assets and (liabilities) (1)

    36,304      10,879      29,031      (3,606
                            
  $ 6,261,676    $ 724,594    $ 5,155,344    $ 381,738   
                            

 

  (1) Other assets of $17.8 million, $29.5 million and $23.8 million are included in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, respectively. Other liabilities of $6.9 million, $0.4 million and $27.4 million are included in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, respectively.

Fixed maturity investments available for sale included in Level 1 consist of the Company’s investments in U.S. treasuries. Fixed maturity investments available for sale included in Level 2 are U.S. agencies, non-U.S. government, corporate, FDIC guaranteed corporate, non-U.S. government-backed corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed fixed maturity investments available for sale.

The Company’s fixed maturity investments available for sale portfolio is priced using broker quotations and pricing services, such as index providers and pricing vendors. The pricing vendors provide pricing for a high volume of liquid securities that are actively traded. For securities that do not trade on an exchange, the pricing services generally utilize market data and other observable inputs in matrix pricing models to determine prices. Prices are generally verified using third party data. Prices obtained from broker quotations are considered non-binding, however they are based on observable inputs and by observing secondary trading of similar securities obtained from active, non-distressed markets. The Company considers these Level 2 inputs as they are corroborated with other externally obtained information.

Short term investments are considered Level 2 and fair values are generally determined using amortized cost which approximates fair value and, in certain cases, in a manner similar to the Company’s fixed maturity investments available for sale noted above.

The Company’s other investments currently include investments in hedge funds, catastrophe bonds, a non-U.S. dollar fixed income fund and a bank loan fund for which the Company can redeem a portion of its investment on a monthly basis, all of which are included in Level 2. In addition, the Company’s other investments currently include investments in private equity partnership investments and another bank loan fund, for which the Company’s investments are subject to lock-up provisions for the multi-year term of these fund investments, and as such these investments are included in Level 3. Fair value estimates for the majority of the Company’s other investments included in Level 2 are derived using net asset valuations provided by third parties such as the relevant investment manager or administrator, recent financial information issued by the applicable investee entity or available market data to estimate fair value. In certain cases, management’s judgment may also be required to estimate fair value. The fair value of private equity partnership investments is based on net asset values obtained from the investment manager or general partner of the respective entity. The type of underlying investments held by the investee which form the basis of the net asset valuation include assets such as private business ventures, for which the Company does not have access to, and as a result, is unable to corroborate the fair value measurement and therefore requires significant management judgment to determine the underlying value of the private equity partnership and accordingly the fair value of the Company’s investment in each

 

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private equity partnership is considered Level 3. The Company also considers factors such as recent financial information, the value of capital transactions with the partnership and management’s judgment regarding whether any adjustments should be made to the net asset value. The Company regularly reviews the performance of its private equity partnerships directly with the fund managers. The Company’s investment in the bank loan fund which is subject to a multi-year lock up provision is valued using monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager. The underlying investments in this bank loan fund are relatively liquid and prices can be obtained on a daily basis. However, the lock up provisions in this fund result in a lack of current observable market transactions between the fund participants and the fund, and therefore, the Company considers the fair value of its investment in this fund to be determined using Level 3 inputs.

Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, for the periods shown, of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Interest and dividend income are included in net investment income and are excluded from the reconciliation.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2009

   Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
   Other
investments
(1)
    Other assets
and (liabilities)
(2)
    Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Balance — June 30

   $ 397,464      $ 22,491      $ 419,955   

Total unrealized gains (losses)

      

Included in net investment income

     (17,452     —          (17,452

Included in other (loss) income

     —          (4,532     (4,532

Total realized gains (losses)

      

Included in net investment income

     —          —          —     

Included in other (loss) income

     —          7,269        7,269   

Total foreign exchange (losses) gains

     1,227        (232     995   

Net purchases, issuances, and settlements

     4,105        (28,602     (24,497

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —          —          —     
                        

Balance — September 30

   $ 385,344      $ (3,606   $ 381,738   
                        

 

  (1) Other investments primarily include investments in private equity partnerships and a senior secured bank loan fund.
  (2) Balance at September 30, 2009, includes $13.5 million of other assets and $17.1 million of other liabilities.

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2009

   Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
   Other
investments
(1)
    Other assets
and (liabilities)
(2)
    Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Balance — January 1

   $ 382,080      $ (42,512   $ 339,568   

Total unrealized gains (losses)

      

Included in net investment income

     (17,981     —          (17,981

Included in other (loss) income

     —          20,433        20,433   

Total realized gains (losses)

      

Included in net investment income

     —          —          —     

Included in other (loss) income

     —          (18,487     (18,487

Total foreign exchange (losses) gains

     847        17        864   

Net purchases, issuances, and settlements

     20,398        36,943        57,341   

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —          —          —     
                        

Balance — September 30

   $ 385,344      $ (3,606   $ 381,738   
                        

 

  (1) Other investments primarily include investments in private equity partnerships and a senior secured bank loan fund.
  (2) Balance at September 30, 2009, includes $13.5 million of other assets and $17.1 million of other liabilities.

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

The Company has elected to account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value under FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. These assets and liabilities were previously accounted for under applicable GAAP that resulted in a carrying value that approximated fair value, and as such, there were no material changes to the reported value of these assets and liabilities upon adoption of the fair value option. The Company has elected to use the guidance under FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, as it represents the most current authoritative GAAP. Below is a summary of the balances the Company has elected to account for at fair value:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008
 

Other investments

   $ 812,056    $ 773,475   

Other secured assets

     27,464      76,424   

Other assets and (liabilities) (1)

   $ 2,144    $ (11,209

 

  (1) Balance at September 30, 2009 includes $12.6 million of other assets and $10.4 million of other liabilities. Balance at December 31, 2008 includes $2.8 million of other assets and $14.0 million of other liabilities.

Included in net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 is $19.2 million and $71.4 million, respectively, of net unrealized gains related to the changes in fair value of other investments. Net unrealized gains related to the changes in the fair value of other secured assets and other assets and liabilities recorded in other income (loss) was $1.0 million and $2.1, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $1.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

Reinsurance Contracts Accounted for at Fair Value

The Company assumes and cedes certain reinsurance contracts that are accounted for at fair value under the fair value election option. The fair value of these contracts is obtained through the use of internal valuation models. These contracts are recorded on the Company’s balance sheet in other assets and other liabilities and totaled $12.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively, at September 30, 2009. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded losses of $14.9 million and $22.3 million, respectively, which are included in other income (loss) and represents changes in the fair value of these contracts.

Insurance Contracts Accounted for at Fair Value

The Company assumes certain insurance contracts that are accounted for at fair value under the fair value election option. The fair value of these contracts is obtained through the use of internal valuation models. These contracts are recorded on the Company’s balance sheet in other liabilities and totaled $9.8 million at September 30, 2009. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded unrealized gains of $2.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively, which are included in other income (loss) and represents changes in the fair value of these contracts.

Senior Notes

In January 2003, the Company issued $100.0 million, which represents the carrying amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, of 5.875% Senior Notes due February 15, 2013, with interest on the notes payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The notes can be redeemed by the Company prior to maturity subject to payment of a “make-whole” premium. The notes, which are senior obligations, contain various covenants, including limitations on mergers and consolidations, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of designated subsidiaries and limitations on liens of the stock of designated subsidiaries. At September 30, 2009, the fair value of the 5.875% Senior Notes was $101.7 million, compared to $93.3 million at December 31, 2008.

 

8. Business Combinations and Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued guidance under FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations which significantly changed the accounting for and reporting of business combination transactions and noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated financial statements. The scope of acquisition accounting was expanded to all transactions and circumstances under which control of a business is obtained. Under the new guidance, noncontrolling interests are to be classified as a component of consolidated shareholders’ equity and ‘minority interest’ accounting no longer applies such that earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests are reported as part of consolidated earnings and not as a separate component of income or expense. This guidance is required to be adopted simultaneously and became effective for the Company on January 1, 2009.

As a result of the new guidance, FASB ASC Topic Consolidation was also amended to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The primary objectives of the amendment, among other items, are to clearly identify, label and present the ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent on the face of the financial statements, provide guidance when dealing with changes in a parent’s ownership and provide guidance when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Specifically, the Company was impacted by the disclosure and presentation requirements of the amendments to FASB ASC Topic Consolidation, effective January 1, 2009. The amendments are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year, January 1, 2009, except the presentation and disclosures shall be applied retrospectively for all periods presented.

The updated guidance discussed above under FASB ASC Topic Consolidations, prescribes moving “Minority Interest – DaVinciRe” from the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheet, to a line item, separate from the parent’s equity, in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheet. However, the Company is subject to the requirements of certain Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance that interprets Rule 5-02.28 of Regulation S-X, which is applicable only to SEC registrants. Rule 5-02.28 requires shares, not required to be accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing

 

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Table of Contents

Liabilities from Equity, having redemption features that are not solely within the control of the issuer to be classified outside of permanent equity in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet. Because the share classes related to the noncontrolling interest portion of DaVinciRe are not considered liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and have redemption features that are not solely within the control of DaVinciRe, the noncontrolling interest in DaVinciRe is disclosed in the mezzanine section on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with the SEC guidance noted above. The minority interest line item has been renamed to “Redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe”. The SEC guidance does not impact the accounting for noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations; therefore, the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Consolidation with respect to the consolidated statements of operations still apply.

In addition, the updated guidance under FASB ASC Topic Consolidation, prescribes additional disclosures on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, to provide increased transparency of the impact of noncontrolling interests on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

The activity in the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe is detailed in the table below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2009

   Redeemable
noncontrolling
interest -
DaVinciRe
 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)       

Balance - July 1, 2009

   $ 700,562   

Comprehensive income:

  

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     37,694   

Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     8,442   
        

Balance - September 30, 2009

   $ 746,698   
        

Nine months ended September 30, 2009

   Redeemable
noncontrolling
interest -
DaVinciRe
 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)       

Balance - January 1, 2009

   $ 768,531   

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of taxes (1)

     42   

Purchase of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (152,728

Comprehensive income:

  

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     122,821   

Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     8,032   
        

Balance - September 30, 2009

   $ 746,698   
        

 

  (1) Cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of April 1, 2009, related to the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments, as required by the Investments—Debt and Equity Securities Topic of the FASB ASC.

 

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In addition to the amendments noted above, FASB ASC Topic Earnings per Share was amended so that earnings per share data will continue to be calculated based on amounts attributable to the Company, both before and after the adoption of the guidance under FASB ASC Topic Consolidation.

 

9. Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

In March 2008, the FASB issued guidance updating FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging which requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Pursuant to this guidance, qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments and credit-risk related contingent features in derivative instruments, are now required. The guidance is required to be applied prospectively and became effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. In years after initial adoption, comparative disclosures are required only for periods subsequent to initial adoption. The updated guidance is disclosure-based and as such did not impact the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or financial condition.

The Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative contracts in order to manage its foreign currency exposure, obtain exposure to a particular financial market, for yield enhancement, or for trading and speculation. The Company accounts for its derivatives in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all derivatives to be recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, depending on the rights or obligations of the derivatives, with changes in fair value reflected in current earnings. The Company does not currently apply hedge accounting in respect of any positions reflected in its consolidated financial statements. The fair value of the Company’s derivatives are estimated by reference to quoted prices or broker quotes, where available, or in the absence of quoted prices or broker quotes, the use of industry or internal valuation models.

The Company principally has exposure to derivatives related to the following types of risks: interest rate risk; foreign currency risk; credit risk; energy and weather-related risk; and equity price risk.

Interest Rate Futures

The Company uses interest rate futures within its portfolio of fixed maturity investments available for sale to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, which can include increasing or decreasing its exposure to this risk. At September 30, 2009, the Company had $2.4 billion of notional long positions and $nil of notional short positions of primarily Eurodollar futures contracts and non-U.S. dollar futures contracts. The fair value of these derivatives as recognized in other assets and liabilities in its consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2009, was $0.2 million and $nil, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded gains of $3.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in its consolidated statement of operations related to these derivatives. The fair value of these derivatives is determined using exchange traded prices.

Foreign Currency Derivatives

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company writes a portion of its business in currencies other than U.S. dollars and may, from time to time, experience foreign exchange gains and losses, other income (loss) and incur underwriting (income) losses in currencies other than U.S. dollars, which will in turn affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements. All changes in exchange rates, with the exception of non-U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available for sale, are recognized currently in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

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Underwriting Operations Related Foreign Currency Contracts

The Company’s foreign currency policy with regard to its underwriting operations is generally to hold foreign currency assets, including cash, investments and receivables that approximate the foreign currency liabilities, including claims and claim expense reserves and reinsurance balances payable. When necessary, the Company will use foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities associated with its underwriting operations. At September 30, 2009, the total notional amount in United States dollars of the Company’s underwriting related foreign currency contracts was $nil. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company incurred a loss of $0.8 million and generated income of $0.9 million, respectively, on its foreign currency forward and option contracts related to its underwriting operations.

Investment Portfolio Related Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The Company’s investment operations are exposed to currency fluctuations through its investments in non-U.S. dollar fixed maturity investments, short term investments and other investments. To economically hedge its exposure to currency fluctuations from these investments, the Company has entered into foreign currency forward contracts. Foreign exchange gains (losses) associated with the Company’s hedging of these non-U.S. dollar investments are recorded in net foreign exchange gains (losses) in its consolidated statements of operations. At September 30, 2009, the Company had outstanding investment portfolio related foreign currency contracts of $228.3 million in short positions and $95.0 million in long positions, denominated in U.S. dollars. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded a loss of $5.9 million and $9.1 million, respectively, related to its foreign currency forward contracts entered into to seek to economically hedge the Company’s non-U.S. dollar investments.

Energy and Risk Operations Related Foreign Currency Contracts

The Company’s energy and risk operations are exposed to currency fluctuations through certain derivative transactions it enters into that are denominated in non-U.S. dollars. When necessary, the Company will use foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities associated with its operations. At September 30, 2009, the total notional amount in United States dollars of the Company’s underwriting related foreign currency contracts was $11.2 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company generated income of $0.3 million and incurred a loss of $0.4 million, respectively, on its foreign currency forward and option contracts related to its operations.

Credit Derivatives

The Company’s exposure to credit risk is primarily due to its fixed maturity investments available for sale, short term investments, premiums receivable and ceded reinsurance balances. From time to time, the Company purchases credit derivatives to hedge its exposures in the insurance industry, to assist in managing the credit risk associated with ceded reinsurance, or to assume credit risk. The fair value of the credit derivatives are determined using industry valuation models. The fair value of these credit derivatives can change based on a variety of factors including changes in credit spreads, default rates and recovery rates, the correlation of credit risk between the referenced credit and the counterparty, and market rate inputs such as interest rates. The fair value of these credit derivatives, as recognized in other liabilities in the Company’s balance sheet, at September 30, 2009 was $0.4 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded a gain of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, which are included in other income (loss) and represent net settlements and changes in the fair value of these credit derivatives.

 

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Energy and Weather-Related Derivatives

The Company, through Renaissance Trading, transacts certain derivative-based risk management products primarily to address weather and energy risks and engages in hedging and trading activities related to these risks. The trading markets for these derivatives are generally linked to energy and agriculture commodities, weather and other natural phenomena. Currently, a significant percentage of the Company’s derivative-based risk management products are transacted on a dual-trigger basis combining weather or other natural phenomenon, with prices for commodities or securities related to energy or agriculture. The fair value of these contracts is obtained through the use of quoted market prices, or in the absence of such quoted prices, industry or internal valuation models. These contracts are recorded on the Company’s balance sheet in other assets and other liabilities and totaled $28.1 million and $18.5 million, respectively, at September 30, 2009. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company generated income related to these derivatives of $18.1 million and $35.3 million, respectively, which is included in other income (loss) and represents net settlements and changes in the fair value of these contracts. Any realized gains or losses are included in the calculation. Generally, the Company’s current portfolio of such derivative contracts are of comparably short duration and are frequently seasonal in nature. It is possible the duration of derivative contracts in this portfolio will lengthen in the future.

At September 30, 2009, the Company had the following gross derivative contract positions outstanding relating to its energy and weather derivatives trading activities.

 

Trading activity

  

Quantity (1)

  

Unit of measurement

Weather

   1,550,389    $ per Degree Day

Weather

   137,000    £ per Degree Day

Heating oil

   168,809,627    Gallons

Natural gas

   11,562,750    One million British thermal units (“MMBTUs”)

Crude oil

   1,075,000    Barrels

Power

   1,000,860    Megawatts per hour (“MWhr”)

Precipitation

   2,000,000    $ (single contract)

Corn

   3,095,000    Bushels

Soybeans

   3,025,000    Bushels

Power

   12,000,000    AU$ (single contract)

 

  (1) Represents the sum of gross long and gross short derivative contracts.

The Company uses value-at-risk (“VaR”) analysis to monitor the risks associated with its energy and weather derivatives trading portfolio. VaR is a tool that measures the potential loss that could occur if the Company’s trading positions were maintained over a defined period of time, calculated at a given statistical confidence level. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s energy and weather derivatives trading activities, the VaR is based on a rolling two season (one-year) holding period assuming no dynamic trading during the holding period. A 99% confidence level is used for the VaR analysis. A 99% confidence level implies that within a one-year period, the potential loss in the Company’s portfolio is not expected to exceed the VaR estimate in 99% of the possible modeled outcomes. In the remaining estimated 1% of the possible outcomes, the anticipated potential loss is expected to be higher than the VaR figure, and on average substantially higher.

The VaR model, based on a Monte Carlo simulation methodology, seeks to take into account correlations between different positions and potential for movements to offset one another within the portfolio. The expected value of the risk factors in the Company’s portfolio are generally obtained from exchange-traded futures markets. For most of the risk factors, the volatility is derived from exchange-traded options markets. For those risk factors for which exchange-traded options might not exist, the volatility is based on historical analysis matched to broker quotes from the over-the-counter market, where available. The joint distribution of

 

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outcomes is based on the Company’s estimate of the historical seasonal dependence among the underlying risk factors, scaled to the current market levels. Management then estimates the expected outcomes by applying a Monte Carlo simulation to these risk factors. The joint distribution of the simulated risk factors is then filtered through the portfolio positions, and then the distribution of the outcomes is realized. The 99th percentile of this distribution is then calculated as the portfolio VaR. The major limitation of this methodology is that the market data used to forecast parameters of the model may not be an appropriate proxy of those parameters. The VaR methodology uses a number of assumptions, such as (i) risks are measured under average market conditions, assuming normal distribution of market risk factors, (ii) future movements in market risk factors follow estimated historical movements, and (iii) the assessed exposures do not change during the holding period. There is no guarantee that these assumptions will prove correct. The Company expects that, for any given period, its actual results will differ from its assumptions, including with respect to previously estimated potential losses and that such losses could be substantially higher than the estimated VaR.

At September 30, 2009, the estimated VaR for the Company’s portfolio of energy and weather-related derivatives, as described above, calculated at an estimated 99% confidence level, was $16.0 million. The average, low and high amounts calculated by the Company’s VaR analysis during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $17.4 million, $0.1 million and $41.7 million, respectively.

Platinum Warrant

The Company holds a warrant, which expires on October 30, 2012, to purchase up to 2.5 million common shares of Platinum for $27.00 per share. The Company has recorded its investment in the Platinum warrant at fair value. At September 30, 2009, the fair value of the warrant was $29.5 million. The fair value of the warrant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, gains of $12.8 million and losses of $0.5 million were recorded in other income (loss), respectively, representing the change in the fair value of the warrant.

The table below shows the location on the consolidated balance sheet and fair value of the Company’s principal derivative instruments:

 

    

Derivative Assets

  

Derivative Liabilities

At September 30, 2009

  

Balance Sheet
Location

   Fair
Value
  

Balance Sheet
Location

   Fair
Value
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                    

Interest rate futures

   Other assets    $ 181    Other liabilities    $ 35

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Other assets      —      Other liabilities      —  

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Other liabilities      3,272    Other liabilities      8,373

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Other assets      368    Other liabilities      —  

Credit default swaps

   Other assets      —      Other liabilities      433

Energy and weather contracts (4)

   Other assets      28,081    Other liabilities      18,492

Platinum warrant

   Other assets      29,453    Other liabilities      —  
                   

Total

      $ 61,355       $ 27,333
                   

 

  (1) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
  (2) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.
  (3) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in energy and risk operations.
  (4) Included in other assets is $70.6 million of derivative assets and $42.6 million of derivative liabilities. Included in other liabilities is $12.3 million of derivative assets and $31.1 million of derivative liabilities.

 

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The location and amount of the gain (loss) recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations related to its derivative instruments is shown in the following table:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2009

  

Location of gain (loss)

recognized on derivatives

   Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized on
derivatives
 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)            

Interest rate futures

   Net investment income    $ 3,638   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Net foreign exchange gains (losses)      (785

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Net foreign exchange gains (losses)      (5,854

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Net foreign exchange gains (losses)      303   

Credit default swaps

   Other income (loss)      353   

Energy and weather contracts

   Other income (loss)      18,141   

Platinum warrant

   Other income (loss)      12,839   
           

Total

      $ 28,635   
           

 

  (1) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting operations.

 

  (2) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

 

  (3) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in energy and risk operations.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2009

  

Location of gain (loss)

recognized on derivatives

   Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized on
derivatives
 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)            

Interest rate futures

   Net investment income    $ 2,086   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Net foreign exchange gains (losses)      917   

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Net foreign exchange gains (losses)      (9,060

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Net foreign exchange gains (losses)      (354

Credit default swaps

   Other income (loss)      429   

Energy and weather contracts

   Other income (loss)      35,318   

Platinum warrant

   Other income (loss)      (461
           

Total

      $ 28,875   
           

 

  (1) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting operations.

 

  (2) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

 

  (3) Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in energy and risk operations.

The Company is not aware of the existence of any credit-risk related contingent features that it believes would be triggered in its derivative instruments that are in a net liability position at September 30, 2009.

 

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10. Litigation

There are no material changes from the legal proceedings previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as updated in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, respectively.

The Company’s operating subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving disputed interpretations of policy coverages. Generally, the Company’s primary insurance operations are subject to greater frequency and diversity of claims and claims-related litigation and, in some jurisdictions, may be subject to direct actions by allegedly injured persons or entities seeking damages from policyholders. These lawsuits, involving claims on policies issued by the Company’s subsidiaries which are typical to the insurance industry in general and in the normal course of business, are considered in its reserves for claims and claim expenses which are discussed in more detail below under “Reserves for Claims and Claim Expenses.” In addition to claims litigation, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on insurance policies. This category of business litigation may involve allegations of underwriting or claims-handling errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory activity or disputes arising from the Company’s business ventures. Any such litigation or arbitration contains an element of uncertainty, and the Company believes the inherent uncertainty in such matters may have increased recently and will likely continue to increase. Currently, the Company believes that no individual, normal course litigation or arbitration to which the Company is presently a party is likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, business or operations.

 

11. Timicuan Reinsurance II Ltd. (“Tim Re II”)

On May 29, 2009, Tim Re II, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, sold $49.5 million of non-voting Class B shares to external investors, and the Company invested an additional $10.0 million in the non-voting Class B shares, representing a 16.8% ownership interest, providing Tim Re II with additional reinsurance capacity to accept property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance business. Tim Re II is a Class 3 Bermuda domiciled reinsurer. The Company ceded a defined portfolio of property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts incepting June 1, 2009 to Tim Re II under a fully-collateralized facultative retrocessional reinsurance contract in return for a potential underwriting profit commission. The Class B shareholders will participate in substantially all of the profits or losses of Tim Re II while the Class B shares remain outstanding. The Class B shares indemnify Tim Re II against losses relating to insurance risk and therefore these shares have been accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services – Insurance. The sale of the Class B shares was considered a reconsideration event under FASB ASC Topic Consolidation. In accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Consolidation, Tim Re II is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. As a result, Tim Re II is consolidated by the Company and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. The Class B share capital has been invested by Tim Re II in short term investments and is pledged as collateral to the Company in support of obligations arising under the reinsurance contract. Tim Re II is required to repurchase the Class B shares subsequent to December 31, 2009, which is the end of the contract period. The Company ceded $41.8 million of premium to Tim Re II under the facultative retrocessional excess of loss reinsurance contract through the period ended September 30, 2009. At September 30, 2009, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included assets and liabilities of $122.3 million and $116.3 million, respectively, related to Tim Re II, principally reflecting reinsurance underwriting balances and investments with respect to assets and amounts payable to Class B shareholders and a reserve for unearned premiums with respect to liabilities.

 

12. Entry into Lloyd’s

In May 2009, the Company established RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458 (“Syndicate 1458”), a Lloyd’s syndicate, to start writing certain lines of insurance and reinsurance business incepting on or after June 1, 2009. The syndicate was established to enhance the Company’s underwriting platform by providing the Company with access to Lloyd’s extensive distribution network and worldwide licenses. The Company has contracted with Spectrum Syndicate Management Ltd. (“Spectrum”) to be the managing agent of Syndicate 1458. RenaissanceRe CCL, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the sole corporate member of Syndicate 1458.

 

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As previously disclosed, on June 4, 2009, the Company entered into a definitive agreement granting the Company an option to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Spectrum Partners Ltd. (“Spectrum Partners”), the parent company and sole owner of Spectrum. The Company currently expects to exercise its option to acquire Spectrum and, subject to specified closing conditions, to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

13. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (“FAS 168”). Effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009 the FASB ASC (the “Codification”) is now the authoritative source of U.S. GAAP. The Codification changes the structure of authoritative guidance to a Topic based model versus the previous model of Original Pronouncements, modified by Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts, FASB Staff Positions, etc. Among other things, the Codification is expected to: reduce the amount of time and effort required to solve an accounting research issue; mitigate the risk of noncompliance through improved usability of the literature; provide accurate information with real-time updates as Accounting Standards Updates are released; and assist the FASB with research and convergence efforts.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 (“FAS 166”). The objective of FAS 166 is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. FAS 166 must be applied as of the beginning of the reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. FAS 166 must be applied to transfers occurring on or after the effective date. Additionally, the disclosure provisions of FAS 166 should be applied to transfers that occurred both before and after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impacts of adoption of FAS 166 on its consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

Also in June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“FAS 167”). The objective of FAS 167 is to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities. The FASB undertook this project to address (1) the effects on certain provisions of FIN 46(R), as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in FAS 166, and (2) constituent concerns about the application of certain key provisions of FIN 46(R), including those in which the accounting and disclosures under the interpretation do not always provide timely and useful information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. FAS 167 shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impacts of adoption of FAS 167 on its consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

 

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In September 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-12, Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent) (“ASU 2009-12”) which amends FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASU 2009-12 provides additional guidance on estimating the fair value of certain alternative investments, such as hedge funds, private equity investments and venture capital funds. The updated guidance allows the fair value of such investments to be determined using the net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient, unless it is probable the investment will be sold at a value other than the NAV. In addition, the guidance requires disclosures by major category of investment regarding the attributes of the investments within the scope of the guidance, regardless of whether the fair value of the investment is measured using the NAV or other fair value technique. ASU 2009-12 shall be effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2009. Early application is permitted in financial statements for earlier interim and annual periods that have not been issued. If an entity elects to early adopt the measurement amendments in this update, the entity is permitted to defer the adoption of the disclosure provisions until periods ending after December 15, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impacts of adoption of ASU 2009-12 on its consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

 

14. Subsequent Events

The Company has completed its subsequent events evaluation for the period subsequent to the balance sheet date of September 30, 2009, through October 28, 2009, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

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

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. The following also includes a discussion of our financial condition at September 30, 2009. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. This filing contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results described or implied by these forward-looking statements. See “Note on Forward-Looking Statements.”

OVERVIEW

RenaissanceRe, established in Bermuda in 1993 to write principally property catastrophe reinsurance, is today a leading global provider of reinsurance and insurance coverages and related services. Through our operating subsidiaries, we seek to obtain a portfolio of reinsurance, insurance and financial risks in each of our businesses that is significantly better than the market average and produce an attractive return on equity. We accomplish this by leveraging our core capabilities of risk assessment and information management, and by investing in our capabilities to serve our customers across the cycles that have historically characterized our markets. Overall, our strategy focuses on superior risk selection, marketing, capital management and joint ventures. We provide value to our clients and joint venture partners in the form of financial security, innovative products, and responsive service. We are known as a leader in paying valid reinsurance claims promptly. We principally measure our financial success through long-term growth in tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends, which we believe is the most appropriate measure of our Company’s performance, and believe we have delivered superior performance in respect of this measure over time.

Since a substantial portion of the reinsurance and insurance we write provides protection from damages relating to natural and man-made catastrophes, our results depend to a large extent on the frequency and severity of such catastrophic events, and the coverages we offer to clients affected by these events. We are exposed to significant losses from these catastrophic events and other exposures that we cover. Accordingly, we expect a significant degree of volatility in our financial results and our financial results may vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter or from year-to-year, based, among other things, on the level of insured catastrophic losses occurring around the world.

Our revenues are principally derived from three sources: 1) net premiums earned from the reinsurance and insurance policies we sell; 2) net investment income and realized gains from the investment of our capital funds and the investment of the cash we receive on the policies which we sell; and 3) other income received from our joint ventures, advisory services, weather and energy risk operations and various other items.

Our expenses primarily consist of: 1) net claims and claim expenses incurred on the policies of reinsurance and insurance we sell; 2) acquisition costs which typically represent a percentage of the premiums we write; 3) operating expenses which primarily consist of personnel expenses, rent and other operating expenses; 4) corporate expenses which include certain executive, legal and consulting expenses, costs for research and development, and other miscellaneous costs associated with operating as a publicly traded company; and 5) interest expense related to our debt. In addition, in calculating net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders, a portion of the Company’s net income (loss) is attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest holders in DaVinciRe, as well as dividends on the Company’s preference shares. We are also subject to taxes in certain jurisdictions in which we operate; however, since the majority of our income is currently earned in Bermuda, a non-taxable jurisdiction, the tax impact to our operations has historically been minimal. We currently expect our growth outside of Bermuda to result in a higher effective tax rate in 2009 and future periods compared with our historical results. Our future effective tax rate may also be impacted adversely by legislative or regulatory changes in the key markets to which we provide coverages and services.

The operating results, also known as the underwriting results, of an insurance or reinsurance company are discussed frequently by reference to its net claims and claim expense ratio, underwriting expense ratio, and combined ratio. The net claims and claim expense ratio is calculated by dividing net claims and claim expenses incurred by net premiums

 

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earned. The underwriting expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses (acquisition expenses and operational expenses) by net premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the net claims and claim expense ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% generally indicates profitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates unprofitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. We also discuss our net claims and claim expense ratio on an accident year basis. This ratio is calculated by taking net claims and claim expenses, excluding development on net claims and claim expenses from events that took place in prior fiscal years, divided by net premiums earned.

We conduct our business through two reportable segments, Reinsurance and Individual Risk. Those segments are more fully described as follows:

Reinsurance

Our Reinsurance segment has three main units:

 

1) Property catastrophe reinsurance, written for our own account and for DaVinci, is our traditional core business. We believe we are one of the world’s leading providers of this coverage, based on catastrophe gross premiums written. This coverage protects against large natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis, as well as claims arising from other natural and man-made catastrophes such as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, wind storms, tornadoes, explosions and acts of terrorism. We offer this coverage to insurance companies and other reinsurers primarily on an excess of loss basis. This means that we begin paying when our customers’ claims from a catastrophe exceed a certain retained amount.

 

2) Specialty reinsurance, written for our own account and for DaVinci, covering certain targeted classes of business where we believe we have a sound basis for underwriting and pricing the risk that we assume. Our portfolio includes various classes of business, such as catastrophe exposed workers’ compensation, surety, terrorism, medical malpractice, catastrophe-exposed personal lines property, casualty clash, certain other casualty lines and other specialty lines of reinsurance that we collectively refer to as specialty reinsurance. We believe that we are seen as a market leader in certain of these classes of business, such as casualty clash, surety, catastrophe-exposed workers’ compensation and terrorism.

 

3) Through our ventures unit, we pursue joint ventures and other strategic relationships. The principal business activities conducted by our ventures unit are: 1) property catastrophe joint ventures which we manage, such as Top Layer Re and DaVinci; 2) strategic investments in other market participants, such as our investments in Platinum and the Tower Hill Companies, where, rather than assuming exclusive management responsibilities ourselves, we partner with other market participants; 3) weather and energy risk operations through Renaissance Trading Ltd.; and 4) fee-based consulting services, research and development and loss mitigation activities. Only business activities that appear in our consolidated underwriting results, such as DaVinci, Tim Re II and certain reinsurance transactions, are included in our Reinsurance segment results; our share of the results of our investments in other ventures, accounted for under the equity method, and our weather-related activities are included in the Other category of our segment results.

Individual Risk

We define our Individual Risk segment to include underwriting that involves understanding the characteristics of the original underlying insurance policy. In the second quarter of 2009, these operations commenced utilizing the RenRe Insurance brand. Our principal contracts include insurance contracts and quota share reinsurance with respect to risks including: 1) multi-peril crop, which includes multi-peril crop insurance, crop hail and other named peril agriculture risk management products; 2) commercial property, which principally includes catastrophe-exposed commercial property products; 3) commercial multi-line, which includes commercial property and liability coverage, such as general liability, automobile liability and physical damage, building and contents, professional liability and various specialty products; and 4) personal lines property, which principally includes homeowners personal lines property coverage and catastrophe exposed personal lines property coverage.

Our Individual Risk business is primarily produced through four distribution channels: 1) a wholly owned program manager – where we write primary insurance through our own subsidiary; 2) third party program managers – where we write primary insurance through third party program managers, who produce business pursuant to agreed-upon

 

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underwriting guidelines and provide related back-office functions; 3) quota share reinsurance – where we write quota share reinsurance with primary insurers who, similar to our third party program managers, provide most of the back-office and support functions; and 4) brokers and agents – where we write primary insurance produced through licensed intermediaries on a risk-by-risk basis.

Our Individual Risk business is written through the operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance Group, principally Glencoe and Lantana, which write on an excess and surplus lines basis, and through Stonington and Stonington Lloyd’s, which write on an admitted basis. Since the inception of our Individual Risk business, we have substantially relied on third parties for services including the generation of premium, the issuance of policies and the processing of claims, though as previously disclosed, we have internalized an increasing amount of these services over the past two years. We actively oversee our third party partners through an operations review team at RenRe North America Inc., which conducts initial due diligence as well as ongoing monitoring. We continue to invest in initiatives to strengthen our operating platform, enhance our internal capabilities, and expand the resources, including personnel, which we commit to our Individual Risk operations.

New Business

In addition to the potential growth of our existing reinsurance and insurance businesses, from time to time we consider diversification into new ventures, either through organic growth, the formation of new joint ventures, or the acquisition of or the investment in other companies or books of business of other companies. This potential diversification includes opportunities to write targeted, additional classes of risk-exposed business, both directly for our own account and through possible new joint venture opportunities. We also regularly evaluate opportunities to grow our business by utilizing our skills, capabilities, proprietary technology and relationships to expand into further risk-related coverages, services and products. Generally, we focus on underwriting or trading risks where reasonably sufficient data may be available, and where our analytical abilities may provide us a competitive advantage, in order for us to seek to model estimated probabilities of losses and returns in accordance with our approach in respect of our current portfolio of risks. We also regularly review potential new investments, in both operating entities and financial instruments. We believe the ongoing period of market dislocation may have increased the prospects that we can deploy capital in such initiatives at attractive expected rates of return.

In evaluating potential new ventures or investments, we generally seek an attractive estimated return on equity, the ability to develop or capitalize on a competitive advantage, and opportunities which we believe will not detract from our core Reinsurance and Individual Risk operations. Accordingly, we regularly review strategic opportunities and periodically engage in discussions regarding possible transactions, although there can be no assurance that we will complete any such transactions or that any such transaction would be successful or contribute materially to our results of operations or financial condition. We believe that our ability to potentially attract investment and operational opportunities is supported by our strong reputation and financial resources, and by the capabilities and track record of our ventures unit.

Risk Management

We seek to develop and effectively utilize sophisticated computer models and other analytical tools to assess and manage the risks that we underwrite and attempt to optimize our portfolio of reinsurance and insurance contracts and other financial risks. Our policies, procedures, tools and resources to monitor and assess our operational risks companywide, as well as our global enterprise-wide risk management practices, are overseen by our Chief Risk Officer, who reports directly to our Chief Financial Officer.

With respect to our Reinsurance operations, since 1993 we have developed and continuously seek to improve our proprietary, computer-based pricing and exposure management system, Renaissance Exposure Management System (“REMS©”). We believe that REMS©, as updated from time to time, is a more robust underwriting and risk management system than is currently commercially available elsewhere in the reinsurance industry and offers us a significant competitive advantage. REMS© was originally developed to analyze catastrophe risks, though we continuously seek ways to enhance the program in order to analyze other classes of risk.

In addition to using REMS©, within our Individual Risk operations we have developed a proprietary information management and analytical database, our Program Analysis Central Repository (“PACeR”), within which data related to substantially all our Individual Risk segment business is maintained. With the use and development of

 

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PACeR, we are seeking to develop statistical and analytical techniques to evaluate our program lines of business within our Individual Risk segment. We provide our third party program managers with access to PACeR’s capabilities, which we believe helps support superior underwriting decisions, thus creating value for them and for us. Our objective is to have PACeR create an advantage for our Individual Risk operations by assisting us in building and maintaining a well-priced portfolio of specialty insurance risks.

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The Company’s critical accounting estimates are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008

Summary Overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change        
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and ratios)                         

Gross premiums written

   $ 202,413      $ 239,806      $ (37,393  

Net premiums written

     75,098        194,408        (119,310  

Net premiums earned

     296,013        379,342        (83,329  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     38,567        535,347        (496,780  

Underwriting income (loss)

     167,745        (240,532     408,277     

Net investment income

     106,815        15,767        91,048     

Net realized gains on investments

     16,794        11,198        5,596     

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     (346     (98,808     98,462     

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

     258,628        (230,974     489,602     

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted (1)

   $ 4.12      $ (3.79   $ 7.91     

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     36.8     150.6     (113.8 %)   

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (23.8 %)      (9.5 %)      (14.3 %)   

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     13.0     141.1     (128.1 %)   

Underwriting expense ratio

     30.3     22.3     8.0  

Combined ratio

     43.3     163.4     (120.1 %)   
     September 30,
2009
    June 30,
2009
    Change     %
Change
 

Book value per common share

   $ 49.21      $ 44.17      $ 5.04      11.4

Accumulated dividends per common share

     8.64        8.40        0.24      2.9
                          

Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends

   $ 57.85      $ 52.57      $ 5.28     
                          

 

(1) Earnings per share calculations use average common shares outstanding – basic, when in a net loss position, as required by FASB ASC Topic Earnings Per Share.

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $258.6 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to a net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders of $231.0 million in the third quarter of 2008. Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per fully diluted common share was $4.12 for the third quarter of 2009, compared to a net loss of $3.79 attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per fully diluted common share in the third quarter of 2008. The $489.6 million increase in our net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was primarily due to:

 

  •  

a $408.3 million increase in underwriting income primarily due to a $496.8 million decrease in net claims and claim expenses, principally driven by a decrease in current accident year net claims and claim expenses due to a comparably low level of insured catastrophes occurring in the third quarter of 2009, compared to the third quarter of 2008, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which occurred in the third quarter of 2008 and resulted in $419.6 million of underwriting losses in that quarter, as described in more detail below;

 

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  •  

significantly improved investment results including $91.0 million of additional net investment income and $5.6 million of additional net realized gains on investments and a $98.5 million decrease in net other-than-temporary impairments, during the third quarter of 2009, compared to the third quarter of 2008. The increase in net investment income was primarily due to higher total returns on certain non-investment grade allocations which are included in other investments. We also experienced higher returns on our hedge fund and private equity investments during the third quarter of 2009 as compared to the third quarter of 2008. The reduction in net other-than-temporary impairments was due in part to our adoption in the second quarter of 2009 of new guidance on the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments, as described in more detail in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as improving market conditions for investments; and

 

  •  

partially offset by a $129.7 million increase in net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe, due to increased profitability in DaVinciRe, driven by improved underwriting and investment results, and partially offset by our increased ownership in DaVinciRe.

Book value per common share increased $5.04 to $49.21 at September 30, 2009, compared to $44.17 at June 30, 2009. Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends increased $5.28 to $57.85 at September 30, 2009, compared to $52.57 at June 30, 2009. The 11.4% growth in book value per common share was driven by comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $335.5 million for the third quarter of 2009, and partially offset by $15.0 million of common dividends declared and paid during the third quarter of 2009. Common shares outstanding were 62.4 million and 62.3 million at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009, respectively.

Underwriting Results

In the third quarter of 2009, we generated $167.7 million of underwriting income, compared to an underwriting loss of $240.5 million in the third quarter of 2008. The increase in underwriting income was driven primarily by a $496.8 million decrease in net claims and claim expenses, as a result of a comparably low level of insured catastrophes occurring in the third quarter of 2009, specifically the comparative impact of hurricanes Gustav and Ike which resulted in underwriting losses of $419.6 million in the third quarter of 2008, as discussed in more detail below. We generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 13.0%, an underwriting expense ratio of 30.3% and a combined ratio of 43.3%, in the third quarter of 2009, compared to a net claims and claim expense ratio, an underwriting expense ratio and a combined ratio of 141.1%, 22.3% and 163.4%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2008.

Gross premiums written decreased $37.4 million to $202.4 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $239.8 million in the third quarter of 2008. Gross premiums written for the third quarter of 2008 include $49.0 million of reinstatement premiums written as a result of the net claims and claim expense from hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Excluding reinstatement premiums written in the third quarter of 2008, gross premiums written would have been up $11.6 million. The Company’s catastrophe premiums, excluding the impact of reinstatement premiums, increased $15.1 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to the third quarter of 2008, principally reflecting the continuation of attractive market conditions on a risk-adjusted basis in the Company’s core markets, and the inception of a new program and other organic growth of the Company’s portfolio. Our specialty reinsurance premiums decreased $3.0 million, to $25.2 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $28.2 million in the third quarter of 2008. As discussed in more detail below, this decrease is primarily due to the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a catastrophe exposed homeowners personal lines property quota share contract. Gross premiums written in our Individual Risk segment decreased $0.3 million to $83.3 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $83.7 million in the third quarter of 2008.

Net premiums written decreased $119.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 to $75.1 million from $194.4 million in the third quarter of 2008, primarily due to the decrease in gross premiums written noted above and combined with an $81.9 million increase in ceded premiums written in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 as a result of the addition of several new reinsurance contracts purchased in our catastrophe unit as well as an increase in ceded premiums written within our Individual Risk segment related to our multi-peril crop insurance line of business. Net premiums earned decreased $83.3 million to $296.0 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared

 

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to $379.3 million, principally due to the $49.0 million of reinstatement premium that was written and earned in the third quarter of 2008 and did not recur in the third quarter of 2009, combined with the earned impact of the additional ceded premiums written noted above.

Net claims and claim expenses decreased by $496.8 million to $38.6 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $535.3 million in the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to the comparably low level of insured catastrophes in the third quarter of 2009, compared to the third quarter of 2008, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which occurred in the third quarter of 2008 and resulted in $458.8 million of net claims and claim expenses in our Reinsurance and Individual Risk segments in that quarter.

We recorded an overall net negative impact of $276.0 million from hurricanes Gustav and Ike in the third quarter of 2008. Net negative impact includes the sum of estimates of net claims and claim expenses incurred, earned reinstatement premiums assumed and ceded, lost profit commissions and minority interest. Our estimates of losses from hurricanes Gustav and Ike are based on factors including currently available information derived from the Company’s preliminary claims information from certain clients and brokers, industry assessments of losses from the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of our contracts. Given the magnitude and relatively recent occurrence of these events, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding total covered losses for the insurance industry and, accordingly, several of the key assumptions underlying our loss estimates. In addition, actual losses from these events may increase if our reinsurers or other obligors fail to meet their obligations. Our actual losses from these events will likely vary, perhaps materially, from these current estimates due to the inherent uncertainties in reserving for such losses, including the preliminary nature of the available information, the potential inaccuracies and inadequacies in the data provided by clients and brokers, the inherent uncertainty of modeling techniques and the application of such techniques, the effects of any demand surge on claims activity and complex coverage and other legal issues.

Following is supplemental financial data regarding the net financial statement impact on our results for the third quarter of 2008 due to hurricanes Gustav and Ike:

 

     Three months ended September 30, 2008  

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Gustav     Ike     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (80.3   $ (378.5   $ (458.8

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     12.3        31.6        43.9   

Lost profit commissions

     (1.9     (2.8     (4.7
                        

Net impact on underwriting result

     (69.9     (349.7     (419.6

Minority interest - DaVinciRe

     25.3        118.3        143.6   
                        

Net negative impact

   $ (44.6   $ (231.4   $ (276.0
                        

Percentage point impact on combined ratio

     16.9        94.8        116.8   

We experienced $70.4 million of favorable development on prior year reserves in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $36.0 million of favorable development in the third quarter of 2008, primarily due to decreased net claims and claim expenses in our Reinsurance segment as a result of reductions in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events within the catastrophe unit, and within the specialty unit, lower than expected claims emergence.

The 8.0 percentage point increase in our underwriting expense ratio to 30.3% in the third quarter of 2009, compared to 22.3% in the third quarter of 2008, was principally driven by an increase in operational expenses of $15.2 million. The increase in operational expenses was primarily as a result of an increase in our employee base which has increased compensation and related operating expenses, and partially offset by a $10.0 million decrease in acquisition expenses, primarily as a result of higher profit commissions on ceded premiums earned, on lower net premiums earned which have decreased $83.3 million to $296.0 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $379.3 million in the third quarter of 2008.

 

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Underwriting Results by Segment

Reinsurance Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Reinsurance segment followed by an analysis of our catastrophe unit and specialty unit underwriting results and ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

Reinsurance segment overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Gross premiums written (1)

   $ 132,487      $ 169,463      $ (36,976
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 43,202      $ 129,229      $ (86,027
                        

Net premiums earned

     202,260        251,058        (48,798

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (15,914     423,568        (439,482

Acquisition expenses

     17,164        34,469        (17,305

Operational expenses

     33,961        20,602        13,359   
                        

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 167,049      $ (227,581   $ 394,630   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 46,755      $ 454,187      $ (407,432

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (62,669     (30,619     (32,050
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ (15,914   $ 423,568      $ (439,482
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     23.1     180.9     (157.8 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (31.0 %)      (12.2 %)      (18.8 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     (7.9 %)      168.7     (176.6 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     25.3     21.9     3.4
                        

Combined ratio

     17.4     190.6     (173.2 %) 
                        

 

(1) Reinsurance gross premiums written includes $13.4 million and $13.3 million of premiums assumed from the Individual Risk segment for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Reinsurance Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment decreased by $37.0 million, or 21.8%, to $132.5 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $169.5 million in the third quarter of 2008. Gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment in the third quarter of 2008 include $49.0 million of reinstatement premiums written on behalf of our catastrophe unit as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Excluding these reinstatement premiums, gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment increased $12.0 million due to our catastrophe unit which benefited from our ability and determination to increase the capacity provided to our clients in light of, among other things, continuing attractive market conditions, partially offset by a decline in our specialty reinsurance premiums. Our Reinsurance segment results have been increasingly impacted in recent periods by a relatively small number of comparably large transactions with significant clients.

 

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Reinsurance Segment Underwriting Results – Our Reinsurance segment generated $167.0 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2009, compared to an underwriting loss of $227.6 million in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of $394.6 million. The increase in underwriting income was primarily due to a decrease in net claims and claim expenses of $439.5 million due to the comparably low level of insured catastrophes in the third quarter of 2009, compared to the third quarter of 2008, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike. We incurred $424.2 million of net claims and claim expenses during the third quarter of 2008 related to hurricanes Gustav and Ike, adding 166.0 percentage points to the Reinsurance segment’s combined ratio. In the third quarter of 2009, our Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of negative 7.9%, an underwriting expense ratio of 25.3% and a combined ratio of 17.4%, compared to 168.7%, 21.9% and 190.6%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2008. Current accident year losses of $46.8 million decreased $407.4 million from $454.2 million in the third quarter of 2008, due to the comparably low level of catastrophes occurring during the third quarter of 2009, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike which occurred in the third quarter of 2008. During the third quarter of 2009, we experienced favorable development on prior years reserves of $62.7 million, compared to $30.6 million of favorable development in the third quarter of 2008 primarily as a result of reductions in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events within the catastrophe unit, and lower than expected claims emergence within the specialty unit. The increase in our underwriting expense ratio to 25.3% in the third quarter of 2009 from 21.9% in the third quarter of 2008 was principally driven by a $48.8 million decrease in net premiums earned, principally due to the lack of reinstatement premiums written and earned in the third quarter of 2008, as total underwriting expenses remained relatively stable at $51.1 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $55.1 million in the third quarter of 2008.

Following is supplemental financial data regarding the net impact on our Reinsurance segment’s underwriting results for the third quarter of 2008 due to hurricanes Gustav and Ike:

 

      Three months ended September 30, 2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Reinsurance  
   Gustav     Ike     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (70.3   $ (353.9   $ (424.2

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     12.3        36.7        49.0   

Lost profit commissions

     (1.9     (2.8     (4.7
                        

Net impact on underwriting result

   $ (59.9   $ (320.0   $ (379.9
                        

Percentage point impact on combined ratio

     20.4        133.8        166.0   

We have entered into joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions of our book of business. In accordance with the joint venture and quota share agreements, we are entitled to certain profit commissions and fee income, subject to the terms of these agreements. We record these profit commissions and fees as a reduction in acquisition and operating expenses and, accordingly, these fees have generally reduced our underwriting expense ratios. These fees totaled $16.5 million and $1.1 million for the third quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively, and resulted in a corresponding decrease to the Reinsurance segment underwriting expense ratio of 8.1% and 0.5% for the third quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, our agreements with DaVinci provide for certain fee income and profit commissions. Because the results of DaVinci, and its parent DaVinciRe, are consolidated in our results of operations, these fees and profit commissions are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements and are principally reflected in redeemable noncontrolling interest. The net impact of all fees and profit commissions related to these joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions within our Reinsurance segment was $31.0 million and $1.8 million for the third quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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Catastrophe

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our catastrophe unit for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

Catastrophe overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Property catastrophe gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 78,232      $ 97,839      $ (19,607

DaVinci

     29,076        43,413        (14,337
                        

Total property catastrophe gross premiums written (1)

   $ 107,308      $ 141,252      $ (33,944
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 19,656      $ 101,018      $ (81,362
                        

Net premiums earned

     176,519        217,626        (41,107

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (3,068     410,683        (413,751

Acquisition expenses

     14,365        27,838        (13,473

Operational expenses

     25,303        16,037        9,266   
                        

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 139,919      $ (236,932   $ 376,851   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 35,030      $ 440,740      $ (405,710

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (38,098     (30,057     (8,041
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ (3,068   $ 410,683      $ (413,751
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     19.8     202.5     (182.7 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (21.5 %)      (13.8 %)      (7.7 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     (1.7 %)      188.7     (190.4 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     22.4     20.2     2.2
                        

Combined ratio

     20.7     208.9     (188.2 %) 
                        

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written ceded from the Individual Risk segment to the catastrophe unit of $13.4 million and $13.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the third quarter of 2009, our catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written decreased by $33.9 million, or 24.0%, to $107.3 million, compared to the third quarter of 2008. Gross premiums written in our catastrophe unit in the third quarter of 2008 included $49.0 million of reinstatement premiums written as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Excluding these reinstatement premiums, gross premiums written in our catastrophe unit increased $15.1 million due to the continuation of attractive market conditions on a risk-adjusted basis in our core markets and the inception of a new program and other organic growth of our portfolio. Our catastrophe reinsurance results can be substantially impacted, and have been in recent periods, by a relatively small number of comparably large transactions with significant clients.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our catastrophe unit generated $139.9 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2009, compared to an underwriting loss of $236.9 million in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of $376.9 million. The increase in underwriting income was due primarily to a $413.8 million decrease in net claims and claim expenses as a result of current accident year net claims and claim expenses decreasing $405.7 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to the third quarter of 2008, as discussed below. In the third quarter of 2009, our catastrophe unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of negative 1.7%, an underwriting expense ratio of 22.4% and a combined ratio of 20.7%, compared to 188.7%, 20.2% and 208.9%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2008. Current accident year net claims and claim expenses in the third quarter of 2008 were impacted by hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which resulted in $424.2 million of net claims and claims incurred and added 193.7 percentage points to the catastrophe unit’s combined ratio.

 

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     Three months ended September 30, 2008  
     Catastrophe  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Gustav     Ike     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (70.3   $ (353.9   $ (424.2

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     12.3        36.7        49.0   

Lost profit commissions

     (1.9     (2.8     (4.7
                        

Net impact on underwriting result

   $ (59.9   $ (320.0   $ (379.9
                        

Percentage point impact on combined ratio

     22.7        154.8        193.7   

During the third quarter of 2009, we experienced $38.1 million of favorable development on prior year reserves, compared to $30.1 million of favorable development on prior years reserves in the third quarter of 2008. The favorable development in the third quarter of 2009 was the result of reductions in ultimate loss estimates on specific events, including European windstorm Kyrill (2007), a California wildfire (2007), hurricane Dean (2007) and hurricane Emily (2005). The favorable development in the third quarter of 2008 was primarily related to lower than expected claims emergence on the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) flooding (2007), hurricane Dean (2007), an industrial catastrophe loss (2005) and a number of small catastrophe events from the 2007 and 2006 accident years. The increase in our operating expense ratio to 14.3% in the third quarter of 2009 from 7.4% in the third quarter of 2008 was principally driven by a $9.3 million increase in operational expenses, primarily as a result of an increase in our employee base which has increased compensation and related operating expenses, combined with a $41.1 million decrease in net premiums earned. The decrease in net premiums earned is due to the decrease in gross premiums written, noted above, combined with the $47.4 million increase in ceded premiums written as a result of the addition of several new reinsurance purchases during the third quarter of 2009.

 

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Specialty

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our specialty reinsurance unit for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

Specialty overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Specialty gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 25,249      $ 28,408      $ (3,159

DaVinci

     (70     (197     127   
                        

Total specialty gross premiums written

   $ 25,179      $ 28,211      $ (3,032
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 23,546      $ 28,211      $ (4,665
                        

Net premiums earned

     25,741        33,432        (7,691

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (12,846     12,885        (25,731

Acquisition expenses

     2,799        6,631        (3,832

Operational expenses

     8,658        4,565        4,093   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 27,130      $ 9,351      $ 17,779   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 11,725      $ 13,447      $ (1,722

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (24,571     (562     (24,009
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ (12,846   $ 12,885      $ (25,731
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     45.5     40.2     5.3

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (95.4 %)      (1.7 %)      (93.7 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     (49.9 %)      38.5     (88.4 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     44.5     33.5     11.0
                        

Combined ratio

     (5.4 %)      72.0     (77.4 %) 
                        

Specialty Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the third quarter of 2009, our specialty reinsurance gross premiums written decreased by $3.0 million, or 10.7%, to $25.2 million, compared to $28.2 million in the third quarter of 2008, due principally to the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a catastrophe exposed homeowners personal lines property quota share contract and partially offset by new business. Our specialty reinsurance premiums are prone to significant volatility as this business is characterized by a relatively small number of comparably large transactions.

Specialty Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our specialty unit generated $27.1 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $9.4 million in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of $17.8 million, principally due to a $24.0 million increase in favorable development on prior accident year net claims and claim expenses, discussed in more detail below, and partially offset by a decrease in net premiums earned as a result of a decrease in our gross premiums written over the last year which has resulted in lower net premiums earned. The favorable development on prior year reserves of $24.6 million and $0.6 million during the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively, was primarily driven by lower than expected reported claims on prior year reserves. In the third quarter of 2009, our specialty unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of negative 49.9%, an underwriting expense ratio of 44.5% and a combined ratio of negative 5.4%, compared to 38.5%, 33.5% and 72.0%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2008. The 11.0 percentage point increase in our underwriting expense ratio was principally driven by lower net premiums earned as the $4.1 million increase in operational expenses was principally offset by a $3.8 million decrease in acquisition expenses. The increase in operational expenses is primarily as a

 

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result of an increase in our employee base which has increased compensation and related operating expenses. Acquisition expenses decreased as a result of the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a catastrophe exposed homeowners personal lines property quota share contract which had a higher acquisition expense ratio relative to other programs in the specialty unit.

Individual Risk Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 for our Individual Risk segment:

Individual Risk segment overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Commercial multi-line

   $ 31,066      $ 29,773      $ 1,293   

Multi-peril crop

     21,296        11,881        9,415   

Commercial property

     15,514        24,863        (9,349

Personal lines property

     15,473        17,168        (1,695
                        

Gross premiums written

   $ 83,349      $ 83,685      $ (336
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 31,896      $ 65,179      $ (33,283
                        

Net premiums earned

   $ 93,753      $ 128,284      $ (34,531

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     54,481        111,779        (57,298

Acquisition expenses

     27,039        19,762        7,277   

Operational expenses

     11,537        9,694        1,843   
                        

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 696      $ (12,951   $ 13,647   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 62,256      $ 117,157      $ (54,901

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior years

     (7,775     (5,378     (2,397
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 54,481      $ 111,779      $ (57,298
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     66.4     91.3     (24.9 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (8.3 %)      (4.2 %)      (4.1 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     58.1     87.1     (29.0 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     41.2     23.0     18.2
                        

Combined ratio

     99.3     110.1     (10.8 %) 
                        

Individual Risk Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written by our Individual Risk segment were relatively flat at $83.3 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $83.7 million in the third quarter of 2008. Multi-peril crop insurance gross premiums written during the third quarter of 2009 increased $9.4 million, to $21.3 million, from $11.9 million in the third quarter of 2008, primarily driven by an increase in policy count and insured acres which more than offset a decline in commodity prices used in determining the policy premium. Offsetting the increase in multi-peril crop insurance gross premiums written during the third quarter of 2009, was our commercial property gross premiums written which decreased $9.3 million, to $15.5 million from $24.9 million in the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to our decision in late 2008 to terminate a commercial property quota share reinsurance contract.

Our Individual Risk segment premiums can fluctuate significantly between quarters and between years based on several factors, including, without limitation, the timing of the inception or cessation of new program managers and quota share reinsurance contracts, including whether or not we have portfolio transfers in, or portfolio transfers out, of quota share reinsurance contracts of in-force books of business. In addition, our gross premiums written in respect of our multi-peril crop insurance line of business are subject to fluctuations from a number of factors including the impact of relevant commodity prices.

 

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Individual Risk Segment Underwriting Results – Our Individual Risk segment generated underwriting income of $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to an underwriting loss of $13.0 million in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of $13.6 million. In the third quarter of 2009, our Individual Risk segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 58.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 41.2% and a combined ratio of 99.3%, compared to 87.1%, 23.0% and 110.1%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2008. The increase in underwriting income and decrease in our combined ratio was principally driven by the absence of catastrophe events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike which occurred in the third quarter of 2008. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike resulted in $39.7 million in underwriting losses and added 30.2 percentage points to the Individual Risk segment’s combined ratio in the third quarter of 2008, as detailed in the table below. Partially offsetting the lack of hurricane-related losses in the third quarter of 2009 was the impact of significantly higher crop hail losses within the Individual Risk segment’s multi-peril crop insurance line of business in the third quarter of 2009. Multiple hail storms in highly insured areas during the third quarter of 2009 resulted in $16.6 million of underwriting losses in crop hail, a specific product line within the overall multi-peril crop insurance line of business, compared to $3.0 million of underwriting profits for this product line in the third quarter of 2008.

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Three months ended September 30, 2008  
   Individual Risk  
   Gustav     Ike     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (10.0   $ (24.6   $ (34.6

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     —          (5.1     (5.1

Lost profit commissions

     —          —          —     
                        

Net impact on underwriting result

   $ (10.0   $ (29.7   $ (39.7
                        

Percentage point impact on combined ratio

     7.8        22.7        30.2   

The Company’s Individual Risk segment prior year reserves experienced $7.8 million of favorable development in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $5.4 million of favorable development in the third quarter of 2008, primarily as a result of lower than expected reported claims on prior year reserves.

Underwriting expenses in the third quarter of 2009 were $38.6 million and the underwriting expense ratio was 41.2%, compared to $29.5 million and 23.0%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2008. The 18.2 percentage point increase in our underwriting expense ratio was driven by increased acquisition expenses, primarily due to profit sharing commissions, increased operating expenses, as discussed below, and decreased net premiums earned, primarily due to the portion of the estimated underwriting income in association with the multi-peril crop insurance business that is remitted to the U.S. government in the form of ceded premiums earned. Operational expenses increased $1.8 million, adding 2.0 percentage points to the underwriting expense ratio, principally as a result of our investment in personnel and related infrastructure in association with our ongoing business development initiatives.

As discussed below under “Reserves for Claims and Claim Expenses”, the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and claim expense reserves. In our multi-peril crop insurance line of business, insureds are required under policy terms to report all potential claims whether or not the insured believes that the crops can be re-planted and harvested; therefore, management’s estimates are subject to significant variability based on factors such as the timing of an event that may have given rise to a loss in light of the overall potential planting season; whether an insured is able to re-plant and ultimately harvest all or a portion of the crop, which will not generally be known until the end of the crop season, or in some cases, well into the following year; as well as what commodity prices are at the end of the policy period. In addition, management has to estimate which losses will be ceded to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Our estimate of net claims and claim expenses incurred for the multi-peril crop insurance business reflects these judgments and actual results will vary, perhaps materially so, and be adjusted as new information is known and becomes available.

 

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Net Investment Income

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Fixed maturity investments available for sale

   $ 44,127      $ 52,087      $ (7,960

Short term investments

     2,285        9,990        (7,705

Other investments

      

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     15,510        (15,080     30,590   

Other

     47,748        (30,306     78,054   

Cash and cash equivalents

     102        1,956        (1,854
                        
     109,772        18,647        91,125   

Investment expenses

     (2,957     (2,880     (77
                        

Net investment income

   $ 106,815      $ 15,767      $ 91,048   
                        

Net investment income was $106.8 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to net investment income of $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2008. The $91.0 million increase in net investment income was principally driven by a $30.6 million increase from our hedge funds and private equity investments and a $78.1 million increase in net investment income from our other investments, principally senior secured bank loan funds and non-U.S. fixed income funds, and partially offset by an $8.0 million and a $7.7 million decrease in net investment income from our fixed maturity investments available for sale and short term investments, respectively. The hedge fund, private equity and other investment portfolios are accounted for at fair value with the change in fair value recorded in net investment income which included net unrealized gains of $19.2 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $54.3 million of net unrealized losses in the third quarter of 2008. Our net investment income for the third quarter of 2009 benefited from the significant tightening of credit spreads and improvement in the equity markets during the quarter, which resulted in increases in the fair value of many of our investments. We do not anticipate a repeat of this quarter’s investment performance in future periods.

The reductions in the Federal Funds rate by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board and corresponding decline in interest rates has lowered the interest rate at which we invest our assets. We expect these developments, combined with the current composition of our investment portfolio and other factors, to put downward pressure on our net investment income for the foreseeable future. Among other factors, our current asset allocations reflect a relative reduction from earlier periods of the number of classes of securities characterized by higher estimated yields and expected risk, which has reduced the yield to maturity for our investment portfolio and which we expect will also impact future net investment income.

Net Realized Gains on Investments and Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gross realized gains

   $ 26,734      $ 20,007      $ 6,727   

Gross realized losses

     (9,940     (8,809     (1,131
                        

Net realized gains on investments

   $ 16,794      $ 11,198      $ 5,596   
                        

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     (1,408     (98,808     97,400   

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     1,062        —          1,062   
                        

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (346   $ (98,808   $ 98,462   
                        

Net realized gains on investments were $16.8 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of $5.6 million, principally driven by a $6.7 million increase in realized gains. Net other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings were $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $98.8 million for the third quarter of 2008. Net other-than-temporary impairments relate to our fixed maturity investments available for sale. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 we recognized other-than-temporary

 

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impairments if we could not assert that we had the ability and intent to hold our securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in accordance with authoritative literature. If the impairment was determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment loss was recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, we recognized other-than-temporary impairments under updated GAAP guidance for the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments which was adopted in the second quarter of 2009. Of the total other-than-temporary impairment charges in the third quarter of 2009, $0.3 million was recognized in earnings and includes $0.3 million for credit losses and $nil for investments we intend to sell, with the remaining $1.1 million related to other factors recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income. Under the guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2009, we recognize other-than-temporary impairments in earnings for impaired fixed maturity investments available for sale (i) for which we have the intent to sell the security or (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery and (iii) for those securities which have a credit loss.

Equity in Earnings of Other Ventures

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Top Layer Re

   $ 3,385      $ 2,431      $ 954   

Tower Hill and the Tower Hill Companies

     1,098        (832     1,930   

Starbound II

     —          777        (777

Other

     (152     (43     (109
                        

Total equity in earnings of other ventures

   $ 4,331      $ 2,333      $ 1,998   
                        

Equity in earnings of other ventures in the third quarter of 2009 primarily represents our pro-rata share of the net income from our investments in Top Layer Re, Tower Hill and the Tower Hill Companies, and in the third quarter of 2008, Starbound Reinsurance II Ltd. (“Starbound II”). Equity in earnings of other ventures generated $4.3 million of income in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2008. The $2.0 million increase in equity in earnings of other ventures in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 is due to increased earnings from Top Layer Re and Tower Hill and the Tower Hill Companies as a result of strong underwriting and investment results for Top Layer Re and partially offset by Starbound II becoming a consolidated entity effective August 1, 2008, and therefore excluded from equity in earnings of other ventures from that date forward.

The equity pick-up for our earnings in Tower Hill and the Tower Hill Companies is recorded one quarter in arrears.

 

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Other Income

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Weather and energy risk operations

   $ 13,674      $ (589   $ 14,263   

Mark-to-market on Platinum warrant

     12,839        5,538        7,301   

Weather-related and loss mitigation

     (2,110     (3,070     960   

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value or as deposits

     (13,147     (1,847     (11,300

Other items

     2,168        2,226        (58
                        

Total other income

   $ 13,424      $ 2,258      $ 11,166   
                        

In the third quarter of 2009, we generated $13.4 million of other income, compared to $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2008. The increase in other income is primarily due to a $14.3 million increase in other income related to trading activities within our weather and energy risk operations combined with a $7.3 million increase in the mark-to-market gain on our warrant to purchase 2.5 million shares of Platinum common stock, and partially offset by an $11.3 million decrease in our assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value or as deposits. Certain contracts we enter into within our weather and energy risk operations are based in part on proprietary weather forecasts provided to us by our Weather Predict subsidiary. The weather and energy risk operations in which we engage are both seasonal and volatile, and there is no assurance that our performance to date will be indicative of future periods.

Other Items

Corporate expenses decreased by $7.4 million to negative $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2008, primarily due to the recognition of a corporate insurance recovery.

Interest expense decreased by $1.6 million to $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2008, primarily as a result of the repayment at maturity of our 7.0% Senior Notes, which came due on July 15, 2008. Offsetting this decrease was an increase in interest expense on our revolving credit facility under which $150.0 million was outstanding throughout the third quarter of 2009. The average interest rate on this borrowing during the third quarter of 2009 was 2.6%, lower than the coupon rate on the 7.0% Senior Notes repaid at maturity in July 2008 with the proceeds of a drawdown from our then current revolving credit facility.

Income tax (expense) benefit decreased by $4.4 million to an expense of $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to a benefit of $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2008, due primarily to our U.S. operations generating taxable income during the third quarter of 2009.

Attribution of Net Income

A portion of our net income (loss) is attributable to the third party redeemable noncontrolling interest holders in DaVinciRe. The net income attributed to the redeemable noncontrolling interest holders increased $129.7 million to $37.7 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to a net loss attributed to the redeemable noncontrolling interest holders of $92.0 million in the third quarter of 2008, due to the increased profitability of DaVinciRe and partially offset by an increase in our ownership of DaVinciRe to 38.2% in the third quarter of 2009, compared to 22.8% in the third quarter of 2008. The change in net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest was driven by DaVinciRe generating strong underwriting profits and investment income in the third quarter of 2009, compared to an underwriting loss primarily related to hurricanes Gustav and Ike, as discussed above, and lower investment income, in the third quarter of 2008.

 

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SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008

Summary Overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change        
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and ratios)                    

Gross premiums written

   $ 1,655,886      $ 1,574,419      $ 81,467     

Net premiums written

     1,153,304        1,211,546        (58,242  

Net premiums earned

     977,578        1,064,829        (87,251  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     191,587        731,720        (540,133  

Underwriting income

     512,569        84,934        427,635     

Net investment income

     263,234        106,955        156,279     

Net realized gains on investments

     57,809        28,322        29,487     

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     (21,201     (150,763     129,562     

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

     627,091        41,912        585,179     

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per Common Share - diluted

   $ 10.03      $ 0.65      $ 9.38     

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     36.9     81.0     (44.1 %)   

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (17.3 %)      (12.3 %)      (5.0 %)   

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     19.6     68.7     (49.1 %)   

Underwriting expense ratio

     28.0     23.3     4.7  

Combined ratio

     47.6     92.0     (44.4 %)   
     September 30, 2009     December 31, 2008     Change     % Change  

Book value per common share

   $ 49.21      $ 38.74      $ 10.47      27.0

Accumulated dividends per common share

     8.64        7.92        0.72      9.1
                          

Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends

   $ 57.85      $ 46.66      $ 11.19     
                          

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $627.1 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $41.9 million in the first nine months of 2008. Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per fully diluted common share was $10.03 for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $0.65 in the first nine months of 2008. The $585.2 million increase in net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was primarily due to:

 

  •  

a $427.6 million increase in underwriting income principally the result of the comparably low level of insured catastrophes in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the first nine months of 2008, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which occurred in the third quarter of 2008 and resulted in $419.6 million of underwriting losses in that period, as described in more detail below;

 

  •  

significantly improved investment results including a $156.3 million increase in net investment income, a $29.5 million increase in net realized gains on investments and a $129.6 million decrease in net other-than-temporary impairments, during the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008. The increase in net investment income was principally driven by our hedge funds and private equity investments and our other investments, principally senior secured bank loan funds and non-U.S. fixed income funds. The reduction in net other-than-temporary impairments was due in part to our adoption of new authoritative accounting guidance for the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments effective April 1, 2009, as described in more detail in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as improving market conditions for investments; and

 

  •  

partially offset by a $133.1 million increase in net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe, due to increased profitability in DaVinciRe, driven by improved underwriting and investment results, and partially offset by our increased ownership in DaVinciRe.

 

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Book value per common share increased $10.47 to $49.21 at September 30, 2009, compared to $38.74 at December 31, 2008. Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends increased $11.19 to $57.85 at September 30, 2009, compared to $46.66 at December 31, 2008. The 27.0% growth in book value per common share was driven by comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $738.0 million for the first nine months of 2009, and partially offset by $44.9 million of common dividends declared and paid during the first nine months of 2009. Common shares outstanding increased to 62.4 million at September 30, 2009 from 61.5 million at December 31, 2008, principally due to the issuance of restricted shares granted in accordance with our stock based compensation plan.

Underwriting Results

In the first nine months of 2009, we generated $512.6 million of underwriting income, compared to $84.9 million in the first nine months of 2008. The $427.6 million increase in underwriting income was principally driven by a $540.1 million reduction in net claims and claim expenses incurred, and partially offset by a $38.2 million increase in operational expenses and an $87.3 million decrease in net premiums earned, as discussed in more detail below. We had a net claims and claim expense ratio of 19.6%, an underwriting expense ratio of 28.0% and a combined ratio of 47.6%, in the first nine months of 2009, compared to a net claims and claim expense ratio, underwriting expense ratio and a combined ratio of 68.7%, 23.3% and 92.0%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2008.

Gross premiums written increased $81.5 million to $1,655.9 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $1,574.4 million in the first nine months of 2008. Gross premiums written in our catastrophe unit increased $157.7 million, or 16.3%, to $1,127.7 million for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $970.1 million in the first nine months of 2008, principally as a result of the execution of the Tim Re II joint venture in the second quarter of 2009, the continuation of attractive market conditions on a risk-adjusted basis in the Company’s core markets and the inception of several new programs and other organic growth of the Company’s portfolio, partially offset by the impact on market demand of several large state catastrophe programs which purchased private market reinsurance in 2008 and prior periods, but have not done so to date in 2009. Included in the increase in gross premiums written is $41.8 million of premiums written on behalf of our new fully-collateralized joint venture, Tim Re II, which commenced operations during the second quarter of 2009. Of this amount, $34.6 million is ceded to external parties. The increase in gross premiums written in our catastrophe unit was partially offset by a decrease in gross premiums written in our specialty unit, which decreased $37.6 million, or 28.7%, to $93.3 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $130.9 million in the first nine months of 2008. As discussed in more detail below, this decrease is primarily due to the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a catastrophe exposed homeowners personal lines property quota share contract. Gross premiums written in our Individual Risk segment, decreased $32.1 million, or 6.7%, to $447.2 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $479.4 million in the first nine months of 2008.

Net premiums written decreased $58.2 million in the first nine months of 2009 to $1,153.3 million, from $1,211.5 million in the first nine months of 2008. The decrease in net premiums written was primarily due to a $139.7 million increase in ceded premium written in the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008, principally driven by the $34.6 million cession to Tim Re II as noted above, combined with our decision to purchase additional reinsurance at pricing and terms we found attractive. Partially offsetting the increase in ceded premiums written in the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008, was the increase in gross premiums written, noted above. Net premiums earned decreased $87.3 million to $977.6 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $1,064.8 million in the first nine months of 2008.

 

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As noted above, net claims and claim expenses incurred decreased by $540.1 million to $191.6 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared to $731.7 million in the first nine months of 2008, due to a $501.4 million decrease in current accident year losses combined with a $38.7 million increase in favorable development on prior year reserves. The decrease in current accident year losses was principally due to lower losses in our Reinsurance segment which was primarily driven by a comparably low level of insured catastrophes in the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which added $458.8 million in net claims and claim expenses and 41.4 percentage points to the Company’s combined ratio in the first nine months of 2008, as detailed in the table below. In addition, we recorded overall net negative impact of $276.0 million from hurricanes Gustav and Ike in the first nine months of 2008. The following is supplemental financial data regarding the net financial statement impact on our results for the first nine months of 2008 due to hurricanes Gustav and Ike:

 

     Nine months ended September 30, 2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Gustav     Ike     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (80.3   $ (378.5   $ (458.8

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     12.3        31.6        43.9   

Lost profit commissions

     (1.9     (2.8     (4.7
                        

Net impact on underwriting result

     (69.9     (349.7     (419.6

Minority interest - DaVinciRe

     25.3        118.3        143.6   
                        

Net negative impact

   $ (44.6   $ (231.4   $ (276.0
                        

Percentage point impact on combined ratio

     6.7        34.1        41.4   

We experienced $169.4 million of favorable development on prior years reserves in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $130.7 million of favorable development in the first nine months of 2008, primarily due to our Reinsurance segment and this increase reflects reductions in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events within our catastrophe unit and lower than expected claims emergence in our specialty unit, as discussed in more detail below.

Operational expenses increased $38.2 million, or 40.7%, to $132.1 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $93.9 million in the first nine months of 2008, primarily as a result of an increase in our employee base which has increased compensation and related operating expenses and $8.0 million of specific compensation related items during the second quarter of 2009 which we would not expect to recur.

 

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Underwriting Results by Segment

Reinsurance Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Reinsurance segment followed by an analysis of our catastrophe unit and specialty unit underwriting results and ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

Reinsurance segment overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Gross premiums written (1)

   $ 1,221,035      $ 1,100,984      $ 120,051   
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 852,970      $ 825,336      $ 27,634   
                        

Net premiums earned

     656,143        709,571        (53,428

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (40,132     490,757        (530,889

Acquisition expenses

     57,321        78,495        (21,174

Operational expenses

     98,265        64,497        33,768   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 540,689      $ 75,822      $ 464,867   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 143,636      $ 582,624      $ (438,988

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (183,768     (91,867     (91,901
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ (40,132   $ 490,757      $ (530,889
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     21.9     82.1     (60.2 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (28.0 %)      (12.9 %)      (15.1 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     (6.1 %)      69.2     (75.3 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     23.7     20.1     3.6
                        

Combined ratio

     17.6     89.3     (71.7 %) 
                        

 

(1) Reinsurance gross premiums written includes $12.4 million and $5.9 million of premiums assumed from the Individual Risk segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Reinsurance Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment increased by $120.1 million, or 10.9%, to $1,221.0 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $1,101.0 million in the first nine months of 2008, due to growth in gross premiums written in our catastrophe unit, which benefited from our ability and determination to increase the capacity provided to our clients in light of, among other things, continuing attractive market conditions, the inception of several new programs, and additional premium written by Tim Re II, as noted above, partially offset by a decline in our specialty reinsurance premiums, as discussed below. Gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment for the first nine months of 2008 include $49.0 million of reinstatement premiums written during the third quarter of 2008 as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Our Reinsurance segment results have been increasingly impacted in recent periods by a relatively small number of comparably large transactions with significant clients.

Reinsurance Segment Underwriting Results – Our Reinsurance segment generated $540.7 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $75.8 million in the first nine months of 2008, an increase of $464.9 million. The increase in underwriting income was primarily due to a $530.9 million decrease in net claims and claim expenses due to a comparably lower level of insured catastrophes occurring in the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which added $424.2 million in net claims and claim expenses and 58.3 percentage points to the

 

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Reinsurance segment’s combined ratio in the first nine months of 2008, as detailed in the table below. In the first nine months of 2009, our Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expenses ratio of negative 6.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 23.7% and a combined ratio of 17.6%, compared to 69.2%, 20.1% and 89.3%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2008. Current accident year losses of $143.6 million in the first nine months of 2009 were down $439.0 million from $582.6 million in the first nine months of 2008, principally due to the comparably low level of insured catastrophes occurring in the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike as noted above and as detailed in the table below.

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Nine months ended September 30, 2008  
   Reinsurance  
   Gustav     Ike     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (70.3   $ (353.9   $ (424.2

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     12.3        36.7        49.0   

Lost profit commissions

     (1.9     (2.8     (4.7
                        

Net impact on underwriting result

   $ (59.9   $ (320.0   $ (379.9
                        

Percentage point impact on combined ratio

     8.8        48.1        58.3   

In the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, we experienced favorable development on prior year reserves of $183.8 million and $91.9 million, respectively. The favorable development in the first nine months of 2009 was the result of reductions in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events within the catastrophe unit, and lower than expected claims emergence within our specialty unit, as discussed in more detail below. The favorable development in the first nine months of 2008 was the result of lower than expected claims emergence in our catastrophe and specialty reinsurance units.

Operational expenses increased $33.8 million, or 52.4%, to $98.3 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $64.5 million in the first nine months of 2008, primarily as a result of an increase in our employee base which has increased compensation and related operating expenses.

We have entered into joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions of our book of business. In accordance with the joint venture and quota share agreements, we are entitled to certain profit commissions and fee income. We record these profit commissions and fees as a reduction in acquisition and operating expenses and, accordingly, these fees have reduced our underwriting expense ratios. These fees totaled $55.7 million and $38.5 million for the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, respectively, and resulted in a corresponding decrease to the Reinsurance segment underwriting expense ratio of 8.5% and 5.4% for the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, we are entitled to certain fee income and profit commissions from DaVinci. Because the results of DaVinci, and its parent, DaVinciRe, are consolidated in our results of operations, these fees and profit commissions are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements and are principally reflected in redeemable non-controlling interest. The net impact of all fees and profit commissions related to these joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions within our Reinsurance segment was $96.4 million and $64.6 million for the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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Catastrophe

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our catastrophe unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

Catastrophe overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Property catastrophe gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 724,131      $ 614,124      $ 110,007   

DaVinci

     403,595        355,940        47,655   
                        

Total property catastrophe gross premiums written (1)

   $ 1,127,726      $ 970,064      $ 157,662   
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 765,728      $ 694,416      $ 71,312   
                        

Net premiums earned

     543,739        555,446        (11,707

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (52,300     449,156        (501,456

Acquisition expenses

     37,377        43,800        (6,423

Operational expenses

     74,738        49,920        24,818   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 483,924      $ 12,570      $ 471,354   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 75,047      $ 497,005      $ (421,958

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (127,347     (47,849     (79,498
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ (52,300   $ 449,156      $ (501,456
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     13.8     89.5     (75.7 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (23.4 %)      (8.6 %)      (14.8 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     (9.6 %)      80.9     (90.5 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     20.6     16.8     3.8
                        

Combined ratio

     11.0     97.7     (86.7 %) 
                        

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written ceded from the Individual Risk segment to the Catastrophe unit of $12.4 million and $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the first nine months of 2009, our catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written increased by $157.7 million, or 16.3%, to $1,127.7 million, compared to the first nine months of 2008. Our growth in catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written principally reflected the execution of the Tim Re II joint venture during the second quarter of 2009, the continuation of attractive market conditions on a risk-adjusted basis in our core markets and the inception of several new programs and other organic growth of our portfolio. This was partially offset by the impact on market demand of several large state catastrophe programs which purchased private market reinsurance in 2008 and prior periods, but have not done so to date in 2009. Included in gross premiums written in the first nine months of 2008 was $49.0 million of reinstatement premiums written during the third quarter of 2008 as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Our catastrophe reinsurance results can be substantially impacted, and have been in recent periods, by a relatively small number of comparably large transactions with significant clients.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our catastrophe unit generated $483.9 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $12.6 million in the first nine months of 2008, an increase of $471.4 million. The increase in underwriting income in the first nine months of 2009 was primarily due to a decrease in net claims and claim expenses incurred of $501.5 million, and partially offset by an increase in underwriting expenses of $18.4 million, compared to the first nine months of 2008. In the first nine months of 2009,

 

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our catastrophe unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of negative 9.6%, an underwriting expense ratio of 20.6% and a combined ratio of 11.0%, compared to 80.9%, 16.8% and 97.7%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2008. The 3.8 percentage point increase in our underwriting expense ratio in the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008, was principally driven by an increase in operational expenses of $24.8 million primarily as a result of an increase in our employee base which has increased compensation and related operating expenses, partially offset by a $6.4 million decrease in acquisition expenses, primarily as a result of higher profit commissions on ceded premiums earned. Current accident year losses of $75.0 million decreased $422.0 million from $497.0 million in the first nine months of 2008, principally due to a comparably low level of insured catastrophes during the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008, specifically the comparative impact of events such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike which resulted in $424.2 million of net claims and claim expenses incurred in the catastrophe unit in the first nine months of 2008 and added 75.2 percentage points to the catastrophe unit’s combined ratio as detailed in the table below.

 

      Nine months ended September 30, 2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Catastrophe  
   Gustav     Ike     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (70.3   $ (353.9   $ (424.2

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     12.3        36.7        49.0   

Lost profit commissions

     (1.9     (2.8     (4.7
                        

Net impact on underwriting result

   $ (59.9   $ (320.0   $ (379.9
                        

Percentage point impact on combined ratio

     11.1        61.8        75.2   

During the first nine months of 2009, we experienced $127.3 million of favorable development on prior year reserves as a result of reductions in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events within the catastrophe unit, including hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008), the U.K. flooding (2007), European windstorm Kyrill (2007), a California wildfire (2007), hurricane Dean (2007) and hurricane Emily (2005). We experienced $47.8 million of favorable development on prior year reserves in the first nine months of 2008, primarily due to lower than expected claims emergence on the 2007 U.K. floods, hurricane Dean from the third quarter of 2007, a 2005 accident year industrial catastrophe loss and a number of small catastrophe events from the 2007 and 2006 accident years.

 

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Specialty

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our specialty reinsurance unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

Specialty overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Specialty gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 90,852      $ 126,826      $ (35,974

DaVinci

     2,457        4,094        (1,637
                        

Total specialty gross premiums written

   $ 93,309      $ 130,920      $ (37,611
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 87,242      $ 130,920      $ (43,678
                        

Net premiums earned

     112,404        154,125        (41,721

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     12,168        41,601        (29,433

Acquisition expenses

     19,944        34,695        (14,751

Operational expenses

     23,527        14,577        8,950   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 56,765      $ 63,252      $ (6,487
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 68,589      $ 85,619      $ (17,030

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (56,421     (44,018     (12,403
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 12,168      $ 41,601      $ (29,433
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     61.0     55.6     5.4

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (50.2 %)      (28.6 %)      (21.6 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     10.8     27.0     (16.2 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     38.7     32.0     6.7
                        

Combined ratio

     49.5     59.0     (9.5 %) 
                        

Specialty Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the first nine months of 2009, our specialty reinsurance gross premiums written decreased by $37.6 million, or 28.7%, to $93.3 million, compared to $130.9 million in the first nine months of 2008, due principally to the non-renewal of several programs that did not meet our underwriting standards, combined with a decrease in gross premiums written due to the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a catastrophe exposed homeowners personal lines property quota share contract during the second quarter of 2009. Our specialty reinsurance premiums are prone to significant volatility as this business is characterized by a relatively small number of comparably large transactions.

Specialty Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our specialty reinsurance unit generated $56.8 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $63.3 million in the first nine months of 2008, a decrease of $6.5 million, primarily due to a $41.7 million decrease in net premiums earned as a result of the decrease in gross premiums written noted above, and partially offset by a $14.8 million decrease in acquisition expenses, also attributable to the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out, noted above. Current accident year losses in the first nine months of 2009 of $68.6 million were down $17.0 million from $85.6 million in the first nine months of 2008, although our current accident year net claims and claim expense ratio was up 5.4 percentage points to 61.0% for the first nine months of 2009 compared to 55.6% for the first nine months of 2008, as a result of the decrease in net premiums earned, noted above. During the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, we experienced $56.4 million and $44.0 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior accident years primarily as a result of lower than expected reported claims on prior year reserves, and for 2009, specifically related to the 2005 through 2008 underwriting years. In the first nine months of 2009, our specialty unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 10.8%, an underwriting expense ratio of 38.7% and a combined ratio of 49.5%, compared to 27.0%, 32.0%

 

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and 59.0%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2008. The 6.7 percentage point increase in our underwriting expense ratio was principally driven by lower net premiums earned as the $9.0 million increase in operational expenses was more than offset by a $14.8 million decrease in acquisition expenses. The increase in operational expenses is primarily as a result of an increase in our employee base which has increased compensation and related operating expenses. Acquisition expenses decreased as a result of the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a catastrophe exposed homeowners personal lines property quota share contract which had a higher acquisition expense ratio relative to other programs in the specialty unit.

Individual Risk Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Individual Risk segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

Individual Risk segment overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Multi-peril crop

   $ 264,442      $ 220,330      $ 44,112   

Commercial multi-line

     81,155        92,856        (11,701

Commercial property

     64,001        116,546        (52,545

Personal lines property

     37,631        49,619        (11,988
                        

Gross premiums written

   $ 447,229      $ 479,351      $ (32,122
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 300,334      $ 386,210      $ (85,876
                        

Net premiums earned

   $ 321,435      $ 355,258      $ (33,823

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     231,719        240,963        (9,244

Acquisition expenses

     83,981        75,777        8,204   

Operational expenses

     33,855        29,406        4,449   
                        

Underwriting (loss) income

   $ (28,120   $ 9,112      $ (37,232
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 217,350      $ 279,748      $ (62,398

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior years

     14,369        (38,785     53,154   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 231,719      $ 240,963      $ (9,244
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     67.6     78.7     (11.1 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     4.5     (10.9 %)      15.4
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     72.1     67.8     4.3

Underwriting expense ratio

     36.6     29.6     7.0
                        

Combined ratio

     108.7     97.4     11.3
                        

Individual Risk Segment Gross Premiums Written – Premiums generated by our Individual Risk segment decreased $32.1 million, or 6.7%, to $447.2 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared to $479.4 million in the first nine months of 2008. The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to decreases of $52.5 million, $11.7 million and $12.0 million from our commercial property, commercial multi-line and personal lines property businesses as a result of our decision in late 2008 to terminate several program manager relationships and a commercial property quota share contract as a result of the then softening market conditions and, during the second quarter of 2009, reduce our participation on a personal lines property quota share contract. Offsetting these decreases in gross premiums written for the first nine months of 2009, was a $44.1 million, or 20.0% increase, in our multi-peril crop insurance premium, principally driven by an increase in policy count and insured acres which more than offset a decline in commodity prices used in determining the policy premium.

 

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Our Individual Risk premiums can fluctuate significantly between quarters and between years based on several factors, including, without limitation, the timing of the inception or cessation of new program managers and quota share reinsurance contracts, including whether or not we have portfolio transfers in or portfolio transfers out, of quota share reinsurance contracts of in-force books of business. In addition, our gross premiums written in respect of our multi-peril crop insurance line of business are subject to fluctuations from a number of factors including the impact of relevant commodity prices.

Individual Risk Segment Underwriting Results – Our Individual Risk segment incurred an underwriting loss of $28.1 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to generating underwriting income of $9.1 million in the first nine months of 2008, a decrease of $37.2 million. In the first nine months of 2009, our Individual Risk segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 72.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 36.6% and a combined ratio of 108.7%, compared to 67.8%, 29.6% and 97.4%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2008. The decrease in our Individual Risk segment’s underwriting income and corresponding increase in the segment’s combined ratio was due primarily to a $33.8 million decrease in net premiums earned, a $12.7 million increase in underwriting expenses and partially offset by a $9.2 million decrease in net claims and claim expenses incurred, as a result of the comparably low level of catastrophes during the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008. Net premiums written decreased $85.9 million to $300.3 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $386.2 million in the first nine months of 2008 due to the decrease in gross premiums written and a $53.8 million increase in ceded premiums written, as a result of a portion of the estimated underwriting income in association with the multi-peril crop insurance business that is remitted to the U.S. government in the form of ceded premiums written and earned. The Individual Risk segment underwriting results for the first nine months of 2009 were negatively impacted by adverse development on the 2008 crop year, as discussed further below, and by significant crop hail losses in the third quarter of 2009 within the Company’s multi-peril crop line of business. Included in net claims and claim expense in our Individual Risk segment for the first nine months of 2008 was $34.6 million of net claims and claim expenses related to hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which added 11.0 percentage points to the combined ratio, as detailed in the table below.

 

     Nine months ended September 30, 2008  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Individual Risk  
   Gustav     Ike     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (10.0   $ (24.6   $ (34.6

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     —          (5.1     (5.1

Lost profit commissions

     —          —          —     
                        

Net impact on underwriting result

   $ (10.0   $ (29.7   $ (39.7
                        

Percentage point impact on combined ratio

     2.8        8.2        11.0   

Our Individual Risk prior year reserves experienced unfavorable development of $14.4 million in the first nine months of 2009 primarily driven by our multi-peril crop insurance line of business related to the 2008 crop year due to an increase in the severity of reported losses incurred during 2008 and reported during the first nine months 2009. In comparison, during the first nine months of 2008, we experienced $38.8 million of favorable development on prior year reserves, primarily due to favorable claims emergence.

Underwriting expenses in the first nine months of 2009 were $117.8 million and the underwriting ratio was 36.6%, compared to $105.2 million and 29.6%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2008. The 7.0 percentage point increase in the Company’s underwriting expense ratio was driven by increased acquisition expenses, primarily due to profit sharing commissions, increased operating expenses, as discussed below, and decreased net premiums earned, primarily due to the portion of the estimated underwriting income in association with the multi-peril crop insurance business that is remitted to the U.S. government in the form of ceded premiums written and earned. Operational expenses increased $4.4 million, adding 1.4 percentage points to the underwriting expense ratio, principally as a result of the Company’s investment in personnel and related infrastructure in association with its ongoing business development initiatives.

 

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As discussed below under “Reserves for Claims and Claim Expenses”, the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and claim expense reserves. In our multi-peril crop insurance line of business, insureds are required under policy terms to report all potential claims whether or not the insured believes that the crops can be re-planted and harvested; therefore, management’s estimates are subject to significant variability based on factors such as the timing of an event that may have given rise to a loss in light of the overall potential planting season; whether an insured is able to re-plant and ultimately harvest all or a portion of the crop, which will not generally be known until the end of the crop season, or in some cases, well into the following year; as well as what commodity prices are at the end of the policy period. In addition, management has to estimate which losses will be ceded to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Our estimate of net claims and claim expenses incurred for the multi-peril crop insurance business reflects these judgments and actual results will vary, perhaps materially so, and be adjusted as new information is known and becomes available.

Net Investment Income

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Fixed maturity investments available for sale

   $ 123,261      $ 147,930      $ (24,669

Short term investments

     8,097        41,124        (33,027

Other investments

      

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     8,096        (46,415     54,511   

Other

     131,309        (32,884     164,193   

Cash and cash equivalents

     632        5,900        (5,268
                        
     271,395        115,655        155,740   

Investment expenses

     (8,161     (8,700     539   
                        

Net investment income

   $ 263,234      $ 106,955      $ 156,279   
                        

Net investment income was $263.2 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to net investment income of $107.0 million in the first nine months of 2008. The $156.3 million increase in net investment income was principally driven by a $164.2 million increase in net investment income from our other investments, principally senior secured bank loan funds and non-U.S. fixed income funds, a $54.5 million increase in net investment income from our hedge funds and private equity investments, and partially offset by a $24.7 million and $33.0 million decrease in net investment income from our fixed maturity investments available for sale and short term investments, respectively, primarily due to lower average invested assets, combined with lower yields due to the current lower interest rate environment. Our hedge fund, private equity and other investments are accounted for at fair value with the change in fair value recorded in net investment income which included net unrealized gains of $71.5 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $104.0 million of net unrealized losses in the first nine months of 2008. Our net investment income for the first nine months of 2009 benefitted from the significant tightening of credit spreads, which resulted in increases in the fair value of many of our investments. We do not anticipate a repeat of this investment performance in future periods.

The reductions in the Federal Funds rate by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board and corresponding decline in interest rates has lowered the interest rate at which we invest our assets. We expect these developments, combined with the current composition of our investment portfolio and other factors, to put downward pressure on our net investment income for the foreseeable future. Among other factors, our current asset allocations reflect a relative reduction from earlier periods of the number of classes of securities characterized by higher estimated yields and expected risk, which has reduced the yield to maturity for our investment portfolio and which we expect will also impact future net investment income.

 

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Net Realized Gains on Investments and Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gross realized gains

   $ 91,370      $ 58,885      $ 32,485   

Gross realized losses

     (33,561     (30,563     (2,998
                        

Net realized gains on investments

   $ 57,809      $ 28,322      $ 29,487   
                        

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     (25,719     (150,763     125,044   

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     4,518        —          4,518   
                        

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (21,201   $ (150,763   $ 129,562   
                        

In the first nine months of 2009, we generated net realized gains on investments of $57.8 million compared to $28.3 million in the first nine months of 2008, an increase of $29.5 million. Net other-than-temporary impairments were $21.2 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $150.8 million in the first nine months of 2008. Net other-than-temporary impairments relate to our fixed maturity investments available for sale. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and for the first three months of 2009, we recognized other-than-temporary impairments if we could not assert that we had the ability and intent to hold our securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in accordance with authoritative literature. If the impairment was determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment loss was recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and for the first three months of 2009, we recognized other-than-temporary impairments of $150.8 million and $19.0 million, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2009, under updated guidance for the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments which we adopted in the second quarter of 2009, we recorded $6.7 million of total other-than-temporary impairments of which $2.2 million was recognized in earnings and includes $2.0 million for credit losses and $0.2 million for investments we intend to sell, with the remaining $4.5 million related to other factors recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income. Under the guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2009, we recognize other-than-temporary impairments in earnings for impaired fixed maturity investments available for sale (i) for which we have the intent to sell the security or (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery and (iii) for those securities which have a credit loss.

Equity in Earnings of Other Ventures

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009    2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                  

Top Layer Re

   $ 9,707    $ 9,067      $ 640   

Tower Hill and the Tower Hill Companies

     1,143      1,385        (242

Starbound II

     —        3,202        (3,202

Other

     649      (199     848   
                       

Total equity in earnings of other ventures

   $ 11,499    $ 13,455      $ (1,956
                       

Equity in earnings of other ventures in the first nine months of 2009 primarily represents our pro-rata share of the net income from our investments in Top Layer Re, Tower Hill and the Tower Hill Companies, and in the first nine months of 2008, Starbound II. Equity in earnings of other ventures generated $11.5 million in income in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $13.5 million in the first nine months of 2008. The $2.0 million decrease in equity in earnings of other ventures in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the first nine months of 2008 is primarily due to Starbound II becoming a consolidated entity effective August 1, 2008, combined with lower equity in earnings from Tower Hill and the Tower Hill Companies.

The equity pick-up for our earnings in Tower Hill and the Tower Hill Companies is recorded one quarter in arrears.

 

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Other (Loss) Income

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2009     2008     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Weather and energy risk operations

   $ 24,916      $ 19,890      $ 5,026   

Mark-to-market on Platinum warrant

     (461     (2,374     1,913   

Weather-related and loss mitigation

     (8,352     (7,153     (1,199

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value or as deposits

     (23,753     (6,022     (17,731

Other items

     2,623        5,905        (3,282
                        

Total other (loss) income

   $ (5,027   $ 10,246      $ (15,273
                        

In the first nine months of 2009, we incurred an other loss of $5.0 million, compared to generating $10.2 million of other income in the first nine months of 2008. The $15.3 million decrease in other income was primarily due to a $17.7 million increase in other loss related to our assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits, principally due to the inception of several new contracts during the second quarter of 2009 and partially offset by an increase in net income from our weather and energy risk operations.

The weather and energy risk operations in which we engage are both seasonal and volatile, and there is no assurance that our performance year to date will be indicative of future periods.

Other Items

Corporate expenses decreased by $10.3 million to $8.6 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $18.9 million for the first nine months of 2008, primarily due to the recognition of a corporate insurance recovery.

Interest expense decreased by $6.0 million to $12.1 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $18.1 million in the first nine months of 2008, primarily as a result of the repayment at maturity of our 7.0% Senior Notes, which came due on July 15, 2008. Offsetting this decrease was an increase in interest expense on our revolving credit facility under which $150.0 million was outstanding throughout the first nine months of 2009. The average interest rate on this borrowing during the first nine months of 2009 was 2.7%, lower than the coupon rate on the 7.0% Senior Notes repaid at maturity in July 2008 with the proceeds of our current revolving credit facility drawdown.

Income tax (expense) benefit increased by $2.9 million to an expense of $3.8 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $0.9 million in the first nine months of 2008, due primarily to our U.S. operations generating higher profits during the first nine months of 2009.

Attribution of Net Income

A portion of our net income is attributable to the third party redeemable noncontrolling interest holders in DaVinciRe. The net income attributed to the redeemable noncontrolling interest holders increased $133.1 million to $122.8 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to a net loss attributed to the redeemable noncontrolling interest holders of $10.3 million in the first nine months of 2008, due to the increased profitability of DaVinciRe and partially offset by an increase in our ownership of DaVinciRe to 38.2% in the first nine months of 2009, compared to 22.8% in the first nine months of 2008. The change in net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest was driven by DaVinciRe generating strong underwriting profits and investment income in the first nine months of 2009, compared to an underwriting loss primarily related to hurricanes Gustav and Ike, as discussed above, and lower investment income, in the first nine months of 2008.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

RenaissanceRe is a holding company, and we therefore rely on dividends from our subsidiaries and investment income to make principal and interest payments on our debt, and to make dividend payments to our preference and RenaissanceRe common shareholders.

The payment of dividends by our U.S. and Bermuda subsidiaries is, under certain circumstances, limited under U.S. statutory regulations and Bermuda insurance law, which require our U.S. and Bermuda insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. In addition, Bermuda regulations require approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority for any reduction of capital in excess of 15% of statutory capital, as defined in the Insurance Act. At September 30, 2009, the statutory capital and surplus of our Bermuda insurance subsidiaries was $3.4 billion, and the amount of capital and surplus required to be maintained was $537.0 million. During the first nine months of 2009, Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinciRe and operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance returned capital to our holding company, which included dividends declared and return of capital, net of capital contributions received, of $645.7 million, $nil and $nil, respectively, compared with $73.6 million, $100.0 million and $69.9 million, respectively, during the first nine months of 2008.

Our principal U.S. insurance subsidiary, Stonington, is also required to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. Restrictions with respect to dividends are based on state statutes. In addition, there are restrictions based on risk based capital tests which is the threshold that constitutes the authorized control level. If Stonington’s statutory capital and surplus falls below the authorized control level, the Texas Department of Insurance (“TDI”) is authorized to take whatever regulatory actions it considers necessary to protect policyholders and creditors. At September 30, 2009, the consolidated statutory capital and surplus of Stonington was $130.1 million. Because of an accumulated deficit in earned surplus from prior operations, Stonington cannot currently pay an ordinary dividend without approval from the TDI.

In the aggregate, our operating subsidiaries have historically produced sufficient cash flows to meet their expected claims payments and operational expenses and to provide dividend payments to us. Our subsidiaries also maintain a concentration of investments in high quality liquid securities, which management believes will provide additional liquidity for extraordinary claims payments should the need arise. As of April 9, 2009, we entered into an amended and restated revolving credit facility to meet additional liquidity and capital requirements. At September 30, 2009, the $150.0 million borrowed under our pre-existing facility, which we used to pay at maturity our 7.0% Senior Notes which came due July 15, 2008, remains outstanding under the new facility. See “Capital Resources” section below.

CASH FLOWS

Cash flows from operating activities in the first nine months of 2009 were $452.0 million, which principally consisted of our net income of $781.6 million and increases in reserves for unearned premiums of $295.0 million, offset by a $276.5 million decrease in reserve for claims and claim expenses, net, a $260.9 million increase in premiums receivable, and a $119.2 million increase in ceded reinsurance balances, among other items. The increase in the reserve for unearned premium, premiums receivable and ceded reinsurance balances was principally due to the increase in gross premiums written as part of the June 1st renewals. The $276.5 decrease in net claims and claim expenses during the first nine months of 2009 is primarily due to $468.1 million of net paid losses and loss expenses, partially offset by $191.6 million of net claims and claim expenses.

Because a large portion of the coverages we provide can produce losses of high severity and low frequency, it is not possible to accurately predict our future cash flows from operating activities. As a consequence, cash flows from operating activities may fluctuate, perhaps significantly, between individual quarters and years. Due to the magnitude and relatively recent occurrence of hurricanes Gustav and Ike during the third quarter of 2008 meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events and our actual ultimate net losses from these events may vary from preliminary estimates, perhaps materially. As a result, our cash flows from operations would be impacted accordingly. In addition, given the severity of losses incurred in 2005 from the large catastrophes in that year, many of which remain unpaid at September 30, 2009, it is likely that we will experience a significant amount of paid claims in the remainder of 2009 and beyond which could reduce our cash flows from operations during those periods, perhaps significantly.

 

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RESERVES FOR CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES

We believe the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and claim expense reserves. Claims and claim expense reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for unpaid claims and claim expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts we sell. We establish our claims and claim expense reserves by taking claims reported to us by insureds and ceding companies, but which have not yet been paid (“case reserves”), adding the costs for additional case reserves (“additional case reserves”) which represent our estimates for claims previously reported to us which we believe may not be adequately reserved as of that date, and adding estimates for the anticipated cost of claims incurred but not yet reported to us (“IBNR”).

The following table summarizes our claims and claim expense reserves by line of business and split between case reserves, additional case reserves and IBNR at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

September 30, 2009

   Case Reserves    Additional Case
Reserves
   IBNR    Total
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                    

Property catastrophe reinsurance

   $ 190,779    $ 233,954    $ 236,429    $ 661,162

Specialty reinsurance

     110,806      130,040      372,405      613,251
                           

Total Reinsurance

     301,585      363,994      608,834      1,274,413

Individual Risk

     196,320      6,705      360,441      563,466
                           

Total

   $ 497,905    $ 370,699    $ 969,275    $ 1,837,879
                           

At December 31, 2008

                   
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                    

Property catastrophe reinsurance

   $ 312,944    $ 297,279    $ 250,946    $ 861,169

Specialty reinsurance

     113,953      135,345      387,352      636,650
                           

Total Reinsurance

     426,897      432,624      638,298      1,497,819

Individual Risk

     253,327      14,591      394,875      662,793
                           

Total

   $ 680,224    $ 447,215    $ 1,033,173    $ 2,160,612
                           

Our estimates of claims and claim expense reserves are not precise in that, among other matters, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends and other variable factors. Some, but not all, of our reserves are further subject to the uncertainty inherent in actuarial methodologies and estimates. Because a reserve estimate is simply an insurer’s estimate at a point in time of its ultimate liability, and because there are numerous factors which affect reserves and claims payments but cannot be determined with certainty in advance, our ultimate payments will vary, perhaps materially, from our estimates of reserves. If we determine in a subsequent period that adjustments to our previously established reserves are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified. During the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, changes to prior year estimated claims reserves increased our net income by $70.4 million and decreased our net loss by $36.0 million, respectively, and for first nine months of 2009 and 2008, increased our net income by $169.4 million and $130.7 million, respectively, excluding the consideration of changes in reinstatement premium, profit commissions, redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe and income tax expense.

Our reserving methodology for each line of business uses a loss reserving process that calculates a point estimate for the Company’s ultimate settlement and administration costs for claims and claim expenses. We do not calculate a range of estimates. We use this point estimate, along with paid claims and case reserves, to record our best estimate of additional case reserves and IBNR in our financial statements. Under GAAP, we are not permitted to establish estimates for catastrophe claims and claim expense reserves until an event occurs that gives rise to a loss.

 

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Reserving for our reinsurance claims involves other uncertainties, such as the dependence on information from ceding companies, which among other matters, includes the time lag inherent in reporting information from the primary insurer to us or to our ceding companies and differing reserving practices among ceding companies. The information received from ceding companies is typically in the form of bordereaux, broker notifications of loss and/or discussions with ceding companies or their brokers. This information can be received on a monthly, quarterly or transactional basis and normally includes estimates of paid claims and case reserves. We sometimes also receive an estimate or provision for IBNR. This information is often updated and adjusted from time-to-time during the loss settlement period as new data or facts in respect of initial claims, client accounts, industry or event trends may be reported or emerge in addition to changes in applicable statutory and case laws.

We recorded $586.7 million of gross claims and claim expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2008 as a result of losses arising from hurricanes Gustav and Ike which struck the United States in the third quarter of 2008. Our estimates of losses from hurricanes Gustav and Ike are based on factors including currently available information derived from the Company’s preliminary claims information from certain clients and brokers, industry assessments of losses from the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of our contracts. Given the magnitude and relatively recent occurrence of these events, as well as the large storms of 2005, including hurricane Katrina, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding total covered losses for the insurance industry and, accordingly, several of the key assumptions underlying our loss estimates. In addition, our actual net losses from these events may increase if our reinsurers or other obligors fail to meet their obligations. Our actual losses from these events will likely vary, perhaps materially, from these current estimates due to the inherent uncertainties in reserving for such losses, including the preliminary nature of the available information, the potential inaccuracies and inadequacies in the data provided by clients and brokers, the inherent uncertainty of modeling techniques and the application of such techniques, the effects of any demand surge on claims activity and complex coverage and other legal issues.

Because of the inherent uncertainties discussed above, we have developed a reserving philosophy which attempts to incorporate prudent assumptions and estimates, and we have generally experienced favorable net development on prior year reserves in the last several years. However, there is no assurance that this will occur in future periods.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our total capital resources at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were as follows:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008
   Change  

Common shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,070,470    $ 2,382,743    $ 687,727   

Preference shares

     650,000      650,000      —     
                      

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,720,470      3,032,743      687,727   

5.875% Senior Notes

     100,000      100,000      —     

RenaissanceRe revolving credit facility - borrowed

     150,000      150,000      —     

RenaissanceRe revolving credit facility - unborrowed

     195,000      350,000      (155,000

DaVinciRe revolving credit facility - borrowed

     200,000      200,000      —     

DaVinciRe revolving credit facility - unborrowed

     —        —        —     

Renaissance Trading credit facility - borrowed

     —        —        —     

Renaissance Trading credit facility - unborrowed

     10,000      10,000      —     
                      

Total capital resources

   $ 4,375,470    $ 3,842,743    $ 532,727   
                      

In the first nine months of 2009, our capital resources increased by $532.7 million, primarily due to our comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $738.0 million, and partially offset by $44.9 million of dividends on common shares during the first nine months of 2009 and, effective April 9, 2009, the decrease in our committed revolving credit facility from $500.0 million to $345.0 million, as discussed below.

Capital resources at September 30, 2009 have not changed materially compared to December 31, 2008, as updated in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, respectively, except as noted below.

 

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RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility (“Credit Agreement”)

Effective April 9, 2009, we amended and restated our Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving commitment of up to $345.0 million. As part of the $345.0 million commitment, letters of credit may be issued for the benefit of the Company’s subsidiaries in an aggregate amount up to $150.0 million, of which up to $75.0 million may be used for the issuance of letters of credit on behalf of the Company’s non-insurance subsidiaries. At September 30, 2009, the $150.0 million borrowed under the Company’s prior facility remains outstanding under the new agreement. The Company has the right, subject to satisfying certain conditions, to increase the size of the facility to $500.0 million. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate selected by the Company equal to the Base Rate or LIBOR plus a margin, all as more fully set forth in the Credit Agreement. The scheduled commitment termination date under the Credit Agreement is March 31, 2010.

The Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants we believe to be customary for bank loan facilities of this type, including customary covenants limiting the Company’s ability to merge, consolidate, enter into negative pledge agreements, sell a substantial amount of assets, incur liens and declare or pay dividends under certain circumstances. The Credit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants we believe to be customary for reinsurance and insurance companies in revolving credit facilities of this type, which generally provide that the Company’s consolidated debt to capital shall not exceed the ratio of 0.35:1 and that the consolidated net worth (the “Net Worth Requirements”) of the Company and Renaissance Reinsurance shall equal or exceed $1.8 billion and $960.0 million, respectively, subject to a grace period in the case of the Net Worth Requirements which is conditioned on, among other things, Renaissance Reinsurance maintaining a certain financial strength rating, all as more fully set forth in the Credit Agreement.

A renewal of this credit facility may be on terms that are less favorable to us than the current facility, particularly in light of the period of continuing disruptions, uncertainty and volatility in the capital and credit markets, during which access to capital on attractive terms has been challenging for many companies. Our ability to renew this facility at its current or extended capacity, and the terms of doing so, will depend upon the facts and circumstances at the time, including our financial position, operating results and credit and capital market conditions.

Letters of Credit

At September 30, 2009, we had $989.1 million of letters of credit with effective dates on or before September 30, 2009 outstanding under our principal letter of credit facility and total letters of credit outstanding under all facilities of $994.1 million. The scheduled termination date under our principal letter of credit facility is April 27, 2010.

In addition, our subsidiary, Stonington, has provided letters of credit in the amount of $9.2 million to two counterparties which are secured by cash and eligible marketable securities and Renaissance Reinsurance is party to a collateralized letter of credit and reimbursement agreement in the amount of $37.5 million that supports our Top Layer Re joint venture and is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level.

On April 29, 2009, Renaissance Reinsurance entered into a Master Reimbursement Agreement (the “Reimbursement Agreement”) and a Pledge Agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) with Citibank Europe PLC (“CEP”). The Reimbursement Agreement provides for the issuance and renewal of letters of credit by CEP from time to time in its sole discretion, which will be used to support business written by the newly formed Syndicate 1458, described above. Letter of credit fees will be payable pursuant to the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement. Two letters of credit in the amount of $109.5 million and £25.0 million, respectively, were issued by CEP on April 29, 2009, having an expiration date of December 31, 2013. Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, Renaissance Reinsurance has agreed to pledge and maintain certain securities with a collateral value equal to 75% of the aggregate amount of the then outstanding letters of credit. In respect of the 25% unsecured portion, Renaissance Reinsurance is required to comply with certain financial covenants, including maintaining a certain minimum financial strength rating, minimum net worth, and a maximum consolidated debt to capital ratio for the consolidated group. In the event Renaissance Reinsurance is unable to satisfy any of these financial covenants, it will be required to pledge additional collateral in respect of the unsecured portion.

 

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The capacity needed for renewal of these letter of credit facilities, if available at all, may be on terms that are unfavorable to us, particularly in light of the ongoing disruptions, uncertainty and volatility in the capital and credit markets, during which access to capital on attractive terms has been challenging for many companies. Our ability to raise such capital successfully would depend upon the facts and circumstances at the time, including our financial position, operating results and credit and capital market conditions. If bank facilities supporting letters of credit are not available at a reasonable price or at all in the future, we may have to seek alternative means of supporting the operations of our Bermuda-based entities and Syndicate 1458, which could include utilizing holding company funds. These alternatives, if required, could increase our operating expenses on an absolute and relative basis compared to past periods.

Guarantees

At September 30, 2009, the Company has provided guarantees in the amount of $121.8 million to certain counterparties of the weather and energy risk operations of Renaissance Trading. In the future, we may issue guarantees for other purposes or increase the amount of guarantees issued to counterparties of Renaissance Trading.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe

Certain third party shareholders of DaVinciRe submitted repurchase notices on or before the required annual redemption notice date of March 1, 2009, in accordance with the third amended and restated shareholders agreement, which provides shareholders, excluding the Company, with certain redemption rights such as allowing each shareholder to notify DaVinciRe of such shareholders’ desire for DaVinciRe to repurchase up to half of their respective number of shares held, subject to certain limitations, as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The repurchase notices submitted on or before March 1, 2009, were for shares of DaVinciRe with a GAAP book value of $165.5 million at September 30, 2009.

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In the first nine months of 2009, our consolidated shareholders’ equity increased by $687.7 million to $3.7 billion at September 30, 2009, from $3.0 billion at December 31, 2008. The change in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to our comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $738.0 million, partially offset by $44.9 million of dividends paid to RenaissanceRe common shareholders.

INVESTMENTS

The table below shows the aggregate amounts of our invested assets at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008
   Change  

Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value

   $ 4,505,446    $ 2,996,885    $ 1,508,561   

Short term investments, at fair value

     880,406      2,172,343      (1,291,937

Other investments, at fair value

     812,056      773,475      38,581   
                      

Total managed investments portfolio

     6,197,908      5,942,703      255,205   

Investments in other ventures, under equity method

     94,859      99,879      (5,020
                      

Total investments

   $ 6,292,767    $ 6,042,582    $ 250,185   
                      

Our total investments at September 30, 2009 increased by $250.2 million from December 31, 2008, primarily as a result of the investment of a portion of our operating cash flows generated during the first nine months of 2009. In addition, our fixed maturity investments available for sale portfolio increased by $1.5 billion and our short term investments portfolio decreased by $1.3 billion as we invested a portion of our short term investments in fixed maturity investments available for sale. Our investment guidelines stress preservation of capital, market liquidity, and diversification of risk. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our investments are subject to market-wide risks and fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular securities.

 

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Because the reinsurance coverages we sell include substantial protection for damages resulting from natural and man-made catastrophes, we expect from time to time to become liable for substantial claim payments on short notice. Accordingly, our investment portfolio as a whole is structured to seek to preserve capital and provide a high level of liquidity which means that the large majority of our investment portfolio consists of highly rated fixed income securities, including U.S. treasuries, highly rated sovereign and supranational securities, high-grade corporate securities, FDIC guaranteed corporate securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. At September 30, 2009, our invested asset portfolio of fixed maturities and short term investments had a dollar weighted average rating of AA (December 31, 2008 – AA), an average duration of 2.5 years (December 31, 2008 – 1.5 years) and an average yield to maturity of 2.4% (December 31, 2008 – 2.8%).

Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008
   Change  

Private equity partnerships

   $ 279,030    $ 258,901    $ 20,129   

Senior secured bank loan funds

     240,514      215,870      24,644   

Catastrophe bonds

     124,192      93,085      31,107   

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

     81,083      81,719      (636

Hedge funds

     52,955      105,838      (52,883

Miscellaneous other investments

     34,282      18,062      16,220   
                      

Total other investments

   $ 812,056    $ 773,475    $ 38,581   
                      

The fair value of certain of our fund investments, which principally include hedge funds, private equity partnerships, senior secured bank loan funds and non-U.S. fixed income funds, is generally established on the basis of the net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments, if applicable. These net valuations are determined based upon the valuation criteria established by the governing documents of such investments. Such valuations may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had ready markets existed for the shares, partnership interests or notes. Many of our fund investments are subject to restrictions on redemptions and sales which are determined by the governing documents and limit our ability to liquidate these investments in the short term. In addition, due to a lag in reporting, some of our fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of our current reporting date. In these circumstances, we estimate the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month’s or quarter’s fund valuation, adjusting these valuations for capital calls, redemptions or distributions and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which we estimate the return for the current period, we use all credible information available to us. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported to us by our fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to us with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which we have reported results, or other valuation methods, as necessary. Actual final fund valuations may differ from our estimates and these differences are recorded in the period they become known as a change in estimate. Our estimate of the fair value of catastrophe bonds are based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications. Interest income, income distributions and realized and unrealized gains and losses on other investments are included in net investment income and resulted in $139.4 million of net investment income for the first nine months of 2009, compared to a loss of $79.3 million for the first nine months of 2008. Of this amount, $71.5 million relates to net unrealized gains compared with $104.0 million of net unrealized losses for the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our investment in hedge funds decreased $52.9 million to $53.0 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $105.8 million at December 31, 2008, principally as a result of $57.0 million in redemptions during the first nine months of 2009.

We have committed capital to private equity partnerships and other entities of $614.3 million, of which $368.4 million has been contributed at September 30, 2009.

 

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EFFECTS OF INFLATION

The potential exists, after a catastrophe loss, for the development of inflationary pressures in a local economy. The anticipated effects on us are considered in our catastrophe loss models. Our estimates of the potential effects of inflation are also considered in pricing and in estimating reserves for unpaid claims and claim expenses. In addition, as summarized in “Current Outlook” below, it is possible that the risk of general economic inflation has increased which could, among other things, cause claims and claim expenses to increase and also impact the performance of our investment portfolio. The actual effects of this inflation on our results cannot be accurately known until, among other items, claims are ultimately settled. The onset, duration and severity of an inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET AND SPECIAL PURPOSE ENTITY ARRANGEMENTS

At September 30, 2009, we have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

In the normal course of its business, the Company is a party to a variety of contractual obligations as summarized in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These contractual obligations are considered by the Company when assessing its liquidity requirements. As of September 30, 2009, there are no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations as disclosed in the table of contractual obligations included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

In certain circumstances, our contractual obligations may be accelerated to dates other than those in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, due to defaults under the agreement governing those obligations (including pursuant to cross-default provisions in such agreement) or in connection with certain changes in control of the Company, if applicable. In addition, in connection with any such default under the agreement governing these obligations, in certain circumstances these obligations may bear an increased interest rate or be subject to penalties as a result of such a default.

CURRENT OUTLOOK

General Economic Conditions

While there have been some indicators of stabilization, the United States and numerous other leading markets around the world continue to experience significant recessionary conditions, and we believe meaningful risk remains of potential further deterioration in economic conditions, including substantial and continuing financial market disruptions. While many governments, including the U.S. federal government, have taken substantial steps to stabilize economic conditions, in an effort to increase liquidity and capital availability, if economic conditions do not stabilize or deteriorate further, the business environment in our principal markets would be further adversely affected, which accordingly could adversely affect demand for the products sold by us or our clients. In addition, during an economic downturn we believe our consolidated credit risk, reflecting our counterparty dealings with agents, brokers, customers, retrocessionaires, capital providers, parties associated with our investment portfolio, among others, is likely to be increased. Moreover, we continue to monitor the risk that our principal markets will experience increased inflationary conditions, which would, among other things, cause loss costs to increase, and impact the performance of our investment portfolio. The onset, duration and severity of an inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

While we continuously monitor the financial markets for opportunities to raise capital or refinance existing obligations on attractive terms, we do not currently expect to require additional external capital in the near term due to our strong current capital position. However, our operations are subject to the ever present potential for significant volatility in capital due primarily to our exposure to potentially significant catastrophic events; if the current financial market disruption should continue, it could prove difficult to raise capital, if needed, on attractive terms or at all, which would have a material negative impact on our operations. In addition, our principal existing

 

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letter of credit facility and our revolving credit facility are scheduled to expire on April 27, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively. For more information, refer to “Capital Resources” above.

Ongoing conditions in the investment markets, the interest rate environment and general economic conditions could adversely affect our net investment income on our fixed income investments and our other invested assets. In the second and third quarters of 2009, our investment results benefited from factors including spreads tightening and improving valuation at levels which the Company would not anticipate repeating in future periods. In addition to impacting our reported net income, potential future losses on our investment portfolio, including potential future mark-to-market results, would adversely impact our equity capital. We expect the current volatile financial markets and challenging economic conditions to persist for some time and we are unable to predict with certainty when conditions might improve, or the pace or scale of any such improvement.

Market Conditions and Competition

While the U.S. hurricane season is not deemed to be over until the end of November, 2009 has thus far produced a relatively inactive year meteorologically in the Atlantic basin, which is often attributed to the El Nino effect. As a result, insured industry losses for the first nine months of 2009 have been relatively benign, particularly in the Eastern and Southeastern U.S. This is in contrast to 2005 and 2008, for example, in which hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike, among others, resulted in substantial insured property losses. In addition, the dislocations in the investment markets eroded the capital and surplus of many market participants. The combination of the 2008 storms and the effects of the financial crisis resulted in relatively attractive market conditions at the June and July 1, 2009 catastrophe renewals. We are unable to predict how long current market conditions may persist, although we expect it may prove to be relatively temporary, as the duration of recent hard market cycles has contracted in recent years. In addition, pricing in other lines of insurance and reinsurance have not to date evidenced substantial firming. The benign insured catastrophe loss activity in 2009 combined with improvement in the capital markets is likely to have a positive impact on the financial situation and capacity of our customers and our competitors and is likely to result in increasingly competitive market conditions for our products through the remainder of 2009 and as the Company enters the January 1, 2010 renewal season. Despite the possibility of a reduction in such pricing, we believe that our strong relationships, and track record of superior claims paying and other client service, will enable us to compete for the business we find attractive. However, it is possible that industry pricing in our core product lines will decrease more rapidly than we anticipate, or that we will encounter more significant competitive barriers than we have in the past.

The market for our catastrophe reinsurance products is generally dynamic and volatile. The market dynamics noted above, increased or decreased catastrophe loss activity, and changes in the amount of capital in the industry can result in significant changes to the pricing, policy terms and demand for our catastrophe reinsurance contracts over a relatively short period of time. In addition, changes in state-sponsored catastrophe funds, or residual markets, which have generally grown dramatically over recent years, or the implementation of new government-subsidized or sponsored programs, can dramatically alter market conditions. We believe that the overall trend of increased frequency and severity of catastrophic Gulf and Atlantic Coast storms experienced in recent years may continue for the foreseeable future. Increased understanding of the potential increase in frequency and severity of storms may contribute to increased demand for protection in respect of coastal risks which could impact pricing and terms and conditions in coastal areas over time. We do not believe that the level of weather-related losses incurred in the first nine months of 2009 is indicative of the likely level of such losses in future periods. Overall, we expect higher property loss cost trends, driven by increased severity and by the potential for increased frequency, to continue over time in the future.

With respect to our Individual Risk segment, certain competitors retained more programs than we had expected and did so at prices that we did not find attractive. We sought to maintain our disciplined underwriting and while we continued to see a substantial number of market opportunities, we did not write as many policies as we had anticipated going into the renewal season. Market conditions are fluid and evolving and we cannot assure you that pricing conditions in these markets will improve or that we will succeed in growing our business if they do. While we did write more business in our multi-peril crop insurance line of business in the first nine months of 2009, than we did in the first nine months of 2008, premiums in this line of business are inherently volatile as they are driven in part by commodity prices, which are subject to significant short and long term price changes. Similarly in our relatively new direct written commercial property insurance operations, we have been writing attractive business

 

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while seeking to maintain our underwriting discipline. We currently expect market conditions in these lines of primary insurance to remain very competitive through the remainder of 2009 and into 2010, particularly for new business. According to press reports, some competitors are experiencing financial or market difficulties and may, in an effort to maintain their business, offer products, or enter into program manager agreements, at prices or on terms that are not consistent with our underwriting discipline. However, these circumstances may be partially offset to the degree producing agents, brokers and customers seek to do business with high-quality carriers such as our primary insurance companies. Moreover, the dynamics which could contribute to a potential improvement in rates during the remainder of 2009 and into 2010 in some product lines may well be largely offset by a decline in exposures arising from the ongoing recessionary conditions in our key markets. We plan to continue our disciplined underwriting approach with respect to both the products which we underwrite and the programs as to which we form partnerships. While we continuously and actively consider new or expanded relationships and seek to respond quickly to potential growth opportunities, our in-depth due diligence process means that growth opportunities within this segment take time. We believe that we have established ourselves as an effective and creative, though disciplined, partner, and as a result we are presented with many of the more attractive opportunities for which to compete.

In addition, we continue to explore potential strategic investments and other opportunities from time to time that are presented to us or that we originate. In evaluating these potential investments and opportunities, we seek an attractive return on equity, the ability to develop or capitalize on a competitive advantage, and opportunities that will not detract from our core operations. We currently expect the competitive conditions in our core businesses, and the ongoing dislocation in the capital and credit markets, may present additional, potentially attractive growth, investment and operational opportunities, particularly given our strong reputation, financial resources, and track record.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

As previously disclosed, in 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation (the “2007 Bills”) which would expand the National Flood Insurance Program (the “NFIP”) to cover damage to or loss of real or related personal property located in the U.S. arising from any windstorm (any hurricane, tornado, cyclone, typhoon, or other wind event). In addition, the 2007 Bills included legislation also adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives which would create a National Catastrophe Risk Consortium and would also require the U.S. Treasury Department to establish a national homeowner’s insurance stabilization program. The National Catastrophe Risk Consortium program would allow multiple participating states to pool their respective catastrophic risk insurance or reinsurance wind pools or other residual markets among each other. The stabilization program would allow the Treasury Department to make below-cost loans to participating states or their reinsurance pools and/or residual markets.

On September 30, 2009, Congress extended the NFIP through October 31, 2009, and is reported to be contemplating a further additional extension of the current program; according to published reports the extension, if passed, might be until June 30, 2010, or on a month-to-month or other basis. The House of Representatives and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are also exploring the possibility of new legislation which might reshape the federal flood insurance program, perhaps substantially. At this juncture it is not possible to predict whether the program will indeed be amended, and, if so, whether any such changes would impact us. A failure to renew the NFIP program, particularly if unanticipated by industry participants, could have dislocating impacts on the industry and our clients and potentially have an adverse impact on us.

In April 2009, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson introduced the “Catastrophe Obligation Guarantee Act” (S. 886) (the “COGA”) to federally guarantee bond issuances by certain government entities, potentially including the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”), the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, the California Earthquake Authority, and others. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by one of the sponsors of the 2007 Bills. If enacted, the legislation would likely contribute to growth of these state entities or the inception or alteration in a manner adverse to us of other state entities. While none of this legislation has been enacted by the U.S. Senate to date, and the introduction of COGA remains relatively recent, we believe they will continue to be considered by Congress and, if enacted, could adversely impact the markets for our risk coverages and other products.

In 2008, Congress conducted hearings relating to the tax treatment of offshore insurance and is reported to be considering legislation that would adversely affect reinsurance between affiliates and offshore insurance and

 

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reinsurance more generally. In September of that year, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal introduced one such proposal, H.R. 6969 (the “Neal Bill”), a bill which provides that foreign insurers and reinsurers would be capped in deducting reinsurance premiums ceded from U.S. units to offshore affiliates. The bill, which was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, would limit deductions for related party reinsurance cessions to the average percentage of premium ceded to unrelated reinsurers (determined in reference to individual business lines). In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Senate Finance Committee released a staff discussion draft, which was substantively similar to the Neal Bill. While this legislation has yet to be enacted, the Neal Bill was reintroduced in July 2009, in a form similar to the original form, though it has not been passed or included in any other legislative initiatives to date. We can provide no assurance that this legislation or similar legislation will not be adopted. We believe that passage of such legislation would adversely affect us, perhaps materially.

In March 2009, U.S. Senator Carl Levin and Rep. Lloyd Doggett introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and House, respectively, entitled the “Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act” (S. 506). If enacted, this legislation would, among other things, cause to be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. tax purposes generally, entities whose shares are publicly traded on an established securities market, or whose gross assets are $50.0 million or more, if the “management and control” of such a corporation is, directly or indirectly, treated as occurring primarily within the U.S. The proposed legislation provides that a corporation will be so treated if substantially all of the executive officers and senior management of the corporation who exercise day-to-day responsibility for making decisions involving strategic, financial, and operational policies of the corporation are located primarily within the U.S. In addition, among other things, the legislation would establish presumptions for entities and transactions in jurisdictions deemed to be “offshore secrecy jurisdictions” and would provide a list of such jurisdictions. To date, this legislation has not been approved by either the House of Representatives or the Senate. However, we can provide no assurance that this legislation or similar legislation will not ultimately be adopted. While we do not believe that the legislation would impact us, it is possible that an adopted bill would include additional or expanded provisions which could negatively impact us, or that the interpretation or enforcement of the current proposal, if enacted, would be more expansive or adverse than we currently estimate.

The Obama administration and Congress have made, or called for consideration of, several additional proposals relating to a variety of issues, including cap and trade on emissions, universal healthcare, financial regulation reform, including regulation of the OTC derivatives market, the establishment of a single-state system of licensure for U.S. and foreign reinsurers, executive compensation and others. The Company continues to carefully monitor relevant proposals and believes that these and other potential proposals could have varying degrees of impact on the Company ranging from minimal to material. At this time, the Company is unable to predict with certainty which, if any, proposals may be passed or what level of impact any such proposal could have on the Company.

NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which, with respect to future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us.

In particular, statements using words such as “may”, “should”, “estimate”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intends”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential”, or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements. For example, we may include certain forward-looking statements in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” with regard to trends in results, prices, volumes, operations, investment results, margins, combined ratios, reserves, overall market trends, risk management and exchange rates. This Form 10-Q also contains forward-looking statements with respect to our business and industry, such as those relating to our strategy and management objectives, trends in market conditions, prices, market standing and product volumes, investment results, government initiatives and regulatory matters, and pricing conditions in the reinsurance and insurance industries.

In light of the risks and uncertainties inherent in all future projections, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this report should not be considered as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives or plans will

 

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be achieved. Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those addressed by the forward-looking statements, including the following:

 

  •  

we are exposed to significant losses from catastrophic events and other exposures that we cover, which we expect to cause significant volatility in our financial results from time to time;

 

  •  

the frequency and severity of catastrophic events or other events which we cover could exceed our estimates and cause losses greater than we expect;

 

  •  

risks associated with implementing our business strategies and initiatives, including risks related to developing or enhancing the operations, controls and other infrastructure necessary in respect of our more recent, new or proposed initiatives;

 

  •  

risks relating to adverse legislative developments including the risk that the state of Florida expands the reinsurance coverages offered by the FHCF or the insurance policies written by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”), or that Florida or other states implement new programs or expand current ones which reduce the size of the private market for our products; and the risk that new, state based or federal legislation will be enacted and adversely impact us;

 

  •  

the risk of the lowering or loss of any of the ratings of RenaissanceRe or of one or more of our subsidiaries or changes in the policies or practices of the rating agencies;

 

  •  

risks relating to our strategy of relying on third party program managers, third party administrators, and other vendors to support our Individual Risk operations;

 

  •  

risks due to our dependence on relatively few insurance and reinsurance brokers for a large portion of our revenue, a risk we believe is increasing as a larger portion of our business is provided by a small number of these brokers, a trend which we believe has been accelerated by the merger of AON Corporation and Benfield Group Limited during November 2008 and the acquisition by Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC of John B. Collins Associates, Inc., during March 2009;

 

  •  

the risk we might be bound to policyholder obligations beyond our underwriting intent, and the risk that our third party program managers or agents may elect not to continue or renew their programs with us;

 

  •  

the inherent uncertainties in our reserving process, including those related to the 2005 and 2008 catastrophes, which uncertainties we believe are increasing as we diversify into new product classes;

 

  •  

failures of our reinsurers, brokers, third party program managers or other counterparties to honor their obligations to us, including their obligations to make third party payments for which we might be liable, the risk of which may be heightened during the current period of financial market dislocation;

 

  •  

risks resulting from the fact that our portfolio of business continues to be increasingly characterized by a relatively small number of relatively large transactions with reinsurance clients, third party program managers, and other companies with whom we do business;

 

  •  

risks associated with appropriately modeling, pricing for, and contractually addressing new or potential factors in loss emergence, such as the trend toward potentially significant global warming and other aspects of climate change which have the potential to adversely affect our business, or the ongoing financial crisis, which could cause us to underestimate our exposures and potentially adversely impact our financial results;

 

  •  

risks associated with the continuing weakness in business and economic conditions, particularly in the principal markets in which we do business, which may adversely affect the demand for our products and ultimately our business and operating results;

 

  •  

risks relating to deterioration in the investment markets and economic conditions which could adversely affect our net investment income and lead to investment losses, particularly with respect to our illiquid investments in asset classes experiencing significant volatility;

 

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  •  

risks associated with highly subjective judgments, such as valuing our more illiquid assets, and determining the impairments taken on our investments, which could impact our financial position or operating results;

 

  •  

risks associated with our investment portfolio, including the risk that investment managers may breach our investment guidelines, or the inability of such guidelines to mitigate risks arising out of the ongoing financial crisis;

 

  •  

changes in economic conditions, including interest rate, currency, inflation, equity and credit conditions which could affect our investment portfolio or declines in our investment returns for other reasons which could reduce our profitability and hinder our ability to pay claims promptly in accordance with our strategy, which risks we believe are currently enhanced in light of the ongoing financial crisis, both globally and in the U.S.;

 

  •  

risks relating to our exposure to counterparty credit risk, including with respect to reinsurance brokers, clients, agents, retrocessionaires, capital providers and parties associated with our investment portfolio, which risks we believe to be currently heightened as a result of the global economic downturn;

 

  •  

risks relating to the availability and collectability of third party reinsurance and other coverages purchased by our Reinsurance and Individual Risk operations;

 

  •  

emerging claims and coverage issues, which could expand our obligations beyond the amount we intend to underwrite;

 

  •  

loss of services of any one of our key executive officers, or difficulties associated with the transition of new members of our senior management team;

 

  •  

a contention by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that Renaissance Reinsurance, or any of our other Bermuda subsidiaries, is subject to U.S. taxation;

 

  •  

the passage of federal or state legislation subjecting Renaissance Reinsurance or our other Bermuda subsidiaries to supervision, regulation or taxation in the U.S. or other jurisdictions in which we operate;

 

  •  

changes in insurance regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions in which we operate, including the risks of increased global regulation of the insurance and reinsurance industry;

 

  •  

operational risks, including system or human failures;

 

  •  

risks that we may require additional capital in the future, particularly after a catastrophic event or to support potential growth opportunities in our business, and risks relating to the required renewal of our revolving credit facility and principal letter of credit facility in 2010, which in the case of each of the foregoing may not be available or may be available only on unfavorable terms, risks which we believe to be heightened during the ongoing financial market crisis;

 

  •  

risks relating to failure to comply with covenants in our debt agreements;

 

  •  

risks relating to the inability of our operating subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends to the Company;

 

  •  

acquisitions or strategic investments that we have made or may make could turn out to be unsuccessful;

 

  •  

the risk that ongoing or future industry regulatory developments will disrupt our business, or that of our business partners, or mandate changes in industry practices in ways that increase our costs, decrease our revenues or require us to alter aspects of the way we do business;

 

  •  

we operate in a highly competitive environment, which we expect to increase over time, including from the relatively new entrants formed following hurricane Katrina, from new competition from non-traditional participants as capital markets products provide alternatives and replacements for our more traditional reinsurance and insurance products and as a result of consolidation in the (re)insurance industry, recently

 

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exemplified by the approved amalgamation of IPC Holdings, Ltd. and Validus Holdings, Ltd., as well as the acquisition of PARIS RE Holdings Limited by PartnerRe Ltd.;

 

  •  

risks arising out of possible changes in the distribution or placement of risks due to increased consolidation of clients or insurance and reinsurance brokers, or third party program managers, or from potential changes in their business practices which may be required by future regulatory changes;

 

  •  

the risk that there could be regulations or legislative changes adversely impacting us, as a Bermuda-based company, relative to our competitors, or actions taken by multinational organizations having such an impact;

 

  •  

extraordinary events affecting our clients or brokers, such as bankruptcies and liquidations, and the risk that we may not retain or replace our large clients, the risk of which may be heightened during the ongoing financial market crisis;

 

  •  

acts of terrorism, war or political unrest; and

 

  •  

risks relating to changes in regulatory regimes and/or accounting rules, such as the roadmap to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), which could result in significant changes to our financial results.

The factors listed above should not be construed as exhaustive. Certain of these factors are described in more detail from time to time in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any future revisions we may make to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are principally exposed to five types of market risk: interest rate risk; foreign currency risk; credit risk; energy and weather-related risk; and equity price risk. The Company’s investment guidelines permit, subject to approval, investments in derivative instruments such as futures, options, foreign currency forward contracts and swap agreements, which may be used to assume risks or for hedging purposes. See the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for additional information related to the Company’s exposure to these risks.

 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls: We have designed various disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), to help ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic Exchange Act reports, such as this quarterly report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely and accurate basis. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the issuer; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Limitations on the effectiveness of controls: Our Board of Directors and management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. Controls, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the controls are met. Further, we believe that the design of prudent controls must reflect appropriate resource constraints, such that the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all controls, there can be no absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, applicable to us have been or will be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some individuals, by collusion of more than one person, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Evaluation: An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, at September 30, 2009, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

There are no material changes from the legal proceedings previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as updated in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, respectively.

Our operating subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving disputed interpretations of policy coverages. Generally, our primary insurance operations are subject to greater frequency and diversity of claims and claims-related litigation and, in some jurisdictions, may be subject to direct actions by allegedly injured persons or entities seeking damages from policyholders. These lawsuits, involving claims on policies issued by our subsidiaries which are typical to the insurance industry in general and in the normal course of business, are considered in our claims and claim expense reserves which are discussed in more detail above under “Reserves for Claims and Claim Expenses.”. In addition to claims litigation, we and our subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on insurance policies. This category of business litigation may involve allegations of underwriting or claims-handling errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory activity or disputes arising from our business ventures. Any such litigation or arbitration contains an element of uncertainty, and we believe the inherent uncertainty in such matters may have increased recently and will likely continue to increase. Currently, we believe that no individual, normal course litigation or arbitration to which we are presently a party is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business or operations.

Item 1A — Risk Factors

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

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

The Company’s share repurchase program may be effected from time to time, depending on market conditions and other factors, through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. On May 20, 2008, the Board of Directors publicly announced an increase in the Company’s authorized share repurchase program to $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full value of the shares authorized. During the three months ended September 30, 2009, no shares were repurchased under this program. The repurchases reflected below during the three months ended September 30, 2009 exclusively represent shares surrendered by employees in respect of withholding tax obligations on the vesting of restricted stock, or in lieu of cash payments for the exercise price, or payment of taxes in connection with the exercise, of employee stock options.

 

     Total shares purchased    Other shares purchased    Shares purchased under
repurchase program
   Dollar
amount still
available
under
repurchase
program
   Shares
purchased
   Average price
per share
   Shares
purchased
   Average price
per share
   Shares
purchased
   Average price
per share
  
                                 (in millions)

Beginning dollar amount available to be repurchased

                     $ 382.4

July 1 - 31, 2009

   23,735    $ 48.14    23,735    $ 48.14    —      $ —        —  

August 1 - 31, 2009

   2,095    $ 51.06    2,095    $ 51.06    —      $ —        —  

September 1 - 30, 2009

   571    $ 53.58    571    $ 53.58    —      $ —        —  
                              

Total

   26,401    $ 48.49    26,401    $ 48.49    —      $ —      $ 382.4
                              

In the future, the Company may adopt additional trading plans or authorize purchase activities under the remaining authorization, which the Board may increase in the future.

 

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Item 3 — Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4 — Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

Item 5 — Other Information

None

Item 6 — Exhibits

 

  a. Exhibits:

 

31.1   Certification of Neill A. Currie, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2   Certification of Jeffrey D. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1   Certification of Neill A. Currie, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Jeffrey D. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey D. Kelly

  Jeffrey D. Kelly
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
By:  

/s/ Mark A. Wilcox

  Mark A. Wilcox
  Senior Vice President,
  Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: October 28, 2009

 

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