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EX-32 - EX-32 - ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTDenhexhibit32q26302015.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTDenhexhibit312q26302015.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTDenhexhibit311q26302015.htm

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q 
 
 
ý
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the period ended June 30, 2015,
or
¨
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission file number 1-31599
 
 
ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
 
Bermuda
 
98-0392908
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Waterloo House
100 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke HM 08, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices,
including postal code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (441) 278-0400
 
 
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 for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    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 (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    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 definitions of "accelerated filer", "large accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
  
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  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Description of Class
 
Common Shares Outstanding
as of August 4, 2015
Ordinary Shares - $1.00 par value
 
65,851,598
 




INDEX
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




1


ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts)
 
JUNE 30,
2015
 
DECEMBER 31,
2014
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
Fixed maturity investments, available for sale at fair value (amortized cost: $4,899,351 and $5,032,506 at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)
$
4,933,776

 
$
5,092,581

Short-term investments, available for sale at fair value (amortized cost: $16,368 and $9,015 at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)
16,366

 
9,014

Equity securities, available for sale at fair value (cost: $407,714 and $303,922 at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)
420,411

 
331,368

Other investments
623,868

 
541,454

Total investments
5,994,421

 
5,974,417

Cash and cash equivalents
622,642

 
745,472

Premiums receivable, net
1,665,990

 
883,450

Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
108,162

 
122,214

Deferred acquisition costs
296,568

 
207,368

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
668,964

 
354,940

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
785,472

 
670,795

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses
157,287

 
218,291

Accrued investment income
25,118

 
27,183

Goodwill and intangible assets
150,296

 
153,405

Deferred tax asset
46,779

 
48,995

Net receivable on sales of investments
21,420

 
38,877

Other assets
172,162

 
199,375

Total assets
$
10,715,281

 
$
9,644,782

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Reserve for losses and loss expenses
$
3,833,525

 
$
3,846,859

Reserve for unearned premiums
2,046,933

 
1,254,519

Deposit liabilities
13,376

 
15,136

Reinsurance balances payable
632,457

 
375,711

Debt
528,123

 
527,715

Net payable on purchases of investments
82,375

 
151,682

Other liabilities
275,586

 
287,978

Total liabilities
7,412,375

 
6,459,600

Commitments and contingent liabilities
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Preferred shares
 
 
 
Series A and B, total liquidation preference $430,000 (2014 - $430,000)
17,200

 
17,200

Common shares
 
 
 
Ordinary - 45,156,845 issued and outstanding (2014 - 44,765,153)
45,157

 
44,765

Additional paid-in capital
610,585

 
598,226

Accumulated other comprehensive income
36,965

 
76,706

Retained earnings
2,592,999

 
2,448,285

Total shareholders' equity
3,302,906

 
3,185,182

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
10,715,281

 
$
9,644,782

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED  
 JUNE 30,
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
861,184

 
$
689,425

 
$
2,162,616

 
$
1,846,940

Ceded premiums written
(302,101
)
 
(177,998
)
 
(838,579
)
 
(536,808
)
Net premiums written
559,083

 
511,427

 
1,324,037

 
1,310,132

Change in unearned premiums
(100,948
)
 
(29,889
)
 
(476,043
)
 
(432,328
)
Net premiums earned
458,135

 
481,538

 
847,994

 
877,804

Net investment income
32,252

 
39,302

 
74,113

 
80,292

Net realized and unrealized gains
9,680

 
3,411

 
27,869

 
8,283

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(424
)
 
(198
)
 
(1,073
)
 
(309
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(424
)
 
(198
)
 
(1,073
)
 
(309
)
Other underwriting income (loss)
1,389

 
(4,824
)
 
3,795

 
(6,062
)
Total revenues
501,032

 
519,229

 
952,698

 
960,008

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
239,122

 
259,196

 
411,058

 
436,092

Acquisition expenses
84,971

 
78,601

 
167,064

 
150,758

General and administrative expenses
54,965

 
58,312

 
109,855

 
117,813

Corporate expenses
12,634

 
28,143

 
24,902

 
41,848

Amortization of intangibles
1,579

 
1,623

 
3,178

 
3,240

Net foreign exchange losses
12,981

 
319

 
20,533

 
3,283

Interest expense
9,062

 
9,732

 
18,121

 
18,783

Total expenses
415,314

 
435,926

 
754,711

 
771,817

Income before income taxes
85,718

 
83,303

 
197,987

 
188,191

Income tax expense
(1,512
)
 
(140
)
 
(5,302
)
 
(548
)
Net income
84,206

 
83,163

 
192,685

 
187,643

Preferred dividends
(8,188
)
 
(8,188
)
 
(16,376
)
 
(16,376
)
Net income available to common and participating common shareholders
76,018

 
74,975

 
$
176,309

 
$
171,267

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
84,206

 
83,163

 
$
192,685

 
$
187,643

Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on investments arising during the period (net of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income, reclassification adjustment and applicable deferred income taxes of $2,825 and ($5,916) for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively)
(66,979
)
 
37,659

 
(42,490
)
 
61,039

Foreign currency translation adjustments
26,163

 
8,998

 
2,705

 
12,223

Reclassification adjustment for net losses on derivative designated as cash flow hedge included in net income
22

 
22

 
44

 
45

Other comprehensive (loss) income
(40,794
)
 
46,679

 
(39,741
)
 
73,307

Comprehensive income
$
43,412

 
$
129,842

 
$
152,944

 
$
260,950

Per share data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
1.69

 
$
1.68

 
$
3.92

 
$
3.84

Diluted earnings per common share
$
1.68

 
$
1.68

 
$
3.91

 
$
3.84

Dividend per common share
$
0.35

 
$
0.34

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.68

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands of United States dollars)

SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
2015

2014
Preferred shares



Balance, beginning and end of period
$
17,200


$
17,200

Common shares


 
Balance, beginning of period
44,765


44,369

Issuance of common shares, net of forfeitures
392


337

Balance, end of period
45,157


44,706

Additional paid-in capital



Balance, beginning of period
598,226


569,116

Issuance of common shares, net of forfeitures
569


900

Settlement of equity awards
(6,092
)

(4,039
)
Stock-based compensation expense
17,882


17,714

Balance, end of period
610,585


583,691

Accumulated other comprehensive income



Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments:



Balance, beginning of period
(7,628
)

18,636

Foreign currency translation adjustments
2,705


12,223

Balance, end of period
(4,923
)

30,859

Unrealized holding gains on investments, net of deferred taxes:



Balance, beginning of period
86,100


45,950

Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses and reclassification adjustment
(42,490
)

61,039

Balance, end of period
43,610


106,989

Accumulated derivative loss on cash flow hedging instruments:



Balance, beginning of period
(1,766
)

(1,855
)
Net change from current period hedging transactions, net of reclassification adjustment
44


45

Balance, end of period
(1,722
)

(1,810
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
36,965


136,038

Retained earnings



Balance, beginning of period
2,448,285


2,193,133

Net income
192,685


187,643

Dividends on preferred shares
(16,376
)

(16,376
)
Dividends on common shares
(31,595
)

(30,360
)
Balance, end of period
2,592,999


2,334,040

Total shareholders' equity
$
3,302,906


$
3,115,675

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


4


ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of United States dollars)

SIX MONTHS ENDED 
 JUNE 30,
 
2015

2014
Cash flows provided by operating activities

Net income
$
192,685


$
187,643

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



Amortization of net premium on investments
23,090


22,253

Amortization of other intangibles and depreciation
12,695


10,673

Net realized and unrealized gains
(27,869
)

(8,283
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
1,073


309

Deferred taxes
5,041


4

Stock-based compensation expense
17,882


17,714

Equity in earnings of other investments
(15,958
)

(24,326
)
Premiums receivable, net
(782,540
)

(711,660
)
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
14,052


(7,028
)
Deferred acquisition costs
(89,200
)

(71,235
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
(314,024
)

(236,924
)
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
(114,677
)

(12,385
)
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses
61,004


18,526

Accrued investment income
2,065


(2,281
)
Other assets
3,700


4,271

Reserve for losses and loss expenses
(13,334
)

(38,866
)
Reserve for unearned premiums
792,414


670,968

Deposit liabilities
(1,760
)

2,529

Reinsurance balances payable
256,746


197,234

Other liabilities
404


531

Net cash flows provided by operating activities
23,489


19,667

Cash flows used in investing activities



Proceeds from sales of available for sale investments
2,501,712


2,060,744

Proceeds from maturities and calls on available for sale investments
294,966


284,656

Proceeds from the redemption of other investments
36,523


19,703

Purchases of available for sale investments
(2,833,981
)

(2,345,876
)
Purchases of other investments
(102,979
)

(26,541
)
Net settlements of other assets
31,881


14,174

Purchases of fixed assets
(15,048
)

(25,706
)
Net cash paid for subsidiary acquisition
(68
)

(40
)
Net cash flows used in investing activities
(86,994
)

(18,886
)
Cash flows used in financing activities



Issuance of common shares, net of forfeitures
817


1,128

Settlement of equity awards
(6,092
)

(4,039
)
Bridge facility costs paid

 
(4,750
)
Proceeds from issuance of debt
728


373

Repayments and repurchases of debt
(435
)

(244
)
Dividends on preferred shares
(16,376
)

(16,376
)
Dividends on common shares
(31,543
)

(30,343
)
Net cash flows used in financing activities
(52,901
)

(54,251
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(6,424
)

8,647

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(122,830
)

(44,823
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
745,472


845,851

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
622,642


$
801,028

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)



1.
General
Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. ("Endurance Holdings" or the "Company") was organized as a Bermuda holding company on June 27, 2002. Endurance Holdings writes specialty lines of insurance and reinsurance on a global basis through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries:
Operating Subsidiaries
 
Domicile
Endurance Specialty Insurance Ltd.
 
Bermuda
Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited
 
England
Endurance Reinsurance Corporation of America
 
Delaware
Endurance American Insurance Company
 
Delaware
Endurance American Specialty Insurance Company
 
Delaware
Endurance Risk Solutions Assurance Co.
 
Delaware
American Agri-Business Insurance Company
 
Texas
2.
Summary of significant accounting policies
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Endurance Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Among other matters, significant estimates and assumptions are used to record premiums written and ceded, to record the fair value of investments and to record reserves for losses and loss expenses and contingencies. Estimates and assumptions are periodically reviewed and the effects of revisions are recorded in the consolidated financial statements in the period that they are determined to be necessary.
The balance sheet at December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014 contained in Endurance Holdings’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (the "2014 Form 10-K").
Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
There were no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting and reporting policies subsequent to the filing of the 2014 Form 10-K.
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" ("ASU 2015-03"). The objective of ASU 2015-03 is to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-03 should be applied retrospectively, and upon transition, applicable disclosures for a change in accounting principle shall be provided, including the transition method, a description of the prior period information that has been retroactively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the applicable financial statement line items. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

6

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


2.
Summary of significant accounting policies, cont'd.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)" ("ASU 2015-07"). The objective of ASU 2015-07 is to remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using net asset value per share. ASU 2015-07 is effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-07 should be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, "Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts" ("ASU 2015-09"). The objective of ASU 2015-09 is to make targeted improvements to disclosure requirements for insurance companies that issue short-duration contracts. The guidance requires additional disclosures of claims development tables, frequency of reported claims, and history of claims duration. This information is required to be disaggregated so that useful information is not obscured by either the inclusion of a large amount of insignificant detail, or the aggregation of items that have significantly different characteristics. ASU 2015-09 is effective for public business entities in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-09 should be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
3.
Investments
Composition of Net Investment Income and of Invested Assets
The components of net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Available for sale investments
$
31,705

 
$
31,619

 
$
63,922

 
$
61,946

Other investments
3,570

 
10,785

 
15,958

 
24,327

Cash and cash equivalents
434

 
511

 
1,064

 
1,297

 
35,709

 
42,915

 
$
80,944

 
$
87,570

Investment expenses
(3,457
)
 
(3,613
)
 
(6,831
)
 
(7,278
)
Net investment income
$
32,252

 
$
39,302

 
$
74,113

 
$
80,292

The following table summarizes the composition of the investment portfolio by investment type at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Type of Investment
 
Fair Value
 
Percentage
 
Fair Value
 
Percentage
Fixed maturity investments
 
$
4,933,776

 
75.3
%
 
$
5,092,581

 
77.1
%
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
 
561,687

 
8.6
%
 
632,667

 
9.6
%
Other investments(2)
 
623,868

 
9.5
%
 
541,454

 
8.2
%
Short-term investments
 
16,366

 
0.2
%
 
9,014

 
0.1
%
Equity securities
 
420,411

 
6.4
%
 
331,368

 
5.0
%
Total
 
$
6,556,108

 
100.0
%
 
$
6,607,084

 
100.0
%
 
(1)
Includes net receivable on sales of investments and net payable on purchases of investments.
(2)
Consists of investments in alternative funds and specialty funds.

7

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


3.
Investments, cont'd.
The following table summarizes the composition by investment rating of the fixed maturity and short-term investments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. In some cases, where bonds are unrated, the rating of the issuer has been applied.
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Ratings(1)
 
Fair Value
 
Percentage
 
Fair Value
 
Percentage
U.S. government and agencies securities
 
$
483,511

 
9.8
%
 
$
587,411

 
11.5
%
AAA / Aaa
 
1,168,977

 
23.6
%
 
1,206,252

 
23.6
%
AA / Aa
 
1,614,866

 
32.6
%
 
1,717,343

 
33.7
%
A / A
 
1,051,739

 
21.3
%
 
1,045,301

 
20.5
%
BBB
 
505,731

 
10.2
%
 
427,018

 
8.4
%
Below BBB
 
105,825

 
2.1
%
 
96,244

 
1.9
%
Not rated
 
19,493

 
0.4
%
 
22,026

 
0.4
%
Total
 
$
4,950,142

 
100.0
%
 
$
5,101,595

 
100.0
%
(1)
The credit rating for each security reflected above was determined based on the rating assigned to the individual security by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("Standard & Poor's"). If a rating is not supplied by Standard & Poor's, the equivalent rating supplied by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Fitch Ratings, Inc., or DBRS, Inc. is used.
Contractual maturities of the Company’s fixed maturity and short-term investments are shown below as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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.
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
Due within one year
$
145,833

 
$
146,729

 
$
126,921

 
$
127,821

Due after one year through five years
1,513,058

 
1,516,820

 
1,627,154

 
1,632,259

Due after five years through ten years
435,077

 
434,624

 
474,959

 
479,138

Due after ten years
48,466

 
49,940

 
43,314

 
46,720

Residential mortgage-backed securities
1,062,261

 
1,076,732

 
1,149,536

 
1,175,006

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
992,858

 
1,003,518

 
960,598

 
979,419

Collateralized loan and debt obligations
325,750

 
327,642

 
247,510

 
248,011

Asset-backed securities
392,416

 
394,137

 
411,529

 
413,221

Total
$
4,915,719

 
$
4,950,142

 
$
5,041,521

 
$
5,101,595

In addition to the Company's fixed maturity, short-term and equity investments, the Company invests in (i) hedge funds and private investment funds that generally invest in senior secured bank debt, high yield credit, distressed debt, distressed real estate, derivatives, and equity long/short strategies ("alternative funds") and (ii) high yield loan funds ("specialty funds"). The Company's alternative funds and specialty funds are recorded on the Company's balance sheet as "other investments." At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had invested, net of capital returned, a total of $452.7 million and $387.2 million, respectively, in other investments. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of other investments was $623.9 million and $541.5 million, respectively.

8

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


3.
Investments, cont'd.
The following table summarizes the composition and redemption restrictions of other investments as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
June 30, 2015
 
Market Value
 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Ineligible for
Redemption over
next 12 months
Alternative funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedge funds
 
$
458,681

 
$

 
$
81,153

Private investment funds
 
78,574

 
53,151

 
78,574

Total alternative funds
 
537,255

 
53,151

 
159,727

Specialty funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
High yield loan funds
 
86,613

 

 

Total specialty funds
 
86,613

 

 

Total other investments
 
$
623,868

 
$
53,151

 
$
159,727

December 31, 2014
 
Market Value
 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Ineligible for
Redemption in 2015
Alternative funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedge funds
 
$
411,280

 
$

 
$
10,580

Private investment funds
 
74,664

 
70,542

 
74,664

Total alternative funds
 
485,944

 
70,542

 
85,244

Specialty funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
High yield loan funds
 
55,510

 

 

Total specialty funds
 
55,510

 

 

Total other investments
 
$
541,454

 
$
70,542

 
$
85,244

Hedge funds – The redemption frequency of the hedge funds range from monthly to biennially with notice periods from 30 to 90 days. Over one year, it is estimated that the Company can liquidate approximately 82.3% of the hedge fund portfolio, with the remainder over the following two years.
Private investment funds – The Company generally has no right to redeem its interest in any private investment funds in advance of dissolution of the applicable partnership. Instead, the nature of these investments is that distributions are received by the Company in connection with the liquidation of or distribution of earnings from the underlying assets of the applicable limited partnership. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships would liquidate over 5 to 10 years from inception of the limited partnership. A secondary market, with unpredictable liquidity, exists for limited partner interests in private equity funds.
High yield loan funds – There are generally no restrictions on the Company's right to redeem its interest in high yield loan funds with the exception of certain redemption frequency and notice requirements. The redemption frequency of these funds ranges from monthly to quarterly with notice periods from 30 to 90 days.

9

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


3.
Investments, cont'd.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains
Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in earnings using the first in, first out method. The analysis of net realized and unrealized gains and the change in the fair value of investment-related derivative financial instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Gross realized gains on investment sales
$
14,647

 
$
7,387

 
$
37,313

 
$
17,634

Gross realized losses on investment sales
(5,058
)
 
(5,319
)
 
(9,954
)
 
(11,303
)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments(1)
91

 
1,343

 
510

 
1,952

Net realized and unrealized gains
$
9,680

 
$
3,411

 
$
27,869

 
$
8,283

(1)
For additional information on the Company's derivative financial instruments, see Note 7.
Unrealized Gains and Losses and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
The Company classifies its investments in fixed maturity investments, short-term investments and equities as available for sale. The amortized cost, fair value and related gross unrealized gains and losses and non-credit other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses on the Company’s securities classified as available for sale at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
June 30, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Non-Credit
OTTI(2)
Fixed maturity investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies securities
 
$
480,584

 
$
5,285

 
$
(2,358
)
 
$
483,511

 
$

U.S. state and municipal securities
 
40,893

 
164

 
(520
)
 
40,537

 

Foreign government securities
 
156,874

 
1,293

 
(534
)
 
157,633

 

Government guaranteed corporate securities
 
30,167

 
434

 
(32
)
 
30,569

 

Corporate securities
 
1,417,548

 
8,872

 
(6,923
)
 
1,419,497

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,062,261

 
19,786

 
(5,315
)
 
1,076,732

 
(2,940
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
992,858

 
15,152

 
(4,492
)
 
1,003,518

 

Collateralized loan and debt obligations(1)
 
325,750

 
2,166

 
(274
)
 
327,642

 

Asset-backed securities
 
392,416

 
2,069

 
(348
)
 
394,137

 

Total fixed maturity investments
 
4,899,351

 
55,221

 
(20,796
)
 
4,933,776

 
(2,940
)
Short-term investments
 
16,368

 

 
(2
)
 
16,366

 

Total fixed income investments
 
$
4,915,719

 
$
55,221

 
$
(20,798
)
 
$
4,950,142

 
$
(2,940
)
Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments
 
$
281,005

 
$
16,678

 
$
(6,331
)
 
$
291,352

 
$

Emerging market debt funds
 
61,874

 

 
(1,837
)
 
60,037

 

Convertible funds
 
46,331

 
2,240

 

 
48,571

 

Preferred equity investments
 
13,581

 
1,993

 
(46
)
 
15,528

 

Short-term fixed income fund
 
4,923

 

 

 
4,923

 

Total equity securities
 
$
407,714

 
$
20,911

 
$
(8,214
)
 
$
420,411

 
$

 
(1)
Balances include amounts related to collateralized debt obligations held with total fair values of $15.2 million.
(2)
Represents total OTTI recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date. At June 30, 2015, the gross unrealized loss related to fixed income investments for which a non-credit OTTI was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income was nil.

10

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


3.
Investments, cont'd.
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Non-Credit
OTTI(2)
Fixed maturity investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies securities
 
$
582,970

 
$
6,471

 
$
(2,030
)
 
$
587,411

 
$

U.S. state and municipal securities
 
39,340

 
191

 
(118
)
 
39,413

 

Foreign government securities
 
239,217

 
2,983

 
(1,664
)
 
240,536

 

Government guaranteed corporate securities
 
47,436

 
675

 
(9
)
 
48,102

 

Corporate securities
 
1,354,370

 
12,742

 
(5,650
)
 
1,361,462

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,149,536

 
27,542

 
(2,072
)
 
1,175,006

 
(3,233
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
960,598

 
21,374

 
(2,553
)
 
979,419

 
(5
)
Collateralized loan and debt obligations(1)
 
247,510

 
1,449

 
(948
)
 
248,011

 

Asset-backed securities
 
411,529

 
2,265

 
(573
)
 
413,221

 

Total fixed maturity investments
 
5,032,506

 
75,692

 
(15,617
)
 
5,092,581

 
(3,238
)
Short-term investments
 
9,015

 

 
(1
)
 
9,014

 

Total fixed income investments
 
$
5,041,521

 
$
75,692

 
$
(15,618
)
 
$
5,101,595

 
$
(3,238
)
Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments
 
$
176,167

 
$
29,660

 
$
(3,292
)
 
$
202,535

 
$

Emerging market debt funds
 
60,826

 

 
(676
)
 
60,150

 

Convertible funds
 
46,331

 

 
(220
)
 
46,111

 

Preferred equity investments
 
13,858

 
2,022

 
(44
)
 
15,836

 

Short-term fixed income funds
 
6,740

 

 
(4
)
 
6,736

 

Total equity securities
 
$
303,922

 
$
31,682

 
$
(4,236
)
 
$
331,368

 
$

 
(1)
Balances include amounts related to collateralized debt obligations held with total fair values of $15.2 million.
(2)
Represents total OTTI recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date. At December 31, 2014, the gross unrealized loss related to fixed income investments for which a non-credit OTTI was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income was nil.

11

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


3.
Investments, cont'd.
The following tables summarize, for all available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position.
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
June 30, 2015
 
Unrealized
Losses(1)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses(1)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses(1)
 
Fair
Value
Fixed maturity investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies securities
 
$
(1,687
)
 
$
149,003

 
$
(671
)
 
$
16,995

 
$
(2,358
)
 
$
165,998

U.S. state and municipal securities
 
(520
)
 
21,615

 

 

 
(520
)
 
21,615

Foreign government securities
 
(413
)
 
46,557

 
(121
)
 
2,849

 
(534
)
 
49,406

Government guaranteed corporate securities
 
(32
)
 
3,300

 

 

 
(32
)
 
3,300

Corporate securities
 
(6,428
)
 
731,507

 
(495
)
 
29,369

 
(6,923
)
 
760,876

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
(4,014
)
 
344,126

 
(1,301
)
 
52,474

 
(5,315
)
 
396,600

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
(3,603
)
 
324,191

 
(889
)
 
35,150

 
(4,492
)
 
359,341

Collateralized loan and debt obligations
 
(215
)
 
95,946

 
(59
)
 
27,618

 
(274
)
 
123,564

Asset-backed securities
 
(208
)
 
101,724

 
(140
)
 
12,983

 
(348
)
 
114,707

Total fixed maturity investments
 
(17,120
)
 
1,817,969

 
(3,676
)
 
177,438

 
(20,796
)
 
1,995,407

Short-term investments
 
(2
)
 
1,506

 

 

 
(2
)
 
1,506

Total fixed income investments
 
$
(17,122
)
 
1,819,475

 
(3,676
)
 
177,438

 
(20,798
)
 
1,996,913

Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments
 
$
(6,315
)
 
$
144,058

 
$
(16
)
 
$
133

 
$
(6,331
)
 
$
144,191

Emerging market debt funds
 
(1,837
)
 
60,037

 

 

 
(1,837
)
 
60,037

Preferred equity investments
 
(46
)
 
2,917

 

 

 
(46
)
 
2,917

Total equity securities
 
$
(8,198
)
 
$
207,012

 
$
(16
)
 
$
133

 
$
(8,214
)
 
$
207,145

(1)
Gross unrealized losses include unrealized losses on non-OTTI and non-credit OTTI securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2015.

As of June 30, 2015, 981 available for sale securities were in an unrealized loss position aggregating $29.0 million. Of those, 92 securities with aggregated unrealized losses of $3.7 million had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater.

12

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


3.
Investments, cont'd.
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
December 31, 2014
 
Unrealized
Losses(1)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses(1)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses(1)
 
Fair
Value
Fixed maturity investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies securities
 
$
(481
)
 
$
155,350

 
$
(1,549
)
 
$
45,993

 
$
(2,030
)
 
$
201,343

U.S. state and municipal securities
 
(47
)
 
3,295

 
(71
)
 
6,841

 
(118
)
 
10,136

Foreign government securities
 
(1,378
)
 
37,904

 
(286
)
 
4,306

 
(1,664
)
 
42,210

Government guaranteed corporate securities
 
(9
)
 
4,598

 

 

 
(9
)
 
4,598

Corporate securities
 
(4,023
)
 
533,139

 
(1,627
)
 
84,278

 
(5,650
)
 
617,417

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
(260
)
 
62,832

 
(1,812
)
 
108,899

 
(2,072
)
 
171,731

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
(1,068
)
 
180,222

 
(1,485
)
 
78,412

 
(2,553
)
 
258,634

Collateralized loan and debt obligations
 
(876
)
 
176,439

 
(72
)
 
6,491

 
(948
)
 
182,930

Asset-backed securities
 
(415
)
 
199,205

 
(158
)
 
19,095

 
(573
)
 
218,300

Total fixed maturity investments
 
(8,557
)
 
1,352,984

 
(7,060
)
 
354,315

 
(15,617
)
 
1,707,299

Short-term investments
 
(1
)
 
1,953

 

 

 
(1
)
 
1,953

Total fixed income investments
 
$
(8,558
)
 
$
1,354,937

 
$
(7,060
)
 
$
354,315

 
$
(15,618
)
 
$
1,709,252

Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments
 
$
(3,292
)
 
$
53,591

 
$

 
$

 
$
(3,292
)
 
$
53,591

Emerging market debt funds
 
(676
)
 
60,150

 

 

 
(676
)
 
60,150

Convertible funds
 
(220
)
 
46,111

 

 

 
(220
)
 
46,111

Preferred equity investments
 
(44
)
 
4,449

 

 

 
(44
)
 
4,449

Short-term fixed income fund
 
(4
)
 
6,736

 

 

 
(4
)
 
6,736

Total equity securities
 
$
(4,236
)
 
$
171,037

 
$

 
$

 
$
(4,236
)
 
$
171,037

 
(1)
Gross unrealized losses include unrealized losses on non-OTTI and non-credit OTTI securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2014.
As of December 31, 2014, 747 available for sale securities were in an unrealized loss position aggregating $19.9 million. Of those, 171 securities with aggregated unrealized losses of $7.1 million had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater.
The analysis of OTTI for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
$
(424
)
 
$
(198
)
 
$
(1,073
)
 
$
(309
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
$
(424
)
 
$
(198
)
 
$
(1,073
)
 
$
(309
)

13

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


3.
Investments, cont'd.
Of the $0.4 million (2014: $0.2 million) of OTTI losses recognized by the Company in the second quarter of 2015, the majority were related to fixed maturity investments and equity investments for which the Company has subsequently made a decision to sell. The increase in gross unrealized losses on the Company's fixed income investments at June 30, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in interest rates and widening of credit spreads during the six months ended June 30, 2015. At June 30, 2015, the Company did not have the intent to sell any of the remaining fixed income investments in an unrealized loss position and determined that it was unlikely that the Company would be required to sell those securities in an unrealized loss position. The Company has the ability and intent to hold its equity securities until recovery; therefore, the Company does not consider its fixed income investments or equity securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2015.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the amount related to credit losses for the Company's available for sale investments recognized in earnings for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Beginning balance
$
(795
)
 
$
(1,520
)
 
$
(838
)
 
$
(1,553
)
Addition for the amount related to the credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized

 

 

 

Addition for the amount related to the credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized

 

 

 

Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security

 

 

 

Reductions for securities sold during the period
39

 
79

 
82

 
112

Ending balance
$
(756
)
 
$
(1,441
)
 
$
(756
)
 
$
(1,441
)
Variable Interest Entities
Entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk to allow the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support or in which the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest are referred to as variable interest entities ("VIE"). A VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest (primary beneficiary) as a result of having both the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of an entity subject to consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the VIE's capital structure, contractual terms, nature of the VIE's operations and purpose and the Company's relative exposure to the related risks of the VIE on the date it becomes initially involved in the VIE. The Company reassesses its VIE determination with respect to an entity on an ongoing basis.
The Company is involved in the normal course of business with VIEs primarily as a passive investor in residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and through its interests in various other investments that are structured as limited partnerships considered to be third party VIEs. The Company determined that it was not the primary beneficiary for any of these investments as of June 30, 2015. The Company believes its exposure to loss with respect to these investments is generally limited to the investment carrying amounts reported in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and any unfunded investment commitments.

14

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


4.
Fair value measurement
The Company determines the fair value of the fixed maturity investments, short-term investments, equity securities, other investments, debt, and other assets and liabilities in accordance with current accounting guidance, which defines fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy based on inputs to the various valuation techniques used for each fair value measurement. The Company determines the estimated fair value of each individual security utilizing the highest level inputs available. Valuation inputs by security type may include the following:
Government and agencies fixed maturity securities – These securities are generally priced by pricing services or index providers. The pricing services or index providers may use current market trades for securities with similar quality, maturity and coupon. If no such trades are available, the pricing service typically uses analytical models which may incorporate option adjusted spreads, daily interest rate data and market/sector news. The Company generally classifies the fair values of government and agencies securities in Level 2. Current issue U.S. government securities are generally valued based on Level 1 inputs, which use the market approach valuation technique.
Government guaranteed corporate fixed maturity securities – These securities are generally priced by pricing services or index providers. The pricing service or index providers may use current market trades for securities with similar quality, maturity and coupon. If no such trades are available, the pricing service typically uses analytical spread models which may incorporate inputs from the U.S. treasury curve or LIBOR. The Company generally classifies the fair values of its government guaranteed corporate securities in Level 2.
Corporate fixed maturity securities – These securities are generally priced by pricing services or index providers. The pricing services or index providers typically use discounted cash flow models that incorporate benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. Credit spreads are developed from current market observations for like or similar securities. The Company generally classifies the fair values of its corporate securities in Level 2.
Equity securities – These securities are generally priced by pricing services or index providers. Depending on the type of underlying equity security or equity fund, the securities are priced by pricing services or index providers based on quoted market prices in active markets or through a discounted cash flow model that incorporates benchmark curves for treasury, swap and credits for like or similar securities. The Company generally classifies the fair values of its equity securities in Level 1 or 2.
Other assets and liabilities – A portion of other assets and liabilities are composed of a variety of derivative instruments used to enhance the efficiency of the investment portfolio and economically hedge certain risks. These instruments are generally priced by pricing services, broker/dealers and/or recent trading activity. The market value approach valuation technique is used to estimate the fair value for these derivatives based on significant observable market inputs. Certain derivative instruments are priced by pricing services based on quoted market prices in active markets. These derivative instruments are generally classified in Level 1. Other derivative instruments are priced using industry valuation models and are considered Level 2, as the inputs to the valuation model are based on observable market inputs. Also included in this line item are proprietary, non-exchange traded derivative-based risk management products primarily used to address weather and energy risks. The trading market for these weather derivatives are generally linked to energy and agriculture commodities, weather and other natural phenomena. In instances where market prices are not available, the Company uses industry or internally developed valuation techniques such as spread option, Black Scholes, quanto and simulation modeling to determine fair value and classifies these in Level 3. These models may reference prices for similar instruments.
Structured securities including agency and non-agency, residential and commercial, mortgage and asset-backed securities and collateralized loan and debt obligations – These securities are generally priced by broker/dealers. Broker/dealers may use current market trades for securities with similar qualities. If no such trades are available, inputs such as bid and offer, prepayment speeds, the U.S. treasury curve, swap curve and cash settlement may be used in a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of a security. The Company generally classifies the fair values of its structured securities in Level 2.

15

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


4.
Fair value measurement, cont'd.
Other investments – Other investments are comprised of alternative funds and specialty funds and are generally priced on net asset values ("NAV") received from the fund managers or administrators. Due to the timing of the delivery of the final NAV by certain of the fund managers, valuations of certain alternative funds and specialty funds are estimated based on the most recently available information, including period end NAVs, period end estimates, or, in some cases, prior month or prior quarter NAVs. As this valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the Company generally classifies the fair value of its other investments in Level 3.
Debt – Outstanding debt consists of the Company's 6.15% Senior Notes due October 15, 2015 and the 7.0% Senior Notes due July 15, 2034 (the "Senior Notes"). 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 the Senior Notes are classified in Level 2.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, net receivable on sales of investments, net payable on purchases of investments and other financial instruments not described above approximated their fair values at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Transfers between levels are assumed to occur at the end of each period.

16

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


4.
Fair value measurement, cont'd.
The following table sets forth the Company's available for sale investments, other investments, other assets and liabilities and debt categorized by the level within the hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at June 30, 2015:
 
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2015
 
Total at June 30, 2015
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies securities
$
483,511

 
$
34,235

 
$
449,276

 
$

U.S. state and municipal securities
40,537

 

 
40,537

 

Foreign government securities
157,633

 

 
157,633

 

Government guaranteed corporate securities
30,569

 

 
30,569

 

Corporate securities
1,419,497

 

 
1,417,048

 
2,449

Residential mortgage-backed securities
1,076,732

 

 
1,076,732

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
1,003,518

 

 
1,003,135

 
383

Collateralized loan and debt obligations
327,642

 

 
325,767

 
1,875

Asset-backed securities
394,137

 

 
394,137

 

Total fixed maturity investments
4,933,776

 
34,235

 
4,894,834

 
4,707

Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments
291,352

 
157,657

 
133,695

 

Emerging market debt funds
60,037

 

 
60,037

 

Convertible funds
48,571

 

 
48,571

 

Preferred equity investments
15,528

 

 
15,528

 

Short-term fixed income fund
4,923

 
4,923

 

 

Total equity securities
420,411

 
162,580

 
257,831

 

Short-term investments
16,366

 

 
16,366

 

Other investments
623,868

 

 

 
623,868

Other assets (see Note 7)
70,570

 

 
46,879

 
23,691

Total assets
$
6,064,991

 
$
196,815

 
$
5,215,910

 
$
652,266

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities (see Note 7)
$
44,383

 
$

 
$
22,199

 
$
22,184

Debt
596,902

 

 
596,902

 

Total liabilities
$
641,285

 
$

 
$
619,101

 
$
22,184

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, $0.2 million of asset-backed securities were transferred into Level 3 as no observable inputs were available, and $4.9 million of primarily asset-backed securities were transferred out of Level 3 to Level 2 during the period as market activity for these securities increased and observable inputs became available.
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, $2.0 million of collateralized debt and loan obligations and asset-backed securities were transferred into Level 3 as no observable inputs were available, and $9.2 million of primarily asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities were transferred out of Level 3 to Level 2 during the period as market activity for these securities increased and observable inputs became available.

17

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


4.
Fair value measurement, cont'd.
The following table sets forth the Company’s available for sale investments, other investments, other assets and liabilities and debt categorized by the level within the hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2014:
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
 
Total at December 31, 2014
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies securities
$
587,411

 
$
105,121

 
$
482,290

 
$

U.S. state and municipal securities
39,413

 

 
39,413

 

Foreign government securities
240,536

 

 
240,536

 

Government guaranteed corporate securities
48,102

 

 
48,102

 

Corporate securities
1,361,462

 

 
1,358,960

 
2,502

Residential mortgage-backed securities
1,175,006

 

 
1,174,997

 
9

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
979,419

 

 
974,602

 
4,817

Collateralized loan and debt obligations
248,011

 

 
246,042

 
1,969

Asset-backed securities
413,221

 

 
410,228

 
2,993

Total fixed maturity investments
5,092,581

 
105,121

 
4,975,170

 
12,290

Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments
202,535

 
138,463

 
64,072

 

Emerging market debt funds
60,150

 

 
60,150

 

Convertible funds
46,111

 

 
46,111

 

Preferred equity investments
15,836

 

 
15,836

 

Short-term fixed income fund
6,736

 
6,736

 

 

Total equity securities
331,368

 
145,199

 
186,169

 

Short-term investments
9,014

 

 
9,014

 

Other investments
541,454

 

 

 
541,454

Other assets (see Note 7)
99,504

 

 
73,889

 
25,615

Total assets
$
6,073,921

 
$
250,320

 
$
5,244,242

 
$
579,359

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities (see Note 7)
$
54,338

 
$

 
$
18,972

 
$
35,366

Debt
623,740

 

 
623,740

 

Total liabilities
$
678,078

 
$

 
$
642,712

 
$
35,366

Level 3 assets represented 10.8% and 9.5% of the Company's total available for sale investments, other investments and derivative instruments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Level 3 securities are primarily comprised of corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized loan and debt obligations, asset-backed securities, investments in alternative and specialty funds, classified as other investments, and weather derivatives. The NAV used to measure the fair value of the Company's other investments are generally derived from the underlying investments held within the funds. Although the Company does not have direct access to detailed financial information related to the underlying investments of the funds, the Company obtains and reviews fund financial statements, internal control review reports, and industry benchmarking reports to determine the reasonability of the NAV of the funds. There were no material changes in the Company's valuation techniques for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

18

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


4.
Fair value measurement, cont'd.
Other assets and other liabilities measured at fair value at June 30, 2015 include assets of $23.7 million (2014 - $25.6 million) and liabilities of $22.2 million (2014 - $35.4 million) related to proprietary, non-exchange traded derivative-based risk management products used in the Company's weather risk management business, and hedging and trading activities related to these risks. In instances where market prices are not available, the Company may use industry or internally developed valuation techniques such as historical analysis and simulation modeling to determine fair value and are considered Level 3.
Observable and unobservable inputs to these valuation techniques vary by contract requirements and commodity type, are validated using market-based or independently sourced parameters where applicable and may include the following:
Observable inputs: contract price, notional, option strike, term to expiry, interest rate, contractual limits;
Unobservable inputs: correlation; and
Both observable and unobservable: forward commodity price, forward weather curve.
The Company's weather curves are determined by taking the average payouts for each transaction within its portfolio utilizing de-trended historical weather measurements. The Company's commodity curves are determined using historical market data scaled to currently observed market prices. The range of each unobservable input could vary based on the specific commodity, including, but not limited to natural gas, electricity, crude, liquids, temperature or precipitation. Due to the diversity of the portfolio, the range of unobservable inputs could be wide-spread as reflected in the below table on quantitative information.
If a trade has one or more significant valuation inputs that are unobservable, such trades are initially valued at the transaction price, which is considered to be the best initial estimate of fair value. Subsequent to the initial valuation, the Company updates market observable inputs to reflect observable market changes. The unobservable inputs are validated at each reporting period and are only changed when corroborated by evidence such as similar market transactions, third-party pricing services and/or broker or dealer quotations or other empirical market data.
Changes in any or all of the unobservable inputs listed above may contribute positively or negatively to the overall portfolio fair value depending upon the underlying position. In general, movements in weather curves are the largest contributing factor that impacts fair value.

19

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


4.
Fair value measurement, cont'd.
Below is a summary of quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value of the net weather and energy related derivative assets and liabilities classified in Level 3 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
June 30, 2015
 
Fair Value
(Level 3)
 
Valuation
Techniques
 
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Low
 
High
 
Weighted Average
or Actual
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except for correlation)
Net weather and energy related derivative assets
$
1,507

 
Historical 
Analysis and Simulation
 
Correlation
 
0

 
1

 
Actual
 
 
 
 
 
Weather curve
 
$
2,200

 
$
10,600

 
Actual
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity curve
 
$

 
$
14

 
Actual
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value
(Level 3)
 
Valuation
Techniques
 
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Low
 
High
 
Weighted Average
or Actual
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except for correlation)
Net weather and energy related derivative liabilities
$
9,751

 
Historical 
Analysis and Simulation
 
Correlation
 
0

 
1

 
Actual
 
 
 
 
 
Weather curve
 
$
(828
)
 
$
2,500

 
Actual
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity curve
 
$

 
$

 
Actual
There were no impairment losses on Level 3 securities recognized in earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 or 2014.

20

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


4.
Fair value measurement, cont'd.
The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Fixed maturity
investments
 
Other
investments
 
Other assets
 
Total assets
 
Other
liabilities
Level 3, beginning of period
$
9,500

 
$
575,974

 
$
15,223

 
$
600,697

 
$
(17,385
)
Total equity income and realized gains included in earnings

 
14,469

 

 
14,469

 

Total equity losses and losses included in earnings
(2
)
 
(10,899
)
 

 
(10,901
)
 

Total income included in other underwriting income (loss)

 

 
3,499

 
3,499

 
7,806

Total loss included in other underwriting income (loss)

 

 
(4,152
)
 
(4,152
)
 
(3,691
)
Change in unrealized gains included in other comprehensive (loss) income
18

 

 

 
18

 

Change in unrealized losses included in other comprehensive (loss) income
(64
)
 

 

 
(64
)
 

Purchases

 
63,658

 

 
63,658

 

Issues

 

 
9,121

 
9,121

 
(12,324
)
Sales
(96
)
 
(19,334
)
 

 
(19,430
)
 

Settlements

 

 

 

 
3,410

Transfers in to Level 3
237

 

 

 
237

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(4,886
)
 

 

 
(4,886
)
 

Level 3, end of period
$
4,707

 
$
623,868

 
$
23,691

 
$
652,266

 
$
(22,184
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Fixed maturity
investments
 
Other
investments
 
Other assets
 
Total assets
 
Other
liabilities
Level 3, beginning of period
$
8,985

 
$
621,914

 
$
8,532

 
$
639,431

 
$
(13,448
)
Total equity income and realized gains included in earnings
36

 
16,286

 

 
16,322

 

Total equity losses and losses included in earnings

 
(5,501
)
 

 
(5,501
)
 

Total income included in other underwriting income (loss)

 

 
11,241

 
11,241

 
12,622

Total loss included in other underwriting income (loss)

 

 
(11,722
)
 
(11,722
)
 
(12,177
)
Change in unrealized gains included in other comprehensive (loss) income
89

 

 

 
89

 

Change in unrealized losses included in other comprehensive (loss) income
(36
)
 

 

 
(36
)
 

Purchases

 
21,867

 

 
21,867

 

Issues

 

 
2,941

 
2,941

 
(5,883
)
Sales
(856
)
 
(5,924
)
 

 
(6,780
)
 

Settlements

 

 

 

 
8,602

Transfers in to Level 3
2,886

 

 

 
2,886

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(1,589
)
 

 

 
(1,589
)
 

Level 3, end of period
$
9,515

 
$
648,642

 
$
10,992

 
$
669,149

 
$
(10,284
)

21

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


4.
Fair value measurement, cont'd.
The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Fixed maturity
investments
 
Other
investments
 
Other assets
 
Total assets
 
Other
liabilities
Level 3, beginning of period
$
12,290

 
$
541,454

 
$
25,615

 
$
579,359

 
$
(35,366
)
Total equity income and realized gains included in earnings
113

 
35,018

 

 
35,131

 

Total equity losses and losses included in earnings
(11
)
 
(19,060
)
 

 
(19,071
)
 

Total income included in other underwriting income (loss)

 

 
5,595

 
5,595

 
20,865

Total loss included in other underwriting income (loss)

 

 
(12,994
)
 
(12,994
)
 
(7,220
)
Change in unrealized gains included in other comprehensive (loss) income
24

 

 

 
24

 

Change in unrealized losses included in other comprehensive (loss) income
(193
)
 

 

 
(193
)
 

Purchases

 
102,979

 

 
102,979

 

Issues

 

 
12,333

 
12,333

 
(18,748
)
Sales
(310
)
 
(36,523
)
 

 
(36,833
)
 

Settlements

 

 
(6,858
)
 
(6,858
)
 
18,285

Transfers in to Level 3
1,970

 

 

 
1,970

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(9,176
)
 

 

 
(9,176
)
 

Level 3, end of period
$
4,707

 
$
623,868

 
$
23,691

 
$
652,266

 
$
(22,184
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Fixed maturity
investments
 
Other
investments
 
Other assets
 
Total assets
 
Other
liabilities
Level 3, beginning of period
$
7,328

 
$
617,478

 
$
14,038

 
$
638,844

 
$
(19,569
)
Total equity income and realized gains included in earnings
53

 
35,472

 

 
35,525

 

Total equity losses and losses included in earnings
(26
)
 
(11,146
)
 

 
(11,172
)
 

Total income included in other underwriting income (loss)

 

 
15,216

 
15,216

 
20,048

Total loss included in other underwriting income (loss)

 

 
(18,610
)
 
(18,610
)
 
(16,953
)
Change in unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)
200

 

 

 
200

 

Change in unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss)
(151
)
 

 

 
(151
)
 

Purchases

 
26,541

 

 
26,541

 

Issues

 

 
3,581

 
3,581

 
(7,163
)
Sales
(1,040
)
 
(19,703
)
 

 
(20,743
)
 

Settlements

 

 
(3,233
)
 
(3,233
)
 
13,353

Transfers in to Level 3
5,003

 

 

 
5,003

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(1,852
)
 

 

 
(1,852
)
 

Level 3, end of period
$
9,515

 
$
648,642

 
$
10,992

 
$
669,149

 
$
(10,284
)

22

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


5.     Earnings per share
The two-class method utilized by the Company is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for the holders of Endurance Holdings' ordinary shares (also referred to as "common shares") and participating common shares, which includes unvested restricted shares and restricted share units that receive cash dividends, according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Net income available to common and participating common shareholders is reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the current period and by the contractual amount of dividends that must be paid for the current period related to the Company's common and participating common shares. Any remaining undistributed earnings are allocated to the common and participating common shareholders to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. In periods of loss, no losses are allocated to participating common shareholders. Instead, all such losses are allocated solely to the common shareholders.
Basic earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of common shares excludes any dilutive effect of outstanding options and convertible securities such as unvested restricted shares and restricted share units.
Diluted earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and assumes the exercise of all dilutive stock options and the vesting or conversion of all convertible securities such as unvested restricted shares and restricted share units using the two-class method described above.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common and participating common shareholders
$
76,018

 
$
74,975

 
$
176,309

 
$
171,267

Less amount allocated to participating common
shareholders(1)
(2,273
)
 
(2,212
)
 
(5,237
)
 
(4,988
)
Net income allocated to common shareholders
73,745

 
72,763

 
$
171,072

 
$
166,279

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares - basic
43,736,541

 
43,350,911

 
43,640,052

 
43,265,200

Share equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options
150,384

 

 
148,204

 
283

Restricted shares and restricted share units
9,796

 

 
4,370

 
143

Weighted average shares - diluted
43,896,721

 
43,350,911

 
43,792,626

 
43,265,626

Basic earnings per common share
$
1.69

 
$
1.68

 
$
3.92

 
$
3.84

Diluted earnings per common share
$
1.68

 
$
1.68

 
$
3.91

 
$
3.84

(1)
Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares and restricted share units issued under the Company's equity compensation plan that are considered participating. In periods of loss, no losses are allocated to participating common shareholders (unvested restricted shares and restricted share units).

23

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


5.     Earnings per share, cont'd.
Endurance Holdings declared a dividend of $0.484375 per Series A preferred share and $0.468750 per Series B preferred share on May 13, 2015 (2014 - Series A: $0.484375, Series B: $0.468750). The Series A and Series B preferred share dividends were paid on June 15, 2015 to shareholders of record on May 29, 2015. Endurance Holdings also declared a dividend of $0.35 per common share on May 20, 2015 (2014 - $0.34). The dividend was paid on June 30, 2015 to shareholders of record on June 16, 2015.
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Dividends declared per Series A preferred share
$
0.484375

 
$
0.484375

 
$
0.968750

 
$
0.968750

Dividends declared per Series B preferred share
$
0.468750

 
$
0.468750

 
$
0.937500

 
$
0.937500

Dividends declared per common share
$
0.35

 
$
0.34

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.68

6.
Accumulated other comprehensive income
The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances by component for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Losses on cash flow hedges
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
(1,744
)
 
$
110,589

 
$
(31,086
)
 
$
77,759

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

 
(57,671
)
 
26,163

 
(31,508
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(1)
22

 
(9,308
)
 

 
(9,286
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
22

 
(66,979
)
 
26,163

 
(40,794
)
Ending balance
$
(1,722
)
 
$
43,610

 
$
(4,923
)
 
$
36,965

(1)All amounts are net of tax.
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Losses on cash flow hedges
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
(1,832
)
 
69,330

 
$
21,861

 
$
89,359

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 
39,676

 
8,998

 
48,674

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(1)
22

 
(2,017
)
 

 
(1,995
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
22

 
37,659

 
8,998

 
46,679

Ending balance
$
(1,810
)
 
$
106,989

 
$
30,859

 
$
136,038

(1)All amounts are net of tax.

24

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


6.
Accumulated other comprehensive income, cont'd.
The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances by component for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Losses on cash flow hedges
 
Unrealized gains
 on available for sale securities
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
(1,766
)
 
$
86,100

 
$
(7,628
)
 
$
76,706

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

 
(16,937
)
 
2,705

 
(14,232
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(1)
44

 
(25,553
)
 

 
(25,509
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
44

 
(42,490
)
 
2,705

 
(39,741
)
Ending balance
$
(1,722
)
 
$
43,610

 
$
(4,923
)
 
$
36,965

(1)All amounts are net of tax.
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Losses on cash flow hedges
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
(1,855
)
 
$
45,950

 
$
18,636

 
$
62,731

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 
67,341

 
12,223

 
79,564

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(1)
45

 
(6,302
)
 

 
(6,257
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
45

 
61,039

 
12,223

 
73,307

Ending balance
$
(1,810
)
 
$
106,989

 
$
30,859

 
$
136,038

(1)All amounts are net of tax.


25

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


6.
Accumulated other comprehensive income, cont'd.
The following tables present the significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
Details about accumulated other comprehensive
income components
 
Amount reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income
 
Affected line item in the Unaudited
Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Income and Comprehensive Income
Losses on cash flow hedges - Debt
 
$
22

 
Interest expense
 
 
22

 
Total before income taxes
 
 

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
22

 
Total net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
$
(9,589
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
 
 
424

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
(9,165
)
 
Total before income taxes
 
 
(143
)
 
Income tax benefit
 
 
$
(9,308
)
 
Total net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Details about accumulated other comprehensive
income components
 
Amount reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income
 
Affected line item in the Unaudited
Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Income and Comprehensive Income
Losses on cash flow hedges - Debt
 
$
22

 
Interest expense
 
 
22

 
Total before income taxes
 
 

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
22

 
Total net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
$
(2,068
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
 
 
198

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
(1,870
)
 
Total before income taxes
 
 
(147
)
 
Income tax benefit
 
 
$
(2,017
)
 
Total net of income taxes



26

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


6.
Accumulated other comprehensive income, cont'd.
The following tables present the significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Details about accumulated other comprehensive
income components
 
Amount reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income
 
Affected line item in the Unaudited
Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Income and Comprehensive Income
Losses on cash flow hedges - Debt
 
$
44

 
Interest expense
 
 
44

 
Total before income taxes
 
 

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
44

 
Total net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
$
(27,359
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
 
 
1,073

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
(26,286
)
 
Total before income taxes
 
 
733

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(25,553
)
 
Total net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Details about accumulated other comprehensive
income components
 
Amount reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income
 
Affected line item in the Unaudited
Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Income and Comprehensive Income
Losses on cash flow hedges - Debt
 
$
45

 
Interest expense
 
 
45

 
Total before income taxes
 
 

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
45

 
Total net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
$
(6,331
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
 
 
309

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
(6,022
)
 
Total before income taxes
 
 
(280
)
 
Income tax benefit
 
 
$
(6,302
)
 
Total net of income taxes


27

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


7.
Derivatives
The Company regularly transacts in certain derivative-based weather risk management products primarily to address weather and energy risks on behalf of third parties. The markets for these derivatives are generally linked to energy and agriculture commodities, weather and other natural phenomena. Generally, the Company's current portfolio of such derivative contracts is of short duration and such contracts are predominantly seasonal in nature. The Company also invests a portion of its fixed maturity assets with third party investment managers with investment guidelines that permit the use of derivative instruments. The Company may enter derivative transactions directly or as part of strategies employed by its external investment managers.
The Company's derivative instruments are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in fair value and gains and losses recognized in net realized and unrealized gains, net foreign exchange losses and other underwriting income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
The Company's derivatives are not designated as hedges under current accounting guidance.
The Company's objectives for holding these derivatives are as follows:
Interest Rate Futures, Swaps, Swaptions and Options - to manage exposure to interest rate risk, which can include increasing or decreasing its exposure to this risk through modification of the portfolio composition and duration.
Foreign Exchange Forwards, Futures and Options - as part of overall currency risk management and investment strategies.
Credit Default Swaps - to manage market exposures. The Company may assume or economically hedge credit risk through credit default swaps to replicate or hedge investment positions. The original term of these credit default swaps is generally five years or less.
To-Be-Announced Mortgage-backed Securities ("TBAs") - to enhance investment performance and as part of overall investment strategy. TBAs represent commitments to purchase or sell a future issuance of agency mortgage-backed securities. For the period between purchase of a TBA and issuance of the underlying securities, the Company’s position is accounted for as a derivative.
Energy and Weather Contracts – to address weather and energy risks. The Company may purchase or sell contracts with financial settlements based on the performance of an index linked to a quantifiable weather element, such as temperature, precipitation, snowfall or windspeed, and structures with multiple risk triggers indexed to a quantifiable weather element and a weather sensitive commodity price, such as temperature and electrical power or natural gas. Generally, the Company’s current portfolio of energy and weather derivative contracts is of comparably short duration and such contracts are predominantly seasonal in nature.

28

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


7.
Derivatives, cont'd.
The fair values and the related notional values of derivatives at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are shown below.
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair
Value
 
Notional
Principal
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Notional
Principal
Amount
Derivatives recorded in other assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts
$
91

 
$
24,185

 
$
651

 
$
42,694

Credit default swaps
27

 
2,190

 

 

Interest rate swaps
98

 
1,900

 

 

Interest rate futures
3

 
54,348

 
7

 
7,595

TBAs
46,660

 
44,700

 
73,231

 
70,000

Energy and weather contracts
23,691

 
76,702

 
25,615

 
81,624

Total recorded in other assets
70,570

 
 
 
99,504

 
 
Derivatives recorded in other liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts
$
306

 
$
26,895

 
$
123

 
$
20,945

Credit default swaps
1

 
2,099

 

 

Interest rate swaps
176

 
46,000

 
20

 
12,549

Interest rate swaptions

 

 
9

 
13,100

Interest rate futures
3

 
9,672

 

 

TBAs
21,713

 
20,700

 
18,820

 
18,000

Energy and weather contracts
22,184

 
130,539

 
35,366

 
135,050

Total recorded in other liabilities
44,383

 
 
 
54,338

 
 
Net derivative asset
$
26,187

 
 
 
$
45,166

 
 
At June 30, 2015, the Company's derivative assets of $70.6 million (December 31, 2014 - $99.5 million) and liabilities of $44.4 million (December 31, 2014 - $54.3 million) are subject to master netting agreements, which provide for the ability to settle the derivative asset and liability with each counterparty on a net basis. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, interest rate futures were not subject to a master netting agreement. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, none of the Company's derivative instruments were recorded on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The gains and losses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Total included in net foreign exchange losses from foreign exchange forward contracts
$
(343
)
 
$
(172
)
 
$
1,126

 
$
(399
)
Interest rate futures
(27
)
 
115

 
95

 
135

Credit default swaps
9

 
14

 
9

 
14

Interest rate swaps
320

 
(316
)
 
(235
)
 
(1,081
)
Interest rate swaptions

 
(1
)
 
28

 
428

TBAs
(211
)
 
1,531

 
613

 
2,456

Total included in net realized and unrealized gains
91

 
1,343

 
510

 
1,952

Total included in other underwriting income (loss) from energy and weather contracts
3,258

 
(40
)
 
6,042

 
(299
)
Total gains from derivatives
$
3,006

 
$
1,131

 
$
7,678

 
$
1,254



29

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


8.
Stock-based employee compensation and other stock plans
The Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan, which provides the Company with the ability to grant options to purchase the Company's ordinary shares, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, share bonuses and other equity incentive awards to key employees.
Options
In 2013, the Company issued options to the current Chief Executive Officer as an inducement to his joining the Company. The options vest annually, in five equal tranches commencing on May 28, 2013, subject to the Chief Executive Officer's continued employment, or in the event of certain terminations of employment and other events. The Chief Executive Officer's options have a ten-year contractual life. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton formula to estimate the value of stock options granted.
Performance-Based Restricted Shares
Commencing in March 2015, the Company issued performance-based restricted shares to certain of its senior executives. The performance-based restricted shares represent the right to receive a specified number of ordinary shares in the future, based upon the achievement of pre-established performance criteria during the applicable performance period. Performance-based restricted shares granted to employees cliff vest at the end of the three-year period. The number of performance-based restricted shares that will ultimately vest is subject to a periodic review and adjustment taking into account actual performance of the Company compared to the performance of a publicly-traded peer group of companies.
Performance-based restricted shares are forfeited upon departure from the Company for any reason prior to the applicable vesting date other than in cases of death, disability, termination of employment in connection with a change in control and retirement. In the case of death, disability or change in control, 50% of the performance-based restricted shares will vest upon the date of death or disability or termination of employment in connection with a change in control. Where an employee meets certain retirement eligibility criteria, the performance-based restricted shares will continue to vest post-employment, subject to compliance with certain non-competition obligations.
The fair value of the performance-based restricted shares is measured at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation based on pre-established targets relating to certain performance based measures achieved by the Company, with the associated expense recognized over the applicable performance and vesting period.
Time-Based Restricted Shares
The Company has issued time-based restricted shares to employees and non-employee directors. Restricted shares granted to employees generally vest pro-rata over a four-year period. Restricted shares are forfeited upon departure from the Company for any reason prior to the applicable vesting date other than in cases where an employee meets certain retirement eligibility criteria that allow for continuing post-employment vesting of restricted shares, subject to compliance with certain non-competition obligations.
Restricted shares granted to non-employee directors vest twelve months following the date of grant and are forfeited upon departure of the non-employee director from the Board of Directors for any reason prior to the applicable vesting date.
The fair value of the restricted shares granted is equal to the fair market value of the Company's ordinary shares on the grant date. Compensation equal to the fair market value of the restricted shares at the measurement date is amortized and charged to income over the vesting period.
Restricted Share Units
The Company has issued restricted share units to employees in select jurisdictions where the issuance of restricted shares results in unfavorable tax treatment for employee recipients. Restricted share units granted to employees generally vest pro-rata over a four-year period. Restricted share units are forfeited upon departure from the Company for any reason prior to the applicable vesting date other than in cases where an employee meets certain retirement eligibility criteria that allow for continuing post-employment vesting of restricted shares, subject to compliance with certain non-competition obligations.


30

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


8.
Stock-based employee compensation and other stock plans, cont'd.
The fair value of the restricted share units granted is equal to the fair market value of the Company's ordinary shares on the grant date. Compensation equal to the fair market value of the restricted share units at the measurement date is amortized and charged to income over the vesting period.
Summary of Stock-Based Employee Compensation Activity
No options were granted, expired or exercised during the quarter ended June 30, 2015. No options were granted or expired during the quarter ended June 30, 2014. During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, 15,000 options were exercised. During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, 160,000 (2014 - 160,000) options vested. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 was $0.3 million. The Company received proceeds of $0.5 million from the exercise of options during the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The Company issued new ordinary shares in connection with the exercise of the above options. For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compensation costs recognized in earnings for all options totaled $0.5 million (2014 - $0.9 million). At June 30, 2015, compensation costs not yet recognized related to unvested stock options was $1.6 million (2014 - $3.7 million).
No options were granted, expired or exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2015. No options were granted or expired during the six months ended June 30, 2014. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, 15,000 options were exercised. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, 160,000 (2014 - 160,000) options vested. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $0.3 million. The Company received proceeds of $0.5 million from the exercise of options during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company issued new ordinary shares in connection with the exercise of the above options. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, compensation costs recognized in earnings for all options totaled $1.0 million (2014 - $2.0 million).
A summary of the restricted share and restricted share unit activity during the six months ended June 30, 2015, is presented below:
 
 
Number of
Shares/Units
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Unvested, beginning of period
 
1,290,894

 
 
Granted
 
504,352

 
 
Settled
 
(445,083
)
 
 
Forfeited
 
(3,301
)
 
 
Unvested, end of period
 
1,346,862

 
 
Outstanding, end of period
 
1,346,862

 
$
88,489

During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the Company granted an aggregate of 31,690 (201497,646) restricted shares and restricted share units under the 2007 Plan. The restricted shares and restricted share units granted had weighted average grant date fair values of $2.0 million (2014 - $5.1 million). During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the aggregate fair value of restricted shares that vested was $7.8 million (2014 - $8.3 million). For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compensation costs recognized in earnings for all restricted shares and restricted share units were $7.6 million (2014 - $6.6 million). At June 30, 2015, compensation costs not yet recognized related to unvested restricted shares and restricted share units was $34.0 million (2014 - $31.8 million).
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company granted an aggregate of 504,352 (2014433,417) restricted shares and restricted share units under the 2007 Plan. The restricted shares and restricted share units granted had weighted average grant date fair values of $30.0 million (2014 - $22.7 million). During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the aggregate fair value of restricted shares and restricted share units that vested was $21.6 million (2014 - $18.5 million). For the six months ended June 30, 2015, compensation costs recognized in earnings for all restricted shares and restricted share units were $16.9 million (2014 - $15.8 million).

31

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


8.
Stock-based employee compensation and other stock plans, cont'd.
Employee Share Purchase Plan
The Company also has an Employee Share Purchase Plan ("2005 Employee Share Purchase Plan" and subsequently "2015 Employee Share Purchase Plan") under which employees of Endurance Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries may purchase Endurance Holdings' ordinary shares. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, total expenses related to the Company’s Employee Share Purchase Plan were approximately $79,000 (2014 - $55,000) and $144,000 (2014 - $109,000), respectively.
The 2005 Employee Share Purchase Plan is scheduled to terminate in accordance with its terms on October 1, 2015. On February 26, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Endurance Holdings approved, subject to approval by the Company's shareholders, a new employee share purchase plan ("2015 Employee Share Purchase Plan"). At the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2015, the 2015 Employee Share Purchase Plan was approved by the Company's shareholders. The Company ceased offering and issuing new shares under the 2005 Employee Share Purchase Plan on June 30, 2015 and began offering and issuing new shares under the 2015 Employee Share Purchase Plan after July 1, 2015.
9.
Segment reporting
The determination of the Company's business segments is based on how the Company monitors the performance of its underwriting operations. The Company has two reportable business segments, Insurance and Reinsurance, which are comprised of the following lines of business:
Insurance segment lines of business 
Agriculture
Casualty and other specialty
Professional lines
Property, marine and energy
Reinsurance segment lines of business 
Catastrophe
Property
Casualty
Professional lines
Specialty
Management measures segment results on the basis of the combined ratio, which is obtained by dividing the sum of the net losses and loss expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned. When purchased within a single line of business, ceded reinsurance and recoveries are accounted for within that line of business. When purchased across multiple lines of business, ceded reinsurance and recoveries are allocated to the lines of business in proportion to the related risks assumed. The Company does not manage its assets by segment; accordingly, investment income and total assets are not allocated to the individual business segments. General and administrative expenses incurred by the segments are allocated directly. Remaining general and administrative expenses not incurred by the segments are classified as corporate expenses and are not allocated to the individual business segments. Ceded reinsurance and recoveries are recorded within the business segment to which they apply.

32

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


9.
Segment reporting, cont'd.
The following table provides a summary of segment revenues, results and reserves for losses and loss expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
468,866

 
$
392,318

 
$
861,184

 
Ceded premiums written
(278,567
)
 
(23,534
)
 
(302,101
)
 
Net premiums written
190,299

 
368,784

 
559,083

 
Net premiums earned
201,460

 
256,675

 
458,135

 
Other underwriting income

 
1,389

 
1,389

 
 
201,460

 
258,064

 
459,524

 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
145,483

 
93,639

 
239,122

 
Acquisition expenses
17,702

 
67,269

 
84,971

 
General and administrative expenses
28,567

 
26,398

 
54,965

 
 
191,752

 
187,306

 
379,058

 
Underwriting income
$
9,708

 
$
70,758

 
80,466

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
 
 
 
32,252

 
Corporate expenses
 
 
 
 
(12,634
)
 
Net foreign exchange losses
 
 
 
 
(12,981
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
 
 
 
 
9,680

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
(424
)
 
Amortization of intangibles
 
 
 
 
(1,579
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
 
 
(9,062
)
 
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
$
85,718

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss ratio
72.2
%
 
36.5
%
 
52.2
%
 
Acquisition expense ratio
8.8
%
 
26.2
%
 
18.5
%
 
General and administrative expense ratio
14.2
%
 
10.3
%
 
14.8
%
(1)
Combined ratio
95.2
%
 
73.0
%
 
85.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for losses and loss expenses
$
2,157,769

 
$
1,675,756

 
$
3,833,525

 
(1) General and administrative expense ratio includes general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses.

33

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


9.
Segment reporting, cont'd.
The following table provides a summary of segment revenues, results and reserves for losses and loss expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
321,526

 
$
367,899

 
$
689,425

 
Ceded premiums written
(142,488
)
 
(35,510
)
 
(177,998
)
 
Net premiums written
179,038

 
332,389

 
511,427

 
Net premiums earned
218,563

 
262,975

 
481,538

 
Other underwriting loss

 
(4,824
)
 
(4,824
)
 
 
218,563

 
258,151

 
476,714

 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
149,567

 
109,629

 
259,196

 
Acquisition expenses
15,128

 
63,473

 
78,601

 
General and administrative expenses
35,969

 
22,343

 
58,312

 
 
200,664

 
195,445

 
396,109

 
Underwriting income
$
17,899

 
$
62,706

 
80,605

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
 
 
 
39,302

 
Corporate expenses
 
 
 
 
(28,143
)
 
Net foreign exchange losses
 
 
 
 
(319
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
 
 
 
 
3,411

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
(198
)
 
Amortization of intangibles
 
 
 
 
(1,623
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
 
 
(9,732
)
 
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
$
83,303

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss ratio
68.5
%
 
41.7
%
 
53.8
%
 
Acquisition expense ratio
6.9
%
 
24.1
%
 
16.3
%
 
General and administrative expense ratio
16.4
%
 
8.5
%
 
18.0
%
(1)
Combined ratio
91.8
%
 
74.3
%
 
88.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for losses and loss expenses
$
2,143,921

 
$
1,819,472

 
$
3,963,393

 
(1) General and administrative expense ratio includes general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses.


34

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


9.
Segment reporting, cont'd.
The following table provides gross and net premiums written by line of business for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Gross
premiums
written
 
Net
premiums
written
 
Gross
premiums
written
 
Net
premiums
written
Business Segment
2015
 
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
$
112,012

 
$
22,677

 
$
80,540

 
$
45,826

Casualty and other specialty
146,056

 
65,302

 
108,030

 
56,475

Professional lines
96,736

 
43,443

 
74,650

 
29,846

Property, marine and energy
114,062

 
58,877

 
58,306

 
46,891

Total Insurance
468,866

 
190,299

 
321,526

 
179,038

Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe
139,833

 
122,305

 
158,372

 
123,411

Property
30,560

 
30,118

 
42,887

 
42,886

Casualty
48,132

 
48,132

 
30,875

 
30,868

Professional lines
134,241

 
134,241

 
84,117

 
84,117

Specialty
39,552

 
33,988

 
51,648

 
51,107

Total Reinsurance
392,318

 
368,784

 
367,899

 
332,389

Total
$
861,184

 
$
559,083

 
$
689,425

 
$
511,427


35

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


9.
Segment reporting, cont'd.
The following table provides a summary of the segment revenues and results for the six months ended June 30, 2015:
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
1,205,084

 
$
957,532

 
$
2,162,616

 
Ceded premiums written
(710,746
)
 
(127,833
)
 
(838,579
)
 
Net premiums written
494,338

 
829,699

 
1,324,037

 
Net premiums earned
337,324

 
510,670

 
847,994

 
Other underwriting income

 
3,795

 
3,795

 
 
337,324

 
514,465

 
851,789

 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
219,995

 
191,063

 
411,058

 
Acquisition expenses
33,585

 
133,479

 
167,064

 
General and administrative expenses
57,409

 
52,446

 
109,855

 
 
310,989

 
376,988

 
687,977

 
Underwriting income
$
26,335

 
$
137,477

 
163,812

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
 
 
 
74,113

 
Corporate expenses
 
 
 
 
(24,902
)
 
Net foreign exchange losses
 
 
 
 
(20,533
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
 
 
 
 
27,869

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
(1,073
)
 
Amortization of intangibles
 
 
 
 
(3,178
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
 
 
(18,121
)
 
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
$
197,987

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss ratio
65.2
%
 
37.4
%
 
48.5
%
 
Acquisition expense ratio
10.0
%
 
26.1
%
 
19.7
%
 
General and administrative expense ratio
17.0
%
 
10.3
%
 
15.9
%
(1)
Combined ratio
92.2
%
 
73.8
%
 
84.1
%
 
(1) General and administrative expense ratio includes general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses.

36

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


9.
Segment reporting, cont'd.
The following table provides a summary of the segment revenues and results for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
973,802

 
$
873,138

 
$
1,846,940

 
Ceded premiums written
(451,737
)
 
(85,071
)
 
(536,808
)
 
Net premiums written
522,065

 
788,067

 
1,310,132

 
Net premiums earned
362,584

 
515,220

 
877,804

 
Other underwriting loss

 
(6,062
)
 
(6,062
)
 
 
362,584

 
509,158

 
871,742

 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
238,100

 
197,992

 
436,092

 
Acquisition expenses
27,389

 
123,369

 
150,758

 
General and administrative expenses
72,668

 
45,145

 
117,813

 
 
338,157

 
366,506

 
704,663

 
Underwriting income
$
24,427

 
$
142,652

 
167,079

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
 
 
 
80,292

 
Corporate expenses
 
 
 
 
(41,848
)
 
Net foreign exchange losses
 
 
 
 
(3,283
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains
 
 
 
 
8,283

 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
(309
)
 
Amortization of intangibles
 
 
 
 
(3,240
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
 
 
(18,783
)
 
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
$
188,191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss ratio
65.7
%
 
38.5
%
 
49.6
%
 
Acquisition expense ratio
7.6
%
 
23.9
%
 
17.2
%
 
General and administrative expense ratio
20.0
%
 
8.7
%
 
18.2
%
(1)
Combined ratio
93.3
%
 
71.1
%
 
85.0
%
 
(1) General and administrative expense ratio includes general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses.


37

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


9.
Segment reporting, cont'd.
The following table provides gross and net premiums written by line of business for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Gross
premiums
written
 
Net
premiums
written
 
Gross
premiums
written
 
Net
premiums
written
Business Segment
2015
 
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
$
628,928

 
$
225,137

 
$
608,434

 
$
327,471

Casualty and other specialty
246,738

 
110,360

 
175,683

 
93,288

Professional lines
151,496

 
67,674

 
113,430

 
44,416

Property, marine and energy
177,922

 
91,167

 
76,255

 
56,890

Total Insurance
1,205,084

 
494,338

 
973,802

 
522,065

Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe
264,240

 
175,765

 
285,020

 
202,374

Property
156,260

 
153,567

 
209,300

 
209,208

Casualty
106,230

 
106,230

 
115,857

 
114,260

Professional lines
178,098

 
178,098

 
109,736

 
109,736

Specialty
252,704

 
216,039

 
153,225

 
152,489

Total Reinsurance
957,532

 
829,699

 
873,138

 
788,067

Total
$
2,162,616

 
$
1,324,037

 
$
1,846,940

 
$
1,310,132


10.
Commitments and contingencies
Concentrations of credit risk. The Company's reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 amounted to $942.8 million and $889.1 million, respectively. At June 30, 2015, substantially all reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses were due from the U.S. government or from reinsurers rated A- or better by A.M. Best Company Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company held collateral of $221.0 million and $199.7 million, respectively, related to its ceded reinsurance agreements.
Major production sources. The following table shows the percentage of net premiums written generated through the Company’s largest brokers for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
Broker
 
2015
 
2014
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
 
26.6
%
 
22.1
%
Aon Benfield
 
16.2
%
 
16.0
%
Willis Companies
 
10.5
%
 
11.8
%
Total of largest brokers
 
53.3
%
 
49.9
%
Letters of credit. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had issued letters of credit of $192.4 million (December 31, 2014$209.9 million) under its credit facilities and letter of credit reimbursement agreements in favor of certain ceding companies to collateralize obligations.


38

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


10.
Commitments and contingencies, cont'd.
Investment commitments. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had pledged cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments of $151.0 million and $130.6 million, respectively, in favor of certain ceding companies to collateralize obligations. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had also pledged $219.4 million and $240.0 million of its cash and fixed maturity investments as required to meet collateral obligations for $192.4 million and $209.9 million, respectively, in letters of credit outstanding under its credit facilities and letter of credit reimbursement agreements. In addition, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, cash and fixed maturity investments with fair values of $204.0 million and $205.2 million were on deposit with U.S. state regulators, respectively.
The Company is subject to certain commitments with respect to other investments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. See Note 3.
Reinsurance commitments. In the ordinary course of business, the Company periodically enters into reinsurance agreements that include terms which could require the Company to collateralize certain of its obligations.
Employment agreements. The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain officers that provide for equity incentive awards, executive benefits and severance payments under certain circumstances.
Operating leases. The Company leases office space and office equipment under operating leases. Future minimum lease commitments at June 30, 2015 are as follows:
Twelve months ended June 30,
 
Amount
2016
 
$
14,663

2017
 
14,111

2018
 
13,811

2019
 
13,251

2020
 
13,501

2021 and thereafter
 
28,570

 
 
$
97,907

Total net lease expense under operating leases for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $6.4 million (2014$8.2 million).
Legal proceedings. The Company is party to various legal proceedings generally arising in the normal course of its business. While any proceeding contains an element of uncertainty, the Company does not believe that the eventual outcome of any litigation or arbitration proceeding to which it is presently a party could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or business. Pursuant to the Company's insurance and reinsurance agreements, disputes are generally required to be settled by arbitration.
See Note 11 for a description of the commitments and contingencies related to the Company's acquisition of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. ("Montpelier").
11.
Subsequent event
On March 31, 2015, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Montpelier and Millhill Holdings Ltd., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Merger Sub"), under which Endurance Holdings, through Merger Sub, acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Montpelier (the "Merger"). The Merger was completed on July 31, 2015 (the "Closing Date").
Prior to the closing of the Merger, Montpelier was a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and headquartered in Bermuda. As of the close of trading on July 31, 2015, the common shares of Montpelier ceased trading. Montpelier, through its operating subsidiaries, was a provider of global property and casualty reinsurance and insurance products. The Merger is expected to increase the Company's breadth of distribution with the addition of a Lloyd's of London platform and a third-party capital insurance and reinsurance investment product business, as well as a property catastrophe business that complements the Company's existing reinsurance portfolio. The Company expects to achieve transaction synergies through costs savings and capital efficiencies.

39

ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except
for ratios, share and per share amounts)


11.
Subsequent event, cont'd.
Purchase price
The Company's total purchase price for Montpelier at July 31, 2015 was calculated as follows:
Consideration paid by Endurance
 
 
Number of Montpelier common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Merger
 
43,827,753

Exchange ratio
 
0.472

Total Company ordinary shares
 
20,686,699

Company ordinary share closing price on July 31, 2015
 
$
69.49

Total value of Company ordinary shares
 
$
1,437,519

Fair value of restricted share units attributable to service period prior to merger date(1)
 
$
33,327

Total consideration
 
$
1,470,846

 
 
 
Special Dividend paid by Montpelier
 
 
Number of Montpelier common shares and restricted share units eligible for special dividend
 
45,611,810

Special dividend paid per Montpelier common share and restricted share unit
 
$
9.89

Total special dividend consideration paid to Montpelier common shareholders
 
$
451,101

 
 
 
Total consideration received by Montpelier common shareholders
 
$
1,921,947

Less: Special Dividend paid by Montpelier
 
(451,101
)
Net purchase price
 
$
1,470,846

(1) Outstanding Montpelier restricted share units were assumed by the Company and adjusted as of the Closing Date to represent the right to receive 0.472 Endurance ordinary shares for each outstanding Montpelier restricted share unit rounded down to the next whole number of Endurance ordinary shares. The fair value of the Montpelier restricted share units was determined based on the closing price of Endurance ordinary shares on the Closing Date. The resulting fair value of the restricted share units was apportioned as purchase consideration based on service provided to Montpelier as of the Closing Date with the remaining fair value of these restricted share units to be recognized prospectively over the restricted share units' remaining vesting period.
The Company incurred certain acquisition and integration costs associated with the Merger prior to the Closing Date. The Company has recorded $3.5 million and $4.5 million of these costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. In addition, the Company was contractually obligated to pay investment banking fees of approximately $15.0 million upon closing of the Merger. The Company expects to incur additional costs and expenses associated with the Merger during 2015.
Due to the limited time subsequent to the acquisition date, the accounting for the Merger is not yet complete. The Company intends to include amounts recognized as of the acquisition date for the major classes of assets and liabilities assumed, pre-acquisition contingencies and goodwill in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2015.
The assets and liabilities acquired from Montpelier, the consideration paid to acquire Montpelier, as well as the results of Montpelier's operations are not reflected in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

40


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 of Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. ("Endurance Holdings") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"). This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Form 10-Q") as well as the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the discussions of critical accounting policies and the qualitative and quantitative disclosure about market risk contained in Endurance Holdings' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (the "2014 Form 10-K").
Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, including information with respect to the Company’s plans and strategy for its business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Please see the section "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" below for more information on factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this discussion and analysis. You should review the "Risk Factors" set forth in the 2014 Form 10-K and this Form 10-Q for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein.
Overview
Endurance Holdings was organized as a Bermuda holding company on June 27, 2002 and has seven wholly-owned operating subsidiaries: 
Endurance Specialty Insurance Ltd. ("Endurance Bermuda"), domiciled in Bermuda with branch offices in Switzerland and Singapore;
Endurance Reinsurance Corporation of America ("Endurance U.S. Reinsurance"), domiciled in Delaware;
Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited ("Endurance U.K."), domiciled in England;
Endurance American Insurance Company ("Endurance American"), domiciled in Delaware;
Endurance American Specialty Insurance Company ("Endurance American Specialty"), domiciled in Delaware;
Endurance Risk Solutions Assurance Co. ("Endurance Risk Solutions"), domiciled in Delaware; and
American Agri-Business Insurance Company ("American Agri-Business"), domiciled in Texas and managed by ARMtech Insurance Services, Inc. (together with American Agri-Business, "ARMtech").
The Company writes specialty lines of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance on a global basis and seeks to create a portfolio of specialty lines of business that are profitable and have limited correlation with one another. The Company's portfolio of specialty lines of business is organized into two business segments, Insurance and Reinsurance.    
In the Insurance segment, the Company writes agriculture, casualty and other specialty, professional lines, and property, marine and energy insurance. In the Reinsurance segment, the Company writes catastrophe, property, casualty, professional lines and specialty reinsurance.
The Company's Insurance and Reinsurance segments both include property related coverages which provide insurance or reinsurance of an insurable interest in tangible property for property loss, damage or loss of use. In addition, the Company's Insurance and Reinsurance segments include various casualty insurance and reinsurance coverages which are primarily concerned with the losses caused by injuries to third parties, i.e., not the insured, or to property owned by third parties and the legal liability imposed on the insured resulting from such injuries.
Montpelier Acquisition
On March 31, 2015, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. ("Montpelier") and Millhill Holdings Ltd., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Merger Sub"), under which Endurance Holdings, through Merger Sub, acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Montpelier (the "Merger"). The Merger was completed on July 31, 2015.
Prior to the closing of the Merger, Montpelier was a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and headquartered in Bermuda. As of the close of trading on July 31, 2015, the common shares of Montpelier ceased trading. Montpelier, through its operating subsidiaries, was a provider of global property and casualty reinsurance and insurance products. The Merger is expected to increase the Company's breadth of distribution with the addition of a Lloyd's of

41


London platform and a third-party capital insurance and reinsurance investment product business, as well as a property catastrophe business that complements the Company's existing reinsurance portfolio. The Company expects to achieve transaction synergies through costs savings and capital efficiencies.
The aggregate consideration for the Merger consisted of the issuance of 20.7 million Endurance Holdings common shares valued at $1.4 billion, $33.3 million fair value of restricted share units assigned as purchase consideration, and $451.1 million of cash. The cash consideration was funded through a dividend of $9.89 per Montpelier common share paid by Montpelier to its common shareholders prior to the closing of the Merger.
Endurance Holdings has appointed three of Montpelier's directors to its Board of Directors. For additional information on the Merger, see the section "Liquidity and Capital Resources, Impact of Montpelier Acquisition on Liquidity and Capital Resources".
Application of Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are based on the selection of accounting policies and application of significant accounting estimates which require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The Company believes that some of the more critical judgments in the areas of accounting estimates and assumptions that affect its financial condition and results of operations are related to the recognition of premiums written and ceded, reserves for losses and loss expenses, other-than-temporary impairments within the investment portfolio and fair value measurements of certain portions of the investment portfolio. For a detailed discussion of the Company's critical accounting estimates, please refer to the 2014 Form 10-K and the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q. There were no material changes in the application of the Company's critical accounting estimates subsequent to that report. Management has discussed the application of these critical accounting estimates with the Company's Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

42


Consolidated Results of Operations – For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
Results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change(1)
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except for ratios)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
861,184

 
$
689,425

 
24.9
 %
Ceded premiums written
(302,101
)
 
(177,998
)
 
69.7
 %
Net premiums written
559,083

 
511,427

 
9.3
 %
Net premiums earned
458,135

 
481,538

 
(4.9
)%
Net investment income
32,252

 
39,302

 
(17.9
)%
Net realized and unrealized gains
9,680

 
3,411

 
183.8
 %
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(424
)
 
(198
)
 
114.1
 %
Other underwriting income (loss)
1,389

 
(4,824
)
 
NM(2)

Total revenues
501,032

 
519,229

 
(3.5
)%
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses
239,122

 
259,196

 
(7.7
)%
Acquisition expenses
84,971

 
78,601

 
8.1
 %
General and administrative expenses
54,965

 
58,312

 
(5.7
)%
Corporate expenses
12,634

 
28,143

 
(55.1
)%
Amortization of intangibles
1,579

 
1,623

 
(2.7
)%
Net foreign exchange losses
12,981

 
319

 
NM(2)

Interest expense
9,062

 
9,732

 
(6.9
)%
Income tax expense
1,512

 
140

 
NM(2)

Net income
$
84,206

 
$
83,163

 
1.3
 %
Net loss ratio
52.2
%
 
53.8
%
 
(1.6
)
Acquisition expense ratio
18.5
%
 
16.3
%
 
2.2

General and administrative expense ratio(3)
14.8
%
 
18.0
%
 
(3.2
)
Combined ratio
85.5
%
 
88.1
%
 
(2.6
)
 
(1)
With respect to ratios, changes show increase or decrease in percentage points.
(2)
Not meaningful.
(3)
General and administrative expense ratio includes general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses.
Premiums
Gross premiums written in the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $861.2 million, an increase of $171.8 million, or 24.9%, compared to the same period in 2014. Net premiums written in the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $559.1 million, an increase of $47.7 million, or 9.3% compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in gross and net premiums written was driven by the following factors:
An increase in gross premiums written in the property, marine and energy line of business in the Insurance segment, due primarily to business generated by new underwriting teams added over the last twelve months in the U.S. and the U.K.;
An increase in gross premiums written in the casualty and other specialty and professional lines of business in the Insurance segment, including excess casualty and various professional liability coverages, as a result of the expansion of the Company’s Insurance underwriting personnel over the last twelve months;
An increase in gross premiums written in the agriculture line of business in the Insurance segment due to growth in policy counts and increased demand for insurance from our clients;
An increase in gross premiums written in the professional line of business in the Reinsurance segment due primarily to new business generated by new underwriting teams that joined the Company in late 2013 and increased renewals;

43


An increase in gross premiums written in the casualty line of business in the Reinsurance segment due to increased premiums on renewal business and new business written;
A decline in gross premiums written in the catastrophe line of business in the Reinsurance segment due to non-renewal of policies that no longer met profitability targets and declines in rates;
A decline in gross premiums written in the specialty line of business in the Reinsurance segment as a result of premium adjustments and increased ceding company retentions;
A decline in gross premiums written in the property line of business in the Reinsurance segment due to premium adjustments, partially offset by new business; and
An increase in ceded premiums written by the Company during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Ceded premiums written increased across all lines of business in the Insurance segment primarily due to an increase in the whole account quota share treaty covering the entire Insurance segment’s business for 2015 combined with additional quota share covers and the purchase of excess of loss coverage on the agriculture line of business. In the Reinsurance segment, ceded premiums written decreased due to timing differences in the Company's purchases of aggregate excess of loss retrocessional protection within the catastrophe line of business, partially offset by additional proportional retrocessional coverage purchased on the specialty lines of business.
Net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $458.1 million, a decrease of $23.4 million, or 4.9%, from the second quarter of 2014 due to the increase in ceded premiums written. The decline in earned premiums is a result of the increase in the amount of reinsurance purchased by the Company over the last year partially offset by overall growth in gross premiums.        
Net Investment Income
The Company's net investment income of $32.3 million decreased by 17.9%, or $7.1 million, for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. This decline resulted primarily from a decrease in mark to market gains on other investments, comprised of alternative funds and specialty funds, during the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Net investment income during the second quarter of 2015 included net mark to market gains of $3.6 million on other investments as compared to mark to market gains of $10.8 million in the second quarter of 2014. Net investment income generated from the Company's available for sale investments, which consist of fixed maturity investments, short-term investments and equity securities, increased by $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Investment expenses, including investment management fees, for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $3.5 million compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 2014.
The annualized net earned yield and total return of the investment portfolio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and the market yield and portfolio duration as of June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Annualized net earned yield(1)
1.99
 %
 
2.47
%
Total return on investment portfolio(2)
(0.07
)%
 
1.52
%
Market yield(3)
2.13
 %
 
1.63
%
Portfolio duration(4)
 3.08 years

 
 2.88 years

 
(1)
The actual net earned income from the investment portfolio after adjusting for expenses and accretion of discount and amortization of premium from the purchase price divided by the average book value of assets.
(2)
Net of investment manager fees; includes realized and unrealized gains and losses.
(3)
The internal rate of return of the fixed income investment portfolio based on the given market price or the single discount rate that equates a security price (inclusive of accrued interest) for the portfolio with its projected cash flows. Excludes equity securities, other investments and operating cash.
(4)
Includes only cash and cash equivalents and fixed income investments managed by the Company’s investment managers.
During the second quarter of 2015, the yield on the benchmark three year U.S. Treasury bond fluctuated within a 37 basis point range, with a high of 1.15% and a low of 0.78%. Trading activity in the Company’s portfolio during the second quarter included reductions in residential mortgage-backed securities, foreign government bonds, municipal securities, government and agency guaranteed debt securities, and asset-backed securities, and increased allocations to equity securities, other investments, U.S. government and government agencies securities, collateralized obligations, short-term investments, and corporate debt securities. The duration of fixed income investments increased slightly to 3.08 years at June 30, 2015 from 2.91 years at December 31, 2014.

44


Net Realized and Unrealized Gains
The Company’s investment portfolio is actively managed on a fair value basis to generate attractive economic returns and income. Movements in financial markets and interest rates influence the timing and recognition of net realized investment gains and losses as the portfolio is adjusted and rebalanced. Proceeds from sales of investments classified as available for sale during the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $1,101.7 million compared to $950.1 million during the same period a year ago. Net realized gains increased during the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 due largely to the repositioning of the Company's portfolio of equity securities.
Gross realized investment gains and losses and the change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Gross realized gains on investment sales
$
14,647

 
$
7,387

Gross realized losses on investment sales
(5,058
)
 
(5,319
)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments
91

 
1,343

Net realized and unrealized gains
$
9,680

 
$
3,411

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Net Foreign Exchange Losses
For the three months ended June 30, 2015, the Company re-measured its monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, which resulted in a net foreign exchange loss of $13.0 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $0.3 million for the same period of 2014. The current period net foreign exchange loss resulted partly from sales of invested assets that yielded realized foreign exchange losses recognized in net income which had previously been recognized as unrealized foreign exchange losses in other comprehensive (loss) income. Foreign exchange losses in the current period also resulted from the impact of U.S. dollar strengthening against the Japanese Yen and weakening against other key currencies as applied against the Company's net exposures during the three months ended June 30, 2015. In the prior year, the net foreign exchange loss resulted from the offsetting impacts of the U.S. dollar generally weakening against the key global currencies and British Sterling strengthening applied against the Company's operations that use the U.S. dollar and British Sterling as base currencies.
Net Losses and Loss Expenses
The Company's net loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased compared to the same period in 2014. The improvement in the net loss ratio was due to increased favorable prior year reserve development, primarily in the casualty and catastrophe lines of business in the Reinsurance segment. This improvement was partially offset by an increase in the current accident year loss ratios in the property, marine and energy line of business in the Insurance segment as a result of two large energy losses and the casualty line of business in the Reinsurance segment for the second quarter of 2015 compared to 2014.
Favorable prior year loss reserve development was $58.8 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $54.2 million during the same period in 2014. In the second quarter of 2015, prior year loss reserves emerged favorably across all lines of business in both the Insurance and Reinsurance segments. In the Insurance segment, favorable reserve development in the second quarter of 2015 was lower than the second quarter of 2014 across the agriculture, professional, and property, marine and energy lines of business, partially offset by higher favorable reserve development in the casualty and other specialty line of business. Favorable reserve development in the Reinsurance segment was higher than in 2014, with increased favorable reserve development in the catastrophe, casualty and professional lines of business, offset by decreased favorable reserve development in the property and specialty lines of business.

45


The following table shows the net losses after adjustment for reinstatement premiums and other loss sensitive accruals recorded by the Company in connection with current calendar year catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Event Date
 
Event
 
Net Loss
 
Event Date
 
Event
 
Net Loss
(U.S. dollars in millions)
April 2015
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
$
6.6

 
April 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
$
7.3

May 2015
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.2

 
May 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.8

 
 
Other loss events in 2015
 
0.1

 
June 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
June 2014
 
Windstorm Ela
 
9.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loss events in 2014
 
2.6

 
 
 
 
$
9.9

 
 
 
 
 
$
26.5

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, natural catastrophe related losses added 2.3 percentage points to the Company's net loss ratio after adjustment for reinstatement premiums and other loss sensitive accruals compared to 5.8 percentage points in the same period in 2014. For the three months ended June 30, 2015, two large energy losses were incurred in the property, marine and energy line of business in the Insurance segment, which increased the net loss ratio in the current quarter by 3.9 percentage points.
The Company participates in lines of business where claims may not be reported for many years. Accordingly, management does not believe that reported claims are the only valid means for estimating ultimate obligations. Ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ materially from the amounts recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Reserve adjustments, if any, are recorded in earnings in the period in which they are determined. The overall loss reserves were established by the Company's actuaries and reflect management's best estimate of ultimate losses. See "Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses" below for further discussion.
Acquisition Expenses
The acquisition expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was higher than the same period in 2014 primarily due to growth in net earned premiums in the specialty and professional lines of business in the Reinsurance segment, which incur a higher than average net acquisition expense rate, and a decline in earned premiums in the agriculture insurance and catastrophe reinsurance lines of business, which incur a lower than average acquisition expense rate.
General and Administrative Expenses and Corporate Expenses
The Company's general and administrative expense ratio for the second quarter of 2015 decreased by 3.2 percentage points compared to the same period in 2014 due to increased ceding commission reimbursements as a result of additional purchases of reinsurance. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in personnel costs associated with the addition of new underwriting teams added over the past year and increased annual incentive costs associated with improved year to date corporate operating results. At June 30, 2015, the Company had a total of 1,019 employees compared to 948 employees at June 30, 2014.
Income Tax Expense
The Company recorded a tax expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 of $1.5 million compared to a tax expense of $0.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The increase in tax expense in 2015 resulted from income recorded at the Company's United States taxable jurisdictions.
Net Income
The Company generated net income of $84.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to net income of $83.2 million in the same period of 2014 primarily due to a reduction in losses incurred, lower general and administrative and corporate expenses and increased net realized and unrealized gains, partially offset by reductions in net premiums earned, increased foreign exchange losses, lower net investment income and higher acquisition and tax expenses in the current period compared to 2014.

46


Consolidated Results of Operations – For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
Results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change(1)
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except for ratios)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
2,162,616

 
$
1,846,940

 
17.1
 %
Ceded premiums written
(838,579
)
 
(536,808
)
 
56.2
 %
Net premiums written
1,324,037

 
1,310,132

 
1.1
 %
Net premiums earned
847,994

 
877,804

 
(3.4
)%
Net investment income
74,113

 
80,292

 
(7.7
)%
Net realized and unrealized gains
27,869

 
8,283

 
236.5
 %
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(1,073
)
 
(309
)
 
247.2
 %
Other underwriting income (loss)
3,795

 
(6,062
)
 
NM(2)

Total revenues
952,698

 
960,008

 
(0.8
)%
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
411,058

 
436,092

 
(5.7
)%
Acquisition expenses
167,064

 
150,758

 
10.8
 %
General and administrative expenses
109,855

 
117,813

 
(6.8
)%
Corporate expenses
24,902

 
41,848

 
(40.5
)%
Amortization of intangibles
3,178

 
3,240

 
(1.9
)%
Net foreign exchange losses
20,533

 
3,283

 
NM(2)

Interest expense
18,121

 
18,783

 
(3.5
)%
Income tax expense
5,302

 
548

 
NM(2)

Net income
$
192,685

 
$
187,643

 
2.7
 %
Net loss ratio
48.5
%
 
49.6
%
 
(1.1
)
Acquisition expense ratio
19.7
%
 
17.2
%
 
2.5

General and administrative expense ratio(3)
15.9
%
 
18.2
%
 
(2.3
)
Combined ratio
84.1
%
 
85.0
%
 
(0.9
)
 
(1)
With respect to ratios, changes show increase or decrease in percentage points.
(2)
Not meaningful.
(3)
General and administrative expense ratio includes general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses.
Premiums
Gross premiums written in the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $2,162.6 million, an increase of $315.7 million, or 17.1%, compared to the same period in 2014. Net premiums written in the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $1,324.0 million, an increase of $13.9 million, or 1.1%, compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in gross and net premiums written was driven by the following factors: 
An increase in gross premiums written in the property, marine and energy line of business in the Insurance segment, due primarily to business generated by new underwriting teams added over the last twelve months in the U.S. and the U.K.;
An increase in gross premiums written in the casualty and other specialty and professional lines of business in the Insurance segment, including excess casualty and various professional liability coverages, as a result of the expansion of the Company's Insurance underwriting personnel over the last twelve months;
An increase in gross premiums written in the agriculture line of business in the Insurance segment due to growth in policy counts and increased demand for insurance from our clients;
An increase in gross premiums written in the specialty line of business in the Reinsurance segment as a result of new international marine and international agriculture business written by new underwriting teams that joined the Company in 2014, partially offset by increased ceding company retentions and premium adjustments;

47


An increase in gross premiums written in the professional line of business in the Reinsurance segment due primarily to new business generated by new underwriting teams that joined the Company in late 2013 and increased renewals;
A decline in gross premiums written in the property line of business in the Reinsurance segment due to non-renewal of policies that no longer met profitability targets, increased ceding company retentions and premium adjustments, partially offset by new business;
A decline in gross premiums written in the catastrophe line of business in the Reinsurance segment due to non-renewal of policies that no longer met profitability targets and declines in rates;
A decline in gross premiums written in the casualty line of business in the Reinsurance segment due to non-renewal of policies from continued restructuring and certain contracts that were extended and are scheduled to expire and renew later in the year, partially offset by increased premiums on renewal business and new business written; and
An increase in ceded premiums written by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Ceded premiums written increased across all lines of business in the Insurance segment primarily due to an increase in the whole account quota share treaty covering the entire Insurance segment's business for 2015 combined with additional quota share covers and the purchase of excess of loss coverage on the agriculture line of business. In the Reinsurance segment, ceded premiums written increased as the Company purchased increased levels of protection, including excess of loss coverage within the catastrophe line of business, and additional proportional retrocessional coverage on both the catastrophe and specialty lines of business.
Net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $848.0 million, a decrease of $29.8 million, or 3.4%, from the six months ended June 30, 2014 principally due to the increase in ceded premiums written.
Net Investment Income
The Company's net investment income of $74.1 million decreased by 7.7%, or $6.2 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. This decline resulted primarily from a decrease in mark to market gains on other investments, comprised of alternative funds and specialty funds, during the six months ended June 30, 2015. Net investment income during the first six months of 2015 included net mark to market gains of $16.0 million on other investments as compared to mark to market gains of $24.3 million in the first six months of 2014. Net investment income generated from the Company's available for sale investments, which consist of fixed maturity investments, short-term investments and equity securities, increased by $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Investment expenses, including investment management fees, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $6.8 million compared to $7.3 million for the same period in 2014.
The annualized net earned yield and total return on the investment portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and the market yield and portfolio duration as of June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Annualized net earned yield(1)
2.29
%
 
2.52
%
Total return on investment portfolio(2)
0.81
%
 
2.78
%
Market yield(3)
2.13
%
 
1.63
%
Portfolio duration(4)
 3.08 years

 
 2.88 years

 
(1)
The actual net earned income from the investment portfolio after adjusting for expenses and accretion of discount and amortization of premium from the purchase price divided by the average book value of assets.
(2)
Net of investment manager fees; includes realized and unrealized gains and losses.
(3)
The internal rate of return of the investment portfolio based on the given market price or the single discount rate that equates to a security price (inclusive of accrued interest) for the portfolio with its projected cash flows. Excludes other investments and operating cash.
(4)
Includes only cash and cash equivalents and fixed income investments held by the Company's investment managers.
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the yield on the benchmark three year U.S. Treasury bond fluctuated within a 44 basis point range, with a high of 1.15% and a low of 0.71%. Trading activity in the Company's portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included reductions in U.S. government and government agencies securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, foreign government bonds, asset-backed securities, and government and agency guaranteed corporate securities, and increased allocations to equity securities, other investments, collateralized obligations, corporate securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and short-term investments.

48


Net Realized and Unrealized Gains
The Company's investment portfolio is actively managed on a fair value basis to generate attractive economic returns and income. Movements in financial markets and interest rates influence the timing and recognition of net realized investment gains and losses as the portfolio is adjusted and rebalanced. Proceeds from sales of investments classified as available for sale during the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $2,501.7 million compared to $2,060.7 million during the same period a year ago. Net realized investment gains increased during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 largely due to the repositioning of the Company's portfolio of equity securities.
Gross realized investment gains and losses and the change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Gross realized gains on investment sales
$
37,313

 
$
17,634

Gross realized losses on investment sales
(9,954
)
 
(11,303
)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments
510

 
1,952

Net realized and unrealized gains
$
27,869

 
$
8,283

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
Net Foreign Exchange Losses
For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company remeasured its monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, which resulted in a net foreign exchange loss of $20.5 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $3.3 million for the same period in 2014. The current period net foreign exchange loss resulted principally from a decrease in the value of net asset positions in key foreign currencies as the U.S. dollar strengthened generally in the six months ended June 30, 2015. Additionally, sales of invested assets yielded realized foreign exchange losses recognized in net income which had previously been recognized as unrealized foreign exchange losses in other comprehensive (loss) income. In the prior year, the net foreign exchange loss was primarily incurred in the first quarter and resulted from offsetting exposures across the Company as the U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese Yen and Australian dollar, revaluing net liability balances in those currencies higher.
Net Losses and Loss Expenses
The Company's net loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 decreased compared to the same period in 2014, principally as a result of increased favorable prior year reserve development primarily in the casualty and professional lines of business in the Reinsurance segment and casualty and other line of the Insurance segment together with lower recorded natural catastrophe losses. This improvement was partially offset by an increase in the current accident year loss ratio in the Insurance segment from two large energy losses experienced in the property, marine and energy line of business.
Favorable prior year loss reserve development was $116.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to $104.5 million for the same period in 2014. In the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, prior year loss reserves emerged favorably across all lines of the Insurance and Reinsurance segments. Favorable reserve development in the six months ended June 30, 2015 was higher than the six months ended June 30, 2014 in the Insurance segment due primarily to lower than expected reported losses in the casualty and other specialty line of business. Favorable reserve development in the six months ended June 30, 2015 was higher than the six months ended June 30, 2014 in the Reinsurance segment due primarily to lower than expected reported losses in the casualty and professional lines of business.
        

49


The following table shows the net losses after adjustment for reinstatement premiums and other loss sensitive accruals recorded by the Company in connection with current calendar year catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Event Date
 
Event
 
Net Loss
 
Event Date
 
Event
 
Net Loss
(U.S. dollars in millions)
February 2015
 
Winter storm in the United States
 
$
7.2

 
February 2014
 
Windstorm in Japan
 
$
4.7

April 2015
 
Windstorm in the United States
 
6.6

 
April 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
7.3

May 2015
 
Windstorm in the United States
 
3.2

 
May 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
June 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
June 2014
 
Windstorm Ela
 
9.3

 
 
 
 
$
17.0

 
 
 
 
 
$
28.6

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, catastrophe related losses added 2.1 percentage points to the Company's net loss ratio after adjustment for reinstatement premiums and other loss sensitive accruals compared to 3.4 percentage points in the same period in 2014. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, two large energy losses were incurred in the property, marine and energy line of business in the Insurance segment, which increased the net loss ratio in the period by 2.1 percentage points.
The Company participates in lines of business in which claims may not be reported for many years. Accordingly, management does not believe that reported claims are the only valid means for estimating ultimate obligations. Ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ materially from the amounts recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Reserve adjustments, if any, are recorded in earnings in the period in which they are determined. The overall loss reserves were established by the Company's actuaries and reflect management's best estimate of ultimate losses. See "Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses" below for further discussion.
Acquisition Expenses
The acquisition expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was higher than the same period in 2014 primarily due to growth in net premiums earned in the specialty and professional lines of business in the Reinsurance segment, which incur a higher than average net acquisition expense rate, and a decline in net premiums earned in the agriculture line of business in the Insurance segment and the catastrophe line of business in the Reinsurance segment, which incur lower than average acquisition expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses and Corporate Expenses
The Company's general and administrative expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 decreased by 2.3 percentage points compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to increased ceding commission reimbursements as a result of additional purchases of reinsurance during the current year. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in personnel costs associated with the addition of new underwriting teams and increased annual incentive compensation expenses associated with improved year to date corporate results.
Income Tax Expense
The Company recorded a tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2015 of $5.3 million compared to a tax expense of $0.5 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in tax expense in 2015 resulted from income recorded at the Company's United States taxable jurisdictions.
Net Income
The Company generated net income of $192.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to net income of $187.6 million in the same period of 2014 primarily due to a reduction in losses incurred, reduced general and administrative and corporate expenses, and increased net realized and unrealized gains, partially offset by reduced net premiums earned, higher net foreign exchange losses, higher acquisition expenses and reduced investment income.

50


Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
As of June 30, 2015, the Company had accrued losses and loss expense reserves of $3.8 billion (December 31, 2014 - $3.8 billion). This amount represents management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability for payment of losses and loss expenses related to loss events. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s net paid losses and loss expenses were $527.2 million and $497.2 million, respectively.
As more fully described under "Reserving Process" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the 2014 Form 10-K, the Company incorporates a variety of actuarial methods and judgments in its reserving process. Two key inputs in the various actuarial methods employed by the Company are initial expected loss ratios and expected loss reporting patterns. These key inputs impact the potential variability in the estimate of the reserve for losses and loss expenses and are applicable to each of the Company's business segments. The Company's loss and loss expense reserves consider and reflect, in part, deviations resulting from differences between expected loss and actual loss reporting as well as judgments relating to the weights applied to the reserve levels indicated by the actuarial methods. Expected loss reporting patterns are based upon internal and external historical data and assumptions regarding claims reporting trends over a period of time that extends beyond the Company's own operating history.
Differences between actual reported losses and expected losses are anticipated to occur in any individual period and such deviations may influence future initial expected loss ratios and/or expected loss reporting patterns as the recent actual experience becomes part of the historical data utilized as part of the ongoing reserve estimation process. The Company has demonstrated the impact of changes in the speed of the loss reporting patterns, as well as changes in the expected loss ratios, within the table under the heading "Potential Variability in Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the 2014 Form 10-K.
Losses and loss expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 are summarized as follows:
 
Incurred related to:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
Current year
 
Prior years
 
Total incurred
losses
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
$
87,131

 
$
(1,547
)
 
$
85,584

Casualty and other specialty
32,482

 
(16,663
)
 
15,819

Professional lines
17,611

 
(119
)
 
17,492

Property, marine and energy
26,834

 
(246
)
 
26,588

Total Insurance
164,058

 
(18,575
)
 
145,483

Reinsurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe
16,434

 
(13,385
)
 
3,049

Property
31,903

 
(579
)
 
31,324

Casualty
24,504

 
(12,739
)
 
11,765

Professional lines
30,100

 
(6,212
)
 
23,888

Specialty
30,959

 
(7,346
)
 
23,613

Total Reinsurance
133,900

 
(40,261
)
 
93,639

Totals
$
297,958

 
$
(58,836
)
 
$
239,122


51


 
Incurred related to:
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Current year
 
Prior years
 
Total incurred
losses
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
$
121,696

 
$
(1,155
)
 
$
120,541

Casualty and other specialty
59,885

 
(35,373
)
 
24,512

Professional lines
34,976

 
(239
)
 
34,737

Property, marine and energy
42,709

 
(2,504
)
 
40,205

Total Insurance
259,266

 
(39,271
)
 
219,995

Reinsurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe
27,701

 
(15,621
)
 
12,080

Property
69,651

 
(9,016
)
 
60,635

Casualty
53,819

 
(19,166
)
 
34,653

Professional lines
56,888

 
(17,335
)
 
39,553

Specialty
59,727

 
(15,585
)
 
44,142

Total Reinsurance
267,786

 
(76,723
)
 
191,063

Totals
$
527,052

 
$
(115,994
)
 
$
411,058

Losses and loss expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included $58.8 million and $116.0 million in favorable development of reserves relating to prior accident years, respectively. The favorable loss reserve development experienced during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 benefited the Company's reported net loss ratios by approximately 12.8 and 13.7 percentage points, respectively. This net reduction in estimated losses for prior accident years reflects lower than expected claims emergence for the six months ended June 30, 2015 in all lines of business within the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company did not materially alter the key inputs utilized to establish reserve for losses and loss expenses (initial expected loss ratios and loss reporting patterns) related to prior years for the insurance and reinsurance segments as the variances in reported losses for those segments were within the range of possible results anticipated by the Company.
Losses and loss expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
Incurred related to:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Current year
 
Prior years
 
Total incurred
losses
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
$
113,873

 
$
(2,188
)
 
$
111,685

Casualty and other specialty
33,823

 
(12,226
)
 
21,597

Professional lines
16,504

 
(3,991
)
 
12,513

Property, marine and energy
7,415

 
(3,643
)
 
3,772

Total Insurance
171,615

 
(22,048
)
 
149,567

Reinsurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe
23,620

 
(7,713
)
 
15,907

Property
43,629

 
(9,502
)
 
34,127

Casualty
28,457

 
(2,821
)
 
25,636

Professional lines
20,965

 
(2,551
)
 
18,414

Specialty
25,111

 
(9,566
)
 
15,545

Total Reinsurance
141,782

 
(32,153
)
 
109,629

Totals
$
313,397

 
$
(54,201
)
 
$
259,196


52


 
Incurred related to:
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Current year
 
Prior years
 
Total incurred
losses
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
$
164,229

 
$
(4,328
)
 
$
159,901

Casualty and other specialty
58,499

 
(21,939
)
 
36,560

Professional lines
34,544

 
(5,119
)
 
29,425

Property, marine and energy
14,524

 
(2,310
)
 
12,214

Total Insurance
271,796

 
(33,696
)
 
238,100

Reinsurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe
39,428

 
(15,474
)
 
23,954

Property
88,200

 
(24,259
)
 
63,941

Casualty
57,124

 
(5,572
)
 
51,552

Professional lines
40,930

 
(4,580
)
 
36,350

Specialty
43,127

 
(20,932
)
 
22,195

Total Reinsurance
268,809

 
(70,817
)
 
197,992

Totals
$
540,605

 
$
(104,513
)
 
$
436,092

Losses and loss expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 included $54.2 million and $104.5 million in favorable development of reserves relating to prior accident years, respectively. The favorable loss reserve development experienced during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 benefited the Company's reported net loss ratio by approximately 11.3 and 11.9 percentage points, respectively. This net reduction in estimated losses for prior accident years reflects lower than expected claims emergence for the six months ended June 30, 2014 in all lines of business within the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company did not materially alter the two key inputs utilized to establish its reserve for losses and loss expenses (initial expected loss ratios and loss reporting patterns) for business related to prior years for the insurance and reinsurance segments as the variances in reported losses for those segments were within the range of possible results anticipated by the Company.
Insurance
Agriculture. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded modest favorable loss emergence due to lower than anticipated crop hail insurance claims settlements for the 2014 crop year. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence due to lower than anticipated multi-peril crop insurance claims settlements for the 2013 crop year.
Casualty and other specialty. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity, particularly within the Bermuda excess casualty business. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity within the Bermuda and U.S. based excess casualty businesses. This favorable loss emergence was partially offset by adverse development within the healthcare liability business due to two large malpractice claims.
Professional lines. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded modest favorable loss emergence within this line of business, primarily due to slightly lower than expected reported claims activity.
Property, marine and energy. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the modest favorable loss emergence within the property, marine and energy line of business was primarily due to lower than expected reported claims emergence for the property and energy business. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the favorable loss emergency within the property, marine and energy line of business was primarily due to lower than expected claims reported.

53


Reinsurance
Catastrophe. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity within both of the U.S. and international property catastrophe businesses. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity within the international property catastrophe business.
Property. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence in the property line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity within the property treaty business. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence in the property line of business due to lower than expected claims activity within the U.S. based property treaty businesses.
Casualty. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity.
Professional lines. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to considerably lower than expected claims emergence in accident years 2010 to 2012. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity in accident years 2010 and 2011.
Specialty. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity within the aviation and space business. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded favorable loss emergence within this line of business primarily due to lower than expected claims activity in the Company's aviation and space, marine and surety businesses.
The total reserves for losses and loss expenses recorded on the Company's balance sheet were comprised of the following at June 30, 2015:
 
Case Reserves
 
IBNR Reserves
 
Reserve for losses
and loss expenses
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
$
203,303

 
$
120,383

 
$
323,686

Casualty and other specialty
266,165

 
942,545

 
1,208,710

Professional lines
112,578

 
413,026

 
525,604

Property, marine and energy
75,914

 
23,855

 
99,769

Total Insurance
657,960

 
1,499,809

 
2,157,769

Reinsurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe
87,309

 
54,210

 
141,519

Property
180,630

 
69,029

 
249,659

Casualty
240,892

 
507,539

 
748,431

Professional lines
62,282

 
223,206

 
285,488

Specialty
98,301

 
152,358

 
250,659

Total Reinsurance
669,414

 
1,006,342

 
1,675,756

Totals
$
1,327,374

 
$
2,506,151

 
$
3,833,525


54


The total reserves for losses and loss expenses recorded on the Company's balance sheet were comprised of the following at December 31, 2014:
 
Case Reserves
 
IBNR Reserves
 
Reserve for losses
and loss expenses
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Agriculture
$
222,570

 
$
72,621

 
$
295,191

Casualty and other specialty
325,415

 
932,594

 
1,258,009

Professional lines
119,453

 
397,648

 
517,101

Property, marine and energy
33,264

 
20,207

 
53,471

Total Insurance
700,702

 
1,423,070

 
2,123,772

Reinsurance:
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe
126,837

 
49,773

 
176,610

Property
178,875

 
93,289

 
272,164

Casualty
248,933

 
531,947

 
780,880

Professional lines
60,915

 
197,925

 
258,840

Specialty
99,142

 
135,451

 
234,593

Total Reinsurance
714,702

 
1,008,385

 
1,723,087

Totals
$
1,415,404

 
$
2,431,455

 
$
3,846,859

Underwriting Results by Business Segments
The determination of the Company's business segments is based on the manner in which management monitors the performance of the Company’s underwriting operations. As a result, we report two business segments – Insurance and Reinsurance.
Management measures the Company's results on the basis of the combined ratio, which is obtained by dividing the sum of the losses and loss expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned. The Company's historic combined ratios may not be indicative of future underwriting performance. When purchased within a single line of business, ceded reinsurance and recoveries are accounted for within that line of business. When purchased across multiple lines of business, ceded reinsurance and recoveries are allocated to the lines of business in proportion to the related risks assumed. The Company does not manage its assets by business segment; accordingly, investment income and total assets are not allocated to the individual business segments. General and administrative expenses incurred by the business segments are allocated directly. Remaining general and administrative expenses not incurred by the business segments are classified as corporate expenses and are not allocated to the individual business segments. Ceded reinsurance and recoveries are recorded within the business segment to which they apply.

55


Insurance
The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the Company's Insurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except for ratios)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
468,866

 
$
321,526

 
$
1,205,084

 
$
973,802

Ceded premiums written
(278,567
)
 
(142,488
)
 
(710,746
)
 
(451,737
)
Net premiums written
190,299

 
179,038

 
494,338

 
522,065

Net premiums earned
201,460

 
218,563

 
337,324

 
362,584

Other underwriting income

 

 

 

 
201,460

 
218,563

 
337,324

 
362,584

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
145,483

 
149,567

 
219,995

 
238,100

Acquisition expenses
17,702

 
15,128

 
33,585

 
27,389

General and administrative expenses
28,567

 
35,969

 
57,409

 
72,668

 
191,752

 
200,664

 
310,989

 
338,157

Underwriting income
$
9,708

 
$
17,899

 
$
26,335

 
$
24,427

Net loss ratio
72.2
%
 
68.5
%
 
65.2
%
 
65.7
%
Acquisition expense ratio
8.8
%
 
6.9
%
 
10.0
%
 
7.6
%
General and administrative expense ratio
14.2
%
 
16.4
%
 
17.0
%
 
20.0
%
Combined ratio
95.2
%
 
91.8
%
 
92.2
%
 
93.3
%
Premiums. Gross premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 in the Insurance segment increased by 45.8% and 23.8%, respectively, over the same period in 2014. Gross and net premiums written for each line of business in the Insurance segment were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Gross
Premiums
Written
 
Net 
Premiums
Written
 
Gross
Premiums
Written
 
Net 
Premiums
Written
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Agriculture
$
112,012

 
$
22,677

 
$
80,540

 
$
45,826

Casualty and other specialty
146,056

 
65,302

 
108,030

 
56,475

Professional lines
96,736

 
43,443

 
74,650

 
29,846

Property, marine and energy
114,062

 
58,877

 
58,306

 
46,891

Total
$
468,866

 
$
190,299

 
$
321,526

 
$
179,038


56


        
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Gross
Premiums
Written
 
Net
Premiums
Written
 
Gross
Premiums
Written
 
Net
Premiums
Written
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Agriculture
$
628,928

 
$
225,137

 
$
608,434

 
$
327,471

Casualty and other specialty
246,738

 
110,360

 
175,683

 
93,288

Professional lines
151,496

 
67,674

 
113,430

 
44,416

Property, marine and energy
177,922

 
91,167

 
76,255

 
56,890

Total
$
1,205,084

 
$
494,338

 
$
973,802

 
$
522,065

The movements in the gross and net premiums written in the Insurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 were primarily due to the following factors: 
An increase in gross premiums written in the property, marine and energy line of business, due primarily to business generated by new underwriting teams added over the last twelve months in the U.S. and the U.K.;
An increase in gross premiums written in the casualty and other specialty and professional lines of business, including excess casualty and various professional liability coverages, as a result of the expansion of the Company's Insurance underwriting personnel over the last twelve months;
An increase in gross premiums written in the agriculture line of business due to growth in policy counts and increased demand for insurance from our clients; and
An increase in ceded premiums written by the Company during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Ceded premiums written increased across all lines of business primarily due to an increase in the whole account quota share treaty covering the entire Insurance segment's business for 2015 combined with additional quota share covers and the purchase of excess of loss coverage on the agriculture line of business.
Net premiums earned by the Company in the Insurance segment decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. The decline was a result of increased ceded premiums across the segment, partially offset by growth in gross premiums written.
Losses and Loss Expenses. The net loss ratio in the Company's Insurance segment increased by 3.7 percentage points for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 and decreased by 0.5 percentage points for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in the net loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily from the property, marine and energy line of business, which experienced two large energy losses that increased the net loss ratio in the current quarter by 8.8 percentage points.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company's previously estimated loss and loss expense reserve for the Insurance segment for prior accident years was reduced by $18.6 million and $39.3 million, respectively, which decreased the net loss ratio by 9.2 and 11.6 percentage points, respectively, as compared to reductions of $22.0 million and $33.7 million, that decreased the net loss ratio by 10.1 and 9.3 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Lower levels of favorable loss development in the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 2014 was experienced across all lines of business, with the exception of the casualty and other specialty line of business, which experienced higher favorable loss development in the current quarter. Higher levels of favorable loss development in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 2014 was experienced primarily in the casualty and other specialty line of business following lower than expected claims activity.
The Company recorded catastrophe losses, net of reinstatement premiums and other loss sensitive accruals, of $1.2 million and $5.7 million in the Insurance segment in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The net losses from catastrophes added 0.6 and 1.7 percentage points to the Insurance segment's net loss ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company incurred no significant catastrophe losses in the Insurance segment.
Acquisition Expenses. The acquisition expense ratio in the Insurance segment in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 increased compared to the same periods in 2014 primarily due to the decrease in the proportion of net earned premiums attributable to the agriculture line of business, which incurs a lower than average net acquisition expense rate.

57


General and Administrative Expenses. The decrease in general and administrative expense ratio in the Insurance segment in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 was due to increased ceding commission reimbursements as a result of additional purchases of reinsurance. This benefit was partially offset by an increase in personnel costs associated with the addition of new underwriting teams in the Insurance segment over the past year.
Reinsurance
The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the Company's Reinsurance business segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except for ratios)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
392,318

 
$
367,899

 
$
957,532

 
$
873,138

Ceded premiums written
(23,534
)
 
(35,510
)
 
(127,833
)
 
(85,071
)
Net premiums written
368,784

 
332,389

 
829,699

 
788,067

Net premiums earned
256,675

 
262,975

 
510,670

 
515,220

Other underwriting income (loss)
1,389

 
(4,824
)
 
3,795

 
(6,062
)
 
258,064

 
258,151

 
514,465

 
509,158

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
93,639

 
109,629

 
191,063

 
197,992

Acquisition expenses
67,269

 
63,473

 
133,479

 
123,369

General and administrative expenses
26,398

 
22,343

 
52,446

 
45,145

 
187,306

 
195,445

 
376,988

 
366,506

Underwriting income
$
70,758

 
$
62,706

 
$
137,477

 
$
142,652

Net loss ratio
36.5
%
 
41.7
%
 
37.4
%
 
38.5
%
Acquisition expense ratio
26.2
%
 
24.1
%
 
26.1
%
 
23.9
%
General and administrative expense ratio
10.3
%
 
8.5
%
 
10.3
%
 
8.7
%
Combined ratio
73.0
%
 
74.3
%
 
73.8
%
 
71.1
%
Premiums. In the second quarter of 2015, net premiums written in the Reinsurance segment increased by 10.9% over the same period of 2014. In the six months ended June 30, 2015, net premiums written in the Reinsurance segment increased by 5.3% over the same period in 2014. Gross and net premiums written for each line of business in the Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Gross
Premiums
Written
 
Net
Premiums
Written
 
Gross
Premiums
Written
 
Net
Premiums
Written
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Catastrophe
$
139,833

 
$
122,305

 
$
158,372

 
$
123,411

Property
30,560

 
30,118

 
42,887

 
42,886

Casualty
48,132

 
48,132

 
30,875

 
30,868

Professional lines
134,241

 
134,241

 
84,117

 
84,117

Specialty
39,552

 
33,988

 
51,648

 
51,107

Total
$
392,318

 
$
368,784

 
$
367,899

 
$
332,389


58


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Gross
Premiums
Written
 
Net
Premiums
Written
 
Gross
Premiums
Written
 
Net
Premiums
Written
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Catastrophe
$
264,240

 
$
175,765

 
$
285,020

 
$
202,374

Property
156,260

 
153,567

 
209,300

 
209,208

Casualty
106,230

 
106,230

 
115,857

 
114,260

Professional lines
178,098

 
178,098

 
109,736

 
109,736

Specialty
252,704

 
216,039

 
153,225

 
152,489

Total
$
957,532

 
$
829,699

 
$
873,138

 
$
788,067

The movements in gross and ceded premiums written in the Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 were primarily due to the following factors: 
An increase in gross premiums written in the professional line of business due primarily to new business generated by underwriting teams that joined the Company in late 2013 and increased renewals;
An increase in gross premiums written in the three months ended June 30, 2015 in the casualty line of business due to increased premiums on renewal business and new business written. In the six month period premiums declined driven by the impact of non-renewals and from policies not scheduled to renew in the first half of the year;
A decline in gross premiums written in the catastrophe line of business due to non-renewal of policies that no longer met profitability targets and declines in rates;
A decline in gross premiums written in the three months ended June 30, 2015 in the specialty line of business as a result of premium adjustments and increased ceding company retentions. In the six month period premiums increased as a result of new international marine and international agriculture business written;
A decline in gross premiums written in the property line of business due to premium adjustments, partially offset by new business; and
A decline in ceded premiums written by the Company in the three months ended June 30, 2015 and an increase in ceded premiums written by the Company in the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same periods in 2014. Ceded premiums written decreased during the current quarter due to the timing of purchases of excess of loss coverage within the catastrophe line of business, partially offset by additional proportional retrocessional coverage on the specialty lines of business. Ceded premiums written increased in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 as the Company purchased increased levels of protection, including excess of loss coverage within the catastrophe line of business, and additional proportional retrocession coverage on both the catastrophe and specialty lines of business.
Net premiums earned by the Company in the Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 decreased slightly compared to net premiums earned during the same period in 2014.
Losses and Loss Expenses. The net loss ratio in the Company's Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 decreased compared to the same periods in 2014. The decrease in the net loss ratio was due to a decrease in catastrophe losses and increased favorable prior year loss reserve development for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014.
The Company recorded $40.3 million and $76.7 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $32.2 million and $70.8 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the majority of the favorable loss reserve development was in the casualty, catastrophe, specialty and professional lines of business. The same periods in 2014 experienced favorable loss reserve development emanating from the property, specialty and catastrophe lines of business, due to lower than expected reported losses.
The Company recorded catastrophe losses, net of reinstatement premiums and other loss sensitive accruals, of $8.6 million and $11.3 million in the Reinsurance segment in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The net losses from catastrophes added 3.6 and 2.4 percentage points to the Reinsurance segment’s net loss ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company incurred

59


catastrophe losses of $26.5 million and $28.6 million, respectively. The net losses from catastrophes added 10.9 and 6.0 percentage points to the Reinsurance segment's net loss ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.
The following table shows the net losses after adjustment for reinstatement premiums and other loss sensitive accruals recorded by the Company in the Reinsurance segment in connection with current calendar year catastrophes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Event Date
 
Event
 
Net Loss
 
Event Date
 
Event
 
Net Loss
(U.S. dollars in millions)
April 2015
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
$
6.3

 
April 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
$
7.3

May 2015
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
2.2

 
May 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.8

 
 
Other loss events in 2015
 
0.1

 
June 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
June 2014
 
Windstorm Ela
 
9.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loss events in 2014
 
2.6

 
 
 
 
$
8.6

 
 
 
 
 
$
26.5

Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Event Date
 
Event
 
Net Loss
 
Event Date
 
Event
 
Net Loss
(U.S. dollars in millions)
February 2015
 
Winter storm in the United States
 
$
2.8

 
February 2014
 
Windstorm in Japan
 
$
4.7

April 2015
 
Windstorm in the United States
 
6.3

 
April 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
7.3

May 2015
 
Windstorm in the United States
 
2.2

 
May 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
June 2014
 
Windstorms in the United States
 
3.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
June 2014
 
Windstorm Ela
 
9.3

 
 
 
 
$
11.3

 
 
 
 
 
$
28.6

Acquisition Expenses. The Company's acquisition expense ratio in the Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were higher than in the same periods in 2014 primarily due to growth in net premiums earned in the specialty and professional lines of business, which incur higher than average net acquisition expenses, and a decline in net premiums earned in the catastrophe line of business, which incurs lower than average acquisition expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses. The general and administrative expense ratios in the Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 increased compared to the same periods in 2014 due to an increase in personnel costs associated with the addition of new underwriting teams in the Reinsurance segment over the past year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Endurance Holdings is a holding company that does not have any significant operations or assets other than its ownership of the shares of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Endurance Holdings relies primarily on dividends and other permitted distributions from its subsidiaries to pay its operating expenses, interest on debt and dividends, if any, on its ordinary shares, its 7.75% Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, Series A ("Series A Preferred Shares") and its 7.5% Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, Series B ("Series B Preferred Shares"). There are restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Company's operating subsidiaries to Endurance Holdings, which are described in more detail below.
Ability of Subsidiaries to Pay Dividends. The ability of Endurance Bermuda to pay dividends is dependent on its ability to meet the requirements of applicable Bermuda law and regulations. Under Bermuda law, Endurance Bermuda may not declare or pay a dividend if there are reasonable grounds for believing that Endurance Bermuda is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or the realizable value of Endurance Bermuda's assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts. Further, Endurance Bermuda, as a regulated insurance company in Bermuda, is subject to additional regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends or distributions. As of June 30, 2015, Endurance Bermuda could pay a dividend or return additional paid-in capital totaling approximately $644.7 million (December 31, 2014$719.2 million) without prior regulatory approval based upon the Bermuda insurance and corporate regulations. In addition, in 2011, Endurance Holdings loaned Endurance Bermuda $200.0 million, which remains outstanding and is callable on demand.
Endurance U.S. Reinsurance, Endurance American, Endurance American Specialty and Endurance Risk Solutions are subject to regulation by the State of Delaware Department of Insurance and American Agri-Business is subject to

60


regulation by the Texas Department of Insurance. Dividends for each U.S. operating subsidiary are limited to the greater of 10% of policyholders' surplus or statutory net income, excluding realized capital gains. In addition, dividends may only be declared or distributed out of earned surplus. At December 31, 2014, Endurance U.S. Reinsurance, Endurance American, Endurance Risk Solutions and Endurance American Specialty did not have earned surplus; therefore, these companies are precluded from declaring or distributing dividends at June 30, 2015 without the prior approval of the applicable insurance regulator. At June 30, 2015, American Agri-Business could pay dividends of $3.7 million with notice to the Texas Department of Insurance. In addition, any dividends paid by Endurance American, Endurance American Specialty and Endurance Risk Solutions would be subject to the dividend limitation of their respective parent insurance companies.
Under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom's Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA"), Endurance U.K. must maintain a margin of solvency at all times, which is determined based on the type and amount of insurance business written. The PRA regulatory requirements impose no explicit restrictions on Endurance U.K.'s ability to pay a dividend, but Endurance U.K. would have to notify the PRA 28 days prior to any proposed dividend payment. Dividends may only be distributed from profits available for distributions. At June 30, 2015, Endurance U.K. did not have profits available for distributions.
Cash and Invested Assets. The Company's aggregate invested assets, including fixed maturity investments, short-term investments, equity securities, other investments, cash and cash equivalents and pending securities transactions, as of June 30, 2015 totaled $6.6 billion, which is consistent with the aggregate invested assets of $6.6 billion as of December 31, 2014.
At June 30, 2015, the Company's available for sale investments had gross unrealized gains of $76.1 million and gross unrealized losses of $29.0 million compared to gross unrealized gains of $107.4 million and gross unrealized losses of $19.9 million at December 31, 2014. The increase in gross unrealized losses on the Company's fixed income investments at June 30, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in interest rates. The Company did not have the intent to sell any of its fixed income investments in an unrealized loss position and determined that it was unlikely that the Company would be required to el securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2015. The Company has the ability and intent to hold its equity securities until recovery. Therefore, the Company does not consider its fixed income investments or equity securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2015.
The Company's aggregate direct exposure to the indebtedness and equity securities of those countries whose currency is the Euro or whose sovereign debt rating is below AAA (except the U.S.) was $543.0 million at June 30, 2015, compared to $606.8 million at December 31, 2014.
Cash Flows
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
$
23,489

 
$
19,667

Net cash flows used in investing activities
(86,994
)
 
(18,886
)
Net cash flows used in financing activities
(52,901
)
 
(54,251
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(6,424
)
 
8,647

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(122,830
)
 
(44,823
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
745,472

 
845,851

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
622,642

 
$
801,028

Cash flows provided by operating activities in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 were broadly consistent as changes in cash flows on gross business in the period offset changes in cash flows on ceding activities.
Investing activity cash flows reflect the Company's active management of its investment portfolio on a fair value basis to generate attractive economic returns and income. Movements in financial markets and interest rates influence the timing of investment sales and purchases. The increase in cash flows used in investing activities in 2015 principally reflected increased purchases of available for sale investments and other investments, partially offset by higher proceeds from sales and maturities on available for sale investments compared to 2014.
The cash flows used in financing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2015 were consistent with the same period in 2014.
The effect of foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact on the cash balances of the Company in the six months ended June 30, 2015 as the U.S. dollar strengthened against most key currencies in the period resulting in a

61


decline in the reported value of holdings in those currencies. The effect of exchange rate changes in the first half of 2014 had a positive impact on the cash balances of the Company as the U.S. dollar weakened against most key currencies in the period resulting in an increase in the reported value of holdings in those currencies.
As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had pledged cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments of $151.0 million and $130.6 million, respectively, in favor of certain ceding companies to collateralize obligations. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had also pledged $219.4 million and $240.0 million of its cash and fixed maturity investments to meet collateral obligations for $192.4 million and $209.9 million, respectively, in letters of credit outstanding under its Credit Facility (as defined below) and LOC Agreement (as defined below). In addition, at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, cash and fixed maturity investments with fair values of $204.0 million and $205.2 million were on deposit with U.S. state regulators, respectively.
Credit Facilities. On April 19, 2012, the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $700.0 million four-year revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan") as administrative agent ("Credit Facility"). As of June 30, 2015, there were no borrowings under this facility and letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility were $186.8 million (December 31, 2014$204.0 million).
On January 17, 2014, the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $50.0 million revolving letter of credit reimbursement agreement ("LOC Agreement") and cash collateral agreement with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had issued letters of credit of $5.6 million (December 31, 2014 - $5.9 million) under the LOC Agreement. For letters of credit issued under the LOC Agreement, the Company is required to pay a fee that is negotiated at the time of issuance of the letter of credit. Letters of credit issued under the LOC Agreement are required to be collateralized with cash or investments.
On December 9, 2014, the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $30.0 million Canadian dollar letter of credit reimbursement agreement ("Canadian LOC Agreement") with Bank of Montreal and ING Bank N.V., London Branch. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no letters of credit issued under the Canadian LOC Agreement. For letters of credit issued under the Canadian LOC Agreement, the Company is required to pay a fee on the daily amount available to be drawn under each letter of credit. Letters of credit issued under the Canadian LOC Agreement are required to be collateralized with cash in Canadian dollars.
On October 15, 2015, the Company's $200.0 million principal amount of 6.15% Senior Notes ("6.15% Senior Notes") will mature. The Company expects to have sufficient cash available to retire the 6.15% Senior Notes upon maturity.
Historically, the operating subsidiaries of the Company have generated sufficient cash flows to meet all of their obligations. Because of the inherent volatility of the business written by the Company, the seasonality in the timing of payments by ceding companies, the irregular timing of loss payments, the impact of a change in interest rates on the Company's investment returns as well as seasonality in coupon payment dates for fixed maturity investments, cash flows from the Company's operating activities may vary significantly between periods. The Company expects to generate positive operating cash flows through 2015, absent the occurrence of additional significant loss events. In the event that paid losses accelerate beyond the ability to fund such payments from operating cash flows, the Company would use its cash balances available, liquidate a portion of its investment portfolio, access its existing credit facility, or arrange for additional financing. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in executing these strategies.
Impact of Montpelier Acquisition on Liquidity and Capital Resources.
On March 31, 2015, the Company announced the signing of the Merger Agreement with Montpelier and Merger Sub pursuant to which the Company, through Merger Sub, acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Montpelier. The Merger was completed on July 31, 2015. See the section "Overview" above for additional information.
The aggregate consideration for the Merger consisted of the issuance of 20.7 million Endurance Holdings common shares valued at $1.4 billion, $33.3 million fair value of restricted share units assigned as purchase consideration, and $451.1 million of cash. The cash consideration was funded through a dividend of $9.89 per Montpelier common share paid by Montpelier to its common shareholders prior to the closing of the Merger.
The Company incurred $3.5 million and $4.5 million of corporate expenses associated with the Merger for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and was contractually obligated to pay investment banking fees of approximately $15.0 million upon closing of the Merger. The Company expects to incur additional costs and expenses associated with the Merger in 2015. These additional one-time costs may be significant, and it is possible that the ultimate costs will exceed the current estimates.
The Company anticipates that the combined company, and its operating subsidiaries, will have adequate capital resources in the aggregate, and the ability to produce sufficient cash flows to meet its expected claims payments and operational expenses and to provide dividend payments to Endurance Holdings. In turn, we anticipate Endurance Holdings will

62


have adequate capital resources, or the access to sufficient capital resources, as discussed in the section "Liquidity and Capital Resources" above, to meet its obligations, including but not limited to dividend payments to its ordinary and preferred shareholders, interest payments on its senior notes and other liabilities as they come due.
Currency and Foreign Exchange
The Company's functional currencies are U.S. dollars for its U.S. and Bermuda operations and British Sterling for its U.K. operations. The reporting currency for all operations is U.S. dollars. The Company maintains a portion of its investments and liabilities in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company has made a significant investment in the capitalization of Endurance U.K., which is subject to the PRA's rules concerning the matching of the currency of its assets to the currency of its liabilities. Depending on the profile of Endurance U.K.'s liabilities, it may be required to hold some of its assets in currencies corresponding to the currencies of its liabilities. The Company may, from time to time, experience gains or losses resulting from fluctuations in the values of foreign currencies, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses of such foreign operations are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The effect of the translation adjustments for foreign operations is included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Other monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses included in earnings. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date.
Effects of Inflation
The effects of inflation could cause the severity of claims to rise in the future. The Company's estimates for losses and loss expenses include assumptions about future payments for settlement of claims and claims handling expenses, such as medical treatments and litigation costs. To the extent inflation causes these costs to increase above reserves established for these claims, the Company will be required to increase the reserve for losses and loss expenses with a corresponding reduction in its earnings in the period in which the deficiency is identified. In addition, inflation could lead to higher interest rates causing the current unrealized gain position on the Company's fixed maturity portfolio to decrease or become an unrealized loss position. In response, the Company may choose to hold its fixed income investments to maturity, which would result in the unrealized gains largely amortizing through net investment income.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements under "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA"). The PSLRA provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to us specifically and the insurance and reinsurance business generally, investments, capital markets and the general economic environments in which we operate. Statements which include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "seek," "will," and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise.
All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. 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 effects of competitors' pricing policies, and of changes in laws and regulations on competition, industry consolidation and development of competing financial products;
greater frequency or severity of claims and loss activity, including as a result of natural or man-made catastrophic events or as a result of changing climate conditions, than our underwriting, reserving or investment practices have anticipated;
changes in market conditions in the agriculture industry, which may vary depending upon demand for agricultural products, weather, commodity prices, natural disasters, technological advances in agricultural practices, changes in U.S. and foreign legislation and policies related to agricultural products and producers;
termination of or changes in the terms of the U.S. multiple peril crop insurance program and termination or changes to the U.S. farm bill, including modifications to the Standard Reinsurance Agreement put in place by the Risk Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture;

63


decreased demand for property and casualty insurance or reinsurance or increased competition due to an increase in capacity of property and casualty insurers and reinsurers;
changes in the availability, cost or quality of reinsurance or retrocessional coverage;
the inability to renew business previously underwritten or acquired;
the inability to obtain or maintain financial strength or claims-paying ratings by one or more of our subsidiaries;
our ability to effectively integrate acquired operations and to continue to expand our business;
uncertainties in our reserving process, including the potential for adverse development of our loss reserves or failure of our loss limitation methods;
the ability of the counterparty institutions with which we conduct business to continue to meet their obligations to us;
the failure or delay of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund or private market participants in Florida to promptly pay claims, particularly following a large windstorm or of multiple smaller storms;
our continued ability to comply with applicable financial standards and restrictive covenants, the breach of which could trigger significant collateral or prepayment obligations;
Endurance Holdings or Endurance Bermuda becomes subject to income taxes in jurisdictions outside of Bermuda;
changes in tax regulations or laws applicable to us, our subsidiaries, brokers or customers;
state, federal and foreign regulations that impede our ability to charge adequate rates and efficiently allocate capital;
changes in insurance regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions in which we operate, including the new Federal Insurance Office within the U.S. Department of the Treasury and other regulatory changes mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 in the United States and the implementation of Solvency II by the European Commission;
reduced acceptance of our existing or new products and services;
loss of business provided by any one of a few brokers on whom we depend for a large portion of our revenue, and our exposure to the credit risk of our brokers;
actions by our competitors, many of which are larger or have greater financial resources than we do;
assessments by states for high risk or otherwise uninsured individuals;
the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war;
the effects of terrorist related insurance legislation and laws;
the inability to retain key personnel;
political stability of Bermuda;
changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business;
changes in accounting regulation, policies or practices;
our investment performance;
the valuation of our invested assets and the determination of impairments of those assets, if any;
the breach of our investment guidelines or the inability of those guidelines to mitigate investment risk;
the possible further downgrade of U.S. or foreign government securities by credit rating agencies, and the resulting effect on the value of U.S. or foreign government and other securities in our investment portfolio as well as the uncertainty in the market generally;
the need for additional capital in the future which may not be available or only available on unfavorable terms;
the ability to maintain the availability of our systems and safeguard the security of our data in the event of a disaster or other unanticipated event;

64


changes in general economic conditions and/or industry specific conditions, including inflation, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other factors;
the failure to effectively integrate Montpelier's operations into the Company following the Merger;
the failure to realize the anticipated cost savings associated with the Merger;
our future financial performance differing from projections following consummation of the Merger; and
the possible need for additional capital in the future, which may not be available on satisfactory terms as a result of the Merger.
The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in our 2014 Form 10-K, including the risk factors set forth in Item 1A thereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

65


Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk" included in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K.
Item 4.     Controls and Procedures
a)    Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.
(b)    Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company's second fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


66


PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.     Legal Proceedings
We are party to various legal proceedings generally arising in the normal course of our business. While any proceeding contains an element of uncertainty, we do not believe that the eventual outcome of any litigation or arbitration proceeding to which we are presently a party could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or business. Pursuant to our insurance and reinsurance agreements, disputes are generally required to be finally settled by arbitration.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Before investing in any of our securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors and all other information set forth in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by the following risk factors and other information in this Form 10-Q. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition and cause the trading price of our securities to decline. You could lose all or part of your investment. The headings used in this section are solely to aid the reader as to general categories of risks related to investing in the Company. The risk factors listed may apply to more than one category or to the Company generally. Accordingly, the headings used in this section should not be construed as limiting in any manner the general applicability of any of the risk factors included in this section.
The Company is expected to incur substantial expenses related to the integration of Montpelier.
The Company is expected to incur substantial expenses in connection with the integration of the business, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and systems of Montpelier with those of the Company. There are a large number of systems that must be integrated, including management information, accounting and finance, billing, payroll and benefits and regulatory compliance. While the Company has assumed that a certain level of expenses would be incurred, there are a number of factors beyond its control that could affect the total amount or the timing of all of the expected integration expenses. Moreover, many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time. These expenses could, particularly in the near term, exceed the savings that the Company expects to achieve from the elimination of duplicative expenses and the realization of economies of scale and cost savings and synergies related to the integration of the businesses following the completion of the Merger. These integration expenses likely will result in the Company taking significant charges against earnings following the completion of the Merger, but the amount and timing of such charges are uncertain at present.
The Company may be unable to successfully integrate the businesses of the Company and Montpelier and realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger.
The Merger involves the combination of two companies that currently operate as independent public companies. The Company will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of the Company and Montpelier after the completion of the Merger. Potential difficulties the Company may encounter as part of the integration process include the following:
the inability to successfully combine the businesses of the Company and Montpelier in a manner that permits the Company following the completion of the Merger to achieve the full synergies anticipated to result from the Merger;
complexities associated with managing the businesses of the Company and Montpelier following the completion of the Merger, including the challenge of integrating complex systems, technology, networks and other assets of each of the companies in a manner that minimizes any adverse impact on customers, suppliers, employees and other constituencies;
integrating the workforces of the two companies while maintaining focus on providing consistent, high quality customer service;
the loss of key personnel as a result of the integration of the two companies; and
potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the Merger, including costs to integrate the two companies that may exceed the anticipated costs that the Company and Montpelier estimated prior to the execution of the Merger Agreement.
In addition, the Company and Montpelier have operated independently and have only begun the actual integration process as of the closing of the transaction on July 31, 2015. This process could result in:
diversion of the attention of the Company's management; and
the disruption of, or the loss of momentum in, the Company's ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies,

67


any of which could adversely affect each company's ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and other constituencies or the Company's ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Merger or could reduce the Company's earnings or otherwise adversely affect the business and financial results of the Company after the completion of the Merger.
The market price of the Company's ordinary shares may decline in the future as a result of the Merger.
The Company has issued 20.7 million ordinary shares to Montpelier shareholders in the Merger. Upon the receipt of the Company's ordinary shares as consideration in the Merger, former holders of Montpelier common shares may seek to sell the Company's ordinary shares delivered to them. Current shareholders of the Company may also seek to sell the ordinary shares held by them following consummation of the Merger. These sales (or the perception that these sales may occur), coupled with the increase in the outstanding number of the Company's ordinary shares, may affect the market for, and the market price of, the Company's ordinary shares in an adverse manner. None of these shareholders are subject to a "lock-up" or "market stand off" agreement. These factors are, to some extent, beyond the control of the Company.
In addition, the market price of an ordinary share of the Company may decline in the future as a result of the Merger for a number of reasons, including the unsuccessful integration of the Company and Montpelier or the failure of the Company to achieve the perceived benefits of the Merger, including financial results and anticipated synergies, as rapidly as or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts.
The Company’s future results will suffer if the Company does not effectively manage its expanded operations following the completion of the Merger.
Following the completion of the Merger, the size of the business of the Company will increase significantly beyond the current size of the Company's business. The Company's future success depends, in part, upon its ability to manage its expanded business, which will pose substantial challenges for management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and associated increased costs and complexity. There can be no assurances that the Company will be successful or that it will realize the expected operating efficiencies, cost savings and other benefits currently anticipated from the Merger.
The Merger may expose the Company to significant unanticipated liabilities that could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Merger may expose the Company to significant unanticipated liabilities relating to the operation of Montpelier prior to the Merger. These liabilities could include tax, employment, retirement or severance-related obligations under applicable law or other benefits arrangements, legal claims, warranty or similar liabilities to customers, and claims by or amounts owed to vendors. The Company may also incur liabilities or claims associated with its acquisition of Montpelier's technology and intellectual property including claims of infringement. The incurrence of such unforeseen or unanticipated liabilities, should they be significant, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Montpelier's counterparties may acquire certain rights in connection with the Merger that could negatively affect the Company following the Merger.
Montpelier is party to numerous contracts, treaties, agreements, licenses, permits, authorizations and other arrangements that contain provisions giving counterparties certain rights (including, in some cases, termination or acceleration rights) in the event of a "change in control" of Montpelier or its subsidiaries. The definition of "change in control" varies from contract to contract, ranging from a narrow to a broad definition, and, in some cases, the "change in control" provisions may be implicated by the Merger. Such agreements include certain of Montpelier's letter of credit and revolving credit facilities (a termination of which may require cash collateralization of the outstanding letters of credit, prepayment of outstanding loans (including all accrued interest and fees thereon) and an inability to request new loans or letters of credit).
Specifically with regards to Montpelier's reinsurance arrangements, many in-force reinsurance contracts contain such "change in control" provisions. In addition, many of these reinsurance contracts are annually renewable and whether or not they may be terminated in a change in control, reinsurance cedants may choose not to renew these contracts with the Company. Termination and failure to renew reinsurance agreements by contractual counterparties could result in a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and operating results.
Additionally, reinsurance cedants may be permitted to cancel contracts on a cut-off or run-off basis, and Montpelier may be required to provide collateral to secure premium and reserve balances or may be required to cancel and commute a contract, subject to an agreement between the parties that may be settled in arbitration. If a contract is canceled on a cut-off basis, Montpelier may be required to return unearned premiums, net of commissions. In addition, contracts may provide cedants with multiple options, such as collateralization or commutation that would be triggered by a change in control. Collateral requirements may take the form of trust agreements or be funded by securities held or letters of credit. Upon commutation, the amount to be paid to settle the liability for gross loss reserves typically would be considered a discount to the

68


financial statement loss reserve value, reflecting the time value of money resident in the ultimate settlement of such loss reserves. In certain instances, contracts contain dual triggers, such as a change in control and a ratings downgrade, both of which must be satisfied for the contractual right to be exercisable.
Whether a cedant would have cancellation rights in connection with the Merger depends upon the language of its agreement with Montpelier. Whether a cedant exercises any cancellation rights it has would depend on, among other factors, such ceding company's views with respect to the financial strength and business reputation of the Company, the extent to which such cedant currently has reinsurance coverage with the Company’s affiliates, the prevailing market conditions, the pricing and availability of replacement reinsurance coverage and the Company’s ratings following the Merger. Neither the Company nor Montpelier can presently predict the effects, if any, if the Merger is deemed to constitute a change in control under certain of Montpelier's contracts and other arrangements, including the extent to which cancellation rights would be exercised, if at all, or the effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows following the Merger, but such effect could be material.
Each of the Company and Montpelier will be exposed to underwriting and other business risks during the period that each party's business continues to be operated independently from the other.
Until the completion of the Merger, each of the Company and Montpelier operated independently from the other in accordance with such party's distinct underwriting guidelines, investment policies, referral processes, authority levels and risk management policies and practices. As a result, during this period, Montpelier may have assumed risks that the Company would not have assumed for itself, accept premiums that, in the Company’s judgment, do not adequately compensate it for the risks assumed, make investment decisions that would not adhere to the Company's investment policies or otherwise make business decisions or take on exposure that, while consistent with Montpelier's general business approach and practices, are not the same as those of the Company.
The Company faces risks related to operating at Lloyd's.
The Company faces exposure to the risks facing syndicates operating at Lloyd's which include, but are not limited to, the following risks which, alone or in combination, could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations:
having exposure to the Council of Lloyd's (the "Council") wide discretionary powers to regulate members of Lloyd's, including the Council's power to vary the method by which the capital solvency ratio is calculated;
being subject to increased capital requirements due to changes in regulation;
facing reputational issues arising from the actions of other Lloyd's syndicates;
being subject to potential changes in business strategy due to requirements of the Lloyd's Franchise Board (which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Lloyd's market);
reduced underwriting capacity for the Company due to a reduction in the funds held in trust at Lloyd's (as a result of changes in the market value of investments or otherwise) to support underwriting activities;
being required to cease or reduce underwriting if Lloyd's fails to satisfy the FCA's and the PRA's annual solvency test in any given year;
having a reduced ability to trade in certain classes of business at current levels as a consequence of a downgrading of the Lloyd's market;
being subject to additional or special levies imposed by the Council; and
as a Lloyd's syndicate transacting certain types of business in the United States, being required by U.S. regulators to increase the level of funding required as minimum deposits for the protection of U.S. policyholders and, as a consequence, being required to make cash calls to meet claims payments and deposit funding obligations.
The Merger may result in a ratings downgrade of the Company or its operating subsidiaries.
Ratings with respect to claims-paying ability and financial strength are important factors in maintaining customer confidence in the Company and its ability to market insurance and reinsurance products and compete with other insurance and reinsurance companies. Rating organizations regularly analyze the financial performance and condition of insurers and reinsurers. While the Company anticipates that its financial strength and claims-paying ratings will be affirmed subsequent to the closing of the Merger, there is no guarantee that such affirmations will occur. In connection with the completion of the Merger, any of these ratings agencies may reevaluate the Company’s ratings.
Following the Merger, any ratings downgrades, or the potential for ratings downgrades, of the Company or its operating subsidiaries could adversely affect the Company's ability to market and distribute products and services and

69


successfully compete in the marketplace, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and operating results, as well as the market price for the Company's ordinary shares. For example, a downgrade may increase the Company's cost of borrowing, may negatively impact the Company's ability to raise additional debt capital, may negatively impact the Company's ability to successfully compete in the marketplace and may negatively impact the willingness of counterparties to deal with the Company, each of which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company following the Merger and the market value of the Company's ordinary shares. In addition, most of the reinsurance contracts of each of the Company's and Montpelier's reinsurance subsidiaries contain provisions that would allow ceding companies to terminate the contract or demand security following a downgrade in financial strength ratings below specified levels by one or more rating agencies. The Company cannot predict the extent to which this termination right would be exercised, if at all; however, the effect of such termination could have a significant and negative effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations following the Merger. Even in the absence of contractual provisions, numerous cedants and brokers prefer to secure coverage or assign preferential allocations to the highest rated reinsurers, and accordingly, any decrease in ratings could adversely affect the ability of the combined company to access the businesses it will seek to underwrite.
The Company may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available to it on satisfactory terms as a result of the Merger, if at all.
The Company will require liquidity to pay claims, fund its operating expenses, make interest and principal payments on its debt and pay dividends. Any future debt financing may not be available on terms that are favorable to the Company, if at all. Markets in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent years due to financial stresses that affected the liquidity of the financial markets. These circumstances have at times reduced access to the public and private debt markets. If the Company cannot obtain adequate sources of financing on favorable terms, or at all, its business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
(a) Total
Number of
Shares Purchased(1)
 
(b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
(c) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or  Programs(1) (2)
 
(d) Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs(1) (2)
April 1, 2015 - April 30, 2015

 
$

 

 
5,000,000
May 1, 2015 - May 31, 2015

 
$

 

 
5,000,000
June 1, 2015 - June 30, 2015

 
$

 

 
5,000,000
Total

 
$

 

 
5,000,000
(1)
Ordinary shares or share equivalents.
(2)
At its meeting on February 27, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of up to a total of 5,000,000 ordinary shares and share equivalents through February 28, 2016, superseding all previous authorizations.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
Item 5.     Other Information
None


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Item 6.
Exhibits
(a) The following sets forth those exhibits filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 31, 2015, by and among Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd., Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. and Millhill Holdings Ltd., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2015.
 
 
 
10.1
 
Voting Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2015, by and among Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. and Charlesbank Equity Fund VII, Limited Partnership; CB Offshore Equity Fund VII, L.P.; CB Parallel Fund VII, Limited Partnership; Charlesbank Coinvestment Partners, Limited Partnership; and Charlesbank Equity Coinvestment Fund VII, Limited Partnership, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2015.
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 
32
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
 
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at June 30, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014; (ii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014; (iii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014; (iv) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014; and (v) the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
ENDURANCE SPECIALTY HOLDINGS LTD.
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 7, 2015
 
By:    
 
/s/ John R. Charman
 
 
 
 
 
John R. Charman
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 7, 2015
 
By:
 
/s/ Michael J. McGuire
 
 
 
 
 
Michael J. McGuire
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)


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