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, 2010

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   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)   Identification Number)

Renaissance House, 12 Crow Lane, 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  x    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 25, 2010 was 54,877,458.

Total number of pages in this report: 98

 

 

 


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, 2010 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2009      3   
    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009      4   
    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009      5   
    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2010 and 2009
     6   
    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009      7   
    Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements      8   
  Item 2 —   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      47   
 

Item 3 —

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      94   
  Item 4 —   Controls and Procedures      94   
Part II — OTHER INFORMATION      95   
  Item 1 —   Legal Proceedings      95   
  Item 1A —   Risk Factors      95   
  Item 2 —   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      95   
  Item 3 —   Defaults Upon Senior Securities      96   
  Item 5 —   Other Information      96   
  Item 6 —   Exhibits      96   
Signatures —   RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.      98   

 

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

     September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 
     (Unaudited)      (Audited)  

Assets

     

Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value

     

(Amortized cost $305,550 and $3,513,183 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively)

   $ 330,056       $ 3,559,197   

Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value

     

(Amortized cost $4,382,667 and $747,983 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively)

     4,490,081         736,595   

Short term investments, at fair value

     884,787         1,002,306   

Other investments, at fair value

     792,377         858,026   

Investments in other ventures, under equity method

     79,976         97,287   
                 

Total investments

     6,577,277         6,253,411   

Cash and cash equivalents

     351,775         260,716   

Premiums receivable

     763,549         589,827   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     178,272         91,852   

Reinsurance recoverable

     200,919         194,241   

Accrued investment income

     38,811         31,928   

Deferred acquisition costs

     80,306         61,870   

Receivable for investments sold

     158,465         7,431   

Other secured assets

     17,765         27,730   

Other assets

     200,320         205,347   

Goodwill and other intangibles

     72,965         76,688   
                 

Total assets

   $ 8,640,424       $ 7,801,041   
                 

Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities

     

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

   $ 1,706,339       $ 1,702,006   

Unearned premiums

     690,671         446,649   

Debt

     549,132         300,000   

Reinsurance balances payable

     364,491         381,548   

Payable for investments purchased

     304,604         59,236   

Other secured liabilities

     17,500         27,500   

Other liabilities

     292,774         256,669   
                 

Total liabilities

     3,925,511         3,173,608   
                 

Commitments and Contingencies

     

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     741,103         786,647   

Shareholders’ Equity

     

Preference shares

     650,000         650,000   

Common shares

     54,875         61,745   

Additional paid-in capital

     5,840         —     

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     23,774         41,438   

Retained earnings

     3,239,321         3,087,603   
                 

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,973,810         3,840,786   
                 

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity

   $ 8,640,424       $ 7,801,041   
                 

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, 2010 and 2009

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

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2009
 

Revenues

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 126,679      $ 202,413      $ 1,531,650      $ 1,655,886   
                                

Net premiums written

   $ 103,094      $ 75,098      $ 1,071,639      $ 1,153,304   

Decrease (increase) in unearned premiums

     206,295        220,915        (157,602     (175,726
                                

Net premiums earned

     309,389        296,013        914,037        977,578   

Net investment income

     60,934        106,815        155,722        263,234   

Net foreign exchange (losses) gains

     (529     1,556        (12,480     (12,761

Equity in (losses) earnings of other ventures

     (6,740     4,331        (1,424     11,499   

Other income (loss)

     27,255        13,424        18,430        (5,027

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     98,011        16,794        217,715        57,809   

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     —          (1,408     (831     (25,719

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     —          1,062        2        4,518   
                                

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     —          (346     (829     (21,201
                                

Total revenues

     488,320        438,587        1,291,171        1,271,131   
                                

Expenses

        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     125,626        38,567        252,350        191,587   

Acquisition expenses

     49,977        44,203        134,596        141,302   

Operational expenses

     49,148        45,498        164,075        132,120   

Corporate expenses

     5,704        (4,319     16,087        8,608   

Interest expense

     6,164        3,748        15,526        12,084   
                                

Total expenses

     236,619        127,697        582,634        485,701   
                                

Income before taxes

     251,701        310,890        708,537        785,430   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     1,148        (3,993     3,215        (3,793
                                

Net income

     252,849        306,897        711,752        781,637   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (37,524     (37,694     (99,989     (122,821
                                

Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe

     215,325        269,203        611,763        658,816   

Dividends on preference shares

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

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ 204,750      $ 258,628      $ 580,038      $ 627,091   
                                

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - basic

   $ 3.73      $ 4.15      $ 10.13      $ 10.09   

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted

   $ 3.70      $ 4.12      $ 10.04      $ 10.03   

Dividends per common share

   $ 0.25      $ 0.24      $ 0.75      $ 0.72   

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, 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2009
 

Preference shares

    

Balance - January 1

   $ 650,000      $ 650,000   

Repurchase of shares

     —          —     
                

Balance - September 30

     650,000        650,000   
                

Common shares

    

Balance - January 1

     61,745        61,503   

Repurchase of shares

     (7,417     —     

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock and awards

     547        887   
                

Balance - September 30

     54,875        62,390   
                

Additional paid-in capital

    

Balance - January 1

     —          —     

Repurchase of shares

     (17,979     —     

Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     5,009        1,870   

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock and awards

     18,810        23,624   
                

Balance - September 30

     5,840        25,494   
                

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    

Balance - January 1

     41,438        75,387   

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

     —          (76,198

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

     (17,662     83,667   

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

     (2     (4,518
                

Balance - September 30

     23,774        78,338   
                

Retained earnings

    

Balance - January 1

     3,087,603        2,245,853   

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

     —          76,198   

Net income

     711,752        781,637   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (99,989     (122,821

Repurchase of shares

     (385,939     —     

Dividends on common shares

     (42,381     (44,894

Dividends on preference shares

     (31,725     (31,725
                

Balance - September 30

     3,239,321        2,904,248   
                

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,973,810      $ 3,720,470   
                

 

(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 FASB ASC Topic Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.

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, 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2009
 

Comprehensive income

        

Net income

   $ 252,849      $ 306,897      $ 711,752      $ 781,637   

Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale

     (1,979     75,777        (21,086     91,699   

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

     —          (1,062     (2     (4,518
                                

Comprehensive income

     250,870        381,612        690,664        868,818   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (37,524     (37,694     (99,989     (122,821

Change in net unrealized gains on investments attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     3,600        (8,442     3,424        (8,032
                                

Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (33,924     (46,136     (96,565     (130,853
                                

Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe

   $ 216,946      $ 335,476      $ 594,099      $ 737,965   
                                

Disclosure regarding net unrealized gains

        

Total realized and net unrealized holding gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale and net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ 16,731      $ 83,783      $ 58,347      $ 120,275   

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale

     (15,110     (16,794     (76,838     (57,809

Net other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings

     —          346        829        21,201   
                                

Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale

   $ 1,621      $ 67,335      $ (17,662   $ 83,667   
                                

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, 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2009
 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 711,752      $ 781,637   

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

    

Amortization, accretion and depreciation

     40,026        1,749   

Equity in undistributed losses of other ventures

     14,956        356   

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     (217,715     (57,809

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     829        21,201   

Net unrealized gains included in net investment income

     (21,005     (71,478

Net unrealized losses (gains) included in other income (loss)

     18,856        (8,745

Change in:

    

Premiums receivable

     (173,722     (260,932

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     (86,420     (119,238

Deferred acquisition costs

     (18,436     (13,710

Reserve for claims and claim expenses, net

     (2,345     (276,511

Unearned premiums

     244,022        294,964   

Reinsurance balances payable

     (17,057     142,546   

Other

     2,700        18,584   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     496,441        452,614   
                

Cash flows used in investing activities

    

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments available for sale

     3,666,224        7,233,832   

Purchases of investments available for sale

     (402,524     (8,687,053

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments trading

     5,418,604        —     

Purchases of investments trading

     (8,939,654     —     

Net sales of short term investments

     117,519        1,291,937   

Net sales of other investments

     86,049        32,897   

Net sales of investments in other ventures

     13,835        —     

Net sales of other assets

     2,730        69   
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (37,217     (128,318
                

Cash flows used in financing activities

    

Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares

     (42,381     (44,894

Dividends paid - preference shares

     (31,725     (31,725

RenaissanceRe common share repurchases

     (411,335     —     

Third party DaVinciRe share transactions

     (131,370     (123,718

Reverse repurchase agreement

     —          (50,042

Issuance of 5.75% Senior Notes

     249,046        —     
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (367,765     (250,379
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     (400     (616
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     91,059        73,301   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     260,716        274,692   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 351,775      $ 347,993   
                

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)

 

NOTE 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; reinsurance recoverable, including allowances for reinsurance 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, 2009.

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe”) was formed under the laws of Bermuda on June 7, 1993. Together with its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and DaVinciRe (as defined below), which are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”, RenaissanceRe provides reinsurance and insurance coverages and related services 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. Redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe represents the interests of external parties with respect to the net income 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.

 

  •  

RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458 (“Syndicate 1458”) is 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”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is Syndicate 1458’s sole corporate member and RenaissanceRe Syndicate Management Ltd. (“RSML”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company from November 2, 2009, is the managing agent for Syndicate 1458.

 

  •  

The Company’s Insurance operations include direct insurance and quota share reinsurance written through the operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance Holdings Ltd. (“RenRe Insurance”). These operating subsidiaries principally include Stonington Insurance Company (“Stonington”), which writes business in the U.S. on an admitted basis, and Glencoe Insurance Ltd. (“Glencoe”) and Lantana Insurance Ltd. (“Lantana”), which write business in the U.S. on an excess and surplus lines basis, and also provide

 

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reinsurance coverage, principally through quota share contracts, which are analyzed on an individual risk basis. The Insurance operations also include the results of Agro National Inc. (“Agro National”), a managing general underwriter of crop insurance.

 

  •  

The Company, through Renaissance Trading Ltd. (“Renaissance Trading”) and RenRe Energy Advisors Ltd. (“REAL”), provides certain derivative-based risk management products primarily to its clients to address weather and energy risk. The Company also engages in hedging and trading activities related to those transactions and provides fee-based consulting services.

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.

 

NOTE 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, generally in excess of various retentions or on a proportional basis. 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. The Company remains liable to the extent that any reinsurance company fails to meet its obligations.

The following tables set forth the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional activity on premiums written and earned and on net claims and claim expenses incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Premiums written

    

Direct

   $ 16,622      $ 74,152   

Assumed

     110,057        128,261   

Ceded

     (23,585     (127,315
                

Net premiums written

   $ 103,094      $ 75,098   
                

Premiums earned

    

Direct

   $ 136,215      $ 143,690   

Assumed

     294,785        322,604   

Ceded

     (121,611     (170,281
                

Net premiums earned

   $ 309,389      $ 296,013   
                

Claims and claim expenses

    

Gross claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 153,970      $ 58,727   

Claims and claim expenses recovered

     (28,344     (20,160
                

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 125,626      $ 38,567   
                

 

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Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Premiums written

    

Direct

   $ 407,344      $ 419,984   

Assumed

     1,124,306        1,235,902   

Ceded

     (460,011     (502,582
                

Net premiums written

   $ 1,071,639      $ 1,153,304   
                

Premiums earned

    

Direct

   $ 376,914      $ 396,117   

Assumed

     910,716        964,805   

Ceded

     (373,593     (383,344
                

Net premiums earned

   $ 914,037      $ 977,578   
                

Claims and claim expenses

    

Gross claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 345,801      $ 276,808   

Claims and claim expenses recovered

     (93,451     (85,221
                

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 252,350      $ 191,587   
                

 

NOTE 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company accounts for its weighted average shares in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 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.

 

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The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)             

Numerator:

    

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ 204,750      $ 258,628   

Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)

     (5,147     (6,067
                
   $ 199,603      $ 252,561   
                

Denominator (in thousands):

    

Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Weighted average common shares

     53,467        60,898   

Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares

     498        469   
                

Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions

     53,965        61,367   
                

Basic income per RenaissanceRe common share

   $ 3.73      $ 4.15   

Diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share

   $ 3.70      $ 4.12   

 

(1) Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan and for the three months ended September 30, 2010, the 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)             

Numerator:

    

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ 580,038      $ 627,091   

Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)

     (14,639     (13,310
                
   $ 565,399      $ 613,781   
                

Denominator (in thousands):

    

Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Weighted average common shares

     55,804        60,832   

Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares

     495        394   
                

Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions

     56,299        61,226   
                

Basic income per RenaissanceRe common share

   $ 10.13      $ 10.09   

Diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share

   $ 10.04      $ 10.03   

 

(1) Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan.

 

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NOTE 4. DIVIDENDS AND COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES

The Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe declared, and RenaissanceRe paid, a dividend of $0.25 per common share to shareholders of record on each of March 15, 2010, June 15, 2010 and September 15, 2010.

On August 11, 2010, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company’s authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million, which remains fully available for share repurchases. 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 repurchased 7.4 million shares in open market transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2010, at an aggregate cost of $411.3 million and at an average share price of $55.44. The Company did not repurchase any shares under its authorized share repurchase program during the three months ended September 30, 2010. Future repurchases of common shares will depend on, among other matters, the market price of the common shares and the capital requirements of the Company. See “Part II, Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” for additional information.

 

NOTE 5. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has two reportable segments: Reinsurance and Insurance.

The Reinsurance segment consists of: 1) property catastrophe reinsurance, primarily written through Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci; 2) specialty reinsurance, primarily written through Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci; 3) Lloyd’s, which includes reinsurance and insurance business written through Syndicate 1458; and 4) certain other activities of the Company’s ventures unit as described herein. The Reinsurance segment is managed by the Global Chief Underwriting Officer, who leads a team of underwriters, risk modelers and other industry professionals, who have access to the Company’s proprietary risk management, underwriting and modeling resources and tools.

The Insurance segment, formerly known as the Individual Risk segment, includes underwriting that involves understanding the characteristics of the original underlying insurance policy. The Company’s Insurance segment is also managed by the Global Chief Underwriting Officer. The Insurance segment currently provides insurance written on both an admitted basis and an excess and surplus lines basis, and also provides some reinsurance which is written on a quota share basis.

The Company’s financial results relating to the operating subsidiaries managed by the ventures unit include the financial results of 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 the Company’s investments in other ventures, including Top Layer Re, Tower Hill Holdings Inc. and Tower Hill Insurance Group, 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.

 

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A summary of the significant components of the Company’s revenues and expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2010

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

Gross premiums written

   $ 119,339      $ 15,728      $ (8,388   $ —        $ 126,679   
                                  

Net premiums written

   $ 92,450      $ 10,644          —        $ 103,094   
                            

Net premiums earned

   $ 219,036      $ 90,353          —        $ 309,389   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     80,167        45,459          —          125,626   

Acquisition expenses

     25,815        24,162          —          49,977   

Operational expenses

     35,883        13,265          —          49,148   
                                  

Underwriting income

   $ 77,171      $ 7,467          —          84,638   
                      

Net investment income

           60,934        60,934   

Equity in losses of other ventures

           (6,740     (6,740

Other income

           27,255        27,255   

Interest and preference share dividends

           (16,739     (16,739

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

           (37,524     (37,524

Other items, net

           (5,085     (5,085

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

           98,011        98,011   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

           —          —     
                      

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

         $ 120,112      $ 204,750   
                      

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 114,046      $ 48,582          $ 162,628   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (33,879     (3,123         (37,002
                            

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 80,167      $ 45,459          $ 125,626   
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     52.1     53.8         52.6

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (15.5 %)      (3.5 %)          (12.0 %) 
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     36.6     50.3         40.6

Underwriting expense ratio

     28.2     41.4         32.0
                            

Combined ratio

     64.8     91.7         72.6
                            

 

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

 

Three months ended September 30, 2009

   Reinsurance     Insurance     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 Insurance segment to the Reinsurance segment.

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2010

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

Gross premiums written

   $ 1,163,089      $ 398,832      $ (30,271   $ —        $ 1,531,650   
                                  

Net premiums written

   $ 846,089      $ 225,550          —        $ 1,071,639   
                            

Net premiums earned

   $ 683,929      $ 230,108          —        $ 914,037   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     159,121        93,229          —          252,350   

Acquisition expenses

     70,746        63,850          —          134,596   

Operational expenses

     110,856        53,219          —          164,075   
                                  

Underwriting income

   $ 343,206      $ 19,810          —          363,016   
                      

Net investment income

           155,722        155,722   

Equity in losses of other ventures

           (1,424     (1,424

Other income

           18,430        18,430   

Interest and preference share dividends

           (47,251     (47,251

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

           (99,989     (99,989

Other items, net

           (25,352     (25,352

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

           217,715        217,715   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

           (829     (829
                      

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

         $ 217,022      $ 580,038   
                      

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 379,605      $ 157,861          $ 537,466   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (220,484     (64,632         (285,116
                            

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 159,121      $ 93,229          $ 252,350   
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     55.5     68.6         58.8

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (32.2 %)      (28.1 %)          (31.2 %) 
                            

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     23.3     40.5         27.6

Underwriting expense ratio

     26.5     50.9         32.7
                            

Combined ratio

     49.8     91.4         60.3
                            

 

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

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2009

   Reinsurance     Insurance     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 Insurance segment to the Reinsurance segment.

 

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NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS

Fixed Maturity Investments Available For Sale

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value and related unrealized gains and losses and non-credit other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturity investments available for sale at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

            Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income
              

At September 30, 2010

   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

   $ 6,306       $ 584       $ —        $ 6,890       $ —     

Agencies

     501         —           —          501         —     

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     26,864         4,379         (121     31,122         —     

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     —           —           —          —           —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     1,335         90         —          1,425         —     

Corporate

     64,155         5,956         (424     69,687         (2,087

Agency mortgage-backed

     26,629         1,439         (36     28,032         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     26,389         3,421         (34     29,776         (2,137

Commercial mortgage-backed

     107,946         8,097         (124     115,919         —     

Asset-backed

     45,425         1,360         (81     46,704         (598
                                           

Total

   $ 305,550       $ 25,326       $ (820   $ 330,056       $ (4,822
                                           

 

(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.

 

            Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income
              

At December 31, 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

   $ 599,930       $ 691       $ (2,689   $ 597,932       $ —     

Agencies

     164,071         1,627         (121     165,577         —     

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     171,137         8,706         (557     179,286         (88

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     850,193         6,175         (380     855,988         —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     248,888         1,557         (1,699     248,746         —     

Corporate

     811,304         32,128         (4,556     838,876         (4,659

Agency mortgage-backed

     289,433         4,521         (1,526     292,428         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     35,071         1,888         (576     36,383         (2,949

Commercial mortgage-backed

     253,713         2,183         (4,424     251,472         —     

Asset-backed

     89,443         3,598         (532     92,509         (1,531
                                           

Total fixed maturity investments available for sale

   $ 3,513,183       $ 63,074       $ (17,060   $ 3,559,197       $ (9,227
                                           

 

(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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Fixed Maturity Investments Trading

During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company started designating, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than as available for sale. The Company made this change, due in part to the new authoritative other-than-temporary impairment GAAP guidance that became effective on April 1, 2009, which has resulted in additional accounting judgments required to be made on a quarterly basis, combined with an effort to report the Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio results in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations in a manner consistent with the way in which the Company manages the portfolio, which is on a total investment return basis. The Company currently expects to continue to designate, in future periods, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than as available for sale, and, as a result, the Company currently expects its fixed maturity investments available for sale balance to decrease and its fixed maturity trading balance to increase over time, resulting in a reduction in other-than-temporary accounting judgments the Company makes. This change will over time result in additional volatility in the Company’s net income (loss) in future periods as net unrealized gains and losses on these fixed maturity investments will be recorded currently in net income (loss), rather than as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed maturity investments trading at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

U.S. treasuries

   $ 1,271,179       $ 320,225   

Agencies

     229,455         —     

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     122,573         18,773   

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     408,682         —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     529,584         —     

Corporate

     1,504,775         296,628   

Agency mortgage-backed

     308,469         100,969   

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

     6,178         —     

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     109,186         —     
                 

Total fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value

   $ 4,490,081       $ 736,595   
                 

Contractual maturities of fixed maturity investments 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.

 

     Available for Sale      Trading      Total Fixed Maturity Investments  

At September 30, 2010

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

Due in less than one year

   $ 3,788       $ 3,834       $ 37,712       $ 37,788       $ 41,500       $ 41,622   

Due after one through five years

     48,867         52,891         2,871,503         2,927,906         2,920,370         2,980,797   

Due after five through ten years

     28,725         31,593         913,793         954,680         942,518         986,273   

Due after ten years

     17,781         21,307         138,496         145,874         156,277         167,181   

Mortgage-backed

     160,964         173,727         421,163         423,833         582,127         597,560   

Asset-backed

     45,425         46,704         —           —           45,425         46,704   
                                                     

Total

   $ 305,550       $ 330,056       $ 4,382,667       $ 4,490,081       $ 4,688,217       $ 4,820,137   
                                                     

 

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Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income are as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 34,838      $ 44,127   

Short term investments

     2,469        2,285   

Other investments

    

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     7,491        15,510   

Other

     18,979        47,748   

Cash and cash equivalents

     73        102   
                
     63,850        109,772   

Investment expenses

     (2,916     (2,957
                

Net investment income

   $ 60,934      $ 106,815   
                

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 91,223      $ 123,261   

Short term investments

     7,211        8,097   

Other investments

    

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     33,215        8,096   

Other

     32,013        131,309   

Cash and cash equivalents

     204        632   
                
     163,866        271,395   

Investment expenses

     (8,144     (8,161
                

Net investment income

   $ 155,722      $ 263,234   
                

Net realized gains on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in, first out cost method and for fixed maturity investments available for sale include adjustments to the cost basis of investments for declines in value that are considered to be other-than-temporary. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company started designating upon acquisition certain fixed maturity investments as trading. As a result, unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity investments designated as trading are recorded in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Unrealized gains (losses) on the Company’s fixed maturity investments available for sale are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

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The Company’s net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments and net other-than-temporary impairments are as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Gross realized gains

   $ 35,615      $ 26,734   

Gross realized losses

     (748     (9,940
                

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments

     34,867        16,794   

Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments, trading

     63,144        —     
                

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

   $ 98,011      $ 16,794   
                

Total other-than-temporary impairments

   $ —        $ (1,408

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     —          1,062   
                

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ —        $ (346
                

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Gross realized gains

   $ 113,560      $ 91,370   

Gross realized losses

     (11,880     (33,561
                

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments

     101,680        57,809   

Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments, trading

     116,035        —     
                

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

   $ 217,715      $ 57,809   
                

Total other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (831   $ (25,719

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     2        4,518   
                

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (829   $ (21,201
                

 

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The following tables provide 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.

 

     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater     Total  

At September 30, 2010

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

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

   $ 2,108       $ (115   $ 114       $ (6   $ 2,222       $ (121

Corporate

     2,454         (271     1,041         (153     3,495         (424

Agency mortgage-backed

     499         (36     —           —          499         (36

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     —           —          1,717         (34     1,717         (34

Commercial mortgage-backed

     6,761         (124     —           —          6,761         (124

Asset-backed

     5,944         (46     3,177         (35     9,121         (81
                                                   

Total

   $ 17,766       $ (592   $ 6,049       $ (228   $ 23,815       $ (820
                                                   
     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater     Total  

At December 31, 2009

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

U.S. treasuries

   $ 551,203       $ (2,689   $ —         $ —        $ 551,203       $ (2,689

Agencies

     75,537         (121     —           —          75,537         (121

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     39,119         (540     209         (17     39,328         (557

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     156,989         (380     —           —          156,989         (380

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     106,971         (1,699     —           —          106,971         (1,699

Corporate

     253,828         (4,069     7,893         (487     261,721         (4,556

Agency mortgage-backed

     156,288         (1,348     3,818         (178     160,106         (1,526

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     2,558         (54     9,120         (522     11,678         (576

Commercial mortgage-backed

     77,796         (1,089     32,184         (3,335     109,980         (4,424

Asset-backed

     4,605         (18     14,407         (514     19,012         (532
                                                   

Total

   $ 1,424,894       $ (12,007   $ 67,631       $ (5,053   $ 1,492,525       $ (17,060
                                                   

At September 30, 2010, the Company held 23 fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis. The Company performed reviews of its investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, 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.

At September 30, 2010, $1.4 billion of cash and investments at fair value were on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of various counterparties, including with respect to the Company’s principal letter of credit facility. Of this amount, $61.8 million is on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, U.S. state regulatory authorities.

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, 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.

 

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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, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $19.0 million. As of March 31, 2009, the Company had essentially no fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized loss position.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recognized $nil, of other-than-temporary impairments due to the Company’s intent to sell these securities as of September 30, 2010.

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, fixed maturity investments trading and fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized gain position, and other relevant factors. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recognized $nil 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 an impairment 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, 2010, the Company recognized $nil and $0.8 million, respectively, of credit related other-than-temporary impairments which were recognized in earnings and $nil and $2 thousand, respectively, related to other factors.

 

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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, 2010:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2010

      
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)       

Balance - July 1

   $ 3,598   

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

     —     

Reductions:

  

Securities sold during the period

     —     

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

   $ 3,598   
        

Nine months ended September 30, 2010

      
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)       

Balance - January 1

   $ 9,987   

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

     70   

Reductions:

  

Securities sold during the period

     (6,459

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

   $ 3,598   
        

 

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NOTE 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. 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.

In order to determine if a market is active or inactive for a security, the Company considers a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the spread between what a seller is asking for a security and what a buyer is bidding for the same security, the volume of trading activity for the security in question, the price of the security compared to its par value (for fixed maturity investments), and other factors that may be indicative of market activity.

There have been no material changes in the Company’s valuation techniques in the period represented by these consolidated 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, 2010

   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

        

U.S. treasuries

   $ 1,278,069      $ 1,278,069      $ —        $ —     

Agencies

     229,956        —          229,956        —     

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     153,695        —          153,695        —     

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     408,682        —          408,682        —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     531,009        —          531,009        —     

Corporate

     1,574,462        —          1,574,462        —     

Agency mortgage-backed

     336,501        —          336,501        —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     35,954        —          35,954        —     

Commercial mortgage-backed

     225,105        —          225,105        —     

Asset-backed

     46,704        —          46,704        —     
                                

Total fixed maturity investments

     4,820,137        1,278,069        3,542,068        —     

Short term investments

     884,787        —          884,787        —     

Other investments

        

Private equity partnerships

     310,296        —          —          310,296   

Senior secured bank loan funds

     168,309        —          154,422        13,887   

Catastrophe bonds

     159,752        —          159,599        153   

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

     78,848        —          78,848        —     

Hedge funds

     44,043        —          44,043        —     

Miscellaneous other investments

     31,129        —          21,600        9,529   
                                

Total other investments

     792,377        —          458,512        333,865   

Other secured assets

     17,765        —          17,765        —     

Other assets and (liabilities)

        

Platinum warrants

     43,858        —          43,858        —     

Weather and energy risk management operations

     (3,740     1,695        —          (5,435

Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts

     (6,132     —          —          (6,132

Derivatives

     (10,743     (10,379     (364     —     

Other

     12,615        (3,010     —          15,625   
                                

Total other assets and (liabilities)

     35,858        (11,694     43,494        4,058   
                                
   $ 6,550,924      $ 1,266,375      $ 4,946,626      $ 337,923   
                                

Fixed Maturity Investments

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

 

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The Company’s fixed maturity investments portfolios are 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. The techniques generally used to determine the fair value of our fixed maturity investments are detailed below by asset class.

U.S. treasuries

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s U.S. treasuries fixed maturity investments had a weighted average yield to maturity of 1.0%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA, and are primarily priced by pricing vendors. When pricing these securities, the vendor utilizes daily data from many real time market sources, including active broker dealers, as such, the Company considers its U.S. treasuries fixed maturity investments Level 1. All data sources are constantly reviewed for accuracy to ensure the most reliable price source is used for each issue and maturity date.

Agencies

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s agencies fixed maturity investments had a weighted average yield to maturity of 0.7% and a weighted average credit quality of AAA. The issuers of the Company’s agencies fixed maturity investments primarily consist of the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other agencies. Fixed maturity investments included in agencies are primarily priced by pricing vendors. When evaluating these securities, the vendor gathers information from market sources and integrate other observations from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The dollar value for each security is individually computed using analytical models which incorporate option adjusted spreads and other daily interest rate data. The Company considers its agencies fixed maturity investments Level 2.

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

Non-U.S. government fixed maturity investments held by the Company at September 30, 2010, had a weighted average yield to maturity of 1.2% and a weighted average credit quality of AA. The issuers for securities in this sector are generally non-U.S. governments and agencies as well as supranational organizations. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing vendors who employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. The pricing vendor then applies a credit spread for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing vendor utilizes data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets. The Company considers its non-U.S. government fixed maturity investments Level 2.

FDIC guaranteed corporate

The Company’s FDIC guaranteed corporate fixed maturity investments had a weighted average yield to maturity of 0.5% and a weighted average credit quality of AAA at September 30, 2010. The issuers consist of well known corporate issuers who participate in the FDIC program. The Company’s FDIC guaranteed corporate fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing vendors. When evaluating these securities, the vendor gathers information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security, obtain credit data, as well as other observations from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing vendor also considers the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk. Each security is individually evaluated using a spread model which is added to the U.S. treasury curve. The Company considers its FDIC guaranteed corporate fixed maturity investments Level 2.

 

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Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate fixed maturity investments are considered Level 2 by the Company and had a weighted average yield to maturity of 1.2% and a weighted average credit quality of AAA at September 30, 2010. Non-U.S. government-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing vendors who employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. The pricing vendor then applies a credit spread for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing vendor utilizes data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets.

Corporate

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments had a weighted average yield to maturity of 3.1% and a weighted average credit quality of A, and principally consist of U.S. and international corporations. The Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing vendors, and are considered Level 2 by the Company. When evaluating these securities, the vendor gathers information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security, obtain credit data, as well as other observations from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing vendor also considers the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk. Each security is individually evaluated using a spread model which is added to the U.S. treasury curve.

Agency mortgage-backed

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments included agency residential mortgage-backed securities with a weighted average yield to maturity of 2.2%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 2.5 years. The majority of the Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments held at September 30, 2010 are from vintage years 2009 and prior. The Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing vendors using a mortgage pool specific model which utilizes daily inputs from the active TBA market which is extremely liquid, as well as the U.S. treasury market. The vendor model also utilizes additional information, such as the weighted average maturity, weighted average coupon and other available pool level data which is provided by the sponsoring agency. Valuations are also corroborated with daily active market quotes. The Company considers its agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments Level 2.

Non-agency mortgage-backed

The Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments include non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed and non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments, and considers these fixed maturity investments Level 2. The Company has no fixed maturity investments classified as sub-prime held in its fixed maturity investments portfolio. At September 30, 2010, the Company’s non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments have a weighted average yield to maturity of 3.8%, a weighted average credit quality of AA and a weighted average life of 2.8 years. The Company’s non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments held at September 30, 2010 have a weighted average yield to maturity of 6.4%, a weighted average credit quality of AA, a weighted average life of 3.9 years, and are from vintage years 2005 and prior. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing vendors using a mortgage pool specific model which utilizes daily inputs from the active TBA market which is extremely liquid, as well as the U.S. treasury market. The vendor model also utilizes additional information, such as the weighted average maturity, weighted average coupon and other available pool level data which is provided by the sponsoring agency. Valuations are also corroborated by daily active market quotes.

 

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Commercial mortgage-backed

The Company’s commercial mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments held at September 30, 2010 have a weighted average yield to maturity of 2.9%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 3.8 years. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing vendors and are considered Level 2 by the Company. The pricing vendor applies dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bid and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve, swap curve and TBA values as well as cash settlement. The model utilizes a single cash flow stream and computes both a yield to call and weighted average yield to maturity. The model generates a derived price for the bond by applying the most likely scenario.

Asset-backed

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average yield to maturity of 1.6%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 3.4 years. The underlying collateral for the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments primarily consists of student loans, automobile loans and credit card receivables. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing vendors and are considered Level 2 by the Company. The pricing vendor applies dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bids and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve, swap curve and TBA values as well as cash settlement. The model utilizes a single cash flow stream and computes both a yield to call and weighted average yield to maturity. The model generates a derived price for the bond by applying the most likely scenario.

Short term investments

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 noted above.

Other Investments

Private equity partnerships

Included in the Company’s investments in private equity partnerships at September 30, 2010 are alternative asset limited partnerships that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; oil, gas and power; and secondaries. 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, 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 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.

Catastrophe bonds

The Company’s other investments include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications. As such, the Company considers its catastrophe bonds Level 2.

 

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Senior secured bank loan funds

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s investments in senior secured bank loan funds include funds that invest primarily in bank loans and other senior debt instruments.

The fair value of the Company’s senior secured bank loan funds are estimated using the net asset value per share of the funds. Investments of $154.4 million are redeemable, in whole or in part, on a monthly basis, and are valued at the net asset value of the fund and are considered Level 2.

In addition, the Company has a $6.1 million investment in a bank loan fund for which it has no right to redeem its investment in advance of dissolution of the fund. Instead, the nature of this investment is that distributions are received by the Company in connection with the liquidation of the underlying assets of the fund. The Company’s investment in this bank loan fund is valued using monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager. 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. The management of the senior secured bank loan funds which previously could generally not be redeemed has restructured these investments during 2010 to a fund structure which would liquidate in the near term, and the Company has elected to transfer its investment to the new fund structure. Subsequently, the Company has received $94.7 million in distributions from the new fund structure.

The Company also has a $7.8 million investment in a closed end fund which invests primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in this fund. The Company’s investment in this fund is valued using monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager. 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.

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

The Company considers its investments in non-U.S. fixed income funds Level 2. The Company’s non-U.S. fixed income funds invest primarily in European high yield bonds and non-U.S. convertible securities. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments which are 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.

Hedge funds

The Company has investments in hedge funds that pursue multiple strategies without limiting itself to a predefined strategy or set of strategies. The strategies employed include, among others, the following: fundamentally driven long/short; event oriented; global multi-strategy; and private investments. The fair values of the Company’s hedge funds have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments which are 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. The Company considers its hedge fund investments Level 2.

Other secured assets

Other secured assets represent contractual rights under a purchase agreement, contingent purchase agreement and credit derivatives agreement with a major bank to sell certain securities within the Company’s catastrophe-linked securities portfolio. The Company’s other secured assets are accounted for at fair value based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications. As such, the Company considers its catastrophe bonds Level 2.

 

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Other assets and liabilities

Included in other assets and liabilities measured at fair value is the Company’s investment in a warrant to purchase 2.5 million common shares of Platinum, estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which the Company has considered Level 2 as the inputs to the option pricing model are based on observable market inputs. Other assets and liabilities also include the Company’s weather and energy risk management operations, which principally includes certain derivative-based risk management products primarily to address weather and energy risks, and 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 and the fair value of these contracts is obtained through the use of exchange traded market prices, or in the absence of such market prices, industry or internal valuation models, as such, these products are considered Level 1 and Level 3, respectively. The Company considers assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts accounted for at fair value as Level 3, as the fair value of these contracts is obtained through the use of internal valuation models with the inputs to the internal valuation model based on proprietary data as observable market inputs are not available. In addition, other assets and liabilities include certain other derivatives entered into by the Company; the fair value of these transactions include the fair value of certain exchange traded foreign currency forward contracts which are considered Level 1, and the fair value of certain credit derivatives, determined using industry valuation models and considered Level 2, as the inputs to the valuation model are based on observable market 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.

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 

Three months ended September 30, 2010

   Other
investments
     Other assets and
(liabilities)
    Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                    

Balance - July 1

   $ 314,663       $ 12,045      $ 326,708   

Total net unrealized (losses) gains

       

Included in net investment income

     156         —          156   

Included in other loss

     —           (4,884     (4,884

Total net realized gains

       

Included in net investment income

     —           —          —     

Included in other loss

     —           18,541        18,541   

Total net foreign exchange losses

     2,354         (16     2,338   

Net purchases, issuances, and settlements

     16,692         (21,628     (4,936

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —           —          —     
                         

Balance - September 30

   $ 333,865       $ 4,058      $ 337,923   
                         

 

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     Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 

Nine months ended September 30, 2010

   Other
investments
    Other assets and
(liabilities)
    Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Balance - January 1

   $ 393,913      $ 3,567      $ 397,480   

Total net unrealized losses

      

Included in net investment income

     3,323        —          3,323   

Included in other loss

     —          (5,478     (5,478

Total net realized gains

      

Included in net investment income

     —          —          —     

Included in other loss

     —          33,506        33,506   

Total net foreign exchange losses

     (912     (717     (1,629

Net purchases, issuances, and settlements

     (62,459     (26,820     (89,279

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —          —          —     
                        

Balance - September 30

   $ 333,865      $ 4,058      $ 337,923   
                        

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 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 $3.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, at September 30, 2010 (December 31, 2009 – $2.2 million and $nil, respectively). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded losses of $0.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively, which are included in other income (loss) and represent changes in the fair value of these contracts (September 30, 2009 – $14.9 million and $22.3 million, respectively).

Insurance Contracts Accounted for at Fair Value

The Company enters into certain insurance contracts that are accounted for at fair value under the fair value 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 $8.4 million at September 30, 2010 (December 31, 2009 – $13.5 million). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded unrealized gains of $1.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively (September 30, 2009 – $2.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively), and realized gains of $0.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively (September 30, 2009 – realized losses of $3.1 million and realized gains of $77 thousand, respectively) which are included in other income (loss) and represent changes in the fair value and realized gains of these contracts.

Weather and Energy Transactions Accounted for at Fair Value

Through the business conducted by Renaissance Trading on a regular basis and otherwise from time to time, the Company enters into certain weather and energy insurance type contracts through its trading activities that it has elected to account for at fair value under the fair value option. These contracts are recorded on the Company’s balance sheet in other liabilities and totaled $0.3 million at September 30, 2010 (December 31, 2009 – $0.5 million). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded unrealized losses of $1.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which are included in other income (loss) and represent changes in the fair value of these contracts (September 30, 2009 – $nil and $nil, respectively).

 

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Senior Notes

In January 2003, RenaissanceRe 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 RenaissanceRe 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, 2010, the fair value of the 5.875% Senior Notes was $105.4 million (December 31, 2009 – $103.7 million).

In March 2010, RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (“RRNAH”) issued $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020, with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The notes are guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and can be redeemed by RRNAH 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, 2010, the fair value of the 5.75% Senior Notes was $257.9 million.

The fair value of RenaissanceRe’s 5.875% Senior Notes and RRNAH’s 5.75% Senior Notes is determined using indicative market pricing obtained from third-party service providers.

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 Financial Instruments. The Company has elected to use the guidance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments, 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,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Other investments

   $ 792,377       $ 858,026   

Other secured assets

   $ 17,765       $ 27,730   

Other assets and (liabilities) (1)

   $ 9,491       $ 9,102   

 

(1) Balance at September 30, 2010 includes $18.2 million of other assets and $8.7 million of other liabilities. Balance at December 31, 2009 includes $22.6 million of other assets and $13.5 million of other liabilities.

Included in net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $15.3 million and $21.0 million, respectively, of net unrealized gains related to the changes in fair value of other investments (September 30, 2009 – $19.2 million and $71.4 million, respectively, of net unrealized gains). Net unrealized gains related to the changes in the fair value of other secured assets recorded in other income (loss) was $345 thousand and $56 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively (September 30, 2009 – $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively). Net unrealized gains (losses) related to the changes in the fair value of other assets and liabilities recorded in other income (loss) was $1.1 million and $(0.5) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively (September 30, 2009 – $2.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively).

 

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Measuring the Fair Value of Other Investments Using Net Asset Valuations

The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of other investments measured using net asset valuations:

 

At September 30, 2010

   Fair Value      Unfunded
Commitments
     Redemption Frequency      Redemption
Notice Period
 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                            

Private equity partnerships

   $ 310,296       $ 197,362         See below         See below   

Senior secured bank loan funds

     168,309         17,215         See below         See below   

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

     78,848         —           Monthly, bi-monthly         5 - 20 days   

Hedge funds

     44,043         —           Annually, bi-annually         45 - 90 days   
                       

Total other investments measured using net asset valuations

   $ 601,496       $ 214,577         
                       

Private equity partnerships – Included in the Company’s investments in private equity partnerships are alternative asset limited partnerships that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; oil, gas and power; and secondaries. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments. The Company generally has no right to redeem its interest in any of these private equity partnerships in advance of dissolution of the applicable partnership. Instead, the nature of these investments is that distributions are received by the Company in connection with the liquidation of the underlying assets of the applicable limited partnership. If these investments were held, it is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships would liquidate over 7 to 10 years.

Senior secured bank loan funds – The Company’s investment in senior secured bank loan funds includes funds that invest primarily in bank loans and other senior debt instruments. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the funds. Investments of $154.4 million are redeemable, in whole or in part, on a monthly basis. Currently, the Company generally has no right to redeem its $6.1 million investment in bank loan funds in advance of dissolution of the applicable funds. Instead, the nature of this investment is that distributions are received by the Company in connection with the liquidation of the underlying assets of the applicable fund. The management of the senior secured bank loan funds which previously could generally not be redeemed has restructured these investments during 2010 to a fund structure which would liquidate in the near term, and the Company has elected to transfer its investment to the new fund structure. Subsequently, the Company has received $94.7 million in distributions from the new fund structure. The Company also has a $7.8 million investment in a closed end fund which invests in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in this fund.

Non-U.S. fixed income funds – The Company’s non-U.S. fixed income funds invest primarily in European high yield bonds and non-U.S. convertible securities. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments. Investments of $45.7 million are redeemable, in whole or in part, on a bi-monthly basis. The remaining $33.2 million can generally only be redeemed by the Company at a rate of 10% per month. The issuers of these securities may permit redemptions which exceed this amount, but they are not obliged to do so.

Hedge funds – The Company invests in hedge funds that pursue multiple strategies without limiting itself to a pre-defined strategy or set of strategies. The strategies employed include, among others, the following: fundamentally driven long/short; event oriented; and private investments. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments. Included in the Company’s hedge fund investments is $9.2 million of so called “side pocket” investments which are not redeemable at the option of the shareholder. As to each investment in a hedge fund that includes side pocket investments, if the investment is otherwise fully redeemed, the Company will still retain its interest in the side pocket investments until the underlying investments attributable to such side pockets are liquidated, realized or deemed realized at the discretion of the fund manager.

 

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NOTE 8. REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

In October 2001, the Company formed DaVinciRe and DaVinci with other equity investors. RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in DaVinciRe; however, because RenaissanceRe controls a majority of DaVinciRe’s outstanding voting rights, the consolidated financial statements of DaVinciRe are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of DaVinciRe’s earnings owned by third parties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as redeemable noncontrolling interest.

DaVinciRe shareholders are party to a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) which provides DaVinciRe shareholders, excluding RenaissanceRe, with certain redemption rights that enable each shareholder to notify DaVinciRe of such shareholder’s desire for DaVinciRe to repurchase up to half of such shareholder’s initial aggregate number of shares held, subject to certain limitations, such as limiting the aggregate of all share repurchase requests to 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital in any given year and satisfying all applicable regulatory requirements. If total shareholder requests exceed 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital, the number of shares repurchased will be reduced among the requesting shareholders pro-rata, based on the amounts desired to be repurchased. Shareholders desiring to have DaVinci repurchase their shares must notify DaVinciRe before March 1 of each year. The repurchase price will be based on GAAP book value as of the end of the year in which the shareholder notice is given, and the repurchase will be effective as of such date. Payment will be made by April 1 of the following year, following delivery of the audited financial statements for the year in which the repurchase was effective. The repurchase price is subject to a true-up for development on outstanding loss reserves after settlement of all claims relating to the applicable years. RenaissanceRe’s ownership in DaVinciRe was 41.2% at September 30, 2010 (December 31, 2009 – 38.2%).

Certain third party shareholders of DaVinciRe submitted repurchase notices on or before the required annual redemption notice date of March 1, 2010, in accordance with the third amended and restated shareholders agreement, which provides shareholders, excluding RenaissanceRe, with certain redemption rights such as allowing each shareholder to notify DaVinciRe of such shareholder’s desire for DaVinciRe to repurchase up to half of their initial aggregate number of shares held, subject to certain limitations. The repurchase notices submitted on or before March 1, 2010, were for shares of DaVinciRe with a GAAP book value of $86.5 million at September 30, 2010.

The Company expects its ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time.

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, 2010 and 2009:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Balance - July 1

   $ 707,541      $ 700,562   

Net purchase of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (362     —     

Comprehensive income:

    

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     37,524        37,694   

Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (3,600     8,442   
                

Balance - September 30

   $ 741,103      $ 746,698   
                

 

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Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Balance - January 1

   $ 786,647      $ 768,531   

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

     —          42   

Net purchase of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (142,109     (152,728

Comprehensive income:

    

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     99,989        122,821   

Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (3,424     8,032   
                

Balance - September 30

   $ 741,103      $ 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 FASB ASC Topic Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.

 

NOTE 9. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative contracts primarily 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. Where the Company has entered into master netting agreements with counterparties, or the Company has the legal and contractual right to offset positions, the derivative positions are generally netted by counterparty and are reported accordingly in other assets and other liabilities.

The Company’s guidelines permit investments in derivative instruments such as futures, forward contracts, options, swap agreements and other derivative contracts which may be used to assume risk or for hedging purposes. 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.

 

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

 

     Derivative Assets  
     At September 30, 2010      At December 31, 2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Balance Sheet
Location
     Fair
Value
     Balance Sheet
Location
     Fair
Value
 

Interest rate futures

     Other assets       $ 369         Other assets       $ 862   

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

     Other assets         —           Other assets         3,292   

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

     Other assets         48         Other assets         49   

Energy and weather contracts (4)

     Other assets         10,804         Other assets         17,006   

Platinum warrant

     Other assets         43,858         Other assets         34,871   
                       

Total

      $ 55,079          $ 56,080   
                       
     Derivative Liabilities  
     At September 30, 2010      At December 31, 2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Balance Sheet
Location
     Fair
Value
     Balance Sheet
Location
     Fair
Value
 

Interest rate futures

     Other liabilities       $ 245         Other liabilities       $ 143   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

     Other liabilities         125         Other liabilities         776   

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

     Other liabilities         10,610         Other liabilities         —     

Credit default swaps

     Other liabilities         180         Other liabilities         549   

Energy and weather contracts (4)

     Other liabilities         14,924         Other liabilities         25,086   
                       

Total

      $ 26,084          $ 26,554   
                       

 

(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 $12.5 million of derivative assets and $1.7 million of derivative liabilities at September 30, 2010 (December 31, 2009 - $22.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively). Included in other liabilities is $7.4 million of derivative assets and $22.4 million of derivative liabilities at September 30, 2010 (December 31, 2009 - $55.9 million and $81.0 million, respectively).

 

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

 

    

Location of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives

   Amount of gain (loss)
recognized on derivatives
 

Three months ended September 30,

      2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                  

Interest rate futures

   Net investment income    $ 5,806      $ 3,638   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Net foreign exchange (losses) gains      (1,160     (785

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Net foreign exchange (losses) gains      (25,528     (5,854

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Net foreign exchange (losses) gains      (790     303   

Credit default swaps

   Other income (loss)      310        353   

Energy and weather contracts

   Other income (loss)      (11     18,141   

Platinum warrant

   Other income (loss)      14,352        12,839   
                   

Total

      $ (7,021   $ 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.

 

    

Location of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives

   Amount of gain (loss)
recognized on derivatives
 

Nine months ended September 30,

      2010     2009  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                  

Interest rate futures

   Net investment income    $ 5,341      $ 2,086   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Net foreign exchange (losses) gains      (686     917   

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Net foreign exchange (losses) gains      13,281        (9,060

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Net foreign exchange (losses) gains      126        (354

Credit default swaps

   Other income (loss)      223        429   

Energy and weather contracts

   Other income (loss)      7,174        35,318   

Platinum warrant

   Other income (loss)      8,987        (461
                   

Total

      $ 34,446      $ 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, 2010.

Interest Rate Futures

The Company uses interest rate futures within its portfolio of fixed maturity investments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, which can include increasing or decreasing its exposure to this risk. At September 30, 2010, the Company had $757.6 million of notional long positions and $122.6 million of notional short positions of primarily Eurodollar and U.S. Treasury and non-U.S. dollar futures contracts. The fair value of these derivatives is determined using exchange traded prices.

 

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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 in 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.

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 may 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, 2010, the total notional amount in U.S. dollars of the Company’s underwriting related foreign currency contracts was $63.1 million.

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 losses in its consolidated statements of operations. At September 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding investment portfolio related foreign currency contracts of $30.2 million in long positions and $286.9 million in short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars.

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. The Company may, from time to time, 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 these operations. At September 30, 2010, the total notional amount in United States dollars of the Company’s energy and risk management operations related to foreign currency contracts was $30.3 million.

Credit Derivatives

The Company’s exposure to credit risk is primarily due to its fixed maturity investments, short term investments, premiums receivable and prepaid reinsurance premiums. 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 is 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. At September 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding credit derivatives of $15.0 million in long positions and $29.6 million in short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars.

Energy and Weather-Related Derivatives

The Company regularly 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

 

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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. Generally, the Company’s current portfolio of such derivative contracts is of comparably short duration and such contracts are predominantly seasonal in nature. Over time, the Company currently expects that its participation in these markets, and the impact of these operations on its financial results, is likely to increase on both an absolute and relative basis.

At September 30, 2010, 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

Temperature

     2,541,939       $ per Degree Day Fahrenheit

Energy

     116,056,915       One million British thermal units (“MMBTUs”)

Agriculture

     3,485,000       Bushels

 

(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 outcomes is based on the Company’s estimate of the historical seasonal dependence among the underlying risk factors, scaled to the current market levels. The Company 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, 2010, 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 $29.9 million. The average, low and high amounts calculated by the Company’s VaR analysis during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $16.0 million, $0.4 million and $35.0 million, respectively.

At September 30, 2010, RenaissanceRe had provided guarantees in the amount of $220.2 million to certain counterparties of the weather and energy risk operations of Renaissance Trading. In the future, RenaissanceRe may issue guarantees for other purposes or increase the amount of guarantees issued to counterparties of Renaissance Trading.

 

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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. The fair value of the warrant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

 

NOTE 10. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH OUTSTANDING DEBT OF SUBSIDIARIES

The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, condensed consolidating statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for RenaissanceRe, RRNAH and RenaissanceRe’s other subsidiaries. RRNAH is a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe.

On March 17, 2010, RRNAH issued, and RenaissanceRe guaranteed, $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020, with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15. The notes can be redeemed by RRNAH 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.

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 30, 2010

   RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)
     RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
     Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)
     Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    RenaissanceRe
Consolidated
 

Assets

             

Total investments

   $ 435,638       $ 555       $ 6,141,084       $ —        $ 6,577,277   

Cash and cash equivalents

     11,763         19,169         320,843         —          351,775   

Investments in subsidiaries

     3,786,236         348,550         —           (4,134,786     —     

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates

     123,262         —           —           (123,262     —     

Premiums receivable

     —           —           763,549         —          763,549   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     —           —           178,272         —          178,272   

Reinsurance recoverable

     —           —           200,919         —          200,919   

Accrued investment income

     3,478         —           35,333         —          38,811   

Deferred acquisition costs

     —           —           80,306         —          80,306   

Other assets

     19,124         34,114         396,277         —          449,515   
                                           

Total assets

   $ 4,379,501       $ 402,388       $ 8,116,583       $ (4,258,048   $ 8,640,424   
                                           

Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity

             

Liabilities

             

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

   $ —         $ —         $ 1,706,339       $ —        $ 1,706,339   

Unearned premiums

     —           —           690,671         —          690,671   

Debt

     373,928         249,132         200,000         (273,928     549,132   

Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates

     —           464         —           (464     —     

Reinsurance balances payable

     —           —           364,491         —          364,491   

Other liabilities

     31,763         22,994         560,121         —          614,878   
                                           

Total liabilities

     405,691         272,590         3,521,622         (274,392     3,925,511   
                                           

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —           —           741,103         —          741,103   

Shareholders’ Equity

             

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,973,810         129,798         3,853,858         (3,983,656     3,973,810   
                                           

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity

   $ 4,379,501       $ 402,388       $ 8,116,583       $ (4,258,048   $ 8,640,424   
                                           

 

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
(2) Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2009

   RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)
     RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
     Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)
     Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    RenaissanceRe
Consolidated
 

Assets

             

Total investments

   $ 484,560       $ 410       $ 5,768,441       $ —        $ 6,253,411   

Cash and cash equivalents

     15,206         7,606         237,904         —          260,716   

Investments in subsidiaries

     3,310,916         369,997         —           (3,680,913     —     

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates

     182,565         —           —           (182,565     —     

Premiums receivable

     —           —           589,827         —          589,827   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     —           —           91,852         —          91,852   

Reinsurance recoverable

     —           —           194,241         —          194,241   

Accrued investment income

     1,727         —           30,201         —          31,928   

Deferred acquisition costs

     —           —           61,870         —          61,870   

Other assets

     17,199         —           304,863         (4,866     317,196   
                                           

Total assets

   $ 4,012,173       $ 378,013       $ 7,279,199       $ (3,868,344   $ 7,801,041   
                                           

Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity

             

Liabilities

             

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

   $ —         $ —         $ 1,702,006       $ —        $ 1,702,006   

Unearned premiums

     —           —           446,649         —          446,649   

Debt

     124,000         80,000         200,000         (104,000     300,000   

Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates

     12,522         1,155         —           (13,677     —     

Reinsurance balances payable

     —           —           381,548         —          381,548   

Other liabilities

     34,865         15,138         293,402         —          343,405   
                                           

Total liabilities

     171,387         96,293         3,023,605         (117,677     3,173,608   
                                           

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —           —           786,647         —          786,647   

Shareholders’ Equity

             

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,840,786         281,720         3,468,947         (3,750,667     3,840,786   
                                           

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity

   $ 4,012,173       $ 378,013       $ 7,279,199       $ (3,868,344   $ 7,801,041   
                                           

 

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
(2) Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended September 30, 2010

   RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)
    RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    RenaissanceRe
Consolidated
 

Revenues

          

Net premiums earned

   $ —        $ —        $ 309,389      $ —        $ 309,389   

Net investment income

     1,559        21        59,354        —          60,934   

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

     197        —          (726     —          (529

Equity in losses of other ventures

     —          —          (6,740     —          (6,740

Other income

     212        —          27,043        —          27,255   

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     12,683        —          85,328        —          98,011   
                                        

Total revenues

     14,651        21        473,648        —          488,320   
                                        

Expenses

          

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     —          —          125,626        —          125,626   

Acquisition expenses

     —          —          49,977        —          49,977   

Operational expenses

     (1,176     1,147        50,585        (1,408     49,148   

Corporate expenses

     4,908        63        733        —          5,704   

Interest expense

     1,469        3,537        4,695        (3,537     6,164   
                                        

Total expenses

     5,201        4,747        231,616        (4,945     236,619   
                                        

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes

     9,450        (4,726     242,032        4,945        251,701   

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

     205,875        (2,971     —          (202,904     —     
                                        

Income (loss) before taxes

     215,325        (7,697     242,032        (197,959     251,701   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     —          10,408        (9,260     —          1,148   
                                        

Net income (loss)

     215,325        2,711        232,772        (197,959     252,849   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —          —          (37,524     —          (37,524
                                        

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

     215,325        2,711        195,248        (197,959     215,325   

Dividends on preference shares

     (10,575     —          —          —          (10,575
                                        

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

   $ 204,750      $ 2,711      $ 195,248      $ (197,959   $ 204,750   
                                        

 

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
(2) Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended September 30, 2009

   RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)
    RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    RenaissanceRe
Consolidated
 

Revenues

          

Net premiums earned

   $ —        $ —        $ 296,013      $ —        $ 296,013   

Net investment income

     2,735        3        104,077        —          106,815   

Net foreign exchange (losses) gains

     (1     —          1,557        —          1,556   

Equity in earnings of other ventures

     —          —          4,331        —          4,331   

Other income

     417        —          13,007        —          13,424   

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     581        —          16,213        —          16,794   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     —          —          (346     —          (346
                                        

Total revenues

     3,732        3        434,852        —          438,587   
                                        

Expenses

          

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     —          —          38,567        —          38,567   

Acquisition expenses

     —          —          44,203        —          44,203   

Operational expenses

     (2,314     15        45,483        2,314        45,498   

Corporate expenses

     (5,533     47        1,167        —          (4,319

Interest expense

     2,464        2,500        1,284        (2,500     3,748   
                                        

Total expenses

     (5,383     2,562        130,704        (186     127,697   
                                        

Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes

     9,115        (2,559     304,148        186        310,890   

Equity in net income of subsidiaries

     260,088        10,837        —          (270,925     —     
                                        

Income before taxes

     269,203        8,278        304,148        (270,739     310,890   

Income tax (expense) benefit

     —          (5,569     1,576        —          (3,993
                                        

Net income

     269,203        2,709        305,724        (270,739     306,897   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —          —          (37,694     —          (37,694
                                        

Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe

     269,203        2,709        268,030        (270,739     269,203   

Dividends on preference shares

     (10,575     —          —          —          (10,575
                                        

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ 258,628      $ 2,709      $ 268,030      $ (270,739   $ 258,628   
                                        

 

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
(2) Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010

   RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)
    RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    RenaissanceRe
Consolidated
 

Revenues

          

Net premiums earned

   $ —        $ —        $ 914,037      $ —        $ 914,037   

Net investment income

     4,614        901        150,207        —          155,722   

Net foreign exchange losses

     (498     —          (11,982     —          (12,480

Equity in losses of other ventures

     —          —          (1,424     —          (1,424

Other income

     479        —          17,951        —          18,430   

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity investments

     19,248        (2,432     200,899        —          217,715   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     —          —          (829     —          (829
                                        

Total revenues

     23,843        (1,531     1,268,859        —          1,291,171   
                                        

Expenses

          

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     —          —          252,350        —          252,350   

Acquisition expenses

     —          —          134,596        —          134,596   

Operational expenses

     (2,584     2,681        163,978        —          164,075   

Corporate expenses

     13,281        136        2,670        —          16,087   

Interest expense

     4,374        10,860        11,152        (10,860     15,526   
                                        

Total expenses

     15,071        13,677        564,746        (10,860     582,634   
                                        

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes

     8,772        (15,208     704,113        10,860        708,537   

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

     602,991        (893     —          (602,098     —     
                                        

Income (loss) before taxes

     611,763        (16,101     704,113        (591,238     708,537   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     —          14,334        (11,119     —          3,215   
                                        

Net income (loss)

     611,763        (1,767     692,994        (591,238     711,752   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —          —          (99,989     —          (99,989
                                        

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

     611,763        (1,767     593,005        (591,238     611,763   

Dividends on preference shares

     (31,725     —          —          —          (31,725
                                        

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

   $ 580,038      $ (1,767   $ 593,005      $ (591,238   $ 580,038   
                                        

 

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
(2) Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009

   RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)
    RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    RenaissanceRe
Consolidated
 

Revenues

          

Net premiums earned

   $ —        $ —        $ 977,578      $ —        $ 977,578   

Net investment income

     7,213        12        256,009        —          263,234   

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

     2        —          (12,763     —          (12,761

Equity in earnings of other ventures

     —          —          11,499        —          11,499   

Other income (loss)

     507        —          (5,534     —          (5,027

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     1,310        —          56,499        —          57,809   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     (102     —          (21,099     —          (21,201
                                        

Total revenues

     8,930        12        1,262,189        —          1,271,131   
                                        

Expenses

          

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     —          —          191,587        —          191,587   

Acquisition expenses

     —          —          141,302        —          141,302   

Operational expenses

     (6,962     83        132,037        6,962        132,120   

Corporate expenses

     4,722        52        3,834        —          8,608   

Interest expense

     7,419        6,616        4,665        (6,616     12,084   
                                        

Total expenses

     5,179        6,751        473,425        346        485,701   
                                        

Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes

     3,751        (6,739     788,764        (346     785,430   

Equity in net income of subsidiaries

     655,065        11,284        —          (666,349     —     
                                        

Income before taxes

     658,816        4,545        788,764        (666,695     785,430   

Income tax (expense) benefit

     —          (7,984     4,191        —          (3,793
                                        

Net income (loss)

     658,816        (3,439     792,955        (666,695     781,637   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —          —          (122,821     —          (122,821
                                        

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

     658,816        (3,439     670,134        (666,695     658,816   

Dividends on preference shares

     (31,725     —          —          —          (31,725
                                        

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

   $ 627,091      $ (3,439   $ 670,134      $ (666,695   $ 627,091   
                                        

 

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
(2) Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010

   RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)
    RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)
    RenaissanceRe
Consolidated
 

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

        

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 8,710      $ (24,709   $ 512,440      $ 496,441   
                                

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

        

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments available for sale

     37,457        244,147        3,384,620        3,666,224   

Purchases of investments available for sale

     (240     (246,570     (155,714     (402,524

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments trading

     524,506        —          4,894,098        5,418,604   

Purchases of investments trading

     (597,999     —          (8,341,655     (8,939,654

Net sales (purchases) of short term investments

     105,460        (145     12,204        117,519   

Net (purchases) sales of other investments

     (2,814     —          88,863        86,049   

Net sales of investments in other ventures

     —          —          13,835        13,835   

Net sales of other assets

     —          —          2,730        2,730   

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

     826,974        38,727        (865,701     —     

Contributions to subsidiaries

     (591,742     (18,728     610,470        —     

Due (from) to subsidiary

     (76,766     (691     77,457        —     
                                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     224,836        16,740        (278,793     (37,217
                                

Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities

        

Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares

     (42,381     —          —          (42,381

Dividends paid - preference shares

     (31,725     —          —          (31,725

RenaissanceRe common share repurchases

     (411,335     —          —          (411,335

Return of additional paid in capital to parent company

     —          (149,600     149,600        —     

Net issuance (repayment) of debt

     249,046        169,132        (169,132     249,046   

Third party DaVinciRe share repurchase

     —          —          (131,370     (131,370
                                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (236,395     19,532        (150,902     (367,765
                                

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     (594     —          194        (400
                                

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,443     11,563        82,939        91,059   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     15,206        7,606        237,904        260,716   
                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 11,763      $ 19,169      $ 320,843      $ 351,775   
                                

 

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009

   RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)
    RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)
    Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)
    RenaissanceRe
Consolidated
 

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

        

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 5,941      $ (1,698   $ 448,371      $ 452,614   
                                

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

        

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments available for sale

     399,992        —          6,833,840        7,233,832   

Purchases of investments available for sale

     (448,991     —          (8,238,062     (8,687,053

Net sales of short term investments

     6,878        —          1,285,059        1,291,937   

Net sales of other investments

     7,406        2        25,489        32,897   

Net purchases of other assets

     —          —          69        69   

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

     715,532        2,303        (717,835     —     

Contributions to subsidiaries

     (454,620     (4,303     458,923        —     

Due to (from) subsidiaries

     (26,221     671        25,550        —     
                                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     199,976        (1,327     (326,967     (128,318
                                

Cash flows used in financing activities

        

Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares

     (44,894     —          —          (44,894

Dividends paid - preference shares

     (31,725     —          —          (31,725

Reverse repurchase agreement

     —          —          (50,042     (50,042

Third party DaVinciRe share repurchase

     (123,718     —          —          (123,718
                                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (200,337     —          (50,042     (250,379
                                

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     —          —          (616     (616
                                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     5,580        (3,025     70,746        73,301   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     5,122        5,562        264,008        274,692   
                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 10,702      $ 2,537      $ 334,754      $ 347,993   
                                

 

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

 

NOTE 11. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140, and the FASB subsequently codified it as Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2009-16, updating ASC Topic 860 Transfers and Servicing. The objective of ASU 2009-16 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. ASU 2009-16 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. ASU 2009-16 must be applied to transfers occurring on or after the effective date. Additionally, the disclosure provisions of ASU 2009-16 should be applied to transfers that occurred both before and after the effective date. The Company adopted ASU 2009-16 effective January 1, 2010 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

 

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Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R,) and the FASB subsequently codified it as ASU 2009-17, updating ASC Topic 810 Consolidations. The objective of ASU 2009-17 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 FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – an Interpretation of ARB No. 51, as revised (“FIN 46(R)”), as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in ASU 2009-16, 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. ASU 2009-17 was 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 adopted ASU 2009-17 effective January 1, 2010 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

Improving Fair Value Disclosure

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-6 which updated FASB ASU Topic 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The objective of ASU 2010-6 is to improve fair value disclosures by requiring the following: (1) disclose significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers; (2) present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis; (3) provide fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities, where a class is often a subset of a financial statement line; and (4) provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 was 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, except for item (2) noted above, which shall become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2010-06 effective January 1, 2010 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial condition as it was a disclosure based ASU.

 

NOTE 12. 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, 2009.

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 loss and loss expense reserves which are discussed in its loss reserves discussion. 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 it is presently a party is likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, business or operations.

 

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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, 2010 and 2009. The following also includes a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources at September 30, 2010. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this filing 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, 2009. 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 was established in Bermuda in 1993 to write principally property catastrophe reinsurance and today is a leading global provider of reinsurance and insurance coverages and related services. Through our operating subsidiaries, we seek to produce superior returns for our shareholders by being a trusted, long-term partner to our customers for assessing and managing risk, delivering responsive solutions, and keeping our promises. 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 customers 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 the change in 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 customers 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 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 and unrealized 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 management 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; 5) redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe, which represents the interest of third parties with respect to the net income (loss) of DaVinciRe; and 6) interest and dividend costs related to our debt and 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 to experience a higher effective tax rate in future periods.

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 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

 

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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 currently conduct our business through two reportable segments, Reinsurance and Insurance. Those segments are more fully described as follows:

Reinsurance

Our Reinsurance segment has four 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, political risk, trade credit, medical malpractice, financial, mortgage guarantee, 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) Lloyd’s, which includes insurance and reinsurance business written for our own account through Syndicate 1458. Syndicate 1458 started writing certain lines of insurance and reinsurance business incepting on or after June 1, 2009. The syndicate was established to enhance our underwriting platform by providing access to Lloyd’s extensive distribution network and worldwide licenses. Although Syndicate 1458 writes direct insurance as well as reinsurance, we manage this business as part of our reinsurance operations and include its results of operations within our Reinsurance segment. RenaissanceRe CCL, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the sole corporate member of Syndicate 1458. The results of Syndicate 1458 were not significant to our overall consolidated results of operations and financial position during 2009; however, we expect its absolute and relative contributions to our consolidated results of operations to grow over time.

 

4) Through our ventures unit, we pursue joint ventures and other strategic relationships. Our three principal business activities in this area are: 1) property catastrophe joint ventures which we manage, such as Top Layer Re and DaVinci; 2) strategic investments in certain markets we believe offer attractive risk-adjusted returns or where we believe our investment adds value, such as our investments in Platinum, Essent Group Ltd. and the Tower Hill Companies, where, rather than assuming exclusive management responsibilities ourselves, we partner with other market participants; and 3) weather and energy risk management operations primarily through Renaissance Trading and REAL. Only business activities that appear in our consolidated underwriting results, such as DaVinci, Timicuan Reinsurance II Ltd. and certain reinsurance transactions, are included in our Reinsurance segment results; our share of the results of our strategic investments in other ventures, accounted for under the equity method and our weather and energy risk management operations are included in the “Other” category of our segment results.

 

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Insurance

Our Insurance segment business is principally written through 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. Our principal contracts currently include insurance contracts and some quota share reinsurance with respect to risks including: 1) crop insurance, 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 Insurance business is primarily produced through four distribution channels: 1) wholly owned program managers – where we write primary insurance through our own subsidiaries; 2) third party program managers – where we write primary insurance through third party program managers, who produce business pursuant to agreed-upon 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.

Since the inception of our Insurance 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 several years. We principally oversee our third party partners through a program operations team at RenRe North America Inc., which conducts initial due diligence as well as ongoing monitoring.

New Business

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 potential strategic opportunities that we believe might utilize our skills, capabilities, proprietary technology and relationships to support possible expansion 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 then current portfolio of risks.

We regularly review potential strategic transactions that might improve our portfolio of business, enhance or focus our strategies, expand our distribution or capabilities, or to seek other benefits. 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 operations. While we regularly review potential strategic transactions 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 materially enhance 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.

 

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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 Insurance segment 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 Insurance segment business is maintained. With the use and development of PACeR, we are seeking to develop statistical and analytical techniques to evaluate our program lines of business within our Insurance 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 Insurance 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, 2009.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009

Summary Overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change        
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and ratios)                         

Gross premiums written

   $ 126,679      $ 202,413      $ (75,734  

Net premiums written

     103,094        75,098        27,996     

Net premiums earned

     309,389        296,013        13,376     

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     125,626        38,567        87,059     

Acquisition expenses

     49,977        44,203        5,774     

Operational expenses

     49,148        45,498        3,650     

Underwriting income

     84,638        167,745        (83,107  

Net investment income

     60,934        106,815        (45,881  

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     98,011        16,794        81,217     

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     —          (346     346     

Net income

     252,849        306,897        (54,048  

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

     204,750        258,628        (53,878  

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted

   $ 3.70      $ 4.12      $ (0.42  

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     52.6     36.8     15.8  

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (12.0 %)      (23.8 %)      11.8  
                          

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     40.6     13.0     27.6  

Underwriting expense ratio

     32.0     30.3     1.7  
                          

Combined ratio

     72.6     43.3     29.3  
                          
     September 30,
2010
    June 30,
2010
    Change     %
Change
 

Book value per common share

   $ 60.57      $ 56.96      $ 3.61        6.3

Accumulated dividends per common share

     9.63        9.38        0.25        2.7
                          

Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends

   $ 70.20      $ 66.34      $ 3.86     
                          

 

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Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $204.8 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $258.6 million in the third quarter of 2009. Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per fully diluted common share was $3.70 for the third quarter of 2010, compared to $4.12 in the third quarter of 2009. The $53.9 million decrease in our net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was primarily due to:

 

  •  

Lower Underwriting Income – our underwriting income decreased $83.1 million primarily due to an $87.1 million increase in net claims and claim expenses, principally driven by an increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses due to the New Zealand earthquake, which negatively impacted our underwriting results by $80.2 million in the third quarter of 2010, as described in more detail below;

 

  •  

Equity in (Losses) Earnings of Other Ventures – as a result of net claims and claim expenses related to the New Zealand earthquake, we recorded a loss of $8.7 million on our equity investment in Top Layer Re during the third quarter of 2010, compared to earnings of $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2009;

 

  •  

Increased Corporate Expenses – corporate expenses in the third quarter of 2010 increased $10.0 million compared to the third quarter of 2009, principally due to the recognition of a corporate insurance recovery in the third quarter of 2009; and partially offset by

 

  •  

Higher Investment Results – including an $81.2 million increase in net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments, principally due in part to the fact that during the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company started designating, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than available for sale, and as a result, $63.1 million of net unrealized gains on these securities are recorded in net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations in the third quarter of 2010 rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity, partially offset by a $45.9 million decrease in net investment income, during the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009. The decrease in net investment income was primarily due to lower returns on certain non-investment grade allocations which are included in other investments and lower interest rates on our fixed maturity investments portfolio. In addition, we also experienced lower returns on our hedge fund and private equity investments during the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009;

 

  •  

Increased Other Income – we sold our entire ownership interest in ChannelRe Holdings Ltd. (“ChannelRe”), a financial guaranty reinsurance company, for $15.8 million in July 2010. We recorded a $15.8 million gain, included in other income in our third quarter 2010 financial results as a result of the sale. We no longer have an ownership interest in ChannelRe and have no contractual obligations to provide capital or other financial support to ChannelRe.

Book value per common share increased $3.61 to $60.57 at September 30, 2010, compared to $56.96 at June 30, 2010. Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends increased $3.86 to $70.20 at September 30, 2010, compared to $66.34 at June 30, 2010. The 6.3% growth in book value per common share was driven by comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $216.9 million for the third quarter of 2010, and partially offset by $13.6 million and $10.6 million of common and preferred dividends, respectively, declared and paid during the third quarter of 2010. Common shares outstanding were 54.9 million at each of September 30, 2010 and June 30, 2010.

Underwriting Results

In the third quarter of 2010, we generated $84.6 million of underwriting income, compared to $167.7 million in the third quarter of 2009. The decrease in underwriting income was driven primarily by an $87.1 million increase in net claims and claim expenses, as a result of the New Zealand earthquake which resulted in underwriting losses of $80.2 million in the third quarter of 2010 and impacted our third quarter of 2010 combined ratio by 26.9 percentage points, as shown in the table below. We generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 40.6%, an underwriting expense ratio of 32.0% and a combined ratio of 72.6%, in the third quarter of 2010, compared to a net claims and claim expense ratio, an underwriting expense ratio and a combined ratio of 13.0%, 30.3% and 43.3%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2009.

 

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Gross premiums written decreased $75.7 million to $126.7 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $202.4 million in the third quarter of 2009. Our catastrophe premiums decreased $19.0 million, or 17.7% in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009, principally reflecting the deterioration of attractive market conditions on a risk-adjusted basis in our core markets. Our specialty reinsurance premiums decreased $2.9 million, or 11.4% in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009, primarily due to reductions in several lines of business due to softening market conditions, as discussed in more detail below. Our Lloyd’s unit generated $8.8 million of premium in the third quarter of 2010, also reflecting the adverse impact of unattractive prevailing market conditions. Gross premiums written in our Insurance segment decreased $67.6 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009, primarily due to our crop insurance line of business as a result of the receipt of updated acreage reports for the 2010 crop year, combined with the overall softening market conditions in the Insurance segment’s commercial multi-line, commercial property and personal lines property lines of business.

Net Impact of the New Zealand Earthquake

We recorded $73.6 million of net negative impact from the New Zealand earthquake in the third quarter of 2010. Net negative impact includes the sum of estimates of net claims and claim expenses incurred, earned reinstatement premiums assumed and ceded, lost profit commissions, equity in net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re and redeemable noncontrolling interest. Our estimate of losses from the New Zealand earthquake are based on initial industry insured loss estimates, market share analysis, the application of our modeling techniques, and a review of our in-force contracts. Given the preliminary nature of the information available, the magnitude and recent occurrence of the event, the expected duration of the claims development period, and other factors and uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from this event and our actual ultimate net losses from this event will vary from these estimates, perhaps materially so. Changes in these estimates will be recorded in the period in which they occur.

The following is supplemental financial data regarding the net financial statement impact on our Reinsurance segment results and consolidated financial statements for the third quarter of 2010 due to the New Zealand earthquake:

 

     New Zealand Earthquake  

Three months ended September 30, 2010

   Catastrophe     Lloyd’s     Reinsurance     Consolidated  
(in thousands of United States dollars)                         

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (77,770   $ (1,302   $ (79,072   $ (79,072

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     5,524        —          5,524        5,524   

Lost profit commissions

     (6,633     —          (6,633     (6,633
                                

Net impact on underwriting result

   $ (78,879   $ (1,302   $ (80,181     (80,181
                          

Equity in net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re

           (12,051

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

           18,642   
              

Net negative impact

         $ (73,590
              

Impact on combined ratio

     47.4     9.3     38.5     26.9

 

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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, specialty unit and Lloyd’s unit underwriting results and ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Reinsurance segment overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Gross premiums written (1)

   $ 119,339      $ 132,487      $ (13,148
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 92,450      $ 43,202      $ 49,248   
                        

Net premiums earned

     219,036        202,260        16,776   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     80,167        (15,914     96,081   

Acquisition expenses

     25,815        17,164        8,651   

Operational expenses

     35,883        33,961        1,922   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 77,171      $ 167,049      $ (89,878
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 114,046      $ 46,755      $ 67,291   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (33,879     (62,669     28,790   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 80,167      $ (15,914   $ 96,081   
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     52.1     23.1     29.0

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (15.5 %)      (31.0 %)      15.5
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     36.6     (7.9 %)      44.5

Underwriting expense ratio

     28.2     25.3     2.9
                        

Combined ratio

     64.8     17.4     47.4
                        

 

(1) Reinsurance gross premiums written includes $8.4 million and $13.4 million of premiums assumed from the Insurance segment for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Reinsurance Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment decreased by $13.1 million, or 9.9%, to $119.3 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $132.5 million in the third quarter of 2009, primarily due to a decrease in gross premiums written in our catastrophe unit, which was impacted by reduced pricing on renewals during the third quarter of 2010 reflecting the deterioration of attractive market conditions on a risk-adjusted basis in our core markets and the non-renewal of a large contract, partially offset by $5.5 million of reinstatement premiums written and earned in the third quarter of 2010 as a direct result of the net claims and claim expenses incurred from the New Zealand earthquake. Excluding the impact of $5.5 million of reinstatement premiums written and earned in the third quarter of 2010, our Reinsurance segment gross premiums written declined $18.7 million, or 14.1%. Our Reinsurance segment premiums are prone to significant volatility due to the timing of contract inception and also due to the business being characterized by a relatively small number of relatively large transactions.

Reinsurance Segment Underwriting Results – Our Reinsurance segment generated $77.2 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $167.0 million in the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $89.9 million. In the third quarter of 2010, our Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 36.6%, an underwriting expense ratio of 28.2% and a combined ratio of 64.8%, compared to negative 7.9%, 25.3% and 17.4%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2009.

 

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The $89.9 million decrease in underwriting income and 47.4 percentage point increase in the combined ratio was principally due to a $67.3 million increase in current accident year losses and a $28.8 million decrease in favorable development on prior years reserves in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009. The increase in current accident year losses was primarily due to $79.1 million of net claims and claim expenses related to the New Zealand earthquake, which added 38.5 percentage points to the Reinsurance segment’s combined ratio after considering the impact of net reinstatement premiums earned and lost profit commission related to this loss, as detailed in the table below.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2010

   New Zealand
Earthquake
 
(in thousands of United States dollars)       

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (79,072

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     5,524   

Lost profit commissions

     (6,633
        

Net impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (80,181
        

Impact on Reinsurance segment combined ratio

     38.5

During the third quarter of 2010, we experienced favorable development on prior years reserves of $33.9 million, compared to $62.7 million of favorable development in the third quarter of 2009 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 28.2% in the third quarter of 2010, from 25.3% in the third quarter of 2009, was driven by a $4.6 million increase in acquisition expenses in the catastrophe unit primarily as a result of lower profit commissions earned due to the New Zealand earthquake.

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 $11.3 million and $16.5 million for the third quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and resulted in a corresponding decrease to the Reinsurance segment underwriting expense ratio of 5.2% and 8.1% for the third quarters of 2010 and 2009, 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 $19.8 million and $31.0 million for the third quarters of 2010 and 2009, 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, 2010 and 2009:

Catastrophe overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Property catastrophe gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 62,434      $ 78,232      $ (15,798

DaVinci

     25,844        29,076        (3,232
                        

Total property catastrophe gross premiums written (1)

   $ 88,278      $ 107,308      $ (19,030
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 64,134      $ 19,656      $ 44,478   
                        

Net premiums earned

     176,130        176,519        (389

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     71,191        (3,068     74,259   

Acquisition expenses

     18,962        14,365        4,597   

Operational expenses

     23,252        25,303        (2,051
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 62,725      $ 139,919      $ (77,194
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 87,178      $ 35,030      $ 52,148   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (15,987     (38,098     22,111   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 71,191      $ (3,068   $ 74,259   
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     49.5     19.8     29.7

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (9.1 %)      (21.5 %)      12.4
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     40.4     (1.7 %)      42.1

Underwriting expense ratio

     24.0     22.4     1.6
                        

Combined ratio

     64.4     20.7     43.7
                        

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written ceded from the Insurance segment to the catastrophe unit of $9.9 million and $13.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the third quarter of 2010, our catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written decreased by $19.0 million, or 17.7%, to $88.3 million, compared to the third quarter of 2009. The decrease in catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums was impacted by reduced pricing on renewals during the third quarter of 2010 reflecting the deterioration of attractive market conditions on a risk-adjusted basis in our core markets and the non-renewal of a large contract. Excluding the impact of $5.5 million of reinstatement premiums written and earned in the third quarter of 2010, our catastrophe unit gross premiums written declined $24.6 million, or 22.9%. Our catastrophe reinsurance results have been increasingly impacted in recent periods by a relatively small number of comparably large transactions with significant clients.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our catastrophe unit generated $62.7 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $139.9 million in the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $77.2 million. The decrease in underwriting income was due primarily to a $74.3 million increase in net claims and claim expenses as a result of the New Zealand earthquake. The increase in net premiums written is due to a $63.5 million decrease in ceded premiums written as a result of the timing of several reinsurance purchases that occurred in the third quarter of 2009, but renewed in the second quarter of 2010.

 

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The New Zealand earthquake added 47.4 percentage points to our catastrophe unit’s combined ratio for the third quarter of 2010 as detailed in the table below:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2010

   New Zealand
Earthquake
 
(in thousands of United States dollars)       

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (77,770

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     5,524   

Lost profit commissions

     (6,633
        

Net impact on underwriting result

   $ (78,879
        

Impact on combined ratio

     47.4

In the third quarter of 2010, our catastrophe unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 40.4%, an underwriting expense ratio of 24.0% and a combined ratio of 64.4%, compared to negative 1.7%, 22.4% and 20.7%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2009.

During the third quarter of 2010, we experienced $16.0 million of favorable development on prior year reserves, compared to $38.1 million of favorable development on prior years reserves in the third quarter of 2009. The favorable development in the third quarter of 2010 was primarily related to decreases in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events, including $7.4 million related to the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes, and $8.6 million due to better than expected claims emergence associated with a large number of relatively small catastrophes. 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).

 

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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, 2010 and 2009:

Specialty overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Specialty gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 21,363      $ 25,249      $ (3,886

DaVinci

     936        (70     1,006   
                        

Total specialty gross premiums written

   $ 22,299      $ 25,179      $ (2,880
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 22,175      $ 23,546      $ (1,371
                        

Net premiums earned

     28,927        25,741        3,186   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     1,289        (12,846     14,135   

Acquisition expenses

     3,502        2,799        703   

Operational expenses

     6,385        8,658        (2,273
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 17,751      $ 27,130      $ (9,379
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 19,166      $ 11,725      $ 7,441   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (17,877     (24,571     6,694   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 1,289      $ (12,846   $ 14,135   
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     66.3     45.5     20.8

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (61.8 %)      (95.4 %)      33.6
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     4.5     (49.9 %)      54.4

Underwriting expense ratio

     34.1     44.5     (10.4 %) 
                        

Combined ratio

     38.6     (5.4 %)      44.0
                        

Specialty Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the third quarter of 2010, our specialty reinsurance gross premiums written decreased by $2.9 million, or 11.4%, to $22.3 million, compared to $25.2 million in the third quarter of 2009, primarily due to reductions in several lines of business due to softening market conditions. 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 $17.8 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $27.1 million in the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $9.4 million, principally due to an increase in net claims and claim expenses. The $14.1 million increase in net claims and claim expenses is driven by a $7.4 million increase in current accident year losses primarily due to estimated losses associated with the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. explosion in San Francisco, California in the third quarter of 2010, combined with a $6.7 million decrease in favorable development on prior accident years. The favorable development on prior accident years was principally due to actual reported loss activity coming in better than expected. In the third quarter of 2010, our specialty unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 4.5%, an underwriting expense ratio of 34.1% and a combined ratio of 38.6%, compared to negative 49.9%, 44.5% and negative 5.4%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2009. The 10.4 percentage point decrease in our underwriting expense ratio was principally driven by a decrease in operational expenses due to lower allocated operating expenses.

 

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Lloyd’s

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Lloyd’s unit for the three months ended September 30, 2010:

Lloyd’s overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)       

Lloyd’s gross premiums written

  

Specialty

   $ 8,851   

Catastrophe

     1,422   

Insurance

     (1,511
        

Total Lloyd’s gross premiums written (1)

   $ 8,762   
        

Net premiums written

   $ 6,141   
        

Net premiums earned

     13,979   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     7,687   

Acquisition expenses

     3,351   

Operational expenses

     6,246   
        

Underwriting loss

   $ (3,305
        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 7,702   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (15
        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 7,687   
        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     55.1

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (0.1 %) 
        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     55.0

Underwriting expense ratio

     68.6
        

Combined ratio

     123.6
        

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written ceded from the Insurance segment to the Lloyd’s unit of $(1.5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2010.

In 2009, we established Syndicate 1458, a Lloyd’s syndicate, to start writing certain lines of insurance and reinsurance business. Syndicate 1458 was established to enhance our underwriting platform by providing access to Lloyd’s extensive distribution network and worldwide licenses. Although Syndicate 1458 writes direct insurance as well as reinsurance, we manage this business as part of our reinsurance operations and include its results of operations within our Reinsurance segment. Our Lloyd’s unit results include Syndicate 1458, our corporate capital vehicle, RenaissanceRe CCL, prior to its inter-company cession of Syndicate 1458 business to Renaissance Reinsurance, and our managing agency, RSML. The results of our Lloyd’s unit were not significant in 2009; however, we expect its absolute and relative contributions to our consolidated results of operations to grow over time.

Lloyd’s Gross Premiums Written – In the third quarter of 2010, our Lloyd’s unit gross premiums written were $8.8 million, and include property catastrophe, specialty and insurance premiums written.

Lloyd’s Underwriting Results – Our Lloyd’s unit generated an underwriting loss of $3.3 million and a combined ratio of 123.6% in the third quarter of 2010. Net claims and claim expenses for the third quarter of 2010 are comprised primarily of incurred but not reported loss activity in the specialty and insurance lines of business and $1.3 million of net claims and claim expenses related to the New Zealand earthquake. Operational expenses of $6.2 million principally include compensation and related operating expenses.

 

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Insurance Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 for our Insurance segment:

Insurance segment overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Commercial multi-line

   $ 19,142      $ 31,066      $ (11,924

Personal lines property

     9,894        15,473        (5,579

Commercial property

     2,808        15,514        (12,706

Crop

     (16,116   $ 21,296      $ (37,412
                        

Gross premiums written

   $ 15,728      $ 83,349      $ (67,621
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 10,644      $ 31,896      $ (21,252
                        

Net premiums earned

   $ 90,353      $ 93,753      $ (3,400

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     45,459        54,481        (9,022

Acquisition expenses

     24,162        27,039        (2,877

Operational expenses

     13,265        11,537        1,728   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 7,467      $ 696      $ 6,771   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 48,582      $ 62,256      $ (13,674

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior years

     (3,123     (7,775     4,652   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 45,459      $ 54,481      $ (9,022
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     53.8     66.4     (12.6 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (3.5 %)      (8.3 %)      4.8
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     50.3     58.1     (7.8 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     41.4     41.2     0.2
                        

Combined ratio

     91.7     99.3     (7.6 %) 
                        

Insurance Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written by our Insurance segment decreased $67.6 million, or 81.1%, to $15.7 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $83.3 million in the third quarter of 2009. Crop insurance gross premiums written decreased $37.4 million, to negative $16.1 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $21.3 million in the third quarter of 2009, principally due to the receipt of updated acreage reports for the 2010 crop year. Gross premiums written in the Company’s commercial multi-line, personal lines property and commercial property lines of business decreased $11.9 million, $5.6 million and $12.7 million, respectively, due to softening market conditions and the Company’s decision to reduce its participation on certain programs. Our Insurance 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.

Insurance Segment Underwriting Results – Our Insurance segment generated underwriting income of $7.5 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2009, an increase of $6.8 million. In the third quarter of 2010, our Insurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 50.3%, an underwriting expense ratio of 41.4% and a combined ratio of 91.7%, compared to 58.1%, 41.2% and 99.3%,

 

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respectively, in the third quarter of 2009. The increase in underwriting income and decrease in our combined ratio was principally due to reduced losses related to crop hail, a specific product line within the overall crop insurance line of business, which experienced losses from multiple hail storms in highly insured areas during the third quarter of 2009 that did not recur in the third quarter of 2010. The $2.9 million decrease in acquisition expenses in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009, was primarily related to ceding commissions on the crop insurance line of business as we determined to cede a portion of this business in respect of the 2010 crop year.

The Company’s Insurance segment prior year reserves experienced $3.1 million of favorable development in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $7.8 million of favorable development in the third quarter of 2009, primarily as a result of lower than expected reported claims activity.

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 crop insurance 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 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, by type of crop and state, which losses will be ceded to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (“FCIC”). Our estimate of net claims and claim expenses incurred for our 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

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 34,838      $ 44,127      $ (9,289

Short term investments

     2,469        2,285        184   

Other investments

      

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     7,491        15,510        (8,019

Other

     18,979        47,748        (28,769

Cash and cash equivalents

     73        102        (29
                        
     63,850        109,772        (45,922

Investment expenses

     (2,916     (2,957     41   
                        

Net investment income

   $ 60,934      $ 106,815      $ (45,881
                        

Net investment income was $60.9 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $106.8 million in the third quarter of 2009. The $45.9 million decrease in net investment income was principally driven by a $28.8 million decrease from our other investments, primarily driven by lower returns for our investments in senior secured bank loan funds due to a more moderate tightening of credit spreads during the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009. In addition, net investment income from our hedge fund and private equity investments decreased $8.0 million due to lower total returns and net investment income from our fixed maturity investments decreased $9.3 million due to lower yields during the third quarter of 2010, compared to the third quarter of 2009. 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 $15.3 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $19.2 million in the third quarter of 2009.

Declining interest rates in the third quarter of 2010 have 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 broadly reflect a reduced weighted average yield to maturity, and we expect that this will also impact our future net investment income.

 

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Fixed Maturity Investments - Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gross realized gains

   $ 35,615      $ 26,734      $ 8,881   

Gross realized losses

     (748     (9,940     9,192   
                        

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments

   $ 34,867      $ 16,794      $ 18,073   

Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments, trading

     63,144        —          63,144   
                        

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

   $ 98,011      $ 16,794      $ 81,217   
                        

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     —          (1,408     1,408   

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     —          1,062        (1,062
                        

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ —        $ (346   $ 346   
                        

During the fourth quarter of 2009, we started designating, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than as available for sale and, as a result, we recognized $63.1 million of net unrealized gains on these securities in our consolidated statement of operations for the third quarter of 2010. We currently expect to continue to designate, in future periods, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than as available for sale, and, as a result, we currently expect our fixed maturity investments available for sale balance to decrease and our fixed maturity trading balance to increase over time, resulting in a reduction in other-than-temporary accounting judgments we make. This change will over time result in additional volatility in our net income (loss) in future periods as net unrealized gains and losses on these fixed maturity investments will be recorded currently in net income (loss), rather than as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments were $34.9 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $16.8 million in the third quarter of 2009, an increase of $18.1 million, as a result of an $8.9 million increase in gross realized gains and a $9.2 million decrease in gross realized losses. Net other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings were $nil in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2009. Net other-than-temporary impairments relate to our fixed maturity investments available for sale. 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 (Losses) Earnings of Other Ventures

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Tower Hill Companies

   $ 2,023      $ 1,098      $ 925   

Top Layer Re

     (8,655     3,385        (12,040

Other

     (108     (152     44   
                        

Total equity in (losses) earnings of other ventures

   $ (6,740   $ 4,331      $ (11,071
                        

Equity in earnings of other ventures represents primarily our pro-rata share of the net income from our investments in the Tower Hill Companies and Top Layer Re. Equity in losses of other ventures was $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to equity in earnings of other ventures of $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2009. The $11.1 million decrease was primarily due to decreased earnings from our equity in losses of Top Layer Re of $8.7 million during the third quarter of 2010, as a result of Top Layer Re experiencing net claims and claim expenses related to the New Zealand earthquake.

 

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The equity in earnings from the Tower Hill Companies is recorded one quarter in arrears.

Other Income

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gain on sale of ChannelRe

   $ 15,835      $ —        $ 15,835   

Mark-to-market on Platinum warrant

     14,352        12,839        1,513   

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits

     1,063        (13,147     14,210   

Weather-related and loss mitigation

     (216     (2,110     1,894   

Weather and energy risk management operations

     (4,740     13,674        (18,414

Other items

     961        2,168        (1,207
                        

Total other income

   $ 27,255      $ 13,424      $ 13,831   
                        

In the third quarter of 2010, we generated $27.3 million of other income, compared to $13.4 million in the third quarter of 2009. We sold our entire ownership interest in ChannelRe, a financial guaranty reinsurance company, for $15.8 million in July 2010. We recorded other income of $15.8 million as a result of the sale. We no longer have an ownership interest in ChannelRe and have no contractual obligations to provide capital or other financial support to ChannelRe. Other loss attributable to our weather and energy risk management operations of $4.7 million in the third quarter of 2010, decreased $18.4 million, from other income of $13.7 million in the third quarter of 2009, due to a combination of unusual weather patterns and less liquidity in the markets in which we operate. Our assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits generated $1.1 million in other income in the third quarter of 2010, compared to an other loss of $13.1 million in the third quarter of 2009, an improvement of $14.2 million, primarily due to additional ceded contracts accounted for at fair value in 2009, compared to 2010.

Certain contracts we enter into and 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.

During 2010, we have allocated an increased amount of capital to our weather and energy risk management operations, and have offered certain new financial products within this group. Although there can be no assurances, it is possible that our results from these activities will increase on an absolute or relative basis over time.

Other Items

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses were $5.7 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to negative $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2009, with the variance primarily due to the recognition of a corporate insurance recovery during the third quarter of 2009.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $2.4 million to $6.2 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2009, primarily due to interest expense on the $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes which were issued by RRNAH on March 17, 2010.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

Income tax benefit (expense) increased $5.1 million to a benefit of $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to an expense of $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2009, due primarily to our U.S. operations incurring taxable losses during the third quarter of 2010.

 

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SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009

Summary Overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change        
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and ratios)                         

Gross premiums written

   $ 1,531,650      $ 1,655,886      $ (124,236  

Net premiums written

     1,071,639        1,153,304        (81,665  

Net premiums earned

     914,037        977,578        (63,541  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     252,350        191,587        60,763     

Acquisition expenses

     134,596        141,302        (6,706  

Operational expenses

     164,075        132,120        31,955     

Underwriting income

     363,016        512,569        (149,553  

Net investment income

     155,722        263,234        (107,512  

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     217,715        57,809        159,906     

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     (829     (21,201     20,372     

Net income

     711,752        781,637        (69,885  

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

     580,038        627,091        (47,053  

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted

   $ 10.04      $ 10.03      $ 0.01     

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     58.8     36.9     21.9  

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (31.2 %)      (17.3 %)      (13.9 %)   
                          

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     27.6     19.6     8.0  

Underwriting expense ratio

     32.7     28.0     4.7  
                          

Combined ratio

     60.3     47.6     12.7  
                          
     September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
    Change     %
Change
 

Book value per common share

   $ 60.57      $ 51.68      $ 8.89        17.2

Accumulated dividends per common share

     9.63        8.88        0.75        8.4
                          

Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends

   $ 70.20      $ 60.56      $ 9.64     
                          

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $580.0 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $627.1 million in the first nine months of 2009. Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per fully diluted common share was $10.04 for the first nine months of 2010, compared to $10.03 in the first nine months of 2009. The $47.1 million decrease in net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was primarily due to:

 

  •  

Lower Underwriting Income – our underwriting income decreased $149.6 million due to a $63.5 million decrease in net premiums earned, a $32.0 million increase in operational expenses and a $60.8 million increase in net claims and claim expenses. The increase in operational expenses was primarily due to an increase in our employee base which has increased our compensation and related operating expenses. Included in the current accident year net claims and claim expenses of $537.5 million are $183.5 million of claims and claim expenses incurred as a result of the Chilean earthquake and European windstorm Xynthia (“Xynthia”), both of which occurred in the first quarter of 2010, and $79.1 million of net claims and claim expenses incurred as a result of the New Zealand earthquake which occurred in the third quarter of 2010, as described in more detail below. In addition, claims and claim expenses include $285.1 million of favorable development on prior accident years due to reductions to our estimated ultimate losses in our catastrophe unit, combined with lower than expected loss emergence in our specialty unit and Insurance segment, as discussed below; and partially offset by

 

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  •  

Improved Investment Results – including a $159.9 million increase in net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments and a $20.4 million decrease in net other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by a $107.5 million decrease in net investment income, which collectively increased our net income by $72.8 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009. The increase in our investment results was primarily due to the contraction of credit spreads on our fixed maturity investments and higher average invested assets compared to the first nine months of 2009, and partially offset by lower returns on hedge fund and private equity investments and certain non-investment grade allocations which are included in other investments. The $159.9 million increase in net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments is due in part to the fact that during the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company started designating, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than available for sale, and as a result, $116.0 million of net unrealized gains on these securities are recorded in net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations in the first nine months of 2010 rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. 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 well as improving market conditions for our investments and the designation, upon acquisition of a significant portion of our fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than as available for sale; and

 

  •  

Lower Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe – our net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe decreased $22.8 million principally due to a reduction in DaVinciRe’s underwriting income, due to an increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses primarily due to the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake, which also impacted DaVinciRe and decreased its net income in the first nine months of 2010, and consequently decreased redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe, combined with an increase in our ownership of DaVinciRe to 41.2% for the first nine months of 2010, compared to 38.2% in the first nine months of 2009.

Book value per common share increased $8.89 to $60.57 at September 30, 2010, compared to $51.68 at December 31, 2009. Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends increased $9.64 to $70.20 at September 30, 2010, compared to $60.56 at December 31, 2009. The 17.2% growth in book value per common share was driven by comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $594.1 million for the first nine months of 2010, and partially offset by $42.4 million and $31.7 million of common and preferred dividends, respectively, declared and paid during the first nine months of 2010. Book value per common share was also impacted by prior period common share repurchases, including no common share repurchases in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $411.3 million of common shares repurchased in the first nine months of 2010.

Underwriting Results

In the first nine months of 2010, we generated $363.0 million of underwriting income, compared to $512.6 million in the first nine months of 2009. We had a net claims and claim expense ratio of 27.6%, an underwriting expense ratio of 32.7% and a combined ratio of 60.3%, in the first nine months of 2010, compared to a net claims and claim expense ratio, underwriting expense ratio and a combined ratio of 19.6%, 28.0% and 47.6%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2009.

Gross premiums written decreased $124.2 million, or 7.5%, to $1,531.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $1,655.9 million in the first nine months of 2009. The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to less favorable pricing and terms experienced in our catastrophe unit during the January and June 2010 reinsurance renewals compared to the 2009 renewals as gross premiums written in the unit decreased $125.8 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009. The market conditions in our catastrophe unit were principally driven by softening market conditions as a result of the comparably low level of insured catastrophe losses in 2009, combined with the improved capital position of many participants in the (re)insurance industry. In addition, the Company’s decrease in catastrophe gross premiums written for the first nine months of 2010 reflects $41.8 million of gross premiums written on behalf of our fully-collateralized property catastrophe joint venture, Tim Re II, during the second quarter of 2009 that did not recur in 2010. Excluding the impact of $35.2 million of reinstatement premiums written and earned in the first nine months of 2010 as a direct result of the net claims and claim expenses incurred from the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake, our Reinsurance segment gross premiums written declined $93.1 million, or 7.6%. Our specialty reinsurance premiums increased $10.4 million, or 11.2%, to $103.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $93.3 million in the first nine months of 2009. Gross premiums written in our Insurance segment decreased $48.4 million, or 10.8%, to $398.8 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $447.2 million in the first nine months of 2009. As discussed in more detail below, the decrease in gross premiums written in our Insurance segment was primarily due to our commercial multi-line, commercial property and personal lines property lines of business decreasing due to softening market conditions and our decision to reduce our participation on certain programs. As discussed in more detail below, the increase in gross premiums written in our specialty unit was primarily due to the inception of several new contracts and the negative impact during the second quarter of 2009 related to the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a catastrophe exposed homeowners personal lines property quota share contract.

 

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Net premiums written decreased $81.7 million in the first nine months of 2010 to $1,071.6 million, from $1,153.3 million in the first nine months of 2009, due to the decrease in gross premiums written noted above, and a $42.6 million increase in ceded premium written in the first nine months of 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009. Net premiums earned decreased $63.5 million to $914.0 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $977.6 million in the first nine months of 2009.

Net claims and claim expenses incurred increased by $60.8 million to $252.4 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $191.6 million in the first nine months of 2009, due to higher current accident year losses and partially offset by an increase in favorable development on prior years reserves. Insured losses from catastrophes were significantly higher in the first nine months of 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009, specifically as a result of the impact of the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake which occurred in the first nine months of 2010 and impacted our Reinsurance segment results, as discussed in more detail below. As a result, our current accident year net claims and claim expenses increased to $537.5 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $361.0 million in the first nine months of 2009. We experienced $285.1 million of favorable development on prior year reserves in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $169.4 million of favorable development in the first nine months of 2009, including $220.5 million attributable to our Reinsurance segment and $64.6 million to our Insurance segment, as discussed in more detail below.

Net Impact of the Chilean Earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand Earthquake

We recorded $196.5 million of net negative impact from the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia, and the New Zealand earthquake, in the first nine months of 2010. Net negative impact includes the sum of estimates of net claims and claim expenses incurred, earned reinstatement premiums assumed and ceded, lost profit commissions, redeemable noncontrolling interest and for the New Zealand earthquake, equity in net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re. Our estimates of losses from these events are based on initial industry insured loss estimates, market share analysis, the application of our modeling techniques, and a review of our in-force contracts. Given the preliminary nature of the information available, inadequacies in the data provided thus far by industry participants and the potential for further reporting lags or insufficiencies, particularly in respect of the Chilean earthquake, the magnitude and relatively recent occurrence of the events, the expected duration of the claims development period, in particular for the Chilean and New Zealand earthquakes, and other factors and uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events and our actual ultimate net losses from these events will vary from these estimates, perhaps materially so. Changes in these estimates will be recorded in the period in which they occur.

 

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The following is supplemental financial data regarding the net financial statement impact on our consolidated results for the first nine months of 2010 due to the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake:

 

     Nine months ended September 30, 2010  
(in thousands of United States dollars)    Chilean
Earthquake
    Xynthia     New Zealand
Earthquake
    Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (159,516   $ (23,941   $ (79,072   $ (262,529

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     27,000        2,679        5,524        35,203   

Lost profit commissions

     (6,617     (854     (6,633     (14,104
                                

Net impact on underwriting result

     (139,133     (22,116     (80,181     (241,430

Equity in losses of Top Layer Re

     —          —          (12,051     (12,051

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     32,934        5,356        18,642        56,932   
                                

Net negative impact

   $ (106,199   $ (16,760   $ (73,590   $ (196,549
                                

Impact on combined ratio

     16.9     2.5     9.1     29.1

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, specialty unit and Lloyd’s unit underwriting results and ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Reinsurance segment overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Gross premiums written (1)

   $ 1,163,089      $ 1,221,035      $ (57,946
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 846,089      $ 852,970      $ (6,881
                        

Net premiums earned

     683,929        656,143        27,786   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     159,121        (40,132     199,253   

Acquisition expenses

     70,746        57,321        13,425   

Operational expenses

     110,856        98,265        12,591   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 343,206      $ 540,689      $ (197,483
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 379,605      $ 143,636      $ 235,969   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (220,484     (183,768     (36,716
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 159,121      $ (40,132   $ 199,253   
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     55.5     21.9     33.6

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (32.2 %)      (28.0 %)      (4.2 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     23.3     (6.1 %)      29.4

Underwriting expense ratio

     26.5     23.7     2.8
                        

Combined ratio

     49.8     17.6     32.2
                        

 

(1) Reinsurance gross premiums written includes $30.3 million and $12.4 million of premiums assumed from the Insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Reinsurance Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment decreased by $57.9 million, or 4.7%, to $1,163.1 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $1,221.0 million in the first nine months of 2009, primarily due to a decrease in gross premiums written in our catastrophe unit, which was impacted by reduced pricing on the January and June 2010 reinsurance renewals, and by the additional premium written by Tim Re II in the second quarter of 2009 that did not recur in 2010, as noted above. In addition, excluding the impact of $35.2 million of reinstatement premiums written and earned in the first nine months of 2010 as a direct result of the net claims and claim expenses incurred from the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake, our Reinsurance segment premiums declined $93.1 million, or 7.6%. Our Reinsurance segment premiums are prone to significant volatility due to the timing of contract inception and also due to the business being characterized by a relatively small number of relatively large transactions.

Reinsurance Segment Underwriting Results – Our Reinsurance segment generated $343.2 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $540.7 million in the first nine months of 2009, a decrease of $197.5 million. The decrease in underwriting income was primarily due to an increase in net claims and claim expenses of $199.3 million, partially offset by an increase in net premiums earned as a result of net reinstatement premiums written and earned related to the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake, as discussed below. In the first nine months of 2010, our Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expenses ratio of 23.3%, an underwriting expense ratio of 26.5% and a combined ratio of 49.8%, compared to negative 6.1%, 23.7% and 17.6%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2009. Current accident year losses of $379.6 million in the first nine months of 2010 were up $236.0 million from $143.6 million in the first nine months of 2009, principally due to the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake, as detailed in the table below.

 

     Nine months ended September 30, 2010  
(in thousands of United States dollars)    Chilean
Earthquake
    Xynthia     New Zealand
Earthquake
    Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (159,516   $ (23,941   $ (79,072   $ (262,529

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     27,000        2,679        5,524        35,203   

Lost profit commissions

     (6,617     (854     (6,633     (14,104
                                

Net impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (139,133   $ (22,116   $ (80,181   $ (241,430
                                

Impact on Reinsurance segment combined ratio

     23.2     3.4     12.2     39.9

During the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, our Reinsurance segment experienced favorable development on prior year reserves of $220.5 million and $183.8 million, respectively. Included in the favorable development on prior year reserves in the first nine months of 2010 were $111.9 million and $108.4 million attributable to our specialty unit and catastrophe unit, respectively. The favorable development in our specialty unit in the first nine months of 2010 was associated with actuarial assumption changes of $31.4 million made in the first quarter of 2010, principally in our casualty clash and surety lines of business primarily as a result of revised initial expected loss ratios and loss development factors due to actual experience coming in better than expected, and partially offset by an increase in reserves within our workers compensation per risk line of business; $19.6 million due to a decrease in case reserves and additional case reserves, which are reserves established at the contract level for specific losses or large events; and $60.9 million due to actual reported losses coming in lower than expected in the current quarter on prior accident years events. In addition, the favorable development in our catastrophe unit for the first nine months of 2010 was primarily due to reductions in the estimated ultimate losses of mature, large, mainly international catastrophe events as a result of a review conducted during the second quarter of 2010 combined with decreases in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific catastrophe events as a result of lower than expected claims emergence, as discussed in detail below. 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.

 

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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 $37.4 million and $55.7 million for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and resulted in a corresponding decrease to the Reinsurance segment underwriting expense ratio of 5.5% and 8.5% for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, 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 $62.7 million and $96.4 million for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Catastrophe

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our catastrophe unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Catastrophe overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Property catastrophe gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 633,353      $ 724,131      $ (90,778

DaVinci

     368,587        403,595        (35,008
                        

Total property catastrophe gross premiums written (1)

   $ 1,001,940      $ 1,127,726      $ (125,786
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 693,889      $ 765,728      $ (71,839
                        

Net premiums earned

     562,938        543,739        19,199   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     180,652        (52,300     232,952   

Acquisition expenses

     53,016        37,377        15,639   

Operational expenses

     75,309        74,738        571   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 253,961      $ 483,924      $ (229,963
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 289,100      $ 75,047      $ 214,053   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (108,448     (127,347     18,899   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 180,652      $ (52,300   $ 232,952   
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     51.4     13.8     37.6

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (19.3 %)      (23.4 %)      4.1
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     32.1     (9.6 %)      41.7

Underwriting expense ratio

     22.8     20.6     2.2
                        

Combined ratio

     54.9     11.0     43.9
                        

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written ceded from the Insurance segment to the Catastrophe unit of $10.1 million and $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the first nine months of 2010, our catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written decreased by $125.8 million, or 11.2%, to $1,001.9 million, compared to the first nine months of 2009. The decrease was principally due to less favorable pricing and terms for the January and June 2010 reinsurance renewals, which resulted in us writing less business, as well as experiencing lower premium rates on our renewal business and by $41.8 million of premiums written by our fully-collateralized property catastrophe joint venture, Tim Re II, in the second quarter of 2009 that did not recur in 2010, as noted above. In addition, excluding the impact of $35.2 million of reinstatement premiums written and earned in 2010 as a direct result of the net claims and claim expenses incurred from the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake, our catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written declined $161.0 million or 14.3%. Our catastrophe reinsurance results have been increasingly impacted in recent periods by a relatively small number of comparably large transactions with significant clients.

 

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Catastrophe Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our catastrophe unit generated $254.0 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $483.9 million in the first nine months of 2009, a decrease of $230.0 million. The decrease in underwriting income was due primarily to a $233.0 million increase in net claims and claim expenses as a result of $255.0 million of net claims and claim expenses related to the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake and partially offset by a $19.2 million increase in net premiums earned. Net premiums earned in the first nine months of 2010 included $35.2 million of reinstatement premiums earned as a result of the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake.

The Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake added 47.3 percentage points to the catastrophe unit’s combined ratio for the first nine months of 2010 as detailed in the table below:

 

     Nine months ended September 30, 2010  
(in thousands of United States dollars)    Chilean
Earthquake
    Xynthia     New Zealand
Earthquake
    Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (152,016   $ (23,941   $ (79,072   $ (255,029

Net reinstatement premiums earned

     27,000        2,679        5,524        35,203   

Lost profit commissions

     (6,617     (854     (6,633     (14,104
                                

Net impact on catastrophe unit underwriting result

   $ (131,633   $ (22,116   $ (80,181   $ (233,930
                                

Impact on catastrophe unit combined ratio

     26.8     4.2     14.8     47.3

In the first nine months of 2010, our catastrophe unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 32.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 22.8% and a combined ratio of 54.9%, compared to negative 9.6%, 20.6% and 11.0%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2009. The increase in our underwriting expense ratio by 2.2 percentage points was driven by a $15.6 million increase in acquisition expenses, primarily as a result of lower profit commissions on ceded premiums earned as a result of the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake, as shown in the table above.

During the first nine months of 2010, we experienced $108.4 million of favorable development on prior year reserves due to reductions of $33.6 million to the estimated ultimate losses of mature, large, mainly international catastrophe events as a result of a review conducted during the second quarter of 2010, combined with reductions in net ultimate losses associated with the 2005 hurricanes of $19.8 million, the 2008 hurricanes of $5.1 million, European windstorm Klaus of $5.7 million and the 2004 hurricanes of $5.6 million, with the remainder due to a reduction in ultimate losses on a large number of relatively small catastrophes. 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).

 

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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, 2010 and 2009:

Specialty overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Specialty gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 101,201      $ 90,852      $ 10,349   

DaVinci

     2,538        2,457        81   
                        

Total specialty gross premiums written

   $ 103,739      $ 93,309      $ 10,430   
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 100,078      $ 87,242      $ 12,836   
                        

Net premiums earned

     83,411        112,404        (28,993

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (39,557     12,168        (51,725

Acquisition expenses

     10,048        19,944        (9,896

Operational expenses

     18,214        23,527        (5,313
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 94,706      $ 56,765      $ 37,941   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 72,303      $ 68,589      $ 3,714   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (111,860     (56,421     (55,439
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ (39,557   $ 12,168      $ (51,725
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     86.7     61.0     25.7

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (134.1 %)      (50.2 %)      (83.9 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     (47.4 %)      10.8     (58.2 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     33.9     38.7     (4.8 %) 
                        

Combined ratio

     (13.5 %)      49.5     (63.0 %) 
                        

Specialty Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the first nine months of 2010, our specialty reinsurance gross premiums written increased by $10.4 million, or 11.2%, to $103.7 million, compared to $93.3 million in the first nine months of 2009, due principally to the inception of several new contracts providing financial and credit reinsurance, and partially offset by the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a quota share program in mid-2009 that did not meet our expectations and was included as negative gross premiums written in the first nine months of 2009, but not in our gross premiums written for the first nine months of 2010. 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 $94.7 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $56.8 million in the first nine months of 2009, an increase of $37.9 million, primarily due to decreases of $51.7 million and $15.2 million in net claims and claim expenses and underwriting expenses, respectively, and partially offset by a $29.0 million decrease in net premiums earned. Current accident year losses in the first nine months of 2010 of $72.3 million were up $3.7 million from $68.6 million in the first nine months of 2009, and include $15.0 million of loss reserves established in the second quarter of 2010 associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil rig event. The $111.9 million of net favorable development in the first nine months of 2010 includes $31.4 million associated with actuarial assumption changes made in the first quarter of 2010, which decreased our reserve for claims and claim expenses, principally in our casualty clash and surety lines of business and partially offset by an increase in reserves within our workers compensation per risk line of business, principally as a result of revised initial expected loss ratios and loss development factors due to actual experience coming in better than expected; $19.6 million due to a decrease in case

 

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reserves and additional case reserves, which are reserves established at the contract level for specific losses or large events; and $60.9 million due to actual reported losses coming in lower than expected in the first nine months of 2010 on prior accident years events. During the first nine months of 2009, we experienced $56.4 million of favorable development on prior accident years primarily as a result of lower than expected reported claims on prior year reserves, specifically related to the 2005 through 2008 underwriting years. In the first nine months of 2010, our specialty reinsurance unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of negative 47.4%, an underwriting expense ratio of 33.9% and a combined ratio of negative 13.5%, compared to 10.8%, 38.7% and 49.5%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2009. The net claims and claim expense and combined ratios in the first nine months of 2010 were impacted by a $29.0 million decrease in net premiums earned, principally due to the non-renewal and portfolio transfer out of a catastrophe exposed homeowners personal lines property quota share contract, as discussed above, combined with a $55.4 million increase in favorable development on prior year reserves, as discussed above, and a $15.2 million decrease in underwriting expenses primarily due to lower net premiums earned and a reduction in allocated operating expenses.

Lloyd’s

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Lloyd’s unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2010:

Lloyd’s overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)       

Lloyd’s gross premiums written

  

Specialty

   $ 23,082   

Insurance

     20,130   

Catastrophe

     14,415   
        

Total Lloyd’s gross premiums written (1)

   $ 57,627   
        

Net premiums written

   $ 52,122   
        

Net premiums earned

     37,580   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     18,026   

Acquisition expenses

     7,682   

Operational expenses

     17,333   
        

Underwriting loss

   $ (5,461
        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 18,202   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (176
        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 18,026   
        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     48.4

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (0.4 %) 
        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     48.0

Underwriting expense ratio

     66.5
        

Combined ratio

     114.5
        

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written ceded from the Insurance segment to the Lloyd’s unit of $20.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

In 2009, we established Syndicate 1458, a Lloyd’s syndicate, to start writing certain lines of insurance and reinsurance business. The syndicate was established to enhance our underwriting platform by providing access to Lloyd’s extensive distribution network and worldwide licenses. Although Syndicate 1458 writes direct insurance as

 

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well as reinsurance, we manage this business as part of our reinsurance operations and include its results of operations within our Reinsurance segment. Our Lloyd’s unit results include Syndicate 1458, our corporate capital vehicle, RenaissanceRe CCL, prior to its inter-company cession of Syndicate 1458 business to Renaissance Reinsurance, and our managing agency, RSML. The results of our Lloyd’s unit were not significant in 2009; however, we expect its absolute and relative contributions to our consolidated results of operations to grow over time.

Lloyd’s Gross Premiums Written – In the first nine months of 2010, our Lloyd’s unit gross premiums written were $57.6 million, and include property catastrophe, specialty and insurance premiums written.

Lloyd’s Underwriting Results – Our Lloyd’s unit incurred an underwriting loss of $5.5 million and a combined ratio of 114.5% for the first nine months of 2010. Net claims and claim expenses for the first nine months of 2010 are comprised primarily of incurred but not reported loss activity in the specialty and insurance lines of business and $1.3 million of net claims and claim expenses related to the New Zealand earthquake. Operational expenses of $17.3 million principally include compensation and related operating expenses.

Insurance Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Insurance segment overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Crop

   $ 264,853      $ 264,442      $ 411   

Commercial multi-line

     76,857        81,155        (4,298

Commercial property

     36,617        64,001        (27,384

Personal lines property

     20,505        37,631        (17,126
                        

Gross premiums written

   $ 398,832      $ 447,229      $ (48,397
                        

Net premiums written

   $ 225,550      $ 300,334      $ (74,784
                        

Net premiums earned

   $ 230,108      $ 321,435      $ (91,327

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     93,229        231,719        (138,490

Acquisition expenses

     63,850        83,981        (20,131

Operational expenses

     53,219        33,855        19,364   
                        

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 19,810      $ (28,120   $ 47,930   
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 157,861      $ 217,350      $ (59,489

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior years

     (64,632     14,369        (79,001
                        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 93,229      $ 231,719      $ (138,490
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     68.6     67.6     1.0

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (28.1 %)      4.5     (32.6 %) 
                        

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     40.5     72.1     (31.6 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     50.9     36.6     14.3
                        

Combined ratio

     91.4     108.7     (17.3 %) 
                        

Insurance Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written generated by our Insurance segment decreased $48.4 million, or 10.8%, to $398.8 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $447.2 million in the first nine months of 2009. The decrease was primarily due to our prior decisions to terminate several program manager relationships and a commercial property quota share contract as a result of softening market conditions, resulting in reduced commercial property and personal lines property gross premiums written.

 

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Our Insurance 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.

Insurance Segment Underwriting Results – Our Insurance segment generated underwriting income of $19.8 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to incurring an underwriting loss of $28.1 million in the first nine months of 2009, an increase of $47.9 million. In the first nine months of 2010, our Insurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 40.5%, an underwriting expense ratio of 50.9% and a combined ratio of 91.4%, compared to 72.1%, 36.6% and 108.7%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2009.

The increase in underwriting income and decrease in our combined ratio was primarily due to a $138.5 million decrease in net claims and claim expenses, which was principally driven by $64.6 million of favorable development on prior year reserves in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $14.4 million of unfavorable development on prior year reserves in the first nine months of 2009, combined with a decrease of $59.5 million in current accident year losses to $157.9 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $217.4 million in the first nine months of 2009.

Ceded premiums written in our Insurance segment increased $26.4 million, to $173.3 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $146.9 million in the first nine months of 2009, primarily due to our decision to purchase additional reinsurance for our crop insurance line of business for the 2010 crop year. In addition, during the first nine months of 2010, our Insurance segment ceded $20.1 million of multi-peril crop insurance premiums to our Lloyd’s unit as part of an intercompany quota share agreement, which is eliminated upon consolidation. As a result of the $48.4 million decrease in gross premiums written in our Insurance segment, combined with the increase in ceded premiums written and earned, as discussed above, net premiums earned in our Insurance segment decreased $91.3 million in the first nine months of 2010, to $230.1 million, compared to $321.4 million in the first nine months of 2009.

The 14.3 percentage point increase in the underwriting expense ratio is primarily related to the decrease in net premiums earned, as noted above, as total underwriting expenses were relatively flat at $117.1 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $117.8 million in the first nine months of 2009. However, the composition of underwriting expenses changed during the first nine months of 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009, with a $20.1 million decrease in acquisition expenses, being offset by a $19.4 million increase in operational expenses. The decrease in acquisition expenses in the first nine months of 2010, compared with the first nine months of 2009, was primarily related to the increase in ceded premiums written during the first nine months of 2010, as noted above, which resulted in additional ceding commissions offsetting gross acquisition expenses, combined with the increase in the amount of crop insurance as a relative portion of the Insurance segment’s gross premiums written, as crop insurance generally has a lower acquisition expense ratio than other lines of business within the Insurance segment. The increase in operational expenses was primarily due to increased compensation and benefits-related costs as a result of the Company’s increased headcount, including higher allocated expenses, and a $6.8 million charge for impairing software related assets and recognizing severance benefits related to the Company’s decision in the first quarter of 2010 to discontinue a new initiative which was under development in 2009 and had yet to commence operations.

 

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Primarily during the first six months of 2010, we settled the majority of our outstanding claims associated with the 2009 crop year for our crop insurance business. Due primarily to better than expected yields on late harvested crops for the 2009 crop year, we experienced significantly better than expected results on the settlement of our crop claims and, as a result, we experienced $46.3 million of favorable loss development associated with our crop insurance business in the first nine months of 2010. This resulted in a net underwriting gain of $18.4 million in the first nine months of 2010 and decreased the Insurance segment’s combined ratio by 8.1 percentage points, after taking into consideration the fact that a portion of the underwriting gain was ceded to the FCIC, as discussed below. The $18.4 million underwriting gain includes $14.0 million and $4.4 million associated with our multi-peril crop insurance and crop hail lines of business, respectively. The multi-peril crop insurance is written through a government sponsored program. The Risk Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“RMA”) sponsors an insurance program that provides reinsurance for participating insurers, including our Company, for multi-peril crop insurance. The terms of the reinsurance agreement with the FCIC allow us to retain only a portion of any underwriting gain or loss experienced on multi-peril crop insurance policies issued in each state. These components are summarized below:

 

     Nine months ended September 30, 2010  

(in thousands of United States dollars)

   Insurance
Segment
excluding 2009
Crop Year
Impact
    2009 Crop
Year Impact (1)
    Insurance
Segment
 

Net premiums earned

   $ 257,952      $ (27,844   $ 230,108   

Net claims and claim expenses

     139,496        46,267        93,229   

Underwriting expenses

     117,069        —          117,069   
                        

Underwriting income

   $ 1,387      $ 18,423      $ 19,810   
                        

Combined ratio

     99.5     (8.1 %)      91.4
                        

 

(1) The 2009 Crop Year Impact includes the favorable development on net claims and claim expenses recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, combined with the resulting cession of a portion of the favorable development to the FCIC which is reflected as ceded premiums earned in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreement with the FCIC.

In comparison, during the first nine months of 2009, our Insurance segment experienced unfavorable development on prior year reserves of $14.4 million, 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 of 2009.

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 crop insurance 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 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, by type of crop and state, which losses will be ceded to the FCIC. Our estimate of net claims and claim expenses incurred for our 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

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 91,223      $ 123,261      $ (32,038

Short term investments

     7,211        8,097        (886

Other investments

      

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     33,215        8,096        25,119   

Other

     32,013        131,309        (99,296

Cash and cash equivalents

     204        632        (428
                        
     163,866        271,395        (107,529

Investment expenses

     (8,144     (8,161     17   
                        

Net investment income

   $ 155,722      $ 263,234      $ (107,512
                        

Net investment income was $155.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to net investment income of $263.2 million in the first nine months of 2009. The $107.5 million decrease in net investment income was principally driven by lower yields on our fixed income portfolios and lower total returns on certain non-investment grade allocations which we include in other investments. Net investment income for the first nine months of 2010 was impacted by increased average invested assets and a decrease in interest rates. 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 $21.0 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $71.5 million of net unrealized gains in the first nine months of 2009.

Declining interest rates in 2010 have 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 broadly reflect a reduced weighted average yield to maturity, and we expect that this will also impact our future net investment income.

Fixed Maturity Investments - Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gross realized gains

   $ 113,560      $ 91,370      $ 22,190   

Gross realized losses

     (11,880     (33,561     21,681   
                        

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments

   $ 101,680      $ 57,809      $ 43,871   

Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments, trading

     116,035        —          116,035   
                        

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

   $ 217,715      $ 57,809      $ 159,906   
                        

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     (831     (25,719     24,888   

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     2        4,518        (4,516
                        

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (829   $ (21,201   $ 20,372   
                        

During the fourth quarter of 2009, we started designating, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than as available for sale and, as a result, we recognized $116.0 million of net unrealized gains on these securities in our consolidated statement of operations for the first nine months of 2010. We currently expect to continue to designate, in future periods, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than as available for sale, and, as a result, we currently expect our fixed maturity investments available for sale balance to

 

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decrease and our fixed maturity trading balance to increase over time, resulting in a reduction in other-than-temporary accounting judgments we make. This change will over time result in additional volatility in our net income (loss) in future periods as net unrealized gains and losses on these fixed maturity investments will be recorded in net income (loss), rather than as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments were $101.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $57.8 million in the first nine months of 2009, an increase of $43.9 million, as a result of a $22.2 million increase in gross realized gains and a $21.7 million decrease in gross realized losses. Net other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings were $0.8 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $21.2 million for the first nine months of 2009. Net other-than-temporary impairments relate to our fixed maturity investments available for sale. Of the total other-than-temporary impairment charges in the first nine months of 2010, $0.8 million was recognized in earnings and includes $0.8 million for credit losses and $nil for investments we intend to sell, and $2 thousand 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 (Losses) Earnings of Other Ventures

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009      Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                    

Tower Hill Companies

   $ 1,181      $ 1,143       $ 38   

Top Layer Re

     (2,666     9,707         (12,373

Other

     61        649         (588
                         

Total equity in (losses) earnings of other ventures

   $ (1,424   $ 11,499       $ (12,923
                         

Equity in earnings of other ventures primarily represents our pro-rata share of the net (loss) income from our investments in the Tower Hill Companies and Top Layer Re. Equity in (losses) earnings of other ventures was $(1.4) million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $11.5 million in the first nine months of 2009. The $12.9 million decrease was primarily due to decreased earnings from our equity in losses of Top Layer Re of $2.7 million during the first nine months of 2010, as a result of Top Layer Re experiencing net claims and claim expenses related to the New Zealand earthquake.

The equity in earnings from the Tower Hill Companies is recorded one quarter in arrears.

Other (Loss) Income

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2010     2009     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gain on sale of ChannelRe

   $ 15,835      $ —        $ 15,835   

Mark-to-market on Platinum warrant

     8,987        (461     9,448   

Weather-related and loss mitigation

     (46     (8,352     8,306   

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits

     (249     (23,753     23,504   

Weather and energy risk management operations

     (7,057     24,916        (31,973

Other items

     960        2,623        (1,663
                        

Total other income (loss)

   $ 18,430      $ (5,027   $ 23,457   
                        

Our other income was $18.4 million in the first nine months of 2010, an improvement of $23.5 million, compared to an other loss of $5.0 million in the first nine months of 2009. We sold our entire ownership interest in ChannelRe, a financial guaranty reinsurance company, for $15.8 million in July 2010. We recorded other income of $15.8 million

 

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as a result of the sale. We no longer have an ownership interest in ChannelRe and have no contractual obligations to provide capital or other financial support to ChannelRe. In addition, the improvement in other income was attributable to: our assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits which improved $23.5 million primarily due to less ceded contracts accounted for at fair value in 2010 resulting in lower expenses for these contracts than in 2009; an improvement of $9.4 million related to the mark-to-market adjustment on our investment in the Platinum warrant due to an increase in Platinum’s share price from $38.29 to $43.52 during the first nine months of 2010; and an $8.3 million improvement in our weather-related and loss mitigation activities due to revised internal expense allocations; and partially offset by our weather and energy risk management operations which decreased $32.0 million, to a loss of $7.1 million, due to a combination of unusual weather patterns and less liquidity in the markets in which we operate.

Certain contracts we enter into and 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.

During 2010, we have allocated an increased amount of capital to our weather and energy risk management operations, and have offered certain new financial products within this group. Although there can be no assurances, it is possible that our results from these activities will increase on an absolute or relative basis over time.

Other Items

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses were $16.1 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $8.6 million for the first nine months of 2009, with the variance primarily due to the recognition of a corporate insurance recovery in the third quarter of 2009.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $3.4 million to $15.5 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $12.1 million in the first nine months of 2009, primarily due to the interest expense on the $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes which were issued by RRNAH on March 17, 2010.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

Income tax benefit (expense) improved by $7.0 million to a benefit of $3.2 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to an expense of $3.8 million in the first nine months of 2009, due primarily to our U.S. operations incurring losses during the first nine months of 2010.

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 decreased $22.8 million to $100.0 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $122.8 million in the first nine months of 2009, due to the decreased profitability of DaVinciRe. The change in net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling

 

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interest was driven by DaVinciRe generating lower underwriting income in the first nine months of 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009, related to the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake and by an increase in our ownership of DaVinciRe to 41.2% for the first nine months of 2010, compared to 38.2% in the first nine months of 2009.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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 subsidiaries is, under certain circumstances, limited under statutory regulations and insurance law, which require our insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. In addition, Bermuda regulations require approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) for any reduction of capital in excess of 15% of statutory capital, as defined in the Insurance Act. At September 30, 2010, the statutory capital and surplus of our Bermuda insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries was $3.3 billion, and the amount of capital and surplus required to be maintained was $565.3 million. During the first nine months of 2010, Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinciRe and the 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 $391.0 million, $176.4 million and $nil, respectively, compared with $645.7 million, $nil and $nil, respectively, during the first nine months of 2009.

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 are 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 are considered necessary to protect policyholders and creditors. At September 30, 2010, the estimated consolidated statutory capital and surplus of Stonington was $130.4 million. Because of an accumulated deficit in earned surplus from prior operations, Stonington cannot currently pay an ordinary dividend without TDI approval.

RenaissanceRe CCL and Syndicate 1458 are subject to regulation by the Council of Lloyd’s. Syndicate 1458 is also subject to regulation by the Financial Services Authority (the “FSA”) under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which are referred to as Funds at Lloyd’s, in an amount determined by Lloyd’s in relation to the member’s underwriting capacity. This amount is determined by Lloyd’s through application of a risk-based capital formula. At September 30, 2010, the Company maintained $74.3 million and £15.0 million as a Funds at Lloyd’s facility. In addition, the FSA requires Lloyd’s syndicates to satisfy an annual solvency test and to maintain solvency on a continuous basis, which Syndicate 1458 was in compliance with at September 30, 2010.

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. See “Capital Resources” section below.

Cash Flows and Liquidity

Cash flows provided by operating activities. Cash flows provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2010 were $496.4 million, which principally consisted of our net income of $711.8 million and an increase in our unearned premiums of $244.0 million, and partially offset by an increase in premiums receivable of $173.7 million, an increase in prepaid reinsurance premiums of $86.4 million and an adjustment for net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments of $217.7 million. As discussed under “Summary of Results of Operations for the nine

 

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months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009”, we generated positive underwriting income and improved investment results, which contributed to cash flows provided by operating activities. In addition, our claims and claim expenses, net, decreased $2.3 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to a decrease of $276.5 million in the first nine months of 2009, primarily as a result of $254.7 million of paid claims and claim expenses during the first nine months of 2010, and partially offset by $252.4 million of incurred claims and claim expenses, primarily as a result of the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the New Zealand earthquake. Cash flows provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2010 were primarily used to support our investing and financing activities, as discussed below.

Cash flows provided by investing activities. During the first nine months of 2010, our cash flows used in investing activities were $63.1 million, which principally reflects the investment of a portion of our operating cash flows in our fixed maturity portfolio combined with our decision to decrease our allocation to short term investments, and increase our allocation to fixed maturity investments, as a result of the continuing low interest rate environment. In the first nine months of 2010, we purchased $8.9 billion of fixed maturity investments trading, compared to $nil in the first nine months of 2009, as a result of our decision during the fourth quarter of 2009 to designate, upon acquisition, certain fixed maturity investments as trading, rather than as available for sale. In addition, cash flows provided by investing activities includes $15.8 million related to the sale of our entire ownership interest in ChannelRe in July 2010. As a result, we currently expect our fixed maturity investments available for sale balance to decrease and the fixed maturity trading balance to increase over time.

Cash flows used in financing activities. Our cash flows used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2010 were $367.8 million, principally comprised of the repurchase of $411.3 million of our common shares, the payment of $42.4 million and $31.7 million in dividends to our common and preferred shareholders, respectively, and the net repurchase of $131.4 million of DaVinciRe shares, partially offset by $249.0 million of net proceeds from the issuance of debt, as discussed in the “Capital Resources” section below.

We have generated cash flows from operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, significantly in excess of our operating commitments. However, 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 the Chilean and New Zealand earthquakes in the first nine months of 2010, and 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.

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”).

 

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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, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

At September 30, 2010

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

Catastrophe

   $ 201,704       $ 238,572       $ 250,899       $ 691,175   

Specialty

     93,732         81,587         358,368         533,687   

Lloyd’s

     190         8,651         8,196         17,037   
                                   

Total Reinsurance

     295,626         328,810         617,463         1,241,899   

Insurance

     151,458         6,044         306,938         464,440   
                                   

Total

   $ 447,084       $ 334,854       $ 924,401       $ 1,706,339   
                                   

At December 31, 2009

                           
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                            

Catastrophe

   $ 165,153       $ 148,252       $ 258,451       $ 571,856   

Specialty

     119,674         101,612         382,818         604,104   
                                   

Total Reinsurance

     284,827         249,864         641,269         1,175,960   

Insurance

     189,389         3,658         332,999         526,046   
                                   

Total

   $ 474,216       $ 253,522       $ 974,268       $ 1,702,006   
                                   

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 nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, changes to prior year estimated claims reserves increased our net income by $285.1 million and $169.4 million, respectively, excluding the consideration of changes in reinstatement premiums, 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 consolidated 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.

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.

 

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We recorded $586.3 million of gross claims and claim expenses incurred in 2008 as a result of losses arising from hurricanes Gustav and Ike which struck the U.S. in the third quarter of 2008. In the first quarter of 2010, we recorded $224.5 million of gross claims and claim expenses as a result of losses arising from the Chilean earthquake and Xynthia, and in the third quarter of 2010, we recorded $100.3 million of gross claims and claim expenses as a result of losses arising from the New Zealand earthquake. Our estimates of losses from these events, are based on factors including currently available information derived from the Company’s preliminary claims information from certain customers and brokers, industry assessments of losses from the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of our contracts. The uncertainty of our estimates for these 2010 events is additionally impacted by the preliminary nature of the information available, the magnitude and relative infrequency of the events, the expected duration of the respective claims development period and, particularly in respect of the Chilean earthquake, inadequacies in the data provided thus far by industry participants and the potential for further reporting lags or insufficiencies. Given the magnitude and relatively recent occurrence of these events, and the continuing uncertainty relating to the large storms of 2005, especially 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.

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, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
     Change  

Common shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,323,810       $ 3,190,786       $ 133,024   

Preference shares

     650,000         650,000         —     
                          

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,973,810         3,840,786         133,024   

5.875% Senior Notes

     100,000         100,000         —     

5.750% Senior Notes

     249,132         —           249,132   

RenaissanceRe revolving credit facility - borrowed

     —           —           —     

RenaissanceRe revolving credit facility - unborrowed

     150,000         345,000         (195,000

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

   $ 4,682,942       $ 4,495,786       $ 187,156   
                          

In the first nine months of 2010, our capital resources increased by $187.2 million, principally due to our comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $594.1 million and the issuance of $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes for $249.1 million during the second quarter of 2010. Partially offsetting the above increases to our capital resources was the renewal of the RenaissanceRe revolving credit facility with a commitment amount of $150.0 million, compared to the commitment amount of $345.0 million which had previously been in effect, $42.4 million of dividends on common shares, and $411.3 million of common share repurchases during the first nine months of 2010, none of which occurred in the third quarter of 2010 as discussed in more detail in “Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds”.

 

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Capital resources at September 30, 2010 have not changed materially compared to December 31, 2009, except as noted below.

5.75% Senior Notes

On March 17, 2010, RRNAH issued $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020, with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The notes, which are senior obligations, are guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and can be redeemed by RRNAH prior to maturity subject to payment of a “make-whole” premium. The documents governing the notes contain various covenants, including limitations on the ability of RRNAH and RenaissanceRe to merge, consolidate and transfer or lease their respective properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, as well as restrictions on RRNAH and RenaissanceRe relating to the disposition of the stock of designated subsidiaries and the creation of liens on the stock of designated subsidiaries.

RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility (“Credit Agreement”)

Effective April 22, 2010, RenaissanceRe entered into a revolving credit agreement with various financial institutions parties thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as fronting bank, letter of credit administrator and administrative agent for the lenders thereunder, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as syndication agent. The Credit Agreement replaced the third amended and restated credit agreement, dated as of April 9, 2009, which expired by its terms on March 31, 2010.

The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving commitment to RenaissanceRe of $150.0 million, including the issuance of letters of credit for the account of RenaissanceRe and RenaissanceRe’s insurance subsidiaries of up to $150.0 million and the issuance of letters of credit for the account of RenaissanceRe’s non-insurance subsidiaries of up to $50.0 million. RenaissanceRe has the right, subject to satisfying certain conditions, to increase the size of the facility to $250.0 million. The scheduled commitment maturity date of the Credit Agreement is April 22, 2013.

The Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants customary for bank loan facilities of this type. In addition to customary covenants which limit the ability of RenaissanceRe and its subsidiaries to merge, consolidate, enter into negative pledge agreements, sell, transfer or lease all or any substantial part of their respective assets, incur liens and declare or pay dividends under certain circumstances, the Credit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants. These financial covenants generally provide that consolidated debt to capital shall not exceed the ratio of 0.35:1 and that the consolidated net worth of RenaissanceRe and Renaissance Reinsurance shall equal or exceed $2.1 billion and $960.0 million, respectively. The foregoing net worth requirements are recalculated effective as of the end of each fiscal year, all as more fully set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility (“Bilateral Facility”)

Effective September 17, 2010, each of Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and Glencoe (collectively, the “Bilateral Facility Participants”), entered into a secured letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (“CEP”).

The Bilateral Facility provides a commitment from CEP to issue letters of credit for the account of one or more of the Bilateral Facility Participants and their respective subsidiaries in multiple currencies and in an aggregate amount of up to $300.0 million. The Bilateral Facility terminates on December 31, 2012 and is evidenced by a Facility Letter and three separate Master Agreements between CEP and each of the Bilateral Facility Participants, as well as certain ancillary agreements.

Under the Bilateral Facility, each of the Bilateral Facility Participants is severally obligated to pledge to CEP at all times during the term of the Bilateral Facility certain securities with a collateral value (as determined as therein provided) that equals or exceeds 100% of the aggregate amount of its then-outstanding letters of credit. In the case of an event of default under the Bilateral Facility with respect to a Bilateral Facility Participant, CEP may exercise certain remedies with respect to such Bilateral Facility Participants, including terminating its commitment to such Bilateral Facility Participants under the Bilateral Facility and taking certain actions with respect to the collateral pledged by such Bilateral Facility Participants (including the sale thereof). In the Facility Letter, each of Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and Glencoe makes, as to itself, representations and warranties that are customary for facilities of this type and severally agrees that it will comply with certain informational and other undertakings, including those regarding the delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements.

 

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DaVinciRe Revolving Credit Facility

Effective as of March 9, 2010, DaVinciRe and the other parties to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2006 (the “DaVinciRe Credit Agreement”), entered into Amendment No. 1 to the DaVinciRe Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment provided for the release of certain collateral that was previously pledged by DaVinciRe in support of its obligations under the DaVinciRe Credit Agreement and the pledge by DaVinci of other collateral in substitution for the released collateral.

Principal Letter of Credit Facility

Effective April 22, 2010, RenaissanceRe and its affiliates, Renaissance Reinsurance, Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, Glencoe Insurance Ltd. and DaVinci (such affiliates, collectively, the “Account Parties”), entered into a Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement with various banks and financial institutions parties thereto (collectively, the “Banks”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as issuing bank, administrative agent and collateral agent for the Banks, and certain other agents (the “Reimbursement Agreement”). The Reimbursement Agreement amended and restated in its entirety the Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2007.

The Reimbursement Agreement serves as the Company’s principal secured letter of credit facility and the commitments thereunder expire on April 22, 2013. The Reimbursement Agreement provides commitments from the Banks in an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion, which may be increased up to an amount not to exceed $1.5 billion, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Reimbursement Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants in respect of RenaissanceRe and the Account Parties and RIHL (referred to below) that are customary for facilities of this type, including customary covenants limiting the ability to merge, consolidate, sell, transfer or lease all or any substantial part of their respective assets. The Reimbursement Agreement also contains certain financial covenants that are customary for reinsurance and insurance companies in facilities of this type, which require RenaissanceRe and DaVinci to maintain a minimum net worth of $1.75 billion and $650.0 million, respectively. The foregoing net worth requirements are recalculated effective as of the end of each fiscal year, all as more fully set forth in the Reimbursement Agreement.

Under the Reimbursement Agreement, each Account Party is required to pledge eligible collateral having a value sufficient to cover all of its obligations under the Reimbursement Agreement, including reimbursement obligations for outstanding letters of credit issued for its account. Eligible collateral includes, among other things, redeemable preference shares issued to the Account Parties by Renaissance Investment Holdings Ltd. (“RIHL”), a subsidiary of RenaissanceRe. Each Account Party that pledges RIHL shares as collateral must maintain additional unpledged RIHL shares that have a net asset value at least equal to 15% of the outstanding RIHL shares pledged by such Account Party pursuant to the Reimbursement Agreement. In addition, RIHL shares having an aggregate net asset value equal to at least 15% of the net asset value of all outstanding RIHL shares must remain unencumbered.

Under the Second Amended and Restated RIHL Undertaking and Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2010, executed by RIHL in favor of the administrative agent on behalf of the Banks in connection with the Reimbursement Agreement (the “RIHL Agreement”), RIHL agrees, among other things, to guarantee payment of the obligations of the Account Parties under the Reimbursement Agreement on the terms and subject to the limitations more fully described in the RIHL Agreement.

Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facility

On April 26, 2010, Renaissance Reinsurance and CEP entered into an Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) in respect of its letter of credit facility with CEP which is evidenced by the Master Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2009, and provides for the issuance and renewal of letters of credit which are used to support business written by Syndicate 1458. Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, Renaissance Reinsurance has agreed to pledge to CEP at all times during the term of the Reimbursement Agreement certain securities with a collateral value equal to 100% of the aggregate amount of the then-outstanding letters of credit issued under the Reimbursement Agreement.

 

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Letters of Credit

At September 30, 2010, we had $611.6 million of letters of credit with effective dates on or before September 30, 2010 outstanding under the Reimbursement Agreement (defined above) and total letters of credit outstanding under all facilities of $753.4 million.

Guarantees

At September 30, 2010, RenaissanceRe has provided guarantees in the amount of $220.2 million to certain counterparties of the weather and energy risk operations of Renaissance Trading. In the future, RenaissanceRe 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, 2010, in accordance with the Shareholders Agreement, which provides shareholders, excluding RenaissanceRe, with certain redemption rights such as allowing each shareholder to notify DaVinciRe of such shareholder’s desire for DaVinciRe to repurchase up to half of their initial aggregate number of shares held, subject to certain limitations, as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. The repurchase notices submitted on or before March 1, 2010, were for shares of DaVinciRe with a GAAP book value of $86.5 million at September 30, 2010.

Investments

The table below shows the aggregate amounts of our invested assets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
     Change  

Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value

   $ 330,056       $ 3,559,197       $ (3,229,141

Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value

     4,490,081         736,595         3,753,486   
                          

Total fixed maturity investments, at fair value

     4,820,137         4,295,792         524,345   

Short term investments, at fair value

     884,787         1,002,306         (117,519

Other investments, at fair value

     792,377         858,026         (65,649
                          

Total managed investments portfolio

     6,497,301         6,156,124         341,177   

Investments in other ventures, under equity method

     79,976         97,287         (17,311
                          

Total investments

   $ 6,577,277       $ 6,253,411       $ 323,866   
                          

Our total investments at September 30, 2010 increased by $323.9 million from December 31, 2009, primarily as a result of our fixed maturity investments portfolio which increased by $524.3 million due to the investment of a portion of our operating cash flows generated during the first nine months of 2010, a reallocation of a portion of our short term investments to fixed maturity investments, and investment of a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.75% Senior Notes, as discussed above. Our common share repurchases and payment of our common share dividends during the first nine months of 2010 of $411.3 million and $42.4 million, respectively, partially offset the increase in our total investments, as discussed above. 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, 2010, our invested asset portfolio of fixed maturities and short term investments had a dollar weighted average rating of AA (December 31, 2009 – AA), an average duration of 3.0 years (December 31, 2009 – 2.6 years) and a weighted average yield to maturity of 1.7% (December 31, 2009 – 2.3%).

Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
     Change  

Private equity partnerships

   $ 310,296       $ 286,108       $ 24,188   

Senior secured bank loan funds

     168,309         245,701         (77,392

Catastrophe bonds

     159,752         160,051         (299

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

     78,848         75,891         2,957   

Hedge funds

     44,043         54,163         (10,120

Miscellaneous other investments

     31,129         36,112         (4,983
                          

Total other investments

   $ 792,377       $ 858,026       $ (65,649
                          

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 asset 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 $65.2 million of net investment income for the first nine months of 2010, compared to $139.4 million for the first nine months of 2009. Of this amount, $21.0 million relates to net unrealized gains compared with $71.5 million for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

We have committed capital to private equity partnerships and other entities of $672.7 million, of which $467.5 million has been contributed at September 30, 2010. Our remaining commitments to these funds at September 30, 2010 totaled $214.6 million. In the future, we may enter into additional commitments in respect of private equity partnerships or individual portfolio company investment opportunities.

 

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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, 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, 2010, 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 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These contractual obligations are considered by the Company when assessing its liquidity requirements. As of September 30, 2010, there are no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations as disclosed in the Company’s table of contractual obligations included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, except as noted below.

On March 17, 2010, RRNAH issued, and RenaissanceRe guaranteed, $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020, with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15. The notes can be redeemed by RRNAH 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.

In certain circumstances, our contractual obligations may be accelerated to dates other than those in the Company’s 2009 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 concerns that the U.S. economy or other key markets could enter a “double dip” recession generally persist, conditions have eased somewhat in the third quarter of 2010. In particular, certain key markets have shown signs of fiscal and macroeconomic stabilization. Nonetheless, we believe meaningful risk remains for continued uncertainty or disruptions in general economic conditions, including additional dislocations in the financial markets. Moreover, if economic growth continues, such growth may be only at a comparably suppressed rate for a relatively extended period of time. While many governments, including the U.S. federal government, took substantial steps in 2009 to stabilize economic conditions, these stabilizing efforts have been coming to an end or are currently scheduled to cease in coming periods. Their cessation, or the roll-back of stabilizing initiatives currently in place, could give rise to increased uncertainty, to a slowing of growth or even deterioration of economic conditions. If the current economic conditions persist at their current levels or decline, demand for the products sold by us or our customers or our overall ability to write business at risk-adequate rates could weaken. In addition, persistent low levels of economic activity could adversely impact other areas of our financial performance, such as by contributing to unforeseen premium adjustments, mid-term policy cancellations or commutations, or asset devaluation. Any of the foregoing or other outcomes of a prolonged period of economic weakness could adversely impact our financial results or position. In addition, during a period of extended economic weakness like the current one, we believe our consolidated credit risk, reflecting our counterparty dealings with customers, agents, brokers, retrocessionaires, capital providers and 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 costs related to our claims and claim expenses to increase, and impact the performance of our investment portfolio. The onset, duration and severity of an inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

 

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Our specialty reinsurance portfolio is also exposed to emerging risks arising from the ongoing economic weakness, including with respect to a potential increase of claims in directors and officers, errors and omissions, surety, casualty clash and other lines of business.

Following a relatively strong rebound in the financial markets during the first nine months of 2010, we currently continue to expect that 2010 will be characterized on a full-year basis by meaningful returns of capital, both by us and by participants in our industry more generally. 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.

Declining interest rates during 2010 have 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. In 2009 and the first nine months of 2010, our investment results benefited substantially from factors including spreads tightening and improving valuations at levels which we 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. Moreover, as we invest cash from new premiums written or reinvest the proceeds of invested assets that mature or that we choose to sell, the yield on our portfolio is comparably impacted by the prevailing environment of low yields. We expect the current volatile financial markets and challenging economic conditions to persist and we are unable to predict with certainty when conditions will substantially improve, or the pace of any such improvement.

Market Conditions and Competition

In 2009, U.S. coastal regions exposed to severe hurricane risk benefited from an unusually inactive year meteorologically in the Atlantic basin, which is often attributed to the El Nino effect. As a result, insured industry losses for 2009 were relatively benign, particularly in the Eastern and Southeastern U.S. This is in contrast to 2004, 2005 and 2008, for example, in which hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Wilma and Ike, among others, resulted in substantial insured property losses. While 2010 has proven to be an active year meteorologically, with only four other years since 1851 having the level of named Atlantic windstorm formation seen to date, thus far material tropical windstorms have not caused any significant insured losses in the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions. Accordingly, this period has continued the trend toward increasingly ample supplies of capital, impacted by recovery in the financial markets and in asset valuations, and a more positive perception of liquidity; decreasing demand, impacted by the same factors; and to a degree by exposure reduction. In addition, the competitive conditions in the markets we serve are believed to have been meaningfully impacted in 2009 by the U.S. federal government’s financing and backstopping of certain large market participants, which are deemed by many market observers and participants to have contributed to inadequate pricing conditions in respect of certain lines and coverages. We believe that the occurrence of the Chilean earthquake and windstorm Xynthia in the first half of this year, as well as the more recent New Zealand earthquake in the third quarter of 2010, did not fundamentally alter overall capital levels or market conditions (other than, potentially, in the specific regions impacted).

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, particularly those in regions or lines of insurance and reinsurance lacking significant catastrophe exposure, throughout the remainder of 2010 and into 2011. Among other things, increased capital levels and appetite for risk among primary insurance companies may continue to lead to increased retentions, impacting the reinsurance marketplace. Despite these possibilities, we believe that our strong relationships, and track record of superior claims paying ability 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.

 

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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 products over a relatively short period of time. In addition, changes in state-sponsored catastrophe funds, or residual markets, which have generally grown dramatically in 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 U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast region 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 comparably low level of weather-related losses incurred in 2009 and thus far in 2010, despite the active Atlantic basin to date, 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. At the same time, certain markets we target are currently being impacted by fundamental weakness experienced by primary insurers, due to the ongoing economic dislocation and, in many cases, inadequate primary insurance rate levels. These conditions, which occurred in a period characterized by unusually low insured catastrophic losses, have contributed to certain publicly announced instances of insolvency, regulatory supervision and other regulatory actions, and have weakened the ability of certain carriers to invest in reinsurance and other protections for coming periods, and in some cases to meet their existing premium obligations. It is possible that these dynamics will continue in future periods.

With respect to our Insurance segment, as noted above, market conditions in certain of the sectors in which we focus were adversely impacted by the expansive government financing of certain market participants, which may have contributed to inadequate pricing levels for a number of lines and coverages. 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 improving the quality of our portfolio if they do. We currently expect market conditions in the lines of primary insurance we target, including crop insurance, to remain very competitive throughout 2010, particularly for new business.

In addition, we continue to explore potential strategic transactions or 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 to improve the portfolio optimization of our business as a whole, the opportunity to enhance our strategy, an attractive estimated return on equity in respect of investments, the ability to develop or capitalize on a competitive advantage, and opportunities that will not detract from our core operations.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

In April 2010, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee approved H.R. 2555, titled “the Homeowners Defense Act,” by a vote of 39-26. Concurrently, the Financial Services Committee passed legislation 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) (this legislation, together with H.R. 2555, is referred to below as “the House Bills”). H.R. 2555 would, if enacted, provide for the creation of (i) a federal reinsurance catastrophe fund; (ii) a federal consortium to facilitate qualifying state residual markets and catastrophe funds in securing reinsurance; and (iii) a federal bond guarantee program for state catastrophe funds in qualifying state residual markets. While as of October 26, 2010 neither of the House Bills had been brought to a full floor vote, and it is currently unclear if or when the full House will consider the House Bills, House leadership and the sponsors of the House Bills have publicly continued to express support for this legislation and it remains possible it will be brought to a vote in the full House.

Throughout 2009 and into early 2010, Congress passed a series of short term extensions of the NFIP. In September 2010, Congress extended the program for a one year period; this extension is scheduled to expire September 30, 2011. According to public statements, both Congress and the Federal Emergency Management Agency plan to continue to explore the possibility of new legislation which might reshape the federal flood insurance program, perhaps substantially. Expansions or weakening of the NFIP program, or a failure to act on the expiring current program in a timely fashion, particularly if unanticipated by industry participants, could have dislocating impacts on the industry and our customers and potentially have an adverse impact on us.

 

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While the Senate has not yet enacted any of the legislation reflected in the House Bills (and has previously passed a competing version of the NFIP renewal bill which would not add wind to the program), supporters of the House Bills have expressed plans to reintroduce versions of this legislation in the future. If enacted, any of these bills, or legislation similar to these proposals, would, we believe, likely contribute to the growth of state entities offering below market priced insurance and reinsurance or to their inception or alteration in a manner adverse to us. While none of this legislation has been enacted to date, and although we believe such legislation will continue to be vigorously opposed, if enacted these bills would likely further erode the role of private market catastrophe reinsurers and could adversely impact our financial results, perhaps materially.

In 2007, the State of Florida enacted legislation to expand the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund’s (“FHCF”) provision of below-market rate reinsurance to up to $28.0 billion per season (the “2007 Florida Bill”). In May of 2009, the Florida legislature enacted Bill No. CS/HB 1495 (the “2009 Bill”), which will gradually phase out $12.0 billion in optional reinsurance coverage under the FHCF over the next five years, reducing the coverage amount to approximately $17.0 billion. The 2009 Bill will also increase the cost of the optional coverage, starting with an increase by a factor of two in the 2009-2010 season, and raising costs by a factor of one in each succeeding year until the phase-out is complete. The 2009 Bill similarly allows the state-sponsored property insurer, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”), to raise its rates up to 10% starting in 2010 and every year thereafter, until such time that it has sufficient funds to pay its claims and expenses. For 2010, the approved rate increase is approximately 5%. The rate increases and cut back on coverage by FHCF and Citizens will allow for an increased role of the private insurers in Florida, a market in which we have established substantial market share. This legislation may, however, take several years to have a significant effect on the private market; moreover, its impact may not be sufficient to restore stability to the Florida market in light of certain trends that are adversely impacting the stability of local market participants, such as practices and findings relating to sinkhole claims, and the statutes of limitations on alleged windstorm claims from prior accident years.

We believe the 2007 Florida Bill caused a substantial decline in the private reinsurance and insurance markets in and relating to Florida, and contributed to the decline in our property catastrophe gross premiums written in 2008 and 2007 as compared to 2006. The 2007 Florida Bill and other regulatory actions over this period may have contributed to instability in the Florida primary insurance market, where many insurers reported substantial and continuing losses in 2009 and to date in 2010, each unusually low catastrophe years. Because of our position as one of the largest providers of catastrophe-exposed coverage, both on a global basis and in respect of the Florida market, the 2007 Florida Bill and the weakened financial position of Florida insurers may have a disproportionate adverse impact on us compared to other reinsurance market participants. In addition, it is possible that other regulatory or legislative changes in, or impacting Florida could affect our ability to sell certain of our products and could therefore have a material adverse effect on our operations.

In July 2009, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal introduced H.R. 3424 (the “Neal Bill”), which provides that foreign insurers and reinsurers would be capped in deducting reinsurance premiums ceded from U.S. units to offshore affiliates. The Neal 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 first quarter of 2010, the current administration released its 2010 initial budget, which included a proposal to raise revenue by enacting increased taxation on international reinsurance via means which appeared to have similarities with the Neal Bill. In the second quarter of 2010, the House Ways and Means Committee conducted hearings related to the Neal Bill and is reported to be considering legislation that would adversely affect reinsurance between affiliates and offshore insurance and reinsurance more generally. 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.

 

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In July 2010, the RMA adopted several changes to the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (the “SRA”), which governs substantial elements of the Federal multi-peril crop insurance program in which we participate. The changes have the effect of significantly reducing the administrative and operating support provided to participating insurers and, ultimately, agents. We cannot at this time precisely quantify the degree of impact of these changes, as, for example, the ultimate impact on the market of the relative cost increases shifting on and amongst insurers, agents and insureds or others is still fluid and developing. We cannot assure you that our efforts to compete effectively in light of the revised SRA will succeed.

The U.S. Congress and the current administration have made, or called for consideration of, several additional proposals relating to a variety of issues with respect to financial regulation reform, including regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives market, the establishment of a single-state system of licensure for U.S. and foreign reinsurers, executive compensation and others. One of those initiatives, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), was signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act represents a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the United States, establishes the new federal Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “BCFP”), and will require the BCFP and other federal agencies to implement many new rules. At this time, it is difficult to predict the extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act or the resulting regulations will impact the Company’s business. However, compliance with these new laws and regulations will result in additional costs, which may adversely impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Although we do not expect these costs to be material to the Company as a whole, we cannot assure you this expectation will prove accurate or that the Dodd-Frank Act will not impact our business more adversely than we currently estimate.

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, 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 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;

 

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  •  

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;

 

  •  

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 the successful consummation of potential strategic transactions, including the risks that we are unable to complete such transactions, and the risk that consummated transactions, if any, fail to materially enhance our financial results or position or to further our strategy;

 

  •  

the inherent uncertainties in our reserving process, including those related to the 2005, 2008 and first and third quarter 2010 catastrophes, which uncertainties we believe are increasing as we diversify into new product classes;

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

risks relating to adverse legislative developments including the risk of passage of the House Bills; the risk of new legislation in Florida continuing to expand the reinsurance coverages offered by the FHCF and the insurance policies written by state-sponsored Citizens, or failing to reduce such coverages or implementing new programs which reduce the size of the private market; and the risk that new, state-based or federal legislation will be enacted and adversely impact us;

 

  •  

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, or increasing the taxation of business ceded to us;

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

the risk that there could be regulatory 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;

 

  •  

the risk that the changes to the SRA promulgated by the RMA adversely effect the financial terms under which our Insurance segment participates in the federal multi-peril crop insurance program to a degree that is material to our operations, our agents, or the market as a whole;

 

  •  

we are exposed to the risk that our customers may fail to make premium payments due to us (a risk that has increased in certain of our key markets), as well as the risk of 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, which risks we believe continue to be heightened as a result of the current period of economic weakness and the continuing prevalence of risk inadequate rates in Florida;

 

  •  

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 current period of economic weakness, which could cause us to underestimate our exposures and potentially adversely impact our financial results;

 

  •  

risks associated with the continuing weakness and potential weakening in business and economic conditions, specifically 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 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;

 

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  •  

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 current period of economic weakness;

 

  •  

risks due to our dependence on a few insurance and reinsurance brokers for the preponderance 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, including as a result of the merger of AON Corporation and Benfield Group Limited;

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

we are exposed to counterparty credit risk, including with respect to reinsurance brokers, customers, agents, retrocessionaires, capital providers and parties associated with our investment portfolio, energy trading business, and premiums and other receivables owed to us, which risks we believe continue to be heightened as a result of the current period of economic weakness;

 

  •  

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 senior officers, or difficulties associated with the transition of new members of our senior management team;

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

risks that the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely impact our business;

 

  •  

we operate in a highly competitive environment, which we expect to increase over time 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;

 

  •  

operational risks, including system or human failures;

 

  •  

risks in connection with our management of third party capital;

 

  •  

changes in economic conditions, including interest rate, currency, 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 current period of economic weakness, both globally and in the U.S.;

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

risks that we may require additional capital in the future, particularly after a catastrophic event or to support potential growth opportunities in our business, which may not be available or may be available only on unfavorable terms;

 

  •  

risks associated with our increased allocation of capital to our weather and energy risk management operations and the possibility that the results of these operations do not meaningfully impact our financial results over time;

 

  •  

risks that certain of our new or potentially expanding business lines could have a significant negative impact on our financial results or cause significant volatility in our results for any particular period;

 

  •  

changes in insurance regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions in which we operate, including the risks that U.S. federal or state governments will take actions to diminish the size of the private markets in respect of the coverages we offer, the risk of potential challenges to the Company’s claim of exemption from insurance regulation under certain current laws and the risk of increased global regulation of the insurance and reinsurance industry;

 

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  •  

risks arising out of possible changes in the distribution or placement of risks due to increased consolidation of customers 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;

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

acts of terrorism, war or political unrest.

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, 2009 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, 2010, 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 three months ended September 30, 2010 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, 2009.

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

In our registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on June 14, 2010, we revised certain of the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, however, the Company does not believe the revisions to be material. The following represents an update to the risk factors previously identified.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) may adversely impact our business.

The U.S. Congress and the current administration have made, or called for consideration of, several additional proposals relating to a variety of issues with respect to financial regulation reform, including regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives market, the establishment of a single-state system of licensure for U.S. and foreign reinsurers, executive compensation and others. One of those initiatives, the Dodd-Frank Act, was signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act represents a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the United States, establishes the new federal Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “BCFP”), and will require the BCFP and other federal agencies to implement many new rules. At this time, it is difficult to predict the extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act or the resulting regulations will impact the Company’s business. However, compliance with these new laws and regulations will result in additional costs, which may adversely impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Although we do not expect these costs to be material to RenaissanceRe as a whole, we cannot assure you this expectation will prove accurate or that the Dodd-Frank Act will not impact our business more adversely than we currently estimate.

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 August 11, 2010, the Company approved an increase in its authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million, which remains fully available for share repurchases. 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 table below details the repurchases that were made under the program during the three months ended September 30, 2010, and also includes other shares purchased which represents withholdings from employees surrendered in respect of withholding tax obligations on the vesting of restricted stock, or in lieu of cash payments for the exercise price of employee stock options.

 

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     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

                     $ 375.1   

July 1 - 31, 2010

     —         $ —           —         $ —           —         $ —           —     

August 1 - 31, 2010

     5,311       $ 57.53         5,311       $ 57.53         —         $ —           —     

August 11, 2010 - increased authorized share repurchase program to $500.0 million

                       124.9   
                          

Dollar amount available to be repurchased

                       500.0   

September 1 - 30, 2010

     623       $ 57.97         623       $ 57.97         —         $ —           —     
                                            

Total

     5,934       $ 57.58         5,934       $ 57.58         —         $ —         $ 500.0   
                                            

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.

Item 3 — Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 5 — Other Information

None

Item 6 — Exhibits

 

  a. Exhibits:

 

10.1    Amendment No. 5 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (1)
10.2    Facility Letter, dated as of September 17, 2010, by and among Citibank Europe plc, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. and Glencoe Insurance Ltd. (2)
10.3    Insurance Letters of Credit – Master Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2010, by and between Citibank Europe plc and Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (2) (3)
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.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

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101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on August 13, 2010.
(2) Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 23, 2010.
(3) Other than with respect to parties, the respective Master Agreements between Citibank Europe plc and each of DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. and Glencoe Insurance Ltd. are identical to the form filed as Exhibit 10.3.

 

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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, 2010

 

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