Significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of preparation

These Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company consolidates in these Consolidated Financial Statements the results of operations and financial position of all voting interest entities (“VOE”) in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and all variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary. The consolidation assessment, including the determination as to whether an entity qualifies as a VIE or VOE, depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding each entity.

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes that the amounts included in the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s principal estimates include:

•reserve for losses and loss expenses;

•premium estimates for business written on a line slip or proportional basis;

•the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets;

•reinsurance recoverable balances including the provision for uncollectible amounts; and

•investment valuation of financial assets.

The term “ASC” used in these notes refers to Accounting Standard Codification issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”).

Premiums

Insurance premiums written are recorded in accordance with the terms of underlying policies. Reinsurance premiums written are recorded at the inception of the policy and are estimated based on information received from brokers, ceding companies and reinsureds, and any subsequent differences arising on such estimates will be recorded in the periods in which they are determined. Premiums written are earned on a pro-rated basis over the term of the policy. For contracts and policies written on a losses occurring basis, the risk period is generally the same as the contract or policy terms. For contracts written on a risks attaching basis, the risk period is based on the terms of the underlying contracts and policies and is generally assumed to be 24 months. The portion of the premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the underlying contracts and policies in force is recorded as unearned premiums.

Reinstatement premiums are recorded at the time a loss event occurs and coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under predefined contract terms. The accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on our estimate of losses and loss expenses, which reflects management’s judgment, as described in Note 3(c), “Reserve for losses and loss expenses” below.

Policy acquisition costs

Policy acquisition costs are costs that vary with, and are directly related to, the successful production of new and renewal business, and consist principally of commissions and brokerage expenses. Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions earned on reinsurance ceded. These costs are deferred and amortized over the periods in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums and anticipated claims expenses. The realizable value of the Company’s deferred acquisition costs is determined without consideration of investment income. Policy acquisition costs also include profit commissions. Profit commissions are recognized on a basis consistent with our estimate of losses and loss expenses.

Reserves for losses and loss expenses

The reserve for losses and loss expenses includes reserves for unpaid reported losses (“case reserves”) and for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). Case reserves are established by management based on reports from brokers, ceding companies and insureds and represents the estimated ultimate cost of events or conditions that have been reported to, or specifically identified by, the Company. IBNR reserves are established by management based on actuarially determined estimates of ultimate losses and loss expenses. Inherent in the estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which may vary significantly as claims are settled. Accordingly, ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ materially from the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, will be recorded in earnings in the period in which they become known. Prior period development arises from changes to these estimates recognized in the current year that relate to reserves for losses and loss expenses established in previous calendar years.

Reserves for losses and loss expenses are based in part upon the estimation of case reserves from broker, insured and ceding company reported data. The Company also uses statistical and actuarial methods to estimate ultimate expected losses and loss expenses, from which IBNR losses can be calculated. The period of time from the occurrence of a loss to the reporting of a loss to the Company and to the settlement of the Company’s liability may be several months or years. During this period, additional facts and trends may be revealed. As these factors become apparent, reserves will be adjusted, sometimes requiring an increase or decrease in the overall reserves of the Company, and at other times requiring a reallocation of incurred but not reported reserves to specific case reserves. These estimates are reviewed and adjusted regularly, and such adjustments, if any, are reflected in earnings in the period in which they become known. While management believes that it has made a reasonable estimate of ultimate losses, there can be no assurances that ultimate losses and loss expenses will not exceed this estimate.

Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the potential amount of loss arising from claims events by reinsuring certain levels of risk assumed in various areas of exposure with other insurers or reinsurers. The accounting for reinsurance ceded depends on the method of reinsurance. If the policy is on a “losses occurring” basis, reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any commissions thereon are earned) on a pro-rata basis over the period the reinsurance coverage is provided. If the policy is a “risks attaching” policy, reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any commissions thereon are earned) in line with the earning of the gross premiums to which the risk attaching policy relates. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premiums ceded applicable to the unexpired term of policies in force. Mandatory reinstatement premiums ceded are recorded at the time the loss event occurs. Reinsurance recoverables are based on contracts in force at the time of the underlying loss event. The method for determining the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses involves the actuarial estimates of unpaid losses and loss expenses as well as a determination of the Company’s ability to cede unpaid losses and loss expenses under its reinsurance treaties. The use of different assumptions could have a material effect on the provision for uncollectible reinsurance. To the extent the creditworthiness of the Company’s reinsurers was to deteriorate due to adverse events affecting the reinsurance industry, such as a large number of major catastrophes, actual uncollectible amounts could be significantly greater than the Company’s provision. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the underlying liabilities.

Investments

The Company classifies its fixed maturity and short-term investments as trading and accounts for its other investments in accordance with ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments.” As such, all investments are carried at fair value with interest and dividend income and realized and unrealized gains and losses included in net income for the year.

All investment transactions are recorded on a first-in-first-out basis and realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of amortized cost (or cost). Interest on fixed maturity securities is recorded in net investment income when earned and includes amortization of premium or accretion of discount.

For mortgage-backed securities, and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the resultant change in effective yields and maturities are recognized retrospectively. Prepayment fees or call premiums that are only payable to the Company when a security is called prior to its maturity, are earned when received and reflected in net investment income.

Short-term investments primarily comprise of investments with a remaining maturity of less than one year at time of purchase and money market funds held at the Company’s investment managers. Certain short-term investments relate to funds held in trust in support of collateralized reinsurance transactions.

Restricted cash primarily relates to funds held in trust for support of collateralized reinsurance transactions.

Other investments

The fair value of other investments is generally recorded on the basis of the net asset valuation criteria established by the managers of the investments, normally based upon the governing documents of such investments. In addition, due to a lag in reporting, some of the fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of the Company’s reporting date. In these circumstances, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month’s or prior quarter’s fund valuation, adjusting these valuations for capital calls, redemptions or distributions and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, it uses all credible information available. This includes utilizing preliminary estimates reported by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has reported results, or other valuation methods, as necessary. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from the Company’s estimates and these differences are recorded in the period they become known as a change in estimate.

Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss from such investments in its results for the period.

Fair value of financial instruments

Fair value is defined as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date reflecting the highest and best use valuation concepts. ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure” provides a framework for measuring fair value by creating a hierarchy of fair value measurements that distinguishes market data between observable independent market inputs and unobservable market assumptions by the reporting entity. The guidance further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements. The guidance applies broadly to most existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements (including both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities) but does not require any new fair value measurements. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance in effect as of the balance sheet date regarding certain market conditions that allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable.

Derivative instruments

Fair Value Hedges

The Company uses derivative instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency risk. A foreign currency forward exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the value of our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies but rather allow the Company to establish a rate of exchange for a future point in time. The foreign currency forward exchange contracts are recorded as derivatives at fair value as either assets or liabilities, depending on their rights or obligations, with changes in fair value recorded as a net foreign exchange gain or loss in the Company’s Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in fair value of the hedged item. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation process includes linking derivatives to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair value of the hedged items. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges on an individual currency basis. If the ratio obtained with this method is within the range of 80% to 125%, the Company considers the hedge effective.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of a hedged item; the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. To the extent that the Company discontinues hedge accounting, because, based on management’s assessment, the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative will continue to be carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in current period net income through foreign exchange gains (losses).

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company uses derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate exposure associated with certain assets and liabilities. These derivatives are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and are reclassified into earnings when the variability of the cash flow of the hedged item impacts earnings. Gains and losses on derivative contracts that are reclassified from AOCI to current period earnings are included in the line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income in which the cash flows of the hedged item are recorded. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded immediately in current period earnings.

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in cash flow of the hedged item. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation process includes linking derivatives to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows of the hedged items. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges on an individual contract basis. The Company currently applies the long haul method when assessing the hedge’s effectiveness.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the Company becomes aware that it is not probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, and gains and losses that were included as part of AOCI are reclassified and recognized immediately in earnings.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers time deposits and money market funds with an original maturity of one month or less as equivalent to cash.

Foreign exchange

The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company and the majority of its subsidiaries. For these companies, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses included in earnings. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued at the exchange rate in effect at the time of the underlying transaction.

Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at prevailing year end exchange rates. Revenue and expenses of such foreign operations are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The net effect of translation differences between functional and reporting currencies in foreign operations, net of applicable deferred income taxes, is included in AOCI.

Stock plans

The Company accounts for its stock plans in accordance with the ASC Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation.” Accordingly, the Company recognizes the compensation expense for stock option grants, restricted share grants and performance share awards based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant over the requisite service period.

Warrants

The Company has accounted for certain warrant contracts issued to our sponsoring investors in conjunction with the capitalization of the Company, and which may be settled by the Company using either the physical settlement or net-share settlement methods, in accordance with ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging, Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity.” Accordingly, the fair value of these warrants has been recorded in equity as an addition to additional paid-in capital.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 260 “Earnings per Share” by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Earnings per diluted common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and share equivalents excluding any anti-dilutive effects of warrants, options and other awards under stock plans.

Income taxes and uncertain tax provisions

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes.” Consistent with ASC 740, the Company records deferred income taxes which reflect operating losses and tax credits carried forward and the tax effect of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their respective tax bases.

The Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are not subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes under current Bermuda law. The Company has operating subsidiaries in various other jurisdictions around the world, including but not limited to the U.K., U.S., Switzerland, Luxembourg and Canada that are subject to relevant taxes in those jurisdictions.

The Company recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities based upon the technical merits of the position. Based on the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we must presume that the tax position will be subject to examination by a taxing authority with full knowledge of all relevant information. If the recognition threshold is met, then the tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company classifies all interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expenses.

Business combinations, goodwill and other intangible assets

The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations” and goodwill and other intangible assets that arise from business combinations in accordance with ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.”

A purchase price paid that is in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired (“goodwill”) arising from a business combination is recorded as an asset, and is not amortized. Where the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the consideration paid (“negative goodwill”), the acquirer will record a gain as a result of the bargain purchase, to be recognized through the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income at the close of the transaction. Other intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset, whereas other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized.

Goodwill and other intangible assets are assessed for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment exists. Such events or circumstances may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or change in the assessment of future operations. In performing this assessment, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Similarly, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an other intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. The factors assessed in making this determination included the overall insurance industry outlook, business strategy, premium rates, earnings sustainability, market capitalization and the regulatory and political environment.

If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, they are written down to their fair value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Variable interest entities

The Company determines whether it has relationships with entities defined as VIEs in accordance with ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation.” A VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to be the primary beneficiary.

An entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a VIE if any of the following conditions exist: (a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (b) as a group, the holders of equity investment at risk lack either the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions about an entity’s activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or the obligation to absorb the expected losses or right to receive the expected residual returns, or (c) the voting rights of some investors are disproportionate to their obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, their rights to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, or both and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights.

The primary beneficiary is defined as the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest as a result of having both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. At inception of the VIE, as well as following an event that requires reassessment, the Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary based on the facts and circumstances surrounding each entity.

The Company consolidates all VOEs in which it has a controlling financial interest and all VIEs in which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary.

Noncontrolling interest

The Company accounts for its noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation.” Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented as a mezzanine item, between liabilities and shareholders’ equity, in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and the non-redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented within shareholders’ equity in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. The net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests is presented separately in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.