2012.09.30 - 10Q

Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 __________________________________________________
 Form 10-Q 
__________________________________________________

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

Commission file number 001-33606
__________________________________________________
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________________________________
BERMUDA
 
98-0501001
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
29 Richmond Road, Pembroke, Bermuda HM 08
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 (441) 278-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a 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 o  No x
 
As of November 5, 2012 there were 93,506,829 outstanding Common Shares, $0.175 par value per share, of the registrant.
 



Table of Contents

INDEX
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at September 30, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 

 
 

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012—$4,803,217; 2011—$4,859,705)
$
4,887,622

 
$
4,894,145

Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012—$275,099; 2011—$280,299)
275,324

 
280,191

Other investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012—$511,310; 2011—$15,002)
525,441

 
16,787

Cash and cash equivalents
1,005,829

 
832,844

Total investments and cash
6,694,216

 
6,023,967

Investments in affiliates
99,312

 
53,031

Premiums receivable
781,991

 
646,354

Deferred acquisition costs
155,456

 
121,505

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
144,788

 
91,381

Securities lending collateral
10,383

 
7,736

Loss reserves recoverable
317,252

 
372,485

Paid losses recoverable
36,209

 
90,495

Income taxes recoverable
5,019

 

Intangible assets
111,611

 
114,731

Goodwill
20,393

 
20,393

Accrued investment income
19,945

 
25,906

Other assets
67,245

 
50,487

Total assets
$
8,463,820

 
$
7,618,471

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 

 
 

Reserve for losses and loss expenses
$
2,562,604

 
$
2,631,143

Unearned premiums
1,034,605

 
772,382

Reinsurance balances payable
87,955

 
119,899

Securities lending payable
10,849

 
8,462

Deferred income taxes
22,848

 
16,720

Net payable for investments purchased
26,629

 
1,256

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
86,128

 
83,402

Senior notes payable
247,063

 
246,982

Debentures payable
289,800

 
289,800

Total liabilities
$
4,368,481

 
$
4,170,046

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities


 


 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
 

 
 

Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2012—136,632,448; 2011—134,503,065; Outstanding: 2012—93,494,391; 2011—99,471,080)
$
23,911

 
$
23,538

Treasury shares (2012—43,138,057; 2011—35,031,985)
(7,549
)
 
(6,131
)
Additional paid-in-capital
1,657,767

 
1,893,890

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
(4,565
)
 
(6,601
)
Retained earnings
1,964,289

 
1,543,729

Total shareholders’ equity available to Validus
3,633,853

 
3,448,425

Noncontrolling interest
461,486

 

Total shareholders’ equity
$
4,095,339

 
$
3,448,425

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
8,463,820

 
$
7,618,471

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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Table of Contents

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information) 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Revenues
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
390,215

 
$
391,129

 
$
1,854,593

 
$
1,846,412

Reinsurance premiums ceded
(45,743
)
 
(30,586
)
 
(271,847
)
 
(272,752
)
Net premiums written
344,472

 
360,543

 
1,582,746

 
1,573,660

Change in unearned premiums
130,632

 
98,081

 
(208,816
)
 
(259,863
)
Net premiums earned
475,104

 
458,624

 
1,373,930

 
1,313,797

Net investment income
25,489

 
27,747

 
79,134

 
84,216

Net realized gains on investments
9,063

 
5,246

 
22,749

 
23,177

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
86,345

 
(27,848
)
 
53,442

 
(22,150
)
(Loss) from investment affiliate
(160
)
 

 
(558
)
 

Other income
7,324

 

 
22,209

 
2,201

Foreign exchange gains (losses)
1,103

 
(19,932
)
 
3,617

 
(22,390
)
Total revenues
604,268

 
443,837

 
1,554,523

 
1,378,851

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
155,455

 
226,067

 
541,136

 
909,572

Policy acquisition costs
98,623

 
77,405

 
252,884

 
232,931

General and administrative expenses
70,547

 
35,926

 
198,557

 
145,244

Share compensation expenses
7,345

 
7,382

 
19,583

 
27,059

Finance expenses
9,362

 
10,935

 
39,347

 
41,297

Transaction expenses
3,784

 
13,583

 
3,784

 
13,583

Total expenses
345,116

 
371,298

 
1,055,291

 
1,369,686

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income before taxes and income from operating affiliates
259,152

 
72,539

 
499,232

 
9,165

Tax (expense)
(1,343
)
 
(2,538
)
 
(1,886
)
 
(1,050
)
Income from operating affiliates
6,235

 

 
13,194

 

Net income
$
264,044

 
$
70,001

 
$
510,540

 
$
8,115

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(56,746
)
 
(13,516
)
 
(11,386
)
 
(14,110
)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
$
207,298

 
$
56,485

 
$
499,154

 
$
(5,995
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
1,400

 
(413
)
 
2,036

 
523

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
1,400

 
$
(413
)
 
$
2,036

 
$
523

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
$
208,698

 
$
56,072

 
$
501,190

 
$
(5,472
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
93,368,775

 
98,961,795

 
97,016,034

 
98,430,686

Diluted
98,236,490

 
100,823,335

 
102,333,515

 
98,430,686

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to common shareholders
$
2.20

 
$
0.55

 
$
5.09

 
$
(0.12
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to common shareholders
$
2.11

 
$
0.54

 
$
4.88

 
$
(0.12
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.25

 
$
0.25

 
$
0.75

 
$
0.75


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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Table of Contents

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Common shares
 

 
 

Balance - Beginning of period
$
23,538

 
$
23,247

Common shares issued, net
373

 
216

Balance - End of period
$
23,911

 
$
23,463

 
 
 
 
Treasury shares
 

 
 

Balance - Beginning of period
$
(6,131
)
 
$
(6,096
)
Repurchase of common shares
(1,418
)
 
(35
)
Balance - End of period
$
(7,549
)
 
$
(6,131
)
 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital
 

 
 

Balance - Beginning of period
$
1,893,890

 
$
1,860,960

Common shares issued, net
2,551

 
4,838

Repurchase of common shares
(258,257
)
 
(5,960
)
Share compensation expenses
19,583

 
27,059

Balance - End of period
$
1,657,767

 
$
1,886,897

 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
 

 
 

Balance - Beginning of period
$
(6,601
)
 
$
(5,455
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
2,036

 
523

Balance - End of period
$
(4,565
)
 
$
(4,932
)
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
 

 
 

Balance - Beginning of period
$
1,543,729

 
$
1,632,175

Dividends
(78,594
)
 
(81,608
)
Net income
510,540

 
8,115

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(11,386
)
 
(14,110
)
Balance - End of period
$
1,964,289

 
$
1,544,572

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity available to Validus
$
3,633,853

 
$
3,443,869

 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interest
$
461,486

 
$
146,223

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
$
4,095,339

 
$
3,590,092

 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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Table of Contents

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)
 
September 30,
2012
 
September 30,
2011
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
 

 
 

Net income
$
510,540

 
$
8,115

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 

 
 

Share compensation expenses
19,583

 
27,059

Amortization of discount on senior notes
81

 
81

Loss from investment affiliate
558

 

Net realized (gains) on investments
(22,749
)
 
(23,177
)
Net unrealized (gains) losses on investments
(53,442
)
 
22,150

Amortization of intangible assets
3,120

 
3,120

Income from operating affiliates
(13,194
)
 

Foreign exchange (gains) losses included in net income
(17,064
)
 
9,602

Amortization of premium on fixed maturities
19,214

 
23,470

Change in:
 

 
 

Premiums receivable
(132,292
)
 
(239,934
)
Deferred acquisition costs
(33,951
)
 
(30,797
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
(53,407
)
 
(70,214
)
Loss reserves recoverable
57,574

 
(103,048
)
Paid losses recoverable
54,559

 
(52,853
)
Income taxes recoverable
(5,041
)
 
(2,164
)
Accrued investment income
6,015

 
6,620

Other assets
(16,050
)
 
7,740

Reserve for losses and loss expenses
(80,954
)
 
530,925

Unearned premiums
262,223

 
330,077

Reinsurance balances payable
(33,487
)
 
40,206

Deferred income taxes
6,241

 
(518
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
4,948

 
(16,557
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
483,025

 
469,903

 
 
 
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
 

 
 

Proceeds on sales of investments
2,528,442

 
3,424,462

Proceeds on maturities of investments
385,642

 
266,594

Purchases of fixed maturities
(2,832,179
)
 
(3,697,544
)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net
5,123

 
(273,939
)
(Purchases) sales of other investments
(499,178
)
 
4,364

(Increase) in securities lending collateral
(2,387
)
 
(1,907
)
Purchase of investment in operating affiliates
(26,500
)
 

Purchase of investment in investment affiliate
(3,798
)
 

Net cash (used in) investing activities
(444,835
)
 
(277,970
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
 

 
 

Issuance of common shares, net
2,924

 
5,054

Purchases of common shares under share repurchase program
(259,675
)
 
(5,995
)
Dividends paid
(81,391
)
 
(81,108
)
Increase in securities lending payable
2,387

 
1,907

Third party investment in noncontrolling interest
450,100

 
132,113

Net cash provided by financing activities
114,345

 
51,971

 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
20,450

 
(8,662
)
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash
172,985

 
235,242

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
$
832,844

 
$
620,740

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
1,005,829

 
$
855,982

 
 
 
 
Taxes paid (recovered) during the period
$
3,640

 
$
(3,676
)
 
 
 
 
Interest paid during the period
$
37,122

 
$
39,336

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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Table of Contents


1. Basis of preparation and consolidation
 
These unaudited consolidated financial statements include Validus Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (together, the "Company") and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 in Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In addition, the year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. This Quarterly Report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The significant estimates reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements include the reserve for losses and loss expenses, premium estimates for business written on a line slip or proportional basis, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, reinsurance recoverable balances including the provision for unrecoverable reinsurance recoverable balances and investment valuation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. The term "ASC" used in these notes refers to Accounting Standard Codifications issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB").

On April 2, 2012, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing PaCRe, Ltd. (“PaCRe”) a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance. Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Validus Re”) has an equity interest in PaCRe and as Validus Re holds a majority of PaCRe's outstanding voting rights, the financial statements of PaCRe are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of PaCRe's earnings attributable to third party investors for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 is recorded in the consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest. Refer to Note 5 "Noncontrolling interest" for further information.

On May 29, 2012, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2012, Ltd. (“AlphaCat Re 2012”) a new special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance with a particular focus on windstorm risks for Florida domiciled insurance companies. Validus Re has an equity interest and voting interest in AlphaCat Re 2012 which is below 50%, therefore the investment in AlphaCat Re 2012 is included as an equity method investment in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Refer to Note 4 “Investments in affiliates” for further information.

2. Recent accounting pronouncements
 
(a) Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value
Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs" ("ASU 2011-04"). The objective of ASU 2011-04 is to provide common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. For many of the requirements, the amendments do not result in a change in the application of the requirements in ASC Topic 820 "Fair Value Measurements". ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted this amended guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the current disclosures included in Note 3 "Investments".

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Table of Contents

Presentation of Comprehensive Income
In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2011-05"). The objective of ASU 2011-05 is to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, "Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05". ASU 2011-12 indefinitely defers certain reclassification adjustment provisions of ASU 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 is also effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company retrospectively adopted this guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Technical Amendments and Corrections to SEC Sections
In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-3, “Technical Amendments and Corrections to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 114, Technical Amendments Pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-9250, and Corrections Related to FASB Accounting Standards Update 2010-22  (SEC Update)” (“ASU 2012-3”). ASU 2012-3 is effective upon issuance. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

(b) Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and
Liabilities" ("ASU 2011-11"). The objective of ASU 2011-11 is to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments in relation to netting arrangements. ASU 2011-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, since this update affects disclosures only, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 

In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, "Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment" ("ASU 2012-02"). The objective of ASU 2012-02 is to simplify how entities test intangibles for impairment. The amendments permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment described in ASC Topic 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - General Intangibles Other than Goodwill." The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim impairment tests performed as of a date before July 27, 2012, if a public entity's financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. The Company has evaluated the impact of this guidance and has concluded that it will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In October 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-04, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” (“ASU - 2012-04”). The objective of ASU 2012-04 is to clarify the Codification, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. Additionally, the amendments will make the Codification easier to understand and the fair value measurement guidance easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing needed clarifications. The amendments that will not have transition guidance will be effective upon issuance. For public entities, the amendments that are subject to the transition guidance will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. 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
 
The Company’s investments in fixed maturities, short-term investments and other investments are classified as trading and carried at fair value, with related net unrealized gains or losses included in earnings. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance in effect as of the balance sheet date regarding certain market conditions that allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable.

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Table of Contents

 
(a)
Classification within the fair value hierarchy
 
Under U.S. GAAP, a company must determine the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy for each fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, into three levels. It gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
 
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. A significant adjustment to a Level 2 input could result in the Level 2 measurement becoming a Level 3 measurement. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices or alternative indices including overnight repos and commercial paper.

Level 2 includes financial instruments that are valued through independent external sources using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curve, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. The Company performs internal procedures on the valuations received from independent external sources. Investments in U.S. and Non-U.S. government/agency securities, corporate bonds, mortgage backed securities, bank loans, municipal bonds and asset-backed securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value of these securities is derived from index providers, pricing vendors and broker quotations based on inputs that are observable for the asset such as reported trades, bids, offers, benchmark yields and broker-dealer quotes.  Catastrophe bonds are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as determined by reference to direct dealer quotations.  Those indications are based on current market conditions, including liquidity and transactional history, recent issue price of similar catastrophe bonds and seasonality of the underlying risks.

Level 3 includes financial instruments that are valued using market approach and income approach valuation techniques. These models incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs. An investment in four Paulson & Co. Inc. managed hedge funds and an investment in a fund of hedge funds are the only financial instruments in this category as at September 30, 2012. For each respective hedge fund investment, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the fund administrators and investment managers to ensure that the hedge fund investments are following fair value principles consistent with U.S. GAAP in determining the net asset value (“NAV”).

Other investments consist of an investment in four Paulson & Co. Inc. managed hedge funds (the "hedge funds"), a fund of hedge funds and a deferred compensation trust held in mutual funds. The hedge funds were valued at $512,138 at September 30, 2012. The funds' administrator provides monthly reported NAVs with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the funds' administrator's August 31, 2012 NAV was used as a partial basis for fair value measurement in the Company's September 30, 2012 balance sheet. The fund manager provides an estimate of the NAV at September 30, 2012 based on estimated performance. The Company adjusts fair value to the fund manager's estimated NAV that incorporates relevant valuation sources on a timely basis. As this valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the fund is classified as a Level 3 asset. To determine the reasonableness of the estimated NAV, the Company assesses the variance between the fund manager's estimated NAV and the fund administrator's NAV. Immaterial variances are recorded in the following reporting period. These managed hedge funds are subject to quarterly liquidity.

The fund of hedge funds includes a side pocket valued at $4,521 at September 30, 2012. While a redemption request has been submitted, the timing of receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is unknown. The fund’s administrator provides a monthly reported NAV with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the fund administrator’s August 31, 2012 NAV was used as a basis for fair value measurement in the Company’s September 30, 2012 balance sheet. The fund manager provides an estimate of the fund NAV at September 30, 2012 based on the estimated performance provided from the underlying third-party funds. To determine the reasonableness of the NAV, the Company compares the one-month delayed fund administrator's NAV to the fund manager’s

8


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estimated NAV that incorporates relevant valuation sources on a timely basis. Immaterial variances are recorded in the following reporting period. As this valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the fund of hedge funds is classified as a Level 3 asset.
 
At September 30, 2012, the Company’s investments were allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
U.S. Government and Government Agency
$

 
$
1,229,273


$

 
$
1,229,273

Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency

 
307,760



 
307,760

States, municipalities, political subdivision

 
42,538



 
42,538

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

 
421,975



 
421,975

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

 
23,832



 
23,832

U.S. corporate

 
1,242,888



 
1,242,888

Non-U.S. corporate

 
598,253



 
598,253

Bank loans

 
602,856

 

 
602,856

Catastrophe bonds

 
38,466



 
38,466

Asset-backed securities

 
379,781



 
379,781

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 



 

Total fixed maturities

 
4,887,622

 

 
4,887,622

Short-term investments
241,972

 
33,352

 

 
275,324

Fund of hedge funds

 

 
5,117

 
5,117

Hedge funds (a)

 

 
512,138

 
512,138

Mutual funds

 
8,186

 

 
8,186

Total
$
241,972

 
$
4,929,160

 
$
517,255

 
$
5,688,387

Noncontrolling interest (a)

 

 
(460,924
)
 
(460,924
)
Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest
$
241,972

 
$
4,929,160

 
$
56,331

 
$
5,227,463


(a) The Company has an equity interest of 10% in PaCRe, the remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors.

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At December 31, 2011, the Company’s investments were allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
U.S. Government and Government Agency
$

 
$
1,182,393

 
$

 
$
1,182,393

Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency

 
449,358

 

 
449,358

States, municipalities, political subdivision

 
26,291

 

 
26,291

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

 
468,054

 

 
468,054

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

 
32,706

 

 
32,706

U.S. corporate

 
1,329,758

 

 
1,329,758

Non-U.S. corporate

 
579,675

 

 
579,675

Bank loans

 
467,256

 

 
467,256

Catastrophe bonds

 
29,952

 

 
29,952

Asset-backed securities

 
328,299

 

 
328,299

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
403

 

 
403

Total fixed maturities

 
4,894,145

 

 
4,894,145

Short-term investments
257,854

 
22,337

 

 
280,191

Fund of hedge funds

 

 
5,627

 
5,627

Private equity investment

 

 
3,253

 
3,253

Mutual funds

 
7,907

 

 
7,907

Total
$
257,854

 
$
4,924,389

 
$
8,880

 
$
5,191,123

 
At September 30, 2012, Level 3 investments excluding the noncontrolling interest totaled $56,331, representing 1.1% of total investments, excluding noncontrolling interest, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2011, Level 3 investments totaled $8,880 representing 0.2% of total investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2012 and 2011:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Fixed Maturity Investments
 
Other Investments
 
Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period
$

 
$
454,793

 
$
454,793

Purchases

 

 

Sales

 
(218
)
 
(218
)
Issuances

 

 

Settlements

 

 

Realized gains

 
13

 
13

Unrealized gains

 
61,746

 
61,746

Amortization

 

 

Transfers

 
921

 
921

Level 3 investments - End of period
$

 
$
517,255

 
$
517,255

Noncontrolling interest (a)

 
(460,924
)
 
(460,924
)
Level 3 investments excluding noncontrolling interest
$

 
$
56,331

 
$
56,331


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Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Fixed Maturity Investments
 
Other Investments
 
Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period
$

 
$
9,776

 
$
9,776

Purchases

 

 

Sales

 
(556
)
 
(556
)
Issuances

 

 

Settlements

 

 

Realized gains

 
73

 
73

Unrealized (losses)

 
(526
)
 
(526
)
Amortization

 

 

Transfers

 

 

Level 3 investments - End of period
$

 
$
8,767

 
$
8,767

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Fixed Maturity Investments
 
Other Investments
 
Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period
$

 
$
8,880

 
$
8,880

Purchases

 
500,000

 
500,000

Sales

 
(1,115
)
 
(1,115
)
Issuances

 

 

Settlements

 

 

Realized gains

 
61

 
61

Unrealized gains

 
11,762

 
11,762

Amortization

 

 

Transfers

 
(2,333
)
 
(2,333
)
Level 3 investments - End of period
$

 
$
517,255

 
$
517,255

Noncontrolling interest (a)

 
(460,924
)
 
(460,924
)
Level 3 investments excluding noncontrolling interest
$

 
$
56,331

 
$
56,331


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Fixed Maturity Investments
 
Other Investments
 
Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period
$

 
$
12,892

 
$
12,892

Purchases

 

 

Sales

 
(4,365
)
 
(4,365
)
Issuances

 

 

Settlements

 

 

Realized gains

 
508

 
508

Unrealized (losses)

 
(268
)
 
(268
)
Amortization

 

 

Transfers

 

 

Level 3 investments - End of period
$

 
$
8,767

 
$
8,767


(a) The Company has an equity interest of 10% in PaCRe, the remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors.


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Table of Contents

There have not been any transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2012. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, there was a transfer of an investment into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. This transfer was due to the conversion of a bank loan to an other investment. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, there was a transfer of the private equity investment out of Level 3 “Other investments” to “Investments in affiliates.” Refer to Note 4 “Investments in affiliates.

(b) Net investment income
 
Net investment income was derived from the following sources: 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2012

September 30, 2011
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
Fixed maturities and short-term investments
$
25,703

 
$
27,773

 
$
79,450

 
$
84,243

Cash and cash equivalents
1,770

 
1,864

 
5,536

 
5,132

Securities lending income
3

 
7

 
9

 
31

Total gross investment income
27,476

 
29,644

 
84,995

 
89,406

Investment expenses
(1,987
)
 
(1,897
)
 
(5,861
)
 
(5,190
)
Net investment income
$
25,489

 
$
27,747

 
$
79,134

 
$
84,216

 
(c)
Fixed maturity, short-term investments, other investments and cash equivalents
 
The following represents an analysis of net realized gains and the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
$
10,187

 
$
8,794

 
$
29,610

 
$
37,591

Gross realized (losses)
(1,124
)
 
(3,548
)
 
(6,861
)
 
(14,414
)
Net realized gains on investments
9,063

 
5,246

 
22,749

 
23,177

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities lending
223

 
(26
)
 
260

 
15

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
86,122

 
(27,822
)
 
53,182

 
(22,165
)
Total net realized gains and change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
$
95,408

 
$
(22,602
)
 
$
76,191

 
$
1,027

Noncontrolling interest (a)
(55,806
)
 

 
(10,924
)
 

Total net realized gains and change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments excluding noncontrolling interest
$
39,602

 
$
(22,602
)
 
$
65,267

 
$
1,027


(a) The Company has an equity interest of 10% in PaCRe, the remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors.

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Table of Contents

 
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at September 30, 2012 were as follows:
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency
$
1,219,610

 
$
9,676

 
$
(13
)
 
$
1,229,273

Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency
300,227

 
7,836

 
(303
)
 
307,760

States, municipalities, political subdivision
41,690

 
859

 
(11
)
 
42,538

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities
405,317

 
16,757

 
(99
)
 
421,975

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities
25,013

 
564

 
(1,745
)
 
23,832

U.S. corporate
1,214,986

 
28,176

 
(274
)
 
1,242,888

Non-U.S. corporate
585,454

 
12,940

 
(141
)
 
598,253

Bank loans
596,316

 
7,177

 
(637
)
 
602,856

Catastrophe bonds
37,750

 
716

 

 
38,466

Asset-backed securities
376,854

 
3,070

 
(143
)
 
379,781

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities
4,803,217

 
87,771

 
(3,366
)
 
4,887,622

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total short-term investments
275,099

 
229

 
(4
)
 
275,324

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fund of hedge funds
5,111

 
331

 
(325
)
 
5,117

Hedge funds (a)
500,000

 
12,138

 

 
512,138

Mutual funds
6,199

 
1,987

 
 
 
8,186

Total other investments
511,310

 
14,456

 
(325
)
 
525,441

Total
$
5,589,626

 
$
102,456

 
$
(3,695
)
 
$
5,688,387

Noncontrolling interest (a)
(450,000
)
 
(10,924
)
 
$

 
$
(460,924
)
Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest
$
5,139,626

 
$
91,532

 
$
(3,695
)
 
$
5,227,463

 
(a) The Company has an equity interest of 10% in PaCRe, the remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors.

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Table of Contents


The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2011 were as follows:
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency
$
1,170,810

 
$
11,630

 
$
(47
)
 
$
1,182,393

Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency
446,258

 
9,173

 
(6,073
)
 
449,358

States, municipalities, political subdivision
25,715

 
586

 
(10
)
 
26,291

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities
451,751

 
16,622

 
(319
)
 
468,054

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities
39,134

 
143

 
(6,571
)
 
32,706

U.S. corporate
1,314,375

 
24,932

 
(9,549
)
 
1,329,758

Non-U.S. corporate
577,743

 
6,320

 
(4,388
)
 
579,675

Bank loans
475,770

 
2,435

 
(10,949
)
 
467,256

Catastrophe bonds
29,250

 
702

 

 
29,952

Asset-backed securities
328,497

 
900

 
(1,098
)
 
328,299

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
402

 
1

 

 
403

Total fixed maturities
4,859,705

 
73,444

 
(39,004
)
 
4,894,145

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total short-term investments
280,299

 
1

 
(109
)
 
280,191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fund of hedge funds
5,244

 
383

 

 
5,627

Private equity investment
3,253

 

 

 
3,253

Mutual funds
6,505

 
1,402

 

 
7,907

Total other investments
15,002

 
1,785

 

 
16,787

Total
$
5,155,006

 
$
75,230

 
$
(39,113
)
 
$
5,191,123

 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio as at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Investment ratings are the lower of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating for each investment security, presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating. For investments where Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are not available, Fitch ratings are used and presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating.
 

14


Table of Contents

 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
% of Total
AAA
$
762,664

 
15.6
%
 
$
882,912

 
18.0
%
AA
2,068,034

 
42.3
%
 
2,077,981

 
42.5
%
A
1,059,408

 
21.7
%
 
1,078,793

 
22.0
%
BBB
358,781

 
7.3
%
 
345,091

 
7.1
%
Investment grade
4,248,887

 
86.9
%
 
4,384,777

 
89.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BB
352,150

 
7.2
%
 
254,409

 
5.2
%
B
263,625

 
5.4
%
 
231,420

 
4.7
%
CCC
5,578

 
0.1
%
 
12,578

 
0.3
%
CC
3,075

 
0.1
%
 
4,605

 
0.1
%
D/NR
14,307

 
0.3
%
 
6,356

 
0.1
%
Non-Investment grade
638,735

 
13.1
%
 
509,368

 
10.4
%
Total Fixed Maturities
$
4,887,622

 
100.0
%
 
$
4,894,145

 
100.0
%
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for fixed maturity securities held at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are shown below by contractual maturity. Actual maturity may differ from contractual maturity because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
535,216

 
$
538,572

 
$
520,631

 
$
523,107

Due after one year through five years
3,047,712

 
3,104,660

 
3,160,647

 
3,186,711

Due after five years through ten years
409,467

 
414,702

 
350,459

 
346,654

Due after ten years
3,638

 
4,100

 
8,184

 
8,211

 
3,996,033

 
4,062,034

 
4,039,921

 
4,064,683

Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities
807,184

 
825,588

 
819,784

 
829,462

Total
$
4,803,217

 
$
4,887,622

 
$
4,859,705

 
$
4,894,145

 
The Company has a four-year, $525,000 secured letter of credit facility provided by a syndicate of commercial banks (the “Four Year Facility”). At September 30, 2012, approximately $318,506 (December 31, 2011: $nil) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under this facility for which $396,691 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011: $nil). In 2007, the Company entered into a $100,000 standby letter of credit facility which provides Funds at Lloyd’s (the “Talbot FAL Facility”).  On November 19, 2009, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the Talbot FAL Facility to reduce the commitment from $100,000 to $25,000. At September 30, 2012, $25,000 (December 31, 2011: $25,000) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the Talbot FAL Facility for which $43,836 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011: $44,623). In addition, $2,187,135 of investments were held in trust at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $2,129,570). Of those, $1,842,391 were held in trust for the benefit of Talbot’s cedants and policyholders, and to facilitate the accreditation of Talbot as an alien insurer/reinsurer by certain regulators (December 31, 2011: $1,686,586). In 2009, the Company entered into a $500,000 secured letter of credit facility provided by Citibank Europe plc (the "Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility"). At September 30, 2012 approximately $88,191 (December 31, 2011: $nil) letters of credit were issued and outstanding under this facility for which $110,964 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011: $nil).
 
The Company assumed two letters of credit facilities as part of the acquisition of IPC Holdings, Ltd. (the “IPC Acquisition”).  The facilites consisted of a Credit Facility between IPC, IPCRe Limited, the Lenders party thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “IPC Syndicated Facility”) and a Letters of Credit Master Agreement between Citibank N.A. and IPCRe Limited (the “IPC Bi-Lateral Facility”). At March 31, 2010, the IPC Syndicated Facility was closed.  At September 30, 2012, the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility had $51,009 (December 31, 2011: $57,146) letters of credit issued and outstanding for which $98,476

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Table of Contents

(December 31, 2011: $105,428) of investments were held in an associated collateral account.
 
(d)
Securities lending
 
The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby certain securities from its portfolio are loaned to third parties for short periods of time through a lending agent. The Company retains all economic interest in the securities it lends and receives a fee from the borrower for the temporary use of the securities. Collateral in the form of cash, government securities and letters of credit is required at a rate of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities and is held by a third party. As at September 30, 2012, the Company had $10,576 (December 31, 2011: $8,286) in securities on loan. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded a $223 unrealized gain on this collateral on its Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (September 30, 2011: unrealized loss $26). During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded a $260 unrealized gain on this collateral on its Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (September 30, 2011: unrealized gain $15).
 
Securities lending collateral reinvested includes overnight repos with an average reset period of 3.0 days (December 31, 2011: 3.9 days). As at September 30, 2012, the securities lending collateral reinvested by the Company in connection with its securities lending program was allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
10,383

 

 

 
10,383

Total
$
10,383

 
$

 
$

 
$
10,383

 
As at December 31, 2011, the securities lending collateral reinvested by the Company in connection with its securities lending program was allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Corporate
$

 
$
255

 
$

 
$
255

Cash and cash equivalents
7,481

 

 

 
7,481

Total
$
7,481

 
$
255

 
$

 
$
7,736


The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s securities lending collateral reinvested as at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Investment ratings are the lower of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating for each investment security, presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating. For investments where Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are not available, Fitch ratings are used and presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating.
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
% of Total
NR
10,383

 
100.0
%
 
255

 
3.3
%
 
10,383

 
100.0
%
 
255

 
3.3
%
NR- Short-term investments (a)

 
%
 
7,481

 
96.7
%
Total
$
10,383

 
100.0
%
 
$
7,736

 
100.0
%

(a)
This amount relates to certain short-term investments with short original maturities which are generally not rated.
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for securities lending collateral reinvested by the Company at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are shown by contractual maturity below. Actual maturity may differ from contractual maturity because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 

16


Table of Contents

 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
10,849

 
$
10,383

 
$
7,462

 
$
7,481

Due after one year through five years

 

 
1,000

 
255

Total
$
10,849

 
$
10,383

 
$
8,462

 
$
7,736

 
4. Investments in affiliates

(a) Operating affiliates

AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd.
 
On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2011, a special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance. At the time of formation, Validus Re had a majority voting equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and as a result the financial statements of AlphaCat Re 2011 were included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On December 23, 2011, AlphaCat Re 2011 completed a secondary offering of its common shares to third party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re's common shares to one of the third party investors.

As a result of these transactions, Validus Re maintained an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011, however its share of AlphaCat Re 2011's outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%. As a result of the Company's voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 has been treated as an equity method investment as at September 30, 2012. The portion of AlphaCat Re 2011's earnings attributable to third party investors for the year ended December 31, 2011 was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

AlphaCat Re 2012, Ltd.

On May 29, 2012, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2012, a new special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance with a particular focus on windstorm risks for Florida domiciled insurance companies. The Company holds an equity interest of 37.9% and a voting interest of 49.0% in AlphaCat Re 2012, therefore the investment has been treated as an equity method investment as at September 30, 2012.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending investment in operating affiliate balances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Investment in operating affiliate (AlphaCat Re 2011)
 
Investment in operating affiliate (AlphaCat Re 2012)
 
Total
As at June 30, 2012
 
$
59,238

 
$
27,252

 
$
86,490

Purchase of shares
 

 

 

Income from operating affiliates
 
4,079

 
2,156

 
6,235

As at September 30, 2012
 
$
63,317

 
$
29,408

 
$
92,725


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Table of Contents

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Investment in operating affiliate (AlphaCat Re 2011)
 
Investment in operating affiliate (AlphaCat Re 2012)
 
Total
As at December 31, 2011
$
53,031

 
$

 
$
53,031

Purchase of shares

 
26,500

 
26,500

Income from operating affiliates
10,286

 
2,908

 
13,194

As at September 30, 2012
$
63,317

 
$
29,408

 
$
92,725


The following table presents the Company's investments in AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012, as at September 30, 2012:
 
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate
 
Investment at cost
 
Voting ownership %
 
Equity Ownership
 
Carrying Value
AlphaCat Re 2011
$
41,389

 
43.7
%
 
22.3
%
 
$
63,317

AlphaCat Re 2012
$
26,500

 
49.0
%
 
37.9
%
 
$
29,408


(b) Investment affiliate

Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P.

On December 20, 2011, Validus Re entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "Agreement") with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Assignor") and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP (Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the "General Partner") pursuant to which Validus Re has assumed 100% of the Assignor's interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the "Partnership") representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the "Commitment"), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the "Transferred Interest"). The Transferred Interest is governed by the terms of an Amended and Restated Exempted Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of July 2, 2010 (the "Limited Partnership Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, the Commitment will expire on July 2, 2015.

The private equity limited partnership provides quarterly capital account statements with a three-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the limited partnership's June 30, 2012 capital account statement was used as a basis for calculation of the Company's share of partnership income for the period.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending investment in the Company's investment affiliate balances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Investment in limited partnership (Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P)
As at June 30, 2012
$
6,317

Capital contributions
430

(Loss) from investment affiliate
(160
)
As at September 30, 2012
$
6,587


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Table of Contents

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Investment in limited partnership (Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P) (a)
As at December 31, 2011
$
3,253

Capital contributions
5,328

Net unrealized loss on investments (a)
(1,436
)
(Loss) from investment affiliate
(558
)
As at September 30, 2012
$
6,587


(a) As at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012, this investment was included in "Other investments" as a level 3 investment in the fair value hierarchy, hence the change in fair value was included in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments.

The following table presents the Company's investment in Aquiline as at September 30, 2012:
 
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate
 
Investment at cost
 
Voting ownership %
 
Equity Ownership
 
Carrying Value
Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P
$
8,581

 
%
 
6.8
%
 
$
6,587


5. Noncontrolling interest
     On April 2, 2012, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing PaCRe a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance. Validus Re has a majority voting equity interest in PaCRe and as a result, the financial statements of PaCRe are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of PaCRe's earnings attributable to third party investors for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 is recorded in the consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of noncontrolling interest for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Noncontrolling interest
Balance - June 30, 2012
$
404,740

   Purchase of shares by noncontrolling interest

Net Income:
 
   Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
56,746

 
 
Balance - September 30, 2012
$
461,486

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 Noncontrolling interest
Balance - April 2, 2012
$

   Purchase of shares by noncontrolling interest
450,100

Net Income:
 
   Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
11,386

 
 
Balance - September 30, 2012
$
461,486




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Table of Contents


6. Derivative instruments used in hedging activities
 
The Company enters into derivative instruments for risk management purposes, specifically to hedge unmatched foreign currency exposures and interest rate exposures. As at September 30, 2012 the Company held a foreign currency forward contract to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exposure of unpaid losses denominated in Chilean Pesos (CLP) as well as foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in the Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rates. As at September 30, 2012, the Company held two interest rate swap contracts to mitigate the risk of interest rate exposure on the payment of interest on the Company's junior subordinated debentures.

The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the derivative fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
Asset derivatives
 
Liability derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
Notional amount
 
Balance Sheet location
 
Fair value
 
Balance Sheet location
 
Fair value
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
43,243

 
Other assets
 
$
1,469

 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
173

Interest rate swap contracts
 
$
289,800

 
Other assets
 
$

 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
195

 
The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the derivative fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011:

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Table of Contents


 
 
 
 
Asset derivatives
 
Liability derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
Notional amount
 
Balance Sheet location
 
Fair value
 
Balance Sheet location
 
Fair value
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
75,323

 
Other assets
 
$
476

 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$

 
(a)
Classification within the fair value hierarchy
 
As described in Note 3 "Investments", under U.S. GAAP, a company must determine the appropriate level in the fair value
hierarchy for each fair value measurement. The assumptions used within the valuation are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Accordingly, these derivatives were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(b)
Derivative instruments designated as a fair value hedge
 
The Company designates its derivative instruments as fair value hedges and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivatives to specific assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedges, both at inception and on an on-going basis and determines whether the hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the linked hedged items. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges on an individual currency basis. If the ratio obtained with this method is within the range of 80% to 125%, the Company considers the hedge effective.
 
The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to the derivative instruments formally designated as fair value hedges along with the impact of the related hedged items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative
 
Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange
 
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
$
1,749

 
$
(1,749
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative
 
Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange
 
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
$
(617
)
 
$
617

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative
 
Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange
 
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
$
130

 
$
(130
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative
 
Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange
 
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
$
(3,542
)
 
$
3,542

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(c) Derivative instruments designated as a cash flow hedge
The Company designates its interest rate derivative instruments as cash flow hedges and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivatives to specific assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedges, both at inception and on an on-going basis and determines whether the hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the linked hedged items. The Company currently applies the long haul method when assessing the hedge's effectiveness.

The following table provides the total impact on other comprehensive income and earnings relating to the derivative instruments formally designated as cash flow hedges along with the impact of the related hedged items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 
 
 
 
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and related hedged item:
 
Location of the effective portion recognized in other comprehensive (loss) recognized in income
 
Location of the effective portion subsequently reclassified to earnings and the ineffective portion excluded from effectiveness testing
 
Amount of effective portion recognized in other comprehensive income
 
Amount of effective portion subsequently reclassified to earnings
 
Amount of ineffective portion excluded from effectiveness testing
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other comprehensive income
 
Finance expenses
 
$
195

 
$
(195
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

There was no interest rate swap contract activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

7. Reserve for losses and loss expenses
 
Reserves for losses and loss expenses are based in part upon the estimation of case losses reported from brokers, insureds and ceding companies. The Company also uses statistical and actuarial methods to estimate ultimate expected losses and loss expenses. The period of time from the occurrence of a loss, the reporting of a loss to the Company and the settlement of the Company's liability may be several months or years. During this period, additional facts and trends may be revealed. As these factors become apparent, case reserves will be adjusted, sometimes requiring an increase or decrease in the overall reserves of the Company, and at other times requiring a reallocation of incurred but not reported reserves to specific case reserves. These estimates are reviewed and adjusted regularly, and such adjustments, if any, are reflected in earnings in the period in which they become known. While

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Table of Contents

management believes that it has made a reasonable estimate of ultimate losses, there can be no assurances that ultimate losses and loss expenses will not exceed the total reserves.

 The following table represents an analysis of paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses incurred and a reconciliation of the beginning and ending unpaid losses and loss expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
2012
 
September 30,
2011
 
September 30,
2012
 
September 30,
2011
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period
$
2,591,299

 
$
2,620,360

 
$
2,631,143

 
$
2,035,973

Losses and loss expenses recoverable
(371,484
)
 
(439,805
)
 
(372,485
)
 
(283,134
)
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period
2,219,815

 
2,180,555

 
2,258,658

 
1,752,839

Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred in respect of losses occurring in:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current year
205,219

 
287,149

 
658,884

 
1,022,875

Prior years
(49,764
)
 
(61,082
)
 
(117,748
)
 
(113,303
)
Total incurred losses and loss expenses
155,455

 
226,067

 
541,136

 
909,572

Total net paid losses
(144,628
)
 
(200,256
)
 
(569,380
)
 
(484,559
)
Foreign exchange
14,710

 
(26,654
)
 
14,938

 
1,860

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period
2,245,352

 
2,179,712

 
2,245,352

 
2,179,712

Losses and loss expenses recoverable
317,252

 
386,200

 
317,252

 
386,200

Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period
$
2,562,604

 
$
2,565,912

 
$
2,562,604

 
$
2,565,912

 
8. Reinsurance
 
The Company enters into reinsurance and retrocession agreements in order to mitigate its accumulation of loss, reduce its liability on individual risks, enable it to underwrite policies with higher limits and increase its aggregate capacity. The cession of insurance and reinsurance does not legally discharge the Company from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, and the Company is required to pay the loss and bear collection risk if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance or retrocession agreement. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the underlying liabilities.


(a)
Credit risk
 
The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentration of credit risk arising from its exposure to individual reinsurers. The reinsurance program is generally placed with reinsurers whose rating, at the time of placement, was A- or better rated by Standard & Poor's or the equivalent with other rating agencies. Exposure to a single reinsurer is also controlled with restrictions dependent on rating. At September 30, 2012, 96.9% of reinsurance recoverables (which includes loss reserves recoverable and recoverables on paid losses) were from reinsurers rated A- or better and included $109,087 of IBNR recoverable (December 31, 2011: $125,298). Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Reinsurance Recoverable
 
% of Total
 
Reinsurance Recoverable
 
% of Total
Top 10 reinsurers
$
267,154

 
75.6
%
 
$
323,315

 
69.8
%
Other reinsurers’ balances > $1 million
77,005

 
21.8
%
 
132,417

 
28.6
%
Other reinsurers’ balances < $1 million
9,302

 
2.6
%
 
7,248

 
1.6
%
Total
$
353,461

 
100.0
%
 
$
462,980

 
100.0
%
 

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Table of Contents

 
 
September 30, 2012
Top 10 Reinsurers
 
Rating
 
Reinsurance Recoverable
 
% of Total
Lloyd’s Syndicates
 
A+
 
$
70,065

 
26.2
%
Everest Re
 
A+
 
45,964

 
17.2
%
Hannover Re
 
AA-
 
39,308

 
14.7
%
Allianz
 
AA-
 
25,000

 
9.4
%
Transatlantic Re
 
A+
 
20,557

 
7.7
%
Swiss Re
 
AA-
 
17,335

 
6.5
%
Munich Re
 
AA-
 
14,413

 
5.4
%
XL Re
 
A
 
13,107

 
4.9
%
Platinum Underwriters
 
A-
 
10,942

 
4.1
%
Tokio Millenium Re Ltd.
 
AA-
 
10,463

 
3.9
%
Total
 
 
 
$
267,154

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
Top 10 Reinsurers
 
Rating
 
Reinsurance Recoverable
 
% of Total
Lloyd’s Syndicates
 
A+
 
$
77,419

 
24.0
%
Allianz
 
AA-
 
59,764

 
18.5
%
Hannover Re
 
AA-
 
39,762

 
12.3
%
Everest Re
 
A+
 
38,618

 
11.9
%
Transatlantic Re
 
A+
 
21,344

 
6.6
%
Tokio Millenium Re Ltd.
 
AA-
 
20,432

 
6.3
%
Fully Collateralized
 
NR
 
18,140

 
5.6
%
Odyssey Reinsurance Company
 
A-
 
16,737

 
5.2
%
Platinum Underwriters
 
A
 
15,833

 
4.9
%
Munich Re
 
AA-
 
15,266

 
4.7
%
Total
 
 
 
$
323,315

 
100.0
%

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the provision for uncollectible reinsurance relating to losses recoverable was $6,431 and $6,821, respectively. To estimate the provision for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable, the reinsurance recoverable is first allocated to applicable reinsurers. This determination is based on a process rather than an estimate, although an element of judgment is applied. As part of this process, ceded IBNR is allocated by reinsurer. Of the $353,461 reinsurance recoverable at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $462,980), $9,997 was fully collateralized (December 31, 2011: $18,140).

The Company uses a default analysis to estimate uncollectible reinsurance. The primary components of the default analysis are reinsurance recoverable balances by reinsurer and default factors used to determine the portion of a reinsurer's balance deemed to be uncollectible. Default factors require considerable judgment and are determined using the current rating, or rating equivalent, of each reinsurer as well as other key considerations and assumptions.

9. Share capital
 
(a)
Authorized and issued
 
The Company’s authorized share capital is 571,428,571 voting and non-voting shares with a par value of $0.175 per share. The holders of common voting shares are entitled to receive dividends and are allocated one vote per share, provided that, if the controlled shares of any shareholder or group of related shareholders constitute more than 9.09 percent of the outstanding common shares of the Company, their voting power will be reduced to 9.09 percent.

24


Table of Contents

 
On June 5, 2012, the Company announced the final results of its “modified Dutch auction” tender offer. Pursuant to this tender offer the Company purchased 6,383,884 of its common shares at a price of $32.00 per common share for a total cost of $204,284, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer. The Company funded the purchase of the shares in the tender offer using cash on hand.

The Company may from time to time repurchase its securities, including common shares, Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures and Senior Notes. The Company has repurchased approximately 43,138,057 common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $1,206,845 from the inception of its share repurchase program to September 30, 2012. The Company had $122,328 remaining under its authorized share repurchase program as of September 30, 2012.

The Company expects the purchases under its share repurchase program to be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, form and amount of the share repurchases under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the Company’s capital position relative to internal and rating agency targets, legal requirements and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
 
The following table is a summary of the common shares issued and outstanding:
 
Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2011
134,503,065

Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld
1,545,024

Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld
15,173

Options exercised
439,065

Warrants exercised
130,121

Common shares issued, September 30, 2012
136,632,448

Shares repurchased
(43,138,057
)
Common shares outstanding, September 30, 2012
93,494,391

 
 
Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2010
132,838,111

Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld
534,658

Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld
9,496

Employee seller shares vested
197,174

Options exercised
457,465

Warrants exercised
34,340

Direct issuance of common stock
363

Common shares issued, September 30, 2011
134,071,607

Shares repurchased
(35,031,985
)
Common shares outstanding, September 30, 2011
99,039,622

 
(b)
Warrants
 
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 264,127 warrants were exercised which resulted in the issuance of 130,121 common shares. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, 72,598 warrants were exercised which resulted in the issuance of 34,340 common shares.
 
(c)
Deferred share units
 
Under the terms of the Company’s Director Stock Compensation Plan, non-management directors may elect to receive their director fees in deferred share units rather than cash.  The number of share units distributed in case of election under the plan is

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Table of Contents

equal to the amount of the annual retainer fee otherwise payable to the director on such payment date divided by 100% of the fair market value of a share on such payment date. Additional deferred share units are issued in lieu of dividends that accrue on these deferred share units.  The total outstanding deferred share units at September 30, 2012 were 4,965 (December 31, 2011: 4,850).

(d)
Dividends

On February 9, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 (2011: $0.25) per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable. This dividend was paid on March 30, 2012 to holders of record on March 15, 2012.

On May 2, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 (2011: $0.25) per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable. This dividend was paid on June 29, 2012 to holders of record on June 15, 2012.

On July 25, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 (2011: $0.25) per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable. This dividend was paid on September 28, 2012 to holders of record on September 14, 2012.

10. Stock plans
 
(a)
Long Term Incentive Plan and Short Term Incentive Plan
 
The Company’s Amended and Restated 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) provides for grants to employees of options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares, dividend equivalents or other share-based awards. In addition, the Company may issue restricted share awards or restricted share units in connection with awards issued under its annual Short Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”). The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP and STIP are 13,126,896 shares of which 3,148,786 shares are remaining. The LTIP and STIP are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. No SARs have been granted to date. Grant prices are established at the fair market value of the Company’s common shares at the date of grant.
 
i.Options
 
Options may be exercised for voting common shares upon vesting. Options have a life of 10 years and vest either ratably or at the end of the required service period from the date of grant. Fair value of the option awards at the date of grant is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for all grants to date:
 
Year

Weighted average risk free
interest rate

Weighted average
dividend yield

Expected life (years)

Expected volatility
2009

3.9%

3.7%

2

34.6%
     2010 (a)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a
     2011 (a)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(a)
The Company has not granted any stock options awards since September 4, 2009.
 
Expected volatility is based on stock price volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies. The Company used the simplified method consistent with U.S. GAAP authoritative guidance on stock compensation expenses to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data was not available and the options met the requirement as set out in the guidance.
 
Share compensation expenses in respect of options of $nil were recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 (2011: $183). Share compensation expenses in respect of options of $142 were recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (2011: $1,609). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.
 

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Table of Contents

Activity with respect to options for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was as follows:
 
 
Options
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2011
2,263,012

 
$
6.69

 
$
20.12

Options granted

 

 

Options exercised
(439,065
)
 
7.44

 
17.73

Options forfeited

 

 

Options outstanding, September 30, 2012
1,823,947

 
$
6.52

 
$
20.69

Options exercisable at September 30, 2012
1,823,947

 
$
6.52

 
$
20.69


Activity with respect to options for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was as follows: 
 
Options
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2010
2,723,684

 
$
6.74

 
$
20.19

Options granted

 

 

Options exercised
(457,465
)
 
6.97

 
20.56

Options forfeited
(370
)
 
10.30

 
20.39

Options outstanding, September 30, 2011
2,265,849

 
$
6.70

 
$
20.12

Options exercisable at September 30, 2011
2,182,810

 
$
6.62

 
$
20.01

 
At September 30, 2012, there were $nil (December 31, 2011: $141) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of options that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.0 years (December 31, 2011: 0.2 years).
 
ii.Restricted share awards
 
Restricted shares granted under the LTIP and STIP vest either ratably or at the end of the required service period and contain certain restrictions during the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $6,626 were recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 (2011: $6,265). Share compensation expenses of $18,742 were recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (2011: $21,213). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.
 
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was as follows:
 
 
Restricted Share Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011
3,003,547

 
$
25.77

Restricted share awards granted
901,506

 
31.38

Restricted share awards vested
(1,678,905
)
 
24.36

Restricted share awards forfeited
(30,801
)
 
28.10

Restricted share awards outstanding, September 30, 2012
2,195,347

 
$
29.12

 
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was as follows:


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Restricted Share Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010
3,114,039

 
$
24.33

Restricted share awards granted
610,469

 
31.95

Restricted share awards vested
(669,649
)
 
24.91

Restricted share awards forfeited
(14,271
)
 
27.11

Restricted share awards outstanding, September 30, 2011
3,040,588

 
$
25.72

 
At September 30, 2012, there were $49,528 (December 31, 2011: $40,809) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of restricted share awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years (December 31, 2011: 2.4 years).

iii.Restricted share units
 
Restricted share units under the LTIP and STIP vest either ratably or at the end of the required service period and contain certain restrictions during the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $132 were recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 (2011: $122). Share compensation expenses of $363 were recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (2011: $333). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.
 
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was as follows:
 
 
Restricted Share Units
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2011
53,312

 
$
27.60

Restricted share units granted
16,633

 
31.77

Restricted share units vested
(22,818
)
 
26.49

Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends
1,162

 
28.36

Restricted share units forfeited
(1,393
)
 
28.57

Restricted share units outstanding, September 30, 2012
46,896

 
$
29.61

 
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was as follows:
 
 
Restricted Share Units
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2010
47,049

 
$
25.04

Restricted share units granted
18,388

 
32.10

Restricted share units vested
(13,340
)
 
24.72

Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends
704

 
26.87

Restricted share units forfeited

 

Restricted share units outstanding, September 30, 2011
52,801

 
$
27.60

 
At September 30, 2012, there were $1,111 (December 31, 2011: $985) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of restricted share units that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years (December 31, 2011: 2.7 years).
 

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iv.Performance share awards
 
The Performance Share Awards (“PSAs”) contain a performance based component. The performance component relates to the compounded growth in the Dividend Adjusted Diluted Book Value per Share over a three year period. For PSAs granted during the period, the grant date Diluted Book Value per Share (“DBVPS”) is based on the DBVPS at the end of the most recent financial reporting year. The Dividend Adjusted Performance Period End DBVPS will be the DBVPS three years after the grant date DBVPS. The fair value estimate earns over the requisite attribution period and the estimate will be reassessed at the end of each performance period which will reflect any adjustments in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which they are determined.
 
Share compensation expenses of $587 were recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 (2011: $739). Share compensation expenses of $336 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (2011: $1,611). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.
 
Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was as follows:
 
 
Performance Share Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011
279,019

 
$
30.77

Performance share awards granted
41,128

 
31.38

Performance share awards vested

 

Performance share awards cancelled
(99,302
)
 
28.70

Performance share awards outstanding, September 30, 2012
220,845

 
$
31.81

 
Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was as follows:
 
 
Performance Share Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010
132,401

 
$
28.70

Performance share awards granted
146,618

 
32.64

Performance share awards vested

 

Performance share awards forfeited

 

Performance share awards outstanding, September 30, 2011
279,019

 
$
30.77

 
At September 30, 2012, there were $3,882 (December 31, 2011: $5,677) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of PSAs that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years (December 31, 2011: 2.1 years).
 
(b)
Employee seller shares
 
Pursuant to the Share Sale Agreement for the purchase of Talbot Holdings, Ltd. (“Talbot”), the Company issued 1,209,741 restricted shares to Talbot employees (the “employee seller shares”). Upon consummation of the acquisition, the employee seller shares were validly issued, fully-paid and non-assessable and entitled to vote and participate in distributions and dividends in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws. However, the employee seller shares were subject to a restricted period during which they were subject to forfeiture (as implemented by repurchase by the Company for a nominal amount). Forfeiture of employee seller shares would have generally occurred in the event that any such Talbot employee’s employment terminated, with certain exceptions, prior to the end of the restricted period. The restricted period ended for 25% of the employee seller shares on each anniversary of the closing date of July 2, 2007 for all Talbot employees other than Talbot’s Chairman, such that on July 2, 2011 the potential for forfeiture was completely extinguished.
 
As of July 2, 2011, the employee seller shares were fully expensed. Share compensation expenses of $73 and $2,293 were

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recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

 Total share compensation expenses
 
The breakdown of share compensation expenses by award type was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
Options
$

 
$
183

 
$
142

 
$
1,609

Restricted share awards
6,626

 
6,265

 
18,742

 
21,213

Restricted share units
132

 
122

 
363

 
333

Performance share awards
587

 
739

 
336

 
1,611

Employee seller shares

 
73

 

 
2,293

Total
$
7,345

 
$
7,382

 
$
19,583

 
$
27,059

 
11. Debt and financing arrangements
 
(a)
Financing structure and finance expenses
 
The financing structure at September 30, 2012 was:
 
 
Commitment
 
Outstanding (a)
 
Drawn
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
$
150,000

 
$
150,000

 
$
150,000

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
200,000

 
139,800

 
139,800

2010 Senior Notes due 2040
250,000

 
250,000

 
247,063

$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility
400,000

 

 

$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility
525,000

 
318,506

 

$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility
500,000

 
88,191

 

Talbot FAL Facility (b)
25,000

 
25,000

 

PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility
10,000

 

 

IPC Bi-Lateral Facility
80,000

 
51,009

 

Total
$
2,140,000

 
$
1,022,506

 
$
536,863

 
The financing structure at December 31, 2011 was:
 
 
Commitment
 
Outstanding (a)
 
Drawn
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
$
150,000

 
$
150,000

 
$
150,000

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
200,000

 
139,800

 
139,800

2010 Senior Notes due 2040
250,000

 
250,000

 
246,982

$340,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility
340,000

 

 

$60,000 bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility
60,000

 

 

$500,000 secured letter of credit facility
500,000

 
333,179

 

Talbot FAL Facility (b)
25,000

 
25,000

 

IPC Bi-Lateral Facility
80,000

 
57,146

 

Total
$
1,605,000

 
$
955,125

 
$
536,782

(a)
Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not drawn borrowings.


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(b)
Talbot operates in Lloyd’s through a corporate member, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”), which is the sole participant in Syndicate 1183. Lloyd’s sets T02’s required capital annually based on Syndicate 1183’s business plan, rating environment, reserving environment together with input arising from Lloyd’s discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating agencies.  Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”), comprises: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks.
 
Finance expenses consist of interest on our junior subordinated deferrable debentures and senior notes, the amortization of debt offering costs, fees relating to our credit facilities and the costs of FAL as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
2012

September 30,
2011
 
September 30,
2012
 
September 30,
2011
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
$
1,628

 
$
1,456

 
$
4,729

 
$
8,272

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
1,211

 
3,029

 
7,072

 
9,086

2010 Senior Notes due 2040
5,597

 
5,597

 
16,792

 
16,791

Credit facilities
852

 
1,508

 
10,530

 
4,821

AlphaCat Re 2011 fees (a)

 
(807
)
 

 
2,112

Talbot FAL Facility
30

 
152

 
93

 
215

Talbot other interest
44

 

 
131

 

Total
$
9,362

 
$
10,935

 
$
39,347

 
$
41,297

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Includes preferred share dividends and finance expenses attributable to AlphaCat Re 2011.
 
(b)
$250,000 2010 Senior Notes due 2040
 
On January 21, 2010, the Company offered and sold $250,000 of Senior Notes due 2040 (the “2010 Senior Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2010 Senior Notes mature on January 26, 2040, and are redeemable at the Company’s option in whole any time or in part from time to time at a make-whole redemption price. The Company may redeem the notes in whole, but not in part, at any time upon the occurrence of certain tax events as described in the notes prospectus supplement. The 2010 Senior Notes bear interest at the rate of 8.875% per annum from January 26, 2010 to maturity or early redemption. Interest on the 2010 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 26 and July 26 of each year, commencing on July 26, 2010.  The net proceeds of $243,967 from the sale of the 2010 Senior Notes, after the deduction of commissions paid to the underwriters in the transaction and other expenses, was used by the Company for general corporate purposes, which included the repurchase of its outstanding capital stock and payment of dividends to shareholders.  Debt issuance costs of $2,808 were deferred as an asset and amortized over the life of the 2010 Senior Notes.
 
The 2010 Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  The 2010 Senior Notes will be effectively junior to all of the Company’s future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt, and will rank senior to all our existing and future subordinated debt.  The 2010 Senior Notes will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries.
 
Future expected payments of principal on the 2010 Senior Notes are as follows:

2012
$

2013

2014

2015

2016 and thereafter
250,000

Total minimum future payments
$
250,000

 


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(c)
Junior subordinated deferrable debentures
 
On June 15, 2006, the Company participated in a private placement of $150,000 of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures due 2036 (the “2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). The 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures mature on June 15, 2036, are redeemable at the Company’s option at par beginning June 15, 2011, and require quarterly interest payments by the Company to the holders of the 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. Interest was payable at 9.069% per annum through June 15, 2011, and thereafter at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 355 basis points, reset quarterly. The proceeds of $150,000 from the sale of the 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures, after the deduction of commissions paid to the placement agents in the transaction and other expenses, were used by the Company to fund Validus Re segment operations and for general working capital purposes. Debt issuance costs of $3,750 were deferred as an asset and are amortized to income over the five year optional redemption period.
 
On June 21, 2007, the Company participated in a private placement of $200,000 of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures due 2037 (the “2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). The 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures mature on June 15, 2037, are redeemable at the Company’s option at par beginning June 15, 2012, and require quarterly interest payments by the Company to the holders of the 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. Interest was payable at 8.480% per annum through June 15, 2012, and thereafter at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 295 basis points, reset quarterly. The proceeds of $200,000 from the sale of the 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures, after the deduction of commissions paid to the placement agents in the transaction and other expenses, were used by the Company to fund the purchase of Talbot Holdings Ltd. Debt issuance costs of $2,000 were deferred as an asset and are amortized to income over the five year optional redemption period.
 
Future expected payments of principal on the 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures are as follows:
 
2012
$

2013

2014

2015

2016 and thereafter
289,800

Total minimum future payments
$
289,800

 
(d)
Credit facilities
 
(i)
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility and $525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility
 
On March 9, 2012, the Company, Validus Re Americas, Ltd. ("Validus Re Americas"), PaCRe and Validus Re entered into a $400,000 four year unsecured credit facility with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Lloyds Securities Inc. and Suntrust Bank, as co-documentation agents and the lenders party thereto, which provides for letter of credit availability for the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company and revolving credit availability for the Company (the "Four Year Unsecured Facility") (the full $400,000 of which is available for letters of credit and/or revolving loans). The Four Year Unsecured Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lloyds Securities Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. Letters of credit under the Four Year Unsecured Facility are available to support obligations in connection with the insurance business of the Company and its subsidiaries. Loans under the Four Year Unsecured Facility are available for the general corporate and working capital purposes of the Company. The Company may request that existing lenders under the Four Year Unsecured Facility or prospective additional lenders agree to make available additional commitments from time to time so long as the aggregate commitments under the Four Year Unsecured Facility do not exceed $500,000. Letter of credit fees are payable on account of each letter of credit issued under the Four Year Unsecured Facility at a rate per annum equal to an applicable rate. Borrowings under the Four Year Unsecured Facility bear interest, at the option of the Company, at the base rate (the higher of the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%) or the adjusted LIBOR rate applicable to such loans, plus an applicable rate.
 
Also on March 9, 2012, the Company, Validus Re Americas and Validus Re entered into a $525,000 four-year secured credit

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facility with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Lloyds Securities Inc. and Suntrust Bank, as co-documentation agents and the lenders party thereto, which provides for letter of credit availability for the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company (the "Four Year Secured Facility" and together with the Four Year Unsecured Facility, the "Credit Facilities"). The Four Year Secured Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lloyds Securities Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. Letters of credit under the Four Year Secured Facility will be available to support obligations in connection with the insurance business of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company may request that existing lenders under the Four Year Secured Facility or prospective additional lenders agree to make available additional commitments from time to time so long as the aggregate commitments under the Four Year Secured Facility do not exceed $700,000. The obligations of the Company and its designated subsidiaries under the Four Year Secured Facility are secured by cash and securities deposited into cash collateral accounts from time to time with The Bank of New York Mellon. Letter of credit fees are payable on account of each letter of credit issued under the Four Year Secured Facility at a rate per annum equal to an applicable rate. Borrowings under the Four Year Secured Facility bear interest at the base rate (the higher of the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%).
 
The Credit Facilities contain covenants that include, among other things (i) the requirement that the Company initially maintain a minimum level of consolidated net worth of at least $2,600,000 and, commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2012, to be increased quarterly by an amount equal to 50.0% of the Company's consolidated net income (if positive) for such quarter plus 50.0% of the aggregate increases in the consolidated shareholders' equity of the Company during such fiscal quarter by reason of the issuance and sale of common equity interests of the Company, including upon any conversion of debt securities of the Company into such equity interests, (ii) the requirement that the Company maintain at all times a consolidated total debt to consolidated total capital ratio not greater than 0.35:1.00, and (iii) the requirement that Validus Re and any other material insurance subsidiaries maintain a financial strength rating by A.M. Best of not less than "B++" (Fair).  In addition, the Credit Facilities contain customary negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, including limitations on the ability to pay dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests at any time that the Company is otherwise in default with respect to certain provisions under the respective Credit Facilities, limitations on the ability to incur liens, sell assets, merge or consolidate with others, enter into transactions with affiliates, and limitations on the ability of its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness. The Credit Facilities also contain customary affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default for credit facilities of its type.
 
As of September 30, 2012, there was $318,506 in outstanding letters of credit under the Four Year Secured Facility (December 31, 2011: $nil) and $nil outstanding under the Four Year Unsecured Facility (December 31, 2011: $nil).

As of September 30, 2012, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Credit Facilities.
On March 9, 2012, upon entering into the Credit Facilities, the Company terminated its (a) three-year bi-lateral $60,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, dated March 12, 2010 with Lloyds TSB Bank plc, (b) $340,000 three-year unsecured credit facility, dated March 12, 2010 with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and (c) $500,000 five-year secured credit facility, dated March 12, 2007 with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent. No early termination penalties were incurred.

(ii)
Talbot FAL Facility
 
On November 28, 2007, Talbot entered into a $100,000 standby Letter of Credit facility (the “Talbot FAL Facility”) to provide Funds at Lloyd’s for the 2008 and 2009 underwriting years of account; this facility is guaranteed by the Company and is secured against the assets of Validus Re. The Talbot FAL Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by Lloyds TSB Bank plc and ING Bank N.V., London Branch.
 
On November 19, 2009, the Company entered into an Amendment and Restatement of the Talbot FAL Facility to reduce the commitment from $100,000 to $25,000, and to extend the support to the 2010 and 2011 underwriting years of account. On November 18, 2011, the Company entered into an Amendment and Restatement of the Talbot FAL Facility to extend the support to the 2012 and 2013 years of account.
 
As amended, the Talbot FAL Facility contains affirmative covenants that include, among other things, (i) the requirement

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that we initially maintain a minimum level of consolidated net worth of at least $2,589,615, and commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2011 to be increased quarterly by an amount equal to 50% of our consolidated net income (if positive) for such quarter plus 50% of any net proceeds received from any issuance of common shares during such quarter, and (ii) the requirement that we maintain at all times a consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization ratio not greater than 0.35:1.00.
 
The Talbot FAL Facility also contains restrictions on our ability to incur debt at our subsidiaries, incur liens, sell assets and merge or consolidate with others. Other than in respect of existing and future preferred and hybrid securities, the payment of dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests are not permitted at any time that we are in default with respect to certain provisions under the Credit Facilities. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had $25,000 (December 31, 2011: $25,000) in outstanding letters of credit under this facility.
 
As of September 30, 2012, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Talbot FAL Facility.
 
(iii)
IPC Syndicated Facility and IPC Bi-Lateral Facility
 
IPC obtained letters of credit through the IPC Syndicated Facility and the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility (the “IPC Facilities”). In July, 2009, certain terms of these facilities were amended including suspending IPC’s ability to increase existing letters of credit or to issue new letters of credit. Effective March 31, 2010, the IPC Syndicated Facility was closed. As of September 30, 2012, $51,009 of outstanding letters of credit were issued under the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility (December 31, 2011: $57,146).
 
As of September 30, 2012, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility.

(iv) $500,000 secured bi-lateral facility

On August 10, 2009, Validus Re entered into an uncommitted $500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (the “Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility”). Letters of credit were first issued under the Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility during the first quarter of 2012. As of September 30, 2012, $88,191 of letters of credit were outstanding under the Secured Bi-Lateral Facility. The Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility has no fixed termination date and as of September 30, 2012, Validus Re is in compliance with all terms and covenants thereof.

(v) $10,000 PaCRe Senior secured letter of credit facility

On May 11, 2012, PaCRe (as Borrower) and its subsidiary, PaCRe Investments, Ltd. (as Guarantor) entered into a 364-Day secured revolving credit and letter of credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. This facility provides for revolving borrowings by the Borrower and for letters of credit issued by the Borrower to be used to support its reinsurance obligations in aggregate amount of $10,000. As of September 30, 2012, no letters of credit or revolving loans were issued under this facility.

12. Commitments and contingencies
 
(a)
Concentrations of credit risk

The Company's investments are managed following prudent standards of diversification. The Company attempts to limit its credit exposure by purchasing high quality fixed income investments to maintain an average portfolio credit quality of AA- or higher with mortgage and commercial mortgage-backed issues having an aggregate weighted average credit quality of AAA. In addition, the Company limits its exposure to any single issuer to 3% or less, excluding treasury and agency securities. With the exception of the Company's bank loan portfolio, the minimum credit rating of any security purchased is Baa3/BBB- and where investments are downgraded, the Company permits a holding of up to 2% in aggregate market value, or 10% with written pre-authorization. At September 30, 2012, 1.1% of the portfolio, excluding bank loans, had a split rating below Baa3/BBB- and the Company did not have an aggregate exposure to any single issuer of more than 1.0% of its investment portfolio, other than with respect to government and agency securities.


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(b)
Funds at Lloyd's

The amounts provided under the Talbot FAL Facility would become a liability of the Company in the event of Syndicate 1183 declaring a loss at a level between $507,000 and $532,000 which would call on this arrangement.
Talbot operates in Lloyd's through a corporate member, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd ("T02"), which is the sole participant in Syndicate 1183. Lloyd's sets T02's required capital annually based on syndicate 1183's business plan, rating environment, reserving environment together with input arising from Lloyd's discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating agencies. Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd's (“FAL”), comprises: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks. The amounts of cash, investments and letters of credit at September 30, 2012 amounted to $532,500 (December 31, 2011: $473,800) of which $25,000 is provided under the Talbot FAL Facility (December 31, 2011: $25,000).
(c)
Lloyd's Central Fund

Whenever a member of Lloyd's is unable to pay its debts to policyholders, such debts may be payable by the Lloyd's Central Fund. If Lloyd's determines that the Central Fund needs to be increased, it has the power to assess premium levies on current Lloyd's members up to 3% of a member's underwriting capacity in any one year. The Company does not believe that any assessment is likely in the foreseeable future and has not provided any allowance for such an assessment. However, based on the Company's 2012 estimated premium income at Lloyd's of £600,000, the September 30, 2012 exchange rate of £1 equals $1.6122 and assuming the maximum 3% assessment, the Company would be assessed approximately $29,020.
(d) Aquiline Commitment
On December 20, 2011, Validus Re entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "Agreement") with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Assignor") and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP (Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the "General Partner") pursuant to which Validus Re has assumed 100% of the Assignor's interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the "Partnership") representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the "Commitment"), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the "Transferred Interest"). The Transferred Interest is governed by the terms of an Amended and Restated Exempted Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of July 2, 2010 (the "Limited Partnership Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, the Commitment will expire on July 2, 2015. Validus Re's remaining commitment at September 30, 2012 was $41,419.
(e) Acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance, S.A.
On August 30, 2012, the Company and Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A. (“Flagstone”) announced that the boards of directors of both the Company and Flagstone had approved a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Flagstone. Under the terms of the agreement, Flagstone shareholders will receive 0.1935 Company voting common shares and $2.00 in cash for each Flagstone share. On the date of the announcement, the transaction provided Flagstone shareholders with a 19.4% premium and $8.43 of value per share based on the closing share price for each of the Company and Flagstone as of Wednesday, August 29, 2012 and represents an aggregate equity value of $623.2 million. For United States tax purposes, the proposed transaction is intended to be tax-free to Flagstone shareholders with respect to the Company's voting common shares they receive.
Completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2012, is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining regulatory approvals and the approval of Flagstone’s shareholders. The combined company will maintain the Company's name, headquarters and executive management. The Company has obtained agreements from investment funds associated with Lightyear Capital and Trilantic Capital Partners, which collectively own approximately 22.5% of the outstanding Flagstone shares, to vote in favor of the transaction. Flagstone's shareholders are scheduled to vote on the transaction on November 28, 2012.
13. Related party transactions
 
The transactions listed below are classified as related party transactions as each counter party has either a direct or indirect shareholding in the Company.
    Aquiline Capital Partners, LLC and its related companies ("Aquiline"), which own 6,255,943 shares in the Company, hold warrants to purchase 2,756,088 shares, and have two employees on the Company's Board of Directors who do not receive

35


Table of Contents

compensation from the Company, are shareholders of Group Ark Insurance Holdings Ltd. ("Group Ark"). Christopher E. Watson, a director of the Company, also serves as a director of Group Ark. Pursuant to reinsurance agreements with a subsidiary of Group Ark, the Company recognized gross premiums written during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $6,167 (2011: $53) and $7,582 (2011:$1,464) of which $569 was included in premiums receivable at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $330). The Company also recognized reinsurance premiums ceded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $nil (2011: $nil) and $nil (2011:$163) of which $nil was included in reinsurance balances payable at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $21). Earned premium adjustments of $5,019 (2011: $451) and $5,751 (2011:$1,129) were incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Aquiline is also a shareholder of Tiger Risk Partners LLC ("Tiger Risk"). Christopher E. Watson, a director of the Company serves as a director of Tiger Risk. Pursuant to certain reinsurance contracts, the Company recognized brokerage expenses paid to Tiger Risk for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $58 (2011: $57) and $2,418 (2011:$1,138) of which $1,492 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $86).

On November 24, 2009, the Company entered into an Investment Management Agreement with Conning, Inc. ("Conning") to manage a portion of the Company's investment portfolio. Aquiline acquired Conning on June 16, 2009. John J. Hendrickson and Jeffrey W. Greenberg, directors of the Company, each serve as a director of Conning Holdings Corp., the parent company of Conning and Michael Carpenter, one of the Company's directors, serves as a director of a subsidiary company of Conning Holdings Corp. Investment management fees incurred under this agreement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $207 (2011: $200) and $611 (2011:$580) respectively, of which $205 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $203).

On December 20, 2011, Validus Re entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "Agreement") with
Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Assignor") and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP
(Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the "General Partner") pursuant to which Validus Re has assumed 100% of the Assignor's interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the "Partnership") representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the "Commitment"), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the "Transferred Interest"). Messrs. Greenberg and Watson, directors of the Company, serve as managing principal and senior principal, respectively, of Aquiline Capital Partners LLC. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company incurred $674 (2011: $nil) and $2,560 (2011:$nil) in partnership fees and made $430 (2011: nil) and $5,328 (2011: $nil) of capital contributions respectively, of which $nil was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $nil).

Certain shareholders of the Company and their affiliates, as well as the employers of or entities otherwise associated with certain directors and officers or their affiliates, have purchased insurance and/or reinsurance from the Company in the ordinary course of business on terms the Company believes were no more favorable to these (re)insureds than those made available to other customers.



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Table of Contents


14. Earnings per share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
2012
 
September 30,
2011
 
September 30,
2012
 
September 30,
2011
Basic earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Income
$
264,044


$
70,001


$
510,540


$
8,115

(Income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(56,746
)

(13,516
)

(11,386
)

(14,110
)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
207,298


56,485


499,154


(5,995
)
Less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants
(1,663
)
 
(1,966
)
 
(5,121
)
 
(5,916
)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders
$
205,635

 
$
54,519

 
$
494,033

 
$
(11,911
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
93,368,775

 
98,961,795

 
97,016,034

 
98,430,686

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to common shareholders
$
2.20

 
$
0.55

 
$
5.09

 
$
(0.12
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Income (loss)
$
264,044

 
$
70,001

 
$
510,540

 
$
8,115

Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(56,746
)
 
(13,516
)
 
(11,386
)
 
(14,110
)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
207,298

 
56,485

 
499,154

 
(5,995
)
Less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants

 
(1,966
)
 

 
(5,916
)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders
$
207,298

 
$
54,519

 
$
499,154

 
$
(11,911
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
93,368,775

 
98,961,795

 
97,016,034

 
98,430,686

Share equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants
3,248,788

 

 
3,116,298

 

Stock options
716,693

 
603,581

 
777,245

 

Unvested restricted shares
902,234

 
1,257,959

 
1,423,938

 

Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding
98,236,490

 
100,823,335

 
102,333,515

 
98,430,686

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to common shareholders
$
2.11

 
$
0.54

 
$
4.88

 
$
(0.12
)

Share equivalents that would result in the issuance of common shares of 2,724 (2011: 175,454) and 231,621 (2011: 223,518) were outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive.
 


37


Table of Contents

15. Subsequent events
 
Hurricane Sandy
On October 29, 2012 Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the eastern seaboard of the United States causing widespread flooding and property damage across a number of states. The Company is continuing to review its in-force contracts and preliminary loss information from clients for this event and expects that aggregated net losses from this event will likely have a significant impact on our fourth quarter 2012 results.
 Quarterly Dividend
 
On November 1, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per each common share and $0.25 per
common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on December 28, 2012 to holders of record on December 14, 2012.

16. Segment information
 
The Company conducts its operations worldwide through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Holdings Ltd. from which three operating segments have been determined under U.S. GAAP segment reporting. During the first quarter of 2012, to better align the Company's operating and reporting structure with its current strategy, there was a change in the segment structure. This change included the AlphaCat group of companies as a separate operating segment. "AlphaCat segment" was included as an additional segment and includes the Company's investments in AlphaCat Re 2011, AlphaCat Re 2012 and PaCRe. Prior period comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in segmentation. The Company's operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed and have capital allocated separately because each business requires different strategies.
 
Validus Re Segment
 
The Validus Re segment is focused on short-tail lines of reinsurance. The primary lines in which the segment conducts business are property, marine and specialty which includes agriculture, aerospace and aviation, financial lines of business, nuclear, terrorism, life, accident & health, workers' compensation, crisis management, contingency, motor and technical lines.
 
AlphaCat Segment
 
The AlphaCat segment manages strategic relationships that leverage the Company's underwriting and investment expertise and earns management, performance and underwriting fees primarily from the Company's operating affiliates, AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012, as well as an investment in PaCRe.
 
Validus Re Consolidated
 
The Validus Re consolidated group of companies represents the Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. consolidated U.S. GAAP results.
 
Talbot Segment
 
The Talbot segment focuses on a wide range of marine and energy, war, political violence, commercial property, financial institutions, contingency, bloodstock, accident & health and aviation classes of business on an insurance or facultative reinsurance basis and principally property, aerospace and marine classes of business on a treaty reinsurance basis.
 
Corporate and other reconciling items
 
The Company has a "Corporate" function, which includes the activities of the parent company, and which carries out certain functions for the group. "Corporate" includes non-core' underwriting expenses, predominantly general and administrative and stock compensation expenses. "Corporate" also denotes the activities of certain key executives such as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. For internal reporting purposes, "Corporate" is reflected separately, however "Corporate" is not considered an operating segment under these circumstances. Other reconciling items include, but are not limited to, the elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses and unusual items that are not allocated to segments. Corporate also includes transaction

38


Table of Contents

expenses relating to the costs incurred in connection with the proposed acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A in 2012 and the proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. in 2011.

The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and "Corporate":
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Validus Re Segment
 
AlphaCat Segment
 
Legal Entity Adjustments
 
Validus Re Consolidated
 
Talbot Segment
 
Corporate & Eliminations
 
Total
Underwriting income
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gross premiums written
 
$
145,010

 
$
2,934

 
$

 
$
147,944

 
$
260,755

 
$
(18,484
)
 
$
390,215

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(10,426
)
 

 

 
(10,426
)
 
(53,801
)
 
18,484

 
(45,743
)
Net premiums written
 
134,584

 
2,934

 

 
137,518

 
206,954

 

 
344,472

Change in unearned premiums
 
107,728

 
2,591

 

 
110,319

 
20,313

 

 
130,632

Net premiums earned
 
242,312

 
5,525

 

 
247,837

 
227,267

 

 
475,104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
66,890

 

 

 
66,890

 
88,565

 

 
155,455

Policy acquisition costs
 
37,785

 
547

 

 
38,332

 
61,640

 
(1,349
)
 
98,623

General and administrative expenses
 
16,938

 
2,087

 
1,142

 
20,167

 
36,605

 
13,775

 
70,547

Share compensation expenses
 
2,076

 
84

 
135

 
2,295

 
2,200

 
2,850

 
7,345

Total underwriting deductions
 
123,689

 
2,718

 
1,277

 
127,684

 
189,010

 
15,276

 
331,970

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
118,623

 
$
2,807

 
$
(1,277
)
 
$
120,153

 
$
38,257

 
$
(15,276
)
 
$
143,134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
19,644

 
1,193

 

 
20,837

 
5,260

 
(608
)
 
25,489

Other income
 
1,543

 
7,674

 
1,620

 
10,837

 
680

 
(4,193
)
 
7,324

Finance expenses
 
(789
)
 
(56
)
 

 
(845
)
 
(73
)
 
(8,444
)
 
(9,362
)
Operating income (loss) before taxes and income from operating affiliates
 
139,021

 
11,618

 
343

 
150,982

 
44,124

 
(28,521
)
 
166,585

Tax (expense)
 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
 
(11
)
 
(1,330
)
 
(1,343
)
Income from operating affiliates
 

 
6,235

 

 
6,235

 

 

 
6,235

Net operating income (loss)
 
$
139,019

 
$
17,853

 
$
343

 
$
157,215

 
$
44,113

 
$
(29,851
)
 
$
171,477

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on investments
 
6,643

 
300

 

 
6,943

 
2,120

 

 
9,063

Net unrealized gains on investments
 
19,232

 
62,432

 

 
81,664

 
4,681

 

 
86,345

(Loss) from investment affiliate
 
(160
)
 

 

 
(160
)
 

 

 
(160
)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
8

 
30

 

 
38

 
1,146

 
(81
)
 
1,103

Transaction expenses (b)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(3,784
)
 
(3,784
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
164,742

 
$
80,615

 
$
343

 
$
245,700

 
$
52,060

 
$
(33,716
)
 
$
264,044

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
(56,746
)
 

 
(56,746
)
 

 

 
(56,746
)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
 
$
164,742

 
$
23,869

 
$
343

 
$
188,954

 
$
52,060

 
$
(33,716
)
 
$
207,298

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written
 
92.8
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
79.4
%
 
 
 
88.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
27.6
%
 
0.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
39.0
%
 
 
 
32.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
 
15.6
%
 
9.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
27.1
%
 
 
 
20.8
%
General and administrative expenses (a)
 
7.8
%
 
39.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
17.1
%
 
 
 
16.4
%
Expense ratio
 
23.4
%
 
49.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
44.2
%
 
 
 
37.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
51.0
%
 
49.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
83.2
%
 
 
 
69.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
4,729,344


$
768,612








$
2,931,174


$
34,690


$
8,463,820


(a)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
(b)
The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the proposed acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A.


39


Table of Contents

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Validus Re Segment
 
AlphaCat Segment
 
Legal Entity Adjustments
 
Validus Re Consolidated
 
Talbot Segment
 
Corporate & Eliminations
 
Total
Underwriting income
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gross premiums written
 
$
163,863

 
$
18,940

 
$

 
$
182,803

 
$
238,937

 
$
(30,611
)
 
$
391,129

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(5,646
)
 

 

 
(5,646
)
 
(55,551
)
 
30,611

 
(30,586
)
Net premiums written
 
158,217

 
18,940

 

 
177,157

 
183,386

 

 
360,543

Change in unearned premiums
 
81,997

 
8,758

 

 
90,755

 
7,326

 

 
98,081

Net premiums earned
 
240,214

 
27,698

 

 
267,912

 
190,712

 

 
458,624

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
128,823

 

 

 
128,823

 
97,244

 

 
226,067

Policy acquisition costs
 
40,592

 
3,326

 
(1,084
)
 
42,834

 
36,651

 
(2,080
)
 
77,405

General and administrative expenses
 
7,358

 
2,167

 
620

 
10,145

 
21,745

 
4,036

 
35,926

Share compensation expenses
 
2,190

 
26

 
284

 
2,500

 
1,903

 
2,979

 
7,382

Total underwriting deductions
 
178,963

 
5,519

 
(180
)
 
184,302

 
157,543

 
4,935

 
346,780

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
61,251

 
$
22,179

 
$
180

 
$
83,610

 
$
33,169

 
$
(4,935
)
 
$
111,844

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
22,807

 
751

 

 
23,558

 
6,451

 
(2,262
)
 
27,747

Other income
 
2,187

 
2,225

 
(1,102
)
 
3,310

 
(1
)
 
(3,309
)
 

Finance expenses
 
(2,632
)
 
787

 

 
(1,845
)
 
(151
)
 
(8,939
)
 
(10,935
)
Operating income (loss) before taxes
 
83,613

 
25,942

 
(922
)
 
108,633

 
39,468

 
(19,445
)
 
128,656

Tax (expense)
 
(7
)
 

 

 
(7
)
 
(2,345
)
 
(186
)
 
(2,538
)
Net operating income (loss)
 
$
83,606

 
$
25,942

 
$
(922
)
 
$
108,626

 
$
37,123

 
$
(19,631
)
 
$
126,118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
 
4,538

 
(25
)
 

 
4,513

 
733

 

 
5,246

Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments
 
(26,298
)
 
324

 

 
(25,974
)
 
(1,875
)
 
1

 
(27,848
)
Foreign exchange (losses)
 
(9,778
)
 
(164
)
 

 
(9,942
)
 
(9,943
)
 
(47
)
 
(19,932
)
Transaction expenses (b)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(13,583
)
 
(13,583
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
52,068

 
$
26,077

 
$
(922
)
 
$
77,223

 
$
26,038

 
$
(33,260
)
 
$
70,001

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
(13,516
)
 

 
(13,516
)
 

 

 
(13,516
)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
 
$
52,068

 
$
12,561

 
$
(922
)
 
$
63,707

 
$
26,038

 
$
(33,260
)
 
$
56,485

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written
 
96.6
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
76.8
%
 
 
 
92.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
53.6
%
 
0.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
51.0
%
 
 
 
49.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
 
16.9
%
 
12.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
19.2
%
 
 
 
16.9
%
General and administrative expenses (a)
 
4.0
%
 
7.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
12.4
%
 
 
 
9.4
%
Expense ratio
 
20.9
%
 
19.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
31.6
%
 
 
 
26.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
74.5
%
 
19.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
82.6
%
 
 
 
75.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
4,810,032


$
400,233








$
2,773,597


$
16,877


$
8,000,740


(a)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
(b)
The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.


40


Table of Contents

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Validus Re Segment
 
AlphaCat Segment
 
Legal Entity Adjustments
 
Validus Re Consolidated
 
Talbot Segment
 
Corporate & Eliminations
 
Total
Underwriting income
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gross premiums written
 
$
1,052,726

 
$
21,607

 
$

 
$
1,074,333

 
$
837,536

 
$
(57,276
)
 
$
1,854,593

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(137,504
)
 

 

 
(137,504
)
 
(191,619
)
 
57,276

 
(271,847
)
Net premiums written
 
915,222

 
21,607

 

 
936,829

 
645,917

 

 
1,582,746

Change in unearned premiums
 
(177,215
)
 
(9,832
)
 

 
(187,047
)
 
(21,769
)
 

 
(208,816
)
Net premiums earned
 
738,007

 
11,775

 

 
749,782

 
624,148

 

 
1,373,930

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
244,286

 

 


244,286

 
296,850




541,136

Policy acquisition costs
 
113,659

 
1,185

 
(25
)

114,819

 
142,181


(4,116
)

252,884

General and administrative expenses
 
48,332

 
5,521

 
3,457


57,310

 
100,910


40,337


198,557

Share compensation expenses
 
5,914

 
195

 
446


6,555

 
5,347


7,681


19,583

Total underwriting deductions
 
412,191

 
6,901

 
3,878


422,970

 
545,288


43,902


1,012,160

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
325,816


$
4,874


$
(3,878
)

$
326,812


$
78,860


$
(43,902
)

$
361,770

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
64,915


2,672




67,587


16,475


(4,928
)

79,134

Other income
 
4,229


22,237


4,528


30,994


2,033


(10,818
)

22,209

Finance expenses
 
(6,628
)

(495
)



(7,123
)

(224
)

(32,000
)

(39,347
)
Operating income (loss) before taxes and income from operating affiliates
 
388,332


29,288


650


418,270


97,144


(91,648
)

423,766

Tax (expense)
 
(11
)





(11
)

(562
)

(1,313
)

(1,886
)
Income from operating affiliates
 


13,194




13,194






13,194

Net operating income (loss)
 
$
388,321


$
42,482


$
650


$
431,453


$
96,582


$
(92,961
)

$
435,074

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on investments
 
17,708


216




17,924


4,825




22,749

Net unrealized gains on investments
 
35,400


12,316




47,716


5,726




53,442

(Loss) from investment affiliate
 
(558
)





(558
)





(558
)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
2,461


47




2,508


1,334


(225
)

3,617

Transaction expenses (b)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(3,784
)
 
(3,784
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
443,332


$
55,061


$
650


$
499,043


$
108,467


$
(96,970
)

$
510,540

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 


(11,386
)



(11,386
)





(11,386
)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
 
$
443,332


$
43,675


$
650


$
487,657


$
108,467


$
(96,970
)

$
499,154

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written
 
86.9
%

100.0
%







77.1
%




85.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
33.1
%

0.0
%







47.6
%




39.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
 
15.4
%

10.1
%







22.8
%




18.4
%
General and administrative expenses (a)
 
7.4
%

48.5
%







17.0
%




15.9
%
Expense ratio
 
22.8
%

58.6
%







39.8
%




34.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
55.9
%

58.6
%







87.4
%




73.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
4,729,344


$
768,612








$
2,931,174


$
34,690


$
8,463,820


(a)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
(b)
The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the proposed acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A.



41


Table of Contents

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Validus Re Segment
 
AlphaCat Segment
 
Legal Entity Adjustments
 
Validus Re Consolidated
 
Talbot Segment
 
Corporate & Eliminations
 
Total
Underwriting income
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gross premiums written
 
$
1,058,642

 
$
77,050

 
$

 
$
1,135,692

 
$
778,880

 
$
(68,160
)
 
$
1,846,412

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(150,669
)
 

 

 
(150,669
)
 
(190,243
)
 
68,160

 
(272,752
)
Net premiums written
 
907,973

 
77,050

 

 
985,023

 
588,637

 

 
1,573,660

Change in unearned premiums
 
(194,529
)
 
(37,595
)
 

 
(232,124
)
 
(27,739
)
 

 
(259,863
)
Net premiums earned
 
713,444

 
39,455

 

 
752,899

 
560,898

 

 
1,313,797

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
533,402

 

 

 
533,402

 
376,170

 

 
909,572

Policy acquisition costs
 
115,355

 
4,615

 
(1,301
)
 
118,669

 
116,174

 
(1,912
)
 
232,931

General and administrative expenses
 
32,947

 
4,122

 
3,780

 
40,849

 
82,396

 
21,999

 
145,244

Share compensation expenses
 
7,118

 
74

 
786

 
7,978

 
6,648

 
12,433

 
27,059

Total underwriting deductions
 
688,822

 
8,811

 
3,265

 
700,898

 
581,388

 
32,520

 
1,314,806

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
24,622

 
$
30,644

 
$
(3,265
)
 
$
52,001

 
$
(20,490
)
 
$
(32,520
)
 
$
(1,009
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
68,901

 
2,697

 

 
71,598

 
19,413

 
(6,795
)
 
84,216

Other income
 
4,223

 
5,398

 
(1,180
)
 
8,441

 
2,194

 
(8,434
)
 
2,201

Finance expenses
 
(5,924
)
 
(2,136
)
 

 
(8,060
)
 
(214
)
 
(33,023
)
 
(41,297
)
Operating income (loss) before taxes
 
91,822

 
36,603

 
(4,445
)
 
123,980

 
903

 
(80,772
)
 
44,111

Tax (expense)
 
(13
)
 

 

 
(13
)
 
(760
)
 
(277
)
 
(1,050
)
Net operating income (loss)
 
$
91,809

 
$
36,603

 
$
(4,445
)
 
$
123,967

 
$
143

 
$
(81,049
)
 
$
43,061

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on investments
 
17,453

 
531

 

 
17,984

 
5,193

 

 
23,177

Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments
 
(18,597
)
 
(1,335
)
 

 
(19,932
)
 
(2,219
)
 
1

 
(22,150
)
Foreign exchange (losses)
 
(19,314
)
 
(325
)
 

 
(19,639
)
 
(2,632
)
 
(119
)
 
(22,390
)
Transaction expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 
(13,583
)
 
(13,583
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
71,351

 
$
35,474

 
$
(4,445
)
 
$
102,380

 
$
485

 
$
(94,750
)
 
$
8,115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
(14,110
)
 

 
(14,110
)
 

 

 
(14,110
)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
 
$
71,351

 
$
21,364

 
$
(4,445
)
 
$
88,270

 
$
485

 
$
(94,750
)
 
$
(5,995
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written
 
85.8
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
75.6
%
 
 
 
85.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
74.8
%
 
0.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
67.1
%
 
 
 
69.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
 
16.2
%
 
11.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
20.7
%
 
 
 
17.7
%
General and administrative expenses (a)
 
5.6
%
 
10.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
15.9
%
 
 
 
13.1
%
Expense ratio
 
21.8
%
 
22.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
36.6
%
 
 
 
30.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
 
96.6
%
 
22.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
103.7
%
 
 
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
4,810,032

 
$
400,233

 
 
 
 
 
$
2,773,597

 
$
16,877

 
$
8,000,740



(a)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
(b)
The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

 





42


Table of Contents

The Company’s exposures are generally diversified across geographic zones. The following tables set forth the gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Validus Re
 
AlphaCat
 
Talbot
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
%
United States
$
58,972

 
$
2,204

 
$
27,899

 
$
(1,978
)
 
$
87,097

 
22.4
%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)
9,202

 

 
64,687

 
(4,586
)
 
69,303

 
17.8
%
Europe
11,255

 
513

 
10,426

 
(739
)
 
21,455

 
5.5
%
Latin America and Caribbean
4,522

 

 
29,194

 
(2,069
)
 
31,647

 
8.1
%
Japan
727

 

 
1,916

 
(136
)
 
2,507

 
0.6
%
Canada
263

 

 
3,696

 
(262
)
 
3,697

 
0.9
%
Rest of the world (b)
7,773

 
217

 

 

 
7,990

 
2.0
%
Sub-total, non United States
33,742

 
730

 
109,919

 
(7,792
)
 
136,599

 
34.9
%
Worldwide including United States (a)
14,178

 

 
17,571

 
(1,245
)
 
30,504

 
7.8
%
Marine and Aerospace (c)
38,118

 

 
105,366

 
(7,469
)
 
136,015

 
34.9
%
Total
$
145,010

 
$
2,934

 
$
260,755

 
$
(18,484
)
 
$
390,215

 
100.0
%
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Validus Re
 
AlphaCat
 
Talbot
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
%
United States
$
53,058

 
$
4,940

 
$
34,615

 
$
(4,286
)
 
$
88,327

 
22.6
%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)
15,410

 

 
62,570

 
(8,265
)
 
69,715

 
17.8
%
Europe
14,722

 

 
6,660

 
(919
)
 
20,463

 
5.2
%
Latin America and Caribbean
5,886

 

 
33,836

 
(4,285
)
 
35,437

 
9.1
%
Japan
9,679

 

 
3,571

 
(306
)
 
12,944

 
3.3
%
Canada
306

 

 
2,480

 
(306
)
 
2,480

 
0.6
%
Rest of the world (b)
3,063

 

 

 

 
3,063

 
0.8
%
Sub-total, non United States
49,066

 

 
109,117

 
(14,081
)
 
144,102

 
36.8
%
Worldwide including United States (a)
15,675

 
14,000

 
14,997

 
(1,836
)
 
42,836

 
11.0
%
Marine and Aerospace (c)
46,064

 

 
80,208

 
(10,408
)
 
115,864

 
29.6
%
Total
$
163,863

 
$
18,940

 
$
238,937

 
$
(30,611
)
 
$
391,129

 
100.0
%

(a)
Represents risks in two or more geographic zones.
(b)
Represents risks in one geographic zone.
(c)
Not classified as geographic area as marine and aerospace risks can span multiple geographic areas and are not fixed locations in some instances.
 



43


Table of Contents

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Validus Re
 
AlphaCat
 
Talbot
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
%
United States
$
426,875

 
$
18,778

 
$
89,595

 
$
(6,213
)
 
$
529,035

 
28.5
%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)
36,047

 

 
202,281

 
(13,892
)
 
224,436

 
12.1
%
Europe
83,473

 
1,333

 
39,871

 
(2,503
)
 
122,174

 
6.6
%
Latin America and Caribbean
30,735

 

 
82,935

 
(5,439
)
 
108,231

 
5.8
%
Japan
31,704

 

 
6,003

 
(373
)
 
37,334

 
2.0
%
Canada
587

 

 
9,366

 
(589
)
 
9,364

 
0.6
%
Rest of the world (b)
59,781

 
496

 

 

 
60,277

 
3.3
%
Sub-total, non United States
242,327

 
1,829

 
340,456

 
(22,796
)
 
561,816

 
30.4
%
Worldwide including United States (a)
92,931

 
1,000

 
50,737

 
(3,047
)
 
141,621

 
7.6
%
Marine and Aerospace (c)
290,593

 

 
356,748

 
(25,220
)
 
622,121

 
33.5
%
Total
$
1,052,726

 
$
21,607

 
$
837,536

 
$
(57,276
)
 
$
1,854,593

 
100.0
%

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Validus Re
 
AlphaCat
 
Talbot
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
%
United States
$
454,539

 
$
57,188

 
$
96,627

 
$
(8,490
)
 
$
599,864

 
32.5
%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)
44,968

 

 
187,741

 
(11,234
)
 
221,475

 
12.0
%
Europe
83,188

 
1,229

 
41,604

 
(1,480
)
 
124,541

 
6.7
%
Latin America and Caribbean
41,804

 
633

 
74,369

 
(26,856
)
 
89,950

 
4.9
%
Japan
43,748

 

 
6,327

 
(406
)
 
49,669

 
2.7
%
Canada
416

 

 
8,731

 
(416
)
 
8,731

 
0.5
%
Rest of the world (b)
48,059

 

 

 

 
48,059

 
2.6
%
Sub-total, non United States
262,183

 
1,862

 
318,772

 
(40,392
)
 
542,425

 
29.4
%
Worldwide including United States (a)
92,455

 
18,000

 
41,033

 
(2,378
)
 
149,110

 
8.1
%
Marine and Aerospace (c)
249,465

 

 
322,448

 
(16,900
)
 
555,013

 
30.0
%
Total
$
1,058,642

 
$
77,050

 
$
778,880

 
$
(68,160
)
 
$
1,846,412

 
100.0
%

(a)
Represents risks in two or more geographic zones.
(b)
Represents risks in one geographic zone.
(c)
Not classified as geographic area as marine and aerospace risks can span multiple geographic areas and are not fixed locations in some instances.


44


Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of the Company's consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and the Company's consolidated financial condition, liquidity and capital resources at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the discussions of critical accounting policies and the qualitative and quantitative disclosure about market risk contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
 
For a variety of reasons, the Company's historical financial results may not accurately indicate future performance. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements." The Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 present 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.
 
Executive Overview
 
The Company underwrites from three distinct global operating segments, Validus Re, Talbot and AlphaCat. Validus Re, the Company’s principal reinsurance operating segment, operates as a Bermuda-based provider of short-tail reinsurance products on a global basis. Talbot, the Company’s principal insurance operating segment manages Syndicate 1183 at Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) and which writes short-tail insurance products on a worldwide basis. The AlphaCat segment manages strategic relationships that leverage the Company's underwriting and investment expertise and earns management, performance and underwriting fees primarily from our agreements with AlphaCat Re 2011, AlphaCat Re 2012 and PaCRe. In addition, the AlphaCat segment earns income from our equity interests in AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012 as well as our investment in PaCRe.
 
The Company’s strategy has been to concentrate primarily on short-tail risks, which has been an area where management believes current prices and terms provide an attractive risk adjusted return and the management team has proven expertise. The Company’s profitability in any given period is based upon premium and investment revenues, less net losses and loss expenses, acquisition expenses and operating expenses. Financial results in the insurance and reinsurance industry are influenced by the frequency and/or severity of claims and losses, including as a result of catastrophic events, changes in interest rates, financial markets and general economic conditions, the supply of insurance and reinsurance capacity and changes in legal, regulatory and judicial environments.
 
On April 2, 2012, the Company capitalized PaCRe, a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance.  PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed capital. Validus invested $50.0 million in PaCRe's common equity. The Company will underwrite business for PaCRe, for which it will be paid a profit commission based on the company's underwriting results. As Validus Re holds a majority of PaCRe's outstanding voting rights, the financial statements of PaCRe are included in the consolidated financial statements for the Company. The portion of PaCRe's earnings attributable to third party investors for three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 is recorded in the consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as "Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest."

On May 29, 2012, the Company announced that it has joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2012. AlphaCat Re 2012 is a new special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance with a particular focus on windstorm risks for Florida domiciled insurance companies. AlphaCat Re 2012 was funded with $70.0 million of equity capital. The Company will underwrite business for AlphaCat Re 2012, for which it will be paid a commission for originating the business and a profit commission based on underwriting results. Validus Re has an equity interest and voting rights in AlphaCat Re 2012 which is below 50%, therefore the investment in AlphaCat Re 2012 is included as an equity method investment in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On August 30, 2012, the Company and Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A. (“Flagstone”) announced that the boards of directors of both the Company and Flagstone had approved a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Flagstone. Under the terms of the agreement, Flagstone shareholders will receive 0.1935 Company voting common shares and $2.00 in cash for each Flagstone share. On the date of the announcement, the transaction provided Flagstone shareholders with a 19.4% premium and $8.43 of value per share based on the closing share price for each of the Company and Flagstone as of Wednesday, August 29, 2012 and represents an aggregate equity value of $623.2 million. For United States tax purposes, the proposed transaction is intended to be tax-free to Flagstone shareholders with respect to the

45


Table of Contents

Company's voting common shares they receive.
Completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2012, is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining regulatory approvals and the approval of Flagstone’s shareholders. The combined company will maintain the Company's name, headquarters and executive management. The Company has obtained agreements from investment funds associated with Lightyear Capital and Trilantic Capital Partners, which collectively own approximately 22.5% of the outstanding Flagstone shares, to vote in favor of the transaction. Flagstone's shareholders are scheduled to vote on the transaction on November 28, 2012.

Business Outlook and Trends
 
We underwrite global specialty property insurance and reinsurance and have large aggregate exposures to natural and man-made disasters. The occurrence of claims from catastrophic events results in substantial volatility, and can have material adverse effects on the Company’s financial condition and results and ability to write new business. This volatility affects results for the period in which the loss occurs because U.S. accounting principles do not permit reinsurers to reserve for such catastrophic events until they occur. Catastrophic events of significant magnitude historically have been relatively infrequent, although management believes the property catastrophe reinsurance market has experienced a higher level of worldwide catastrophic losses in terms of both frequency and severity in the period from 1992 to the present. We also expect that increases in the values and concentrations of insured property will increase the severity of such occurrences in the future. The Company seeks to reflect these trends when pricing contracts.
 
Property and other reinsurance premiums have historically risen in the aftermath of significant catastrophic losses. As loss reserves are established, industry surplus is depleted and the industry’s capacity to write new business diminishes. At the same time, management believes that there is a heightened awareness of exposure to natural catastrophes on the part of cedants, rating agencies and catastrophe modeling firms, resulting in an increase in the demand for reinsurance protection.
 
The global property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry has historically been highly cyclical. The Company was formed in October 2005 in response to the supply/demand imbalance resulting from the large industry losses in 2004 and 2005. In the aggregate, the Company observed substantial increases in premium rates in 2006 compared to 2005 levels. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company experienced increased competition in most lines of business. Capital provided by new entrants or by the commitment of additional capital by existing insurers and reinsurers increased the supply of insurance and reinsurance which resulted in a softening of rates in most lines. However, during 2008, the insurance and reinsurance industry incurred material losses and capital declines due to Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and the global financial crisis. In the wake of these events, the January 2009 renewal season saw decreased competition and increased premium rates due to relatively scarce capital and increased demand. During 2009, the Company observed reinsurance demand stabilization and industry capital recovery from investment portfolio gains. In 2009, there were few notable large losses affecting the worldwide (re)insurance industry and no major hurricanes making landfall in the United States. In 2010, the Company continued to see increased competition and decreased premium rates in most classes of business with the exception of offshore energy, Latin America, financial institutions and political risk lines. During 2010 there was an increased level of catastrophe activity, principally the Chilean earthquake and the Deepwater Horizon events. In 2011, the Company continued to see increased catastrophe activity, principally the Tohuku and Christchurch earthquakes. During 2011, while the Company continued to see strong competition for business there were also positive rate movements, particularly on loss affected lines.

 During the January 2012 renewal season, the Validus Re segment showed rate improvement relative to 2011. This improvement was largely due to the large catastrophe loss activity during 2011. During the first quarter of 2012, Talbot experienced rate increases in loss affected lines without seeing a systemic rise in rates across all lines.

During the July 2012 renewal period, the Validus Re segment experienced rate improvements in the U.S. property lines while European and Latin American property rates were unchanged. The Talbot segment experienced a rate increase of 3.7% across the portfolio, with some lines performing in line with expectations and other lines either de-risking or reassessing the portfolio.

Financial Measures
 
The Company believes the following financial indicators are important in evaluating performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for shareholders:
 
Annualized return on average equity represents the level of net income available to shareholders generated from the average shareholders’ equity during the period. Annualized return on average equity is calculated by dividing the net income available to Validus for the period by the average shareholders’ equity available to Validus during the period. Average shareholders’ equity

46


Table of Contents

available to Validus is the average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end shareholders’ equity available to Validus balances. Percentages for the quarter and interim periods are annualized. The Company’s objective is to generate superior returns on capital that appropriately reward shareholders for the risks assumed and to grow premiums written only when returns meet or exceed internal requirements. Details of annualized return on average equity are provided below.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2011
Annualized return on average equity
23.3
%
 
6.6
%
 
0.6
%
 
The increase in annualized return on average equity for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was driven primarily by an increase in net income. Net income available to Validus for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased by $150.8 million, or 267.0% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to a favorable movement of $114.2 million in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments and an increase in underwriting income of $31.3 million.
 
Diluted book value per common share is considered by management to be an appropriate measure of our returns to common shareholders, as we believe growth in our book value on a diluted basis ultimately translates into growth of our stock price. Diluted book value per common share increased by $3.99, or 12.4%, from $32.28 at December 31, 2011 to $36.27 at September 30, 2012. The increase was due to the income generated in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Diluted book value per common share is a Non-GAAP financial measure. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure is book value per common share. Diluted book value per common share is calculated based on total shareholders’ equity plus the assumed proceeds from the exercise of outstanding options and warrants, divided by the sum of common shares, unvested restricted shares, options and warrants outstanding (assuming their exercise). A reconciliation of diluted book value per common share to book value per common share is presented below in the section entitled “Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
 
Cash dividends per common share are an integral part of the value created for shareholders. On November 1, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per each common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on December 28, 2012 to holders of record on December 14, 2012.
 
Underwriting income (loss) measures the performance of the Company’s core underwriting function, excluding revenues and expenses such as net investment income (loss), other income, finance expenses, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, income (loss) from investment and operating affiliates, foreign exchange gains (losses) and transaction expenses. The Company believes the reporting of underwriting income enhances the understanding of our results by highlighting the underlying profitability of the Company’s core insurance and reinsurance operations. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure is net income. Underwriting income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $143.1 million and $111.8 million, respectively. Underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as described in detail and reconciled in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

Managed gross premiums written, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents gross premiums written by the Company and its operating affiliates.  Managed gross premiums written differs from total gross premiums written, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, due to the inclusion of premiums written on behalf of the Company's operating affiliates, AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. A reconciliation of managed gross premiums written to gross premiums written, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in below in the section entitled "Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
There are certain accounting policies that the Company considers to be critical due to the judgment and uncertainty inherent in the application of those policies. In calculating financial statement estimates, the use of different assumptions could produce materially different estimates. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect significant estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
 
Premiums;

Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoverable;

Investment valuation; and

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Reserve for losses and loss expenses.

Critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed further in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Segment Reporting
 
Management has determined that the Company operates in three operating segments. The three significant operating segments are Validus Re, AlphaCat and Talbot.
 

Results of Operations

 Validus Re commenced operations on December 16, 2005. The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31. Financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information.

The following table presents results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

48


Table of Contents

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
Underwriting income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
390,215

 
$
391,129

 
$
1,854,593

 
$
1,846,412

Reinsurance premiums ceded
 
(45,743
)
 
(30,586
)
 
(271,847
)
 
(272,752
)
Net premiums written
 
344,472

 
360,543

 
1,582,746

 
1,573,660

Change in unearned premiums
 
130,632

 
98,081

 
(208,816
)
 
(259,863
)
Net premiums earned
 
475,104

 
458,624

 
1,373,930

 
1,313,797

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
155,455

 
226,067

 
541,136

 
909,572

Policy acquisition costs
 
98,623

 
77,405

 
252,884

 
232,931

General and administrative expenses
 
70,547

 
35,926

 
198,557

 
145,244

Share compensation expenses
 
7,345

 
7,382

 
19,583

 
27,059

Total underwriting deductions
 
331,970

 
346,780

 
1,012,160

 
1,314,806

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (loss) (a)
 
143,134

 
111,844

 
361,770

 
(1,009
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
25,489

 
27,747

 
79,134

 
84,216

Other income
 
7,324

 

 
22,209

 
2,201

Finance expenses
 
(9,362
)
 
(10,935
)
 
(39,347
)
 
(41,297
)
Operating income before taxes and income from operating affiliates
 
166,585

 
128,656

 
423,766

 
44,111

Tax (expense)
 
(1,343
)
 
(2,538
)
 
(1,886
)
 
(1,050
)
Income from operating affiliates
 
6,235

 

 
13,194

 

Net operating income (a)
 
171,477

 
126,118

 
435,074

 
43,061

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on investments
 
9,063

 
5,246

 
22,749

 
23,177

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
86,345

 
(27,848
)
 
53,442

 
(22,150
)
(Loss) from investment affiliate
 
(160
)
 

 
(558
)
 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
1,103

 
(19,932
)
 
3,617

 
(22,390
)
Transaction expenses (c)
 
(3,784
)
 
(13,583
)
 
(3,784
)
 
(13,583
)
Net income
 
264,044

 
70,001

 
510,540

 
8,115

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(56,746
)
 
(13,516
)
 
(11,386
)
 
(14,110
)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
 
$
207,298

 
$
56,485

 
$
499,154

 
$
(5,995
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written
 
88.3
%
 
92.2
%
 
85.3
%
 
85.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
 
32.7
%
 
49.3
%
 
39.4
%
 
69.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
 
20.8
%
 
16.9
%
 
18.4
%
 
17.7
%
General and administrative expenses (b)
 
16.4
%
 
9.4
%
 
15.9
%
 
13.1
%
Expense ratio
 
37.2
%
 
26.3
%
 
34.3
%
 
30.8
%
Combined ratio
 
69.9
%
 
75.6
%
 
73.7
%
 
100.0
%

a)      Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed underwriting income and net operating income that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of underwriting income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income".

 b)    The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

c)
The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the proposed acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A. The transaction expenses for 2011 relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

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Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Validus Re
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
145,010

 
$
163,863

 
$
1,052,726

 
$
1,058,642

Reinsurance premiums ceded
(10,426
)
 
(5,646
)
 
(137,504
)
 
(150,669
)
Net premiums written
134,584

 
158,217

 
915,222

 
907,973

Change in unearned premiums
107,728

 
81,997

 
(177,215
)
 
(194,529
)
Net premiums earned
242,312

 
240,214

 
738,007

 
713,444

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
66,890

 
128,823

 
244,286

 
533,402

Policy acquisition costs
37,785

 
40,592

 
113,659

 
115,355

General and administrative expenses
16,938

 
7,358

 
48,332

 
32,947

Share compensation expenses
2,076

 
2,190

 
5,914

 
7,118

Total underwriting deductions
123,689

 
178,963

 
412,191

 
688,822

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (a)
$
118,623

 
$
61,251

 
$
325,816

 
$
24,622

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AlphaCat
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
2,934

 
$
18,940

 
$
21,607

 
$
77,050

Reinsurance premiums ceded

 

 

 

Net premiums written
2,934

 
18,940

 
21,607

 
77,050

Change in unearned premiums
2,591

 
8,758

 
(9,832
)
 
(37,595
)
Net premiums earned
5,525

 
27,698

 
11,775

 
39,455

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
547

 
3,326

 
1,185

 
4,615

General and administrative expenses
2,087

 
2,167

 
5,521

 
4,122

Share compensation expenses
84

 
26

 
195

 
74

Total underwriting deductions
2,718

 
5,519

 
6,901

 
8,811

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (a)
$
2,807

 
$
22,179

 
$
4,874

 
$
30,644

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legal Entity adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
$

 
$
(1,084
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(1,301
)
General and administrative expenses
1,142

 
620

 
3,457

 
3,780

Share compensation expenses
135

 
284

 
446

 
786

Total underwriting deductions
1,277

 
(180
)
 
3,878

 
3,265

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting (loss) income (a)
$
(1,277
)
 
$
180

 
$
(3,878
)
 
$
(3,265
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Talbot
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
260,755

 
$
238,937

 
$
837,536

 
$
778,880

Reinsurance premiums ceded
(53,801
)
 
(55,551
)
 
(191,619
)
 
(190,243
)
Net premiums written
206,954

 
183,386

 
645,917

 
588,637

Change in unearned premiums
20,313

 
7,326

 
(21,769
)
 
(27,739
)
Net premiums earned
227,267

 
190,712

 
624,148

 
560,898

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
88,565

 
97,244

 
296,850

 
376,170

Policy acquisition costs
61,640

 
36,651

 
142,181

 
116,174

General and administrative expenses
36,605

 
21,745

 
100,910

 
82,396

Share compensation expenses
2,200

 
1,903

 
5,347

 
6,648

Total underwriting deductions
189,010

 
157,543

 
545,288

 
581,388

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (loss) (a)
$
38,257

 
$
33,169

 
$
78,860

 
$
(20,490
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate & Eliminations
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
(18,484
)
 
$
(30,611
)
 
$
(57,276
)
 
$
(68,160
)
Reinsurance premiums ceded
18,484

 
30,611

 
57,276

 
68,160

Net premiums written

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
(1,349
)
 
(2,080
)
 
(4,116
)
 
(1,912
)
General and administrative expenses
13,775

 
4,036

 
40,337

 
21,999

Share compensation expenses
2,850

 
2,979

 
7,681

 
12,433

Total underwriting deductions
15,276

 
4,935

 
43,902

 
32,520

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting (loss) (a)
$
(15,276
)
 
$
(4,935
)
 
$
(43,902
)
 
$
(32,520
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total underwriting income (loss) (a)
$
143,134

 
$
111,844

 
$
361,770

 
$
(1,009
)

a)      Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed underwriting income that is not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income."

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Table of Contents



Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Net income available to Validus for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $207.3 million compared to $56.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $150.8 million or 267.0%. The primary factors driving the increase in net income were:

  A favorable movement of $114.2 million in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, of which $55.8 million is attributable to noncontrolling interest;
 
Increase in underwriting income of $31.3 million primarily due to:
 
  An increase in net premiums earned of $16.5 million;

  A decrease in underwriting deductions of $14.8 million due primarily to a decrease in losses and loss expenses of $70.6 million partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses of $34.6 million; and
 
A favorable movement in foreign exchange gains (losses) of $21.0 million,

 The change in net income available to Validus for the three months ended September 30, 2012 of $150.8 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011 is described in the following table:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Increase (Decrease) Over the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Validus Re
 
AlphaCat
 
Talbot
 
Corporate and Eliminations (a)
 
Total
Notable losses - decrease in net loss and loss expenses (b)
 
$
3,900

 
$

 
$
10,750

 

 
$
14,650

Less: Notable losses - decrease in net reinstatement premiums (b)
 
(2,333
)
 

 

 

 
(2,333
)
Other underwriting income (loss)
 
55,805

 
(19,372
)
 
(5,662
)
 
(11,798
)
 
18,973

Underwriting income (loss) (c)
 
57,372

 
(19,372
)
 
5,088

 
(11,798
)
 
31,290

Net investment income
 
(3,163
)
 
442

 
(1,191
)
 
1,654

 
(2,258
)
Other income
 
(644
)
 
5,449

 
681

 
1,838

 
7,324

Finance expenses
 
1,843

 
(843
)
 
78

 
495

 
1,573

Operating income (loss) before taxes and income from operating affiliates
 
55,408

 
(14,324
)
 
4,656

 
(7,811
)
 
37,929

Tax benefit (expense)
 
5

 

 
2,334

 
(1,144
)
 
1,195

Income from operating affiliates
 

 
6,235

 

 

 
6,235

Net operating income (loss)
 
55,413

 
(8,089
)
 
6,990

 
(8,955
)
 
45,359

Net realized gains on investments
 
2,105

 
325

 
1,387

 

 
3,817

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
45,530

 
62,108

 
6,556

 
(1
)
 
114,193

(Loss) from investment affilate
 
(160
)
 

 

 

 
(160
)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
9,786

 
194

 
11,089

 
(34
)
 
21,035

Transaction expenses
 

 

 

 
9,799

 
9,799

Net income
 
112,674

 
54,538

 
26,022

 
809

 
194,043

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
(43,230
)
 

 

 
(43,230
)
Net income available to Validus
 
$
112,674

 
$
11,308

 
$
26,022

 
$
809

 
$
150,813


(a)
The Corporate and Eliminations column includes legal entity adjustments.
 
(b)
Notable losses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 included: U.S. drought and Hurricane Isaac. Notable losses for the three months ended September 30, 2011 included: Danish floods and Hurricane Irene. Excludes the reserve for potential development on 2011 notable loss events.

(c)     Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed underwriting income (loss) that is not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income."

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Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $390.2 million compared to $391.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.9 million or 0.2%. Details of gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
176,137

 
45.1
%
 
$
198,195

 
50.6
%
 
(11.1
)%
Marine
 
125,523

 
32.2
%
 
100,743

 
25.8
%
 
24.6
 %
Specialty
 
88,555

 
22.7
%
 
92,191

 
23.6
%
 
(3.9
)%
Total
 
$
390,215

 
100.0
%
 
$
391,129

 
100.0
%
 
(0.2
)%
 
 
Validus Re. Validus Re gross premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $145.0 million compared to $163.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $18.9 million or 11.5%. Details of Validus Re gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premium Written (%)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
105,990

 
73.1
%
 
$
122,618

 
74.8
%
 
(13.6
)%
Marine
 
25,523

 
17.6
%
 
32,780

 
20.0
%
 
(22.1
)%
Specialty
 
13,497

 
9.3
%
 
8,465

 
5.2
%
 
59.4
 %
Total
 
$
145,010

 
100.0
%
 
$
163,863

 
100.0
%
 
(11.5
)%
 
The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $16.6 million was due primarily to a decrease in intercompany premiums of $12.3 million, a decrease in proportional treaties of $4.1 million and a decrease in reinstatement premiums of $5.6 million, partially offset by an increase in catastrophe excess of loss treaties of $5.9 million. The decrease in gross premiums written of $7.3 million in the marine lines was due primarily to an $11.5 million decrease in proportional treaties partially offset by a $4.2 million increase in reinstatement premiums. The increase in gross premiums written in the specialty lines of $5.0 million was due primarily to a $4.5 million increase across all treaty types.

Gross premiums written under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts with Talbot for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by $12.1 million on all lines, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. These reinsurance agreements with Talbot are eliminated upon consolidation.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat gross premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $2.9 million compared to $18.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $16.0 million or 84.5%. Details of AlphaCat gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
2,934

 
100.0
%
 
$
18,940

 
100.0
%
 
(84.5
)%
Total
 
$
2,934

 
100.0
%
 
$
18,940

 
100.0
%
 
(84.5
)%

The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $16.0 million was due primarily to the change in accounting treatment for AlphaCat Re 2011 which occurred as at December 31, 2011, when the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from the consolidated Balance Sheet of the Company. AlphaCat Re 2011 was consolidated in 2011 whereas in 2012, AlphaCat Re 2011 is accounted for as an equity method operating affiliate. Therefore the comparative renewals are not reflected in gross premiums written in 2012 but are included in managed gross premiums, a comparable measure. A reconciliation of managed gross premiums written to gross premiums written,

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Table of Contents

the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in below in the section entitled "Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
 
Managed gross premiums written from our non-consolidated affiliates, AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $9.3 million compared to $18.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $9.6 million or 50.8%. Gross premiums written from our consolidated AlphaCat entities for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $2.9 million compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $2.8 million.

Talbot. Talbot gross premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $260.8 million compared to $238.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $21.8 million or 9.1%. The $260.8 million of gross premiums written translated at 2011 rates of exchange would have been $262.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, giving an effective increase of $23.8 million or 10.0%. Details of Talbot gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
84,321

 
32.3
%
 
$
86,063

 
36.1
%
 
(2.0
)%
Marine
 
100,847

 
38.7
%
 
69,159

 
28.9
%
 
45.8
 %
Specialty
 
75,587

 
29.0
%
 
83,715

 
35.0
%
 
(9.7
)%
Total
 
$
260,755

 
100.0
%
 
$
238,937

 
100.0
%
 
9.1
 %
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission costs on underwriting years 2007 and prior, related to business on the marine class.  This resulted in a $14.8 million increase in gross premiums written and earned premium, offset by an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the marine class, resulting in no net impact. The increase in gross premiums written in the marine lines of $31.7 million was due primarily to a $14.8 million increase in premium adjustments, described above, and a $7.3 million increase in premium adjustments in the offshore energy lines. In addition, there was a review of the estimates of earned premium which resulted in a $5.0 million increase in gross written premiums primarily in respect of the facility and longer duration policies. The decrease in gross premiums written in the specialty lines of $8.1 million was due primarily to a $8.7 million decrease in premiums written in the political risk, political violence lines and financial institutions, partially offset by a $3.8 million increase in the war lines.
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $45.7 million compared to $30.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $15.2 million or 49.6%. Details of reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
24,001

 
52.5
%
 
$
16,522

 
54.1
%
 
45.3
%
Marine
 
8,102

 
17.7
%
 
2,610

 
8.5
%
 
210.4
%
Specialty
 
13,640

 
29.8
%
 
11,454

 
37.4
%
 
19.1
%
Total
 
$
45,743

 
100.0
%
 
$
30,586

 
100.0
%
 
49.6
%
 
Validus Re. Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $10.4 million compared to $5.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $4.8 million or 84.7%. Details of Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
 

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Table of Contents

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
6,245

 
59.9
%
 
$
3,320

 
58.8
%
 
88.1
%
Marine
 
4,175

 
40.0
%
 
2,326

 
41.2
%
 
79.5
%
Specialty
 
6

 
0.1
%
 

 
%
 
NM

Total
 
$
10,426

 
100.0
%
 
$
5,646

 
100.0
%
 
84.7
%
 
 NM: Not meaningful

Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines increased by $2.9 million, due primarily to a $3.3 million increase in adjustments to prior period reinsurance premiums ceded.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat did not cede reinsurance premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Talbot. Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $53.8 million compared to $55.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $1.8 million or 3.2%. Details of Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
34,864

 
64.8
%
 
$
42,628

 
76.7
%
 
(18.2
)%
Marine
 
4,774

 
8.9
%
 
1,480

 
2.7
%
 
222.6
 %
Specialty
 
14,163

 
26.3
%
 
11,443

 
20.6
%
 
23.8
 %
Total
 
$
53,801

 
100.0
%
 
$
55,551

 
100.0
%
 
(3.2
)%
 
The decrease in reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines of $7.8 million was due primarily to a $10.9 million decrease in premiums ceded in the property treaty lines. The increase in reinsurance premiums ceded in the marine lines of $3.3 million was due primarily to a $1.6 million increase in premiums ceded in the marine energy lines. The increase in reinsurance premiums ceded in the specialty lines of $2.7 million was due primarily to a $3.3 million increase in premiums ceded in the the aviation lines.

Reinsurance premiums ceded under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts with Validus Re for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $18.5 million compared to $30.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $12.1 million. These reinsurance agreements with Validus Re are eliminated upon consolidation.
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $344.5 million compared to $360.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $16.1 million or 4.5%. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 88.3% and 92.2%, respectively. Details of net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
152,136

 
44.2
%
 
$
181,673

 
50.4
%
 
(16.3
)%
Marine
 
117,421

 
34.1
%
 
98,133

 
27.2
%
 
19.7
 %
Specialty
 
74,915

 
21.7
%
 
80,737

 
22.4
%
 
(7.2
)%
Total
 
$
344,472

 
100.0
%
 
$
360,543

 
100.0
%
 
(4.5
)%
 



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Table of Contents

Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $134.6 million compared to $158.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $23.6 million or 14.9%.  Details of Validus Re net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
99,745

 
74.1
%
 
$
119,298

 
75.4
%
 
(16.4
)%
Marine
 
21,348

 
15.9
%
 
30,454

 
19.2
%
 
(29.9
)%
Specialty
 
13,491

 
10.0
%
 
8,465

 
5.4
%
 
59.4
 %
Total
 
$
134,584

 
100.0
%
 
$
158,217

 
100.0
%
 
(14.9
)%
 
The decrease in Validus Re net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 92.8% and 96.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $2.9 million compared to $18.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $16.0 million or 84.5%. Details of AlphaCat net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
2,934

 
100.0
%
 
$
18,940

 
100.0
%
 
(84.5
)%
Total
 
$
2,934

 
100.0
%
 
$
18,940

 
100.0
%
 
(84.5
)%

The decrease in AlphaCat net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 100.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Talbot. Talbot net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $207.0 million compared to $183.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $23.6 million or 12.9%. Details of Talbot net premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
49,457

 
23.9
%
 
$
43,435

 
23.7
%
 
13.9
 %
Marine
 
96,073

 
46.4
%
 
67,679

 
36.9
%
 
42.0
 %
Specialty
 
61,424

 
29.7
%
 
72,272

 
39.4
%
 
(15.0
)%
Total
 
$
206,954

 
100.0
%
 
$
183,386

 
100.0
%
 
12.9
 %
 
The increase in net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 79.4% and 76.8%, respectively.
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $130.6 million compared to $98.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $32.6 million or 33.2%.


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Table of Contents

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums
 
$
162,231

 
$
134,179

 
20.9
%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
(31,599
)
 
(36,098
)
 
12.5
%
Net change in unearned premiums
 
$
130,632

 
$
98,081

 
33.2
%
 
Validus Re. Validus Re net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $107.7 million compared to $82.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $25.7 million or 31.4%.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums
 
$
135,217

 
$
120,384

 
12.3
%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
(27,489
)
 
(38,387
)
 
28.4
%
Net change in unearned premiums
 
$
107,728

 
$
81,997

 
31.4
%
 
Validus Re net change in unearned premiums has increased for the three months ended September 30, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $2.6 million compared to $8.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $6.2 million or 70.4%.
    
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums
 
$
2,591

 
$
8,758

 
(70.4
)%
Net change in unearned premiums
 
$
2,591

 
$
8,758

 
(70.4
)%

AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums has decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded.
 
Talbot. Talbot net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $20.3 million compared to $7.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $13.0 million or 177.3%.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums
 
$
24,423

 
$
5,037

 
384.9
 %
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
(4,110
)
 
2,289

 
(279.6
)%
Net change in unearned premiums
 
$
20,313

 
$
7,326

 
177.3
 %
 
Talbot net change in unearned premium has increased for the three months ended September 30, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded.
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $475.1 million compared to $458.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $16.5 million or 3.6%. Details of net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.
 

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Table of Contents

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
205,860

 
43.4
%
 
$
234,440

 
51.1
%
 
(12.2
)%
Marine
 
169,845

 
35.7
%
 
126,630

 
27.6
%
 
34.1
 %
Specialty
 
99,399

 
20.9
%
 
97,554

 
21.3
%
 
1.9
 %
Total
 
$
475,104

 
100.0
%
 
$
458,624

 
100.0
%
 
3.6
 %
 
Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums earned for three months ended September 30, 2012 were $242.3 million compared to $240.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $2.1 million or 0.9%. Details of Validus Re net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
157,518

 
65.0
%
 
$
163,400

 
68.1
%
 
(3.6
)%
Marine
 
60,867

 
25.1
%
 
53,413

 
22.2
%
 
14.0
 %
Specialty
 
23,927

 
9.9
%
 
23,401

 
9.7
%
 
2.2
 %
Total
 
$
242,312

 
100.0
%
 
$
240,214

 
100.0
%
 
0.9
 %

The increase in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant pattern of net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $5.5 million compared to $27.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $22.2 million or 80.1%. Details of AlphaCat net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
5,525

 
100.0
%
 
$
27,698

 
100.0
%
 
(80.1
)%
Total
 
$
5,525

 
100.0
%
 
$
27,698

 
100.0
%
 
(80.1
)%

The decrease in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant pattern of net premiums written and the deconsolidation of AlphaCat Re 2011 influencing the earned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.

Talbot. Talbot net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $227.3 million compared to $190.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $36.6 million or 19.2%. Details of Talbot net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
42,817

 
18.8
%
 
$
43,342

 
22.7
%
 
(1.2
)%
Marine
 
108,978

 
48.0
%
 
73,217

 
38.4
%
 
48.8
 %
Specialty
 
75,472

 
33.2
%
 
74,153

 
38.9
%
 
1.8
 %
Total
 
$
227,267

 
100.0
%
 
$
190,712

 
100.0
%
 
19.2
 %
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission costs on underwriting years 2007 and prior, related to business on the marine class.  This resulted in a $14.8 million increase in gross premiums written and earned premium, offset by an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the marine class, resulting in no net impact. In addition, there was a review of the estimates of earned premium which resulted in a $11.0 million increase in gross premiums written and net earned premium primarily in respect of facility and longer duration policies. Increases in previously written premium income also contributed to an increase in net earned premium of $10.9 million, driven mainly by the Energy and Cargo classes, offset by small decreases in other classes.

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Table of Contents


The increase in net premiums earned in the property and specialty lines is consistent with the relevant patterns of net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Losses and Loss Expenses
 
Losses and loss expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $155.5 million compared to $226.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $70.6 million or 31.2%. The loss ratios, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 32.7% and 49.3%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of business are provided below.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Property
12.8
%
 
69.3
%
 
(56.5
)
Marine
46.9
%
 
24.6
%
 
22.3

Specialty
49.8
%
 
33.2
%
 
16.6

All lines
32.7
%
 
49.3
%
 
(16.6
)
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company incurred $37.2 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 7.8 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of $1.6 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $35.6 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company incurred $51.9 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 11.3 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of $4.0 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $47.9 million. The Company's loss ratio, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 35.4% and 51.3%, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Third Quarter 2012 Notable Loss Events
 
Validus Re
 
Talbot
 
Total
Description
 
 
 
Net Losses and Loss Expenses (a)
 
% of NPE
 
Net Losses and Loss Expenses (a)
 
% of NPE
 
Net Losses and Loss Expenses (a)
 
% of NPE
U.S. drought
 
Drought
 
$
22,021

 
9.1
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
22,021

 
4.6
%
Hurricane Isaac
 
Windstorm
 
13,459

 
5.6
%
 
1,750

 
0.8
%
 
15,209

 
3.2
%
Total
 
 
 
$
35,480

 
14.7
%
 
$
1,750

 
0.8
%
 
$
37,230

 
7.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Third Quarter 2011 Notable Loss Events (b)
 
Validus Re
 
Talbot
 
Total
Description
 
 
 
Net Losses and Loss Expenses (a)
 
% of NPE (c)
 
Net Losses and Loss Expenses (a)
 
% of NPE
 
Net Losses and Loss Expenses (a)
 
% of NPE
Danish floods
 
Rainstorm
 
$
16,429

 
6.8
%
 
$
3,000

 
1.6
%
 
$
19,429

 
4.2
%
Hurricane Irene
 
Windstorm
 
22,951

 
9.6
%
 
9,500

 
5.0
%
 
32,451

 
7.1
%
Total
 
 
 
$
39,380

 
16.4
%
 
$
12,500

 
6.6
%
 
$
51,880

 
11.3
%

(a) 
Net of reinsurance but not net of reinstatement premiums. Total reinstatement premiums were $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011.

(b)
These notable loss event amounts exclude the reserve for potential development on 2011 notable loss events and are based on management's estimates following a review of the Company's potential exposure and discussions with certain clients and brokers. Given the magnitude of these events, and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events and the Company's actual ultimate net losses from these events may vary materially from these estimates.
 
(c)
The 2011 loss ratios for the Validus Re segment have been represented to exclude the impact of the AlphaCat segment.


58


Table of Contents


Details of loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Property - current period - excluding items below
28.2
 %
 
62.5
 %
 
(34.3
)
Property - current period - notable losses
6.2
 %
 
21.7
 %
 
(15.5
)
Property - change in prior accident years
(21.6
)%
 
(14.9
)%
 
(6.7
)
Property - loss ratio
12.8
 %
 
69.3
 %
 
(56.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marine - current period - excluding items below
40.2
 %
 
37.1
 %
 
3.1

Marine - current period - notable losses
1.2
 %
 
0.4
 %
 
0.8

Marine - change in prior accident years
5.5
 %
 
(12.9
)%
 
18.4

Marine - loss ratio
46.9
 %
 
24.6
 %
 
22.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty - current period - excluding items below
42.1
 %
 
42.8
 %
 
(0.7
)
Specialty - current period - notable losses
22.5
 %
 
0.5
 %
 
22.0

Specialty - change in prior accident years
(14.8
)%
 
(10.1
)%
 
(4.7
)
Specialty – loss ratio
49.8
 %
 
33.2
 %
 
16.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
All lines - current period - excluding items below
35.4
 %
 
51.3
 %
 
(15.9
)
All lines - current period - notable losses
7.8
 %
 
11.3
 %
 
(3.5
)
All lines - change in prior accident years
(10.5
)%
 
(13.3
)%
 
2.8

All lines - loss ratio
32.7
 %
 
49.3
 %
 
(16.6
)
 
Validus Re. Validus Re losses and loss expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $66.9 million compared to $128.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $61.9 million or 48.1%. The loss ratio, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 27.6% and 53.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re incurred losses of $90.6 million related to current year losses and $23.8 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For three months ended September 30, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 9.8 percentage points. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re incurred losses of $166.7 million related to current year losses and $37.9 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior years benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 15.8 percentage points.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re incurred $35.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 14.7 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of reinstatement premiums of $1.6 million, the effect of these events on Validus Re segment income was a decrease of $33.8 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re incurred $39.4 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 16.4 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of reinstatement premiums of $4.0 million, the effect of these events on Validus Re segment income was a decrease of $35.4 million. Validus Re segment loss ratios excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 22.7% and 53.0%, respectively. Details of Validus Re loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.


59


Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Property - current period excluding items below
18.6
 %
 
69.5
 %
 
(50.9
)
Property - current period - notable losses
7.3
 %
 
24.1
 %
 
(16.8
)
Property - change in prior accident years
(24.0
)%
 
(19.5
)%
 
(4.5
)
Property - loss ratio
1.9
 %
 
74.1
 %
 
(72.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marine - current period excluding items below
27.7
 %
 
26.5
 %
 
1.2

Marine - current period - notable losses
3.3
 %
 

 
3.3

Marine - change in prior accident years
23.0
 %
 
(10.4
)%
 
33.4

Marine - loss ratio
54.0
 %
 
16.1
 %
 
37.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty - current period excluding items below
37.5
 %
 
(1.1
)%
 
38.6

Specialty - current period - notable losses
92.0
 %
 

 
92.0

Specialty - change in prior accident years
(0.1
)%
 
(2.4
)%
 
2.3

Specialty – loss ratio
129.4
 %
 
(3.5
)%
 
132.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
All lines - current period excluding items below
22.7
 %
 
53.0
 %
 
(30.3
)
All lines - current period - notable losses
14.7
 %
 
16.4
 %
 
(1.7
)
All lines - change in prior accident years
(9.8
)%
 
(15.8
)%
 
6.0

All lines - loss ratio
27.6
 %
 
53.6
 %
 
(26.0
)
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses included $40.8 million related to current year losses and $37.7 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable loss reserve development was due to a decrease in loss estimates in prior year notable loss events, most notably the Chilean earthquake, and a decrease in loss estimates on attritional losses. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses included $152.8 million related to current year losses and $31.8 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable loss reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims development.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re property lines incurred $11.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 7.3 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re property lines incurred $39.4 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 24.1 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Validus Re property lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 18.6% and 69.5%, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses included $18.9 million related to current year losses and $14.0 million of adverse loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The adverse loss reserve development was due primarily to an increase in the loss estimate on Deepwater Horizon. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses included $14.1 million related to current year losses and $5.5 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re marine lines incurred $2.0 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 3.3 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re marine lines did not incur any notable losses. Validus Re marine lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 27.7% and 26.5%, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $31.0 million related to current year losses and $0.0 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $(0.3) million related to current year losses and $0.6 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 Validus Re specialty lines incurred $22.0 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 92.0 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential

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development on notable loss events. For the three months ended September 30, 2011 Validus Re specialty lines did not incur any notable losses. Validus Re specialty lines loss ratios, excluding prior year loss reserve development, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 37.5% and (1.1)%, respectively.
 
AlphaCat. The AlphaCat segment did not incur any losses and loss expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
Talbot. Talbot losses and loss expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $88.6 million compared to $97.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $8.7 million or 8.9%. The loss ratio defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 39.0% and 51.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot incurred losses of $114.6 million related to current year losses and $26.0 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 11.4 percentage points. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot incurred losses of $120.4 million related to current year losses and $23.2 million in favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 12.2 percentage points.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot incurred $1.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 0.8 percentage points of the Talbot loss ratio. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot incurred $12.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 6.6 percentage points of the Talbot loss ratio. Talbot loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 49.6% and 56.6%, respectively. Details of Talbot loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Property - current period excluding items below
67.1
 %
 
76.4
 %
 
(9.3
)
Property - current period - notable losses
3.2
 %
 
26.5
 %
 
(23.3
)
Property - change in prior accident years
(15.8
)%
 
(7.2
)%
 
(8.6
)
Property - loss ratio
54.5
 %
 
95.7
 %
 
(41.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marine - current period excluding items below
47.1
 %
 
44.7
 %
 
2.4

Marine - current period - notable losses

 
0.7
 %
 
(0.7
)
Marine - change in prior accident years
(4.2
)%
 
(14.7
)%
 
10.5

Marine - loss ratio
42.9
 %
 
30.7
 %
 
12.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty - current period excluding items below
43.4
 %
 
56.6
 %
 
(13.2
)
Specialty - current period - notable losses
0.5
 %
 
0.7
 %
 
(0.2
)
Specialty - change in prior accident years
(19.4
)%
 
(12.5
)%
 
(6.9
)
Specialty – loss ratio
24.5
 %
 
44.8
 %
 
(20.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
All lines - current period excluding items below
49.6
 %
 
56.6
 %
 
(7.0
)
All lines - current period - notable losses
0.8
 %
 
6.6
 %
 
(5.8
)
All lines - change in prior accident years
(11.4
)%
 
(12.2
)%
 
0.8

All lines - loss ratio
39.0
 %
 
51.0
 %
 
(12.0
)
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses included $30.1 million related to current year losses and $6.8 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to a $2.9 million release of reserves on prior known large losses and $1.7 million lower than expected emergence of large losses in the quarter. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses included $44.6 million related to current year losses and $3.1 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims development.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot property lines incurred $1.4 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 3.2 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot's property lines incurred $11.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 26.5 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. Talbot property line loss ratio, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the three

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months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 67.1% and 76.4%, respectively.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses included $51.3 million related to current year losses and $4.6 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to a $1.9 million release of reserves on prior known large losses. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses included $33.3 million related to current year losses and $10.8 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was primarily due to $10.1 million in favorable claims development on attritional losses.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot marine lines did not incur any notable losses. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot's marine lines incurred $0.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 0.7 percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio. Talbot marine lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 47.1% and 44.7%, respectively.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $33.2 million relating to current year losses and $14.7 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was primarily due to a $5.1 million release of reserves on prior known large losses, $3.6 million lower than expected emergence of large losses in the quarter and $2.0 million lower than expected development on attritional claims. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $42.5 million relating to current year losses and $9.3 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was primarily due to lower than expected loss development across most specialty lines, partially offset by adverse claims development in the financial institutions lines.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot specialty lines incurred $0.4 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 0.5 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot's specialty lines incurred $0.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 0.7 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. Talbot specialty lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 43.4% and 56.6%, respectively.

Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
 
At September 30, 2012, gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses were estimated using the methodology as outlined in the critical accounting policies and estimates as discussed in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company did not make any significant changes in the assumptions or methodology used in its reserving process for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 
 
As at September 30, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Case Reserves
 
Gross IBNR
 
Total Gross Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Property
 
$
703,961

 
$
402,457

 
$
1,106,418

Marine
 
462,535

 
417,743

 
880,278

Specialty
 
235,365

 
340,543

 
575,908

Total
 
$
1,401,861

 
$
1,160,743

 
$
2,562,604

 
 
 
As at September 30, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Case Reserves
 
Net IBNR
 
Total Net Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Property
 
$
592,993

 
$
373,264

 
$
966,257

Marine
 
403,537

 
390,819

 
794,356

Specialty
 
197,166

 
287,573

 
484,739

Total
 
$
1,193,696

 
$
1,051,656

 
$
2,245,352

 



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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2012:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Validus Re Segment
 
AlphaCat Segment
 
Talbot Segment
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Gross reserves at period beginning
 
$
1,247,472

 
$
10,000

 
$
1,434,790

 
$
(100,963
)
 
$
2,591,299

Losses recoverable
 
(79,964
)
 

 
(392,483
)
 
100,963

 
(371,484
)
Net reserves at period beginning
 
1,167,508

 
10,000

 
1,042,307

 

 
2,219,815

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Incurred losses - current year
 
90,648

 

 
114,571

 

 
205,219

Change in prior accident years
 
(23,758
)
 

 
(26,006
)
 

 
(49,764
)
Incurred losses
 
66,890

 

 
88,565

 

 
155,455

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange
 
7,515

 

 
7,195

 

 
14,710

Paid losses
 
(63,724
)
 

 
(80,904
)
 

 
(144,628
)
Net reserves at period end
 
1,178,189

 
10,000

 
1,057,163

 

 
2,245,352

Losses recoverable
 
38,371

 

 
365,405

 
(86,524
)
 
317,252

Gross reserves at period end
 
$
1,216,560

 
$
10,000

 
$
1,422,568

 
$
(86,524
)
 
$
2,562,604

 
The amount of recorded reserves represents management's best estimate of expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years was $49.8 million, of which, $23.8 million of the favorable loss reserve development related to the Validus Re segment and $26.0 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company's loss ratio by 10.5 percentage points for the three months ended September 30, 2012. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years was $61.1 million, of which, $37.9 million related to the Validus Re segment and $23.2 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company's loss ratio by 13.3 percentage points for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Management of insurance and reinsurance companies use significant judgment in the estimation of reserves for losses and loss expenses. Given the magnitude of recent loss events and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding the estimation for recent notable loss events. The Company's actual ultimate net loss may vary materially from these estimates. Validus Re ultimate losses for notable loss events are estimated through detailed review of contracts which are identified by the Company as potentially exposed to the specific notable loss event. However, there can be no assurance that the ultimate loss amount estimated for a specific contract will be accurate, or that all contracts with exposure to a specific notable loss event will be identified in a timely manner. Potential losses in excess of the estimated ultimate loss assigned to a contract on the basis of a specific review, or loss amounts from contracts not specifically included in the detailed review are reserved for in the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. The reserve for potential development on notable loss events (or “RDE”) is included as part of the Company's overall reserve requirement as defined and disclosed in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10‐K. As at June 30, 2012, the reserve for potential development on 2010 and 2011 notable loss events was $11.1 million and $53.9 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company increased certain loss estimates and allocated $11.1 million of the 2010 reserve and $2.6 million of the 2011 reserve to the Deepwater Horizon, Tohoku earthquake and Christchurch earthquake. As at September 30, 2012, the reserve for potential development on 2010 and 2011 notable loss events was $nil and $51.3 million respectively, for a total of $51.3 million.


Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy acquisition costs for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $98.6 million compared to $77.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $21.2 million or 27.4%. Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 20.8% and 16.9%, respectively. The changes in policy acquisition costs are due to the factors provided below.
 

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
% Change
Property
 
$
27,573

 
28.0
%
 
13.4
%
 
$
26,292

 
34.0
%
 
11.2
%
 
4.9
 %
Marine
 
50,014

 
50.7
%
 
29.4
%
 
28,182

 
36.4
%
 
22.3
%
 
77.5
 %
Specialty
 
21,036

 
21.3
%
 
21.2
%
 
22,931

 
29.6
%
 
23.5
%
 
(8.3
)%
Total
 
$
98,623

 
100.0
%
 
20.8
%
 
$
77,405

 
100.0
%
 
16.9
%
 
27.4
 %
 
Validus Re. Validus Re policy acquisition costs for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $37.8 million compared to $40.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $2.8 million or 6.9%.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
% Change
Property
 
$
23,116

 
61.2
%
 
14.7
%
 
$
23,810

 
58.6
%
 
14.6
%
 
(2.9
)%
Marine
 
10,513

 
27.8
%
 
17.3
%
 
12,609

 
31.1
%
 
23.6
%
 
(16.6
)%
Specialty
 
4,156

 
11.0
%
 
17.4
%
 
4,173

 
10.3
%
 
17.8
%
 
(0.4
)%
Total
 
$
37,785

 
100.0
%
 
15.6
%
 
$
40,592

 
100.0
%
 
16.9
%
 
(6.9
)%
 
Policy acquisition costs include brokerage, commission and excise tax, are generally driven by contract terms, are normally a set percentage of premiums and are also net of ceding commission income on retrocessions. Items such as ceded premium, earned premium adjustments and reinstatement premiums that are recognized in the period have an effect on the policy acquisition ratio. Validus Re policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned (the policy acquisition cost ratio) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 15.6% and 16.9%, respectively. The policy acquisition cost ratio on the marine line has decreased by 6.3 percentage points due to an increase in reinstatement premiums that attract little or no policy acquisition costs.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat policy acquisition costs for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $0.5 million compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $2.8 million or 83.6%.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
% Change
Property
 
$
547

 
100.0
%
 
9.9
%
 
$
3,326

 
100.0
%
 
12.0
%
 
(83.6
)%
Total
 
$
547

 
100.0
%
 
9.9
%
 
$
3,326

 
100.0
%
 
12.0
%
 
(83.6
)%

Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 9.9% and 12.0%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot policy acquisition costs for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $61.6 million compared to $36.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $25.0 million or 68.2%.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
% Change
Property
 
$
4,376

 
7.1
%
 
10.2
%
 
$
2,178

 
5.9
%
 
5.0
%
 
100.9
 %
Marine
 
40,382

 
65.5
%
 
37.1
%
 
15,674

 
42.8
%
 
21.4
%
 
157.6
 %
Specialty
 
16,882

 
27.4
%
 
22.4
%
 
18,799

 
51.3
%
 
25.4
%
 
(10.2
)%
Total
 
$
61,640

 
100.0
%
 
27.1
%
 
$
36,651

 
100.0
%
 
19.2
%
 
68.2
 %
 
Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 27.1% and 19.2%, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission costs on underwriting years 2007 and prior, related to business on the marine class.  This resulted in a $14.8 million increase in gross

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premiums written and earned premium, offset by an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the marine class, resulting in no net impact. The effect on the policy acquisition cost ratio was an increase of 9.9 percentage points for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The policy acquisition cost ratio on the property lines increased by 5.2 percentage points primarily due to a re-estimation of commissions in the direct property lines.

General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $70.5 million compared to $35.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $34.6 million or 96.4%.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and Administrative Expenses (%)
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and Administrative Expenses (%)
 
% Change
Validus Re
 
$
16,938

 
24.0
%
 
$
7,358

 
20.5
%
 
130.2
 %
AlphaCat
 
2,087

 
3.0
%
 
2,167

 
6.0
%
 
(3.7
)%
Talbot
 
36,605

 
51.9
%
 
21,745

 
60.5
%
 
68.3
 %
Corporate & Eliminations (a)
 
14,917

 
21.1
%
 
4,656

 
13.0
%
 
220.4
 %
Total
 
$
70,547

 
100.0
%
 
$
35,926

 
100.0
%
 
96.4
 %

(a)
Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.

General and administrative expenses of $70.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 represents 14.9 percentage points of the expense ratio. Share compensation expense is discussed in the following section.
 
Validus Re. Validus Re general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $16.9 million compared to $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $9.6 million or 130.2%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in performance bonus expense and the departure of a senior executive. General and administrative expenses include salaries and benefits, professional fees, rent and office expenses. Validus Re general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 6.9% and 3.1%, respectively.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $2.1 million as compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.1 million or 3.7%. General and administrative expenses have decreased primarily due to a decrease in professional fees offset by an increase in salaries and benefits and performance bonus expense. AlphaCat's general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 37.8% and 7.8%, respectively. The AlphaCat segment's general and administrative ratio has been impacted by the reduction in net premiums earned as a greater proportion of the segment's revenues are generated in equity earnings from operating affiliates which is not included in the ratio calculation.
 
Talbot. Talbot general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $36.6 million compared to $21.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $14.9 million or 68.3%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in performance bonus expense. Talbot's general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 16.1% and 11.4%, respectively.
 
Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $14.9 million compared to $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $10.3 million or 220.4%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in performance bonus expense and professional fees. Corporate general and administrative expenses are comprised of executive and board expenses, internal and external audit expenses and other costs relating to the Company as a whole.
 
Share Compensation Expenses
 
Share compensation expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $7.3 million compared to $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.0 million or 0.5%. This expense is non-cash and has no net effect on total shareholders' equity, as it is balanced by an increase in additional paid-in capital.
 

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Share Compensation Expenses
 
Share Compensation Expenses (%)
 
Share Compensation Expenses
 
Share Compensation Expenses (%)
 
% Change
Validus Re
 
$
2,076

 
28.3
%
 
$
2,190

 
29.7
%
 
(5.2
)%
AlphaCat
 
84

 
1.1
%
 
26

 
0.4
%
 
223.1
 %
Talbot
 
2,200

 
30.0
%
 
1,903

 
25.8
%
 
15.6
 %
Corporate & Eliminations (a)
 
2,985

 
40.6
%
 
3,263

 
44.1
%
 
(8.5
)%
Total
 
$
7,345

 
100.0
%
 
$
7,382

 
100.0
%
 
(0.5
)%

(a)
Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.
 
Share compensation expenses of $7.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 represents 1.5 percentage points of the general and administrative expense ratio.
 
Validus Re. Validus Re share compensation expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $2.1 million compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.1 million or 5.2%. Share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 1.5% and 0.1%, respectively.
 
Talbot. Talbot share compensation expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $2.2 million compared to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $0.3 million or 15.6%. Share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 1.0% and 1.0%, respectively.
 
Corporate & Eliminations.Corporate share compensation expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $3.0 million compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.3 million or 8.5%.

Selected Ratios
 
The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are often measured by reference to its combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. The net loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses and loss expenses incurred (including estimates for incurred but not reported losses) by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is calculated by dividing policy acquisition costs combined with general and administrative expenses (including share compensation expenses) by net premiums earned. The following table presents the losses and loss expenses ratio, policy acquisition cost ratio, general and administrative expense ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
Consolidated
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Losses and loss expense ratio
 
32.7
%
 
49.3
%
 
(16.6
)
Policy acquisition cost ratio
 
20.8
%
 
16.9
%
 
3.9

General and administrative expense ratio (a)
 
16.4
%
 
9.4
%
 
7.0

Expense ratio
 
37.2
%
 
26.3
%
 
10.9

Combined ratio
 
69.9
%
 
75.6
%
 
(5.7
)
 
Validus Re
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Losses and loss expense ratio
 
27.6
%
 
53.6
%
 
(26.0
)
Policy acquisition cost ratio
 
15.6
%
 
16.9
%
 
(1.3
)
General and administrative expense ratio (a)
 
7.8
%
 
4.0
%
 
3.8

Expense ratio
 
23.4
%
 
20.9
%
 
2.5

Combined ratio
 
51.0
%
 
74.5
%
 
(23.5
)
 

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Table of Contents

AlphaCat
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Losses and loss expense ratio
 
0.0
%
 
0.0
%
 

Policy acquisition cost ratio
 
9.9
%
 
12.0
%
 
(2.1
)
General and administrative expense ratio (a)
 
39.3
%
 
7.9
%
 
31.4

Expense ratio
 
49.2
%
 
19.9
%
 
29.3

Combined ratio
 
49.2
%
 
19.9
%
 
29.3


Talbot
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Losses and loss expense ratio
 
39.0
%
 
51.0
%
 
(12.0
)
Policy acquisition cost ratio
 
27.1
%
 
19.2
%
 
7.9

General and administrative expense ratio (a)
 
17.1
%
 
12.4
%
 
4.7

Expense ratio
 
44.2
%
 
31.6
%
 
12.6

Combined ratio
 
83.2
%
 
82.6
%
 
0.6


a)
Includes general and administrative expenses and share compensation expenses.
 
General and administrative expense ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 16.4% and 9.4%, respectively. General and administrative expense ratio is the sum of general and administrative expenses and share compensation expense divided by net premiums earned.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Expenses
 
Expenses as % of Net Earned Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Expenses as % of Net Earned Premiums
General and administrative expenses
 
$
70,547

 
14.9
%
 
$
35,926

 
7.8
%
Share compensation expenses
 
7,345

 
1.5
%
 
7,382

 
1.6
%
Total
 
$
77,892

 
16.4
%
 
$
43,308

 
9.4
%
 
Underwriting Income
 
Underwriting income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $143.1 million compared to $111.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $31.3 million, or 28.0%.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of sub-total
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of sub-total
 
% Change
Validus Re
 
$
118,623

 
74.2
%
 
$
61,251

 
52.6
%
 
93.7
 %
AlphaCat
 
2,807

 
1.8
%
 
22,179

 
19.0
%
 
(87.3
)%
Talbot
 
38,257

 
24.0
%
 
33,169

 
28.4
%
 
15.3
 %
Sub-total
 
159,687

 
100.0
%
 
116,599

 
100.0
%
 
37.0
 %
Corporate & Eliminations (a)
 
(16,553
)
 
 

 
(4,755
)
 
 

 
(248.1
)%
Total
 
$
143,134

 
 

 
$
111,844

 
 

 
28.0
 %

(a)    Corporate and Eliminations include legal entity adjustments.
 
The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are also often measured by reference to its underwriting income, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Underwriting income, as set out in the table below, is reconciled to net income (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) by the addition or subtraction of certain Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) line items, as illustrated below.
 

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Table of Contents

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Underwriting income
 
$
143,134

 
$
111,844

Net investment income
 
25,489

 
27,747

Other income
 
7,324

 

Finance expenses
 
(9,362
)
 
(10,935
)
Net realized gains on investments
 
9,063

 
5,246

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
86,345

 
(27,848
)
(Loss) from investment affiliate
 
(160
)
 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
1,103

 
(19,932
)
Transaction expenses
 
(3,784
)
 
(13,583
)
Tax (expense)
 
(1,343
)
 
(2,538
)
Income from operating affiliates
 
6,235

 

Net income
 
$
264,044

 
$
70,001

 
Underwriting income indicates the performance of the Company's core underwriting function, excluding revenues and expenses such as the reconciling items in the table above. The Company believes the reporting of underwriting income enhances the understanding of our results by highlighting the underlying profitability of the Company's core insurance and reinsurance business. Underwriting profitability is influenced significantly by earned premium growth, adequacy of the Company's pricing and loss frequency and severity. Underwriting profitability over time is also influenced by the Company's underwriting discipline, which seeks to manage exposure to loss through favorable risk selection and diversification, its management of claims, its use of reinsurance and its ability to manage its expense ratio, which it accomplishes through its management of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company believes that underwriting income provides investors with a valuable measure of profitability derived from underwriting activities.
 
The Company excludes the U.S. GAAP income statement line items noted above, from its calculation of underwriting income. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are excluded because the amount of these gains and losses is heavily influenced by, and fluctuates in part, according to availability of investment market opportunities. The Company believes the other line items excluded are largely independent of its underwriting business and including them distorts the analysis of trends in its operations. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company believes that showing underwriting income enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information to more easily analyze the Company's results of operations in a manner similar to how management analyzes the Company's underlying business performance. The Company uses underwriting income as a primary measure of underwriting results in its analysis of historical financial information and when performing its budgeting and forecasting processes. Analysts, investors and rating agencies who follow the Company request this non-GAAP financial information on a regular basis. In addition, underwriting income is one of the factors considered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors in determining the bonus component of the total annual incentive compensation.
 
Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net income as there are inherent material limitations associated with the use of underwriting income as compared to using net income, which is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. The most significant limitation is the ability of users of the financial information to make comparable assessments of underwriting income with other companies, particularly as underwriting income may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Therefore, the Company provides more prominence in this filing to the use of the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, net income, which includes the reconciling items in the table above. The Company compensates for these limitations by providing both clear and transparent disclosure of net income and reconciliation of underwriting income to net income.
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $25.5 million compared to $27.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $2.3 million or 8.1%. Net investment income decreased due to falling yields on fixed maturity investments. Net investment is comprised of accretion of premium or discount on fixed maturities, interest on coupon-paying bonds, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by investment management fees. The components of net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are as provided below.
 

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Table of Contents

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% Change
Fixed maturities and short-term investments
 
$
25,703

 
$
27,773

 
(7.5
)%
Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,770

 
1,864

 
(5.0
)%
Securities lending income
 
3

 
7

 
(57.1
)%
Total gross investment income
 
27,476

 
29,644

 
(7.3
)%
Investment expenses
 
(1,987
)
 
(1,897
)
 
(4.7
)%
Net investment income
 
$
25,489

 
$
27,747

 
(8.1
)%
 
Annualized effective investment yield is calculated by dividing net investment income by the average balance of the assets managed by our portfolio managers (excluding other investments). Average assets is the average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end asset balances. The Company's annualized effective investment yield was 1.68% and 1.80% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 respectively, and the average duration of the portfolio at September 30, 2012 was 1.61 years (December 31, 2011- 1.63 years).
 
Other Income
 
Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $7.3 million compared to $nil for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $7.3 million or 100%. The primary component of other income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 is $6.7 million in underwriting and performance fees the AlphaCat segment earned from business written by AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012. AlphaCat Re 2011 was a consolidated subsidiary during the three months ended June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2011. The balance sheet of AlphaCat Re 2011 was deconsolidated as at December 31, 2011.
 
Finance Expenses
 
Finance expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $9.4 million compared to $10.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $1.6 million or 14.4%. Finance expenses also include the amortization of debt offering costs and discounts, and fees related to our credit facilities.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012
 
2011
 
% Change
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
 
$
1,628

 
$
1,456

 
11.8
 %
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
 
1,211

 
3,029

 
(60.0
)%
2010 Senior Notes due 2040
 
5,597

 
5,597

 
0.0
 %
Credit facilities
 
852

 
1,508

 
(43.5
)%
AlphaCat Re 2011 preferred dividend (a)
 

 
(807
)
 
(100.0
)%
Talbot FAL Facility
 
30

 
152

 
NM

Talbot other interest
 
44

 

 
NM

Finance expenses
 
$
9,362

 
$
10,935

 
(14.4
)%

(a) Includes preferred share dividends and finance expenses attributable to AlphaCat Re 2011.

NM: Not Meaningful
 
The decrease in finance expenses of $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was due primarily to a $1.8 million decrease in interest paid on the 2007 junior subordinated deferrable debentures due to the basis of repayment changing from a fixed interest rate of 8.480% per annum through June 15, 2012 to a floating rate of three month LIBOR plus 295 basis points.

Tax (Expense)
 
Tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was ($1.3) million compared to ($2.5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease in expense of $1.2 million or 47.1%.


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Table of Contents

The Company provides for income taxes based upon amounts reported in the financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws. The Company is registered in Bermuda and is subject to Bermuda law with respect to taxation. Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and has received an undertaking from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that, in the event of any Bermuda income or capital gains taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from those taxes until March 31, 2035.

Within the segment information contained in the Financial Statements, gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure are presented for the periods indicated. Gross premiums written allocated to the United States are written primarily through Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., a Bermuda Registered Reinsurance Company. As noted, under current Bermuda law, the Company is not taxed on any Bermuda income and therefore the premium disclosed in the segment information does not correlate to pre-tax income generated in the United States.
 
Income From Operating Affiliates
 
Income from operating affiliates for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $6.2 million, compared to $nil for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $6.2 million or 100%. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, income from operating affiliates includes $4.1 million in equity earnings relating to AlphaCat Re 2011 and $2.2 million in equity earnings relating to AlphaCat Re 2012.

In the second quarter of 2011, AlphaCat Re 2011 was included in the consolidated results of the Company, therefore there was no comparative information for the three months ended September 30, 2011. As at September 30, 2012, the Company owned 22.3% of AlphaCat Re 2011, therefore income from operating affiliates reflects the Company's share of AlphaCat Re 2011's net income for the three months ended September 30, 2012.

AlphaCat Re 2012 was formed on May 29, 2012 therefore there was no comparative information for the three months ended September 30, 2011. As at September 30, 2012, the Company owned 37.9% of AlphaCat Re 2012, therefore income from operating affiliates reflects the Company's share of AlphaCat Re 2012's net income for the three months ended September 30, 2012.

Net Realized Gains on Investments
 
Net realized gains on investments for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $9.1 million compared to $5.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $3.8 million or 72.8%.
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturities and short term investments for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $24.3 million compared to losses of ($25.6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $49.9 million or 194.9%.

Net unrealized gains on other investments for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $62.0 million compared to losses of ($2.2) for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $64.2 million. Net unrealized gains for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were driven by a $62.0 million unrealized gain relating to the hedge fund investments. The amount of net unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interest was $55.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, leaving a net impact to the Company of $6.2 million.
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments are recorded as a component of net income. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance on U.S. GAAP fair value measurements in effect as of the balance sheet date. Consistent with these standards, certain market conditions allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable.

Loss From Investment Affiliate

The loss from investment affiliate for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $0.2 million compared to $nil for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.2 million or 100%. The loss from investment affiliate relates to the loss incurred in the Company's investment in the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The Company did not hold this investment as of September 30, 2011.
 

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Table of Contents


Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)
 
Foreign exchange gains for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.1 million compared to losses of ($19.9) million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a favorable movement of $21.0 million or 105.5%. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re recognized $0.0 million foreign exchange gains and Talbot recognized foreign exchange gains of $1.1 million.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re segment foreign exchange gains were $0.0 million compared to foreign exchange losses of ($9.8) million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a favorable movement of $9.8 million or 100.1%. Validus Re currently hedges foreign currency exposure by balancing assets (primarily cash and premium receivables) with liabilities (primarily case reserves and event IBNR) for certain major non-USD currencies. Consequently, Validus Re aims to have a limited exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations. The prior year loss of $9.8 million was due primarily to a $3.8 million loss on a derivative to hedge Chilean pesos and $4.4 million of losses incurred as a result of the revaluation of assets and liabilities held in Australian dollars, New Zealand dollars and Euros.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot segment foreign exchange gains were $1.1 million compared to losses of ($9.9) million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, a favorable movement of $11.1 million or 111.5%. The favorable movement in Talbot foreign exchange was due primarily to the translation of non U.S. dollar balances. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the U.S. dollar to British pound sterling weakened by 2.5% as compared to a strengthening of the U.S. dollar to British pound sterling of 2.6% during the three months ended September 30, 2011.
 
As at September 30, 2012, Talbot's balance sheet includes net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs denominated in foreign currencies of approximately $106.8 million and $21.6 million, respectively. These balances consisted of British pound sterling and Canadian dollars of $76.4 million and $8.7 million, respectively. Net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs are classified as non-monetary items and are translated at historic exchange rates. All of Talbot's other balance sheet items are classified as monetary items and are translated at period end exchange rates. Additional foreign exchange gains (losses) may be incurred on the translation of net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs arising from insurance and reinsurance premiums written in future periods.

 Net (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

On April 2, 2012, the Company capitalized PaCRe, a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance. PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed capital. Validus invested $50.0 million in PaCRe's common equity and therefore effectively owns 10.0% of PaCRe. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interest of $56.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 is effectively 90.0% of the net income in PaCRe for the quarter.

On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2011, a new special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance. Validus Re has an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and Validus Re held a majority of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights up to December 23, 2011 when AlphaCat Re 2011 completed a secondary offering of its common shares to third party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re common shares to one of the third party investors. As a result of these transactions, the Company's outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%. As a result of the Company's voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 is treated as an equity method investment as at September 30, 2012. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded $13.5 million in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest relating to AlphaCat Re 2011.


     

71


Table of Contents


The following table presents results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Underwriting income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
390,215

 
$
391,129

 
$
1,854,593

 
$
1,846,412

Reinsurance premiums ceded
(45,743
)
 
(30,586
)
 
(271,847
)
 
(272,752
)
Net premiums written
344,472

 
360,543

 
1,582,746

 
1,573,660

Change in unearned premiums
130,632

 
98,081

 
(208,816
)
 
(259,863
)
Net premiums earned
475,104

 
458,624

 
1,373,930

 
1,313,797

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
155,455

 
226,067

 
541,136

 
909,572

Policy acquisition costs
98,623

 
77,405

 
252,884

 
232,931

General and administrative expenses
70,547

 
35,926

 
198,557

 
145,244

Share compensation expenses
7,345

 
7,382

 
19,583

 
27,059

Total underwriting deductions
331,970

 
346,780

 
1,012,160

 
1,314,806

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (loss) (a)
143,134

 
111,844

 
361,770

 
(1,009
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
25,489

 
27,747

 
79,134

 
84,216

Other income
7,324

 

 
22,209

 
2,201

Finance expenses
(9,362
)
 
(10,935
)
 
(39,347
)
 
(41,297
)
Operating income before taxes and income from operating affiliates
166,585

 
128,656

 
423,766

 
44,111

Tax (expense)
(1,343
)
 
(2,538
)
 
(1,886
)
 
(1,050
)
Income from operating affiliates
6,235

 

 
13,194

 

Net operating income (a)
171,477

 
126,118

 
435,074

 
43,061

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on investments
9,063

 
5,246

 
22,749

 
23,177

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
86,345

 
(27,848
)
 
53,442

 
(22,150
)
(Loss) from investment affiliate
(160
)
 

 
(558
)
 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)
1,103

 
(19,932
)
 
3,617

 
(22,390
)
Transaction expenses (c)
(3.784
)
 
(13,583
)
 
(3,784
)
 
(13,583
)
Net income
264,044

 
70,001

 
510,540

 
8,115

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(56,746
)
 
(13,516
)
 
(11,386
)
 
(14,110
)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
$
207,298

 
$
56,485

 
$
499,154
 
$
(5,995
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected ratios:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written
88.3
%
 
92.2
%
 
85.3
%
 
85.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
32.7
%
 
49.3
%
 
39.4
%
 
69.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
20.8
%
 
16.9
%
 
18.4
%
 
17.7
%
General and administrative expenses (b)
16.4
%
 
9.4
%
 
15.9
%
 
13.1
%
Expense ratio
37.2
%
 
26.3
%
 
34.3
%
 
30.8
%
Combined ratio
69.9
%
 
75.6
%
 
73.7
%
 
100.0
%

(a)
Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income and net operating income that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of underwriting income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income (Loss).”

(b)
The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

(c)
The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the proposed acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A. The transaction expenses for 2011 relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

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Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Validus Re
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
145,010

 
$
163,863

 
$
1,052,726

 
$
1,058,642

Reinsurance premiums ceded
(10,426
)
 
(5,646
)
 
(137,504
)
 
(150,669
)
Net premiums written
134,584

 
158,217

 
915,222

 
907,973

Change in unearned premiums
107,728

 
81,997

 
(177,215
)
 
(194,529
)
Net premiums earned
242,312

 
240,214

 
738,007

 
713,444

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
66,890

 
128,823

 
244,286

 
533,402

Policy acquisition costs
37,785

 
40,592

 
113,659

 
115,355

General and administrative expenses
16,938

 
7,358

 
48,332

 
32,947

Share compensation expenses
2,076

 
2,190

 
5,914

 
7,118

Total underwriting deductions
123,689

 
178,963

 
412,191

 
688,822

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (a)
$
118,623

 
$
61,251

 
$
325,816

 
$
24,622

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AlphaCat
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
2,934

 
$
18,940

 
$
21,607

 
$
77,050

Reinsurance premiums ceded

 

 

 

Net premiums written
2,934

 
18,940

 
21,607

 
77,050

Change in unearned premiums
2,591

 
8,758

 
(9,832
)
 
(37,595
)
Net premiums earned
5,525

 
27,698

 
11,775

 
39,455

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
547

 
3,326

 
1,185

 
4,615

General and administrative expenses
2,087

 
2,167

 
5,521

 
4,122

Share compensation expenses
84

 
26

 
195

 
74

Total underwriting deductions
2,718

 
5,519

 
6,901

 
8,811

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (a)
$
2,807

 
$
22,179

 
$
4,874

 
$
30,644

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legal Entity adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
$

 
$
(1,084
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(1,301
)
General and administrative expenses
1,142

 
620

 
3,457

 
3,780

Share compensation expenses
135

 
284

 
446

 
786

Total underwriting deductions
1,277

 
(180
)
 
3,878

 
3,265

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting (loss) income (a)
$
(1,277
)
 
$
180

 
$
(3,878
)
 
$
(3,265
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Talbot
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
260,755

 
$
238,937

 
$
837,536

 
$
778,880

Reinsurance premiums ceded
(53,801
)
 
(55,551
)
 
(191,619
)
 
(190,243
)
Net premiums written
206,954

 
183,386

 
645,917

 
588,637

Change in unearned premiums
20,313

 
7,326

 
(21,769
)
 
(27,739
)
Net premiums earned
227,267

 
190,712

 
624,148

 
560,898

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
88,565

 
97,244

 
296,850

 
376,170

Policy acquisition costs
61,640

 
36,651

 
142,181

 
116,174

General and administrative expenses
36,605

 
21,745

 
100,910

 
82,396

Share compensation expenses
2,200

 
1,903

 
5,347

 
6,648

Total underwriting deductions
189,010

 
157,543

 
545,288

 
581,388

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting income (loss) (a)
$
38,257

 
$
33,169

 
$
78,860

 
$
(20,490
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate & Eliminations
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
(18,484
)
 
$
(30,611
)
 
$
(57,276
)
 
$
(68,160
)
Reinsurance premiums ceded
18,484

 
30,611

 
57,276

 
68,160

Net premiums written

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
(1,349
)
 
(2,080
)
 
(4,116
)
 
(1,912
)
General and administrative expenses
13,775

 
4,036

 
40,337

 
21,999

Share compensation expenses
2,850

 
2,979

 
7,681

 
12,433

Total underwriting deductions
15,276

 
4,935

 
43,902

 
32,520

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting (loss) (a)
$
(15,276
)
 
$
(4,935
)
 
$
(43,902
)
 
$
(32,520
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total underwriting income (loss) (a)
$
143,134

 
$
111,844

 
$
361,770

 
$
(1,009
)

(a)
Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income that is not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income (Loss).”

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Net income available to Validus for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $499.2 million compared to a net loss attributable to Validus of $(6.0) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $505.1 million. The primary factors driving the increase in net income were:
 
Increase in underwriting income of $362.8 million primarily due to:
 
A decrease in underwriting deductions of $302.6 million which includes the effect of a $403.2 million decrease in notable loss events; and

An increase in net premiums earned of $60.1 million.

A favorable movement of $75.6 million in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, of which $10.9 million is attributable to noncontrolling interest.

The change in net income available to Validus for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $505.1 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is described in the following table:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Increase (Decrease) Over the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Validus Re
 
AlphaCat
 
Talbot
 
Corporate and Eliminations (a)
 
Total
Notable losses — decrease in net loss and loss expenses (b)
 
$
294,532

 
$

 
$
108,644

 
$

 
$
403,176

Less: Notable losses - (decrease) increase in net reinstatement premiums (b)
 
(23,076
)
 

 
1,755

 

 
(21,321
)
Other underwriting income (loss)
 
29,738

 
(25,770
)
 
(11,049
)
 
(11,995
)
 
(19,076
)
Underwriting income (loss) (c)
 
301,194

 
(25,770
)
 
99,350

 
(11,995
)
 
362,779

Net investment income
 
(3,986
)
 
(25
)
 
(2,938
)
 
1,867

 
(5,082
)
Other income
 
6

 
16,839

 
(161
)
 
3,324

 
20,008

Finance expenses
 
(704
)
 
1,641

 
(10
)
 
1,023

 
1,950

Operating income (loss) before taxes and income from operating affiliates
 
296,510

 
(7,315
)
 
96,241

 
(5,781
)
 
379,655

Tax benefit (expense)
 
2

 

 
198

 
(1,036
)
 
(836
)
Income from operating affiliates
 

 
13,194

 

 

 
13,194

Net operating income (loss)
 
296,512

 
5,879

 
96,439

 
(6,817
)
 
392,013

Net realized gains (losses) on investments
 
255

 
(315
)
 
(368
)
 

 
(428
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
53,997

 
13,651

 
7,945

 
(1
)
 
75,592

(Loss) from investment affiliate
 
(558
)
 

 

 

 
(558
)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
21,775

 
372

 
3,966

 
(106
)
 
26,007

Transaction expenses
 

 

 

 
9,799

 
9,799

Net income
 
371,981

 
19,587

 
107,982

 
2,875

 
502,425

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
2,724

 

 

 
2,724

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus
 
371,981

 
22,311

 
107,982

 
2,875

 
505,149


(a)
The Corporate and Eliminations column includes legal entity adjustments.
(b)
Notable losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included: Costa Concordia, Cat 67, U.S. drought and Hurricane Isaac. Notable losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included: Tohoku earthquake, Gryphon Alpha, Christchurch earthquake, Brisbane floods, CNRL Horizon, Cat 46, Cat 48, Jupiter 1, Danish floods and Hurricane Irene. Excludes the reserve for potential development on 2011 notable loss events.
(c)
Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed underwriting income (loss) and net operating income that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled "Underwriting Income (Loss)."

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 Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1,854.6 million compared to $1,846.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $8.2 million or 0.4%. Details of gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
949,736

 
51.2
%
 
$
1,026,103

 
55.6
%
 
(7.4
)%
Marine
 
560,027

 
30.2
%
 
485,734

 
26.3
%
 
15.3
 %
Specialty
 
344,830

 
18.6
%
 
334,575

 
18.1
%
 
3.1
 %
Total
 
$
1,854,593

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,846,412

 
100.0
%
 
0.4
 %
 
Validus Re. Validus Re gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1,052.7 million compared to $1,058.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $5.9 million or 0.6%. Details of Validus Re gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
716,739

 
68.1
%
 
$
752,884

 
71.2
%
 
(4.8
)%
Marine
 
248,848

 
23.6
%
 
222,659

 
21.0
%
 
11.8
 %
Specialty
 
87,139

 
8.3
%
 
83,099

 
7.8
%
 
4.9
 %
Total
 
$
1,052,726

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,058,642

 
100.0
%
 
(0.6
)%
 
The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $36.1 million was due primarily to a $29.0 million decrease in reinstatement premiums which were due to the high level of notable losses in 2011. In addition, there was a $13.1 million reduction in proportional premiums written primarily due to contracts not meeting the Company’s underwriting requirements. This was partially offset by a $10.1 million increase in new business written in the Singapore branch. The increase in gross premiums written of $26.2 million in the marine lines was due primarily to a $20.5 million increase in reinstatement premiums, primarily relating to the Costa Concordia event, and a $3.2 million increase in premium adjustments.
 
Gross premiums written under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts between Validus Re and Talbot for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by $11.4 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. These reinsurance agreements with Talbot are eliminated upon consolidation.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $21.6 million compared to $77.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $55.4 million or 72.0%. Details of AlphaCat gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
21,607

 
100.0
%
 
77,050

 
100.0
%
 
(72.0
)%
Total
 
21,607

 
100.0
%
 
77,050

 
100.0
%
 
(72.0
)%


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Table of Contents

The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $55.4 million was due primarily to the change in accounting treatment for AlphaCat Re 2011 which occurred as at December 31, 2011, when the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from the consolidated Balance Sheet of the Company. AlphaCat Re 2011 was consolidated in 2011 whereas in 2012, AlphaCat Re 2011 is accounted for as an equity method operating affiliate. Therefore the comparative renewals are not reflected in gross premiums written in 2012, but are included in gross managed premiums, a comparable measure.

Managed gross premiums written from our non-consolidated affiliates, AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $126.5 million compared to $61.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $65.1 million or 106.1%. Gross premiums written from our consolidated AlphaCat entities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $21.6 million compared to $15.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $6.0 million or 38.0%.

Gross premiums written with Talbot for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased by $0.5 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. These reinsurance agreements with Talbot are eliminated upon consolidation.

Talbot. Talbot gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $837.5 million compared to $778.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $58.7 million or 7.5%. The $837.5 million of gross premiums written translated at 2011 rates of exchange would have been $842.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, giving an effective increase of $63.5 million or 8.2%. Details of Talbot gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
Gross Premiums Written
 
Gross Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
262,652

 
31.4
%
 
$
254,524

 
32.6
%
 
3.2
%
Marine
 
314,667

 
37.5
%
 
267,586

 
34.4
%
 
17.6
%
Specialty
 
260,217

 
31.1
%
 
256,770

 
33.0
%
 
1.3
%
Total
 
$
837,536

 
100.0
%
 
$
778,880

 
100.0
%
 
7.5
%
 
The increase in gross premiums written in the property lines of $8.1 million was due primarily to an increase in premium adjustments in the property and construction lines. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission costs on underwriting years 2007 and prior, related to business on the marine class.  This resulted in a $14.8 million increase in gross premiums written and earned premium, offset by an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the marine class, resulting in no net impact. The increase in gross premiums written in the marine lines of $47.1 million was due primarily to a $14.8 million increase in premium adjustments, described above, a $14.3 million increase in premiums written in the energy lines, a $12.6 million increase in premiums written in the cargo lines and a $6.6 million increase in marine energy and liability lines. The increase in the specialty lines of $3.4 million was due primarily to increases in war and political risk lines partially offset by decreases in other lines.
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance premiums ceded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $271.8 million compared to $272.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 0.3%.  Details of reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
186,356

 
68.6
%
 
$
196,989

 
72.3
%
 
(5.4
)%
Marine
 
41,963

 
15.4
%
 
34,210

 
12.5
%
 
22.7
 %
Specialty
 
43,528

 
16.0
%
 
41,553

 
15.2
%
 
4.8
 %
Total
 
$
271,847

 
100.0
%
 
$
272,752

 
100.0
%
 
(0.3
)%

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Table of Contents

 
Validus Re. Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $137.5 million compared to $150.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $13.2 million, or 8.7%. Details of Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
119,335

 
86.8
%
 
$
135,389

 
89.9
%
 
(11.9
)%
Marine
 
17,594

 
12.8
%
 
14,779

 
9.8
%
 
19.0
 %
Specialty
 
575

 
0.4
%
 
501

 
0.3
%
 
14.8
 %
Total
 
$
137,504

 
100.0
%
 
$
150,669

 
100.0
%
 
(8.7
)%

Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines decreased by $16.1 million, due primarily to a $9.2 million decrease in non-proportional retrocessional coverage, a $3.5 million decrease in adjustments from prior periods and a $2.0 million decrease in proportional retrocessional coverage. The reduction in both non-proportional and proportional retrocessional coverage is a result of comparatively higher purchases of this coverage in the three months ended March 31, 2011 prior to, and following, the notable loss events of that quarter. Reinsurance premiums ceded in the marine lines increased by $2.8 million due primarily to a $3.2 million increase in non-proportional retrocessional coverage incepting in 2012.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat did not cede reinsurance premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

 Talbot. Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $191.6 million compared to $190.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $1.4 million or 0.7%. Details of Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
 
Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
118,283

 
61.7
%
 
$
119,955

 
63.0
%
 
(1.4
)%
Marine
 
27,857

 
14.6
%
 
23,942

 
12.6
%
 
16.4
 %
Specialty
 
45,479

 
23.7
%
 
46,346

 
24.4
%
 
(1.9
)%
Total
 
$
191,619

 
100.0
%
 
$
190,243

 
100.0
%
 
0.7
 %
 
The increase in the marine lines of $3.9 million was due primarily to a $1.4 million increase in reinstatement premiums ceded and a $1.2 million increase in reinsurance premiums ceded in the energy lines.
 
Reinsurance premiums ceded under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts with Validus Re and AlphaCat for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $57.3 million compared to $68.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $10.9 million. These reinsurance agreements with Validus Re and AlphaCat are eliminated upon consolidation.

Net Premiums Written
 
Net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1,582.7 million compared to $1,573.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $9.1 million, or 0.6%. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 85.3% and 85.2%, respectively. Details of net premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 

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Table of Contents

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
763,380

 
48.3
%
 
$
829,114

 
52.7
%
 
(7.9
)%
Marine
 
518,064

 
32.7
%
 
451,524

 
28.7
%
 
14.7
 %
Specialty
 
301,302

 
19.0
%
 
293,022

 
18.6
%
 
2.8
 %
Total
 
$
1,582,746

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,573,660

 
100.0
%
 
0.6
 %
 
Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $915.2 million compared to $908.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $7.2 million or 0.8%.  Details of Validus Re net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
597,404

 
65.2
%
 
$
617,495

 
68.0
%
 
(3.3
)%
Marine
 
231,254

 
25.3
%
 
207,880

 
22.9
%
 
11.2
 %
Specialty
 
86,564

 
9.5
%
 
82,598

 
9.1
%
 
4.8
 %
Total
 
$
915,222

 
100.0
%
 
$
907,973

 
100.0
%
 
0.8
 %
 
The increase in Validus Re net premiums written was driven by factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 86.9% and 85.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $21.6 million compared to $77.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $55.4 million or 72.0%. Details of AlphaCat net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
21,607

 
100.0
%
 
$
77,050

 
100.0
%
 
(72.0
)%
Total
 
$
21,607

 
100.0
%
 
$
77,050

 
100.0
%
 
(72.0
)%

The decrease in AlphaCat net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 100.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Talbot. Talbot net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $645.9 million compared to $588.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $57.3 million or 9.7%. Details of Talbot net premiums written by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
Net Premiums Written
 
Net Premiums Written (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
144,369

 
22.4
%
 
$
134,569

 
22.9
%
 
7.3
%
Marine
 
286,810

 
44.4
%
 
243,644

 
41.4
%
 
17.7
%
Specialty
 
214,738

 
33.2
%
 
210,424

 
35.7
%
 
2.1
%
Total
 
$
645,917

 
100.0
%
 
$
588,637

 
100.0
%
 
9.7
%

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Table of Contents

 
The increase in Talbot net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 77.1% and 75.6%, respectively.
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net change in unearned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $(208.8) million compared to $(259.9) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $51.0 million or 19.6%.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums
 
$
(262,223
)
 
$
(330,077
)
 
20.6
 %
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
53,407

 
70,214

 
(23.9
)%
Net change in unearned premiums
 
$
(208,816
)
 
$
(259,863
)
 
19.6
 %
 
Validus Re. Validus Re net change in unearned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $(177.2) million compared to $(194.5) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $17.3 million, or 8.9%.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums
 
$
(215,041
)
 
$
(236,518
)
 
9.1
 %
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
37,826

 
41,989

 
(9.9
)%
Net change in unearned premiums
 
$
(177,215
)
 
$
(194,529
)
 
8.9
 %
 
Validus Re net change in unearned premiums has increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $(9.8) million compared to $(37.6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $27.8 million or 73.8%.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Net Change in Unearned Premiums
 
% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums
 
$
(9,832
)
 
$
(37,595
)
 
73.8
%
Net change in unearned premiums
 
$
(9,832
)
 
$
(37,595
)
 
73.8
%

AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums has increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Talbot. Talbot net change in unearned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $(21.8) million compared to $(27.7) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $6.0 million or 21.5%.
 

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Table of Contents

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Change in Unearned Premiums
 
Change in Unearned Premiums
 
% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums
 
$
(37,350
)
 
$
(55,964
)
 
33.3
 %
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
15,581

 
28,225

 
(44.8
)%
Net change in unearned premiums
 
$
(21,769
)
 
$
(27,739
)
 
21.5
 %
 
Talbot net change in unearned premiums has increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Net Premiums Earned
 
Net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1,373.9 million compared to $1,313.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $60.1 million or 4.6%. Details of net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
615,885

 
44.9
%
 
$
654,777

 
49.8
%
 
(5.9
)%
Marine
 
462,268

 
33.6
%
 
370,423

 
28.2
%
 
24.8
 %
Specialty
 
295,777

 
21.5
%
 
288,597

 
22.0
%
 
2.5
 %
Total
 
$
1,373,930

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,313,797

 
100.0
%
 
4.6
 %
 
Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $738.0 million compared to $713.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $24.6 million or 3.4%. Details of Validus Re net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
475,926

 
64.5
%
 
$
495,192

 
69.4
%
 
(3.9
)%
Marine
 
193,929

 
26.3
%
 
153,820

 
21.6
%
 
26.1
 %
Specialty
 
68,152

 
9.2
%
 
64,432

 
9.0
%
 
5.8
 %
Total
 
$
738,007

 
100.0
%
 
$
713,444

 
100.0
%
 
3.4
 %
 
The increase in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant pattern of net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $11.8 million compared to $39.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $27.7 million or 70.2%. Details of AlphaCat net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
11,775

 
100.0
%
 
$
39,455

 
100.0
%
 
(70.2
)%
Total
 
$
11,775

 
100.0
%
 
$
39,455

 
100.0
%
 
(70.2
)%


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The decrease in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant pattern of net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Talbot. Talbot net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $624.1 million compared to $560.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $63.3 million or 11.3%. Details of Talbot net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Premiums Earned (%)
 
% Change
Property
 
$
128,184

 
20.5
%
 
$
120,130

 
21.4
%
 
6.7
%
Marine
 
268,339

 
43.0
%
 
216,603

 
38.6
%
 
23.9
%
Specialty
 
227,625

 
36.5
%
 
224,165

 
40.0
%
 
1.5
%
Total
 
$
624,148

 
100.0
%
 
$
560,898

 
100.0
%
 
11.3
%
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission costs on underwriting years 2007 and prior, related to business on the marine class.  This resulted in a $14.8 million increase in gross premiums written and earned premium, offset by an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the marine class, resulting in no net impact. In addition, there was a review of the estimates of earned premium which resulted in a $11.0 million increase in gross and net earned premium primarily in respect of facility and longer duration policies. Increases in previously written premium income also contributed to an increase in net earned premium of $26.1 million, driven mainly by the energy, cargo and marine energy and liability lines, offset by small decreases in other lines.

The increase in net premiums earned in the property and specialty lines is consistent with the relevant patterns of net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Losses and Loss Expenses
 
Losses and loss expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $541.1 million compared to $909.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $368.4 million or 40.5%. The loss ratios, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 39.4% and 69.2%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of business are provided below.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Property
25.8
%
 
86.1
%
 
(60.3
)%
Marine
55.0
%
 
65.1
%
 
(10.1
)%
Specialty
43.4
%
 
36.2
%
 
7.2
 %
All lines
39.4
%
 
69.2
%
 
(29.8
)%

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Details of loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Property - current period - excluding items below
27.6
 %
 
26.4
 %
 
1.2

Property - current period - notable losses
6.6
 %
 
67.7
 %
 
(61.1
)
Property - change in prior accident years
(8.4
)%
 
(8.0
)%
 
(0.4
)
Property - loss ratio
25.8
 %
 
86.1
 %
 
(60.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marine - current period - excluding notable losses
45.4
 %
 
48.4
 %
 
(3.0
)
Marine - current period - notable losses
16.2
 %
 
25.1
 %
 
(8.9
)
Marine - change in prior accident years
(6.6
)%
 
(8.4
)%
 
1.8

Marine - loss ratio
55.0
 %
 
65.1
 %
 
(10.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty - current period - excluding notable losses
47.8
 %
 
44.9
 %
 
2.9

Specialty - current period - notable losses
7.6
 %
 
1.7
 %
 
5.9

Specialty - change in prior accident years
(12.0
)%
 
(10.4
)%
 
(1.6
)
Specialty — loss ratio
43.4
 %
 
36.2
 %
 
7.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
All lines - current period - excluding notable losses
38.0
 %
 
36.6
 %
 
1.4

All lines - current period - notable losses
10.0
 %
 
41.2
 %
 
(31.2
)
All lines - change in prior accident years
(8.6
)%
 
(8.6
)%
 

All lines - loss ratio
39.4
 %
 
69.2
 %
 
(29.8
)
 
Validus Re. Validus Re losses and loss expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $244.3 million compared to $533.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $289.1 million or 54.2%. The loss ratio, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 33.1% and 74.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re incurred losses of $297.1 million related to current year losses and $52.8 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 7.2 percentage points. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re incurred losses of $594.9 million related to current year losses and $61.5 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior years benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 8.6 percentage points.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re incurred $120.2 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 16.3 percentage points of the loss ratio. Net of reinstatement premiums of $24.4 million, the effect of these events on Validus Re segment income was a decrease of $95.8 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re incurred $414.7 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 58.1 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of reinstatement premiums of $47.5 million, the effect of these events on Validus Re segment income was a decrease of $367.2 million. Validus Re segment loss ratios excluding, notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 24.0% and 25.3%, respectively. Details of Validus Re loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.


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Table of Contents

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Property - current period excluding notable losses
18.4
 %
 
20.3
 %
 
(1.9
)
Property - current period - notable losses
8.2
 %
 
72.3
 %
 
(64.1
)
Property - change in prior accident years
(8.3
)%
 
(8.9
)%
 
0.6

Property - loss ratio
18.3
 %
 
83.7
 %
 
(65.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marine - current period excluding notable losses
35.4
 %
 
43.0
 %
 
(7.6
)
Marine - current period - notable losses
30.5
 %
 
37.0
 %
 
(6.5
)
Marine - change in prior accident years
(3.7
)%
 
(6.5
)%
 
2.8

Marine - loss ratio
62.2
 %
 
73.5
 %
 
(11.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty - current period excluding notable losses
30.4
 %
 
20.4
 %
 
10.0

Specialty - current period - notable losses
32.3
 %
 

 
32.3

Specialty - change in prior accident years
(9.1
)%
 
(11.3
)%
 
2.2

Specialty — loss ratio
53.6
 %
 
9.1
 %
 
44.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
All lines - current period excluding notable losses
24.0
 %
 
25.3
 %
 
(1.3
)
All lines - current period - notable losses
16.3
 %
 
58.1
 %
 
(41.8
)
All lines - change in prior accident years
(7.2
)%
 
(8.6
)%
 
1.4

All lines - loss ratio
33.1
 %
 
74.8
 %
 
(41.7
)
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses included $126.6 million related to current year losses and $39.5 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to a decrease in loss estimates on attritional losses and the Chilean earthquake. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses included $458.7 million related to current year losses and $44.3 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable loss reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims development.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re property lines incurred $39.1 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 8.2 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re property lines incurred $357.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 72.3 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Validus Re property lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 18.4% and 20.3%, respectively.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses included $127.7 million related to current year losses and $7.1 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable loss reserve development is due primarily to a reduction in loss estimates on attritional losses, partially offset by an increase in the loss estimate on Deepwater Horizon. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses included $123.1 million related to current year losses and $10.0 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re marine lines incurred $59.1 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 30.5 percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re marine lines incurred $56.9 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 37.0 percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Validus Re marine lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 35.4% and 43.0%, respectively.
 

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Table of Contents

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $42.8 million related to current year losses and $6.2 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to a reduction in loss estimates on attritional losses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $13.1 million related to current year losses and $7.3 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re specialty lines incurred $22.0 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 32.3 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Validus Re specialty lines did not incur any notable losses. Validus Re specialty lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and  prior year loss reserve development, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 30.4% and 20.4%, respectively.
 
AlphaCat. The AlphaCat segment did not incur any losses and loss expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

     Talbot. Talbot losses and loss expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $296.9 million compared to $376.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $79.3 million or 21.1%. The loss ratio defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 47.6% and 67.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot incurred losses of $361.8 million related to current year losses and $65.0 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 10.4 percentage points. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot incurred losses of $428.0 million related to current year losses and $51.8 million in favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 9.2 percentage points.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot incurred $17.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 2.8 percentage points of the loss ratio. Including the impact of reinstatement premiums of ($4.8) million, the effect of these events on Talbot segment income was a decrease of $22.5 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot incurred $126.4 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 22.5 percentage points of the Talbot loss ratio. Talbot loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 55.2% and 53.8%, respectively. Details of Talbot loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.

 

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Table of Contents

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Percentage Point Change
Property - current period excluding items below
63.8
 %
 
59.8
 %
 
4.0

Property - current period - notable losses
1.4
 %
 
71.0
 %
 
(69.6
)
Property - change in prior accident years
(9.4
)%
 
(6.5
)%
 
(2.9
)
Property - loss ratio
55.8
 %
 
124.3
 %
 
(68.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marine - current period excluding items below
52.7
 %
 
52.3
 %
 
0.4

Marine - current period - notable losses
5.8
 %
 
16.7
 %
 
(10.9
)
Marine - change in prior accident years
(8.8
)%
 
(9.8
)%
 
1.0

Marine - loss ratio
49.7
 %
 
59.2
 %
 
(9.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty - current period excluding items below
53.1
 %
 
51.9
 %
 
1.2

Specialty - current period - notable losses
0.2
 %
 
2.2
 %
 
(2.0
)
Specialty - change in prior accident years
(12.9
)%
 
(10.1
)%
 
(2.8
)
Specialty — loss ratio
40.4
 %
 
44.0
 %
 
(3.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
All lines - current period excluding items below
55.2
 %
 
53.8
 %
 
1.4

All lines - current period - notable losses
2.8
 %
 
22.5
 %
 
(19.7
)
All lines - change in prior accident years
(10.4
)%
 
(9.2
)%
 
(1.2
)
All lines - loss ratio
47.6
 %
 
67.1
 %
 
(19.5
)
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses include $83.5 million related to current year losses and $12.0 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was due to $8.4 million lower than expected development on attritional claims throughout the period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses included $157.2 million related to current year losses and $7.9 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims development.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot property lines incurred $1.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 1.4 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot's property lines incurred $85.3 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 71.0 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. Talbot property lines loss ratio, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 63.8% and 59.8%, respectively.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses included $157.0 million related to current year losses and $23.6 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was due primarily to $18.9 million lower than expected development on attritional claims during the period and a $6.2 million release of reserves on prior known large losses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses included $149.4 million related to current year losses and $21.3 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable loss reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims development.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot marine lines incurred $15.6 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 5.8 percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot's marine lines incurred $36.2 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 16.7 percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio. Talbot marine lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 52.7% and 52.3%, respectively.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $121.3 million relating to current year losses and $29.4 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable reserve development was due primarily to $15.5 million lower than expected development on attritional claims

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Table of Contents

during the period and an $8.9 million release of reserves on prior known large losses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $121.4 million relating to current year losses and $22.7 million of favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable reserve development was primarily due to lower than expected claims development.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot specialty lines incurred $0.4 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 0.2 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Talbot's specialty lines incurred $4.9 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 2.2 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. Talbot specialty lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 53.1% and 51.9%, respectively.
 
Reserves for Losses and Loss expenses

At September 30, 2012, gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses were estimated using the methodology as outlined in the critical accounting policies and estimates as discussed in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company did not make any significant changes in the assumptions or methodology used in its reserving process for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 
 
As at September 30, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Case Reserves
 
Gross IBNR
 
Total Gross Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Property
 
$
703,961

 
$
402,457

 
$
1,106,418

Marine
 
462,535

 
417,743

 
880,278

Specialty
 
235,365

 
340,543

 
575,908

Total
 
$
1,401,861

 
$
1,160,743

 
$
2,562,604

 
 
 
As at September 30, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net Case Reserves
 
Net IBNR
 
Total Net Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Property
 
$
592,993

 
$
373,264

 
$
966,257

Marine
 
403,537

 
390,819

 
794,356

Specialty
 
197,166

 
287,573

 
484,739

Total
 
$
1,193,696

 
$
1,051,656

 
$
2,245,352

 

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Table of Contents

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Validus Re Segment
 
AlphaCat Segment
 
Talbot Segment
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Gross reserves at period beginning
 
$
1,350,849

 
$
10,000

 
$
1,377,561

 
$
(107,267
)
 
$
2,631,143

Losses recoverable
 
(95,509
)
 

 
(384,243
)
 
107,267

 
(372,485
)
Net reserves at period beginning
 
1,255,340

 
10,000

 
993,318

 

 
2,258,658

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Incurred losses- current year
 
297,051

 

 
361,833

 

 
658,884

Change in prior accident years
 
(52,765
)
 

 
(64,983
)
 

 
(117,748
)
Incurred losses
 
244,286

 

 
296,850

 

 
541,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange
 
6,007

 

 
8,931

 

 
14,938

Paid losses
 
(327,444
)
 

 
(241,936
)
 

 
(569,380
)
Net reserves at period end
 
1,178,189

 
10,000

 
1,057,163

 

 
2,245,352

Losses recoverable
 
38,371

 

 
365,405

 
(86,524
)
 
317,252

Gross reserves at period end
 
$
1,216,560

 
$
10,000

 
$
1,422,568

 
$
(86,524
)
 
$
2,562,604

 
The amount of recorded reserves represents management's best estimate of expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years was $117.7 million of which, $52.8 million related to the Validus Re segment and $65.0 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company's loss ratio by 8.6 percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years was $113.3 million, of which, $61.5 million related to the Validus Re segment and $51.8 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company's loss ratio by 8.6 percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company incurred $138.0 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 10.0 percentage points of the loss ratio. Net of $19.6 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $118.3 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company incurred $541.1 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 41.2 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of $41.0 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $500.2 million. The Company's loss ratio, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 38.0% and 36.6%, respectively.
 
Management of insurance and reinsurance companies use significant judgment in the estimation of reserves for losses and loss expenses. Given the magnitude of recent loss events and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding the estimation for recent notable loss events. The Company's actual ultimate net loss may vary materially from these estimates. Validus Re ultimate losses for notable loss events are estimated through detailed review of contracts which are identified by the Company as potentially exposed to the specific notable loss event. However, there can be no assurance that the ultimate loss amount estimated for a specific contract will be accurate, or that all contracts with exposure to a specific notable loss event will be identified in a timely manner. Potential losses in excess of the estimated ultimate loss assigned to a contract on the basis of a specific review, or loss amounts from contracts not specifically included in the detailed review are reserved for in the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. The reserve for potential development on notable loss events (or “RDE”) is included as part of the Company's overall reserve requirement as defined and disclosed in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10‐K.

As of December 31, 2011 the reserve for potential development on 2010 and 2011 notable loss events was $18.6 million and $78.0 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company increased certain loss estimates and allocated $18.6 million of the 2010 reserve and $54.6 million of the 2011 reserve to the Deepwater Horizon, Danish flood, Thailand floods, Tohoku earthquake and Christchurch earthquake. The 2011 notable loss events, principally the Tohoku earthquake, the Christchurch earthquake and the Thailand floods continued to experience adverse development as shown in the reserves for notable loss events roll forward table. Contract complexity, the nature and number of perils arising from these

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events, limits and sub limits exposed, the quality, flow and timing of information received by the Company, information regarding retrocessional covers, assumptions, both explicit and implicit, regarding future paid and reported loss development patterns, frequency and severity trends, claims settlement practices and potential changes in the legal environment continue to lead to complexity and volatility in the ultimate loss estimates for these events. Given the potential that one or some of the 2011 notable loss events eligible for potential allocation from the 2011 RDE may experience adverse development, rather than all deteriorating proportionately, an addition to the 2011 RDE of $27.9 million was made. As at September 30, 2012, the reserve for potential development on 2010 and 2011 notable loss events was $nil and $51.3 million for a total of $51.3 million.

For disclosure purposes, only those notable loss events which had an initial ultimate loss estimate above $15.0 million are
disclosed separately and included in the reserves for notable loss roll forward table. To the extent that there are continued complexity and volatility factors relating to notable loss events in the aggregate, additions to the RDE may be established for a specific accident year, as illustrated in the RDE roll forward table. The Company increased the threshold for disclosure for notable losses effective January 1, 2011, from $5.0 million to $15.0 million.






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Table of Contents

RESERVES FOR NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS - USD (000's)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010 NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
Development
 
 
 
Closing
 
Development
 
 
 
Closing
 
Development
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
Initial
 
(Favorable) /
 
Allocations
 
Estimate (c)
 
(Favorable) /
 
Allocations
 
Estimate (c)
 
(Favorable) /
 
Allocations
 
Estimate (c)
Notable Loss
 
Estimate (a)
 
Unfavorable (b)
 
of RDE (f)
 
31-Dec-10
 
Unfavorable (b)
 
of RDE (f)
 
31-Dec-11
 
Unfavorable (b)
 
of RDE (f)
 
30-Sept-12
Chilean earthquake
 
293,116

 
2,548

 
19,242

 
314,906

 
(14,449
)
 

 
300,457

 
(15,154
)
 

 
285,303

Deepwater Horizon (e)
 
44,101

 
737

 

 
44,838

 
3

 
14,769

 
59,610

 
12,985

 
18,618

 
91,213

New Zealand earthquake
 
28,685

 
1,167

 
16,614

 
46,466

 
(297
)
 

 
46,169

 
33

 

 
46,202

Queensland floods
 
25,000

 

 

 
25,000

 
(17,966
)
 

 
7,034

 
(2,500
)
 

 
4,534

Melbourne hailstorm
 
18,200

 
2,644

 

 
20,844

 
293

 

 
21,137

 

 

 
21,137

Windstorm Xynthia
 
12,558

 
(11,177
)
 

 
1,381

 
(220
)
 

 
1,161

 

 

 
1,161

Political violence loss
 
12,500

 

 

 
12,500

 
2,195

 

 
14,695

 

 

 
14,695

Aban Pearl
 
10,500

 
20

 

 
10,520

 
272

 

 
10,792

 

 

 
10,792

Satellite failure
 
8,786

 

 

 
8,786

 
(810
)
 

 
7,976

 

 

 
7,976

Perth hailstorm
 
8,390

 

 

 
8,390

 
1,063

 

 
9,453

 

 

 
9,453

Oklahoma windstorm
 
7,677

 
29

 

 
7,706

 
(841
)
 

 
6,865

 
1

 

 
6,866

Bangkok riots
 
7,500

 
4,159

 

 
11,659

 
1,055

 

 
12,714

 
(173
)
 

 
12,541

Hurricane Karl
 
6,313

 

 

 
6,313

 

 

 
6,313

 
(4,320
)
 

 
1,993

Financial institutions loss
 
5,487

 

 

 
5,487

 
95

 

 
5,582

 

 

 
5,582

Political risk loss
 
5,000

 
349

 

 
5,349

 
(3,828
)
 

 
1,521

 

 

 
1,521

Total 2010 Notable Loss Events
 
493,813

 
476

 
35,856

 
530,145

 
(33,435
)
 
14,769

 
511,479

 
(9,128
)
 
18,618

 
520,969

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paid Loss (Recovery)
 
Reserve (d)
 
 
 
Paid Loss (Recovery)
 
Reserve (d)
 
 
 
Paid Loss (Recovery)
 
Reserve (d)
Notable Loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
31-Dec-10
 
 
 
 
31-Dec-11
 
 
 
 
30-Sept-12
Chilean earthquake
 
 
 
 
 
120,549

 
194,357

 
 
 
103,847

 
76,061

 
 
 
22,664

 
38,243

Deepwater Horizon (e)
 
 
 
 
 
45,152

 
(314
)
 
 
 
(34,881
)
 
49,339

 
 
 
5,562

 
75,380

New Zealand earthquake
 
 
 
 
 

 
46,466

 
 
 
1,254

 
44,915

 
 
 
6,870

 
38,078

Queensland floods
 
 
 
 
 

 
25,000

 
 
 

 
7,034

 
 
 
77

 
4,457

Melbourne hailstorm
 
 
 
 
 
7,163

 
13,681

 
 
 
11,611

 
2,363

 
 
 
1,092

 
1,271

Windstorm Xynthia
 
 
 
 
 
111

 
1,270

 
 
 
369

 
681

 
 
 
37

 
644

Political violence loss
 
 
 
 
 

 
12,500

 
 
 

 
14,695

 
 
 

 
14,695

Aban Pearl
 
 
 
 
 
7,346

 
3,174

 
 
 
2,418

 
1,028

 
 
 
162

 
866

Satellite failure
 
 
 
 
 
5,206

 
3,580

 
 
 
2,234

 
536

 
 
 
(1
)
 
537

Perth hailstorm
 
 
 
 
 
5,339

 
3,051

 
 
 
3,751

 
363

 
 
 
258

 
105

Oklahoma windstorm
 
 
 
 
 
4,054

 
3,652

 
 
 
2,047

 
764

 
 
 
27

 
738

Bangkok riots
 
 
 
 
 
(1
)
 
11,660

 
 
 
7,500

 
5,215

 
 
 

 
5,042

Hurricane Karl
 
 
 
 
 

 
6,313

 
 
 

 
6,313

 
 
 
8

 
1,985

Financial institutions loss
 
 
 
 
 
57

 
5,430

 
 
 
3,039

 
2,486

 
 
 
69

 
2,417

Political risk loss
 
 
 
 
 
7

 
5,342

 
 
 
1,514

 

 
 
 

 

Total 2010 Notable Loss Events
 
 
 
 
 
194,983

 
335,162

 
 
 
104,703

 
211,793

 
 
 
36,825

 
184,458

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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RESERVES FOR NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS - USD (000's) CONTINUED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Development
 
 
 
Closing
 
Development
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
Initial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Favorable) /
 
Allocations
 
Estimate (c)
 
(Favorable) /
 
Allocations
 
Estimate (c)
Notable Loss
 
Estimate (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unfavorable (b)
 
of RDE
 
31-Dec-11
 
Unfavorable (b)
 
of RDE
 
30-Sept-12
Tohoku earthquake
 
148,926

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37,963

 
29,788

 
216,677

 
(3,565
)
 
16,342

 
229,454

Thailand floods
 
54,148

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
54,148

 
10,589

 
14,260

 
78,997

Gryphon Alpha
 
52,434

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,151

 

 
61,585

 
127

 

 
61,712

Cat 46
 
43,806

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18,553

 

 
62,359

 
108

 

 
62,467

Christchurch earthquake
 
41,881

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16,854

 
20,212

 
78,947

 
1,426

 
16,358

 
96,731

Hurricane Irene
 
32,451

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3

 

 
32,454

 
(7,027
)
 

 
25,427

Cat 48
 
31,481

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,190

 

 
40,671

 
5,615

 

 
46,286

Brisbane floods
 
31,023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,848

 

 
35,871

 
(805
)
 

 
35,066

CNRL Horizon (g)
 
19,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,706
)
 

 
10,794

 
558

 

 
11,352

Danish flood
 
19,429

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,987

 

 
25,416

 
2,566

 
7,665

 
35,647

Jupiter 1
 
15,008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(73
)
 

 
14,935

 
(168
)
 

 
14,767

Total 2011 Notable Loss Events
 
490,087

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
93,770

 
50,000

 
633,857

 
9,424

 
54,625

 
697,906

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paid Loss (Recovery)
 
Reserve (d)
 
 
 
Paid Loss (Recovery)
 
Reserve (d)
Notable Loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31-Dec-11
 
 
 
 
30-Sept-12
Tohoku earthquake
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
59,100

 
157,577

 
 
 
82,749

 
87,605

Thailand floods
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,748

 
52,400

 
 
 
10,116

 
67,133

Gryphon Alpha
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,686

 
52,899

 
 
 
14,198

 
38,828

Cat 46
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51,429

 
10,930

 
 
 
(786
)
 
11,824

Christchurch earthquake
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(42
)
 
78,989

 
 
 
(384
)
 
97,157

Hurricane Irene
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,669

 
23,785

 
 
 
3,077

 
13,681

Cat 48
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,934

 
20,737

 
 
 
12,880

 
13,472

Brisbane floods
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16,151

 
19,720

 
 
 
10,507

 
8,408

CNRL Horizon (g)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,600

 
5,194

 
 
 
5,746

 
6

Danish flood
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7,872

 
17,544

 
 
 
12,255

 
15,520

Jupiter 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14,342

 
593

 
 
 
231

 
194

Total 2011 Notable Loss Events
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
193,489

 
440,368

 
 
 
150,589

 
353,828

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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RESERVES FOR NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS - USD (000's) CONTINUED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 NOTABLE LOSS EVENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Development
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
Initial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Favorable) /
 
Allocations
 
Estimate (c)
Notable Loss
 
Estimate (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unfavorable (b)
 
of RDE
 
30-Sept-12
Costa Concordia
 
76,197

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,515
)
 

 
72,682

Cat 67
 
22,713

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,330

 

 
28,043

U.S. drought
 
22,021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
22,021

Hurricane Isaac
 
15,209

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
15,209

Total 2012 Notable Loss Events
 
136,140

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,815

 

 
137,955

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Closing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve (d)
Notable Loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paid Loss
 
30-Sept-12
Costa Concordia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10,373

 
62,309

Cat 67
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11,029

 
17,014

U.S. drought
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
22,021

Hurricane Isaac
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
15,209

Total 2012 Notable Loss Events
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21,402

 
116,553


(a)
Includes paid losses, case reserves and IBNR reserves.
(b)
Development other than allocation of RDE.
(c)
Excludes impact of movements in foreign exchange rates.
(d)
Closing Reserve for the period equals Closing Estimate for the period less cumulative Paid Losses.
(e)
Net movement in 2011 impacted by recognition of recoveries under retrocessional contracts.
(f)
As at September 30, 2012, the Company has allocated all of the 2010 RDE.
(g)
As at September 30, 2012, the Company has concluded that CNRL Horizon and Jupiter 1 no longer remains eligible for potential allocations from the 2011 RDE.



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RESERVE FOR DEVELOPMENT ON EVENTS
Reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events
 
Reserve for potential development on 2011 notable loss events
 
Reserve for potential development on 2012 notable loss events
 
Total Reserve for potential development on notable loss events
 
($ in 000's)
 
($ in 000's)
 
($ in 000's)
 
($ in 000's)
As at December 31, 2009

 
 
 
 
 

Reserve for potential development additions
69,242

 
 
 
 
 
69,242

Reserve for potential development allocations (a)
(35,856
)
 
 
 
 
 
(35,856
)
Reserve for potential development releases

 
 
 
 
 

As at December 31, 2010 (b)
33,386

 

 

 
33,386

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for potential development additions

 
128,000

 
 
 
128,000

Reserve for potential development allocations (a)
(14,769
)
 
(50,000
)
 
 
 
(64,769
)
Reserve for potential development releases

 

 
 
 

As at December 31, 2011 (b)
18,617

 
78,000

 

 
96,617

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for potential development additions (c)

 
27,926

 

 
27,926

Reserve for potential development allocations (a)
(18,617
)
 
(54,626
)
 

 
(73,243
)
Reserve for potential development releases

 

 

 

As at September 30, 2012 (b)

 
51,300

 

 
51,300

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a)
During the year ended December 31, 2010, $19,242 was allocated to the Chilean earthquake and $16,614 was allocated to the New Zealand earthquake from the 2010 reserve for development on notable loss events.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, $14,769 was allocated to Deepwater Horizon from the 2010 reserve for development on notable loss events. During the same period $29,788 was allocated to the Tohoku earthquake and $20,212 was allocated to the Christchurch earthquake from the 2011 reserve for development on notable loss events.
    
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, $18,618 was allocated to Deepwater Horizon from the 2010 reserve for development on notable loss events. During the same period $16,342 was allocated to the Tohoku earthquake, $16,358 was allocated to the Christchurch earthquake, $7,665 was allocated to the Danish flood and $14,260 was allocated to the Thailand floods.

(b)
Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2010 included Chilean earthquake, Melbourne hailstorm, Windstorm Xynthia, Deepwater Horizon, Aban Pearl, Bangkok riots, Perth hailstorm, New Zealand earthquake, Oklahoma windstorm, Political risk loss, Hurricane Karl, Queensland floods, Political violence loss, Satelite failure and Financial institution loss.

Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2011 included Tohoku earthquake, Gryphon Alpha, Christchurch earthquake, Brisbane floods, CNRL Horizon, Cat 46, Cat 48, Jupiter 1, Danish floods, Hurricane Irene and Thailand floods. As at September 30, 2012, the Company has concluded that CNRL Horizon and Jupiter 1 no longer remains eligible for potential allocations from the 2011 RDE.

Notable losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included Costa Concordia, Cat 67, U.S. drought and Hurricane Isaac.

(c)
The 2011 notable loss events, principally the Tohoku earthquake, the Christchurch earthquake and the Thailand floods continued to experience adverse development as shown in the notable loss roll forward table. Contract complexity, the nature and number of perils arising from these events, limits and sub limits exposed, the quality, flow and timing of information received by the Company, information regarding retrocessional covers, assumptions, both explicit and implicit, regarding future paid and reported loss development patterns, frequency and severity trends, claims settlement practices and potential changes in the legal environment continue to lead to complexity and volatility in the ultimate loss estimates for these events. Given the potential that one or some of the 2011 notable loss events eligible for potential allocation from the 2011 RDE may experience adverse development, rather than all deteriorating proportionately, an addition to the 2011 RDE of $27.9 million was made.

(d)
The reserve for potential development on notable loss events (or “RDE”) is included as part of the Company's overall reserve requirement as defined and disclosed in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy acquisition costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $252.9 million compared to $232.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $20.0 million or 8.6%. Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 18.4% and 17.7%, respectively. The changes in policy acquisition costs are due to the factors provided below.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
% Change
Property
 
$
77,825

 
30.8
%
 
12.6
%
 
$
85,508

 
36.7
%
 
13.1
%
 
(9.0
)%
Marine
 
111,285

 
44.0
%
 
24.1
%
 
82,242

 
35.3
%
 
22.2
%
 
35.3
 %
Specialty
 
63,774

 
25.2
%
 
21.6
%
 
65,181

 
28.0
%
 
22.6
%
 
(2.2
)%
Total
 
$
252,884

 
100.0
%
 
18.4
%
 
$
232,931

 
100.0
%
 
17.7
%
 
8.6
 %
 
Validus Re. Validus Re policy acquisition costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $113.7 million compared to $115.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $1.7 million or 1.5%. Details of Validus Re policy acquisition costs by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
% Change
Property
 
$
68,419

 
60.1
%
 
14.4
%
 
$
71,159

 
61.7
%
 
14.4
%
 
(3.9
)%
Marine
 
33,817

 
29.8
%
 
17.4
%
 
33,266

 
28.8
%
 
21.6
%
 
1.7
 %
Specialty
 
11,423

 
10.1
%
 
16.8
%
 
10,930

 
9.5
%
 
17.0
%
 
4.5
 %
Total
 
$
113,659

 
100.0
%
 
15.4
%
 
$
115,355

 
100.0
%
 
16.2
%
 
(1.5
)%
 
Policy acquisition costs include brokerage, commission and excise tax, are generally driven by contract terms and are normally a set percentage of premiums and are also net of ceding commission income on retrocessions. Items such as ceded premium, earned premium adjustments and reinstatement premiums that are recognized in the period have an effect on the policy acquisition ratio. Validus Re policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned (the policy acquisition cost ratio) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 15.4% and 16.2%, respectively. The policy acquisition cost ratio on the marine line has decreased by 4.2 percentage points due to an increase in reinstatement premiums that attract little or no policy acquisition costs.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat policy acquisition costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.2 million compared to $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $3.4 million or 74.3%.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
% Change
Property
 
$
1,185

 
100.0
%
 
10.1
%
 
$
4,615

 
100.0
%
 
11.7
%
 
(74.3
)%
Total
 
$
1,185

 
100.0
%
 
10.1
%
 
$
4,615

 
100.0
%
 
11.7
%
 
(74.3
)%

 Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 10.1% and 11.7%, respectively.


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Table of Contents

Talbot. Talbot policy acquisition costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $142.2 million compared to $116.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $26.0 million or 22.4%. Details of Talbot policy acquisition costs by line of business are provided below.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Policy Acquisition Costs (%)
 
Acquisition Cost Ratio
 
% Change
Property
 
$
11,466

 
8.0
%
 
8.9
%
 
$
12,761

 
11.0
%
 
10.6
%
 
(10.1
)%
Marine
 
78,313

 
55.1
%
 
29.2
%
 
49,101

 
42.3
%
 
22.7
%
 
59.5
 %
Specialty
 
52,402

 
36.9
%
 
23.0
%
 
54,312

 
46.7
%
 
24.2
%
 
(3.5
)%
Total
 
$
142,181

 
100.0
%
 
22.8
%
 
$
116,174

 
100.0
%
 
20.7
%
 
22.4
 %
 
Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 22.8% and 20.7%, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot reassessed commission costs on underwriting years 2007 and prior, related to business on the marine class.  This resulted in a $14.8 million increase in gross premiums written and earned premium, offset by an equal increase on policy acquisition costs for the marine class, resulting in no net impact.  The effect on the policy acquisition cost ratio was an increase of 4.1 percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $198.6 million compared to $145.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $53.3 million or 36.7%.
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and Administrative Expenses (%)
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and Administrative Expenses (%)
 
% Change
Validus Re
 
$
48,332

 
24.3
%
 
$
32,947

 
22.7
%
 
46.7
%
AlphaCat
 
5,521

 
2.8
%
 
4,122

 
2.8
%
 
33.9
%
Talbot
 
100,910

 
50.8
%
 
82,396

 
56.8
%
 
22.5
%
Corporate & Eliminations (a)
 
43,794

 
22.1
%
 
25,779

 
17.7
%
 
69.9
%
Total
 
$
198,557

 
100.0
%
 
$
145,244

 
100.0
%
 
36.7
%
 
(a)  Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.
 
General and administrative expenses of $198.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 represents 14.5 percentage points of the expense ratio. Share compensation expenses are discussed in the following section.
 
Validus Re. Validus Re general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $48.3 million compared to $32.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $15.4 million or 46.7%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in performance bonus expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Other contributing factors to the increase in general and administrative expense include an increase in rent and office expenses due to the Bermuda office refurbishment. General and administrative expenses include salaries and benefits, professional fees, rent and office expenses. Validus Re general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 6.6% and 4.6%, respectively.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $5.5 million compared to $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $1.4 million or 33.9%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits and performance bonus expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Other contributing factors to the increase in general and administrative expenses include an increase in business and rating agency fees. AlphaCat's general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and

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2011 were 46.8% and 10.4%, respectively. The AlphaCat segment general and administrative ratio has been impacted by the reduction in net premiums earned as a greater proportion of the segment's revenues are generated in equity earnings from operating affiliates which is not included in the ratio calculation.

Talbot. Talbot general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $100.9 million compared to $82.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $18.5 million or 22.5%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in performance bonus expense. Talbot's general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 16.1% and 14.7%, respectively.
 
Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $43.8 million compared to $25.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $18.0 million or 69.9%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in performance bonus expense and professional fees. Corporate general and administrative expenses are comprised of executive and board expenses, internal and external audit expenses and other costs relating to the Company as a whole.
 
Share Compensation Expenses
 
Share compensation expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $19.6 million compared to $27.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $7.5 million or 27.6%. This expense is non-cash and has no net effect on total shareholders’ equity, as it is balanced by an increase in additional paid-in capital.
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Share Compensation Expenses
 
Share Compensation Expenses (%)
 
Share Compensation Expenses
 
Share Compensation Expenses (%)
 
% Change
Validus Re
 
$
5,914

 
30.2
%
 
$
7,118

 
26.3
%
 
(16.9
)%
AlphaCat
 
195

 
1.0
%
 
74

 
0.3
%
 
163.5
 %
Talbot
 
5,347

 
27.3
%
 
6,648

 
24.6
%
 
(19.6
)%
Corporate & Eliminations (a)
 
8,127

 
41.5
%
 
13,219

 
48.8
%
 
(38.5
)%
Total
 
$
19,583

 
100.0
%
 
$
27,059

 
100.0
%
 
(27.6
)%
 
a)
Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.
 
Share compensation expenses of $19.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 represent 1.4 percentage points of the general and administrative expense ratio. The decrease in share compensation expenses of $7.5 million is due to a reversal of $1.4 million of expenses related to performance shares based on a review of current and projected performance criteria, reduced expenses of $1.5 million on the non-qualified options which fully vested in May 2012 and reduced expenses of $0.7 million on the IPO restricted shares which fully vested on July 24, 2012. In addition, the share compensation expenses of $27.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $2.2 million of expenses on the employee seller shares and $1.1 million of Talbot restricted share awards which fully vested on July 2, 2011.

Validus Re. Validus Re share compensation expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $5.9 million compared to $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $1.2 million or 16.9%. Share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 0.8% and 1.0%, respectively.
 
AlphaCat. AlphaCat share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 1.7% and 0.2%, respectively.
 
Talbot. Talbot share compensation expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $5.3 million compared to $6.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $1.3 million or 19.6%. Share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 0.9% and 1.2%, respectively.
 
Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate share compensation expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $8.1 million compared to $13.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $5.1 million or 38.5%.


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 Selected Ratios
 
The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are often measured by reference to its combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. The net loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses and loss expenses incurred (including estimates for incurred but not reported losses) by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is calculated by dividing policy acquisition costs combined with general and administrative expenses (including share compensation expenses) by net premiums earned. The following table presents the losses and loss expenses ratio, policy acquisition cost ratio, general and administrative expense ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Consolidated
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage point change
Losses and loss expenses ratio
 
39.4
%
 
69.2
%
 
(29.8
)
Policy acquisition costs ratio
 
18.4
%
 
17.7
%
 
0.7

General and administrative expenses ratio (a)
 
15.9
%
 
13.1
%
 
2.8

Expense ratio
 
34.3
%
 
30.8
%
 
3.5

Combined ratio
 
73.7
%
 
100.0
%
 
(26.3
)
Validus Re
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage point change
Losses and loss expenses ratio
 
33.1
%
 
74.8
%
 
(41.7
)
Policy acquisition costs ratio
 
15.4
%
 
16.2
%
 
(0.8
)
General and administrative expenses ratio (a)
 
7.4
%
 
5.6
%
 
1.8

Expense ratio
 
22.8
%
 
21.8
%
 
1.0

Combined ratio
 
55.9
%
 
96.6
%
 
(40.7
)
AlphaCat
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage point change
Losses and loss expenses ratio
 
0.0
%
 
0.0
%
 

Policy acquisition costs ratio
 
10.1
%
 
11.7
%
 
(1.6
)
General and administrative expenses ratio (a)
 
48.5
%
 
10.6
%
 
37.9

Expense ratio
 
58.6
%
 
22.3
%
 
36.3

Combined ratio
 
58.6
%
 
22.3
%
 
36.3

Talbot
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Percentage point change
Losses and loss expenses ratio
 
47.6
%
 
67.1
%
 
(19.5
)
Policy acquisition costs ratio
 
22.8
%
 
20.7
%
 
2.1

General and administrative expenses ratio (a)
 
17.0
%
 
15.9
%
 
1.1

Expense ratio
 
39.8
%
 
36.6
%
 
3.2

Combined ratio
 
87.4
%
 
103.7
%
 
(16.3
)

(a)
Includes general and administrative expenses and share compensation expenses.
 
General and administrative expense ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 15.9% and 13.1%, respectively. General and administrative expense ratio is the sum of general and administrative expenses and share compensation expense divided by net premiums earned.
 

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Table of Contents

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Expenses
 
Expenses as % of Net Earned Premiums
 
Expenses
 
Expenses as % of Net Earned Premiums
General and administrative expenses
 
$
198,557

 
14.5
%
 
$
145,244

 
11.0
%
Share compensation expenses
 
19,583

 
1.4
%
 
27,059

 
2.1
%
Total
 
$
218,140

 
15.9
%
 
$
172,303

 
13.1
%
 
Underwriting Income (Loss)
 
Underwriting income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $361.8 million compared to an underwriting (loss) of $(1.0) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $362.8 million or 35,954.3%.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
% of Sub-total
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% of Sub-total
 
% Change
Validus Re
 
$
325,816

 
79.5
%
 
$
24,622

 
70.8
 %
 
1,223.3
 %
AlphaCat
 
4,874

 
1.2
%
 
30,644

 
88.1
 %
 
(84.1
)%
Talbot
 
78,860

 
19.3
%
 
(20,490
)
 
(58.9
)%
 
484.9
 %
Sub total
 
409,550

 
100.0
%
 
34,776

 
100.0
 %
 
1,077.7
 %
Corporate & Eliminations (a)
 
(47,780
)
 
 

 
(35,785
)
 
 

 
(33.5
)%
Total
 
$
361,770

 
 

 
$
(1,009
)
 
 

 
35,954.3
 %
 
(a)
Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.
 
The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are also often measured by reference to its underwriting income, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Underwriting income, as set out in the table below, is reconciled to net income (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) by the addition or subtraction of certain Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) line items, as illustrated below.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Underwriting income (loss)
 
$
361,770

 
$
(1,009
)
Net investment income
 
79,134

 
84,216

Other income
 
22,209

 
2,201

Finance expenses
 
(39,347
)
 
(41,297
)
Net realized gains on investments
 
22,749

 
23,177

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
53,442

 
(22,150
)
(Loss) from investment affiliate
 
(558
)
 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
3,617

 
(22,390
)
Transaction expenses
 
(3,784
)
 
(13,583
)
Tax (expense)
 
(1,886
)
 
(1,050
)
Income from operating affiliates
 
13,194

 

Net income
 
$
510,540

 
$
8,115

 

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Table of Contents

Underwriting income indicates the performance of the Company's core underwriting function, excluding revenues and expenses such as the reconciling items in the table above. The Company believes the reporting of underwriting income enhances the understanding of our results by highlighting the underlying profitability of the Company's core insurance and reinsurance business. Underwriting profitability is influenced significantly by earned premium growth, adequacy of the Company's pricing and loss frequency and severity. Underwriting profitability over time is also influenced by the Company's underwriting discipline, which seeks to manage exposure to loss through favorable risk selection and diversification, its management of claims, its use of reinsurance and its ability to manage its expense ratio, which it accomplishes through its management of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company believes that underwriting income provides investors with a valuable measure of profitability derived from underwriting activities.
 
The Company excludes the U.S. GAAP income statement line items noted above, from its calculation of underwriting income. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are excluded because the amount of these gains and losses is heavily influenced by, and fluctuates in part, according to availability of investment market opportunities. The Company believes the other line items excluded are largely independent of its underwriting business and including them distorts the analysis of trends in its operations. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company believes that showing underwriting income enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information to more easily analyze the Company's results of operations in a manner similar to how management analyzes the Company's underlying business performance. The Company uses underwriting income as a primary measure of underwriting results in its analysis of historical financial information and when performing its budgeting and forecasting processes. Analysts, investors and rating agencies who follow the Company request this non-GAAP financial information on a regular basis. In addition, underwriting income is one of the factors considered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors in determining the bonus component of the total annual incentive compensation.
 
Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net income as there are inherent material limitations associated with the use of underwriting income as compared to using net income, which is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. The most significant limitation is the ability of users of the financial information to make comparable assessments of underwriting income with other companies, particularly as underwriting income may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Therefore, the Company provides more prominence in this filing to the use of the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, net income, which includes the reconciling items in the table above. The Company compensates for these limitations by providing both clear and transparent disclosure of net income and reconciliation of underwriting income to net income.
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $79.1 million compared to $84.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $5.1 million or 6.0%. Net investment income decreased due to falling yields on fixed maturity investments. Net investment income is comprised of accretion of premium or discount on fixed maturities, interest on coupon-paying bonds, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by investment management fees. The components of net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are as provided below.

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
% Change
Fixed maturities and short-term investments
 
$
79,450

 
$
84,243

 
(5.7
)%
Cash and cash equivalents
 
5,536

 
5,132

 
7.9
 %
Securities lending income
 
9

 
31

 
(71.0
)%
Total gross investment income
 
84,995

 
89,406

 
(4.9
)%
Investment expenses
 
(5,861
)
 
(5,190
)
 
(12.9
)%
Net investment income
 
$
79,134

 
$
84,216

 
(6.0
)%
 
Annualized effective investment yield is calculated by dividing net investment income by the average balance of the assets managed by our portfolio managers (excluding other investments). Average assets is the average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end asset balances. The Company's annualized effective investment yield was 1.73% and 1.87% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the average duration of the portfolio at September 30, 2012 was 1.61 years (December 31, 2011 - 1.63 years).

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Table of Contents

 
Other Income
 
Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $22.2 million compared to $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $20.0 million or 909.0%. The primary component of other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is $19.9 million in underwriting and performance fees the AlphaCat segment earned from business written by AlphaCat Re 2011 and AlphaCat Re 2012. AlphaCat Re 2011 was a consolidated subsidiary during the three months ended June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2011. The balance sheet of AlphaCat Re 2011 was deconsolidated as at December 31, 2011.
 
Finance Expenses
 
Finance expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $39.3 million compared to $41.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $2.0 million or 4.7%. Finance expenses include interest, the amortization of debt offering costs and discounts, and fees related to our credit facilities.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012
 
2011
 
% Change
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
 
$
4,729

 
$
8,272

 
(42.8
)%
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
 
7,072

 
9,086

 
(22.2
)%
2010 Senior Notes due 2040
 
16,792

 
16,791

 
0.0
 %
Credit facilities
 
10,530

 
4,821

 
118.4
 %
AlphaCat Re 2011 fees (a)
 

 
2,112

 
(100.0
)%
Talbot FAL Facility
 
93

 
215

 
(56.7
)%
Talbot other interest
 
131

 

 
NM

Finance expenses
 
$
39,347

 
$
41,297

 
(4.7
)%
 
(a) Includes preferred share dividends and finance expenses attributable to AlphaCat Re 2011.

NM: Not Meaningful
 
The decrease in finance expenses of $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 due primarily to a $5.5 million decrease in interest paid on the 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. The basis of repayment for the 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures was changed effective June 15, 2011, from a fixed interest rate of 9.069% to three month LIBOR plus 355 basis points. The basis of repayment for the 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures was changed effective June 15, 2012, from a fixed interest rate of 8.480% to three month LIBOR plus 295 basis points. Additionally there was a $2.1 million reduction in the AlphaCat Re 2011 preferred dividend. These decreases were offset by a $5.7 million increase in credit facility fees due to closing fees on the renewal of the credit facilities and the acceleration of fees expensed on the credit facilities that expired during the year. 
 
Tax (Expense)
 
Tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $(1.9) million compared to $(1.1) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase in expense of $0.8 million or 79.6%.

The Company provides for income taxes based upon amounts reported in the financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws. The Company is registered in Bermuda and is subject to Bermuda law with respect to taxation. Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and has received an undertaking from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that, in the event of any Bermuda income or capital gains taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from those taxes until March 31, 2035.

Within the segment information contained in the Financial Statements, gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure are presented for the periods indicated. Gross premiums written allocated to the United States are written primarily through Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., a Bermuda Registered Reinsurance Company. As noted, under current Bermuda law, the Company is not taxed on any Bermuda income and therefore the premium disclosed in the segment information does not correlate to pre-tax income generated in the United States.

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Table of Contents

 
Income From Operating Affiliates
 
Income from operating affiliates for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, was $13.2 million compared to $nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $13.2 million or 100%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 income from operating affiliates includes $10.3 million in equity earnings relating to AlphaCat Re 2011 and $2.9 million in equity earnings relating to AlphaCat Re 2012.

In the second quarter of 2011, AlphaCat Re 2011 was included in the consolidated results of the Company, therefore there was no comparative information for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. As at September 30, 2012, the Company owned 22.3% of AlphaCat Re 2011, therefore income from operating affiliates reflects the Company's share of AlphaCat Re 2011's net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

AlphaCat Re 2012 was formed on May 29, 2012 therefore there was no comparative information for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. As at September 30, 2012, the Company owned 37.9% of AlphaCat Re 2012, therefore income from operating affiliates reflects the Company's share of AlphaCat Re 2012's net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Net Realized Gains on Investments

Net realized gains on investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $22.7 million compared to $23.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.4 million or 1.8%.
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity and short term investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $41.1 million compared to losses of ($20.6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $61.7 million or 299.5% . The net unrealized gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were a result of increased market appetite for corporate credit.

Net unrealized gains on other investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $12.3 million compared to losses of ($1.6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $13.9 million.Net Unrealized gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were driven primarily by $12.1 million unrealized gains relating to the hedge fund investments. The amount of net unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interest was $10.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, leaving a net impact to the Company of $1.2 million.
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments are recorded as a component of net income. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance on U.S. GAAP fair value measurements in effect as of the balance sheet date. Consistent with these standards, certain market conditions allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable.

(Loss) From Investment Affiliate

The loss from investment affiliate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $0.6 million as compared to $nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $0.6 million or 100%. The loss from investment affiliate relates to the loss incurred in the Company's investment in the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 . The Company did not hold this investment as of September 30, 2011.
 
Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)
 
Foreign exchange gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $3.6 million compared to losses of ($22.4) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a favorable movement of $26.0 million or 116.2%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re recognized foreign exchange gains of $2.5 million and Talbot recognized foreign exchange gains of $1.3 million.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Validus Re segment foreign exchange gains were $2.5 million compared to foreign exchange losses of ($19.3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a favorable movement of $21.8 million or 112.7%. Validus Re currently hedges foreign currency exposure by balancing assets (primarily cash and premium

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Table of Contents

receivables) with liabilities (primarily case reserves and event IBNR) for certain major non-USD currencies. Consequently, Validus Re aims to have a limited exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations. The $2.5 million gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 primarily occurred as a result of the British pound sterling and Japanese yen strengthening during the period. In the nine months ended September 30, 2011 a foreign exchange loss occurred as a result of the Company having liabilities in both New Zealand dollars and Japanese yen during a period when both of these currencies strengthened against the U.S. dollar and a $5.5 million loss on a forward contract to hedge currency movements in Chilean pesos.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Talbot segment foreign exchange gains were $1.3 million compared to losses of ($2.6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a favorable movement of $4.0 million or 150.7%. The favorable movement in Talbot foreign exchange for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was due primarily to the strengthening of British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar, as compared to British pound sterling weakening against the U.S. dollar during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
At September 30, 2012, Talbot's balance sheet includes net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs denominated in foreign currencies of approximately $106.8 million and $21.6 million, respectively. These balances consisted of British pound sterling and Canadian dollars of $76.4 million and $8.7 million, respectively. Net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs are classified as non-monetary items and are translated at historic exchange rates. All of Talbot's other balance sheet items are classified as monetary items and are translated at period end exchange rates. Additional foreign exchange gains (losses) may be incurred on the translation of net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs arising from insurance and reinsurance premiums written in future periods.

 Net (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

On April 2, 2012, the Company capitalized PaCRe, a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance. PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed capital. Validus invested $50.0 million in PaCRe's common equity and therefore owns 10.0% of PaCRe. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interest of $11.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was calculated as 90.0% of the net income in PaCRe for the period.

On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2011, a new special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance. Validus Re has an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and Validus Re held a majority of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights up to December 23, 2011 when AlphaCat Re 2011 completed a secondary offering of its common shares to third party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re common shares to one of the third party investors. As a result of these transactions, the Company's outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%. As a result of the Company's voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 is treated as an equity method investment as at September 30, 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 the Company recorded $14.1 million in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest relating to AlphaCat Re 2011.

 

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Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed certain schedules containing net operating income, underwriting income (loss), managed gross premiums written, annualized return on average equity and diluted book value per common share that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The calculation of annualized return on average equity is discussed in the section above entitled "Financial Measures." A reconciliation of underwriting income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented above in the section entitled "Underwriting Income (Loss)." A reconciliation of diluted book value per share to book value per share, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented below. Operating income is calculated based on net income (loss) excluding net realized gains (losses), net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, income (loss) from investment affiliates, gains (losses) arising from translation of non-US$ denominated balances and non-recurring items. A reconciliation of operating income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is embedded in the table presenting results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 in the section above entitled "Results of Operations." Realized gains (losses) from the sale of investments are driven by the timing of the disposition of investments, not by our operating performance. Gains (losses) arising from translation of non-U.S. dollar denominated balances are unrelated to our underlying business.
Managed gross premiums written represents gross premiums written by the Company and its operating affiliates.  Managed gross premiums written differs from total gross premiums written, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, due to the inclusion of premiums written on behalf of the Company's operating affiliates, AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd. and AlphaCat Re 2012, Ltd., which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. A reconciliation of managed gross premiums written to gross premiums written, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below.
The following tables present reconciliations of diluted book value per share to book value per share, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
 
As at September 30, 2012
 
(unaudited)
 
Equity Amount
 
Shares
 
Exercise Price
 
Book Value Per
Share
Book value per common share
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus
$
3,633,853

 
93,494,391

 
 
 
$
38.87

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Diluted book value per common share
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus
3,633,853

 
93,494,391

 
 
 
 
Assumed exercise of outstanding warrants
116,822

 
6,652,550

 
$
17.56

 
 
Assumed exercise of outstanding stock options
37,745

 
1,823,947

 
$
20.69

 
 
Unvested restricted shares

 
2,468,053

 
 
 
 
Diluted book value per common share
$
3,788,420

 
104,438,941

 
 
 
$
36.27

 
 
As at December 31, 2011
 
Equity Amount
 
Shares
 
Exercise Price
 
Book Value Per
Share
Book value per common share
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus
$
3,448,425

 
99,471,080

 
 
 
$
34.67

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Diluted book value per common share
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus
3,448,425

 
99,471,080

 
 
 
 
Assumed exercise of outstanding warrants
121,445

 
6,916,677

 
$
17.56

 
 
Assumed exercise of outstanding stock options
45,530

 
2,263,012

 
$
20.12

 
 
Unvested restricted shares

 
3,340,729

 
 
 
 
Diluted book value per common share
$
3,615,400

 
111,991,498

 
 
 
$
32.28







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The following tables present reconciliations of total gross premiums written to total managed gross premiums written, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, at September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011.

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011(a)
 
2012
 
2011(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gross premiums written
$
390,215

 
$
391,129

 
$
1,854,593

 
$
1,846,412

Adjustments for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written on behalf of AlphaCat Re 2011
7,604

 

 
94,309

 

Gross premiums written on behalf of AlphaCat Re 2012
1,658

 

 
32,216

 

Total managed gross premiums written
$
399,477

 
$
391,129

 
$
1,981,118

 
$
1,846,412


(a) Total gross premiums written for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $18.8 million and $61.4 million of gross premiums written from AlphaCat Re 2011, which was a consolidated subsidiary during the three months ended June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2011. The balance sheet of AlphaCat Re 2011 was deconsolidated as at December 31, 2011.

Financial Condition and Liquidity
 
Validus Holdings, Ltd. is a holding company and conducts no operations of its own. The Company relies primarily on cash
dividends and other permitted payments from Validus Re and Talbot to pay finance expenses and other holding company expenses. There are restrictions on the payment of dividends from Validus Re and Talbot to the Company. Please refer to Part II, Item 5, "Market for Registrants, Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further discussion of the Company's dividend policy.

Three main sources provide cash flows for the Company: operating activities, investing activities and financing activities. Cash flow from operating activities is derived primarily from the net receipt of premiums less claims and expenses related to underwriting activities. Cash flow from investing activities is derived primarily from the receipt of net proceeds on the Company's total investment portfolio. Cash flow from financing activities is derived primarily from the issuance of common shares and debentures payable. The movement in net cash provided by operating activities, net cash (used in) investing activities, net cash provided by financing activities and the effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is provided in the following table.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012
 
2011
 
% Change
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
483,025

 
$
469,903

 
2.8
 %
Net cash (used in) investing activities
 
(444,835
)
 
(277,970
)
 
(60.0
)%
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
114,345

 
51,971

 
120.0
 %
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
20,450

 
(8,662
)
 
(336.1
)%
Net increase in cash
 
$
172,985

 
$
235,242

 
(26.5
)%
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net cash provided by operating activities of $483.0 million was driven primarily by net income of $510.5 million, a $262.2 million increase in unearned premiums, partially offset by a $132.3 million increase in premiums receivable and an $81.0 million decrease in reserve for losses and loss expenses. Net cash used in investing activities of $444.8 million was driven primarily by a net purchase of investments of $828.1 million partially offset by $385.6 million in proceeds on maturities of investments. Net cash provided by financing activities of $114.3 million was driven primarily by the third party investment in noncontrolling interest of $450.1 million, partially offset by share repurchases of $259.7 million and a payment of $81.4 million in quarterly dividends.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net cash provided by operating activities of $469.9 million was driven
primarily by a significant portion of the 2011 incurred losses which have yet to be paid. Net cash used in investing activities of $278.0 million was driven primarily by a net purchase of investments of $542.7 million, partially offset by $266.6 million in proceeds on maturities of investments. Net cash provided by financing activities of $52.0 million was driven primarily by $132.1 million of third party investment in AlphaCat Re 2011, partially offset by the payment of $81.1 million of quarterly dividends.

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As at September 30, 2012, the Company's portfolio was composed of fixed income investments including short-term investments, agency securities and sovereign securities amounting to $5,688.4 million or 85.0% of total cash and investments. Details of the Company's debt and financing arrangements at September 30, 2012 are provided below.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maturity Date / Term
 
Outstanding (a)
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
 
June 15, 2036
 
$
150,000

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
 
June 15, 2037
 
139,800

2010 Senior Notes due 2040
 
January 26, 2040
 
250,000

$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility
 
March 9, 2016
 

$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility
 
March 9, 2016
 
318,506

$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility
 
Evergreen
 
88,191

Talbot FAL Facility (b)
 
December 31, 2015
 
25,000

PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility
 
May 10, 2013
 

IPC Bi-Lateral Facility
 
December 31, 2012
 
51,009

Total
 
 
 
$
1,022,506

 
(a)
Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not drawn borrowings.

(b)
Talbot operates in Lloyd’s through a corporate member, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”), which is the sole participant in Syndicate 1183. Lloyd’s sets T02’s required capital annually based on Syndicate 1183’s business plan, rating environment, reserving environment together with input arising from Lloyd’s discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating agencies.  Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”), comprises: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks.

Capital Resources
 
Shareholders' equity at September 30, 2012 was $4,095.3 million.
 
On May 2, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, which was paid on June 29, 2012 to holders of record on June 15, 2012.

On July 25, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on September 28, 2012 to holders of record on September 14, 2012.

On November 1, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on December 28, 2012 to holders of record on December 14, 2012.

The timing and amount of any future cash dividends, however, will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend upon our results of operations and cash flows, our financial position and capital requirements, general business conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, rating agency and contractual constraints or restrictions and any other factors that the Board deems relevant.

 On August 5, 2011, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-176116) with the U.S. Securities Exchange Committee in which we may offer from time to time common shares, preference shares, depository shares representing common shares or preference shares, senior or subordinated debt securities, warrants to purchase common shares, preference shares and debt securities, share purchase contracts, share purchase units and units which may consist of any combination of the securities listed above. In addition, the shelf registration statement will provide for secondary sales of common shares sold by the Company's shareholders. The registration statement is intended to provide the Company with additional flexibility to access capital markets for general corporate purposes, subject to market conditions and the Company's capital needs.

On April 2, 2012, the Company capitalized PaCRe, a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance.  PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed capital. Validus invested $50.0 million in PaCRe's common equity. The Company will underwrite business for PaCRe, for which it will be paid a profit commission based on the company's underwriting results.


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On May 29, 2012, the Company announced that it has joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2012. AlphaCat Re 2012 is a new special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance with a particular focus on windstorm risks for Florida domiciled insurance companies. AlphaCat Re 2012 was funded with $70.0 million of equity capital. The Company will underwrite business for AlphaCat Re 2012, for which it will be paid a commission for originating the business and a profit commission based on underwriting results.

On June 5, 2012, the Company announced the final results of its “modified Dutch auction” tender offer. Pursuant to this tender offer, the Company purchased 6,383,884 of its common shares at a price of $32.00 per common share for a total cost of $204.3 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer. The Company funded the purchase of the shares in the tender offer using cash on hand.
 
The Company may from time to time repurchase its securities, including common shares, Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures and Senior Notes. The Company repurchased 43.1 million shares at a cost of $1,206.8 million under the share repurchase programs for the period November 4, 2009 through November 5, 2012. The Company has $122.3 million remaining under its authorized share repurchase program at November 5, 2012.
 
The Company expects the purchases under its share repurchase program to be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, form and amount of the share repurchases under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the Company's capital position relative to internal and rating agency targets, legal requirements and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
 
 The following table details the capital resources of the Company's more significant subsidiaries on an unconsolidated basis.
 
 
 
Capital at
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2012
Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (consolidated), excluding Validus Re Americas, Ltd.
 
$
3,290,111

Validus Re Americas, Ltd. (formerly IPCRe, Ltd.)
 
132,610

AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd.
 
854

Total Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (consolidated)
 
3,423,575

Noncontrolling interest in PacRe, Ltd.
 
461,486

Talbot Holdings, Ltd.
 
764,422

Other subsidiaries
 
2,737

Other, net
 
(20,018
)
Total consolidated capitalization
 
4,632,202

Senior notes payable
 
(247,063
)
Debentures payable
 
(289,800
)
Total shareholders' equity
 
$
4,095,339


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Ratings
 
The following table summarizes the financial strength ratings of the Company and its principal reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries from internationally recognized rating agencies as of November 6, 2012:
 
 
A.M. Best (a)
 
S&P (b)
 
Moody’s (c)
 
Fitch (d)
Validus Holdings, Ltd.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuer credit rating
bbb
 
BBB+
 
Baa2
 
BBB+
Senior debt
bbb
 
BBB+
 
Baa2
 
BBB
Subordinated debt
bbb-
 
BBB-
 
Baa3
 
BB+
Preferred stock
bb+
 
BBB-
 
Ba1
 
Outlook on ratings
Stable
 
Stable
 
Stable
 
Positive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Validus Reinsurance, Ltd.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial strength rating
A
 
A
 
A3
 
A-
Issuer credit rating
a-
 
 
 
Outlook on ratings
Stable
 
Stable
 
Stable
 
Positive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Talbot
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial strength rating applicable to all Lloyds syndicates
A
 
A+
 
 
A+

(a)      The A.M. Best ratings were most recently upgraded on February 6, 2012
(b)      The S&P ratings were upgraded to the levels noted above on August 28, 2012
(c)       All Moody's ratings were most recently affirmed on December 29, 2011
(d)       All Fitch ratings were most recently affirmed on November 7, 2011

Recent accounting pronouncements
 
Please refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part I, Item I) for further discussion of relevant recent accounting pronouncements.

Debt and Financing Arrangements
 
The following table details the Company's borrowings and credit facilities as at September 30, 2012.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Commitments
 
Outstanding (a)
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
 
$
150,000

 
$
150,000

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
 
200,000

 
139,800

2010 Senior Notes due 2040
 
250,000

 
250,000

$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility
 
400,000

 

$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility
 
525,000

 
318,506

$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility
 
500,000

 
88,191

Talbot FAL Facility (b)
 
25,000

 
25,000

PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility
 
10,000

 

IPC Bi-Lateral Facility
 
80,000

 
51,009

Total
 
$
2,140,000

 
$
1,022,506


(a)
Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not drawn borrowings.

(b)
Talbot operates in Lloyd’s through a corporate member, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”), which is the sole participant in Syndicate 1183. Lloyd’s sets T02’s required capital annually based on Syndicate 1183’s business plan, rating environment, reserving environment together with input arising from Lloyd’s discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating agencies.  Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”), comprises: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks.
 
Please refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part I, Item I) for further discussion of the Company’s debt and financing arrangements.
 

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Investments
 
A significant portion of contracts written provide short-tail reinsurance coverage for losses resulting mainly from natural and man-made catastrophes, which could result in a significant amount of losses on short notice. Accordingly, the Company's investment portfolio is structured to provide significant liquidity and preserve capital, which means the investment portfolio contains a significant amount of relatively short-term fixed maturity investments, such as U.S. government securities, U.S. government-sponsored enterprises securities, corporate debt securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
 
Substantially all of the fixed maturity investments held at September 30, 2012 were publicly traded. At September 30, 2012 the average duration of the Company's fixed maturity portfolio was 1.61 years (December 31, 2011: 1.63 years) and the average rating of the portfolio was A+ (December 31, 2011: AA-). At September 30, 2012, the total fixed maturity portfolio was $4,887.6 million (December 31, 2011: $4,894.1 million), of which $762.7 million (December 31, 2011: $882.9 million) were rated AAA.
 
On September 4, 2009, as part of the IPC Acquisition, the Company assumed IPC's investment portfolio containing $1,820.9 million of corporate bonds, $112.9 million of agency residential mortgage-backed securities, $234.7 million of equity mutual funds, $114.8 million fund of hedge funds and $11.0 million of equity mutual funds contained within a deferred compensation trust. On September 9, 2009, the Company realized a gain of $4.5 million on the disposition of $234.7 million of equity mutual funds. A redemption request for the fund of hedge funds has been submitted for value as at October 31, 2009. The redemption amounted to $89.4 million and the Company has received full proceeds. As of September 30, 2012, the Company held a fund of hedge fund side pocket of $4.5 million. While a redemption request has been submitted, the timing of receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is indeterminable.
 
With the exception of the bank loan portfolio, the Company's investment guidelines require that investments be rated BBB- or higher at the time of purchase. The Company reports the ratings of its investment portfolio securities at the lower of Moody's or Standard & Poor's rating for each investment security. The Company's investment portfolio as at September 30, 2012, has $19.2 million of non-agency mortgage backed securities rated less than investment grade.
 
The other components of less than investment grade securities held by the Company at September 30, 2012 were $38.5 million of catastrophe bonds, $580.0 million of bank loans and $1.0 million of corporate bonds.
 
Cash and cash equivalents and investments in Talbot of $1,842.4 million at September 30, 2012 were held in trust for the benefit of cedants and policyholders and to facilitate the accreditation as an alien insurer/reinsurer by certain regulators (December 31, 2011: $1,686.6 million). Total cash and cash equivalents and investments in Talbot were $1,883.8 million at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $1,743.0 million).
 

Cash Flows
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $483.0 million and $469.9 million, respectively. Cash flows from operations generally represent premiums collected, less losses and loss expenses paid and underwriting and other expenses paid. Cash flows from operations may differ substantially from net income.
 
As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1,005.8 million and $832.8 million, respectively.
 
The Company has written certain business that has loss experience generally characterized as having low frequency and high severity. This results in volatility in both results and operational cash flows. The potential for large claims or a series of claims under one or more reinsurance contracts means that substantial and unpredictable payments may be required within relatively short periods of time. As a result, cash flows from operating activities may fluctuate, perhaps significantly, between individual quarters and years. Management believes the Company's unused credit facility amounts and highly liquid investment portfolio are sufficient to support any potential operating cash flow deficiencies. Please refer to the table detailing the Company's borrowings and credit facilities as at September 30, 2012, presented above.
 
In addition to relying on premiums received and investment income from the investment portfolio, the Company intends to meet these cash flow demands by carrying a substantial amount of short and medium term investments that would mature, or possibly be sold, prior to the settlement of expected liabilities. The Company cannot provide assurance, however, that it will successfully match the structure of its investments with its liabilities due to uncertainty related to the timing and severity of loss events.

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Any prospectus, prospectus supplement, the Company’s Annual Report to shareholders, any proxy statement, any other Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K of the Company or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such statements include forward-looking statements both with respect to the Company in general, and to the insurance and reinsurance sectors in particular. Statements that include the words “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “project”, “anticipate”, “will”, “may”, 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 and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statement.
 
We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events;

our ability to obtain and maintain ratings, which may affect our ability to raise additional equity or debt financings, as well as other factors described herein;

adequacy of the Company’s and Flagstone's risk management and loss limitation methods;

cyclicality of demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets;

the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy during “soft” as well as “hard” markets;

adequacy of the Company’s and Flagstone's loss reserves;

continued availability of capital and financing;

the Company’s ability to identify, hire and retain, on a timely and unimpeded basis and on anticipated economic and other terms, experienced and capable senior management, as well as underwriters, claims professionals and support staff;

acceptance of our business strategy, security and financial condition by rating agencies and regulators, as well as by brokers and (re)insureds;

competition, including increased competition, on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors;

potential loss of business from one or more major insurance or reinsurance brokers;

the Company’s ability to implement, successfully and on a timely basis, complex infrastructure, distribution capabilities, systems, procedures and internal controls, and to develop accurate actuarial data to support the business and regulatory and reporting requirements;

general economic and market conditions (including inflation, volatility in the credit and capital markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates) and conditions specific to the insurance and reinsurance markets in which we operate;

the integration of Flagstone and other businesses we may acquire or new business ventures, including overseas offices, we may start;

accuracy of those estimates and judgments used in the preparation of the Company's and Flagstone's financial statements, including those related to revenue recognition, insurance and other reserves, reinsurance recoverables, investment valuations, intangible assets, bad debts, taxes, contingencies, litigation and any determination to use the deposit method of accounting, which, for a relatively new insurance and reinsurance company like the Company and Flagstone, are even more difficult to make than those made in a mature company because of limited historical information;

the effect on the Company’s and Flagstone's investment portfolio of changing financial market conditions including

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inflation, interest rates, liquidity and the possible downgrade of U.S. securities by credit rating agencies and the resulting effect on the value of securities in the Company’s and Flagstone's investment portfolio, as well as other factors;

acts of terrorism, political unrest, outbreak of war and other hostilities or other non-forecasted and unpredictable events;

availability and cost of reinsurance and retrocession coverage;

the failure of reinsurers, retrocessionaires, producers or others to meet their obligations to us;

the timing of loss payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being slower than anticipated by us;

changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their interpretations;

changes in accounting principles or the application of such principles by regulators;

statutory or regulatory or rating agency developments, including as to tax policy and reinsurance and other regulatory matters such as the adoption of proposed legislation that would affect Bermuda-headquartered companies and/or Bermuda-based insurers or reinsurers; and

the other factors set forth herein under Part I Item 1A "Risk Factors" and under Part II Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the other sections of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as the risk and other factors set forth in the Company's other filings with the SEC, as well as management's response to any of the aforementioned factors.

In addition, other general factors could affect our results, including: (a) developments in the world’s financial and capital markets and our access to such markets; (b) changes in regulations or tax laws applicable to us, including, without limitation, any such changes resulting from the recent investigations relating to the insurance industry and any attendant litigation; and (c) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to terrorism or other hostilities.

Additionally, the proposed transaction with Flagstone is subject to risks and uncertainties, including: (A) that the Company and Flagstone may be unable to complete the proposed transaction because, among other reasons, conditions to the closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or waived; (B) uncertainty as to the timing of completion of the proposed transaction; (C) uncertainty as to the actual premium (if any) that will be realized by Flagstone shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction; and (D) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including as a result of failure or delay in integrating Flagstone's businesses into the Company.
 
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 herein or elsewhere. Any forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business or operations. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We believe we are principally exposed to five types of market risk:
 
interest rate risk;

foreign currency risk;

credit risk;

liquidity risk; and

effects of inflation.


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Interest Rate Risk: The Company's primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. The Company's fixed maturity portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these investments. As interest rates rise, the market value of the Company's fixed maturity portfolio falls and the Company has the risk that cash outflows will have to be funded by selling assets, which will be trading at depreciated values. As interest rates decline, the market value of the Company's fixed income portfolio increases and the Company has reinvestment risk, as funds reinvested will earn less than is necessary to match anticipated liabilities. We manage interest rate risk by selecting investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of the insurance and reinsurance liabilities the Company assumes.
 
As at September 30, 2012, the impact on the Company's fixed maturity and short-term investments from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates (based on U.S. treasury yield) would have resulted in an estimated decrease in market value of 1.6%, or approximately $82.7 million. As at September 30, 2012, the impact on the Company's fixed maturity portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated increase in market value of 1.3% or approximately $65.5 million.
 
As at September 30, 2011, the impact on the Company's fixed maturity and short-term investments from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates (based on U.S. treasury yield) would have resulted in an estimated decrease in market value of 1.6%, or approximately $81.9 million. As at September 30, 2011, the impact on the Company's fixed maturity portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated increase in market value of 0.8% or approximately $43.3 million.
 
As at September 30, 2012, the Company held $825.6 million (December 31, 2011: $829.5 million), or 16.9% (December 31, 2011: 16.9%), of the Company's fixed maturity portfolio in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. These assets are exposed to prepayment risk, which occurs when holders of underlying loans increase the frequency with which they prepay the outstanding principal before the maturity date and refinance at a lower interest rate cost. The adverse impact of prepayment is more evident in a declining interest rate environment. As a result, the Company will be exposed to reinvestment risk, as cash flows received by the Company will be accelerated and will be reinvested at the prevailing interest rates.
 
Foreign Currency Risk:  Certain of the Company's reinsurance contracts provide that ultimate losses may be payable in foreign currencies depending on the country of original loss. Foreign currency exchange rate risk exists to the extent that there is an increase in the exchange rate of the foreign currency in which losses are ultimately owed. Therefore, we attempt to manage our foreign currency risk by seeking to match our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance policies that are payable in foreign currencies with cash and investments that are denominated in such currencies. As of September 30, 2012, $849.9 million, or 10.0% of our total assets and $841.0 million, or 19.3% of our total liabilities were held in foreign currencies. As of September 30, 2012, $149.8 million, or 3.4% of our total liabilities held in foreign currencies was non-monetary items which do not require revaluation at each reporting date. As of September 30, 2011, $744.4 million, or 9.3% of our total assets and $867.4 million, or 19.7% of our total liabilities were held in foreign currencies. As of September 30, 2011, $104.5 million, or 2.4% of our total liabilities held in foreign currencies was non-monetary items which do not require revaluation at each reporting date.
 
Credit Risk: We are exposed to credit risk primarily from the possibility that counterparties may default on their obligations to us. We attempt to limit our credit exposure by purchasing high quality fixed income investments to maintain an average portfolio credit quality of AA- or higher with mortgage and commercial mortgage-backed issues having an aggregate weighted average credit quality of AAA. In addition, we have limited our exposure to any single issuer to 3.0% or less of total investments, excluding treasury and agency securities. With the exception of the bank loan portfolio, the minimum credit rating of any security purchased is BBB-/Baa3 and where investments are downgraded below BBB-/Baa3, we permit our investment managers to hold up to 2.0% in aggregate market value, or up to 10.0% with written authorization of the Company. At September 30, 2012, 1.1% of the portfolio, excluding bank loans was below BBB-/Baa3 and we did not have an aggregate exposure to any single issuer of more than 1.0% of total investments, other than with respect to government and agency securities.
 
The amount of the maximum exposure to credit risk is indicated by the carrying value of the Company's financial assets. The Company's primary credit risks reside in investment in U.S. corporate bonds and recoverables from reinsurers. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentration of credit risk arising from its exposure to individual reinsurers. The reinsurance program is generally placed with reinsurers whose rating, at the time of placement, was A- or better rated by S & P or the equivalent with other rating agencies. Exposure to a single reinsurer is also controlled with restrictions dependent on rating. At September 30, 2012, 96.9% of reinsurance recoverables (which includes loss reserves recoverable and recoverables on paid losses) were from reinsurers rated A- or above, or from reinsurers posting full collateral (December 31, 2011: 99.4%, rated A-).
 

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Liquidity risk: Certain of the Company's investments may become illiquid. Disruption in the credit markets may materially affect the liquidity of the Company's investments, including non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities and bank loans which represent 9.4% (December 31, 2011: 8.3%) of total cash and investments. If the Company requires significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of normal cash requirements (which could include claims on a major catastrophic event) in a period of market illiquidity, the investments may be difficult to sell in a timely manner and may have to be disposed of for less than what may otherwise have been possible under other conditions. At September 30, 2012, the Company had $1,376.4 million of unrestricted, liquid assets, defined as unpledged cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, government and government agency securities. Details of the Company's debt and financing arrangements at September 30, 2012 are provided below.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Maturity Date / Term
 
In Use / Outstanding
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
June 15, 2036
 
$
150,000

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures
June 15, 2037
 
139,800

2010 Senior Notes due 2040
January 26, 2040
 
250,000

$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility
March 9, 2016
 

$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility
March 9, 2016
 
318,506

$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility
Evergreen
 
88,191

Talbot FAL Facility
December 31, 2015
 
25,000

PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility
May 10, 2013
 

IPC Bi-Lateral Facility
December 31, 2012
 
51,009

Total
 
 
$
1,022,506

 
Effects of Inflation: We do not believe that inflation has had or will have a material effect on our combined results of operations, except insofar as (a) inflation may affect interest rates, and (b) losses and loss expenses may be affected by inflation.
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that all material information relating to the Company required to be filed in this report has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported when required and the information is accumulated and communicated, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the Company’s evaluation required pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The Company anticipates that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, it will be subject to litigation and arbitration in the ordinary course of business.

ITEM 1A.               RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the risk factors set forth below, you should read and consider other risk factors specific to each of the Company’s and Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A. businesses described in Part I, Item 1A of each company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and other documents that have been filed with the SEC and all of

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which are incorporated by reference into the joint proxy statement/prospectus on Form S-4, filed with the SEC on September 20, 2012. If any of the risks described below or in the reports incorporated by reference into the joint proxy statement/prospectus on Form S-4, filed with the SEC on September 20, 2012 occurs, the respective businesses, financial results, financial conditions, operating results or share prices of the Company or Flagstone could be materially adversely affected.

Risk Factors Relating to the Mergers
As a result of the fixed exchange ratio and changes in the price of Validus common shares, Flagstone shareholders cannot be sure of the value of the merger consideration they will receive in the mergers.
Upon completion of the mergers, Flagstone shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.1935 Validus common shares, $2.00 in cash (less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest), plus cash in lieu of any fractional Validus common shares they would otherwise be entitled to receive, for each share of Flagstone owned by them immediately prior to the mergers. Because the exchange ratio is fixed at 0.1935 Validus common shares for each Flagstone share, the market value of the Validus common shares issued in consideration for Flagstone shares will depend upon the market price of Validus common shares. If the market price of Validus common shares declines, Flagstone shareholders would receive less value for their shares upon the completion of the mergers than the value calculated pursuant to the exchange ratio on the date the mergers were announced or as of the date of the proxy statement/prospectus or as of the date of the extraordinary general meeting. Neither Validus nor Flagstone is permitted to terminate the merger agreement or resolicit the vote of Flagstone shareholders solely because of changes in the market price of Validus common shares. Share price changes may result from a variety of factors that are beyond the companies’ control, including general market conditions, changes in business prospects, catastrophic events, both natural and man-made, and regulatory conditions.
Because the mergers will not be completed until certain conditions have been satisfied or waived, a period of time, which may be significant, may pass between the date of the proxy statement/prospectus and the date of the extraordinary general meeting and/or the completion of the mergers. Therefore, at the time when you are asked to approve the merger proposal at the extraordinary general meeting, you will not know the exact market value of the Validus common shares that will be issued if the mergers are completed. Flagstone shareholders are urged to obtain market quotations for Validus common shares and Flagstone shares when they consider whether to vote in favor of the merger proposal at the extraordinary general meeting.
In connection with the mergers, Validus estimates that it will need to issue approximately 14,290,388 Validus common shares. The increase in the number of outstanding Validus common shares may lead to sales of such shares or the perception that such sales may occur, either of which may adversely affect the market for, and the market price of, Validus common shares.

Validus and Flagstone must obtain governmental, regulatory and insurance department approvals to complete the mergers, which, if delayed or not granted, may jeopardize or delay the mergers, result in additional expenditures of money and resources and/or reduce the anticipated benefits of the combination contemplated by the mergers.
The mergers are conditioned on the receipt or completion of all required authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of, or declarations or filings with, and the expiration of waiting periods required by, applicable governmental authorities, including without limitation, approvals not yet obtained from:
the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation; and
the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
If Validus and Flagstone do not receive these consents and approvals, then Validus and Flagstone will not be obligated to complete the mergers. The insurance regulatory agencies from which Validus will seek these consents and approvals generally have broad discretion in administering the applicable governing regulations. As a condition to their approval of the mergers, agencies may impose requirements, limitations or costs or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of Validus' business following the completion of the mergers. These requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions could jeopardize or delay the completion of the mergers or may reduce the anticipated benefits of the combination contemplated by the merger agreement. Further, no assurance can be given that the required consents and approvals will be obtained or that the required conditions to the mergers will be satisfied, and, if all required consents and approvals are obtained and the conditions to the completion of the mergers are satisfied, no assurance can be given as to the terms, conditions and timing of the consents and approvals. If Validus agrees to any material requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions in order to obtain any consents or approvals required to complete the mergers, these requirements, limitations, additional costs or restrictions could adversely affect Validus' ability to integrate the operations of Flagstone into Validus or reduce the anticipated benefits of the mergers contemplated by the merger agreement. This could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of Validus and the market value of Validus common shares after the completion of the mergers. In addition, a third party could attempt to intervene in any insurance filings made by Validus or otherwise object to the granting to

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Validus of any such insurance consents or approvals, which may cause a delay in obtaining, or the imposition of material requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions on, or the failure to obtain, any such consents or approvals.
The mergers are subject to other conditions that Validus and Flagstone cannot control. Failure to complete the mergers could negatively impact the share price of Validus and Flagstone and the future business and financial results of Validus and Flagstone.
The merger agreement contains a number of conditions precedent that must be satisfied or waived prior to the completion of the mergers. There are no assurances that all of the conditions to the mergers will be so satisfied or waived. If the conditions to the mergers are not satisfied or waived, then Validus and Flagstone may be unable to complete the mergers.     In addition, the merger agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances, including if the conditions to the completion of the mergers are not satisfied or waived prior to the March 31, 2013 “walk-away date.” If the mergers are not completed, the ongoing business of Validus and Flagstone may be adversely affected as follows:
 
the attention of management of Validus and Flagstone will have been diverted to the mergers instead of being directed solely to each company’s own operations and the pursuit of other opportunities that could have been beneficial to such company;
 
Validus and/or Flagstone will have to pay certain costs relating to the mergers, which may include, as applicable, legal, accounting, financial advisory, filing and printing fees;
 
the potential decline in the market price of Validus or Flagstone shares;
 
the manner in which brokers, insurers, cedants and other third parties perceive Validus or Flagstone may be negatively impacted, which in turn could affect the ability of Validus or Flagstone to compete for or to write new business or obtain renewals in the marketplace;
 
the loss of time and resources; and
 
Flagstone may be required, in certain circumstances, to pay a termination fee of $24.16 million, or a fee in the amount of $6.0 million, as provided in the merger agreement.

Flagstone and Validus may waive certain of the conditions to the completion of the mergers without resoliciting or seeking Flagstone shareholder approval.
Each of the conditions to Flagstone’s or Validus’ obligations to complete the mergers may be waived, to the extent legally permissible, in whole or in part by Validus or Flagstone, as applicable. Flagstone’s board of directors will evaluate the materiality of any such waiver to determine whether resolicitation of proxies is necessary or, if Flagstone shareholders have approved the merger proposal, whether further shareholder approval is necessary. In the event that any such waiver is not determined to be significant enough to require resolicitation or additional approval of shareholders, the mergers may be completed without seeking any further shareholder approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Flagstone and Validus will recirculate and resolicit votes on the approval of the merger proposal in the event that, after the merger proposal is approved by Flagstone shareholders, either Validus or Flagstone waives the condition that each company will have received a tax opinion from its respective counsel that each of the mergers will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the change in tax consequences is material. If either Flagstone or Validus waives this tax opinion condition before the merger proposal is approved by Flagstone shareholders but after the registration statement is declared effective by the SEC, Flagstone and Validus will publicly disclose this waiver to Flagstone shareholders.

Uncertainties associated with the mergers may cause a loss of management personnel and other key employees, which could adversely affect the future business, operations and financial results of Validus following the mergers.
Uncertainty about the effect of the proposed mergers on Flagstone’s employees and customers may have an adverse effect on Flagstone’s business. These uncertainties may impair Flagstone’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the proposed mergers are completed and for a period of time thereafter, and could cause customers, suppliers and others that deal with Flagstone to seek to change existing business relationships with Flagstone. Employee retention may be particularly challenging during the pendency of the proposed mergers, as employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with Validus following the completion of the mergers. If, despite Flagstone’s retention efforts, key employees depart because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with Validus, Flagstone’s business could be seriously harmed.

The merger agreement contains provisions that could discourage potential acquirors from making a competing proposal to acquire Flagstone.
The merger agreement contains detailed provisions that could discourage potential acquirors from making a competing

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proposal to acquire Flagstone, including (1) the restrictions on Flagstone’s and each of its subsidiaries’ ability to solicit, initiate or knowingly facilitate or encourage (including by providing non-public information) any effort or attempt to make or implement a competing proposal to acquire Flagstone, (2) the requirement that if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, Flagstone would be required to pay Validus a termination fee of either $24.16 million or a fee in the amount of $6.0 million depending upon the specific reason for termination and the surrounding circumstances, (3) the requirement that the merger proposal be submitted to a vote of Flagstone shareholders even if Flagstone’s board of directors withholds or withdraws (or modifies or qualifies in a manner adverse to Validus) its recommendation that Flagstone shareholders vote to approve the merger proposal and (4) the inability of Flagstone to terminate the merger agreement to enter into a superior proposal. As a result of these limitations, Flagstone may lose opportunities to enter into a more favorable transaction than the mergers.

The voting agreements may limit Flagstone’s ability to pursue alternatives to the mergers.
Certain shareholders of Flagstone have signed voting agreements committing them to vote any shares held by them, of record or beneficially, (1) in favor of approval of the merger proposal, (2) against any competing proposals, (3) against any amendments to Flagstone’s articles of incorporation that may materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely affect in any manner the mergers or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of Flagstone’s share capital and (4) at Validus’ request and subject to certain limitations, in favor of any proposal that Flagstone’s board of directors has determined is reasonably necessary to facilitate the acquisition of Flagstone by Validus in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. In addition, each shareholder party to the voting agreements has agreed to vote against any competing proposal for Flagstone for a “tail” period of 90 days following termination of the merger agreement under certain circumstances. Because signatories to the voting agreements have agreed to vote in favor of approval of the merger proposal and against any competing proposals, the voting agreements may have the effect of discouraging any takeover proposal for Flagstone. As of the close of business on October 5, 2012, the record date for the extraordinary general meeting, the shareholders party to the voting agreements owned or controlled in the aggregate, 16,000,000 Flagstone shares, which represented approximately 22.5% of the outstanding Flagstone shares at that time.

Flagstone will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the proposed mergers are pending, which could adversely affect Flagstone’s business.
The merger agreement requires Flagstone to act in the ordinary course of business and restricts Flagstone, without the consent of Validus, from taking specified actions until the proposed mergers occur or the merger agreement terminates. The restrictions may prevent Flagstone from pursuing otherwise attractive business opportunities and making other changes to its business that may arise before completion of the proposed mergers or, if the proposed mergers are abandoned, termination of the merger agreement.

The fairness opinion delivered by Evercore will not reflect changes in circumstances between signing the merger agreement and the completion of the mergers.
Flagstone’s board of directors has not obtained an updated fairness opinion as of the date of the proxy statement/prospectus from Evercore, Flagstone’s financial advisor. Changes in the operations and prospects of Validus or Flagstone, general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond their control, and on which the fairness opinion was based, may alter the value of Validus or Flagstone or the prices of Validus common shares or Flagstone shares by the time the mergers are completed. The Evercore opinion does not speak as of the time the mergers will be completed or as of any date other than the date of the opinion. Because Flagstone does not anticipate asking Evercore to update its opinion, this opinion only addresses the fairness of the consideration for the mergers, from a financial point of view, at the time the merger agreement was executed.


The financial analyses and forecasts considered by Evercore and Flagstone’s board of directors may not be realized, which may adversely affect the market price of the Validus common shares following the mergers.
In performing its financial analysis and rendering its opinion that the merger consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to Flagstone shareholders, Evercore reviewed, among other things, projected non-public financial statements and other projected non-public financial data prepared and furnished to it by Flagstone management. These projected non-public financial statements and other projected non-public financial data were prepared by the management of Flagstone and were also considered by Flagstone’s board of directors. None of the projected non-public financial statements and other projected non-public financial data was prepared with a view toward public disclosure or compliance with the published guidelines of the SEC or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants regarding projections and forecasts. These projections are inherently based on various

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estimates and assumptions that are subject to the judgment of those preparing them. These projections are also subject to significant economic, competitive, industry and other uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Validus and Flagstone. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Flagstone’s financial condition or results of operations will not be significantly worse than those set forth in such projected non-public financial statements and other projected non-public financial data. Significantly worse financial results could have a material adverse effect on the market price of Flagstone shares prior to the completion of the mergers or the Validus common shares following the completion of the mergers.

Flagstone’s counterparties may acquire certain rights in connection with the completion of the mergers, which could negatively affect Validus following the mergers.
Flagstone 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 rights) in the event of a “change in control” of Flagstone 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 mergers. If a change in control occurs, a ceding company may be permitted to cancel contracts on a cut-off or run-off basis, and Flagstone 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 cancelled on a cut-off basis, Flagstone may be required to return unearned premiums, net of commissions. In addition, contracts may provide a ceding company 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 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 ceding company would have cancellation rights in connection with the mergers depends upon the language of its agreement with Flagstone. Whether a ceding company 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 Validus following the mergers, the extent to which such ceding company currently has reinsurance coverage with Validus’ affiliates, the prevailing market conditions, the pricing and availability of replacement reinsurance coverage and Validus’ ratings following the mergers. Neither Validus nor Flagstone can presently predict the effects, if any, if the mergers are deemed to constitute a change in control under certain of its contracts and other arrangements, including the extent to which cancellation rights would be exercised, if at all, or the effect on Validus’ financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows following the mergers, but such effect could be material.

Some of Flagstone’s executive officers and directors have financial interests in the completion of the mergers that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Flagstone shareholders. Therefore, some of Flagstone’s directors may have a conflict of interest in recommending the proposals being voted on at the extraordinary general meeting.
Certain of Flagstone’s directors and executive officers have financial interests in the mergers that are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of Flagstone shareholders generally. Flagstone’s board of directors was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement and the mergers, and in approving and recommending to Flagstone shareholders that they approve the merger proposal.
The interests of Flagstone’s non-employee directors include the right to receive the share unit consideration with respect to the directors’ RSUs.

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The interests of Flagstone’s executive officers include the rights to:
 
accelerated vesting and receipt of the share unit consideration with respect to the executive officers’ PSUs, calculated assuming attainment of all applicable performance goals at the maximum level;
 
with respect to Flagstone’s executive officers other than Messrs. Slade and Fawcett, certain contractual severance payments in the event of a qualifying termination of employment following the mergers;
 
with respect to Messrs. Brown, Flitman, Swayne, Fawcett and Slade, certain statutory severance payments in the event of a termination of employment following the mergers;
 
continued employment during a specified notice period following termination of employment or, with respect to Flagstone’s executive officers other than Messrs. Boisvert and Traimond, payment of base salary in lieu of such notice;
 
accelerated payment of the executive officer’s guaranteed minimum 2012 bonus in the event of a qualifying termination of employment following the mergers and prior to December 31, 2012; and
 
solely with respect to Mr. Brown, the Leyton Limited Warrant to acquire 630,194 Flagstone shares, which, pursuant to the merger agreement, will be amended at the effective time of the second-step merger such that, upon payment during the exercise period (which runs from December 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013) of the exercise price as of the completion of the mergers, subject to adjustments (if any) pursuant to the terms of the Leyton Limited Warrant, the Leyton Limited Warrant will be converted into the right to receive the $2.00 in cash and 0.1935 Validus common shares, on a per share basis for each of the Flagstone shares subject to the Leyton Limited Warrant (the Leyton Limited Warrant will have value during the exercise period only if the value of the merger consideration during the exercise period is greater than the Leyton Limited Warrant’s exercise price, which, as of the date of the proxy statement/prospectus, is $13.96 per Flagstone share).
Flagstone’s board of directors and executive officers also have the right to indemnification and insurance coverage that will survive the completion of the mergers.
Flagstone shareholders will have reduced ownership and voting interests after the mergers and will exercise less influence over the management of Validus than they currently exercise over the management of Flagstone.
After the completion of the mergers, Flagstone shareholders will own in the aggregate a significantly smaller percentage of Validus than they currently own of Flagstone. Following completion of the mergers, Flagstone shareholders are expected to own approximately 12.0% of the outstanding Validus common shares on a pro forma fully-diluted basis. Consequently, Flagstone shareholders as a group will have less influence over the management and policies of Validus than they currently exercise over the management and policies of Flagstone.
The Validus common shares to be received by Flagstone shareholders as a result of the mergers will have different rights from Flagstone shares.
Following completion of the mergers, Flagstone shareholders will no longer be shareholders of Flagstone, a Luxembourg joint stock corporation (societé anonyme), but will instead be shareholders of Validus, a Bermuda exempted company. There will be important differences between your current rights as a Flagstone shareholder and the rights to which you will be entitled as a shareholder of Validus, in part because the laws of Bermuda differ from the laws of Luxembourg.

Each of Validus and Flagstone 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 mergers, each of Validus and Flagstone will operate 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, Flagstone may assume risks that Validus would not have assumed for itself, accept premiums that, in Validus’ judgment, do not adequately compensate it for the risks assumed, make investment decisions that would not adhere to Validus’ investment policies or otherwise make business decisions or take on exposure that, while consistent with Flagstone’s general business approach and practices, are not the same as those of Validus. Significant delays in completing the mergers will materially increase the risk that Flagstone will operate its business in a manner that differs from how the business would have been conducted by Validus.
Risk Factors Relating to Flagstone’s Business
You should read and consider carefully other risk factors specific to Flagstone’s businesses that will also affect Validus after the mergers, described in Part I, Item 1A of Flagstone’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and other documents that have been filed by Flagstone with the SEC.


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Risk Factors Relating to Validus’ Business
You should read and consider carefully other risk factors specific to Validus’ businesses that will also affect Validus after the mergers, described in Part I, Item 1A of the Validus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and other documents that have been filed by Validus with the SEC.
Risk Factors Relating to Validus Following the Mergers
Future results of Validus may differ materially from the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Combined Financial Information of Validus presented in the proxy statements/prospectuses filed with the SEC.
The future results of Validus following the completion of the mergers may be materially different from those shown in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Combined Financial Information filed by Validus with the SEC, which show only a combination of Validus’ and Flagstone’s historical results after giving effect to the mergers. Validus has estimated that it will record approximately $20.0 million in transaction expenses, as described in the notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Combined Financial Information filed by Validus with the SEC. In addition, the mergers and post-merger integration process may give rise to unexpected liabilities and costs, including costs associated with the defense and resolution of possible litigation or other claims. Unexpected delays in completing the mergers or in connection with the post-merger integration process may significantly increase the related costs and expenses incurred by Validus and Flagstone.

ITEM 2.                        UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
On June 5, 2012, the Company announced the final results of its “modified Dutch auction” tender offer. Pursuant to this tender offer, the Company purchased 6,383,884 of its common shares at a price of $32.00 per common share for a total cost of $204.3 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer. The Company funded the purchase of the shares in the tender offer using cash on hand.

The Company expects the purchases under its share repurchase program to be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, form and amount of the share repurchases under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the Company's capital position relative to internal and rating agency targets, legal requirements and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
 
The Company has repurchased approximately 43.1 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $1,206.8 million from the inception of the share repurchase program to November 5, 2012. The Company has $122.3 million remaining under its authorized share repurchase program as of November 5, 2012.
 
Share repurchases include repurchases by the Company of shares, from time to time, from employees in order to facilitate the payment of withholding taxes on restricted shares granted and the exercise of stock appreciation rights. We purchased these shares at their fair market value, as determined by reference to the closing price of our common shares on the day the restricted shares vested or the stock appreciation rights were exercised.
 
 
 
Share Repurchase Activity
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share information)
 
 
As at June 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended
Effect of share repurchases:
 
(cumulative)
 
July
 
August
 
September
 
September 30, 2012
Aggregate purchase price (a)
 
$
1,168,422

 
$
22,805

 
$
15,618

 
$

 
$
38,423

Shares repurchased
 
41,963,429

 
$
696,347

 
$
478,281

 
$

 
$
1,174,628

Average price (a)
 
$
27.84

 
$
32.75

 
$
32.65

 
$

 
$
32.71

Estimated cumulative net accretive (dilutive) impact on:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Diluted BV per common share (b)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
2.42

Diluted EPS - Quarter (c)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
0.63

 

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Share Repurchase Activity
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share information)
 
 
As at September 30, 2012
 
As at
 
 
Effect of share repurchases:
 
(cumulative)
 
November 5, 2012
 
Cumulative to Date Effect
Aggregate purchase price (a)
 
$
1,206,845

 
$

 
$
1,206,845

Shares repurchased
 
43,138,057

 

 
43,138,057

Average price (a)
 
$
27.98

 
$

 
$
27.98

 
 
(a) Share transactions are on a trade date basis through November 5, 2012 and are inclusive of commissions.  Average share price is rounded to two decimal places.
 
(b) As the average price per share repurchased during the periods 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was lower than the book value per common share, the repurchase of shares increased the Company's period ending book value per share.
 
(c) The estimated impact on diluted earnings per share was calculated by comparing reported results versus i) net income per share plus an estimate of lost net investment income on the cumulative share repurchases divided by ii) weighted average diluted shares outstanding excluding the weighted average impact of cumulative share repurchases. The impact of cumulative share repurchases was accretive to diluted earnings per share.
 
ITEM 3.                        DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
ITEM 4.                        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.
  
ITEM 5.                        OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.



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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Description
Exhibit 2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 30, 2012, by and among Validus Holdings, Ltd., Validus UPS, Ltd., Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A. and Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings (Bermuda) Limited (Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 4, 2012).
 
 
Exhibit 10.1*
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Robert F. Kuzloski dated as of August 1, 2012.
 
 
Exhibit 10.2*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Lixin Zeng dated as of November 1, 2012.
 
 
Exhibit 10.3
Amendment Letter, dated as of August 30, 2012, relating to a $25 million Standby Letter of Credit Facility dated as of 28 November 2007, among Talbot Holdings Ltd., as Borrower, Validus Holdings, Ltd., as Guarantor, Lloyds TSB Bank plc, as joint Mandated Lead Arranger, Agent, and Security Trustee, and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, as joint Mandated Lead Arranger, as amended (Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 4, 2012).
 
 
Exhibit 31.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Exhibit 31.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Exhibit 32*
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Exhibit 101.1 INS*
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
Exhibit 101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
Exhibit 101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
Exhibit 101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
*Filed herewith

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
Date:
November 6, 2012
/s/ Edward J. Noonan
 
 
Edward J. Noonan
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Date:
November 6, 2012
/s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
 
 
Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
 
 
President and Chief Financial Officer

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