Fair Value

Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement (Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority).

The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:


Level 1:	Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets


Level 2:	Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument


Level 3:	Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for securities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such securities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. The Company reviews its securities measured at fair value and discusses the proper classification of such investments with investment advisers and others.

The Company determines the existence of an active market based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the financial instrument occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. The Company uses quoted values and other data provided by nationally recognized independent pricing sources as inputs into its process for determining fair values of its fixed maturity investments. To validate the techniques or models used by pricing sources, the Company's review process includes, but is not limited to: (i) quantitative analysis (e.g., comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated); (ii) a review of the average number of prices obtained in the pricing process and the range of resulting fair values; (iii) initial and ongoing evaluation of methodologies used by outside parties to calculate fair value; (iv) a comparison of the fair value estimates to the Company’s knowledge of the current market; (v) a comparison of the pricing services' fair values to other pricing services' fair values for the same investments; and (vi) periodic back-testing, which includes randomly selecting purchased or sold securities and comparing the executed prices to the fair value estimates from the pricing service. A price source hierarchy was maintained in order to determine which price source would be used (i.e., a price obtained from a pricing service with more seniority in the hierarchy will be used over a less senior one in all cases). The hierarchy prioritizes pricing services based on availability and reliability and assigns the highest priority to index providers. Based on the above review, the Company will challenge any prices for a security or portfolio which are considered not to be representative of fair value. The Company did not adjust any of the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources at June 30, 2017.

In certain circumstances, when fair values are unavailable from these independent pricing sources, quotes are obtained directly from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets. Such quotes are subject to the validation procedures noted above. Of the $19.92 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at June 30, 2017, approximately $140.9 million, or 0.7%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes. Of the $19.10 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2016, approximately $234.0 million, or 1.2%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes.

Fixed maturities

The Company uses the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value of its fixed maturity securities, when possible. The market approach includes obtaining prices from independent pricing services, such as index providers and pricing vendors, as well as to a lesser extent quotes from broker-dealers. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Each source has its own proprietary method for determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded. In general, these methods involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing source uses observable market inputs including, but not limited to, investment yields, credit risks and spreads, benchmarking of like securities, broker-dealer quotes, reported trades and sector groupings to determine a reasonable fair value.

The following describes the significant inputs generally used to determine the fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities by asset class:

•U.S. government and government agencies — valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided through index providers and pricing vendors. The Company determined that all U.S. Treasuries would be classified as Level 1 securities due to observed levels of trading activity, the high number of strongly correlated pricing quotes received on U.S. Treasuries and other factors. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are classified within Level 2.

•Corporate bonds — valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2. Two securities are included in Level 3 due to a low level of transparency on the inputs used in the pricing process.

•Mortgage-backed securities — valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through pricing vendors and index providers with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models (including Option Adjusted Spread) which use spreads to determine the expected average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for mortgage-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.

•Municipal bonds — valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided through index providers and pricing vendors. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using spreads obtained from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for municipal bonds are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.

•Commercial mortgage-backed securities — valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models which use spreads to determine the appropriate average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for commercial mortgage-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.

•Non-U.S. government securities — valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided through index providers and pricing vendors. The fair values of these securities are generally based on international indices or valuation models which include daily observed yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads and country credit spreads. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for non-U.S. government securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.

•Asset-backed securities — valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models (including Option Adjusted Spread) which use spreads to determine the appropriate average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for asset-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.

Equity securities

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

Other investments

The Company determined that exchange-traded investments in mutual funds would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. Other investments also include term loan investments for which fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of term loan investments with similar characteristics, pricing models or matrix pricing. Such investments are generally classified within Level 2. The fair values for certain of the Company’s other investments are determined using net asset values as advised by external fund managers. The net asset value is based on the fund manager’s valuation of the underlying holdings in accordance with the fund’s governing documents. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. One security is included in Level 3 due to the lack on available independent price source for such security.

Derivative instruments

The Company’s futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and other derivatives trade in the over-the-counter derivative market. The Company uses the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value for these derivatives based on significant observable market inputs from third party pricing vendors, non-binding broker-dealer quotes and/or recent trading activity. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for these derivative instruments are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.

Short-term investments

The Company determined that certain of its short-term investments held in highly liquid money market-type funds, Treasury bills and commercial paper would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. The fair values of other short-term investments are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve and are classified within Level 2.

Contingent consideration liabilities

Contingent consideration liabilities (included in ‘other liabilities’ in the consolidated balance sheets) include amounts related to the acquisition of CMG Mortgage Insurance Company and its affiliated mortgage insurance companies and other acquisitions. Such amounts are remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date with changes in fair value recognized in ‘net realized gains (losses).’ To determine the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, the Company estimates future payments using an income approach based on modeled inputs which include a weighted average cost of capital. The Company determined that contingent consideration liabilities would be included within Level 3.

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at June 30, 2017:



				Estimated Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Estimated Fair Value			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value (1):
Available for sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds	$	4,262,411		$	—	$	4,250,841		$	11,570
Mortgage backed securities	331,082			—		331,082			—
Municipal bonds	2,618,827			—		2,618,827			—
Commercial mortgage backed securities	521,272			—		521,272			—
U.S. government and government agencies	3,425,196			3,360,752		64,444			—
Non-U.S. government securities	1,375,796			—		1,375,796			—
Asset backed securities	1,739,695			—		1,739,695			—
Total	14,274,279			3,360,752		10,901,957			11,570

Equity securities	467,870			463,015		4,855			—

Short-term investments	914,356			906,191		8,165			—

Other investments	170,402			170,402		—			—
Other investments measured at net asset value (2)	78,259
Total other investments	248,661			170,402		—			—

Derivative instruments (4)	30,215			—		30,215			—

Fair value option:
Corporate bonds	749,399			—		749,399			—
Non-U.S. government bonds	75,084			—		75,084			—
Mortgage backed securities	19,812			—		19,812			—
Asset backed securities	16,291			—		16,291			—
U.S. government and government agencies	209,583			209,583		—			—
Short-term investments	527,384			524,167		3,217			—
Equity securities	76,915			57,523		19,392			—
Other investments	1,392,973			92,860		1,275,113			25,000
Other investments measured at net asset value (2)	750,792
Total	3,818,233			884,133		2,158,308			25,000

Total assets measured at fair value	$	19,753,614		$	5,784,493	$	13,103,500		$	36,570

Liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration liabilities	$	(57,246	)	$	—	$	—		$	(57,246	)
Securities sold but not yet purchased (3)	(69,273		)	—		(69,273		)	—
Derivative instruments (4)	(35,004		)	—		(35,004		)	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	(161,523	)	$	—	$	(104,277	)	$	(57,246	)


(1)	In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the securities pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received under securities lending, at fair value and included the securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value. See Note 7, “Investment Information—Securities Lending Agreements.”

(2)

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets.


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


(4)	See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments.”

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at December 31, 2016:



				Estimated Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Estimated Fair Value			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value (1):
Available for sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds	$	4,392,373		$	—	$	4,374,029		$	18,344
Mortgage backed securities	490,093			—		490,093			—
Municipal bonds	3,713,434			—		3,713,434			—
Commercial mortgage backed securities	536,051			—		536,051			—
U.S. government and government agencies	2,804,540			2,691,575		112,965			—
Non-U.S. government securities	1,096,440			—		1,096,440			—
Asset backed securities	1,123,987			—		1,112,698			11,289
Total	14,156,918			2,691,575		11,435,710			29,633

Equity securities	532,680			529,695		2,985			—

Short-term investments	612,005			608,862		3,143			—

Other investments	112,313			112,313		—			—
Other investments measured at net asset value (2)	55,657
Total other investments	167,970			112,313		—			—

Derivative instruments (4)	28,410			—		28,410			—

Fair value option:
Corporate bonds	790,935			—		790,935			—
Non-U.S. government bonds	61,747			—		61,747			—
Mortgage backed securities	18,624			—		18,624			—
Asset backed securities	30,324			—		30,324			—
U.S. government and government agencies	197,486			197,486		—			—
Short-term investments	373,669			309,127		64,542			—
Equity securities	27,642			25,328		2,314			—
Other investments	1,226,242			80,706		1,120,536			25,000
Other investments measured at net asset value (2)	694,551
Total	3,421,220			612,647		2,089,022			25,000

Total assets measured at fair value	$	18,919,203		$	4,555,092	$	13,559,270		$	54,633

Liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration liabilities	$	(122,350	)	$	—	$	—		$	(122,350	)
Securities sold but not yet purchased (3)	(33,157		)	—		(33,157		)	—
Derivative instruments (4)	(26,049		)	—		(26,049		)	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	(181,556	)	$	—	$	(59,206	)	$	(122,350	)


(1)	In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the securities pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received under securities lending, at fair value and included the securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value. See Note 7, “Investment Information—Securities Lending Agreements.”

(2)


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


(4)	See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments.”

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs:



	Assets											Liabilities
s	Available For Sale						Fair Value Option
	Asset Backed Securities			Corporate Bonds			Other Investments		Total			Contingent Consideration Liabilities
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Balance at beginning of period	$	10,637		$	18,601		$	25,000	$	54,238		$	(125,544	)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (1)	3,072			636			—		3,708			(3,441		)
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—			—
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases	—			4,935			—		4,935			—
Issuances	—			—			—		—			—
Sales	(13,640		)	(12,602		)	—		(26,242		)	—
Settlements	(69		)	—			—		(69		)	71,739
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—			—			—		—			—
Balance at end of period	$	—		$	11,570		$	25,000	$	36,570		$	(57,246	)

Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	57,500		$	15,166		$	—	$	72,666		$	(100,710	)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (1)	(2,500		)	1,363			—		(1,137		)	(10,923		)
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—			(37		)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases	—			776			—		776			—
Issuances	—			—			—		—			—
Sales	—			—			—		—			—
Settlements	(5,789		)	—			—		(5,789		)	—
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—			—			—		—			—
Balance at end of period	$	49,211		$	17,305		$	—	$	66,516		$	(111,670	)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Balance at beginning of year	$	11,289		$	18,344		$	25,000	$	54,633		$	(122,350	)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (1)	3,779			893			—		4,672			(7,087		)
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—			—
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases	—			4,935			—		4,935			—
Issuances	—			—			—		—			—
Sales	(13,640		)	(12,602		)	—		(26,242		)	—
Settlements	(1,428		)	—			—		(1,428		)	72,191
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—			—			—		—			—
Balance at end of period	$	—		$	11,570		$	25,000	$	36,570		$	(57,246	)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	57,500		$	16,368		$	—	$	73,868		$	(96,048	)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (1)	(2,500		)	161			—		(2,339		)	(16,121		)
Included in other comprehensive income	—			—			—		—			(37		)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases	—			776			—		776			—
Issuances	—			—			—		—			—
Sales	—			—			—		—			—
Settlements	(5,789		)	—			—		(5,789		)	536
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—			—			—		—			—
Balance at end of period	$	49,211		$	17,305		$	—	$	66,516		$	(111,670	)


(1)	For the 2017 periods, gains or losses were included in net realized gains (losses). For the 2016 periods, losses on asset backed securities were included in net impairment losses recognized in earnings gains or losses while gains or losses on corporate bonds and contingent consideration liabilities were included in net realized gains (losses).

Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value

The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The carrying values of cash, accrued investment income, receivable for securities sold, certain other assets, payable for securities purchased and certain other liabilities approximated their fair values at June 30, 2017, due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their respective fair values are classified within Level 2.

At June 30, 2017, the senior notes of ACGL were carried at their cost, net of debt issuance costs, of $297.0 million and had a fair value of $407.0 million, while the senior notes of Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. (“Arch-U.S.”) were carried at their cost, net of debt issuance costs, of $494.6 million and had a fair value of $564.2 million. The senior notes of Arch Capital Finance LLC due in 2026 were carried at their cost, net of debt issuance costs, of $495.9 million and had a fair value of $518.2 million, while the senior notes due in 2046 were carried at their cost, net of debt issuance costs, of $445.1 million and had a fair value of $505.5 million. The fair values of the senior notes were obtained from a third party pricing service and are based on observable market inputs. As such, the fair values of the senior notes are classified within Level 2.