ACGL 10Q 3.31.13
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the period ended March 31, 2013
 
Or
 
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number:  001-26456
 
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
Not Applicable
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
Wessex House, 5th Floor, 45 Reid Street
Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(441) 278-9250
(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 the registrant’s common shares (par value, $0.0033 per share) outstanding as of May 2, 2013 was 133,078,576.


Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.
 
INDEX
 
 
 
Page No.
PART I. Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1 — Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2013 (unaudited) and December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Arch Capital Group Ltd.:
 
We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Arch Capital Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
 
We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.  It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.  Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
 
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated March 1, 2013, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
New York, NY
May 10, 2013

2

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Assets
 

 
 

Investments:
 

 
 

Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $9,682,653 and $9,567,290)
$
9,890,425

 
$
9,839,988

Short-term investments available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $944,691 and $719,848)
943,414

 
722,121

Investment of funds received under securities lending, at fair value (amortized cost: $83,319 and $42,302)
84,315

 
42,531

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $300,890 and $298,414)
342,091

 
312,749

Other investments available for sale, at fair value (cost: $551,797 and $519,955)
585,277

 
549,280

Investments accounted for using the fair value option
902,230

 
917,466

Investments accounted for using the equity method
219,674

 
307,105

Total investments
12,967,426

 
12,691,240

 
 
 
 
Cash
356,767

 
371,041

Accrued investment income
65,023

 
71,748

Investment in joint venture (cost: $100,000)
108,038

 
107,284

Fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending, at fair value
90,801

 
50,848

Premiums receivable
870,575

 
688,873

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
1,846,064

 
1,870,037

Contractholder receivables
908,034

 
865,728

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
301,736

 
298,484

Deferred acquisition costs, net
306,505

 
262,822

Receivable for securities sold
395,958

 
19,248

Other assets
540,134

 
519,409

Total Assets
$
18,757,061

 
$
17,816,762

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 

 
 

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
8,835,710

 
$
8,933,292

Unearned premiums
1,841,870

 
1,647,978

Reinsurance balances payable
204,233

 
188,546

Contractholder payables
908,034

 
865,728

Senior notes
300,000

 
300,000

Revolving credit agreement borrowings
100,000

 
100,000

Securities lending payable
93,375

 
52,356

Payable for securities purchased
594,521

 
37,788

Other liabilities
543,788

 
522,196

Total Liabilities
13,421,531

 
12,647,884

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies


 


 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Non-cumulative preferred shares
325,000

 
325,000

Common shares ($0.0033 par, shares issued: 168,419,936 and 168,255,572)
561

 
561

Additional paid-in capital
242,492

 
227,778

Retained earnings
5,605,353

 
5,354,361

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax
229,563

 
287,017

Common shares held in treasury, at cost (shares: 35,356,711 and 34,412,959)
(1,067,439
)
 
(1,025,839
)
Total Shareholders' Equity
5,335,530

 
5,168,878

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$
18,757,061

 
$
17,816,762



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues
 

 
 

Net premiums written
$
952,776

 
$
863,611

Change in unearned premiums
(200,006
)
 
(183,299
)
Net premiums earned
752,770

 
680,312

Net investment income
65,672

 
74,297

Net realized gains
58,340

 
44,121

 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
(2,248
)
 
(1,031
)
Less investment impairments recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes
2

 
8

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(2,246
)
 
(1,023
)
 
 
 
 
Fee income
538

 
543

Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
13,823

 
24,826

Other income (loss)
1,244

 
(8,068
)
Total revenues
890,141

 
815,008

 
 
 
 
Expenses
 

 
 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
399,403

 
395,207

Acquisition expenses
127,592

 
118,962

Other operating expenses
120,183

 
106,472

Interest expense
5,898

 
7,521

Net foreign exchange (gains) losses
(24,264
)
 
20,688

Total expenses
628,812

 
648,850

 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
261,329

 
166,158

 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
4,853

 
1,902

 
 
 
 
Net income
256,476

 
164,256

 
 
 
 
Preferred dividends
5,484

 
6,461

 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
250,992

 
$
157,795

 
 
 
 
Net income per common share
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.92

 
$
1.18

Diluted
$
1.85

 
$
1.14

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
 

 
 

Basic
130,907,902

 
133,954,623

Diluted
135,409,288

 
137,814,906

 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Comprehensive Income
 

 
 

Net income
$
256,476

 
$
164,256

Other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax
 

 
 

Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains arising during period
9,471

 
94,863

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax
(2
)
 
(8
)
Reclassification of net realized gains, net of income taxes, included in net income
(38,701
)
 
(27,511
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income tax
(28,222
)
 
13,201

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(57,454
)
 
80,545

Comprehensive Income
$
199,022

 
$
244,801

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares
 

 
 

Balance at beginning and end of period
$
325,000

 
$
325,000

 
 
 
 
Common Shares
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
561

 
549

Common shares issued, net

 
3

Balance at end of period
561

 
552

 
 
 
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
227,778

 
161,419

Common shares issued, net

 
(3
)
Exercise of stock options
3,093

 
1,851

Amortization of share-based compensation
11,543

 
7,411

Other
78

 
16

Balance at end of period
242,492

 
170,694

 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
5,354,361

 
4,796,655

Net income
256,476

 
164,256

Dividends declared on preferred shares
(5,484
)
 
(6,461
)
Balance at end of period
5,605,353

 
4,954,450

 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
287,017

 
153,923

Change in unrealized appreciation in value of investments, net of deferred income tax
(29,230
)
 
67,352

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax
(2
)
 
(8
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income tax
(28,222
)
 
13,201

Balance at end of period
229,563

 
234,468

 
 
 
 
Common Shares Held in Treasury, at Cost
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
(1,025,839
)
 
(845,472
)
Shares repurchased for treasury
(41,600
)
 
(236
)
Balance at end of period
(1,067,439
)
 
(845,708
)
 
 
 
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
$
5,335,530

 
$
4,839,456

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Operating Activities
 

 
 

Net income
$
256,476

 
$
164,256

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

 
 

Net realized gains
(59,504
)
 
(44,072
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
2,246

 
1,023

Equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and other income or loss
23,052

 
(12,030
)
Share-based compensation
11,543

 
7,411

Changes in:
 

 
 

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable
(22,182
)
 
39,343

Unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance premiums
200,004

 
181,735

Premiums receivable
(198,814
)
 
(190,102
)
Deferred acquisition costs, net
(45,159
)
 
(32,269
)
Reinsurance balances payable
17,365

 
(3,181
)
Other liabilities
23,811

 
10,134

Other items, net
(3,179
)
 
22,573

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
205,659

 
144,821

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 

 
 

Purchases of:
 

 
 

Fixed maturity investments
(3,970,320
)
 
(3,593,630
)
Equity securities
(63,353
)
 
(33,803
)
Other investments
(250,442
)
 
(239,167
)
Proceeds from the sales of:
 

 
 

Fixed maturity investments
3,796,638

 
3,628,932

Equity securities
81,513

 
75,860

Other investments
280,010

 
111,149

Proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity investments
181,727

 
261,660

Net purchases of short-term investments
(221,444
)
 
(207,444
)
Change in investment of securities lending collateral
(41,019
)
 
6,322

Purchases of furniture, equipment and other assets
(3,742
)
 
(6,498
)
Net Cash (Used For) Provided By Investing Activities
(210,432
)
 
3,381

 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Purchases of common shares under share repurchase program
(40,964
)
 

Proceeds from common shares issued, net
1,280

 
780

Repayments of borrowings

 
(69,863
)
Change in securities lending collateral
41,019

 
(6,322
)
Other
1,084

 
588

Preferred dividends paid
(5,484
)
 
(6,461
)
Net Cash Used For Financing Activities
(3,065
)
 
(81,278
)
 
 
 
 
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
(6,436
)
 
4,183

 
 
 
 
(Decrease) increase in cash
(14,274
)
 
71,107

Cash beginning of year
371,041

 
351,699

Cash end of period
$
356,767

 
$
422,806

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


1.                   General
 
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“ACGL”) is a Bermuda public limited liability company which provides insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly owned subsidiaries.
 
The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of ACGL and its wholly owned subsidiaries (together with ACGL, the “Company”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normally recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of results on an interim basis. The results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year or any future periods.
 
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted; however, management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, including the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes.
 
The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior year information to conform to the current presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s net income, shareholders’ equity or cash flows. Tabular amounts are in U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted.
 
2.                    Share Transactions
 
Share Repurchases
 
The board of directors of ACGL has authorized the investment in ACGL’s common shares through a share repurchase program. Repurchases under the program may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 2014. Since the inception of the share repurchase program, ACGL has repurchased approximately 109.6 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $2.77 billion. During the 2013 first quarter, ACGL repurchased 0.9 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $41.0 million. At March 31, 2013, $728.9 million of share repurchases were available under the program. The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under this program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations.

3.                   Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Effective January 1, 2013, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance requiring additional disclosures about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income. As this guidance is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. The additional disclosures are provided in Note 11, "Other Comprehensive Income."
 
Effective January 1, 2013, the Company adopted FASB guidance requiring additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either: (1) offset for balance sheet presentation purposes or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement, regardless of whether they are offset for balance sheet presentation purposes. The disclosure requirements of this guidance are limited to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing/lending transactions. As this guidance is disclosure-related only and did not amend existing balance sheet offsetting guidance, adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. The additional disclosures are provided in Note 7, "Investment Information," and Note 9, "Derivative Instruments."

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Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4.                   Commitments and Contingencies
 
Letter of Credit and Revolving Credit Facilities
 
As of March 31, 2013, the Company had a $300 million unsecured revolving loan and letter of credit facility and a $500 million secured letter of credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement expires on August 18, 2014. In addition, the Company had access to secured letter of credit facilities of approximately $86.7 million as of March 31, 2013, which are available on a limited basis and for limited purposes (together with the secured portion of the Credit Agreement and these letter of credit facilities, the “LOC Facilities”). At March 31, 2013, the Company had $449.0 million in outstanding letters of credit under the LOC Facilities, which were secured by investments with a fair value of $524.9 million, and had $100.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the LOC Facilities at March 31, 2013.
 
Investment Commitments
 
The Company’s investment commitments, which are primarily related to agreements entered into by the Company to invest in funds and separately managed accounts when called upon, were approximately $807.2 million at March 31, 2013.

Acquisition of CMG Mortgage Insurance Company and Mortgage Platform of PMI

In February 2013, the Company's U.S.-based subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CMG Mortgage Insurance Company (“CMG MI”) from its current owners, PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. (“PMI”), which has been in rehabilitation under the receivership of the Arizona Department of Insurance since 2011, and CMFG Life Insurance Company. The Company also agreed to acquire PMI's mortgage insurance operating platform and related assets from PMI. At closing, it is currently estimated that the Company's U.S.-based subsidiaries will pay aggregate consideration of approximately $300 million. Additional amounts may be paid based on the actual results of CMG MI's pre-closing portfolio over an agreed upon period. In connection with the closing of the transactions, PMI and an affiliate of the Company's U.S.-based subsidiaries will enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement pursuant to which such affiliate, as the reinsurer, will agree to provide 100% quota share indemnity reinsurance to PMI for all certificates of insurance that were issued by PMI between and including January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 that are not in default as of an agreed upon effective date. Such affiliate also will provide quota share reinsurance to CMG MI through a reinsurance agreement that will become effective prior to the closing. In addition, the Company will enter into a services agreement with PMI to provide for necessary services to administer the run-off of PMI's legacy business at the direction of PMI. The Company is in the process of attempting to obtain the required approvals from various regulators, the Arizona receivership court and the government sponsored enterprises. If the approvals are obtained and the customary closing conditions are satisfied, the Company would not expect the transaction to close until late 2013 at the earliest.
 

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

5.                   Earnings Per Common Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator:
 

 
 

 
Net income
$
256,476

 
$
164,256

 
Preferred dividends
(5,484
)
 
(6,461
)
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
250,992

 
$
157,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 

 
 

 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
130,907,902

 
133,954,623

 
Effect of dilutive common share equivalents:
 

 
 

 
Nonvested restricted shares
1,290,161

 
1,012,303

 
Stock options (1)
3,211,225

 
2,847,980

 
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding — diluted
135,409,288

 
137,814,906

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 

 
 

 
Basic
$
1.92

 
$
1.18

 
Diluted
$
1.85

 
$
1.14

 
_________________________________________________
(1)
Certain stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share where the exercise price of the stock options exceeded the average market price and would have been anti-dilutive or where, when applying the treasury stock method to in-the-money options, the sum of the proceeds, including unrecognized compensation, exceeded the average market price and would have been anti-dilutive. For the 2013 first quarter and 2012 first quarter, the number of stock options excluded were 1,016,043 and 451,877, respectively.


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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

6.                   Segment Information
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s underwriting income or loss by segment, together with a reconciliation of underwriting income or loss to net income available to common shareholders:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2012
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written (1)
$
688,817

 
$
476,205

 
$
1,163,699

 
$
688,113

 
$
379,976

 
$
1,066,656

Net premiums written
504,550

 
448,226

 
952,776

 
490,680

 
372,931

 
863,611

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
444,965

 
$
307,805

 
$
752,770

 
$
441,740

 
$
238,572

 
$
680,312

Fee income
525

 
13

 
538

 
530

 
13

 
543

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(283,467
)
 
(115,936
)
 
(399,403
)
 
(303,164
)
 
(92,043
)
 
(395,207
)
Acquisition expenses, net
(70,758
)
 
(56,834
)
 
(127,592
)
 
(73,870
)
 
(45,092
)
 
(118,962
)
Other operating expenses
(76,315
)
 
(33,600
)
 
(109,915
)
 
(73,370
)
 
(26,123
)
 
(99,493
)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
14,950

 
$
101,448

 
116,398

 
$
(8,134
)
 
$
75,327

 
67,193

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 

 
 

 
65,672

 
 

 
 

 
74,297

Net realized gains
 

 
 

 
58,340

 
 

 
 

 
44,121

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 

 
 

 
(2,246
)
 
 

 
 

 
(1,023
)
Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
 

 
 

 
13,823

 
 

 
 

 
24,826

Other income (loss)
 

 
 

 
1,244

 
 

 
 

 
(8,068
)
Other expenses
 

 
 

 
(10,268
)
 
 

 
 

 
(6,979
)
Interest expense
 

 
 

 
(5,898
)
 
 

 
 

 
(7,521
)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
 

 
 

 
24,264

 
 

 
 

 
(20,688
)
Income before income taxes
 

 
 

 
261,329

 
 

 
 

 
166,158

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
(4,853
)
 
 

 
 

 
(1,902
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 

 
 

 
256,476

 
 

 
 

 
164,256

Preferred dividends
 

 
 

 
(5,484
)
 
 

 
 

 
(6,461
)
Net income available to common shareholders
 

 
 

 
$
250,992

 
 

 
 

 
$
157,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting Ratios
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss ratio
63.7
%
 
37.7
%
 
53.1
%
 
68.6
%
 
38.6
%
 
58.1
%
Acquisition expense ratio (2)
15.8
%
 
18.5
%
 
16.9
%
 
16.6
%
 
18.9
%
 
17.4
%
Other operating expense ratio
17.2
%
 
10.9
%
 
14.6
%
 
16.6
%
 
10.9
%
 
14.6
%
Combined ratio
96.7
%
 
67.1
%
 
84.6
%
 
101.8
%
 
68.4
%
 
90.1
%
_________________________________________________
(1)     Certain amounts included in the gross premiums written of each segment are related to intersegment transactions. Accordingly, the sum of gross premiums written for each segment does not agree to the total gross premiums written as shown in the table above due to the elimination of intersegment transactions in the total.
(2)     The acquisition expense ratio is adjusted to include policy-related fee income.
 


11

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

7.                   Investment Information
 
Available For Sale Investments
 
The following table summarizes the fair value and cost or amortized cost of the Company’s investments classified as available for sale:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
OTTI
Unrealized
Losses (2)
March 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,592,744

 
$
77,404

 
$
(6,854
)
 
$
2,522,194

 
$
(56
)
Mortgage backed securities
1,704,813

 
23,249

 
(9,395
)
 
1,690,959

 
(9,330
)
Municipal bonds
1,442,116

 
54,533

 
(1,732
)
 
1,389,315

 
(17
)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
867,856

 
27,757

 
(2,717
)
 
842,816

 
(231
)
U.S. government and government agencies
1,151,429

 
21,512

 
(463
)
 
1,130,380

 
(19
)
Non-U.S. government securities
1,074,797

 
24,745

 
(12,817
)
 
1,062,869

 

Asset backed securities
1,146,611

 
24,706

 
(9,760
)
 
1,131,665

 
(3,348
)
Total
9,980,366

 
253,906

 
(43,738
)
 
9,770,198

 
(13,001
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
342,091

 
51,325

 
(10,124
)
 
300,890

 

Other investments
585,277

 
36,425

 
(2,945
)
 
551,797

 

Short-term investments
944,274

 
2,962

 
(4,227
)
 
945,539

 

Total
$
11,852,008

 
$
344,618

 
$
(61,034
)
 
$
11,568,424

 
$
(13,001
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,857,513

 
$
105,798

 
$
(6,710
)
 
$
2,758,425

 
$
(62
)
Mortgage backed securities
1,532,736

 
24,809

 
(7,484
)
 
1,515,411

 
(9,329
)
Municipal bonds
1,463,586

 
62,322

 
(1,421
)
 
1,402,685

 
(17
)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
824,165

 
37,514

 
(4,468
)
 
791,119

 
(270
)
U.S. government and government agencies
1,131,688

 
20,178

 
(1,095
)
 
1,112,605

 
(19
)
Non-U.S. government securities
998,901

 
33,701

 
(8,860
)
 
974,060

 

Asset backed securities
1,073,999

 
25,528

 
(5,838
)
 
1,054,309

 
(3,346
)
Total
9,882,588

 
309,850

 
(35,876
)
 
9,608,614

 
(13,043
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
312,749

 
26,625

 
(12,290
)
 
298,414

 

Other investments
549,280

 
32,582

 
(3,257
)
 
519,955

 

Short-term investments
730,369

 
3,521

 
(1,248
)
 
728,096

 

Total
$
11,474,986

 
$
372,578

 
$
(52,671
)
 
$
11,155,079

 
$
(13,043
)
_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. See “—Securities Lending Agreements.”
(2)
Represents the total other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date. At March 31, 2013, the net unrealized gain related to securities for which a non-credit OTTI was recognized in AOCI was $5.1 million, compared to a net unrealized gain of $2.0 million at December 31, 2012.


12

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table summarizes, for all available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has been in a continual unrealized loss position:
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
March 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
533,561

 
$
(4,593
)
 
$
35,835

 
$
(2,261
)
 
$
569,396

 
$
(6,854
)
Mortgage backed securities
728,792

 
(8,613
)
 
24,055

 
(782
)
 
752,847

 
(9,395
)
Municipal bonds
188,494

 
(1,292
)
 
10,513

 
(440
)
 
199,007

 
(1,732
)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
216,698

 
(2,665
)
 
710

 
(52
)
 
217,408

 
(2,717
)
U.S. government and government agencies
44,237

 
(463
)
 

 

 
44,237

 
(463
)
Non-U.S. government securities
384,535

 
(7,178
)
 
76,346

 
(5,639
)
 
460,881

 
(12,817
)
Asset backed securities
190,944

 
(4,425
)
 
54,700

 
(5,335
)
 
245,644

 
(9,760
)
Total
2,287,261

 
(29,229
)
 
202,159

 
(14,509
)
 
2,489,420

 
(43,738
)
Equity securities
114,184

 
(8,210
)
 
20,725

 
(1,914
)
 
134,909

 
(10,124
)
Other investments
62,020

 
(2,043
)
 
33,759

 
(902
)
 
95,779

 
(2,945
)
Short-term investments
108,123

 
(4,227
)
 

 

 
108,123

 
(4,227
)
Total
$
2,571,588

 
$
(43,709
)
 
$
256,643

 
$
(17,325
)
 
$
2,828,231

 
$
(61,034
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
490,784

 
$
(3,692
)
 
$
52,334

 
$
(3,018
)
 
$
543,118

 
$
(6,710
)
Mortgage backed securities
537,883

 
(4,290
)
 
60,574

 
(3,194
)
 
598,457

 
(7,484
)
Municipal bonds
147,766

 
(1,120
)
 
7,052

 
(301
)
 
154,818

 
(1,421
)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
36,649

 
(2,261
)
 
8,878

 
(2,207
)
 
45,527

 
(4,468
)
U.S. government and government agencies
146,526

 
(1,095
)
 

 

 
146,526

 
(1,095
)
Non-U.S. government securities
244,827

 
(1,070
)
 
135,564

 
(7,790
)
 
380,391

 
(8,860
)
Asset backed securities
234,584

 
(1,508
)
 
57,371

 
(4,330
)
 
291,955

 
(5,838
)
Total
1,839,019

 
(15,036
)
 
321,773

 
(20,840
)
 
2,160,792

 
(35,876
)
Equity securities
130,385

 
(10,200
)
 
16,469

 
(2,090
)
 
146,854

 
(12,290
)
Other investments
23,849

 
(2,474
)
 
35,083

 
(783
)
 
58,932

 
(3,257
)
Short-term investments
57,415

 
(1,248
)
 

 

 
57,415

 
(1,248
)
Total
$
2,050,668

 
$
(28,958
)
 
$
373,325

 
$
(23,713
)
 
$
2,423,993

 
$
(52,671
)
_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. See “—Securities Lending Agreements.”


13

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

At March 31, 2013, on a lot level basis, approximately 860 security lots out of a total of approximately 4,340 security lots were in an unrealized loss position and the largest single unrealized loss from a single lot in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was $3.2 million. At December 31, 2012, on a lot level basis, approximately 910 security lots out of a total of approximately 4,580 security lots were in an unrealized loss position and the largest single unrealized loss from a single lot in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was $2.5 million.
 
The contractual maturities of the Company’s fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements are shown in the following table. Expected maturities, which are management’s best estimates, will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Maturity
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
Due in one year or less
 
$
414,808

 
$
405,063

 
$
446,402

 
$
436,376

Due after one year through five years
 
3,692,725

 
3,617,078

 
3,876,062

 
3,769,426

Due after five years through 10 years
 
1,852,459

 
1,789,372

 
1,949,297

 
1,869,698

Due after 10 years
 
301,094

 
293,245

 
179,927

 
172,275

 
 
6,261,086

 
6,104,758

 
6,451,688

 
6,247,775

Mortgage backed securities
 
1,704,813

 
1,690,959

 
1,532,736

 
1,515,411

Commercial mortgage backed securities
 
867,856

 
842,816

 
824,165

 
791,119

Asset backed securities
 
1,146,611

 
1,131,665

 
1,073,999

 
1,054,309

Total
 
$
9,980,366

 
$
9,770,198

 
$
9,882,588

 
$
9,608,614

 
Securities Lending Agreements
 
The Company operates a securities lending program under which certain of its fixed income portfolio securities are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms, for short periods of time through a lending agent. The fair value and amortized cost of fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements were $90.8 million and $88.4 million, respectively, at March 31, 2013, compared to $50.8 million and $49.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012. The fair value of the portfolio of collateral backing the Company's securities lending program was $84.3 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $42.5 million at December 31, 2012. Such amounts included approximately $5.4 million fair value of sub-prime securities at March 31, 2013, compared to $5.4 million at December 31, 2012. The Company maintains legal control over the securities it lends, retains the earnings and cash flows associated with the loaned securities and receives a fee from the borrower for the temporary use of the securities. An indemnification agreement with the lending agent protects the Company in the event a borrower becomes insolvent or fails to return any of the securities on loan to the Company


14

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Other Investments

The following table summarizes the Company's other investments, including available for sale and fair value option components:

 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Available for sale:
 
 
 
Asian and emerging markets
$
328,652

 
$
316,860

Investment grade fixed income
249,345

 
220,410

Other
7,280

 
12,010

Total available for sale
585,277

 
549,280

Fair value option:
 
 
 
Term loan investments (par value: $323,833 and $307,016)
328,254

 
308,596

Asian and emerging markets
30,796

 
24,035

Investment grade fixed income
81,583

 
67,624

Non-investment grade fixed income
11,107

 
11,093

Other
86,105

 
116,623

Total fair value option
$
537,845

 
$
527,971

Total
$
1,123,122

 
$
1,077,251


Certain of the Company's other investments are in investment funds for which the Company has the option to redeem at agreed upon values as described in each investment fund's subscription agreement. Depending on the terms of the various subscription agreements, investments in investment funds may be redeemed daily, monthly, quarterly or on other terms. Two common redemption restrictions which may impact the Company's ability to redeem these investment funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the investment fund's net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager's ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. If the investment funds are eligible to be redeemed, the time to redeem such fund can take weeks or months following the notification.

Fair Value Option
 
The Company elected to carry certain fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other investments (primarily term loans) at fair value under the fair value option afforded by accounting guidance regarding the fair value option for financial assets and liabilities. Changes in fair value of investments accounted for using the fair value option are included in net realized gains or losses while interest income, dividends received and distributions from fund investments which are not a return of capital are reflected in net investment income. The primary reasons for electing the fair value option were to reflect economic events in earnings on a timely basis and to address practicality and cost-benefit considerations.
 

15

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities which are accounted for using the fair value option:
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Fixed maturities
$
364,385

 
$
363,541

Other investments
537,845

 
527,971

Equity securities

 
25,954

Investments accounted for using the fair value option
902,230

 
917,466

Securities sold but not yet purchased (1)

 
(6,924
)
Net assets accounted for using the fair value option
$
902,230

 
$
910,542

_________________________________________________
(1)
Represents the Company’s obligation to deliver equity securities that it did not own at the time of sale. Such amounts are included in “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Net Investment Income
 
The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fixed maturities
$
62,006

 
$
73,450

 
Term loan investments (1)
4,217

 
2,299

 
Equity securities
1,423

 
1,664

 
Short-term investments
392

 
372

 
Other (2)
6,299

 
3,193

 
Gross investment income
74,337

 
80,978

 
Investment expenses
(8,665
)
 
(6,681
)
 
Net investment income
$
65,672

 
$
74,297

 
_________________________________________________
(1)
Included in “investments accounted for using the fair value option” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Amounts include dividends on investment funds and other items.
 
Net Realized Gains (Losses)
 
Net realized gains (losses) were as follows, excluding other-than-temporary impairment provisions:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
Available for sale securities:
 

 
 

 
Gross gains on investment sales
$
67,020

 
$
48,012

 
Gross losses on investment sales
(25,056
)
 
(17,936
)
 
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option:
 

 
 

 
Fixed maturities
5,058

 
8,217

 
Equity securities
699

 
3,387

 
Other investments
9,951

 
3,753

 
TALF investments

 
1,224

 
TALF borrowings

 
1,071

 
Derivative instruments (1)
(378
)
 
(4,669
)
 
Other
1,046

 
1,062

 
Net realized gains
$
58,340

 
$
44,121

 
_________________________________________________
(1)
See Note 9 for information on the Company’s derivative instruments.
 

16

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
 
The Company performs quarterly reviews of its available for sale investments in order to determine whether declines in fair value below the amortized cost basis were considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable guidance. The following table details the net impairment losses recognized in earnings by asset class:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fixed maturities:
 

 
 

 
Mortgage backed securities
$
(15
)
 
$
(746
)
 
Corporate bonds

 
(196
)
 
Asset backed securities
(20
)
 

 
Total
(35
)
 
(942
)
 
Investment of funds received under securities lending agreements

 
(81
)
 
Equity securities
(2,211
)
 

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
$
(2,246
)
 
$
(1,023
)
 
 
A description of the methodology and significant inputs used to measure the amount of net impairment losses recognized in earnings in the 2013 first quarter is as follows:

Equity securities — the Company utilized information received from asset managers on common stocks, including the business prospects, recent events, industry and market data and other factors. For certain equities which were in an unrealized loss position and where the Company determined that it did not have the intent or ability to hold such securities for a reasonable period of time by which the fair value of the securities would increase and the Company would recover its cost, the cost basis of such securities was adjusted down accordingly;

Mortgage backed and asset backed securities — the Company utilized underlying data provided by asset managers, cash flow projections and additional information from credit agencies in order to determine an expected recovery value for each security. The analysis includes expected cash flow projections under base case and stress case scenarios which modify the expected default expectations and loss severities and slow down prepayment assumptions. The significant inputs in the models include the expected default rates, delinquency rates and foreclosure costs. The expected recovery values were reduced on a small number of securities, primarily as a result of increases in expected default expectations and foreclosure costs. The amortized cost basis of the securities were adjusted down, if required, to the expected recovery value calculated in the OTTI review process.

The Company believes that the $13.0 million of OTTI included in accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 2013 on the securities which were considered by the Company to be impaired was due to market and sector-related factors (i.e., not credit losses). At March 31, 2013, the Company did not intend to sell these securities, or any other securities which were in an unrealized loss position, and determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell such securities before recovery of their cost basis.
 

17

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table provides a roll forward of the amount related to credit losses recognized in earnings for which a portion of an OTTI was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
Balance at start of period
$
62,001

 
$
66,545

 
Credit loss impairments recognized on securities not previously impaired
33

 
212

 
Credit loss impairments recognized on securities previously impaired
2

 
811

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

 

 
Reductions for securities sold during the period
(80
)
 
(482
)
 
Balance at end of period
$
61,956

 
$
67,086

 
 
Restricted Assets
 
The Company is required to maintain assets on deposit, which primarily consist of fixed maturities, with various regulatory authorities to support its insurance and reinsurance operations. The Company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries maintain assets in trust accounts as collateral for insurance and reinsurance transactions with affiliated companies and also have investments in segregated portfolios primarily to provide collateral or guarantees for letters of credit to third parties. See Note 4, “Commitments and Contingencies—Letter of Credit and Revolving Credit Facilities,” for further details. The following table details the value of the Company’s restricted assets:
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Assets used for collateral or guarantees:
 

 
 

Affiliated transactions
$
4,104,426

 
$
4,062,097

Third party agreements
791,160

 
771,631

Deposits with U.S. regulatory authorities
308,110

 
290,441

Deposits with non-U.S. regulatory authorities
6,843

 
247,321

Trust funds
110,266

 
96,342

Total restricted assets
$
5,320,805

 
$
5,467,832



18

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

8.                   Fair Value
 
Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement (Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority).
 
The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:
 
Level 1:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
 
Level 2:
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument
 
Level 3:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement
 
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for securities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such securities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
 
The Company determines the existence of an active market based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the financial instrument occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. The Company uses quoted values and other data provided by nationally recognized independent pricing sources as inputs into its process for determining fair values of its fixed maturity investments. To validate the techniques or models used by pricing sources, the Company's review process includes, but is not limited to: (i) quantitative analysis (e.g., comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated); (ii) a review of the average number of prices obtained in the pricing process and the range of resulting fair values; (iii) initial and ongoing evaluation of methodologies used by outside parties to calculate fair value including a review of deep dive reports on selected securities which indicated the use of observable inputs in the pricing process; (iv) comparing the fair value estimates to its knowledge of the current market; (v) a comparison of the pricing services' fair values to other pricing services' fair values for the same investments; and (vi) back-testing, which includes randomly selecting purchased or sold securities and comparing the executed prices to the fair value estimates from the pricing service. For a majority of investments, the Company obtained multiple quotes. A price source hierarchy was maintained in order to determine which price source would be used (i.e., a price obtained from a pricing service with more seniority in the hierarchy will be used over a less senior one in all cases). The hierarchy prioritizes pricing services based on availability and reliability and assigns the highest priority to index providers. Based on the above review, the Company will challenge any prices for a security or portfolio which are considered not to be representative of fair value. At March 31, 2013, the Company adjusted certain prices (primarily on structured securities) obtained from the pricing services and substituted alternate prices (primarily broker-dealer quotes) for such securities. Such adjustments did not have a material impact on the overall fair value of the Company's investment portfolio at March 31, 2013.

The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Each source has its own proprietary method for determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded. In general, these methods involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing source uses observable market inputs including, but not limited to, investment yields, credit risks and spreads, benchmarking of like securities, broker-dealer quotes, reported trades and sector groupings to determine a reasonable fair value. In addition, pricing vendors use model processes, such as an Option Adjusted Spread model, to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The Option Adjusted Spread model is commonly used to estimate fair value for securities such as mortgage backed and asset backed securities. In certain circumstances, when fair values are unavailable from these independent pricing sources, quotes are obtained directly from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets. Such quotes are subject to the validation procedures noted above. Of the $12.75 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at March 31, 2013, approximately $1.10 billion, or 8.6%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes. Of the $12.40 billion of financial

19

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2012, approximately $927.9 million, or 7.5%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes.

The Company reviews its securities measured at fair value and discusses the proper classification of such investments with investment advisors and others. A discussion of the general classification of the Company's financial instruments follows:

Fixed maturities. The Company determined that all U.S. Treasuries would be classified as Level 1 securities due to observed levels of trading activity, the high number of strongly correlated pricing quotes received on U.S. Treasuries and other factors. Where the Company believes that quoted market prices are not available or that the market is not active, fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, pricing models or matrix pricing and are generally classified as Level 2 securities. The Company determined that Level 2 securities included corporate bonds, mortgage backed securities, municipal bonds, asset backed securities and non-U.S. government securities. The Company determined that certain Euro-denominated corporate bonds which invest in underlying portfolios of fixed income securities for which there is a low level of transparency around inputs to the valuation process should be classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy and certain other corporate bonds.

Equity securities. The Company determined that exchange-traded equity securities would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. Other equity securities are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Other investments. The fair values for certain of the Company's other investments are determined using net asset values (“NAV”) as advised by external fund managers. The NAV is based on the fund manager's valuation of the underlying holdings in accordance with the fund's governing documents. Periodically, the Company performs a number of monitoring procedures in order to assess the quality of the NAVs, including regular review and discussion of each fund's performance, regular evaluation of fund performance against applicable benchmarks and the backtesting of the NAVs against audited and interim financial statements. Other investments with liquidity terms allowing the Company to substantially redeem its holdings in a short time frame at the applicable NAV are reflected in Level 2. Other investments with redemption restrictions that prevent the Company from redeeming in the near term are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Short-term investments. The Company determined that certain of its short-term investments held in highly liquid money market-type funds would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. Other short-term investments are classified in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

The Company reviews the classification of its investments each quarter. No transfers were made in the periods presented. In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements. For purposes of the following tables, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements, at fair value.



 

20

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at March 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
Fair
Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,592,744

 
$

 
$
2,495,446

 
$
97,298

Mortgage backed securities
1,704,813

 

 
1,704,813

 

Municipal bonds
1,442,116

 

 
1,442,116

 

Commercial mortgage backed securities
867,856

 

 
867,856

 

U.S. government and government agencies
1,151,429

 
1,151,429

 

 

Non-U.S. government securities
1,074,797

 

 
1,074,797

 

Asset backed securities
1,146,611

 

 
1,146,611

 

Total
9,980,366

 
1,151,429

 
8,731,639

 
97,298

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
342,091

 
340,798

 
1,293

 

Other investments
585,277

 

 
399,342

 
185,935

Short-term investments
944,274

 
896,774

 
47,500

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments accounted for using the fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
291,922

 

 
291,922

 

Non-U.S. government bonds
72,463

 

 
72,463

 

Other investments
537,845

 

 
358,475

 
179,370

Equity securities

 

 

 

Total
902,230

 

 
722,860

 
179,370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets measured at fair value
$
12,754,238

 
$
2,389,001

 
$
9,902,634

 
$
462,603

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities measured at fair value:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities sold but not yet purchased (2) 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged.
(2)
Represents the Company’s obligation to deliver securities that it did not own at the time of sale. Such amounts are included in “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

21

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
Fair
Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,857,513

 
$

 
$
2,759,109

 
$
98,404

Mortgage backed securities
1,532,736

 

 
1,532,736

 

Municipal bonds
1,463,586

 

 
1,463,586

 

Commercial mortgage backed securities
824,165

 

 
824,165

 

U.S. government and government agencies
1,131,688

 
1,131,688

 

 

Non-U.S. government securities
998,901

 

 
998,901

 

Asset backed securities
1,073,999

 

 
1,073,999

 

Total
9,882,588

 
1,131,688

 
8,652,496

 
98,404

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
312,749

 
312,666

 
83

 

Other investments
549,280

 

 
365,078

 
184,202

Short-term investments
730,369

 
678,441

 
51,928

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments accounted for using the fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
275,132

 

 
275,132

 

Non-U.S. government bonds
88,409

 

 
88,409

 

Other investments
527,971

 

 
332,621

 
195,350

Equity securities
25,954

 
25,954

 

 

Total
917,466

 
25,954

 
696,162

 
195,350

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets measured at fair value
$
12,392,452

 
$
2,148,749

 
$
9,765,747

 
$
477,956

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities measured at fair value:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities sold but not yet purchased (2)
$
6,924

 
$
6,924

 
$

 
$

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
6,924

 
$
6,924

 
$

 
$

_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged.
(2)
Represents the Company’s obligation to deliver securities that it did not own at the time of sale. Such amounts are included in “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 

22

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs for the 2013 first quarter and 2012 first quarter:
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
s
Available-For-Sale
 
Fair Value Option
 
 
 
Corporate
Bonds
 
Other
Investments
 
Other
Investments
 
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of period
$
98,404

 
$
184,202

 
$
195,350

 
$
477,956

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Included in earnings (1)
1,492

 
4,762

 
373

 
6,627

Included in other comprehensive income
(1,688
)
 
1,912

 

 
224

Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Purchases

 
5,000

 
41,654

 
46,654

Issuances

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

Settlements
(910
)
 
(9,942
)
 
(58,007
)
 
(68,859
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 

Balance at end of period
$
97,298

 
$
185,934

 
$
179,370

 
$
462,602

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of period
$
92,091

 
$
5,124

 
$

 
$
97,215

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Included in earnings (1)
2,331

 
81

 

 
2,412

Included in other comprehensive income
2,273

 
1,091

 

 
3,364

Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Purchases

 

 

 

Issuances

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

Settlements
(40
)
 
(81
)
 

 
(121
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 

Balance at end of period
$
96,655

 
$
6,215

 
$

 
$
102,870

_________________________________________________
(1)
Gains or losses on corporate bonds were included in net realized gains (losses) while gains or losses on other investments were recorded in net realized gains (losses) or net investment income.
  
The amount of total gains for the 2013 first quarter included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at March 31, 2013 was $6.6 million. The amount of total gains for the 2012 first quarter included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at March 31, 2012 was $2.4 million.
 
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value
 
The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The carrying values of cash, accrued investment income, receivable for securities sold, certain other assets, payable for securities purchased and certain other liabilities approximated their fair values at March 31, 2013, due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their respective fair values are classified within Level 2.
 
At March 31, 2013, the Company’s senior notes were carried at their cost of $300.0 million and had a fair value of $387.5 million. The fair values of these securities were obtained from a third party pricing service and are based on observable market inputs. As such, the fair values of the senior notes are classified within Level 2.
 

23

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

9.                   Derivative Instruments
 
The Company’s investment strategy allows for the use of derivative securities. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The fair values of those derivatives are based on quoted market prices. All realized and unrealized contract gains and losses are reflected in the Company’s results of operations. The Company utilizes exchange traded U.S. Treasury note, Eurodollar and other futures contracts and commodity futures to manage portfolio duration or replicate investment positions in its portfolios. Certain of the Company’s corporate bonds are managed in a global bond portfolio which incorporates the use of foreign currency forward contracts which are intended to provide an economic hedge against foreign currency movements on the portfolio’s non-U.S. Dollar denominated holdings. The Company routinely utilizes other foreign currency forward contracts, currency options, index futures contracts and other derivatives as part of its total return objective.
 
In addition, the Company purchases to-be-announced mortgage backed securities (“TBAs”) as part of its investment strategy. TBAs represent commitments to purchase a future issuance of agency mortgage backed securities. For the period between purchase of a TBA and issuance of the underlying security, the Company’s position is accounted for as a derivative. The Company purchases TBAs in both long and short positions to enhance investment performance and as part of its overall investment strategy. The Company did not hold any derivatives which were designated as hedging instruments at March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
 
The following table summarizes information on the fair values and notional values of the Company’s derivative instruments. The fair value of TBAs is included in “fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value” while the fair value of all other derivatives is included in “other investments available for sale, at fair value” in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Net
Derivatives
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Value
March 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Futures contracts
$
638

 
$
(175
)
 
$
463

 
$
311,532

Foreign currency forward contracts
2,598

 
(4,617
)
 
(2,019
)
 
542,136

TBAs
432,730

 
(290,526
)
 
142,204

 
684,500

Other
2,027

 
(1,047
)
 
980

 
287,716

Total
$
437,993

 
$
(296,365
)
 
$
141,628

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Futures contracts
$
52

 
$
(52
)
 
$

 
$
340,400

Foreign currency forward contracts
2,809

 
(2,678
)
 
131

 
396,468

TBAs
23,599

 
(4,346
)
 
19,253

 
26,000

Other
448

 
(676
)
 
(228
)
 
50,341

Total
$
26,908

 
$
(7,752
)
 
$
19,156

 
 


The Company's derivative instruments are generally traded under master netting agreements, which establish terms that apply to all derivative transactions with a counterparty. In the event of a bankruptcy or other stipulated event of default, such agreements provide that the non-defaulting party may elect to terminate all outstanding derivative transactions, in which case all individual derivative positions (loss or gain) with a counterparty are closed out and netted and replaced with a single amount, usually referred to as the termination amount, which is expressed in a single currency. The resulting single net amount, where positive, is payable to the party "in-the-money" regardless of whether or not it is the defaulting party, unless the parties have agreed that only the non-defaulting party is entitled to receive a termination payment where the net amount is positive and is in its favor. Effectively, contractual close-out netting reduces derivatives credit exposure from gross to net exposure. At March 31, 2013, asset derivatives and liability derivatives of $165.4 million and $72.3 million, respectively, were subject to a master netting agreement, compared to $26.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012. The remaining derivatives included in the table above were not subject to a master netting agreement.

24

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


The following table summarizes net realized gains (losses) recorded on the Company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Derivatives not designated as
 
March 31,
 
hedging instruments
 
2013
 
2012
 
Futures contracts
 
$
(829
)
 
$
(2,021
)
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
(725
)
 
(1,881
)
 
TBAs
 
541

 
323

 
Other
 
635

 
(1,090
)
 
Total
 
$
(378
)
 
$
(4,669
)
 
 
10.            Income Taxes
 
ACGL is incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and, under current Bermuda law, is not obligated to pay any taxes in Bermuda based upon income or capital gains. The Company has received a written undertaking from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation is enacted in Bermuda imposing any tax computed on profits, income, gain or appreciation on any capital asset, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax will not be applicable to ACGL or any of its operations until March 31, 2035. This undertaking does not, however, prevent the imposition of taxes on any person ordinarily resident in Bermuda or any company in respect of its ownership of real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda.
 
ACGL and its non-U.S. subsidiaries will be subject to U.S. federal income tax only to the extent that they derive U.S. source income that is subject to U.S. withholding tax or income that is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. and is not exempt from U.S. tax under an applicable income tax treaty with the U.S. ACGL and its non-U.S. subsidiaries will be subject to a withholding tax on dividends from U.S. investments and interest from certain U.S. payors (subject to reduction by any applicable income tax treaty). ACGL and its non-U.S. subsidiaries intend to conduct their operations in a manner that will not cause them to be treated as engaged in a trade or business in the United States and, therefore, will not be required to pay U.S. federal income taxes (other than U.S. excise taxes on insurance and reinsurance premium and withholding taxes on dividends and certain other U.S. source investment income). However, because there is uncertainty as to the activities which constitute being engaged in a trade or business within the United States, there can be no assurances that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service will not contend successfully that ACGL or its non-U.S. subsidiaries are engaged in a trade or business in the United States. If ACGL or any of its non-U.S. subsidiaries were subject to U.S. income tax, ACGL’s shareholders’ equity and earnings could be materially adversely affected. ACGL has subsidiaries and branches that operate in various jurisdictions around the world that are subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The significant jurisdictions in which ACGL’s subsidiaries and branches are subject to tax are the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Switzerland and Denmark.
 
The Company’s income tax provision on income before income taxes resulted in an expense of 1.9% for the 2013 first quarter, compared to an expense of 1.1% for the 2012 first quarter. The Company’s effective tax rate, which is based upon the expected annual effective tax rate, may fluctuate from period to period based on the relative mix of income or loss reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction. The Company had a net deferred tax asset of $112.2 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $98.6 million at December 31, 2012. In addition, the Company paid $1.3 million in income taxes for the 2013 first quarter, while the Company paid $2.8 million for the 2012 first quarter.
 
The United States also imposes an excise tax on insurance and reinsurance premiums paid to non-U.S. insurers or reinsurers with respect to risks located in the United States. The Company incurs federal excise taxes on certain of its reinsurance transactions, including amounts ceded through intercompany transactions. The Company incurred $2.0 million of federal excise taxes for the 2013 first quarter, compared to $2.0 million for the 2012 first quarter. Such amounts are reflected as acquisition expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
 

25

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

11.            Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), net of tax, for the 2013 first quarter:

 
Unrealized Gains on Available-For-Sale Securities
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
289,957

 
$
(2,940
)
 
$
287,017

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
9,469

 
(28,222
)
 
(18,753
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(38,701
)
 

 
(38,701
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(29,232
)
 
(28,222
)
 
(57,454
)
Ending balance
$
260,725

 
$
(31,162
)
 
$
229,563


The following table presents details about amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for the 2013 first quarter:

Details About AOCI Components
 
Consolidated Statement of Income Line Item That Includes Reclassification
 
Amounts Reclassed From AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Gains on Available-For-Sale Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains
 
$
44,365

 
 
Net impairment losses included in earnings
 
(2,246
)
 
 
Total before tax
 
42,119

 
 
Income tax expense
 
(3,418
)
 
 
Net of tax
 
$
38,701


The following table presents the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss):

 
Before Tax Amount
 
Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
Net of Tax Amount
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
$
10,347

 
$
876

 
$
9,471

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Less reclassification of net realized gains included in net income
42,119

 
3,418

 
38,701

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(28,222
)
 

 
(28,222
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(59,996
)
 
$
(2,542
)
 
$
(57,454
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
$
92,773

 
$
(2,090
)
 
$
94,863

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(8
)
 
$

 
$
(8
)
Less reclassification of net realized gains included in net income
$
30,759

 
$
3,248

 
$
27,511

Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
13,869

 
$
668

 
$
13,201

Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
75,875

 
$
(4,670
)
 
$
80,545



12.            Legal Proceedings
 
The Company, in common with the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of its business. As of March 31, 2013, the Company was not a party to any litigation or arbitration which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.
 

26

Table of Contents

ITEM 2.            MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations. This should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this report and also our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (“2012 Form 10-K”). In addition, readers should review “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A of Part I of our 2012 Form 10-K. Tabular amounts are in U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted.
 
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“ACGL” and, together with its subsidiaries, “we” or “us”) is a Bermuda public limited liability company with approximately $5.74 billion in capital at March 31, 2013 and, through operations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe and Canada, writes insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis. While we are positioned to provide a full range of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance lines, we focus on writing specialty lines of insurance and reinsurance. It is our belief that our underwriting platform, our experienced management team and our strong capital base that is unencumbered by significant pre-2002 risks have enabled us to establish a strong presence in the insurance and reinsurance markets.
 
Current Outlook
 
The broad market environment continues to show improvement across the board. In our insurance business, weighted rate increases were approximately 3% above loss cost trends in the 2013 first quarter. These improvements, on a line by line basis, ranged from minus 1% to as high as a positive 16%. In addition, the movement of business from the admitted market to the excess and surplus lines market continues. Even with this improvement in the rate environment, on an absolute basis, we believe that longer-tail lines still require significant rate improvement to meet our return objectives. In March 2013, we expanded our insurance underwriting platform in the excess and surplus lines market by starting a binding authority insurance facility that caters to smaller accounts through the wholesale distribution channel. In our reinsurance business, rates on property and property catastrophe business for the upcoming renewal season are expected to be down 5% to 10% in the aggregate, with some increases on accounts impacted by Superstorm Sandy and decreases on other business. In addition, our reinsurance operations benefited from the underlying rate increases in primary lines noted above. Our underwriting teams continue to execute a disciplined strategy by emphasizing small and medium-sized accounts over large accounts and focusing more on short-tail business.
 
Our objective is to achieve an average operating return on average equity of 15% or greater over the insurance cycle, which we believe to be an attractive return to our common shareholders given the risks we assume. We continue to look for opportunities to find acceptable books of business to underwrite without sacrificing underwriting discipline and continue to believe that the most attractive area from a pricing point of view remains catastrophe-exposed business. We expect that catastrophe-exposed business will continue to represent a significant proportion of our overall book, which could increase the volatility of our operating results.
 
The current economic conditions could continue to have a material impact on the frequency and severity of claims and, therefore, could negatively impact our underwriting returns. In addition, volatility in the financial markets could continue to significantly affect our investment returns, reported results and shareholders’ equity. We consider the potential impact of economic trends in the estimation process for establishing unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and in determining our investment strategies.
 
In addition, the impact of the continuing weakness of the U.S., European countries and other key economies, projected budget deficits for the U.S., European countries and other governments and the consequences associated with possible additional downgrades of securities of the U.S., European countries and other governments by credit rating agencies is inherently unpredictable and could have a material adverse effect on financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world. In turn, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and, in particular, this could have a material adverse effect on the value of securities in our investment portfolio.
 
Natural Catastrophe Risk
 
We monitor our natural catastrophe risk globally for all perils and regions, in each case, where we believe there is significant exposure. Our models employ both proprietary and vendor-based systems and include cross-line correlations for property, marine, offshore energy, aviation, workers compensation and personal accident. Currently, we seek to limit our 1-in-250 year return period net probable maximum pre-tax loss from a severe catastrophic event in any geographic zone to approximately 25% of total shareholders’ equity. We reserve the right to change this threshold at any time. Based on in-force exposure estimated as of April 1, 2013, our modeled peak zone catastrophe exposure was a windstorm affecting the

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Northeastern U.S., with a net probable maximum pre-tax loss of $886 million, followed by windstorms affecting the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Tri-County with net probable maximum pre-tax losses of $798 million and $582 million, respectively. Based on in-force exposure estimated as of January 1, 2013, our modeled peak zone exposure was a windstorm affecting the Northeastern U.S., with a net probable maximum pre-tax loss of $867 million, followed by windstorms affecting the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Tri-County with net probable maximum pre-tax losses of $838 million and $603 million, respectively. Our exposures to other perils, such as U.S. earthquake and international events, was less than the exposures arising from U.S. windstorms and hurricanes in both periods. As of April 1, 2013, our modeled peak zone earthquake exposure (New Madrid earthquake) represented less than 45% of our peak zone catastrophe exposure, and our modeled peak zone international exposure (Japan earthquake) was substantially less than both our peak zone windstorm and earthquake exposures. Net probable maximum pre-tax loss estimates are net of expected reinsurance recoveries, before income tax and before excess reinsurance reinstatement premiums. Loss estimates are reflective of the zone indicated and not the entire portfolio. Since hurricanes and windstorms can affect more than one zone and make multiple landfalls, our loss estimates include clash estimates from other zones.
 
The loss estimates shown above do not represent our maximum exposures and it is highly likely that our actual incurred losses would vary materially from the modeled estimates. There can be no assurances that we will not suffer a net loss greater than 25% of our total shareholders’ equity from one or more catastrophic events due to several factors, including the inherent uncertainties in estimating the frequency and severity of such events and the margin of error in making such determinations resulting from potential inaccuracies and inadequacies in the data provided by clients and brokers, the modeling techniques and the application of such techniques or as a result of a decision to change the percentage of shareholders’ equity exposed to a single catastrophic event. Actual losses may also increase if our reinsurers fail to meet their obligations to us or the reinsurance protections purchased by us are exhausted or are otherwise unavailable. See “Risk Factors—Risk Relating to Our Industry” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Natural and Man-Made Catastrophic Events” in our 2012 Form 10-K.
 
Financial Measures
 
Management uses the following three key financial indicators in evaluating our performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for ACGL’s common shareholders:
 
Book Value per Common Share
 
Book value per common share represents total common shareholders’ equity divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Management uses growth in book value per common share as a key measure of the value generated for our common shareholders each period and believes that book value per common share is the key driver of ACGL’s share price over time. Book value per common share is impacted by, among other factors, our underwriting results, investment returns and share repurchase activity, which has an accretive or dilutive impact on book value per common share depending on the purchase price. Book value per common share was $37.66 at March 31, 2013, compared to $36.19 at December 31, 2012 and $33.33 at March 31, 2012. The 4.1% change for the 2013 first quarter and 13.0% change for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2013 were generated through operating results and total return on investments.
 
Operating Return on Average Common Equity
 
Operating return on average common equity (“Operating ROAE”) represents after-tax operating income available to common shareholders divided by the average of beginning and ending common shareholders’ equity during the period. After-tax operating income available to common shareholders, a “non-GAAP measure” as defined in the SEC rules, represents net income available to common shareholders, excluding net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses, net of income taxes. Management uses Operating ROAE as a key measure of the return generated to common shareholders and has set an objective to achieve an average Operating ROAE of 15% or greater over the insurance cycle, which it believes to be an attractive return to common shareholders given the risks we assume. See “Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Our Operating ROAE was 12.9% for the 2013 first quarter, compared to 10.4% for the 2012 first quarter. The improved Operating ROAE for the 2013 first quarter primarily resulted from improved underwriting results compared to the 2012 first quarter.
 
Total Return on Investments
 
Total return on investments includes investment income, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net realized gains and losses and the change in unrealized gains and losses generated by our

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investment portfolio. Total return is calculated on a pre-tax basis and before investment expenses and includes the effect of financial market conditions along with foreign currency fluctuations. Management uses total return on investments as a key measure of the return generated to common shareholders on the capital held in the business, and compares the return generated by our investment portfolio against benchmark returns which we measured our portfolio against during the periods. The benchmark return is a weighted average of the benchmarks assigned to each of our investment managers and vary based on the nature of the portfolios under management.
 
The benchmark return index is a customized combination of indices intended to approximate a target portfolio by asset mix and average credit quality while also matching the approximate estimated duration and currency mix of our insurance and reinsurance liabilities. Although the estimated duration and average credit quality of this index will move as the duration and rating of its constituent securities change, generally we do not adjust the composition of the benchmark return index. The benchmark return index should not be interpreted as expressing a preference for or aversion to any particular sector or sector weight. The index is intended solely to provide, unlike many master indices that change based on the size of their constituent indices, a relatively stable basket of investable indices.

At March 31, 2013, the benchmark return index had an average credit quality of “Aa2” by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), an estimated duration of 3.44 years and included weightings to the following indices:
 
 
Weighting
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year U.S. Treasury & Agency Index
30.875
%
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year AA U.S. Corporate & Yankees Index
20.875
%
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index
11.875
%
Barclays Capital CMBS, AAA Index
10.000
%
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year U.S. Municipal Securities Index
7.125
%
MSCI World Free Index
5.000
%
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 0-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index
4.750
%
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Constrained Index
2.375
%
Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield Corporate Loan Index
2.375
%
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year U.K. Gilt Index
2.375
%
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year Euro Government Index
2.375
%
Total
100.000
%
 
The following table summarizes the pre-tax total return (before investment expenses) of our investment portfolio compared to the benchmark return against which we measured our portfolio during the periods:
 
 
Arch
Portfolio (1)
 
Benchmark
Return
Pre-tax total return (before investment expenses):
 

 
 

2013 first quarter
0.50
%
 
0.46
%
2012 first quarter
1.87
%
 
1.56
%
_________________________________________________
(1)
Our investment expenses were approximately 0.29% of average invested assets for the 2013 first quarter, compared to 0.23% for the 2012 first quarter.
 
Total return for the 2013 first quarter reflected strong returns on equities and alternatives and flat to negative returns on fixed income investments. Excluding foreign exchange, total return was 1.01% for the 2013 first quarter, compared to 1.60% for the 2012 first quarter.
 
Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
Throughout this filing, we present our operations in the way we believe will be the most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information in evaluating the performance of our company. This presentation includes the use of after-tax operating income available to common shareholders, which is defined as net income available to common shareholders, excluding net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses, net of income taxes. The presentation of after-tax operating income available to common shareholders is a “non-GAAP financial measure” as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measure to net income available to common

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shareholders (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) in accordance with Regulation G is included under “Results of Operations” below.
 
We believe that net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses in any particular period are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, our business. Although net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses are an integral part of our operations, the decision to realize investment gains or losses, the recognition of the change in the carrying value of investments accounted for using the fair value option in net realized gains or losses, the recognition of net impairment losses, the recognition of equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and the recognition of foreign exchange gains or losses are independent of the insurance underwriting process and result, in large part, from general economic and financial market conditions. Furthermore, certain users of our financial information believe that, for many companies, the timing of the realization of investment gains or losses is largely opportunistic. In addition, net impairment losses recognized in earnings on our investments represent other-than-temporary declines in expected recovery values on securities without actual realization. The use of the equity method on certain of our investments in certain funds that invest in fixed maturity securities is driven by the ownership structure of such funds (either limited partnerships or limited liability companies). In applying the equity method, these investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on our proportionate share of the net income or loss of the funds (which include changes in the market value of the underlying securities in the funds). This method of accounting is different from the way we account for our other fixed maturity securities and the timing of the recognition of equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method may differ from gains or losses in the future upon sale or maturity of such investments. Due to these reasons, we exclude net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses from the calculation of after-tax operating income available to common shareholders.
 
We believe that showing net income available to common shareholders exclusive of the items referred to above reflects the underlying fundamentals of our business since we evaluate the performance of and manage our business to produce an underwriting profit. In addition to presenting net income available to common shareholders, we believe that this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze our performance in a manner similar to how management analyzes performance. We also believe that this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, allows the users of financial information to compare our performance with our industry peer group. We believe that the equity analysts and certain rating agencies which follow us and the insurance industry as a whole generally exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table summarizes, on an after-tax basis, our consolidated financial data, including a reconciliation of after-tax operating income available to common shareholders to net income available to common shareholders:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
After-tax operating income available to common shareholders
$
158,748

 
$
113,660

Net realized gains, net of tax
54,923

 
40,873

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings, net of tax
(2,246
)
 
(1,023
)
Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net of tax
13,823

 
24,826

Net foreign exchange gains (losses), net of tax
25,744

 
(20,541
)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
250,992

 
$
157,795


The increase in after-tax operating income in the 2013 first quarter compared to the 2012 first quarter primarily resulted from improved underwriting results in both the reinsurance and insurance segments. Results in both periods reflected a relatively light level of catastrophic activity.
 
Segment Information
 
We classify our businesses into two underwriting segments — insurance and reinsurance — and corporate and other (non-underwriting). Management measures segment performance based on underwriting income or loss. We do not manage our

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assets by segment and, accordingly, investment income is not allocated to each underwriting segment. In addition, other revenue and expense items are not evaluated by segment.
 
Insurance Segment
 
The following table sets forth our insurance segment’s underwriting results:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
688,817

 
$
688,113

 
0.1

Net premiums written
504,550

 
490,680

 
2.8

Net premiums earned
$
444,965

 
$
441,740

 
0.7

Fee income
525

 
530

 
 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(283,467
)
 
(303,164
)
 
 

Acquisition expenses, net
(70,758
)
 
(73,870
)
 
 

Other operating expenses
(76,315
)
 
(73,370
)
 
 

Underwriting income (loss)
$
14,950

 
$
(8,134
)
 
n/m

 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting Ratios
 

 
 

 
% Point
Change
Loss ratio
63.7
%
 
68.6
%
 
(4.9
)
Acquisition expense ratio (1)
15.8
%
 
16.6
%
 
(0.8
)
Other operating expense ratio
17.2
%
 
16.6
%
 
0.6

Combined ratio
96.7
%
 
101.8
%
 
(5.1
)
_________________________________________________
(1)     The acquisition expense ratio is adjusted to include certain fee income.

Premiums Written.
 
The following table sets forth our insurance segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Programs
$
100,515

 
20

 
$
81,616

 
17

Property, energy, marine and aviation
83,611

 
17

 
79,819

 
16

Executive assurance
60,352

 
12

 
68,378

 
14

Professional liability
55,774

 
11

 
70,561

 
14

National accounts
45,116

 
9

 
35,438

 
7

Construction
42,212

 
8

 
33,653

 
7

Casualty
23,795

 
5

 
26,973

 
5

Lenders products
21,673

 
4

 
22,415

 
5

Travel and accident
16,457

 
3

 
22,836

 
5

Surety
15,256

 
3

 
12,134

 
2

Healthcare
9,646

 
2

 
10,635

 
2

Other (1)
30,143

 
6

 
26,222

 
6

Total
$
504,550

 
100

 
$
490,680

 
100

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes excess workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, alternative markets and accident and health business.
 
2013 first quarter versus 2012. Net premiums written were 2.8% higher than in the 2012 first quarter with increases in programs, national accounts, construction and accident and health lines. The increase in program business was primarily due to growth within existing programs and the impact of rate movements while the increase in construction and national accounts primarily resulted from new business, high renewal retention ratios and increased ratable exposures. The higher level of construction business resulted, in part, from mix of rate and exposure increases while growth in accident and health primarily resulted from new business. Such amounts were partially offset by reductions in professional liability and executive assurance business, primarily in the insurance segment's U.K. operations, reflecting lower participation on certain accounts due to the lack of favorable rate movements.
 

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Net Premiums Earned.
 
The following table sets forth our insurance segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Programs
$
89,923

 
20

 
$
73,998

 
17

Property, energy, marine and aviation
78,005

 
18

 
78,494

 
18

Executive assurance
58,154

 
13

 
58,766

 
13

Professional liability
58,657

 
13

 
63,256

 
14

National accounts
21,643

 
5

 
19,136

 
4

Construction
35,239

 
8

 
31,808

 
7

Casualty
25,823

 
6

 
29,065

 
7

Lenders products
20,957

 
5

 
32,153

 
7

Travel and accident
12,905

 
3

 
16,713

 
4

Surety
13,183

 
3

 
10,560

 
2

Healthcare
9,007

 
2

 
8,898

 
2

Other (1)
21,469

 
4

 
18,893

 
5

Total
$
444,965

 
100

 
$
441,740

 
100

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes excess workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, alternative markets and accident and health business.
 
Net premiums written are primarily earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies for all products, usually 12 months. Net premiums earned reflect changes in net premiums written over the previous five quarters.
 
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
 
The table below shows the components of the insurance segment’s loss ratio:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Current year
64.8
 %
 
68.7
 %
Prior period reserve development
(1.1
)%
 
(0.1
)%
Loss ratio
63.7
 %
 
68.6
 %
 
Current Year Loss Ratio.
 
The insurance segment’s current year loss ratio was 3.9 points lower in the 2013 first quarter compared to the 2012 first quarter primarily due to the level of catastrophic activity in each period. The 2013 first quarter loss ratio did not reflect any catastrophic activity, compared to 1.2 points in the 2012 first quarter. The 2013 first quarter current year loss ratio also reflected changes in the mix of business earned when compared to the 2012 first quarter.

Prior Period Reserve Development.
 
2013 first quarter: The insurance segment’s net favorable development of $5.0 million, or 1.1 points, consisted of $16.1 million of net favorable development in short-tailed lines, partially offset by $11.1 million of net adverse development which was primarily from medium-tailed lines. Favorable development in short-tailed lines primarily consisted of reductions in property (including special risk other than marine) reserves from the 2009 to 2011 accident years (i.e., the year in which a loss occurred), primarily due to varying levels of reported claims activity. Development on the 2005 to 2012 named catastrophic events was not significant in the quarter. Net adverse development in medium-tailed lines of $11.1 million included a net increase of $5.8 million in professional liability reserves, primarily from a small number of claims in the 2007 accident year, $4.5 million in casualty reserves, primarily related to claims from the two most recent accident years on two Canadian auto liability accounts which have been non-renewed, and $3.7 million in onshore energy reserves, primarily related to a small number of claims.

2012 first quarter: The insurance segment’s net favorable development of $0.5 million, or 0.1 points, consisted of $21.2 million of net favorable development in short-tailed lines, partially offset by $20.7 million of net adverse development from

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medium-tailed and long-tailed lines. Favorable development in short-tailed lines primarily consisted of reductions in property (including special risk other than marine) reserves from the 2006 to 2011 accident years, primarily due to varying levels of reported claims activity. Net adverse development in medium-tailed and long-tailed lines of $20.7 million included a net increase of $11.5 million in casualty reserves, primarily from the 2004 to 2008 accident years, and $11.0 million in executive assurance reserves, primarily due to a small number of international D&O claims from the 2007 to 2009 accident years.
 
Underwriting Expenses.
 
2013 first quarter versus 2012: The insurance segment’s underwriting expense ratio was 33.0% in the 2013 first quarter, compared to 33.2% in the 2012 first quarter. The acquisition expense ratio was 15.8% in the 2013 first quarter, compared to 16.6% in the 2012 first quarter. The comparison of the 2013 first quarter and 2012 first quarter acquisition expense ratios is influenced by, among other things, the mix and type of business written and earned and the level of ceding commissions. In addition, the 2013 first quarter acquisition expense ratio included a reduction of 0.1 points of commission expense related to development in prior year loss reserves, compared to an increase of 1.0 point in the 2012 first quarter. The other operating expense ratio was 17.2% for the 2013 first quarter, compared to 16.6% for the 2012 first quarter. The 2013 first quarter operating expense ratio reflected a higher level of aggregate expenses than in the 2012 first quarter due, in part, to selected expansion of the insurance segment's operating platform.
 
Reinsurance Segment
 
The following table sets forth our reinsurance segment’s underwriting results:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
476,205

 
$
379,976

 
25.3

Net premiums written
448,226

 
372,931

 
20.2

Net premiums earned
$
307,805

 
$
238,572

 
29.0

Fee income
13

 
13

 
 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(115,936
)
 
(92,043
)
 
 

Acquisition expenses, net
(56,834
)
 
(45,092
)
 
 

Other operating expenses
(33,600
)
 
(26,123
)
 
 

Underwriting income
$
101,448

 
$
75,327

 
34.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting Ratios
 

 
 

 
% Point
Change
Loss ratio
37.7
%
 
38.6
%
 
(0.9
)
Acquisition expense ratio (1)
18.5
%
 
18.9
%
 
(0.4
)
Other operating expense ratio
10.9
%
 
10.9
%
 

Combined ratio
67.1
%
 
68.4
%
 
(1.3
)
_________________________________________________
(1)     The acquisition expense ratio is adjusted to include certain fee income.


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Premiums Written.
 
The following table sets forth our reinsurance segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Other specialty (1)
$
111,314

 
25

 
$
95,462

 
26

Casualty (2)
105,545

 
24

 
83,960

 
23

Property excluding property catastrophe (3)
89,060

 
20

 
75,493

 
20

Property catastrophe
77,142

 
17

 
86,574

 
23

Marine and aviation
23,142

 
5

 
25,617

 
7

Other (4)
42,023

 
9

 
5,825

 
1

Total
$
448,226

 
100

 
$
372,931

 
100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro rata
$
187,851

 
42

 
$
124,746

 
33

Excess of loss
260,375

 
58

 
248,185

 
67

Total
$
448,226

 
100

 
$
372,931

 
100

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes U.K. motor, trade credit, surety, workers’ compensation catastrophe, accident and health and other.
(2)
Includes professional liability, executive assurance and healthcare business.
(3)
Includes facultative business.
(4)
Includes mortgage, life, casualty clash and other.

2013 first quarter versus 2012. Net premiums written were 20.2% higher than in the 2012 first quarter. The higher level of net premiums written reflected increases to most lines of business, including mortgage business resulting from a reinsurance treaty covering newly originated U.S. residential mortgages that incepted in the 2012 second quarter, casualty and other specialty lines. Growth in casualty business primarily resulted from new accounts while the increase in other specialty primarily resulted from renewals of the credit and surety business acquired from Ariel Reinsurance Company Ltd. ("Ariel") in April 2012. The change in net premiums written in property and marine lines was substantially impacted by a higher amount of retrocessions in the 2013 first quarter.
  
Net Premiums Earned.
 
The following table sets forth our reinsurance segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Other specialty (1)
$
83,497

 
27

 
$
46,148

 
19

Casualty (2)
57,958

 
19

 
45,943

 
19

Property excluding property catastrophe (3)
64,902

 
21

 
61,632

 
26

Property catastrophe
64,233

 
21

 
61,863

 
26

Marine and aviation
20,104

 
7

 
21,449

 
9

Other (4)
17,111

 
5

 
1,537

 
1

Total
$
307,805

 
100

 
$
238,572

 
100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro rata
$
154,181

 
50

 
$
99,925

 
42

Excess of loss
153,624

 
50

 
138,647

 
58

Total
$
307,805

 
100

 
$
238,572

 
100

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes U.K. motor, trade credit, surety, workers’ compensation catastrophe, accident and health and other.
(2)
Includes professional liability, executive assurance and healthcare business.
(3)
Includes facultative business.
(4)
Includes mortgage, life, casualty clash and other.
 
Net premiums written, irrespective of the class of business, are generally earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies or reinsurance contracts. Net premiums earned reflect changes in net premiums written over the previous five quarters, including the mix and type of business written. Net premiums earned also included $12 million related to the credit and surety business acquired from Ariel with remaining acquired unearned premiums of approximately $24 million at March 31, 2013.

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Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
 
The table below shows the components of the reinsurance segment’s loss ratio:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Current year
53.8
 %
 
60.7
 %
Prior period reserve development
(16.1
)%
 
(22.1
)%
Loss ratio
37.7
 %
 
38.6
 %
 
Current Year Loss Ratio.
 
The reinsurance segment’s current year loss ratio was 6.9 points lower in the 2013 first quarter compared to the 2012 first quarter. The 2013 first quarter loss ratio reflected 3.6 points related to current year catastrophic activity, while the 2012 first quarter ratio included 7.4 points of catastrophic activity. The 2013 first quarter current year loss ratio also reflected changes in the mix of business earned when compared to the 2012 first quarter.
 
Prior Period Reserve Development.
 
2013 first quarter: The reinsurance segment’s net favorable development of $49.4 million, or 16.1 points, consisted of $35.1 million from short-tailed lines and $14.3 million of net favorable development from medium-tailed and long-tailed lines. Favorable development in short-tailed lines included $45.2 million from property catastrophe and property other than property catastrophe reserves, primarily from the 2010 to 2012 underwriting years (i.e., all premiums and losses attributable to contracts having an inception or renewal date within the given twelve-month period). Contained within this release was favorable development from the 2005 to 2012 named catastrophic events of $10.8 million. The net reduction of loss estimates for the reinsurance segment's short-tailed lines primarily resulted from varying levels of reported and paid claims activity than previously anticipated which led to decreases or increases in certain loss ratio selections during the 2013 first quarter. Such amounts were partially offset by an increase in estimates for U.S. crop hail losses of $10.1 million. Net favorable development of $14.3 million in medium-tailed and long-tailed lines included reductions in casualty reserves of $5.9 million, spread across the 2002 to 2010 underwriting years, and marine and aviation reserves of $5.7 million, primarily from the 2008 and 2009 underwriting years. The balance of net favorable development was spread across various lines and underwriting years.

2012 first quarter: The reinsurance segment’s net favorable development of $52.8 million, or 22.1 points, consisted of $31.3 million from short-tailed lines and $21.5 million of net favorable development from medium-tailed and long-tailed lines. Favorable development in short-tailed lines included $21.5 million from property catastrophe and property other than property catastrophe reserves, primarily from the 2010 and 2011 underwriting years. The net reduction of loss estimates for the reinsurance segment's short-tailed lines primarily resulted from varying levels of reported and paid claims activity than previously anticipated which led to decreases or increases in certain loss ratio selections during the 2012 first quarter. Net favorable development of $21.5 million in medium-tailed and long-tailed lines included reductions in casualty reserves of $20.7 million, primarily from the 2004 to 2007 underwriting years. The balance of net favorable development was spread across various lines and underwriting years.
  
Underwriting Expenses.
 
2013 first quarter versus 2012: The underwriting expense ratio for the reinsurance segment was 29.4% in the 2013 first quarter, compared to 29.8% in the 2012 first quarter. The acquisition expense ratio for the 2013 first quarter was 18.5%, compared to 18.9% for the 2012 first quarter. The comparison of the 2013 first quarter and 2012 first quarter acquisition expense ratios is influenced by, among other things, the mix and type of business written and earned and the level of ceding commissions. The operating expense ratio for the 2013 first quarter was 10.9%, compared to 10.9% in the 2012 first quarter. The 2013 first quarter operating expense ratio reflected an increase in aggregate expenses due, in part, to selected expansion of the reinsurance segment’s operating platform, offset by the benefit of the higher level of net premiums earned.
 

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Other Income or Expense Items
 
Net Investment Income. The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Fixed maturities
$
62,006

 
$
73,450

Term loan investments (1)
4,217

 
2,299

Equity securities
1,423

 
1,664

Short-term investments
392

 
372

Other (2)
6,299

 
3,193

Gross investment income
74,337

 
80,978

Investment expenses
(8,665
)
 
(6,681
)
Net investment income
$
65,672

 
74,297

_________________________________________________
(1)
Included in “investments accounted for using the fair value option” on the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Amounts include dividends on investment funds and other items.
 
The pre-tax investment income yield, calculated based on amortized cost and on an annualized basis, was 2.20% for the 2013 first quarter, compared to 2.46% for the 2012 fourth quarter and 2.52% for the 2012 first quarter. The decline in yields in the 2013 first quarter reflects the effects of higher investment expenses and the impact of inflation adjustments on U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. In addition, the decline in the 2013 first quarter also reflects the effects of lower reinvestment yields, the use of funds to repurchase shares and our investment strategy which puts a priority on total return. Yields on future investment income may vary based on financial market conditions, investment allocation decisions and other factors.
 
Other Income (Loss). We record income or loss from our investments in Aeolus LP and Gulf Reinsurance Limited (joint venture) using the equity method on a three month lag basis based on the availability of their financial statements. We recorded income of $1.2 million on such investments in the 2013 first quarter, compared to a loss of $8.1 million in the 2012 first quarter. The amount recorded for the 2013 first quarter primarily related to Gulf Reinsurance Limited. while the amount recorded in the 2012 first quarter was primarily related to Aeolus LP, which is in runoff. The carrying value of our remaining investment in Aeolus LP at March 31, 2013 was $4.4 million.
 
Equity in Net Income of Investment Funds Accounted for Using the Equity Method. We recorded $13.8 million of equity in net income related to investment funds accounted for using the equity method in the 2013 first quarter, compared to $24.8 million for the 2012 first quarter. We use the equity method on certain investments (which primarily invest in fixed maturity securities) due to the ownership structure of these investment funds, where we do not have a controlling interest and are not the primary beneficiary. In applying the equity method, these investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on our proportionate share of the net income or loss of the funds (which include changes in the market value of the underlying securities in the funds). Such investments, which are typically structured as limited partnerships, are generally recorded on a one month lag with some investments reported on a three month lag based on the availability of reports from the investment funds. Certain of these funds employ leverage to achieve a higher rate of return on their assets under management. While leverage presents opportunities for increasing the total return of such investments, it may increase losses as well. Fluctuations in the carrying value of the investment funds accounted for using the equity method may increase the volatility of our reported results of operations. Investment funds accounted for using the equity method totaled $219.7 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $307.1 million at December 31, 2012. The reduction in the 2013 first quarter primarily resulted from the sale of one investment fund.  

Net Realized Gains or Losses. We recorded net realized gains of $58.3 million for the 2013 first quarter, compared to net realized gains of $44.1 million for the 2012 first quarter. Currently, our portfolio is actively managed to maximize total return within certain guidelines. In assessing returns under this approach, we include net investment income, net realized gains and losses and the change in unrealized gains and losses generated by our investment portfolio. The effect of financial market movements on the investment portfolio will directly impact net realized gains and losses as the portfolio is adjusted and rebalanced. Net realized gains or losses from the sale of fixed maturities primarily resulted from our decisions to reduce credit exposure, to change duration targets, to rebalance our portfolios or due to relative value determinations. In addition, net realized gains or losses include changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option. See note 7, “Investment Information—Net Realized Gains (Losses),” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

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Total return on our portfolio under management for the 2013 first quarter was 0.50%, compared to 1.87% for the 2012 first quarter. Excluding foreign exchange, total return was 1.01% for the 2013 first quarter, compared to 1.60% for the 2012 first quarter. For the 2013 first quarter, total return on our portfolio reflected strong returns on equities and alternatives and flat to negative returns on fixed income investments. Total return is calculated on a pre-tax basis and before investment expenses.
 
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings. On a quarterly basis, we perform reviews of our available for sale investments to determine whether declines in fair value below the cost basis are considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable accounting guidance regarding the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments. The process of determining whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired requires judgment and involves analyzing many factors. These factors include (i) an analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer, (ii) the time period in which there was a significant decline in value, (iii) the significance of the decline, and (iv) the analysis of specific credit events. We evaluate the unrealized losses of our equity securities by issuer and determine if we can forecast a reasonable period of time by which the fair value of the securities would increase and we would recover our cost. If we are unable to forecast a reasonable period of time in which to recover the cost of our equity securities, we record a net impairment loss in earnings equivalent to the entire unrealized loss. For the 2013 first quarter, we recorded $2.2 million of credit related impairments in earnings, compared to $1.0 million for the 2012 first quarter. The OTTI recorded in the 2013 first quarter primarily resulted from equity securities following a review of available positive and negative evidence. See note 7, “Investment Information—Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Other Expenses. Other expenses, which are included in our other operating expenses and part of corporate and other (non-underwriting), were $10.3 million for the 2013 first quarter, compared to $7.0 million for the 2012 first quarter. Such amounts primarily represent certain holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide insurance and reinsurance operations, share based compensation expense and costs associated with operating as a publicly traded company. The higher level of expenses in the 2013 first quarter primarily reflected higher incentive compensation costs.
 
Net Foreign Exchange Gains or Losses. Net foreign exchange gains for the 2013 first quarter were $24.3 million (net unrealized gains of $25.9 million and net realized losses of $1.7 million), compared to net foreign exchange losses for the 2012 first quarter of $20.7 million (net unrealized losses of $20.2 million and net realized losses of $0.5 million). The 2013 first quarter net foreign exchange gains reflected the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against the British Pound Sterling, Euro and other major currencies during the period. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses result from the effects of revaluing the Company's net insurance liabilities required to be settled in foreign currencies at each balance sheet date. Changes in the value of investments held in foreign currencies due to foreign currency rate movements are reflected as a direct increase or decrease to shareholders' equity and are not included in the consolidated statements of income. The Company has not matched a portion of its projected liabilities in foreign currencies with investments in the same currencies and may not match such amounts in future periods, which could increase the Company's exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and increase the volatility of the Company's shareholders' equity.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
Critical accounting policies, estimates and recent accounting pronouncements are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2012 Form 10-K, updated where applicable in the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements.
 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Financial Condition
 
Investable Assets
 
The finance and investment committee of our board of directors establishes our investment policies and sets the parameters for creating guidelines for our investment managers. The finance and investment committee reviews the implementation of the investment strategy on a regular basis. Our current approach stresses preservation of capital, market liquidity and diversification of risk. While maintaining our emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity, we expect our portfolio to become more diversified and, as a result, we may expand into areas which are not currently part of our investment strategy. Our Chief Investment Officer administers the investment portfolio, oversees our investment managers, formulates investment strategy in conjunction with our finance and investment committee and directly manages certain portions of our fixed income and equity portfolios.

The following table summarizes our invested assets:
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
$
9,890,425

 
75.3

 
$
9,839,988

 
75.4

Fixed maturities, at fair value (1)
364,385

 
2.8

 
363,541

 
2.8

Fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements, at fair value (2)
89,941

 
0.7

 
42,600

 
0.3

Total fixed maturities
10,344,751

 
78.8

 
10,246,129

 
78.5

Short-term investments available for sale, at fair value
943,414

 
7.2

 
722,121

 
5.5

Short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements, at fair value (2)
860

 

 
8,248

 
0.1

Cash
356,767

 
2.7

 
371,041

 
2.8

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value
342,091

 
2.6

 
312,749

 
2.4

Equity securities, at fair value (1)

 

 
25,954

 
0.2

Other investments available for sale, at fair value
585,277

 
4.5

 
549,280

 
4.2

Other investments, at fair value (1)
537,845

 
4.1

 
527,971

 
4.0

Investments accounted for using the equity method (3)
219,674

 
1.7

 
307,105

 
2.4

Total cash and investments
13,330,679

 
101.5

 
13,070,598

 
100.2

Securities sold but not yet purchased (4)

 

 
(6,924
)
 
(0.1
)
Securities transactions entered into but not settled at the balance sheet date
(198,563
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(18,540
)
 
(0.1
)
Total investable assets
$
13,132,116

 
100.0

 
$
13,045,134

 
100.0

_________________________________________________
(1)
Represents securities which are carried at fair value under the fair value option and reflected as “investments accounted for using the fair value option” on our balance sheet. Changes in the carrying value of such securities are recorded in net realized gains or losses.
(2)
This table excludes the collateral received and reinvested and includes the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements, at fair value.
(3)
Changes in the carrying value of investment funds accounted for using the equity method are recorded as “equity in net income (loss) of investments funds accounted for using the equity method” rather than as an unrealized gain or loss component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
(4)
Represents our obligation to deliver equity securities that we did not own at the time of sale. Such amounts are included in “other liabilities” on our balance sheet.
 
At March 31, 2013, our fixed income portfolio, which includes fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, had average credit quality ratings from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”)/Moody’s of “AA-/Aa2” and an average yield to maturity (imbedded book yield), before investment expenses, of 2.45%. At December 31, 2012, our fixed income portfolio had average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “AA-/Aa2” and an average yield to maturity of 2.60%. Our investment portfolio had an average effective duration of 2.94 years at March 31, 2013, compared to 3.06 years at December 31, 2012. At March 31, 2013, approximately $8.53 billion, or 65.0%, of our total investments and cash was internally managed, compared to $8.35 billion, or 64.0%, at December 31, 2012.


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The following table summarizes our fixed maturities by type:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
March 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,884,666

 
$
77,404

 
$
(6,854
)
 
$
2,814,116

Mortgage backed securities
1,704,813

 
23,249

 
(9,395
)
 
1,690,959

Municipal bonds
1,442,116

 
54,533

 
(1,732
)
 
1,389,315

Commercial mortgage backed securities
867,856

 
27,757

 
(2,717
)
 
842,816

U.S. government and government agencies
1,151,429

 
21,512

 
(463
)
 
1,130,380

Non-U.S. government securities
1,147,260

 
24,745

 
(12,817
)
 
1,135,332

Asset backed securities
1,146,611

 
24,706

 
(9,760
)
 
1,131,665

Total
$
10,344,751

 
$
253,906

 
$
(43,738
)
 
$
10,134,583

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
3,132,645

 
$
105,798

 
$
(6,710
)
 
$
3,033,557

Mortgage backed securities
1,532,736

 
24,809

 
(7,484
)
 
1,515,411

Municipal bonds
1,463,586

 
62,322

 
(1,421
)
 
1,402,685

Commercial mortgage backed securities
824,165

 
37,514

 
(4,468
)
 
791,119

U.S. government and government agencies
1,131,688

 
20,178

 
(1,095
)
 
1,112,605

Non-U.S. government securities
1,087,310

 
33,701

 
(8,860
)
 
1,062,469

Asset backed securities
1,073,999

 
25,528

 
(5,838
)
 
1,054,309

Total
$
10,246,129

 
$
309,850

 
$
(35,876
)
 
$
9,972,155

_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, we receive collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, we have excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged.

The following table provides the credit quality distribution of our fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements:
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Rating (1)
 
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
U.S. government and government agencies (2)
 
$
2,738,110

 
26.5

 
$
2,523,212

 
24.6

AAA
 
3,211,404

 
31.0

 
3,413,431

 
33.3

AA
 
1,747,704

 
16.9

 
1,563,846

 
15.3

A
 
1,389,885

 
13.4

 
1,501,156

 
14.7

BBB
 
432,799

 
4.2

 
538,140

 
5.3

BB
 
243,319

 
2.4

 
174,527

 
1.7

B
 
200,515

 
1.9

 
220,772

 
2.2

Lower than B
 
221,488

 
2.1

 
175,866

 
1.7

Not rated
 
159,527

 
1.6

 
135,179

 
1.2

Total
 
$
10,344,751

 
100.0

 
$
10,246,129

 
100.0

_________________________________________________
(1)
For individual fixed maturities, S&P ratings are used. In the absence of an S&P rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch Ratings.
(2)
Includes U.S. government-sponsored agency mortgage backed securities and agency commercial mortgage backed securities.
 
At March 31, 2013, below-investment grade securities comprised approximately 8.0% of our fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements, compared to 6.9% at December 31, 2012. In accordance with our investment strategy, we invest in high yield fixed income securities which are included in “Corporate bonds.” Upon issuance, these securities are typically rated below investment grade (i.e., rating assigned by the major rating agencies of “BB” or less). At March 31, 2013, corporate bonds represented 31% of the total below investment grade securities at fair value, mortgage backed securities represented 49% of the total and 20% were in other classes. At December 31, 2012, corporate bonds represented 32% of the total below investment grade securities at fair value, mortgage backed securities represented 49% of the total and 19% were in other classes. Unrealized losses include the impact of foreign exchange movements on certain securities

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Table of Contents

denominated in foreign currencies and, as such, the amount of securities in an unrealized loss position fluctuates due to foreign currency movements.
 
The following table provides information on the severity of the unrealized loss position as a percentage of amortized cost for all fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements which were in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Severity of
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
0-10%
 
$
2,427,315

 
$
(35,863
)
 
82.0

 
$
2,113,835

 
$
(28,439
)
 
79.3

10-20%
 
61,823

 
(7,803
)
 
17.8

 
43,871

 
(6,363
)
 
17.7

20-30%
 
282

 
(72
)
 
0.2

 
3,086

 
(1,074
)
 
3.0

30-80%
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
2,489,420

 
$
(43,738
)
 
100.0

 
$
2,160,792

 
$
(35,876
)
 
100.0


The following table provides information on the severity of the unrealized loss position as a percentage of amortized cost for non-investment grade fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements which were in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Severity of
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
0-10%
 
$
105,747

 
$
(1,656
)
 
3.8

 
$
87,223

 
$
(2,513
)
 
7.0

10-20%
 
3,507

 
(413
)
 
0.9

 
9,107

 
(1,529
)
 
4.3

20-30%
 
282

 
(72
)
 
0.2

 

 

 

30-80%
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
109,536

 
$
(2,141
)
 
4.9

 
$
96,330

 
$
(4,042
)
 
11.3

 
We determine estimated recovery values for our fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements following a review of the business prospects, credit ratings, estimated loss given default factors and information received from asset managers and rating agencies for each security. For structured securities, we utilize underlying data, where available, for each security provided by asset managers and additional information from credit agencies in order to determine an expected recovery value for each security. The analysis provided by the asset managers includes expected cash flow projections under base case and stress case scenarios which modify expected default expectations and loss severities and slow down prepayment assumptions.

The following table summarizes our top ten exposures to fixed income corporate issuers by fair value at March 31, 2013, excluding guaranteed amounts and covered bonds:
 
 
Fair Value
 
Credit
Rating (1)
General Electric Co.
$
77,998

 
AA+/A1
SBA Communications Corp.
47,215

 
NR/A2
Crown Castle Int'l Corp.
38,114

 
NR/A2
Anheuser-Busch Inbev NV
37,182

 
A/A3
Caterpillar Inc.
31,311

 
A/A2
Verizon Communications Inc.
28,610

 
A-/A2
American Tower Trust I
28,128

 
NR/Aaa
Total SA
28,080

 
AA-/Aa1
ConocoPhillips
26,979

 
A/A1
AT&T Inc.
26,620

 
A-/A2
Total
$
370,237

 
 
_________________________________________________
(1) 
Ratings as assigned by S&P/Moody’s.
 

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Table of Contents

Delinquencies and losses with respect to residential mortgage loans from certain vintage years have increased since 2007 and may continue to increase, particularly in the sub-prime sector. In addition, during this period, residential property values in many states have declined or remained stable, after extended periods during which those values appreciated. A continued decline or an extended flattening in those values may result in additional increases in delinquencies and losses on residential mortgage loans generally, especially with respect to second homes and investment properties, and with respect to any residential mortgage loans where the aggregate loan amounts (including any subordinate loans) are close to or greater than the related property values. These developments may have a significant adverse effect on the prices of loans and securities, including those in our investment portfolio. The situation continues to have wide ranging consequences, including downward pressure on economic growth and the potential for increased insurance and reinsurance exposures, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, business and operations.

Our portfolio includes investments, such as mortgage-backed securities, which are subject to prepayment risk. At March 31, 2013, our investments in residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) amounted to approximately $1.70 billion, or 13.0% of total investable assets, compared to $1.53 billion, or 11.7%, at December 31, 2012.  As with other fixed income investments, the fair value of these securities fluctuates depending on market and other general economic conditions and the interest rate environment. Changes in interest rates can expose us to changes in the prepayment rate on these investments. In periods of declining interest rates, mortgage prepayments generally increase and MBS are prepaid more quickly, requiring us to reinvest the proceeds at the then current market rates. Conversely, in periods of rising rates, mortgage prepayments generally fall, preventing us from taking full advantage of the higher level of rates. However, current economic conditions may curtail prepayment activity as refinancing becomes more difficult, thus limiting prepayments on MBS. Our portfolio also includes commercial mortgage backed securities (“CMBS”). At March 31, 2013, CMBS constituted approximately $867.9 million, or 6.6% of total investable assets, compared to $824.2 million, or 6.3%, at December 31, 2012. The commercial real estate market has experienced price deterioration, which could lead to increased delinquencies and defaults on commercial real estate mortgages.


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Table of Contents

The following table provides information on our MBS and CMBS at March 31, 2013, excluding amounts guaranteed by the U.S. government:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Issuance
Year
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Average
Credit
Quality
 
Total
 
% of
Amortized
Cost
 
% of
Investable
Assets
Non-agency MBS:
2003
 
$
2,017

 
AA-
 
$
2,151

 
106.6
%
 
%
 
2004
 
9,436

 
BB-
 
9,442

 
100.1
%
 
0.1
%
 
2005
 
49,991

 
CCC+
 
53,219

 
106.5
%
 
0.4
%
 
2006
 
76,070

 
CCC+
 
79,820

 
104.9
%
 
0.6
%
 
2007
 
63,460

 
C
 
68,712

 
108.3
%
 
0.5
%
 
2008
 
5,899

 
CC+
 
6,373

 
108.0
%
 
%
 
2009 (6)
 
11,767

 
AAA
 
12,564

 
106.8
%
 
0.1
%
 
2010 (6)
 
22,811

 
AA+
 
23,491

 
103.0
%
 
0.2
%
 
2012 (6)
 
75,019

 
AAA
 
75,231

 
100.3
%
 
0.6
%
 
2013 (6)
 
71,650

 
AA+
 
71,012

 
99.1
%
 
0.5
%
Total non-agency MBS
 
 
$
388,120

 
BB+
 
$
402,015

 
103.6
%
 
3.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-agency CMBS:
2004
 
923

 
AAA
 
871

 
94.4
%
 
%
 
2005
 
30,052

 
AAA
 
30,028

 
99.9
%
 
0.2
%
 
2006
 
19,840

 
AA+
 
19,893

 
100.3
%
 
0.2
%
 
2007
 
28,682

 
A
 
30,956

 
107.9
%
 
0.2
%
 
2008
 
300

 
AA+
 
311

 
103.7
%
 
%
 
2009
 
227

 
AAA
 
227

 
100.0
%
 
%
 
2010
 
115,892

 
AAA
 
124,960

 
107.8
%
 
1.0
%
 
2011
 
138,263

 
AAA
 
147,100

 
106.4
%
 
1.1
%
 
2012
 
179,595

 
AA+
 
182,104

 
101.4
%
 
1.4
%
 
2013
 
47,399

 
AAA
 
47,523

 
100.3
%
 
0.4
%
Total non-agency CMBS
 
 
$
561,173

 
AA+
 
$
583,973

 
104.1
%
 
4.4
%
 
 
Non-Agency MBS
 
Non-Agency
Additional Statistics:
 
Re-REMICs
 
All Other
 
CMBS (1)
Weighted average loan age (months)
 
83

 
69

 
30

Weighted average life (months) (2) 
 
16

 
50

 
48

Weighted average loan-to-value % (3) 
 
70.1
%
 
68.2
%
 
62.0
%
Total delinquencies (4) 
 
20.5
%
 
19.9
%
 
1.5
%
Current credit support % (5) 
 
54.0
%
 
9.8
%
 
30.6
%
_________________________________________________
(1)
Loans defeased with government/agency obligations were not material to the collateral underlying our CMBS holdings.
(2)
The weighted average life for MBS is based on the interest rates in effect at March 31, 2013.  The weighted average life for CMBS reflects the average life of the collateral underlying our CMBS holdings.
(3)
The range of loan-to-values is 27% to 91% on MBS and 7% to 110% on CMBS.
(4)
Total delinquencies includes 60 days and over.
(5)
Current credit support % represents the % for a collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) or CMBS class/tranche from other subordinate classes in the same CMO or CMBS deal.
(6)
Primarily represents Re-REMICs with an average credit quality of “AAA” from Fitch Ratings.


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Table of Contents

The following table provides information on our asset backed securities (“ABS”) at March 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Average
Credit
Quality
 
Total
 
% of
Amortized
Cost
 
% of
Investable
Assets
Sector:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Credit cards (1)
$
244,013

 
AAA
 
$
245,805

 
100.7
%
 
1.9
%
Equipment (2)
250,212

 
A
 
251,656

 
100.6
%
 
1.9
%
Loans (3)
214,180

 
AA+
 
215,990

 
100.8
%
 
1.6
%
Autos (4)
176,827

 
AAA
 
176,372

 
99.7
%
 
1.3
%
Rate reduction bonds (5)
76,567

 
AAA
 
79,641

 
104.0
%
 
0.6
%
U.K. securitized (6)
32,344

 
AAA
 
32,967

 
101.9
%
 
0.3
%
Commodities (7)
23,000

 
AA+
 
23,737

 
103.2
%
 
0.2
%
Home equity (8)
17,180

 
B-
 
21,951

 
127.8
%
 
0.2
%
Other
97,342

 
AA+
 
98,492

 
101.2
%
 
0.8
%
Total ABS
$
1,131,665

 
AA
 
$
1,146,611

 
101.3
%
 
8.7
%
_________________________________________________
The effective duration of the total ABS was 1.8 years at March 31, 2013.
 
(1)
The weighted average credit support % on credit cards is 14%.
(2)
The weighted average credit support % on equipment is 6%.
(3)
The weighted average credit support % on loans is 37%.
(4)
The weighted average credit support % on autos is 30%.
(5)
The weighted average credit support % on rate reduction bonds is 5%.
(6)
The weighted average credit support % on U.K. securitized is 21%
(7)
The weighted average credit support % on commodities is 6%.
(8)
The weighted average credit support % on home equity is 18%.
 
At March 31, 2013, our fixed income portfolio included $67.7 million par value in sub-prime securities with a fair value of $42.9 million and average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “BBB+/B2.” At December 31, 2012, our fixed income portfolio included $66.9 million par value in sub-prime securities with a fair value of $42.1 million and average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “A-/B2.” Such amounts were primarily in the home equity sector of our asset backed securities, with the balance in other ABS, MBS and CMBS sectors. We define sub-prime mortgage-backed securities as investments in which the underlying loans primarily exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: low FICO scores, above-prime interest rates, high loan-to-value ratios or high debt-to-income ratios. In addition, the portfolio of collateral backing our securities lending program contained $5.4 million fair value of sub-prime securities with average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “CCC-/Caa3” at March 31, 2013, compared to $5.4 million and “CCC-/Caa3” at December 31, 2012.
 
At March 31, 2013, we held insurance enhanced municipal bonds, net of prerefunded bonds that are escrowed in U.S. government obligations, the fair value of which was $201.2 million, or 1.5% of our total investable assets. These securities had average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “AA/Aa2” with and without the insurance enhancement. This is due to the fact that, in cases where the claims paying ratings of the guarantors are below investment grade, those ratings have been withdrawn from the bonds by the relevant rating agencies, and the insured ratings have been equated to the underlying ratings. The ratings were obtained from the individual rating agencies and were assigned a numerical amount with 1 being the highest rating. The average ratings were calculated using the weighted average fair values of the individual bonds. The average ratings with and without the insurance enhancement are substantially the same at March 31, 2013. Guarantors of our insurance enhanced municipal bonds, net of prerefunded bonds that are escrowed in U.S. government obligations, included Assured Guaranty Ltd. ($71.5 million), National Public Finance Guarantee ($105.2 million) and the Texas Permanent School Fund ($24.5 million). We do not have a significant exposure to insurance enhanced asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. We do not have any significant investments in companies which guarantee securities at March 31, 2013.
 

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Table of Contents

The following table provides information on the fair value of our Eurozone investments at March 31, 2013:
 
 
Sovereign (2)
 
Financial
Corporates
 
Other
Corporates
 
Covered
Bonds (3)
 
Bank
Loans (4)
 
Equities and
Other
 
Total
Country (1)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Germany
$
128,311

 
$

 
$
9,498

 
$
10,079

 
$
8,652

 
$
9,459

 
$
165,999

Finland
87,541

 

 
244

 

 

 

 
87,785

Netherlands
3,464

 
7,907

 
46,889

 

 
8,760

 
19,660

 
86,680

France

 
1,014

 
29,693

 
16,164

 
5,106

 
16,195

 
68,172

Supranational (5)
63,105

 

 

 

 

 

 
63,105

Luxembourg

 

 
10,197

 

 
6,947

 
433

 
17,577

Ireland
1,622

 

 
3,804

 

 

 
1,480

 
6,906

Belgium

 

 
6,814

 

 

 

 
6,814

Spain

 

 
1,332

 

 
3,345

 

 
4,677

Austria

 
3,433

 

 

 

 

 
3,433

Italy
823

 

 

 

 
863

 
374

 
2,060

Total
$
284,866

 
$
12,354

 
$
108,471

 
$
26,243

 
$
33,673

 
$
47,601

 
$
513,208

_________________________________________________
(1)
The country allocations set forth in the table are based on various assumptions made by us in assessing the country in which the underlying credit risk resides, including a review of the jurisdiction of organization, business operations and other factors. Based on such analysis, we do not believe that we have any Eurozone investments from Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Slovakia or Slovenia at March 31, 2013.
(2)
Sovereign includes securities issued and/or guaranteed by Eurozone governments.
(3)
Securities issued by Eurozone banks where the security is backed by a separate group of loans.
(4)
Included in corporate bonds.
(5)
Includes World Bank, European Investment Bank, International Finance Corp. and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
 
At March 31, 2013, our equity portfolio included $342.1 million of equity securities, compared to $331.8 million at December 31, 2012, net of securities sold but not purchased. Our equity portfolio primarily consists of publicly traded common stocks in the natural resources, energy and consumer staples sectors. The following table provides information on the severity of the unrealized loss position as a percentage of cost for all equity securities classified as available for sale which were in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Severity of
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
0-10%
 
$
96,980

 
$
(4,622
)
 
45.7

 
$
114,670

 
$
(4,704
)
 
38.3

10-20%
 
35,088

 
(4,570
)
 
45.1

 
22,851

 
(3,612
)
 
29.4

20-30%
 
1,528

 
(366
)
 
3.6

 
6,205

 
(1,973
)
 
16.1

30-40%
 
435

 
(145
)
 
1.4

 
1,953

 
(981
)
 
8.0

40-50%
 
506

 
(220
)
 
2.2

 
1,027

 
(829
)
 
6.7

50-80%
 
372

 
(201
)
 
2.0

 
148

 
(191
)
 
1.5

Total
 
$
134,909

 
$
(10,124
)
 
100.0

 
$
146,854

 
$
(12,290
)
 
100.0

 
On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the unrealized losses of our equity securities by issuer and forecast a reasonable period of time by which the fair value of the securities would increase and we would recover the cost basis. A substantial portion of the unrealized losses were related to foreign currency fluctuations on our non-U.S. Dollar equity securities. In addition, a substantial portion of such unrealized losses were on equity securities in a continual unrealized loss position for less than 12 months at March 31, 2013. We believe that a reasonable period of time exists to allow for recovery of the cost basis of our equity securities that are in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2013.
 

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our other investments:

 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Available for sale:
 
 
 
Asian and emerging markets
$
328,652

 
$
316,860

Investment grade fixed income
249,345

 
220,410

Other
7,280

 
12,010

Total available for sale
585,277

 
549,280

Fair value option:
 
 
 
Term loan investments (par value: $323,833 and $307,016)
328,254

 
308,596

Asian and emerging markets
30,796

 
24,035

Investment grade fixed income
81,583

 
67,624

Non-investment grade fixed income
11,107

 
11,093

Other
86,105

 
116,623

Total fair value option
$
537,845

 
$
527,971

Total
$
1,123,122

 
$
1,077,251


Certain of the our other investments are in investment funds for which we have the option to redeem at agreed upon values as described in each investment fund's subscription agreement. Depending on the terms of the various subscription agreements, investments in investment funds may be redeemed daily, monthly, quarterly or on other terms. Two common redemption restrictions which may impact our ability to redeem these investment funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the investment fund's net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager's ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. If the investment funds are eligible to be redeemed, the time to redeem such fund can take weeks or months following the notification.

Investment funds accounted for using the equity method totaled $219.7 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $307.1 million at December 31, 2012. Certain of our investment managers may use leverage to achieve a higher rate of return on their assets under management, primarily those included in “other investments available for sale, at fair value,” “investments accounted for using the fair value option” and “investments accounted for using the equity method” on our balance sheet. While leverage presents opportunities for increasing the total return of such investments, it may increase losses as well. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of the underlying holdings would be magnified to the extent leverage is used and our potential losses would be magnified. In addition, the structures used to generate leverage may lead to such investments being required to meet covenants based on market valuations and asset coverage. Market valuation declines could force the sale of investments into a depressed market, which may result in significant additional losses. Alternatively, the levered investments may attempt to deleverage by raising additional equity or potentially changing the terms of the established financing arrangements. We may choose to participate in the additional funding of such investments.
 
Our investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments. We utilize various derivative instruments such as futures contracts to enhance investment performance, replicate investment positions or manage market exposures and duration risk that would be allowed under our investment guidelines if implemented in other ways. See note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures concerning derivatives.
 
Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. See note 8, “Fair Value” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for a summary of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 by level.


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Table of Contents

Premiums Receivable and Reinsurance Recoverables
 
At March 31, 2013, 78.0% of premiums receivable of $870.6 million represented amounts not yet due, while amounts in excess of 90 days overdue were 4.6% of the total. At December 31, 2012, 69.6% of premiums receivable of $688.9 million represented amounts not yet due, while amounts in excess of 90 days overdue were 5.7% of the total. Approximately 0.8% of the $47.3 million of paid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable at March 31, 2013 were more than 90 days overdue, while 18.9% of the $41.0 million of paid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable at December 31, 2012 were more than 90 days overdue. Our reserves for doubtful accounts were approximately $11.6 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $12.0 million at December 31, 2012.
 
At March 31, 2013, approximately 87.7% of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses (not including prepaid reinsurance premiums) of $1.85 billion were due from carriers which had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better and the largest reinsurance recoverables from any one carrier was approximately 4.6% of our total shareholders’ equity. At December 31, 2012, approximately 87.5% of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses (not including prepaid reinsurance premiums) of $1.87 billion were due from carriers which had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better and the largest reinsurance recoverables from any one carrier was approximately 4.7% of our total shareholders’ equity.
 
The effects of reinsurance on written and earned premiums and losses and loss adjustment expenses with unaffiliated reinsurers were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Premiums Written
 

 
 

Direct
$
715,051

 
$
709,732

Assumed
448,647

 
356,924

Ceded
(210,922
)
 
(203,045
)
Net
$
952,776

 
$
863,611

 
 
 
 
Premiums Earned
 

 
 

Direct
$
647,522

 
$
614,011

Assumed
306,924

 
259,856

Ceded
(201,676
)
 
(193,555
)
Net
$
752,770

 
$
680,312

 
 
 
 
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 

 
 

Direct
$
351,767

 
$
353,782

Assumed
108,997

 
109,417

Ceded
(61,361
)
 
(67,992
)
Net
$
399,403

 
$
395,207

 
Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
We establish reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“Loss Reserves”) which represent estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections, at a given point in time, of our expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of losses incurred. Estimating Loss Reserves is inherently difficult, which is exacerbated by the fact that we are a relatively new company with relatively limited historical experience upon which to base such estimates. We utilize actuarial models as well as available historical insurance industry loss ratio experience and loss development patterns to assist in the establishment of Loss Reserves. Actual losses and loss adjustment expenses paid will deviate, perhaps substantially, from the reserve estimates reflected in our financial statements.


46

Table of Contents

At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our Loss Reserves, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, by type and by operating segment were as follows:
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Insurance:
 

 
 

Case reserves
$
1,455,066

 
$
1,438,575

IBNR reserves
2,947,624

 
2,979,344

Total net reserves
$
4,402,690

 
$
4,417,919

 
 
 
 
Reinsurance:
 

 
 

Case reserves
$
776,605

 
$
781,894

Additional case reserves
148,295

 
195,033

IBNR reserves
1,709,374

 
1,709,376

Total net reserves
$
2,634,274

 
$
2,686,303

 
 
 
 
Total:
 

 
 

Case reserves
$
2,231,671

 
$
2,220,469

Additional case reserves
148,295

 
195,033

IBNR reserves
4,656,998

 
4,688,720

Total net reserves
$
7,036,964

 
$
7,104,222

 
At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the insurance segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Executive assurance
$
775,596

 
$
772,768

Casualty
689,920

 
663,703

Professional liability
589,022

 
598,638

Programs
597,672

 
592,235

Property, energy, marine and aviation
563,840

 
613,176

Construction
437,142

 
430,170

National accounts
215,070

 
207,551

Healthcare
132,453

 
135,227

Surety
91,691

 
95,139

Travel and accident
34,016

 
36,568

Lenders products
29,822

 
28,606

Other
246,446

 
244,138

Total net reserves
$
4,402,690

 
$
4,417,919


At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the reinsurance segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Casualty
$
1,557,100

 
$
1,570,165

Property excluding property catastrophe
286,818

 
323,727

Other specialty
321,348

 
288,797

Property catastrophe
249,656

 
277,817

Marine and aviation
163,782

 
169,190

Other
55,570

 
56,607

Total net reserves
$
2,634,274

 
$
2,686,303

 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
Our shareholders’ equity was $5.34 billion at March 31, 2013, compared to $5.17 billion at December 31, 2012. The increase in 2013 was primarily attributable to positive underwriting and investment returns.
 

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Table of Contents

Book Value per Common Share
 
The following table presents the calculation of book value per common share:
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Calculation of book value per common share:
 

 
 

Total shareholders’ equity
$
5,335,530

 
$
5,168,878

Less preferred shareholders’ equity
325,000

 
325,000

Common shareholders’ equity
$
5,010,530

 
$
4,843,878

Common shares outstanding (1)
133,063,225

 
133,842,613

Book value per common share
$
37.66

 
$
36.19

_________________________________________________
(1)
Excludes the effects of 8,324,285 and 8,221,444 stock options and 475,435 and 480,406 restricted stock units outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
ACGL is a holding company whose assets primarily consist of the shares in its subsidiaries. Generally, ACGL depends on its available cash resources, liquid investments and dividends or other distributions from its subsidiaries to make payments, including the payment of debt service obligations and operating expenses it may incur and any dividends or liquidation amounts with respect to the non-cumulative preferred shares and common shares. ACGL’s readily available cash, short-term investments and marketable securities, excluding amounts held by our regulated insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, totaled $4.0 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $14.7 million at December 31, 2012. During the 2013 first quarter, ACGL received dividends of $45.0 million from Arch Reinsurance Ltd. (“Arch Re Bermuda”), our Bermuda-based reinsurer and insurer.
 
The ability of our regulated insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions or other payments to us is dependent on their ability to meet applicable regulatory standards. Under Bermuda law, Arch Re Bermuda is required to maintain an enhanced capital requirement which must equal or exceed its minimum solvency margin (i.e., the amount by which the value of its general business assets must exceed its general business liabilities) equal to the greatest of (1) $100.0 million, (2) 50% of net premiums written (being gross premiums written less any premiums ceded by Arch Re Bermuda, but Arch Re Bermuda may not deduct more than 25% of gross premiums when computing net premiums written) and (3) 15% of net discounted aggregated losses and loss expense provisions and other insurance reserves. Arch Re Bermuda is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends during any financial year if it is not in compliance with its enhanced capital requirement, minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio. In addition, Arch Re Bermuda is prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year's statutory balance sheet) unless it files, at least seven days before payment of such dividends, with the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet the required margins. In addition, Arch Re Bermuda is prohibited, without prior approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital, as set out in its previous year's statutory financial statements. As a Class 4 insurer, Arch Re Bermuda is required to maintain available statutory capital and surplus pertaining to its general business at a level equal to or in excess of its enhanced capital requirement ("ECR") which is established by reference to either the BSCR model (“BSCR”) or an approved internal capital model. At December 31, 2012, as determined under Bermuda law, Arch Re Bermuda had statutory capital of $2.32 billion and statutory capital and surplus of $5.01 billion, which amounts were in compliance with Arch Re Bermuda's ECR at such date. Such amounts include ownership interests in U.S. insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Accordingly, Arch Re Bermuda can pay approximately $1.21 billion to ACGL during the remainder of 2013 without providing an affidavit to the BMA, as discussed above. In addition, under BMA guidelines that became effective on January 1, 2013, the value of the assets of our insurance group (i.e., the group of companies that conducts exclusively, or mainly, insurance business) must exceed the amount of the group's liabilities by the aggregate minimum margin of solvency of each qualifying member of the group (the “Group MSM”). A member is a qualifying member of the insurance group if it is subject to solvency requirements in the jurisdiction in which it is registered. We were in compliance with the Group MSM at December 31, 2012.

In addition to meeting applicable regulatory standards, the ability of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to intermediate parent companies owned by Arch Re Bermuda is also constrained by our dependence on the financial strength ratings of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries from independent rating agencies. The ratings from these agencies depend to a large extent on the capitalization levels of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. We believe that ACGL has sufficient cash resources and available dividend capacity to service its indebtedness and other current outstanding obligations.


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Table of Contents

Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are required to maintain assets on deposit, which primarily consist of fixed maturities, with various regulatory authorities to support their operations. The assets on deposit are available to settle insurance and reinsurance liabilities to third parties. Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries maintain assets in trust accounts as collateral for insurance and reinsurance transactions with affiliated companies and also have investments in segregated portfolios primarily to provide collateral or guarantees for letters of credit to third parties. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, such amounts approximated $5.32 billion and $5.47 billion, respectively.
 
Our non-U.S. operations account for a significant percentage of our net premiums written. In general, the business written by our non-U.S. operations, which is heavily weighted towards reinsurance business, has been more profitable than the business written in our U.S. operations, which is weighted more towards insurance business. In general, our reinsurance segment has operated at a higher margin than our insurance segment, which is due to prevailing market conditions and the mix and type of business written. The most profitable line of business in the current environment continues to be catastrophe-exposed property reinsurance, which is written primarily in our non-U.S. operations. Additionally, a significant component of our pre-tax income is generated through our investment performance. We hold a substantial amount of our investable assets in our non-U.S. operations and, accordingly, a large portion of our investment income is produced in our non-U.S. operations. In addition, ACGL, through its subsidiaries, provides financial support to certain of its insurance subsidiaries and affiliates, through certain reinsurance arrangements beneficial to the ratings of such subsidiaries. Our U.S.-based insurance and reinsurance groups enter into separate reinsurance arrangements with Arch Re Bermuda covering individual lines of business. For the 2012 calendar year, the U.S. groups ceded business to Arch Re Bermuda at an aggregate net cession rate (i.e., net of third party reinsurance) of approximately 46% (compared to 51% for 2011). All of the above factors have resulted in the non-U.S. group providing a higher contribution to our overall pre-tax income in the current period than the percentage of net premiums written would indicate.
 
Except as described in the above paragraph, or where express reinsurance, guarantee or other financial support contractual arrangements are in place, each of ACGL’s subsidiaries or affiliates is solely responsible for its own liabilities and commitments (and no other ACGL subsidiary or affiliate is so responsible). Any reinsurance arrangements, guarantees or other financial support contractual arrangements that are in place are solely for the benefit of the ACGL subsidiary or affiliate involved and third parties (creditors or insureds of such entity) are not express beneficiaries of such arrangements.
 
The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Total cash provided by (used for):
 

 
 

Operating activities
$
205,659

 
$
144,821

Investing activities
(210,432
)
 
3,381

Financing activities
(3,065
)
 
(81,278
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
(6,436
)
 
4,183

(Decrease) increase in cash
$
(14,274
)
 
$
71,107

 
Cash provided by operating activities for the 2013 first quarter was higher than in the 2012 period. The increase in operating cash flows primarily reflected a higher level of premium receipts and included an income distribution from an investment fund accounted for using the equity method upon the sale of such investment. Paid losses were higher in the 2013 first quarter, including outflows on named catastrophic events and the maturation of our reserves.

Cash used for investing activities for the 2013 first quarter was higher than in the 2012 period. The 2013 first quarter included a higher level of purchases and sales of fixed maturity investments and reflected a higher level of securities on loan through our securities lending program than in the 2012 period.

Cash used for financing activities for the 2013 first quarter was lower than in the 2012 period. The 2013 first quarter reflected $41.0 million of share repurchases under our share repurchase program while the 2012 period did not include any repurchase activity. The 2012 period reflected the repayment of $70.0 million of TALF borrowings. In addition, as noted above, the 2013 first quarter cash flows reflected a higher financing inflow for securities on loan through our securities lending program than in the 2012 period.
 
Our insurance and reinsurance operations provide liquidity in that premiums are received in advance, sometimes substantially in advance, of the time losses are paid. The period of time from the occurrence of a claim through the settlement of

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the liability may extend many years into the future. Sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, financing arrangements or routine sales of investments.
 
As part of our investment strategy, we seek to establish a level of cash and highly liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities which, combined with expected cash flow, is believed by us to be adequate to meet our foreseeable payment obligations. However, due to the nature of our operations, cash flows are affected by claim payments that may comprise large payments on a limited number of claims and which can fluctuate from year to year. We believe that our liquid investments and cash flow will provide us with sufficient liquidity in order to meet our claim payment obligations. However, the timing and amounts of actual claim payments related to recorded Loss Reserves vary based on many factors, including large individual losses, changes in the legal environment, as well as general market conditions. The ultimate amount of the claim payments could differ materially from our estimated amounts. Certain lines of business written by us, such as excess casualty, have loss experience characterized as low frequency and high severity. The foregoing may result in significant variability in loss payment patterns. The impact of this variability can be exacerbated by the fact that the timing of the receipt of reinsurance recoverables owed to us may be slower than anticipated by us. Therefore, the irregular timing of claim payments can create significant variations in cash flows from operations between periods and may require us to utilize other sources of liquidity to make these payments, which may include the sale of investments or utilization of existing or new credit facilities or capital market transactions. If the source of liquidity is the sale of investments, we may be forced to sell such investments at a loss, which may be material.
 
Our investments in certain securities, including certain fixed income and structured securities, investments in funds accounted for using the equity method, other investments and our investment in Gulf Reinsurance Limited (joint venture) may be illiquid due to contractual provisions or investment market conditions. If we require significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of anticipated cash requirements, then we may have difficulty selling these investments in a timely manner or may be forced to sell or terminate them at unfavorable values.
 
On a consolidated basis, our aggregate investable assets totaled $13.13 billion at March 31, 2013, compared to $13.05 billion at December 31, 2012. The primary goals of our asset liability management process are to satisfy the insurance liabilities, manage the interest rate risk embedded in those insurance liabilities and maintain sufficient liquidity to cover fluctuations in projected liability cash flows, including debt service obligations. Generally, the expected principal and interest payments produced by our fixed income portfolio adequately fund the estimated runoff of our insurance reserves. Although this is not an exact cash flow match in each period, the substantial degree by which the fair value of the fixed income portfolio exceeds the expected present value of the net insurance liabilities, as well as the positive cash flow from newly sold policies and the large amount of high quality liquid bonds, provide assurance of our ability to fund the payment of claims and to service our outstanding debt without having to sell securities at distressed prices or access credit facilities. Our unfunded investment commitments totaled approximately $807.2 million at March 31, 2013.
 
Various rating agencies have announced the possibility of future downgrades of the United States’ credit rating, depending on spending levels, interest rates, fiscal pressures that result in a higher general government debt trajectory and other factors. In addition, the impact of the continuing weakness of the U.S., European countries and other key economies, projected budget deficits for the U.S., European countries and other governments and the consequences associated with possible additional downgrades of securities of the U.S., European countries and other governments by credit rating agencies is inherently unpredictable and could have a material adverse effect on financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world. In turn, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and, in particular, this could have a material adverse effect on the value and liquidity of securities in our investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2013 included $1.15 billion of obligations of the U.S. government and government agencies at fair value and $1.44 billion of municipal bonds at fair value. Please refer to Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our 2012 Form 10-K for a discussion of other risks relating to our business and investment portfolio.
 
We expect that our liquidity needs, including our anticipated insurance obligations and operating and capital expenditure needs, for the next twelve months, at a minimum, will be met by funds generated from underwriting activities and investment income, as well as by our balance of cash, short-term investments, proceeds on the sale or maturity of our investments, and our credit facilities.

We monitor our capital adequacy on a regular basis and will seek to adjust our capital base (up or down) according to the needs of our business. The future capital requirements of our business will depend on many factors, including our ability to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. Our ability to underwrite is largely dependent upon the quality of our claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. In particular, we require (1) sufficient capital to maintain our financial strength ratings, as issued by several ratings agencies, at a level considered necessary by management to enable our key operating subsidiaries to compete;

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(2) sufficient capital to enable our underwriting subsidiaries to meet the capital adequacy tests performed by statutory agencies in the U.S. and other key markets; and (3) letters of credit and other forms of collateral that are necessary for our non-U.S. operating companies because they are “non-admitted” under U.S. state insurance regulations.
 
In February 2013, our U.S.-based subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CMG Mortgage Insurance Company (“CMG MI”) from its current owners, PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. (“PMI”), which has been in rehabilitation under the receivership of the Arizona Department of Insurance since 2011, and CMFG Life Insurance Company. We also agreed to acquire PMI's mortgage insurance operating platform and related assets from PMI. At closing, it is currently estimated that our U.S.-based subsidiaries will pay aggregate consideration of approximately $300 million. Additional amounts may be paid based on the actual results of CMG MI's pre-closing portfolio over an agreed upon period. In connection with the closing of the transactions, PMI and an affiliate of our U.S.-based subsidiaries will enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement pursuant to which such affiliate, as the reinsurer, will agree to provide 100% quota share indemnity reinsurance to PMI for all certificates of insurance that were issued by PMI between and including January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 that are not in default as of an agreed upon effective date. Such affiliate also will provide quota share reinsurance to CMG MI through a reinsurance agreement that will become effective prior to the closing. In addition, we will enter into a services agreement with PMI to provide for necessary services to administer the run-off of PMI's legacy business at the direction of PMI. We are in the process of attempting to obtain the required approvals from various regulators, the Arizona receivership court and the government sponsored enterprises. If the approvals are obtained and the customary closing conditions are satisfied, we would not expect the transaction to close until late 2013 at the earliest.

As part of our capital management program, we may seek to raise additional capital or may seek to return capital to our shareholders through share repurchases, cash dividends or other methods (or a combination of such methods). Any such determination will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our profits, financial requirements and other factors, including legal restrictions, rating agency requirements and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.
 
The board of directors of ACGL has authorized the investment in ACGL’s common shares through a share repurchase program. Authorizations have consisted of a $1.0 billion authorization in February 2007, a $500.0 million authorization in May 2008, a $1.0 billion authorization in November 2009 and a $1.0 billion authorization in February 2011. Since the inception of the share repurchase program through March 31, 2013, ACGL has repurchased 109.6 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $2.77 billion. At March 31, 2013, $728.9 million of share repurchases were available under the program. Repurchases under the program may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 2014. The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under this program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations. We will continue to monitor our share price and, depending upon results of operations, market conditions and the development of the economy, as well as other factors, we will consider share repurchases on an opportunistic basis.
 
To the extent that our existing capital is insufficient to fund our future operating requirements or maintain such ratings, we may need to raise additional funds through financings or limit our growth. We can provide no assurance that, if needed, we would be able to obtain additional funds through financing on satisfactory terms or at all. Adverse developments in the financial markets, such as disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets, may result in realized and unrealized capital losses that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and our businesses, and may also limit our access to capital required to operate our business.
 
If we are not able to obtain adequate capital, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected, which could include, among other things, the following possible outcomes: (1) potential downgrades in the financial strength ratings assigned by ratings agencies to our operating subsidiaries, which could place those operating subsidiaries at a competitive disadvantage compared to higher-rated competitors; (2) reductions in the amount of business that our operating subsidiaries are able to write in order to meet capital adequacy-based tests enforced by statutory agencies; and (3) any resultant ratings downgrades could, among other things, affect our ability to write business and increase the cost of bank credit and letters of credit. In addition, under certain of the reinsurance agreements assumed by our reinsurance operations, upon the occurrence of a ratings downgrade or other specified triggering event with respect to our reinsurance operations, such as a reduction in surplus by specified amounts during specified periods, our ceding company clients may be provided with certain rights, including, among other things, the right to terminate the subject reinsurance agreement and/or to require that our reinsurance operations post additional collateral.
 
In addition to common share capital, we depend on external sources of finance to support our underwriting activities, which can be in the form (or any combination) of debt securities, preference shares, common equity and bank credit facilities providing loans and/or letters of credit. As noted above, equity or debt financing, if available at all, may be on terms that are

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unfavorable to us. In the case of equity financings, dilution to our shareholders could result, and, in any case, such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our outstanding securities.
 
In August 2011, we entered into a three-year agreement for a $300 million unsecured revolving loan and letter of credit facility and a $500 million secured letter of credit facility. Under the terms of the agreement, Arch Reinsurance Company (“Arch Re U.S.”) and Arch Re Bermuda are limited to issuing $100 million of unsecured letters of credit as part of the unsecured revolving loan. In addition, we have access to secured letter of credit facilities of approximately $86.7 million, which are available on a limited basis and for limited purposes. Refer to note 4, “Commitments and Contingencies—Letter of Credit and Revolving Credit Facilities,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our available facilities, applicable covenants on such facilities and available capacity.
 
In March 2012, ACGL and Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC. This registration statement allows for the possible future offer and sale by us of various types of securities, including unsecured debt securities, preference shares, common shares, warrants, share purchase contracts and units and depositary shares. The shelf registration statement enables us to efficiently access the public debt and/or equity capital markets in order to meet our future capital needs. The shelf registration statement also allows selling shareholders to resell common shares that they own in one or more offerings from time to time. We will not receive any proceeds from any shares offered by the selling shareholders. This report is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
 
In April 2012, ACGL completed the underwritten public offering of $325 million of its 6.75% Series C non-cumulative preferred shares. Except in specified circumstances relating to certain tax or corporate events, the Series C non-cumulative preferred shares are not redeemable prior to April 2, 2017. Dividends on the Series C preferred shares are non-cumulative. Consequently, in the event dividends are not declared on the Series C preferred shares for any dividend period, holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accrue and will not be payable. Holders of Series C preferred shares will be entitled to receive dividend payments only when, as and if declared by ACGL’s board of directors or a duly authorized committee of ACGL’s board of directors. Any such dividends will be payable from the date of original issue on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears on the last day of each period. To the extent declared, these dividends will accumulate, with respect to each dividend period, in an amount per share equal to 6.75% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per annum.
 
At March 31, 2013, ACGL’s capital of $5.74 billion consisted of $300.0 million of senior notes, representing 5.2% of the total, $100.0 million of revolving credit agreement borrowings due in August 2014, representing 1.7% of the total, $325.0 million of preferred shares, representing 5.7% of the total, and common shareholders’ equity of $5.01 billion, representing the balance. At December 31, 2012, ACGL’s capital of $5.57 billion consisted of $300.0 million of senior notes, representing 5.4% of the total, $100.0 million of revolving credit agreement borrowings due in August 2014, representing 1.8% of the total, $325.0 million of preferred shares, representing 5.8% of the total, and common shareholders’ equity of $4.84 billion, representing the balance. The increase in capital during 2013 was primarily attributable to positive underwriting and investment returns.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Off-balance sheet arrangements are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2012 Form 10-K.
 
Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management
 
In accordance with the SEC’s Financial Reporting Release No. 48, we performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market risk exposures could have on the future earnings, fair values or cash flows of our financial instruments as of March 31, 2013. Market risk represents the risk of changes in the fair value of a financial instrument and is comprised of several components, including liquidity, basis and price risks. An analysis of material changes in market risk exposures at March 31, 2013 that affect the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented in our 2012 Form 10-K (see section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management”) were as follows:
 
Investment Market Risk
 
Fixed Income Securities. We invest in interest rate sensitive securities, primarily debt securities. We consider the effect of interest rate movements on the fair value of our fixed maturities, fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements,

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short-term investments and certain of our other investments which invest in fixed income securities and the corresponding change in unrealized appreciation. As interest rates rise, the fair value of our interest rate sensitive securities falls, and the converse is also true. Based on historical observations, there is a low probability that all interest rate yield curves would shift in the same direction at the same time. Furthermore, in recent months interest rate movements in many credit sectors have exhibited a much lower correlation to changes in U.S. Treasury yields. Accordingly, the actual effect of interest rate movements may differ materially from the amounts set forth in the following tables.
 
The following table summarizes the effect that an immediate, parallel shift in the interest rate yield curve would have had on our fixed income securities:
 
 
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
(U.S. dollars in millions)
-100
 
-50
 
 
+50
 
+100
March 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total fair value
$
12,507.7

 
$
12,357.3

 
$
12,183.9

 
$
12,002.9

 
$
11,818.1

Change from base
2.66
%
 
1.42
%
 

 
(1.49
)%
 
(3.00
)%
Change in unrealized value
$
323.8

 
$
173.4

 
$

 
$
(181.0
)
 
$
(365.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total fair value
$
12,463.4

 
$
12,303.5

 
$
12,121.9

 
$
11,937.4

 
$
11,751.6

Change from base
2.82
%
 
1.50
%
 

 
(1.52
)%
 
(3.05
)%
Change in unrealized value
$
341.5

 
$
181.6

 
$

 
$
(184.5
)
 
$
(370.3
)
 
In addition, we consider the effect of credit spread movements on the fair value of our fixed maturities, fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements, short-term investments and certain of our other investments and investment funds accounted for using the equity method which invest in fixed income securities and the corresponding change in unrealized appreciation. As credit spreads widen, the fair value of our fixed income securities falls, and the converse is also true.
 
The following table summarizes the effect that an immediate, parallel shift in credit spreads in a static interest rate environment would have had on our fixed income securities:
 
 
Credit Spread Shift in Basis Points
(U.S. dollars in millions)
-100
 
-50
 
 
+50
 
+100
March 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total fair value
$
12,384.3

 
$
12,298.8

 
$
12,183.9

 
$
12,079.4

 
$
11,974.9

Change from base
1.64
%
 
0.94
%
 

 
(0.86
)%
 
(1.72
)%
Change in unrealized value
$
200.4

 
$
114.9

 
$

 
$
(104.5
)
 
$
(209.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Total fair value
$
12,337.5

 
$
12,242.7

 
$
12,121.9

 
$
12,008.8

 
$
11,894.8

Change from base
1.78
%
 
1.00
%
 

 
(0.93
)%
 
(1.87
)%
Change in unrealized value
$
215.6

 
$
120.8

 
$

 
$
(113.1
)
 
$
(227.1
)
 
Another method that attempts to measure portfolio risk is Value-at-Risk (“VaR”). VaR attempts to take into account a broad cross-section of risks facing a portfolio by utilizing relevant securities volatility data skewed towards the most recent months and quarters. VaR measures the amount of a portfolio at risk for outcomes 1.65 standard deviations from the mean based on normal market conditions over a one year time horizon and is expressed as a percentage of the portfolio’s initial value. In other words, 95% of the time, should the risks taken into account in the VaR model perform per their historical tendencies, the portfolio’s loss in any one year period is expected to be less than or equal to the calculated VaR, stated as a percentage of the measured portfolio’s initial value. As of March 31, 2013, our portfolio’s VaR was estimated to be 2.53%, compared to an estimated 2.75% at December 31, 2012.
 
Other Investments, Equity Securities and Privately Held Securities. Our investment portfolio includes an allocation to other investments, equity securities and privately held securities. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value of such investments totaled $591.9 million and $563.7 million, respectively. These investments are exposed to price risk, which is the potential loss arising from decreases in fair value. An immediate hypothetical 10% decline in the value of each position would reduce the fair value of such investments by approximately $59.2 million and $56.4 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and would have decreased book value per common share by approximately $0.44 and $0.42, respectively. An immediate hypothetical 10% increase in the value of each position would increase the fair value of such

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investments by approximately $59.2 million and $56.4 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and would have increased book value per common share by approximately $0.44 and $0.42, respectively.
 
Investment-Related Derivatives. Derivative instruments may be used to enhance investment performance, replicate investment positions or manage market exposures and duration risk that would be allowed under our investment guidelines if implemented in other ways. The fair values of those derivatives are based on quoted market prices. See note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures concerning derivatives. At March 31, 2013, the notional value of the net long position of derivative instruments (excluding to-be-announced mortgage backed securities which are included in the fixed income securities analysis above and foreign currency forward contracts which are included in the foreign currency exchange risk analysis below) was $599.2 million, compared to $390.7 million at December 31, 2012. A 100 basis point depreciation of the underlying exposure to these derivative instruments at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 would have resulted in a reduction in net income of approximately $6.0 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and would have decreased book value per common share by $0.05 and $0.03, respectively. A 100 basis point appreciation of the underlying exposure to these derivative instruments at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 would have resulted in an increase in net income of approximately $6.0 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and would have increased book value per common share by $0.05 and $0.03, respectively.
 
For further discussion on investment activity, please refer to “—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Investable Assets.”
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
 
Foreign currency rate risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Through our subsidiaries and branches located in various foreign countries, we conduct our insurance and reinsurance operations in a variety of local currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. We generally hold investments in foreign currencies which are intended to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in our net insurance liabilities. We may also utilize foreign currency forward contracts and currency options as part of our investment strategy. See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
The following table provides a summary of our net foreign currency exchange exposures, as well as foreign currency derivatives in place to manage these exposures:
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Assets, net of insurance liabilities, denominated in foreign currencies, excluding shareholders’ equity and derivatives
$
188,951

 
$
146,227

Shareholders’ equity denominated in foreign currencies (1)
360,379

 
290,310

Net foreign currency forward contracts outstanding (2)
(74,313
)
 
(76,517
)
Net exposures denominated in foreign currencies
$
475,017

 
$
360,020

 
 
 
 
Pre-tax impact of a hypothetical 10% appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies:
 

 
 

Shareholders’ equity
$
(47,502
)
 
$
(36,002
)
Book value per common share
$
(0.36
)
 
$
(0.27
)
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax impact of a hypothetical 10% decline of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies:
 

 
 

Shareholders’ equity
$
47,502

 
$
36,002

Book value per common share
$
0.36

 
$
0.27

_________________________________________________
(1)
Represents capital contributions held in the foreign currencies of our operating units.
(2)
Notional value of the outstanding foreign currency forward contracts in U.S. Dollars.
 
As a result of the current financial and economic environment as well as the potential for additional investment returns, we may not match a portion of our projected liabilities in foreign currencies with investments in the same currencies, which would increase our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and increase the volatility in our results of operations. Historical observations indicate a low probability that all foreign currency exchange rates would shift against the U.S. Dollar in the same direction and at the same time and, accordingly, the actual effect of foreign currency rate movements may differ materially from the amounts set forth above. For further discussion on foreign exchange activity, please refer to “—Results of Operations.”
 

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of us may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “continue” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature or their negative or variations or similar terminology.
 
Forward-looking statements involve our current assessment of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements are discussed below and elsewhere in this release and in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and include:
 
our ability to successfully implement its business strategy during “soft” as well as “hard” markets;

acceptance of our business strategy, security and financial condition by rating agencies and regulators, as well as by brokers and our insureds and reinsureds;
 
our ability to maintain or improve our ratings, which may be affected by our ability to raise additional equity or debt financings, by ratings agencies’ existing or new policies and practices, as well as other factors described herein;

general economic and market conditions (including inflation, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, prevailing credit terms and the depth and duration of a recession) and conditions specific to the reinsurance and insurance markets (including the length and magnitude of the current “soft” market) in which we operate;

competition, including increased competition, on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors;

developments in the world’s financial and capital markets and our access to such markets;

our ability to successfully enhance, integrate and maintain operating procedures (including information technology) to effectively support our current and new business;

the loss of key personnel;

the integration of businesses we have acquired or may acquire into our existing operations;

accuracy of those estimates and judgments utilized in the preparation of our financial statements, including those related to revenue recognition, insurance and other reserves, reinsurance recoverables, investment valuations, intangible assets, bad debts, income taxes, contingencies and litigation, and any determination to use the deposit method of accounting, which for a relatively new insurance and reinsurance company, like our company, are even more difficult to make than those made in a mature company since relatively limited historical information has been reported to us through March 31, 2013;

 greater than expected loss ratios on business written by us and adverse development on claim and/or claim expense liabilities related to business written by our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries;

 severity and/or frequency of losses;

claims for natural or man-made catastrophic events in our insurance or reinsurance business could cause large losses and substantial volatility in our results of operations;

acts of terrorism, political unrest and other hostilities or other unforecasted and unpredictable events;

availability to us of reinsurance to manage our gross and net exposures and the cost of such reinsurance;

the failure of reinsurers, managing general agents, third party administrators or others to meet their obligations to us;


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the timing of loss payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being slower than anticipated by us;

our investment performance, including legislative or regulatory developments that may adversely affect the fair value of our investments;

the impact of the continued weakness of the U.S., European countries or other key economies, projected budget deficits for the U.S., European countries and other governments and the consequences associated with possible additional downgrades of securities of the U.S., European countries and other governments by credit rating agencies, and the resulting effect on the value of securities in our investment portfolio as well as the uncertainty in the market generally;

losses relating to aviation business and business produced by a certain managing underwriting agency for which we may be liable to the purchaser of its prior reinsurance business or to others in connection with the May 5, 2000 asset sale described in our periodic reports filed with the SEC;

changes in accounting principles or policies or in our application of such accounting principles or policies;

changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operates, underwrites business or invests;

statutory or regulatory developments, including as to tax policy matters and insurance and other regulatory matters such as the adoption of proposed legislation that would affect Bermuda-headquartered companies and/or Bermuda-based insurers or reinsurers and/or changes in regulations or tax laws applicable to us, our subsidiaries, brokers or customers; and

the other matters set forth under Item 1A “Risk Factors”, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the other factors set forth in our other documents on file with the SEC, and management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors.
 
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Other Financial Information
 
The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2013 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 have been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Their report (dated May 10, 2013) is included on page 2. The report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for their report on the unaudited financial information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of the registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Reference is made to the information appearing above under the subheading “Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
In connection with the filing of this Form 10-Q, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to applicable Exchange Act Rules as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer

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and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of and during the period covered by this report with respect to information being recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and with respect to timely communication to them and other members of management responsible for preparing periodic reports of all material information required to be disclosed in this report as it relates to ACGL and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
We continue to enhance our operating procedures and internal controls to effectively support our business and our regulatory and reporting requirements. Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. As a result of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by collusion of two or more people. 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. As a result of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatement due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the disclosure controls and procedures are met.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
 
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
 
We, in common with the insurance industry in general, are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of our business. As of March 31, 2013, we were not a party to any litigation or arbitration which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.
 

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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The following table summarizes our purchases of our common shares for the 2013 first quarter:
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
 
Period
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price 
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of 
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
 
Approximate 
Dollar Value
 of Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased Under the Plan
or Programs
1/1/2013 - 1/31/2013
932,539

 
$
44.01

 
930,759

 
$
728,947

2/1/2013 - 2/28/2013
4,735

 
47.65

 

 
$
728,947

3/1/2013 - 3/31/2013
6,478

 
50.91

 

 
$
728,947

Total
943,752

 
$
44.08

 
930,759

 
$
728,947

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes repurchases by ACGL of shares, from time to time, from employees in order to facilitate the payment of withholding taxes on restricted shares granted and the exercise of stock appreciation rights. We purchased these shares at their fair value, as determined by reference to the closing price of our common shares on the day the restricted shares vested or the stock appreciation rights were exercised.
(2)
The board of directors of ACGL has authorized the investment in ACGL’s common shares through a share repurchase program. Repurchases under the program may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 2014. Since the inception of the share repurchase program, ACGL has repurchased 109.6 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $2.77 billion. The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under this program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations.
 
Item 5.  Other Information
 
In accordance with Section 10a(i)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we are responsible for disclosing non-audit services to be provided by our independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which are approved by the Audit Committee of our board of directors. During the 2013 first quarter, the Audit Committee approved engagements of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for permitted non-audit services, which consisted of tax consulting services, tax compliance services and other accounting consulting services.

Item 6.  Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2013, by and among the Receiver of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. in Rehabilitation on behalf of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., Arch U.S. MI Services Inc. and Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc.*
10.2
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2013, by and among the Receiver of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. in Rehabilitation on behalf of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., CMFG Life Insurance Company, CMG Mortgage Insurance Company, Arch U.S. MI Holdings Inc. and Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc.*
15
 
Accountants’ Awareness Letter (regarding unaudited interim financial information)
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101
 
The following financial information from Arch Capital Group Ltd.’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.**
 
_________________________________________________
* Filed as an exhibit to our Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on February 8, 2013, and incorporated by reference.
** This exhibit will not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78r) , or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such exhibit will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or Securities Exchange Act, except to the extent that Arch Capital Group Ltd. specifically incorporates it by reference.

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.
 
 
(REGISTRANT)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Constantine Iordanou
Date: May 10, 2013
 
Constantine Iordanou
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) and Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Mark D. Lyons
Date: May 10, 2013
 
Mark D. Lyons
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX
 

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2013, by and among the Receiver of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. in Rehabilitation on behalf of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., Arch U.S. MI Services Inc. and Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc.*
10.2
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2013, by and among the Receiver of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. in Rehabilitation on behalf of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., CMFG Life Insurance Company, CMG Mortgage Insurance Company, Arch U.S. MI Holdings Inc. and Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc.*
15
 
Accountants’ Awareness Letter (regarding unaudited interim financial information)
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101
 
The following financial information from Arch Capital Group Ltd.’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.**
 
_________________________________________________
* Filed as an exhibit to our Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on February 8, 2013, and incorporated by reference.
** This exhibit will not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78r) , or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such exhibit will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or Securities Exchange Act, except to the extent that Arch Capital Group Ltd. specifically incorporates it by reference.


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