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8-K - FORM 8-K - PRIMUS GUARANTY LTD | c24407e8vk.htm |
EX-99.1 - EX-99.1 - PRIMUS GUARANTY LTD | c24407exv99w1.htm |
Exhibit 99.2
November 8, 2011
Dear Shareholders,
In the third quarter of 2011, we saw a return of the fear factor which manifested itself in
a significant upward movement in credit swap premium levels. Concerns were initially concentrated
on exposures in certain European countries, but by the end of the quarter, the disquiet had spread
to a wider group of financial institutions in Europe. In the United States, continued lack of
growth in employment and declines on house prices had an adverse effect, particularly on financial
entities. Although we have seen a general reduction in credit swap premium levels subsequent to
the end of the quarter, the situation is still very fluid and we believe it will remain so until
there is some resolution of the dislocation in Europe.
The market value of Primus Financials credit swap portfolio was affected by the movement in
credit swap spreads. During the quarter, the fair value of Primus Financials credit swap
portfolio worsened by $293.3 million. The decline in fair value of the credit swap portfolio was
the main contributor to our GAAP loss of $283.1 million, or $7.76 per diluted share, for the third
quarter.
Our Economic Results, which exclude changes in the mark-to-market value of Primus Financials
credit swap portfolio, were $10.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share for the third quarter of
2011. This compares with Economic Results of $5.4 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the
second quarter of 2011. We did not have any credit mitigation costs in the third quarter, whereas
second quarter results included credit mitigation costs of $4.7 million. Economic Results for the
third quarter primarily consisted of premium revenue of $9.9 million, interest income of $2.4
million, and gains on retirement of debt of $2.1 million, partly offset by net operating costs of
$3.1 million and financing costs of $2.1 million.
A total of $542 million of notional principal in the Primus Financial credit swap portfolio
matured in the quarter, including significant notional amounts
referencing a financial guaranty (monoline) company and
banks domiciled in Spain and Italy.
We were able to purchase and retire two million common shares at an average price of $5.07 per
share in the quarter. Since the inception of our repurchase program in 2008 through September 30,
2011, we have repurchased a total of approximately 13.2 million common shares at an average price
of $2.89 per share. During the third quarter, Primus Financial purchased and retired $10.4 million
of its outstanding debt at a net cost of $8.3 million. As at September 30, 2011, we have bought
back a total (in face value) of $34.9 million of Primus Guarantys 7% senior notes at a total cost
of $14.8 million and $99.3 million of the debt and $8.5 million of the preferred shares issued by
Primus Financial at a total aggregate cost of $52.4 million.
Although we believe the buyback of the Companys various debt and preferred securities at a
discount has provided a benefit to Primus Guaranty shareholders, we note that the repurchase prices
of these securities generally have increased since we commenced our buyback programs. We believe
Primus debt and preferred securities structure might ultimately be attractive to a buyer because
the debt is long dated, Primus Financials preferred securities are perpetual, and the cost of the
debt and preferred securities is relatively low. Cognizant of the increased prices we have had to
pay to repurchase our securities, we will continue to balance the benefits from buying back our
securities at a discount against the potential benefits from keeping some or all of the structure
intact.
Overall, we were pleased with the Companys performance in the third quarter, despite the
turmoil we have seen in the markets. We thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to
execute our strategy.
Sincerely,
/s/ Richard Claiden
Richard Claiden
Chief Executive Officer
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