FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Hierarchy

Fair value is defined as the price at which to sell an asset or transfer a liability (i.e. the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants. We use a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels as follows:


•	Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments.


•	Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or for which significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.


•	Level 3 - Valuations based on unobservable inputs where there is little or no market activity. Unadjusted third party pricing sources or management's assumptions and internal valuation models may be used to determine the fair values.

We have categorized our investments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis among levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:



	December 31, 2015
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total Fair Value
U.S. government and agency	$	—	$	775,798	$	—	$	775,798
Non-U.S. government	—		444,786		—		444,786
Corporate	—		2,812,066		—		2,812,066
Municipal	—		28,174		—		28,174
Residential mortgage-backed	—		391,962		—		391,962
Commercial mortgage-backed	—		255,169		29,406		284,575
Asset-backed	—		458,328		184,756		643,084
Equities — U.S.	99,467		9,326		—		108,793
Equities — International	2,702		4,446		—		7,148
Other investments	—		483,738		550,294		1,034,032
Total investments	$	102,169	$	5,663,793	$	764,456	$	6,530,418



	December 31, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total Fair Value
U.S. government and agency	$	—	$	769,002	$	—	$	769,002
Non-U.S. government	—		439,439		—		439,439
Corporate	—		2,087,329		600		2,087,929
Municipal	—		25,607		—		25,607
Residential mortgage-backed	—		311,864		—		311,864
Commercial mortgage-backed	—		139,907		—		139,907
Asset-backed	—		430,170		—		430,170
Equities — U.S.	96,842		5,203		4,850		106,895
Equities — International	24,365		18,870		—		43,235
Other investments	—		487,078		349,790		836,868
Total investments	$	121,207	$	4,714,469	$	355,240	$	5,190,916

Valuation Methodologies of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value

Fixed Maturity Investments

The fair values for all securities in the fixed maturity investments portfolio are independently provided by the investment accounting service providers, investment managers and investment custodians, each of which utilize internationally recognized independent pricing services. We record the unadjusted price provided by the investment accounting service providers, investment managers or investment custodians and validate this price through a process that includes, but is not limited to: (i) comparison of prices against alternative pricing sources; (ii) quantitative analysis (e.g. comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark); (iii) evaluation of methodologies used by external parties to estimate fair value, including a review of the inputs used for pricing; and (iv) comparing the price to our knowledge of the current investment market. Our internal price validation procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services have not historically resulted in adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service.

The independent pricing services used by the investment accounting service providers, investment managers and investment custodians obtain actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. For determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded, in general, pricing services use "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, using observable data, 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 following describes the techniques generally used to determine the fair value of our fixed maturity investments by asset class.

•

U.S. government and agency securities consist of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and mortgage pass-through agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other agencies. Non-U.S. government securities consist of bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and agencies along with supranational organizations. The significant inputs used to determine the fair value of these securities 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. These are considered observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair values of these securities are classified within Level 2.


•	Municipal securities consist primarily of bonds issued by U.S.-domiciled state and municipal 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 values 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. 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 include 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 values of these securities are classified within Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. Broker-dealer quotes for which significant observable inputs are unable to be corroborated with market observable information are classified within Level 3.

Equities

Our investments in equities are predominantly traded on the major exchanges and are primarily managed by our external advisors. We use an internationally recognized pricing service, to estimate the fair value of our equities. Our equities are widely diversified and there is no significant concentration in any specific industry.

We have categorized all of our investments in equities other than preferred stock as Level 1 investments because the fair values of these investments are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The fair value estimates of our investments in preferred stock are based on observable market data and, as a result, have been categorized as Level 2.

Other investments, at fair value

We have ongoing due diligence processes with respect to the other investments carried at fair value 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 warranted. Certain funds do not provide full transparency of their underlying holdings; however, we obtain the audited financial statements for funds annually, and regularly review and discuss the fund performance with the fund managers to corroborate the reasonableness of the reported net asset values. 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. 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, we may incorporate adjustments to the reported net asset value based upon information from the fund manager (and not use the permitted practical expedient) on an investment by investment basis. These adjustments may involve significant management judgment.

For our investments in private equities and private equity funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the most recently provided capital statement from the external fund manager or third-party administrator. The capital statements calculate the net asset value on a fair value basis. Where we can identify publicly-traded companies held within a fund, we adjust the reported net asset value based on the latest share price as of our reporting date. We have classified our investments in private equities and private equity funds as Level 3, except for one private equity where the market price is observable, which we have categorized as Level 2.

The fixed income funds and equity funds in which we invest have been classified as Level 2 investments because their fair value is estimated using the published net asset value and because the fixed income funds and equity funds are highly liquid.

For our investments in fixed income and multi-strategy hedge funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the most recently published net asset value as advised by the external fund manager or third-party administrator. The investments in the funds are classified as Level 3.

The real estate debt fund in which we invest has been valued based on the most recent published net asset value. This investment has been classified as Level 3.

We measure the fair value of our direct investment in CLO equities based on valuations provided by our external CLO equity manager. If the investment does not involve an external CLO equity manager, the fair value of the investment is valued based on valuations provided by the broker or lead underwriter of the investment (the "broker"). Our CLO equity investments have been classified as Level 3 due to the use of unobservable inputs in the valuation and the limited number of relevant trades in secondary markets.

In providing valuations, the CLO equity manager and brokers use observable and unobservable inputs. Of the significant unobservable market inputs used, the default and loss severity rates involve the most judgment and create the most sensitivity. A significant increase (or decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in lower (or higher) fair value estimates for direct investments in CLO equities and, in general, a change in default rate assumptions will be accompanied by a directionally similar change in loss severity rate assumptions. Collateral spreads and estimated maturity dates are less judgmental inputs because they are based on the historical average of actual spreads and the weighted average life of the current underlying portfolios, respectively. A significant increase (or decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in higher (or lower) fair value estimates for direct investments in CLO equities. In general, these inputs have no significant interrelationship with each other or with default and loss severity rates.

On a quarterly basis, we receive the valuation from the external CLO manager and brokers and then review the underlying cash flows and key assumptions used by the manager/broker. We review and update the significant unobservable inputs based on information obtained from secondary markets. These inputs are our responsibility and we assess the reasonableness of the inputs (and if necessary, update the inputs) through communicating with industry participants, monitoring of the transactions in which we participate (for example, to evaluate default and loss severity rate trends), and reviewing market conditions, historical results, and emerging trends that may impact future cash flows.

If valuations from the external CLO equity manager or brokers are not available, we use an income approach based on certain observable and unobservable inputs to value these investments. An income approach is also used to corroborate the reasonableness of the valuations provided by the external manager and brokers. Where an income approach is followed, the valuation is based on available trade information, such as expected cash flows and market assumptions on default and loss severity rates. Other inputs used in the valuation process include asset spreads, loan prepayment speeds, collateral spreads and estimated maturity dates.

For our investments in the CLO equity funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the most recently published net asset value as advised by the external fund manager. We use an income approach to corroborate the reasonableness of reported net asset value. The CLO equity funds have been classified as Level 3 due to a lack of observable and relevant trades in secondary markets.

Our remaining other investments carried at fair value have been valued based on the latest available capital statements, and have all been classified as Level 3.

Changes in Leveling of Financial Instruments

During 2015, we transferred $184.8 million of asset-backed securities and $29.4 million of commercial mortgage-backed securities from Level 2 to Level 3 and $22.6 million of other investments from Level 3 to Level 2. During 2015, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2. Transfers into or out of Level 3 are recorded at their fair values as of the end of the reporting period, consistent with the date of determination of fair value. The transfers from Level 2 to Level 3 relate to securities valued using single unadjusted broker-dealer quotes. We were unable to obtain sufficient information to determine if the broker quotes used significant observable inputs. The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes. The transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 was based upon a liquidity event which provided us with market observable information on significant inputs.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	2015												2014
	Fixed Maturity Investments			Other Investments			Equity Securities			Total			Fixed Maturity Investments			Other Investments			Equity Securities		Total
Beginning fair value	$	600		$	349,790		$	4,850		$	355,240		$	609		$	265,569		$	4,725	$	270,903
Purchases	—			344,752			—			344,752			—			158,927			—		158,927
Sales	(600		)	(134,362		)	(5,000		)	(139,962		)	—			(104,684		)	—		(104,684		)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)	—			12,740			150			12,890			(9		)	29,978			125		30,094
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	214,162			(22,626		)	—			191,536			—			—			—		—
Ending fair value	$	214,162		$	550,294		$	—		$	764,456		$	600		$	349,790		$	4,850	$	355,240

Net realized and unrealized gains related to Level 3 assets in the table above are included in net realized and unrealized (losses) gains in our consolidated statements of earnings.

Disclosure of Fair Values for Financial Instruments Carried at Cost

The following tables present our fair value hierarchy for those assets carried at cost or amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheet but for which disclosure of the fair value is required as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	2015
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value		Carrying Value
Fixed maturity investments, held-to-maturity:
U.S. government and agency	$	—	$	19,321	$	—	$	19,321	$	19,771
Non-U.S. government	—		39,058		—		39,058		40,503
Corporate	—		710,692		—		710,692		730,592
Sub-total	—		769,071		—		769,071		790,866
Other investments:
Life settlements	—		—		130,268		130,268		133,071
Total	$	—	$	769,071	$	130,268	$	899,339	$	923,937



	2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value		Carrying Value
Fixed maturity investments, held-to-maturity:
U.S. government and agency	$	—	$	20,559	$	—	$	20,559	$	20,257
Non-U.S. government	—		38,689		—		38,689		38,613
Corporate	—		767,124		—		767,124		754,363
Total	$	—	$	826,372	$	—	$	826,372	$	813,233

The fair value of investments in life settlement contracts, in the table above, is determined using a discounted cash flow methodology that utilizes unobservable inputs. Due to the individual nature of each investment in life settlement contracts and the illiquidity of the existing market, significant inputs to the fair value include our estimates of premiums necessary to keep the policies in-force, and our assumptions for mortality and discount rates. Our mortality assumptions are based on a combination of medical underwriting information obtained from a third-party underwriter for each referenced life and internal proprietary mortality studies of older aged U.S. insured lives. These assumptions are used to develop an estimate of future net cash flows that, after discounting, are intended to be reflective of the asset's value in the life settlement market.

Disclosure of fair value of amounts relating to insurance contracts is not required. Our remaining assets and liabilities were generally carried at cost or amortized cost, which due to their short-term nature approximates fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.