Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

        OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

OR

¨         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

        OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 001-31721

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

BERMUDA

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

98-0395986

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

92 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, Bermuda HM 08

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(441) 496-2600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  x  No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  ¨  No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x  Accelerated filer  ¨  Non-accelerated filer  ¨  Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  ¨  No  x

As of October 30, 2009 there were 142,464,979 Common Shares, $0.0125 par value per share, of the registrant outstanding.


Table of Contents

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

            Page  
   PART I   
   Financial Information    3
Item 1.    Consolidated Financial Statements    4
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    40
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    70
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    71
   PART II   
   Other Information    72
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    72
Item 1A.    Risk Factors    72
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    73
Item 6.    Exhibits    74
   Signatures    75


Table of Contents

 

 

PART  I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the United States securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” and “intend.” Forward-looking statements contained in this report may include information regarding our estimates of losses related to catastrophes and other large losses, measurements of potential losses in the fair value of our investment portfolio and derivative contracts, our expectations regarding pricing and other market conditions, our growth prospects, and valuations of the potential impact of movements in interest rates, equity prices, credit spreads and foreign currency rates. Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance.

These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

the occurrence of natural and man-made disasters,

 

   

actual claims exceeding our loss reserves,

 

   

general economic, capital and credit market conditions,

 

   

the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ,

 

   

the effects of emerging claims and coverage issues,

 

   

the failure of our cedants to adequately evaluate risks,

 

   

the loss of one or more key executives,

 

   

a decline in our ratings with rating agencies,

 

   

loss of business provided to us by our major brokers,

 

   

changes in accounting policies or practices,

 

   

changes in governmental regulations,

 

   

increased competition,

 

   

changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business,

 

   

fluctuations in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices and/or currency values, and

 

   

the other matters set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

       Page  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008

   5

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September  30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

   6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September  30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

   7

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September  30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

   8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September  30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

   9

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   10

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2008

 

     2009     2008  
     (in thousands)  

Assets

  

Investments:

    

Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value
(Amortized cost 2009: $9,588,460; 2008: $8,404,994)

   $ 9,682,932      $ 7,750,654   

Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value
(Cost 2009: $129,055; 2008: $164,330)

     137,544        107,283   

Other investments, at fair value

     541,447        492,082   

Short-term investments

     282,737        261,879   
                

Total investments

     10,644,660        8,611,898   

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,108,954        1,697,581   

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     130,517        123,092   

Accrued interest receivable

     82,169        79,232   

Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable

     1,497,639        1,185,785   

Reinsurance recoverable balances

     1,369,824        1,304,551   

Reinsurance recoverable balances on paid losses

     36,625        74,079   

Deferred acquisition costs

     363,739        273,096   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     284,922        279,553   

Securities lending collateral

     135,122        412,823   

Goodwill and intangible assets

     93,049        60,417   

Other assets

     172,248        180,727   
                

Total assets

   $  15,919,468      $  14,282,834   
                

Liabilities

    

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

   $ 6,579,914      $ 6,244,783   

Unearned premiums

     2,548,072        2,162,401   

Insurance and reinsurance balances payable

     170,664        202,145   

Securities lending payable

     138,092        415,197   

Senior notes

     499,449        499,368   

Other liabilities

     426,068        233,082   

Net payable for investments purchased

     159,102        64,817   
                

Total liabilities

     10,521,361        9,821,793   
                
Commitments and Contingencies     

Shareholders’ equity

    

Preferred shares - Series A and B

     500,000        500,000   

Common shares (2009: 137,835; 2008: 136,212 shares issued and outstanding)

     1,901        1,878   

Additional paid-in capital

     2,003,417        1,962,779   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     74,974        (706,499

Retained earnings

     3,319,467        3,198,492   

Treasury shares, at cost (2009: 14,472; 2008: 14,243 shares)

     (501,652     (495,609
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     5,398,107        4,461,041   
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 15,919,468      $ 14,282,834   
                

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (in thousands, except for per share amounts)  

Revenues

        

Net premiums earned

   $  706,025      $  689,970      $  2,078,154      $  2,028,895   

Net investment income

     134,788        50,583        346,300        273,249   

Other insurance related loss

     (135,738     (13,806     (159,394     (19,073

Net realized investment losses:

        

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

     (283,418     (49,663     (336,214     (65,804

Portion of impairment losses transferred to other comprehensive income

     4,080        —          5,523        —     

Other realized investment losses

     25,973        (39,416     13,051        13,962   
                                

Total net realized investment losses

     (253,365     (89,079     (317,640     (51,842
                                

Total revenues

     451,710        637,668        1,947,420        2,231,229   
                                

Expenses

        

Net losses and loss expenses

     311,109        705,531        1,077,360        1,438,929   

Acquisition costs

     113,423        90,333        318,708        282,593   

General and administrative expenses

     92,009        86,722        265,515        248,425   

Foreign exchange losses (gains)

     6,784        (7,627     30,579        (21,360

Interest expense and financing costs

     7,977        7,941        23,869        23,789   
                                

Total expenses

     531,302        882,900        1,716,031        1,972,376   
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (79,592     (245,232     231,389        258,853   

Income tax expense (benefit)

     7,082        (5,104     24,785        11,554   
                                

Net income (loss)

     (86,674     (240,128     206,604        247,299   

Preferred share dividends

     9,218        9,218        27,656        27,656   
                                

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ (95,892   $ (249,346   $ 178,948      $ 219,643   
                                

Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents:

        

Basic

     137,904        139,335        137,693        141,628   
                                

Diluted

     137,904        139,335        150,258        157,315   
                                

Earnings per common share:

        

Basic

   $ (0.70   $ (1.79   $ 1.30      $ 1.55   
                                

Diluted

   $ (0.70   $ (1.79   $ 1.19      $ 1.40   
                                

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.20      $ 0.185      $ 0.60      $ 0.555   
                                

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (in thousands)  

Net income (loss)

   $ (86,674   $ (240,128   $ 206,604      $ 247,299   

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

        

Available for sale investments:

        

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

     357,290        (434,834     512,336        (573,831

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income

     (3,393     —          (4,836     —     

Adjustment for re-classification of realized investment losses and net impairment losses recognized in net income

     247,428        89,296        312,064        53,779   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,910        —          243        —     

Change in the unrecognized prior service cost for SERPs

     —          562        —          1,687   
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $  516,561      $  (585,104   $  1,026,411      $  (271,066
                                

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

     2009     2008  
     (in thousands)  

Common shares (shares outstanding)

    

Balance at beginning of period

     136,212        142,520   

Shares issued

     1,852        2,456   

Shares repurchased for treasury

     (229     (6,985
                

Balance at end of period

     137,835        137,991   
                

Preferred shares - Series A and B

    

Balance at beginning and end of period

   $ 500,000      $ 500,000   
                

Common shares (par value)

    

Balance at beginning of period

     1,878        1,850   

Shares issued

     23        28   
                

Balance at end of period

     1,901        1,878   
                

Additional paid-in capital

    

Balance at beginning of period

     1,962,779        1,869,810   

Shares issued

     509        2,623   

Stock options exercised

     2,475        23,655   

Share-based compensation expense

     37,654        47,037   
                

Balance at end of period

     2,003,417        1,943,125   
                

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    

Balance at beginning of period

     (706,499     22,668   

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle at April 1st, net of tax (see Note 1)

     (38,334     —     

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available for sale investments, net of tax

     824,400        (520,052

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses, net of tax

     (4,836     —     

Amortization of prior service cost on the SERPs

     —          1,687   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     243        —     
                

Balance at end of period

     74,974        (495,697
                

Retained earnings

    

Balance at beginning of period

     3,198,492        2,968,900   

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle at April 1st, net of tax (see Note 1)

     38,334        —     

Net income

     206,604        247,299   

Series A and B preferred share dividends

     (27,656     (27,656

Common share dividends

     (96,307     (91,056
                

Balance at end of period

     3,319,467        3,097,487   
                

Treasury shares, at cost

    

Balance at beginning of period

     (495,609     (204,606

Shares repurchased for treasury

     (6,043     (240,997
                

Balance at end of period

     (501,652     (445,603
                

Total shareholders’ equity

   $  5,398,107      $  4,601,190   
                

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

 

     2009    2008
     (in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net income

   $ 206,604     $ 247,299 

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

     

Net realized investment losses

     317,640       51,842 

Unrealized loss on insurance derivative contract

     161,000       21,444 

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses of other investments

     (63,322)      97,586 

Amortization/accretion of fixed maturities

     11,018       10,516 

Other amortization and depreciation

     11,650       8,263 

Share-based compensation expense

     37,654       47,037 

Changes in:

     

Accrued interest receivable

     (2,937)      12,645 

Reinsurance recoverable balances

     (27,819)      (116,278)

Deferred acquisition costs

     (90,643)      (56,201)

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     (5,369)      (22,020)

Reserve for loss and loss expenses

     335,131       818,893 

Unearned premiums

     385,671       320,535 

Insurance and reinsurance balances, net

     (343,335)      (201,976)

Other items

     (39,237)      (11,329)
             

Net cash provided by operating activities

     893,706       1,228,256 
             

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

Purchases of:

     

Fixed maturities

      (8,260,119)      (6,868,348)

Equity securities

     (33,995)      (289,966)

Other investments

     (91,800)      (141,000)

Proceeds from the sale of:

     

Fixed maturities

     6,174,388       5,789,503 

Equity securities

     55,703       64,835 

Other investments

     86,190       69,521 

Proceeds from the redemption of fixed maturities

     726,060       721,178 

Net sales of short-term investments

     (13,552)      (118,372)

Purchase of other assets

     (43,398)      (8,640)

Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents

     (7,425)      (38,982)
             

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,407,948)      (820,271)
             

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

Repurchase of shares

     (6,043)      (240,997)

Dividends paid - common shares

     (85,218)      (80,653)

Dividends paid - preferred shares

     (27,656)      (27,656)

Proceeds from issuance of common shares

     3,007       26,306 
             

Net cash used in financing activities

     (115,910)      (323,000)
             

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

     41,525       (37,279)
             

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (588,627)      47,706 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

     1,697,581       1,273,117 
             

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

   $  1,108,954     $  1,320,823 
             

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AXIS Capital Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (herein referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”).

The consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2009 and the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 have not been audited. The balance sheet at December 31, 2008 is derived from the audited financial statements.

These statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s 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 financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The following information should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. Tabular dollars and share amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts.

Significant Accounting Policies

There were no changes to the significant accounting policies with the exception of changes to the accounting policy related to the valuation and recognition of losses related to investments, as required by new accounting guidance. Further, the following also includes an updated accounting policy for our foreign currency translation for the recently established Canadian branch and adoption of new accounting standards.

Investments

Investments available for sale

Fixed maturities and equities classified as “available for sale” are reported at fair value at the balance sheet date. See Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the determination of fair value.

Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses on sales of investments are determined based on the specific identification method. Net investment income is recognized when earned and includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts using the effective yield method and is net of investment management fees and other expenses. 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 that are required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments.

The net unrealized gain or loss on available for sale investments, net of tax, is included as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

We assess quarterly whether available-for-sale investments with unrealized losses represent impairments that are other than temporary. There are several factors that are considered in the assessment of a security including, but not limited to: (i) the extent and duration of the decline, (ii) the reason for the decline (e.g. credit spread widening, credit event), (iii) the historical and implied future volatility of the fair value, (iv) the financial condition of, and near-term prospects of, the issuer and (v) the collateral structure and credit support of the security, if applicable.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Investments available for sale (continued)

On April 1, 2009, we adopted a new guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) on recognition and presentation of other than temporary impairments (“OTTI”) for fixed maturities. Accordingly, we recognize an other-than-temporary impairment in earnings for a fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position when we either (a) have the intent to sell the security, (b) more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, or (c) do not anticipate to fully recover the amortized cost based on projected cash flows to be collected. Prior to the adoption of this new guidance, we recorded an OTTI charge for a fixed maturity security in an unrealized position when we could not assert that we had both the intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in its fair value to its amortized cost.

Under the new guidance, if the impaired fixed maturity security meets one of the first two criteria above, the entire difference between the security’s fair value and its amortized cost is recorded as an OTTI charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. However, if the impairment arises due to an anticipated credit loss on the security (third criterion above), we recognize only the credit component of the OTTI amount in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to amortized cost (new cost basis). The non-credit component (e.g. interest rates, market conditions, etc.) of the OTTI amount is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in shareholders’ equity. The new amortized cost is accreted into net investment income.

For equity securities we continue to consider our ability and intent to hold an equity security in an unrealized loss position for a reasonable period of time to allow for a full recovery. When it is determined that the decline in value of an equity security is other-than-temporary, we adjust the carrying value of the equity security to its fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings.

In periods subsequent to the recognition of an OTTI for either a fixed maturity or equity security, the new cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent increases in estimated fair value.

Other investments

We record other investments at fair value (see Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements), with the change in fair value and realized gains and losses reported in net investment income.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments primarily comprise highly liquid debt securities with maturity greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. Short-term investments, which have been previously included in fixed maturities, are now reported separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and in the related disclosures. These investments are carried at amortized cost, which fairly approximates fair value.

Foreign Currency Translation

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, except for our recently established Canadian branch, for which the functional currency is the Canadian dollar. The assets and liabilities of the Canadian branch are translated using period-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates during each period. Translation gains and losses are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of shareholders’ equity.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Fair Value Measurements

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance issued by FASB for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations or financial position.

Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted the following issued by FASB:

 

   

New guidance on determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not orderly. In these circumstances, the use of alternative valuation models may be appropriate to determine fair value. The new accounting standard also expands disclosure requirements to include disaggregation of the fair value disclosures by defining major categories, and must be applied prospectively. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact our results of operations or financial position. Refer to Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements for required disclosures.

 

   

New guidance amending the previous recognition and presentation of OTTI for debt securities, as disclosed above. It requires new interim and annual disclosure of both fixed maturities and equities, including more disaggregated information (refer to Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements). As of April 1, 2009, the adoption of this standard resulted in $38 million net after-tax increase to retained earnings with a corresponding increase to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), resulting in no change to our total shareholders’ equity. This adjustment reflects the non-credit portion of the total OTTI of $86 million previously recognized in retained earnings for fixed maturity securities still outstanding at March 31, 2009. As part of the cumulative effect adjustment, we also recorded a corresponding adjustment to the amortized cost of our fixed maturities.

 

   

New guidance requiring disclosure about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. Refer to Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements.

Business Combinations

In April 2009, we adopted revised guidance issued by FASB on the accounting for assets and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies, resulting in no impact to our results of operations or financial position. This guidance amends the previously issued standard on business combinations, by requiring that assets acquired or liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies be recognized at fair value only if fair value can be reasonably estimated; otherwise the asset or liability should generally be recognized in accordance with guidance on accounting for contingencies, and removes the requirement to disclose an estimate of the range of outcomes of recognized contingencies at the acquisition date.

Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance issued by FASB for determination of the useful life of intangible assets, resulting in no significant impact on our results of operations or financial position. The guidance amends the factors considered in developing assumptions used to determine the useful life of an intangible asset, and its intent is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance issued by FASB for financial guarantee insurance contracts issued by insurance enterprises, resulting in no significant impact on our results of operations or financial position. This guidance amends the previous recognition and measurement of premium revenue and claim liabilities. A claim liability is recognized prior to an event of default when there is evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. The new guidance also requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. The determination of the applicability of this new guidance to certain of our insurance contracts required significant management judgment due to the interpretation of the scope exemption for insurance contracts that are similar to financial guarantee insurance contracts.

Earnings per Share

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance issued by FASB for the calculation of earnings per share, and the requirement that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) to be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. As the dividends on all outstanding unvested stock awards are restricted and forfeitable, the adoption of this guidance did not impact the calculation of our earnings per share.

Subsequent Events

Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted new accounting and disclosure guidance issued by FASB on management’s assessment of subsequent events. This new guidance clarifies that management must evaluate, as of each reporting period, events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date through the date that the financial statements are issued or available to be issued. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position. In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we have evaluated subsequent events through November 3, 2009, which is the date that these financial statements were issued.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance for accounting for transfers of financial assets, which amends the derecognition guidance and eliminates the exemption from consolidation for qualifying special-purpose entities (“QSPEs”). Consequently, a transferor will need to evaluate all existing QSPEs to determine whether they must now be consolidated in accordance with the new guidance on consolidations (see below). This new guidance is effective for financial asset transfers occurring after January 1, 2010 and early adoption is prohibited. We do not anticipate the adoption of this guidance will impact our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Consolidations

In June 2009, the FASB amended the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The amendments will significantly affect the overall consolidation analysis, in particular it modifies the approach for determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The primary beneficiary is the party that has: (1) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb the losses that could potentially be significant to the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. The amended guidance is effective as of January 1, 2010, and early adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this accounting guidance on our financial condition and results of operations.

Fair Value Measurement of Liabilities

In August 2009, the FASB issued new guidance on measuring the fair value of liabilities. The fair value should be measured based on the price that would be paid to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, including the company’s own non-performance risk. In the absence of a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability at the measurement date, an entity should use a valuation technique that is consistent with the fair value measurement principles (see Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements). This new guidance is effective for the interim period beginning after August 27, 2009. As the loss reserves relating to our insurance and reinsurance contracts are not measured at fair value, we do not anticipate the adoption of this guidance will materially impact our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Fair Value Measurement of Certain Alternative Investments

In September 2009, the FASB issued new guidance for measuring the fair value of certain alternative investments. As a practical expedient for measuring fair value, an entity may use the net asset value per share (“NAV”) if the NAV is calculated in accordance with AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for investment companies. This new guidance is effective for the first reporting period ending after December 15, 2009; however, early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of this guidance will impact our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

2. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our underwriting operations are organized around two global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Re and therefore we have two reportable segments, insurance and reinsurance. Except for goodwill and intangible assets, we do not allocate assets by segment as we evaluate the underwriting results of each segment separately from the results of our investment portfolio.

The following tables summarize the underwriting results of operating segments for the periods indicated and the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

      2009     2008       
Three months ended September 30,    Insurance     Reinsurance     Total     Insurance     Reinsurance     Total       

Gross premiums written

   $ 413,922      $ 361,392      $ 775,314      $ 402,672      $ 322,611      $ 725,283       

Net premiums written

     239,781        355,363        595,144        235,666        315,750        551,416       

Net premiums earned

     278,637        427,388        706,025        293,572        396,398        689,970       

Other insurance related income (loss)

      (135,898     160        (135,738     (13,751     (55     (13,806    

Net losses and loss expenses

     (111,228      (199,881     (311,109      (230,577     (474,954     (705,531    

Acquisition costs

     (29,613     (83,810     (113,423     (21,964     (68,369     (90,333    

General and administrative expenses

     (55,685     (18,719     (74,404     (49,361     (17,366     (66,727    
                                                      

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ (53,787   $ 125,138        71,351      $ (22,081   $  (164,346     (186,427    
                                          

Corporate expenses

         (17,605         (19,995    

Net investment income

         134,788            50,583       

Net realized investment losses

          (253,365         (89,079    

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

         (6,784         7,627       

Interest expense and financing costs

         (7,977         (7,941    
                              

Loss before income taxes

       $ (79,592       $  (245,232    
                              
   

Net loss and loss expense ratio

     39.9%        46.8%        44.1%        78.5%        119.8%        102.3%       

Acquisition cost ratio

     10.6%        19.6%        16.1%        7.5%        17.2%        13.1%       

General and administrative expense ratio

     20.0%        4.4%        13.0%        16.8%        4.4%        12.6%       
                                                      

Combined ratio

     70.5%        70.8%        73.2%        102.8%        141.4%        128.0%       
                                                      
   

Goodwill and intangible assets

   $ 93,049      $ -          $ 93,049      $ 60,726      $ -          $ 60,726       
                                                      
   
                                                      

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

2. SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

 

      2009     2008       
Nine months ended September 30,    Insurance     Reinsurance     Total     Insurance     Reinsurance     Total       

Gross premiums written

   $  1,304,844      $  1,708,606      $ 3,013,450      $  1,392,993      $  1,470,640      $ 2,863,633       

Net premiums written

     764,932        1,693,526        2,458,458        872,909        1,454,498        2,327,407       

Net premiums earned

     853,235        1,224,919        2,078,154        890,558        1,138,337        2,028,895       

Other insurance related (loss) income

     (160,659     1,265        (159,394     (20,073     1,000        (19,073    

Net losses and loss expenses

     (451,143     (626,217      (1,077,360     (549,723     (889,206      (1,438,929    

Acquisition costs

     (84,122     (234,586     (318,708     (84,798     (197,795     (282,593    

General and administrative expenses

     (159,059     (54,515     (213,574     (145,321     (51,813     (197,134    
                                                      

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ (1,748   $ 310,866        309,118      $ 90,643      $ 523        91,166       
                                          

Corporate expenses

         (51,941         (51,291    

Net investment income

         346,300            273,249       

Net realized investment losses

         (317,640         (51,842    

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

         (30,579         21,360       

Interest expense and financing costs

         (23,869         (23,789    
                              

Income before income taxes

       $ 231,389          $ 258,853       
                              
   

Net loss and loss expense ratio

     52.9%        51.1%        51.8%        61.7%        78.1%        70.9%       

Acquisition cost ratio

     9.9%        19.2%        15.4%        9.6%        17.4%        13.9%       

General and administrative expense ratio

     18.6%        4.4%        12.8%        16.3%        4.5%        12.2%       
                                                      

Combined ratio

     81.4%        74.7%        80.0%        87.6%        100.0%        97.0%       
                                                      
   

Goodwill and intangible assets

   $ 93,049      $ -          $ 93,049      $ 60,726      $ -          $ 60,726       
                                                      
   
                                                      

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. INVESTMENTS

 

a) Fixed Maturities and Equities

The amortized cost or cost and fair values of our fixed maturities and equities were as follows:

 

At September 30, 2009    Amortized
Cost or
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   

Fair

Value

  

Non-credit
OTTI

in AOCI(3)

    

Fixed maturities:

                 

U.S. government and agency

   $ 1,917,915    $ 22,324    $ (3,773   $ 1,936,466    $ -        

Non-U.S. government

     516,781      18,078      (648     534,211      -        

Corporate debt

     3,358,709      118,787      (35,571     3,441,925      5,786    

Residential MBS(1)

     1,964,280      50,909      (39,880     1,975,309      10,131    

Commercial MBS

     788,288      10,510      (52,254     746,544      957    

ABS(2)

     407,005      7,253      (28,741     385,517      11,748    

Municipals

     635,482      30,691      (3,213     662,960      394    
                                         

Total fixed maturities

   $  9,588,460    $  258,552    $  (164,080   $ 9,682,932    $  29,016    
                                         
   

Equities:

                 

Common stock

   $ 129,055    $ 16,522    $ (8,033     137,544       

Preferred stock

     -          -          -            -           
                                     

Total equities

   $ 129,055    $ 16,522    $ (8,033   $ 137,544       
                                     
   
                                         
                   
                   
At December 31, 2008    Amortized
Cost or
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   

Fair

Value

          

Fixed maturities:

                 

U.S. government and agency

   $ 1,148,767    $ 39,474    $ (908   $ 1,187,333       

Non-U.S. government

     272,006      19,915      (12,696     279,225       

Corporate debt

     2,517,059      19,640      (475,382     2,061,317       

Residential MBS(1)

     2,736,811      71,523      (96,336     2,711,998       

Commercial MBS

     933,315      90      (170,307     763,098       

ABS(2)

     433,266      390      (52,650     381,006       

Municipals

     363,770      6,479      (3,572     366,677       
                                     

Total fixed maturities

   $  8,404,994    $  157,511    $  (811,851   $  7,750,654       
                                     
   

Equities:

                 

Common stock

   $ 132,935    $ 1,522    $ (48,620   $ 85,837       

Preferred stock

     31,395      -          (9,949     21,446       
                                     

Total equities

   $ 164,330    $ 1,522    $ (58,569   $ 107,283       
                                     
   
                                         
(1) Residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) include agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.
(2) Asset-backed securities (“ABS”) include debt tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and other asset types. This asset class also includes an insignificant position in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).
(3) Represents the non-credit component of OTTI losses, adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Contractual Maturities

The contractual maturities of fixed maturities are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

 

As at September 30, 2009    Amortized
Cost
  

Fair

Value

  

% of Total

Fair Value

    

Maturity

            

Due in one year or less

   $ 453,996    $ 562,213    5.8%    

Due after one year through five years

     4,083,217      4,056,136    41.9%    

Due after five years through ten years

     1,572,934      1,635,635    16.9%    

Due after ten years

     318,740      321,578    3.3%    
                        
       6,428,887      6,575,562    67.9%    

Residential MBS

     1,964,280      1,975,309    20.4%    

Commercial MBS

     788,288      746,544    7.7%    

ABS

     407,005      385,517    4.0%    
                        

Total

   $  9,588,460    $  9,682,932    100.0%    
                        
   
                        

 

 

As at December 31, 2008    Amortized
Cost
  

Fair

Value

  

% of Total

Fair Value

    

Maturity

            

Due in one year or less

   $ 416,178    $ 343,570    4.4%    

Due after one year through five years

     2,798,157      2,512,428    32.4%    

Due after five years through ten years

     814,175      803,331    10.4%    

Due after ten years

     273,092      235,223    3.0%    
                        
       4,301,602      3,894,552    50.2%    

Residential MBS

     2,736,811      2,711,998    35.0%    

Commercial MBS

     933,315      763,098    9.9%    

ABS

     433,266      381,006    4.9%    
                        

Total

   $  8,404,994    $  7,750,654    100.0%    
                        
   
                        

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Gross Unrealized Losses

The following tables summarize fixed maturities and equities in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:

 

At September 30, 2009    12 months or greater     Less than 12 months     Total       
      Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
      

Fixed maturities:

                   

U.S. government and agency

   $ -        $ -          $ 274,502    $ (3,773   $ 274,502    $ (3,773    

Non-U.S. government

     47,755      (546     26,660      (102     74,415      (648    

Corporate debt

     219,591      (32,069     250,946      (3,502     470,537      (35,571    

Residential MBS

     204,830      (36,145     102,841      (3,735     307,671      (39,880    

Commercial MBS

     414,039      (51,595     30,325      (659     444,364      (52,254    

ABS

     68,950      (26,104     33,195      (2,637     102,145      (28,741    

Municipals

     5,199      (869     37,782      (2,344     42,981      (3,213    
                                                   

Total fixed maturities

   $  960,364    $  (147,328   $ 756,251    $ (16,752   $  1,716,615    $  (164,080    
                                                   

Equities:

                   

Common stock

   $ 42,137    $ (6,414   $ 25,166    $ (1,619     67,303      (8,033    

Preferred stock

     -          -            -          -            -          -           
                                                   

Total equities

   $ 42,137    $ (6,414   $ 25,166    $ (1,619   $ 67,303    $ (8,033    
                                                   
   

At December 31, 2008

                                      

Fixed maturities:

                   

U.S. government and agency

   $ -        $ -          $ 84,208    $ (908   $ 84,208    $ (908    

Non-U.S. government

     -          -            162,203      (12,696     162,203      (12,696    

Corporate debt

     428,311      (329,445     1,057,684      (145,937     1,485,995      (475,382    

Residential MBS

     75,916      (16,266     385,527      (80,070     461,443      (96,336    

Commercial MBS

     138,132      (49,091     611,631      (121,216     749,763      (170,307    

ABS

     59,597      (18,878     300,585      (33,772     360,182      (52,650    

Municipals

     -          -            71,510      (3,572     71,510      (3,572    
                                                   

Total fixed maturities

   $  701,956    $  (413,680   $  2,673,348    $  (398,171   $  3,375,304    $  (811,851    
                                                   
   

Equities:

                   

Common stock

   $ 2,286    $ (3,083   $ 71,071    $ (45,537   $ 73,357    $ (48,620    

Preferred stock

     -          -            21,446      (9,949     21,446      (9,949    
                                                   

Total equities

   $ 2,286    $ (3,083   $ 92,517    $ (55,486   $ 94,803    $ (58,569    
                                                   
                                                   

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Fixed Maturities

Of the total gross unrealized loss position at September 30, 2009, 11% (2008: 17%) was related to securities below investment grade or not rated. The gross unrealized losses on our fixed maturity portfolio at September 30, 2009, are primarily attributable to the historic wide credit spreads experienced during the credit crisis of 2008. During the first nine months of 2009, the gross unrealized losses have declined by $648 million, of which $311 million was due to impairments and the remaining $337 million was due to price appreciation caused by significant credit spread tightening.

We concluded that the above securities in an unrealized loss position were temporarily impaired based on a detailed analysis of the underlying credit, projected cash flows to be collected, and other qualitative factors. Further, at September 30, 2009, we did not intend to sell the above securities in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of their amortized costs.

Equity Securities

At September 30, 2009, 50 securities (2008: 149) were in an unrealized loss position and six of these securities (2008: nil) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater. Based on our OTTI quarterly review process and our ability and intent to hold these securities for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a recovery of fair value, we concluded that the above equities in an unrealized loss position were temporarily impaired.

Credit Ratings

The following summarizes the credit ratings of fixed maturities as assigned by S&P:

 

At September 30, 2009    Amortized
Cost
  

Fair

Value

   % of Total
Fair Value
    

Investment grade:

            

AAA

   $ 5,945,477    $ 5,995,458    61.9%    

AA

     858,536      865,282    9.0%    

A

     1,744,729      1,679,600    17.3%    

BBB

     875,666      1,012,366    10.5%    
                        
       9,424,408      9,552,706    98.7%    

Non-investment grade:

            

Below BBB

     164,052      130,226    1.3%    
                        

Total

   $  9,588,460    $  9,682,932    100.0%    
                        
   

As at December 31, 2008

                   

Investment grade:

            

AAA

   $ 5,857,026    $ 5,692,296    73.3%    

AA

     521,697      491,185    6.3%    

A

     1,076,980      944,841    12.3%    

BBB

     912,340      601,196    7.8%    
                        
       8,368,043      7,729,518    99.7%    

Non-investment grade:

            

Below BBB

     36,951      21,136    0.3%    
                        

Total

   $ 8,404,994    $ 7,750,654    100.0%    
                        
                        

Note: In the absence of an S&P rating, we used the lower rating established by Moody’s or Fitch.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

b) Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments reported at fair value:

 

      September 30, 2009    December 31, 2008     
                 

Hedge funds

   $ 321,820    59.4%    $ 251,787    51.2%    

Credit funds

     104,029    19.2%      101,094    21.0%    

CLO - equity tranches

     66,953    12.4%      97,661    19.8%    

Short duration high yield fund

     48,645    9.0%      41,540    8.0%    
                             

Total other investments

   $  541,447    100.0%    $  492,082    100.0%    
                             
                             

 

c) Net Investment Income

Net investment income was derived from the following sources:

 

      Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
      
      2009     2008     2009     2008       

Fixed maturities

   $ 98,337      $  107,853      $ 290,935      $  319,050       

Other investments

     38,646        (66,395     57,384        (82,925    

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,052        11,713        5,940        37,138       

Equities

     689        1,201        2,452        6,420       

Short-term investments

     81        424        524        3,118       
                                      

Gross investment income

     138,805        54,796        357,235        282,801       

Investment expenses

     (4,017     (4,213     (10,935     (9,552    
                                      

Net investment income

   $  134,788      $ 50,583      $  346,300      $ 273,249       
                                      
                                      

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

d) Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

The following table provides an analysis of net realized investment losses:

 

      Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
      
      2009     2008     2009     2008       

Gross realized gains

   $ 51,610      $ 36,897      $ 136,191      $  111,833       

Gross realized losses

     (23,880     (77,001     (122,487     (98,208    

Net OTTI recognized in earnings

     (279,338     (49,663     (330,691     (65,804    
                                      

Net realized losses on fixed maturities and equities

     (251,608     (89,767     (316,987     (52,179    

Change in fair value of:

            

Derivative instruments(1)

     (21,495     4,679        (27,133     4,328       

Hedged investments(1)

     19,738        (3,991     26,480        (3,991    
                                      

Net realized investment losses

   $  (253,365   $  (89,079   $  (317,640   $  (51,842    
                                      
                                      
(1) Refer to Note 6 – Derivative Instruments

The following table summarizes the net OTTI recognized in earnings by asset class:

 

      Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
    
      2009    2008    2009    2008     

Fixed maturities:

               

Corporate debt

   $  263,496    $  40,239    $  276,522    $  52,676    

Residential MBS

     4,733      -          12,679      -        

Commerical MBS

     -          -          10,843      -        

ABS

     675      3,943      10,658      7,647    
                                 
       268,904      44,182      310,702      60,323    

Equities

     10,434      5,481      19,989      5,481    
                                 

Total OTTI recognized in earnings

   $  279,338    $  49,663    $  330,691    $  65,804    
                                 
                                 

Fixed maturities

As disclosed in Note 2, on April 1, 2009, we adopted a new accounting standard which amended the previous OTTI recognition model for fixed maturities. For securities we intended to sell in the near term, we impaired $3 million of residential MBS during the three months ended September 30, 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we impaired $2 million of corporate debt, $7 million of residential MBS and $11 million of commercial MBS that we intended to sell.

For the remaining impaired fixed maturities, we have recorded only their credit losses in earnings rather than the entire difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of fixed maturities. Because the new accounting standard does not allow for retrospective application, the OTTI amounts reported in the above table for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, are not measured on the same basis as prior period amounts and accordingly these amounts are not comparable. Furthermore, the net OTTI recognized in earnings for the first quarter of 2009 includes $26 million of OTTI charges calculated prior to adoption of the new standard.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The following table provides a roll forward of the credit losses, before income taxes, for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI:

 

              

Three months ended September 30, 2009

           

Beginning balance at June 30, 2009

   $ 37,229       

Credit losses remaining in retained earnings related to adoption of accounting standard (see Note 1)

     -           

Credit loss impairments previously recognized in AOCI on securities which were sold during the period

     (10,585    

Credit loss impairment recognized on securities not previously impaired

     265,257       

Additional credit loss impairments recognized on securities previously impaired

     677       

Increases due to passage of time on previously recorded credit losses

     670       
              

Ending balance at September 30, 2009

   $  293,248       
              
   

Nine months ended September 30, 2009

           

Beginning balance at April 1, 2009

   $ -           

Credit losses remaining in retained earnings related to adoption of accounting standard (see Note 1)

     45,347       

Credit loss impairments previously recognized in AOCI on securities which were sold during the period

     (21,403    

Credit loss impairment recognized on securities not previously impaired

     267,770       

Additional credit loss impairments recognized on securities previously impaired

     864       

Increases due to passage of time on previously recorded credit losses

     670       
              

Ending balance at September 30, 2009

   $  293,248       
              
              

The credit losses remaining in retained earnings upon adoption of the new accounting standard were $33 million of corporate debt securities, $7 million of ABS, $4 million of residential MBS and $1 million of commercial MBS. Corporate debts included $20 million of credit losses related to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers.

Credit losses are calculated based on the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to the impairment. The significant inputs and the methodology used to estimate the credit losses for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI were as follows:

Corporate Debt:

Our projected cash flows for corporate debt securities are primarily driven by our assumptions regarding the probability of default and the timing and amount of recoveries associated with defaults. Our default and recovery rate assumptions are based on credit rating, credit analysis, industry analyst reports and forecasts, Moody’s historical default data and any other data relevant to the recoverability of the security. Additionally, for medium-term notes (‘MTNs’), our projected cash flows include significant inputs such as future credit spreads and use of leverage over the expected duration of each MTN.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2009, we recognized $263 million of credit losses on the MTNs as there was considerable uncertainty regarding full recoverability. In response to the credit crisis, the MTNs managers reduced their leverage levels which in turn lowered the credit duration of the MTNs. As credit markets recovered and credit spreads tightened in recent months, price appreciation was not as pronounced as the depreciation during 2008 due to the lower credit duration of the MTNs. In recent months, credit spreads have tightened much quicker than anticipated which has hindered the ability of the MTN managers to reinvest the underlying cash flows at wider credit spreads. Consequently, based on updated cash flow projections, we do not believe that we will fully recover par on these MTNs and therefore we have recorded credit losses on these securities. The recognition of such losses does not necessarily indicate that sales will occur or that sales are imminent or planned.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we sold corporate debt securities that were previously impaired, resulting in a decrease in credit loss impairments of $9 million and $19 million, respectively, in the above table.

Residential MBS and Commercial MBS:

We utilized models to determine the estimated credit losses for structured debt securities. To project expected cash flows to be collected, we utilized underlying data from widely accepted third-party data sources as well as the following significant assumptions: expected defaults, delinquencies, recoveries, foreclosure costs, and prepayments. These assumptions require significant management judgment and vary for each structured security based on the underlying property type, vintage, loan to collateral value ratio, geographic concentration, and current level of subordination. For each structured debt security with a significant unrealized loss position we have also corroborated our principal loss estimate with the independent investment manager’s principal loss estimate.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we have recorded credit losses of $2 million and $6 million respectively, on residential MBS. Based on our projected cash flows, we do not anticipate credit losses for our commercial MBS.

ABS:

The majority of the unrealized losses on ABS at September 30, 2009 were related to CLO debt tranched securities. We utilized the same internal model as for CLO equity tranched securities (see Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements) to project estimated cash flows to be collected on the various CLO debt tranched securities. The significant inputs used in the model include default and recovery rates and collateral spreads. Our assumptions on default and recovery rates are established based on an assessment of actual experience to date for each CLO debt tranche and review of recent credit rating agencies’ default and recovery forecasts. Based on projected cash flows at September 30, 2009, we do not anticipate credit losses on the CLO debt tranched securities.

Equities

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded an OTTI charge of $10 million (2008: $5 million) and $20 million (2008: $5 million), respectively, on equities primarily due to the severity and duration of their impairments. The recognition of such losses does not necessarily indicate that sales will occur or that sales are imminent or planned.

 

e) Securities Lending

At September 30, 2009, we had $135 million (2008: $406 million) in securities on loan and we continue to wind down this lending program to reduce our counterparty credit risk.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Hierarchy

Fair value is defined as the price 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 inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants might use.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This may lead us to change the selection of our valuation technique (from market to cash flow approach) or may cause us to use multiple valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. This circumstance could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels.

We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments as well as the general classification of such financial instruments pursuant to the above fair value hierarchy.

Fixed Maturities

Our U.S. Treasury securities are classified within Level 1 as the fair values are based on unadjusted market prices. For the remaining fixed maturities, substantially all are classified within Level 2.

The valuations for fixed maturity securities are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable securities or through the use of “pricing matrix models” using observable market inputs such as yield curves, credit risks and spreads, measures of volatility, and prepayment speeds. Pricing from third party pricing services are sourced from multiple vendors, and we maintain a vendor hierarchy by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise.

Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain unbinding quotes from broker-dealers or use an internal model to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. These securities are classified within Level 3 and consisted primarily of CLO debt tranched securities, private corporate debt securities and certain residential MBS at September 30, 2009.

Equity Securities

Our equity securities are classified within Level 1 as the fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Other Investments

The short-duration high yield fund is classified within Level 2 as its fair value is estimated using the net asset value reported by Bloomberg and it has daily liquidity.

The hedge and credit funds are classified within Level 3 as we estimate their respective fair values using net asset values as advised by external fund manager or third party administrators. Certain of these funds have lock-up and other redemption provisions which limit our ability to liquidate these funds in the short term. However, we believe a market participant would not adjust the reported net asset value for these contractual provisions, and accordingly, we do not apply a discount factor to the reported net asset value. This position is consistent with the recently issued guidance to be adopted next quarter (see Note 1- Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies).

We estimate the fair value for our CLO – equity tranched securities (“CLO – Equities”) based on an internal valuation model due to the lack of observable, relevant trade in the secondary markets. The model includes the following significant unobservable inputs: default and recovery rates and collateral spreads. Accordingly, we classified CLO – Equities within Level 3. During the three month ended September 30, 2009, we have not adjusted the revised assumptions made during the second quarter of 2009 as there was no significant new trend in the underlying cash flows of the CLO- Equities. During the second quarter of 2009, we increased the default rate assumptions and decreased the related recovery rate assumptions for certain CLO – Equities due to an increase in actual defaults and lower recoveries in the first six months of 2009. The adjustment to these significant assumptions was based on our assessment of actual experience on the underlying collateral for our CLO – Equities as well as a review of recent credit rating agencies’ forecasted default and recovery rates for U.S. corporate speculative-grade securities. The valuation of these CLO – Equities requires significant management judgment.

Derivative Instruments

a) Forward Contracts and Options

Our foreign currency forward contracts and options are customized to our hedging strategies and trade in the over-the-counter derivative market. We estimate the fair value for these derivatives using models based on significant observable market inputs from third party pricing vendors, non-binding broker-dealer quotes and/or recent trading activity. Accordingly, we classified these derivatives within Level 2.

b) Insurance Derivative Contract

The fair value for an indemnity contract with longevity risk exposure is based on an internal valuation model, which includes the following significant unobservable inputs:

 

   

The timing of the receipt of death benefits as well as the amount of premiums to be paid to maintain the policies in force, both of which are directly correlated to life expectancy assumptions for a portfolio of 188 lives;

 

   

The proceeds of selling the unmatured life settlement contracts in 2017; and

 

   

The risk margin that a market participant would require for providing this indemnity.

The estimated indemnity payment, net of our contractual premium for providing the indemnity, is discounted using the risk free yield curve, adjusted for counterparties’ credit risk.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

During the current quarter, we have observed that the actual mortality experience for the above life settlements portfolio continued to lag from our expectations. Because of the persistency of this lag over two years, we now believe there is statistical credibility that should be attached to the actual experience thusfar in the portfolio. The combination of this lag in mortality experience and life settlements market data indicating increased life expectancy in a much larger sample of lives led us to reflect an increase in life expectancy throughout the underlying pool of lives in our valuation model. Accordingly, this resulted in an increase of $136 million in the fair value liability with a corresponding charge to earnings during the third quarter of 2009. The projected indemnity payment in 2017 reflects nearly a full loss under this contract. Due to the use of significant unobservable inputs based on management judgment, we classified this contract within Level 3.

The tables below present the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

At September 30, 2009    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  

Significant
Other Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)

   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   Total Fair
Value
    
                 

Assets

               

Fixed maturities

               

U.S. government and agency

   $ 1,002,752    $ 933,714    $ -        $ 1,936,466    

Non-U.S. government

     -        $ 534,211      -          534,211    

Corporate debt

     -          3,425,663      16,262      3,441,925    

Residential MBS

     -          1,960,864      14,445      1,975,309    

Commercial MBS

     -          737,037      9,507      746,544    

ABS

     -          306,822      78,695      385,517    

Municipals

     -          658,492      4,468      662,960    
                                 
       1,002,752      8,556,803      123,377      9,682,932    

Equity securities

     137,544      -          -          137,544    

Other investments

     -          48,645      492,802      541,447    

Other assets (see Note 6)

     -          4,728      -          4,728    
                                 

Total

   $  1,140,296    $  8,610,176    $  616,179    $  10,366,651    
                                 
   

Liabilities

               

Other liabilities (see Note 6)

   $ -        $ 220    $ 228,405    $ 228,625    
                                 
                                 

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

At December 31, 2008   

Quoted Prices in

Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

  

Significant
Other Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

   Total Fair
Value
 
               

Assets

             

Fixed maturities

             

U.S. government and agency

   $ 647,139    $ 540,194    $ -        $ 1,187,333    

Non-U.S. government

     -          279,225      -          279,225   

Corporate debt

     -          2,061,317      -          2,061,317   

Residential MBS

     -          2,711,998      -          2,711,998   

Commercial MBS

     -          763,098      -          763,098   

ABS

     -          381,006      -          381,006   

Municipals

     -          366,677      -          366,677   
                               
       647,139      7,103,515      -          7,750,654   

Equity securities

     107,283      -          -          107,283   

Other investments

     -          41,540      450,542      492,082   

Other assets (see Note 6)

     -          5,005      -          5,005   
                               

Total

   $  754,422    $  7,150,060    $  450,542    $  8,355,024   
                               
   

Liabilities

             

Other liabilities (see Note 6)

   $ -        $ 29,044    $ 62,597    $ 91,641   
                               
   
                               

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The following tables present changes in Level 3 for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated:

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2009
   Balance
at
beginning
of period
   Total net
realized
and
unrealized
gains /
losses
included
in net
income (1)
   Change in net
unrealized
gains / losses
included in
other
comprehensive
income
    Net
purchases,
sales, and
distributions
    Net
transfers
in (out)
of
Level 3
    Balance
at end of
period
   Unrealized
gains /
losses for
Level 3
Assets/
Liabilities
held at the
reporting
date
 
                     

Assets

                   

Fixed maturities

                   

U.S. government and agency

   $ -        $ -        $ -          $ -          $ -          $ -        $ -       

Non-U.S. government

     -          -          -            -            -            -          -       

Corporate debt

     16,923      -          (986     (111     436        16,262      (5,689 )   

Residential MBS

     20,692      -          502        808        (7,557     14,445      (940

Commercial MBS

     -          -          (83     -            9,590        9,507      (363

ABS

     48,343      -          717        5,013        24,622        78,695      (21,491

Municipals

     -          -          21        -            4,447        4,468      259   
                                                       
       85,958      -          171        5,710        31,538        123,377      (28,224
                                                       
   

Other investments

     493,767      34,345      -            (35,310     -            492,802      (152,316
   

Liabilities

                   

Other liabilities

   $ 87,597    $ 136,000    $ -          $ 4,808      $ -          $ 228,405    $ (202,444
   
                                                       
(1) Losses on fixed maturities are included in net realized investment (losses) gains. Gains and (losses) on other investments are included in net investment income. Losses on other liabilities are included in other insurance related (loss) income.

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2008
   Balance
at
beginning
of period
   Total net
realized
and
unrealized
gains /
losses
included
in net
income (1)
    Change in net
unrealized
gains / losses
included in
other
comprehensive
income
   Net
purchases,
sales, and
distributions
    Net
transfers
in (out)
of
Level 3
   Balance
at end of
period
   Unrealized
gains /
losses for
Level 3
Assets/
Liabilities
held at the
reporting
date
 
                      

Assets

                    

Other investments

   $ 677,689    $ (68,011   $ -        $ (19,211   $ -        $ 590,467    $ (58,417 )   
   

Liabilities

                    

Other liabilities

   $ 23,790    $ 14,000      $ -        $ 4,807      $ -        $ 42,597    $ (21,444
   
                                                      
(1) Losses on fixed maturities are included in net realized investment (losses) gains. Gains and (losses) on other investments are included in net investment income. Losses on other liabilities are included in other insurance related (loss) income.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The following tables present changes in Level 3 for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated:

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2009
   Balance
at
beginning
of period
   Total net
realized
and
unrealized
gains /
losses
included
in net
income (1)
    Change in net
unrealized
gains / losses
included in
other
comprehensive
income
    Net
purchases,
sales, and
distributions
    Net
transfers
in (out)
of
Level 3
   Balance
at end of
period
   Unrealized
gains /
losses for
Level 3
Assets/
Liabilities
held at the
reporting
date
 
                     

Assets

                   

Fixed maturities

                   

U.S. government and agency

   $ -        $ -          $ -          $ -          $ -        $ -        $ -       

Non-U.S. government

     -          -            -            -            -          -          -       

Corporate debt

     -          -             (3,077     (140     19,479      16,262      (5,689 )   

Residential MBS

     -          -            6,422        (7,918     15,941      14,445      (940

Commercial MBS

     -          -            (7     -            9,514      9,507      (363

ABS

     -          (373     4,956        4,616        69,496      78,695      (21,491

Municipals

     -          -            21        -            4,447      4,468      259   
       -          (373     8,315        (3,442      118,877      123,377      (28,224
                                                       

Other investments

      450,542      56,217        -             (13,957     -          492,802      (152,316
                                                       
   

Liabilities

                   

Other liabilities

   $ 62,597    $  161,000      $ -          $ 4,808      $ -           228,405    $  (202,444
   
                                                       
(1) Losses on fixed maturities are included in net realized investment (losses) gains. Gains and (losses) on other investments are included in net investment income. Losses on other liabilities are included in other insurance related (loss) income.

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2008
   Balance
at
beginning
of period
   Total net
realized
and
unrealized
gains /
losses
included
in net
income (1)
    Change in net
unrealized
gains / losses
included in
other
comprehensive
income
   Net
purchases,
sales, and
distributions
   Net
transfers
in (out)
of
Level 3
   Balance
at end of
period
   Unrealized
gains /
losses for
Level 3
Assets/
Liabilities
held at the
reporting
date
 
                       

Assets

                     

Other investments

   $  592,593    $  (97,775   $ -        $  95,649    $ -        $  590,467    $ (58,417 )   
   

Liabilities

                     

Other liabilities

   $ 16,346    $ 21,444      $ -        $ 4,807    $ -        $ 42,597    $  (21,444
   
                                                     
(1) Losses on fixed maturities are included in net realized investment (losses) gains. Gains and (losses) on other investments are included in net investment income. Losses on other liabilities are included in other insurance related (loss) income.

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Net Transfers in (out) of Level 3 Securities

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we reclassified $32 million and $119 million, respectively, of fixed maturities from Level 2 to Level 3. The reclassifications were primarily related to residential mortgage-backed securities, private corporate debt securities and debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations. The reclassifications were due to a reduction in the volume of recently executed transactions and market quotations for these securities, or a lack of available broker quotes such that unobservable inputs had to be utilized for the valuation of these securities. Transfers into the Level 3 balance reflect the fair value of the securities at the beginning of the period and the transfers out of Level 3 reflect the fair value at the end of the period.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, are equal to fair value with the exception of senior notes. Senior notes are recorded at amortized cost with a carrying value of $499 million (2008: $499 million) and a fair value of $504 million (2008: $415 million) at September 30, 2009.

 

5. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES

The following table shows a reconciliation of our beginning and ending gross unpaid losses and loss expenses for the periods indicated:

 

     
Nine months ended September 30,    2009     2008  

Gross unpaid losses and loss expenses at beginning of period

   $ 6,244,783      $ 5,587,311    

Less reinsurance recoverable balances at beginning of period

     (1,378,630     (1,356,893
                  

Net losses and loss expense reserves at beginning of period

     4,866,153        4,230,418   
                  
   

Net incurred losses related to:

      

Current year

     1,380,535        1,690,055   

Prior years

     (303,175     (251,126
                  
       1,077,360        1,438,929   
                  
   

Net paid losses related to:

      

Current year

     (151,568     (176,793

Prior years

     (706,295     (482,469
                  
       (857,863     (659,262
                  

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

     87,815        (77,052
                  

Net losses and loss expense reserves at end of period

     5,173,465        4,933,033   

Reinsurance recoverable balances at end of period

     1,406,449        1,473,171   
                  

Gross unpaid losses and loss expenses at end of period

   $  6,579,914      $  6,406,204   
                  
   
                  

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

5. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (CONTINUED)

 

Net losses and loss expenses incurred include net favorable prior period reserve development of $303 million and $251 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Prior period reserve development arises from changes to loss estimates recognized in the current year that relate to losses incurred in previous calendar years. The following table summarizes net favorable reserve development by segment:

 

               
Nine months ended September 30,    2009                      2008             

Insurance

   $  138,167             $  142,294           

Reinsurance

     165,008               108,832          
                                 

Total

   $ 303,175             $ 251,126          
                                 
   
                                         

Insurance Segment:

For the first nine months of 2009, we experienced $138 million of net favorable reserve development, the principal components of which were as follows:

 

   

$76 million of net favorable prior period reserve development on property ($44 million), marine ($28 million) and aviation ($4 million) lines of business. This development was generated from accident years 2008 ($49 million), 2007 ($10 million) and 2006 ($17 million), and reflects the recognition of better than expected loss emergence.

 

   

$15 million of net favorable reserve development on liability lines of business generated across accident years 2004-2008 and driven primarily by the incorporation of more of our own actual experience with respect to reinsurance recoveries on our Excess & Surplus (“E&S”) umbrella lines.

 

   

$42 million of net favorable prior period reserve development on professional lines business. This was driven by net favorable development on accident year 2007 and prior, reflecting the incorporation of more of our own claims experience into our loss ratios, with less weighting on our initial expected loss ratios derived from industry benchmarks. This was partially offset by net adverse development on accident year 2008 professional lines business ($44 million), primarily reflecting higher than expected loss activity on our financial institutions business as a result of the economic downturn and credit crisis.

For the first nine months of 2008 we experienced net favorable prior period reserve development of $142 million. This included $65 million of favorable development from credit and political risk line of business, with the balance predominately from our accident years 2006 and 2007 property, marine and aviation lines of business.

Reinsurance Segment:

For the first nine months of 2009, we experienced $165 million of net favorable reserve development, the principal components of which were as follows:

 

   

$112 million of net favorable prior period reserve development on property ($57 million) and catastrophe ($55 million) lines of business. This development was generated from accident years 2008 ($69 million), 2007 ($32 million) and prior ($11 million), and reflects the recognition of better than expected loss emergence.

 

   

$13 million of net favorable development on accident year 2008 crop reserves reflecting limited reported losses relative to our expectations.

 

   

$51 million of net favorable prior period reserve development on professional lines reinsurance business, predominately generated from accident year 2005 and 2004, reflecting the incorporation of more of our own claims experience into our loss ratios, with less weighting on our initial expected loss ratios derived from industry benchmarks.

 

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5. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (CONTINUED)

 

   

$22 million of net adverse development on trade credit and bond reinsurance lines of business. This was driven by adverse development of $43 million on accident year 2008, reflecting updated loss information received from our cedants this year, partially offset by favorable development on earlier accident years.

 

   

$4 million of net favorable development on motor non-proportional business, primarily relating to better than expected loss experience on our accident year 2007 U.K. business.

For the first nine months of 2008 we experienced net favorable reserve development of $109 million, the majority of which was generated from accident year 2006 and 2007 property and catastrophe lines of business in recognition of lower than expected claims experience. Favorable development in this period also included reserve reductions of approximately $21 million on certain specific accident year 2005 property and catastrophe claims.

 

6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The following table summarizes information on the location and amounts of derivative fair values on the consolidated balance sheet as at September 30, 2009:

 

      Notional
Amount
   Asset Derivatives    Liability Derivatives  
      Balance Sheet
Location
  

Fair

value

   Balance Sheet
Location
  

Fair

Value

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under FAS 133

                

Foreign exchange contracts

   $  680,614    Other assets    $ 4,728    Other liabilities    $ -       
                          
   

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under FAS 133

                

Relating to investment portfolio:

                

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 8,061       $ -           $ 220    

Relating to underwriting portfolio:

                

Longevity risk derivative

   $ 400,000         -             228,405   
                          
        Other assets    $ -        Other liabilities    $ 228,625   
                          

Total derivatives

         $  4,728       $  228,625   
                          
   
                                  

 

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6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The following table summarizes information on the location and amounts of derivative fair values on the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2008:

 

      Notional
Amount
   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
      Balance Sheet
Location
  

Fair

Value

    Balance Sheet
Location
  

Fair

Value

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under FAS 133

               

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 469,515    Other assets    $ -          Other liabilities    $ 25,843    
                           
   

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under FAS 133

               

Relating to investment portfolio:

               

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 27,293       $ 262         $ -       

Relating to underwriting portfolio:

               

Longevity risk derivative

   $  400,000         -               62,597   

Currency collar options

               

Put options - Long

   $ 83,832         4,841           -       

Call options - Short

   $ 41,916         (98        -       

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 41,916         -               3,156   

Catastrophe-related risk

   $ 50,000         -               45   
                           
        Other assets    $ 5,005      Other liabilities    $  65,798   
                           

Total derivatives

         $  5,005         $ 91,641   
                           
   
                                   

For the fair value hierarchy level, refer to Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The following table provides the total unrealized and realized losses recorded in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

 

      Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
   Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
 
      Three months ended     Nine months ended  
      2009     2008     2009     2008  

Derivatives in FAS 133 Fair Value Hedging Relationships

             

Foreign exchange contracts

  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

   $ (21,154   $ 2,803      $ (27,801   $ 2,803    
                                     

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FAS 133

             

Relating to investment portfolio:

             

Foreign exchange contracts

  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

   $ (341   $ 1,540      $ 668      $ 1,112   

Mortgage derivatives

  

Net realized investment gains

     -            336        -            413   

Relating to underwriting portfolio:

             

Longevity risk derivative

  

Other insurance related losses

     (136,000     (14,000     (161,000     (21,444

Currency collar options:

             

Put options - Long

  

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

     -            5,593        2,331        637   

Call options - Short

  

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

     -            1,714        97        2,387   

Foreign exchange contracts

  

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

     (6,538     -            (10,429     -       

Catastrophe-related risk

  

Other insurance related income (loss)

     -            (345     45        (210
                                     

Total

      $  (142,879   $ (5,162   $ (168,288   $ (17,105
                                     
   
                                       

Derivative Instruments Designated as a Fair Value Hedge

The hedging relationship foreign currency contracts were entered into to mitigate the foreign currency exposure of two available for sale (“AFS”) fixed maturity portfolios and short term investments denominated in Euros. The hedges were designated and qualified as a fair value hedge. The net impact of the hedges is recognized in net realized investment losses.

The following table provides the net earnings impact of the fair value hedges:

 

      Three months ended     Nine months ended  
      2009     2008     2009     2008  

Foreign exchange contracts

   $  (21,154   $ 2,803      $  (27,801   $ 2,803    

Hedged investment portfolio

     19,738        (3,991   $ 26,480        (3,991
                                  

Hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings

   $ (1,416   $  (1,188   $ (1,321   $  (1,188
                                  
   
                                  

 

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Derivative Instruments not Designated as Hedging Instruments

a) Relating to investment portfolio

Within our investment portfolio we are exposed to foreign currency risk. Accordingly, the fair values for our investment portfolio are partially influenced by the change in foreign exchange rates. Through our external investment managers, we entered into foreign currency forward contracts to manage the effect of this foreign currency risk. These foreign currency hedging activities by our investment managers have not been designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes.

Mortgage derivatives are commonly referred as to-be-announced mortgage-backed securities and are accounted for as derivatives. As part of our investment strategy, we may from time to time invest in mortgage derivatives.

b) Relating to underwriting portfolio

Longevity risk

In September 2007, we issued a policy which indemnifies a third party in the event of a non-payment of a $400 million asset-backed note (“Note”). This security has a 10 year term with the full principal amount due at maturity and is collateralized by a portfolio of life settlement contracts and cash held by a special purpose entity (“SPE”). We have concluded that the indemnity contract was a derivative instrument and accordingly we have recorded it at its fair value (see Note 4 – Derivative Instruments).

Through the issuance of our indemnity contract, we hold a significant implicit variable interest in the SPE and have concluded that the Company is not its primary beneficiary. To make this determination, we identified all significant creators of volatility generated from the SPE, which are longevity and interest rate risks, and the variable interests of the SPE. We absorbed the downside longevity risk up to an aggregate limit of $400 million; whereas, the insured party absorbed the tail end of the longevity downside risk and the upside risk as well as the majority of the downside and upside of the interest rate risk. In accordance with accounting standards for the consolidation of variable interest entities, we calculated the expected losses and expected residual returns using cash flow scenario modeling to determine which party absorbed the majority of the expected losses. Based on these quantitative analyses and other qualitative factors, we concluded that the insured party was the primary beneficiary. The determination of the primary beneficiary required significant management judgment.

Foreign currency risk

Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries and branches operate in various foreign countries and consequently our underwriting portfolio is exposed to significant foreign currency risk. We manage foreign currency risk by seeking to match our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance policies that are payable in foreign currencies with cash and investments that are denominated in such currencies. When necessary, we may also use derivatives to economically hedge un-matched foreign currency exposures, specifically forward contracts and currency options.

Catastrophe-related risk

During 2006, we entered into a $100 million Total Return Swap Facility (the “Facility”) with a financial institution for the purpose of accessing and isolating natural peril exposures embedded in capital market instruments. We utilized half of the Facility to enter into a $50 million catastrophe-related total return swap transaction to assume losses from qualifying earthquake events. As a result of this swap, the Facility was collateralized by a lien over a portfolio of the Company’s investment grade securities. During 2009, we earned payments on the swap, net of the Facility fee, which are included in other insurance related income. The catastrophe-related total return swap expired with no loss and the Facility terminated during the quarter.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Prior to 2009, restricted stock or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) awards were generally subject to a three year cliff vesting period after the date of grant or upon the employee’s retirement eligibility, death, permanent disability or a qualifying change in control of the Company, if earlier. The restricted stock and RSUs granted in 2009 are subject to a vesting period of four years with 25% of the award to be vested annually and has the same accelerated vesting provisions as noted above, excluding the vesting on the employee’s retirement eligibility.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of nonvested restricted stock and RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2009:

 

      Number
of Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested restricted stock - January 1, 2009

   5,163      $  34.66    

Granted

   1,267        26.36   

Vested

   (1,595     32.35   

Forfeited

   (80     35.27   
                

Nonvested restricted stock - September 30, 2009

   4,755      $ 33.27   
                
                

At September 30, 2009, we had 4,755 nonvested restricted stock outstanding, including 167 RSUs. For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, we incurred share-based compensation costs of $12 million and $18 million, respectively, and recorded tax benefits thereon of $1 million and $2 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, we incurred share-based compensation costs of $38 million and $47 million, respectively, and recorded tax benefits thereon of $5 million and $6 million. The total grant-date fair value of shares vested during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were negligible. The total grant-date fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were $52 million and $23 million, respectively.

At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, there was $76 million and $84 million, respectively, of unrecognized share-based compensation costs, which are expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 2.5 years and 2.4 years, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

8. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the comparison of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

      At and for the three months
ended September 30,
    At and for the nine months
ended September 30,
    
      2009     2008     2009    2008     

Basic earnings per common share

             

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $  (95,892   $  (249,346   $