10-Q 1 alte-20120930x10q.htm 10-Q ALTE-2012.09.30-10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 ________________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________________________________________________________________
 (Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
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 000-33047
________________________________________________________________________________
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
________________________________________________________________________________
Bermuda
 
98-0584464
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
Alterra House
2 Front Street
Hamilton, HM 11
Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(441) 295-8800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
(Former name, former address or former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 ________________________________________________________________________________
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  ý    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  ý    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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company,” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer
 
x
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
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  ý
The number of the registrant’s common shares (par value $1.00 per share) outstanding as of November 6, 2012 was 95,980,978.


ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
INDEX 
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
ITEM 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1.
 
 
 
ITEM 1A.
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
 
 
 
ITEM 5.
 
 
 
ITEM 6.
 
 

2

PART I —FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share amounts)
 
 
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
405,809

 
$
469,477

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012—$368,296; 2011—$226,716)
 
376,498

 
229,206

Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012—$5,413,866; 2011—$5,290,124)
 
5,728,640

 
5,501,925

Fixed maturities, held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: 2012—$1,032,100; 2011—$1,011,493)
 
837,348

 
874,259

Other investments
 
376,870

 
286,515

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
245,747

 
453,367

Accrued interest income
 
65,236

 
71,322

Premiums receivable
 
872,948

 
715,154

Losses and benefits recoverable from reinsurers
 
1,149,684

 
1,068,119

Deferred acquisition costs
 
166,128

 
145,850

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
303,171

 
212,238

Trades pending settlement
 
77,802

 
22,887

Goodwill and intangible assets
 
55,371

 
56,111

Other assets
 
72,758

 
79,417

Total assets
 
$
10,734,010

 
$
10,185,847

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Property and casualty losses
 
$
4,460,045

 
$
4,216,538

Life and annuity benefits
 
1,148,317

 
1,190,697

Deposit liabilities
 
139,518

 
151,035

Funds withheld from reinsurers
 
93,190

 
112,469

Unearned property and casualty premiums
 
1,192,203

 
1,020,639

Reinsurance balances payable
 
214,202

 
134,354

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
93,810

 
110,380

Trades pending settlement
 
29,022

 
—

Senior notes
 
440,527

 
440,500

Total liabilities
 
7,810,834

 
7,376,612

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Common shares (par value $1.00 per share);
95,985,461 (2011—102,101,950) shares issued and outstanding
 
95,985

 
102,102

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,715,748

 
1,847,034

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
265,232

 
166,957

Retained earnings
 
846,211

 
693,142

Total shareholders’ equity
 
2,923,176

 
2,809,235

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
10,734,010

 
$
10,185,847

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

3

ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share and per share amounts) 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
386,228

 
$
386,328

 
$
1,614,415

 
$
1,578,083

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(123,477
)
 
(90,891
)
 
(537,818
)
 
(364,874
)
Net premiums written
 
$
262,751

 
$
295,437

 
$
1,076,597

 
$
1,213,209

Earned premiums
 
$
483,222

 
$
452,931

 
$
1,457,928

 
$
1,385,201

Earned premiums ceded
 
(150,584
)
 
(105,889
)
 
(436,337
)
 
(309,331
)
Net premiums earned
 
332,638

 
347,042

 
1,021,591

 
1,075,870

Net investment income
 
53,518

 
60,335

 
166,925

 
177,766

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
20,436

 
(7,972
)
 
59,410

 
(32,564
)
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
 
(522
)
 
(692
)
 
(6,409
)
 
(2,003
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes
 
(70
)
 
(169
)
 
(122
)
 
(240
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
(592
)
 
(861
)
 
(6,531
)
 
(2,243
)
Other income
 
1,586

 
1,473

 
8,876

 
3,379

Total revenues
 
407,586

 
400,017

 
1,250,271

 
1,222,208

LOSSES AND EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
 
228,529

 
198,521

 
631,322

 
714,060

Claims and policy benefits
 
11,838

 
14,538

 
38,576

 
44,818

Acquisition costs
 
61,923

 
61,434

 
183,818

 
196,722

Interest expense
 
9,026

 
11,303

 
27,289

 
30,392

Net foreign exchange (gains) losses
 
(82
)
 
(147
)
 
(89
)
 
2,065

General and administrative expenses
 
57,515

 
61,555

 
176,374

 
202,417

Total losses and expenses
 
368,749

 
347,204

 
1,057,290

 
1,190,474

INCOME BEFORE TAXES
 
38,837

 
52,813

 
192,981

 
31,734

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1,185

 
4,427

 
(2,635
)
 
(2,600
)
NET INCOME
 
37,652

 
48,386

 
195,616

 
34,334

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holding gains on available for sale securities arising in period, net of tax
 
57,314

 
66,329

 
117,251

 
97,610

Net realized gains on available for sale securities included in net income, net of tax
 
(3,083
)
 
(4,958
)
 
(22,809
)
 
(8,076
)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
70

 
169

 
122

 
240

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
8,702

 
(20,733
)
 
3,711

 
(15,695
)
Other comprehensive income
 
63,003

 
40,807

 
98,275

 
74,079

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
$
100,655

 
$
89,193

 
$
293,891

 
$
108,413

Net income per share
 
$
0.39

 
$
0.46

 
$
1.98

 
$
0.32

Net income per diluted share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.46

 
$
1.93

 
$
0.32

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
 
95,791,466

 
104,830,300

 
98,785,999

 
105,866,771

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted
 
98,610,267

 
105,665,282

 
101,252,927

 
107,092,882


See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

4

ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars) 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
Common shares
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
102,102

 
$
110,963

Issuance of common shares, net
 
765

 
1,384

Repurchase of shares
 
(6,882
)
 
(8,023
)
Balance, end of period
 
95,985

 
104,324

Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
1,847,034

 
2,026,045

Issuance of common shares, net
 
2,483

 
632

Stock based compensation expense
 
18,005

 
28,014

Repurchase of shares
 
(151,774
)
 
(163,928
)
Balance, end of period
 
1,715,748

 
1,890,763

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holdings gains:
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
204,301

 
118,197

Holding gains on available for sale fixed maturities arising in period, net of tax
 
117,251

 
97,610

Net realized gains on available for sale securities included in net income, net of tax
 
(22,809
)
 
(8,076
)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
122

 
240

Balance, end of period
 
298,865

 
207,971

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment:
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
(37,344
)
 
(19,251
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
3,711

 
(15,695
)
Balance, end of period
 
(33,633
)
 
(34,946
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income, end of period
 
265,232

 
173,025

Retained earnings
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
693,142

 
682,316

Net income
 
195,616

 
34,334

Dividends
 
(42,547
)
 
(40,024
)
Balance, end of period
 
846,211

 
676,626

Total shareholders’ equity
 
$
2,923,176

 
$
2,844,738

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

5

ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
195,616

 
$
34,334

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Stock based compensation
 
18,005

 
28,014

Amortization of premium on fixed maturities
 
23,282

 
15,383

Accretion of deposit liabilities
 
2,430

 
4,245

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments
 
(59,410
)
 
32,564

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
6,531

 
2,243

Changes in:
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest income
 
6,127

 
4,370

Premiums receivable
 
(154,967
)
 
(188,751
)
Losses and benefits recoverable from reinsurers
 
(77,861
)
 
(123,268
)
Deferred acquisition costs
 
(19,764
)
 
(54,495
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
(90,053
)
 
(65,156
)
Other assets
 
(513
)
 
5,652

Property and casualty losses
 
231,665

 
293,119

Life and annuity benefits
 
(35,517
)
 
(47,023
)
Funds withheld from reinsurers
 
(19,279
)
 
3,524

Unearned property and casualty premiums
 
168,203

 
244,206

Reinsurance balances payable
 
79,739

 
75,643

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
(16,996
)
 
10,871

Cash provided by operating activities
 
257,238

 
275,475

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Purchases of available for sale securities
 
(1,701,243
)
 
(1,929,474
)
Sales of available for sale securities
 
754,150

 
1,126,984

Redemptions/maturities of available for sale securities
 
852,480

 
660,245

Purchases of trading securities
 
(358,770
)
 
(50,971
)
Sales of trading securities
 
194,355

 
24,563

Redemptions/maturities of trading securities
 
27,219

 
44,231

Purchases of held to maturity securities
 
—

 
(2,580
)
Redemptions/maturities of held to maturity securities
 
28,667

 
18,251

Net (purchases) sales of other investments
 
(121,706
)
 
27,353

Dividends from equity method investments
 
8,694

 
—

Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
207,620

 
(98,165
)
Cash used in investing activities
 
(108,534
)
 
(179,563
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares
 
3,248

 
2,016

Repurchase of common shares
 
(158,656
)
 
(171,951
)
Dividends paid
 
(42,317
)
 
(39,894
)
Additions to deposit liabilities
 
8,725

 
334

Payments of deposit liabilities
 
(22,672
)
 
(5,056
)
Cash used in financing activities
 
(211,672
)
 
(214,551
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash and cash equivalents
 
(700
)
 
(15,157
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(63,668
)
 
(133,796
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
469,477

 
561,694

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
 
$
405,809

 
$
427,898

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest paid totaled $25,138 and $25,320 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Income taxes paid totaled $7,013 and $172 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

6
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


1. GENERAL
Alterra Capital Holdings Limited (“Alterra” and, collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a Bermuda headquartered global enterprise dedicated to providing diversified specialty insurance and reinsurance products to corporations, public entities and property and casualty insurers. Alterra was incorporated on July 8, 1999 under the laws of Bermuda.
Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, all references in these consolidated financial statements to entity names are as set forth in the following table: 
 
 
 
Reference
  
Entity’s legal name
Alterra
  
Alterra Capital Holdings Limited
Alterra Agency
  
Alterra Agency Limited
Alterra America
  
Alterra America Insurance Company
Alterra at Lloyd’s
  
Alterra at Lloyd’s Limited
Alterra Bermuda
  
Alterra Bermuda Limited
Alterra Brazil
  
Alterra Resseguradora do Brasil S.A.
Alterra Capital UK
  
Alterra Capital UK Limited
Alterra E&S
  
Alterra Excess & Surplus Insurance Company
Alterra Europe
  
Alterra Europe plc
Alterra Finance
  
Alterra Finance LLC
Alterra Holdings
  
Alterra Holdings Limited
Alterra Insurance USA
  
Alterra Insurance USA Inc.
Alterra Managers
  
Alterra Managers Limited
Alterra Re Europe
  
Alterra Reinsurance Europe plc
Alterra Re USA
  
Alterra Reinsurance USA Inc.
Alterra USA
  
Alterra USA Holdings Limited
New Point IV
  
New Point IV Limited
New Point Re IV
  
New Point Re IV Limited
The Company’s Bermuda insurance and reinsurance operations are conducted through Alterra Bermuda, which is registered as both a Class 4 commercial and Class C long-term insurer under the insurance laws of Bermuda.
The Company’s U.S. reinsurance operations are conducted through Alterra Re USA, a Connecticut-domiciled reinsurance company. The Company’s U.S. insurance operations are conducted through Alterra E&S, a Delaware-domiciled excess and surplus insurance company, and Alterra America, a Delaware-domiciled insurance company. Through Alterra E&S and Alterra America, the Company writes both admitted and non-admitted business throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
The Company’s non-Lloyd’s European insurance and reinsurance operations are based primarily in Dublin and are conducted through Alterra Europe and its branches in London and Zurich. Effective November 1, 2011, Alterra Europe merged with Alterra Re Europe, with Alterra Europe as the surviving entity.
The Company’s Lloyd’s operations are conducted by Alterra at Lloyd’s through Lloyd’s Syndicates 1400, 2525 and 2526 (collectively, the “Syndicates”), which underwrite a diverse portfolio of specialty risks in Europe, the United States and Latin America. Alterra at Lloyd’s operations are based primarily in London, with locations in Dublin and Zurich. The Company’s proportionate share of Syndicates 1400, 2525 and 2526 are 100%, approximately 2% and approximately 20%, respectively.
The Company’s Latin America operations are conducted through Alterra at Lloyd’s in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using Lloyd’s admitted status, through Alterra Europe using a representative office in Bogotá, Colombia and a service company in Buenos Aires, Argentina and through Alterra Brazil, a local reinsurance company in Rio de Janeiro.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from these statements.


2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
ASU 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts
Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2010-26 specifies how insurance companies should recognize costs that meet the definition of acquisition costs as defined in guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). ASU 2010-26 modifies the existing guidance to require that only costs associated with the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract should be capitalized as deferred acquisition costs. Costs that fall outside the proposed definition, such as indirect costs or salaries related to unsuccessful efforts, should be expensed as incurred. ASU 2010-26 was effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 with prospective or retrospective application permitted. This standard did not have any impact on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (820)—Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.
ASU 2011-04 principally clarifies existing guidance relating to fair value measurement and disclosures. ASU 2011-04 also includes changes to certain fair value principles that affect both measurement and disclosure requirements. These changes include requiring additional disclosures relating to transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, quantitative information and discussion about significant unobservable inputs and the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs, and categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which the fair value is required to be disclosed. ASU 2011-04 was effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 with prospective application. This standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (220)—Presentation of Comprehensive Income
ASU 2011-05 increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. ASU 2011-05 also requires that all nonowner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 was effective for fiscal periods on or after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The requirement to present reclassification adjustments on the face of the financial statements has been deferred and no effective date has been determined. The Company has reflected the disclosure requirements effective for the current period in its interim consolidated financial statements and they did not have a material impact on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2011-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (350)—Testing Goodwill for Impairment
ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it need not perform the two-step impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. This standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2012-02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (350)—Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment
ASU 2012-02 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. An entity that elects to perform a qualitative assessment is required to perform the quantitative impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s interim or annual consolidated financial statements.



7
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

3. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company monitors the performance of its underwriting operations in five segments: global insurance, U.S. insurance, reinsurance, Alterra at Lloyd's, and life and annuity reinsurance. 
Effective January 1, 2012, the Company redefined certain of its operating and reporting segments. Insurance business written by Alterra Insurance USA, which was previously reported within the global insurance segment, has been reclassified to the U.S. insurance segment. Alterra Insurance USA is a managing general underwriter for Alterra E&S and Alterra America, as well as various third party insurance companies, and is the Company's principal insurance underwriting platform for retail distribution in the United States. Reinsurance business written for clients in Latin America through the Company's offices in Rio de Janeiro, Bogotà and Buenos Aires was reclassified from the reinsurance and Alterra at Lloyd's segments into a new Latin America segment.
Effective July 1, 2012, the Company redefined its reporting segments by combining the reinsurance and Latin America segments into a single reinsurance segment. The Company's Latin America business will now be combined with and reported as part of the reinsurance segment.
The changes in reporting segments reflect changes in the Company's monitoring of its underwriting operations and information regularly reviewed by the Company's senior management. Segment disclosures for comparative periods have been re-presented to reflect this change.

Global Insurance Segment
The Company’s global insurance segment offers property and casualty excess of loss insurance from its offices in Bermuda, Dublin and London primarily to U.S. and international Fortune 1000 companies. Insurance offered from the Company’s U.S. offices is included within the U.S. insurance segment. Principal lines of business for this segment include aviation, excess liability, professional liability and property.

U.S. Insurance Segment
The Company’s U.S. insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance coverage from its offices in the United States primarily to Fortune 3000 companies. Principal lines of business for this segment include general/excess liability, marine, professional liability and property.

Reinsurance Segment
The Company’s reinsurance segment offers property and casualty quota share and excess of loss reinsurance from its offices in Bermuda, Bogotà, Buenos Aires, Dublin, London, Rio de Janeiro and the United States to insurance and reinsurance companies worldwide. Principal lines of business for this segment include agriculture, auto, aviation, credit/surety, general casualty, marine & energy, medical malpractice, professional liability, property, whole account and workers’ compensation.

Alterra at Lloyd’s Segment
The Company’s Alterra at Lloyd’s segment offers property and casualty quota share and excess of loss insurance and reinsurance from its offices in London, Dublin and Zurich, primarily to medium-to large-sized international clients. Principal lines of business for this segment include accident & health, agriculture, aviation, financial institutions, international casualty, marine, professional liability and property.

Life and Annuity Reinsurance Segment
The Company’s life and annuity reinsurance segment previously offered reinsurance products that focused on blocks of life and annuity business, which took the form of co-insurance transactions whereby the risks are reinsured on the same basis as the original policies. In 2010 the Company determined not to write any new life and annuity contracts in the foreseeable future.

Corporate
The Company also has a corporate function that includes the Company’s investment and financing activities.
Invested assets are managed on an aggregated basis, and investment income and realized and unrealized gains on investments are not allocated to the property and casualty segments. Because of the longer duration of liabilities

8
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

on life and annuity reinsurance business, and the accretion of the discounted carrying value of life and annuity benefits, investment returns are important in evaluating the profitability of this segment. Consequently, the Company allocates investment returns from the consolidated portfolio to the life and annuity reinsurance segment. The allocation is based on a notional allocation of invested assets from the consolidated portfolio using durations that are determined based on estimated cash flows for the life and annuity reinsurance segment. The balance of investment returns from this consolidated portfolio is allocated to the corporate function for the purposes of segment reporting. 

Operations by Segment
Management monitors the performance of all segments, other than life and annuity reinsurance, on the basis of underwriting income, loss ratio, acquisition cost ratio, general and administrative expense ratio and combined ratio, along with other metrics. Management monitors the performance of the life and annuity reinsurance segment on the basis of income before taxes for the segment, which includes revenue from net premiums earned and allocated net investment income, and expenses from claims and policy benefits, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses.


































9
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

A summary of operations by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 follows:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars) 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Property & Casualty
Life &
Annuity
Reinsurance
(a)
Corporate
Consolidated
 
 
Global
Insurance
U.S.
Insurance
Reinsurance
Alterra at
Lloyd’s
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
81,627

$
88,006

$
172,796

$
43,074

$
385,503

$
725

$
—

$
386,228

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(44,157
)
(40,083
)
(30,318
)
(8,835
)
(123,393
)
(84
)
—

(123,477
)
Net premiums written
 
$
37,470

$
47,923

$
142,478

$
34,239

$
262,110

$
641

$
—

$
262,751

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums
 
$
92,526

$
100,187

$
223,231

$
66,553

$
482,497

$
725

$
—

$
483,222

Earned premiums ceded
 
(48,392
)
(52,222
)
(36,446
)
(13,440
)
(150,500
)
(84
)
—

(150,584
)
Net premiums earned
 
44,134

47,965

186,785

53,113

331,997

641

—

332,638

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
 
(31,631
)
(46,489
)
(98,067
)
(52,342
)
(228,529
)
—

—

(228,529
)
Claims and policy benefits
 
—

—

—

—

—

(11,838
)
—

(11,838
)
Acquisition costs
 
(124
)
(4,404
)
(47,159
)
(10,104
)
(61,791
)
(132
)
—

(61,923
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(6,328
)
(11,337
)
(16,259
)
(7,342
)
(41,266
)
(74
)
—

(41,340
)
Other income
 
—

—

1,560

1

1,561

—

—

1,561

Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
6,051

$
(14,265
)
$
26,860

$
(16,674
)
$
1,972

n/a

—

n/a

Net investment income
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,224

40,294

53,518

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 
 
 
 
 


20,436

20,436

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(592
)
(592
)
Corporate other income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25

25

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9,026
)
(9,026
)
Net foreign exchange gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82

82

Corporate general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(16,175
)
(16,175
)
Income before taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,821

$
35,044

$
38,837

Loss ratio (b)
 
71.7
%
96.9
%
52.5
%
98.5
%
68.8
%
 
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (c)
 
0.3
%
9.2
%
25.2
%
19.0
%
18.6
%
 
 
 
General and administrative expense ratio (d)
 
14.3
%
23.6
%
8.7
%
13.8
%
12.4
%
 
 
 
Combined ratio (e)
 
86.3
%
129.7
%
86.5
%
131.4
%
99.9
%
 
 
 
 
(a)Loss ratio and combined ratio are not provided for the life and annuity reinsurance segment as the Company believes these ratios are not appropriate measures for evaluating the profitability of life and annuity underwriting.
(b)Loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
(c)Acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
(d)General and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
(e)Combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.



10
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Property & Casualty
Life &
Annuity
Reinsurance
(a)
Corporate
Consolidated
 
 
Global
Insurance
U.S.
Insurance
Reinsurance
Alterra at
Lloyd’s
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
273,674

$
304,474

$
772,823

$
261,225

$
1,612,196

$
2,219

$
—

$
1,614,415

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(140,632
)
(162,101
)
(160,335
)
(74,493
)
(537,561
)
(257
)
—

(537,818
)
Net premiums written
 
$
133,042

$
142,373

$
612,488

$
186,732

$
1,074,635

$
1,962

$
—

$
1,076,597

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums
 
$
279,432

$
296,728

$
670,767

$
208,782

$
1,455,709

$
2,219

$
—

$
1,457,928

Earned premiums ceded
 
(140,892
)
(137,168
)
(101,423
)
(56,597
)
(436,080
)
(257
)
—

(436,337
)
Net premiums earned
 
138,540

159,560

569,344

152,185

1,019,629

1,962

—

1,021,591

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
 
(72,437
)
(121,386
)
(313,452
)
(124,047
)
(631,322
)
—

—

(631,322
)
Claims and policy benefits
 
—

—

—

—

—

(38,576
)
—

(38,576
)
Acquisition costs
 
(422
)
(18,269
)
(137,739
)
(26,981
)
(183,411
)
(407
)
—

(183,818
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(19,722
)
(35,809
)
(52,631
)
(24,293
)
(132,455
)
(227
)
—

(132,682
)
Other income
 
816

81

7,896

8

8,801

—

—

8,801

Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
46,775

$
(15,823
)
$
73,418

$
(23,128
)
$
81,242

n/a

—

n/a

Net investment income
 
 
 
 
 
 
41,466

125,459

166,925

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 
 
 
 
 

59,410

59,410

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,531
)
(6,531
)
Corporate other income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
75

75

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(27,289
)
(27,289
)
Net foreign exchange gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
89

89

Corporate general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(43,692
)
(43,692
)
Income before taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,218

$
107,521

$
192,981

Loss ratio (b)
 
52.3
%
76.1
%
55.1
%
81.5
%
61.9
%
 
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (c)
 
0.3
%
11.4
%
24.2
%
17.7
%
18.0
%
 
 
 
General and administrative expense ratio (d)
 
14.2
%
22.4
%
9.2
%
16.0
%
13.0
%
 
 
 
Combined ratio (e)
 
66.8
%
110.0
%
88.5
%
115.2
%
92.9
%
 
 
 
(a)Loss ratio and combined ratio are not provided for the life and annuity reinsurance segment as the Company believes these ratios are not appropriate measures for evaluating the profitability of life and annuity underwriting.
(b)Loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
(c)Acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
(d)General and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
(e)Combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.


11
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
Property & Casualty
Life  &
Annuity
Reinsurance
(a)
Corporate
Consolidated
 
 
Global
Insurance
U.S.
Insurance
Reinsurance
Alterra at
Lloyd’s
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
73,297

$84,858
$
182,535

$
44,816

$
385,506

$
822

$
—

$
386,328

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(37,625
)
(30,579
)
(15,874
)
(6,723
)
(90,801
)
(90
)
—

(90,891
)
Net premiums written
 
$
35,672

$
54,279

$
166,661

$
38,093

$
294,705

$
732

$
—

$
295,437

Earned premiums
 
$
93,467

$
83,279

$
224,829

$
50,534

$
452,109

$
822

$
—

$
452,931

Earned premiums ceded
 
(48,456
)
(28,004
)
(18,489
)
(10,850
)
(105,799
)
(90
)
—

(105,889
)
Net premiums earned
 
45,011

55,275

206,340

39,684

346,310

732

—

347,042

Net losses and loss expenses
 
(21,288
)
(36,002
)
(116,769
)
(24,462
)
(198,521
)
—

—

(198,521
)
Claims and policy benefits
 
—

—

—

—

—

(14,538
)
—

(14,538
)
Acquisition costs
 
748

(9,669
)
(46,138
)
(6,230
)
(61,289
)
(145
)
—

(61,434
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(6,699
)
(10,228
)
(18,901
)
(8,007
)
(43,835
)
(145
)
—

(43,980
)
Other income
 
—

58

777

(27
)
808

(8
)
—

800

Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
17,772

$
(566
)
$
25,309

$
958

$
43,473

n/a

—

n/a

Net investment income
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,131

48,204

60,335

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,407
)
(1,565
)
(7,972
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(861
)
(861
)
Corporate other income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
673

673

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(11,303
)
(11,303
)
Net foreign exchange gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
147

147

Corporate general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17,575
)
(17,575
)
(Loss) income before taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(8,380
)
$
17,720

$
52,813

Loss ratio (b)
 
47.3
 %
65.1
%
56.6
%
61.6
%
57.3
%
 
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (c)
 
(1.7
)%
17.5
%
22.4
%
15.7
%
17.7
%
 
 
 
General and administrative expense ratio (d)
 
14.9
 %
18.5
%
9.2
%
20.2
%
12.7
%
 
 
 
Combined ratio (e)
 
60.5
 %
101.1
%
88.1
%
97.5
%
87.7
%
 
 
 
 
(a)Loss ratio and combined ratio are not provided for the life and annuity reinsurance segment as the Company believes these ratios are not appropriate measures for evaluating the profitability of life and annuity underwriting.
(b)Loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
(c)Acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
(d)General and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
(e)Combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.










12
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
Property & Casualty
Life &
Annuity
Reinsurance
(a)
Corporate
Consolidated
 
 
Global
Insurance
U.S.
Insurance
Reinsurance
Alterra at
Lloyd’s
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
268,101

$
272,417

$
810,244

$
225,134

$
1,575,896

$
2,187

$
—

$
1,578,083

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(131,282
)
(97,123
)
(81,438
)
(54,820
)
(364,663
)
(211
)
—

(364,874
)
Net premiums written
 
$
136,819

$
175,294

$
728,806

$170,314
$
1,211,233

$
1,976

$
—

$
1,213,209

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums
 
$
273,010

$246,993
$
691,196

$
171,815

$
1,383,014

$
2,187

$
—

$
1,385,201

Earned premiums ceded
 
(132,521
)
(79,640
)
(50,989
)
(45,970
)
(309,120
)
(211
)
—

(309,331
)
Net premiums earned
 
140,489

167,353

640,207

125,845

1,073,894

1,976

—

1,075,870

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
 
(76,601
)
(108,429
)
(435,053
)
(93,977
)
(714,060
)
—

—

(714,060
)
Claims and policy benefits
 
—

—

—

—

—

(44,818
)
—

(44,818
)
Acquisition costs
 
1,601

(28,055
)
(141,014
)
(28,828
)
(196,296
)
(426
)
—

(196,722
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(21,425
)
(32,872
)
(68,329
)
(24,033
)
(146,659
)
(581
)
—

(147,240
)
Other income
 
814

195

1,325

353

2,687

(31
)
—

2,656

Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
44,878

$
(1,808
)
$
(2,864
)
$
(20,640
)
$
19,566

n/a

—

n/a

Net investment income
 
 
 
 
 
 
37,019

140,747

177,766

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4,899
)
(27,665
)
(32,564
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,243
)
(2,243
)
Corporate other income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
723

723

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(30,392
)
(30,392
)
Net foreign exchange losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,065
)
(2,065
)
Corporate general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(55,177
)
(55,177
)
(Loss) income before taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(11,760
)
$
23,928

$
31,734

Loss ratio (b)
 
54.5
 %
64.8
%
68.0
%
74.7
%
66.5
%
 
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (c)
 
(1.1
)%
16.8
%
22.0
%
22.9
%
18.3
%
 
 
 
General and administrative expense ratio (d)
 
15.3
 %
19.6
%
10.7
%
19.1
%
13.7
%
 
 
 
Combined ratio (e)
 
68.6
 %
101.2
%
100.7
%
116.7
%
98.4
%
 
 
 
(a)Loss ratio and combined ratio are not provided for the life and annuity reinsurance segment as the Company believes these ratios are not appropriate measures for evaluating the profitability of life and annuity underwriting.
(b)Loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
(c)Acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
(d)General and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
(e)Combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.






13
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The Company’s clients are located in three geographic regions: North America, Europe and the rest of the world. Property and casualty gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded by geographic region for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were: 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S dollars)
 
North America
 
Europe
 
Rest of the world
 
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
1,182,077

 
$
272,879

 
$
157,240

 
$
1,612,196

Reinsurance ceded
 
(352,309
)
 
(135,035
)
 
(50,217
)
 
(537,561
)
 
 
$
829,768

 
$
137,844

 
$
107,023

 
$
1,074,635

Property and casualty gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded by geographic region for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were: 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S dollars)
 
North America
 
Europe
 
Rest of the world
 
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
1,139,120

 
$
273,431

 
$
163,345

 
$
1,575,896

Reinsurance ceded
 
(250,110
)
 
(88,946
)
 
(25,607
)
 
(364,663
)
 
 
$
889,010

 
$
184,485

 
$
137,738

 
$
1,211,233

The largest client in each of the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 accounted for 2.8% and 4.2% of the Company’s property and casualty gross premiums written, respectively.
All of the life and annuity gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded, by geographic region, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were from North America. There were no new life and annuity transactions written in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

4. BUSINESS COMBINATION
On May 12, 2010, Harbor Point Limited (“Harbor Point”) amalgamated with Alterra Holdings, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Alterra (the “Amalgamation”). The Amalgamation was accounted for as a business combination, with Alterra the accounting acquirer. The Company recorded the acquired assets and liabilities of Harbor Point at their fair values.
The net loss reserves acquired included an increase of $91.0 million to adjust net loss reserves to fair value. This fair value adjustment is included within property and casualty losses on the consolidated balance sheet. This amount is being amortized to net losses and loss expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income over a weighted average period of 4.0 years, based on the estimated settlement of underlying losses. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 , $4.2 million and $15.8 million, respectively, was amortized. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, $6.2 million and $18.5 million, respectively, was amortized. As of September 30, 2012, the unamortized balance of this fair value adjustment was $36.2 million.
The net unearned premiums acquired included a decrease of $127.2 million to adjust net unearned premiums to fair value. This fair value adjustment is included within unearned property and casualty premiums on the consolidated balance sheet. This amount is being amortized to acquisition costs in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income over two years. The amortization approximates the amount of Harbor Point’s deferred acquisition costs that would have been recorded as acquisition costs had they not been fair valued under acquisition accounting. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, $3.4 million and $11.8 million, respectively, was amortized. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, $9.8 million and $37.8 million, respectively, was amortized. As of September 30, 2012, the unamortized balance of this fair value adjustment was $4.2 million. 

14
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


5. INVESTMENTS
Fixed Maturities—Available for Sale
The fair values and amortized cost of available for sale fixed maturities as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were: 
 
 
 
 
Included in Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
September 30, 2012 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Non-OTTI
Unrealized
Loss
 
OTTI
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
675,392

 
$
31,841

 
$
(443
)
 
$
—

 
$
706,790

Non-U.S. governments
 
164,468

 
12,091

 
(36
)
 
—

 
176,523

Corporate securities
 
2,375,129

 
142,812

 
(3,836
)
 
(49
)
 
2,514,056

Municipal securities
 
238,927

 
31,832

 
(258
)
 
—

 
270,501

Asset-backed securities
 
349,639

 
4,014

 
(5,718
)
 
(261
)
 
347,674

Residential mortgage-backed securities (1)
 
1,210,563

 
64,783

 
(580
)
 
(391
)
 
1,274,375

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
399,748

 
40,227

 
(1,254
)
 
—

 
438,721

 
 
$
5,413,866

 
$
327,600

 
$
(12,125
)
 
$
(701
)
 
$
5,728,640

(1)
Included within residential mortgage-backed securities are securities issued by U.S. agencies with a fair value of $1,243,111.
 
 
 
 
 
Included in Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Non-OTTI
Unrealized
Loss
 
OTTI
Unrealized
Loss
 
 
December 31, 2011 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
686,818

 
$
39,709

 
$
(188
)
 
$
—

 
$
726,339

Non-U.S. governments
 
121,769

 
8,087

 
(486
)
 
—

 
129,370

Corporate securities
 
2,418,673

 
104,241

 
(20,259
)
 
(1,040
)
 
2,501,615

Municipal securities
 
241,303

 
22,464

 
(760
)
 
—

 
263,007

Asset-backed securities
 
250,070

 
1,325

 
(11,635
)
 
—

 
239,760

Residential mortgage-backed securities (1)
 
1,244,274

 
45,027

 
(2,440
)
 
(1,230
)
 
1,285,631

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
327,217

 
30,617

 
(1,631
)
 
—

 
356,203

 
 
$
5,290,124

 
$
251,470

 
$
(37,399
)
 
$
(2,270
)
 
$
5,501,925

 
(1)
Included within residential mortgage-backed securities are securities issued by U.S. agencies with a fair value of $1,114,064.









15
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)



The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s available for sale fixed maturities (using the lower of the ratings from Standard and Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") and Moody's Investor Services, Inc. ("Moody's")) as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Fair Value
 
%
 
Fair Value
 
%
U.S. government and agencies (1)
 
$
1,949,901

 
34.0
 
$
1,840,403

 
33.5
AAA
 
1,101,885

 
19.2
 
850,379

 
15.5
AA
 
720,505

 
12.6
 
840,397

 
15.3
A
 
1,384,430

 
24.2
 
1,322,267

 
24.0
BBB
 
314,259

 
5.5
 
280,159

 
5.1
BB
 
67,285

 
1.2
 
84,385

 
1.5
B
 
140,223

 
2.4
 
131,159

 
2.4
CCC or lower
 
33,576

 
0.6
 
53,157

 
1.0
Not rated
 
16,576

 
0.3
 
99,619

 
1.7
 
 
$
5,728,640

 
100.0
 
$
5,501,925

 
100.0
 
(1)
Included within U.S. government and agencies are residential mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. agencies with a fair value of $1,243,111 (December 31, 2011—$1,114,064). 

The maturity distribution for available for sale fixed maturities held as of September 30, 2012 was: 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Within one year
 
$
652,856

 
$
656,827

After one year through five years
 
1,677,049

 
1,738,464

After five years through ten years
 
689,450

 
755,944

More than ten years
 
434,561

 
516,635

 
 
3,453,916

 
3,667,870

Asset-backed securities
 
349,639

 
347,674

Mortgage-backed securities
 
1,610,311

 
1,713,096

 
 
$
5,413,866

 
$
5,728,640

Actual maturities could differ from expected contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Fixed Maturities—Held to Maturity
The fair values and amortized cost of held to maturity fixed maturities as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were: 
September 30, 2012 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
27,627

 
$
4,073

 
$
—

 
$
31,700

Non-U.S. governments
 
516,673

 
134,758

 
—

 
651,431

Corporate securities
 
292,392

 
55,919

 
—

 
348,311

Asset-backed securities
 
656

 
2

 
—

 
658

 
 
$
837,348

 
$
194,752

 
$
—

 
$
1,032,100



16
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

December 31, 2011 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
29,201

 
$
3,705

 
$
—

 
$
32,906

Non-U.S. governments
 
524,449

 
98,631

 
—

 
623,080

Corporate securities
 
319,609

 
34,895

 
—

 
354,504

Asset-backed securities
 
1,000

 
3

 
—

 
1,003

 
 
$
874,259

 
$
137,234

 
$
—

 
$
1,011,493


The following tables set forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s held to maturity fixed maturities (using the lower of the ratings from S&P and Moody's) as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011: 
September 30, 2012 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
%
 
Fair
Value
 
%
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
27,627

 
3.3
 
$
31,700

 
3.1
AAA
 
583,187

 
69.6
 
734,678

 
71.2
AA
 
92,473

 
11.0
 
105,763

 
10.2
A
 
101,119

 
12.1
 
120,707

 
11.7
BBB
 
30,567

 
3.7
 
36,974

 
3.6
BB
 
2,375

 
0.3
 
2,278

 
0.2
 
 
$
837,348

 
100.0
 
$
1,032,100

 
100.0
 
December 31, 2011 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
%
 
Fair
Value
 
%
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
29,201

 
3.3
 
$
32,907

 
3.3
AAA
 
619,832

 
70.9
 
733,631

 
72.5
AA
 
82,511

 
9.4
 
88,631

 
8.8
A
 
117,600

 
13.5
 
129,791

 
12.8
BBB
 
24,117

 
2.8
 
25,705

 
2.5
Not rated
 
998

 
0.1
 
828

 
0.1
 
 
$
874,259

 
100.0
 
$
1,011,493

 
100.0

The maturity distribution for held to maturity fixed maturities held as of September 30, 2012 was: 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Within one year
 
$
43,125

 
$
43,722

After one year through five years
 
95,344

 
103,125

After five years through ten years
 
110,372

 
130,551

More than ten years
 
587,851

 
754,044

 
 
836,692

 
1,031,442

Asset-backed securities
 
656

 
658

 
 
$
837,348

 
$
1,032,100

Actual maturities could differ from expected contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.

17
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


Investment Income
Investment income earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was: 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Interest earned on investments and cash and cash equivalents
 
$
65,448

 
$
68,387

 
$
196,072

 
$
199,759

Amortization of premium on fixed maturities
 
(10,194
)
 
(5,582
)
 
(23,282
)
 
(15,383
)
Investment expenses
 
(1,736
)
 
(2,470
)
 
(5,865
)
 
(6,610
)
 
 
$
53,518

 
$
60,335

 
$
166,925

 
$
177,766


Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses
The net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were: 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Gross realized gains on available for sale securities
 
$
3,802

 
$
8,058

 
$
27,658

 
$
16,364

Gross realized losses on available for sale securities
 
(715
)
 
(1,961
)
 
(4,822
)
 
(6,844
)
Net realized and unrealized gains on trading securities
 
3,621

 
1,663

 
5,274

 
1,268

Increase (decrease) in fair value of hedge funds
 
8,245

 
(7,668
)
 
9,030

 
(6,380
)
Decrease in fair value of catastrophe bonds
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(25,641
)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of structured deposit
 
1,003

 
(2,007
)
 
713

 
(1,957
)
Income from equity method investments
 
5,167

 
579

 
15,677

 
422

(Decrease) increase in fair value of derivatives
 
(687
)
 
(6,636
)
 
5,880

 
(9,796
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
$
20,436

 
$
(7,972
)
 
$
59,410

 
$
(32,564
)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
$
(592
)
 
$
(861
)
 
$
(6,531
)
 
$
(2,243
)
Increase in net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturities, before tax
 
$
57,846

 
$
65,608

 
$
102,973

 
$
96,143


Included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities were $0.2 million and $0.1 million of net realized gains recognized on trading securities sold during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $0.1 million of net realized gains and $0.6 million of net realized losses in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
The Company attempts to match the maturities of its fixed maturities portfolio to the expected timing of its loss and benefit payments. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, it is likely that over the period a security is held there will be periods, perhaps greater than twelve months, when the security’s fair value is less than its cost, resulting in unrealized losses.
Any other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the OTTI related to other factors (e.g. interest rates, market conditions, etc.) is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. If no credit loss exists but either: (i) the Company has the intent to sell the debt security; or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, the entire unrealized loss is recognized in earnings. In periods after the recognition of an OTTI on debt securities, the Company accounts for such securities as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings.
The Company has reviewed all debt securities in an unrealized loss position at the end of the period to identify any securities for which there is an intention to sell after the period end. For those securities where there is such an intention, the OTTI charge (being the difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the security) was recognized in net income.

18
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The Company has reviewed debt securities in an unrealized loss position to determine whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell those securities. The Company has considered its liquidity and working capital needs and determined that it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position. The Company has also performed a review of debt securities, which considers various indicators of potential credit losses. These indicators include the length of time and extent of the unrealized loss, any specific adverse conditions, historic and implied volatility of the security, failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest payments, expected cash flow analysis, significant rating changes and recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date. The consideration of these indicators and the estimation of credit losses involve significant management judgment.
The Company recorded $0.6 million of OTTI in earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2012, of which $0.1 million related to estimated credit losses and $0.5 million was recorded due to the decision to sell certain securities prior to their recovery in value ($0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011, of which $0.5 million related to estimated credit losses and $0.4 million was recorded due to the decision to sell certain securities prior to their recovery in value).
The Company recorded $6.5 million of OTTI in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, of which $0.4 million related to estimated credit losses and $6.1 million was recorded due to the decision to sell certain securities prior to their recovery in value ($2.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011, of which $1.8 million related to estimated credit losses and $0.4 million was recorded due to the decision to sell certain securities prior to their recovery in value).
The following methodology and significant inputs were used to determine the estimated credit losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2012:
•
Residential mortgage-backed securities ($nil and $0.2 million credit loss recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively)—the Company utilized underlying data for each security provided by its investment managers in order to determine an expected recovery value for each security. The analysis includes expected cash flow projections under base case and stress case scenarios, which modify expected default expectations, loss severities and prepayment assumptions. The significant inputs in the models include expected default rates, delinquency rates and foreclosure costs. The Company reviews the process used by each investment manager in developing its analysis, reviews the results of the analysis and then determines what the expected recovery values are for each security, which incorporates both base case and stress case scenarios; and
•
Asset-backed securities ($0.1 million and $0.2 million credit loss recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively)—the Company utilized underlying data for each security provided by its investment managers in order to determine an expected recovery value for each security. The analysis includes expected cash flow projections under base case and stress case scenarios, which modify expected default expectations, loss severities and prepayment assumptions. The significant inputs in the models include expected default rates, delinquency rates and foreclosure costs. The Company reviews the process used by each investment manager in developing its analysis, reviews the results of the analysis and then determines what the expected recovery values are for each security, which incorporates both base case and stress case scenarios.
Available for sale fixed maturities with unrealized losses, and the duration of such conditions as of September 30, 2012 and as of December 31, 2011, were: 
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
September 30, 2012 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
15,449

 
$
243

 
$
2,654

 
$
200

 
$
18,103

 
$
443

Non-U.S. governments
 
2,251

 
20

 
387

 
16

 
2,638

 
36

Corporate securities
 
79,773

 
3,856

 
605

 
29

 
80,378

 
3,885

Municipal securities
 
16,837

 
258

 
—

 
—

 
16,837

 
258

Asset-backed securities
 
49,318

 
5,789

 
195

 
190

 
49,513

 
5,979

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
51,430

 
971

 
—

 
—

 
51,430

 
971

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
53,874

 
1,254

 
—

 
—

 
53,874

 
1,254

 
 
$
268,932

 
$
12,391

 
$
3,841

 
$
435

 
$
272,773

 
$
12,826



19
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
December 31, 2011 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
19,185

 
$
188

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
19,185

 
$
188

Non-U.S. governments
 
19,265

 
486

 
—

 
—

 
19,265

 
486

Corporate securities
 
405,924

 
21,288

 
1,680

 
11

 
407,604

 
21,299

Municipal securities
 
26,968

 
760

 
—

 
—

 
26,968

 
760

Asset-backed securities
 
144,323

 
11,326

 
545

 
309

 
144,868

 
11,635

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
161,651

 
3,670

 
—

 
—

 
161,651

 
3,670

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
74,782

 
1,631

 
—

 
—

 
74,782

 
1,631

 
 
$
852,098

 
$
39,349

 
$
2,225

 
$
320

 
$
854,323

 
$
39,669

Of the total holdings of 3,182 (as of December 31, 2011—3,093) available for sale securities, 199 (as of December 31, 2011—524) had unrealized losses as of September 30, 2012.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the amount related to credit losses recognized in earnings for which a portion of an OTTI was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: 

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2012
 
2011
Beginning balance at July 1
 
$
5,157

 
$
4,673

Addition for credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired
 
—

 
251

Addition for credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired
 
70

 
207

Reduction for securities the Company intends to sell
 
—

 
(460
)
Reduction for securities sold during the period
 
(782
)
 
(91
)
Ending balance at September 30
 
$
4,445

 
$
4,580


 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2012
 
2011
Beginning balance at January 1
 
$
5,283

 
$
3,768

Addition for credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired
 
151

 
675

Addition for credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired
 
261

 
1,165

Reduction for securities the Company intends to sell
 
—

 
(460
)
Reduction for securities sold during the period
 
(1,250
)
 
(568
)
Ending balance at September 30
 
$
4,445

 
$
4,580












20
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Other Investments
The following is a summary of other investments as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011: 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
 
 
Allocation %
 
 
 
Allocation %
Hedge funds, at fair value
 
$
265,468

 
70.4

 
$
249,971

 
87.2

Equity method investments
 
86,797

 
23.0

 
13,670

 
4.8

Structured deposits, at fair value
 
25,254

 
6.7

 
24,540

 
8.6

Derivatives, at fair value
 
(649
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(1,666
)
 
(0.6
)
 
 
$
376,870

 
100.0

 
$
286,515

 
100.0


Hedge Funds
The Company has investments in hedge funds across various investment strategies, together, the “hedge fund portfolio.” The distribution of the hedge fund portfolio by investment strategy as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was: 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Fair Value
 
Allocation %
 
Fair Value
 
Allocation %
Distressed securities
 
$
24,861

 
9.4
 
$
24,987

 
9.9
Diversified arbitrage
 
12,284

 
4.6
 
17,368

 
6.9
Emerging markets
 
3,533

 
1.3
 
4,929

 
2.0
Event-driven arbitrage
 
7,710

 
2.9
 
21,130

 
8.5
Fund of funds
 
16,791

 
6.3
 
31,691

 
12.7
Global macro
 
49,517

 
18.7
 
48,965

 
19.6
Long/short credit
 
534

 
0.2
 
4,414

 
1.8
Long/short equity
 
148,578

 
56.0
 
94,793

 
37.9
Opportunistic
 
1,660

 
0.6
 
1,694

 
0.7
Total hedge fund portfolio
 
$
265,468

 
100.0
 
$
249,971

 
100.0
Redemptions receivable of $17.3 million and $23.8 million related to the hedge fund portfolio are excluded from the above table and are presented within trades pending settlement on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. Funds remitted to the broker of $60.5 million but which have not yet been invested in a hedge fund are also included within trades pending settlement as of September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011—$nil).
As of September 30, 2012, the hedge fund portfolio was invested in nine strategies in 38 underlying funds. The Company is able to redeem the hedge funds on the same terms that the underlying funds can be redeemed. In general, the funds in which the Company is invested require at least 30 days notice of redemption, and may be redeemed on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual or longer basis, depending on the fund.
Certain funds have a lock-up period. A lock-up period refers to the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to invest before having the ability to redeem. Funds that do provide for periodic redemptions may, depending on the funds’ governing documents, have the ability to deny or delay a redemption request, called a “gate.” The fund may implement this restriction because the aggregate amount of redemption requests as of a particular date exceeds a specified level, generally ranging from 15% to 25% of the fund’s net assets. The gate is a method for executing an orderly redemption process that allows for redemption requests to be executed in a timely manner to reduce the possibility of adversely affecting the remaining investors in the fund. Typically, the imposition of a gate delays a portion of the requested redemption, with the remaining portion settled in cash sometime after the redemption date.
Of the Company’s outstanding redemptions receivable of $17.3 million at September 30, 2012, none of which is gated, $3.6 million was received in cash prior to November 6, 2012. The fair value of the Company’s holdings in funds with gates imposed as of September 30, 2012 was $6.8 million (December 31, 2011—$19.1 million).
Certain funds may be allowed to invest a portion of their assets in illiquid securities, such as private equity or convertible debt. In such cases, a common mechanism used is a side-pocket, whereby the illiquid security is assigned to a separate memorandum capital account or designated account. Typically, the investor loses its redemption rights in the designated account. Only when the illiquid security is sold, or otherwise deemed liquid by the fund, may investors redeem their interest in

21
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

the side-pocket. As of September 30, 2012, the fair value of hedge funds held in side-pockets was $39.5 million (December 31, 2011—$37.4 million).

Details regarding the redemption of the hedge fund portfolio as of September 30, 2012 were as follows: 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Fair Value
 
Gated/Side
Pocket
Investments (1)
 
Investments
without Gates
or Side Pockets
 
Redemption
Frequency (2)
 
Redemption
Notice
Period (2)
Distressed securities
 
$
24,861

 
$
13,543

 
$
11,318

 
Annually
 
90 days
Diversified arbitrage
 
12,284

 
12,284

 
—

 
 
 
 
Emerging markets
 
3,533

 
3,533

 
—

 
 
 
 
Event-driven arbitrage
 
7,710

 
7,710

 
—

 

 

Fund of funds
 
16,791

 
1,503

 
15,288

 
(3)
 

Global macro
 
49,517

 
1,803

 
47,714

 
Monthly - Quarterly
 
30-90 days
Long/short credit
 
534

 
534

 
—

 

 

Long/short equity
 
148,578

 
3,709

 
144,869

 
Monthly - Annually
 
30-92 days
Opportunistic
 
1,660

 
1,660

 
—

 
 
 
 
Total hedge funds
 
$
265,468

 
$
46,279

 
$
219,189

 
 
 
 
 
(1)
For those investments that are restricted by gates or that are invested in side pockets, the Company cannot reasonably estimate, as of September 30, 2012, when it will be able to redeem the investment.
(2)
The redemption frequency and notice periods apply to the investments that are not gated or invested in side pockets.
(3)
The fund of funds investment is being redeemed effective June 30, 2013.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had one unfunded commitment of $7.3 million related to its hedge fund portfolio (December 31, 2011—$7.8 million).
An increase in market volatility and an increase in volatility of hedge funds in general, as well as a decrease in market liquidity, could lead to a higher risk of a large decline in value of the hedge funds in any given time period.

Equity Method Investments
The Company owns 34.8% of the common shares of New Point IV. As of September 30, 2012, the carrying value of this investment was $83.1 million. The increase in this investment since December 31, 2011 was due to additional capital invested together with net income generated in the period. The Company’s equity share of net income for this investment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $5.3 million and $15.8 million, respectively. The Company also owns 7.5% of the common shares of Grand Central Re Limited (“Grand Central Re”) and 13.8% of the common shares of Bay Point Holdings Limited (“Bay Point’). The Company’s equity share of net income for all equity method investments is included in net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

Structured Deposits
The Company holds an index-linked structured deposit with a guaranteed minimum redemption amount of $24.3 million. The deposit has a scheduled redemption date of December 18, 2013. The interest earned on the deposit is a function of the performance of the reference index over the term of the deposit. The Company elected to account for this structured deposit at fair value. As of September 30, 2012, the estimated fair value of the deposit was $25.3 million (December 31, 2011—$24.5 million).

Derivatives
The Company holds convertible bond securities within its available for sale fixed maturity portfolio and uses various other derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps, swaptions, foreign currency forwards and money market futures, to adjust the curve and/or duration positioning of the investment portfolio, to obtain risk neutral substitutes for physical securities and to manage the overall risk exposure of the investment portfolio. Refer to Note 7 for additional details of derivative holdings.

22
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


Catastrophe Bonds
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company disposed of all of its holdings in catastrophe bonds.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded $nil and $1.7 million of net investment income from catastrophe bonds, respectively.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded a decrease in the estimated fair value of the catastrophe bonds of $nil and $25.6 million, respectively, principally as a result of exposure to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The changes in estimated fair value are included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

Restricted Assets
The total restricted assets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows: 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
$
245,747

 
$
453,367

Restricted assets included in fixed maturities, at fair value
 
3,928,931

 
3,888,211

Restricted assets included in other investments
 
148,669

 
156,776

Total
 
$
4,323,347

 
$
4,498,354


As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $3,560.0 million and $3,662.9 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and investments were on deposit with various state or government insurance departments or pledged in favor of ceding companies. The Company also has issued secured letters of credit collateralized against the Company’s investment portfolio. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $763.3 million and $835.5 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and investments were pledged as security in favor of letters of credit issued.

6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The fair value hierarchy, which is based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value, gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3—Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. As a result, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Level 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3).
The Company determines the existence of an active market based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the financial instrument occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information.
At September 30, 2012, the Company determined that U.S. government securities are classified as Level 1. Securities classified as Level 2 include U.S. government-sponsored agency securities, non-U.S. government securities, corporate debt securities, municipal securities, asset-backed securities, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, derivative instruments, catastrophe bonds and structured deposits.
Fair value prices for all securities in the fixed maturities portfolio are independently provided by the investment custodian, investment accounting service provider and investment managers, each of which utilize internationally recognized independent pricing services. The Company records the unadjusted price provided by the investment custodian or the investment accounting service provider and validates this price through a process that includes, but is not limited to: (i) comparison of prices between two independent sources, with significant differences requiring additional price sources; (ii) quantitative analysis (e.g., comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated); (iii) evaluation of methodologies used by external parties to calculate fair

23
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

value, including a review of the inputs used for pricing; and (iv) comparing the price to the Company’s knowledge of the current investment market.
The independent pricing services used by the investment custodian, investment accounting service provider and investment managers obtain actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Each pricing service has its own proprietary method for determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded. In general, these methods involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing service uses observable market inputs including, but not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, interest rates, prepayment speeds, default rates and such other inputs as are available from market sources to determine a reasonable fair value. In addition, pricing services use valuation models, such as an Option Adjusted Spread model, to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The Option Adjusted Spread model is commonly used to estimate fair value for securities such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
For all assets and liabilities classified as Level 2, the market approach is utilized. The significant inputs used to determine the fair value of those assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 are as follows:
•
U.S government agency securities consist of securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other agencies. The fair values of these securities are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve and reported trades. These are considered to be observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair values of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•
Non-U.S. government securities consist of bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and agencies along with supranational organizations. The significant inputs include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker/dealer quotes. These are considered to be observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair values of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•
Corporate securities consist primarily of investment-grade debt of a wide variety of corporate issuers and industries. The fair values of these securities are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, benchmark yields and industry and market indicators. For syndicated bank loan securities held within the corporate category, broker/dealer quotes are the principal source fair value. The principal inputs for corporate securities are considered observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•
Municipal securities consist primarily of bonds issued by U.S. domiciled state and municipality entities. The fair values of these securities are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker/ dealer quotes and benchmark yields. These are considered observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•
Asset-backed securities consist primarily of investment-grade bonds backed by pools of loans with a variety of underlying collateral. The significant inputs used to determine the fair value of these securities includes the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, prepayment speeds and default rates. These are considered observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•
Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities include both agency and non-agency originated securities. The significant inputs used to determine the fair value of these securities includes the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, prepayment speeds and default rates. These are considered observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•
Derivatives consist of convertible bond equity call options, interest rate linked derivative instruments and foreign exchange forward contracts, money market futures and credit derivatives. The fair value of the equity call options is determined using an Option Adjusted Spread model, the significant inputs for which include equity prices, interest rates, volatility rates and benchmark yields. The other derivative instruments trade in the over-the-counter derivative market, or are priced based on broker/dealer quotes or quoted market prices for similar securities. These are considered observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•
Structured deposits are recorded at fair value based on quoted indexes that are observable, and, therefore, the investments in structured deposits are classified within Level 2.
•
Senior notes are not recorded at fair value but the fair value is disclosed. The fair value is obtained from an independent pricing service, which determines fair value using the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker/ dealer quotes, benchmark yields and industry and market indicators. The principal inputs are considered observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair value is classified within Level 2.



24
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The ability to obtain quoted market prices is reduced in periods of decreasing liquidity, which generally increases the use of matrix pricing methods and generally increases the uncertainty surrounding the fair value estimates. This could result in the reclassification of a security between levels of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments in hedge funds are carried at fair value. The change in fair value is included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and recognized in net income. The units of account that are valued by the Company are its interests in the funds and not the underlying holdings of such funds. Thus, the inputs used by the Company to value its investments in each of the funds may differ from the inputs used to value the underlying holdings of such funds. These funds are stated at fair value, which ordinarily will be the most recently reported net asset value as provided by the fund manager or administrator. The use of net asset value as an estimate of the fair value for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value is a permitted practical expedient. Certain of the Company’s funds have either imposed a gate on redemptions, or have segregated a portion of the underlying assets into a side-pocket. The investments in these funds are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as the Company cannot reasonably estimate at September 30, 2012 the time period in which it will be able to redeem its investment. Certain hedge fund investments have a redemption notice period and frequency that is not considered to be in the near term; these investments are also classified as Level 3 in the hierarchy. As of September 30, 2012, the remaining hedge fund portfolio investments are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company can reasonably estimate when it will be able to redeem its investments at the net asset value, and the redemption period is considered to be in the near term.
The Company has ongoing due diligence processes with respect to funds in which it invests and their managers. These processes are designed to assist the Company in assessing the quality of information provided by, or on behalf of, each fund and in determining whether such information continues to be reliable or whether further review is warranted. Certain funds do not provide full transparency of their underlying holdings; however, the Company obtains the audited financial statements for every fund annually, and regularly reviews and discusses the fund performance with the fund managers to corroborate the reasonableness of the reported net asset values. While reported net asset value is the primary input to the review, when the net asset value is deemed not to be indicative of fair value, the Company may incorporate adjustments to the reported net asset value and not use the permitted practical expedient on an investment by investment basis. These adjustments may involve significant management judgment.
Based on the review process applied by management, the permitted practical expedient has not been applied to one hedge fund investment and a reduction of $2.5 million was made to the net asset value reported by the fund manager as of September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011—$2.5 million) to adjust the carrying value of the fund to $nil, which is the Company’s best estimate of the fund’s fair value. 
A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets and liabilities. Reclassifications between Level 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in and/or out as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur.


















25
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
September 30, 2012 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
Level 1
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
Level 2
 
Significant Other
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
 
Total
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
332,609

 
$
479,179

 
$
—

 
$
811,788

Non-U.S. governments
 
—

 
240,463

 
—

 
240,463

Corporate securities
 
—

 
2,673,789

 
—

 
2,673,789

Municipal securities
 
—

 
270,501

 
—

 
270,501

Asset-backed securities
 
—

 
354,739

 
—

 
354,739

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
—

 
1,310,149

 
—

 
1,310,149

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
—

 
443,709

 
—

 
443,709

Total fixed maturities
 
332,609

 
5,772,529

 
—

 
6,105,138

Hedge funds
 
—

 
206,513

 
58,955

 
265,468

Structured deposit
 
—

 
25,254

 
—

 
25,254

Derivative assets
 
—

 
(649
)
 
—

 
(649
)
Other investments
 
—

 
231,118

 
58,955

 
290,073

 
 
$
332,609

 
$
6,003,647

 
$
58,955

 
$
6,395,211

December 31, 2011 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
Level 1
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
Level 2
 
Significant Other
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
 
Total
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
332,287

 
$
419,519

 
$
—

 
$
751,806

Non-U.S. governments
 
—

 
164,621

 
—

 
164,621

Corporate securities
 
—

 
2,646,358

 
—

 
2,646,358

Municipal securities
 
—

 
263,007

 
—

 
263,007

Asset-backed securities
 
—

 
247,965

 
—

 
247,965

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
—

 
1,296,277

 
—

 
1,296,277

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
—

 
361,097

 
—

 
361,097

Total fixed maturities
 
332,287

 
5,398,844

 
—

 
5,731,131

Hedge funds
 
—

 
147,105

 
102,866

 
249,971

Structured deposit
 
—

 
24,540

 
—

 
24,540

Derivative assets
 
—

 
(1,666
)
 
—

 
(1,666
)
Other investments
 
—

 
169,979

 
102,866

 
272,845

 
 
$
332,287

 
$
5,568,823

 
$
102,866

 
$
6,003,976

The other investments above do not include investments accounted for using the equity method of $86.8 million and $13.7 million as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, in which the Company is deemed to have significant influence.
The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets not carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet but for which disclosure of the fair value is required as of September 30, 2012: 
September 30, 2012 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
Level 1
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
Level 2
 
Significant Other
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
 
Total
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
10,357

 
$
21,344

 
$
—

 
$
31,701

Non-U.S. governments
 
—

 
651,431

 
—

 
651,431

Corporate securities
 
—

 
348,310

 
—

 
348,310

Asset-backed securities
 
—

 
658

 
—

 
658

Total held to maturity fixed maturities
 
$
10,357

 
$
1,021,743

 
$
—

 
$
1,032,100


26
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)



The fair value of the Company’s senior notes was $476.8 million as of September 30, 2012 and is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Company has no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2012.
The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets (and liabilities) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011: 
 
 
Other Investments
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2012
 
2011
Beginning balance at July 1
 
$
70,914

 
$
100,581

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
Included in net income
 
1,526

 
(2,221
)
Included in other comprehensive income
 
—

 
—

Purchases
 
5,268

 
599

Issuances
 
—

 
—

Settlements
 
(4,445
)
 
(3,519
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
 
(14,308
)
 
23,374

Ending balance at September 30
 
$
58,955

 
$
118,814

The amount of total gains (losses) for the three months ended September 30, included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30
 
$
1,637

 
$
(2,221
)

 
 
Other Investments
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2012
 
2011
Beginning balance at January 1
 
$
102,866

 
$
123,240

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
Included in net income
 
(899
)
 
(1,665
)
Included in other comprehensive income
 
—

 
—

Purchases
 
16,646

 
4,753

Issuances
 
—

 
—

Settlements
 
(15,774
)
 
(30,007
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
 
(43,884
)
 
22,493

Ending balance at September 30
 
$
58,955

 
$
118,814

The amount of total (losses) gains for the nine months ended September 30, included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30
 
$
(2,403
)
 
$
(1,822
)

Transfers out of Level 3 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, are hedge funds for which the Company can reasonably estimate when it will be able to redeem its investment at the net asset value, and the redemption period is considered to be in the near term. Transfers in to Level 3 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, are hedge funds for which the Company can not reasonably estimate when it will be able to redeem its investment at the net asset value, and the redemption period is not considered to be in the near term.

7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and measures them at fair value.
The Company uses various interest rate-linked derivatives, including swaptions, swaps and futures to manage the interest rate exposure of its fixed maturity investment portfolio. The Company also uses various foreign currency forward contracts,

27
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

money market futures, credit derivatives and interest rate swaps as part of a total investment strategy applied to a portion of the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company may also hold convertible bond securities, with embedded equity call options, for their total return potential. None of the derivatives used were designated as hedging investments.
The fair values of derivative instruments as of September 30, 2012 were: 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Derivative assets
Fair Value
 
Derivative liabilities
Fair Value
Interest rate-linked derivatives
 
$
—

 
$
(76
)
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
—

 
(573
)
Total derivatives
 
$
—

 
$
(649
)

The fair values of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2011 were: 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Derivative assets
Fair Value
 
Derivative liabilities
Fair Value
Convertible bond equity call options
 
$
2,516

 
$
—

Interest rate-linked derivatives
 
188

 
(4,784
)
Credit default swaps
 
187

 
(526
)
Money market futures
 
501

 
—

Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
700

 
(448
)
Total derivatives
 
$
4,092

 
$
(5,758
)
The derivative assets and liabilities are included within other investments in the consolidated balance sheets.
As of September 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps and swaptions of $41.0 million in notional long positions and $62.7 million in notional short positions (December 31, 2011—$42.7 million and $104.7 million, respectively). As of September 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding credit default swaps of $nil in notional long positions and $nil in notional short positions (December 31, 2011—$2.5 million and $9.3 million, respectively). As of September 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding money market futures contracts with a notional value of $nil (December 31, 2011—$300.0 million). As of September 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts of $13.3 million in long positions and $149.4 million in short positions (December 31, 2011—$13.7 million and $53.6 million, respectively). As of September 30, 2012, the Company held $3.2 million (December 31, 2011—$94.5 million) of convertible bond securities, including the fair value of the equity call options embedded therein.
The impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, was: 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2012
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
 
2011
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
Convertible bond equity call options
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1,721
)
Interest rate-linked derivatives
 
635

 
(8,645
)
Credit default swaps
 
(1
)
 
18

Money market futures
 
107

 
2,357

Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
(1,427
)
 
1,355

Total derivatives
 
$
(687
)
 
$
(6,636
)








28
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, was: 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2012
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
 
2011
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
Convertible bond equity call options
 
$
1,742

 
$
(3,927
)
Interest rate-linked derivatives
 
4,785

 
(8,829
)
Credit default swaps
 
169

 
18

Money market futures
 
976

 
2,076

Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
(1,792
)
 
866

Total derivatives
 
$
5,880

 
$
(9,796
)
The gain (loss) on all derivative instruments is included within net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

8. SENIOR NOTES
On September 27, 2010, Alterra Finance, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Alterra, issued $350.0 million principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due September 30, 2020 with interest payable on March 30 and September 30 of each year (the “6.25% senior notes”). The 6.25% senior notes are Alterra Finance’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of Alterra Finance’s future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and rank senior to all of Alterra Finance’s future subordinated indebtedness. The 6.25% senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Alterra on a senior unsecured basis. The guarantee ranks equally with all of Alterra’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and ranks senior to all of Alterra’s future subordinated indebtedness. The effective interest rate related to the 6.25% senior notes, based on the net proceeds received, was 6.37%. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, from the sale of the 6.25% senior notes were $346.9 million and were used to repay a $200.0 million revolving bank loan outstanding under a credit facility, with the remainder used for general corporate purposes.
Alterra Finance is a finance subsidiary and has no independent activities, assets or operations other than in connection with the 6.25% senior notes.
On April 16, 2007, Alterra USA privately issued $100.0 million principal amount of 7.20% senior notes due April 14, 2017 with interest payable on April 16 and October 16 of each year (the “7.20% senior notes”). The 7.20% senior notes are Alterra USA’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of Alterra USA. The 7.20% senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Alterra. The effective interest rate related to the 7.20% senior notes, based on the net proceeds received, was 7.27%. The net proceeds from the sale of the 7.20% senior notes were $99.5 million, which were used to repay a bank loan used to acquire Alterra E&S. Following repurchases of $8.5 million and $0.9 million principal amount in December 2008 and December 2009, respectively, the principal amount of the 7.20% senior notes outstanding as of September 30, 2012 was $90.6 million.
The Company has the option to redeem both the 6.25% senior notes and the 7.20% senior notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a “make-whole” redemption price, which is equal to the greater of the aggregate principal amount or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest.
Interest expense in connection with the senior notes was $7.1 million and $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $21.3 million and $21.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

9. INCOME TAXES
Alterra and Alterra Bermuda are incorporated in Bermuda and pursuant to Bermuda law are not taxed on either income or capital gains. They have each received an assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance under the Exempted Undertaking Tax Protection Act, 1966 of Bermuda that if there is enacted in Bermuda any legislation imposing tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable until March 2035. The Company’s subsidiaries that are based in jurisdictions other than Bermuda are subject to the tax laws of those jurisdictions and the jurisdictions in which they operate.
The Company records income taxes during the period on the estimated effective annual rates for the year ending December 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, of which

29
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

there have been none, would be recognized in income tax expense.

10. EQUITY CAPITAL
The Board of Directors of the Company declared the following dividends during 2012 and 2011: 
Date Declared
 
Dividend
per share
 
Dividend to be paid
to shareholders of
record on
 
Payable On
November 6, 2012
 
$
0.16

 
November 20, 2012
 
December 4, 2012
August 7, 2012
 
$
0.16

 
August 21, 2012
 
September 4, 2012
May 8, 2012
 
$
0.14

 
May 22, 2012
 
June 5, 2012
February 8, 2012
 
$
0.14

 
February 22, 2012
 
March 7, 2012
November 1, 2011
 
$
0.14

 
November 15, 2011
 
November 29, 2011
August 2, 2011
 
$
0.14

 
August 16, 2011
 
August 30, 2011
May 3, 2011
 
$
0.12

 
May 17, 2011
 
May 31, 2011
February 8, 2011
 
$
0.12

 
February 22, 2011
 
March 8, 2011
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 6,882,327 common shares at an average price of $23.04 per common share and 29,826 warrants at an average price of $3.79, for a total amount of $158.7 million, including the costs incurred to effect the repurchases. Of the amount repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 6,626,684 common shares and 29,826 warrants were repurchased under the Board-approved share repurchase authorization. As of September 30, 2012, the remaining authorization under the Company’s Board-approved share repurchase program was $201.7 million.
As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s total authorized share capital is $220.0 million. Authorized but unissued shares may be issued as common or preferred shares as the Board may from time to time determine. 


11. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is based on weighted average common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of warrants, options and convertible securities. Unvested share-based compensation awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating awards and are included in the computation of basic earnings per share. Non-participating unvested share-based compensation awards are excluded from the computation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share assumes the conversion of dilutive convertible securities and the exercise of dilutive stock warrants and options.

30
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011: 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(Expressed in thousands U.S. Dollars, except share and per share amounts)
 
2012
 
2011
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
37,652

 
$
48,386

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
 
95,791,466

 
104,830,300

Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.39

 
$
0.46

Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
37,652

 
$
48,386

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
 
95,791,466

 
104,830,300

Conversion of warrants
 
2,057,064

 
521,292

Conversion of options
 
137,445

 
95,228

Conversion of employee stock purchase plan
 
3,759

 
1,909

Non participating restricted shares
 
620,533

 
216,553

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted
 
98,610,267

 
105,665,282

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.46


For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the impact of the conversion of warrants of 267,337 and options of 2,452,650 was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the impact of the conversion of warrants of 294,225 and options of 3,207,530 was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Expressed in thousands U.S. Dollars, except share and per share amounts)
 
2012
 
2011
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
195,616

 
$
34,334

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
 
98,785,999

 
105,866,771

Basic earnings per share
 
$
1.98

 
$
0.32

Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
195,616

 
$
34,334

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
 
98,785,999

 
105,866,771

Conversion of warrants
 
1,921,734

 
948,670

Conversion of options
 
127,415

 
131,600

Conversion of employee stock purchase plan
 
3,875

 
1,472

Non participating restricted shares
 
413,904

 
144,369

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted
 
101,252,927

 
107,092,882

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
1.93

 
$
0.32


For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the impact of the conversion of warrants of 283,154 and options of 2,451,766 was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the impact of the conversion of warrants of 294,225 and options of 3,000,115 was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.



31
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

12. RELATED PARTIES
The Chubb Corporation
Effective December 15, 2005, Harbor Point acquired the continuing operations and certain assets of Chubb Re, Inc. (“Chubb Re”), the assumed reinsurance division of The Chubb Corporation (“Chubb”), a significant shareholder of Harbor Point at the time, and now a significant shareholder of Alterra. Pursuant to the transaction, Harbor Point and Federal Insurance Company (“Federal”), the principal operating subsidiary of Chubb, entered into a runoff services agreement.
Under the runoff services agreement, the Company provides claims management services on Federal’s behalf with respect to reinsurance business of Federal produced by Chubb Re from December 7, 1998 to December 31, 2005. This agreement may be terminated at any time at the sole discretion of Federal. Except for certain direct claims costs, there is no consideration paid by Federal or Chubb Re to the Company under this agreement.
The Company has entered into several reinsurance agreements with Federal and Chubb Re. The following is a summary of the amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income related to these agreements since the Amalgamation: 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
As of December 31, 2011
Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
Premiums receivable
 
$
4,674

 
$
5,095

Losses and benefits recoverable from reinsurers
 
3,244

 
3,597

Unearned property and casualty premiums
 
16,053

 
17,247

Property and casualty losses
 
214,939

 
253,214

Funds withheld from reinsurers
 
575

 
1,210

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
Statements of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
8,663

 
$
7,702

 
$
10,966

 
$
11,466

Net earned premiums
 
3,221

 
4,884

 
12,641

 
12,756

Net losses and loss expenses
 
(314
)
 
2,595

 
(3,554
)
 
2,040

Acquisition costs
 
975

 
1,177

 
2,804

 
3,520

Grand Central Re Limited
The Company owns 7.5% of the ordinary shares of Grand Central Re. In conjunction with this investment, Alterra Bermuda entered into a quota share retrocession agreement with Grand Central Re that requires each of Alterra Bermuda and Grand Central Re to retrocede a portion of their respective gross premiums written from certain transactions to the other party. Alterra Bermuda has not ceded any new business to Grand Central Re since 2003.
The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income include, or are net of, the following amounts related to the quota share retrocession agreement with Grand Central Re: 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
As of December 31, 2011
Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
Losses and benefits recoverable from reinsurers
 
$
34,043

 
$
34,925

Deposit liabilities
 
11,118

 
11,835

Funds withheld from reinsurers
 
58,261

 
74,625

Reinsurance balance payable
 
(77
)
 
30


32
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
Statements of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
$
85

 
$
90

 
$
257

 
$
211

Earned premiums ceded
 
85

 
90

 
257

 
211

Other income
 
25

 
25

 
75

 
75

Claims and policy benefits
 
(402
)
 
(421
)
 
(1,294
)
 
(1,327
)
Interest expense
 
635

 
3,078

 
1,681

 
5,058

The variable quota share retrocession agreement with Grand Central Re is principally collateralized on a funds withheld basis. The rate of return on funds withheld is based on the average of two total return fixed maturity indices. The interest expense recognized by the Company will vary from period to period due to changes in the indices.

New Point IV Limited
The Company owns 34.8% of the outstanding common shares of New Point IV, a Bermuda domiciled company incorporated in 2011. In conjunction with this investment, Alterra Agency and Alterra Bermuda entered into an underwriting services agreement with New Point Re IV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Point IV. The fees associated with this agreement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.5 million and $7.6 million, respectively, and $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Bay Point Holdings Limited
The Company owns 13.8% of the outstanding common shares of Bay Point. In conjunction with this investment, Alterra Bermuda entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement to cede 30% of its property-related lines of business to Bay Point Re Limited, a Bermuda-domiciled, wholly-owned reinsurance subsidiary of Bay Point that is managed by Alterra Agency. This quota share reinsurance agreement expired on December 31, 2007. As of September 30, 2012, $3.5 million (December 31, 2011—$1.9 million) was included in premiums receivable and $3.8 million (December 31, 2011—$5.1 million) in losses and benefits recoverable from reinsurers related to this agreement.

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Credit Facilities
On December 16, 2011, Alterra and Alterra Bermuda entered into a $1,100.0 million four-year secured credit facility (the “Senior Credit Facility”) with Bank of America and various other financial institutions. The Senior Credit Facility provides for secured letters of credit to be issued for the account of Alterra, Alterra Bermuda and certain other subsidiaries of Alterra and for loans to Alterra and Alterra Bermuda. Loans under the facility are subject to a sublimit of $250.0 million. Subject to certain conditions and at the request of Alterra, the aggregate commitments of the lenders under the Senior Credit Facility may be increased up to a total of $1,600.0 million.
In July 2009, Harbor Point Re Limited (now Alterra Bermuda) entered into a letter of credit facility with Citibank N.A. This credit facility provides up to GBP 30.0 million for the issuance of secured letters of credit in support of the operations of the London branch of Alterra Europe, an indirect subsidiary of Alterra Bermuda.
In December 2011, Alterra Bermuda renewed a $75.0 million letter of credit facility with The Bank of Nova Scotia, which expires on December 14, 2012.










33
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


The following table provides a summary of the credit facilities and the amounts pledged as collateral for the issued and outstanding letters of credit as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011: 
 
 
Credit Facilities
(expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars or Great Britain Pounds, as applicable)
 
U.S Dollar
Facilities
 
Great Britain
Pound
Facilities
Letter of credit facility capacity as of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
$
1,175,000

 
GBP
 
30,000

December 31, 2011
 
$
1,175,000

 
GBP 
 
90,000

Letters of credit issued and outstanding as of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
$
570,554

 
GBP
 
16,774

December 31, 2011
 
$
604,017

 
GBP
 
16,774

Cash and fixed maturities at fair value pledged as collateral as of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
$
726,932

 
GBP
 
22,499

December 31, 2011
 
$
800,460

 
GBP
 
22,537

Each of the credit facilities requires that the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries comply with certain financial covenants, which may include a minimum consolidated tangible net worth covenant, a minimum issuer financial strength rating, and restrictions on the payment of dividends. The Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants of each of its letter of credit facilities as of September 30, 2012.

Legal Proceedings
The Company's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of their operations. These disputes principally relate to claims on policies of insurance and contracts of reinsurance and are typical for the Company and for participants in the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industries in general. Such legal proceedings are considered in connection with estimating the Company's reserve for property and casualty losses. An estimate of any amounts payable under such proceedings is included in the reserve for property and casualty losses in the consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2012, based on available information, it was the opinion of the Company's management that the ultimate resolution of pending or threatened litigation or arbitrations, both individually and in the aggregate, would not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Commitments
On June 20, 2012, Alterra Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, along with private equity funds sponsored by Stone Point Capital, LLC, including Trident V L.P., and several third party investors, executed a subscription agreement with New Point V Limited ("New Point V") to purchase common shares of New Point V. As of September 30, 2012 no shares had been subscribed; however, Alterra Holdings’ commitment under the subscription agreement with New Point V was $75.0 million.

14. SHARE BASED EQUITY AWARDS
At Alterra’s May 5, 2008 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, Alterra’s shareholders approved the adoption of the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) under which the Company may award, subject to certain restrictions, incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, share awards and other awards. The 2008 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”).
Prior to adoption of the 2008 Plan, the Company made awards of equity compensation under a stock incentive plan approved by the shareholders in June 2000, as subsequently amended (the “2000 Plan”). Effective upon the adoption of the 2008 Plan, unused shares from the 2000 Plan became unavailable for future awards and instead are used only to fulfill obligations from outstanding option awards or reload obligations pursuant to grants originally made under the 2000 Plan.
In May 2010, in connection with the Amalgamation, the Company issued replacement warrants, options and restricted stock awards to holders of Harbor Point warrants, options and restricted stock awards. The replacement warrants were issued in connection with the surrender of the original warrants and the replacement options and restricted stock awards were issued under the terms and conditions of the Harbor Point Limited Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended

34
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(the “2006 Plan”, and together with the 2008 Plan and the 2000 Plan, the “Plans”). The 2006 Plan was approved by Harbor Point’s shareholders on November 17, 2006 and is administered by the Committee.
Warrants
On May 12, 2010, the Company issued 8,911,449 replacement warrants in connection with the Amalgamation. The warrants were originally issued by Harbor Point to founding shareholders and employees in connection with the purchase of shares at the time of its formation. The warrants held by non-employees are subject to anti-dilution provisions which, in the event of certain specified events including payment of cash dividends, provide the holder of the warrant the option to have the exercise price and number of warrants adjusted such that the holder of the warrant is in the same economic position as if the warrant had been exercised immediately prior to such event, or receive the cash dividends upon exercise of the warrant. The warrants held by employees are entitled to receive accumulated cash dividends upon exercise of the warrants. The warrant expiration dates range from December 15, 2015 to May 15, 2016.
The fair value of the replacement warrants issued pursuant to the Amalgamation was estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: 
 
 
Warrant valuation assumptions:
 
Expected remaining warrant life
3.7 years

Expected dividend yield
—
%
Expected volatility
37.70
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.82
%
Forfeiture rate
—
%
Warrant related activity is as follows: 
 
 
Warrants
Outstanding
 
Warrants
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Range of
Exercise
Prices
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
10,452,253

 
10,452,253

 
$
19.33

 
$
7.04

 
$19.08 - $26.48
Additional warrants issued as a result of dividends declared
 
191,328

 
191,328

 
$
18.88

 
$
7.09

 
$18.73 - $19.05
Repurchases of warrants
 
(29,826
)
 
(29,826
)
 
$
26.48

 
$
5.24

 
$26.48
Balance, September 30, 2012
 
10,613,755

 
10,613,755

 
$
18.96

 
$
7.05

 
$18.73 - $26.48
On each of February 8, 2012, May 8, 2012, and August 7, 2012, Alterra declared dividends of $0.14, $0.14, and $0.16 per share, respectively. These dividends resulted in a reduction in the weighted average exercise price of $0.37 and an increase in the number of warrants outstanding by 191,328 (issued at a weighted average grant date fair value per warrant of $7.09). As of September 30, 2012, a deferred dividend liability of $2.6 million is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets for those warrant holders who receive cash for dividends declared rather than the anti-dilution adjustment.
The warrants contain a “cashless exercise” provision that allows the warrant holder to surrender the warrants with notice of cashless exercise and receive a number of shares based on the market value of the Company’s shares. The cashless exercise

35
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

provision results in a lower number of shares being issued than the number of warrants exercised. No warrants were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
Stock Option Awards
Options that have been granted under the Plans have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of Alterra’s common shares on the date of grant and have a maximum ten-year term. The fair value of awards granted under the Plans are measured as of the grant date and expensed ratably over the vesting period of the award. All awards provide for accelerated vesting upon a change in control of Alterra. Shares issued under the Plans are made available from authorized but unissued shares. The Company issued nil and 8,228 options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
The fair value of options issued was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the weighted average assumptions detailed below. 
 
 
 
2012
Option valuation assumptions:
 
Expected remaining option life
0.2 years

Expected dividend yield
—
%
Expected volatility
21.52
%
Risk-free interest rate
0.32
%
Forfeiture rate
—
%
A summary of the 2000 Plan related activity follows: 
 
 
Options
Outstanding
 
Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Fair Value
of Options
 
Range  of
Exercise
Prices
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
1,057,271
 
1,057,271
 
$
22.86

 
$
6.55

 
$8.85 - $33.76
Options granted
 
8,228
 
 
 
$
23.76

 
$
0.77

 
$23.76
Options exercised
 
(135,175)
 
 
 
$
19.60

 
$
6.29

 
$11.95 - $22.12
Options forfeited
 
(270,580)
 
 
 
$
29.13

 
$
6.95

 
$23.76 - $33.76
Balance, September 30, 2012
 
659,744
 
659,744
 
$
20.97

 
$
6.37

 
$8.85 - $29.76
A summary of the 2008 Plan related activity follows: 
 
 
Awards
Available
for Grant
 
Options
Outstanding
 
Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Fair Value
of Options
 
Range  of
Exercise
Prices
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
1,266,033

 
108,333

 
108,333

 
$
15.75

 
$
6.01

 
$
15.75

Restricted stock granted
 
(478,874
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock forfeited
 
32,436

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock units granted
 
(98,333
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, September 30, 2012
 
721,262

 
108,333

 
108,333

 
$
15.75

 
$
6.01

 
$
15.75











36
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

A summary of the 2006 Plan related activity follows: 
 
 
Awards
Available
for Grant
 
Options
Outstanding
 
Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Fair Value
of Options
 
Range of
Exercise
Prices
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
1,016,501

 
2,074,436

 
2,058,191

 
$
26.65

 
$
5.20

 
$26.48 - $30.82

Restricted stock granted
 
(252,909
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock forfeited
 
97,659

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options forfeited
 
915,897

 
(915,897
)
 
 
 
$
26.48

 
$
5.19

 
$
26.48

Balance, September 30, 2012
 
1,777,148

 
1,158,539

 
1,142,861

 
$
26.78

 
$
5.19

 
$26.48 - $30.82

 

Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) issued under the Plans have terms set by the Committee. These restricted stock and RSUs contain restrictions relating to, among other things, vesting, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Restricted stock and RSU awards are valued equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the shares and RSUs is charged to income over the vesting period. Generally, restricted stock and RSU awards vest between three and five years after the date of grant. The Company has also issued restricted shares and restricted share units with vesting terms that include a performance condition related to growth in book value per share or diluted book value per share over a three or a five year period.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company issued 188,010 restricted shares and 9,062 restricted stock units with vesting terms that include a performance condition related to growth in book value per share over a three year period. These restricted shares were issued at fair value of $22.99 per share. The number of restricted shares that ultimately vest will range between 0% to 200% of the number of shares granted based upon actual performance results.
Total compensation cost recognized for restricted stock and RSU awards recorded in general and administrative expenses was $5.1 million and $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and was $17.8 million and $22.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Included within compensation cost was $1.1 million and $0.5 million related to performance based awards for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $2.5 and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2012, there was $32.2 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock and RSU awards, including $10.5 million related to performance based awards. These costs are expected to be recognized over weighted average periods of 2.1 years and 2.6 years respectively.
A summary of the Company’s unvested restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2011 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 follow: 
 
 
Non-vested
Restricted Stock
 
Weighted -
Average
Grant - Date
Fair Value
 
Non-vested
RSUs
 
Weighted -
Average
Grant - Date
Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
3,890,099

 
$
22.00

 
278,629

 
$
22.37

Awards granted
 
731,783

 
$
23.07

 
98,333

 
$
22.99

Awards vested
 
(1,009,164
)
 
$
22.28

 
—

 
$
—

Awards forfeited
 
(130,095
)
 
$
21.80

 
—

 
$
—

Balance, September 30, 2012
 
3,482,623

 
$
22.13

 
376,962

 
$
22.53

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On July 1, 2008, the Company introduced an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). The ESPP gives participating employees the right to purchase common shares through payroll deductions during subscription periods (the “Subscription Periods”). The Subscription Periods run from January 1 to June 30 and from July 1 to December 31 each year. The Company recorded an expense for the ESPP of $0.1 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

37
ALTERRA CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In late October 2012, Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy made landfall in the Eastern United States, causing widespread property damage and flooding. This event may have a material impact on the Company's results for the three months ended December 31, 2012, however there is not sufficient information currently available to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of any possible losses from this event.


38

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

Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “we,” “us,” “our” and similar expressions are references to Alterra and its consolidated subsidiaries.
The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and our financial condition as of September 30, 2012. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act. We intend that the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 apply to these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact but rather reflect our current expectations, estimates and predictions about future results and events.
Statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate,” “will,” “may” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
the adequacy of loss and benefit reserves and the need to adjust such reserves as claims develop over time;
•
the failure of any of the loss limitation methods employed;
•
the effect of cyclical trends, including with respect to demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets;
•
changes in general economic conditions, including changes in capital and credit markets;
•
any lowering or loss of financial ratings;
•
the occurrence of natural or man-made catastrophic events with a frequency or severity exceeding expectations;
•
actions by competitors, including consolidation;
•
the effects of emerging claims and coverage issues;
•
the loss of business provided to Alterra by its major brokers;
•
the effect on Alterra’s investment portfolio of changing financial market conditions including inflation, interest rates, liquidity and other factors;
•
tax and regulatory changes and conditions;
•
retention of key personnel;
•
the integration of new business ventures Alterra may enter into; and
•
management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors.
The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, our business or operations. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Generally, our policy is to communicate events that we believe may have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial position, including property and casualty catastrophic events and material losses in our investment portfolio, in a timely manner through a public announcement. It is also our policy not to make public announcements regarding events that we believe have no material impact on our operations or financial position based on management’s current estimates and available information, other than through regularly scheduled calls, press releases or filings.
Overview
We are a Bermuda headquartered global enterprise dedicated to providing diversified specialty insurance and reinsurance products to corporations, public entities and property and casualty insurers. As of September 30, 2012, we had $2,923.2 million in consolidated shareholders’ equity.
In Bermuda, we conduct our insurance and reinsurance operations through Alterra Bermuda, which is registered as a Class 4 commercial and Class C long-term insurer under the insurance laws of Bermuda.

39

In Europe, we conduct our non-Lloyd’s operations through Alterra Europe. Alterra Europe principally operates from Dublin and also operates branches in London and Zurich. Our Lloyd’s operations are conducted through the Syndicates. Alterra at Lloyd’s operations are based primarily in London, with locations in Dublin and Zurich. As of September 30, 2012, our proportionate share of Syndicates 1400, 2525 and 2526 was 100%, approximately 2%, and approximately 20%, respectively.
In the United States, our U.S. reinsurance operations are conducted through Alterra Re USA, a Connecticut-domiciled reinsurance company. Our insurance operations in the U.S. are conducted through Alterra E&S, a Delaware-domiciled excess and surplus insurance company, and Alterra America, a Delaware domiciled admitted insurance company. Through Alterra E&S and Alterra America, we write both admitted and non-admitted business throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
In Latin America, we provide reinsurance to clients through Alterra at Lloyd’s in Rio de Janeiro, using Lloyd’s admitted status, through Alterra Europe using a representative office in Bogotá and a service company in Buenos Aires and through our local reinsurance company in Brazil. Our local reinsurance company in Brazil commenced writing business in the first quarter of 2012.
We employ certain personnel and hold certain assets within our global service companies incorporated and located in Bermuda, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States, which we believe improves the efficiency of providing corporate services across the Company.
To manage our insurance and reinsurance liability exposure, make our investment decisions and assess our overall enterprise risk, we model our underwriting and investing activities on an integrated basis. Our integrated risk management, as well as terms and conditions of our products, provide flexibility in making decisions regarding investments. Our investments comprise three high grade fixed maturities securities portfolios (one held for trading, one held as available for sale and one held to maturity) and a diversified alternative asset portfolio. Our investment portfolios are designed to provide diversification and to generate positive returns while attempting to reduce the frequency and severity of credit losses. Based on carrying values as of September 30, 2012, the allocation of invested assets was 95.3% in cash and fixed maturities and 4.7% in other investments, principally hedge funds.

Key Performance Indicators
Our principal objective as a global specialty insurance and reinsurance company is to meet our obligations to policyholders, while generating returns on capital that appropriately reward our shareholders for the risk that we assume under our insurance and reinsurance contracts. In an effort to achieve this objective, we assess the potential losses associated with the risks that we insure and reinsure, diversify our risk exposure by product class and by geographic location, manage our investment portfolio risk appropriately and control costs throughout our organization. The financial measures that we believe are most meaningful in analyzing our performance and assessing whether we are achieving our objective are growth in diluted book value per share, net operating income, combined ratio, annualized return on average shareholders’ equity and annualized net operating return on average shareholders’ equity.
As a diversified insurer and reinsurer, which includes underwriting property catastrophe risks, we have substantial exposure to losses resulting from natural and man-made catastrophes. The frequency and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable, but the loss experience of property catastrophe insurers and reinsurers has been generally characterized as low frequency and high severity in nature. Potential claims from catastrophic events may cause substantial volatility in our financial results for any fiscal quarter. As a result, the financial measures that we use to analyze our performance will reflect this volatility in the short term; however, we believe these measures should demonstrate less volatility over the long term.

40


The table below illustrates our key performance indicators as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011: 
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
As of June 30, 2012
 
As of March 31, 2012
 
As of December 31, 2011
Book value per share (1)
 
$
30.45

 
$
29.44

 
$
28.31

 
$
27.51

Diluted book value per share (1)
 
$
29.57

 
$
28.68

 
$
27.67

 
$
26.91


 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except percentages)
Net operating income (2)
 
$
32,133

 
$
50,082

 
$
168,816

 
$
64,915

Combined ratio (3)
 
99.9
%
 
87.7
%
 
92.9
%
 
98.4
%
Annualized return on average shareholders’ equity (4)
 
5.2
%
 
6.9
%
 
9.1
%
 
1.6
%
Annualized net operating return on average shareholders’ equity (2)(4)
 
4.5
%
 
7.1
%
 
7.9
%
 
3.1
%
Increase in diluted book value per share, including dividends (5)
 
3.6
%
 
5.2
%
 
11.5
%
 
6.0
%
 
(1)
Book value per share is calculated as shareholders’ equity divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Diluted book value per share is calculated as shareholders’ equity divided by the number of diluted common shares outstanding using the treasury stock method.
(2)
Net operating income and annualized net operating return on average shareholders’ equity are non-GAAP financial measures as defined by SEC Regulation G. See “Non-GAAP financial measures” for reconciliation to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.
(3)
Combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned for the property and casualty business.
(4)
Annualized return on average shareholders’ equity and annualized net operating return on average shareholders’ equity are calculated by dividing net income and net operating income, respectively, by average shareholders’ equity (determined using the quarterly average shareholders’ equity balances).
(5)
The increase in diluted book value per share including dividends is calculated by dividing adjusted diluted book value per share at the end of the period by diluted book value per share at the beginning of the period. Adjusted book value per share is calculated by adding the amount of dividends declared during the period to ending shareholders' equity and dividing the result by the number of diluted common shares outstanding using the treasury stock method.
We consider growth in diluted book value per share to be the most important financial performance measure in assessing whether we are meeting our business objectives. We believe that a comparison of diluted book value per share growth should be adjusted for dividends to fully reflect the return generated for shareholders. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, our diluted book value per share including dividends increased by 3.6% and 11.5%, respectively. The increase in diluted book value per share including dividends was principally due to a combination of positive operating results, unrealized gains on our investment portfolio and share repurchases at a discount to diluted book value per share.
Our net operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 decreased compared with the prior year period principally due to reduced underwriting income within our global insurance, U.S. insurance and Alterra at Lloyd's segments and a reduction in investment income. The reduced underwriting income was driven by net underwriting losses of $22.5 million on our agriculture reinsurance business, resulting from the severe drought conditions experienced in certain parts of the United States during 2012 and significant property catastrophe net losses of $15.0 million, net of reinstatements, principally in our U.S. insurance segment. The reduced underwriting income was partially offset by reduced general and administrative expenses. Net favorable development of prior year loss reserves was $22.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, principally within our reinsurance segment, and which reduced the combined ratio by 6.8 percentage points. The decline in investment income was principally due to lower reinvestment yields on new purchases as our fixed maturity portfolio turns over.
Our net operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 improved compared with the prior year period, principally due to the significant decline in property catastrophe losses. Other than net losses of $15.0 million, net of reinstatement premiums, from Hurricane Isaac, property catastrophe losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were

41

within our attritional loss expectations for the period and there has been no significant development in the current year in our loss estimates for the major 2011 property catastrophe events. Property catastrophe losses of $197.9 million, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, resulting from natural disasters in 2011, had an adverse effect on our results of operations for the 2011 period. Underwriting income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was derived from our global insurance and reinsurance segments. Net favorable development of prior year loss reserves was $53.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, principally within our global insurance and reinsurance segments, which reduced the combined ratio by 5.3 percentage points.
We seek to manage and monitor our short tail catastrophe exposed business so that the estimated maximum impact of a catastrophic event in any geographic zone is less than 25% of our beginning of year shareholders’ equity for a modeled 1 in 250 year event. As of September 30, 2012, our aggregate exposure was below this target. We intend to continue to monitor the pricing environment and believe we have the capital and operational flexibility to adjust our aggregate exposure should market conditions change materially over the remainder of 2012 and going into 2013.
The reduction in significant property catastrophe events in 2012 was the principal contributor to the decrease in our combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the increase in our annualized net return on average shareholders' equity and annualized net operating return on average shareholders' equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior year period. We target a long-term net operating return on average shareholders' equity, or net operating ROE, of the risk free rate plus 10% over the cycle. We believe that in the current stage of the cycle, our net operating ROE is consistent with this long-term target.
We continued to actively manage our capital during the quarter by taking advantage of select opportunities to purchase our common shares. We spent $21.7 million to repurchase an aggregate of 0.9 million common shares during the quarter at an average price of $23.12 per common share, a 19.4% discount to our June 30, 2012 diluted book value per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we spent $158.5 million to repurchase 6.9 million common shares at an average price of $23.04 per common share. As of September 30, 2012, our outstanding share repurchase authorization was $201.7 million. We expect to continue to consider share repurchases to manage capital in a soft cycle and to increase book value per share for our shareholders.
Business Outlook
The markets in which we operate historically have been cyclical. During periods of excess underwriting capacity, competition can result in lower pricing and less favorable policy terms for insurers and reinsurers. During periods of reduced underwriting capacity, pricing and policy terms are generally more favorable for insurers and reinsurers. We believe that the industry continues to have excess underwriting capacity and there has not yet been sufficient pressure on the industry to materially improve pricing across all lines of business. The industry is also operating in a low interest rate environment, which makes it more difficult to generate significant investment income. Both of these factors generally result in lower net operating income, return on average shareholders’ equity and net operating ROE.
Although there remains uncertainty regarding the timing, location and scale of a favorable turn in the market, we believe that the industry has shown, and will likely continue to show, signs of improvement for the foreseeable future. We intend to maintain our disciplined underwriting efforts in this market while actively managing our expenses. We believe that, overall, market pricing is currently more attractive in certain short-tail lines and intend to continue writing a majority of short-tail business. We are also taking advantage of favorable market conditions for short-tail property business through our participation in the New Point sidecar vehicles, which reinsure property catastrophe risks. Our participation in the New Point sidecar vehicles enables us to earn fee income for underwriting services and to participate in the underwriting results of attractively-priced property catastrophe reinsurance business.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions. We have performed a current assessment of our critical accounting policies in connection with preparing our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter ended September 30, 2012. We believe that the critical accounting policies set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 continue to describe the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. These accounting policies pertain to revenue recognition, loss and benefit expenses and investment valuation. If actual events differ significantly from the underlying judgments or estimates used by management in the application of these accounting policies, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.


42



Consolidated Results of Operations—For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
Our consolidated results of operations for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below:
 
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross premiums written
 
$
386,228

 
$
386,328

 
—
 %
 
$
1,614,415

 
$
1,578,083

 
2.3
 %
Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(123,477
)
 
(90,891
)
 
35.9
 %
 
(537,818
)
 
(364,874
)
 
47.4
 %
Net premiums written
 
$
262,751

 
$
295,437

 
(11.1
)%
 
$
1,076,597

 
$
1,213,209

 
(11.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
332,638

 
$
347,042

 
(4.2
)%
 
$
1,021,591

 
$
1,075,870

 
(5.0
)%
Net investment income
 
53,518

 
60,335

 
(11.3
)%
 
166,925

 
177,766

 
(6.1
)%
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
20,436

 
(7,972
)
 
n/m

 
59,410

 
(32,564
)
 
n/m

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
(592
)
 
(861
)
 
(31.2
)%
 
(6,531
)
 
(2,243
)
 
191.2
 %
Other income
 
1,586

 
1,473

 
7.7
 %
 
8,876

 
3,379

 
162.7
 %
Total revenues
 
407,586

 
400,017

 
1.9
 %
 
1,250,271

 
1,222,208

 
2.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
 
228,529

 
198,521

 
15.1
 %
 
631,322

 
714,060

 
(11.6
)%
Claims and policy benefits
 
11,838

 
14,538

 
(18.6
)%
 
38,576

 
44,818

 
(13.9
)%
Acquisition costs
 
61,923

 
61,434

 
0.8
 %
 
183,818

 
196,722

 
(6.6
)%
Interest expense
 
9,026

 
11,303

 
(20.1
)%
 
27,289

 
30,392

 
(10.2
)%
Net foreign exchange (gains)losses
 
(82
)
 
(147
)
 
(44.2
)%
 
(89
)
 
2,065

 
(104.3
)%
General and administrative expenses
 
57,515

 
61,555

 
(6.6
)%
 
176,374

 
202,417

 
(12.9
)%
Total losses and expenses
 
368,749

 
347,204

 
6.2
 %
 
1,057,290

 
1,190,474

 
(11.2
)%
Income before taxes
 
38,837

 
52,813

 
(26.5
)%
 
192,981

 
31,734

 
n/m

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1,185

 
4,427

 
n/m

 
(2,635
)
 
(2,600
)
 
1.3
 %
Net income
 
$
37,652

 
$
48,386

 
(22.2
)%
 
$
195,616

 
$
34,334

 
n/m

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss ratio (a)
 
68.8
%
 
57.3
%
 
 
 
61.9
%
 
66.5
%
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (b)
 
18.6
%
 
17.7
%
 
 
 
18.0
%
 
18.3
%
 
 
General and administrative expense ratio (c)
 
12.4
%
 
12.7
%
 
 
 
13.0
%
 
13.7
%
 
 
Combined ratio (d)
 
99.9
%
 
87.7
%
 
 
 
92.9
%
 
98.4
%
 
 
(a)
The loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned for the property and casualty business.
(b)
The acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned for the property and casualty business.
(c)
The general and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned for the property and casualty business.
(d)
The combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned for the property and casualty business.
n/m Not meaningful.
Premiums. Gross premiums written for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 remained in line with the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 gross premiums written increased by 2.3% compared to the prior year period. The

43

principal reason for the increase was strategic growth in our U.S. insurance and Alterra at Lloyd’s segments partially offset by a decline in business written by our reinsurance segment. Certain lines within our reinsurance segment did experience growth in gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, including our credit/surety and property lines of business which generated growth through our Latin America operations.
The ratio of reinsurance premiums ceded to gross premiums written for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 32.0% and 33.3%, respectively, compared to 23.5% and 23.1% in the prior year periods. The increase in the ratio for both the quarter and nine month period was principally due to additional property reinsurance purchased in our reinsurance segment. The ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was also impacted by the 100% retrocession of the business written through our contracted general agent distribution channel (our "contract binding business") in our U.S. insurance segment starting from August 1, 2011. We ceased writing the contract binding business in the second quarter of 2012.
During the past several years, we have shifted our mix of business written from predominantly long-tail business to predominantly short-tail business, principally in response to market conditions. This greater emphasis on short-tail lines of business, with property being the largest component, and including our investment in the New Point sidecars, has increased our probable maximum loss from property catastrophe events. The industry’s adoption of new external vendor catastrophe models has also contributed to the increase in our aggregate exposure estimates for property catastrophe events. To manage this increased exposure and operate within our risk tolerances, we have increased our purchase of reinsurance, with an emphasis on property reinsurance. As a result of these factors, our net premiums written decreased for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior year periods despite an increase in gross premiums written. We regularly monitor our need for reinsurance based on aggregate risk exposures.
Net premiums earned is a function of the earning of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded over the last several quarters and, therefore, changes in net premiums earned generally lag quarterly increases and decreases in gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded.
Net investment income. Net investment income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by 11.3% and 6.1%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. As investments in our fixed maturity portfolio mature, lower reinvestment yields on new purchases have reduced the weighted average book yield of our portfolio.
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments may vary significantly from period to period. For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the principal components of the net gain was an $8.2 million increase in fair value of the hedge fund portfolio, compared to a decrease in fair value of $7.7 million in the prior year period, and $5.2 million of income from equity method investments, compared to $0.6 million in the prior year period, principally related to our investment in New Point IV.
The nine months ended September 30, 2012 included net realized gains on available for sale fixed maturities of $22.8 million compared to $9.5 million of realized gains in the prior year period. Most of the realized gains in the current period related to sales of longer duration securities, taking advantage of gains caused by declining long term interest rates and at the same time reducing our exposure to longer duration securities. The nine months ended September 30, 2012 also included income from equity method investments of $15.7 million, principally related to our investment in New Point IV, compared to $0.4 million in the prior year period, and a $9.0 million increase in fair value of the hedge fund portfolio compared to a decrease in fair value of $6.4 million in the prior year period. The principal component of the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was a $25.0 million loss on a catastrophe bond with exposure to the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Other income. Other income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 principally comprised underwriting fees and profit commission earned from New Point Re IV.
Net losses and loss expenses. The loss ratio increased for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 by 11.5 percentage points compared to the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the loss ratio decreased by 4.6 percentage points compared to the prior year period. Significant items impacting the loss ratio were:
•
Net favorable development of prior year loss reserves in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $22.7 million and $53.8 million, respectively, compared to $31.7 million and $110.4 million in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively;
•
Net favorable development of $1.8 million was recognized in our global insurance segment, $19.1 million in our reinsurance segment and $1.7 million in our Alterra at Lloyd's segment in the quarter ended September 30, 2012. Net favorable development of $30.3 million was recognized in our global insurance segment and $27.3 million in our reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This was partially offset by net unfavorable development of $2.8 million in our Alterra at Lloyd's segment and $1.0 million in our U.S. insurance segment;
•
The prior year loss reserve development reduced the loss ratio by 6.8 and 5.3 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 9.2 and 10.3 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011. Excluding the impact of net favorable loss development, the loss ratio for the quarter

44

and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 75.7% and 67.2%, respectively, compared to 66.5% and 76.8% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The increase in the loss ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior year period was principally due to an increase in significant per risk property losses in our U.S. insurance segment along with losses resulting from Hurricane Isaac and increased losses on our agriculture line of business. In addition, changes in the mix of business principally in our Alterra at Lloyd's and U.S. insurance segments has resulted in an increase in the loss ratio reflecting a conservative philosophy on our newer product lines and teams. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 the decrease in loss ratio was principally due to the significant decrease in property catastrophe losses; and
•
For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, our results included $15.2 million of net losses related to significant property catastrophe events, principally resulting from Hurricane Isaac. The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 also included a net underwriting loss (net of premiums and acquisition costs earned) of $22.5 million on our agriculture line of business. These agriculture losses relate to the severe drought conditions experienced in many parts of the United States in 2012. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, our results included $42.8 million and $208.7 million, respectively, of net losses related to significant property catastrophe events. The net losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 included $21.8 million from Hurricane Irene, tornadoes and flooding in the United States, with the remainder related to increased loss estimates on property catastrophe events from the first and second quarter of 2011. The net losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included losses related to Hurricane Irene, U.S. tornadoes and floods, the Australia floods, Cyclone Yasi, the New Zealand earthquake and the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Our loss estimates for property catastrophe losses are based on proprietary modeling analyses, industry assessments of exposure, claims information obtained from our clients and brokers to date, and a review of in-force contracts. Our actual losses from such events may vary materially from the estimates due to the inherent uncertainties in making such determinations resulting from several factors, including the preliminary nature of available information, the potential inaccuracies and inadequacies in the data provided by clients and brokers, the modeling techniques employed and the application of such techniques, the contingent nature of business interruption exposures, the effects of any resultant demand surge on claims activity, and the attendant coverage issues.
Acquisition costs. Our acquisition cost ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 increased by 0.9 percentage points compared to the prior year period, and decreased 0.3 percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with the prior year period. The insurance and reinsurance contracts we write have a wide range of acquisition cost ratios. Changes in the mix of business written and earned and the amount and type of reinsurance purchased impact our acquisition cost ratio from period to period.
Interest expense. Interest expense reflects interest on our senior notes, interest on funds withheld from reinsurers, and accretion on deposit liability contracts. Interest expense for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased compared to the prior year periods principally due to a reduction in the funds withheld from Grand Central Re.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by $4.0 million and $26.0 million, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. This decrease was principally due to a decrease in long-term stock-based compensation expense, including a reduction in awards granted to retirement eligible employees.
Income tax expense (benefit). Income tax expense or benefit is generated through our foreign operations outside of Bermuda, principally in the United States, Europe and Latin America. The effective tax rate was 3.1% and negative 1.4% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared with 8.4% and negative 8.2% for the prior year periods, respectively. Our effective income tax rate, which we calculate as income tax expense or benefit divided by income or loss before taxes, may fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the geographic distribution of pre-tax income or loss in any given period between different jurisdictions with different tax rates.

Segment Results of Operations—For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
We monitor the performance of our underwriting operations in five segments:
•
Global insurance —We offer property and casualty excess of loss capacity from our offices in Bermuda, Dublin and London primarily to U.S. and international Fortune 1000 companies. Insurance offered from our U.S. offices is included within our U.S. insurance segment. Principal lines of business include aviation, excess liability, professional lines and property.
•
U.S. insurance —We offer property and casualty insurance coverage from our offices in the United States primarily to Fortune 3000 companies. Principal lines of business include general/excess liability, marine, professional liability and property.

45

•
Reinsurance—We offer property and casualty quota share and excess of loss reinsurance from our offices in Bermuda, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Dublin, London, Rio de Janeiro and the United States to insurance and reinsurance companies worldwide. Principal lines of business include agriculture, auto, aviation, credit/surety, general casualty, marine & energy, medical malpractice, professional liability, property, whole account and workers’ compensation.
•
Alterra at Lloyd’s—We offer property and casualty quota share and excess of loss insurance and reinsurance from our offices in London, Dublin and Zurich, primarily to medium- to large- sized international clients. Principal lines of business include accident & health, agriculture, aviation, financial institutions, international casualty, marine, professional liability and property.
•
Life and annuity reinsurance—We previously offered reinsurance products focusing on blocks of life and annuity business, which took the form of co-insurance transactions whereby the risks are reinsured on the same basis as the original policies. In 2010 we determined not to write any new life and annuity contracts in the foreseeable future.
We also have a corporate function that includes our investment and financing activities.
We manage our invested assets on an aggregated basis, and do not allocate investment income and realized and unrealized gains on investments to the property and casualty segments. However, due to the longer duration of liabilities on life and annuity reinsurance business, and the accretion of the discounted carrying value of life and annuity benefits, investment returns are important in evaluating the profitability of this segment. Consequently, we allocate investment returns to this segment based on a notional allocation of invested assets from the consolidated portfolio using durations that are determined based on estimated cash flows for the life and annuity reinsurance segment. The balance of investment returns from this consolidated portfolio is allocated to the corporate function for the purposes of segment reporting.
We monitor the performance of all of our segments other than life and annuity reinsurance on the basis of underwriting income, loss ratio, acquisition cost ratio, general and administrative expense ratio and combined ratio along with other metrics. We monitor the performance of our life and annuity reinsurance business on the basis of income before taxes for the segment, which includes revenue from net premiums earned and allocated net investment income, and expenses from claims and policy benefits, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses.
Effective January 1, 2012, we redefined certain of our operating and reporting segments. Insurance business written by Alterra Insurance USA, which was previously reported within the global insurance segment, has been reclassified to the U.S. insurance segment. Alterra Insurance USA is a managing general underwriter for Alterra E&S and Alterra America, as well as various third party insurance companies, and is our principal insurance underwriting platform for retail distribution in the United States. Reinsurance business written for clients in Latin America through our offices in Rio de Janeiro, Bogotà and Buenos Aires was reclassified from our reinsurance and Alterra at Lloyd's segments into a new Latin America segment.
Effective July 1, 2012, we redefined our reporting segments by combining the reinsurance and Latin America segments into a single reinsurance segment. Our Latin America business will now be combined with and reported as part of the reinsurance segment.
The changes in reporting segments reflect changes in the monitoring of our underwriting operations and information regularly reviewed by our senior management. Segment disclosures for comparative periods have been re-presented to reflect these changes.




















46

Global Insurance Segment
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross premiums written
 
$
81,627

 
$
73,297

 
11.4
 %
 
$
273,674

 
$
268,101

 
2.1
 %
Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(44,157
)
 
(37,625
)
 
17.4
 %
 
(140,632
)
 
(131,282
)
 
7.1
 %
Net premiums written
 
$
37,470

 
$
35,672

 
5.0
 %
 
$
133,042

 
$
136,819

 
(2.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
44,134

 
$
45,011

 
(1.9
)%
 
$
138,540

 
$
140,489

 
(1.4
)%
Net losses and loss expenses
 
(31,631
)
 
(21,288
)
 
48.6
 %
 
(72,437
)
 
(76,601
)
 
(5.4
)%
Acquisition costs
 
(124
)
 
748

 
(116.6
)%
 
(422
)
 
1,601

 
(126.4
)%
General and administrative expenses
 
(6,328
)
 
(6,699
)
 
(5.5
)%
 
(19,722
)
 
(21,425
)
 
(7.9
)%
Other income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
816

 
814

 
0.2
 %
Underwriting income
 
$
6,051

 
$
17,772

 
(66.0
)%
 
$
46,775

 
$
44,878

 
4.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss ratio (a)
 
71.7
%
 
47.3
 %
 
 
 
52.3
%
 
54.5
 %
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (b)
 
0.3
%
 
(1.7
)%
 
 
 
0.3
%
 
(1.1
)%
 
 
General and administrative expense ratio (c)
 
14.3
%
 
14.9
 %
 
 
 
14.2
%
 
15.3
 %
 
 
Combined ratio (d)
 
86.3
%
 
60.5
 %
 
 
 
66.8
%
 
68.6
 %
 
 
(a)
The loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
(b)
The acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
(c)
The general and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
(d)
The combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
 
Gross Premiums Written by Type of Risk:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aviation
 
$
5,996

 
7.3
%
 
33.6
%
 
$
6,736

 
9.2
%
 
29.1
%
Excess liability
 
23,746

 
29.1
%
 
45.8
%
 
20,365

 
27.8
%
 
46.8
%
Professional liability
 
36,558

 
44.8
%
 
65.7
%
 
30,590

 
41.7
%
 
59.4
%
Property
 
15,327

 
18.8
%
 
47.3
%
 
15,606

 
21.3
%
 
51.0
%
 
 
$
81,627

 
100.0
%
 
54.1
%
 
$
73,297

 
100.0
%
 
51.3
%

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
 
Gross Premiums Written by Type of Risk:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aviation
 
$
11,252

 
4.1
%
 
69.5
%
 
$
11,966

 
4.5
%
 
31.9
%
Excess liability
 
80,367

 
29.4
%
 
53.6
%
 
77,301

 
28.8
%
 
52.6
%
Professional liability
 
120,431

 
44.0
%
 
49.5
%
 
117,521

 
43.8
%
 
45.9
%
Property
 
61,624

 
22.5
%
 
48.8
%
 
61,313

 
22.9
%
 
53.5
%
 
 
$
273,674

 
100.0
%
 
51.4
%
 
$
268,101

 
100.0
%
 
49.0
%

47


Premiums. Gross premiums written for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased by 11.4% and 2.1%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. The increase for the quarter was principally due to negative premium adjustments of $6.3 million in the professional liability line of business that adversely impacted the quarter ended September 30, 2011 compared to positive premium adjustments of $0.7 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2012. The modest increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was principally due to improved market conditions and new business written in the excess liability and professional liability lines of business.
The ratio of reinsurance premiums ceded to gross premiums written for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 54.1% and 51.4%, respectively, compared to 51.3% and 49.0% in the prior year periods. The amount of reinsurance that we purchase can vary significantly by line of business and within lines of business. The increase in the percentage of reinsurance premiums ceded on our aviation line of business for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was due principally to premium adjustments on an excess of loss reinsurance treaty.
Net premiums earned is a function of the earning of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded over the last several quarters and, therefore, changes in net premiums earned generally lag quarterly increases and decreases in gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded.
Net losses and loss expenses. The loss ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 increased by 24.4 percentage points and decreased 2.2 percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Significant items impacting the loss ratio were:
•
Net favorable development of prior year loss reserves in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $1.8 million and $30.3 million, respectively, compared to $18.5 million and $40.6 million in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively;
•
Net favorable loss development in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was principally in the following lines of business and accident years: property (2010), professional liability (2006) and aviation (2010) partially offset by net unfavorable prior year loss development in the excess liability line of business. Predominantly favorable prior year development of the excess liability reserves was more than offset by increased case reserve estimates on three contracts. Net favorable loss development in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was recognized across all lines of business, but principally in the following lines and accident years: professional liability (2006) and property (2009-2010);
•
The prior year loss reserve development reduced the loss ratio by 4.2 and 21.8 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 41.1 and 28.9 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Excluding the impact of net favorable loss development, the loss ratio was 75.8% and 74.1% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 88.4% and 83.4% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The decrease for both periods was principally due to a decrease in net losses related to property catastrophe events; and
•
For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, we had no significant losses associated with significant property catastrophe events. For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, our results included $8.7 million of net losses relating to Hurricane Irene and other natural disasters, including increased loss estimates for property catastrophe events from the first and second quarters of 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, our results included $15.1 million of net losses related to property catastrophe events. A portion of the losses in the prior year periods fell within our attritional loss ratio, as we expect a certain level of property losses in each period.
Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs are presented net of ceding commission income associated with reinsurance premiums ceded. These ceding commissions compensate us for the costs of producing the portfolio of risks ceded to our reinsurers. The acquisition cost ratio was consistent for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior year periods.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses and the general and administrative expense ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 were consistent with the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, general and administrative expenses decreased 7.9% compared to the prior year period. The decrease was principally due to a reduction in incentive-based compensation expense.









48


U.S. Insurance Segment 
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross premiums written
 
$
88,006

 
$
84,858

 
3.7
 %
 
$
304,474

 
$
272,417

 
11.8
 %
Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(40,083
)
 
(30,579
)
 
31.1
 %
 
(162,101
)
 
(97,123
)
 
66.9
 %
Net premiums written
 
$
47,923

 
$
54,279

 
(11.7
)%
 
$
142,373

 
175,294

 
(18.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
47,965

 
$
55,275

 
(13.2
)%
 
$
159,560

 
167,353

 
(4.7
)%
Net losses and loss expenses
 
(46,489
)
 
(36,002
)
 
29.1
 %
 
(121,386
)
 
(108,429
)
 
11.9
 %
Acquisition costs
 
(4,404
)
 
(9,669
)
 
(54.5
)%
 
(18,269
)
 
(28,055
)
 
(34.9
)%
General and administrative expenses
 
(11,337
)
 
(10,228
)
 
10.8
 %
 
(35,809
)
 
(32,872
)
 
8.9
 %
Other income
 
—

 
58

 
(100.0
)%
 
81

 
195

 
(58.5
)%
Underwriting (loss) income
 
$
(14,265
)
 
$
(566
)
 
n/m

 
$
(15,823
)
 
(1,808
)
 
n/m

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss ratio (a)
 
96.9
%
 
65.1
%
 
 
 
76.1
%
 
64.8
%
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (b)
 
9.2
%
 
17.5
%
 
 
 
11.4
%
 
16.8
%
 
 
General and administrative expense ratio (c)
 
23.6
%
 
18.5
%
 
 
 
22.4
%
 
19.6
%
 
 
Combined ratio (d)
 
129.7
%
 
101.1
%
 
 
 
110.0
%
 
101.2
%
 
 
 
(a)
The loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
(b)
The acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
(c)
The general and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
(d)
The combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
n/m Not meaningful.
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross Premiums Written by Type of Risk:
 
 
 
 
General/ Excess Liability
 
$
17,787

 
20.2
%
 
52.5
%
 
$
11,104

 
13.1
%
 
40.7
%
Marine
 
25,333

 
28.8
%
 
29.1
%
 
22,189

 
26.1
%
 
32.8
%
Professional Liability
 
17,185

 
19.5
%
 
49.0
%
 
13,318

 
15.7
%
 
42.3
%
Property
 
27,226

 
30.9
%
 
55.5
%
 
20,724

 
24.4
%
 
23.6
%
 
 
$
87,531

 
99.5
%
 
46.0
%
 
$
67,335

 
79.4
%
 
33.1
%
Contract binding business - Property
 
$
22

 
—
%
 
—
%
 
$
3,702

 
4.4
%
 
47.4
%
Contract binding business - General Liability
 
$
453

 
0.5
%
 
—
%
 
$
13,821

 
16.2
%
 
47.1
%
Gross Premiums Written excluding Contract binding business
 
$
88,006

 
100.0
%
 
45.5
%
 
$
84,858

 
100.0
%
 
36.0
%


49

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross Premiums Written by Type of Risk:
 
 
 
 
General/ Excess Liability
 
$
60,398

 
19.8
%
 
47.6
%
 
$
32,040

 
11.8
%
 
34.4
%
Marine
 
79,168

 
26.0
%
 
35.4
%
 
64,687

 
23.7
%
 
37.1
%
Professional Liability
 
41,526

 
13.6
%
 
42.3
%
 
28,449

 
10.4
%
 
36.2
%
Property
 
102,743

 
33.7
%
 
66.7
%
 
94,978

 
34.9
%
 
39.1
%
 
 
283,835

 
93.2
%
 
50.4
%
 
220,154

 
80.8
%
 
37.4
%
Contract binding business - Property
 
4,447

 
1.5
%
 
104.0
%
 
11,267

 
4.1
%
 
34.5
%
Contract binding business - General Liability
 
16,192

 
5.3
%
 
89.9
%
 
40,996

 
15.1
%
 
26.4
%
Gross Premiums Written excluding Contract binding business
 
304,474

 
100.0
%
 
53.2
%
 
272,417

 
100.0
%
 
35.7
%

During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, Alterra E&S sold the renewal rights to our contract binding business. However, under an agreement with the purchaser, commencing August 1, 2011, the contract binding business continued to be written by Alterra E&S and 100% of the premiums and losses were ceded to the purchaser. The 100% quota share reinsurance of this business meant that we did not retain any written and earned premium or net losses, but earned a ceding commission, on new and renewal policies incepting after August 1, 2011. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012 we stopped writing and ceding this business.
Premiums. Gross premiums written for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 3.7% and 11.8%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Excluding the contract binding business which we ceased writing in the quarter ended June 30, 2012, gross premiums written increased 30.0% and 28.9% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Significant factors affecting gross premiums written were:
•
Growth in wholesale excess casualty business (which is included within our general/excess liability line of business) of $8.6 million and $30.7 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. We commenced writing wholesale excess casualty business in the third quarter of 2011;
•
Continued expansion of our retail Alterra Insurance USA platform, principally in the professional liability line of business;
•
Growth in our marine line of business resulting from the expansion of our underwriting team; and
•
A decrease in general liability insurance written through the brokerage distribution channel of $4.0 million and $10.7 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. We ceased writing this product line in the first quarter of 2012.
The ratio of reinsurance premiums ceded to gross premiums written for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 45.5% and 53.2%, respectively, compared to 36.0% and 35.7% in the prior year periods. The increase in the percentage of premiums ceded in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was due principally to a new quota share reinsurance treaty covering our brokerage-sourced property business that was entered into in the first quarter of 2012 and an increase in excess liability business written, which is ceded at a higher percentage than the general liability business written in the prior year period. In addition, the 100% cession of $18.4 million of gross premiums written from the contract binding business affected both general liability and property lines for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Overall, our ratio of reinsurance premiums ceded to gross premiums written is increasing due to a shift in business mix within the segment to newer product lines including our wholesale excess casualty line and our retail Alterra Insurance USA platform on which we purchase more reinsurance than on our more established lines of business.
Net premiums earned is a function of the earning of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded over the last several quarters and, therefore, changes in net premiums earned generally lag quarterly increases and decreases in gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded.
Net losses and loss expenses. The loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 31.8 and 11.3 percentage points, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Significant items that impacted the loss ratio were:
•
Net unfavorable prior year loss development of $nil and $1.0 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to net unfavorable loss development of $0.4 million for both the quarter and nine

50

months ended September 30, 2011. The prior year loss reserve development increased the loss ratio by 0.6 percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and increased the loss ratio by 0.8 and 0.3 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011;
•
Excluding the impact of prior year loss development, the loss ratio was 96.9% and 75.4% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 64.3% and 64.5% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The increase in loss ratio was due principally to the property catastrophe losses related to Hurricane Isaac and an increase in significant per risk losses exceeding our attritional loss ratio in the current year. In addition, changes in the mix of business, particularly an increase in the marine, excess casualty and professional liability lines of business contributed to the increase. These lines of business have a higher average loss ratio than property lines, which declined as a percentage of net premiums earned; and
•
Our results for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 include net losses of $13.6 million for property catastrophe losses related to Hurricane Isaac, compared to net losses of $9.8 million and $14.3 million for property catastrophe losses for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The large loss events in 2011 included losses for natural disasters in the U.S., including tornadoes, other severe weather and flooding along the Mississippi River. A portion of catastrophe losses generally fall within our attritional loss ratio, as we expect a certain level of property losses each period.
Acquisition expenses. Acquisition costs decreased for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior year periods. The decrease was due partly to a decrease in net premiums earned and also changes in the mix of business with an increase in excess casualty and retail business earned which have more favorable acquisition cost ratios. In addition, a new quota share reinsurance treaty covering our brokerage-sourced property business that was entered into in the first quarter of 2012 earns commission income compared to no such commission income in the prior year periods when an excess of loss reinsurance program was in place. In addition, the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 benefited from commission income on the contract binding business that was 100% ceded.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior year periods. The increase was principally due to increased compensation costs resulting from the growth of our wholesale excess casualty and professional liability teams.

Reinsurance Segment
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross premiums written
 
$
172,796

 
$
182,535

 
(5.3
)%
 
$
772,823

 
$
810,244

 
(4.6
)%
Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(30,318
)
 
(15,874
)
 
91.0
 %
 
(160,335
)
 
(81,438
)
 
96.9
 %
Net premiums written
 
$
142,478

 
$
166,661

 
(14.5
)%
 
$
612,488

 
$
728,806

 
(16.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
186,785

 
$
206,340

 
(9.5
)%
 
$
569,344

 
$
640,207

 
(11.1
)%
Net losses and loss expenses
 
(98,067
)
 
(116,769
)
 
(16.0
)%
 
(313,452
)
 
(435,053
)
 
(28.0
)%
Acquisition costs
 
(47,159
)
 
(46,138
)
 
2.2
 %
 
(137,739
)
 
(141,014
)
 
(2.3
)%
General and administrative expenses
 
(16,259
)
 
(18,901
)
 
(14.0
)%
 
(52,631
)
 
(68,329
)
 
(23.0
)%
Other income
 
1,560

 
777

 
100.8
 %
 
7,896

 
1,325

 
n/m

Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
26,860

 
$
25,309

 
6.1
 %
 
$
73,418

 
$
(2,864
)
 
n/m

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss ratio (a)
 
52.5
%
 
56.6
%
 
 
 
55.1
%
 
68.0
%
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (b)
 
25.2
%
 
22.4
%
 
 
 
24.2
%
 
22.0
%
 
 
General and administrative expense ratio (c)
 
8.7
%
 
9.2
%
 
 
 
9.2
%
 
10.7
%
 
 
Combined ratio (d)
 
86.5
%
 
88.1
%
 
 
 
88.5
%
 
100.7
%
 
 
 
(a)
The loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
(b)
The acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
(c)
The general and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
(d)
The combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and

51

administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
n/m Not meaningful. 
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of
Premium
written
 
% Ceded
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of
Premium
written
 
% Ceded
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S Dollars)
Gross Premiums Written by Type of Risk:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
 
$
576

 
0.3
 %
 
—

 
$
998

 
0.5
 %
 
1.3
 %
Auto
 
2,491

 
1.4
 %
 
—

 
7,716

 
4.2
 %
 
—

Aviation
 
16,456

 
9.5
 %
 
4.2
 %
 
14,670

 
8.0
 %
 
19.9
 %
Credit/surety
 
19,018

 
11.0
 %
 
29.3
 %
 
8,484

 
4.6
 %
 
—

General casualty
 
11,182

 
6.5
 %
 
5.1
 %
 
22,870

 
12.6
 %
 
6.3
 %
Marine & energy
 
3,259

 
1.9
 %
 
13.9
 %
 
4,131

 
2.3
 %
 
(0.1
)%
Medical malpractice
 
5,565

 
3.2
 %
 
—

 
6,867

 
3.8
 %
 
(0.1
)%
Other
 
(882
)
 
(0.5
)%
 
—

 
1,112

 
0.6
 %
 
—

Professional liability
 
34,585

 
20.1
 %
 
(0.3
)%
 
39,877

 
21.9
 %
 
—

Property
 
68,266

 
39.5
 %
 
33.9
 %
 
70,274

 
38.5
 %
 
16.4
 %
Whole account
 
2,879

 
1.7
 %
 
—

 
(1,946
)
 
(1.1
)%
 
—

Workers’ compensation
 
9,401

 
5.4
 %
 
—

 
7,482

 
4.1
 %
 
—

 
 
$
172,796

 
100.0
 %
 
17.5
 %
 
$
182,535

 
100.0
 %
 
8.7
 %
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of
Premium
written
 
% Ceded
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of
Premium
written
 
% Ceded
 
 
(Expressed in thousand of U.S Dollars)
Gross Premiums Written by Type of Risk:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
 
$
23,379

 
3.0
%
 
(0.2
)%
 
$
30,496

 
3.8
%
 
0.4
%
Auto
 
42,593

 
5.5
%
 
—

 
77,812

 
9.6
%
 
—

Aviation
 
27,801

 
3.6
%
 
9.7
 %
 
15,654

 
1.9
%
 
20.3
%
Credit/surety
 
58,134

 
7.6
%
 
18.3
 %
 
34,446

 
4.3
%
 
—
%
General casualty
 
49,763

 
6.4
%
 
1.1
 %
 
61,522

 
7.6
%
 
2.3
%
Marine & energy
 
23,264

 
3.0
%
 
4.9
 %
 
20,605

 
2.5
%
 
—

Medical malpractice
 
24,946

 
3.2
%
 
—

 
35,672

 
4.4
%
 
1.0
%
Other
 
4,104

 
0.5
%
 
—

 
3,252

 
0.4
%
 
0.3
%
Professional liability
 
131,289

 
17.0
%
 
(0.1
)%
 
139,023

 
17.2
%
 
—

Property
 
347,019

 
44.9
%
 
41.9
 %
 
330,146

 
40.7
%
 
23.1
%
Whole account
 
4,478

 
0.6
%
 
—

 
33,392

 
4.1
%
 
0.1
%
Workers’ compensation
 
36,053

 
4.7
%
 
0.2
 %
 
28,224

 
3.5
%
 
0.7
%
 
 
$
772,823

 
100.0
%
 
20.7
 %
 
$
810,244

 
100.0
%
 
10.1
%

Effective July 1, 2012, we redefined our reporting segments by combining the reinsurance and Latin America segments into a single reinsurance segment. Our Latin America business will now be combined with and reported as part of the reinsurance segment. The comparative periods have been re-presented to reflect these changes. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, gross premiums written from our Latin America operations, which are now included in the reinsurance segment, were $68.9 million and $103.8 million, respectively. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 gross premiums written from our Latin America operations were $61.2 million and $83.3 million, respectively.
Premiums. Gross premiums written for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by 5.3% and 4.6%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Significant factors affecting the gross premiums written were:
For the quarter ended September 30, 2012:

52

•
Gross premiums written in our credit/surety line of business increased $10.5 million principally relating to growth in our Latin America business;
•
Gross premiums written in our general casualty line of business decreased $11.7 million principally resulting from a change in timing of the renewal of the premium on one contract and a reduction in premium adjustments from positive premium estimate adjustments;
•
Gross premiums written in our professional line of business decreased $5.3 million principally relating to the non-renewal of a contract due to the clients decision to retain the risk which resulted in a decrease in written premiums of $6.3 million; and
•
The variance in gross premiums written in our whole account and auto lines of business were principally due to premium estimate adjustments recorded in the respective periods.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 :
•
Gross premiums written in our whole account line of business decreased $28.9 million principally due to the non-renewal of two contracts totaling $27.0 million due to unfavorable pricing;
•
Gross premiums written in our credit/surety line of business increased $23.7 million principally relating to growth in our Latin America business and the renewal of two multi-year residential mortgage contracts that were originally written two years ago;
•
Gross premiums written in our property line of business increased $16.9 million principally in our international property business where we continued to experience improvement in pricing conditions. The growth included an increase in property gross premiums written of $5.5 million related to our Latin America operations. Partially off-setting this growth was $7.4 million of gross premiums written on multi-year contracts which were recorded in the prior year period and which were not renewable in the period. In addition, the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $15.6 million of reinstatement premiums related to catastrophe events compared to insignificant amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2012;
•
Gross premiums written in our auto line of business decreased $35.2 million. The nine months ended September 30, 2012 included negative premium adjustments of $10.8 million compared to positive premiums adjustments of $17.3 million in the prior year period. Excluding the impact of these adjustments, the gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $53.4 million compared to $60.5 million in the prior year period. This decrease was principally related to reductions in premiums written on two contracts. These reductions related to increased rates charged by our cedants to their clients that we believe resulted in a lower premium volume of better priced business ceded to us; and
•
The variance in gross premiums written in our general casualty, aviation and medical malpractice lines of business were principally due to premium estimate adjustments recorded in the respective periods
The ratio of reinsurance premiums ceded to gross premiums written for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 17.5% and 20.7%, respectively, compared to 8.7% and 10.1% in the prior year periods. The increase was principally due to changes in our property reinsurance program, including an increase in the ceding percentage on our property quota share treaties and the purchase of a new significant excess of loss reinsurance treaty in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. We regularly monitor our need for reinsurance based on aggregate risk exposures.
Net premiums earned is a function of the earning of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded over the last several quarters and, therefore, changes in net premiums earned generally lag quarterly increases and decreases in gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded.
Net losses and loss expenses. The loss ratio decreased by 4.1 and 12.9 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Significant items impacting the loss ratio were:
•
Net favorable development of prior year loss reserves in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $19.1 million and $27.3 million, respectively, compared $11.7 million and $58.4 million in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011;
•
Prior year loss development in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was principally related to net favorable development in property (2010 year) and general casualty (2002 year). The prior year loss development in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was principally related to general casualty (2002-2007 years) and whole account (2006-2007 years) partially offset by unfavorable development in our medical malpractice line of business (2008-2009 years);
•
The prior year loss reserve development reduced the loss ratio by 10.2 and 4.8 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 5.7 and 9.1 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Excluding the impact of net favorable loss development, the loss ratio was 62.7% and 59.9% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 62.2% and 77.1% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease in the loss ratio for the

53

nine months ended September 30, 2012 was due principally to the significant decrease in property catastrophe and significant per-risk losses; and
•
The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 included $1.2 million of losses related to significant property catastrophe events, principally Hurricane Isaac. The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 also included a net underwriting loss (net of premiums and acquisition costs earned) of $7.7 million on our agriculture line of business. These agriculture losses relate to the severe drought conditions experienced in many parts of the United States in 2012. The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $13.6 million and $131.6 million, respectively, in net losses related to significant property catastrophe events. The quarter ended September 30, 2011 included net losses resulting from Hurricane Irene as well as increases in our loss estimates for property catastrophe events which occurred in the first and second quarters of 2011. The nine months ended September 30, 2011 included losses resulting from the Australia floods, Cyclone Yasi, Hurricane Irene, the New Zealand earthquake, the Japan earthquake and tsunami and U.S. tornadoes and flooding.
Acquisition costs. Acquisition costs for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased consistent with decreases in net premiums earned compared to the prior year periods, however, the acquisition cost ratios for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased compared to the prior year periods. The reinsurance contracts we write have a wide range of acquisition cost ratios and the variance is the result of shifts in the mix of business written and earned. In addition, the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $15.2 million of reinstatement premiums related to catastrophe events compared to insignificant reinstatement premiums in the current year periods. These reinstatement premiums had low acquisition costs associated with them thereby reducing the acquisition cost ratio for the prior year periods.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by $2.6 million and $15.7 million, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. The decreases were due principally to a reduction in compensation expense compared to the prior year periods, resulting from fewer employees and a lower level of stock based compensation granted to retirement eligible employees.
Other income. Other income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 principally related to underwriting fees and profit commission earned from New Point Re IV.

Alterra at Lloyd’s Segment
Our Alterra at Lloyd’s segment comprises all of our Lloyd’s operating businesses, other than underwriting activity related to Latin America, which is now included within our reinsurance segment. 
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross premiums written
 
$
43,074

 
$
44,816

 
(3.9
)%
 
$
261,225

 
$
225,134

 
16.0
 %
Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(8,835
)
 
(6,723
)
 
31.4
 %
 
(74,493
)
 
(54,820
)
 
35.9
 %
Net premiums written
 
$
34,239

 
$
38,093

 
(10.1
)%
 
186,732

 
$
170,314

 
9.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
53,113

 
$
39,684

 
33.8
 %
 
152,185

 
125,845

 
20.9
 %
Net losses and loss expenses
 
(52,342
)
 
(24,462
)
 
114.0
 %
 
(124,047
)
 
(93,977
)
 
32.0
 %
Acquisition costs
 
(10,104
)
 
(6,230
)
 
62.2
 %
 
(26,981
)
 
(28,828
)
 
(6.4
)%
General and administrative expenses
 
(7,342
)
 
(8,007
)
 
(8.3
)%
 
(24,293
)
 
(24,033
)
 
1.1
 %
Other income
 
1

 
(27
)
 
(103.7
)%
 
8

 
353

 
(97.7
)%
Underwriting (loss) income
 
$
(16,674
)
 
$
958

 
n/m

 
$
(23,128
)
 
$
(20,640
)
 
12.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss ratio (a)
 
98.5
%
 
61.6
%
 
 
 
81.5
%
 
74.7
%
 
 
Acquisition cost ratio (b)
 
19.0
%
 
15.7
%
 
 
 
17.7
%
 
22.9
%
 
 
General and administrative Expense ratio (c)
 
13.8
%
 
20.2
%
 
 
 
16.0
%
 
19.1
%
 
 
Combined ratio (d)
 
131.4
%
 
97.5
%
 
 
 
115.2
%
 
116.7
%
 
 
(a)
The loss ratio is calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
(b)
The acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
(c)
The general and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
(d)
The combined ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and

54

administrative expenses by net premiums earned.
n/m Not meaningful.
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross Premiums Written by Type of Risk:
 
 
 
 
Accident & health
 
$
9,574

 
22.2
 %
 
(2.8
)%
 
$
9,523

 
21.2
%
 
0.1
 %
Agriculture
 
(2,627
)
 
(6.1
)%
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Aviation
 
2,914

 
6.8
 %
 
57.6
 %
 
4,130

 
9.2
%
 
61.3
 %
Financial institutions
 
6,566

 
15.2
 %
 
—
 %
 
3,591

 
8.0
%
 
1.2
 %
International casualty
 
6,093

 
14.1
 %
 
(0.2
)%
 
7,903

 
17.6
%
 
(0.1
)%
Marine
 
2,014

 
4.7
 %
 
0.1
 %
 
—

 
—

 
—

Professional liability
 
4,980

 
11.6
 %
 
10.1
 %
 
440

 
1.1
%
 
544.1
 %
Property
 
13,560

 
31.5
 %
 
66.5
 %
 
19,229

 
42.9
%
 
9.1
 %
 
 
$
43,074

 
100.0
 %
 
20.5
 %
 
$
44,816

 
100.0
%
 
15.0
 %

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of
Premium
Written
 
% Ceded
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Gross Premiums Written by Type of Risk:
 
 
 
 
Accident & health
 
$
35,256

 
13.5
%
 
22.4
 %
 
$
31,447

 
14.0
%
 
14.1
%
Agriculture
 
18,355

 
7.0
%
 
—
 %
 
—

 
—
%
 
—
%
Aviation
 
8,620

 
3.3
%
 
101.9
 %
 
7,707

 
3.4
%
 
75.6
%
Financial institutions
 
18,870

 
7.2
%
 
18.8
 %
 
19,068

 
8.5
%
 
26.7
%
International casualty
 
63,784

 
24.4
%
 
8.9
 %
 
49,955

 
22.2
%
 
4.0
%
Marine
 
7,022

 
2.7
%
 
(3.0
)%
 
—

 
—
%
 
—
%
Professional liability
 
17,539

 
6.7
%
 
23.3
 %
 
18,828

 
8.4
%
 
21.2
%
Property
 
91,779

 
35.2
%
 
48.9
 %
 
98,129

 
43.5
%
 
34.1
%
 
 
$
261,225

 
100.0
%
 
28.5
 %
 
$
225,134

 
100.0
%
 
24.3
%

Premiums. Gross premiums written for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 decreased 3.9% compared to the prior year period. The decrease was principally the result of a decrease of $5.7 million in property premiums written due to a reduction in our appetite for property catastrophe risks in this segment, partially offset by our marine line of business, being new in 2012, and increases in our financial institutions and professional liability lines of business.
Gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 16.0% compared to the prior year period. The increase in gross premiums written was primarily due to:
•
An increase of $18.4 million in our agriculture line of business. Our Alterra at Lloyd’s segment commenced writing agriculture business in the first quarter of 2012. The majority of this business was written previously in our reinsurance segment and was renewed in 2012 in our Alterra at Lloyd’s segment;
•
An increase of $13.8 million in our international casualty line of business. The increase reflects the continued expansion of our client base;
•
The addition of a marine underwriting team to Alterra at Lloyd's, increasing gross premiums written by $7.0 million; and
•
Partially offsetting these increases was a decline of gross premiums written in our property line of business principally due to a reduction in our appetite for property catastrophe risks in this segment.
The ratio of reinsurance premiums ceded to gross premiums written for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 20.5% and 28.5%, respectively, compared to 15.0% and 24.3% for the prior year periods. The increase in the ratio

55

was principally due to changes in mix of business and the timing of renewal of certain reinsurance treaties.
Net premiums earned is a function of the earning of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded over the last several quarters and, therefore, changes in net premiums earned generally lag quarterly increases and decreases in gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded.
Net losses and loss expense. The loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 36.9 and 6.8 percentage points, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Significant items impacting the loss ratios were:
•
Net favorable development of prior year loss reserves in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $1.7 million and in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 there was net unfavorable development of $2.8 million. This compared to net favorable development of $1.9 million and $11.8 million, respectively, in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011;
•
The net favorable development in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was principally on our accident & health and financial institutions lines of business, offset by unfavorable development on our professional liability and international casualty lines of business. The net unfavorable development in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was principally on our international casualty line of business partially offset by net favorable development in our property and financial institutions lines of business;
•
The prior year loss reserve development reduced the loss ratio by 3.3 percentage points for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and increased the loss ratio by 1.8 percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This compared to a reduction of 4.9 and 9.4 percentage points for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011. Excluding the impact of prior year loss development, the loss ratio was 101.8% and 79.7% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 66.5% and 84.1% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The increase for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was principally related to the agriculture losses described below, and to changes in the mix of business, particularly an increase in casualty and agriculture lines of business. These lines of business have a higher average loss ratio than property lines, which have declined as a percentage of net premiums earned. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was due principally to fewer major property catastrophe events during 2012 compared to 2011, partially offset by an increase due to the change in business mix; and
•
The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 included a net underwriting loss (net of premiums and acquisition costs earned) of $14.8 million on our agriculture line of business. These agriculture losses relate to the severe drought conditions experienced in many parts of the United States in 2012. The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $10.7 million and $47.8 million, respectively, in significant property catastrophe-related losses. Property catastrophe losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 were principally related to increased loss estimates for the 2011 New Zealand earthquakes. The nine months ended September 30, 2011 included losses resulting from natural disasters in the U.S., the Australia floods, Cyclone Yasi, the New Zealand earthquake and the Japan earthquake and tsunami. A portion of the losses in the prior year period fell within our attritional loss ratio, as we expect a certain level of property losses in each period.
Acquisition expenses. The acquisition cost ratio increased 3.3 percentage points and decreased 5.2 percentage points, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior year periods. The increase for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was principally attributable to changes in the mix of business written with a higher proportion of net premiums earned from our direct & facultative property insurance and financial institutions business and a lower proportion from our property reinsurance business. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was principally attributable to changes in the mix of business written with a higher proportion of net premiums earned from our international casualty and agriculture lines of business, which generally have lower acquisition cost ratios compared to other lines, and a decrease in the proportion from professional liability.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased $0.7 million and increased $0.3 million, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. However, net premiums earned increased significantly in 2012 compared to 2011, which resulted in the general and administrative expense ratio decreasing 6.4 and 3.1 percentage points, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the respective prior year periods.









56

Life and Annuity Reinsurance Segment
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Net premiums earned
 
$
641

 
$
732

 
(12.4
)%
 
$
1,962

 
$
1,976

 
(0.7
)%
Net investment income
 
13,224

 
12,131

 
9.0
 %
 
41,466

 
37,019

 
12.0
 %
Net realized and unrealized losses on investments
 
—

 
(6,407
)
 
(100.0
)%
 
—

 
(4,899
)
 
(100.0
)%
Claims and policy benefits
 
(11,838
)
 
(14,538
)
 
(18.6
)%
 
(38,576
)
 
(44,818
)
 
(13.9
)%
Acquisition costs
 
(132
)
 
(145
)
 
(9.0
)%
 
(407
)
 
(426
)
 
(4.5
)%
General and administrative expenses
 
(74
)
 
(145
)
 
(49.0
)%
 
(227
)
 
(581
)
 
(60.9
)%
Other income
 
—

 
(8
)
 
(100.0
)%
 
—

 
(31
)
 
(100.0
)%
Income (loss)
 
$
1,821

 
$
(8,380
)
 
n/m

 
$
4,218

 
$
(11,760
)
 
n/m



There were no new life and annuity contracts written during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 2011. In 2010 we decided not to write any new life and annuity contracts for the foreseeable future. This decision does not affect our existing life and annuity reinsurance contracts and we continue to service our existing life and annuity customer base.
Our life and annuity benefit reserves are recorded on a discounted present value basis. This discount is amortized through income as a claims and policy benefits expense over the term of the underlying policies. As a result, income is derived primarily from the spread between the actual rate of return on our investments and the interest expense related to the discount on our reserves. Income can also be impacted by changes in estimated and actual claims, premiums, expenses and persistency of the underlying policies.
For periods prior to January 1, 2012, we allocated a portion of our net investment income from fixed maturities investments as well as a portion of our realized and unrealized gains/losses from hedge fund investments to this segment. Effective from January 1, 2012, only net investment income from fixed maturities investments is allocated to this segment. Due to our strategic decision to cease writing new life reinsurance business, our level of claims and policy benefits expense is relatively stable and predictable. Similarly, fixed maturity investments provides a more stable and predictable level of investment income compared to hedge fund returns, resulting in a better match with our claims and policy benefits expense stream.
Gross premiums written, reinsurance premiums ceded, net premiums earned, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses represent ongoing premium receipts or adjustments and related administration expenses on existing contracts. Claims and policy benefits in each period represent reinsured policy claims payments net of the change in policy and claim liabilities.
Net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are discussed within the investing activities section as we manage investments for this segment on a consolidated basis with our other segments.

Investing Activities
The results of investing activities discussed below include net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the consolidated group, including amounts that are allocated to the life and annuity segment. 

57

 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% change
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Net investment income
 
$
53,518

 
$
60,335

 
(11.3
)%
 
$
166,925

 
$
177,766

 
(6.1
)%
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
$
20,436

 
$
(7,972
)
 
n/m

 
$
59,410

 
$
(32,564
)
 
n/m

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
$
(592
)
 
$
(861
)
 
(31.2
)%
 
$
(6,531
)
 
$
(2,243
)
 
191.2
 %
Average annualized yield on cash and fixed maturities
 
2.82
%
 
3.13
%
 
 
 
2.95
%
 
3.12
%
 
 

Net investment income. Net investment income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased compared to the respective prior year periods. As investments in our fixed maturity portfolio mature, lower reinvestment yields on new purchases have reduced the weighted average book yield of our portfolio.
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment include the following: 
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of hedge funds
 
$
8,245

 
$
(7,668
)
 
$
9,030

 
$
(6,380
)
(Decrease) increase in fair value of derivatives
 
(687
)
 
(6,636
)
 
5,880

 
(9,796
)
Decrease in fair value of catastrophe bonds
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(25,641
)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of structured deposit
 
1,003

 
(2,007
)
 
713

 
(1,957
)
Income from equity method investments
 
5,167

 
579

 
15,677

 
422

Increase (decrease) in fair value of other investments
 
13,728

 
(15,732
)
 
31,300

 
(43,352
)
Net realized gains on available for sale securities
 
3,087

 
6,097

 
22,836

 
9,520

Net realized and unrealized gains on trading securities
 
3,621

 
1,663

 
5,274

 
1,268

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
$
20,436

 
$
(7,972
)
 
$
59,410

 
$
(32,564
)

Change in fair value of other investments. Our investments in hedge funds comprises the majority of other investments. The increase in fair value of the hedge fund portfolio was $8.2 million, or a 2.56% rate of return, for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, compared to a decrease of $7.7 million, or a negative 2.33% rate of return, for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. The increase in fair value of the hedge fund portfolio was $9.0 million, or a 2.98% rate of return for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to a decrease of $6.4 million, or a negative 1.81% rate of return for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The rate of return of 2.98% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compares to the HFRI Fund of Funds Composite Index returning 3.38% over the same period, which we believe is our most relevant benchmark.
The allocation of invested assets to our hedge fund portfolio as of September 30, 2012 was 3.3%, which is consistent with our expected ongoing allocation. The objective of our hedge fund portfolio is to achieve a market neutral/absolute return strategy, with diversification by strategy and underlying fund. A market neutral strategy strives to generate consistent returns in both up and down markets by selecting long and short positions with a total net exposure of zero. Returns are derived from the long/short spread, or the amount by which long positions outperform short positions. The objective of an absolute return strategy is to provide stable performance regardless of market conditions, with minimal correlation to market benchmarks.
The fair value of derivatives decreased by $0.7 million and increased by $5.9 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to decreases in fair value of $6.6 million and $9.8 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. We hold various derivative instruments, including convertible bond equity call options, interest rate linked derivative instruments and foreign exchange forward contracts. The majority of the loss for the current quarter resulted from foreign exchange forward contracts and the majority of the gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 resulted from interest rate swap positions, both taken as part of a total return strategy followed by a portion of our investment portfolio.

58

The decrease in fair value of the catastrophe bonds during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, principally was due to a $25.0 million loss on one catastrophe bond with exposure to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. During the second quarter of 2011, we disposed of all catastrophe bond holdings.
As of September 30, 2012, we held an index-linked structured deposit. The deposit has a guaranteed minimum redemption amount of $24.3 million and a scheduled redemption date of December 18, 2013. The fair value of the structured deposit increased by $1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively, during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 due to an increase in the reference index.
Income from equity method investments for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 principally comprised our equity share of net income from New Point IV.
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on available for sale and trading securities. Our total fixed maturities portfolio is split into three portfolios:
•
an available for sale portfolio;
•
a held to maturity portfolio; and
•
a trading portfolio.
Our available for sale portfolio is recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income as part of total shareholders’ equity. Our available for sale fixed maturities investment strategy is not generally intended to generate significant realized gains and losses as more fully discussed below in the Financial Condition section. Our held to maturity portfolio includes securities for which we have the ability and intent to hold to maturity or redemption, and is recorded at amortized cost. There should be no realized gains or losses related to this portfolio unless there is an other than temporary impairment loss. Our trading portfolio is recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in net income.
Net realized and unrealized gains on our fixed maturities portfolios for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $6.7 million and $28.1 million, respectively, compared to gains of $7.8 million and $10.8 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Most of the realized gains in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to sales of longer duration securities, taking advantage of gains caused by declining long term interest rates and at the same time reducing our exposure to longer duration securities.
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings. As a result of our quarterly review of securities in an unrealized loss position, we recorded other-than-temporary impairment losses through earnings of $0.6 million and $6.5 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $0.9 million and $2.2 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. These impairment losses are presented separately from all other net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. Of the $0.6 million of impairment losses during the quarter ended September 30, 2012, $0.1 million were due to estimated credit losses. The remainder was recognized as impairment losses due to our decision in March 2012 to sell our holdings of convertible bond securities prior to any recovery in value. Most of our convertible bond portfolio was sold in April 2012 for a net realized gain. A discussion of our process for estimating other-than-temporary impairments is included in Note 5 of our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements included herein.

Financial Condition
Cash and invested assets. Aggregate invested assets, comprising cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturities and other investments, were $7,970.9 million as of September 30, 2012 compared to $7,814.7 million as of December 31, 2011, an increase of 2.0%. The increase in cash and invested assets resulted principally from the combination of the timing of the settlement of premiums and losses, and the increase in fair value of our available for sale portfolio offset by payments for share repurchases and dividends.
We hold an available for sale portfolio, a trading portfolio and a held to maturity portfolio of fixed maturities securities. In an effort to match the expected cash flow requirements of our long-term liabilities, we invest a portion of our fixed maturity investments in longer duration securities. Because we intend to hold a number of these longer duration securities to maturity, we classify these securities as held to maturity in our consolidated balance sheet. This held to maturity portfolio is recorded at amortized cost. As a result, we do not record changes in the fair value of this portfolio, which should reduce the impact on shareholders’ equity of fluctuations in fair value of those investments.
Fixed maturities are subject to fluctuations in fair value due to changes in interest rates, changes in issuer specific circumstances, such as credit rating changes, and changes in industry specific circumstances, such as movements in credit spreads based on the market’s perception of industry risks. As a result of these fluctuations, it is possible to have significant unrealized gains or losses on a security. Our strategy for our fixed maturities portfolios is to tailor the maturities of the portfolios to the timing of expected loss and benefit payments. At maturity, absent any credit loss, a fixed maturity’s amortized cost will equal its fair value and no realized gain or loss will be recognized in income. If, due to an unforeseen change in loss payment patterns, we need to sell available for sale fixed maturity securities before maturity, we could realize significant gains or losses in any period, which could result in a meaningful effect on reported net income for such period.

59

In order to reduce the likelihood of needing to sell investments before maturity, especially given the unpredictable and potentially significant cash flow requirements of our property catastrophe business, we maintain significant cash and cash equivalent balances. We believe it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell those fixed maturities securities in an unrealized loss position until such time as they reach maturity or the fair value increases.
We perform quarterly reviews of our fixed maturities portfolio and utilize a process that considers numerous indicators in order to identify investments that show signs of potential other than temporary impairments. The indicators include the issuer’s financial condition and ability to make future scheduled interest and principal payments, benchmark yield spreads, the nature of collateral or other credit support and significant economic events that have occurred that affect the industry in which the issuer participates.
Our fixed maturity portfolio comprises high quality, liquid securities. As of September 30, 2012, our fixed maturities investments had a dollar-weighted average credit rating of Aa2/AA. Under our fixed maturities investment guidelines, a minimum weighted average credit rating of Aa3/AA-, or its equivalent, must be maintained for our fixed maturities investment portfolio as a whole. Our fixed maturities investment guidelines also provide that we cannot leverage our fixed maturities investments. Further details of the credit ratings on our fixed maturities investments is included in Note 5 of our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements included herein.
Our portfolio of investment grade fixed maturities includes mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. These types of securities have cash flows that are backed by the principal and interest payments of a group of underlying mortgages or other receivables. As a result of the increasing default rates of borrowers, there currently is a greater risk of defaults on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations than historically existed, especially those that are non-investment grade. These factors make estimating the fair value of these securities more uncertain. We obtain fair value estimates from multiple independent pricing sources in an effort to mitigate some of the uncertainty surrounding the fair value estimates. If we need to liquidate these securities within a short period of time, the actual realized proceeds may be significantly different from the fair values estimated as of September 30, 2012.
We performed a review of securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2012 for other-than-temporary impairments, which included the consideration of relevant factors, including prepayment rates, subordination levels, default rates, credit ratings, weighted average life and cash flow testing. Together with our investment managers, we continue to monitor our potential exposure to credit losses in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, and we will make adjustments to the investment portfolio, if and when we deem necessary.
We continue to monitor the ongoing uncertainty over the financial health of certain European governments and corporate institutions and our exposure to the credit risk of investments in these entities. As of September 30, 2012, we held European government securities with a fair value of $803.1 million, distributed as follows: 
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
(in thousands
of U.S. Dollars)
 
 
France
 
$
285,840

 
35.6
%
Germany
 
266,144

 
33.1
%
Netherlands
 
154,432

 
19.3
%
United Kingdom
 
56,689

 
7.1
%
Belgium
 
21,945

 
2.7
%
Norway
 
7,267

 
0.9
%
Denmark
 
4,290

 
0.5
%
All others
 
6,522

 
0.8
%
European government holdings
 
$
803,129

 
100.0
%
As of September 30, 2012, we held no government securities issued by Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal or Spain.








60

As of September 30, 2012, we held European corporate securities with a fair value of $773.8 million. The distribution by country was as follows:
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
 
Banking Institutions
 
Other Financial Institutions
 
Other Corporate
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
United Kingdom
 
$
98,044

 
30,304

 
99,543

 
227,891

Netherlands
 
48,522

 
2,552

 
58,796

 
109,870

France
 
44,111

 
841

 
55,923

 
100,875

Germany
 
86,571

 
—

 
12,538

 
99,109

Supranational
 
79,806

 
—

 
—

 
79,806

Switzerland
 
65,491

 
—

 
2,099

 
67,590

Norway
 
18,941

 
—

 
23,502

 
42,443

Sweden
 
25,469

 
—

 
—

 
25,469

Luxembourg
 
—

 
—

 
12,084

 
12,084

Ireland
 
1,181

 
—

 
2,274

 
3,455

Denmark
 
3,007

 
—

 
—

 
3,007

Jersey
 
—

 
—

 
1,670

 
1,670

Spain
 
—

 
—

 
515

 
515

European corporate holdings
 
$
471,143

 
33,697

 
268,944

 
773,784

    
The distribution by credit rating (using the lower of S&P and Moody's ratings) was as follows:
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
 
Banking Institutions
 
Other Financial Institutions
 
Other Corporate
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
AAA
 
$
256,712

 
27,231

 
—

 
283,943

AA
 
65,701

 
1,548

 
58,320

 
125,569

A
 
127,976

 
3,419

 
179,278

 
310,673

BBB
 
14,065

 
—

 
21,640

 
35,705

BB
 
4,736

 
1,499

 
3,437

 
9,672

B
 
1,953

 
—

 
6,269

 
8,222

European corporate holdings
 
$
471,143

 
33,697

 
268,944

 
773,784















61


As of September 30, 2012, we held corporate securities issued by European banking institutions with a fair value of $471.1 million, distributed as follows: 
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
(in thousands
of U.S. Dollars)
 
 
European Investment Bank
 
$
75,071

 
15.9
%
KFW
 
59,274

 
12.6
%
Credit Suisse Group
 
34,680

 
7.4
%
UBS AG
 
33,502

 
7.1
%
HSBC Holdings plc
 
32,721

 
6.9
%
Barclays plc
 
27,607

 
5.9
%
Lloyds Banking Group plc
 
26,413

 
5.6
%
Cooperatieve Central Raiffeisen-Voerenlee
 
19,225

 
4.1
%
BNP Paribas SA
 
18,962

 
4.0
%
All other
 
143,688

 
30.5
%
European banking institution holdings
 
$
471,143

 
100.0
%
All of our European government and corporate holdings are included within our review procedures for other-than-temporary impairments.
A discussion of our process for estimating other-than-temporary impairments is included in Note 5 of our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included herein.
As described in Note 6 of our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, our available for sale and trading fixed maturities investments and the majority of our other investments are carried at fair value.
Fair value prices for all securities in our fixed maturities portfolio are independently provided by our investment custodians, our investment accounting service provider and our investment managers, with each utilizing internationally recognized independent pricing services. We record the unadjusted price provided by the investment custodian, investment accounting service provider or investment manager after validating the prices. Our validation process includes: (i) comparison of prices between two independent sources, with significant differences requiring additional price sources; (ii) quantitative analysis (e.g., comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated); (iii) evaluation of methodologies used by external parties to calculate fair value including a review of the inputs used for pricing; and (iv) comparing the price to our knowledge of the current investment market.
The independent pricing services used by our investment custodians, investment accounting service provider and investment managers obtain actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Each pricing service has its own proprietary method for determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded. In general, these methods involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing service uses observable market inputs including, but not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, interest rates, prepayment speeds, default rates and such other inputs as are available from market sources to determine a reasonable fair value. In addition, pricing services use valuation models, such as an Option Adjusted Spread model, to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The Option Adjusted Spread model is commonly used to estimate fair value for securities such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The ability to obtain quoted market prices is reduced in periods of decreasing liquidity, which generally increases the use of matrix pricing methods and the uncertainty surrounding the fair value estimates.
Investments in hedge funds comprise a portfolio of limited partnerships and stock investments in trading entities, or funds, which invest in a wide range of financial products. The units of account that we value are our interests in the funds and not the underlying holdings of such funds. As a result, the inputs we use to value our investments in each of the funds may differ from the inputs used to value the underlying holdings of such funds. These funds are stated at fair value, which ordinarily will be the most recently reported net asset value as advised by the fund manager or administrator, where the fund’s underlying holdings can be in various quoted and unquoted investments. We believe the reported net asset value represents the fair value market participants would apply to an interest in the fund. The fund managers value their underlying investments at fair value in accordance with policies established by each fund, as described in each of their financial statements and offering memoranda.
We have designed ongoing due diligence processes with respect to funds in which we invest and their managers. These processes are designed to assist us in assessing the quality of information provided by, or on behalf of, each fund and in determining whether such information continues to be reliable or whether further review is necessary. While reported net asset

62

value is the primary input to the review, when the net asset value is deemed not to be indicative of fair value, we may incorporate adjustments to the reported net asset value. These adjustments may involve significant judgment. We obtain the audited financial statements for each fund annually and regularly review and discuss the fund performance with the fund managers to corroborate the reasonableness of the reported net asset values.
We are able to redeem the hedge fund portfolio on the same terms that the underlying funds can be liquidated. In general, the funds in which we are invested require at least 30 days notice of redemption, and may be redeemed on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual or longer basis, depending on the fund. The timing of the redemption maybe be impacted if the funds in which we invest have a lock up period (this refers to the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to invest before having the ability to redeem), a gate imposed (where the fund has denied or delayed a redemption in order to allow the execution of an orderly redemption process) or the fund has invested a portion of their assets in illiquid securities, such as private equity and convertible debt, through a side pocket. The majority of our hedge fund portfolio is redeemable within one year, and the imposition of gates by certain funds is not expected to significantly impact our cash flow needs. Based upon information provided by the fund managers, as of September 30, 2012, we estimate that over 82.7% of the underlying assets held by our hedge fund portfolio are traded securities or have broker quotes available.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the redemption of the underlying assets within funds with gates and side-pockets, we have included these funds in the greater than 365 days category in the table below. If we requested full redemptions for all of our holdings in the funds, the tables below indicate our best estimate of the earliest date from September 30, 2012 on which such redemptions might be received. This estimate is based on available information from the funds and is subject to significant change. 
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Hedge fund
portfolio
 
 
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
 
Liquidity:
 
 
 
 
Within 90 days
 
$
71,942

 
27.1
%
Between 91 to 180 days
 
53,327

 
20.1
%
Between 181 to 365 days
 
81,244

 
30.6
%
Greater than 365 days
 
58,955

 
22.2
%
Total hedge funds
 
$
265,468

 
100.0
%
Although we believe that our significant cash balances, fixed maturities investments and credit facilities provide sufficient liquidity to satisfy the claims of insureds and ceding clients, in the event that we were required to access assets invested in the hedge fund investment portfolio, our ability to do so may be limited by these liquidity constraints.
Additional information about the hedge fund portfolio can be found in Notes 5 and 6 to our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included herein.
Losses and benefits recoverable from reinsurers. Losses and benefits recoverable from reinsurers totaled $1,149.7 million as of September 30, 2012 compared to $1,068.1 million as of December 31, 2011, an increase of 7.6%. This increase resulted principally from additional losses ceded under our reinsurance and retrocessional agreements resulting from net earned premiums during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
Losses recoverable from reinsurers on property and casualty business were $1,117.6 million and $1,034.9 million as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Benefits recoverable from reinsurers on life and annuity business were $32.1 million and $33.2 million as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
As of September 30, 2012, 87.2% of our losses and benefits recoverable were with reinsurers rated “A” or above by A.M. Best Company, 7.2% were rated “A-” and the remaining 5.6% were with “NR-not rated” reinsurers. Grand Central Re, a Bermuda domiciled reinsurance company in which Alterra Bermuda has a 7.5% equity investment, is our largest “NR—not rated” retrocessionaire and accounted for 3.0% of our losses and benefits recoverable as of September 30, 2012. As security for outstanding loss obligations, we retain funds from Grand Central Re amounting to 138.5% of its loss recoverable obligations. Of the remaining amounts with “NR-not rated” retrocessionaires, we retain collateral equal to 87.9% of the losses and benefits recoverable. Our losses and benefits recoverable are not due for payment until the underlying loss has been paid. As of September 30, 2012, 97.9% of our losses and benefits recoverable were not due for payment.
Liabilities for property and casualty losses. Property and casualty losses totaled $4,460.0 million as of September 30, 2012 compared to $4,216.5 million as of December 31, 2011, an increase of 5.8%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we incurred gross losses of $834.2 million and we paid $582.0 million in property and casualty losses. Included in gross losses was gross favorable development on prior year reserves of $106.1 million, excluding reserve movements related to changes in

63

premium estimates. Net of reinsurance, we paid $464.2 million in property and casualty losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 our gross property and casualty loss reserves by type and by segment were as follows:

 
As of September 30, 2012
 
As of December 31, 2011
 
Case 
 
 
IBNR 
 
 
Total 
 
 
Case 
 
 
IBNR 
 
 
Total 
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Global Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty
$
352,231

 
$
838,794

 
$
1,191,025

 
$
314,812

 
$
822,820

 
$
1,137,632

Property
83,743

 
58,570

 
142,313

 
104,644

 
43,707

 
148,351

 
435,974

 
897,364

 
1,333,338

 
419,456

 
866,527

 
1,285,983

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty
106,699

 
235,502

 
342,201

 
87,089

 
190,437

 
277,526

Property
30,928

 
57,579

 
88,507

 
41,614

 
37,926

 
79,540

 
137,627

 
293,081

 
430,708

 
128,703

 
228,363

 
357,066

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty
575,397

 
1,090,983

 
1,666,380

 
523,794

 
1,135,743

 
1,659,537

Property
277,370

 
225,642

 
503,012

 
259,587

 
203,322

 
462,909

 
852,767

 
1,316,625

 
2,169,392

 
783,381

 
1,339,065

 
2,122,446

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alterra at Lloyd's
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty
47,809

 
222,952

 
270,761

 
43,169

 
166,508

 
209,677

Property
101,879

 
153,967

 
255,846

 
116,427

 
124,939

 
241,366

 
149,688

 
376,919

 
526,607

 
159,596

 
291,447

 
451,043

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
1,576,056

 
$
2,883,989

 
$
4,460,045

 
$
1,491,136

 
$
2,725,402

 
$
4,216,538

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty
$
1,082,136

 
$
2,388,231

 
$
3,470,367

 
$
968,864

 
$
2,315,508

 
$
3,284,372

Property
493,920

 
495,758

 
989,678

 
522,272

 
409,894

 
932,166

Total
$
1,576,056

 
$
2,883,989

 
$
4,460,045

 
$
1,491,136

 
$
2,725,402

 
$
4,216,538

In the above table, the following lines of business are included within property: agriculture, aviation, marine & energy, property and other. The following lines of business are included within casualty: accident & health, auto, credit, excess liability, financial institutions, general casualty, international casualty, medical malpractice, professional liability, surety, whole account and workers compensation.
The liability for property and casualty losses, including loss adjustment expenses, represents estimates of the ultimate cost of all losses incurred but not paid as of the balance sheet date. The reserves are estimated on an undiscounted basis. Case reserves are reserves established for individual claims. IBNR represents incurred but not reported reserves. We utilize a variety of standard actuarial methods to estimate our reserves. Although these actuarial methods have been developed over time, assumptions about anticipated size of loss and loss emergence patterns are subject to fluctuations. We review our estimate of reserves on a quarterly basis and consider all significant facts and circumstances then known. New reported loss information from clients or insureds is the principal contributor to adjustments to our loss reserve estimates. These adjustments are recognized in the period in which they are determined, and therefore can impact that period's results either favorably (when reserve estimates established in prior periods prove to be redundant) or unfavorably (when reserve estimates established in prior periods prove to be deficient).
Liabilities for life and annuity benefits. Life and annuity benefits totaled $1,148.3 million at September 30, 2012 compared

64

to $1,190.7 million as of December 31, 2011. The decrease was principally attributable to benefits payments exceeding the change in estimate of the life and annuity benefits liability balance. We paid $75.4 million of benefit payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
Senior notes. On September 27, 2010, Alterra Finance, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Alterra, issued $350.0 million principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due September 30, 2020 with interest payable on March 30 and September 30 of each year. The 6.25% senior notes are Alterra Finance’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of Alterra Finance’s future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and rank senior to all of Alterra Finance’s future subordinated indebtedness. The 6.25% senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Alterra on a senior unsecured basis. The guarantee ranks equally with all of Alterra’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and ranks senior to all of Alterra’s future subordinated indebtedness. The effective interest rate related to the 6.25% senior notes, based on the net proceeds received, was 6.37%.
On April 16, 2007, Alterra USA privately issued $100.0 million principal amount of 7.20% senior notes due April 14, 2017 with interest payable on April 16 and October 16 of each year. The senior notes are Alterra USA’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of Alterra USA. The senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Alterra. The principal amount of the senior notes outstanding as of September 30, 2012 was $90.6 million.
Shareholders’ equity. Our shareholders’ equity increased to $2,923.2 million as of September 30, 2012 from $2,809.2 million as of December 31, 2011, an increase of 4.1%, principally due to an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $98.3 million, driven by an increase in net unrealized gains on investments in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The net income of $195.6 million generated in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was offset by the repurchase of $158.7 million of common shares and warrants and the declaration of dividends of $42.5 million.
Liquidity. We generated $257.2 million of cash from operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $275.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The principal factors that impact our operating cash flow are premium collections and payments, and the timing of loss and benefit payments and recoveries.
Our casualty business generally has a long claim-tail. As a result, we expect that we will generate significant operating cash flow as we accumulate property and casualty loss reserves on our balance sheet. Our property business generally has a short claim-tail. Consequently, we expect volatility in our operating cash flow levels as losses are incurred. We believe that our property and casualty loss reserves and life and annuity benefit reserves currently have an average duration of approximately 4.6 years. We expect increases in the amount of expected loss payments in future periods with a resulting decrease in operating cash flow; however, we do not expect loss payments to exceed the premiums generated. Actual premiums written and collected and losses and loss expenses paid in any period could vary materially from our expectations and could have a significant and adverse effect on operating cash flow.
While we tailor our fixed maturities portfolios in an effort to match the duration of expected loss and benefit payments, increased loss amounts or settlement of losses and benefits earlier than anticipated can result in greater cash needs. We maintain a significant working cash balance and have generated positive cash flow from operations in each of our last eight years of operating history. We also have the ability to borrow an additional $250.0 million using our current credit facilities, subject to certain conditions. Our largest credit facility, a $1,100.0 million four-year secured facility, expires in December 2015. Our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents balance was $405.8 million as of September 30, 2012. We believe that we currently maintain sufficient liquidity to cover existing requirements and provide for contingent liquidity. Nonetheless, significant deviations in expected loss and benefit payments can occur, potentially requiring us to liquidate a portion of our fixed maturities portfolios. If we need to liquidate our fixed maturities securities within a short period of time, the actual realized proceeds may be significantly different from the fair values estimated as of September 30, 2012. We believe that our portfolio has sufficient liquidity to mitigate this risk, and we believe that we can continue to hold any potentially illiquid position until we can initiate an appropriately priced transaction.
As a holding company, Alterra’s principal source of funds is from interest income on cash balances and cash dividends from its subsidiaries, including Alterra Bermuda. The payment of dividends by Alterra Bermuda is limited under Bermuda insurance laws. In particular, Alterra Bermuda may not declare or pay any dividends if it is in breach of its minimum solvency or liquidity levels under Bermuda law or if the declaration or payment of the dividends would cause it to fail to meet the minimum solvency or liquidity levels under Bermuda law. As of September 30, 2012, Alterra Bermuda met all minimum solvency and liquidity requirements.
In the ordinary course of business, we are required to provide letters of credit or other regulatory approved security to certain of our clients to meet contractual and regulatory requirements. As of September 30, 2012, we had two U.S. dollar denominated letter of credit facilities totaling $1,175.0 million with an additional $500.0 million available, subject to certain conditions. On that date, we had $570.6 million in letters of credit outstanding under these facilities. We also had a British pound sterling, or GBP, denominated letter of credit facility of GBP 30.0 million ($48.5 million) to support our London branch of Alterra Europe, of which GBP 16.8 million ($27.1 million) was utilized as of September 30, 2012. Each of our credit facilities requires that we comply with certain financial covenants, which may include covenants related to maximum debt to capital ratio,

65

minimum consolidated tangible net worth, minimum insurer financial strength rating and restrictions on the payment of dividends. We were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of each of our credit facilities as of September 30, 2012.
As of September 30, 2012, we provided $285.5 million in Funds at Lloyds. These amounts are not available for distribution for the payment of dividends. Our Funds at Lloyd’s commitments are met using cash and fixed maturity securities. Our corporate members may also be required to maintain funds under the control of Lloyd’s in excess of their capital requirements and such funds also may not be available for distribution or the payment of dividends.
Capital resources. As of September 30, 2012, total shareholders’ equity was $2,923.2 million compared to $2,809.2 million as of December 31, 2011, an increase of 4.1%. On May 21, 2010, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-167035) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that permits us to periodically issue debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depository shares, warrants, share-purchase contracts and share purchase units. The shelf registration statement also covers debt securities of Alterra Finance and trust preferred securities of Alterra Capital Trust I. In September 2010, Alterra Finance issued $350.0 million principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due September 30, 2020 with interest payable on March 30 and September 30 of each year pursuant to the shelf registration statement. The senior notes are guaranteed by Alterra. In April 2007, Alterra USA sold $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.20% senior notes due April 14, 2017, of which $90.6 million principal amount was outstanding as of September 30, 2012. The senior notes are guaranteed by Alterra.
We believe that we have sufficient capital to meet our foreseeable financial obligations.
We may repurchase our securities from time to time through the open market, privately negotiated transactions or Rule 10b5-1 stock trading plans. During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we repurchased 939,193 common shares for $21.7 million. As of September 30, 2012, the aggregate amount available under our Board approved share repurchase plan was $201.7 million.
Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of reinsurance and insurance companies and are important to our ability to market our products. We have a financial strength rating for our non-Lloyd’s reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries from each of A.M. Best Company, or A.M. Best, Fitch Inc., or Fitch, Moody’s Investor Services, Inc., or Moody’s, and Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, or S&P. These ratings reflect each rating agency’s opinion of our financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet obligations. They are not evaluations directed toward the protection of investors in securities issued by Alterra. The Syndicates share the Lloyd’s market ratings.
As of September 30, 2012, we were rated as follows: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
A.M. Best
  
Fitch
  
Moody’s
  
S&P
Financial strength rating for non-Lloyd’s reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries
  
A (excellent) (1)
  
A (strong) (1)
  
A3 (2)
  
A (1)
Outlook on financial strength rating
  
Stable (1)
  
Stable (1)
  
Stable (2)
  
Stable (1)
Lloyd’s financial strength rating applicable to the Syndicates
  
A (excellent)
  
A+ (strong)
  
Not applicable
  
A+ (strong)
 
(1)
Applicable to Alterra Bermuda, Alterra Europe, Alterra Re USA, Alterra America and Alterra E&S.
(2)
Applicable to Alterra Bermuda.
On September 4, 2012, we paid a dividend to shareholders of $0.16 per share for an aggregate amount of $14.8 million. On November 6, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.16 per share for an estimated aggregate amount of $15.4 million payable to shareholders on December 4, 2012. Future cash dividends are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our results of operations, cash flows, financial position and capital requirements and upon general business conditions, legal, tax, regulatory and contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
We do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or variable interest entities, that have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have presented net operating income and annualized net operating return on average shareholders’ equity, which are “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined in Regulation G. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, allow for a more complete understanding of the performance of our business. These measures, however, should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance



66

with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to their respective most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures is as follows: 
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except
share and per share amounts)
Net income
 
$
37,652

 
$
48,386

 
$
195,616

 
$
34,334

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments not included in operating income, net of tax (a)
 
(5,465
)
 
1,807

 
(26,732
)
 
29,120

Net foreign exchange (gains) losses, net of tax
 
(54
)
 
(111
)
 
(68
)
 
1,461

Net operating income
 
$
32,133

 
$
50,082

 
$
168,816

 
$
64,915

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per diluted share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.46

 
$
1.93

 
$
0.32

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments not included in operating income, net of tax
 
(0.06
)
 
0.02

 
(0.26
)
 
0.27

Net foreign exchange losses, net of tax
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
0.01

Net operating income per diluted share
 
$
0.33

 
$
0.47

 
$
1.67

 
$
0.61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
 
95,791,466

 
104,830,300

 
98,785,999

 
105,866,771

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
 
98,610,267

 
105,665,282

 
101,252,927

 
107,092,882

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized net income
 
$
150,608

 
$
193,544

 
$
260,821

 
$
45,779

Annualized net operating income
 
$
128,532

 
$
200,328

 
$
225,088

 
$
86,553

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average shareholders’ equity (b)
 
$
2,887,456

 
$
2,818,210

 
$
2,856,401

 
$
2,799,260

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized return on average shareholders’ equity
 
5.2
%
 
6.9
%
 
9.1
%
 
1.6
%
Annualized net operating return on average shareholders’ equity
 
4.5
%
 
7.1
%
 
7.9
%
 
3.1
%
Per share totals may not add due to rounding.
(a)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments not included in operating income includes realized and unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities, realized (gains) losses on available for sale securities, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, earnings from equity method investments in run-off, and changes in fair value of investment derivatives, catastrophe bonds and structured deposits.
(b)
Average shareholders’ equity is computed as the average of the quarterly average shareholders’ equity balances.


ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We engage in an investment strategy that combines a fixed maturities investment portfolio and a hedge fund portfolio that employs various strategies to manage investment risk. We attempt to maintain adequate liquidity in our cash and fixed maturities investment portfolio to fund operations, pay insurance and reinsurance liabilities and claims and provide funding for unexpected events. We seek to manage our credit risk through industry and issuer diversification, and interest rate risk by monitoring the duration and structure of our investment portfolio relative to the duration and structure of our liabilities. We are exposed to potential loss from various market risks, primarily changes in interest rates, credit spreads and equity prices. Accordingly, our earnings are affected by these changes. We manage our market risk based on Board-approved investment policies. With respect to our fixed maturities investment portfolio, our risk management strategy and investment policy is to invest in debt instruments of investment grade issuers (with limited and specific exceptions) and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to particular ratings categories and any one issuer. We select investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity that are tailored to the cash flow characteristics of our property and casualty and life and annuity liabilities.
As of September 30, 2012, 95.8% of the securities held in our fixed maturities portfolio, by carrying value, were rated Baa3/BBB- or above. As of September 30, 2012, the weighted average credit rating of our fixed maturities portfolio was Aa2/AA. Under our current fixed maturities investment guidelines, securities in our fixed maturities portfolio, when purchased,

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generally must have a minimum rating of Baa3/BBB-, or its equivalent, from at least one internationally recognized statistical rating organization. Our guidelines permit three of our investment managers (managing approximately 2.5% of our invested assets by fair value as of September 30, 2012) to follow an opportunistic strategy, allowing them to purchase securities below investment-grade; however, no more than 10.0% of their holdings may be rated below B3/B-. In addition, a minimum weighted average credit quality rating of Aa3/AA-, or its equivalent, must be maintained for our fixed maturities investment portfolio as a whole. As of September 30, 2012, the impact on the fixed maturities investment portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated decrease in fair value of 4.7%, or approximately $336.2 million, and the impact on the fixed maturities investment portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated increase in fair value of 5.2%, or approximately $369.0 million.
With respect to our hedge fund portfolio, we consistently and systematically monitor the strategies and funds in which we are invested. We focus on risk as well as return in the selection of each of our hedge fund portfolio investments. We select individual hedge funds that have exhibited attractive risk/reward characteristics and low correlation to other investments in the portfolio, as opposed to individual investments that have shown the highest return, but also higher volatility of return. We then combine the selected individual hedge funds into a portfolio of hedge funds. By combining investments that we believe have moderate volatility and low correlations, we aim to achieve a hedge fund portfolio that has overall lower volatility relative to investing in a common stock portfolio or a typical fund of hedge funds portfolio.
As of September 30, 2012, the estimated impact on the hedge fund portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated decrease in fair value of 0.2%, or approximately $0.6 million, and the impact on the hedge fund portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated increase in fair value of 0.2%, or approximately $0.6 million. Another method that attempts to measure portfolio risk is Value-at-Risk, or VaR. VaR is a statistical risk measure, calculating the level of potential losses that could be expected to be exceeded, over a specified holding period and at a given level of confidence, in normal market conditions, and is expressed as a percentage of the portfolio’s initial value. Since the VaR approach is based on historical positions and market data, VaR results should not be viewed as an absolute and predictive gauge of future financial performance or as a way for us to predict risk. As of September 30, 2012, our hedge fund portfolio’s VaR was estimated to be 11.0% at the 99.0% level of confidence and with a three-month time horizon. 

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Part A—Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, which we refer to as disclosure controls), are controls and procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any control system. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that its objectives are met. No evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected.
As of September 30, 2012, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, each of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls were effective to ensure that material information relating to our company is made known to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, particularly during the periods when our periodic reports are being prepared.

Part B—Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any control system. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that its objectives are met. No evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected.
Management evaluated whether there was a change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on our evaluation, we believe that there was no such change during the quarter ended September 30,

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2012.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
Two lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia name Alterra Bermuda, along with approximately 100 other insurance companies and brokers, as a defendant. The claims in each case are that the defendants conspired to manipulate bidding practices for insurance policies in certain insurance lines and failed to disclose certain commission arrangements. On August 1, 2012, Alterra Bermuda entered into a settlement and release agreement with the plaintiffs of each suit pursuant to which both agreed to dismiss, with prejudice, all of their claims against the Company in exchange for an aggregate payment by Alterra Bermuda of $225,000. On August 17, 2012, the District Court issued orders of voluntary dismissal of Alterra Bermuda from both law suits.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
Reference is made to the Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2012. There were no material changes from these risk factors during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We repurchase our common shares and/or securities convertible into common shares from time to time through the open market, privately negotiated transactions and Rule 10b5-1 stock trading plans. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we repurchased 939,193 common shares for $21.7 million. As of September 30, 2012, the aggregate amount available under our Board-approved repurchase plan was $201.7 million.
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Alterra or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) of our common shares during the three months ended September 30, 2012. 
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publically
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 
 
(July 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012)
 
709,690

 
$
23.10

 
697,007

 
$ 106.9 million
 
  
(August 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012)
 
229,503

 
$
23.16

 
224,700

 
$ 201.7 million
 
  
(September 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012)
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$ 201.7 million
 
 
Total (July 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012) (1)(2)
 
939,193

 
$
23.12

 
921,707

 
$ 201.7 million
 
 
 
(1)
On September 17, 2001, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan providing for repurchases of our common shares. The repurchase plan has been increased from time to time at the election of our Board of Directors. The most recent increase was on November 6, 2012 when our Board of Directors authorized an additional $100.0 million in repurchases.
(2)
During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we purchased 17,486 of our common shares in connection with our employee benefit plans, including, as applicable, purchases associated with the exercise of options and the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards. These purchases were not made pursuant to a publicly announced repurchase plan or program.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.



ITEM 5. Other Information

None.

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ITEM 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
  
Description
 
 
12.1
  
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
 
31.1
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer filed herewith pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer filed herewith pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer furnished herewith pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer furnished herewith pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
  
The following information from Alterra Capital Holdings Limited's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011; and (v) Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

70

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. 
Alterra Capital Holdings Limited
 
 
 
 
/s/    W. MARSTON BECKER        
Name:
 
W. Marston Becker
Title:
 
Chief Executive Officer
Date:
 
November 9, 2012
 
 
 
 
/s/    JOSEPH W. ROBERTS        
Name:
 
Joseph W. Roberts
Title:
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date:
 
November 9, 2012
 
 
 
 
/s/    DAVID F. SHEAD        
Name:
 
David F. Shead
Title:
 
Chief Accounting Officer
Date:
 
November 9, 2012

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