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, 2011

OR

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File No. 001-14428

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Bermuda   98-014-1974

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

Renaissance House, 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 27, 2011 was 51,786,700.

Total number of pages in this report: 106

 

 

 


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, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2010

    3   
   

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September  30, 2011 and 2010

    4   
   

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

    5   
   

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

    6   
   

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September  30, 2011 and 2010

    7   
   

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

    8   
 

Item  2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    49   
 

Item 3 — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    103   
 

Item 4 — Controls and Procedures

    103   

Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

    104   
 

Item 1    — Legal Proceedings

    104   
 

Item 1A — Risk Factors

    104   
 

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

    104   
 

Item 3    — Defaults Upon Senior Securities

    105   
 

Item 5    — Other Information

    105   
 

Item 6    — Exhibits

    105   

Signatures — RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    106   

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

     September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (Unaudited)      (Audited)  

Assets

     

Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $3,671,728 and $3,859,442 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)

   $ 3,687,669       $ 3,871,780   

Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost $139,283 and $225,549 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)

     149,969         244,917   

Short term investments, at fair value

     1,557,937         1,110,364   

Equity investments trading, at fair value (Cost $47,996 at September 30, 2011)

     45,607         —     

Other investments, at fair value

     736,757         787,548   

Investments in other ventures, under equity method

     78,071         85,603   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     6,256,010         6,100,212   

Cash and cash equivalents

     235,058         277,738   

Premiums receivable

     695,163         322,080   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     164,547         60,643   

Reinsurance recoverable

     434,553         101,711   

Accrued investment income

     34,237         34,560   

Deferred acquisition costs

     71,225         35,648   

Receivable for investments sold

     33,791         99,226   

Other secured assets

     —           14,250   

Other assets

     176,114         205,373   

Goodwill and other intangibles

     14,230         14,690   

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

     2,481         872,147   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 8,117,409       $ 8,138,278   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities

     

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

   $ 2,226,005       $ 1,257,843   

Unearned premiums

     623,596         286,183   

Debt

     349,224         549,155   

Reinsurance balances payable

     317,627         318,024   

Payable for investments purchased

     233,282         195,383   

Other secured liabilities

     —           14,000   

Other liabilities

     174,424         222,310   

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale

     9,098         598,511   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,933,256         3,441,409   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

     

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     633,112         757,655   

Shareholders’ Equity

     

Preference shares

     550,000         550,000   

Common shares

     51,787         54,110   

Additional paid-in capital

     9,331         —     

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     11,092         19,823   

Retained earnings

     2,925,604         3,312,392   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe

     3,547,814         3,936,325   

Noncontrolling interest

     3,227         2,889   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,551,041         3,939,214   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities, noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity

   $ 8,117,409       $ 8,138,278   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
 

Revenues

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 139,938      $ 111,543      $ 1,392,006      $ 1,134,094   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 103,010      $ 82,307      $ 983,580      $ 818,800   

Decrease (increase) in unearned premiums

     126,214        130,048        (231,640     (143,621
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     229,224        212,355        751,940        675,179   

Net investment (loss) income

     (27,940     59,570        65,669        151,452   

Net foreign exchange losses

     (2,650     (529     (6,511     (12,480

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

     4,794        (6,740     (13,831     (1,424

Other (loss) income

     (2,015     25,021        42,963        15,088   

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

     16,983        92,342        46,748        210,593   

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     (498     —          (498     (831

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     49        —          49        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     (449     —          (449     (829
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     217,947        382,019        886,529        1,037,579   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

        

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     77,830        77,936        857,628        156,473   

Acquisition expenses

     26,057        26,143        72,275        76,158   

Operational expenses

     42,169        36,970        126,298        120,160   

Corporate expenses

     3,582        5,590        9,657        15,392   

Interest expense

     5,722        6,164        17,647        15,526   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     155,360        152,803        1,083,505        383,709   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

     62,587        229,216        (196,976     653,870   

Income tax benefit

     1,435        2,399        3,260        6,320   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     64,022        231,615        (193,716     660,190   

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

     (965     21,234        (12,585     51,562   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     63,057        252,849        (206,301     711,752   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (5,044     (37,524     58,545        (99,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

     58,013        215,325        (147,756     611,763   

Dividends on preference shares

     (8,750     (10,575     (26,250     (31,725
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 49,263      $ 204,750      $ (174,006   $ 580,038   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - basic

   $ 0.98      $ 3.33      $ (3.19   $ 9.21   

(Loss) income from discontinued operations (attributable) available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - basic

     (0.02     0.40        (0.25     0.92   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 0.96      $ 3.73      $ (3.44   $ 10.13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted (1)

   $ 0.97      $ 3.31      $ (3.19   $ 9.12   

(Loss) income from discontinued operations (attributable) available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted (1)

     (0.02     0.39        (0.25     0.92   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 0.95      $ 3.70      $ (3.44   $ 10.04   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends per common share

   $ 0.26      $ 0.25      $ 0.78      $ 0.75   

 

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

See accompanying notes to the 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, 2011 and 2010

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
 

Preference shares

    

Balance - January 1

   $ 550,000      $ 650,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

     550,000        650,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common shares

    

Balance - January 1

     54,110        61,745   

Repurchase of shares

     (2,655     (7,417

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock and awards

     332        547   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

     51,787        54,875   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

    

Balance - January 1

     —          —     

Repurchase of shares

     546        (17,979

Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     (305     5,009   

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock and awards

     9,090        18,810   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

     9,331        5,840   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    

Balance - January 1

     19,823        41,438   

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

     (8,682     (17,662

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

     (49     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

     11,092        23,774   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Retained earnings

    

Balance - January 1

     3,312,392        3,087,603   

Net (loss) income

     (206,301     711,752   

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     58,545        (99,989

Repurchase of shares

     (172,683     (385,939

Dividends on common shares

     (40,099     (42,381

Dividends on preference shares

     (26,250     (31,725
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

     2,925,604        3,239,321   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest

     3,227        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,551,041      $ 3,973,810   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
 

Comprehensive income (loss)

        

Net income (loss)

   $ 63,057      $ 252,849      $ (206,301   $ 711,752   

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

     (6,890     (1,979     (8,688     (21,086

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

     (49     —          (49     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     56,118        250,870        (215,038     690,664   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (5,044     (37,524     58,545        (99,989

Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          3,600        6        3,424   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     (5,044     (33,924     58,551        (96,565
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

   $ 51,074      $ 216,946      $ (156,487   $ 594,099   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Disclosure regarding net unrealized gains

        

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

   $ (4,320   $ 16,731      $ (3,418   $ 58,347   

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale

     (3,019     (15,110     (5,713     (76,838

Net other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings

     449        —          449        829   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ (6,890   $ 1,621      $ (8,682   $ (17,662
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

(in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

    

Net (loss) income

   $ (206,301   $ 711,752   

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities

    

Amortization, accretion and depreciation

     27,040        40,026   

Equity in undistributed losses of other ventures

     14,552        14,956   

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     (46,748     (217,715

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     449        829   

Net unrealized gains included in net investment (loss) income

     (16,018     (21,005

Net unrealized losses included in other (loss) income

     1,542        18,856   

Change in:

    

Premiums receivable

     (373,083     (173,722

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     (103,904     (86,420

Reinsurance recoverable

     (332,842     (6,678

Deferred acquisition costs

     (35,577     (18,436

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

     968,162        4,333   

Unearned premiums

     337,413        244,022   

Reinsurance balances payable

     (397     (17,057

Other

     (39,802     2,700   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     194,486        496,441   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

    

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading

     4,771,628        5,418,604   

Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading

     (4,353,649     (8,939,654

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale

     97,302        3,666,224   

Purchases of fixed maturity investments available for sale

     (4,092     (402,524

Purchases of equity investments trading

     (47,996     —     

Net (purchases) sales of short term investments

     (535,055     117,519   

Net sales of other investments

     26,878        86,049   

Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures

     (21,000     13,835   

Net sales of other assets

     58,568        2,730   

Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations held for sale

     269,520        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     262,104        (37,217
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows used in financing activities

    

Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares

     (40,099     (42,381

Dividends paid - preference shares

     (26,250     (31,725

RenaissanceRe common share repurchases

     (174,792     (411,335

Third party DaVinciRe share transactions

     (59,357     (131,370

Net repayment of debt

     (200,000     —     

Issuance of 5.75% Senior Notes

     —          249,046   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (500,498     (367,765
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     1,228        (400
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (42,680     91,059   

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations

     —          (46,051

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     277,738        203,112   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 235,058      $ 248,120   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the 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. Except as discussed in “Note 3. Discontinued Operations,” and unless otherwise noted, the notes to the consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s continuing operations.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those 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 recoverables, including allowances for reinsurance recoverables deemed uncollectible, estimates of written and earned premiums, fair value, including the fair value of investments, financial instruments and derivatives, impairment charges and the Company’s net deferred tax asset.

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, 2010.

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 (loss) and shareholders’ equity of DaVinciRe. Renaissance Underwriting Managers, Ltd. (“RUM”), a wholly owned subsidiary, acts as exclusive underwriting manager for these joint ventures in return for fee-based income and profit participation.

 

  •  

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.

 

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  •  

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

 

  •  

On November 18, 2010, the Company entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with QBE Holdings, Inc. (“QBE”) to sell substantially all of its U.S.-based insurance operations including its U.S. property and casualty business underwritten through managing general agents, its crop insurance business underwritten through Agro National Inc. (“Agro National”), its commercial property insurance operations and its claims operations. At December 31, 2010, the Company classified the assets and liabilities associated with this transaction as held for sale. The financial results for these operations have been presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as “discontinued operations” for all periods presented. On March 4, 2011, the Company and QBE closed the transaction contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement. Refer to “Note 3. Discontinued Operations,” for more information. Insurance policies previously written in connection with the Company’s Bermuda-based insurance operations not sold to QBE are included in the Company’s continuing operations and are included in the Company’s Insurance segment.

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. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no changes to our significant accounting policies as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (“ASU 2010-26”), which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic Financial Services – Insurance. ASU 2010-26 modifies the definition of the types of costs that can be capitalized in relation to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts. The amended guidance requires costs to be incremental or directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal contracts in order to be capitalized as a deferred acquisition cost. Capitalized costs would include incremental direct costs, such as commissions paid to brokers. Additionally, the portion of employee salaries and benefits directly related to time spent for acquired contracts would be capitalized. Costs that fall outside the revised definition must be expensed when incurred. ASU 2010-26 will be effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 with prospective or retroactive application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impacts of the adoption of ASU 2010-26, but does not currently expect this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”), which amends FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2011-04 was issued to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements with the International Accounting Standards Board’s new International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 13, Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provides guidance about how fair value should be applied where it is already required or permitted under GAAP and requires enhanced disclosures covering all transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Additional disclosures covering Level 3 assets are also required. ASU 2011-04 will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impacts of the adoption of ASU 2011-04, but does not currently expect this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

 

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Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), which amends FASB ASC Topic Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with retroactive application required. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impacts of the adoption of ASU 2011-05, but does not currently expect this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, or its financial condition.

 

NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

U.S.-Based Insurance Operations

On November 18, 2010, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE to sell substantially all of its U.S.-based insurance operations, including its U.S. property and casualty business underwritten through managing general agents, its crop insurance business underwritten through Agro National, its commercial property insurance operations and its claims operations. At December 31, 2010, the Company classified the assets and liabilities associated with this transaction as held for sale and the assets and liabilities were recorded at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. The financial results for these operations have been presented as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.

Consideration for the transaction was book value at December 31, 2010, for the aforementioned businesses, payable in cash at closing and subject to adjustment for certain tax and other items. The transaction closed on March 4, 2011 and net consideration of $269.5 million was received by the Company.

Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company is subject to a post-closing review following December 31, 2011 of the net reserve for claims and claim expenses for loss events occurring on or prior to December 31, 2010 (the “Reserve Collar”). Subsequent to the post-closing review, the Company is liable to pay, or otherwise reimburse QBE amounts up to $10.0 million for net adverse development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses. Conversely, if prior accident years net claims and claim expenses experience net favorable development, QBE is liable to pay, or otherwise reimburse the Company amounts up to $10.0 million.

During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recognized a $10.0 million liability and corresponding expense related to the Reserve Collar. The $10.0 million represents the maximum amount payable under the Reserve Collar. No adjustments to the amount payable under the Reserve Collar were made during the three months ended September 30, 2011. The Company will continue to evaluate any favorable or adverse developments relating to the Reserve Collar quarterly pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE.

 

NOTE 4. 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.

 

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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:

 

0000000000 0000000000

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Premiums written

    

Direct

   $ 6,423      $ 1,466   

Assumed

     133,515        110,077   

Ceded

     (36,928     (29,236
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 103,010      $ 82,307   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premiums earned

    

Direct

   $ 5,262      $ 1,696   

Assumed

     342,019        294,567   

Ceded

     (118,057     (83,908
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 229,224      $ 212,355   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Claims and claim expenses

    

Gross claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 179,664      $ 95,312   

Claims and claim expenses recovered

     (101,834     (17,376
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 77,830      $ 77,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

0000000000 0000000000

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Premiums written

    

Direct

   $ 21,984      $ 5,545   

Assumed

     1,370,022        1,128,549   

Ceded

     (408,426     (315,294
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 983,580      $ 818,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premiums earned

    

Direct

   $ 11,777      $ 3,416   

Assumed

     1,043,311        909,806   

Ceded

     (303,148     (238,043
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 751,940      $ 675,179   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Claims and claim expenses

    

Gross claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 1,207,657      $ 201,691   

Claims and claim expenses recovered

     (350,029     (45,218
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 857,628      $ 156,473   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTE 5. 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. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic Earnings per Share, earnings per share calculations use average common shares outstanding – basic, when the Company is in a net loss position for the period.

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

Three months ended September 30,

  2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)            

Numerator:

   

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

  $ 49,263      $ 204,750   

Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)

    (911     (5,147
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 48,352      $ 199,603   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator (in thousands):

   

Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share -

   

Weighted average common shares

    50,501        53,467   

Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares

    472        498   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share -

   

Adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions

    50,973        53,965   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic income per RenaissanceRe common share

  $ 0.96      $ 3.73   

Diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share

  $ 0.95      $ 3.70   

 

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

 

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Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)             

Numerator:

    

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

   $ (174,006   $ 580,038   

Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)

     (761     (14,639
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (174,767   $ 565,399   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator (in thousands):

    

Denominator for basic (loss) income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Weighted average common shares

     50,830        55,804   

Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares

     —          495   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted (loss) income per RenaissanceRe common share -

    

Adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions (2)

     50,830        56,299   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic (loss) income per RenaissanceRe common share

   $ (3.44   $ 10.13   

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

   $ (3.44   $ 10.04   

 

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

 

NOTE 6. DIVIDENDS AND COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES

The Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe declared, and RenaissanceRe paid, a dividend of $0.26 per common share to shareholders of record on each of March 15, June 15 and September 15, 2011, respectively.

On May 18, 2011, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company’s authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full value of the shares authorized. The Company repurchased 2.7 million shares in open market transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2011, at an aggregate cost of $174.8 million and at an average share price of $65.84. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the three months ended June 30, 2011 and the three months ended September 30, 2011. 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 7. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has three reportable segments: Reinsurance, Lloyd’s and Insurance.

The Company’s Reinsurance operations are comprised of: 1) property catastrophe reinsurance, primarily written through Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci; 2) specialty reinsurance, primarily written through Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci; and 3) certain property catastrophe and specialty joint ventures, 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.

 

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The Company’s Lloyd’s segment includes reinsurance and insurance business written 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 the Company’s underwriting platform by providing access to Lloyd’s extensive distribution network and worldwide licenses and is managed by the Chief Underwriting Officer Lloyd’s. RenaissanceRe Corporate Capital (UK) Limited (“RenaissanceRe CCL”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the sole corporate member of Syndicate 1458.

The Company’s Insurance segment includes the operations of the Company’s former Insurance segment that were not sold pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE, as discussed in “Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation”. The Insurance segment is managed by the Global Chief Underwriting Officer. The Insurance business is written by Glencoe Insurance Ltd. (“Glencoe”). Glencoe is a Bermuda domiciled excess and surplus lines insurance company that is currently eligible to do business on an excess and surplus lines basis in 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The financial results of the Company’s strategic investments, weather and energy risk management operations and noncontrolling interests 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, investments unit, corporate expenses and capital servicing costs.

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

A summary of the significant components of the Company’s revenues and expenses is as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2011

  Reinsurance     Lloyd’s     Insurance     Eliminations     Other     Total  

Gross premiums written

  $ 122,811      $ 17,127      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 139,938   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net premiums written

  $ 86,745      $ 16,125      $ 140          —        $ 103,010   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

  $ 208,074      $ 20,797      $ 353          —        $ 229,224   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

    58,565        14,141        5,124          —          77,830   

Acquisition expenses

    21,964        4,013        80          —          26,057   

Operational expenses

    32,462        9,560        147          —          42,169   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

  $ 95,083      $ (6,917   $ (4,998       —          83,168   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Net investment loss

            (27,940     (27,940

Net foreign exchange losses

            (2,650     (2,650

Equity in earnings of other ventures

            4,794        4,794   

Other loss

            (2,015     (2,015

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

            16,983        16,983   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

            (449     (449

Corporate expenses

            (3,582     (3,582

Interest expense

            (5,722     (5,722
           

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

              62,587   

Income tax benefit

            1,435        1,435   

Loss from discontinued operations

            (965     (965

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

            (5,044     (5,044

Dividends on preference shares

            (8,750     (8,750
           

 

 

 

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

            $ 49,263   
           

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

  $ 72,358      $ 14,089      $ (17       $ 86,430   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

    (13,793     52        5,141            (8,600
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

  $ 58,565      $ 14,141      $ 5,124          $ 77,830   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

    34.8     67.7     (4.8 %)          37.7

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

    (6.7 %)      0.3     1,456.4         (3.7 %) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

    28.1     68.0     1,451.6         34.0

Underwriting expense ratio

    26.2     65.3     64.3         29.7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Combined ratio

    54.3     133.3     1,515.9         63.7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

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$1,303,897 $1,303,897 $1,303,897 $1,303,897 $1,303,897 $1,303,897

Three months ended September 30, 2010

   Reinsurance     Lloyd’s     Insurance     Eliminations (1)     Other     Total  

Gross premiums written

   $ 110,577      $ 8,762      $ 591      $ (8,387   $ —        $ 111,543   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 86,309      $ 6,141      $ (10,143       —        $ 82,307   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 205,057      $ 13,979      $ (6,681       —        $ 212,355   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     72,480        7,687        (2,231       —          77,936   

Acquisition expenses

     22,464        3,351        328          —          26,143   

Operational expenses

     29,637        6,246        1,087          —          36,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 80,476      $ (3,305   $ (5,865       —          71,306   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Net investment income

             59,570        59,570   

Net foreign exchange losses

             (529     (529

Equity in losses of other ventures

             (6,740     (6,740

Other income

             25,021        25,021   

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

             92,342        92,342   

Corporate expenses

             (5,590     (5,590

Interest expense

             (6,164     (6,164
            

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

               229,216   

Income tax benefit

             2,399        2,399   

Income from discontinued operations

             21,234        21,234   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

             (37,524     (37,524

Dividends on preference shares

             (10,575     (10,575
            

 

 

 

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

             $ 204,750   
            

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 106,344      $ 7,702      $ 816          $ 114,862   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (33,864     (15     (3,047         (36,926
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 72,480      $ 7,687      $ (2,231       $ 77,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     51.9     55.1     (12.2 %)          54.1

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (16.6 %)      (0.1 %)      45.6         (17.4 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     35.3     55.0     33.4         36.7

Underwriting expense ratio

     25.5     68.6     (21.2 %)          29.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     60.8     123.6     12.2         66.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents $(1.5) million and $9.8 million of gross premiums ceded from the Insurance segment to the Lloyd’s segment and from the Insurance segment to the Reinsurance segment, respectively.

 

$1,303,897 $1,303,897 $1,303,897 $1,303,897 $1,303,897 $1,303,897

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

   Reinsurance     Lloyd’s     Insurance     Eliminations (1)     Other     Total  

Gross premiums written

   $ 1,303,897      $ 87,873      $ 313      $ (77   $ —        $ 1,392,006   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 906,167      $ 76,946      $ 467          —        $ 983,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 696,964      $ 53,704      $ 1,272          —        $ 751,940   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     797,188        53,283        7,157          —          857,628   

Acquisition expenses

     62,187        9,779        309          —          72,275   

Operational expenses

     97,726        27,167        1,405          —          126,298   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting loss

   $ (260,137   $ (36,525   $ (7,599       —          (304,261
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Net investment income

             65,669        65,669   

Net foreign exchange losses

             (6,511     (6,511

Equity in losses of other ventures

             (13,831     (13,831

Other income

             42,963        42,963   

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

             46,748        46,748   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

             (449     (449

Corporate expenses

             (9,657     (9,657

Interest expense

             (17,647     (17,647
            

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before taxes

               (196,976

Income tax benefit

             3,260        3,260   

Loss from discontinued operations

             (12,585     (12,585

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

             58,545        58,545   

Dividends on preference shares

             (26,250     (26,250
            

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

             $ (174,006
            

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 902,118      $ 53,027      $ (86       $ 955,059   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (104,930     256        7,243            (97,431
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 797,188      $ 53,283      $ 7,157          $ 857,628   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     129.4     98.7     (6.8 %)          127.0

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (15.0 %)      0.5     569.5         (12.9 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     114.4     99.2     562.7         114.1

Underwriting expense ratio

     22.9     68.8     134.7         26.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     137.3     168.0     697.4         140.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents $0.1 million of gross premiums ceded from the Reinsurance segment to the Lloyd’s segment.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Nine months ended September 30, 2010

   Reinsurance     Lloyd’s     Insurance     Eliminations (1)     Other     Total  

Gross premiums written

   $ 1,105,679      $ 57,627      $ 1,276      $ (30,488   $ —        $ 1,134,094   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 793,967      $ 52,122      $ (27,289       —        $ 818,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 646,349      $ 37,580      $ (8,750       —        $ 675,179   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     141,095        18,026        (2,648       —          156,473   

Acquisition expenses

     63,064        7,682        5,412          —          76,158   

Operational expenses

     93,523        17,333        9,304          —          120,160   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 348,667      $ (5,461   $ (20,818       —          322,388   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Net investment income

             151,452        151,452   

Net foreign exchange losses

             (12,480     (12,480

Equity in losses of other ventures

             (1,424     (1,424

Other income

             15,088        15,088   

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

             210,593        210,593   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

             (829     (829

Corporate expenses

             (15,392     (15,392

Interest expense

             (15,526     (15,526
            

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

               653,870   

Income tax benefit

             6,320        6,320   

Income from discontinued operations

             51,562        51,562   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

             (99,989     (99,989

Dividends on preference shares

             (31,725     (31,725
            

 

 

 

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

             $ 580,038   
            

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 361,403      $ 18,202      $ 6,302          $ 385,907   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (220,308     (176     (8,950         (229,434
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 141,095      $ 18,026      $ (2,648       $ 156,473   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     55.9     48.4     (72.0 %)          57.2

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (34.1 %)      (0.4 %)      102.3         (34.0 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     21.8     48.0     30.3         23.2

Underwriting expense ratio

     24.3     66.5     (168.2 %)          29.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     46.1     114.5     (137.9 %)          52.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents $20.1 million, $10.1 million and $0.2 million of gross premiums ceded from the Insurance segment to the Lloyd’s segment, from the Insurance segment to the Reinsurance segment and from the Reinsurance segment to Lloyd’s segment, respectively.

 

NOTE 8. INVESTMENTS

Fixed Maturity Investments Trading

The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed maturity investments trading:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

U.S. treasuries

   $ 428,865       $ 761,461   

Agencies

     127,063         216,963   

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     390,637         157,867   

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     183,314         388,468   

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     594,573         356,119   

Corporate

     1,273,432         1,476,029   

Agency mortgage-backed

     347,387         383,403   

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     80,503         5,765   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     247,509         125,705   

Asset-backed

     14,386         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value

   $ 3,687,669       $ 3,871,780   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

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:

 

            Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income
              

September 30, 2011

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

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

   $ 10,685       $ 998       $ (32   $ 11,651       $ —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     313         11         —          324         —     

Corporate

     20,308         1,297         (595     21,010         (147

Agency mortgage-backed

     15,184         1,243         —          16,427         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     22,027         2,097         (86     24,038         (1,901

Commercial mortgage-backed

     65,774         5,537         (15     71,296         —     

Asset-backed

     4,992         231         —          5,223         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments available for sale

   $ 139,283       $ 11,414       $ (728   $ 149,969       $ (2,048
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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 Investments - 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
              

December 31, 2010

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

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

   $ 23,836       $ 2,830       $ (146   $ 26,520       $ —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     1,332         53         —          1,385         —     

Corporate

     33,018         3,768         (404     36,382         (1,818

Agency mortgage-backed

     17,159         1,245         —          18,404         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     24,972         3,452         (40     28,384         (2,063

Commercial mortgage-backed

     86,194         7,570         (29     93,735         —     

Asset-backed

     39,038         1,124         (55     40,107         (598
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments available for sale

   $ 225,549       $ 20,042       $ (674   $ 244,917       $ (4,479
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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 Investments - 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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Table of Contents

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.

 

     Trading      Available for Sale      Total Fixed Maturity Investments  

September 30, 2011

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

Due in less than one year

   $ 167,947       $ 168,432       $ 174       $ 125       $ 168,121       $ 168,557   

Due after one through five years

     1,876,919         1,880,559         11,869         12,857         1,888,788         1,893,416   

Due after five through ten years

     815,283         817,714         13,172         13,482         828,455         831,196   

Due after ten years

     127,583         131,180         6,090         6,520         133,673         137,700   

Mortgage-backed

     669,592         675,399         102,985         111,761         772,577         787,160   

Asset-backed

     14,404         14,385         4,993         5,224         19,397         19,609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,671,728       $ 3,687,669       $ 139,283       $ 149,969       $ 3,811,011       $ 3,837,638   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity Investments Trading

The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Financial institution securities

   $ 45,607       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pledged Investments

At September 30, 2011, $895.5 million 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, $78.9 million is on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, U.S. state regulatory authorities.

Net Investment (Loss) Income

The components of net investment (loss) income are as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 11,435      $ 35,219   

Short term investments

     281        635   

Equity investments trading

     171        —     

Other investments

    

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     (25,702     7,491   

Other

     (11,665     18,979   

Cash and cash equivalents

     66        74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (25,414     62,398   

Investment expenses

     (2,526     (2,828
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment (loss) income

   $ (27,940   $ 59,570   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 63,774      $ 92,108   

Short term investments

     1,309        1,803   

Equity investments trading

     297        —     

Other investments

    

Hedge funds and private equity investments

     6,035        33,215   

Other

     2,000        32,013   

Cash and cash equivalents

     152        157   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     73,567        159,296   

Investment expenses

     (7,898     (7,844
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 65,669      $ 151,452   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Gross realized gains

   $ 38,054      $ 30,959   

Gross realized losses

     (6,099     (748
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments

     31,955        30,211   

Net unrealized (losses) gains on fixed maturity investments trading

     (13,007     62,131   

Net unrealized losses on equity investments trading

     (1,965     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

   $ 16,983      $ 92,342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (498   $ —     

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     49        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (449   $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Gross realized gains

   $ 64,046      $ 108,560   

Gross realized losses

     (22,872     (11,880
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments

     41,174        96,680   

Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments trading

     7,963        113,913   

Net unrealized losses on equity investments trading

     (2,389     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

   $ 46,748      $ 210,593   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (498   $ (831

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     49        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (449   $ (829
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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  

September 30, 2011

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

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

   $ 1,442       $ (30   $ 44       $ (2   $ 1,486       $ (32

Corporate

     6,887         (334     572         (261     7,459         (595

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     4,238         (33     850         (53     5,088         (86

Commercial mortgage-backed

     3,374         (13     470         (2     3,844         (15
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 15,941       $ (410   $ 1,936       $ (318   $ 17,877       $ (728
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater     Total  

December 31, 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)

   $ 2,363       $ (129   $ 291       $ (17   $ 2,654       $ (146

Corporate

     2,581         (285     801         (119     3,382         (404

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     —           —          1,645         (40     1,645         (40

Commercial mortgage-backed

     2,199         (29     —           —          2,199         (29

Asset-backed

     3,172         (39     3,196         (16     6,368         (55
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 10,315       $ (482   $ 5,933       $ (192   $ 16,248       $ (674
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

At September 30, 2011, the Company held 24 fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater. The Company 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, 2011 and 2010, 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.

 

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Table of Contents

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Process

The Company’s process for assessing whether declines in the fair value of its fixed maturity investments available for sale represent impairments that are other-than-temporary 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) 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, 2011, the Company recognized $Nil of other-than-temporary impairments due to the Company’s intent to sell securities as of September 30, 2011 (September 30, 2010 - $Nil).

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, 2011, the Company recognized $Nil of other-than-temporary impairments due to required sales (September 30, 2010 - $Nil).

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 nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized $0.4 million and $0.8 million of credit related other-than-temporary impairments, respectively, which were recognized in earnings and $49 thousand and $2 thousand, respectively, related to other factors.

 

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Table of Contents

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:

 

0,0000 0,0000

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Balance - July 1

   $ 2,629      $ 3,598   

Additions:

    

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

     30        —     

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

     134        —     

Reductions:

    

Securities sold during the period

     (2,256     —     

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

   $ 537      $ 3,598   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

0,0000 0,0000

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Balance - January 1

   $ 3,098      $ 9,987   

Additions:

    

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

     30        —     

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

     134        70   

Reductions:

    

Securities sold during the period

     (2,725     (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

   $ 537      $ 3,598   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
NOTE 9. 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. 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, nor have there been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 3, respectively, during 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:

 

September 30, 2011

   Total      Level 1     Level 2      Level 3  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                           

Fixed maturity investments

          

U.S. treasuries

   $ 428,865       $ 428,865      $ —         $ —     

Agencies

     127,063         —          127,063         —     

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     402,288         —          402,288         —     

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     183,314         —          183,314         —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     594,897         —          594,897         —     

Corporate

     1,294,442         —          1,273,528         20,914   

Agency mortgage-backed

     363,814         —          363,814         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     104,541         —          104,541         —     

Commercial mortgage-backed

     318,805         —          318,805         —     

Asset-backed

     19,609         —          19,609         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments

     3,837,638         428,865        3,387,859         20,914   

Short term investments

     1,557,937         —          1,557,937         —     

Equity investments trading

     45,607         45,607        —           —     

Other investments

          

Private equity partnerships

     345,986         —          —           345,986   

Senior secured bank loan funds

     243,766         —          231,251         12,515   

Catastrophe bonds

     85,800         —          85,619         181   

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

     29,440         —          29,440         —     

Hedge funds

     26,810         —          26,810         —     

Miscellaneous other investments

     4,955         —          —           4,955   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other investments

     736,757         —          373,120         363,637   

Other assets and (liabilities)

          

Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts

     4,418         —          —           4,418   

Derivatives

     2,720         (773     950         2,543   

Other

     13,375         (4,241     —           17,616   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other assets and (liabilities)

     20,513         (5,014     950         24,577   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 6,198,452       $ 469,458      $ 5,319,866       $ 409,128   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

December 31, 2010

   Total      Level 1     Level 2      Level 3  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                           

Fixed maturity investments

          

U.S. treasuries

   $ 761,461       $ 761,461      $ —         $ —     

Agencies

     216,963         —          216,963         —     

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     184,387         —          184,387         —     

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     388,468         —          388,468         —     

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     357,504         —          357,504         —     

Corporate

     1,512,411         —          1,490,626         21,785   

Agency mortgage-backed

     401,807         —          401,807         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     34,149         —          34,149         —     

Commercial mortgage-backed

     219,440         —          219,440         —     

Asset-backed

     40,107         —          40,107         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments

     4,116,697         761,461        3,333,451         21,785   

Short term investments

     1,110,364         —          1,110,364         —     

Other investments

          

Private equity partnerships

     347,556         —          —           347,556   

Senior secured bank loan funds

     166,106         —          158,386         7,720   

Catastrophe bonds

     123,961         —          123,961         —     

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

     80,224         —          80,224         —     

Hedge funds

     41,005         —          41,005         —     

Miscellaneous other investments

     28,696         —          21,870         6,826   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other investments

     787,548         —          425,446         362,102   

Other secured assets

     14,250         —          14,250         —     

Other assets and (liabilities)

          

Platinum warrants

     44,925         —          44,925         —     

Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts

     1,772         —          —           1,772   

Derivatives

     2,693         (51     6,245         (3,501

Other

     13,629         (4,599     —           18,228   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other assets and (liabilities)

     63,019         (4,650     51,170         16,499   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 6,091,878       $ 756,811      $ 4,934,681       $ 400,386   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

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Table of Contents

U.S. treasuries

At September 30, 2011, the Company’s U.S. treasuries fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 0.9%, a weighted average credit quality of AA, 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 regularly reviewed for accuracy to ensure the most reliable price source is used for each issue and maturity date.

Agencies

At September 30, 2011, the Company’s agencies fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 0.5% and a weighted average credit quality of AA. 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 integrates 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, 2011, had a weighted average effective yield of 1.6% 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 effective yield of 0.4% and a weighted average credit quality of AA at September 30, 2011. 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.

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 effective yield of 1.2% and a weighted average credit quality of AAA at September 30, 2011. 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.

 

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Table of Contents

Corporate

At September 30, 2011, the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 4.6% 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, obtains 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 fair value of certain corporate fixed maturity investments are valued using internally developed models and are considered Level 3 by the Company. The internally developed models use a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, which may include, but are not limited to, discounted cash flow analysis, financial statement analysis, budgets and forecasts, capital transactions and third party valuations.

Agency mortgage-backed

At September 30, 2011, the Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments included agency residential mortgage-backed securities with a weighted average effective yield of 1.8%, a weighted average credit quality of AA and a weighted average life of 2.8 years. 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 and the to be announced (“TBA”) market which is very 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 the Company 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, 2011, the Company’s non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments have a weighted average effective yield of 7.4%, a weighted average credit quality of BBB and a weighted average life of 4.0 years. The Company’s non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments held at September 30, 2011 have a weighted average effective yield of 8.8%, a weighted average credit quality of A, a weighted average life of 3.8 years, and are from vintage years 2006 and prior. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing vendors using an option adjusted spread (”OAS”) model or other relevant models, which principally utilize inputs including benchmark yields, available trade information or broker quotes, and issuer spreads. The pricing vendor also reviews collateral prepayment speeds, loss severity and delinquencies among other collateral performance indicators for the securities valuation, when applicable.

Commercial mortgage-backed

The Company’s commercial mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments held at September 30, 2011 have a weighted average effective yield of 3.5%, a weighted average credit quality of AA and a weighted average life of 4.1 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 and swap curve 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.

 

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Table of Contents

Asset-backed

At September 30, 2011, the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 1.0%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 1.2 years. The underlying collateral for the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments primarily consists of student loans, credit card receivables and other 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 and swap curve 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.

Equity investments, classified as trading

Equity investments are considered Level 1 by the Company and fair values are primarily priced by pricing vendors, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. When pricing these securities, the vendor utilizes daily data from many real time market sources, including active broker dealers and applicable securities exchanges. All data sources are regularly reviewed for accuracy to ensure the most reliable price source is used for each issue.

Other Investments

Private equity partnerships

Included in the Company’s investments in private equity partnerships at September 30, 2011 are alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; and oil, gas and power. The fair value of private equity partnership investments is based on net asset values obtained from the investment manager or general partner of the respective entity. The type of underlying investments held by the investee which form the basis of the net asset valuation include assets such as private business ventures, for which the Company does not have access to financial information, 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.

Senior secured bank loan funds

At September 30, 2011, 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 $231.3 million are redeemable in part, on a monthly basis, or in whole over a three month period. These investments are valued at the net asset value of the fund and are considered Level 2. The Company also has a $12.5 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.

 

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Table of Contents

Catastrophe bonds

The Company’s other investments include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair value. The fair value of the Company’s investments in catastrophe bonds considered Level 2 are based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications. In addition, the Company’s investments in catastrophe bonds considered Level 3 are based on internal valuation models with the inputs to the internal valuation model based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications.

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 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. 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 represented 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 were 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 considered its other secured assets Level 2.

Other assets and liabilities

Included in other assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2011 are 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 reinsurance 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.

 

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Table of Contents

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 (loss) income and are excluded from the reconciliation.

 

and liabilities and liabilities and liabilities and liabilities
     Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 

Three months ended September 30, 2011

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

Balance - July 1

   $ 21,264      $ 381,123      $ 72,992      $ 475,379   

Total unrealized losses

        

Included in net investment (loss) income

     (350     (25,262     —          (25,612

Included in other (loss) income

     —          —          (46,116     (46,116

Total realized gains

        

Included in net investment (loss) income

     —          —          —          —     

Included in other (loss) income

     —          —          48,393        48,393   

Total foreign exchange losses

     —          (2,511     (55     (2,566

Purchases

     —          19,460        26,224        45,684   

Sales

     —          —          (19,860     (19,860

Settlements

     —          (9,173     (57,001     (66,174

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

   $ 20,914      $ 363,637      $ 24,577      $ 409,128   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

and (liabilities) and (liabilities) and (liabilities) and (liabilities)
     Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

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

Balance - January 1

   $ 21,785      $ 362,102      $ 16,499      $ 400,386   

Total unrealized (losses) gains

        

Included in net investment (loss) income

     (871     4,630        —          3,759   

Included in other (loss) income

     —          —          (4,517     (4,517

Total realized gains

        

Included in net investment (loss) income

     —          —          —          —     

Included in other (loss) income

     —          —          61,215        61,215   

Total foreign exchange losses

     —          (589     (197     (786

Purchases

     —          48,144        36,839        84,983   

Sales

     —          —          (30,884     (30,884

Settlements

     —          (50,650     (54,378     (105,028

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

   $ 20,914      $ 363,637      $ 24,577      $ 409,128   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     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      $ 15,153      $ 329,816   

Total unrealized losses

      

Included in net investment (loss) income

     156        —          156   

Included in other (loss) income

     —          (6,496     (6,496

Total realized gains

      

Included in net investment (loss) income

     —          —          —     

Included in other (loss) income

     —          18,237        18,237   

Total foreign exchange losses

     2,354        (16     2,338   

Purchases

     31,727        8,147        39,874   

Issuances

     —          (12,181     (12,181

Settlements

     (15,035     (10,396     (25,431

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

   $ 333,865      $ 12,448      $ 346,313   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     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      $ 17,026      $ 410,939   

Total unrealized losses

      

Included in net investment (loss) income

     3,323        —          3,323   

Included in other (loss) income

     —          (6,482     (6,482

Total realized gains

      

Included in net investment (loss) income

     —          —          —     

Included in other (loss) income

     —          31,349        31,349   

Total foreign exchange losses

     (912     (717     (1,629

Purchases

     51,401        12,448        63,849   

Issuances

     —          (39,414     (39,414

Settlements

     (113,860     (1,762     (115,622

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

   $ 333,865      $ 12,448      $ 346,313   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

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. At September 30, 2011, the fair value of the 5.875% Senior Notes was $102.9 million (December 31, 2010 - $105.9 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. At September 30, 2011, the fair value of the 5.75% Senior Notes was $256.3 million (December 31, 2010 - $252.4 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,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Other investments

   $ 736,757       $ 787,548   

Other secured assets

   $ —         $ 14,250   

Other assets and (liabilities)

   $ 22,034       $ 20,000   

Included in net investment (loss) income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $42.9 million and $9.2 million, respectively, of net unrealized losses related to the changes in fair value of other investments (September 30, 2010 - net unrealized gains of $15.3 million and $21.0 million, respectively). Net unrealized losses related to the changes in the fair value of other secured assets recorded in other (loss) income was $Nil and $0.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 (September 30, 2010 - net unrealized gains of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively). Net unrealized losses related to the changes in the fair value of other assets and liabilities recorded in other (loss) income was $45.5 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 (September 30, 2010 – net unrealized losses of $0.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively).

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 $4.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively, at September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010 - $1.8 million and $Nil, respectively). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded (losses) gains of $(2.7) million and $39.9 million, respectively, which are included in other (loss) income and represent changes in the fair value of these contracts (September 30, 2010 - losses of $0.8 million and $3.1 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:

 

September 30, 2011

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

Private equity partnerships

   $ 345,986       $ 155,373       See below    See below

Senior secured bank loan funds

     243,766         12,050       See below    See below

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

     29,440         —         Monthly, bi-monthly    5 - 20 days

Hedge funds

     26,810         —         Annually, bi-annually    45 - 90 days
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

Total other investments measured using net asset valuations

   $ 646,002       $ 167,423         
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

Private equity partnerships – Included in the Company’s investments in private equity partnerships are alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; and oil, gas and power. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value 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. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships would liquidate over 7 to 10 years from inception of the limited partnership.

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 $231.3 million are redeemable, in part on a monthly basis, or in whole over a three month period.

The Company also has a $12.5 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 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 funds. Investments of $29.4 million are redeemable, in whole or in part, on a bi-monthly basis. 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. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the funds. Included in the Company’s hedge funds is $6.8 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 10. NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe

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, 2011 and 2010 is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests. The Company’s ownership in DaVinciRe was 42.8% at September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010 - 41.2%).

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.

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. The repurchase notices submitted on or before March 1, 2010, were for shares of DaVinciRe with a GAAP book value of $88.4 million at December 31, 2010. Furthermore, DaVinciRe resolved to return additional capital of $86.6 million to the remaining shareholders, including the Company, after the receipt of the repurchase notices described above. Effective January 1, 2011, DaVinciRe redeemed the shares and returned additional capital for an aggregate of $175.0 million, less a $17.5 million reserve holdback. As a result of the above transactions, the Company’s ownership interest in DaVinciRe increased to 44.0% effective January 1, 2011.

In advance of the March 1, 2011 redemption notice date, certain third party shareholders of DaVinciRe submitted repurchase notices, in accordance with the Shareholders Agreement, for shares of DaVinciRe with a GAAP book value of $8.9 million at September 30, 2011.

On June 1, 2011, DaVinciRe completed an equity raise of $100.0 million from new and existing shareholders, including $30.0 million contributed by the Company. The capital raised will be used to support the ongoing underwriting activities of DaVinci, which primarily writes property catastrophe reinsurance and certain classes of specialty reinsurance. As a result of the equity raise, the Company’s ownership in DaVinciRe decreased to 42.8% effective June 1, 2011, compared to 44.0% effective January 1, 2011. The Company expects its ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time.

 

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The activity in the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe is detailed in the table below:

 

0000000000 0000000000

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Balance - July 1

   $ 628,001      $ 707,541   

Purchase of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (136     (362

Comprehensive income:

    

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     5,247        37,524   

Other comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —          (3,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

   $ 633,112      $ 741,103   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

0000000000 0000000000

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Balance - January 1

   $ 757,655      $ 786,647   

Purchase of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (135,754     (142,109

Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     70,000        —     

Comprehensive income:

    

Net (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (58,783     99,989   

Other comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (6     (3,424
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

   $ 633,112      $ 741,103   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Angus Fund L.P. (the “Angus Fund”)

In December 2010, REAL and RenRe Commodity Advisors Inc. (“RRCA”), both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, formed the Angus Fund with other equity investors. REAL, the general partner of the Angus Fund, invested $40 thousand in the Angus Fund, representing a 1.0% ownership interest at September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010 - $40 thousand and 1.0%, respectively), and RRCA, a limited partner, invested $1.0 million in the Angus Fund, representing a 24.2% ownership interest at September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010 - $1.0 million and 24.8%, respectively). The Angus Fund was formed to provide capital to, and make investments in, companies primarily in the heating oil and propane distribution industries to supplement the Company’s weather and energy risk management operations. The Angus Fund meets the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and therefore the Company evaluated its ownership in the Angus Fund to determine if it is the primary beneficiary. The Company has concluded it is the primary beneficiary of the Angus Fund as it has the power to direct, and has a more than insignificant economic interest in, the activities of the Angus Fund and as such, the financial position and results of operations of the Angus Fund are consolidated. The Company expects its ownership in the Angus Fund to fluctuate over time. The portion of the Angus Fund’s earnings owned by third parties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests.

 

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The activity in noncontrolling interest is detailed in the table below:

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2011  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)       

Balance - July 1

   $ 3,430   

Net sale of shares to noncontrolling interest

     —     

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (203
  

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

   $ 3,227   
  

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)       

Balance - January 1

   $ 2,889   

Net sale of shares to noncontrolling interest

     100   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     238   
  

 

 

 

Balance - September 30

   $ 3,227   
  

 

 

 

 

NOTE 11. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative contracts primarily 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. 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.

 

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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:

 

Other liabilities Other liabilities Other liabilities Other liabilities
     Derivative Assets  
     September 30, 2011      December 31, 2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
 

Interest rate futures

   Other assets    $ 246       Other assets    $ 2,459   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Other assets      —         Other assets      6,341   

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Other assets      9,820       Other assets      —     

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Other assets      948       Other assets      —     

Credit default swaps

   Other assets      —         Other assets      3,064   

Energy and weather contracts (4)

   Other assets      23,855       Other assets      17,925   

Platinum warrant

   Other assets      —         Other assets      44,925   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

      $ 34,869          $ 74,714   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities Other liabilities Other liabilities Other liabilities
     Derivative Liabilities  
     September 30, 2011      December 31, 2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
 

Interest rate futures

   Other liabilities    $ 1,019       Other liabilities    $ 719   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Other liabilities      9,281       Other liabilities      —     

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Other liabilities      —         Other liabilities      3,141   

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Other liabilities      —         Other liabilities      44   

Credit default swaps

   Other liabilities      537       Other liabilities      —     

Energy and weather contracts (4)

   Other liabilities      21,312       Other liabilities      15,013   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

      $ 32,149          $ 18,917   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(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.
(4) Included in other assets is $28.0 million of derivative assets and $4.2 million of derivative liabilities at September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010 - $21.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively). Included in other liabilities is $10.8 million of derivative assets and $32.1 million of derivative liabilities at September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010 - $9.9 million and $24.9 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,

      2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                  

Interest rate futures

   Net investment (loss) income    $ (15,235   $ 5,806   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Net foreign exchange losses      (15,927     (1,160

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Net foreign exchange losses      14,586        (25,528

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Net foreign exchange losses      775        (790

Credit default swaps

   Other (loss) income      (4,290     310   

Energy and weather contracts

   Other (loss) income      2,272        (11

Platinum warrant

   Other (loss) income      —          14,352   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (17,819   $ (7,021
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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,

      2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                  

Interest rate futures

   Net investment (loss) income    $ (23,582   $ 5,341   

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

   Net foreign exchange losses      1,080        (686

Foreign currency forward contracts (2)

   Net foreign exchange losses      (6,566     13,281   

Foreign currency forward contracts (3)

   Net foreign exchange losses      127        126   

Credit default swaps

   Other (loss) income      (3,148     223   

Energy and weather contracts

   Other (loss) income      12,201        7,174   

Platinum warrant

   Other (loss) income      2,975        8,987   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (16,913   $ 34,446   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2011.

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, 2011, the Company had $4.5 billion of notional long positions and $298.0 million of notional short positions of primarily Eurodollar and U.S. Treasury and non-U.S. dollar futures contracts (December 31, 2010 - $2.2 billion and $209.1 million, respectively). The fair value of these derivatives is determined using exchange traded prices.

Foreign Currency Derivatives

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company writes a portion of its business in currencies other than U.S. dollars and may, from time to time, experience foreign exchange gains and losses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. All changes in exchange rates, with the exception of non-U.S. dollar denominated

 

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investments classified as available for sale and non-monetary assets and liabilities, 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. The fair value of the Company’s underwriting operations related foreign currency contracts is determined using indicative pricing obtained from counterparties or broker quotes. At September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding underwriting related foreign currency contracts of $123.7 million in notional long positions and $694.2 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (December 31, 2010 - $42.0 million and $188.1 million, respectively).

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. The fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio related foreign currency forward contracts is determined using an interpolated rate based on closing forward market rates. At September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding investment portfolio related foreign currency contracts of $166.4 million in notional long positions and $350.2 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (December 31, 2010 - $69.2 million and $281.0 million, respectively).

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. The fair value of the Company’s energy and risk operations related foreign currency contracts is based on exchange traded prices. At September 30, 2011, the Company’s energy and risk management operations had outstanding foreign currency contracts of $75.0 million in notional long positions and $17.1 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (December 31, 2010 - $Nil and $10.0 million, respectively).

Credit Derivatives

The Company’s exposure to credit risk is primarily due to its fixed maturity investments, short term investments, premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverable. From time to time, the Company purchases credit derivatives to hedge its exposures in the insurance industry and to assist in managing the credit risk associated with ceded reinsurance. The Company also employs credit derivatives in its investment portfolio to either assume credit risk or hedge its credit exposure. The fair value of the credit derivatives is determined using industry valuation models, broker bid indications or internal pricing valuation techniques. 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, 2011, the Company had outstanding credit derivatives of $15.0 million in notional long positions and $79.0 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (December 31, 2010 - $15.0 million and $118.0 million, respectively).

 

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Table of Contents

Energy and Weather-Related Derivatives

The Company regularly transacts in certain derivative-based risk management products primarily to address weather and energy risks and engages in hedging and trading activities related to these risks. The trading markets for these derivatives are generally linked to energy and agriculture commodities, weather and other natural phenomena. Currently, a significant percentage of the Company’s derivative-based risk management products are transacted on a dual-trigger basis combining weather or other natural phenomenon, with prices for commodities or securities related to energy or agriculture. The fair value of these contracts is obtained through the use of quoted market prices, or in the absence of such quoted prices, industry or internal valuation models. 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.

The Company had the following gross derivative contract positions outstanding relating to its energy and weather derivatives trading activities.

 

     Quantity (1)       
     September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
    

Unit of measurement

Energy

     170,550,283         136,767,119       One million British thermal units (“MMBTUs”)

Temperature

     12,896,109         5,419,846       $ per Degree Day Fahrenheit

Agriculture

     12,008,000         260,000       Bushels

 

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

At September 30, 2011, RenaissanceRe had provided guarantees in the aggregate amount of $368.4 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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Table of Contents
NOTE 12. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH OUTSTANDING DEBT OF SUBSIDIARIES

The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, condensed consolidating statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, 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, 2011

   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

   $ 609,060       $ 126,002       $ 5,520,948       $ —        $ 6,256,010   

Cash and cash equivalents

     7,706         5,166         222,186         —          235,058   

Investments in subsidiaries

     2,801,567         131,967         —           (2,933,534     —     

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates

     55,016         —           —           (55,016     —     

Premiums receivable

     —           —           695,163         —          695,163   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     —           —           164,547         —          164,547   

Reinsurance recoverable

     —           —           434,553         —          434,553   

Accrued investment income

     5,240         703         28,294         —          34,237   

Deferred acquisition costs

     —           —           71,225         —          71,225   

Other assets

     207,912         17,880         200,424         (202,081     224,135   

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

     —           2,481         —           —          2,481   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,686,501       $ 284,199       $ 7,337,340       $ (3,190,631   $ 8,117,409   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity

             

Liabilities

             

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

   $ —         $ —         $ 2,226,005       $ —        $ 2,226,005   

Unearned premiums

     —           —           623,596         —          623,596   

Debt

     124,000         249,224         —           (24,000     349,224   

Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates

     —           3,222         —           (3,222     —     

Reinsurance balances payable

     —           —           317,627         —          317,627   

Other liabilities

     14,687         11,496         381,731         (208     407,706   

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale

     —           9,098         —           —          9,098   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     138,687         273,040         3,548,959         (27,430     3,933,256   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —           —           633,112         —          633,112   

Shareholders’ Equity

             

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,547,814         11,159         3,155,269         (3,163,201     3,551,041   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,686,501       $ 284,199       $ 7,337,340       $ (3,190,631   $ 8,117,409   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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, 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

   $ 517,640       $ 12,560       $ 5,570,012       $ —        $ 6,100,212   

Cash and cash equivalents

     3,414         3,940         270,384         —          277,738   

Investments in subsidiaries

     3,533,266         140,923         —           (3,674,189     —     

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates

     145,298         —           —           (145,298     —     

Premiums receivable

     —           —           322,080         —          322,080   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     —           —           60,643         —          60,643   

Reinsurance recoverable

     —           —           101,711         —          101,711   

Accrued investment income

     3,720         5         30,835         —          34,560   

Deferred acquisition costs

     —           —           35,648         —          35,648   

Other assets

     139,654         2,307         318,077         (126,499     333,539   

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

     —           872,147         —           —          872,147   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 4,342,992       $ 1,031,882       $ 6,709,390       $ (3,945,986   $ 8,138,278   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity

             

Liabilities

             

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

   $ —         $ —         $ 1,257,843       $ —        $ 1,257,843   

Unearned premiums

     —           —           286,183         —          286,183   

Debt

     377,512         374,196         200,000         (402,553     549,155   

Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates

     —           843         —           (843     —     

Reinsurance balances payable

     —           —           318,024         —          318,024   

Other liabilities

     29,155         22,623         379,915         —          431,693   

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale

     —           598,511         —           —          598,511   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     406,667         996,173         2,441,965         (403,396     3,441,409   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —           —           757,655         —          757,655   

Shareholders’ Equity

             

Total shareholders’ equity

     3,936,325         35,709         3,509,770         (3,542,590     3,939,214   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity

   $ 4,342,992       $ 1,031,882       $ 6,709,390       $ (3,945,986   $ 8,138,278   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

42


Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended September 30, 2011

   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

   $ —        $ —        $ 229,224      $ —        $ 229,224   

Net investment income (loss)

     5,266        423        (31,756     (1,873     (27,940

Net foreign exchange losses

     (120     —          (2,530     —          (2,650

Equity in earnings of other ventures

     —          —          4,794        —          4,794   

Other loss

     (367     —          (1,648     —          (2,015

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

     9,741        3,067        4,175        —          16,983   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     —          —          (449     —          (449
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     14,520        3,490        201,810        (1,873     217,947   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

          

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     —          —          77,830        —          77,830   

Acquisition expenses

     —          —          26,057        —          26,057   

Operational expenses

     (979     2,197        40,951        —          42,169   

Corporate expenses

     3,045        60        477        —          3,582   

Interest expense

     1,469        3,616        (8,557     9,194        5,722   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,535        5,873        136,758        9,194        155,360   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     10,985        (2,383     65,052        (11,067     62,587   

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

     47,028        (2,689     —          (44,339     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

     58,013        (5,072     65,052        (55,406     62,587   

Income tax benefit

     —          1,077        358        —          1,435   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     58,013        (3,995     65,410        (55,406     64,022   

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (965     —          —          (965
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     58,013        (4,960     65,410        (55,406     63,057   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          (5,044     —          (5,044
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

     58,013        (4,960     60,366        (55,406     58,013   

Dividends on preference shares

     (8,750     —          —          —          (8,750
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 49,263      $ (4,960   $ 60,366      $ (55,406   $ 49,263   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

43


Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011

   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

   $ —        $ —        $ 751,940      $ —        $ 751,940   

Net investment income

     16,016        642        52,887        (3,876     65,669   

Net foreign exchange losses

     (24     —          (6,487     —          (6,511

Equity in losses of other ventures

     —          —          (13,831     —          (13,831

Other (loss) income

     (172     —          43,135        —          42,963   

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

     12,073        3,028        31,647        —          46,748   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     —          —          (449     —          (449
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     27,893        3,670        858,842        (3,876     886,529   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

          

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     —          —          857,628        —          857,628   

Acquisition expenses

     —          —          72,275        —          72,275   

Operational expenses

     (3,395     5,241        124,452        —          126,298   

Corporate expenses

     8,560        169        928        —          9,657   

Interest expense

     9,003        10,951        (6,803     4,496        17,647   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     14,168        16,361        1,048,480        4,496        1,083,505   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     13,725        (12,691     (189,638     (8,372     (196,976

Equity in net loss of subsidiaries

     (161,771     (3,421     —          165,192        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before taxes

     (148,046     (16,112     (189,638     156,820        (196,976

Income tax benefit (expense)

     290        4,154        (1,184     —          3,260   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

     (147,756     (11,958     (190,822     156,820        (193,716

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (12,585     —          —          (12,585
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (147,756     (24,543     (190,822     156,820        (206,301

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          58,545        —          58,545   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe

     (147,756     (24,543     (132,277     156,820        (147,756

Dividends on preference shares

     (26,250     —          —          —          (26,250
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ (174,006   $ (24,543   $ (132,277   $ 156,820      $ (174,006
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

44


Table of Contents

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

   $ —        $ —        $ 212,355      $ —        $ 212,355   

Net investment income

     1,559        21        57,990        —          59,570   

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

     197        —          (726     —          (529

Equity in losses of other ventures

     —          —          (6,740     —          (6,740

Other income

     212        (34     24,843        —          25,021   

Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments

     12,683        —          79,659        —          92,342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     14,651        (13     367,381        —          382,019   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

          

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     —          —          77,936        —          77,936   

Acquisition expenses

     —          —          26,143        —          26,143   

Operational expenses

     (1,176     2,162        37,392        (1,408     36,970   

Corporate expenses

     4,908        63        619        —          5,590   

Interest expense

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     5,201        5,762        146,785        (4,945     152,803   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     9,450        (5,775     220,596        4,945        229,216   

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

     205,875        (19,506     —          (186,369     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

     215,325        (25,281     220,596        (181,424     229,216   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     —          6,758        (4,359     —          2,399   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     215,325        (18,523     216,237        (181,424     231,615   

Income from discontinued operations

     —          21,234        —          —          21,234   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     215,325        2,711        216,237        (181,424     252,849   

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     —          —          (37,524     —          (37,524
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe

     215,325        2,711        178,713        (181,424     215,325   

Dividends on preference shares

     (10,575     —          —          —          (10,575
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

   $ 204,750      $ 2,711      $ 178,713      $ (181,424   $ 204,750   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

45


Table of Contents

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

   $ —        $ —        $ 675,179      $ —        $ 675,179   

Net investment income

     4,614        901        145,937        —          151,452   

Net foreign exchange losses

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

Equity in losses of other ventures

     —          —          (1,424     —          (1,424

Other income

     479        (34     14,643        —          15,088   

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

     19,248        (2,432     193,777        —          210,593   

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     —          —          (829     —          (829
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     23,843        (1,565     1,015,301        —          1,037,579   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

          

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     —          —          156,473        —          156,473   

Acquisition expenses

     —          —          76,158        —          76,158   

Operational expenses

     (2,584     3,696        119,048        —          120,160   

Corporate expenses

     13,281        136        1,975        —          15,392   

Interest expense

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     15,071        14,692        364,806        (10,860     383,709   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     8,772        (16,257     650,495        10,860        653,870   

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

     602,991        (47,756     —          (555,235     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before taxes

     611,763        (64,013     650,495        (544,375     653,870   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     —          10,684        (4,364     —          6,320   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     611,763        (53,329     646,131        (544,375     660,190   

Income from discontinued operations

       51,562            51,562   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     611,763        (1,767     646,131        (544,375     711,752   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          (99,989     —          (99,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

     611,763        (1,767     546,142        (544,375     611,763   

Dividends on preference shares

     (31,725     —          —          —          (31,725
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 580,038      $ (1,767   $ 546,142      $ (544,375   $ 580,038   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

46


Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011

   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 (used in) provided by operating activities

        

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ (71,737   $ (32,579   $ 298,802      $ 194,486   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by investing activities

        

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading

     279,923        198,641        4,293,064        4,771,628   

Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading

     (489,766     (282,627     (3,581,256     (4,353,649

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale

     —          —          97,302        97,302   

Purchases of fixed maturity investments available for sale

     —          —          (4,092     (4,092

Purchases of equity investments trading

     —          —          (47,996     (47,996

Net sales (purchases) of short term investments

     26,329        (26,926     (534,458     (535,055

Net sales of other investments

     102,717        —          (75,839     26,878   

Net purchases of investments in other ventures

     —          —          (21,000     (21,000

Net sales of other assets

     —          —          58,568        58,568   

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

     945,196        9,306        (954,502     —     

Contributions to subsidiaries

     (301,334     (8,294     309,628        —     

Due to (from) subsidiary

     7,617        (843     (6,774     —     

Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations held for sale

     —          269,520        —          269,520   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

     570,682        158,777        (467,355     262,104   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows used in financing activities

        

Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares

     (40,099     —          —          (40,099

Dividends paid - preference shares

     (26,250     —          —          (26,250

RenaissanceRe common share repurchases

     (174,792     —          —          (174,792

Third party DaVinciRe share transactions

     —          —          (59,357     (59,357

Net repayment of debt

     (253,512     (124,972     178,484        (200,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (494,653     (124,972     119,127        (500,498
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     —          —          1,228        1,228   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     4,292        1,226        (48,198     (42,680

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     3,414        3,940        270,384        277,738   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 7,706      $ 5,166      $ 222,186      $ 235,058   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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, 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 trading

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

Purchases of investments trading

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

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

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 of debt

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

Third party DaVinciRe share transactions

     —          —          (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   

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations

     —          —          (46,051     (46,051

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     15,206        7,606        180,300        203,112   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 11,763      $ 19,169      $ 217,188      $ 248,120   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

NOTE 13. 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, 2010.

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 reinsurance treaties or contracts or direct surplus lines insurance policies. This category of business litigation may involve allegations of underwriting or claims-handling errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory actions or disputes arising from the Company’s business ventures. The Company’s operating subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving disputed interpretations of policy coverages. Generally, the Company’s direct surplus lines insurance operations are subject to greater frequency and diversity of claims and claims-related litigation than its reinsurance operations 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, the Company may from time to time engage in litigation or arbitration related to its claims for payment in respect of ceded reinsurance. 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 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, 2011 and 2010. The following also includes a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources at September 30, 2011. 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, 2010. 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. Our aspiration is to be the world’s best underwriter of high-severity, low frequency risks. 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, customer relationships and capital management. 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 financial 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, including those 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.

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 claim expense ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% generally indicates

 

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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.

Discontinued Operations

On November 18, 2010, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE to sell substantially all of our U.S.-based insurance operations, including our U.S. property and casualty business underwritten through managing general agents, our crop insurance business underwritten through Agro National, our commercial property insurance operations and our claims operations. The Company classified the assets and liabilities associated with this transaction as held for sale and its financial results are reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements as “discontinued operations.” Except as explicitly described as held for sale or as discontinued operations, and unless otherwise noted, all discussions and amounts presented herein relate to our continuing operations.

Consideration for the transaction was book value at December 31, 2010 for the aforementioned businesses, payable in cash at closing and subject to adjustment for certain tax and other items. The transaction closed on March 4, 2011 and net consideration of $269.5 million was received by the Company.

Segments

Our reportable segments include: (1) Reinsurance, which includes catastrophe reinsurance, specialty reinsurance and certain property catastrophe and specialty joint ventures, (2) Lloyd’s, which includes reinsurance and insurance business written through Syndicate 1458, and (3) Insurance, which includes the Bermuda-based insurance operations of our former Insurance segment which were not sold pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE. In addition, our Other category primarily reflects our strategic investments, weather and energy risk management operations, investments unit, corporate expenses, capital servicing costs and noncontrolling interests.

Reinsurance

Our Reinsurance segment has two 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, 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. We are seeking to expand our specialty reinsurance operations over time, although we cannot assure you that we will do so, particularly in light of current and forecasted market conditions.

Lloyd’s

Our Lloyd’s segment 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. RenaissanceRe CCL, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the sole corporate member of Syndicate 1458.

 

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Insurance

Our Insurance segment includes the insurance policies written in connection with our Bermuda-based insurance operations which were not sold to QBE. Our Insurance segment is managed by the Global Chief Underwriting Officer. The Bermuda-based insurance business is written by Glencoe, a Bermuda domiciled excess and surplus lines insurance company that is currently eligible to do business on an excess and surplus lines basis in 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Although we are not actively underwriting new business in the Insurance segment, we may from time to time evaluate potential new business opportunities for our Insurance segment.

Other

Our Other category primarily includes the results of: (1) our share of 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 the Tower Hill Companies, Essent Group Ltd. and the Angus Fund, where, rather than assuming exclusive management responsibilities ourselves, we partner with other market participants; (2) our weather and energy risk management operations primarily through Renaissance Trading and REAL, (3) our investment unit which manages and invests the funds generated by our consolidated operations and (4) corporate expenses, capital services costs and noncontrolling interests.

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, 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.

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, 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.

 

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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, 2010.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2010

Summary Overview

 

Three months ended September 30,

  2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and ratios)                  

Gross premiums written

  $ 139,938      $ 111,543      $ 28,395   

Net premiums written

    103,010        82,307        20,703   

Net premiums earned

    229,224        212,355        16,869   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

    77,830        77,936        (106

Acquisition expenses

    26,057        26,143        (86

Operational expenses

    42,169        36,970        5,199   

Underwriting income

    83,168        71,306        11,862   

Net investment (loss) income

    (27,940     59,570        (87,510

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

    16,983        92,342        (75,359

Net other-than-temporary impairments

    (449     —          (449

Income from continuing operations

    64,022        231,615        (167,593

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

    (965     21,234        (22,199

Net income

    63,057        252,849        (189,792

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

    49,263        204,750        (155,487

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

  $ 0.95      $ 3.70      $ (2.75

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

    37.7     54.1     (16.4 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

    (3.7 %)      (17.4 %)      13.7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

    34.0     36.7     (2.7 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

    29.7     29.7     0.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

    63.7     66.4     (2.7 %) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     September 30,
2011
     June 30,
2011
     Change      % Change  

Book value per common share

   $ 57.89       $ 57.30       $ 0.59         1.0

Accumulated dividends per common share

     10.66         10.40         0.26         2.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends

   $ 68.55       $ 67.70       $ 0.85      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $49.3 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $204.8 million in the third quarter of 2010. Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per fully diluted common share was $0.95 for the third quarter of 2011, compared to $3.70 in the third quarter of 2010. The decrease in net income attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010, was primarily due to:

 

  •  

Significantly Lower Investment Results – including an $87.5 million decrease in net investment income and a $75.4 million decrease in net realized and unrealized gains on investments, which collectively decreased our net income by $162.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010. The decrease in our investment results was primarily due to lower total returns on the fixed maturity investments portfolio which included a $19.2 million negative impact from derivatives and futures, a decrease in average invested assets, lower returns on certain non-investment grade

 

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allocations included in other investments, and $25.7 million of net investment losses from our hedge funds and private equity investments;

 

  •  

Other (Loss) Income - our other loss of $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2011, deteriorated from other income of $25.0 million in the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to two nonrecurring items; the sale of our Platinum warrants in the first quarter of 2011 which produced a mark-to-market gain of $14.4 million in the third quarter of 2010, and a gain of $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2010 from the sale of our entire ownership in ChannelRe; partially offset by

 

  •  

Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe – our net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe was $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $37.5 million in the third quarter of 2010, a decrease of $32.3 million, due to lower net income for DaVinciRe in the third quarter of 2011, which was principally driven by lower total returns on its fixed maturity investments portfolio and lower underwriting income; and

 

  •  

Improved Underwriting Income – our underwriting income of $83.2 million in the third quarter of 2011 increased $11.9 million, from $71.3 million in the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned and partially offset by an increase in operational expenses and losses from certain aggregate loss contracts and hurricane Irene.

Book value per common share increased $0.59 to $57.89 at September 30, 2011, compared to $57.30 at June 30, 2011. Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends increased $0.85 to $68.55 at September 30, 2011, compared to $67.70 at June 30, 2011. The 1.0% increase in book value per common share was driven by comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders of $51.1 million, offset in part by $13.4 million and $8.8 million of common and preferred dividends, respectively, during the third quarter of 2011. We did not repurchase any common shares under our authorized share repurchase program during the third quarter of 2011.

Underwriting Results

In the third quarter of 2011, we generated underwriting income of $83.2 million, compared to $71.3 million in the third quarter of 2010. The increase in underwriting income was driven primarily by a $16.9 million increase in net premiums earned, partially offset by a $5.2 million increase in operational expenses. We generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 34.0%, an underwriting expense ratio of 29.7% and a combined ratio of 63.7% in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 36.7%, 29.7% and 66.4%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2010.

Gross premiums written increased $28.4 million, or 25.5%, to $139.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $111.5 million in the third quarter of 2010. As discussed in more detail below, the increase in gross premiums written in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010, was primarily due to $20.0 million of reinstatement premiums written in the third quarter of 2011 principally within our catastrophe unit, and an increase in our Lloyd’s segment gross premiums written of $8.4 million primarily due to Syndicate 1458 increasing its book of business across most lines of business. Excluding the impact of $20.0 million and $5.5 million of reinstatement premiums written in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, gross premiums written increased $13.9 million, or 13.1%, in the third quarter of 2011. The improving market conditions in our catastrophe unit were principally driven by the comparably high level of catastrophes experienced during the first nine months of 2011 which impacted the capital position of many participants in the (re)insurance industry, combined with the 2011 forecast of above normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin and the impact of vendor catastrophe model changes which has increased the perceived level of catastrophe risk and exposure for many of our clients.

Net claims and claim expenses were relatively flat at $77.8 million, compared to $77.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively. Current accident year net claims and claim expenses for the third quarter of 2011 included an $8.1 million net reduction due to large events occurring in the first and second quarters of 2011 and $30.1 million and $30.2 million of net claims and claim expenses related to certain aggregate loss contracts and hurricane Irene, respectively, as detailed in the tables below:

 

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     Large Events Occurring in Prior Periods  

Three months ended September 30, 2011

   September 2010
New Zealand
Earthquake
    Tropical
Cyclone Tasha
    Australian
Flooding
    February 2011
New Zealand
Earthquake
    Tohoku
Earthquake
    Total  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                                     

(Increase) decrease in gross ultimate claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (17,750   $ 14,617      $ 28,278      $ (63,641   $ (47,244   $ (85,740

Increase (decrease) in gross claims and claim expenses recovered

     3,054        (3,530     (5,308     22,582        73,433        90,231   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (14,696     11,087        22,970        (41,059     26,189        4,491   

Assumed reinstatement premiums earned

     2,623        —          (4,698     14,959        1,680        14,564   

Ceded reinstatement premiums earned

     —          —          —          (1,187     (6,823     (8,010

(Lost) earned profit commissions

     (221     1,071        488        583        (88     1,833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (negative) positive impact on underwriting result

     (12,294     12,158        18,760        (26,704     20,958        12,878   

Recoveries from ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value

     —          —          —          —          97        97   

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     3,680        (1,352     (4,871     9,084        458        6,999   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (negative) positive impact

   $ (8,614   $ 10,806      $ 13,889      $ (17,620   $ 21,513      $ 19,974   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on consolidated combined ratio

     5.8        (5.3     (8.8     14.7        (9.8     (4.7

Net impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (11,515   $ 12,091      $ 18,760      $ (26,632   $ 19,966      $ 12,670   

Net impact on Lloyd’s segment underwriting result

     (779     67        —          (72     992        208   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (negative) positive impact on underwriting result

   $ (12,294   $ 12,158      $ 18,760      $ (26,704   $ 20,958      $ 12,878   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in current accident year net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ —        $ —        $ 22,970      $ (41,059   $ 26,189      $ 8,100   

(Adverse) favorable development in prior accident years net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (14,696     11,087        —          —          —          (3,609
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (14,696   $ 11,087      $ 22,970      $ (41,059   $ 26,189      $ 4,491   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Large Events Occurring in the Third Quarter of 2011  

Three months ended September 30, 2011

   Aggregate              
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)    Loss Contracts     Hurricane Irene     Total  

Gross ultimate claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (39,557   $ (35,934   $ (75,491

Gross claims and claim expenses recovered

     9,467        5,762        15,229   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (30,090     (30,172     (60,262

Reinstatement premiums earned

     —          5,460        5,460   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net negative impact on underwriting result

     (30,090     (24,712     (54,802

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     4,457        6,794        11,251   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net negative impact

   $ (25,633   $ (17,918   $ (43,551
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on consolidated combined ratio

     13.1        11.9        25.4   

Net negative impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (30,090   $ (22,212   $ (52,302

Net negative impact on Lloyd’s segment underwriting result

     —          (2,500     (2,500
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net negative impact on underwriting result

   $ (30,090   $ (24,712   $ (54,802
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (Negative) Positive Impact of Specific Events

Net 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 – DaVinci Re, equity in the net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re, and other income in respect of ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value. Our estimates are based on a review of our potential exposures, preliminary discussions with certain counterparties and catastrophe modeling techniques. Given the magnitude and relatively recent occurrence of the various catastrophe events described herein, delays in receiving claims data, the contingent nature of business interruption and other exposures, potential uncertainties relating to reinsurance recoveries and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events. In addition, a significant portion of the net claims and claim expenses associated with the February 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes are concentrated with a few large clients and therefore the loss estimates for these events may vary significantly based on the claims experience of those clients. Accordingly, our actual net negative impact from these events will vary from these preliminary estimates, perhaps materially so. Changes in these estimates will be recorded in the period in which they occur.

We experienced $8.6 million of favorable development on prior years reserves in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $36.9 million in the third quarter of 2010, as discussed in detail below.

 

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Underwriting Results by Segment

Reinsurance Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Reinsurance segment followed by an analysis of our catastrophe unit and specialty unit underwriting results and ratios:

 

Reinsurance segment overview

                 

Three months ended September 30,

  2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                  

Gross premiums written (1)

  $ 122,811      $ 110,577      $ 12,234   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

  $ 86,745      $ 86,309      $ 436   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

    208,074        205,057        3,017   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

    58,565        72,480        (13,915

Acquisition expenses

    21,964        22,464        (500

Operational expenses

    32,462        29,637        2,825   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

  $ 95,083      $ 80,476      $ 14,607   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

  $ 72,358      $ 106,344      $ (33,986

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

    (13,793     (33,864     20,071   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

  $ 58,565      $ 72,480      $ (13,915
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

    34.8     51.9     (17.1 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

    (6.7 %)      (16.6 %)      9.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

    28.1     35.3     (7.2 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

    26.2     25.5     0.7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

    54.3     60.8     (6.5 %) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written of $Nil assumed from the Insurance segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 (2010 - $9.9 million).

Reinsurance Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment increased by $12.2 million, or 11.1%, to $122.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $110.6 million in the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to $20.6 million of reinstatement premiums written during the third quarter of 2011. Excluding the impact of $20.6 million and $5.5 million of reinstatement premiums written in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, gross premiums written decreased $2.8 million, or 2.7%, in the third quarter of 2011. 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 underwriting income of $95.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $80.5 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $14.6 million. In the third quarter of 2011, our Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 28.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 26.2% and a combined ratio of 54.3%, compared to 35.3%, 25.5% and 60.8%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2010.

The $14.6 million increase in underwriting income and 6.5 percentage point decrease in the combined ratio was principally due to a $3.0 million increase in net premiums earned and a $34.0 million decrease in current accident year losses, partially offset by a $20.1 million decrease in favorable development on prior years reserves in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010. Impacting the underwriting results for our Reinsurance segment in the third quarter of 2011 was $12.1 million of underwriting income from the large events occurring in the first and second quarters of 2011(Australian Flooding, February 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes)

 

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due primarily to net reductions in claims and claim expenses, and underwriting losses of $30.1 million and $22.2 million related to certain aggregate loss contracts and hurricane Irene, respectively, as detailed in the tables below:

 

    Large Events Occurring in Prior Periods  

Three months ended September 30, 2011

  September 2010
New Zealand
    Tropical     Australian     February 2011
New Zealand
    Tohoku        
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)   Earthquake     Cyclone Tasha     Flooding     Earthquake     Earthquake     Total  

(Increase) decrease in net claims and claim expenses incurred

  $ (13,917   $ 11,020      $ 22,970      $ (40,987   $ 24,683      $ 3,769   

Assumed reinstatement premiums earned

    2,623        —          (4,698     14,959        2,238        15,122   

Ceded reinstatement premiums earned

    —          —          —          (1,187     (6,867     (8,054

(Lost) earned profit commissions

    (221     1,071        488        583        (88     1,833   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (negative) positive impact on underwriting result

  $ (11,515   $ 12,091      $ 18,760      $ (26,632   $ 19,966      $ 12,670   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on Reinsurance segment combined ratio

    6.2        (5.8     (9.8     16.9        (10.4     (4.7

Decrease (increase) in current accident year net claims and claim expenses incurred

  $ —        $ —        $ 22,970      $ (40,987   $ 24,683      $ 6,666   

(Adverse) favorable development in prior accident years net claims and claim expenses incurred

    (13,917     11,020        —          —          —          (2,897
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in net claims and claim expenses incurred

  $ (13,917   $ 11,020      $ 22,970      $ (40,987   $ 24,683      $ 3,769   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Large Events Occurring in the Third Quarter of 2011  

Three months ended September 30, 2011

   Aggregate                
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)    Loss Contracts      Hurricane Irene      Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (30,090    $ (27,672    $ (57,762

Reinstatement premiums earned

     —           5,460         5,460   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net negative impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (30,090    $ (22,212    $ (52,302
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net negative impact on catastrophe unit underwriting result

   $ (30,090    $ (22,212    $ (52,302

Net negative impact on specialty unit underwriting result

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net negative impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (30,090    $ (22,212    $ (52,302
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on Reinsurance segment combined ratio

     14.5         12.2         27.0   

Current accident year net claims and claim expenses of $106.3 million for the third quarter of 2010 included $79.1 million of current accident year net claims and claim expenses related to the September 2010 New Zealand earthquake.

During the third quarter of 2011, we experienced favorable development on prior years reserves of $13.8 million, compared to $33.9 million in the third quarter of 2010, principally due to $12.8 million of favorable development related to lower than expected claims emergence within the specialty unit and $1.0 million of net favorable development within the catastrophe unit due to net reductions in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events.

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 $14.6 million and $11.3 million for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and resulted in a corresponding decrease to the Reinsurance segment underwriting expense ratio of 7.0% and 5.2% for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, 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 – DaVinciRe. The net impact of all fees and profit commissions related to these joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions within our Reinsurance segment was $23.6 million and $19.8 million for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Catastrophe

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our catastrophe unit:

 

Catastrophe unit overview

                  

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Property catastrophe gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 64,317      $ 62,434      $ 1,883   

DaVinci

     32,900        25,844        7,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property catastrophe gross premiums written (1)

   $ 97,217      $ 88,278      $ 8,939   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 61,234      $ 64,134      $ (2,900
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     175,242        176,130        (888

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     56,221        71,191        (14,970

Acquisition expenses

     17,149        18,962        (1,813

Operational expenses

     25,003        23,252        1,751   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

   $ 76,869      $ 62,725      $ 14,144   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 57,242      $ 87,178      $ (29,936

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (1,021     (15,987     14,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 56,221      $ 71,191      $ (14,970
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     32.7     49.5     (16.8 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (0.6 %)      (9.1 %)      8.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     32.1     40.4     (8.3 %) 

Underwriting expense ratio

     24.0     24.0     0.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     56.1     64.4     (8.3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written of $Nil assumed from the Insurance segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 (2010 - $9.9 million).

Catastrophe Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the third quarter of 2011, our catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written increased by $8.9 million, or 10.1%, to $97.2 million, compared to the third quarter of 2010. The increase is primarily due to $20.6 million of reinstatement premiums written during the third quarter of 2011. Excluding the impact of $20.6 million and $5.5 million of reinstatement premiums written in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, gross premiums written decreased $6.1 million, or 7.4%, in the third quarter of 2011. Our property catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written continue to be characterized by a large percentage of U.S. and Caribbean premium, as we have found business derived from exposures in Europe or the rest of the world to be, in general, less attractive on a risk-adjusted basis during recent periods. A significant amount of our U.S. and Caribbean premium provides coverage against windstorms, mainly U.S. Atlantic hurricanes, as well as earthquakes and other natural and man-made catastrophes.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our catastrophe unit generated underwriting income of $76.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $62.7 million in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $14.1 million. In the third quarter of 2011, our catastrophe unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 32.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 24.0% and a combined ratio of 56.1%, compared to 40.4%, 24.0% and 64.4%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2010.

The $14.1 million increase in underwriting income and 8.3 percentage point decrease in the combined ratio was principally due to a $29.9 million decrease in current accident year losses and partially offset by a $15.0 million

 

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decrease in favorable development on prior years reserves in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010. Impacting the underwriting results for our catastrophe unit in the third quarter of 2011 was $12.1 million of underwriting income from the large events occurring in the first and second quarters of 2011( Australian Flooding, February 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes) due primarily to net reductions in claims and claim expenses, and underwriting losses of $30.1 million and $22.2 million related to certain aggregate loss contracts and hurricane Irene, respectively, as detailed in the tables below:

 

     Large Events Occurring in Prior Periods  

Three months ended September 30, 2011

   September 2010     Tropical     Australian     February 2011     Tohoku        
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)    New Zealand     Cyclone Tasha     Flooding     New Zealand     Earthquake     Total  

(Increase) decrease in net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (13,917   $ 9,520      $ 22,970      $ (40,987   $ 24,683      $ 2,269   

Assumed reinstatement premiums earned

     2,623        —          (4,698     14,959        2,238        15,122   

Ceded reinstatement premiums earned

     —          —          —          (1,187     (6,867     (8,054

(Lost) earned profit commissions

     (221     1,071        488        583        (88     1,833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (negative) positive impact on underwriting result

   $ (11,515   $ 10,591      $ 18,760      $ (26,632   $ 19,966      $ 11,170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on catastrophe unit combined ratio

     7.3        (6.1     (11.6     20.2        (12.3     (4.8

Decrease (increase) in current accident year net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ —        $ —        $ 22,970      $ (40,987   $ 24,683      $ 6,666   

(Adverse) favorable development in prior accident years net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (13,917     9,520        —          —          —          (4,397
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (13,917   $ 9,520      $ 22,970      $ (40,987   $ 24,683      $ 2,269   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Large Events Occurring in the Third Quarter of 2011  

Three months ended September 30, 2011

   Aggregate              
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)    Loss Contracts     Hurricane Irene     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (30,090   $ (27,672   $ (57,762

Reinstatement premiums earned

     —          5,460        5,460   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net negative impact on catastrophe unit underwriting result

   $ (30,090   $ (22,212   $ (52,302
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on catastrophe unit combined ratio

     17.1        14.5        32.2   

Current accident year net claims and claim expenses of $87.2 million for the third quarter of 2010 included $79.1 million of current accident year net claims and claim expenses related to the September 2010 New Zealand earthquake.

During the third quarter of 2011, we experienced $1.0 million of net favorable development on prior accident year reserves, compared to $16.0 million of net favorable development on prior accident years reserves in the third quarter of 2010. The favorable development in the third quarter of 2011 within the catastrophe unit is primarily due to reductions in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events. 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.

 

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Specialty

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our specialty reinsurance unit:

 

Specialty unit overview

                  

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Specialty gross premiums written

      

Renaissance

   $ 25,614      $ 21,363      $ 4,251   

DaVinci

     (20     936        (956
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total specialty gross premiums written

   $ 25,594      $ 22,299      $ 3,295   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 25,511      $ 22,175      $ 3,336   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     32,832        28,927        3,905   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     2,344        1,289        1,055   

Acquisition expenses

     4,815        3,502        1,313   

Operational expenses

     7,459        6,385        1,074   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

   $ 18,214      $ 17,751      $ 463   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 15,116      $ 19,166      $ (4,050

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     (12,772     (17,877     5,105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 2,344      $ 1,289      $ 1,055   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     46.0     66.3     (20.3 %) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (38.9 %)      (61.8 %)      22.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     7.1     4.5     2.6

Underwriting expense ratio

     37.4     34.1     3.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     44.5     38.6     5.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Specialty Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the third quarter of 2011, our specialty reinsurance gross premiums written increased $3.3 million, or 14.8%, to $25.6 million, compared to $22.3 million in the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to the inception of certain quota share contracts during the third quarter of 2011 which met our risk-adjusted return thresholds. 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 $18.2 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $17.8 million in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $0.5 million, principally due to the increase in gross premiums written, noted above, and partially offset by increases in net claims and claim expenses incurred of $1.1 million and underwriting expenses of $2.4 million.

In the third quarter of 2011, our specialty unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 7.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 37.4% and a combined ratio of 44.5%, compared to 4.5%, 34.1% and 38.6%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2010. The current accident year net claims and claim expenses ratio of 46.0%, decreased 20.3 percentage points principally due to the $3.9 million increase in net premiums earned in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010, combined with a decrease of $4.1 million in current accident year net claims and claim expenses in the third quarter of 2011. The favorable development on prior accident years in the third quarter of 2011 was primarily due to lower than expected claims emergence. In addition, underwriting expenses increased due to higher allocated operating expenses and a relative increase in contracts with higher acquisition expense ratios during the third quarter of 2011.

 

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Lloyd’s Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Lloyd’s segment:

 

Lloyd’s segment overview

                  

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Lloyd’s gross premiums written

      

Specialty

   $ 14,290      $ 8,851      $ 5,439   

Catastrophe

     2,837        1,422        1,415   

Insurance

     —          (1,511     1,511   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lloyd’s gross premiums written (1)

   $ 17,127      $ 8,762      $ 8,365   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 16,125      $ 6,141      $ 9,984   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     20,797        13,979        6,818   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     14,141        7,687        6,454   

Acquisition expenses

     4,013        3,351        662   

Operational expenses

     9,560        6,246        3,314   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting loss

   $ (6,917   $ (3,305   $ (3,612
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 14,089      $ 7,702      $ 6,387   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     52        (15     67   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 14,141      $ 7,687      $ 6,454   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     67.7     55.1     12.6

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     0.3     (0.1 %)      0.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     68.0     55.0     13.0

Underwriting expense ratio

     65.3     68.6     (3.3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     133.3     123.6     9.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes gross premiums written of $Nil assumed from the Insurance segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 (2010 - $(1.5) million).

Lloyd’s Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Lloyd’s segment increased by $8.4 million, or 95.5%, to $17.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $8.8 million in the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to Syndicate 1458 growing its book of business across the majority of its lines of business.

Lloyd’s Underwriting Results – Our Lloyd’s segment incurred an underwriting loss of $6.9 million and a combined ratio of 133.3% in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $3.3 million and a combined ratio of 123.6%, in the third quarter of 2010. Included in net claims and claim expenses for the third quarter of 2011 are $2.5 million of net claims and claim expenses related to hurricane Irene. Operational expenses increased $3.3 million, to $9.6 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010, and principally include compensation and related operating expenses. The decrease in the underwriting expense ratio to 65.3% in the third quarter of 2011, from 68.6% in the third quarter of 2010, was principally driven by the increase in net premiums earned, and partially offset by the increase in operational expenses, noted above.

 

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Insurance Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Insurance segment:

 

Insurance segment overview

                  

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Gross premiums written

   $ —        $ 591      $ (591
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 140      $ (10,143   $ 10,283   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 353      $ (6,681   $ 7,034   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     5,124        (2,231     7,355   

Acquisition expenses

     80        328        (248

Operational expenses

     147        1,087        (940
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting loss

   $ (4,998   $ (5,865   $ 867   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ (17   $ 816      $ (833

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior years

     5,141        (3,047     8,188   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 5,124      $ (2,231   $ 7,355   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     (4.8 %)      (12.2 %)      7.4

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     1,456.4     45.6     1410.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     1,451.6     33.4     1418.2

Underwriting expense ratio

     64.3     (21.2 %)      85.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     1,515.9     12.2     1503.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Insurance policies and quota-share reinsurance contracts written in connection with our Bermuda-based insurance operations not sold to QBE are included in continuing operations and are reported in our Insurance segment. Although we are not actively underwriting new business in the Insurance segment at this time, we may from time to time evaluate potential new business opportunities for our Insurance segment. The adverse development on prior accident years of $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2011 was principally due to the receipt of two large contractors liability claims during the quarter. As a result of these large claims received in the third quarter of 2011, our contractors liability book of business will be subject to a comprehensive actuarial review during the fourth quarter of 2011. The total gross reserve for claims and claim expenses for the contractors liability book of business at September 30, 2011 is $48.9 million.

 

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Net Investment (Loss) Income

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 11,435      $ 35,219      $ (23,784

Short term investments

     281        635        (354

Equity investments trading

     171        —          171   

Other investments

      

Hedge fund and private equity investments

     (25,702     7,491        (33,193

Other

     (11,665     18,979        (30,644

Cash and cash equivalents

     66        74        (8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (25,414     62,398        (87,812

Investment expenses

     (2,526     (2,828     302   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment (loss) income

   $ (27,940   $ 59,570      $ (87,510
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment (loss) income deteriorated $87.5 million to a net investment loss of $27.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to net investment income of $59.6 million in the third quarter of 2010. The $87.5 million decrease in net investment income was principally driven by a $33.2 million decrease in the returns from our hedge fund and private equity investments due to poor performance in the third quarter of 2011, a $30.6 million decrease in the returns on certain non-investment grade investments included in other investments, and a $23.8 million decrease in net investment income related to fixed maturity investments, which included a $19.2 million negative impact from derivatives and futures used to hedge the interest rate exposure of credit sensitive fixed maturity investments, principally driven by a widening in credit spreads. Historically low interest rates and lower spreads as compared to recent years have lowered the yields at which we invest our assets relative to historical levels. We expect these developments, combined with the current composition of our investment portfolio and other factors, to continue to put downward pressure on our net investment income for the near term. 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 (loss) income which included net unrealized losses of $42.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $15.3 million of net unrealized gains in the third quarter of 2010.

Commencing in the first quarter of 2011, we established a portfolio of certain publicly traded equities which are reflected in our consolidated balance sheet as equity investments trading. This portfolio of equity investments is carried at fair value with dividend income included in net investment (loss) income, and realized and unrealized gains included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments, in our consolidated statements of operations. We expect to add to this portfolio during subsequent periods, although we do not expect it to represent a material portion of our invested assets or our financial results for the reasonably foreseeable period.

 

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

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gross realized gains

   $ 38,054      $ 30,959      $ 7,095   

Gross realized losses

     (6,099     (748     (5,351
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments

   $ 31,955      $ 30,211      $ 1,744   

Net unrealized (losses) gains on fixed maturity investments trading

     (13,007     62,131        (75,138

Net unrealized losses on equity investments trading

     (1,965     —          (1,965
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

   $ 16,983      $ 92,342      $ (75,359
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     (498     —          (498

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     49        —          49   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (449   $ —        $ (449
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Our investment portfolio is structured to preserve capital and provide us with a high level of liquidity. A large majority of our investments are invested in the fixed income markets and, therefore, our realized holding gains and losses on investments are highly correlated to fluctuations in interest rates. Therefore, as interest rates decline, we will tend to have realized gains from the turnover of our investment portfolio, and as interest rates rise, we will tend to have realized losses from the turnover of our investment portfolio.

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $17.0 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $92.3 million in the third quarter of 2010, a decrease of $75.4 million. The unrealized losses on our fixed maturity investments trading of $13.0 million during the third quarter of 2011 deteriorated $75.1 million, compared to unrealized gains of $62.1 million in the third quarter of 2010, primarily as a result of a significant increase in credit spreads during the quarter. In addition, we recognized an unrealized loss of $2.0 million on our investments in certain publicly traded equity positions during the third quarter of 2011.

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Other Ventures

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Top Layer Re

   $ 3,688      $ (8,655   $ 12,343   

Tower Hill Companies

     2,504        2,023        481   

Other

     (1,398     (108     (1,290
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

   $ 4,794      $ (6,740   $ 11,534   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of other ventures primarily represents our pro-rata share of the net income (loss) from our investments in the Top Layer Re and the Tower Hill Companies. Equity in earnings of other ventures was $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to a loss of $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2010. The $11.5 million increase was primarily due to improved profitability within both Top Layer Re and the Tower Hill Companies. During the third quarter of 2011, we sold our entire ownership interest in NBIC Holdings, Inc. (“NBIC”), a holding company for a specialty underwriter of homeowners’ insurance products and services, for $12.0 million. Included in Other in the table above is equity in losses of NBIC of $1.5 million, which was accounted for under the equity method of accounting prior to its sale. As a result of the sale, the Company recorded a $4.8 million gain, included in other income, as noted below.

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

 

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Other (Loss) Income

 

Three months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gain on sale of NBIC

   $ 4,836      $ —        $ 4,836   

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits

     (2,704     (677     (2,027

Weather and energy risk management operations

     (3,232     (4,740     1,508   

Gain on sale of ChannelRe

     —          15,835        (15,835

Mark-to-market on Platinum warrant

     —          14,352        (14,352

Other items

     (915     251        (1,166
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other (loss) income

   $ (2,015   $ 25,021      $ (27,036
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In the third quarter of 2011, we incurred an other loss of $2.0 million, compared to other income of $25.0 million in the third quarter of 2010. The $27.0 million decrease is primarily due to two nonrecurring items, the absence of a mark-to-market adjustment on the Platinum warrant due to its sale during the first quarter of 2011, compared to a mark-to-market gain of $14.4 million on the Platinum warrants in the third quarter of 2010, and a gain of $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2010 on the sale of our entire ownership in ChannelRe. Partially offsetting these items was a $4.8 million gain on the sale of NBIC, as noted above.

Certain contracts we enter in 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. We continue to allocate an increasing amount of capital to our weather and energy risk management operations, and have offered certain new financial products within this group. We also continually seek new markets and relationships for our weather and energy risk products, including by leveraging strategic affiliations and ceding risk where appropriate. 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

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $32.5 million, to $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $37.5 million in the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to decreased profitability of DaVinciRe. The decreased profitability of DaVinciRe is primarily due to lower underwriting income and investment results in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010. Underwriting income was negatively impacted by hurricane Irene. Investment results were negatively impacted by lower total returns on the fixed maturity investments portfolio.

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations includes the financial results of substantially all of our U.S.-based insurance operations sold to QBE. Loss from discontinued operations was $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2011. Income from discontinued operations of $21.2 million in the third quarter of 2010 is primarily driven by strong underwriting results principally within the crop insurance lines of business, combined with solid investment results.

 

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SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010

Summary Overview

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and ratios)                   

Gross premiums written

   $ 1,392,006      $ 1,134,094      $ 257,912   

Net premiums written

     983,580        818,800        164,780   

Net premiums earned

     751,940        675,179        76,761   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     857,628        156,473        701,155   

Acquisition expenses

     72,275        76,158        (3,883

Operational expenses

     126,298        120,160        6,138   

Underwriting (loss) income

     (304,261     322,388        (626,649

Net investment income

     65,669        151,452        (85,783

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

     46,748        210,593        (163,845

Net other-than-temporary impairments

     (449     (829     380   

(Loss) income from continuing operations

     (193,716     660,190        (853,906

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

     (12,585     51,562        (64,147

Net (loss) income

     (206,301     711,752        (918,053

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

     (174,006     580,038        (754,044

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

   $ (3.44   $ 10.04      $ (13.48

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     127.0     57.2     69.8

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     (12.9 %)      (34.0 %)      21.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     114.1     23.2     90.9

Underwriting expense ratio

     26.4     29.1     (2.7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     140.5     52.3     88.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

      September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
     Change     % Change  

Book value per common share

   $ 57.89       $ 62.58       $ (4.69     (7.5 %) 

Accumulated dividends per common share

     10.66         9.88         0.78        7.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends

   $ 68.55       $ 72.46       $ (3.91  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Net (loss) income (attributable) available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $(174.0) million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $580.0 million in the first nine months of 2010. Net (loss) income (attributable) available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per fully diluted common share was $(3.44) for the first nine months of 2011, compared to $10.04 in the first nine months of 2010. The net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders in the first nine months of 2010, was primarily due to:

 

  •  

Significant Catastrophe Events and Corresponding Underwriting Losses – our underwriting loss of $304.3 million in the first nine months of 2011 deteriorated $626.6 million from underwriting income of $322.4 million in the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to $704.5 million of underwriting losses as a result of a number of large events, namely the Australian Flooding, the February 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes, the large U.S. tornadoes, certain aggregate loss contracts and hurricane Irene (collectively referred to as the “Large 2011 Events”), as detailed below;

 

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  •  

Lower Investment Results – net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains on investments deteriorated $85.8 million and $163.8 million, collectively decreasing our net income by $249.6 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the first nine months of 2010. The decrease in our investment results was primarily due to lower total returns on the fixed maturity investments portfolio which included a $26.6 million negative impact from derivatives, a decrease in the returns from our hedge fund and private equity investments due to relatively weaker performance, and lower returns on certain non-investment grade allocations included in other investments;

 

  •  

Equity in Losses of Other Ventures – our equity investment in Top Layer Re incurred a loss of $14.9 million in the first nine months of 2011, a decrease of $12.2 million compared to a loss of $2.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, principally due to claims and claim expenses in Top Layer Re related to the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake, as described in more detail below; and partially offset by

 

  •  

Net Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe – our net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe was $58.5 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe of $100.0 million in the first nine months of 2010, a change of $158.5 million, and principally due to a significant reduction in underwriting income, due to the increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses, combined with lower investment results, as noted above, which also impacted DaVinciRe and resulted in a net loss in the first nine months of 2011, compared to net income in the first nine months of 2010, and consequently decreased redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe; and

 

  •  

Increased Other Income – our other income was $43.0 million in the first nine months of 2011, an improvement of $27.9 million compared to the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to a $4.8 million gain on sale of NBIC, as detailed below, our ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value which generated $39.8 million in income in the first nine months of 2011, compared to a loss of $3.2 million in the first nine months of 2010, principally as a result of net recoverables from the Tohoku earthquake, and partially offset by a gain of $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2010 on the sale of our entire ownership in ChannelRe that did not recur in the third quarter of 2011.

Book value per common share decreased $4.69 to $57.89 at September 30, 2011, compared to $62.58 at December 31, 2010. Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends decreased $3.91 to $68.55 at September 30, 2011, compared to $72.46 at December 31, 2010. The 7.5% decrease in book value per common share was driven by comprehensive loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders of $156.5 million, combined with $40.1 million and $26.3 million of common and preferred dividends, respectively, during the first nine months of 2011. During the first quarter of 2011, we repurchased approximately 2.7 million common shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $174.8 million and at an average share price of $65.84. We did not repurchase any common shares under our authorized share repurchase program during the second or third quarters of 2011.

Net Negative Impact of Specific Events

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 – DaVinci Re and equity in the net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re, and other income in respect of ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value. Our estimates are based on a review of our potential exposures, preliminary discussions with certain counterparties and catastrophe modeling techniques. Given the magnitude and recent occurrence of the various catastrophe events described herein, delays in receiving claims data, the contingent nature of business interruption and other exposures, potential uncertainties relating to reinsurance recoveries and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events. In addition, a significant portion of the net claims and claim expenses associated with the February 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes are concentrated with a few large clients and therefore the loss estimates for these events may vary significantly based on the claims experience of those clients. Accordingly, our actual net negative impact from these events will vary from these preliminary estimates, perhaps materially so. Changes in these estimates will be recorded in the period in which they occur.

 

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See the supplemental financial data below for additional information detailing the net negative impact of the Large 2011 Events, on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

   Australian     February 2011
New Zealand
    Tohoku     Large U.S.     Aggregate              
(in thousands, except ratios)    Flooding     Earthquake     Earthquake     Tornadoes     Loss Contracts     Hurricane Irene     Total  

Gross ultimate claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (27,537   $ (335,251   $ (614,267   $ (145,850   $ (39,557   $ (35,934   $ (1,198,396

Gross claims and claim expenses recovered

     4,389        84,238        240,467        22,587        9,467        5,762        366,910   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     (23,148     (251,013     (373,800     (123,263     (30,090     (30,172     (831,486

Assumed reinstatement premiums earned

     3,974        38,334        83,767        23,309        —          5,460        154,844   

Ceded reinstatement premiums earned

     —          (3,327     (16,712     —          —          —          (20,039

(Lost) earned profit commissions

     (1,062     (7,869     1,249        (96     —          —          (7,778
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net impact on underwriting result

     (20,236     (223,875     (305,496     (100,050     (30,090     (24,712     (704,459

Equity in net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re

     —          (23,758     —          —          —          —          (23,758

Recoveries from ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value

     —          —          45,000        —          —          —          45,000   

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

     3,277        51,267        66,578        29,564        4,457        6,794        161,937   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net negative impact

   $ (16,959   $ (196,366   $ (193,918   $ (70,486   $ (25,633   $ (17,918   $ (521,280
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on consolidated combined ratio

     2.5        29.3        40.7        12.5        4.0        3.1        105.3   

Net negative impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (20,236   $ (217,849   $ (293,946   $ (97,180   $ (30,090   $ (22,212   $ (681,513

Net negative impact on Lloyd’s segment underwriting result

     —          (6,026     (11,550     (2,870     —          (2,500     (22,946
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net negative impact on underwriting result

   $ (20,236   $ (223,875   $ (305,496   $ (100,050   $ (30,090   $ (24,712   $ (704,459
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See the supplemental financial data below for additional information detailing the net negative impact due to the large catastrophes of the first nine months of 2010, namely, the Chilean earthquake, European windstorm Xynthia (“Xynthia”) and the September 2010 New Zealand earthquake, on our consolidated financial statements for the first nine months of 2010.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2010

   Chilean           September 2010
New Zealand
       
(in thousands of United States dollars)    Earthquake     Xynthia     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

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

     23.5        3.5        12.4        40.4   

Underwriting Results

In the first nine months of 2011, we incurred an underwriting loss of $304.3 million, compared to generating underwriting income of $322.4 million in the first nine months of 2010. The decrease in underwriting income was driven primarily by a $701.2 million increase in net claims and claim expenses, partially offset by a $76.8 million increase in net premiums earned. We generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 114.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 26.4% and a combined ratio of 140.5%, in the first nine months of 2011, compared to 23.2%, 29.1% and 52.3%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2010.

Gross premiums written increased $257.9 million, or 22.7%, to $1,392.0 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $1,134.1 million in the first nine months of 2010. As discussed in more detail below, the increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to: $154.8 million of reinstatement premiums in the first nine months of 2011, principally within our catastrophe unit, compared to $35.2 million in the first nine months of 2010; improved pricing and terms experienced in our catastrophe unit during the June and July 2011 renewals, compared to the June and July 2010 renewals, which resulted in more contracts meeting our risk-adjusted return thresholds; and an increase in gross premiums written across the majority of the lines of business within our Lloyd’s segment, resulting in an increase in gross premiums written in the Lloyd’s segment of $30.2 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the first nine months of 2010. The market conditions in our catastrophe unit were relatively soft as we

 

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entered 2011, principally due to the comparably strong capital position of many participants in the (re)insurance industry, combined with recent years of relatively low levels of insured catastrophe losses; however, as a result of the large catastrophes experienced in the first quarter of 2011, namely the Australian flooding, the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake and the Tohoku earthquake, combined with the large U.S. tornadoes in the second quarter of 2011, the then softening market conditions exhibited an improvement and positively impacted the pricing and terms of the June 2011 renewals, compared to the June 2010 renewals. Excluding the impact of $154.8 million and $35.2 million of reinstatement premiums written in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, our gross premiums written increased $138.3 million, or 12.6%.

Net premiums written increased $164.8 million in the first nine months of 2011 to $983.6 million from $818.8 million in the first nine months of 2010. The increase in net premiums written was primarily due to the increase in gross premiums written noted above and offset by a $93.1 million increase in ceded premiums written in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010. Net premiums earned increased $76.8 million to $751.9 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $675.2 million in the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to the increase in net premiums written, as noted above.

Net claims and claim expenses increased by $701.2 million to $857.6 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $156.5 million in the first nine months of 2010, due to higher current accident year losses and a decrease in favorable development on prior years reserves. Insured losses from catastrophes were significantly higher in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to the Large 2011 Events and, as a result, our current accident year net claims and claim expenses increased to $955.1 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $385.9 million in the first nine months of 2010.

We experienced $97.4 million of favorable development on prior years reserves in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $229.4 million in the first nine months of 2010, as discussed in more detail below.

 

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Underwriting Results by Segment

Reinsurance Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Reinsurance segment followed by an analysis of our catastrophe unit and specialty unit underwriting results and ratios:

 

Reinsurance segment overview

                 

Nine months ended September 30,

  2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                  

Gross premiums written (1)

  $ 1,303,897      $ 1,105,679      $ 198,218   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

  $ 906,167      $ 793,967      $ 112,200   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

    696,964        646,349        50,615   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

    797,188        141,095        656,093   

Acquisition expenses

    62,187        63,064        (877

Operational expenses

    97,726        93,523        4,203   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting (loss) income

  $ (260,137   $ 348,667      $ (608,804
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

  $ 902,118      $ 361,403      $ 540,715   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

    (104,930     (220,308     115,378   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

  $ 797,188      $ 141,095      $ 656,093   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

    129.4     55.9     73.5

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

    (15.0 %)      (34.1 %)      19.1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

    114.4     21.8     92.6

Underwriting expense ratio

    22.9     24.3     (1.4 %) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

    137.3     46.1     91.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (1) Includes gross premiums written of $Nil assumed from the Insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (2010 - $10.1 million).

Reinsurance Segment Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Reinsurance segment increased by $198.2 million, or 17.9%, to $1,303.9 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $1,105.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to an increase in gross premiums written in our catastrophe unit which was positively impacted by reinstatement premiums written principally on the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake, the Tohoku earthquake and the large U.S. tornadoes. Excluding the impact of $154.5 million and $35.2 million of reinstatement premiums written in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, our Reinsurance segment gross premiums written increased $78.9 million, or 7.4%, in the first nine months of 2011, primarily due to the improving market conditions in our core markets during the June and July 2011 renewals, and partially offset by the then softer market conditions in our core markets during the January 2011 renewals. 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 incurred an underwriting loss of $260.1 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $348.7 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2010, a decrease of $608.8 million. In the first nine months of 2011, our Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 114.4%, an underwriting expense ratio of 22.9% and a combined ratio of 137.3%, compared to 21.8%, 24.3% and 46.1%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2010.

 

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The $608.8 million decrease in underwriting income and 91.2 percentage point increase in the combined ratio was principally due to a $540.7 million increase in current accident year losses and a $115.4 million decrease in favorable development on prior years reserves in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the first nine months of 2010. The increase in current accident year losses was primarily due to the Large 2011 Events, which negatively impacted the Reinsurance segment’s underwriting result and combined ratio by $681.5 million and 112.3 percentage points, respectively, after considering the impact of net reinstatement premiums earned and net lost profit commission related to these events, as detailed in the table below.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

   Australian     February 2011
New Zealand
    Tohoku     Large U.S.     Aggregate              
(in thousands, except ratios)    Flooding     Earthquake     Earthquake     Tornadoes     Loss Contracts     Hurricane Irene     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (23,148   $ (244,987   $ (362,302   $ (120,263   $ (30,090   $ (27,672   $ (808,462

Assumed reinstatement premiums earned

     3,974        38,334        83,565        23,179        —          5,460        154,512   

Ceded reinstatement premiums earned

     —          (3,327     (16,458     —          —          —          (19,785

(Lost) earned profit commissions

     (1,062     (7,869     1,249        (96     —          —          (7,778
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (20,236   $ (217,849   $ (293,946   $ (97,180   $ (30,090   $ (22,212   $ (681,513
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net negative impact on catastrophe unit underwriting result

   $ (14,236   $ (205,349   $ (273,946   $ (97,180   $ (30,090   $ (22,212   $ (643,013

Net negative impact on specialty unit underwriting result

     (6,000     (12,500     (20,000     —          —          —          (38,500
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net impact on Reinsurance segment underwriting result

   $ (20,236   $ (217,849   $ (293,946   $ (97,180   $ (30,090   $ (22,212   $ (681,513
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on Reinsurance segment combined ratio

     2.7        30.9        42.7        13.1        4.3        2.9        112.3   

During the first nine months of 2010, our Reinsurance segment experienced $262.5 million of net claims and claim expenses related to the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the September 2010 New Zealand earthquake, as detailed in the table below.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2010

  Chilean           September 2010
New Zealand
       
(in thousands of United States dollars)   Earthquake     Xynthia     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
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on Reinsurance segment combined ratio

    24.8        3.7        13.0        42.6   

During the first nine months of 2011, we experienced favorable development on prior years reserves of $104.9 million, compared to $220.3 million of favorable development in the first nine months of 2010. The favorable development of $104.9 million in the first nine months of 2011 is principally attributable to reductions in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events within the catastrophe unit of $32.5 million and within the specialty unit of $45.6 million related to lower than expected claims emergence and $26.8 million associated with actuarial assumption changes. The decrease in the underwriting expense ratio to 22.9% in the first nine months of 2011, from 24.3% in the first nine months of 2010, was principally driven by net premiums earned as a result of the reinstatement premiums written and earned, which do not incur acquisition expenses.

We have entered into joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions of our book of business. In accordance with the joint venture and quota share agreements, we are entitled to certain profit commissions and fee income, 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 $43.7 million and $37.4 million for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and resulted in a corresponding decrease to the Reinsurance segment underwriting expense ratio of 6.3% and 5.5% for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, 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 – DaVinciRe. The net impact of all fees and profit commissions related to these joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions within our Reinsurance segment was $39.9 million and $62.7 million for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Catastrophe

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our catastrophe unit:

 

Catastrophe unit overview

                 

Nine months ended September 30,

  2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                  

Property catastrophe gross premiums written

     

Renaissance

  $ 742,888      $ 633,353      $ 109,535   

DaVinci

    436,253        368,587        67,666   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property catastrophe gross premiums written (1)

  $ 1,179,141      $ 1,001,940      $ 177,201   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

  $ 786,910      $ 693,889      $ 93,021   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

    598,040        562,938        35,102   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

    770,113        180,652        589,461   

Acquisition expenses

    46,658        53,016        (6,358

Operational expenses

    75,464        75,309        155   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting (loss) income

  $ (294,195   $ 253,961      $ (548,156
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

  $ 802,630      $ 289,100      $ 513,530   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

    (32,517     (108,448     75,931   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

  $ 770,113      $ 180,652      $ 589,461   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

    134.2     51.4     82.8

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

    (5.4 %)      (19.3 %)      13.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

    128.8     32.1     96.7

Underwriting expense ratio

    20.4     22.8     (2.4 %) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

    149.2     54.9     94.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (1) Includes gross premiums written of $Nil assumed from the Insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (2010 - $10.1 million).

Catastrophe Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the first nine months of 2011, our catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written increased by $177.2 million, or 17.7%, to $1,179.1 million, compared to $1,001.9 million in the first nine months of 2010. The increase is primarily due to reinstatement premiums written on the February 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes, the large U.S. tornadoes in the second quarter of 2011, and the improving market conditions in our core markets during the June and July 2011 renewals, partially offset by the then softer market conditions in our core markets during the January 2011 renewals. Excluding the impact of $154.5 million and $35.2 million of reinstatement premiums written in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, our catastrophe unit gross premiums written increased $57.9 million, or 6.0%, in the first nine months of 2011. Our property catastrophe reinsurance gross premiums written continue to be characterized by a large percentage of U.S. and Caribbean premium, as we have found business derived from exposures in Europe or the rest of the world to be, in general, less attractive on a risk-adjusted basis during recent periods. A significant amount of our U.S. and Caribbean premium provides coverage against windstorms, mainly U.S. Atlantic hurricanes, as well as earthquakes and other natural and man-made catastrophes.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our catastrophe unit incurred an underwriting loss of $294.2 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $254.0 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2010, a decrease of $548.2 million. The decrease in underwriting income was primarily due to a $513.5 million increase in current accident year claims and claim expenses as a result of the Large 2011 Events and a decrease of

 

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$75.9 million in favorable development on prior accident years claims and claim expenses, and partially offset by a $35.1 million increase in net premiums earned due to the reinstatement premiums written and earned, noted above.

In the first nine months of 2011, our catastrophe unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 128.8%, an underwriting expense ratio of 20.4% and a combined ratio of 149.2%, compared to 32.1%, 22.8% and 54.9%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2010. The increase in current accident year losses was primarily due to the Large 2011 Events, which negatively impacted the catastrophe unit’s underwriting result and combined ratio by $643.0 million and 124.5 percentage points, respectively, after considering the impact of net reinstatement premiums earned and lost profit commissions related to these events, as detailed in the table below.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

   Australian     February 2011
New Zealand
    Tohoku     Large U.S.     Aggregate              
(in thousands, except ratios)    Flooding     Earthquake     Earthquake     Tornadoes     Loss Contracts     Hurricane Irene     Total  

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ (17,148   $ (232,487   $ (342,302   $ (120,263   $ (30,090   $ (27,672   $ (769,962

Assumed reinstatement premiums earned

     3,974        38,334        83,565        23,179        —          5,460        154,512   

Ceded reinstatement premiums earned

     —          (3,327     (16,458     —          —          —          (19,785

(Lost) earned profit commissions

     (1,062     (7,869     1,249        (96     —          —          (7,778
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net impact on catastrophe unit underwriting result

   $ (14,236   $ (205,349   $ (273,946   $ (97,180   $ (30,090   $ (22,212   $ (643,013
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point impact on catastrophe unit combined ratio

     2.1        33.4        45.4        14.9        5.0        3.3        124.5   

During the first nine months of 2010, our catastrophe unit experienced $255.0 million of net claims and claim expenses related to the Chilean earthquake, Xynthia and the September 2010 New Zealand earthquake, which added 47.3 percentage points to the catastrophe unit’s combined ratio after considering the impact of net reinstatement premiums earned and lost profit commission related to these events, as detailed in the table below.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2010

   Chilean           September 2010
New Zealand
       
(in thousands of United States dollars)    Earthquake     Xynthia     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
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage point on catastrophe unit combined ratio

     26.8        4.2        14.8        47.3   

During the first nine months of 2011, we experienced $32.5 million of favorable development on prior year reserves, compared to $108.4 million of favorable development on prior years reserves in the first nine months of 2010. The favorable development in the first nine months of 2011 was primarily related to decreases in estimated ultimate losses on certain specific events, including $13.5 million related to tropical cyclone Tasha and $8.5 million related to the 2005 hurricanes and better than expected claims emergence associated with a number of other catastrophes, partially offset by an increase in estimated ultimate losses on the September 2010 New Zealand earthquake of $15.8 million. The favorable development in the first nine months of 2010 was 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. The decrease in the underwriting expense ratio to 20.4% in the first nine months of 2011, from 22.8% in the first nine months of 2010, was principally driven by an increase in net premiums earned as a result of the reinstatement premiums written and earned, which do not incur additional acquisition expenses.

 

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Specialty

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our specialty reinsurance unit:

 

Specialty unit overview

                 

Nine months ended September 30,

  2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                  

Specialty gross premiums written

     

Renaissance

  $ 123,075      $ 101,201      $ 21,874   

DaVinci

    1,681        2,538        (857
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total specialty gross premiums written

  $ 124,756      $ 103,739      $ 21,017   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

  $ 119,257      $ 100,078      $ 19,179   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

    98,924        83,411        15,513   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

    27,075        (39,557     66,632   

Acquisition expenses

    15,529        10,048        5,481   

Operational expenses

    22,262        18,214        4,048   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

  $ 34,058      $ 94,706      $ (60,648
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

  $ 99,488      $ 72,303      $ 27,185   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

    (72,413     (111,860     39,447   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

  $ 27,075      $ (39,557   $ 66,632   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

    100.6     86.7     13.9

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

    (73.2 %)      (134.1 %)      60.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

    27.4     (47.4 %)      74.8

Underwriting expense ratio

    38.2     33.9     4.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

    65.6     (13.5 %)      79.1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Specialty Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In the first nine months of 2011, our specialty reinsurance gross premiums written increased $21.0 million, or 20.3%, to $124.8 million, compared to $103.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to the inception of a number of new contracts during the second quarter of 2011 which met our risk-adjusted return thresholds. 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 $34.1 million of underwriting income in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $94.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, a decrease of $60.6 million, principally due to an increase in net claims and claim expenses. The $66.6 million increase in net claims and claim expenses is driven by a $27.2 million increase in current accident year losses primarily due to estimated losses associated with several large events including the Tohoku earthquake of $20.0 million, the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake of $12.5 million, an Alberta, Canada forest fire event of $6.5 million and the Australian flooding of $6.0 million, combined with a $39.4 million decrease in favorable development on prior accident years. The favorable development on prior accident years in the first nine months of 2011 was principally the result of $45.6 million due to actual reported loss activity coming in better than expected and $26.8 million due to changes in our actuarial assumptions. In the first nine months of 2011, our specialty unit generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 27.4%, an underwriting expense ratio of 38.2% and a combined ratio of 65.6%, compared to negative 47.4%, 33.9% and negative 13.5%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2010. The 4.3 percentage point increase in the underwriting expense ratio was principally driven by an increase in operational expenses due to higher allocated operating expenses and a relative increase in contracts with higher acquisition expense ratios during the first nine months of 2011.

 

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Lloyd’s Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Lloyd’s segment:

 

Lloyd’s segment overview

                  

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                   

Lloyd’s gross premiums written

      

Specialty

   $ 61,071      $ 23,081      $ 37,990   

Catastrophe

     26,802        14,415        12,387   

Insurance

     —          20,131        (20,131
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lloyd’s gross premiums written (1)

   $ 87,873      $ 57,627      $ 30,246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 76,946      $ 52,122      $ 24,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

     53,704        37,580        16,124   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

     53,283        18,026        35,257   

Acquisition expenses

     9,779        7,682        2,097   

Operational expenses

     27,167        17,333        9,834   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting loss

   $ (36,525   $ (5,461   $ (31,064
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

   $ 53,027      $ 18,202      $ 34,825   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior accident years

     256        (176     432   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

   $ 53,283      $ 18,026      $ 35,257   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

     98.7     48.4     50.3

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

     0.5     (0.4 %)      0.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

     99.2     48.0     51.2

Underwriting expense ratio

     68.8     66.5     2.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     168.0     114.5     53.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)    Includes gross premiums written of $0.1 million and $Nil assumed from the Insurance segment and Reinsurance segment, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (2010 - $20.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively).

         

 

Lloyd’s Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Lloyd’s segment increased by $30.2 million, or 52.5% to $87.9 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $57.6 million in the first nine months of 2010. Excluding the impact of an intercompany quota share agreement in the second quarter of 2010, gross premiums written in the Lloyd’s segment increased $51.9 million, or 144.2%, primarily due to Syndicate 1458 growing its book of business across the majority of its lines of business, most notably its specialty lines of business.

Lloyd’s Underwriting Results – Our Lloyd’s segment incurred an underwriting loss of $36.5 million and a combined ratio of 168.0% in the first nine months of 2011, compared to an underwriting loss of $5.5 million and a combined ratio of 114.5% in the first nine months of 2010. Net claims and claim expenses for the first nine months of 2011 are comprised primarily of $12.3 related to the Tohoku earthquake, $6.0 million related to the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake, $3.0 million related to the large U.S. tornadoes in the second quarter of 2011 and $2.5 million related to hurricane Irene, with the remainder due primarily to incurred but not reported loss activity in the specialty lines of business. Operational expenses increased $9.8 million, to $27.2 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the first nine months of 2010, and principally include compensation and related operating expenses. The increase in the underwriting expense ratio to 68.8% in the first nine months of 2011, from 66.5% in the first nine months of 2010, was primarily driven by the increase in operational expenses, noted above.

 

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Insurance Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Insurance segment:

 

Insurance segment overview

                 

Nine months ended September 30,

  2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ratios)                  

Gross premiums written

  $ 313      $ 1,276      $ (963
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

  $ 467      $ (27,289   $ 27,756   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

  $ 1,272      $ (8,750   $ 10,022   

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

    7,157        (2,648     9,805   

Acquisition expenses

    309        5,412        (5,103

Operational expenses

    1,405        9,304        (7,899
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting loss

  $ (7,599   $ (20,818   $ 13,219   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

  $ (86   $ 6,302      $ (6,388

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - prior years

    7,243        (8,950     16,193   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - total

  $ 7,157      $ (2,648   $ 9,805   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

    (6.8 %)      (72.0 %)      65.2

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

    569.5     102.3     467.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

    562.7     30.3     532.4

Underwriting expense ratio

    134.7     (168.2 %)      302.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

    697.4     (137.9 %)      835.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Insurance policies and quota-share reinsurance contracts written in connection with our Bermuda-based insurance operations not sold to QBE are included in continuing operations and are reported in our Insurance segment. Although we are not actively underwriting new business in the Insurance segment at this time, we may from time to time evaluate potential new business opportunities for our Insurance segment. The adverse development on prior accident years of $7.2 million in the first nine months of 2011 was principally due to the receipt of two large contractors liability claims during the third quarter of 2011. As a result of these large claims received in the third quarter of 2011, our contractors liability book of business will be subject to a comprehensive actuarial review during the fourth quarter of 2011. The total gross reserve for claims and claim expenses for the contractors liability book of business at September 30, 2011 is $48.9 million.

 

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Net Investment Income

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Fixed maturity investments

   $ 63,774      $ 92,108      $ (28,334

Short term investments

     1,309        1,803        (494

Equity investments trading

     297        —          297   

Other investments

      

Hedge fund and private equity investments

     6,035        33,215        (27,180

Other

     2,000        32,013        (30,013

Cash and cash equivalents

     152        157        (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     73,567        159,296        (85,729

Investment expenses

     (7,898     (7,844     (54
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 65,669      $ 151,452      $ (85,783
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income was $65.7 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $151.5 million in the first nine months of 2010. The $85.8 million decrease in net investment income was principally driven by a $27.2 million decrease in the returns from our hedge fund and private equity investments due to poor performance in the first nine months of 2011, to a $30.0 million decrease in the returns on certain non-investment grade investments included in other investments, and a $28.3 million decrease in net investment income related to fixed maturity investments, which included $26.6 million negative impact from derivatives, and was driven by a widening in credit spreads during the first nine months of 2011. Historically low interest rates as compared to recent years have lowered the yields at which we invest our assets relative to historical levels. We expect these developments, combined with the current composition of our investment portfolio and other factors, to continue to put downward pressure on our net investment income for the near term. 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 losses of $9.2 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $21.0 million of net unrealized gains in the first nine months of 2010.

Commencing in the first quarter of 2011, we established a portfolio of certain publicly traded equities which are reflected in our consolidated balance sheet as equity investments trading. This portfolio of equity investments is carried at fair value with dividend income included in net investment income, and realized and unrealized gains included in net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments, in our consolidated statements of operations. We expect to add to this portfolio during subsequent periods, although we do not expect it to come to represent a material portion of our invested assets or our financial results for the reasonably foreseeable period.

 

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

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Gross realized gains

   $ 64,046      $ 108,560      $ (44,514

Gross realized losses

     (22,872     (11,880     (10,992
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments

   $ 41,174      $ 96,680      $ (55,506

Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments trading

     7,963        113,913        (105,950

Net unrealized losses on equity investments trading

     (2,389     —          (2,389
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

   $ 46,748      $ 210,593      $ (163,845
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairments

     (498     (831     333   

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

     49        2        47   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net other-than-temporary impairments

   $ (449   $ (829   $ 380   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Our investment portfolio is structured to preserve capital and provide us with a high level of liquidity. A large majority of our investments are invested in the fixed income markets and, therefore, our realized holding gains and losses on investments are highly correlated to fluctuations in interest rates. Therefore, as interest rates decline, we will tend to have realized gains from the turnover of our investment portfolio, and as interest rates rise, we will tend to have realized losses from the turnover of our investment portfolio.

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $46.7 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $210.6 million in the first nine months of 2010, a decrease of $163.8 million. The unrealized gains on our fixed maturity investments trading of $8.0 million during the first nine months of 2011 decreased $106.0 million, compared to $113.9 million in the first nine months of 2010, primarily as a result of a significant increase in credit spreads during the third quarter of 2011. In addition, we recognized an unrealized loss of $2.4 million on our investments in certain publicly traded equity positions during the first nine months of 2011.

Equity in Losses of Other Ventures

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Tower Hill Companies

   $ 3,271      $ 1,181      $ 2,090   

Top Layer Re

     (14,854     (2,666     (12,188

Other

     (2,248     61        (2,309
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity in losses of other ventures

   $ (13,831   $ (1,424   $ (12,407
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity in losses of other ventures primarily represents our pro-rata share of the net (loss) income from our investments in the Top Layer Re and the Tower Hill Companies. Equity in losses of other ventures was $13.8 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to a loss of $1.4 million in the first nine months of 2010. The $12.4 million increase in equity in losses of other ventures was primarily due to our equity in losses of Top Layer Re of $14.9 million during the first nine months of 2011, primarily as a result of Top Layer Re experiencing net claims and claim expenses related to the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake. During the third quarter of 2011, we sold our entire ownership interest in NBIC Holdings, Inc. (“NBIC”), a holding company for a specialty underwriter of homeowners’ insurance products and services, for $12.0 million. Included in Other in the table above, is equity in losses of NBIC of $2.8 million.

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

 

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Other Income

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010     Change  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                   

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits

   $ 39,795      $ (3,234   $ 43,029   

Gain on sale of NBIC

     4,836        —          4,836   

Mark-to-market on Platinum warrant

     2,975        8,987        (6,012

Weather and energy risk management operations

     (3,716     (7,057     3,341   

Gain on sale of ChannelRe

     —          15,835        (15,835

Other items

     (927     557        (1,484
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

   $ 42,963      $ 15,088      $ 27,875   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In the first nine months of 2011, we generated $43.0 million of other income, compared to $15.1 million in the first nine months of 2010. The $27.9 million improvement is primarily due to assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value generating income of $39.8 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to a loss of $3.2 million in the first nine months of 2010, principally as a result of net recoverables from the Tohoku earthquake, a gain on sale of NBIC of $4.8 million, as noted above, and reduced losses from our weather and energy risk management operations of $3.3 million due to overall more favorable trading conditions experienced during the first nine months of 2011, compared to the first nine months of 2010, and partially offset by two nonrecurring items, the absence of a mark-to-market adjustment on the Platinum warrant due to its sale during the first quarter of 2011, compared to a mark-to-market gain of $9.0 million on the Platinum warrants in the first nine months of 2010, and a gain of $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2010 on the sale of our entire ownership in ChannelRe.

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. We continue to allocate an increasing amount of capital to our weather and energy risk management operations, and have offered certain new financial products within this group. We also continually seek new markets and relationships for our weather and energy risk products, including by leveraging strategic affiliations and ceding risk where appropriate. 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 $9.7 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $15.4 million in the first nine months of 2010, with the decrease primarily due to a corporate insurance recovery recorded in the first quarter of 2011 combined with a decrease in legal and consulting expenses.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $2.1 million to $17.6 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $15.5 million in the first nine months of 2010, 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

Income tax benefit decreased $3.1 million to a benefit of $3.3 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $6.3 million in the first nine months of 2010, due primarily to a decrease in pretax losses from our U.S.-based operations.

 

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Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

The net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests of $58.5 million in the first nine months of 2011 deteriorated from net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $100.0 million in the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to net losses of DaVinciRe. DaVinciRe incurred an underwriting loss in the first nine months of 2011, compared to underwriting income in the first nine months of 2010, principally due to the Large 2011 Events.

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations includes the financial results of substantially all of our U.S.-based insurance operations sold to QBE. Loss from discontinued operations of $12.6 million in the first nine months of 2011 is primarily due to the recognition of a $10.0 million expense related to a contractually agreed obligation to pay, or otherwise reimburse, QBE for amounts potentially up to $10.0 million in respect of net adverse development on prior accident years net claims and claims expenses for reserves that were sold to QBE in conjunction with the sale. The $10.0 million represents the maximum amount payable under the reserve collar. We will continue to evaluate any favorable or adverse developments related to the reserve collar quarterly pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE. Income from discontinued operations in the first nine months of 2010 of $51.6 million is primarily driven by favorable development on prior accident years in the crop insurance line of business in 2010.

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. The Insurance Act also requires these Bermuda insurance subsidiaries of the Company maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. At September 30, 2011, the statutory capital and surplus of our Bermuda insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries was $2.6 billion, and the amount of capital and surplus required to be maintained under Bermuda law, the Minimum Solvency Margin, was $543.1 million. During the first nine months of 2011, DaVinciRe and the operating subsidiaries of RenRe Insurance Holdings Ltd. returned capital to our holding company, which included dividends declared and return of capital, net of capital contributions received, of $6.5 million and $547.3 million, respectively, compared with $176.4 million and $Nil, respectively, during the first nine months of 2010. During the first nine months of 2011, our holding company contributed capital to Renaissance Reinsurance, net of dividends received, of $108.8 million, compared with Renaissance Reinsurance returning capital to our holding company, which included dividends declared and returned capital, net of capital contributions received, of $391.0 million during the first nine months of 2010.

As discussed in the “Capital Resources” section below, Renaissance Reinsurance is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level. Although not required to maintain Top Layer Re’s minimum solvency margin as defined by the BMA, nor mandatorily obligated to, Renaissance Reinsurance contributed $20.5 million in additional paid-in capital to Top Layer Re following the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake.

Under the Insurance Act, Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci are classified as Class 4 insurers, and therefore must maintain capital at a level equal to its Enhanced Capital Requirement (“ECR”) which is established by reference to the Bermuda Solvency and Capital Requirement (“BSCR”) model. The BSCR is a standard mathematical model designed to give the BMA more advanced methods for determining an insurer’s capital adequacy. Underlying the BSCR is the belief that all insurers should operate on an ongoing basis with a view to

 

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maintaining their capital at a prudent level in excess of the minimum solvency margin otherwise prescribed under the Insurance Act. Alternatively, under the Insurance Act, insurers may, subject to the terms of the Insurance Act and to the BMA’s oversight, elect to utilize an approved internal capital model to determine regulatory capital. In either case, the ECR shall at all times equal or exceed the Class 4 insurer’s Minimum Solvency Margin and may be adjusted in circumstances where the BMA concludes that the insurer’s risk profile deviates significantly from the assumptions underlying its ECR or the insurer’s assessment of its risk management policies and practices used to calculate the ECR applicable to it. While not specifically referred to in the Insurance Act, the BMA has also established a Target Capital Level (“TCL”) for each Class 4 insurer equal to 120% of its ECR. While a Class 4 insurer is not currently required to maintain its statutory capital and surplus at this level, the TCL serves as an early warning tool for the BMA and failure to maintain statutory capital at least equal to the TCL will likely result in increased BMA regulatory oversight. The Company has completed and filed the 2010 BSCR for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, and both companies have exceeded the target level of required capital.

RenaissanceRe CCL and Syndicate 1458 are subject to oversight from 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, 2011, the Company maintained $93.5 million and £19.0 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, 2011.

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

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)             

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 194,486      $ 496,441   

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     262,104        (37,217

Net cash used in financing activities

     (500,498     (367,765

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     1,228        (400
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (42,680     91,059   

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations

     —          (46,051

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     277,738        203,112   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 235,058      $ 248,120   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the first nine months of 2011, our cash and cash equivalents decreased $42.7 million, to $235.1 million at September 30, 2011, compared to $277.7 million at December 31, 2010.

Cash flows provided by operating activities. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the first nine months of 2011 were $194.5 million, compared to $496.4 million in the first nine months of 2010. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the first nine months of 2011 were primarily the result of certain adjustments to reconcile our net loss of $206.3 million to net cash provided by operating activities, including: an increase in our reserve for claims and claim expenses of $968.2 million driven by the significant catastrophes in the first nine months of 2011; an increase in unearned premiums of $337.4 million due to growth in our gross premiums written; and partially offset by an increase in premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverable of $373.1 million and $332.8

 

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million, respectively; an increase in deferred acquisition costs of $35.6 million; and net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments of $46.7 million. As discussed under “Summary of Results of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010”, we incurred significant underwriting losses and lower investment results, which contributed to the decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities.

Cash flows provided by investing activities. During the first nine months of 2011, our cash flows provided by investing activities were $262.1million, which principally reflected $269.5 million in net proceeds from the sale of substantially all of our U.S.-based insurance operations to QBE and $47.9 million related to the sale of our Platinum warrant during the first quarter of 2011. In addition, during the first nine months of 2011, in response to the large catastrophes of the first nine months and the desire to have appropriate capital resources available to pay valid claims quickly, we had net sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments of $511.2 million, and net purchase of short term investments of $535.1 million.

Cash flows used in financing activities. Our cash flows used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2011 were $500.5 million, principally comprised of the repurchase of $174.8 million of our common shares, the payment of $40.1 million and $26.3 million in dividends to our common and preferred shareholders, respectively, the repurchase of $129.4 million of DaVinciRe shares and the repayment of the outstanding principal of the DaVinciRe revolving credit facility of $200.0 million, as discussed below in the “Capital Resources” section. Partially offsetting the above cash flows used in financing activities was a $70.0 million cash inflow attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest related to the DaVinciRe equity capital raise executed during the second quarter of 2011.

During the first nine months of 2010, our cash and cash equivalents increased $91.1 million, to $248.1 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $203.1 million at December 31, 2009, which excludes an increase of $46.1 million in cash and cash equivalents related to discontinued operations held for sale. The following discussion of our cash flows includes the results of operations and financial position of our discontinued operations held for sale related to the sale of substantially all of substantially all of our U.S.-based insurance operations.

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 months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010”, we generated positive underwriting income and improved investment results in the first nine months of 2010, which contributed to cash flows provided by operating activities. In addition, the increase in our claims and claim expenses and reinsurance recoverable of $4.3 million and $6.7 million, respectively, in the first nine months of 2010, was 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 used in investing activities. During the first nine months of 2010, our cash flows used in investing activities were $37.2 million, which principally reflects the investment of a portion of our operating cash flows in our fixed maturity portfolio. In the first nine months of 2010, we purchased $8.9 billion of fixed maturity investments trading 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. Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments were $9.1 billion. In addition, cash flows provided by investing activities include $15.8 million related to the sale of our entire ownership interest in ChannelRe in July 2010.

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.

A large portion of the coverages we provide can produce losses of high severity and low frequency; therefore it is not possible to accurately predict our future cash flows from operating activities. As a consequence, cash flows

 

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from operating activities may fluctuate, perhaps significantly, between individual quarters and years. Due to the magnitude and relatively recent occurrence of the large catastrophes in the first nine months of 2011 and the Chilean and New Zealand earthquakes in 2010, meaningful continuing uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events. In addition, meaningful continuing uncertainty remains regarding losses from other certain large, mature events, such as hurricanes Gustav and Ike during 2008, and the large storms of 2005, especially Katrina. Our actual ultimate net losses from these events will likely vary from preliminary estimates, perhaps materially. As a result of the foregoing, 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”).

The following table summarizes our claims and claim expense reserves by line of business and split between case reserves, additional case reserves and IBNR:

 

September 30, 2011

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

Catastrophe

   $ 497,889       $ 524,700       $ 539,723       $ 1,562,312   

Specialty

     113,022         52,285         333,947         499,254   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Reinsurance

     610,911         576,985         873,670         2,061,566   

Lloyd’s

     18,114         10,558         43,676         72,348   

Insurance

     39,058         5,020         48,013         92,091   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 668,083       $ 592,563       $ 965,359       $ 2,226,005   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

                           
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                            

Catastrophe

   $ 173,157       $ 281,202       $ 163,021       $ 617,380   

Specialty

     102,521         60,196         350,573         513,290   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Reinsurance

     275,678         341,398         513,594         1,130,670   

Lloyd’s

     172         6,874         12,985         20,031   

Insurance

     40,943         3,317         62,882         107,142   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 316,793       $ 351,589       $ 589,461       $ 1,257,843   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 of its ultimate liability at a point in time, 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, 2011 and 2010, changes to prior

 

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year estimated claims reserves (decreased) increased our net (loss) income by $(97.4) million and $229.4 million, respectively, excluding the consideration of changes in reinstatement premiums, profit commissions, redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe, equity in the net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re, other income in respect of ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for at fair value and income tax.

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.

Our estimates of losses from the large events of 2011, 2010 and 2008 are based on factors including currently available information derived from the Company’s 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 the 2011 and 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, 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, September 2010 New Zealand, February 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes); and in the case of Australian flooding, significant uncertainty as to the form of the claims and legal issues including, but not limited to, the number, nature and fiscal periods of the loss events under the relevant terms of insurance contracts and reinsurance treaties. In addition, loss reserve estimation in respect of our retrocessional contracts poses further challenges compared to directly assumed reinsurance. In addition, a significant portion of the net claims and claim expenses associated with the New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes are concentrated with a few large clients and therefore the loss estimates for these events may vary significantly based on the claims experience of those clients. A significant portion of our reinsurance recoverable relates to the New Zealand and Tohoku earthquakes. There is inherent uncertainty and complexity in evaluating loss reserve levels and reinsurance recoverable amounts, due to the nature of the losses relating to earthquake events, including that loss development time frames tend to take longer with respect to earthquake events. The contingent nature of business interruption and other exposures will also impact losses in a meaningful way, especially with regard to the Tohoku earthquake, which we believe may give rise to significant complexity in respect of claims handling, claims adjustment and other coverage issues, over time. Given the magnitude and relatively recent occurrence of these events, and the continuing uncertainty relating to the large storms of 2005, especially hurricane Katrina, and those of 2008, 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.

Net Claims and Claim Expenses - Prior Accident Years

We use statistical and actuarial methods to estimate ultimate expected claims and claim expenses. The period of time from the reporting of a claim to us and the settlement of our liability may be many years. During this period, additional facts and trends will be revealed. As these factors become apparent, case reserves will be adjusted, sometimes requiring an increase or decrease in the overall reserve for claims and claim expenses, and at other times

 

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requiring a reallocation of IBNR reserves to specific case reserves or additional case reserves. These estimates are reviewed regularly, and such adjustments, if any, are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they become known and are accounted for as changes in estimates. Adjustments to our reserve for claims and claim expenses can impact current year net income (loss) by increasing (decreasing) net income (loss) if the estimates of prior year claims and claim expense reserves prove to be overstated or by decreasing (increasing) net income (loss) if the estimates of prior year claims and claim expense reserves prove to be insufficient.

Our estimates of claims and claim expenses are also based in part upon the estimation of claims resulting from natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, winter storms, terrorist attacks and other catastrophic events. Estimation of the claims resulting from catastrophic events is inherently difficult because of the potential severity of property catastrophe claims. Additionally, we have recently increased our specialty reinsurance business but do not have the benefit of a significant amount of our own historical experience in certain of these lines. Therefore, we use both proprietary and commercially available models, as well as historical (re)insurance industry claims experience, for purposes of evaluating future trends and providing an estimate of ultimate claims costs.

Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses is summarized as follows:

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousand of U.S. dollars)             

Net reserves as of January 1

   $ 1,156,132      $ 1,260,334   

Net incurred related to:

    

Current year

     955,059        385,907   

Prior years

     (97,431     (229,434
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net incurred

     857,628        156,473   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net paid related to:

    

Current year

     108,302        40,199   

Prior years

     114,006        115,832   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net paid

     222,308        156,031   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net reserves as of September 30

     1,791,452        1,260,776   

Reinsurance recoverable as of September 30

     434,553        103,449   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross reserves as of September 30

   $ 2,226,005      $ 1,364,225   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table details the prior year development by segment of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for the nine months ended September 20, 2011 and 2010:

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousand of U.S. dollars)             

Reinsurance

   $ (104,930   $ (220,308

Lloyd’s

     256        (176

Insurance

     7,243        (8,950
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (97,431   $ (229,434
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the prior year favorable development of $97.4 million included favorable development of $104.9 million attributable to the Reinsurance segment, and adverse development of $0.3 million and $7.2 million attributable to the Lloyd’s and Insurance segments, respectively. Within our Reinsurance

 

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segment, our catastrophe and specialty units experienced $32.5 million and $72.4 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years claims and claim expense reserves.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the prior year favorable development of $229.4 million included favorable development of $220.3 million, $0.2 million and $9.0 attributable to our Reinsurance, Lloyd’s and Insurance segments, respectively. Within our Reinsurance segment, our catastrophe and specialty units experienced $108.4 million and $111.9 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years claims and claim expense reserves, respectively.

Reinsurance Segment

We review substantially all of our catastrophe reinsurance claims and claim expense reserves quarterly. Our quarterly review procedures include identifying events that have occurred up to the latest balance sheet date, determining our best estimate of the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims and administrative costs associated with those new events which have arisen during the reporting period, reviewing the ultimate expected cost to settle claims and administrative costs associated with those events which occurred during previous periods, and considering new estimation techniques, such as additional actuarial methods or other statistical techniques, that can assist us in developing our best estimate. This process is judgmental in that it involves reviewing changes in paid and reported claims each period and adjusting our estimates of the ultimate expected claims for each event where there are developments that are different from our previous expectations. If we determine that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified. It should be noted that the level of our claims associated with certain catastrophes can be very large. For example, within the Reinsurance segment, initial estimated ultimate claims associated with 2005 hurricanes, Katrina, Rita and Wilma, were over $1.5 billion, and the initial estimated ultimate claims associated with the 2008 hurricanes, Gustav and Ike, were over $540.0 million. As a result, small percentage changes in the estimated ultimate claims of large catastrophic events can significantly impact our reserves for claims and claim expenses in subsequent periods.

When initially developing the reserving techniques for our specialty reinsurance coverages, we considered estimating reserves utilizing several actuarial techniques such as paid and reported claims development methods. We elected to use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method because this method is designed for lines of business, such as our specialty reinsurance business, where there is a lack of historical claims experience. This method allows for greater weight to be applied to expected results in periods where little or no actual experience is available, and, hence, is less susceptible to the potential pitfall of being excessively impacted by one particular year or quarter of actual paid and/or reported claims data. This method uses initial expected claims ratio expectations to the extent that claims are not paid or reported, and it assumes that past experience is not fully representative of the future. As our reserves for claims and claim expenses age, and actual claims experience becomes available, this method places less weight on expected experience and places more weight on actual experience. This experience, which represents the difference between expected reported claims and actual reported claims, is reflected in the respective reporting period as a change in estimate. We reevaluate our actuarial reserving techniques on a periodic basis.

We review substantially all of our specialty reinsurance claims and claim expense reserves quarterly. Typically, the quarterly review procedures include reviewing paid and reported claims in the most recent reporting period, reviewing the development of paid and reported claims from prior periods, and reviewing our overall experience by underwriting year and in the aggregate. We monitor the expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and expected claims reporting assumptions on a quarterly basis and compare them to our actual experience. These actuarial assumptions are generally reviewed annually, based on input from our actuaries, underwriters, claims personnel and finance professionals, although adjustments may be made more frequently if needed. Assumption changes are made to adjust for changes in the pricing and terms of coverage we provide, changes in industry standards, as well as our actual experience, to the extent we have enough data to rely on our own experience. If we determine that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified.

 

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The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for the Reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 split between the catastrophe reinsurance unit and the specialty reinsurance unit and then further split between catastrophe claims and claim expenses and attritional claims and claim expenses:

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

   Catastrophe
Reinsurance
Unit
    Specialty
Reinsurance
Unit
     Reinsurance
Segment
 
(in thousand of U.S. dollars)                    

Catastrophe claims and claim expenses

       

Large catastrophe events

       

Tropical Cyclone Tasha (2010)

   $ 13,536      $ 3,000       $ 16,536   

Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)

     8,461        6,215         14,676   

Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004)

     4,085        —           4,085   

United Kingdom Floods (2007)

     3,635        —           3,635   

Windstorm Kyrill (2007)

     2,494        —           2,494   

Chilean Earthquake (2010)

     —          3,750         3,750   

New Zealand Earthquake (2010)

     (15,888     —           (15,888
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total large catastrophe events

     16,323        12,965         29,288   

Small catastrophe events

       

U.S. PCS 21 Wildland Fire (2007)

     3,204        —           3,204   

U.S. PCS 96 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010)

     2,211        —           2,211   

Other

     10,779        —           10,779   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total small catastrophe events

     16,194        —           16,194   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total catastrophe claims and claim expenses

   $ 32,517      $ 12,965       $ 45,482   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Attritional claims and claim expenses

       

Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims

   $ —        $ 32,648       $ 32,648   

Actuarial assumption changes

     —          26,800         26,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total attritional claims and claim expenses

   $ —        $ 59,448       $ 59,448   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses

   $ 32,517      $ 72,413       $ 104,930   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Catastrophe Reinsurance Unit

The favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses within our catastrophe reinsurance unit in the first nine months of 2011 of $32.5 million was primarily due to reductions to the estimated ultimate claims and claims expenses related to hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005), hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004), flooding in the United Kingdom (2007) and windstorm Kyrill (2007) of $8.5 million, $4.1 million, $3.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, driven by reported claims principally having been paid and the amount of additional reported claims slowing considerably and therefore the ultimate claims and claims expenses were reduced. In addition, estimated ultimate claims related to tropical storm Tasha (2010) were reduced $13.5 million in the first nine months of 2011 primarily as a result of actual claims reported coming in lower than expected when setting the initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses. Partially offsetting the favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses noted above was adverse development of $15.9 million related to the September 2010 New Zealand earthquake driven by an increase in reported losses from several clients. The remainder of the favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses was due to a reduction in ultimate claims on a number of relatively small catastrophes, all principally the result of reported claims coming in less than expected, resulting in formulaic decreases to the ultimate claims for these events.

Specialty Reinsurance Unit

The favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses within our specialty reinsurance unit in the first nine months of 2011 of $72.4 million includes $26.8 million associated with actuarial assumption changes, principally in our casualty clash and surety lines of business, $32.6 million related to the application of the

 

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Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method principally as a result of actual experience coming in better than expected and $13.0 million due to reductions in case reserves and additional case reserves for certain large catastrophe events.

The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for the Reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 split between the catastrophe reinsurance unit and the specialty reinsurance unit and then further split between catastrophe claims and claim expenses and attritional claims and claim expenses:

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2010

   Catastrophe
Reinsurance
Unit
     Specialty
Reinsurance
Unit
     Reinsurance
Segment
 
(in thousand of U.S. dollars)                     

Catastrophe claims and claim expenses

        

Large catastrophe events

        

Mature, large catastrophe events

        

World Trade Center (2001)

   $ 9,815       $ —         $ 9,815   

European Windstorm Erwin (2005)

     8,065         —           8,065   

Hurricanes Martin and Floyd (1999)

     4,822         —           4,822   

European Floods (2002)

     4,361         —           4,361   

U.S. PCS 88 Wind and Thunderstorm (2003)

     2,873         —           2,873   

Hurricane Isabel (2003)

     1,995         —           1,995   

U.S. PCS 97 Wildland Fire (2003)

     1,227         —           1,227   

Northridge Earthquake (1994)

     1,094         —           1,094   

Windstorm Anatol (1999)

     971         —           971   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mature, large catastrophe events

     35,223         —           35,223   

Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)

     19,756         5,350         25,106   

European Windstorm Klaus (2009)

     5,659         —           5,659   

Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004)

     5,612         —           5,612   

Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008)

     5,087         —           5,087   

Buncefield Oil Depot (2005)

     2,171         —           2,171   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total large catastrophe events

     73,508         5,350         78,858   

Small catastrophe events

        

U.S. PCS 78 Wind and Thunderstorm (2009)

     3,074         —           3,074   

U.S. PCS 66 Wind and Thunderstorm (2009)

     3,057         —           3,057   

U.S. Winter Storm (2009)

     3,000         —           3,000   

Hurricane Bill (2009)

     2,500         —           2,500   

Austrian Floods (2009)

     2,356         —           2,356   

U.S. PCS 82 Wind and Thunderstorm (2009)

     2,299         —           2,299   

Other

     18,654         —           18,654   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total small catastrophe events

     34,940         —           34,940   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total catastrophe claims and claim expenses

   $ 108,448       $ 5,350       $ 113,798   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Attritional claims and claim expenses

        

Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims

   $ —         $ 54,560       $ 54,560   

Actuarial assumption changes

     —           31,400         31,400   

Reductions in event specific claims

     —           20,550         20,550   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total attritional claims and claim expenses

   $ —         $ 106,510       $ 106,510   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses

   $ 108,448       $ 111,860       $ 220,308   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Catastrophe Reinsurance Unit

The favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses within our catastrophe reinsurance unit in the first nine months of 2010 of $108.4 million was primarily the result of:

 

  •  

reductions of $35.2 million to the estimated ultimate claims of mature, large catastrophe events, including the World Trade Center (2001), European windstorm Erwin (2005), hurricanes Martin and Floyd (1999), and the European Floods (2002), among other events, for which the reported claims are principally paid and the amount of additional reported claims had slowed considerably and therefore the ultimate claims and claim expenses were reduced;

 

  •  

reductions of the ultimate claims associated with hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005) and hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne (2004) of $19.8 million and $5.6 million, respectively, as reported claims came in better than expected in the first nine months of 2010. We adopted a new actuarial technique in 2009 to reserve for these hurricanes and the level of reported claims in 2010 was less than the actuarial technique would have indicated, resulting in formulaic decreases to the ultimate claims for these large hurricanes;

 

  •  

reductions to the ultimate claims associated with European windstorm Klaus (2009) and hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008), of $5.7 million and $5.1 million, respectively, due to better than expected reported claims activity; and

 

  •  

the Buncefield Oil Depot (2005) claim was reduced by $2.2 million principally due to the underlying insured subrogating its liability and subsequently reimbursing us for claims we had previously paid to the insured.

The remainder of the favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses in the first nine months of 2010 was due to a reduction in ultimate claims on a number of relatively small catastrophes, all principally the result of reported claims coming in less than expected, resulting in formulaic decreases to the ultimate claims for these events.

In 2009, we reviewed our processes and methodology for estimating the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims arising from certain mature, large U.S. hurricanes. During this process, we evaluated several actuarial methodologies including using paid claim development factors, reported claim development factors and ratios of IBNR to case reserves. In this review, among other things, we looked at our historical claims experience on these mature large U.S. hurricanes, the amount of case reserves associated with these mature, large U.S. hurricanes and available industry claims information on the same or similar events. We determined that the use of the reported claim development factor methodology for these mature, large U.S. hurricanes would provide us with the best estimate of ultimate claims in respect of these events. Currently, we believe this approach is only applicable for the 2004 and 2005 large hurricanes as we believe that (i) these events have a large enough number of reported claims to be statistically sound, (ii) these events have available industry reported claims information to supplement our own historical reported claim information, and (iii) a sufficient amount of time has passed from the date of claim that the use of an actuarial method could assist in estimating the ultimate costs. We implemented this actuarial methodology in 2009 with respect to our 2004 and 2005 hurricane claims. In implementing this actuarial technique, we adjusted our ultimate claims at December 31, 2009 on the 2004 hurricanes from 96.6% reported to 98.1% reported and from 93.6% reported to 95.8% reported for the 2005 hurricanes. The impact of these changes within our catastrophe reinsurance unit was a decrease in ultimate claims on the 2004 hurricanes by $12.3 million and by $28.1 million for our 2005 hurricane claims, prior to the impact of changes in our reinsurance recoveries. At December 31, 2010, we estimated our reported claims are 99.3% and 98.1% reported for the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes, respectively.

Specialty Reinsurance Unit

The favorable development of prior accident years claims and claim expenses within our specialty reinsurance unit in the first nine months of 2010 of $111.9 million includes $31.4 million associated with actuarial assumption changes, principally in our casualty clash and surety lines of business, and partially offset by an increase

 

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in reserves within our workers compensation per risk line of business, principally as a result of revised initial expected claims ratios and claim development factors due to actual experience coming in better than expected; $20.6 million due to reductions in case reserves and additional case reserves, which are reserves established at the contract level for specific events; $5.4 million due to reductions in case reserves and additional case reserves for hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005); and the remainder of $54.6 million due to reported claims coming in better than expected in the first nine months of 2010 on prior accident years events, principally the 2005 through 2009 underwriting years, as a result of the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology.

Lloyd’s Segment

We use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method to estimate claims and claim expenses within the Lloyd’s segment for our property and casualty (re)insurance contracts and quota share reinsurance business. The comments discussed above relating to the reserving techniques and processes for the specialty reinsurance unit within the Reinsurance segment also apply to the Lloyd’s segment. In addition, certain of the coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. We estimate claim reserves for these claims after the event giving rise to these claims occurs, following a process that is similar to the catastrophe reinsurance unit discussed above.

The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for the Lloyd’s segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2011:

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011      2010  
(in thousand of U.S. dollars)              

Lloyd’s

   $ 256       $ (176
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company commenced its Lloyd’s operations in mid-2009 and the reserve development in this segment since that time has not been significant.

Insurance Segment

We uses the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method to estimate claims and claim expenses within the Insurance segment for our property and casualty insurance contracts and quota share reinsurance business. The comments discussed above relating to the reserving techniques and processes for our specialty reinsurance unit within the Reinsurance segment also apply to our Insurance segment. In addition, certain of our coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. We estimate claim reserves for these claims after the event giving rise to these claims occurs, following a process that is similar to our catastrophe reinsurance unit discussed above.

The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for the Insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   2011     2010  
(in thousand of U.S. dollars)             

Large catastrophe events

   $ (867   $ 2,100   

Attritional claims and claim expenses

     8,110        (11,050
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,243      $ (8,950
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The adverse development of $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 on prior accident year claims and claim expenses within the Insurance segment was principally driven by an increase in the estimated ultimate losses on contractors liability contracts, partially offset by the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology for this business with the reductions being due to actual paid and reported claim activity being more favorable to date than what was originally anticipated when setting the initial reserves. As a result of these

 

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large claims received in the third quarter of 2011, our contractors liability book of business will be subject to a comprehensive actuarial review during the fourth quarter of 2011. The total gross reserve for claims and claim expenses for the contractors liability book of business at September 30, 2011 is $48.9 million.

The favorable development within the Insurance segment of $9.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was principally driven by the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology for this business with the reductions being due to actual paid and reported claim activity being more favorable to date than what was originally anticipated when setting the initial reserves. During the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, there were no significant changes made to the actuarial assumptions used as part of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology noted above.

Capital Resources

Our total capital resources are as follows:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
     Change  

Common shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,997,814       $ 3,386,325       $ (388,511

Preference shares

     550,000         550,000         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe

     3,547,814         3,936,325         (388,511

5.875% Senior Notes

     100,000         100,000         —     

5.750% Senior Notes

     249,224         249,155         69   

RenaissanceRe revolving credit facility - borrowed

     —           —           —     

RenaissanceRe revolving credit facility - unborrowed

     150,000         150,000         —     

DaVinciRe revolving credit facility - borrowed (1)

     —           200,000         (200,000

DaVinciRe revolving credit facility - unborrowed (1)

     —           —           —     

Renaissance Trading credit facility - borrowed

     —           —           —     

Renaissance Trading credit facility - unborrowed

     10,000         10,000         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital resources

   $ 4,057,038       $ 4,645,480       $ (588,442
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The DaVinciRe revolving credit facility was repaid in full and terminated on April 1, 2011

In the first nine months of 2011, our capital resources decreased by $588.4 million, principally due to the decrease in shareholders’ equity as a result of our comprehensive loss attributable to RenaissanceRe of $156.5 million, $40.1 million of dividends on common shares, $174.8 million of common share repurchases during the first quarter of 2011, and the repayment on April 1, 2011 of outstanding principal of $200.0 million, and subsequent expiry, of the DaVinciRe revolving credit facility, as discussed in detail below.

Excluding shareholders’ equity as described above, capital resources at September 30, 2011 have not changed materially compared to December 31, 2010, 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 were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010, by and among RenaissanceRe, RRNAH, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (the “Trustee”), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010 (as so supplemented, the “Indenture”).

In connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE and following a successful consent solicitation, effective January 21, 2011, RenaissanceRe, RRNAH and the Trustee entered into a Waiver Agreement in order to effect a one-time waiver of the asset sales covenant contained in Section 8.1 of the Indenture insofar as such covenant related to the sale to QBE under the Stock Purchase Agreement.

 

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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.

In connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE, effective January 18, 2011, the parties to the Credit Agreement entered into an Amendment, Consent and Waiver to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 18, 2011, in order to, among other things, provide for a waiver by the lenders under the Credit Agreement of certain covenants as they related to the Stock Purchase Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

DaVinciRe Revolving Credit Facility

DaVinciRe was party to a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2006 (as amended, the “DaVinciRe Credit Agreement”), which provided for a revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount of up to $200.0 million and was scheduled to mature on April 5, 2011. On April 1, 2011, DaVinciRe repaid in full the $200.0 million borrowed under the DaVinciRe Credit Agreement and terminated the lenders’ lending commitment thereunder. In connection with such repayment and termination, on March 30, 2011, DaVinciRe entered into a loan agreement with RenaissanceRe (the “Loan Agreement”) under which RenaissanceRe made a loan to DaVinciRe in the principal amount of $200.0 million on April 1, 2011. The loan matures on March 31, 2021 and interest on the loan is payable at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 3.5% and is due at the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing on June 30, 2011. Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, DaVinciRe is required to maintain a debt to capital ratio of no greater than 0.40 to 1.00 and a net worth of no less than $500.0 million. At October 27, 2011, $200.0 million remained outstanding under the Loan Agreement.

Principal Letter of Credit Facility

Effective April 22, 2010, RenaissanceRe and its affiliates, Renaissance Reinsurance, Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, Glencoe 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 “Lenders”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as issuing bank, administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders, and certain other agents (the “Reimbursement Agreement”).

The Reimbursement Agreement serves as our principal secured letter of credit facility and the commitments thereunder expire on April 22, 2013. As of December 31, 2010, the Reimbursement Agreement provided commitments from the Lenders in an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion. Effective as of February 15, 2011, we reduced the commitments under the Reimbursement Agreement from $1.0 billion to $700.0 million. Effective March 7, 2011, we further reduced the commitments under the Reimbursement Agreement from $700.0 million to $600.0 million. The reduction was implemented in connection with a reassessment of the future collateral needs of the Account Parties, taking into account, among other things, their access to alternative sources of credit enhancement. Prior to the expiration date set forth above and after giving effect to the full $400.0 million reduction, the commitments of the Lenders under the Reimbursement Agreement may be increased from time to time up to an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.1 billion, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

In connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE, effective January 18, 2011, the parties to the Reimbursement Agreement entered into an Amendment, Consent and Waiver to the Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of January 18, 2011, in order to, among other things, provide for a waiver by the Lenders of certain covenants as they related to the Stock Purchase Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

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

 

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$300.0 million. Effective July 14, 2011, CEP and the Bilateral Facility Participants entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which the termination date of the Bilateral Facility was extended from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013.

Letters of Credit

At September 30, 2011, we had $421.1 million of letters of credit with effective dates on or before September 30, 2011 outstanding under the Reimbursement Agreement and total letters of credit outstanding under all facilities of $544.3 million.

Renaissance Reinsurance is also party to a collateralized letter of credit and reimbursement agreement in the amount of $37.5 million that supports our Top Layer Re joint venture. Renaissance Reinsurance is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level.

Renaissance Trading Margin Facility and Guarantees

Renaissance Trading maintains a brokerage facility with a leading prime broker, which has an associated margin facility. This margin facility, which we believe allows Renaissance Trading to prudently manage its cash position related to its exchange traded products, is supported by a $10.0 million guarantee issued by RenaissanceRe. Interest on amounts outstanding under this facility is at overnight LIBOR plus 75 basis points. At September 30, 2011, $Nil was outstanding under the facility.

At September 30, 2011, RenaissanceRe had provided guarantees in the aggregate amount of $368.4 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

DaVinciRe shareholders are party to a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) which provides DaVinciRe shareholders, excluding us, 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 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 DaVinciRe 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.

On June 1, 2011, DaVinciRe completed an equity raise of $100.0 million from new and existing shareholders. The capital raised will be used to support the ongoing underwriting activities of DaVinci, which primarily writes property catastrophe reinsurance and certain classes of specialty reinsurance. As a result of the equity raise, our ownership in DaVinciRe decreased to 42.8% effective June 1, 2011, compared to 44.0% at January 1, 2011. We expect our ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time.

In advance of the March 1, 2011 redemption notice date, certain third party shareholders of DaVinciRe have submitted repurchase notices, in accordance with the Shareholders Agreement, for shares of DaVinciRe with a GAAP book value of $8.9 million at September 30, 2011.

 

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Investments

The table below shows the aggregate amounts of our invested assets:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except percentages)    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010     Change  

U.S. treasuries

   $ 428,865         6.9   $ 761,461         12.4   $ (332,596

Agencies

     127,063         2.0     216,963         3.6     (89,900

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

     402,288         6.4     184,387         3.0     217,901   

FDIC guaranteed corporate

     183,314         2.9     388,468         6.4     (205,154

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

     594,897         9.6     357,504         5.9     237,393   

Corporate

     1,294,442         20.7     1,512,411         24.7     (217,969

Agency mortgage-backed

     363,814         5.8     401,807         6.6     (37,993

Non-agency mortgage-backed

     104,541         1.7     34,149         0.6     70,392   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     318,805         5.1     219,440         3.6     99,365   

Asset-backed

     19,609         0.3     40,107         0.7     (20,498
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity investments, at fair value

     3,837,638         61.4     4,116,697         67.5     (279,059

Short term investments, at fair value

     1,557,937         24.9     1,110,364         18.2     447,573   

Equity investments trading, at fair value

     45,607         0.7     —           —          45,607   

Other investments, at fair value

     736,757         11.8     787,548         12.9     (50,791
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total managed investments portfolio

     6,177,939         98.8     6,014,609         98.6     163,330   

Investments in other ventures, under equity method

     78,071         1.2     85,603         1.4     (7,532
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 6,256,010         100.0   $ 6,100,212         100.0   $ 155,798   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Our total investments at September 30, 2011 increased $155.8 million from December 31, 2010, primarily as a result of the net proceeds from sale of our discontinued operations held for sale of $269.5 million and our cash flows provided by operating activities of $194.5 million in the first nine months of 2011, partially offset by $174.8 million of common share repurchases, $40.1 million and $26.3 million of common share and preferred share dividends, respectively, and $200.0 million to repay the DaVinciRe revolving credit facility, as described in the “Capital Resources” section 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.

The reinsurance coverages we sell include substantial protection for damages resulting from natural and man-made catastrophes, as such, 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, agencies, highly rated sovereign and supranational securities, high-grade corporate securities, FDIC guaranteed corporate securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. We also have an allocation to equity investments trading and other investments, including hedge funds, private equity partnerships, senior secured bank loan funds and other investments. At September 30, 2011, our invested asset portfolio of fixed maturities and short term investments had a dollar weighted average rating of AA (December 31, 2010 – AA), an average duration of 2.5 years (December 31, 2010 – 3.2 years) and a weighted average effective yield of 2.0% (December 31, 2010 – 2.1%).

 

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Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
     Change  

Private equity partnerships

   $ 345,986       $ 347,556       $ (1,570

Senior secured bank loan funds

     243,766         166,106         77,660   

Catastrophe bonds

     85,800         123,961         (38,161

Non-U.S. fixed income funds

     29,440         80,224         (50,784

Hedge funds

     26,810         41,005         (14,195

Miscellaneous other investments

     4,955         28,696         (23,741
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other investments

   $ 736,757       $ 787,548       $ (50,791
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We account for our other investments at fair value in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic Financial Instruments. The fair value of certain of our fund investments, which principally include hedge funds, private equity funds, senior secured bank loan funds and non-U.S. fixed income funds, are recorded on our balance sheet in other investments, and is generally established on the basis of the net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments, if applicable. The net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments is established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments. 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. Certain of our fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of our current reporting date. The typical reporting lag experienced by us to receive a final net asset value report is one month for hedge funds, senior secured bank loan funds and non-U.S. fixed income funds and three months for private equity funds, although, in the past, in respect of certain of our private equity funds, we have on occasion experienced delays of up to six months at year end, as the private equity funds typically complete their respective year-end audits before releasing their final net asset value statements.

In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the reporting date of the latest fund valuation, we estimate the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month or quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or distributions, as well as 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, all information available to us is utilized. 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 obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from our estimates and these differences are recorded in our statement of operations in the period in which they are reported to us as a change in estimate. Included in net investment (loss) income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 is income of $2.0 million and a loss of $1.4 million, respectively (2010 – loss of $3.4 million and income of $5.3 million, respectively) representing the change in estimate during the period related to the difference between our estimated net investment (loss) income due to the lag in reporting discussed above and the actual amount as reported in the final net asset values provided by our fund managers.

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 (loss) income and resulted in $8.0 million of net investment income for the first nine months of 2011, compared to $65.2 million in the first nine months of 2010. Of this amount, $9.1 million relates to net unrealized losses compared with $21.0 million of net unrealized gains for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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We have committed capital to private equity partnerships and other entities of $685.7 million, of which $518.0 million has been contributed at September 30, 2011. Our remaining commitments to these funds at September 30, 2011 totaled $167.4 million. In the future, we may enter into additional commitments in respect of private equity partnerships or individual portfolio company investment opportunities.

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, 2011, 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 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These contractual obligations are considered by the Company when assessing its liquidity requirements. As of September 30, 2011, 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, 2010.

In certain circumstances, our contractual obligations may be accelerated to dates other than those in the Company’s 2010 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

Impact of Recent Catastrophes and Other Developments

In the first nine months of 2011, the global insurance and reinsurance markets experienced significant losses from natural catastrophes, including severe flooding in Australia, the series of earthquakes affecting New Zealand, tornadoes in the U.S., hurricane Irene and, most materially, the Tohoku earthquake. According to leading global intermediaries and other published reports, aggregate industry losses in 2011 already constitute the second most severe year for insured industry loss on record, exceeded only by 2005 which was impacted by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Overall, we believe these events have somewhat depleted the excess capital we estimated was held by private market insurers and reinsurers in 2010, and may lead, over time, to increased demand for the coverages and solutions in which we specialize. In addition, we currently estimate that demand may be favorably impacted by the release of Version 11.0 of the RMS Atlantic Hurricane Model for the U.S. (“RMS version 11”) and the continued low investment return environment. In addition, RMS has released a further updated model relating to European windstorms as part of the broader RMS version 11 changes, which can produce substantial increases in annual average loss estimates for many insurers in respect of this peril. We believe that over time adoption of this model is likely to affect demand for our products in Europe, although it is unclear at this time whether or not such impact will be favorable; moreover, at this time widespread utilization of RMS version 11 by market participants for policies due to be renewed effective January 1, 2012 remains uncertain. We cannot assure you that increased demand will indeed materialize or be sustained, or will lead directly to improvements in our book of business.

General Economic Conditions

Meaningful uncertainty remains regarding the strength, duration and comprehensiveness of any economic recovery in the U.S. and our other key markets. A range of financial data indicates that economic recovery in the U.S. and other of our key markets may have slowed or stalled, driven by factors including the financial and fiscal instability of several European jurisdictions and, increasingly, the Eurozone market as a whole, the uncertainty engendered by the recent downgrade by Standard & Poor’s of debt issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the rising cost of oil and for energy more generally, the rising prices for various agricultural and other commodities, and other factors. Accordingly, we

 

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continue to believe that meaningful risk remains for continued uncertainty or disruptions in general economic conditions, including dislocations in the financial markets which could give rise to increased economic uncertainty, or to further deterioration of economic conditions. Moreover, if economic growth were to re-emerge, such growth may be only at a comparably suppressed rate for a relatively extended period of time. 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 relative economic weakness could adversely impact our financial position or results of operations. In addition, during a period of extended economic weakness, 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. Several of these risks could materialize, and our financial results could be negatively impacted, even after the end of the economic downturn.

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.

Our catastrophe-exposed operations are subject to the ever-present potential for significant volatility in capital due primarily to our exposure to severe catastrophic events. Our specialty reinsurance portfolio is also exposed to emerging risks arising from the ongoing relative 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.

Historically low interest rates and lower spreads as compared to recent years have lowered the yields at which we invest our assets relative to historical levels. We expect these developments, combined with the current composition of our investment portfolio and other factors, to continue to put downward pressure on our net investment income for the near term. In 2009 and 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 impacted by the prevailing environment of comparably low yields. While it is possible yields will improve in future periods, we currently expect the 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

While the January 2011 renewal season reflected continued softening and uncertainty in the predominant part of the markets in which we focus, albeit at a diminished pace compared to the softening trends experienced overall in January 2010, regions directly impacted by the catastrophe events of 2010 and 2011 have evidenced signs of stabilization and, for certain coverages or accounts, improvement. While market pricing and terms in general remain subject to a range of unpredictable factors, and while a wide range of considerations impact the terms and conditions of any single placement, we currently estimate that future periods may be characterized by a general increase in demand for certain of the products in which we specialize, driven by factors including these losses, the prevailing interest rate environment, and ongoing adoption of revised vendor catastrophe models. As noted above, the first nine months of 2011 have been marked by significant global catastrophe losses. In addition, the release of RMS version 11 has also had an impact on the perceived capital positions and views of risk of a range of market participants. Following these developments, leading global intermediaries and other observers have reported, in general, that the June 1 and July 1, 2011 reinsurance renewal seasons for catastrophe-exposed reinsurance coverage were characterized by price increases on a risk-adjusted basis as measured by Version 9.0 of the RMS Atlantic Hurricane Model for the U.S., the widely used prior RMS model. However, on a risk-adjusted basis using RMS version 11 or the current model release from AIR, a leading catastrophe model vendor, market wide pricing was reported by these sources to be down, or flat, in respect of mid-year 2011 renewals. According to U.S. state regulators, brokers and other parties, there is also growing evidence of rate increases on underlying U.S. primary property insurance business, as well as certain improvements in respect of terms and conditions, which over time may support increased demand for catastrophe reinsurance coverage. Notwithstanding these catastrophe market developments, leading global intermediaries and other sources have generally reported that the U.S. casualty reinsurance market continues to reflect a relatively soft pricing environment, with pockets of niche or specialty casualty renewals providing more attractive opportunities for stronger or well-positioned reinsurers.

 

 

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As a result of these developments, we currently estimate that demand for our catastrophe coverages may increase over time in our key markets. However, it is not certain that any increase in demand will indeed occur, will be sustained over time, or will not be offset by adverse or unforeseen factors. It is also possible that we will encounter more significant competitive barriers than we have in the past and therefore render us unable to participate in improving markets, should they transpire, to the degree we may wish to pursue opportunities in such markets or to the same or a superior degree than our competitors. Renewal terms vary widely by insured account and our ability to shape our portfolio to improve its risk and return characteristics as estimated by us is subject to a range of competitive and commercial factors. While 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, we may not succeed in doing so; moreover, our relationships in emerging markets are not as developed as they are in our current core markets.

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. Overall, we expect higher property loss cost trends, driven by increased severity and by the potential for increased frequency, to continue in the future. At the same time, certain markets we target continue to be impacted by fundamental weakness experienced by primary insurers, due to the ongoing economic dislocation and, in many cases, inadequate primary insurance rate levels, including without limitation insurers operating on an admitted basis in Florida. These conditions, which occurred in a period characterized by relatively low insured catastrophic losses for these respective regions, 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.

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, to enhance our strategy, to achieve an attractive estimated return on equity in respect of investments, to develop or capitalize on a competitive advantage, and to source business opportunities that will not detract from our core operations.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not subject to any tax computed on profits or income or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation. The Company has been exempted from any such tax until March 2016 pursuant to the Bermuda Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966. During June 2011, the Minister of Finance of Bermuda granted an extension of this assurance to the Company with effect until March 2035.

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 neither of the House Bills has been passed in Congress, members of both the House and Senate continue to express support for this legislation and it remains possible this legislation or similar legislation will be considered by Congress.

In early 2011, California’s two Senators, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, introduced the Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act of 2011 (S. 367), pursuant to which the federal government would provide limited federal backing to certain qualifying state-affiliated organizations that provide catastrophic residential earthquake insurance as a way to help them reduce the amount they spend each year in reinsurance premiums. In the third quarter of 2011, companion legislation was introduced in respect of S. 367 in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to published reports, the sole state organization currently eligible to participate is the California Earthquake Authority (the “CEA”). Should the legislation be enacted, the CEA has stated it would decrease significantly the relative and, perhaps, the absolute amount of private reinsurance purchased by the CEA in the future.

 

 

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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 in a manner adverse to us and market participants more generally. While none of this legislation has been enacted to date, and although we believe such legislation will continue to be vigorously opposed, if adopted these bills would likely diminish the role of private market catastrophe reinsurers and could adversely impact our financial results, perhaps materially. 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 currently scheduled to expire November 18, 2011. In July 2011, the U.S. House passed, by a 406-22 vote, the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2011, which would renew the NFIP through September 30, 2016, and effect substantial reforms in the program. Among other things, pursuant to this statute, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) would be explicitly authorized to carry out initiatives to determine the capacity of private insurers, reinsurers, and financial markets to assume a greater portion of the flood risk exposure in the United States, and to assess the capacity of the private reinsurance market to assume some of the program’s risk. FEMA would be required to submit a report on this assessment within six months of enactment. The House bill would also increase the annual limitation on program premium increases from 10 percent to 20 percent of the average of the risk premium rates for the properties

 

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concerned; would establish a four-year phase-in, after the first year, in annual 20 percent increments, of full actuarial rates for a newly mapped risk premium rate area; and would instruct FEMA to establish new flood insurance rate maps. If enacted, these reforms could increase the role of private risk-bearing capital in respect of U.S. flood perils, perhaps significantly. In September, the Senate Banking Committee passed companion legislation. However, at this time the full Senate has yet to act in respect of the legislation and there can be no assurance that Congress will ultimately pass reform legislation, or that the studies and pilot programs contemplated by the bill will indeed contribute meaningfully to private sector reforms. At the same time, expansions or weakening of the NFIP, 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.

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 succeeding five years. The 2009 Bill increased the cost of the optional coverage, which is believed to have contributed to reductions in the amount of this coverage purchased by eligible insurers 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 for Citizens was approximately 5%. The rate increases and cut back on coverage by FHCF and Citizens are expected to support, over time, a relatively increased role of the private insurers in Florida, a market in which we have established substantial market share.

In May 2011, the Florida legislature passed Florida Senate bill 408 (“SB 408”), relating principally to property insurance. Among other things, SB 408 requires an increase in minimum capital and surplus for newly licensed Florida domestic insurers from $5 million to $15 million; institutes a 3-year claims filing deadline for new and reopened claims from the date of a hurricane or windstorm; allows an insurer to offer coverage where replacement cost value is paid, but initial payment is limited to actual cash value; allows admitted insurers to seek rate increases up to 15% to adjust for third party reinsurance costs; and institutes a range of reforms relating to various matters that have increased the costs of insuring sinkholes in Florida. While we believe SB 408 should contribute over time to stabilization of the Florida market, legislation intended to further reform and stabilize Citizens was not passed in the 2011 legislative session.

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 ongoing instability in the Florida primary insurance market, where many insurers reported substantial and continuing losses in 2009 and 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. The advent of a large windstorm, or of multiple smaller storms, could challenge the assessment-based claims paying capacity of Citizens and the FHCF. In October 2011, the FHCF Advisory Council approved official bonding capacity estimates in respect of the current contract year, reflecting the amount of post-catastrophe bonding currently estimated to be achievable by the FHCF’s management and lead financial advisor. The FHCF projected a 2011 year-end fund balance of approximately $7.2 billion, and a total bonding capacity estimate of $8.0 billion; given the FHCF’s total potential claims-paying obligation of $18.4 billion, this estimated claims-paying capacity of approximately $15.2 billion was therefore estimated by the FHCF’s lead adviser to reflect a potential shortfall of $3.2 billion in respect of an initial season or event. Any inability, or delay, in the claims paying ability of these entities or of private market participants could further weaken or destabilize the Florida market, potentially giving rise to an unpredictable range of adverse impacts. Adverse market, regulatory or legislative changes impacting Florida could affect our ability to sell certain of our products and could therefore have a material adverse effect on our operations.

In October 2011, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, introduced new legislation which, if passed, would deny U.S. insurers and reinsurers the deduction for reinsurance placed with non-U.S. affiliates. Companion legislation was simultaneously introduced in the Senate by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Finance Committee. Representative Neal had introduced similar, but less expansive, legislation in past years limiting the deduction for cessions in excess of certain formulaic amounts; the Obama Administration had included provisions similar to the 2011 bill in its formal 2010 and 2011 budgetary proposals. The current bill follows the Obama Administration’s proposal to deny all of the deduction, but to allow the foreign affiliate a “domestic election” to be taxed in the U.S. on the affiliated premium. We believe that the passage of such legislation could adversely affect the reinsurance market broadly and potentially impact our own current or future operations in particular, perhaps materially.

In March 2009, U.S. Senator Carl Levin and Rep. Lloyd Doggett introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and

 

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House, respectively, entitled the “Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act” (S. 506). Rep. Doggett introduced similar legislation in 2010 and early 2011. 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.

In July 2010 the Dodd-Frank Act Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law by President Obama. 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. Even if we are not subject to additional regulation by the federal government, new or additional state, federal or international financial sector regulatory reform, including the Dodd-Frank Act, could have a significant impact on us. For example, legislative or regulatory changes, or their resultant impact on our market, could have an unexpected adverse effect on our customers, our competitive position or our rights as a creditor. Although we do not currently expect material adverse consequences to our business from the developments of which we are aware, we cannot assure you this expectation will prove accurate or that the Dodd-Frank Act or other developments 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, market conditions, risk management and exchange rates. This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking statements with respect to our business and industry, such as those relating to our strategy and management objectives, market standing and product volumes, insured losses from loss events, government initiatives and regulatory matters affecting 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;

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

the risk that the sale of substantially all of our U.S.-based insurance operations to QBE on March 4, 2011 may fail to materially enhance our financial results or position or to further our strategy;

 

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  •  

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, which could cause us to underestimate our exposures and potentially adversely impact our financial results;

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

the risk that our customers may fail to make premium payments due to us (a risk that we believe has increased in certain of our key markets), as well as the risk of failures of our reinsurers, brokers or other counterparties to honor their obligations to us, including as regards to the large seismic events of 2010 and 2011, and also including their obligations to make third party payments for which we might be liable;

 

  •  

we operate in a highly competitive environment, which we expect to increase over time from new competition from traditional and 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;

 

  •  

the inherent uncertainties in our reserving process, particularly as regards to the large seismic events of 2010 and 2011, and also including those related to the 2005 and 2008 catastrophes, which uncertainties could increase as the product classes we offer evolve over time;

 

  •  

risks relating to adverse legislative developments including the risk of passage of the House Bills or of the putative Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act, the risk of new legislation in Florida continuing to expand the reinsurance coverages offered by the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”) and the insurance policies written by state-sponsored Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“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;

 

  •  

risks relating to the inability, or delay, in the claims paying ability of Citizens, FHCF or of private market participants in Florida, particularly following a large windstorm or of multiple smaller storms, which could further weaken or destabilize the Florida market, potentially giving rise to an unpredictable range of adverse impacts;

 

  •  

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;

 

  •  

the passage of federal or state legislation subjecting Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (“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 Internal Revenue Service that Renaissance Reinsurance, or any of our other Bermuda subsidiaries, is subject to U.S. taxation;

 

  •  

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 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;

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

risks associated with inflation, which could cause loss costs to increase, and impact the performance of our investment portfolio, thereby adversely impacting our financial position or operating results;

 

  •  

the risk we might be bound to policyholder obligations beyond our underwriting intent;

 

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  •  

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

 

  •  

acts of terrorism, war or political unrest;

 

  •  

risks that the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely impact our business, or significantly increase our operating costs;

 

  •  

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 ongoing period of relative economic weakness, both globally and in the U.S.;

 

  •  

the impact of the perceived inability of the United States to continue to pay its debt obligations when due, including the recent downgrade of U.S. securities by Standard & Poor’s, and the resulting effect on the value of securities in our investment portfolio as well as the uncertainty in the market generally;

 

  •  

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, including the risks that these operations may give rise to unforeseen or unanticipated losses, as well as 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;

 

  •  

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 from potential changes in their business practices which may be required by future regulatory changes; and

 

  •  

risks relating to changes in regulatory regimes and/or accounting rules, which could result in significant changes to our financial results, including but not limited to, the European Union directive concerning capital adequacy, risk management and regulatory reporting for insurers.

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, 2010 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, 2011, 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, 2011 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, 2010.

RenaissanceRe 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 reinsurance treaties or contracts or direct surplus lines insurance policies. This category of business litigation may involve allegations of underwriting or claims-handling errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory actions or disputes arising from our business ventures. Our operating subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving disputed interpretations of policy coverages. Generally, our direct surplus lines insurance operations are subject to greater frequency and diversity of claims and claims-related litigation than our reinsurance operations 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 loss and loss expense reserves which are discussed in more detail above under “Reserves for Claims and Claim Expenses.” In addition, we may from time to time engage in litigation or arbitration related to our claims for payment in respect of ceded reinsurance. 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 litigation or arbitration to which we are presently a party is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business or operations.

Item 1A — Risk Factors

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

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

The Company’s share repurchase program may be effected from time to time, depending on market conditions and other factors, through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. On May 18, 2011, the Company approved an increase in its authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full value of the shares authorized. The table below details the repurchases that were made under the program during the three months ended September 30, 2011, 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.

 

                                               Dollar
amount  still
available

under
repurchase
program
 
     Total shares purchased      Other shares purchased      Shares purchased 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

                     $ 500.0   

July 1 - 31, 2011

     1,136       $ 69.23         1,136       $ 69.23         —         $ —           —     

August 1 - 31, 2011

     4,384       $ 66.84         4,384       $ 66.84         —         $ —           —     

September 1 - 30, 2011

     —         $ —           —         $ —           —         $ —           —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

     5,520       $ 67.33         5,520       $ 67.33         —         $ —         $ 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.

 

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Item 3 — Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 5 — Other Information

None

Item 6 – Exhibits

 

  31.1    Certification of Neill A. Currie, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  31.2    Certification of Jeffrey D. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  32.1    Certification of Neill A. Currie, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.2    Certification of Jeffrey D. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

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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: November 2, 2011

 

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