10-Q 1 d545927d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
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 quarterly period ended June 30, 2013

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 1-15259

 

 

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Bermuda   98-0214719

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

110 Pitts Bay Road

Pembroke HM08

Bermuda

 

P.O. Box HM 1282

Hamilton HM FX

Bermuda

(Address of principal executive offices)   (Mailing Address)

(441) 296-5858

(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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) of each of the issuer’s classes of common shares as of July 31, 2013

 

Title   Outstanding

Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share

  26,663,066

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

INDEX

 

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     3   

Item 1.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

  
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

     3   
 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

     4   
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June  30, 2013 and 2012

     5   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

     6   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     7   

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     36   

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     47   

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

     49   

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

     49   

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

     49   

Item 1a.

 

Risk Factors

     49   

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     50   

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     50   

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

     50   

Item 5.

 

Other Information

     50   

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

     50   

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)

 

     June 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012*
 
     (Unaudited)        
Assets     

Investments:

    

Fixed maturities, at fair value:

    

Available-for-sale (cost: 2013 - $2,752.9; 2012 - $2,993.1)

   $ 2,794.6      $ 3,154.0   

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2013 - $414.1; 2012 - $383.5)

     599.7        531.4   

Other investments (cost: 2013 - $313.7; 2012 - $284.8)

     311.6        281.0   

Short-term investments, at fair value (cost: 2013 - $279.7; 2012 - $234.3)

     279.5        234.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

     3,985.4        4,200.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash

     102.0        95.8   

Accrued investment income

     27.4        30.3   

Premiums receivable

     448.6        361.0   

Reinsurance recoverables

     1,249.7        1,320.9   

Goodwill

     153.8        153.8   

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

     88.7        91.5   

Current income taxes receivable, net

     8.9        12.9   

Deferred acquisition costs, net

     111.9        99.4   

Ceded unearned premiums

     239.7        193.6   

Other assets

     159.2        129.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 6,575.3      $ 6,688.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity     

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 3,233.9      $ 3,223.5   

Unearned premiums

     809.7        730.2   

Accrued underwriting expenses

     123.7        105.0   

Ceded reinsurance payable, net

     420.7        612.1   

Funds held

     32.0        33.7   

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes

     143.8        143.8   

Other indebtedness

     64.0        63.8   

Junior subordinated debentures

     193.3        193.3   

Deferred tax liabilities, net

     29.0        43.8   

Other liabilities

     34.1        25.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     5,084.2        5,174.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common shares - $1.00 par, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 33,970,108 and 31,384,271 shares issued at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively

     34.0        31.4   

Additional paid-in capital

     823.6        722.7   

Treasury shares (7,213,189 and 6,459,613 shares at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)

     (235.6     (205.5

Retained earnings

     733.5        776.0   

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes

     135.6        189.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,491.1        1,514.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 6,575.3      $ 6,688.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Derived from audited consolidated financial statements

See accompanying notes.

 

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ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Premiums and other revenue:

        

Earned premiums

   $ 327.5      $ 290.2      $ 631.7      $ 567.5   

Net investment income

     25.3        30.0        53.2        61.4   

Fee income, net

     0.2        0.5        0.2        1.8   

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     11.0        (2.7     20.5        10.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     364.0        318.0        705.6        641.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

        

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     192.7        175.8        363.2        341.6   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

     4.7        6.9        9.8        13.8   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     124.6        114.6        251.3        228.3   

Interest expense

     5.1        5.5        10.0        11.2   

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

     (5.9     (9.8     (9.0     (6.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     321.2        293.0        625.3        588.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     42.8        25.0        80.3        53.1   

Provision for income taxes

     11.1        1.0        15.9        9.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 31.7      $ 24.0      $ 64.4      $ 43.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

        

Basic

   $ 1.18      $ 0.85      $ 2.37      $ 1.53   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 1.13      $ 0.84      $ 2.29      $ 1.51   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividend declared per common share:

   $ 0.15      $ 0.12      $ 0.30      $ 0.24   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares:

        

Basic

     26,962,397        28,254,520        27,103,917        28,525,400   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     28,009,590        28,679,480        28,082,545        28,905,574   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Net realized investment gains (losses) before other-than-temporary impairment losses

   $ 11.4      $ (1.9   $ 25.7      $ 11.3   

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

        

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities

     (0.3     (0.3     (0.3     (0.3

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities

     (0.1     (0.5     (1.5     (0.6

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on other investments

     0.0        0.0        (3.4     0.0   

Non-credit portion of losses recognized in other comprehensive income

     0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impairment losses recognized in earnings

     (0.4     (0.8     (5.2     (0.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

   $ 11.0      $ (2.7   $ 20.5      $ 10.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Three  Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Net income

   $ 31.7      $ 24.0      $ 64.4      $ 43.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (1.9     (4.4     (1.9     (3.3

Defined benefit pension plan:

        

Net loss arising during the period

     0.0        (0.9     0.0        (0.9

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:

        

Gains (losses) arising during the period

     (82.2     (10.1     (58.0     42.3   

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

     (14.3     (4.0     (15.0     (9.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax

     (98.4     (19.4     (74.9     28.7   

Income tax provision related to other comprehensive income:

        

Defined benefit pension plan:

        

Net loss arising during the period

     0.0        (0.3     0.0        (0.3

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:

        

Gains (losses) arising during the period

     (26.7     (0.1     (16.3     14.1   

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

     (4.8     (1.2     (4.7     (2.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax provision related to other comprehensive income (loss)

     (31.5     (1.6     (21.0     11.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

     (66.9     (17.8     (53.9     17.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (35.2   $ 6.2      $ 10.5      $ 61.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2013     2012  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 64.4      $ 43.6   

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

    

Amortization and depreciation

     18.7        16.3   

Share-based payments expense

     14.6        4.0   

Deferred income tax provision, net

     6.0        4.0   

Net realized investment gains

     (20.5     (10.4

Loss on disposals of fixed assets, net

     0.0        0.2   

Change in:

    

Accrued investment income

     2.9        1.4   

Receivables

     (17.7     45.5   

Deferred acquisition costs

     (12.0     (3.2

Ceded unearned premiums

     (47.2     (35.7

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

     12.1        (78.8

Unearned premiums

     81.3        73.1   

Ceded reinsurance payable and funds held

     (192.5     (82.8

Income taxes

     4.0        (10.4

Accrued underwriting expenses

     8.0        4.2   

Other, net

     (18.3     0.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used by operating activities

     (96.2     (28.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Sales of fixed maturity investments

     874.7        727.8   

Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed maturity investments

     210.9        205.9   

Sales of equity securities

     39.4        5.5   

Sales of other investments

     5.8        2.3   

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

     (833.1     (781.8

Purchases of equity securities

     (64.4     (73.6

Purchases of other investments

     (28.8     (11.2

Change in foreign regulatory deposits and voluntary pools

     0.7        (13.0

Change in short-term investments

     (49.2     (3.2

Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts

     (2.7     (0.8

Purchases of fixed assets

     (13.0     (19.2

Other, net

     (0.4     (0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by investing activities

     139.9        38.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Activity under stock incentive plans

     1.5        0.2   

Repurchase of Company’s common shares

     (30.9     (27.8

Payment of cash dividend to common shareholders

     (7.8     (6.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used by financing activities

     (37.2     (33.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (0.3     (1.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash

     6.2        (25.1

Cash, beginning of period

     95.8        100.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

   $ 102.0      $ 75.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (“Argo Group,” “we” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The preparation of interim 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. The major estimates reflected in our consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance recoverables, including the reinsurance recoverables allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates of written and earned premiums, reinsurance premium receivable, the fair value of investments and the assessment of potential impairment, the valuation of goodwill and intangibles and our deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain financial information that normally is included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes, prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2013.

The interim financial information as of, and for the three and six months ended, June 30, 2013 and 2012 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim information includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the results presented for the interim periods. The operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. All significant intercompany amounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

2. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2011, with further clarification issued in January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting update requiring disclosures about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Entities are required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This update is applicable to derivatives including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The update was effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The disclosures required by this update should be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this update did not have an impact on our financial results and disclosures.

In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting update that allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. If the more-likely-than-not threshold is met, an entity is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with accounting guidance. The update was effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption was permitted, including for annual and interim impairment tests performed as of a date before July 27, 2012, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued or, for nonpublic entities, have not yet been made available for issuance.

 

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In February 2013, the FASB issued an accounting update to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. An entity is required to report the effect of significant reclassifications, by component, out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the item is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. The required disclosures of the update are allowed either in the Statement of Income or in the notes. The amendments in the update were effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. See Note 6, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” for the required disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB issued amendments to “Liabilities” (Topic 405) in order to resolve diversity in practice related to accounting for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The amendments require an entity to measure the liability as the sum of (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors, and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, but early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented for those obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements within the update’s scope that exist at the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year of adoption. We do not anticipate this update will have an impact on our financial results and disclosures.

In March 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to “Consolidation” (Topic 810) to resolve the diversity in practice related to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent sells a part of all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. The amendments in the update are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, but early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to derecognition events occurring after the effective date with no adjustment to prior periods. We do not anticipate this update will have an impact on our financial results and disclosures.

 

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3. Investments

Composition of Invested Assets

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investments as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

June 30, 2013    Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 
             
(in millions)            

Fixed maturities

           

USD denominated:

           

U.S. Governments

   $ 302.1       $ 3.8       $ 0.6       $ 305.3   

Non-U.S. Governments

     58.0         0.4         2.9         55.5   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     641.1         26.6         12.0         655.7   

Credit-Financial

     368.1         14.5         3.7         378.9   

Credit-Industrial

     389.1         16.4         5.4         400.1   

Credit-Utility

     174.7         6.3         1.9         179.1   

Structured securities:

           

CMO/MBS-agency (1)

     289.3         11.1         2.7         297.7   

CMO/MBS-non agency

     9.5         0.9         0.0         10.4   

CMBS (2)

     107.6         3.6         1.5         109.7   

ABS-residential (3)

     8.6         0.2         0.5         8.3   

ABS-non residential

     80.7         0.6         0.3         81.0   

Foreign denominated:

           

Governments

     202.0         1.8         9.0         194.8   

Credit

     122.1         2.1         6.1         118.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     2,752.9         88.3         46.6         2,794.6   

Equity securities

     414.1         190.3         4.7         599.7   

Other investments

     313.7         2.7         4.8         311.6   

Short-term investments

     279.7         0.0         0.2         279.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 3,760.4       $ 281.3       $ 56.3       $ 3,985.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
December 31, 2012    Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 
             
(in millions)            

Fixed maturities

           

USD denominated:

           

U.S. Governments

   $ 401.1       $ 9.3       $ 0.0       $ 410.4   

Non-U.S. Governments

     53.1         3.6         0.1         56.6   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     551.7         44.9         0.5         596.1   

Credit-Financial

     382.4         25.7         0.7         407.4   

Credit-Industrial

     428.4         31.1         0.7         458.8   

Credit-Utility

     189.9         12.6         0.4         202.1   

Structured securities:

           

CMO/MBS-agency (1)

     375.1         20.2         0.2         395.1   

CMO/MBS-non agency

     12.5         1.0         0.2         13.3   

CMBS (2)

     109.5         5.7         0.2         115.0   

ABS-residential (3)

     10.1         0.2         0.8         9.5   

ABS-non residential

     81.3         1.2         0.0         82.5   

Foreign denominated:

           

Governments

     262.1         9.2         4.3         267.0   

Credit

     135.9         6.1         1.8         140.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     2,993.1         170.8         9.9         3,154.0   

Equity securities

     383.5         153.0         5.1         531.4   

Other investments

     284.8         1.2         5.0         281.0   

Short-term investments

     234.3         0.1         0.1         234.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 3,895.7       $ 325.1       $ 20.1       $ 4,200.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Collateralized mortgage obligations/mortgage-backed securities (“CMO/MBS”).

(2)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”).

(3)

Asset-backed securities (“ABS”).

 

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Included in total investments at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is $89.2 million and $143.9 million, respectively, of assets, at fair value, managed on behalf of the trade capital providers, who are third party capital participants that provide underwriting capital to our Syndicate 1200 segment.

Contractual Maturity

The amortized cost and fair values of fixed maturity investments as of June 30, 2013, by contractual maturity, were as follows:

 

(in millions)    Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
 

Due in one year or less

   $ 203.5       $ 204.6   

Due after one year through five years

     1,041.7         1,052.8   

Due after five years through ten years

     727.0         750.0   

Thereafter

     285.0         280.1   

Structured securities

     495.7         507.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,752.9       $ 2,794.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The expected maturities may differ from the contractual maturities because debtors may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

Unrealized Losses and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

An aging of unrealized losses on our investments at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is presented below:

 

June 30, 2013    Less Than One Year      One Year or Greater      Total  
(in millions)    Fair
Value
    Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
    Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities

               

USD denominated:

               

U.S. Governments

   $ 66.8      $ 0.6       $ 0.0       $ 0.0       $ 66.8      $ 0.6   

Non-U.S. Governments (1)

     40.0        2.9         0.2         0.0         40.2        2.9   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     220.1        12.0         0.0         0.0         220.1        12.0   

Credit-Financial

     116.8        3.6         1.5         0.1         118.3        3.7   

Credit-Industrial

     123.6        5.3         0.1         0.1         123.7        5.4   

Credit-Utility

     46.5        1.9         0.0         0.0         46.5        1.9   

Structured securities:

               

CMO/MBS-agency (1)

     80.2        2.7         0.7         0.0         80.9        2.7   

CMBS

     31.2        1.5         0.0         0.0         31.2        1.5   

ABS-residential

     0.0        0.0         4.6         0.5         4.6        0.5   

ABS-non residential

     49.3        0.3         0.0         0.0         49.3        0.3   

Foreign denominated:

               

Governments

     173.2        9.0         0.0         0.0         173.2        9.0   

Credit

     110.7        6.1         0.0         0.0         110.7        6.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,058.4        45.9         7.1         0.7         1,065.5        46.6   

Equity securities

     58.0        4.7         0.0         0.0         58.0        4.7   

Other investments

     (4.8     4.8         0.0         0.0         (4.8     4.8   

Short-term investments

     0.0        0.2         0.0         0.0         0.0        0.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,111.6      $ 55.6       $ 7.1       $ 0.7       $ 1,118.7      $ 56.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Unrealized losses one year or greater are less than $0.1 million.

 

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Table of Contents
December 31, 2012    Less Than One Year      One Year or Greater      Total  
(in millions)    Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturities

                 

USD denominated:

                 

U.S. Governments (1)

   $ 11.9       $ 0.0       $ 0.0       $ 0.0       $ 11.9       $ 0.0   

Non-U.S. Governments (2)

     8.5         0.1         0.5         0.0         9.0         0.1   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     28.2         0.3         0.8         0.2         29.0         0.5   

Credit-Financial

     25.0         0.2         8.6         0.5         33.6         0.7   

Credit-Industrial

     32.2         0.4         3.0         0.3         35.2         0.7   

Credit-Utility

     8.4         0.2         0.8         0.2         9.2         0.4   

Structured securities:

                 

CMO/MBS-agency (2)

     26.4         0.2         0.3         0.0         26.7         0.2   

CMO/MBS-non agency

     1.7         0.2         0.0         0.0         1.7         0.2   

CMBS (1)

     5.7         0.0         3.5         0.2         9.2         0.2   

ABS-residential

     0.0         0.0         3.9         0.8         3.9         0.8   

ABS-non residential (1) (2)

     13.7         0.0         0.2         0.0         13.9         0.0   

Foreign denominated:

                 

Governments (2)

     180.5         4.3         0.3         0.0         180.8         4.3   

Credit

     76.3         1.8         0.0         0.0         76.3         1.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     418.5         7.7         21.9         2.2         440.4         9.9   

Equity securities

     60.2         4.2         6.3         0.9         66.5         5.1   

Other investments

     11.6         5.0         0.0         0.0         11.6         5.0   

Short-term investments

     0.0         0.1         0.0         0.0         0.0         0.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 490.3       $ 17.0       $ 28.2       $ 3.1       $ 518.5       $ 20.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Unrealized losses less than one year are less than $0.1 million.

(2) 

Unrealized losses one year or greater are less than $0.1 million.

We hold a total of 6,413 securities, of which 2,160 were in an unrealized loss position for less than one year and 18 were in an unrealized loss position for a period one year or greater as of June 30, 2013. Unrealized losses greater than twelve months on fixed maturities were the result of a number of factors, including increased credit spreads, foreign currency fluctuations, and higher market yields relative to the date the securities were purchased, and for structured securities, by the performance of the underlying collateral as well. We also considered that we do not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity. We do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2013.

We regularly evaluate our investments for impairment. For fixed maturity securities, the evaluation for a credit loss is generally based on the present value of expected cash flows of the security as compared to the amortized book value. For MBS and residential ABS securities, frequency and severity of loss inputs are used in projecting future cash flows of the securities. Loss frequency is measured as the credit default rate, which includes such factors as loan-to-value ratios and credit scores of borrowers. Loss severity includes such factors as trends in overall housing prices and house prices that are obtained at foreclosure. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our fixed maturities portfolio of $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our fixed maturities portfolio of $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively. For equity securities and other investments, the length of time and the amount of decline in fair value are the principal factors in determining other-than-temporary impairment. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our equity portfolio of $0.1 million and $1.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our equity portfolio of $0.5 million and $0.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively. We recognized other-than-temporary losses

 

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on our other investments of $0.0 and $3.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. We did not recognize any other-than-temporary losses on our other investments in 2012. In situations where we did not recognize other-than-temporary losses on investments in our equity portfolio, we have evaluated the near-term prospects of the investment in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment and based on that evaluation have the ability and intent to hold these investments until a recovery of fair value.

Realized Gains and Losses

The following table presents the Company’s gross realized investment gains (losses) for the three and six months ended June 30:

 

(in millions)    For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Realized gains

        

Fixed maturities

   $ 10.2      $ 7.2      $ 21.7      $ 15.5   

Equity securities

     7.2        0.2        7.7        0.2   

Other investments

     6.5        1.6        17.6        13.1   

Short-term investments

     0.0        0.1        0.1        0.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross realized gains

     23.9        9.1        47.1        29.1   

Realized losses

        

Fixed maturities

     (1.9     (2.2     (8.4     (5.1

Equity securities

     (0.7     (0.2     (0.7     (0.3

Other investments

     (9.8     (8.3     (12.1     (12.1

Short-term investments

     (0.1     (0.3     (0.2     (0.3

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities

     (0.3     (0.3     (0.3     (0.3

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities

     (0.1     (0.5     (1.5     (0.6

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on other investments

     0.0        0.0        (3.4     0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross realized losses

     (12.9     (11.8     (26.6     (18.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized investment (losses) gains

   $ 11.0      $ (2.7   $ 20.5      $ 10.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We enter into short-term, currency spot and forward contracts to mitigate foreign exchange rate exposure for certain non-U.S. Dollar denominated fixed maturity investments. The forward contracts used are typically less than sixty days and are renewed, as long as the non-U.S. Dollar denominated fixed maturity investments are held in our portfolio. These forward contracts are designated as fair value hedges for accounting purposes.

Foreign exchange long positions offset by foreign exchange forward contracts resulted in realized losses of less than $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively and $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and are reflected in realized gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income and in the table above. As of June 30, 2013 and 2012, we hedged $2.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of certain holdings in non-U.S. Dollar denominated fixed maturity investments with $1.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of foreign exchange contracts.

We also enter into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to manage currency exposure on losses related to global catastrophe events. These currency forward contracts are carried at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Other investments”. The realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in realized gains or losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The notional amount of the currency forward contracts was $68.2 million and $113.2 million as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair value of the currency forward contracts was a loss of $4.8 million and a loss of $0.4 million as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $3.9 million and $4.6 million in net realized losses and $0.5 million and $3.9 million in net realized gains, respectively, from the currency forward contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

Regulatory Deposits, Pledged Securities and Letters of Credit

At June 30, 2013, the amortized cost and fair value of investments on deposit for regulatory purposes and reinsurance were $212.9 million and $221.9 million, respectively.

Investments with an amortized cost of $245.7 million and fair value of $247.9 million were pledged as collateral in support of irrevocable letters of credit at June 30, 2013. These assets support irrevocable letters of credit issued under the terms of certain reinsurance agreements in respect of reported loss and loss expense reserves in the amount of $68.4 million and $124.9 million for our Corporate member’s capital as security to support the underwriting business at Lloyd’s.

At June 30, 2013, our Corporate member’s capital supporting our Lloyd’s business consisted of:

 

Letters of credit

   $ 124.9   

Fixed maturities, at fair value

     154.6   

Short-term investments, at fair value

     0.1   
  

 

 

 

Total securities and letters of credit pledged to Lloyd’s

   $ 279.6   
  

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal (or most advantageous) market that are independent, knowledgeable, able to transact for the asset or liability and willing to transfer the asset or liability.

Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach are used to measure fair value. The inputs of these valuation techniques are categorized into three levels.

 

   

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the reporting date. We define actively traded as a security that has traded in the past seven days. We receive one quote per instrument for Level 1 inputs.

 

   

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. We receive one quote per instrument for Level 2 inputs.

 

   

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.

We receive fair value prices from third-party pricing services and our outside investment managers. These prices are determined using observable market information such as dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. We have reviewed the processes used by the third-party providers for pricing the securities, and have determined that these processes result in fair values consistent with GAAP requirements. In addition, we review these prices for reasonableness, and have not adjusted any prices received from the third-party providers as of June 30, 2013. A description of the valuation techniques we use to measure assets at fair value is as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

Fixed Maturities (Available-for-Sale) Levels 1 and 2:

 

   

United States Treasury securities are typically valued using Level 1 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets at the reporting date.

 

   

United States Government agencies, non-U.S. Government securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, credit securities and foreign denominated securities are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services. Observable data may include dealer quotes, market spreads, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

 

   

CMO/MBS agency securities are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services. Observable data may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

 

   

CMO/MBS non-agency, CMBS, ABS residential, and ABS non-residential securities are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services. Observable data may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Fixed Maturities (Available-for-Sale) Level 3:

 

   

Corporate securities reported at fair value using Level 3 inputs in 2012 were infrequently traded securities valued by an independent investment manager using unobservable inputs. These securities were sold in 2012.

Equity Securities Level 1: Equity securities are principally reported at fair value using Level 1 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from a third party pricing service using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets at the reporting date.

Equity Securities Level 2: We own interests in mutual funds that are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. The valuations are based on the funds’ net asset value per share, determined weekly or at the end of each month. The underlying assets in the funds are valued primarily on the basis of closing market quotations or official closing prices on each valuation day.

Equity Securities Level 3: We own certain equity securities that are reported at fair value using Level 3 inputs. The valuation techniques for these securities include the following:

 

   

Fair value measurements are obtained from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Security Valuation Office at the reporting date.

 

   

Fair value measurements for an investment in an equity fund obtained by applying final prices provided by the administrator of the fund, which is based upon certain estimates and assumptions.

Other Investments Level 2: Foreign regulatory deposits are assets held in trust in jurisdictions where there is a legal and regulatory requirement to maintain funds locally in order to protect policyholders. Lloyd’s is the appointed investment manager for the funds. These assets are invested in short term government securities, agency securities

 

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Table of Contents

and corporate bonds and are valued using Level 2 inputs based upon values obtained from Lloyd’s. Foreign currency future contracts are valued by our counterparty using market driven foreign currency exchange rates and are considered Level 2 investments.

Short-term Investments: Short-term investments are principally reported at fair value using Level 1 inputs, with the exception of short-term corporate bonds reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs as described in the fixed maturities section above. Values for the investments categorized as Level 1 are obtained from various financial institutions as of the reporting date.

Other Assets Level 3: We have one reinsurance contract deemed a derivative in 2013 and two reinsurance contracts deemed derivatives in 2012. The fair values were estimated by management taking into account changes in the market for catastrophic bond reinsurance contracts with similar economic characteristics and potential recoveries from events preceding the valuation date. See Note 11 “Derivative Instruments” for related disclosures.

Transfers Between Level 1 and Level 2 Securities: There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities during the three or six months ended June 30, 2013.

Based on an analysis of the inputs, our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 have been categorized as follows:

 

(in millions)    June 30, 2013      Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
        Level 1 (a)      Level 2 (b)      Level 3 (c)  

Fixed maturities

           

USD denominated:

           

U.S. Governments

   $ 305.3       $ 143.0       $ 162.3       $ 0.0   

Non-U.S. Governments

     55.5         0.0         55.5         0.0   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     655.7         0.0         655.7         0.0   

Credit-Financial

     378.9         0.0         378.9         0.0   

Credit-Industrial

     400.1         0.0         400.1         0.0   

Credit-Utility

     179.1         0.0         179.1         0.0   

Structured securities:

           

CMO/MBS-agency

     297.7         0.0         297.7         0.0   

CMO/MBS-non agency

     10.4         0.0         10.4         0.0   

CMBS

     109.7         0.0         109.7         0.0   

ABS-residential

     8.3         0.0         8.3         0.0   

ABS-non residential

     81.0         0.0         81.0         0.0   

Foreign denominated:

           

Governments

     194.8         0.0         194.8         0.0   

Credit

     118.1         0.0         118.1         0.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     2,794.6         143.0         2,651.6         0.0   

Equity securities

     599.7         515.5         82.3         1.9   

Other investments

     126.4         0.0         126.4         0.0   

Short-term investments

     279.5         255.3         24.2         0.0   

Other assets

     3.3         0.0         0.0         3.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,803.5       $ 913.8       $ 2,884.5       $ 5.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

(b) 

Significant other observable inputs

(c) 

Significant unobservable inputs

 

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Table of Contents
(in millions)    December 31, 2012      Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
        Level 1 (a)      Level 2 (b)      Level 3 (c)  

Fixed maturities

           

USD denominated:

           

U.S. Governments

   $ 410.4       $ 219.5       $ 190.9       $ 0.0   

Non-U.S. Governments

     56.6         0.0         56.6         0.0   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     596.1         0.0         596.1         0.0   

Credit-Financial

     407.4         0.0         407.4         0.0   

Credit-Industrial

     458.8         0.0         458.8         0.0   

Credit-Utility

     202.1         0.0         202.1         0.0   

Structured securities:

           

CMO/MBS-agency

     395.1         0.0         395.1         0.0   

CMO/MBS-non agency

     13.3         0.0         13.3         0.0   

CMBS

     115.0         0.0         115.0         0.0   

ABS-residential

     9.5         0.0         9.5         0.0   

ABS-non residential

     82.5         0.0         82.5         0.0   

Foreign denominated:

           

Governments

     267.0         0.0         267.0         0.0   

Credit

     140.2         0.0         140.2         0.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     3,154.0         219.5         2,934.5         0.0   

Equity securities

     531.4         469.0         60.6         1.8   

Other investments

     132.0         0.0         132.0         0.0   

Short-term investments

     234.3         201.1         33.2         0.0   

Other assets

     6.9         0.0         0.0         6.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 4,058.6       $ 889.6       $ 3,160.3       $ 8.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

(b) 

Significant other observable inputs

(c) 

Significant unobservable inputs

The fair value measurements in the tables above do not agree to “Total investments” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as they exclude certain other investments that are accounted for under the equity-method of accounting and include reinsurance contracts that are classified as Other assets.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the investments categorized as Level 3 at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

Fair Value Measurements Using Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

 

(in millions)    Equity
Securities
     Other Assets     Total  

Beginning balance, January 1, 2013

   $ 1.8       $ 6.9      $ 8.7   

Transfers into Level 3

     0.0         0.0        0.0   

Transfers out of Level 3

     0.0         0.0        0.0   

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

       

Included in net income

     0.0         0.0        0.0   

Included in other comprehensive income

     0.1         0.0        0.1   

Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements

       

Purchases

     0.0         0.0        0.0   

Issuances

     0.0         0.0        0.0   

Sales

     0.0         0.0        0.0   

Settlements

     0.0         (3.6     (3.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, June 30, 2013

   $ 1.9       $ 3.3      $ 5.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amount of total gains or losses for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at June 30, 2013

   $ 0.0       $ 0.0      $ 0.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Fair Value Measurements Using Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

 

(in millions)    Credit
Financial
    Equity
Securities
    Other
Assets
    Total  

Beginning balance, January 1, 2012

   $ 0.7      $ 2.4      $ 9.0      $ 12.1   

Transfers into Level 3

     0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Transfers out of Level 3

     0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

        

Included in net income

     0.1        0.0        0.0        0.1   

Included in other comprehensive income

     0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements

        

Purchases

     0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Issuances

     0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Sales

     (0.8     (0.6     0.0        (1.4

Settlements

     0.0        0.0        (2.1     (2.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, December 31, 2012

   $ 0.0      $ 1.8      $ 6.9      $ 8.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amount of total gains or losses for the period included in net loss attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at December 31, 2012

   $ 0.0      $ 0.0      $ 0.0      $ 0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we did not have any financial assets or financial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis or any financial liabilities on a recurring basis.

 

4. Shareholders’ Equity

On May 7, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a 10% stock dividend, payable on June 17, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 3, 2013. As a result of the stock dividend, 2,447,839 additional shares were issued. Cash was paid in lieu of fractional shares of the Company’s common shares.

On May 7, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.15 on each share of common stock outstanding, on a post-stock dividend basis. On June 20, 2013, we paid $4.1 million to our shareholders of record on June 3, 2013. On May 8, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.12, on each share of common stock outstanding. On June 15, 2012, we paid $3.1 million to our shareholders of record on June 1, 2012.

For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, we have paid cash dividends totaling $7.8 million and $6.2 million to our shareholders.

On February 18, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares (“2011 Repurchase Authorization”). The 2011 Repurchase Authorization supersedes the November 13, 2007 repurchase authorization, which also had authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares. From inception of the repurchase authorizations through July 31, 2013, we have repurchased 7,313,792 shares of our common stock at an average price of $32.82 for a total cost of $240.0 million. These shares are being held as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. As of July 31, 2013, availability under the 2011 Repurchase Authorization for future repurchases of our common shares was $36.4 million.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we repurchased a total of 427,751 and 753,576 common shares for $17.8 million and $30.1 million respectively. A summary of activity from January 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013 follows.

 

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For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we repurchased 184,430 and 282,030 common shares on the open market for $7.8 million and $11.6 million, respectively. In 2013, we repurchased shares under Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 10b5-1 trading plans as follows:

 

Date Trading

Plan Initiated

 

2013

Purchase Period

 

Number of

Shares Repurchased

  Average Price of
Shares Repurchased
    Total Cost
(in millions)
   

Repurchase
Authorization Year

12/14/2012

  01/01/13-01/17/13 (1)   171,480   $         35.41      $         6.0      2011

03/15/2013

  03/16/13-05/01/13 (2)   205,452   $         40.75      $         8.3      2011

06/14/2013

  06/18/13-07/31/13 (3)   195,217   $         43.47      $         8.5      2011

 

(1) 

The above table only reflects the 2013 activity under this Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. In 2012, 117,663 shares were repurchased under this Rule 10b5-1 trading plan for a total cost of $3.9 million. Total shares repurchased in 2012 and 2013 under this Rule 10b5-1 trading plan are 289,143 shares at an average price of $34.58 for a total cost of $9.9 million.

(2) 

Through March 31, 2013, 56,745 shares were repurchased at an average price of $41.17 for a total cost of $2.3 million.

(3) 

Through June 30, 2013, 94,614 shares were repurchased at an average price of $42.26 for a total cost of $4.0 million.

 

5. Net Income Per Common Share

The following table presents the calculation of net income per common share on a basic and diluted basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (all balances have been adjusted to reflect the effects of the 10% stock dividend):

 

     For the Three Months      For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,      Ended June 30,  
(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)    2013      2012      2013      2012  

Net income

   $ 31.7       $ 24.0       $ 64.4       $ 43.6   

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     26,962,397         28,254,520         27,103,917         28,525,400   

Effect of dilutive securities

           

Equity compensation awards

     1,047,193         424,960         978,628         380,174   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

     28,009,590         28,679,480         28,082,545         28,905,574   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per common share - basic

   $ 1.18       $ 0.85       $ 2.37       $ 1.53   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per common share - diluted

   $ 1.13       $ 0.84       $ 2.29       $ 1.51   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Excluded from the weighted average common shares outstanding calculation at June 30, 2013 and 2012 are 7,213,189 shares and 5,912,227 shares, respectively, which are held as treasury shares. The shares are excluded as of their repurchase date. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, equity compensation awards to purchase 22,604 shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share as these instruments were anti-dilutive. These instruments expire at varying times from 2013 through 2020. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, equity compensation awards to purchase 1,314,243 shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share as these instruments were anti-dilutive. These instruments expire at varying times from 2013 through 2019.

 

6. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02 that amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 220, “Comprehensive Income.” See Note 2, “Recently Issued Accounting Standards” for additional information regarding the provisions of this update. Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted the update prospectively.

 

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A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes (where applicable) by component for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 is presented in the following table:

 

(in millions)    Foreign currency
translation adjustments
    Unrealized holding gains
on securities
    Defined benefit
pension plans
    Total  

Beginning balance, January 1, 2013

   $ (8.7   $ 204.1      $ (5.9   $ 189.5   

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     0.0        (41.7     0.0        (41.7

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

     (1.9     (10.3     0.0        (12.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

     (1.9     (52.0     0.0        (53.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, June 30, 2013

   $ (10.6   $ 152.1      $ (5.9   $ 135.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income shown in the above table have been included in the following captions in the Consolidated Statement of Income:

 

(in millions)    For the Three Months
Ended June 30, 2013
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30, 2013
 

Unrealized gains and losses on securities

    

Net realized investment gains

   $ (14.3   $ (15.0

Provision for income taxes

     4.8        4.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net of taxes

   $ (9.5   $ (10.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies

Argo Group’s subsidiaries are parties to legal actions incidental to their business. Based on the opinion of counsel, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

 

8. Income Taxes

We are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and, under current Bermuda law, are not obligated to pay any taxes in Bermuda based upon income or capital gains. We have received an undertaking from the Supervisor of Insurance in Bermuda pursuant to the provisions of the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act, 2011, which exempts us from any Bermuda taxes computed on profits, income or any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, at least until the year 2035.

We do not consider ourselves to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States or the United Kingdom and, accordingly, do not expect to be subject to direct United States or United Kingdom income taxation.

We have subsidiaries based in the United Kingdom that are subject to the tax laws of that country. Under current law, these subsidiaries are taxed at the applicable corporate tax rates. Six of the United Kingdom subsidiaries are deemed to be engaged in business in the United States and are therefore subject to United States corporate tax in respect of a proportion of their United States underwriting business only. Relief is available against the United Kingdom tax liabilities in respect of overseas taxes paid that arise from the underwriting business. Corporate income tax losses incurred in the United Kingdom can be carried forward, for application against future income, indefinitely. Our United Kingdom subsidiaries file separate United Kingdom income tax returns.

We have subsidiaries based in the United States that are subject to the tax laws of that country. Under current law, these subsidiaries are taxed at the applicable corporate tax rates. Our United States subsidiaries file a consolidated United States federal income tax return.

We also have operations in Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, France, Malta, Spain and Ireland, which also are subject to income taxes imposed by the jurisdiction in which they operate. We have operations in the United Arab Emirates, which are not subject to income tax under the laws of that country.

 

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Our income tax provision includes the following components:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(in millions)    2013      2012     2013      2012  

Current tax provision

   $ 8.1       $ 1.9      $ 9.9       $ 5.5   

Deferred tax provision related to:

          

Future tax deductions

     2.0         (1.5     4.4         2.9   

Valuation allowance change

     1.0         0.6        1.6         1.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax provision

   $ 11.1       $ 1.0      $ 15.9       $ 9.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our expected income tax provision computed on pre-tax income (loss) at the weighted average tax rate has been calculated as the sum of the pre-tax income (loss) in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, pre-tax income (loss) attributable to our operations and the operations’ effective tax rates were as follows:

 

     For the Three Months Ended June 30,  
(in millions)    2013     2012  
     Pre-tax
income (loss)
    Effective Tax
Rate
    Pre-tax
income (loss)
    Effective Tax
Rate
 

Bermuda

   $ 3.9        0.0   $ 9.9        0.0

United States

     31.5        26.7     8.3        9.7

United Kingdom

     10.7        25.9     9.0        0.7

Belgium

     0.0 (1)      -39.0     0.0 (1)      138.3

Brazil

     (2.9     0.0     (1.9     -1.1

Dubai

     0.0        0.0     0.1        0.0

Ireland

     0.0        0.0     0.0        0.0

Malta

     (0.4     0.0     (0.4     0.0

Switzerland

     0.0 (1)      22.2     0.0 (1)      22.3
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ 42.8        $ 25.0     
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(1) Pre-tax income for the respective period was less than $0.1 million.

 

     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
(in millions)    2013     2012  
     Pre-tax
income (loss)
    Effective Tax
Rate
    Pre-tax
income (loss)
    Effective Tax
Rate
 

Bermuda

   $ 20.0        0.0   $ 10.2        0.0

United States

     49.0        23.7     33.7        23.4

United Kingdom

     16.7        25.8     13.7        11.0

Belgium

     0.0 (1)      -35.3     0.1        50.5

Brazil

     (4.7     0.0     (3.5     0.0

Dubai

     0.0        0.0     0.1        0.0

Ireland

     0.0        0.0     (0.1     0.0

Malta

     (0.7     0.0     (1.1     0.0

Switzerland

     0.0 (1)      19.6     0.0 (1)      23.9
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ 80.3        $ 53.1     
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(2) Pre-tax income for the respective period was less than $0.1 million.

 

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Table of Contents

A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Income tax provision at expected rate

   $ 12.3      $ 4.4      $ 19.0      $ 13.7   

Tax effect of:

        

Tax-exempt interest

     (1.4     (1.6     (2.8     (3.0

Dividends received deduction

     (0.5     (0.5     (1.1     (0.9

Valuation allowance change

     1.0        0.6        1.6        1.1   

Other permanent adjustments, net

     0.0        0.2        (0.9     0.7   

Adjustment for annualized rate

     (0.8     0.2        (0.4     0.0   

United States state tax benefit

     (0.1     (0.1     (0.3     (0.2

Other foreign adjustments

     0.0        0.1        0.0        0.1   

Foreign exchange adjustments

     0.2        (2.3     0.4        (2.0

Foreign withholding taxes

     0.4        0.0        0.4        0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax provision

   $ 11.1      $ 1.0      $ 15.9      $ 9.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax provision - Foreign

   $ 2.7      $ 0.2      $ 4.3      $ 1.6   

Income tax provision - United States Federal

     8.2        1.1        11.7        8.3   

Income tax benefit - United States State

     (0.2     (0.3     (0.5     (0.4

Foreign withholding tax - United States

     0.4        0.0        0.4        0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax provision

   $ 11.1      $ 1.0      $ 15.9      $ 9.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Our net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are supported by taxes paid in previous periods, the reversal of the taxable temporary differences and the recognition of future income. Management regularly evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and makes any necessary adjustments to them based upon any changes in management’s expectations of future taxable income. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our generation of sufficient taxable income in the future to recover tax benefits that cannot be recovered from taxes paid in the carryback period, which is generally two years for net operating losses and three years for capital losses for our operations in the United States. At June 30, 2013, we had a total net deferred tax asset of $25.1 million prior to any valuation allowance. Management has concluded that a valuation allowance is required for a portion of the tax effected net capital loss carryforward of $30.2 million generated from the sale of PXRE Reinsurance Company, and a full valuation allowance is required for the tax effected net operating loss carryforward of $18.7 million from PXRE Corporation and for the tax effected net operating loss carryforward of $1.0 million from ARIS Title Insurance Corporation (“ARIS”). The capital loss carryforward generated from the sale of PXRE Reinsurance Company will expire if not utilized by December 31, 2013. Of the PXRE Corporation loss carryforwards, $17.2 million will expire if not utilized by December 31, 2025 and $1.5 million will expire if not utilized by December 31, 2027. The valuation allowances have been established as Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limits the application of net operating loss and net capital loss carryforwards following an ownership change. Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $54.1 million is required as of June 30, 2013. The loss carryforwards available per year are $2.8 million as required by Internal Revenue Code Section 382. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the valuation allowance was reduced by $0.5 million pertaining to the use of the PXRE and ARIS loss carryforwards, was increased by $0.3 million pertaining to the Malta operations and was increased by $1.8 million pertaining to the Brazil operations.

 

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We had no material unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2013. Our United States subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009. Our United Kingdom subsidiaries are no longer subject to United Kingdom income tax examinations by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for years before 2011.

 

9. Share-based Compensation

The fair value method of accounting is used for equity-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the award at the measurement date and recognized over the requisite service period. We use the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair values on the measurement date for share options and share appreciation rights (“SARs”). The Black-Scholes model uses several assumptions to value a share award. The volatility assumption is based on the historical change in Argo Group’s stock price over the previous five years preceding the measurement date. The risk-free rate of return assumption is based on the five-year U.S. Treasury constant maturity rate on the measurement date. The expected award life is based upon the average holding period over the history of the incentive plan. The following table summarizes the assumptions we used for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     2013     2012  

Risk-free rate of return

     1.45     1.09

Expected dividend yields

     1.67     1.67

Expected award life (years)

     5.02        5.03   

Expected volatility

     31.9     32.6

All outstanding awards were adjusted to reflect the 10% stock dividend, resulting in a 10% increase to the number of awards outstanding and a 9.09% reduction in the exercise price.

Argo Group’s 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan

In November 2007, the shareholders of Argo Group approved the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”), which provides for an aggregate of 4.5 million shares of our common stock that may be issued to executives, non-employee directors and other key employees. The share awards may be in the form of share options, SARs, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, performance shares or other share-based incentive awards. Shares issued under this plan may be shares that are authorized and unissued or shares that we reacquired, including shares purchased on the open market. Share options and SARs will count as one share for the purposes of the limits under the 2007 Plan; restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, performance shares or other share-based incentive awards which settle in common shares will count as 2.75 shares for purpose of the limits under the 2007 Plan.

Share options may be in the form of incentive share options, non-qualified share options and restorative options. Share options are required to have an exercise price that is not less than the market value on the date of grant. The term of the share options cannot exceed seven years from the grant date.

A summary of option activity under the 2007 Plan as of June 30, 2013, and changes during the six months then ended is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2013

     418,325      $ 33.56   

Granted

     0      $ 0.00   

Exercised

     (52,803   $ 32.16   

Expired or forfeited

     (44,830   $ 34.22   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at June 30, 2013

     320,692      $ 33.69   
  

 

 

   

 

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Options outstanding under this plan vested over a one to five year period, subject to continued employment. As of December 31, 2012, all options under this plan were fully vested. Expense recognized under this plan for share options was $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012. Compensation expense from all equity-based compensation awards is included in “Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

A summary of restricted share activity under the 2007 Plan as of June 30, 2013, and changes during the six months then ended is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted-Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2013

     236,139      $ 29.76   

Granted

     115,288      $ 37.86   

Vested and issued

     (53,034   $ 30.36   

Expired or forfeited

     (8,769   $ 31.39   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at June 30, 2013

     289,624      $ 33.10   
  

 

 

   

The restricted shares will vest over two to four years. Expense recognized under this plan for the restricted shares was $1.6 million and $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, there was $7.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted shares.

A summary of stock-settled SARs activity under the 2007 Plan as of June 30, 2013, and changes during the six months then ended is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2013

     1,261,557      $ 27.04   

Granted

     332,004      $ 37.21   

Exercised

     (99,085   $ 29.26   

Expired or forfeited

     (124,794   $ 26.40   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at June 30, 2013

     1,369,682      $ 29.35   
  

 

 

   

The stock-settled SARs vest over a one to four year period. Upon exercise of the stock-settled SARs, the employee is entitled to receive shares of our common stock equal to the appreciation of the stock as compared to the exercise price. Expense recognized for the stock-settled SARs was $1.3 and $1.2 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. As of June 30, 2013, there was $5.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-settled SARs.

A summary of cash-settled SARs activity under the 2007 Plan as of June 30, 2013, and changes during the six months then ended is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2013

     1,886,124      $ 27.35   

Granted

     556,598      $ 37.00   

Exercised

     (292,189   $ 28.85   

Expired or forfeited

     (119,178   $ 25.62   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at June 30, 2013

     2,031,355      $ 30.15   
  

 

 

   

The cash-settled SARs vest over a one to four year period. Upon exercise of the cash-settled SARs, the employee is entitled to receive cash payment for the appreciation in the value of our common stock over the exercise price. We are accounting for the cash-settled SARs as liability awards, which require the awards to be revalued at each reporting period. Expense recognized for the cash-settled SARs was $11.0 million and $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, there was $14.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to cash-settled SARs.

 

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Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors

In February 2008, the Board of Directors approved the Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (“Directors Plan”), a non-funded and non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Under the Directors Plan, non-employee directors can elect each year to defer payment of 50% or 100% of their cash compensation payable during the next calendar year. During the time that the cash compensation amounts are deferred, such amounts are credited with interest earned at a rate two percent above the prime rate, to be re-set each May 1. In addition, the Directors Plan calls for us to grant a match equal to 75% of the cash compensation amounts deferred in the form of “Stock Units,” which provide directors with the economic equivalent of stock ownership and are credited as a bookkeeping entry to each director’s “Stock Unit Account.” Each Stock Unit is valued at the closing price of our common stock on the national exchange on which it is listed as of the date credited for all purposes under the Directors Plan and fluctuates daily thereafter on that same basis. Distributions from the Directors Plan will occur six months after the non-employee director ceases to be a member of the Board due to retirement or termination without cause or change in control, or immediately upon disability or death. The non-employee directors are responsible for all tax requirements on the deferred compensation and any related earnings. The Directors Plan provides for a Stock Unit Account to be established for each non-employee director upon their election to the Board and credits their account with an initial bookkeeping entry for 1,650 Stock Units. Under the Directors Plan, we recorded compensation expense of $1.2 million and $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Argonaut Group’s Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan

Argonaut Group, Inc.’s Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan, as approved by the shareholders (the “Amended Plan”), provided for an aggregate of up to 6,250,000 shares of our common stock that may be issued to certain executives and other key employees. The stock awards were issued in the form of non-qualified stock options and non-vested stock.

A summary of option activity under the Amended Plan as of June 30, 2013, and changes during the six months then ended is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2013

     210,097      $ 33.13   

Granted

     0      $ 0.00   

Exercised

     (90,368   $ 29.04   

Expired or forfeited

     (38,415   $ 48.71   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at June 30, 2013

     81,314      $ 30.33   
  

 

 

   

All options granted under the Amended Plan were fully vested in August 2011.

 

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10. Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The following table provides a reconciliation of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), net of reinsurance, to the gross amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Reinsurance recoverables in this note exclude paid loss recoverables of $127.4 million and $78.8 million as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:

 

     For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(in millions)    2013     2012  

Net reserves beginning of the year

   $ 2,110.9      $ 2,336.7   

Add:

    

Net reserves from assumed retroactive insurance contract (1)

     0.0        13.0   

Losses and LAE incurred during current calendaryear, net of reinsurance:

    

Current accident year

     380.5        349.0   

Prior accident years

     (17.3     (7.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and LAE incurred during calendar year, net of reinsurance

     363.2        341.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deduct:

    

Losses and LAE payments made during current calendar year, net of reinsurance:

    

Current accident year

     73.5        60.2   

Prior accident years

     290.3        311.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and LAE payments made during current calendar year, net of reinsurance:

     363.8        371.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in participation interest (2)

     10.4        (3.1

Foreign exchange adjustments

     (9.1     (7.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net reserves - end of period

     2,111.6        2,309.2   

Add:

    

Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and LAE, end of period

     1,122.3        913.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross reserves - end of period

   $ 3,233.9      $ 3,223.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Amount represents reserves assumed resulting from participation in Brazilian Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance Pool effective January 1, 2012.
(2) Amount represents (decrease) increase in reserves due to change in syndicate participation.

Included in losses and LAE for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $17.3 million in favorable prior years’ loss reserve development comprised of the following: $14.4 million net favorable development in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment primarily caused by favorable development of $19.9 million in the general and products liability lines, partially offset with $4.7 million of unfavorable development in commercial automobile; $0.1 million of net unfavorable development in the Commercial Specialty segment, primarily driven by $7.0 million unfavorable development in general liability due to increases in claim severity and $2.1 million unfavorable development in automobile liability, offset by $5.9 million favorable development in short tail lines, $2.1 million favorable development in workers compensation and $0.8 million favorable development on an assumed Directors & Officers program; $0.6 million net unfavorable development in the International Specialty segment primarily driven by $3.8 million of unfavorable development from a marine industry loss warranty and crop losses and $0.4 million in unfavorable development in our Brazil unit, partially offset by $2.3 million of favorable development on professional lines due to favorable loss activity and $1.2 million on assumed contract from older years; $3.5 million net favorable development in the Syndicate 1200 segment driven by favorable development in various property classes, partially offset by unfavorable development in the onshore energy and liability classes of business; $0.1 million favorable development in the Runoff Lines segment primarily caused by favorable development related to the 2005 hurricanes, partially offset by unfavorable development related to commutations and the unwinding of the workers compensation reserve discount.

 

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Included in losses and LAE for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $7.4 million in favorable prior years’ loss reserve development comprised of the following: $21.7 million of favorable development in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment primarily driven by $18.1 million of favorable development in the general and products liability lines of business primarily in accident year 2009, $2.0 million of favorable development in the property lines, primarily in accident year 2010 and $1.4 million of favorable development in the automobile liability lines of business, primarily in accident year 2009; $18.0 million of net unfavorable development in the Commercial Specialty segment driven by $22.6 million of unfavorable development in general liability due to increases in claim severity, $2.9 million of unfavorable development in the automobile liability lines of business, partially offset by $6.0 million of favorable development in workers compensation and $1.5 million of favorable development in short-tail lines; $3.6 million of net favorable development in the International Specialty segment primarily driven by $4.6 million of favorable development attributable to short-tail non-catastrophe losses, $0.3 million of favorable development in long-tail professional liability, partially offset by $1.4 million of unfavorable development related to short-tail catastrophe losses primarily due to the 2011 catastrophe events; $2.3 million of net favorable development in the Syndicate 1200 segment primarily driven by favorable development in the property facultative class of business as a claim relating to Hurricane Ike was settled for less than case reserves, partially offset by unfavorable development in the professional indemnity class of business which was driven by an increase in prior year premiums as a result of re-estimation of premium income written through binding authorities; and $2.2 million of net unfavorable development in the Run-off Lines segment driven by $2.0 million of unfavorable development related to risk management run-off reserves due to strengthening the reserve for unallocated loss adjustment expenses, $0.5 million of unfavorable development related to the unwinding of the workers compensation reserve discount, partially offset by $0.3 million of favorable development in the involuntary lines.

In the opinion of management, our reserves represent the best estimate of our ultimate liabilities, based on currently known facts, current law, current technology and assumptions considered reasonable where facts are not known. Due to the significant uncertainties and related management judgments, there can be no assurance that future loss development, favorable or unfavorable, will not occur.

 

11. Derivative Instruments

Through our subsidiary Argo Re, Ltd., in 2011 we entered into two reinsurance contracts with a special purpose reinsurance company that provided us with protection against certain severe catastrophe events and the occurrence of multiple significant catastrophe events during the same year. The first contract was effective June 18, 2011 and provided coverage of $100 million for hurricanes and earthquakes in the U.S., windstorms in Europe, and earthquakes in Japan based on the occurrence of second and subsequent events on a per-occurrence basis over an 18-month coverage period. Each event had an activation level, which, if attained, put the notes on risk for a subsequent event. Once the coverage had been activated, a second loss during the Coverage Period in excess of the loss trigger level results in a loss to the note holders. The first contract expired in December 2012. The second contract entered into on December 28, 2011 and effective January 1, 2012, provides coverage of $100 million for hurricanes and earthquakes (including fire) in the U.S. and covers losses for the first and subsequent events on a per-occurrence basis over a 24-month coverage period. Both of these transactions ignore the effects of inuring reinsurance, creating the remote possibility of a double recovery on covered events, and are therefore deemed to be derivatives.

We recorded these contracts at fair value, and such fair value is included in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets with any changes in the value reflected in “Other reinsurance-related expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As there is no quoted fair value available for these derivatives, the fair value was estimated by management taking into account changes in the market for catastrophe bond reinsurance contracts with similar economic characteristics and potential recoveries from events preceding the valuation date. Included in “Other reinsurance-related expenses” for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was $4.7 million and $9.8 million, respectively, and $6.9 million and $13.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. The expense in each respective period was due to the change in the fair value of the derivatives, principally due to the passage of the transaction’s risk coverage term. Included in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $3.3 million and $6.9 million, which represent the fair value of these contracts at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

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The special purpose reinsurance company that is the counterparty to these transactions is a variable interest entity under the provisions of ASC Topic 810-10. Argo Group is not the primary beneficiary of this entity and is therefore not required to consolidate it in its consolidated financial statements.

 

12. Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

 

     For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Commissions

   $ 65.6      $ 51.3      $ 117.5      $ 100.7   

General expenses

     66.7        61.5        135.4        122.0   

Premium taxes, boards and bureaus

     6.1        6.0        12.9        12.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     138.4        118.8        265.8        234.8   

Net (deferral) amortization of policy acquisition costs

     (13.8     (4.2     (14.5     (6.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

   $ 124.6      $ 114.6      $ 251.3      $ 228.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Included in general expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, was $4.5 million and $11.0 million in additional expense for our cash settled stock appreciation rights, due to the increase in our stock price.

 

13. Segment Information

We are primarily engaged in writing property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. We have four ongoing reporting segments: Excess and Surplus Lines, Commercial Specialty, International Specialty and Syndicate 1200. Additionally, we have a Run-off Lines segment for certain products that we no longer write.

We consider many factors, including the nature of each segment’s insurance and reinsurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and the regulatory environment, in determining how to aggregate reporting segments.

In evaluating the operating performance of our segments, we focus on core underwriting and investing results before the consideration of realized gains or losses from the sales of investments. Intersegment transactions are allocated to the segment that initiated the transaction. Realized investment gains are reported as a component of the Corporate and Other segment, as decisions regarding the acquisition and disposal of securities reside with the investment function and are not under the control of the individual business segments. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the operation of each segment.

 

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Revenue and income (loss) before income taxes for each segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

 

     For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Revenue:

        

Earned premiums

        

Excess and Surplus Lines

   $ 108.7      $ 98.5      $ 213.8      $ 194.7   

Commercial Specialty

     75.3        81.2        150.5        163.2   

International Specialty

     36.4        29.4        69.1        57.4   

Syndicate 1200

     107.4        80.4        198.3        151.5   

Run-off Lines

     (0.3     0.7        0.0        0.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total earned premiums

     327.5        290.2        631.7        567.5   

Net investment income

        

Excess and Surplus Lines

     11.2        13.0        22.1        26.0   

Commercial Specialty

     6.1        7.0        12.0        13.9   

International Specialty

     1.7        2.8        4.0        6.9   

Syndicate 1200

     2.8        3.7        5.6        7.6   

Run-off Lines

     2.8        3.5        5.6        7.0   

Corporate and Other

     0.7        0.0        3.9        0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net investment income

     25.3        30.0        53.2        61.4   

Fee income, net

     0.2        0.5        0.2        1.8   

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     11.0        (2.7     20.5        10.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

   $ 364.0      $ 318.0      $ 705.6      $ 641.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Income (loss) before income taxes

        

Excess and Surplus Lines

   $ 16.7      $ 22.3      $ 30.6      $ 41.2   

Commercial Specialty

     1.5        (8.8     7.2        (9.1

International Specialty

     2.8        9.6        7.6        15.4   

Syndicate 1200

     9.8        4.5        18.2        6.2   

Run-off Lines

     3.7        1.4        3.3        1.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total segment income before taxes

     34.5        29.0        66.9        54.7   

Corporate and Other

     (2.7     (1.3     (7.1     (12.0

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     11.0        (2.7     20.5        10.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 42.8      $ 25.0      $ 80.3      $ 53.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table below presents earned premiums by geographic location for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. For this disclosure, we determine geographic location by the country of domicile of our subsidiaries that write the business and not by the location of insureds or reinsureds from whom the business was generated.

 

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     For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
     For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(in millions)    2013      2012      2013      2012  

Bermuda

   $ 22.1       $ 28.6       $ 47.9       $ 50.9   

Brazil

     10.0         5.2         20.0         11.7   

Malta

     0.4         0.1         0.8         0.1   

United Kingdom

     111.3         75.9         198.3         146.2   

United States

     183.7         180.4         364.7         358.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total earned premiums

   $ 327.5       $ 290.2       $ 631.7       $ 567.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table represents identifiable assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

(in millions)    June 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Excess and Surplus Lines

   $ 2,223.0       $ 2,206.7   

Commercial Specialty

     1,327.6         1,337.7   

International Specialty

     773.8         731.8   

Syndicate 1200

     1,667.8         1,811.4   

Run-off Lines

     521.9         516.5   

Corporate and Other

     61.2         84.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,575.3       $ 6,688.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in total assets at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are $364.7 million and $505.7 million, respectively, in assets associated with trade capital providers.

 

14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Income taxes paid. We paid income taxes of $5.0 million and $13.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Interest paid. Interest paid for the six months ended June 30, was as follows:

 

      For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(in millions)    2013      2012  

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes

   $ 4.7       $ 0.0   

Junior subordinated debentures

     3.8         9.4   

Other indebtedness

     0.5         1.6   

Revolving credit facility

     0.0         0.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest paid

   $ 9.0       $ 11.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

15. Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Investment securities and short-term investments. See Note 3, “Investments,” for additional information.

Premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables on paid losses. The carrying value of current receivables approximates fair value. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying values of premiums receivable over 90 days were $23.2 million and $24.3 million, respectively. Included in “Reinsurance recoverables” in the

 

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, are amounts that are due from third party trade capital providers associated with the operations of Argo Underwriting Agency Limited (“Argo International”). Upon settlement, the receivable is offset against the liability also reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the payable was in excess of the receivable. Of our paid losses on reinsurance recoverable balances, excluding amounts attributable to Argo International’s third party trade capital providers, at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying values over 90 days were $17.1 million and $18.0 million, respectively. Our methodology for establishing our allowances for doubtful accounts includes specifically identifying all potential uncollectible balances regardless of aging. Any of the over 90 day balances, where collectability was deemed questionable, have been included in the allowances. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the allowance for doubtful accounts for premiums receivable was $3.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts for reinsurance recoverables on paid losses was $2.3 million and $2.2 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Premiums receivable over 90 days were secured by collateral in the amount of $0.7 million and $0.4 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Reinsurance recoverables on paid losses over 90 days were secured by collateral in the amount of $0.3 million at both June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value of our Junior Subordinated Debentures, Senior unsecured fixed rate notes, and other indebtedness was estimated using appropriate market indices or quoted prices from external sources based on current market conditions.

A summary of our financial instruments whose carrying value did not equal fair value at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is shown below:

 

     June 30, 2013      December 31, 2012  
(in millions)    Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value  

Junior subordinated debentures

   $ 193.3       $ 155.2       $ 193.3       $ 151.8   

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes

     143.8         141.2         143.8         143.2   

Other indebtedness:

           

Floating rate loan stock

     63.2         50.7         63.0         49.5   

Note payable

     0.8         0.6         0.8         0.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 401.1       $ 347.7       $ 400.9       $ 345.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

16. Information Provided in Connection with Outstanding Debt of Subsidiaries

In September 2012, through our wholly owned subsidiary Argo Group US, Inc. (“Argo Group US”), we issued $143,750,000 aggregate principal amount of Argo Group US’s 6.5% Senior Notes due September 15, 2042 (the “Notes”). The Notes bear interest at 6.5%, payable quarterly in cash in arrears on the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year, beginning on December 15, 2012. The Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Argo Group US and rank equally in right of payment with all of Argo Group US’s other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The Notes are guaranteed on a full and unconditional senior unsecured basis by Argo Group. The Notes may be redeemed, for cash, in whole or in part, on or after September 15, 2017, at Argo Group US’s option, at any time and from time to time, prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued but unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but not including, the redemption date.

The following tables present condensed consolidating financial information at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, for Argo Group (the “Parent Guarantor”) and Argo Group US (the “Subsidiary Issuer”). The Subsidiary Issuer is an indirect 100 percent-owned subsidiary of the Parent

 

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Guarantor. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Guarantor under the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the Parent Guarantor’s investment accounts and earnings. The Parent Guarantor fully and unconditionally guarantees certain of the debt of the Subsidiary Issuer. Condensed consolidating financial information of the Subsidiary Issuer is presented on a consolidated basis and consists principally of the net assets, results of operations, and cash flows of operating insurance company subsidiaries.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

June 30, 2013

(in millions)

 

    Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd (Parent
Guarantor)
    Argo Group US,  Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
    Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments  (2)
    Total  
Assets          

Investments

  $ (3.8   $ 2,715.8      $ 1,273.4      $ 0.0      $ 3,985.4   

Cash

    0.0        83.8        18.2        0.0        102.0   

Premiums receivable

    0.0        158.4        290.2        0.0        448.6   

Reinsurance recoverables

    0.0        1,179.3        70.4        0.0        1,249.7   

Goodwill and other intangible assets

    0.0        138.4        104.1        0.0        242.5   

Current income taxes receivable, net

    0.0        4.5        4.4        0.0        8.9   

Deferred acquisition costs, net

    0.0        54.0        57.9        0.0        111.9   

Ceded unearned premiums

    0.0        92.2        147.5        0.0        239.7   

Other assets

    5.8        115.2        65.6        0.0        186.6   

Due from affiliates

    0.0        1.6        (1.6     0.0        0.0   

Intercompany note receivable

    0.0        121.1        (121.1     0.0        0.0   

Investments in subsidiaries

    1,616.4        0.0        0.0        (1,616.4     0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 1,618.4      $ 4,664.3      $ 1,909.0      $ (1,616.4   $ 6,575.3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

         

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

  $ 0.0      $ 2,209.6        1,024.3      $ 0.0      $ 3,233.9   

Unearned premiums

    0.0        422.0        387.7        0.0        809.7   

Funds held and ceded reinsurance payable, net

    0.0        617.9        (165.2     0.0        452.7   

Long-term debt

    49.0        288.9        63.2        0.0        401.1   

Current income taxes payable, net

    0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Deferred tax liabilities, net

    0.0        19.4        9.6        0.0        29.0   

Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities

    14.9        92.0        50.9        0.0        157.8   

Due to affiliates

    (6.1     0.0        0.0        6.1        0.0   

Intercompany note payable

    69.5        0.0        0.0        (69.5     0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    127.3        3,649.8        1,370.5        (63.4     5,084.2   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

    1,491.1        1,014.5        538.5        (1,553.0     1,491.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 1,618.4      $ 4,664.3      $ 1,909.0      $ (1,616.4   $ 6,575.3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd and all intercompany eliminations

(2) 

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

 

31


Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2012

(in millions)

 

    Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd (Parent
Guarantor)
    Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
    Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments  (2)
    Total  
Assets          

Investments

  $ (0.9   $ 2,794.7      $ 1,406.9      $ 0.0      $ 4,200.7   

Cash

    0.0        73.9        21.9        0.0        95.8   

Premiums receivable

    0.0        155.1        205.9        0.0        361.0   

Reinsurance recoverables

    0.0        1,155.1        165.8        0.0        1,320.9   

Goodwill and other intangible assets

    0.0        139.5        105.8        0.0        245.3   

Current income taxes receivable, net

    0.0        8.7        4.2        0.0        12.9   

Deferred acquisition costs, net

    0.0        54.6        44.8        0.0        99.4   

Ceded unearned premiums

    0.0        85.9        107.7        0.0        193.6   

Other assets

    4.3        104.0        51.0        0.0        159.3   

Due from affiliates

    5.0        1.2        (1.2     (5.0     0.0   

Intercompany note receivable

    0.0        119.6        (119.6     0.0        0.0   

Investments in subsidiaries

    1,621.1        0.0        0.0        (1,621.1     0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 1,629.5      $ 4,692.3      $ 1,993.2      $ (1,626.1   $ 6,688.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

  $ 0.0      $ 2,226.3      $ 997.2      $ 0.0      $ 3,223.5   

Unearned premiums

    0.0        415.6        314.6        0.0        730.2   

Funds held and ceded reinsurance payable, net

    0.0        598.4        47.4        0.0        645.8   

Long-term debt

    49.0        288.9        63.0        0.0        400.9   

Current income taxes payable, net

    0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Deferred tax liabilities, net

    0.0        36.8        7.0        0.0        43.8   

Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities

    11.3        84.1        35.2        0.0        130.6   

Due to affiliates

    0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Intercompany note payable

    55.1        0.0        0.0        (55.1     0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    115.4        3,650.1        1,464.4        (55.1     5,174.8   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

    1,514.1        1,042.2        528.8        (1,571.0     1,514.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 1,629.5      $ 4,692.3      $ 1,993.2      $ (1,626.1   $ 6,688.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd and all intercompany eliminations

(2) 

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

 

32


Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2013

(in millions)

 

    Argo Group International
Holdings, Ltd (Parent
Guarantor)
    Argo Group US, Inc. and
Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)
    Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    Total  

Premiums and other revenue:

         

Earned premiums

  $ 0.0      $ 108.3      $ 219.2      $ 0.0      $ 327.5   

Net investment income

    0.0        19.6        6.0        (0.3     25.3   

Fee income, net

    0.0        (1.0     1.2        0.0        0.2   

Net realized investment gains

    0.0        18.0        (7.0     0.0        11.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

    0.0        144.9        219.4        (0.3     364.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

         

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

    0.0        64.7        128.0        0.0        192.7   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

    0.0        1.4        3.3        0.0        4.7   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

    6.3        43.5        74.8        0.0        124.6   

Interest expense

    0.8        3.9        0.7        (0.3     5.1   

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

    0.1        0.0        (6.0     0.0        (5.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    7.2        113.5        200.8        (0.3     321.2   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

    (7.2     31.4        18.6        0.0        42.8   

Provision for income taxes

    0.0        8.4        2.7        0.0        11.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (7.2     23.0        15.9        0.0        31.7   

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

    38.9        0.0        0.0        (38.9     0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 31.7      $ 23.0      $ 15.9      $ (38.9   $ 31.7   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations

(2) 

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF (LOSS) INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

(in millions)

 

    Argo Group International
Holdings, Ltd (Parent
Guarantor)
    Argo Group US, Inc. and
Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)
    Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    Total  

Premiums and other revenue:

         

Earned premiums

  $ 0.0      $ 109.9      $ 180.3      $ 0.0      $ 290.2   

Net investment income

    0.0        22.3        7.7        0.0        30.0   

Fee income, net

    0.0        (0.2     0.7        0.0        0.5   

Net realized investment gains

    0.0        (2.1     (0.6     0.0        (2.7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

    0.0        129.9        188.1        0.0        318.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

         

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

    0.0        74.4        101.4        0.0        175.8   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

    0.0        0.0        6.9        0.0        6.9   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

    7.6        42.9        64.1        0.0        114.6   

Interest expense

    1.0        3.8        0.7        0.0        5.5   

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

    0.0        0.3        (10.1     0.0        (9.8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    8.6        121.4        163.0        0.0        293.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (8.6     8.5        25.1        0.0        25.0   

Provision for income taxes

    0.0        0.9        0.1        0.0        1.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before equity in losses of subsidiaries

    (8.6     7.6        25.0        0.0      $ 24.0   

Equity in undistributed losses of subsidiaries

    32.6        0.0        0.0        (32.6     0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 24.0      $ 7.6      $ 25.0      $ (32.6   $ 24.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations

(2) 

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

 

33


Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2013

(in millions)

 

    Argo Group International
Holdings, Ltd (Parent
Guarantor)
    Argo Group US, Inc. and
Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)
    Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
    Total  

Premiums and other revenue:

         

Earned premiums

  $ 0.0      $ 216.0      $ 415.7      $ 0.0      $ 631.7   

Net investment income

    0.0        40.5        13.3        (0.6     53.2   

Fee income, net

    0.0        (1.3     1.5        0.0        0.2   

Net realized investment gains

    0.0        25.6        (5.1     0.0        20.5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

    0.0        280.8        425.4        (0.6     705.6   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

         

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

    0.0        129.0        234.2        0.0        363.2   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

    0.0        2.9        6.9        0.0        9.8   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

    12.5        92.2        146.6        0.0        251.3   

Interest expense

    1.6        7.6        1.4        (0.6     10.0   

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

    0.0        0.2        (9.2     0.0        (9.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    14.1        231.9        379.9        (0.6     625.3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

    (14.1     48.9        45.5        0.0        80.3   

Provision for income taxes

    0.0        11.6        4.3        0.0        15.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (14.1     37.3        41.2        0.0        64.4   

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

    78.5        0.0        0.0        (78.5     0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 64.4      $ 37.3      $ 41.2      $ (78.5   $ 64.4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations

(2) 

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF (LOSS) INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

(in millions)

 

    Argo Group International
Holdings, Ltd (Parent
Guarantor)
    Argo Group US, Inc. and
Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)
    Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments  (2)
    Total  

Premiums and other revenue:

         

Earned premiums

  $ 0.0      $ 218.8      $ 348.7      $ 0.0      $ 567.5   

Net investment income

    0.0        44.2        17.2        0.0        61.4   

Fee income, net

    0.0        0.0        1.8        0.0        1.8   

Net realized investment gains

    0.0        7.5        2.9        0.0        10.4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

    0.0        270.5        370.6        —          641.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

         

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

    0.0        142.9        198.7        0.0        341.6   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

    0.0        0.0        13.8        0.0        13.8   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

    14.7        86.1        127.5        0.0        228.3   

Interest expense

    1.9        7.6        1.7        0.0        11.2   

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

    0.0        0.2        (7.1     0.0        (6.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    16.6        236.8        334.6        0.0        588.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (16.6     33.7        36.0        0.0        53.1   

Provision for income taxes

    0.0        7.9        1.6        0.0        9.5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before equity in losses of subsidiaries

    (16.6     25.8        34.4        0.0      $ 43.6   

Equity in undistributed losses of subsidiaries

    60.2        0.0        0.0        (60.2     0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 43.6      $ 25.8      $ 34.4      $ (60.2   $ 43.6   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations

(2) 

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

 

34


Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2013

(in millions)

 

    Argo Group
International Holdings,
Ltd (Parent Guarantor)
    Argo Group US, Inc. and
Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)
    Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments  (2)
    Total  

Net cash flows from operating activities

  $ (7.4   $ (3.4   $ (85.4   $ 0.0      $ (96.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

         

Proceeds from sales of investments

    0.0        433.8        486.1        0.0        919.9   

Proceeds from maturities and mandatory calls of investments

    0.0        160.9        50.0        0.0        210.9   

Purchases of investments

    0.0        (538.6     (387.7     0.0        (926.3

Change in short-term investments and foreign regulatory deposits

    0.0        (12.8     (35.7     0.0        (48.5

Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts

    (0.1     0.0        (2.6     0.0        (2.7

Issuance of intercompany note, net

    0.0        0.0        (14.0     14.0        0.0   

Other, net

    (0.1     0.9        (14.2     0.0        (13.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided (used) by investing activities

    (0.2     44.2        81.9        14.0        139.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Borrowings under intercompany note, net

    14.0        0.0        0.0        (14.0     0.0   

Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured fixed rate notes

    0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Activity under stock incentive plans

    1.4        0.0        0.1        0.0        1.5   

Repurchase of Company’s common shares

    0.0        (30.9     0.0        0.0        (30.9

Excess tax expense from share-based payment arrangements

    0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Payment of cash dividend to common shareholders

    (7.8     0.0        0.0        0.0        (7.8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided (used) by financing activities

    7.6        (30.9     0.1        (14.0     (37.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    0.0        0.0        (0.3     0.0        (0.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash

    0.0        9.9        (3.7     0.0        6.2   

Cash, beginning of period

    0.0        73.9        21.9        0.0        95.8   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

  $ 0.0      $ 83.8      $ 18.2      $ 0.0      $ 102.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd and all intercompany eliminations

(2) 

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

(in millions)

 

    Argo Group
International Holdings,
Ltd (Parent Guarantor)
    Argo Group US, Inc. and
Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)
    Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
    Consolidating
Adjustments  (2)
    Total  

Net cash flows from operating activities

  $ (15.3   $ (26.8   $ 13.7      $ 0.0      $ (28.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

         

Proceeds from sales of investments

    0.0        391.2        344.4        0.0        735.6   

Proceeds from maturities and mandatory calls of investments

    0.0        126.8        79.1        0.0        205.9   

Purchases of investments

    0.0        (503.3     (363.3     0.0        (866.6

Change in short-term investments and foreign regulatory deposits

    (0.1     43.9        (60.0     0.0        (16.2

Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts

    2.4        0.0        (3.2     0.0        (0.8

Issuance of intercompany note, net

    0.0        (10.0     (9.1     19.1        0.0   

Other, net

    0.0        (15.3     (4.2     0.0        (19.5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided (used) by investing activities

    2.3        33.3        (16.3     19.1        38.4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Borrowings under intercompany note, net

    19.1        0.0        0.0        (19.1     0.0   

Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured fixed rate notes

    0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Activity under stock incentive plans

    0.2        0.0        0.0        0.0        0.2   

Repurchase of Company’s common shares

    0.0        (27.8     0.0        0.0        (27.8

Excess tax expense from share-based payment arrangements

    0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0   

Payment of cash dividend to common shareholders

    (6.3     0.0        0.1        0.0        (6.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash (used) provided by financing activities

    13.0        (27.8     0.1        (19.1     (33.8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    0.0        0.0        (1.3     0.0        (1.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash

    0.0        (21.3     (3.8     0.0        (25.1

Cash, beginning of period

    0.0        85.1        15.8        0.0        100.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

  $ 0.0      $ 63.8      $ 12.0      $ 0.0      $ 75.8   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations

(2) 

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

 

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

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, and also a discussion of our financial condition as of June 30, 2013. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and Argo Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2013, including the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto.

Forward Looking Statements

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk and the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) may contain “forward looking statements,” which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that actual developments will be those anticipated by us. Actual results may differ materially as a result of significant risks and uncertainties, including non-receipt of expected payments, the capital markets and their effect on investment income and the fair value of the investment portfolio, development of claims and the effect on loss reserves, accuracy in estimating loss reserves, changes in the demand for our products, the effect of general economic conditions, adverse state and federal legislation and regulations, government investigations into industry practices, developments relating to existing agreements, heightened competition, changes in pricing environments and changes in asset valuations. For a more detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties, see our public filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

Generally, it is our policy to communicate events that may have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial position, including property and casualty catastrophic events and material losses in the investment portfolio, in a timely manner through a public announcement. It is also our policy not to make public announcements regarding events that are believed to have no material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial position based on management’s current estimates and available information, other than through regularly scheduled calls, press releases or filings.

Results of Operations

The following is a comparison of selected data from our operations:

 

     Three Months
Ended June 30,
    Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Gross written premiums

   $ 542.2      $ 474.2      $ 980.4      $ 870.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earned premiums

   $ 327.5      $ 290.2      $ 631.7      $ 567.5   

Net investment income

     25.3        30.0        53.2        61.4   

Fee income, net

     0.2        0.5        0.2        1.8   

Net realized investment and other gains

     11.0        (2.7     20.5        10.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

   $ 364.0      $ 318.0      $ 705.6      $ 641.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 42.8      $ 25.0      $ 80.3      $ 53.1   

Provision for income taxes

     11.1        1.0        15.9        9.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 31.7      $ 24.0      $ 64.4      $ 43.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss ratio

     59.7     62.1     58.4     61.7

Expense ratio

     38.6     40.4     40.4     41.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     98.3     102.5     98.8     102.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The increase in consolidated gross written and earned premiums was primarily attributable to growth in our segments, excluding Commercial Specialty, resulting from our introduction of new products, increased renewals and moderate rate increases. Partially offsetting these increases were declines in gross written and earned premiums in the Commercial Specialty segment due to the planned reductions in select lines.

The decline in consolidated net investment income was primarily attributable to a reduction in invested asset balances due to the transfer of certain invested assets as a result of a whole account quota share contract for our Syndicate 1200 segment, which was effective in December 2012, the continued decline in portfolio yield and a modest repositioning of the portfolio away from long durations assets and investments with higher yields.

The increase in consolidated net realized investment gains for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was primarily attributable to the recognition of gains of certain fixed maturity and equity securities due to repositioning of the investment portfolio coupled with the increase in value of investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Net realized gains from the sales of equity investments were $6.5 million and $7.0 million for the three and six months ended June, 2013. Net realized gains from the sales of fixed maturity securities were $8.3 million and $13.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. Other investments reported a realized loss of $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, primarily attributable to foreign currency impact on our Fund’s at Lloyd’s investments and our foreign currency future forward contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, other investments reported a realized gain of $5.5 million. Offsetting these realized gains were the recognition of $0.4 million and $5.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, in other-than-temporary impairments on our equity and strategic investment portfolios.

We have purchased foreign currency future forward contracts to manage currency exposure on losses related to the New Zealand and Japan earthquakes and Australian floods. The open contracts have a term of 90 days to match the anticipated payment pattern of the associated losses, and may be renewed at the end of each term. We do not apply hedge accounting to these contracts; as a result, all gains (losses) were recognized in net realized investment gains (losses). For the three months ended June 30, 2013 we recognized $2.9 million in foreign currency exchange gains related to the loss reserves recorded for these events which were offset by $3.9 million in realized losses from the currency forward contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, we recognized foreign currency exchange gains of $3.3 million related to the loss reserves recorded for these events which were offset by $4.6 million in realized losses from the currency forward contracts. The foreign currency exchange (gains) losses related to these loss reserves and the realized gains (losses) from the currency forward contracts are reported under the Corporate and Other segment.

Consolidated losses and loss adjustment expenses were $192.7 million and $175.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 were current accident year large losses of $9.3 million. Also included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was $10.5 million in catastrophe losses resulting from the European floods and storm activity in the United States. Offsetting these current accident year losses was $12.8 million of net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves, primarily attributable to favorable development in the general liability and property lines partially offset by unfavorable development in the commercial automobile and reinsurance lines. Included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $3.9 million in catastrophe losses resulting from various United States storms. Additionally, included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $4.1 million in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily attributable to favorable development in the general liability, property and reinsurance lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in the commercial multi peril and commercial automobile lines.

Consolidated losses and loss adjustment expenses were $363.2 million and $341.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $12.4 million in catastrophe losses compared to $8.1 million in catastrophe losses for the same period ended 2012. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $17.3

 

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million in net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years compared to $7.4 million in net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the same period in 2012. The following table summarizes the reserve development as respects to prior year loss reserves by line of business for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

 

(in millions)    2012 Net Reserves      Net Reserve  Development
(Favorable)/Unfavorable
    Percent of
2012 Net Reserves
 

General liability

   $ 919.9       $ (17.0     -1.8

Workers compensation

     365.3         (0.3     -0.1

Commercial multi-peril

     195.2         (0.5     -0.3

Commercial auto liability

     165.1         6.0        3.6

Reinsurance - nonproportional assumed property

     122.9         2.7        2.2

Special property

     21.6         (1.4     -6.5

Syndicate 1200 property

     140.1         (4.0     -2.9

Syndicate 1200 liability

     122.5         0.4        0.3

All other lines

     58.3         (3.2     -5.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,110.9       $ (17.3     -0.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

In determining appropriate reserve levels at June 30, 2013, we maintained the same general processes and disciplines that were used to set reserves at prior reporting dates. No significant changes in methodologies were made to estimate the reserves since the last reporting date; however, at each reporting date we reassess the actuarial estimate of the reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses and record our best estimate. Consistent with prior reserve valuations, as claims data becomes more mature for prior accident years, actuarial estimates were refined to weigh certain actuarial methods more heavily in order to respond to any emerging trends in the paid and reported loss data. These modifications to the analysis varied depending on whether the line of business was short-tailed or long-tailed and also varied by accident year. While prior accident years’ net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses for some lines of business have developed favorably in recent years, this does not infer that more recent accident years’ reserves also will develop favorably; pricing, reinsurance costs, the legal environment, general economic conditions including changes in inflation and many other factors impact management’s ultimate loss estimates.

When determining reserve levels, we recognize that there are several factors that present challenges and uncertainties to the estimation of loss reserves. Examples of these uncertainties include changes to the reinsurance structure and potential increases in inflation. Our net retained losses vary by product and these retentions have generally increased over time. To properly recognize these uncertainties, actuarial reviews have given significant consideration to the paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson (“BF”) methodologies. Compared with other actuarial methodologies, the paid and incurred BF methods assign smaller weight to actual reported loss experience, with the greatest weight assigned to an expected or planned loss ratio. The expected or planned loss ratio has typically been determined using various assumptions pertaining to prospective loss frequency and loss severity. In setting reserves at June 30, 2013, we continued to consider the paid and incurred BF methods for recent years.

Our loss reserve estimates gradually blend in the results from development and frequency/severity methodologies over time. For general liability estimates, more credibility is assigned to our own loss experience approximately 60 to 72 months after the beginning of an accident year. For property business, our loss reserve estimates also blend in the results from development and frequency/severity methodologies over time. For property lines, in contrast to general liability estimates, full credibility is assigned to our loss experience approximately 18 to 36 months after the beginning of an accident year, where loss reporting and claims closing patterns settle more quickly. Our loss experience receives partial weighting in the estimates 12 to 24 months after the beginning of the accident year.

Consolidated loss reserves were $3,233.9 million (including $129.9 million of reserves attributable to Syndicate 1200 segment’s trade capital providers), and $3,223.1 million (including $173.2 million of reserves attributable to Syndicate 1200 segment’s trade capital providers) as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Management has recorded its best estimate of loss reserves as of June 30, 2013 based on current known facts and circumstances. Due to the significant uncertainties inherent in the estimation of loss reserves, there can be no assurance that future loss development, favorable or unfavorable, will not occur.

 

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In 2011, we entered into two reinsurance transactions with a special purpose reinsurance company which provided coverage through the issuance of two catastrophe bond transactions. The reinsurance transactions provide coverage for selected events. The initial catastrophe bond cover expired on December 31, 2012. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, we are accounting for these covers as derivatives, and as such, present the financial statement impact in a separate line item – “Other reinsurance-related expenses” - in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Other reinsurance-related expenses totaled $4.7 million and $9.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, compared to $6.9 million and $13.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. As management views these coverages as reinsurance protection, we treat the financial statement effects of these covers as ceded premium for the purposes of calculating our loss, expense and combined ratios.

Consolidated underwriting, insurance and acquisition expenses were $124.6 million and $251.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to $114.6 million and $228.3 million for the same period in 2012. The increase in the dollar value of the expense was primarily attributable to increased acquisition costs due to the growth in premiums, coupled with increases in equity compensation expenses due to the impact of the increase in our stock price on our cash-settled stock appreciation rights. The decline in the expense ratio for the period in 2013 as compared to 2012 was attributable to the increase premium volumes without a corresponding increase in fixed costs.

Consolidated interest expense was $5.1 million and $10.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $5.5 million and $11.2 million for the same periods in 2012. The decline in consolidated interest expense was the result of redemption in November 2012 of two fixed-rate junior subordinated debentures with the proceeds of the senior fixed rate notes, which bear a lower interest rate.

Consolidated foreign currency exchange gains for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 were $5.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively, compared to $9.8 million and $6.9 million for the same periods ended 2012. The changes in the foreign currency exchange gains were due to fluctuations of the U.S Dollar, on a weighted average basis, against the currencies in which we transact our business.

The consolidated income tax provision represents the income tax expense associated with our operations based on the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which they operate. Therefore, the consolidated provision for income taxes represents taxes on net income for our United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Brazil, Ireland and Switzerland operations. The consolidated provision for income taxes was $11.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to $1.0 million consolidated income tax provision for the same period ended 2012. For the three months ended June 30, 2013 our operations in the United States and the United Kingdom generated higher taxable income as compared to 2012, resulting in a higher effective tax rate. Additionally for the three months ended June 30, 2013, our Bermuda operations, which are not subject to income taxes, reported lower net income compared to same period ended 2012. The consolidated provision for income taxes was $15.9 million and $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increased effective tax rate for 2013 as compared to 2012 was primarily attributable to higher taxable income in the United Kingdom.

Segment Results

We are primarily engaged in writing property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. We have four ongoing reporting segments: Excess and Surplus Lines, Commercial Specialty, International Specialty and Syndicate 1200. Additionally, we have a Run-off Lines segment for products that we no longer underwrite.

In evaluating the operating performance of our segments, we focus on core underwriting and investing results before consideration of realized gains or losses from the sales of investments. Management excludes realized investment gains and losses from segment results, as decisions regarding the sales of investments are made at the corporate level. Although this measure of profit (loss) does not replace net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability, management uses this measure of profit (loss) to focus its reporting segments on generating operating income.

 

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Since we generally manage and monitor the investment portfolio and indebtedness on an aggregate basis, the related net investment income and interest expense, are discussed above on a consolidated basis under consolidated net investment income and consolidated interest expense rather than within or by segment. We allocate net investment income and interest expense to each segment based on their allocated capital and reserves, while taking into consideration the anticipated duration of these reserves.

Excess and Surplus Lines. The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Three Months Ended
June  30,
    Six Months Ended
June  30,
 
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Gross written premiums

   $ 175.8      $ 143.9      $ 303.4      $ 251.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earned premiums

   $ 108.7      $ 98.5      $ 213.8      $ 194.7   

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     62.5        52.6        121.1        104.8   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

     1.3        0.0        2.5        0.0   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     37.6        34.6        78.3        70.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

     7.3        11.3        11.9        19.5   

Net investment income

     11.2        13.0        22.1        26.0   

Interest expense

     (1.8     (2.0     (3.4     (4.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 16.7      $ 22.3      $ 30.6      $ 41.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss ratio

     58.1     53.4     57.3     53.8

Expense ratio

     35.1     35.2     37.1     36.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     93.2     88.6     94.4     90.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The increase in gross written and earned premiums for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same periods in 2012 was primarily attributable to increased underwriting and rate increases in virtually all lines. The Excess and Surplus Lines segment has introduced several new products during 2012 and into 2013 to focus on future growth and profitability.

The increase in the loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same period ended 2012 was primarily attributable to increased catastrophe losses and lower net favorable development on prior accident year reserves. Catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were $2.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively, resulting from storms in the United States. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was $9.2 million in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves consisting of $10.7 million of favorable development in the general and product liability lines, partially offset by $0.8 million of unfavorable development in the commercial auto lines and $0.8 million in unfavorable development in the property lines. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $12.4 million in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves consisting of $11.4 million of favorable development in the general and products liability lines, primarily in accident year 2009, and $1.3 million of favorable development in property lines, primarily in accident year 2010. This was partially offset by unfavorable development of $0.5 million in auto liability, primarily in accident years 2010 and 2011.

Catastrophe losses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were $3.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, resulting from storms in the United States. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $14.4 million in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves consisting of $19.9 million of favorable development in the general and product liability lines, partially offset by $4.7 million of unfavorable development in the commercial auto lines and $0.9 million in unfavorable development in the property

 

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lines. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $21.7 million in favorable development in prior accident year loss reserves consisting of $18.1 million of favorable development in the general and products liability lines of business primarily in accident year 2009, $2.0 million of favorable development in the property lines, primarily in accident year 2010, and $1.4 million of favorable development in the automobile liability lines of business, primarily in accident year 2009. Loss reserves were $1,200.5 million and $1,260.3 million at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The decline in the expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily attributable to increased premium volumes. The increase in the expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily attributable to increased equity compensation expense due to the increase in our stock price.

Commercial Specialty. The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Commercial Specialty segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Three Months Ended
June  30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Gross written premiums

   $ 85.6      $ 92.7      $ 191.7      $ 200.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earned premiums

   $ 75.3      $ 81.2      $ 150.5      $ 163.2   

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     50.9        67.1        98.4        126.4   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

     0.1        0.0        0.4        0.0   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     27.1        28.3        53.5        57.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

     (2.8     (14.2     (1.8     (20.2

Net investment income

     6.1        7.0        12.0        13.9   

Interest expense

     (0.9     (1.4     (1.8     (2.8

Fee income, net

     (0.9     (0.2     (1.2     0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 1.5      $ (8.8   $ 7.2      $ (9.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss ratio

     67.6     82.6     65.5     77.5

Expense ratio

     36.2     34.8     35.7     34.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     103.8     117.4     101.2     112.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The decline in gross written and earned premiums for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same periods ended 2012 was primarily due to reduced underwriting in our retail business and public entity units due to planned reductions as we exited unprofitable accounts and implemented underwriting initiatives, partially offset by increasing rates. Partially offsetting these declines was increased gross written premiums in our surety business, as this business unit continues to expand.

The decline in the loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 was attributable to net favorable development on prior accident year reserves during 2013 versus net unfavorable development in 2012, partially offset by an increase in the current accident year loss ratio. Catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were $1.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, resulting from storms in the United States. Included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was $4.9 million related to large losses in our commercial programs and public entity businesses. Partially offsetting these 2013 accident year losses was $1.0 million in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves. The net favorable development was primarily attributable to $5.2 million in favorable development in short tail lines, $2.0 million favorable development in workers compensation lines and $0.8 million favorable development in an assumed directors’ and officers’ program. Partially offsetting this favorable development was $4.8 million unfavorable development in general liability due to increased claim severity and $2.3 million unfavorable development in auto liability. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $13.4 million in net unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily attributable to $13.2 million

 

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unfavorable development in general liability lines due to increased claim severity and $1.9 million unfavorable development in auto liability, partially offset by $1.5 million favorable development in workers compensation and $0.2 million favorable development in short tail lines.

Catastrophe losses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were $2.7 million and $4.2 million, respectively, resulting from storms in the United States. Included in the loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $0.1 million in net unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves. The unfavorable development was primarily attributable to $7.0 million unfavorable development in general liability lines due to increased claim severity and $2.1 million unfavorable development in auto liability, partially offset by $5.9 million in favorable development in short tail lines, $2.1 million favorable development in workers compensation lines and $0.8 million favorable development in an assumed directors’ and officers’ program. Included in the loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $18.0 million in net unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves. The unfavorable development was primarily attributable to $22.6 million unfavorable development in general liability lines due to increased claim severity and $2.9 million unfavorable development in auto liability, partially offset by $6.0 million favorable development in workers compensation and $1.5 million favorable development in short tail lines. Loss reserves were $679.9 million and $628.8 million at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The decline in the dollar value of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expense was primarily attributable to decreased acquisition costs due to the decline in premiums. The increase in the expense ratios was primarily attributable to increased expense associated with the equity compensation awards, partially offset by increased ceding commissions.

International Specialty: The following table summarizes the results of operations for the International Specialty segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Gross written premiums

   $ 96.1      $ 84.3      $ 174.3      $ 141.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earned premiums

   $ 36.4      $ 29.4      $ 69.1      $ 57.4   

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     20.8        9.7        36.4        22.9   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

     1.6        2.4        3.1        4.7   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     12.1        9.5        24.4        19.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income

     1.9        7.8        5.2        10.5   

Net investment income

     1.7        2.8        4.0        6.9   

Interest expense

     (0.8     (1.0     (1.6     (2.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 2.8      $ 9.6      $ 7.6      $ 15.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss ratio

     59.7     36.0     55.2     43.5

Expense ratio

     34.6     35.1     36.9     36.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     94.3     71.1     92.1     80.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross written and earned premiums increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 primarily as a result growth in all business units. Earned premiums for our short tail lines were $20.4 million and $37.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to $18.7 million and $35.7 million for the same periods in 2012. The excess casualty and professional lines business contributed earned premiums of $4.9 million and $9.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with $4.2 million and $8.5 million for the same periods in 2012. Earned premium for the business unit in Brazil was $10.0 million and $20.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 compared with $5.2 million and $11.7 million for the same periods in 2012.

 

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The increase in the loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 was due to increased catastrophe losses and lower favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves, partially offset by a decrease in the current accident year loss ratio driven by short tail lines. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was $6.3 million of catastrophe losses, including $4.6 million from the European floods and $1.7 million from storm activity in the United States. Losses and loss adjustment expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012 reflected no catastrophe losses. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was $0.3 in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily attributable to $1.8 million of favorable development on professional lines due to favorable loss activity and $1.2 million in favorable development on assumed contracts from older years, partially offset by $2.4 million unfavorable development in short tail lines including losses for a marine industry loss warranty and $0.3 million in unfavorable development for our Brazil unit. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $3.4 million in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves, primarily attributable to the non-catastrophe property reinsurance losses developing favorably.

Included in loss and loss adjustment expenses for the six month ended June 30, 2013 was $6.3 million in catastrophe losses resulting from European floods and storm activity in the United States, compared to catastrophe losses of $1.7 million for the same period ended 2012. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six month ended June 30, 2013 was $0.6 million in net unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily attributable to $3.7 million in unfavorable development on the short tail lines including a marine industry loss warranty and crop losses and $0.4 million in unfavorable development in our Brazil unit, partially offset by $2.3 million of favorable development on professional lines due to favorable loss activity and $1.2 million on assumed contract from older years. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six month ended June 30, 2012 was $3.6 million in net unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily attributable to the non-catastrophe property reinsurance losses developing favorably. Loss reserves for the International Specialty segment were $274.9 million and $244.6 million at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The decline in the expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily attributable to increased premium volumes in our Brazil operations. The increase in the expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same periods in 2012 was primarily attributable to increased equity compensation expense due to the increase in our stock price, partially offset by increased premium volumes in our Brazil operations.

Syndicate 1200: The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Syndicate 1200 segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Three Months Ended
June  30,
    Six Months Ended
June  30,
 
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Gross written premiums

   $ 184.9      $ 153.2      $ 311.0      $ 276.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earned premiums

   $ 107.4      $ 80.4      $ 198.3      $ 151.5   

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     59.5        46.2        107.3        85.3   

Other reinsurance-related expenses

     1.8        1.8        3.4        3.7   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     39.2        31.5        74.7        64.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

     6.9        0.9        12.9        (1.5

Net investment income

     2.8        3.7        5.6        7.6   

Interest expense

     (1.0     (0.8     (1.7     (1.7

Fee income, net

     1.1        0.7        1.4        1.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 9.8      $ 4.5      $ 18.2      $ 6.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss ratio

     56.4     58.7     55.1     57.7

Expense ratio

     37.0     40.2     38.3     43.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     93.4     98.9     93.4     101.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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For 2013, we have maintained our participation in Syndicate 1200 at 79%. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, the property division wrote $94.9 million and $151.4 million of gross written premiums, respectively, compared to $70.2 million and $135.3 million for the same period ended 2012. The increase in the property book was primarily attributable to increased underwriting in the real estate owned, North American and International binders and personal accident lines. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, the casualty division recorded gross written premiums of $54.2 million and $103.9 million, respectively, compared to $39.6 million and $84.9 million for the same periods in 2012. Gross written premiums increased in 2013 due to increasing our exposure in general liability, medical malpractice and professional indemnity business offset by a reduction of international casualty treaty business. The specialty division recorded gross written premiums of $28.5 million and $40.6 million, respectively, down from $36.0 million and $44.4 million for the same periods in 2012. The decline in the gross written premiums was primarily due to the exiting of the energy lines due to declining rates. The aerospace division recorded gross written premiums of $7.4 million and $15.2 million, respectively, compared to $7.3 million and $11.7 million for the same periods in 2012. The increase in earned premiums in 2013 as compared to 2012 was primarily attributable to the increase in gross written premiums discussed above.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses are reported net of losses ceded to the trade capital providers. The Syndicate 1200 segment reported no catastrophe losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. Included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the three months ended June 30, 2013 were current accident year losses of $4.4 million resulting from two onshore energy losses. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was $1.3 million favorable development driven by favorable development in property facultative, international property treaty and space business. Partially offsetting this was unfavorable development in the onshore energy, general liability and North American binder classes of business due to poorer than expected claims experience. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $3.5 million favorable development driven by favorable development in property facultative, international property treaty, North American binders and space business. Partially offsetting this was unfavorable development in the onshore energy and general liability classes of business due to poorer than expected claims experience. Included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $1.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively, in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves. The net favorable prior year development was primarily attributable to an improvement in the North America binder class as the benefit of re-underwriting the portfolio continues to come through and improvement in the property facultative class of business as a claim relating to Hurricane Ike was settled for less than case reserves. This favorable development was partially offset by unfavorable development in the professional indemnity class of business driven by an increase in prior year premiums as a result of re-estimation of premium income written through binding authorities.

Loss reserves as of June 30, 2013 were $744.4 million which includes $129.9 million attributable to trade reinsurers, compared to $715.5 million which includes $173.2 million of reserves attributable to the trade capital providers as of June 30, 2012.

The decrease in the expense ratio for the three and six months ended June 2013 as compared to the same periods in 2012 was primarily attributable to changing business mix, scale and a drive internally to reduce brokerage rates and other expenses.

Run-off Lines. We have discontinued underwriting certain lines of business primarily workers compensation formerly referred to as RM (“Risk Management”). Also included in the Run-off Lines segment are liabilities associated with other liability policies written in the 1970s and into the 1980s, and include asbestos and environmental liabilities as well as medical malpractice liabilities. As we no longer actively underwrite business within these programs, all current activity is related to the management of claims and other administrative functions.

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Run-off Lines segment:

 

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     Three Months Ended
June  30,
    Six Months Ended
June  30,
 
(in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Earned premiums

   $ (0.3   $ 0.7      $ 0.0      $ 0.7   

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     (1.0     0.2        0.0        2.2   

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     (0.7     1.9        1.4        3.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

     1.4        (1.4     (1.4     (4.6

Net investment income

     2.8        3.5        5.6        7.0   

Interest expense

     (0.5     (0.7     (0.9     (1.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 3.7      $ 1.4      $ 3.3      $ 1.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earned premiums for the Run-off Lines segment are due to adjustments resulting from final audits, reinstatement premiums and other adjustments on policies previously written.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 included $1.0 million favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily attributable to $1.3 million favorable development related to the 2005 hurricanes, partially offset by $0.3 million of unfavorable development related to the unwinding of the workers compensation reserve discount. Included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $0.2 million in unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves due to the unwinding of the workers compensation reserve discount. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included $0.1 million favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves attributable to $1.4 million in favorable development related to the 2005 hurricanes largely offset by unfavorable development resulting from commutations and the unwinding of the workers compensation reserve discount. Included in losses and loss adjustment expense for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $2.2 million in net unfavorable development on prior accident years loss reserves driven by $2.0 million of unfavorable development related to risk management run-off reserves due to strengthening the reserve for unallocated loss adjustment expenses and $0.5 million of unfavorable development related to the unwinding of the workers compensation reserve discount, partially offset by $0.3 million of favorable development in the involuntary lines. Loss reserves for the Run-off Lines were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(in millions)    2013     2012  
     Gross     Net     Gross     Net  

Asbestos and environmental:

        

Loss reserves, beginning of the year

   $ 64.6      $ 58.9      $ 75.3      $ 68.2   

Incurred losses

     0.7        0.7        0.0        0.0   

Losses paid

     (6.9     (6.2     (7.5     (6.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss reserves - asbestos and environmental, end of the period

     58.4        53.4        67.8        61.5   

Risk management reserves

     258.6        179.8        283.2        198.0   

Run-off reinsurance reserves

     11.9        11.9        16.3        16.2   

Other run-off lines

     5.3        4.7        6.6        6.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loss reserves - Run-off Lines

   $ 334.2      $ 249.8      $ 373.9      $ 281.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the Run-off segment consists primarily of administrative expenses. Included in underwriting expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was a $2.6 million settlement which represents the recoupment of excess workers compensation assessments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal operating cash flow sources are premiums and investment income. The primary operating cash uses are claim payments, reinsurance costs, acquisition and operating expenses. Argo Group’s holding companies have access to various sources of liquidity including subsidiary dividends, its revolving credit facility and access to the debt and equity capital markets.

 

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For the six months ended June 30, 2013, net cash used by operating activities increased to $96.2 million, compared to $28.4 million for the same period in 2012, primarily attributable to the partial settlement of a whole account quota share contract covering the Syndicate 1200 segment loss reserves for the 2009 and prior years of account. The source of the cash used to settle this reinsurance payable was the sale of fixed maturity assets, and is included in the cash from investing activities section of our Statements of Cash Flows.

From January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013, we repurchased 753,576 shares of our common stock at an average price of $39.91 for a total cost of $30.1 million. From July 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013, we repurchased an additional 100,603 shares of our common stock at an average price of $44.61 for a total cost of $4.5 million. Since 2008, when we first began buying back our common shares, through July 31, 2013, we have repurchased 7,313,792 shares of our common stock at an average price of $32.82 for a total cost of $240.0 million.

On April 30, 2010, each of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., Argo Group US, Inc. (“Argo Group US”), Argo International Holdings Limited, and Argo Underwriting Agency Limited (the “Borrowers”) entered into a $150,000,000 Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with major money center banks. On July 22, 2011 the Borrowers entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement which increased the revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement from $150 million to $170 million, extended the maturity date from April 30, 2013 to April 30, 2014, and modified certain other terms. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and permitted acquisitions, and each of the Borrowers has agreed to be jointly and severally liable for the obligations of the other Borrowers under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrowers could be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Lenders holding more than 51% of the loans and commitments under the Credit Agreement may elect to accelerate the maturity of the loans under the Credit Agreement upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default. No defaults or events of defaults have occurred as of the date of this filing.

Currently, we do not have an outstanding balance under the $170.0 million credit facility. The credit facility allows up to $15.0 million of the facility to be used for letters of credit, subject to availability under the line. Currently, we have $0.8 million in LOCs issued and outstanding under the facility.

On May 7, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a 10% stock dividend, payable on June 17, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 3, 2013. Shareholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares. On May 7, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.15 on each share of common stock outstanding, on a post-stock dividend basis. On June 20, 2013, we paid $4.1 million to our shareholders of record on June 3, 2013.

On August 6, 2013, our Board of Directors approved the regular quarterly cash dividend of 15 cents per share on our common stock. The cash dividend will be paid on September 16, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2013.

Refer to Part II, Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Argo Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 that Argo Group filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2013 for further discussion on Argo Group’s liquidity.

Recent Accounting Standards and Critical Accounting Estimates

New Accounting Standards

The discussion of the adoption and pending adoption of recently issued accounting policies is included in Note 2, “Recently Issued Accounting Standards,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1—“Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).”

 

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Critical Accounting Estimates

Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2013 for information on accounting policies that we consider critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. These policies include significant estimates made by management using information available at the time the estimates were made. However, these estimates could change materially if different information or assumptions were used.

Income Taxes

We are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and, under current Bermuda law, are not obligated to pay any taxes in Bermuda based upon income or capital gains. We have received an undertaking from the Supervisor of Insurance in Bermuda pursuant to the provisions of the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act, 2011, which exempts us from any Bermuda taxes computed on profits, income or any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, at least until the year 2035.

We are not engaged in a trade or business in the United States or the United Kingdom and, accordingly, do not expect to be subject to direct United States or United Kingdom income taxation.

We have subsidiaries based in the United Kingdom that are subject to the tax laws of that country. Under current law, these subsidiaries are taxed at the applicable corporate tax rates. Six of the United Kingdom subsidiaries are deemed to be engaged in business in the United States and are therefore subject to United States corporate tax in respect of a proportion of their United States underwriting business only. Relief is available against the United Kingdom tax liabilities in respect of overseas taxes paid that arise from the underwriting business. Corporate income tax losses incurred in the United Kingdom can be carried forward, for application against future income, indefinitely. Our United Kingdom subsidiaries file separate United Kingdom income tax returns.

We have subsidiaries based in the United States that are subject to the tax laws of that country. Under current law, these subsidiaries are taxed at the applicable corporate tax rates. Our United States subsidiaries file a consolidated United States federal income tax return.

We also have operations in Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, France, Malta and Ireland, which are subject to income taxes imposed by the jurisdiction in which they operate. We have operations in the United Arab Emirates, which are not subject to income tax under the laws of that country.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of market risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and foreign currency risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Our fixed maturities portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the fair valuation of these securities. As interest rates rise, the fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio generally falls, and the converse is generally also true. We manage interest rate risk through an asset liability strategy that involves the selection of investments with appropriate characteristics, such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity that are tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of our liabilities. A significant portion of the investment portfolio matures each quarter, allowing for reinvestment at current market rates.

Credit Risk

We have exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed maturity investments, short-term investments, and other investments. Our risk management strategy and investment policy is to primarily invest in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to particular ratings categories and any one issuer.

 

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As shown on the accompanying table, our fixed maturities portfolio is diversified among different types of investments. The securities are rated by one or more National Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations, (i.e., Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Services, Inc., and Fitch Ratings, Ltd). If a security has two ratings, the lower rating is used, and if a security has three ratings, the middle rating is used in the preparation of this table. At June 30, 2013, our fixed maturities portfolio had a weighted average rating of AA-, with 79.5% ($2.2 billion fair value) rated A or better, and 38.2% ($1.1 billion fair value) rated AAA. Our portfolio included 6.3% ($175.0 million fair value) of less than investment grade (BB+ or lower) fixed maturities at June 30, 2013. We do not own any fixed maturity sovereign securities issued by Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, or Spain.

 

(in millions)    Fair
Value
AAA
     Fair
Value
AA
     Fair
Value
A
     Fair
Value
Other
     Total  

USD denominated:

              

U.S. Governments

   $ 304.5       $ —         $ —         $ 0.8       $ 305.3   

Non-U.S. Governments

     11.1         2.7         2.2         39.5         55.5   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     157.4         413.9         80.9         3.5         655.7   

Credit-Financial

     5.0         46.3         216.1         111.5         378.9   

Credit-Industrial

     4.8         12.4         128.3         254.6         400.1   

Credit-Utility

     0.0         18.5         31.6         129.0         179.1   

Structured securities:

              

CMO/MBS-agency

     297.7         0.0         0.0         0.0         297.7   

CMO/MBS-non agency

     0.0         1.3         2.3         6.8         10.4   

CMBS

     90.8         3.8         12.9         2.2         109.7   

ABS-residential

     0.9         0.0         0.0         7.4         8.3   

ABS-non residential

     75.6         1.6         1.0         2.8         81.0   

Foreign denominated:

              

Governments

     102.7         80.4         9.7         2.0         194.8   

Credit

     16.7         35.6         54.4         11.4         118.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $ 1,067.2       $ 616.5       $ 539.4       $ 571.5       $ 2,794.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign Currency Risk

We have exposure to foreign currency risk in both our insurance contracts and our invested assets. Some of our insurance contracts provide that ultimate losses may be payable in various foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange rate risk exists where we do not have cash or securities denominated in the currency for which we will ultimately pay the claims. Thus, we attempt to manage our foreign currency risk by seeking to match our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance polices that are payable in foreign currencies with cash and investments that are denominated in such currencies. In certain instances, we use foreign exchange forward and put option contracts to mitigate this risk. Due to the extended time frame for settling the claims plus the fluctuation in currency exchange rates, the potential exists for us to realize gains and or losses related to foreign exchange rates. In addition, we may experience foreign currency gains or losses related to exchange rate fluctuations in operating expenses as certain operating costs are payable in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded realized gains of $5.9 million and $9.0 million from movements in foreign currency rates on our insurance operations, realized losses of $1.1 million and $4.8 million from movements on foreign currency rates in our investment portfolio, and realized losses of $3.9 million and $4.6 million from the currency forward contracts. In addition, we had unrealized losses at June 30, 2013 of $11.9 million on foreign currency rates in our investment portfolio, which is recorded in other comprehensive income. These losses are principally related to weakening of non-U.S. Dollar denominated investment exchange rates to the U.S. Dollar.

 

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We enter into short-term, currency spot and forward contracts designed to mitigate foreign exchange rate exposure for certain non-U.S. Dollar denominated fixed maturity investments. The forward contracts used are typically less than sixty days and are renewed at the discretion of the investment manager, as long as the non-U.S. Dollar denominated higher yielding fixed maturities investments are held in the portfolio. Forward contracts are designated as hedges for accounting purposes. The net realized effect on income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was not material.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Argo Group, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of June 30, 2013. In designing and evaluating these disclosure controls and procedures, Argo Group and its management recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Argo Group in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

There were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting made during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We review our disclosure controls and procedures, which may include internal controls over financial reporting, on an ongoing basis. From time to time, management makes changes to enhance the effectiveness of these controls and ensure that they continue to meet the needs of our business activities over time.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Argo Group’s subsidiaries are parties to legal actions incidental to their business. Based on the opinion of counsel, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 1a. Risk Factors

Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007

On December 26, 2007, the President signed into law the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, which extends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act through December 31, 2014. The law extends the temporary federal program that provides for a transparent system of shared public and private compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism. The Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) implements the program. On November 26, 2002, the President signed into law the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (“TRIA”). The Treasury on June 29, 2004, issued a final Claims Procedures Rule, effective July 31, 2004, as part of its implementation of title I of TRIA. TRIA also contains specific provisions designed to manage litigation arising out of, or resulting from, a certified act of terrorism. On July 28, 2004, Treasury issued a final rule concerning litigation management. On May 23, 2013 H.R. 2146 (Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2013) was introduced in Congress for the purpose of amending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program for a period of ten years (December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2024).

 

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See “Risk Factors” in the Argo Group Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for a detailed discussion of the additional risk factors affecting the Company.

 

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

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

On February 18, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares (“2011 Repurchase Authorization”). The 2011 Repurchase Authorization supersedes the repurchase authorization approved on November 13, 2007 by the Board of Directors. Excluding the shares surrendered by employees in payment for the minimum required withholding taxes due to the vesting of restricted stock units, during the six months ended June 30, 2013, we repurchased 753,576 shares at a cost of $30.1 million.

As of June 30, 2013, we had repurchased a total of 7,213,189 of our common shares (total of $235.6 million repurchased) since the inception of the buy-back program in 2007. Shares of stock repurchased will be held as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981.

The following table provides information with respect to shares of our common stock that were repurchased or surrendered during each of the three months ended June 30, 2013:

 

Period    Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (a)
     Average
Price Paid
per Share (b)
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
or Program (c)
     Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares

That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plan or Program (d)
 

April 1 through April 30, 2013

     142,057       $ 40.52         142,057       $ 52,911,561   

May 1 through May 31, 2013

     134,989       $ 42.50         134,621       $ 47,187,974   

June 1 through June 30, 2013

     168,516       $ 41.60         151,073       $ 40,884,794   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     445,562       $ 41.54         427,751      
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Employees are allowed to surrender shares to settle the tax liability incurred upon the vesting of shares under the various employees equity compensation plans. For the three months ended June 30, 2013, we received 368 shares of our common stock that were surrendered by employees in payment for the minimum required withholding taxes due to the vesting of non-vested shares. Additionally, for the three months ended June 30, 2013, we received 17,443 shares of our common stock that were surrendered by an employee to net settle an option exercise. In the above table, these shares are included in columns (a) and (b), but excluded from columns (c) and (d). These shares do not reduce the number of shares that may yet be purchased under the repurchase plan.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

A list of exhibits required to be filed as part of this report is set forth in the Exhibit Index of this Form 10-Q, which immediately precedes such exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  12.1    Statements of Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends
  31.1    Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
  31.2    Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
  32.1+    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.2+    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS++    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH++    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL++    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF++    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB++    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE++    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

+ This exhibit shall be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
++ As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

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

 

     ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.
August 9, 2013      By:   

/s/ Mark E. Watson III

     Mark E. Watson III
     President and Chief Executive Officer
August 9, 2013      By:   

/s/ Jay S. Bullock

     Jay S. Bullock
     Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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