Edgar Filing: AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LTD

Form 10-Q

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 March 31, 2012

¨ 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 x 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 April 20, 2012, there were 129,403,012 Common Shares, $0.0125 par value per share, of the registrant outstanding.

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		31

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		57

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		57

	PART II

	Other Information		58

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		58

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		58

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		59

Item 6.	Exhibits		60

	Signatures		61

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 and magnitude 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, coverage and regulatory issues,

•

the failure of our cedants to adequately evaluate risks,

•

inability to obtain additional capital on favorable terms, or at all,

•

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,

•

the use of industry catastrophe models and changes to these models,

•

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 Condition and Results of Operations’ included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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

ITEM 1.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


	Page

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011		5

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)		6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)		7

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)		8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)		9

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)		10

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

MARCH 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2011


	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost 2012: $11,214,712; 2011: $10,821,338)	$	11,440,643		$	10,940,100
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (Cost 2012: $703,938; 2011: $699,566)		757,038			677,560
Other investments, at fair value		769,554			699,320
Short-term investments, at fair value and amortized cost		50,264			149,909

Total investments		13,017,499			12,466,889
Cash and cash equivalents		1,021,839			981,849
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		151,932			100,989
Accrued interest receivable		93,860			98,346
Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable		1,900,002			1,413,839
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses		1,766,597			1,770,329
Deferred acquisition costs		547,667			407,527
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		227,935			238,623
Receivable for investments sold		7,276			3,006
Goodwill and intangible assets		99,439			99,590
Other assets		191,554			225,072

Total assets	$	19,025,600		$	17,806,059


Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	$	8,599,344		$	8,425,045
Unearned premiums		2,965,329			2,454,462
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable		181,405			206,539
Senior notes		994,806			994,664
Other liabilities		270,627			129,329
Payable for investments purchased		114,910			151,941

Total liabilities		13,126,421			12,361,980


*Commitments and Contingencies*

Shareholders’ equity
Preferred shares - Series A, B, and C		750,000			500,000
Common shares (2012: 171,408; 2011: 170,159 shares issued and 2012: 125,365; 2011: 125,588 shares outstanding)		2,140			2,125
Additional paid-in capital		2,117,208			2,105,386
Accumulated other comprehensive income		278,174			128,162
Retained earnings		4,246,354			4,155,392
Treasury shares, at cost (2012: 46,043; 2011: 44,571 shares)		(1,494,697	)		(1,446,986	)

Total shareholders’ equity		5,899,179			5,444,079

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	19,025,600		$	17,806,059

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011


	2012			2011
	(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	846,362		$	788,201
Net investment income		116,023			110,655
Other insurance related income		631			763
Net realized investment gains:
Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses		(3,909	)		(2,155	)
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income		-			215
Other realized investment gains		18,400			32,084

Total net realized investment gains		14,491			30,144


Total revenues		977,507			929,763

Expenses
Net losses and loss expenses		510,690			1,019,801
Acquisition costs		168,397			135,356
General and administrative expenses		123,652			116,520
Foreign exchange losses		20,447			15,058
Interest expense and financing costs		15,636			15,860

Total expenses		838,822			1,302,595


Income (loss) before income taxes		138,685			(372,832	)
Income tax expense		2,848			1,709

Net income (loss)		135,837			(374,541	)

Preferred share dividends		9,219			9,219
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares		4,621			-

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	121,997		$	(383,760	)


Per share data
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic net income (loss)	$	0.97		$	(3.39	)
Diluted net income (loss)	$	0.96		$	(3.39	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic		125,782			113,351
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted		126,668			113,351
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.24		$	0.23

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011


	2012			2011
	(in thousands)

Net income (loss)	$	135,837		$	(374,541	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Available for sale investments:
Unrealized gains arising during the period		164,413			12,782
Adjustment for re-classification of realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income		(15,194	)		(35,949	)

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of reclassification adjustment		149,219			(23,167	)
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses		-			(215	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		793			1,753

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		150,012			(21,629	)


Comprehensive income (loss)	$	285,849		$	(396,170	)

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011


	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Preferred shares - Series A, B, and C
Balance at beginning of period	$	500,000		$	500,000
Shares issued - Series C		400,000			-
Shares repurchased - Series A		(150,000	)		-

Balance at end of period		750,000			500,000


Common shares (par value)
Balance at beginning of period		2,125			1,934
Shares issued		15			24

Balance at end of period		2,140			1,958


Additional paid-in capital
Balance at beginning of period		2,105,386			2,059,708
Shares issued - common shares		998			1,410
Issue costs on newly issued preferred shares		(6,032	)		-
Reversal of issue costs on repurchase of preferred shares		4,621			-
Stock options exercised		235			3,417
Share-based compensation expense		12,000			10,447

Balance at end of period		2,117,208			2,074,982


Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at beginning of period		128,162			176,821
Unrealized appreciation on available for sale investments, net of tax:
Balance at beginning of period		116,096			161,802
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of reclassification adjustment		149,219			(23,167	)
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses		-			(215	)

Balance at end of period		265,315			138,420

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax:
Balance at beginning of period		13,784			16,829
Foreign currency translation adjustments		793			1,753

Balance at end of period		14,577			18,582

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs):
Balance at beginning of period		(1,718	)		(1,810	)
Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity		-			-

Balance at end of period		(1,718	)		(1,810	)

Balance at end of period		278,174			155,192


Retained earnings
Balance at beginning of period		4,155,392			4,267,608
Net income (loss)		135,837			(374,541	)
Series A and B preferred share dividends		(9,219	)		(9,219	)
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares		(4,621	)		-
Common share dividends		(31,035	)		(30,772	)

Balance at end of period		4,246,354			3,853,076


Treasury shares, at cost
Balance at beginning of period		(1,446,986	)		(1,381,101	)
Shares repurchased for treasury		(47,711	)		(14,527	)

Balance at end of period		(1,494,697	)		(1,395,628	)


Total shareholders’ equity	$	5,899,179		$	5,189,580

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011


	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	135,837		$	(374,541	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net realized investment gains		(14,491	)		(30,144	)
Net realized and unrealized gains of other investments		(40,420	)		(25,031	)
Amortization of fixed maturities		29,749			20,134
Other amortization and depreciation		3,009			3,435
Share-based compensation expense		12,000			10,447
Changes in:
Accrued interest receivable		4,486			2,351
Reinsurance recoverable balances		3,732			(111,231	)
Deferred acquisition costs		(140,140	)		(139,298	)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		10,688			8,588
Reserve for loss and loss expenses		174,299			981,486
Unearned premiums		510,867			604,652
Insurance and reinsurance balances, net		(511,297	)		(560,084	)
Other items		(2,778	)		(113,075	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		175,541			277,689


Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of:
Fixed maturities		(4,114,912	)		(3,794,801	)
Equity securities		(108,848	)		(167,697	)
Other investments		(50,084	)		(45,000	)
Short-term investments		(79,398	)		(163,980	)
Proceeds from the sale of:
Fixed maturities		3,311,446			3,237,485
Equity securities		109,990			32,903
Other investments		20,271			34,222
Short-term investments		132,157			125,041
Proceeds from redemption of fixed maturities		339,436			469,745
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments		46,970			78,649
Purchase of other assets		(5,491	)		(6,388	)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents		(50,943	)		(7,083	)

Net cash used in investing activities		(449,406	)		(206,904	)


Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares		393,968			-
Repurchase of common shares		(47,711	)		(14,527	)
Dividends paid - common shares		(32,398	)		(29,320	)
Dividends paid - preferred shares		(9,219	)		(9,219	)
Proceeds from issuance of common shares		1,248			4,851

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		305,888			(48,215	)


Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash		7,967			11,181

Increase in cash and cash equivalents		39,990			33,751
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period		981,849			929,515

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	1,021,839		$	963,266


Non-cash financing activities:
Repurchase of Class A preferred shares included in other liabilities	$	150,000		$	-

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

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

The consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2012 and the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 have not been audited. The balance sheet at December 31, 2011 is derived from our audited financial statements.

These financial 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 (“SEC”) 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 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, 2011. Tabular dollar and share amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts.

Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no changes to our significant accounting policies as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Goodwill

Effective January 1, 2012, we prospectively adopted FASB guidance providing entities with the option to perform a qualitative assessment prior to calculating the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, the first step of the required annual goodwill impairment test. Entities able to qualitatively conclude that the fair value of a reporting unit more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) exceeds its carrying amount can bypass the existing requirement to perform the quantitative annual impairment test. This new guidance does not change how the Company measures a goodwill impairment loss; thus, the adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures

Effective January 1, 2012, we prospectively adopted FASB guidance amending existing fair value measurement guidance to:

•

clarify principal market determination,

•

address the fair value measurement of instruments with offsetting market or counterparty credit risks,

•

clarify that the “valuation premise” and “highest and best use” concepts are not relevant to financial instruments,

•

limit the application of premiums and discounts,

•

prohibit the use of blockage factors to all three levels of the fair value hierarchy, and

•

expand disclosure requirements.

The adoption of this amended guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. The additional disclosures are provided in Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements.

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

Balance Sheet Offsetting

In December 2011, the FASB issued new guidance requiring additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either: (1) offset for balance sheet presentation purposes or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement, regardless of whether they are offset for balance sheet presentation purposes. This guidance will be effective at January 1, 2013, with retrospective presentation of the new disclosures required. As this new guidance is disclosure-related only and does not amend the existing balance sheet offsetting guidance, the adoption of this guidance will not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

2.	SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

The following table summarizes the underwriting results of our reportable segments, as well as and the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets.


	2012									2011
Three months ended March 31,	Insurance			Reinsurance			Total			Insurance			Reinsurance			Total

Gross premiums written	$	524,678		$	1,000,490		$	1,525,168		$	424,991		$	1,123,439		$	1,548,430
Net premiums written		378,614			988,572			1,367,186			289,316			1,111,463			1,400,779
Net premiums earned		390,254			456,108			846,362			327,648			460,553			788,201
Other insurance related income		631			-			631			763			-			763
Net losses and loss expenses		(241,724	)		(268,966	)		(510,690	)		(266,633	)		(753,168	)		(1,019,801	)
Acquisition costs		(61,155	)		(107,242	)		(168,397	)		(42,079	)		(93,277	)		(135,356	)
General and administrative expenses		(77,444	)		(27,773	)		(105,217	)		(67,726	)		(27,386	)		(95,112	)

Underwriting income (loss)	$	10,562		$	52,127			62,689		$	(48,027	)	$	(413,278	)		(461,305	)


Corporate expenses								(18,435	)								(21,408	)
Net investment income								116,023									110,655
Net realized investment gains								14,491									30,144
Foreign exchange losses								(20,447	)								(15,058	)
Interest expense and financing costs								(15,636	)								(15,860	)

Income (loss) before income taxes							$	138,685								$	(372,832	)


Net loss and loss expense ratio		61.9%			59.0%			60.3%			81.4%			163.5%			129.4%
Acquisition cost ratio		15.7%			23.5%			19.9%			12.8%			20.3%			17.1%
General and administrative expense ratio		19.9%			6.1%			14.6%			20.7%			5.9%			14.8%

Combined ratio		97.5%			88.6%			94.8%			114.9%			189.7%			161.3%


Goodwill and intangible assets	$	99,439		$	-		$	99,439		$	102,847		$	-		$	102,847

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3.	INVESTMENTS

a)	Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities

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


	Amortized Cost or Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Non-credit OTTI in AOCI⁽⁵⁾

At March 31, 2012
Fixed maturities
U.S. government and agency	$	1,236,263	$	3,116	$	(2,748	)	$	1,236,631	$	-
Non-U.S. government		1,056,201		15,065		(6,811	)		1,064,455		-
Corporate debt		3,687,513		114,270		(16,463	)		3,785,320		-
Agency RMBS⁽¹⁾		2,750,017		64,536		(2,455	)		2,812,098		-
CMBS⁽²⁾		423,012		17,917		(242	)		440,687		-
Non-Agency RMBS		159,899		1,827		(6,521	)		155,205		(880	)
ABS⁽³⁾		804,490		8,013		(10,463	)		802,040		-
Municipals⁽⁴⁾		1,097,317		47,393		(503	)		1,144,207		-

Total fixed maturities	$	11,214,712	$	272,137	$	(46,206	)	$	11,440,643	$	(880	)


Equity securities
Common stocks	$	381,596	$	57,744	$	(6,528	)	$	432,812
Exchange-traded funds		226,902		7,209		(7,824	)		226,287
Foreign bond mutual funds		95,440		2,499		-			97,939

Total equity securities	$	703,938	$	67,452	$	(14,352	)	$	757,038


At December 31, 2011
Fixed maturities
U.S. government and agency	$	1,142,732	$	5,669	$	(134	)	$	1,148,267	$	-
Non-U.S. government		1,241,664		7,359		(36,572	)		1,212,451		-
Corporate debt		3,581,320		85,766		(57,495	)		3,609,591		-
Agency RMBS⁽¹⁾		2,568,053		69,073		(492	)		2,636,634		-
CMBS⁽²⁾		298,138		14,816		(263	)		312,691		-
Non-Agency RMBS		177,529		1,431		(13,247	)		165,713		(1,120	)
ABS⁽³⁾		639,949		7,094		(15,001	)		632,042		-
Municipals⁽⁴⁾		1,171,953		52,438		(1,680	)		1,222,711		-

Total fixed maturities	$	10,821,338	$	243,646	$	(124,884	)	$	10,940,100	$	(1,120	)


Equity securities
Common stocks	$	341,603	$	25,143	$	(19,291	)	$	347,455
Exchange-traded funds		239,411		77		(25,507	)		213,981
Foreign bond mutual funds		118,552		-		(2,428	)		116,124

Total equity securities	$	699,566	$	25,220	$	(47,226	)	$	677,560

(1)	Residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) originated by U.S. agencies.

(2)	Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).

(3)	Asset-backed securities (ABS) include debt tranched securities collateralized primarily by auto loans, student 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).

(4)	Municipals include bonds issued by states, municipalities and political subdivisions.

(5)	Represents the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses, adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3.	INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

In the normal course of investing activities, we actively manage allocations to non-controlling tranches of structured securities (variable interests) issued by VIEs. These structured securities include RMBS, CMBS and ABS and are included in the above table. Additionally, within our other investments portfolio, we also invest in limited partnerships (hedge and credit funds) and CLO equity tranched securities, which are all variable interests issued by VIEs (see Note 3(b)). For these variable interests, we do not have the power to direct the activities that are most significant to the economic performance of the VIEs and accordingly we are not the primary beneficiary for any of these VIEs. Our maximum exposure to loss on these interests is limited to the amount of our investment. We have not provided financial or other support with respect to these structured securities other than our original investment.

Contractual Maturities

The contractual maturities of fixed maturities are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		% of Total Fair Value
At March 31, 2012
Maturity
Due in one year or less	$	500,062	$	501,131		4.4%
Due after one year through five years		4,681,361		4,749,326		41.4%
Due after five years through ten years		1,762,801		1,842,509		16.1%
Due after ten years		133,070		137,647		1.2%

		7,077,294		7,230,613		63.1%
Agency RMBS		2,750,017		2,812,098		24.6%
CMBS		423,012		440,687		3.9%
Non-Agency RMBS		159,899		155,205		1.4%
ABS		804,490		802,040		7.0%

Total	$	11,214,712	$	11,440,643		100.0%


At December 31, 2011
Maturity
Due in one year or less	$	543,100	$	539,009		4.9%
Due after one year through five years		4,694,832		4,685,866		42.8%
Due after five years through ten years		1,779,811		1,845,054		16.9%
Due after ten years		119,926		123,091		1.1%

		7,137,669		7,193,020		65.7%
Agency RMBS		2,568,053		2,636,634		24.1%
CMBS		298,138		312,691		2.9%
Non-Agency RMBS		177,529		165,713		1.5%
ABS		639,949		632,042		5.8%

Total	$	10,821,338	$	10,940,100		100.0%

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

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:


	12 months or greater					Less than 12 months					Total
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses			Value		Losses			Value		Losses

At March 31, 2012
Fixed maturities
U.S. government and agency	$	-	$	-		$	797,097	$	(2,748	)	$	797,097	$	(2,748	)
Non-U.S. government		-		-			352,331		(6,811	)		352,331		(6,811	)
Corporate debt		30,461		(911	)		862,305		(15,552	)		892,766		(16,463	)
Agency RMBS		-		-			604,392		(2,455	)		604,392		(2,455	)
CMBS		1,956		(52	)		58,519		(190	)		60,475		(242	)
Non-Agency RMBS		40,847		(4,323	)		38,443		(2,198	)		79,290		(6,521	)
ABS		69,862		(8,172	)		181,695		(2,291	)		251,557		(10,463	)
Municipals		2,342		(71	)		49,626		(432	)		51,968		(503	)

Total fixed maturities	$	145,468	$	(13,529	)	$	2,944,408	$	(32,677	)	$	3,089,876	$	(46,206	)


Equity securities
Common stocks	$	6,027	$	(1,603	)	$	64,520	$	(4,925	)	$	70,547	$	(6,528	)
Exchange-traded funds		-		-			77,589		(7,824	)		77,589		(7,824	)
Foreign bond mutual funds		-		-			-		-			-		-

Total equity securities	$	6,027	$	(1,603	)	$	142,109	$	(12,749	)	$	148,136	$	(14,352	)


At December 31, 2011
Fixed maturities
U.S. government and agency	$	-	$	-		$	233,816	$	(134	)	$	233,816	$	(134	)
Non-U.S. government		-		-			786,034		(36,572	)		786,034		(36,572	)
Corporate debt		54,843		(2,437	)		1,228,479		(55,058	)		1,283,322		(57,495	)
Agency RMBS		-		-			105,059		(492	)		105,059		(492	)
CMBS		5,155		(17	)		11,243		(246	)		16,398		(263	)
Non-Agency RMBS		43,348		(8,127	)		85,053		(5,120	)		128,401		(13,247	)
ABS		65,096		(9,497	)		201,569		(5,504	)		266,665		(15,001	)
Municipals		8,450		(1,467	)		38,590		(213	)		47,040		(1,680	)

Total fixed maturities	$	176,892	$	(21,545	)	$	2,689,843	$	(103,339	)	$	2,866,735	$	(124,884	)


Equity securities
Common stocks	$	4,445	$	(2,105	)	$	124,481	$	(17,186	)	$	128,926	$	(19,291	)
Exchange-traded funds		-		-			212,050		(25,507	)		212,050		(25,507	)
Foreign bond mutual funds		-		-			116,124		(2,428	)		116,124		(2,428	)

Total equity securities	$	4,445	$	(2,105	)	$	452,655	$	(45,121	)	$	457,100	$	(47,226	)

Fixed Maturities

At March 31, 2012, 662 fixed maturities (2011: 791) were in an unrealized loss position of $46 million (2011: $125 million) of which $8 million (2011: $18 million) of this balance was related to securities below investment grade or not rated.

At March 31, 2012, 121 (2011: 138) securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater and have a fair value of $145 million (2011: $177 million). Following our credit impairment review, we concluded that these securities as well as the remaining securities in an unrealized loss position in the above table were temporarily depressed at March 31, 2012, and are expected to recover in value as the securities approach maturity. Further, at March 31, 2012, we did not intend to sell these securities in an unrealized

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3.	INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

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 March 31, 2012, 109 securities (2011: 128) were in an unrealized loss position of $14 million (2011: $47 million).

At March 31, 2012, 17 (2011: 10) securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater and have a fair value of $6 million (2011: $4 million). Based on our impairment review process and our ability and intent to hold these securities for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a full recovery, we concluded that the above equities in an unrealized loss position were temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012.

b)	Other Investments

The following tables provide a breakdown of our investments in hedge and credit funds and CLO equity tranched securities (CLO Equities), together with additional information relating to the liquidity of each category:

Fair Value

Redemption Frequency

(if currently eligible)

Redemption
Notice Period

At March 31, 2012

Long/short equity funds

283,749

37%

Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annually

30-60 days

Multi-strategy funds

238,522

31%

Quarterly, Semi-annually

60-95 days

Event-driven funds

124,084

16%

Quarterly, Annually

45-95 days

Leveraged bank loan funds

62,290

Quarterly

65 days

CLO - Equities

60,909

n/a

Total other investments

769,554

100%

At December 31, 2011

Multi-strategy funds

230,750

33%

Quarterly, Semi-annually

60-95 days

Long/short equity funds

214,498

31%

Quarterly, Semi-annually

30-60 days

Event-driven funds

118,380

17%

Quarterly, Annually

45-95 days

Leveraged bank loan funds

69,132

10%

Quarterly

65 days

CLO - Equities

66,560

n/a

Total other investments

699,320

100%

n/a - not applicable

The investment strategies for the above funds are as follows:

•

Long/short equity funds: Seek to achieve attractive returns by executing an equity trading strategy involving both long and short investments in publicly-traded equities.

•

Multi-strategy funds: Seek to achieve above-market returns by pursuing multiple investment strategies to diversify risks and reduce volatility. This category includes funds of hedge funds which invest in a large pool of hedge funds across a diversified range of hedge fund strategies.

•

Event-driven funds: Seek to achieve attractive returns by exploiting situations where announced or anticipated events create opportunities.

•

Leveraged bank loan funds: Seek to achieve attractive returns by investing primarily in bank loan collateral that has limited interest rate risk exposure.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3.	INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

Two common redemption restrictions which may impact our ability to redeem our hedge and credit funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the fund’s net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager’s ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. During 2012 and 2011, neither of these restrictions impacted our redemption requests. At March 31, 2012, $101 million (2011: $90 million) of our long/short equity funds, representing 13% (2011: 13%) of our total other investments, relate to holdings where we are still within the lockup period. The expiries of these lockup periods range from June, 2012 to September, 2014. No other category contains investments currently subject to lockup.

At March 31, 2012, $37 million (2011: $45 million) of our hedge and credit fund investments were invested in funds that are not accepting redemption requests. Of this amount, 82% relates to a leveraged bank loan fund in a period of planned principal distributions which has a target completion date in late 2013 and, based on current market conditions and payments made to date, management expects this target date to be met. The remainder primarily relates to funds that entered liquidation or had their assets side pocketed as a result of the credit crisis which began in late 2008. For these funds, management is currently unable to estimate when those funds will be distributed.

At March 31, 2012, and 2011, we have no unfunded commitments relating to our investments in hedge and credit funds.

c)	Net Investment Income

Net investment income was derived from the following sources:


Three months ended March 31,	2012			2011

Fixed maturities	$	79,637		$	88,581
Other investments		40,420			25,311
Cash and cash equivalents		1,608			2,153
Equity securities		1,110			824
Short-term investments		154			387

Gross investment income		122,929			117,256
Investment expenses		(6,906	)		(6,601	)

Net investment income	$	116,023		$	110,655

d)	Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

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


Three months ended March 31,	2012			2011

Gross realized gains	$	68,246		$	76,332
Gross realized losses		(45,911	)		(38,413	)
Net OTTI recognized in earnings		(3,909	)		(1,940	)

Net realized gains on fixed maturities and equity securities		18,426			35,979
Change in fair value of investment derivatives⁽¹⁾		(5,882	)		(9,100	)
Fair value hedges⁽¹⁾		1,947			3,265


Net realized investment gains	$	14,491		$	30,144

(1) Refer to Note 5 – Derivative Instruments

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3.	INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

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


Three months ended March 31,	2012		2011

Fixed maturities:
Corporate debt	$	105	$	1,026
Non-Agency RMBS		1,208		370
ABS		180		61
Municipals		-		483

		1,493		1,940
Equity securities		2,416		-

Total OTTI recognized in earnings	$	3,909	$	1,940

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


Three months ended March 31,	2012			2011

Balance at beginning of period	$	2,061		$	57,498
Credit impairments recognized on securities not previously impaired		-			-
Additional credit impairments recognized on securities previously impaired		-			-
Change in timing of future cash flows on securities previously impaired		-			(101	)
Intent to sell of securities previously impaired		-			-
Securities sold/redeemed/matured		(14	)		(48,022	)

Balance at end of period	$	2,047		$	9,375

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.

•

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 within the fair value hierarchy.

We used the following valuation techniques 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

At each valuation date, we use the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value of our fixed maturities portfolio, when possible. This market approach includes, but is not limited to, prices obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable securities and 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 is sourced from multiple vendors, when available, and we maintain a vendor hierarchy by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. When prices are unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets.

The following describes the significant inputs generally used to determine the fair value of our fixed maturities by asset class.

U.S. government and agency

U.S. government and agency securities consist primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and mortgage pass-through agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association. As the fair values of our U.S. Treasury securities are based on unadjusted market prices in active markets, they are classified within Level 1. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are classified within Level 2.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

Non-U.S. government

Non-U.S. government securities comprise bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and their agencies along with supranational organizations (also known as sovereign debt securities). The fair value of these securities is based on prices obtained from international indices or a valuation model that includes the following inputs: interest rate yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads, and country credit spreads for structures similar to the sovereign bond in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. As the significant inputs are observable market inputs, the fair value of non-U.S. government securities are classified within Level 2.

Corporate debt

Corporate debt securities consist primarily of investment-grade debt of a wide variety of corporate issuers and industries. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As these spreads and the yields for the risk-free yield curve are observable market inputs, the fair values of our corporate debt securities are classified within Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. In this event, securities are classified within Level 3 and consisted of private corporate debt securities at March 31, 2012.

MBS

Our portfolio of RMBS and CMBS are originated by both agencies and non-agencies. The fair values of these securities are determined through the use of a pricing model (including Option Adjusted Spread) which uses prepayment speeds and spreads to determine the appropriate average life of the MBS. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As the significant inputs used to price MBS are observable market inputs, the fair values of the MBS are classified within Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers 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.

ABS

ABS include mostly investment-grade bonds backed by pools of loans with a variety of underlying collateral, including automobile loan receivables, student loans, credit card receivables, and CLO Debt originated by a variety of financial institutions. Similarly to MBS, the fair values of ABS are priced through the use of a model which uses prepayment speeds and spreads sourced primarily from the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price ABS are observable market inputs, the fair values of ABS are classified within Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers or use a discounted cash flow 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 priced within Level 3 at March 31, 2012.

Municipals

Our municipal portfolio comprises bonds issued by U.S. domiciled state and municipality entities. The fair value of these securities is determined using spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipals are observable market inputs, municipals are classified within Level 2.

Equity Securities

Equity securities include U.S. and foreign common stocks, exchange-traded funds, and foreign bond mutual funds. For common stocks and exchange-traded funds, we classified these within Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. Our investments in foreign bond mutual funds have daily liquidity, with redemption based on the net asset value (NAV) of the funds. Accordingly, we have classified these investments as Level 2.

Other Investments

As a practical expedient, we estimate fair values for hedge and credit funds using NAVs as advised by external fund managers or third party administrators. For our hedge and credit fund investments with liquidity terms allowing us to fully redeem our holdings at the applicable NAV in the near term, we have classified these investments as Level 2. Certain investments in hedge and credit funds have

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

redemption restrictions (see Note 3 for further details) that prevent us from redeeming in the near term and therefore we have classified these investments as Level 3.

At March 31, 2012, the CLO – Equities were classified within Level 3 as we estimated the fair value for these securities using an income approach valuation technique (internal discounted cash flow model) due to the lack of observable and relevant trades in the secondary markets.

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments primarily comprise highly liquid securities with maturities greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. These securities are classified within Level 2 because these securities are typically not actively traded due to their approaching maturity and, as such, their amortized cost approximates fair value.

Derivative Instruments

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

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The table below presents the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.


	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total Fair Value
At March 31, 2012
Assets
Fixed maturities
U.S. government and agency	$	823,424	$	413,207	$	-	$	1,236,631
Non-U.S. government		-		1,064,455		-		1,064,455
Corporate debt		-		3,783,770		1,550		3,785,320
Agency RMBS		-		2,812,098		-		2,812,098
CMBS		-		440,687		-		440,687
Non-Agency RMBS		-		155,205		-		155,205
ABS		-		751,625		50,415		802,040
Municipals		-		1,144,207		-		1,144,207

		823,424		10,565,254		51,965		11,440,643
Equity securities
Common stocks		432,812		-		-		432,812
Exchange-traded funds		226,287		-		-		226,287
Foreign bond mutual funds		-		97,939		-		97,939

		659,099		97,939		-		757,038
Other investments
Hedge funds		-		311,746		314,601		626,347
Credit funds		-		32,114		50,184		82,298
CLO-Equities		-		-		60,909		60,909

		-		343,860		425,694		769,554
Short-term investments		-		50,264		-		50,264
Other assets (see Note 5)		-		6,961		-		6,961

Total	$	1,482,523	$	11,064,278	$	477,659	$	13,024,460

Liabilities
Other liabilities (see Note 5)	$	-	$	7,525	$	-	$	7,525


At December 31, 2011
Assets
Fixed maturities
U.S. government and agency	$	765,519	$	382,748	$	-	$	1,148,267
Non-U.S. government		-		1,212,451		-		1,212,451
Corporate debt		-		3,608,041		1,550		3,609,591
Agency RMBS		-		2,636,634		-		2,636,634
CMBS		-		312,691		-		312,691
Non-Agency RMBS		-		165,713		-		165,713
ABS		-		582,714		49,328		632,042
Municipals		-		1,222,711		-		1,222,711

		765,519		10,123,703		50,878		10,940,100
Equity securities
Common stocks		347,455		-		-		347,455
Exchange-traded funds		213,981		-		-		213,981
Foreign bond mutual funds		-		116,124		-		116,124

		561,436		116,124		-		677,560
Other investments
Hedge funds		-		248,208		296,101		544,309
Credit funds		-		38,308		50,143		88,451
CLO-Equities		-		-		66,560		66,560

		-		286,516		412,804		699,320
Short-term investments		-		149,909		-		149,909
Other assets (see Note 5)		-		38,175		-		38,175

Total	$	1,326,955	$	10,714,427	$	463,682	$	12,505,064

Liabilities
Other liabilities (see Note 5)	$	-	$	2,035	$	-	$	2,035

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

During 2012 and 2011, we had no transfers between Levels 1 and 2.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Except for hedge funds and credit funds priced using NAV as a practical expedient and certain fixed maturities priced using broker-dealer quotes (underlying inputs are not available), the following table quantifies the significant unobservable inputs we have used in estimating fair value at March 31, 2012 for our investments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:


	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range	Weighted Average

ABS - CLO Debt	$	48,744	Discounted cash flow	Credit spreads	5.9% - 7.7%	6.4%
				Illiquidity discount⁽¹⁾	5.0% - 20.0%	8.7%

Other investments -	$	60,909	Discounted cash flow	Default rates	4.0% - 5.0%	4.3%
CLO - Equities				Loss severity rate	53.5%	53.5%
				Collateral spreads	2.6% - 4.2%	3.2%
				Estimated maturity dates	2.3 - 6.5 years	5.3 years

(1)	Judgmentally determined based on limited trades of similar securities observed in the secondary markets.

ABS where fair value is estimated through the use of a discounted cash flow model (income approach) is limited to our holdings of CLO Debt. These securities represent primarily holdings of investment-grade debt tranches within collateralized loan obligations with underlying collateral of loans originated primarily by U.S. corporations. For estimating the fair values of the CLO Debt securities, in the absence of actively trading secondary markets for these securities, we discount the estimated cash flows based on current credit spreads for similar securities, derived from observable offer prices. As these securities are thinly traded in the secondary markets, we apply an illiquidity discount to these discounted cash flows in developing our estimate of fair value. Significant increases (decreases) in either of the significant unobservable inputs (credit spread, illiquidity discount) in isolation would result in lower (higher) fair value estimates for our CLO Debt. The interrelationship between these inputs is insignificant. These inputs are updated on a quarterly basis and the reasonableness of the resulting prices is assessed through a comparison to observable offer prices for similar securities.

The CLO – Equities market continues to be mostly inactive with only a small number of transactions being observed in the market and fewer still involving transactions in our CLO – Equities. Accordingly, we continue to rely on the use of our internal discounted cash flow model (income approach) to estimate fair value of CLO – Equities. Of the significant inputs into this model, the default and loss severity rates are the most judgmental unobservable market inputs to which the valuation of CLO – Equities is most sensitive. A significant increase (decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in lower (higher) fair value estimates for our CLO – Equities and, in general, a change in default rate assumptions will be accompanied by a directionally similar change in loss severity rate assumptions.

On a quarterly basis, our valuation processes for both CLO Debt and CLO – Equities include a review of the underlying cash flows and key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow models. We review and update the above significant unobservable inputs based on data obtained from secondary markets, including from the managers of the CLOs we hold, as well as actual default and loss severity experienced to date for our CLO securities. We also take into consideration any recent credit downgrades on our CLOs. Additionally, we adjust the estimated maturities for CLO – Equities when there is a significant change in the maturities of the underlying loan portfolios.

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:


	Opening Balance		Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Included in earnings⁽¹⁾		Included in OCI⁽²⁾		Purchases		Sales			Settlements/ Distributions			Closing Balance		Change in unrealized investment gain/loss⁽³⁾

Three months ended March 31, 2012
Fixed maturities
Corporate debt	$	1,550	$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	1,550	$	-
Non-Agency RMBS		-		-		-			-		-		-		-			-			-		-
ABS		49,328		-		-			-		1,263		-		-			(176	)		50,415		-

		50,878		-		-			-		1,263		-		-			(176	)		51,965		-
Other investments
Hedge funds		296,101		-		-			18,502		-		-		-			-			314,603		18,502
Credit funds		50,143		-		-			3,030		-		-		-			(2,990	)		50,183		3,030
CLO-Equities		66,560		-		-			3,389		-		-		-			(9,041	)		60,908		3,389

		412,804		-		-			24,921		-		-		-			(12,031	)		425,694		24,921

Total assets	$	463,682	$	-	$	-		$	24,921	$	1,263	$	-	$	-		$	(12,207	)	$	477,659	$	24,921


Three months ended March 31, 2011
Fixed maturities
Corporate debt	$	1,550	$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	1,550	$	-
Non-Agency RMBS		19,678		-		(7,509	)		-		54		-		-			(617	)		11,606		-
ABS		43,178		-		-			-		-		-		-			-			43,178		-

		64,406		-		(7,509	)		-		54		-		-			(617	)		56,334		-
Other investments
Hedge funds		358,277		-		-			7,952		-		45,000		(21,585	)		-			389,644		7,952
Credit funds		104,756		-		-			4,929		-		-		(5,478	)		-			104,207		5,161
CLO-Equities		56,263		-		-			12,150		-		-		-			(8,151	)		60,262		12,150

		519,296		-		-			25,031		-		45,000		(27,063	)		(8,151	)		554,113		25,263

Total assets	$	583,702	$	-	$	(7,509	)	$	25,031	$	54	$	45,000	$	(27,063	)	$	(8,768	)	$	610,447	$	25,263

(1)	Gains and losses included in earnings on fixed maturities are included in net realized investment gains (losses). Gains and (losses) included in earnings on other investments are included in net investment income.

(2)	Gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) on fixed maturities are included in unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period.

(3)	Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date.

Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2

There were no transfers into Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2

The transfers to Level 2 from Level 3 in the three months ended March 31, 2011 were primarily due to the availability of observable market inputs and multiple quotes from pricing vendors and broker-dealers as a result of the return of liquidity in the credit markets. There were no such transfers during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

U.S. GAAP guidance over disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments are also applicable to financial instruments not carried at fair value, except for certain financial instruments, including insurance contracts.

The carrying values of cash equivalents (including restricted amounts), accrued investment income, receivable for investments sold, certain other assets, payable for investments purchased and other liabilities approximated their fair values at March 31, 2012, due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their respective fair values are classified within Level 2.

At March 31, 2012, our senior notes are recorded at amortized cost with a carrying value of $995 million (2011: $995 million) and have a fair value of $1,066 million (2011: $1,039 million). The fair values of these securities were obtained from a third party pricing service and pricing was based on the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As these spreads and the yields for the risk-free yield curve are observable market inputs, the fair values of our senior notes are classified within Level 2.

5.	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The following table summarizes the balance sheet classification of derivatives recorded at fair values. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and is presented in the table to quantify the volume of our derivative activities. Notional amounts are not reflective of credit risk.


	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Derivative Notional Amount		Asset Derivative Fair Value⁽¹⁾		Liability Derivative Fair Value⁽¹⁾		Derivative Notional Amount		Asset Derivative Fair Value⁽¹⁾		Liability Derivative Fair Value⁽¹⁾

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	323,431	$	-	$	1,575	$	540,176	$	16,519	$	-
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Relating to investment portfolio:
Foreign exchange forward contracts		328,001		2,349		4,393		287,711		7,012		1,783

Relating to underwriting portfolio:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	753,257		4,612		1,557	$	955,728		14,644		252


Total derivatives			$	6,961	$	7,525			$	38,175	$	2,035

(1)	Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair Value Hedges

We entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the foreign currency exposure of certain available for sale fixed maturity portfolios denominated in euros. The hedges were designated and qualified as fair value hedges, resulting in the net impact of the hedges recognized in net realized investment gains (losses).

The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to foreign exchange forward contracts designated as fair value hedges along with the impact of the related hedged investment portfolio for the periods indicated:

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

5.	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)


Three months ended March 31,	2012			2011

Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(10,568	)	$	(30,481	)
Hedged investment portfolio		12,515			33,746

Hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings	$	1,947		$	3,265

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. We may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage the effect of this currency risk. These foreign currency hedging activities are not designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes.

In addition, our external equity investment managers have the discretion to hold foreign currency exposures as part of their total return strategy.

The increase in the notional amount of investment-related derivatives since December 31, 2011 was consistent with an increase in the carrying value of Australian dollar and euro-denominated fixed maturities being hedged.

b) Relating to Underwriting Portfolio

Our (re)insurance 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 (re)insurance contracts 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.

The decrease in the notional amount of underwriting related derivatives since December 31, 2011, was primarily due to settlement of our foreign denominated liabilities relating to the catastrophe losses incurred from the New Zealand and Japanese earthquakes.

The total unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges were as follows:


	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized	Three months ended March 31,
	in Income on Derivative	2012			2011

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Relating to investment portfolio:
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	(5,882	)	$	(9,100	)

Relating to underwriting portfolio:
Currency collar options	Foreign exchange gains (losses)		-			697
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Foreign exchange gains (losses)		13,454			(3,004	)

Total		$	7,572		$	(11,407	)

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

6.	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:


Three months ended March 31,	2012			2011

Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period	$	8,425,045		$	7,032,375
Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, beginning of period		(1,736,823	)		(1,540,633	)

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period		6,688,222			5,491,742


Net incurred losses related to:
Current year		555,922			1,069,505
Prior years		(45,232	)		(49,704	)

		510,690			1,019,801

Net paid losses related to:
Current year		(23,215	)		(13,640	)
Prior years		(381,762	)		(213,147	)

		(404,977	)		(226,787	)


Foreign exchange and other		66,039			62,690


Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period		6,859,974			6,347,446
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, end of period		1,739,370			1,666,415

Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period	$	8,599,344		$	8,013,861

We write business with loss experience generally characterized as low frequency and high severity in nature, which results in volatility in our financial results. During the three months ended March, 2011, we recognized aggregate net loss and loss expenses $581 million in relation to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake and Australian weather events.

Natural catastrophe activity was notably high in the 2011 calendar year, in terms of both frequency and severity, and our results for that year were impacted by numerous events, including: the Japanese earthquake and tsunami; two significant earthquakes near Christchurch, New Zealand; Australian weather events, including severe flooding and the landfall of Cyclone Yasi; a series of severe storms in several regions of the U.S. during April and May, certain of which spawned tornadoes; flooding across a widespread area of Thailand; a cloudburst in Denmark; Hurricane Irene; and Tropical Storm Lee. We derive our estimated net losses in relation to catastrophe events such as these from ground-up assessments of our in-force contracts and treaties providing coverage in the affected regions. We also consider current industry insured loss estimates, market share analyses and catastrophe modeling analyses, when appropriate, in addition to the information available to date from clients, brokers and loss adjusters.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we continued to monitor paid and incurred loss development for catastrophe events of prior years and updated our estimates of ultimate losses accordingly; in the aggregate, there was no material change during the quarter. We caution, however, that the magnitude and complexity of losses arising from certain of these events, in particular the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the New Zealand earthquakes and the Thai floods, inherently increase the level of uncertainty and, therefore, the amount of management judgment involved in arriving at our estimates. As a result, our actual losses for these events may ultimately differ materially from our current estimates.

Net losses and loss expenses incurred include net favorable prior year reserve development of $45 million and $50 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Prior year reserve development arises from changes to loss estimates recognized in the current year that relate to losses incurred in previous calendar years.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

6.	RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes net favorable reserve development by segment:


Three months ended March 31,	2012		2011

Insurance	$	14,897	$	14,728
Reinsurance		30,335		34,976

Total	$	45,232	$	49,704

Overall, a large portion of the net favorable year period reserve development in both 2012 and 2011 was generated from the property, marine, and aviation lines of our insurance segment and the property and catastrophe lines of our reinsurance segment. These lines of business, the majority of which have short-tail exposures, contributed $19 million and $38 million of the total net favorable reserve development in the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The favorable development on these lines of business primarily reflected the recognition of better than expected loss emergence.

Approximately $24 million and $16 million of the net favorable reserve development in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, was generated from professional lines insurance and reinsurance business. This favorable development was driven by increased incorporation of our own historical claims experience into our estimation of ultimate loss ratios for accident years 2007 and prior, with less weighting being given to information derived from industry benchmarks.

7.	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Restricted Stock

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of nonvested restricted stock (including restricted stock units) for the three months ended March 31, 2012:


	Number of Restricted Stock			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

Nonvested restricted stock - beginning of period		3,816		$	32.69
Granted		1,828			31.51
Vested		(1,208	)		31.98
Forfeited		(12	)		32.64

Nonvested restricted stock - end of period		4,424		$	32.32

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we incurred share-based compensation costs of $12 million (2011: $10 million) and recorded tax benefits thereon of $2 million (2011: $2 million). The fair value of shares vested during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $39 million (2011: $62 million). At March 31, 2012 there were $131 million of unrecognized share-based compensation costs, which are expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 3.0 years.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

8.	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

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


At and for the three months ended March 31,	2012		2011
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss)	$	135,837	$	(374,541	)
Preferred share dividends		9,219		9,219
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares		4,621		-

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders		121,997		(383,760	)

Weighted average common shares outstanding		125,782		113,351

Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.97	$	(3.39	)


Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	121,997	$	(383,760	)


Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		125,782		113,351
Stock compensation plans		886		-

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted		126,668		113,351


Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.96	$	(3.39	)

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, 1,901,575 shares for stock compensation plans were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Due to the loss for the same period in 2011, all share equivalents were anti-dilutive and were excluded from the computation.

9.	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

a)	Preferred Shares

On March 19, 2012, we issued $400 million of 6.875% Series C Preferred shares, par value $0.0125 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. We may redeem the shares on or after April 15, 2017 at a redemption price of $25.00 per share. Dividends on the Series C Preferred shares are non-cumulative. Consequently, if the board of directors does not authorize and declare a dividend for any period, holders of the Series C Preferred shares will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accumulate and be payable. Holders of the Series C Preferred shares will be entitled to receive, only when, as and if declared by the board of directors, non-cumulative cash dividends from the original issue date, quarterly in arrears on the fifteenth day of January, April, July and October of each year, commencing on July 15, 2012, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. To the extent declared, these dividends will accumulate, with respect to each dividend period, in an amount per share equal to 6.875% of the liquidation preference per annum.

The holders of the Series C Preferred shares, as well as our previously issued Series A and B preferred shares, have no voting rights other than the right to elect a specified number of directors if preferred share dividends are not declared and paid for a specified period.

On March 19, 2012, we issued an irrevocable notice of redemption for 6,000,000 of our 7.25% Series A Preferred shares, representing $150 million in aggregate liquidation preference, at a price equal to the liquidation preference without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. In connection with this notice, we recognized a $5 million loss on redemption (calculated as the difference between the redemption price and the carrying value of the Series A Preferred shares redeemed), which was recognized as a reduction in determining our net income available to common shareholders. This redemption closed on April 18, 2012; accordingly, the associated redemption proceeds are reflected in other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Following this redemption, 4,000,000 Series A Preferred Shares, representing $100 million in aggregate liquidation preference, remain outstanding.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

9.	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

b)	Common shares

The following table presents our common shares issued and outstanding:


Three months ended March 31,	2012			2011

Shares issued, balance at beginning of period		170,159			154,912
Shares issued		1,249			1,908

Total shares issued at end of period		171,408			156,820


Treasury shares, balance at beginning of period		(44,571	)		(42,519	)
Shares repurchased		(1,472	)		(399	)

Total treasury shares at end of period		(46,043	)		(42,918	)


Total shares outstanding		125,365			113,902

c)	Treasury Shares

The following table presents our share repurchases, which are held in treasury:


Three months ended March 31,	2012		2011
In the open market:
Total shares		1,197		-
Total cost	$	38,756	$	-

Average price per share⁽¹⁾	$	32.38	$	-


From employees:
Total shares		275		399
Total cost	$	8,955	$	14,527

Average price per share⁽¹⁾	$	32.52	$	36.43


Total
Total shares		1,472		399
Total cost	$	47,711	$	14,527

Average price per share⁽¹⁾	$	32.41	$	36.43

(1)	Calculated using whole figures.

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

10.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

a)	Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitrations, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against us in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations; estimated amounts payable under such proceedings are included in the reserve for losses and loss expenses in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Except as noted below, we are not a party to any material legal proceedings arising outside the ordinary course of business.

In 2005, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against our U.S. insurance subsidiaries. In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation was filed on August 15, 2005 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and includes as defendants numerous insurance brokers and insurance companies. The lawsuit alleges antitrust and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) violations in connection with the payment of contingent commissions and manipulation of insurance bids and seeks damages in an unspecified amount. On October 3, 2006, the District Court granted, in part, motions to dismiss filed by the defendants, and ordered plaintiffs to file supplemental pleadings setting forth sufficient facts to allege their antitrust and RICO claims. After plaintiffs filed their supplemental pleadings, defendants renewed their motions to dismiss. On April 15, 2007, the District Court dismissed without prejudice plaintiffs’ complaint, as amended, and granted plaintiffs thirty (30) days to file another amended complaint and/or revised RICO Statement and Statements of Particularity. In May 2007, plaintiffs filed (i) a Second Consolidated Amended Commercial Class Action complaint, (ii) a Revised Particularized Statement Describing the Horizontal Conspiracies Alleged in the Second Consolidated Amended Commercial Class Action Complaint, and (iii) a Third Amended Commercial Insurance Plaintiffs’ RICO Case Statement Pursuant to Local Rule 16.1(B)(4). On June 21, 2007, the defendants filed renewed motions to dismiss. On September 28, 2007, the District Court dismissed with prejudice plaintiffs’ antitrust and RICO claims and declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over plaintiffs’ remaining state law claims. On October 10, 2007, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of all adverse orders and decisions to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and a hearing was held in April 2009. On August 16, 2010, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court’s dismissal of the antitrust and RICO claims arising from the contingent commission arrangements and remanded the case to the District Court with respect to the manipulation of insurance bids allegations. We continued to believe that the lawsuit was completely without merit and on that basis vigorously defended the filed action. However, for the sole purpose of avoiding additional litigation costs, we reached an agreement in principle with plaintiffs during the first quarter of 2011 to settle all claims and causes of action in this matter for an immaterial amount. On March 30, 2012, the District Court issued the final settlement order, and this matter is now closed.

b)	Dividends for Common Shares and Preferred Shares

On March 1, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.24 per common share to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2012 and payable on April 16, 2012. The Board of Directors also declared a dividend of $0.453125 per Series A 7.25% Preferred Share and a dividend of $1.875 per Series B 7.50% Preferred Share. The Series A Preferred Share dividend is payable on April 16, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2012 and the Series B Preferred Share dividend is payable on June 1, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2012.

c)	Reinsurance Purchase Commitment

We purchase reinsurance coverage for our insurance lines of business. The minimum reinsurance premiums are contractually due in advance on a quarterly basis. Accordingly at March 31, 2012, we have an outstanding reinsurance purchase commitment of $31 million.

11.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On April 10, 2012, we completed a cash tender offer for any and all of our outstanding 7.50% Series B Preferred shares, par value $0.0125 per share, at a price of $102.81 per share. As a result, we purchased 2,461,150 Series B Preferred shares, for approximately $253 million. In connection with this tender offer, we will recognize a $9 million loss on redemption (calculated as the difference between the redemption price and the carrying value of the Series B Preferred shares redeemed) in determining our second quarter 2012 net income available to common shareholders. Following the completion of the tender offer, 38,850 Series B Preferred shares, representing $4 million in aggregate liquidation preference, remain outstanding. We may redeem these shares on or after December 1, 2015, at a redemption price of $100.00 per share.

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations. This should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of this report and also our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Tabular dollars are in thousands, except per share amounts. Amounts in tables may not reconcile due to rounding differences.


		Page

First Quarter 2012 Financial Highlights		32

Executive Summary		33

Underwriting Results – Group		36

Results by Segment: For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011		41

i) Insurance Segment		41

ii) Reinsurance Segment		43

Other Expenses, Net		46

Net Investment Income and Net Realized Investment Gains/Losses		47

Cash and Investments		49

Liquidity and Capital Resources		52

Critical Accounting Estimates		54

New Accounting Standards		54

Off-Balance Sheet and Special Purpose Entity Arrangements		54

Non-GAAP Financial Measures		55

FIRST QUARTER 2012 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

First Quarter 2012 Consolidated Results of Operations

•

Net income available to common shareholders of $122 million, or $0.97 per share basic and $0.96 diluted

•

Operating income of $136 million, or $1.07 per diluted share⁽¹⁾

•

Gross premiums written of $1.5 billion

•

Net premiums written of $1.4 billion

•

Net premiums earned of $846 million

•

Net favorable prior year reserve development of $45 million, pre-tax

•

Underwriting income of $63 million and combined ratio of 94.8%

•

Net investment income of $116 million

•

Net realized investment gains of $14 million

First Quarter 2012 Consolidated Financial Condition

•

Total cash and investments of $14.2 billion; fixed maturities, cash and short-term securities comprise 89% of total cash and investments and have an average credit rating of AA-

•

$9.4 billion, or 66%, of our cash and investment portfolio invested in investment-grade, short-term and intermediate-maturity fixed income holdings (excluding restricted investments), where cash proceeds from sales are expected to be available within one to three business days under normal market conditions

•

Total assets of $19.0 billion

•

Reserve for losses and loss expenses of $8.6 billion and reinsurance recoverable of $1.8 billion

•

Total debt of $995 million and a debt to total capital ratio of 14.4%

•

Repurchased 1.5 million common shares for total cost of $48 million; remaining authorization under the repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors of $505 million at April 26, 2012

•

Issuance of $400 million of 6.875% Series C preferred shares, in conjunction with the notice of redemption for $150 million of 7.25% Series A preferred shares and a tender offer for 7.50% Series B preferred shares, which resulted in a $246 million repurchase on April 10, 2012

•

Common shareholders’ equity of $5.1 billion; diluted book value per common share of $39.53

(1)	Operating income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. See ‘Non-GAAP Financial Measures’ for reconciliation to nearest GAAP financial measure (net income (loss) available to common shareholders).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Business Overview

We are a Bermuda-based global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance products with operations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Canada, Australia and Latin America. Our underwriting operations are organized around our two global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Reinsurance.

Our strategy is to leverage our expertise, experience and relationships to expand our business globally. We manage a book of business diversified both geographically and by product line. We seek to provide high-quality products and services to our clients, while maintaining profitability and generating superior returns on equity over the underwriting cycle. We are focused on organic growth, which we have supplemented with small acquisitions, while managing a portfolio of diversified and attractively priced risks. Our execution on this strategy in the first three months of 2012 included:

•

the continuing growth of our new accident & health line, focused on specialty accident and health products; and

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taking advantage of rate increases and select opportunities for premium growth in our insurance segment.

In addition, during the first quarter of 2012 we effectively lowered the future dividend rate on our preferred equity. This was achieved via the issuance of $400 million of 6.875% Series C shares, in conjunction with notice of redemption for $150 million of our 7.25% Series A preferred shares and a tender offer for our 7.50% Series B preferred shares, which resulted in a $246 million repurchase on April 10, 2012.

Results of Operations


Three months ended March 31,	2012		% Change	2011
Underwriting income (loss):
Insurance	$	10,562	nm	$	(48,027	)
Reinsurance		52,127	nm		(413,278	)
Net investment income		116,023	5%		110,655
Net realized investment gains		14,491	(52%)		30,144

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