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2015 Annual Report

RenaissanceRe

Holdings Ltd.

 

 

 

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Contents

 

Financial Highlights			1
Letter to Shareholders			2
Message from the Chair			6
Comments on Regulation G			7
Form 10-K			9
Office Locations			Last Page
Executive Committee			Last Page
Board of Directors, Financial and Investor Information			Inside Back Cover

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Letter to Shareholders

By Kevin O’Donnell

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2015 Annual Report

 

 

 

 

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Letter to Shareholders (continued)

 

 

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2015 Annual Report

 

 

 

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Message from the Chair

 

 

 

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Comments on Regulation G

 

 

In addition to the generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures set forth in this Annual Report, the Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures in this Annual Report within the meaning of Regulation G. The Company has consistently provided these financial measurements in previous investor communications and the Company’s management believes that these measurements are important to investors and other interested persons, and that investors and such other persons benefit from having a consistent basis for comparison between years and for comparison with other companies within the industry. These measures may not, however, be comparable to similarly titled measures used by companies outside of the insurance industry. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these non-GAAP measures in assessing the Company’s overall financial performance.

The Company uses “operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” as a measure to evaluate the underlying fundamentals of its operations and believes it to be a useful measure of its corporate performance. “Operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” as used herein differs from “net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders,” which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, by the exclusion of net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. The Company’s management believes that “operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” is useful to investors because it more accurately measures and predicts the Company’s results of operations by removing the variability arising from fluctuations in the Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio and equity investments trading. The Company also uses “operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” to calculate “operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted” and “operating return on average common equity”. The following is a reconciliation of: 1) net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders to operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders; 2) net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted to operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted; and 3) return on average common equity to operating return on average common equity:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and percentages)		2015						2014						2013
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders			$408,811						$510,337						$665,676
Adjustment for net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments			68,918						(41,433)						(35,058)
Operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders			$477,729						$468,904						$630,618
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted			$9.28						$12.60						$14.87
Adjustment for net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments			1.58						(1.04)						(0.79)
Operating income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted			$10.86						$11.56						$14.08
Return on average common equity			9.8%						14.9%						20.5%
Adjustment for net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments			1.6%						(1.2%)						(1.1%)
Operating return on average common equity			11.4%						13.7%						19.4%

 

 

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The Company has also included in this Annual Report “tangible book value per common share” and “tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends.” “Tangible book value per common share” is defined as book value per common share excluding goodwill and intangible assets per share; “tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends” is defined as book value per common share excluding goodwill and intangible assets per share, plus accumulated dividends. “Tangible book value per common share” differs from book value per common share, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, due to the exclusion of goodwill and intangible assets per share. “Tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends” differs from book value per common share, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, due to the exclusion of goodwill and intangible assets per share and the inclusion of accumulated dividends. The Company’s management believes “tangible book value per common share” and “tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends” are useful to investors because they provide a more accurate measure of the realizable value of shareholder returns, by excluding the impact of goodwill and intangible assets. The following is a reconciliation of book value per common share to tangible book value per common share and tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands of United States dollars)		2015						2014						2013
Book value per common share			$99.13						$90.15					$80.29
Adjustment for goodwill and other intangibles (1)			(6.59)						(0.86)					(0.85)
Tangible book value per common share			92.54						89.29					79.44
Adjustment for accumulated dividends			15.48						14.28					13.12
Tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends			$108.02						$103.57					$92.56

 

(1)	For 2015, 2014 and 2013, goodwill and other intangibles includes $23.2 million, $25.3 million and $29.2 million, respectively, of goodwill and other intangibles included in investments in other ventures, under equity method.

 

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

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

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to

Commission File No. 001-14428

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

(Exact Name Of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)

 

Bermuda		98-014-1974
(State or Other Jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)		Identification Number)

Renaissance House, 12 Crow Lane, Pembroke HM 19 Bermuda

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(441) 295-4513

(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share		New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Series C 6.08% Preference Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share		New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Series E 5.375% Preference Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share		New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Act. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

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 ¨

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act. Large accelerated filer  x, Accelerated filer  ¨, Non-accelerated filer ¨, Smaller reporting company ¨

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

The aggregate market value of Common Shares held by nonaffiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2015 was $4,564.8 million based on the closing sale price of the Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.

The number of Common Shares, par value US $1.00 per share, outstanding at February 18, 2016 was 43,144,615.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2016 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

 

 

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RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

				Page
		NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		1
PART I				3
ITEM 1.		BUSINESS		3
ITEM 1A.		RISK FACTORS		40
ITEM 1B.		UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS		55
ITEM 2.		PROPERTIES		55
ITEM 3.		LEGAL PROCEEDINGS		55
ITEM 4.		MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES		55
PART II				56
ITEM 5.		MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES		56
ITEM 6.		SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA		59
ITEM 7.		MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS		60
ITEM 7A.		QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK		131
ITEM 8.		FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA		136
ITEM 9.		CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE		137
ITEM 9A.		CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES		137
ITEM 9B.		OTHER INFORMATION		138
PART III				138
ITEM 10.		DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE		138
ITEM 11.		EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION		138
ITEM 12.		SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS		138
ITEM 13.		CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE		138
ITEM 14.		PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES		138
PART IV				138
ITEM 15.		EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES		138
SIGNATURES				139
		INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		F-1
		INDEX TO SCHEDULES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		S-1
		EXHIBITS		i

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NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (this “Form 10-K”) of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which, with respect to future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. In particular, statements using words such as “may”, “should”, “estimate”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential”, or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements. For example, we may include certain forward-looking statements in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” with regard to trends in results, prices, volumes, operations, investment results, margins, combined ratios, fees, reserves, market conditions, risk management and exchange rates. This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking statements with respect to our business and industry, such as those relating to our strategy and management objectives, market standing and product volumes, competition and new entrants in our industry, industry capital, insured losses from loss events, government initiatives and regulatory matters affecting the reinsurance and insurance industries.

The inclusion of forward-looking statements in this report should not be considered as a representation by us or any other person that our current objectives or plans will be achieved. Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those addressed by the forward-looking statements, including the following:

 

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the frequency and severity of catastrophic and other events we cover;

 

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the effectiveness of our claims and claim expense reserving process;

 

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our ability to maintain our financial strength ratings;

 

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the effect of climate change on our business;

 

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the effect of emerging claims and coverage issues;

 

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our reliance on a small and decreasing number of reinsurance brokers and other distribution services for the preponderance of our revenue;

 

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our exposure to credit loss from counterparties in the normal course of business;

 

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the effect of continued challenging economic conditions throughout the world;

 

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continued soft reinsurance underwriting market conditions;

 

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a contention by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (“Renaissance Reinsurance”), or any of our other Bermuda subsidiaries, is subject to U.S. taxation;

 

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the performance of our investment portfolio;

 

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our ability to successfully implement our business strategies and initiatives;

 

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our ability to retain our key senior officers and to attract or retain the executives and employees necessary to manage our business;

 

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our ability to determine the impairments taken on our investments;

 

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the availability of retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms;

 

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the effect of inflation;

 

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the adequacy of our ceding companies’ ability to assess the risks they underwrite;

 

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the effect of operational risks, including system or human failures;

 

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our ability to effectively manage capital on behalf of investors in joint ventures or other entities we manage;

 

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foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;

 

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•

our ability to raise capital if necessary;

 

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our ability to comply with covenants in our debt agreements;

 

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changes to the regulatory systems under which we operate, including challenges to the claim of exemption from insurance regulation of RenaissanceRe and our subsidiaries and increased global regulation of the insurance and reinsurance industry;

 

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losses we could face from terrorism, political unrest or war;

 

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our dependence on the ability of our operating subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends;

 

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the success of any of our strategic investments or acquisitions, including our ability to manage our operations as our product and geographical diversity increases;

 

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the effect of cybersecurity risks, including technology breaches or failure, on our business;

 

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aspects of our corporate structure that may discourage third party takeovers and other transactions;

 

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the cyclical nature of the reinsurance and insurance industries;

 

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adverse legislative developments that reduce the size of the private markets we serve or impede their future growth;

 

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other regulatory or legislative changes adversely impacting us;

 

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the effect on our business of the highly competitive nature of our industry, including the effect of new entrants to, competing products for and consolidation in the (re)insurance industry;

 

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consolidation of customers or insurance and reinsurance brokers;

 

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the effect of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the “OECD”) or European Union (“EU”) measures to increase our taxes;

 

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adverse tax developments, including potential changes to the taxation of inter-company or related party transactions, or changes to the tax treatment of investors in RenaissanceRe or our joint ventures or other entities we manage;

 

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changes in regulatory regimes and/or accounting rules, including the EU directive concerning capital adequacy, risk management and regulatory reporting for insurers; and

 

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our need to make many estimates and judgments in the preparation of our financial statements.

As a consequence, our future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us. The factors listed above, which are discussed in more detail in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors”, in this Form 10-K, should not be construed as exhaustive. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Form 10-K to “RenaissanceRe” refer to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (the parent company) and to the “Company” refers to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries, which principally include Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks”), RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.”), Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc., formerly known as Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.”), Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe and the Company’s Lloyd’s syndicate, RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458 (“Syndicate 1458”).

We also underwrite reinsurance on behalf of joint ventures, principally including Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd. (“Top Layer Re”), recorded under the equity method of accounting, Upsilon RFO Re Ltd. (“Upsilon RFO”), a consolidated variable interest entity, RenaissanceRe Medici Fund Ltd. (“Medici”) and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. (“DaVinci”). The financial results of Medici, Medici’s parent company RenaissanceRe Fund Management Ltd.,and DaVinci and DaVinci’s parent company, DaVinciRe Holdings Ltd. (“DaVinciRe”), are consolidated in our financial statements. For your convenience, we have included a “Glossary of Selected Insurance and Reinsurance Terms”. All dollar amounts referred to in this Form 10-K are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Any discrepancies in the tables included herein between the amounts listed and the totals thereof are due to rounding.

OVERVIEW

RenaissanceRe was established in 1993 and is a leading global provider of reinsurance and insurance coverages and related services. Our aspiration is to be the world’s best underwriter by matching well-structured risks with efficient sources of capital. Through our operating subsidiaries, we seek to produce superior returns for our shareholders by being a trusted, long-term partner to our customers for assessing and managing risk, and by delivering responsive solutions. We accomplish this by leveraging our core capabilities of risk assessment and information management, by investing in our capabilities to serve our customers across the cycles that have historically characterized our markets and by keeping our promises. Overall, our strategy focuses on superior risk selection, superior customer relationships and superior capital management. We provide value to our customers and joint venture partners in the form of financial security, innovative products, and responsive service. We are known as a leader in paying valid reinsurance claims promptly. We principally measure our financial success through long-term growth in tangible book value per common share plus the change in accumulated dividends, which we believe is the most appropriate measure of our Company’s financial performance, and believe we have delivered superior performance in respect of this measure over time.

Our core products include property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance risks written through our wholly owned operating subsidiaries, joint ventures and Syndicate 1458; and certain insurance products primarily written through Syndicate 1458. We believe we are one of the world’s leading providers of property catastrophe reinsurance. We also believe we have a strong position in certain specialty reinsurance lines of business and a growing presence in the Lloyd’s marketplace. Our reinsurance and insurance products are principally distributed through intermediaries, with whom we seek to cultivate strong long-term relationships. We continually explore appropriate and efficient ways to address the risk needs of our clients. We have created and managed, and continue to manage, multiple capital vehicles and may create additional risk bearing vehicles in the future. As our product and geographical diversity increases, we may be exposed to new risks, uncertainties and sources of volatility.

Since a meaningful portion of the reinsurance and insurance we write provides protection from damages relating to natural and man-made catastrophes, our results depend to a large extent on the frequency and severity of such catastrophic events, and the coverages we offer to customers affected by these events. We are exposed to significant losses from these catastrophic events and other exposures we cover. Accordingly, we expect a significant degree of volatility in our financial results and our financial results may vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and from year-to-year, based on the level of insured catastrophic losses occurring around the world. Our acquisition of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum”) on March 2, 2015 accelerated the growth of our U.S. platform by expanding our client base and enhancing our U.S. market presence in our casualty and specialty reinsurance lines of business. Accordingly, in the future,

 

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these lines of business may represent a greater proportion of our premiums and claims and claim expenses, and generate a higher percentage of our returns.

Our revenues are principally derived from three sources: (1) net premiums earned from the reinsurance and insurance policies we sell; (2) net investment income and realized and unrealized gains from the investment of our capital funds and the investment of the cash we receive on the policies which we sell; and (3) other income received from our joint ventures, advisory services and various other items.

Our expenses primarily consist of: (1) net claims and claim expenses incurred on the policies of reinsurance and insurance we sell; (2) acquisition costs which typically represent a percentage of the premiums we write; (3) operating expenses which primarily consist of personnel expenses, rent and other operating expenses; (4) corporate expenses which include certain executive, legal and consulting expenses, costs for research and development, transaction and integration-related expenses, and other miscellaneous costs, including those associated with operating as a publicly traded company; (5) redeemable noncontrolling interests, which represent the interests of third parties with respect to the net income of DaVinciRe and Medici; and (6) interest and dividend costs related to our debt and preference shares. We are also subject to taxes in certain jurisdictions in which we operate. Since the majority of our income is currently earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, the tax impact to our operations has historically been minimal, however, in the future, our net tax exposure may increase as our operations expand geographically.

The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are discussed frequently by reference to its net claims and claim expense ratio, underwriting expense ratio, and combined ratio. The net claims and claim expense ratio is calculated by dividing net claims and claim expenses incurred by net premiums earned. The underwriting expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses (acquisition expenses and operational expenses) by net premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the net claims and claim expense ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% generally indicates profitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates unprofitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. We also discuss our net claims and claim expense ratio on an accident year basis. This ratio is calculated by taking net claims and claim expenses, excluding development on net claims and claim expenses from events that took place in prior fiscal years, divided by net premiums earned.

Our business consists of the following reportable segments: (1) Catastrophe Reinsurance, which includes catastrophe reinsurance and certain property catastrophe joint ventures managed by our ventures unit; (2) Specialty Reinsurance, which includes specialty reinsurance and certain specialty joint ventures managed by our ventures unit; and (3) Lloyd’s, which includes reinsurance and insurance business written through Syndicate 1458. In addition, our Other category primarily includes our strategic investments, investments unit, corporate expenses, capital servicing costs, noncontrolling interests, certain expenses related to the acquisition of Platinum, results of our discontinued operations, and the remnants of our Bermuda-based insurance operations.

Acquisition of Platinum

On March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe acquired Platinum pursuant to a definitive merger agreement entered into on November 23, 2014. As a result of the acquisition of Platinum, Platinum and its operating subsidiaries became wholly owned subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe. In connection with an intercompany restructuring, effective July 1, 2015, Platinum was merged with RenaissanceRe, with RenaissanceRe continuing as the surviving company. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources, Impact of Platinum Acquisition on Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information with respect to the acquisition of Platinum.

 

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CORPORATE STRATEGY

Our mission is to produce superior returns for our shareholders over the long-term. We believe that market leadership is required to produce the best expected returns. As such, we pursue markets where we believe being the best underwriter produces market leadership, thereby facilitating a competitive advantage and superior returns.

To be the best underwriter, our strategy is to operate an integrated system of three competitive advantages: superior customer relationships; superior risk selection; and superior capital management.

We believe all three competitive advantages are required to achieve our mission, and we aim to seamlessly coordinate the delivery of these competitive advantages for the benefit of our ceding insurers, brokers, investors in our sidecars and joint ventures, and shareholders. The strategy is supported by our core values, our principles and our culture.

We believe our competitive advantages include:

Superior Customer Relationships.  We seek to be a trusted long-term partner to our customers for assessing and managing risk and delivering responsive solutions. We believe our modeling and technical expertise, our risk management products we provide our customers and our track record of keeping our promises have made us a provider of first choice in many lines of business to our customers worldwide. We seek to offer stable, predictable, and consistent risk-based pricing and a prompt turnaround on claims.

Superior Risk Selection.  We seek to build a portfolio of risks that produces an attractive risk-adjusted return on utilized capital. We develop a perspective of each risk using both our underwriters’ expertise and sophisticated risk selection techniques, including computer models and databases such as Renaissance Exposure Management System (“REMS^©”). We pursue a disciplined approach to underwriting and seek to select only those risks we believe will produce a portfolio with an attractive return, subject to prudent risk constraints. We manage our portfolio of risks dynamically, both within sub-portfolios and across the Company.

Superior Capital Management.  We seek to write as much attractively priced business as is available to us and then manage our capital accordingly. We generally seek to raise capital when we forecast increased demand in the market, at times by accessing capital through joint ventures or other structures, and seek to return capital to our shareholders or joint venture investors when the demand for our coverages appears to decline and when we believe a return of capital would be beneficial to our shareholders or joint venture investors. In using joint ventures, we intend to leverage our access to business and our underwriting capabilities on an efficient capital base, develop fee income, generate profit commissions, diversify our portfolio and provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our capital providers. We routinely evaluate and review potential joint venture opportunities and strategic investments.

We believe we are well positioned to fulfill our objectives by virtue of the experience and skill of our management team, our integrated underwriting and operating platform, our significant financial strength, and our strong relationships with brokers and customers. In addition, we believe our superior service, our proprietary modeling technology, and our extensive business relationships, which have enabled us to become a leader in the property catastrophe reinsurance market, will be instrumental in allowing us to achieve our strategic objectives. In particular, we believe our strategy, high performance culture, and commitment to our customers and joint venture partners help us to differentiate ourselves by offering specialized services and products at times and in markets where capacity and alternatives may be limited.

SEGMENTS

Our business consists of the following reportable segments: (1) Catastrophe Reinsurance, which includes catastrophe reinsurance and certain property catastrophe joint ventures managed by our ventures unit; (2) Specialty Reinsurance, which includes specialty reinsurance and certain specialty joint ventures managed by our ventures unit; and (3) Lloyd’s, which includes reinsurance and insurance business written through Syndicate 1458.

In addition, our Other category primarily reflects our strategic investments, investments unit, corporate expenses, capital servicing costs, noncontrolling interests, certain expenses related to the acquisition of Platinum, results of our discontinued operations, and the remnants of our Bermuda-based insurance operations.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2015, our Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments accounted for 43.2%, 38.1% and 18.7%, respectively, of our total consolidated gross premiums written. Contributions to our consolidated results from our Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments have increased in recent years, and we expect them to continue to increase over time, on both an absolute and relative basis, although we cannot assure you that this trend will continue. Operating results relating to our segments are included in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Our portfolio of business continues to be characterized by relatively large transactions with ceding companies with whom we do business, although no current relationship exceeds 10% of our gross premiums written. Accordingly, our gross premiums written are subject to significant fluctuations depending on our success in maintaining or expanding our relationships with these customers. We market our reinsurance products worldwide exclusively through brokers, whose market has become increasingly consolidated in recent years. In 2015, three brokerage firms accounted for 81.5% of our Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments’ gross premiums written. We believe that recent market dynamics, and trends in our industry in respect of recent and potential future consolidation, have increased our exposure to the risks of broker, client and counterparty concentration.

The following table shows our gross premiums written split between our Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments, respectively:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Catastrophe Reinsurance		$	868,631			$	933,969			$	1,120,379
Specialty Reinsurance			766,051				346,638				259,489
Lloyd’s			376,718				269,656				226,532
Other category (1)			(90)				309				(988)
Total gross premiums written		$	2,011,310			$	1,550,572			$	1,605,412

(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $(0.1) million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 - $0.3 million, 2013 - $(1.0) million).

Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment

Property catastrophe reinsurance is our traditional core business, and is principally written through our wholly owned operating subsidiaries, joint ventures and Syndicate 1458. We believe we are one of the world’s leading providers of this coverage, based on total catastrophe gross premiums written. This coverage protects against large natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis, as well as claims arising from other natural and man-made catastrophes such as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, wind storms, tornadoes, explosions and acts of terrorism. We offer this coverage to insurance companies and other reinsurers primarily on an excess of loss basis. This means we begin paying when our customers’ claims from a catastrophe exceed a certain retained amount. We also offer proportional coverages and other structures on a catastrophe-exposed basis and may increase these offerings on an absolute or relative basis in the future.

Our excess of loss property catastrophe reinsurance contracts generally cover all natural perils. Our most significant exposure is to losses from earthquakes and hurricanes and other windstorms, although we are also exposed to claims arising from other catastrophes, such as tsunamis, freezes, floods, fires, tornadoes, explosions and acts of terrorism in connection with the coverages we provide. Our predominant exposure under such coverage is to property damage. However, other risks, including business interruption and other non-property losses, may also be covered under our property reinsurance contracts when arising from a covered peril. We offer our coverages on a worldwide basis. Because of the wide range of possible catastrophic events to which we are exposed, including the size of such events and the potential for multiple events to occur in the same time period, our catastrophe reinsurance business is volatile and our results of operations reflect this volatility. Further, our financial condition may be impacted by this volatility over time or at any point in time. Claims from one or a number of severe catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on us and we expect that increases in the values and concentrations of insured property and the effects of inflation will increase the severity of such effects.

 

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We seek to moderate the volatility of our risk portfolio through superior risk selection, diversification and the purchase of retrocessional coverages and other protections. In furtherance of our strategy, we may increase or decrease our presence in the catastrophe reinsurance business based on market conditions and our assessment of risk-adjusted pricing adequacy. We frequently purchase reinsurance or other protection for our own account to further reduce the financial impact that a large catastrophe or a series of catastrophes could have on our results.

As a result of our position in the market and reputation for superior customer relationships, we believe we have superior access to catastrophe-exposed reinsurance business we view as desirable compared to the market as a whole. We use our proprietary underwriting tools and guidelines to attempt to construct an attractive portfolio from these opportunities. We dynamically model policy submissions against our current in-force underwriting portfolio, comparing our estimate of the modeled expected returns of the contract against the amount of capital we allocate to the contract, based on our estimate of its marginal impact on our overall risk portfolio. At times, our approach to portfolio management has resulted, and may result in the future, in us having a relatively large market share of catastrophe reinsurance exposure in a particular geographic region, such as Florida, where we historically have had a relatively large percentage of coverage exposures, or to a particular peril, such as U.S. hurricane risk, where we believe our analytical skills, claims-paying history, large capacity, strong ratings and other attributes offer a competitive advantage, or where the risks or class of risks otherwise adds efficiency to our portfolio. Conversely, from time to time we may have a disproportionately low market share in certain regions or perils where we believe our capital would be less effectively deployed.

Our principal property catastrophe reinsurance products include catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance, excess of loss retrocessional reinsurance, quota share or proportional reinsurance and investments in insurance-linked securities.

Specialty Reinsurance Segment

We write specialty reinsurance for our own account and for DaVinci, covering principally certain targeted classes of business where we believe we have a sound basis for underwriting and pricing the risk we assume. Our portfolio includes various classes of casualty business, such as automobile liability, casualty clash, catastrophe exposed workers’ compensation, cyber liability, directors and officers liability, environmental liability, general liability, medical malpractice and professional indemnity, and other specialty lines of reinsurance such as accident and health, agriculture, aviation, financial guaranty, marine and energy, mortgage guaranty, multi-line regional, political risk, terrorism and trade credit, which we collectively refer to as specialty reinsurance. The acquisition of Platinum has accelerated our strategy with respect to specialty reinsurance and we expect to experience growth in lines of business such as accident and health, multi-line regional and traditional workers compensation, and increase our presence within certain existing lines of business, including casualty clash, environmental liability, general liability, medical malpractice, professional indemnity and other casualty lines of business.

We believe we are seen as a market leader in certain of these classes of business. In recent years, we have expanded our specialty reinsurance operations, and we plan to continue to expand these operations over time. However, we cannot assure you we will succeed in growing these operations or that any growth we do attain will be profitable, or will contribute meaningfully to our results or financial condition, particularly in light of current and forecasted market conditions. Our specialty reinsurance premiums are prone to significant volatility as this business can be influenced by a small number of relatively large transactions. As with our catastrophe business, our team of experienced professionals seeks to underwrite these lines using a disciplined underwriting approach and sophisticated analytical tools.

We generally target lines of business where we believe we can adequately quantify the risks assumed and where potential losses could be characterized as low frequency and high severity, similar to our catastrophe reinsurance coverages. However, we also provide other coverage where we believe our underwriting is robust and the market is attractive, and may grow in these lines over time. We also seek to identify market dislocations and write new lines of business whose risk and return characteristics are estimated to exceed our hurdle rates. Furthermore, we also seek to manage the correlations of this business with our overall portfolio, including our aggregate exposure to single and aggregated catastrophe events. We believe that our underwriting and analytical capabilities have positioned us well to manage our specialty reinsurance business.

 

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We offer our specialty reinsurance products principally on an excess of loss basis, as described above with respect to our property catastrophe reinsurance products, and we also provide proportional coverage, which we expect to grow on an absolute or relative basis within this segment in the future. These products frequently include tailored features such as limits or sub-limits which we believe help us manage our exposures. Any liability exceeding, or otherwise not subject to, such limits reverts to the cedant. As with our catastrophe reinsurance business, our specialty reinsurance frequently provides coverage for relatively large limits or exposures, and thus we are subject to potential significant claims volatility.

We generally seek to write significant lines on our specialty reinsurance treaties. As a result of our financial strength, we have the ability to offer significant capacity and, for select risks, we have made available significant limits. We believe these capabilities, the strength of our specialty reinsurance underwriting team, and our demonstrated ability and willingness to pay valid claims are competitive advantages of our specialty reinsurance business. While we believe that these and other initiatives will support growth in our Specialty Reinsurance segment, we intend to continue to apply our disciplined underwriting approach which, together with current and forecasted market conditions, is likely to temper such growth in current and near-term periods.

Lloyd’s Segment

Our Lloyd’s segment includes insurance and reinsurance business written for our own account through Syndicate 1458. The syndicate enhances our underwriting platform by providing access to Lloyd’s extensive distribution network and worldwide licenses. RenaissanceRe Corporate Capital (UK) Limited (“RenaissanceRe CCL”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the sole corporate member of Syndicate 1458. RenaissanceRe Syndicate Management Limited (“RSML”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is the managing agent for Syndicate 1458. Syndicate 1458’s absolute and relative contributions to our consolidated results of operations have increased in recent years and we expect this trend to continue over time, although we cannot assure you we will succeed in executing our growth strategy in respect of Syndicate 1458, or that its results will be profitable, particularly in light of current and forecasted market conditions.

Syndicate 1458 generally targets lines of business where we believe we can adequately quantify the risks assumed. We also seek to identify market dislocations and to write new lines of business whose risk and return characteristics are attractive and add to our portfolio of risks. Furthermore, we seek to manage the correlations of this business with our overall portfolio, including our aggregate exposure to single and aggregated catastrophe events. We believe that our underwriting and analytical capabilities have positioned us well to manage this business.

Syndicate 1458 offers a range of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance products including, but not limited to, direct and facultative property, property catastrophe, agriculture, medical malpractice, general liability and professional indemnity. We also write business through delegated authority arrangements. Syndicate 1458 may seek to expand its coverages and capacity over time. As with our catastrophe and specialty reinsurance business, Syndicate 1458 frequently provides coverage for relatively large limits or exposures, and thus it is subject to potentially significant claims volatility.

Other

Our Other category primarily includes the results of: (1) our share of strategic investments in certain markets we believe offer attractive risk-adjusted returns or where we believe our investment adds value, and where, rather than assuming exclusive management responsibilities ourselves, we partner with other market participants; (2) our investment unit which manages and invests the funds generated by our consolidated operations; (3) corporate expenses, certain expenses related to the acquisition of Platinum, capital servicing costs and noncontrolling interests; (4) the results of our discontinued operations; and (5) the remnants of our Bermuda-based insurance operations.

 

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VENTURES

We pursue a number of other opportunities through our ventures unit, which has responsibility for creating and managing our joint ventures, executing customized reinsurance transactions to assume or cede risk and managing certain investments directed at classes of risk other than catastrophe reinsurance.

Property Catastrophe Managed Joint Ventures

We actively manage property catastrophe-oriented joint ventures, which provide us with an additional presence in the market, enhance our client relationships and generate fee income and profit commissions. These joint ventures allow us to leverage our access to business and our underwriting capabilities on a larger capital base. Currently, our principal joint ventures include DaVinci, Top Layer Re, Medici, RenaissanceRe Upsilon Fund Ltd. (“Upsilon Fund”) and Upsilon RFO. Renaissance Underwriting Managers, Ltd. (“RUM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acts as the exclusive underwriting manager for each of these joint ventures.

DaVinci

DaVinci was established in 2001 and principally writes property catastrophe reinsurance and certain low frequency, high severity specialty reinsurance lines of business on a global basis. In general, we seek to construct for DaVinci a property catastrophe reinsurance portfolio with risk characteristics similar to those of Renaissance Reinsurance’s property catastrophe reinsurance portfolio and a portfolio of certain lines of specialty reinsurance such as terrorism and catastrophe exposed workers’ compensation. In accordance with DaVinci’s underwriting guidelines, it can only participate in business that is underwritten by Renaissance Reinsurance. We maintain majority voting control of DaVinci’s holding company, DaVinciRe, and accordingly, consolidate the results of DaVinciRe into our consolidated results of operations and financial position. We seek to manage DaVinci’s capital efficiently over time in light of the market opportunities and needs we perceive and believe we are able to serve. Our noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe was 26.3% at December 31, 2015 (2014 - 23.4%).

We expect our noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time. See “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Capital Resources” for additional information with respect of DaVinci.

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re was established in 1999 and writes high excess non-U.S. property catastrophe reinsurance. Top Layer Re is owned 50% by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (“State Farm”) and 50% by Renaissance Reinsurance. State Farm provides $3.9 billion of stop loss reinsurance coverage to Top Layer Re. We account for our equity ownership in Top Layer Re under the equity method of accounting and our proportionate share of its results is reflected in equity in earnings of other ventures in our consolidated statements of operations.

Medici

Medici is an exempted fund, incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. Medici’s objective is to invest substantially all of its assets in various insurance-based investment instruments that have returns primarily correlated to property catastrophe risk. Third-party investors subscribe for a portion of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. We maintain majority voting control of Medici’s parent, RenaissanceRe Fund Holdings Ltd. (“Fund Holdings”), therefore the results of Medici and Fund Holdings are consolidated in our financial statements. Our economic ownership in Medici was 46.1% at December 31, 2015 (2014 - 53.2%).

Upsilon RFO

Effective January 1, 2013, we formed and launched a managed joint venture, Upsilon RFO (formerly known as Upsilon Reinsurance II Ltd.), a Bermuda domiciled special purpose insurer (“SPI”), to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence primary and retrocessional property catastrophe excess of loss market. Upsilon RFO’s creation further enhances our efforts to match desirable reinsurance risk with efficient capital through a strategic capital structure. Original business is written directly by Upsilon RFO under fully-collateralized reinsurance contracts capitalized through the sale of non-voting shares to the

 

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Company and Upsilon Fund. Other than our equity investment, we have not provided any financial or other support to Upsilon RFO we were not contractually required to provide.

Upsilon Fund

Effective November 13, 2014, we incorporated Upsilon Fund, an exempted Bermuda limited segregated accounts company. Upsilon Fund was formed to provide a fund structure through which third party investors can invest in reinsurance risk managed by us. As a segregated accounts company, Upsilon Fund is permitted to establish segregated accounts to invest in and hold identified pools of assets and liabilities. Each pool of assets and liabilities in each segregated account is ring-fenced from any claims from the creditors of Upsilon Fund’s general account and from the creditors of other segregated accounts within Upsilon Fund. Third party investors purchase redeemable, non-voting preference shares linked to specific segregated accounts of Upsilon Fund and own 100% of these shares. Upsilon Fund is managed by RenaissanceRe Fund Management Ltd. in return for an expense override and profit commission. We have not provided any financial or other support to Upsilon Fund we were not contractually required to provide. Currently, Upsilon Fund is invested in Upsilon RFO and Medici.

Strategic Investments

Ventures also pursues strategic investments where, rather than assuming exclusive management responsibilities ourselves, we partner with other market participants. These investments are directed at classes of risk other than catastrophe reinsurance, and at times may also be directed at non-insurance risks. We find these investments attractive because of their expected returns, and because they provide us with diversification benefits and information and exposure to other aspects of the market. Examples of these investments include our investments in Tower Hill Insurance Group, LLC. (“THIG”), Tower Hill Holdings, Inc. (“Tower Hill”),Tower Hill Signature Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“Tower Hill Signature”) and Tower Hill Re (collectively, the “Tower Hill Companies”), Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“Universal”), Essent Group Ltd. (“Essent”) and Trupanion Inc. (“Trupanion”). The carrying value of these investments on our consolidated balance sheet, individually or in the aggregate, may differ from the realized value we may ultimately attain, perhaps significantly so. Other than Universal, Essent and Trupanion, none of the securities we hold in respect of these investments are publicly traded.

Other Transactions

Ventures works on a range of other customized reinsurance and financing transactions. For example, we have participated in and continuously analyze other attractive opportunities in the market for insurance-linked securities and derivatives. We believe our products contain a number of customized features designed to fit the needs of our partners, as well as our risk management objectives.

Our ventures unit business activities that appear in our consolidated underwriting results, such as DaVinci and certain reinsurance transactions, are included in our Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segment results as appropriate; the results of our equity method investments, such as Top Layer Re, and other ventures are included in the Other category of our segment results.

GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN

Our exposures are generally diversified across geographic zones, but are also a function of market conditions and opportunities. Our largest exposure has historically been to the U.S. and Caribbean market, which represented 59.4% of our gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2015. A significant amount of our U.S. and Caribbean premium provides coverage against windstorms (mainly U.S. Atlantic hurricanes), earthquakes and other natural and man-made catastrophes. The following table sets forth the percentage of our gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure:

 

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		2015								2014								2013
Year ended December 31,		Gross Premiums Written				Percentage of Gross Premiums Written				Gross Premiums Written				Percentage of Gross Premiums Written				Gross Premiums Written				Percentage of Gross Premiums Written
(in thousands, except percentages)
Catastrophe Reinsurance
U.S. and Caribbean		$	565,115				28.1 %			$	573,696				37.0%			$	782,211				48.7 %
Worldwide			168,447				8.3 %				157,674				10.2%				99,179				6.2 %
Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)			65,390				3.3 %				123,476				8.0%				146,048				9.1 %
Japan			29,959				1.5 %				31,484				2.0%				39,060				2.4 %
Europe			17,625				0.9 %				25,353				1.6%				25,659				1.6 %
Australia and New Zealand			15,185				0.8 %				20,807				1.3%				22,460				1.4 %
Other			6,910				0.3 %				1,479				0.1%				5,762				0.4 %
Total Catastrophe Reinsurance			868,631				43.2 %				933,969				60.2%				1,120,379				69.8 %
Specialty Reinsurance
U.S. and Caribbean			475,447				23.6 %				169,045				10.9%				91,203				5.7 %
Worldwide			200,693				9.9 %				161,329				10.4%				151,879				9.5 %
Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)			83,681				4.2 %				7,506				0.5%				1,661				0.1 %
Europe			3,362				0.2 %				460				—%				2,612				0.2 %
Australia and New Zealand			1,145				0.1 %				6,898				0.5%				12,068				0.7 %
Other			1,723				0.1 %				1,400				0.1%				66				—  %
Total Specialty Reinsurance			766,051				38.1 %				346,638				22.4%				259,489				16.2 %
Lloyd’s
Worldwide			186,113				9.2 %				118,190				7.6%				104,249				6.5 %
U.S. and Caribbean			154,104				7.7 %				120,066				7.7%				88,535				5.5 %
Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)			14,896				0.7 %				13,655				0.9%				8,071				0.5 %
Europe			12,922				0.6 %				7,609				0.5%				14,763				0.9 %
Japan			2,432				0.1 %				2,695				0.2%				1,907				0.1 %
Australia and New Zealand			1,166				0.1 %				2,907				0.2%				2,948				0.2 %
Other			5,085				0.3 %				4,534				0.3%				6,059				0.4 %
Total Lloyd’s			376,718				18.7 %				269,656				17.4%				226,532				14.1 %
Other category (2)			(90)				—  %				309				—%				(988)				(0.1)%
Total gross premiums written		$	2,011,310				100.0 %			$	1,550,572				100.0%			$	1,605,412				100.0 %

 

(1)	The category “Worldwide (excluding U.S.)” consists of contracts that cover more than one geographic region (other than the U.S.).

 

(2)	The Other category consists of contracts that are primarily exposed to U.S. risks and includes inter-segment gross premiums written of $(0.1) million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 - $0.3 million, 2013 - $(1.0) million).

NEW BUSINESS

From time to time we consider diversification into new ventures, either through organic growth, the formation of new joint ventures, or the acquisition of or the investment in other companies or books of business of other companies. This potential diversification includes opportunities to write targeted, additional classes of risk-exposed business, both directly for our own account and through new joint venture opportunities. We also regularly evaluate potential strategic opportunities we believe might utilize our skills, capabilities, proprietary technology and relationships to support possible expansion into further risk-related coverages, services and products. Generally, we focus on underwriting or trading risks where we believe reasonably sufficient data is available and our analytical abilities provide us with a competitive advantage, in order for us to seek to model estimated probabilities of losses and returns in accordance with our approach in respect of our then current portfolio of risks.

We regularly review potential strategic transactions that might improve our portfolio of business, enhance or focus our strategies, expand our distribution or capabilities, or provide other benefits. In evaluating potential new ventures or investments, we generally seek an attractive estimated return on equity, the ability to

 

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develop or capitalize on a competitive advantage, and opportunities which we believe will not detract from our core operations. We believe that our ability to attract investment and operational opportunities is supported by our strong reputation and financial resources, and by the capabilities and track record of our ventures unit.

COMPETITION

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, and we believe that competition is in general increasing and becoming more robust. Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries and/or affiliates of globally recognized insurance companies, reinsurance divisions of certain insurance companies, domestic and international underwriting operations, and a range of entities offering forms of risk transfer protection on a collateralized or other non-traditional basis. As our business evolves, we expect our competitors to change as well.

We believe that our principal competitors in the property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance market include other companies active in the Bermuda market, currently including Allied World Assurance Company, AG, Arch Capital Group Ltd., Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Axis Capital Holdings Limited, Chubb Limited, Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd., Everest Re Group, Ltd., Hamilton Re Ltd. (“Hamilton Re”), PartnerRe Ltd., Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. (“Third Point”), Validus Holdings, Ltd., White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. and XL Group plc, as well as a growing number of private, unrated reinsurers offering predominately collateralized reinsurance. We also compete with certain Lloyd’s syndicates active in the London market, as well as with a number of other industry participants, such as American International Group, Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Hannover Rückversicherung AG (“Hannover Re”), Ironshore Inc., Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft in München (“Munich Re”) and Swiss Re Ltd.

Hedge funds, pension funds and endowments, investment banks, investment managers (such as Nephila Capital Ltd.), exchanges and other capital market participants are increasingly active in the reinsurance market and the market for related risk, either through the formation of reinsurance companies (which include Greenlight Reinsurance Ltd. and new Bermuda-based entrants, including Aeolus Re Ltd., Hamilton Re, Swan Re Ltd. and Third Point) or through the use of other financial products, such as catastrophe bonds, other insurance-linked securities and collateralized reinsurance investment funds. We expect competition from these sources to continue to increase. In addition, we continue to anticipate growth in financial products offered to the insurance market which are intended to compete with traditional reinsurance, such as exchange traded catastrophe options, insurance-linked securities, unrated privately held reinsurance companies providing collateralized reinsurance, catastrophe-linked derivative agreements and other financial products It is possible that these changing dynamics will meaningfully impact the markets in which we participate, possibly adversely.

The tax policies of the countries where our customers operate, as well as government sponsored or backed catastrophe funds, also affect demand for reinsurance, sometimes significantly. Moreover, government-backed entities increasingly represent competition for the coverages we provide directly or for the business of our customers, reducing the potential amount of third party private protection our clients might need or desire.

UNDERWRITING AND ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT

Underwriting

Our primary underwriting goal is to construct a portfolio of reinsurance and insurance contracts and other financial risks that maximizes our return on shareholders’ equity, subject to prudent risk constraints, and to generate long-term growth in tangible book value per common share plus the change in accumulated dividends. We assess each new (re)insurance contract on the basis of the expected incremental return relative to the incremental contribution to portfolio risk.

We have developed a proprietary, computer-based pricing and exposure management system, REMS©. Since inception, we have continued to invest in and improve REMS©, incorporating our underwriting and modeling experience, adding proprietary software and a significant amount of new industry data. REMS© has analytic and modeling capabilities that help us to assess the risk and return of each incremental (re) insurance contract in relation to our overall portfolio of (re)insurance contracts. We combine the analyses

 

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generated by REMS© with other information available to us, including our own knowledge of the client submitting the proposed program, to assess the premium offered against the risk of loss and the cost of utilized capital which the program presents. The REMS© framework encompasses and facilitates risk capture, analysis, correlation, portfolio aggregation and capital allocation within a single system for all of our natural hazards and non-natural hazards (re)insurance contracts.

We generally utilize a multiple model approach combining both probabilistic and deterministic techniques. The underlying risk models integrated into our underwriting and REMS© framework are a combination of internally constructed and commercially available models. We use commercially available natural hazard catastrophe models to assist with validating and stress testing our base model and REMS© results. We continually strive to improve our analytical techniques for both natural hazard and non-natural hazard models in REMS© and while our experience is most developed for analyzing natural hazard catastrophe risks, we continue to invest in and evolve our capabilities for assessing non-natural hazard catastrophe risks. With the acquisition of Platinum and our recent growth in our Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments, we have increased our modeling and underwriting resources and associated capabilities with respect to our specialty lines of business.

We believe that REMS© is a robust underwriting and risk management system that has been successfully integrated into our business processes and culture. Before we bind a (re)insurance risk, exposure data, historical loss information and other risk data is gathered from customers. Using a combination of proprietary software, underwriting experience, actuarial techniques and engineering expertise where we deem appropriate, the exposure data is reviewed and augmented. We use this data as primary inputs into the REMS© modeling system as a base to create risk distributions to represent the risk being evaluated. We believe that the REMS© modeling system helps us to analyze each policy on a consistent basis, assisting our determination of what we believe to be an appropriate price to charge for each policy based upon the risk to be assumed. REMS© combines computer-generated statistical simulations that estimate loss and event probabilities with exposure and coverage information on each client’s (re)insurance contract to produce expected claims for (re)insurance programs submitted to us. Operationally, on a deal-by-deal basis, our models employ simulation techniques that have the ability to generate 40,000 years of loss activity. When deemed necessary, we stress test the 40,000 year simulations with simulations of up to 1,000,000 years. At a consolidated level, we frequently utilize simulations of 500,000 years to incorporate reserve risk, investment risk, expenses, and operational and other risks at a portfolio and risk assuming entity level. For natural hazards, we simulate a large range of potential industry losses in respect of events by region and peril. For some regions and perils, the extreme tails of these simulations include industry losses in excess of $600 billion. From these simulations, we generate a probability distribution of potential outcomes for each policy in our portfolio and for our total portfolio. In part, through the process described above and the utilization of REMS©, we seek to compare our estimate of the expected returns in respect of a contract with the amount of capital we notionally allocate to the contract based on our estimate of its marginal impact on our portfolio of risks. A key advantage of our REMS© framework is our ability to include additional perils, risks and geographic areas that may not be captured in commercially available natural hazards risk models.

We periodically review the estimates and assumptions that are reflected in REMS© and our other tools. For example, the 2011 and 2010 New Zealand Earthquakes and the Tohoku Earthquake provided new insight on certain aspects of hazard and vulnerability to the global earthquake science community. Utilizing internal research capabilities from our team of scientists at Weather Predict Consulting Inc. (“Weather Predict”) and new research from the global earthquake science community, we updated several of our internal regional representations of earthquake risk in advance of the commercially available models. In late 2012, Storm Sandy gave rise to new data relating to storm surge, flood persistence and mid-Atlantic tropical storm meteorology. We subsequently updated our North Atlantic storm surge model to reflect this new data.

Our underwriters use the combination of our risk assessment and underwriting process, REMS© and other tools in their pricing decisions, which we believe provides them with several competitive advantages. These include the ability to:

 

•

simulate a range of potential outcomes that adequately represents the risk to an individual contract;

 

•

analyze the incremental impact of an individual reinsurance contract on our overall portfolio;

 

•

better assess the underlying exposures associated with assumed retrocessional business;

 

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•

price contracts within a short time frame;

 

•

capture various classes of risk, including catastrophe and other insurance risks;

 

•

assess risk across multiple entities (including our various joint ventures) and across different components of our capital structure; and

 

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provide consistent pricing information.

As part of our risk management process, we also use REMS© to assist us, as a retrocedant, with the purchase of reinsurance coverage for our own account.

Our underwriting and risk management process, in conjunction with REMS©, quantifies and manages our exposure to claims from single events and the exposure to losses from a series of events. As part of our pricing and underwriting process, we also assess a variety of other factors, including:

 

•

the reputation of the proposed cedant and the likelihood of establishing a long-term relationship with the cedant;

 

•

the geographic area in which the cedant does business and its market share;

 

•

historical loss data for the cedant and, where available, for the industry as a whole in the relevant regions and lines of business, in order to compare the cedant’s historical catastrophe loss experience to industry averages;

 

•

the cedant’s pricing strategies; and

 

•

the perceived financial strength of the cedant and factors such as the cedant’s historical record of making premium payments in full and on a timely basis.

In order to estimate the risk profile of each line of non-natural hazard reinsurance (i.e., our specialty and casualty lines of business), we establish probability distributions and assess the correlations with the rest of our portfolio. In lines with catastrophe risk, such as excess workers’ compensation and terrorism, we seek to directly leverage our skill in modeling for our property catastrophe reinsurance risks, and seek to appropriately estimate and manage the correlations between these specialty lines and our catastrophe reinsurance portfolio. For other classes of business, in which we believe we have little or no natural catastrophe exposure, and therefore less correlation with our property catastrophe reinsurance coverages, we derive probability distributions from a variety of underlying information sources, including recent historical experience, and the application of judgment as appropriate. The nature of some of these businesses lends itself less to the analysis we use for our property catastrophe (re)insurance coverages, reflecting both the nature of available exposure information, and the impact of human factors such as tort exposure. We produce probability distributions to represent our estimates of the related underlying risks which our products cover, which we believe helps us to make consistent underwriting decisions and to manage our total risk portfolio.

In addition, we also produce, utilize and report on models which measure our utilization of capital in light of regulatory capital considerations and constraints. Our position in respect of these regulatory capital models are reviewed by our risk management professional staff and periodically reported to and reviewed by senior underwriting personnel and executive management with responsibility for our regulated operating entities.

Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”)

We believe that high-quality and effective risk management is best achieved when it is a shared cultural value throughout the organization. We have developed and utilize a series of tools and processes we believe supports a culture of risk management and to create a robust framework of ERM within our organization. We consider ERM to be a key process which is the responsibility of every individual within the Company. ERM is managed by our senior executive team under the oversight of our Board of Directors, and implemented by personnel from across our organization. We believe that ERM helps us to identify potential events that may affect us, to quantify, evaluate and manage the risks to which we are exposed, and to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of our objectives. We believe that effective ERM can provide us with a significant competitive advantage. We also believe that effective ERM assists our efforts to minimize the likelihood of suffering financial outcomes in excess of the ranges which we have estimated in respect of specific investments, underwriting decisions, or other operating or business

 

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activities, although we do not believe this risk can be eliminated. We believe that our risk management tools support our strategy of pursuing opportunities and help us to identify opportunities we believe to be the most attractive. In particular, we utilize our risk management tools to support our efforts to monitor our capital position, on a consolidated basis and for each of our major operating subsidiaries, and to allocate an appropriate amount of capital to support the risks we have assumed in the aggregate and for each of our major operating subsidiaries. We believe that our risk management efforts are essential to our corporate strategy and our goal of achieving long-term growth in tangible book value per share plus the change in accumulated dividends for our shareholders.

Our ERM framework comprises three primary areas of focus, as set forth below:

 

(1)

Assumed Risk.  We define assumed risk as activities where we deliberately take risk against the Company’s capital base, including underwriting risks and other quantifiable risks such as credit risk and interest rate risk as they relate to investments, ceded reinsurance credit risk and strategic investment risk, each of which can be analyzed in substantial part through quantitative tools and techniques. Of these, we believe underwriting risk to be the most material to us. In order to understand, monitor, quantify and proactively assess underwriting risk, we seek to develop and deploy appropriate tools to, among other things, estimate the comparable expected returns on potential business opportunities, and estimate the impact that such incremental business could have on our overall risk profile. We use the tools and methods described above in “Underwriting” to seek to achieve these objectives. Embedded within our consideration of assumed risk is our management of the Company’s aggregate, consolidated risk profile. In part through the utilization of REMS© and our other systems and procedures, we seek to analyze our in-force aggregate assumed risk portfolio on a daily basis. We believe this capability helps us to manage our aggregate exposures, as well as to rigorously analyze individual proposed transactions and evaluate them in the context of our in-force portfolio. This aggregation process captures line of business, segment and corporate risk profiles, calculates internal and external capital tests and explicitly models ceded reinsurance. Generally, additional data is added quarterly to our aggregate risk framework to reflect updated or new information or estimates relating to matters such as interest rate risk, credit risk, capital adequacy and liquidity. This information is used in day-to-day decision making for underwriting, investments and operations and is also reviewed quarterly from both a unit level and in respect of our consolidated financial position. We also regularly assess, monitor and review our regulatory risk capital and related constraints.

Reserve Risk is a subcomponent of assumed risk. We define reserve risk as the risks related to our reserve for net claims and claim expenses, including the amount, both absolute and relative, of our outstanding reserve for net claims and claim expenses, and the impact of economic, social, legal and regulatory matters. Our reserve for net claims and claim expenses is subject to significant uncertainty as a result of these factors, and others. Although reserve risk can increase in both the absolute, and relative to its overall consideration in our ERM framework, we employ robust resources, procedures and technology to identify, understand, quantify and manage these risks. Our reserve risk has increased in recent years, and specifically the acquisition of Platinum added claims and claim expense reserves of $1.4 billion at March 2, 2015, consisting of $117.4 million and $1.3 billion included in our Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments, respectively, which are subject to the reserving methodologies and sensitivities for each respective line of business described in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves.” Our reserve for net claims and claim expenses will continue to be subject to significant uncertainty and has the potential to develop adversely in future periods.

 

(2)

Business Environment Risk.  We define this as the risk of changes in the business, political or regulatory environment that could negatively impact our short term or long-term financial results or the markets in which we operate. Accordingly, these risks are predominately extrinsic to the Company and in general, our ability to alter or eliminate these risks is limited. Rather, our efforts focus on monitoring developments, assessing potential impacts of any such changes, and investing in cost effective means to attempt to mitigate the consequences of and ensure compliance with any new requirements applicable to us.

 

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(3)

Operational Risk. We are subject to a number of additional risks arising out of operational, regulatory, and other matters. We define operational risk to include the risk we fail to create, manage, control or mitigate the people, processes, structures or functions required to execute our strategic and tactical plans and assemble an optimized portfolio of assumed risk, and to adjust to and comply with the evolving requirements of business environment risk applicable to us. In light of the rapid evolution of our markets, business environment, and business initiatives, we seek to continually invest in the tools, processes and procedures to mitigate our exposure to operational risk on a cost-effective basis. As with assumed risk and business environment risk, operational risk presents intrinsic uncertainties, and we may fail to appropriately identify or mitigate applicable operational risk.

Identification and monitoring of business environment risk and operational risk is coordinated by senior personnel including our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (“CFO”), General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”), Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) and Head of Internal Audit, utilizing resources throughout the Company.

Although financial reporting is a key area of our focus, other operational risks are addressed through our disaster recovery program, human resource practices such as motivating and retaining top talent, our strict tax protocols and our legal and regulatory policies and procedures.

Controls and Compliance Committee.  We believe that a key component of our current operational risk management platform is our Controls and Compliance Committee. The Controls and Compliance Committee is comprised of our CFO, CCO, CAO, CRO, Head of Internal Audit, staff compliance professionals and representatives from our business units. The purpose of the Controls and Compliance Committee is to establish, assess the effectiveness of, and enforce policies, procedures and practices relating to accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory, legal, compliance and related matters, and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Company’s Code of Ethics and Conduct (the “Code of Ethics”), and other relevant standards. In addition, the Controls and Compliance Committee is charged with reviewing certain transactions that potentially raise complex and/or significant tax, legal, accounting, regulatory, financial reporting, reputational or compliance issues.

Ongoing Development and Enhancement.  We seek to reflect and categorize risks we monitor in part through quantitative risk distributions, even where we believe that such quantitative analysis is not as robust or well developed as our tools and models for measuring and evaluating other risks, such as catastrophe and market risks. We also seek to improve the methods by which we measure risks. Effective risk management is a core attribute of our culture and we believe it is a continual process that requires ongoing improvement and development. We seek from time to time to identify effective new practices or additional developments both from within our industry and from other sectors. We believe that our ongoing efforts to embed ERM throughout our organization are important to our efforts to produce and maintain a competitive advantage to achieve our corporate goals.

RATINGS

Financial strength ratings are an important factor in respect of the competitive position of reinsurance and insurance companies. Rating organizations continually review the financial positions of our reinsurers and insurers. We have received high claims-paying and financial strength ratings from A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”), Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”). These ratings represent independent opinions of an insurer’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet policyholder obligations, and are not an evaluation directed toward the protection of investors or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any of our securities. Subsequent to the announcement of the acquisition of Platinum, S&P, A.M. Best, Moody’s and Fitch affirmed the ratings of RenaissanceRe and the operating subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe, with a stable outlook. See “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Capital Resources, Ratings” for the ratings of our principal operating subsidiaries and joint ventures by segment, and details of recent ratings actions. In addition, S&P assesses companies’ ERM practices, which is an opinion on the many critical dimensions of risk that determine overall creditworthiness. RenaissanceRe has been assigned an ERM rating of “Very Strong”, which is the highest rating assigned by S&P, and indicates that S&P believes RenaissanceRe has very strong capabilities to

 

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consistently identify, measure, and manage risk exposures and losses within RenaissanceRe’s predetermined tolerance guidelines.

RESERVES FOR CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES

We believe the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and claim expense reserves. Claims and claim expense reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for unpaid claims and claim expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts we sell. We establish our claims and claim expense reserves by taking claims reported to us by insureds and ceding companies, but which have not yet been paid (“case reserves”), adding the costs for additional case reserves (“additional case reserves”) which represent our estimates for claims related to specific contracts previously reported to us which we believe may not be adequately estimated by the client as of that date, and adding estimates for the anticipated cost of claims incurred but not yet reported to us (“IBNR”).

In connection with the acquisition of Platinum on March 2, 2015, we acquired claims and claim expense reserves of $1.4 billion, consisting of $117.4 million and $1.3 billion included in our Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments, respectively, which are subject to the reserving methodologies for each respective line of business as described in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves.”

The following table summarizes our claims and claim expense reserves by line of business, split between case reserves, additional case reserves and IBNR:

 

At December 31, 2015		Case Reserves				Additional Case Reserves				IBNR				Total
(in thousands)
Catastrophe Reinsurance		$	237,345			$	146,969			$	179,947			$	564,261
Specialty Reinsurance			529,952				126,650				1,148,015				1,804,617
Lloyd’s			84,964				22,085				263,440				370,489
Other			2,071				—				25,607				27,678
Total		$	854,332			$	295,704			$	1,617,009			$	2,767,045
At December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Catastrophe Reinsurance		$	253,431			$	150,825			$	138,411			$	542,667
Specialty Reinsurance			106,293				79,457				357,960				543,710
Lloyd’s			65,295				14,168				204,984				284,447
Other			5,212				2,354				34,120				41,686
Total		$	430,231			$	246,804			$	735,475			$	1,412,510

Our estimates of claims and claim expense reserves are not precise in that, among other matters, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends and other variable factors. Some, but not all, of our reserves are further subject to the uncertainty inherent in actuarial methodologies and estimates. Because a reserve estimate is simply an insurer’s estimate at a point in time of its ultimate liability, and because there are numerous factors which affect reserves and claims payments that cannot be determined with certainty in advance, our ultimate payments will vary, perhaps materially, from our estimates of reserves. If we determine in a subsequent period that adjustments to our previously established reserves are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified. During the year ended December 31, 2015, changes to prior year estimated claims reserves increased our net income by $162.4 million (2014 - $143.8 million, 2013 - $144.0 million), excluding the consideration of changes in reinstatement premium, profit commissions, redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe, equity in net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re and income tax.

 

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The following table presents an analysis of our paid, unpaid and incurred losses and loss expenses and a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for claims and claim expenses for the years indicated:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Net reserves as of January 1		$	1,345,816			$	1,462,705			$	1,686,865
Net incurred related to:
Current year			610,685				341,745				315,241
Prior years			(162,447)				(143,798)				(143,954)
Total net incurred			448,238				197,947				171,287
Net paid related to:
Current year			95,747				39,830				32,212
Prior years			459,905				275,006				363,235
Total net paid			555,652				314,836				395,447
Amounts acquired (1)			1,394,117				—				—
Total net reserves as of December 31			2,632,519				1,345,816				1,462,705
Reinsurance recoverable as of December 31			134,526				66,694				101,025
Total gross reserves as of December 31		$	2,767,045			$	1,412,510			$	1,563,730

 

(1)	Represents the fair value of Platinum’s reserve for claims and claim expenses and reinsurance recoverable acquired at March 2, 2015.

Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” for additional discussion regarding our reserving methodologies, including key assumptions and sensitivity analysis and a discussion regarding our accounting treatment and favorable development on prior years net claims and claim expenses.

Our reserving methodology for each line of business uses a loss reserving process that calculates a point estimate for our ultimate settlement and administration costs for claims and claim expenses. We do not calculate a range of estimates. We use this point estimate, along with paid claims and case reserves, to record our best estimate of additional case reserves and IBNR in our consolidated financial statements. Under GAAP, we are not permitted to establish estimates for catastrophe claims and claim expense reserves until an event occurs that gives rise to a loss.

Reserving for our reinsurance claims involves other uncertainties, such as the dependence on information from ceding companies, which among other matters, includes the time lag inherent in reporting information from the primary insurer to us or to our ceding companies and differing reserving practices among ceding companies. The information received from ceding companies is typically in the form of bordereaux, broker notifications of loss and/or discussions with ceding companies or their brokers. This information may be received on a monthly, quarterly or transactional basis and normally includes paid claims and estimates of case reserves. We sometimes also receive an estimate or provision for IBNR. This information is often updated and adjusted from time to time during the loss settlement period as new data or facts in respect of initial claims, client accounts, industry or event trends may be reported or emerge in addition to changes in applicable statutory and case laws.

Our estimates of losses from large events are based on factors including currently available information derived from our claims information from certain customers and brokers, industry assessments of losses from the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of our contracts. The uncertainty of our estimates for large events is also impacted by the preliminary nature of the information available, the magnitude and relative infrequency of the events, the expected duration of the respective claims development period, inadequacies in the data provided to the relevant date by industry participants and the potential for further reporting lags or insufficiencies; and in certain large events, significant uncertainty as to the form of the claims and legal issues, under the relevant terms of insurance and reinsurance contracts. In addition, a significant portion of the net claims and claim expenses associated with certain large events can be concentrated with a few large clients and therefore the loss estimates for these events may vary significantly based on the claims experience of those clients. Loss reserve estimation in respect of our

 

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retrocessional contracts poses further challenges compared to directly assumed reinsurance. The contingent nature of business interruption and other exposures will also impact losses in a meaningful way, which we believe may give rise to significant complexity in respect of claims handling, claims adjustment and other coverage issues, over time. Given the magnitude of certain events, there can be meaningful uncertainty regarding total covered losses for the insurance industry and, accordingly, several of the key assumptions underlying our loss estimates. In addition, our actual net losses from these events may increase if our reinsurers or other obligors fail to meet their obligations.

Because of the inherent uncertainties discussed above, we have developed a reserving philosophy which attempts to incorporate prudent assumptions and estimates, and we have generally experienced favorable net development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses in the last several years. However, there is no assurance that this favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses will occur in future periods.

Our reserving techniques, assumptions and processes differ among our Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments, and Other category. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” for more information on the risks we insure and reinsure, the reserving techniques, assumptions and processes we follow to estimate our claims and claim expense reserves, and our current estimates versus our initial estimates of our claims reserves, for each of these units.

The following table represents the development of our GAAP balance sheet reserves for December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2015. This table does not present accident or policy year development data. The top line of the table shows the gross reserves for claims and claim expenses at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This represents the estimated amounts of claims and claim expenses arising in the current year and all prior years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including additional case reserves and IBNR reserves. Net reserves for claims and claim expenses of Platinum are included in the year of acquisition. The table also shows the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded reserves based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate changes as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years. The “cumulative redundancy on net reserves” represents the aggregate change to date from the indicated estimate of the gross reserve for claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance recoverable on the second line of the table. The table also shows the cumulative net paid amounts as of successive years with respect to the net reserve liability. At the bottom of the table is a reconciliation of the gross reserve for claims and claim expenses to the net reserve for claims and claim expenses, the gross re-estimated liability to the net re-estimated liability for claims and claim expenses, and the cumulative redundancy on gross reserves.

 

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With respect to the information in the table below, note that each amount includes the effects of all changes in amounts for prior periods, including the effect of foreign exchange rates.

 

Year ended December 31,		2005					2006					2007					2008					2009					2010					2011					2012					2013					2014 (1)					2015 (1)
(in millions)
Gross reserve for claims and claim expenses			$	2,381.4				$	1,811.0				$	1,717.2				$	1,758.8				$	1,344.4				$	1,257.8				$	1,992.3				$	1,879.4				$	1,563.7				$	1,412.5				$	2,767.0
Reserve for claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance recoverable			$	1,742.2				$	1,591.3				$	1,609.5				$	1,565.2				$	1,260.3				$	1,156.1				$	1,588.3				$	1,686.9				$	1,462.7				$	1,345.8				$	2,632.5
1 Year Later				1,610.7					1,368.3					1,412.6					1,299.0					958.2					1,024.1					1,430.3					1,543.0					1,318.9					1,227.7					—
2 Years Later				1,449.1					1,225.9					1,199.0					1,045.1					857.6					895.8					1,345.5					1,419.2					1,234.5					—					—
3 Years Later				1,333.7					1,092.2					997.8					961.4					770.8					849.5					1,274.8					1,367.9					—					—					—
4 Years Later				1,231.6					911.1					923.0					888.7					727.4					838.4					1,247.2					—					—					—					—
5 Years Later				1,077.8					847.2					878.5					849.2					697.8					831.0					—					—					—					—					—
6 Years Later				1,022.7					823.5					858.6					824.6					693.4					—					—					—					—					—					—
7 Years Later				1,002.8					819.1					848.0					823.5					—					—					—					—					—					—					—
8 Years Later				1,009.4					811.4					846.5					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—
9 Years Later				1,004.7					804.4					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—
10 Years Later				998.4					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—
Cumulative redundancy on net reserves			$	743.8				$	786.9				$	763.0				$	741.7				$	566.9				$	325.1				$	341.1				$	319.0				$	228.2				$	118.1				$	—
Cumulative Net Paid Losses
1 Year Later			$	354.8				$	247.6				$	337.1				$	191.5				$	182.8				$	129.7				$	142.6				$	363.2				$	275.0				$	222.0				$	—
2 Years Later				548.4					435.8					469.5					369.1					301.5					301.5					484.5					605.5					448.9					—					—
3 Years Later				712.6					529.5					553.0					471.6					420.6					379.3					667.9					749.6					—					—					—
4 Years Later				782.9					569.4					605.7					585.8					456.2					437.6					781.1					—					—					—					—
5 Years Later				812.0					594.2					690.4					615.3					487.8					482.5					—					—					—					—					—
6 Years Later				833.1					656.1					703.2					641.2					504.5					—					—					—					—					—					—
7 Years Later				879.1					668.7					724.7					655.4					—					—					—					—					—					—					—
8 Years Later				890.9					676.5					731.3					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—
9 Years Later				893.2					678.1					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—
10 Years Later				894.2					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—					—
Gross reserve for claims and claim expenses			$	2,381.4				$	1,811.0				$	1,717.2				$	1,758.8				$	1,344.4				$	1,257.8				$	1,992.3				$	1,879.4				$	1,563.7				$	1,412.5				$	2,767.0
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses				639.2					219.7					107.7					193.6					84.1					101.7					404.0					192.5					101.0					66.7					134.5
Net reserve for claims and claim expenses			$	1,742.2				$	1,591.3				$	1,609.5				$	1,565.2				$	1,260.3				$	1,156.1				$	1,588.3				$	1,686.9				$	1,462.7				$	1,345.8				$	2,632.5
Gross liability re-estimated			$	1,606.2				$	1,006.6				$	908.7				$	956.9				$	732.8				$	908.5				$	1,635.9				$	1,522.7				$	1,306.8				$	1,268.0				$	—
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses re-estimated				607.8					202.2					62.2					133.4					39.4					77.5					388.7					154.8					72.3					40.3					—
Net liability re-estimated			$	998.4				$	804.4				$	846.5				$	823.5				$	693.4				$	831.0				$	1,247.2				$	1,367.9				$	1,234.5				$	1,227.7				$	—
Cumulative redundancy on gross reserves			$	775.2				$	804.4				$	808.5				$	801.9				$	611.6				$	349.3				$	356.4				$	356.7				$	256.9				$	144.5				$	—

 

(1)

Platinum’s gross reserve for claims and claim expenses and its reinsurance recoverable are included in this table at December 31, 2015 for the first time. For years prior to 2015, this table excludes the gross reserve for claims and claim expenses and reinsurance recoverable of Platinum. Accordingly, the cumulative redundancy on gross reserves (gross reserve for claims and claim expenses at the end of the year, as originally estimated, less the gross liability re-estimated as of subsequent years) for years prior to 2015 relates only to claims and claim expenses recorded by RenaissanceRe and its subsidiaries not acquired in connection with the acquisition of Platinum. In addition, the cumulative redundancy on net reserves and cumulative net paid losses disclosed in the 2014 column in the table above, excludes $44.3 million and $237.9 million, respectively, associated with Platinum for years prior to 2015.

 

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INVESTMENTS

Our investment guidelines stress preservation of capital, market liquidity, and diversification of risk. The majority of our investments consist of highly rated fixed income securities. We also hold a significant amount of short term investments. Short term investments are managed as part of our investment portfolio and have a maturity of one year or less when purchased. In addition, we have an allocation to other investments including private equity partnerships, catastrophe bonds, a senior secured bank loan fund, and hedge funds, and to certain equity securities. We may from time to time re-evaluate our investment guidelines and explore investment allocations to other asset classes. Our investments are subject to market-wide risks and fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular securities.

In connection with the acquisition of Platinum on March 2, 2015, we acquired $2.7 billion of investments, including $1.8 billion of fixed maturity investments trading and $883.5 million of short term investments.

The table below shows the aggregate amounts of our invested assets:

 

At December 31,		2015								2014
(in thousands, except percentages)
U.S. treasuries		$	2,064,944				23.0%			$	1,671,471				24.8%
Agencies			137,976				1.5%				96,208				1.4%
Municipal			583,282				6.5%				—				—%
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)			334,981				3.7%				280,651				4.2%
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate			138,994				1.5%				146,467				2.2%
Corporate			2,055,323				22.9%				1,610,442				23.9%
Agency mortgage-backed			504,518				5.6%				316,620				4.7%
Non-agency mortgage-backed			270,763				3.0%				253,050				3.7%
Commercial mortgage-backed			561,496				6.2%				381,051				5.7%
Asset-backed			130,541				1.4%				27,610				0.4%
Total fixed maturity investments, at fair value			6,782,818				75.3%				4,783,570				71.0%
Short term investments, at fair value			1,208,401				13.4%				1,013,222				15.0%
Equity investments trading, at fair value			393,877				4.4%				322,098				4.8%
Other investments, at fair value			481,621				5.4%				504,147				7.5%
Total managed investment portfolio			8,866,717				98.5%				6,623,037				98.3%
Investments in other ventures, under equity method			132,351				1.5%				120,713				1.7%
Total investments		$	8,999,068				100.0%			$	6,743,750				100.0%

For additional information regarding the investment portfolio, refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Investments”.

MARKETING

We believe that our modeling and technical expertise, the risk management products we provide to our customers, and our reputation for paying claims promptly has enabled us to become a provider of first choice in many lines of business to our customers worldwide. We market our products worldwide primarily through reinsurance brokers and we focus our marketing efforts on targeted brokers and partners. We believe that our existing portfolio of business is a valuable asset and, therefore, we attempt to continually strengthen relationships with our existing brokers and customers. We target prospects that are capable of supplying detailed and accurate underwriting data and that potentially add further diversification to our book of business.

We believe that primary insurers’ and brokers’ willingness to use a particular reinsurer is based not just on pricing, but also on the financial security of the reinsurer, its claim paying ability ratings and demonstrated willingness to promptly pay valid claims, the quality of a reinsurer’s service, the reinsurer’s willingness and ability to design customized programs, its long-term stability and its commitment to provide reinsurance

 

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capacity. We believe we have established a reputation with our brokers and customers for prompt response on underwriting submissions, for fast payments on valid claims and for providing creative solutions to our customers’ needs. Since we selectively write large lines on a limited number of property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance contracts, we can establish terms and conditions on those contracts that are attractive in our judgment, make large commitments to the most attractive programs and provide superior client responsiveness. We believe that our willingness and ability to design customized programs and to provide bespoke risk management products has helped us to develop long-term relationships with brokers and customers.

Our brokers assess client needs and perform data collection, contract preparation and other administrative tasks, enabling us to market our products cost effectively by maintaining a smaller staff. We believe that by maintaining close relationships with brokers, we are able to obtain access to a broad range of potential reinsureds. In recent years, our distribution has become increasingly reliant on a small and relatively decreasing number of such relationships reflecting consolidation in the broker sector. We expect this concentration to continue and perhaps increase.

The following table shows the percentage of our Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments’ gross premiums written generated through subsidiaries and affiliates of our largest brokers:

 

Year ended December 31, 2015		Catastrophe     Reinsurance				Specialty     Reinsurance				Lloyd’s				Total
AON			57.4%				47.0%				28.7%				48.1%
Marsh			22.6%				20.6%				21.9%				21.7%
Willis Towers Watson			8.1%				16.0%				11.0%				11.7%
Total of largest brokers			88.1%				83.6%				61.6%				81.5%
All others			11.9%				16.4%				38.4%				18.5%
Total			100.0%				100.0%				100.0%				100.0%

The following table shows the number of brokers for which we issued authorization for coverage on programs, the number of program submissions received and the number and percent of authorizations issued, split between our Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments for 2015:

 

Year ended December 31, 2015		Catastrophe     Reinsurance				Specialty     Reinsurance				Lloyd’s
Number of brokers			19				32				48
Program submissions			2,205				450				3,820
Programs authorized			819				183				990
Programs authorized as a percentage of program submissions			37%				41%				26%

EMPLOYEES

At February 18, 2016, we employed 376 people worldwide (February 18, 2015 - 281, February 19, 2014 - 285). We believe our strong employee relations are among our most significant strengths. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. We are not aware of any current efforts to implement such agreements at any of our subsidiaries. We have historically looked for opportunities to strengthen our operations during periods of softening markets in anticipation of improving market conditions, however, we may from time to time reevaluate our operational needs based on various factors, including the changing nature of such market conditions and changes in our strategy or tactical plans. We expect to continue to experience a degree of employee growth in the U.K., the U.S. and other markets outside Bermuda, which may lead to new or expanded human resource requirements.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Our information technology infrastructure is important to our business. Our information technology platform, supported by a team of professionals, is maintained across various office locations. Additional information

 

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technology assets are maintained at the other office locations of our operating subsidiaries. We have implemented backup procedures that seek to ensure that our key business systems and data are backed up, generally on a daily basis, and can be restored promptly if and as needed. In addition, we generally store backup information at off-site locations, in order to seek to minimize our risk of loss of key data in the event of a disaster.

We depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology platform. This includes communications and data processing systems used in operating our business. These systems consist of proprietary software programs that are integral to the efficient operation of our business (including REMS©, our proprietary computer-based pricing and exposure management system). In addition, we frequently transmit and receive personal, confidential and proprietary information by email and other electronic means, as required in connection with our business, with our internal operations and with facilitating the oversight conducted by our Board of Directors. Computer viruses, hackers, employee misuse or misconduct and other external hazards could expose our data systems to security breaches, cyber attacks or other disruptions.

Our business and support functions utilize information systems that provide critical services to both our employees and our customers. We are also required to effect electronic transmissions with third parties including brokers, clients, vendors and others with whom we do business. While we seek to ensure that our information is appropriately protected by these parties by performing third party risk assessments, we may be unable to establish secure capabilities with all of them; in addition, these third parties may not have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of the information.

Cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy or other proper functioning of these systems could have a significant impact on our operations, and potentially on our results. Publicly reported instances of cyber security threats and incidents have increased over recent periods, and it is possible that cyber-related risks for us or the costs to us of complying with new or developing regulatory requirements have or will increase. In 2011, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) drafted informal staff-level guidance for public companies to use when considering whether to disclose cyber attacks and their impact on a company’s financial condition, and it is possible that the SEC or other agencies which regulate or oversee us will adopt new standards or requirements with which we would be required to comply. We also operate in a number of jurisdictions with strict data privacy and other related laws, which could be violated in the event of a significant cybersecurity incident, or by our personnel. Failure to comply with these obligations can give rise to monetary fines and other penalties, which could be significant.

We protect our information systems with physical and electronic safeguards as well as backup systems considered appropriate by management. However, it is not possible to protect against every potential power loss, telecommunications failure, cybersecurity attack or similar event that may arise.Moreover, the safeguards we use are subject to human implementation and maintenance and to other uncertainties.

A significant cyber incident, including system failure, security breach, disruption by malware or other damage could interrupt or delay our operations. Cyber incidents may result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws and could damage our reputation potentially causing a loss of customers. Management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident that has had a material effect on our operations, although there can be no assurances that a cyber incident that could have a material impact on us will not occur in the future. We do however periodically perform security penetration test scenarios and provide regular security risk staff education awareness sessions, to evaluate our preparedness and enhance both our system and user ability to detect, alert and respond to such an incident.

We have implemented and periodically test our disaster recovery plans with respect to our information technology infrastructure. Among other things, our recovery plans involve arrangements with off-site, secure data centers in alternative locations. We believe we will be able to access our systems from these facilities in the event that our primary systems are unavailable due to various scenarios, such as natural disasters. However, we have not prepared for every conceivable disaster or every scenario which might arise in respect of the disaster for which we have prepared, and cannot assure you our efforts in respect of disaster recovery will succeed, or will be sufficiently rapid to avoid harm to our business.

 

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REGULATION

Bermuda Regulation

All Bermuda companies must comply with the provisions of the Companies Act 1981. In addition, the Insurance Act 1978 and related regulations (collectively, the “Insurance Act”), regulate the business of our Bermuda insurance, reinsurance and management company subsidiaries.

As a holding company, RenaissanceRe is not currently subject to the Insurance Act. However, the Insurance Act regulates the insurance and reinsurance business of our Bermuda-licensed operating insurance companies. RenaissanceRe’s Bermuda-licensed operating insurance subsidiaries include Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and Platinum Bermuda, which are registered as Class 4 general business insurers, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., which are registered as Class 3B general business insurers, and Top Layer Re, which is registered as a Class 3A general business insurer under the Insurance Act. RenaissanceRe also has operating subsidiaries registered as SPIs under the Insurance Act, including most recently, Upsilon RFO. RUM and RenaissanceRe Underwriting Management Ltd. are each registered as insurance managers under the Insurance Act.

The Insurance Act imposes solvency and liquidity standards as well as auditing and reporting requirements and confers on the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) powers to supervise, investigate and intervene in the affairs of insurance companies. Significant requirements of the Insurance Act include the appointment of an independent auditor and loss reserve specialist (both of whom must be approved by the BMA), the filing of an annual financial return and provisions relating to the payment of distributions and dividends. In particular:

 

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Each Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 general business insurer is required to submit annual statutory financial statements as part of its statutory financial return no later than four months after the insurer’s financial year end (unless specifically extended). The annual statutory financial statements give detailed information and analyses regarding premiums, claims, reinsurance, reserves and investments. The statutory financial return includes, among other items: a report of the approved independent auditor on the statutory financial statements; a declaration of statutory ratios; a solvency certificate; the statutory financial statements themselves; the opinion of the approved loss reserve specialist; and details concerning ceded reinsurance. Class 3A, 3B and 4 insurers are also required to file a capital and solvency return in respect of their general business, which includes, amongst other items, the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (“BSCR”) model, a schedule of governance and risk management, a catastrophe risk return, a schedule of loss triangles or reconciliation of net loss reserves and a schedule of eligible capital.

 

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In addition to preparing statutory financial statements, all Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must prepare financial statements in respect of their insurance business in accordance with GAAP, International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) or other acceptable accounting standards, which are published on the BMA website.

 

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A general business insurer’s statutory assets must exceed its statutory liabilities by an amount, equal to or greater than the prescribed minimum solvency margin (“Minimum Solvency Margin”), which varies with the category of its registration. The Minimum Solvency Margin that must be maintained by a Class 4 insurer is the greater of (i) $100.0 million, or (ii) 50% of net premiums written (with a credit for reinsurance ceded not exceeding 25% of gross premiums), or (iii) 15% of net aggregate loss and loss expense provisions and other insurance reserves, or (iv) 25% of the enhanced capital requirement (ECR”), which is established by reference to the BSCR model. The Minimum Solvency Margin for a Class 3A or Class 3B insurer is the greater of (i) $1.0 million, or (ii) 20% of the first $6.0 million of net premiums written; if in excess of $6.0 million, the figure is $1.2 million plus 15% of net premiums written in excess of $6.0 million, or (iii) 15% of net aggregate loss and loss expense provisions and other insurance reserves, or (iv) 25% of the insurer’s ECR.

 

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Each Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurer must maintain its capital at a level at least equal to its ECR. Alternatively, under the Insurance Act, insurers may, subject to the terms of the Insurance Act and to the BMA’s oversight, elect to utilize an approved internal capital model to determine regulatory capital. In either case, the ECR shall at all times equal or exceed the respective Class 3A, Class 3B

 

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and Class 4 insurer’s Minimum Solvency Margin and may be adjusted in circumstances where the BMA concludes that the insurer’s risk profile deviates significantly from the assumptions underlying its ECR or the insurer’s assessment of its risk management policies and practices used to calculate the ECR applicable to it. While not specifically referred to in the Insurance Act, the BMA has also established a target capital level (“TCL”) for each Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurer equal to 120% of the respective ECR. While a Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurer is not currently required to maintain its statutory capital and surplus at this level, the TCL serves as an early warning tool for the BMA and failure to maintain statutory capital at least equal to the TCL will likely result in increased BMA regulatory oversight.

 

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An insurer engaged in general business is required to maintain the value of its relevant assets at not less than 75% of the amount of its relevant liabilities (“Minimum Liquidity Ratio”).

 

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To enable the BMA to better assess the quality of an insurer’s capital resources, Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must maintain available capital in accordance with a “three tiered capital regime”. All capital instruments are classified as either basic or ancillary capital, which in turn are classified into one of three tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3) based on their “loss absorbency” characteristics (the “Tiered Capital Requirements”). Eligibility limits are then applied to each tier in determining the amounts eligible to cover regulatory capital requirement levels. The highest capital is classified as Tier 1 capital, lesser quality capital is classified as either Tier 2 capital or Tier 3 capital. Under this regime, not more than certain specified percentages of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 capital may be used to satisfy the Class 3A, 3B and 4 insurers’ Minimum Solvency Margin and ECR requirements.

 

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Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers are prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends if in breach of the required Minimum Solvency Margin or Minimum Liquidity Ratio (the “Relevant Margins”) or if the declaration or payment of such dividend would cause the insurer to fail to meet the Relevant Margins. Further, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers are prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year’s statutory balance sheet) unless it files (at least seven days before payment of such dividends) with the BMA an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet its Relevant Margins. Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must obtain the BMA’s prior approval for a reduction by 15% or more of the total statutory capital as set forth in its previous year’s financial statements. These restrictions on declaring or paying dividends and distributions under the Insurance Act are in addition to the solvency requirements under the Companies Act which apply to all Bermuda companies.

 

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Unlike other (re)insurers, SPIs are fully funded to meet their (re)insurance obligations and are not exposed to insolvency, therefore the application and supervision processes are streamlined to facilitate the transparent structure. Further, SPIs are currently not required to file annual loss reserve specialist opinions and the BMA has the discretion to modify such insurer’s accounting requirements under the Insurance Act. Like other (re)insurers, the principal representative of an SPI has a duty to inform the BMA in relation to solvency matters, where applicable. In December 2013, the BMA issued a notice in which it proposed to amend the statutory reporting requirements for SPIs. Under this notice, the BMA will likely require SPIs to submit additional schedules together with the existing statutory financial return. These enhanced filing requirements have not yet been finalized by the BMA.

 

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The BMA maintains supervision over the controllers (as defined herein) of all Bermuda registered insurers. Currently, the Insurance Act states that no person shall become a controller of any description of a registered insurer unless the BMA has been served notice in writing stating that the person intends to become such a controller. A controller includes the managing director and chief executive of the registered insurer or its parent company; a 10%, 20%, 33% or 50% shareholder controller; and any person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of the registered insurer or of its parent company are accustomed to act. In addition, all Bermuda insurers are also required to give the BMA written notice of the fact that a person has become, or ceased to be, a controller or officer of the registered insurer within 45 days of becoming aware of such fact. An officer in relation to a registered insurer includes a director, secretary, chief executive or senior executive by whatever name called.

 

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All registered insurers are required to give the BMA 30 days’ notice of certain matters that are likely to be of material significance (each a “Material Change”) to the BMA in carrying out its supervisory function under the Insurance Act. The Insurance Act prescribes the Material Changes requiring advance notice.

 

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All Bermuda insurers are required to comply with the BMA’s Insurance Code of Conduct, which establishes duties, requirements and standards to be complied with to ensure each insurer implements sound corporate governance, risk management and internal controls. Failure to comply with these requirements will be a factor taken into account by the BMA in determining whether an insurer is conducting its business in a sound and prudent manner under the Insurance Act.

 

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Pursuant to the Insurance Act, the BMA acts as the group supervisor of the RenaissanceRe group of companies (the “RenaissanceRe Group”) and it has designated Renaissance Reinsurance to be the “designated insurer” in respect of the RenaissanceRe Group. The designated insurer is required to ensure that the RenaissanceRe Group complies with the provisions of the Insurance Act pertaining to groups and all related group solvency and group supervision rules (together, the “Group Rules”). Under the Group Rules, the RenaissanceRe Group is required to annually prepare and submit to the BMA group GAAP financial statements, group statutory financial statements, a group statutory financial return and a group capital and solvency return. An insurance group must ensure that the value of the insurance group’s assets exceeds the amount of the insurance group’s liabilities by the aggregate of: (i) the individual Minimum Solvency Margin of each qualifying member of the group controlled by the parent company; and (ii) the parent company’s percentage shareholding in the member multiplied by the member’s Minimum Solvency Margin, where the parent company exercises significant influence over a member of the group but does not control the member (the “Group Minimum Solvency Margin”). A member is a qualified member of the insurance group if it is subject to solvency requirements in the jurisdiction in which it is registered. Every insurance group is also required to submit an annual group actuarial opinion when filing its group statutory financial return. The group actuary must be approved by the BMA. Insurance groups are required to maintain available statutory capital and surplus to an amount that is equal to or exceeds the value of its Group ECR, which is calculated at the end of its relevant year by reference to the BSCR model of the group (the “Group BSCR”) or an approved internal capital model provided that the group ECR shall at all times be an amount equal to or exceeding the Group Minimum Solvency Margin. The group ECR is being phased in over a period of six years, which commenced with the 2013 financial year end. For the 2015 financial year end the applicable group ECR is equivalent to 70% of the amount determined by the Group BSCR or an approved internal capital model. This requirement will increase by increments of 10% in each of the following four years until 100% of the amount determined by the Group BSCR or an approved internal capital model for the ECR is required for the 2018 financial year end. The BMA expects insurance groups to operate at or above a group TCL, which exceeds the group ECR. The TCL for insurance groups is set at 120% of its group ECR. In addition, under the Tiered Capital Requirements described above, not more than certain specified percentages of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 capital may be used by an insurance group to satisfy the Group’s Minimum Solvency Margin and group ECR requirements. Further, our Board of Directors has established solvency self assessment procedures for the RenaissanceRe Group that factor in all foreseeable material risks; Renaissance Reinsurance must ensure that the RenaissanceRe Group’s assets exceed the amount of the RenaissanceRe Group’s liabilities by the aggregate minimum margin of solvency of each qualifying member; and our Board of Directors has established and effectively implements corporate governance policies and procedures designed to ensure they support the overall organizational strategy of the RenaissanceRe Group. In addition, the RenaissanceRe Group is required to prepare and submit to the BMA a quarterly financial return comprising unaudited consolidated group financial statements, a schedule of intra-group transactions and a schedule of risk concentrations.

 

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The BMA has certain powers of investigation and intervention relating to insurers and their holding companies, subsidiaries and other affiliates, which it may exercise in the interest of such insurer’s policyholders or if there is any risk of insolvency or of a breach of the Insurance Act or the insurer’s license conditions.

 

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Under the provisions of the Insurance Act, the BMA may, from time to time, conduct “on site” visits at the offices of insurers it regulates. Over the past several years, the BMA has conducted several “on site” reviews in respect of our Bermuda-domiciled operating insurers. No remedial actions were communicated to us as a result of any of the on-site reviews to date.

 

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The BMA may cancel an insurer’s registration on certain grounds specified in the Insurance Act.

The BMA has indicated that it will remain committed to the regulatory equivalence process in relation to Solvency II for Bermuda’s commercial insurance sector. As part of this process, the BMA made certain amendments to the implementation of Bermuda’s reporting regime for commercial insurers and insurance groups as it relates to statutory financial reporting, public disclosures, eligible capital, changes to the BSCR model and economic balance sheet. The enhancements to Bermuda’s regulatory regime involve among others the requirement for the submission of certain items in accordance with the Insurance Account Rules 2015, Insurance (Public Disclosure) Rules 2015 and amendments made to other relevant existing statutory instruments and rules. Most recently, the BMA has been granted full Solvency II equivalence for an unlimited period by the European Commission (the “EC”) based on an assessment conducted by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. The Bermuda Solvency II Delegated Act will enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the European Council within a period of three months of notification of the Delegated Act to the European Parliament and the European Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the European Council have both informed the EC that they will not object. The period can be extended by three months at the initiative of the European Parliament or the European Council.

At the present time, there is no Bermuda income or profits tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or inheritance tax payable by us or by our shareholders in respect of our shares. We have obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation is enacted in Bermuda imposing any tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax shall not, until March 31, 2035, be applicable to us or to any of our operations or to our shares, debentures or other obligations except insofar as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or is payable by us in respect of real property owned or leased by us in Bermuda.

U.S. Regulation

Admitted Company Regulation.  Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is a Maryland domiciled insurer licensed in 26 states and the District of Columbia and qualified or certified as a reinsurer in 24 states. As a U.S. licensed and authorized insurer, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is subject to considerable regulation and supervision by state insurance regulators. The extent of regulation varies but generally has its source in statutes that delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative authority to a department of insurance in each state. Among other things, state insurance departments regulate insurer solvency standards, authorized investments, loss and loss expense reserves and provisions for unearned premiums, and deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders. State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of authorized insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of companies and other matters. The Maryland Insurance Administration, as Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.’s domestic regulator, is the primary financial regulator of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Costs associated with understanding and complying with the regulations and requirements imposed by the Maryland Insurance Administration and other state insurance departments, as well as any changes or amendments to such regulations, may result in increased costs or burdens for RenaissanceRe.

Holding Company Regulation.  We are subject to the insurance holding company laws of Maryland, the domestic state of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. These laws generally require Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. to file with the Maryland Insurance Administration certain reports concerning its capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general business operations. Generally, all affiliate transactions involving the insurers in a holding company system must be fair and, if material or of specified types, require prior notice and approval or non-disapproval by the Maryland Insurance Administration. Further, Maryland law places limitations on the amounts of dividends or distributions payable by Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Payment of ordinary dividends by Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. requires notice to the Maryland Insurance

 

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Administration. Extraordinary dividends, which must be paid out of earned surplus, generally require thirty days’ prior notice to and approval or non-disapproval of the Maryland Insurance Administration before being declared. An extraordinary dividend includes any dividend whose fair market value together with that of other dividends or distributions made within the preceding twelve months exceeds the lesser of (1) ten percent of the insurer’s surplus as regards policyholders as of December 31 of the preceding year or (2) the insurer’s net investment income, excluding realized capital gains (as determined under statutory accounting principles), for the twelve month period ending December 31 of the preceding year and pro rata distributions of any class of the insurer’s own securities, plus any amounts of net investment income (subject to the foregoing exclusions), in the three calendar years prior to the preceding year which have not been distributed.

Maryland law also requires prior notice and Maryland Insurance Administration approval of acquisitions of control of a Maryland-domestic insurer or an entity directly or indirectly controlling a Maryland-domestic insurer, including its holding company. Any purchaser of 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of an insurance company, its holding company or any other entity directly or indirectly controlling the insurance company is presumed to have acquired control, unless the presumption is rebutted. Therefore, any investor who intends to acquire 10% or more of RenaissanceRe’s outstanding voting securities may need to comply with these laws and would be required to file notices and reports with the Maryland Insurance Administration before such acquisition. In addition, RenaissanceRe’s Bye-Laws prohibit transfers of our capital shares if the transfer would result in a person owning or controlling shares that constitute 9.9% or more of any class or series of our shares.

Enterprise risk management and reporting obligations applicable to insurance holding company systems were adopted by Maryland effective 2014. These obligations are meant to protect the licensed companies from enterprise risk, including requiring an annual enterprise risk report by the ultimate controlling person identifying the material risks within the insurance holding company system that could pose enterprise risk to the licensed companies. We filed our first enterprise risk report with the Maryland Insurance Administration prior to the July 1, 2015 due date.

Reinsurance Regulation.  Our Bermuda-domiciled insurance operations and joint ventures principally consist of Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, Top Layer Re, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. and Upsilon RFO. All are admitted to transact insurance business in Bermuda. The insurance laws of each state regulate the sale of reinsurance to licensed ceding insurers by non-admitted alien reinsurers, acting from locations outside the state. With some exceptions, the sale of insurance or reinsurance within a jurisdiction where the insurer is not admitted to do business is prohibited. Our Bermuda-domiciled insurance operations and joint ventures do not maintain an office or solicit, advertise, settle claims or conduct other insurance activities in any jurisdiction, other than Bermuda, where the conduct of such activities would require that any company be so admitted.

In 2013, we organized RenaissanceRe Underwriting Managers U.S. LLC, a specialty reinsurance agency domiciled in Connecticut, to provide specialty treaty reinsurance solutions on both a quota share and excess of loss basis, as well as to write business on behalf of RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., a Bermuda-domiciled reinsurer launched in 2013, which operates subject to U.S. federal income tax, and Syndicate 1458. RenaissanceRe Underwriting Managers U.S. LLC is licensed by the Connecticut Department of Insurance as a reinsurance intermediary broker and is required to maintain its reinsurance intermediary broker license in force in order to conduct its reinsurance operations in Connecticut.

Although, in general, reinsurance contract terms and rates are not subject to regulation by state insurance authorities, a primary U.S. insurer ordinarily will enter into a reinsurance agreement only if it can obtain credit on its statutory financial statements for the reinsurance ceded. State insurance regulators permit U.S. ceding insurers to take credit for reinsurance ceded to non-admitted, non-U.S. (alien) reinsurers if the reinsurance contract contains certain minimum provisions and if the reinsurance obligations of the non-U.S. reinsurer are appropriately collateralized. Qualifying collateral may be established by an alien reinsurer exclusively for a single U.S. ceding company. Alternatively, an alien reinsurer that is accredited by a state may establish a multi-beneficiary trust with qualifying assets equal to its reinsurance obligations to all U.S. ceding insurers, plus a trusteed surplus amount. Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci are each an accredited reinsurer in New York and Florida and have established multi-beneficiary trusts with a qualifying financial institution in New York for the benefit of their U.S. cedants.

 

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States have generally required alien reinsurers to provide collateral equal to one hundred percent of their reinsurance obligations to U.S. ceding insurers. However, thirty-two states have recently changed their credit for reinsurance laws to permit US ceding insurers to take full credit for reinsurance when a “certified” reinsurer posts reduced collateral amounts. Under these amended credit for reinsurance laws, qualifying alien reinsurers may reduce their collateral for future reinsurance agreements based on a secure rating assigned by the U.S. insurance regulator. The secure rating is assigned by the state upon an assessment of the reinsurer’s financial condition, financial strength ratings and other factors. In addition, the alien reinsurer must be domiciled in a jurisdiction that is “qualified” under state law. In December 2014, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”) approved its initial list of qualified jurisdictions, including Bermuda, and states that have amended their credit for reinsurance laws may accept such conditional qualification in assessing reinsurers for certification. Florida has approved Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci for collateral reduction.

The Dodd-Frank Act also addresses states’ extraterritorial regulation of credit for reinsurance and the solvency regulation of U.S. reinsurers. The Dodd-Frank Act prohibits a state in which a U.S. ceding insurer is licensed, but not domiciled, from denying credit for reinsurance if the ceding insurer’s domestic state recognizes credit for reinsurance for the insurer’s ceded risk and is a state accredited by the NAIC (or has substantially similar financial solvency requirements). With limited exceptions, the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act affecting reinsurance became effective July 21, 2011.

Although these changes may benefit our Bermuda based reinsurers by prohibiting states’ extraterritorial application of credit for reinsurance laws and streamlining the credit for reinsurance process, states may also impose heightened standards on U.S. ceding insurers’ in their selection of reinsurers which could have an adverse impact on our business.

Excess and Surplus Lines Regulation.  RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, domiciled in Bermuda, is not licensed in the U.S. but is eligible to offer coverage in the U.S. exclusively in the surplus lines market. RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks is listed on the NAIC’s International Insurers Department’s Quarterly List of Alien Insurers as an eligible alien surplus lines insurer. Under the Dodd Frank Act, states may not prohibit a surplus lines broker from placing insurance with an alien insurer that appears in the Quarterly List of Alien Insurers maintained by the International Insurers Department. In accordance with certain provisions of the NAIC Nonadmitted Insurance Model Act, which provisions have been adopted by a number of states, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks has established, and is required to maintain, a trust funded to a minimum amount as a condition of its status as an eligible, non-admitted insurer in the U.S. Although surplus lines business is generally less regulated than the admitted market, strict regulations apply to surplus lines placements under the laws of every state, and the regulation of surplus lines insurance may undergo changes in the future.

NAIC Ratios.  The NAIC has established 13 financial ratios to assist state insurance departments in their oversight of the financial condition of licensed property and casualty U.S. insurance companies operating in their respective states. The NAIC’s Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”) calculates these ratios based on information submitted by insurers on an annual basis and shares the information with the applicable state insurance departments. Each ratio has an established “usual range” of results and assists state insurance departments in executing their statutory mandate to oversee the financial condition of insurance companies. A ratio result falling outside the usual range of IRIS ratios is not considered a failing result; rather unusual values are viewed as part of the regulatory early monitoring system. Furthermore, in some years, it may not be unusual for financially sound companies to have several ratios with results outside the usual ranges. An insurance company may fall outside of the usual range for one or more ratios because of specific transactions that are in themselves immaterial.

Dodd-Frank Act.  On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act which imposed sweeping reforms on the financial services industries. Although the Dodd-Frank Act does not change the state-based system of insurance regulation in the U.S., it does establish federal measures that will impact the U.S. insurance business and preempt certain state insurance laws. Over time, the Dodd-Frank Act or those agencies responsible for its enforcement may lay the foundation for ultimately establishing some form of U.S. federal regulation of insurance.

The Dodd-Frank Act created the Financial Stability Oversight Council (“FSOC”) to identify and respond to risks to the financial stability of the U.S. and to promote market discipline. FSOC is authorized to designate a nonbank financial company as “systemically significant” if its material financial distress could threaten the

 

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financial stability of the U.S. In 2013, FSOC designated three nonbank financial companies, including two insurance groups, as systemically significant and in 2014, FSOC designated a third insurance group as systemically significant. Those designated entities will be subject to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as well as enhanced prudential standards, including stress tests, liquidity requirements, annual resolution plans or “living wills,” and enhanced public disclosures. FSOC’s potential recommendation of measures to address systemic risk in the insurance industry could affect our insurance and reinsurance operations as could a determination that we or our counterparties are systemically significant.

The Dodd-Frank Act also created the first office in the Federal government focused on insurance - the Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”). Although FIO has preemption authority over state insurance laws that conflict with certain international agreements, FIO does not have general supervisory or regulatory authority over the business of insurance. Certain functions of FIO relate to systemic risk. Specifically, FIO is authorized to monitor the U.S. insurance industry and identify potential regulatory gaps that could contribute to systemic risk. In addition, FIO may recommend to FSOC the designation of systemically important insurers.

FIO has a particular role in connection with international insurance matters. FIO represents the U.S. at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”); in 2012, FIO participated in IAIS’s Financial Stability Committee and joined IAIS’s Executive Committee. The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury and U.S. Trade Representative to enter into international agreements of mutual recognition regarding the prudential regulation of insurance or reinsurance (a “Covered Agreement”). On November 20, 2015, FIO and the U.S. Trade Representative advised Congress that they intend to initiate negotiations to enter into a Covered Agreement with the European Union. We are monitoring public reports on these negotiations which may affect our U.S. and EU domiciled insurance and reinsurance business. Significantly, FIO is authorized to preempt state measures that (i) are inconsistent with a Covered Agreement and (ii) disfavor non-U.S. insurers subject to a Covered Agreement.

FIO is required to report to Congress annually on the insurance industry and any preemption actions regarding any Covered Agreement. In addition, on December 12, 2013, FIO delivered a special report to Congress on how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the U.S. The FIO report noted, among other things that the system of U.S. insurance regulation can be modernized and improved in the short-term, while warning that if the various U.S. states do not act in the near term to effectively regulate matters on a consistent and cooperative basis, in FIO’s view, there will be a greater role for federal regulation of insurance. It is possible FIO will, in the future, issue recommendations in respect of the reinsurance market that would, if enacted, impact our markets or our operations significantly, perhaps adversely. At this time, it is difficult to predict the extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act or the resulting regulations will impact our business. However, compliance with these new laws and regulations has resulted in additional costs. Although we do not expect these costs to be material to us as a whole, we cannot be certain that this expectation will prove accurate or that the Dodd-Frank Act will not impact our business more adversely than we currently estimate.

Legislative and Regulatory Proposals.  Government intervention in the insurance and reinsurance markets in the U.S. continues to evolve. Although U.S. state regulation is currently the primary form of regulation of insurance and reinsurance, in addition to changes brought about by the Dodd-Frank Act, Congress has considered over the past years various proposals relating to the creation of an optional federal charter, repeal of the insurance company antitrust exemption from the McCarran Ferguson Act, and tax law changes, including changes to increase the taxation of reinsurance premiums paid to off-shore affiliates with respect to U.S. risks. We are unable to predict what reforms will be proposed or adopted or the effect, if any, that such reforms would have on our operations and financial condition.

Government intervention in the property insurance market, particularly with respect to natural catastrophe losses, a key market of ours, has occurred on the state and federal level over recent years. Most significantly, beginning in 2007, the state of Florida enhanced the authority of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”) to offer coverage at below-market rates and expanded the ability of the state-sponsored insurer, Citizens, to compete with private insurance companies, and other companies that cede business to us. This legislation reduced the role of the private insurance and reinsurance markets in Florida, a key target market of ours. In succeeding years, Florida legislation has allowed Citizens to increase rates and cut back support for FHCF. The rate increases and cut back on coverage by FHCF and

 

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Citizens have supported, over this period, a relatively increased role for private insurers in Florida, a market in which we have established substantial market share. However, we cannot assure you that this increased role will continue or be maintained, or that adverse new legislation will not be passed.

It is possible that other states, particularly those with Atlantic or Gulf Coast exposures, or California in respect of its seismic exposures, may enact new or expanded legislation based on the 2007 Florida model, or may otherwise enact legislation which would further diminish aggregate private market demand for our products. Alternatively, legislation adversely impacting the private markets could be enacted on a regional or Federal level. For example, in the past, bills have been proposed in Congress which would, if enacted, create a federal reinsurance backstop or guarantee mechanism for catastrophic risks, including those we currently insure and reinsure in the private markets. These measures were not enacted by Congress; however, it is possible that new bills will be introduced this Congressional session to create a federal catastrophe reinsurance program to back up state insurance or reinsurance programs, or to establish other similar or analogous funding mechanisms or structures. If enacted, any of these bills, or legislation similar to these proposals, would, we believe, likely contribute to the growth of state entities offering below market priced insurance and reinsurance in a manner adverse to us and market participants more generally, and could accordingly adversely impact our financial results, perhaps materially. Moreover, we believe that numerous modeled potential catastrophes could exceed the actual or politically acceptable bonded capacity of Citizens and of the FHCF, which could lead either to a severe dislocation or the increased likelihood of federal intervention in the Florida market, either of which would adversely impact the private insurance and reinsurance industry. See “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Current Outlook, Legislative and Regulatory Update” for further information regarding recent legislative and regulatory proposals.

The potential for further expansion into additional insurance markets could expose us or our subsidiaries to increasing regulatory oversight, including the oversight of countries other than Bermuda and the U.S. However, we intend to continue to conduct our operations so as to minimize the likelihood that Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, Top Layer Re, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., Upsilon RFO, or any of our other Bermudian subsidiaries will become subject to direct U.S. regulation.

U.K. Regulation

Lloyd’s Regulation

General.  The operations of RSML are subject to oversight by Lloyd’s, substantially effected through the Lloyd’s Franchise Board. RSML’s business plan for Syndicate 1458, including maximum underwriting capacity, requires annual approval by the Lloyd’s Franchise Board. The Lloyd’s Franchise Board may require changes to any business plan presented to it or additional capital to be provided to support the underwriting plan. Lloyd’s also imposes various charges and assessments on its members. If material changes in the business plan for Syndicate 1458 were required by the Lloyd’s Franchise Board, or if charges and assessments payable to Lloyd’s by RenaissanceRe CCL were to increase significantly, these events could have an adverse effect on the operations and financial results of RSML. We have deposited certain assets with Lloyd’s to support RenaissanceRe CCL’s underwriting business at Lloyd’s. Dividends from a Lloyd’s managing agent and a Lloyd’s corporate member can be declared and paid provided the relevant company has sufficient profits available for distribution.

By entering into a membership agreement with Lloyd’s, RenaissanceRe CCL has undertaken to comply with all Lloyd’s bye-laws and regulations as well as the provisions of the Lloyd’s Acts and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended by the Financial Services Act 2012 (the “FSMA”), in particular that are applicable to it.

Capital Requirements.  The underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit (referred to as “Funds at Lloyd’s”) in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit in an amount determined under the capital adequacy regime of the U.K.’s Prudential Regulation Authority (the “PRA”). The amount of such deposit is calculated for each member through the completion of an annual capital adequacy exercise. Under these requirements, Lloyd’s must demonstrate that each member has sufficient assets to meet its underwriting liabilities plus a required solvency margin.

Restrictions.  A Reinsurance to Close (“RITC”) generally is put in place after the third year of operations of a syndicate year of account. On successful conclusion of a RITC, any profit from the syndicate’s operations

 

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for that year of account can be remitted by the managing agent to the syndicate’s members. If the syndicate’s managing agency concludes that an appropriate RITC cannot be determined or negotiated on commercially acceptable terms in respect of a particular underwriting year, it must determine that the underwriting year remain open and be placed into run-off. During this period, there cannot be a release of the Funds at Lloyd’s of a member of that syndicate without the consent of Lloyd’s.

The financial security of the Lloyd’s market as a whole is regularly assessed by three independent rating agencies (A.M. Best, S&P and Fitch). Syndicates at Lloyd’s take their financial security rating from the rating of the Lloyd’s Market. A satisfactory credit rating issued by an accredited rating agency is necessary for Lloyd’s syndicates to be able to trade in certain classes of business at current levels. RSML and RenaissanceRe CCL would be adversely affected if Lloyd’s current ratings were downgraded.

Intervention Powers.  The Council of Lloyd’s has wide discretionary powers to regulate members’ underwriting at Lloyd’s. It may, for instance, change the basis on which syndicate expenses are allocated or vary the Funds at Lloyd’s requirements or the investment criteria applicable to the provision of Funds at Lloyd’s. Exercising any of these powers might affect the return on the corporate member’s participation in a given underwriting year. If a member of Lloyd’s is unable to pay its debts to policyholders, the member may obtain financial assistance from the Lloyd’s Central Fund, which in many respects acts as an equivalent to a state guaranty fund in the U.S. 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. The Council of Lloyd’s has discretion to call or assess up to 3% of a member’s underwriting capacity in any one year as a Central Fund contribution.

PRA and FCA Regulation

The PRA currently has ultimate responsibility for the prudential supervision of the Lloyd’s market and the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) has responsibility for market conduct regulation. Both the PRA and FCA have substantial powers of intervention in relation to Lloyd’s managing agents, such as RSML, including the power to remove an agent’s authorization to manage Lloyd’s syndicates. In addition, each year the PRA requires Lloyd’s to satisfy an annual solvency test which measures whether Lloyd’s has sufficient assets in the aggregate to meet all outstanding liabilities of its members, both current and run-off. If Lloyd’s fails this test, the PRA may require the entire Lloyd’s market to cease underwriting or individual Lloyd’s members may be required to cease or reduce their underwriting.

Lloyd’s as a whole is authorized by the PRA and regulated by both the FCA and the PRA. Lloyd’s is required to implement certain rules prescribed by the PRA and by the FCA; such rules are to be implemented by Lloyd’s pursuant to its powers under the Lloyd’s Act 1982 relating to the operation of the Lloyd’s market. Lloyd’s prescribes, in respect of its managing agents and corporate members, certain minimum standards relating to their management and control, solvency and various other requirements. The PRA and the FCA directly monitor Lloyd’s managing agents’ compliance with the systems and controls prescribed by Lloyd’s. If it appears to either the PRA or the FCA that either Lloyd’s is not fulfilling its delegated regulatory responsibilities or that managing agents are not complying with the applicable regulatory rules and guidance, the PRA or the FCA may intervene at their discretion. Future regulatory changes or rulings by the PRA or FCA could impact RSML’s business strategy or financial assumptions, possibly resulting in an adverse effect on RSML’s financial condition and operating results.

Change of Control.  The PRA and the FCA currently regulate the acquisition of control of any Lloyd’s managing agent which is authorized under the FSMA. Any company or individual that, together with its or his associates, directly or indirectly acquires 10% or more of the shares in a Lloyd’s managing agent or its parent company, or is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of 10% or more of the voting power in such Lloyd’s managing agent or its parent company, would be considered to have acquired control for the purposes of the relevant legislation, as would a person who had significant influence over the management of such Lloyd’s managing agent or its parent company by virtue of their shareholding or voting power in either. A purchaser of 10% or more RenaissanceRe Common Shares or voting power would therefore be considered to have acquired control of RSML. Under the FSMA, any person or entity proposing to acquire control over a Lloyd’s managing agent must give prior notification to the PRA and the FCA of their or the entity’s intention to do so. The PRA and FCA would then have 60 working days to consider the application to acquire control. Failure to make the relevant prior application could result in action being taken against RSML by the PRA or the FCA or both of them. Lloyd’s approval is also required before any person can

 

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acquire control (using the same definition as for the PRA and FCA) of a Lloyd’s managing agent or Lloyd’s corporate member.

Other Applicable Laws.  Lloyd’s worldwide insurance and reinsurance business is subject to various regulations, laws, treaties and other applicable policies of the EU, as well as of each nation, state and locality in which it operates. Material changes in governmental requirements and laws could have an adverse effect on Lloyd’s and market participants, including RSML and RenaissanceRe CCL.

Solvency II

Solvency II was adopted by the European Parliament in April of 2009 and came into effect on January 1, 2016. Solvency II represents a risk-based approach to insurance regulation and capital adequacy. Its principal goals are to improve the correlation between capital and risk, effect group supervision of insurance and reinsurance affiliates, implement a uniform capital adequacy structure for (re)insurers across the EU Member States, establish consistent corporate governance standards for insurance and reinsurance companies, and establish transparency through standard reporting of insurance operations. Under Solvency II, an insurer’s or reinsurer’s capital adequacy in relation to various insurance and business risks may be measured with an internal model developed by the insurer or reinsurer and approved for use by the Member State’s regulator or pursuant to a standard formula developed by the EC. The PRA granted approval to Lloyd’s internal model application in December 2015. There are some areas of Solvency II concerning compliance with supervisory reporting and disclosure requirements where Lloyd’s approach is yet to be finalized. Certain of these reporting obligations will come into effect in 2017.

Singapore Regulation

Branches of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci based in the Republic of Singapore (the “Singapore Branches”) have each received a license to carry on insurance business as a general reinsurer. The activities of the Singapore Branches are primarily regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore pursuant to Singapore’s Insurance Act. Additionally, the Singapore Branches are each regulated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (the “ACRA”) as a foreign company pursuant to Singapore’s Companies Act. Prior to the establishment of the Singapore Branches, Renaissance Reinsurance had maintained a representative office in Singapore commencing April 2012. The activities and regulatory requirements of the Singapore Branches are not considered to be material to us.

Renaissance Services of Asia Pte. Ltd., our Singapore-based service company, was established as a private company limited by shares in Singapore on March 15, 2012 and is registered with the ACRA and subject to Singapore’s Companies Act.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE MATTERS

Our principal economic exposures arise from our coverages for natural disasters and catastrophes. We believe, and believe the consensus view of current scientific studies substantiates, that changes in climate conditions, primarily global temperatures and expected sea levels, are likely to increase the severity, and possibly the frequency, of weather related natural disasters and catastrophes relative to the historical experience over the past 100 years. Coupled with currently projected demographic trends in catastrophe-exposed regions, we believe that this expected increase in severe weather contributes to factors which will increase the average economic value of expected losses, increase the number of people exposed per year to natural disasters and in general exacerbate disaster risk, including risks to infrastructure, global supply chains and agricultural production.

Accordingly, we expect an increase in claims from our property and casualty lines of business, especially from properties located in coastal areas. While a substantial portion of our coverages may be adversely impacted by climate change, we have taken certain measures to mitigate losses through our underwriting process, and by continuously monitoring and adjusting our risk management models. However, despite our best efforts to ensure that our assessments accurately reflect environmental risks, we cannot predict with certainty the frequency or severity of tropical cyclones or other catastrophes. Unanticipated environmental incidents could lead to additional insured losses that exceed our current estimates, resulting in disruptions or adverse impacts on our business, the market, or our clients. Further, certain investments, such as

 

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catastrophe-linked securities and property catastrophe managed joint ventures related to hurricane coverage, or other assets in our investment portfolio, could also be adversely impacted by climate change.

In addition to the impacts that environmental incidents have on our business, there has been a proliferation of governmental and regulatory scrutiny related to climate change and greenhouse gases, which will also affect our business. Although most regulations related to climate change and greenhouse gases do not directly apply to our business, these regulations could indirectly impact our business. While we cannot protect against all unforeseen risks, we nonetheless believe that our existing policies and procedures are properly designed to identify and manage environmental and climate related risks, in particular, potential financial liability in connection with our reinsurance and insurance business.

GLOSSARY OF SELECTED INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE TERMS

 

Accident year		Year of occurrence of a loss. Claim payments and reserves for claims and claim expenses are allocated to the year in which the loss occurred for losses occurring contracts and in the year the loss was reported for claims made contracts.
Acquisition expenses		The aggregate expenses incurred by a company for acquiring new business, including commissions, underwriting expenses, premium taxes and administrative expenses.
Additional case reserves		Additional case reserves represent management’s estimate of reserves for claims and claim expenses that are allocated to specific contracts, less paid and reported losses by the client.
Attachment point		The dollar amount of loss (per occurrence or in the aggregate, as the case may be) above which excess of loss reinsurance becomes operative.
Bordereau		A report providing premium or loss data with respect to identified specific risks. This report is periodically furnished to a reinsurer by the ceding insurers or reinsurers.
Bound		A (re)insurance policy is considered bound, and the (re)insurer responsible for the risks of the policy, when both parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth in the policy.
Broker		An intermediary who negotiates contracts of insurance or reinsurance, receiving a commission for placement and other services rendered, between (1) a policy holder and a primary insurer, on behalf of the insured party, (2) a primary insurer and reinsurer, on behalf of the primary insurer, or (3) a reinsurer and a retrocessionaire, on behalf of the reinsurer.
Capacity		The percentage of surplus, or the dollar amount of exposure, that an insurer or reinsurer is willing or able to place at risk. Capacity may apply to a single risk, a program, a line of business or an entire book of business. Capacity may be constrained by legal restrictions, corporate restrictions or indirect restrictions.
Case reserves		Loss reserves, established with respect to specific, individual reported claims.
Casualty insurance or reinsurance		Insurance or reinsurance that is primarily concerned with the losses caused by injuries to third persons and their property (in other words, persons other than the policyholder) and the legal liability imposed on the insured resulting therefrom. Also referred to as liability insurance.

 

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Catastrophe		A severe loss, typically involving multiple claimants. Common perils include earthquakes, hurricanes, hailstorms, severe winter weather, floods, fires, tornadoes, explosions and other natural or man-made disasters. Catastrophe losses may also arise from acts of war, acts of terrorism and political instability.
Catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance		A form of excess of loss reinsurance that, subject to a specified limit, indemnifies the ceding company for the amount of loss in excess of a specified retention with respect to an accumulation of losses resulting from a “catastrophe.”
Catastrophe-linked securities; cat-linked securities		Cat-linked securities are generally privately placed fixed income securities where all or a portion of the repayment of the principal is linked to catastrophic events. This includes securities where the repayment is linked to the occurrence and/or size of, for example, one or more hurricanes or earthquakes, or insured industry losses associated with these catastrophic events.
Cede; cedant; ceding company		When a party reinsures its liability with another, it “cedes” business and is referred to as the “cedant” or “ceding company.”
Claim		Request by an insured or reinsured for indemnification by an insurance company or a reinsurance company for losses incurred from an insured peril or event.
Claims made contracts		Contracts that cover claims for losses occurring during a specified period that are reported during the term of the contract.
Claims and claim expense ratio, net		The ratio of net claims and claim expenses to net premiums earned determined in accordance with either statutory accounting principles or GAAP.
Claim reserves		Liabilities established by insurers and reinsurers to reflect the estimated costs of claim payments and the related expenses that the insurer or reinsurer will ultimately be required to pay in respect of insurance or reinsurance policies it has issued. Claims reserves consist of case reserves, established with respect to individual reported claims, additional case reserves and “IBNR” reserves. For reinsurers, loss expense reserves are generally not significant because substantially all of the loss expenses associated with particular claims are incurred by the primary insurer and reported to reinsurers as losses.
Combined ratio		The combined ratio is the sum of the net claims and claim expense ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% generally indicates profitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates unprofitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income.
Decadal		Refers to events occurring over a 10-year period, such as an oscillation whose period is roughly 10 years.
Delegated authority		A contractual arrangement between an insurer or reinsurer and an agent whereby the agent is authorized to bind insurance or reinsurance on behalf of the insurer or reinsurer. The authority is normally limited to a particular class or classes of business and a particular territory. The exercise of the authority to bind insurance or reinsurance is normally subject to underwriting guidelines and other restrictions such as maximum premium income. Under the delegated authority the agent is responsible for the issuing of policy documentation, the collection of premium and may also be responsible for the settlement of claims.

 

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Excess and surplus lines reinsurance		Any type of coverage that cannot be placed with an insurer admitted to do business in a certain jurisdiction. Risks placed in excess and surplus lines markets are often substandard in respect to adverse loss experience, unusual, or unable to be placed in conventional markets due to a shortage of capacity.
Excess of loss		Reinsurance or insurance that indemnifies the reinsured or insured against all or a specified portion of losses on underlying insurance policies in excess of a specified amount, which is called a “level” or “retention.” Also known as non-proportional reinsurance. Excess of loss reinsurance is written in layers. A reinsurer or group of reinsurers accepts a layer of coverage up to a specified amount. The total coverage purchased by the cedant is referred to as a “program” and will typically be placed with predetermined reinsurers in pre-negotiated layers. Any liability exceeding the outer limit of the program reverts to the ceding company, which also bears the credit risk of a reinsurer’s insolvency.
Exclusions		Those risks, perils, or classes of insurance with respect to which the reinsurer will not pay loss or provide reinsurance, notwithstanding the other terms and conditions of reinsurance.
Expense override		An amount paid to a ceding company in addition to the acquisition cost to compensate for overhead expenses.
Frequency		The number of claims occurring during a given coverage period.
Funds at Lloyd’s		Funds of an approved form that are lodged and held in trust at Lloyd’s as security for a member’s underwriting activities. They comprise the members’ deposit, personal reserve fund and special reserve fund and may be drawn down in the event that the member’s syndicate level premium trust funds are insufficient to cover its liabilities. The amount of the deposit is related to the member’s premium income limit and also the nature of the underwriting account.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”)		Accounting principles as set forth in the statements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and related guidance, which are applicable in the circumstances as of the date in question.
Gross premiums written		Total premiums for insurance written and assumed reinsurance during a given period.
Incurred but not reported (“IBNR”)		Reserves for estimated losses that have been incurred by insureds and reinsureds but not yet reported to the insurer or reinsurer, including unknown future developments on losses that are known to the insurer or reinsurer.
Insurance-linked securities		Financial instruments whose values are driven by (re)insurance loss events. Our investments in insurance-linked securities are generally linked to property losses due to natural catastrophes.
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)		Accounting principles, standards and interpretations as set forth in opinions of the International Accounting Standards Board which are applicable in the circumstances as of the date in question.
Layer		The interval between the retention or attachment point and the maximum limit of indemnity for which a reinsurer is responsible.
Line		The amount of excess of loss reinsurance protection provided to an insurer or another reinsurer, often referred to as limit.

 

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Line of business		The general classification of insurance written by insurers and reinsurers, e.g., fire, allied lines, homeowners and surety, among others.
Lloyd’s		Depending on the context, this term may refer to (a) the society of individual and corporate underwriting members that insure and reinsure risks as members of one or more syndicates (i.e., Lloyd’s is not an insurance company); (b) the underwriting room in the Lloyd’s building in which managing agents underwrite insurance and reinsurance on behalf of their syndicate members (in this sense Lloyd’s should be understood as a market place); or (c) the Corporation of Lloyd’s which regulates and provides support services to the Lloyd’s market.
Loss; losses		An occurrence that is the basis for submission and/or payment of a claim. Whether losses are covered, limited or excluded from coverage is dependent on the terms of the policy.
Loss reserve		For an individual loss, an estimate of the amount the insurer expects to pay for the reported claim. For total losses, estimates of expected payments for reported and unreported claims. These may include amounts for claims expenses.
Managing agent		An underwriting agent which has permission from Lloyd’s to manage a syndicate and carry on underwriting and other functions for a member.
Net claims and claim expenses		The expenses of settling claims, net of recoveries, including legal and other fees and the portion of general expenses allocated to claim settlement costs (also known as claim adjustment expenses or loss adjustment expenses) plus losses incurred with respect to net claims.
Net claims and claim expense ratio		Net claims and claim expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of net earned premiums.
Net premiums earned		The portion of net premiums written during or prior to a given period that was actually recognized as income during such period.
Net premiums written		Gross premiums written for a given period less premiums ceded to reinsurers and retrocessionaires during such period.
Non-proportional reinsurance		See “Excess of loss.”
Perils		This term refers to the causes of possible loss in the property field, such as fire, windstorm, collision, hail, etc. In the casualty field, the term “hazard” is more frequently used.
Profit commission		A provision found in some reinsurance agreements that provides for profit sharing. Parties agree to a formula for calculating profit, an allowance for the reinsurer’s expenses, and the cedant’s share of such profit after expenses.
Property insurance or reinsurance		Insurance or reinsurance that provides coverage to a person with an insurable interest in tangible property for that person’s property loss, damage or loss of use.
Property per risk		Reinsurance on a treaty basis of individual property risks insured by a ceding company.

 

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Proportional reinsurance		A generic term describing all forms of reinsurance in which the reinsurer shares a proportional part of the original premiums and losses of the reinsured. (Also known as pro rata reinsurance, quota share reinsurance or participating reinsurance.) In proportional reinsurance, the reinsurer generally pays the ceding company a ceding commission. The ceding commission generally is based on the ceding company’s cost of acquiring the business being reinsured (including commissions, premium taxes, assessments and miscellaneous administrative expense) and also may include a profit factor. See also “Quota Share Reinsurance”.
Quota share reinsurance		A form of proportional reinsurance in which the reinsurer assumes an agreed percentage of each insurance policy being reinsured and shares all premiums and losses according with the reinsured. See also “Proportional Reinsurance”.
Reinstatement premium		The premium charged for the restoration of the reinsurance limit of a catastrophe contract to its full amount after payment by the reinsurer of losses as a result of an occurrence.
Reinsurance		An arrangement in which an insurance company, the reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurance or reinsurance company, the ceding company, against all or a portion of the insurance or reinsurance risks underwritten by the ceding company under one or more policies. Reinsurance can provide a ceding company with several benefits, including a reduction in net liability on insurances and catastrophe protection from large or multiple losses. Reinsurance also provides a ceding company with additional underwriting capacity by permitting it to accept larger risks and write more business than would be possible without an equivalent increase in capital and surplus, and facilitates the maintenance of acceptable financial ratios by the ceding company. Reinsurance does not legally discharge the primary insurer from its liability with respect to its obligations to the insured.
Reinsurance to Close		Also referred to as a RITC, it is a contract to transfer the responsibility for discharging all the liabilities that attach to one year of account of a syndicate into a later year of account of the same or different syndicate in return for a premium.
Retention		The amount or portion of risk that an insurer retains for its own account. Losses in excess of the retention level are paid by the reinsurer. In proportional treaties, the retention may be a percentage of the original policy’s limit. In excess of loss business, the retention is a dollar amount of loss, a loss ratio or a percentage.
Retrocedant		A reinsurer who cedes all or a portion of its assumed insurance to another reinsurer.
Retrocessional reinsurance; Retrocessionaire		A transaction whereby a reinsurer cedes to another reinsurer, the retrocessionaire, all or part of the reinsurance that the first reinsurer has assumed. Retrocessional reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding reinsurer from its liability with respect to its obligations to the reinsured. Reinsurance companies cede risks to retrocessionaires for reasons similar to those that cause primary insurers to purchase reinsurance: to reduce net liability on insurances, to protect against catastrophic losses, to stabilize financial ratios and to obtain additional underwriting capacity.
Risks		A term used to denote the physical units of property at risk or the object of insurance protection that are not perils or hazards. Also defined as chance of loss or uncertainty of loss.
Risks attaching contracts		Contracts that cover claims that arise on underlying insurance policies that incept during the term of the reinsurance contract.

 

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Solvency II		A set of regulatory requirements that codify and harmonize the EU insurance and reinsurance regulation. Among other things, these requirements impact the amount of capital that EU insurance and reinsurance companies are required to hold. Solvency II came into effect on January 1, 2016.
Specialty lines		Lines of insurance and reinsurance that provide coverage for risks that are often unusual or difficult to place and do not fit the underwriting criteria of standard commercial products carriers.
Statutory accounting principles		Recording transactions and preparing financial statements in accordance with the rules and procedures prescribed or permitted by Bermuda, U.S. state insurance regulatory authorities including the NAIC and/or in accordance with Lloyd’s specific principles, all of which generally reflect a liquidating, rather than going concern, concept of accounting.
Stop loss		A form of reinsurance under which the reinsurer pays some or all of a cedant’s aggregate retained losses in excess of a predetermined dollar amount or in excess of a percentage of premium.
Submission		An unprocessed application for (i) insurance coverage forwarded to a primary insurer by a prospective policyholder or by a broker on behalf of such prospective policyholder, (ii) reinsurance coverage forwarded to a reinsurer by a prospective ceding insurer or by a broker or intermediary on behalf of such prospective ceding insurer or (iii) retrocessional coverage forwarded to a retrocessionaire by a prospective ceding reinsurer or by a broker or intermediary on behalf of such prospective ceding reinsurer.
Syndicate		A member or group of members underwriting (re)insurance business at Lloyd’s through the agency of a managing agent or substitute agent to which a syndicate number is assigned.
Treaty		A reinsurance agreement covering a book or class of business that is automatically accepted on a bulk basis by a reinsurer. A treaty contains common contract terms along with a specific risk definition, data on limit and retention, and provisions for premium and duration.
Underwriting		The insurer’s or reinsurer’s process of reviewing applications submitted for insurance coverage, deciding whether to accept all or part of the coverage requested and determining the applicable premiums.
Underwriting capacity		The maximum amount that an insurance company can underwrite. The limit is generally determined by a company’s retained earnings and investment capital. Reinsurance serves to increase a company’s underwriting capacity by reducing its exposure from particular risks.
Underwriting expense ratio		The ratio of the sum of the acquisition expenses and operational expenses to net premiums earned.
Underwriting expenses		The aggregate of policy acquisition costs, including commissions, and the portion of administrative, general and other expenses attributable to underwriting operations.
Unearned premium		The portion of premiums written representing the unexpired portions of the policies or contracts that the insurer or reinsurer has on its books as of a certain date.

 

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We maintain a website at www.renre.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K. We make available, free of charge through our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC. We also make available, free of charge from our website, our Audit Committee Charter, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and Code of Ethics. Such information is also available in print for any shareholder who sends a request to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Attn: Office of the Corporate Secretary, P.O. Box HM 2527, Hamilton, HMGX, Bermuda. Reports filed with the SEC may also be viewed or obtained at the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the SEC Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s website is www.sec.gov.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K and other documents we file with the SEC include the following:

Risks Related to Our Company

Our exposure to catastrophic events could cause our financial results to vary significantly from one period to the next and could adversely impact our financial results.

While our business has diversified, we continue to have a large overall exposure to natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, tornadoes, hailstorms, drought and other natural or man-made disasters, such as acts of terrorism. As a result, our operating results have historically been, and we expect will continue to be, significantly affected by loss events of low frequency and high severity.

Claims from catastrophic events could cause substantial volatility in our quarterly and annual financial results and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We believe that certain factors, including increases in the value and geographic concentration of insured property, particularly along coastal regions, the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events as a result of changes in climate conditions, and the effects of inflation, may continue to increase the number and severity of claims from catastrophic events in the future. Accordingly, unanticipated events could result in net negative impacts as compared to our competitors. Historically, we have had a relatively large percentage of our coverage exposures concentrated in the U.S. southeast, but due to the expected increase in severe weather events, there is the potential for significant exposures in other geographic areas in the future.

The trend towards increasingly frequently and severe climate events could result in underestimated exposures that have the potential to adversely impact our financial results. For a more detailed discussion of risks associated with environmental and climate-change impacts, see “Part I, Item 1. Business, Environmental and Climate Change Matters.”

Our claims and claim expense reserves are subject to inherent uncertainties.

Our claims and claim expense reserves reflect our estimates, using actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of our expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of claims incurred. We have made substantial investments to develop proprietary analytic and modeling capabilities to facilitate our underwriting, risk management, capital modeling and allocation, and risk assessments relating to the risks we assume. See “Part I, Item 1. Business, Underwriting and Enterprise Risk Management.” These models and other tools help us to manage our risks, understand our capital utilization and risk aggregation, inform management and other stakeholders of capital requirements and seek to improve the risk/return profile or optimize the efficiency of the amount of capital we apply as a whole.

 

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In addition to actuarial and computer models, as well as historical reinsurance and insurance industry loss statistics, we also rely heavily on management’s experience and judgment to assist in the establishment of appropriate claims and claim expense reserves. Our estimates and judgments are based on numerous factors, and may be revised as additional experience and other data become available and are reviewed, as new or improved methodologies are developed, as loss trends and claims inflation impact future payments, or as current laws or interpretations thereof change.

Due to the many assumptions and estimates involved in establishing reserves and the inherent uncertainty of modeling techniques, the reserving process is inherently uncertain and it is expected that some of our assumptions or estimates will prove to be inaccurate, and that our actual net claims and claim expenses paid and reported will differ, perhaps materially, from the reserve estimates reflected in our financial statements. Accordingly, we may understate the exposures we are assuming and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely impacted, perhaps significantly. Conversely, we may prove to be too conservative and contribute to factors which would impede our ability to grow in respect of new markets or perils or in connection with our current portfolio of coverages.

A decline in our financial strength ratings may adversely impact our business, perhaps materially so.

Financial strength ratings are used by ceding companies and reinsurance intermediaries to assess the financial strength and quality of reinsurers and insurers. Rating agencies evaluate us periodically and may downgrade or withdraw their financial strength ratings in the future if we do not continue to meet the criteria of the ratings previously assigned to us. In addition, rating agencies may make changes in their capital models and rating methodologies from time to time, which, in the past, have generally increased the amounts of capital required to support the ratings.

Negative ratings actions could adversely affect our ability to write new business. In addition, many reinsurance contracts contain provisions permitting cedants to cancel coverage pro rata if the reinsurer is downgraded below a certain rating level. Whether a client would exercise this right, or the effect such cancellation would have on our financial condition or future operations is not possible to predict, but such effect potentially could be material.

In addition, our ability to compete with other reinsurers and insurers, and our results of operations, could be materially adversely affected by any such ratings downgrade. For example, following a ratings downgrade we might lose customers to more highly rated competitors or retain a lower share of the business of our customers.

For the current ratings of certain of our subsidiaries and joint ventures, refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Ratings” for additional information.

Emerging claim and coverage issues, or other litigation, could adversely affect us.

Unanticipated developments in the law as well as changes in social conditions could potentially result in unexpected claims for coverage under our insurance and reinsurance contracts. These developments and changes may adversely affect us, perhaps materially so. For example, we could be subject to developments that impose additional coverage obligations on us beyond our underwriting intent, or to increases in the number or size of claims to which we are subject. We believe our property catastrophe results have been adversely impacted over recent periods by increasing primary claims level fraud and abuses, as well as other forms of social inflation, and that these trends may continue, particularly in certain U.S. jurisdictions in which we focus, including Florida and Texas.

With respect to our specialty reinsurance operations, these legal and social changes and their impact may not become apparent until some time after their occurrence. For example, we could be deemed liable for losses arising out of a matter, such as the potential for industry losses arising out of a pandemic illness, that we had not anticipated or had attempted to contractually exclude. Moreover, irrespective of the clarity and inclusiveness of policy language, there can be no assurance that a court or arbitration panel will enforce policy language or not issue a ruling adverse to us. Our exposure to these uncertainties could be exacerbated by the increased willingness of some market participants to dispute insurance and reinsurance contract and policy wording. Alternatively, potential efforts by us to exclude such exposures could, if successful, reduce the market’s acceptance of our related products. The full effects of these and other

 

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unforeseen emerging claim and coverage issues are extremely hard to predict. As a result, the full extent of our liability under our coverages may not be known for many years after a contract is issued. As we increase the contributions from our Specialty Reinsurance segment, we expect that our exposure to this uncertainty will grow as our “long-tail” casualty businesses grow, because in these lines claims can typically be made for many years, making them more susceptible to these trends than our traditional catastrophe business, which is typically more “short-tail.” While we continually seek to improve the effectiveness of our contracts and claims capabilities, we may fail to mitigate our exposure to these growing uncertainties.

Because we depend on a few insurance and reinsurance brokers for a preponderance of our revenue, loss of business provided by them could adversely affect us.

We market our insurance and reinsurance products worldwide exclusively through a limited number of insurance and reinsurance brokers. Three brokerage firms accounted for 81.5% of our gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 - 87.2%). As our business is heavily reliant on the use of a few brokers, the loss of a broker through a merger or other business combination could result in the loss of a substantial portion of our business which would have a material adverse effect on us. Our ability to market our products could decline as a result of the loss of the business provided by any of these brokers and it is possible that our premiums written would decrease. Further, due to the concentration of our brokers, our brokers may have increasing power to dictate the terms and conditions of our arrangements with them, which could have a negative impact on our business.

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk, including with respect to reinsurance brokers.

In accordance with industry practice, we pay virtually all amounts owed on claims under our policies to reinsurance brokers, and these brokers, in turn, pay these amounts over to the insurers that have reinsured a portion of their liabilities with us (we refer to these insurers as ceding insurers). Likewise, premiums due to us by ceding insurers are virtually all paid to brokers, who then pass such amounts on to us. In many jurisdictions, we have contractually agreed that if a broker were to fail to make such a payment to a ceding insurer, we would remain liable to the ceding insurer for the deficiency. Conversely, in many jurisdictions, when the ceding insurer pays premiums for these policies to reinsurance brokers for payment over to us, these premiums are considered to have been paid by the cedants and the ceding insurer will no longer be liable to us for those amounts, whether or not we have actually received the premiums. Consequently, in connection with the settlement of reinsurance balances, we assume a substantial degree of credit risk associated with brokers around the world.

We are also exposed to the credit risk of our customers, who, pursuant to their contracts with us, frequently pay us over time. We cannot be assured that our premiums receivable or reinsurance recoverables, which are generally not collateralized, will be collected or that additional amounts will not be required to be written down in future periods. To the extent our customers or retrocedants become unable to pay future premiums, we would be required to recognize a downward adjustment to our premiums receivable or reinsurance recoverables, as applicable, in our financial statements.

As a result of the recent period of economic uncertainty, our consolidated credit risk, reflecting our counterparty dealings with agents, brokers, customers, retrocessionaires, capital providers, parties associated with our investment portfolio, and others has increased, perhaps materially so.

Weakness in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in which we do business could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Continued challenging economic conditions throughout the world could adversely affect our business and financial results. While many governments, including the U.S. federal government, have taken substantial steps to stabilize economic conditions in an effort to increase liquidity and capital availability, if economic conditions should weaken, the business environment in our principal markets would be adversely affected, which accordingly could adversely affect demand for the products sold by us or our customers. In addition, adverse conditions of volatility in the U.S. and other securities markets may adversely affect our investment portfolio or the investment results of our clients, potentially impeding their operations or their capacity to invest in our products. Conditions in the global financial markets and economic and geopolitical conditions throughout the world are outside of our control and difficult to predict, being influenced by factors such as national and international political circumstances (including governmental instability, wars, terrorist acts or security operations), interest rates, market volatility, asset or market correlations, equity prices, availability of credit, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes in laws or regulations including as regards taxation,

 

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trade barriers, commodity prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and controls. In addition, during an economic downturn we believe our consolidated credit risk, reflecting our counterparty dealings with agents, brokers, customers, retrocessionaires, capital providers and parties associated with our investment portfolio, among others, is likely to increase.

A continued soft reinsurance underwriting market would adversely affect our business and operating results.

In a soft reinsurance underwriting market, premium rates are stable or falling and coverage is readily available. In a hard reinsurance underwriting market, premium rates are increasing and less coverage is available. Leading global intermediaries and other sources have generally reported that the U.S. reinsurance market reflected a soft underwriting market during 2015, with growing levels of industry wide capital held. This capital was supplied principally from traditional market participants and was increasingly complemented by alternative capital providers. We continue to believe that the reinsurance underwriting market will continue to be cyclical, with hard markets caused by withdrawal or use of excess capital, large or frequent loss events and other factors. However, it is possible that increased access of primary insurers to capital, new technologies and other factors will eliminate or significantly lessen the possibility of any future hard reinsurance underwriting market.

U. S. taxing authorities could contend that one or more of our Bermuda subsidiaries is subject to

U. S. corporate income tax, as a result of changes in law or regulations, or otherwise.

If the IRS were to contend successfully that one or more of our Bermuda subsidiaries is engaged in a trade or business in the U.S., such subsidiary would, to the extent not exempted from tax by the U.S.-Bermuda income tax treaty, be subject to U.S. corporate income tax on that portion of its net income treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, as well as the U.S. corporate branch profits tax. Although we would vigorously contest such an assertion, if we were ultimately held to be subject to taxation, our earnings would correspondingly decline.

In addition, benefits of the U.S.-Bermuda income tax treaty which may limit any such tax to income attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by one or more of our Bermuda subsidiaries in the U.S. are only available to any of such subsidiaries if more than 50% of its shares are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are Bermuda residents or U.S. citizens or residents. Our Bermuda subsidiaries may not be able to continually satisfy such beneficial ownership test or be able to establish it to the satisfaction of the IRS. Finally, it is unclear whether the U.S.-Bermuda income tax treaty (assuming satisfaction of the beneficial ownership test) applies to income other than premium income, such as investment income.

Changes in U.S. tax law or regulations could increase the costs of our products and services or otherwise reduce our profitability.

Congress is reported to be considering legislation relating to the tax treatment of offshore insurance that would adversely affect reinsurance between affiliates and offshore insurance and reinsurance more generally. In past Congressional sessions, similar proposals have been introduced and the Obama Administration has included similar provisions in its formal budgetary proposals. To date, none of this legislation has been approved by either the House of Representatives or the Senate, and the IRS has not effected any formal action in respect of these practices. However, we can provide no assurance that this or similar legislation or proposals will not ultimately be adopted or that the IRS will not effect any such formal action. While we do not believe that this or similar legislation, proposals, or formal IRS actions would materially adversely impact us, it is possible that an adopted bill or formal IRS action would include additional or expanded provisions, or that the interpretation or enforcement of the legislation or proposal, if enacted, or IRS action, would be more expansive or adverse than we currently estimate.

A decline in our investment performance could reduce our profitability and hinder our ability to pay claims promptly in accordance with our strategy.

We have historically derived a meaningful portion of our income from our invested assets, which are comprised of, among other things, fixed maturity securities, such as bonds, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, equity securities, and investments in private equity partnerships, bank loan funds and hedge funds. Accordingly, our financial results are subject to a variety of investment risks, including risks relating to general economic conditions, inflation, market volatility, interest rate fluctuations,

 

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foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and credit and default risk. Additionally, with respect to certain of our investments, we are subject to pre-payment or reinvestment risk.

The market value of our fixed maturity investments is subject to fluctuation depending on changes in various factors, including prevailing interest rates and widening credit spreads. Increases in interest rates could cause the market value of our investment portfolio to decrease, perhaps substantially. Conversely, a decline in interest rates could reduce our investment yield, which would reduce our overall profitability. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Any measures we take that are intended to manage the risks of operating in a changing interest rate environment may not effectively mitigate such interest rate sensitivity.

A portion of our investment portfolio is allocated to other classes of investments including equity securities and interests in alternative investment vehicles such as catastrophe bonds, private equity partnerships, a senior secured bank loan fund and hedge funds. These other classes of investments are recorded on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value, which for these alternative investments vehicles is generally established on the basis of the valuation criteria applied by the investment managers as set forth in the governing documents of such investment vehicles. Such valuations may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had ready markets existed for the shares, partnership interests, notes or other securities representing interests in the relevant investment vehicles. If we were forced to sell certain of these assets in the current market, there can be no assurance that we would be able to sell them for the prices at which we have recorded them and we might be forced to sell them at significantly lower prices. Interests in many of the investment classes described above are subject to restrictions on redemptions and sales which are determined by the governing documents or otherwise by contract and limit our ability to liquidate these investments in the short term. These classes of investments expose us to market risks including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, equity price risk and credit risk. The performance of these classes of investments is also dependent on the individual investment managers and the investment strategies. It is possible that the investment managers will leave and/or the investment strategies will become ineffective or that such managers will fail to follow our investment guidelines. Any of the foregoing could result in a material adverse change to our investment performance, and accordingly, adversely affect our financial results.

In addition to the foregoing, we may from time to time re-evaluate our investment approach and guidelines and explore investment opportunities in respect of other asset classes not previously discussed above, including, without limitation, by expanding our relatively small portfolio of direct investments in the equity markets. Any such investments could expose us to systemic and price volatility risk, interest rate risk and other market risks. Any investment in equity securities carries with it inherent volatility and there can be no assurance that such an investment will prove profitable and we could, in fact, lose the value of our investment. Accordingly, any such investment could impact our financial results, perhaps materially, over both the short and the long term.

We may from time to time modify our business and strategic plan, and these changes could adversely affect us and our financial condition.

We regularly evaluate our business plans and strategies. These evaluations often result in changes to our business plans and initiatives, some of which may be material. Given the increasing importance of strategic execution in our industry, we are subject to increasing risks related to our ability to successfully implement our evolving plans and strategies, particularly as the pace of change in our industry continues to increase. Changing plans and strategies requires significant management time and effort, and may divert management’s attention from our core and historically successful operations and competencies. Moreover, modifications we undertake to our operations may not be immediately reflected in our financial statements. Therefore, risks associated with implementing or changing our business strategies and initiatives, including risks related to developing or enhancing the operations, controls and other infrastructure necessary in respect of our more recent, new or proposed initiatives, may not have an impact on our publicly reported results until many years after implementation. The risk we may fail to have the ability to carry out our business plans may have an adverse effect on our long-term results of operations and financial condition.

Our current business strategy focuses on writing reinsurance, with limited writing of primary insurance. Certain of our competitors have, in connection with consolidation in the insurance and reinsurance industries, recently increased the amount of primary insurance they are writing, both on an absolute and

 

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relative basis. There can be no assurance that our business strategy of focusing on writing reinsurance, with limited writing of primary insurance, will prove prudent as compared to the strategies of our competitors.

The loss of key senior members of management could adversely affect us.

Our success depends in substantial part upon our ability to attract and retain our senior officers. The loss of services of members of our senior management team, and the uncertain transition of new members of our senior management team, as applicable, may strain our ability to execute our strategic initiatives. The loss of one or more of our senior officers could adversely impact our business, by, for example, making it more difficult to retain customers, attract or maintain our capital support, or meet other needs of our business, which depend in part on the service of the departing officer. We may also encounter unforeseen difficulties associated with the transition of members of our senior management team to new or expanded roles necessary to execute our strategic and tactical plans from time to time.

In addition, our ability to execute our business strategy is dependent on our ability to attract and retain a staff of qualified underwriters and service personnel. The location of our global headquarters in Bermuda may impede our ability to recruit and retain highly skilled employees. Under Bermuda law, non-Bermudians (other than spouses of Bermudians, holders of Permanent Residents’ Certificates and holders of Working Residents’ Certificates) may not engage in any gainful occupation in Bermuda without a valid government work permit. A substantial number of the members of our senior management are working in Bermuda under work permits that will expire over the next three to five years. The Bermuda government could refuse to extend these work permits, which would adversely impact us. A work permit is issued with an expiry date (up to ten years) and no assurances can be given that any work permit will be issued or, if issued, renewed upon the expiration of the relevant term. If any of our senior officers or key contributors were not permitted to remain in Bermuda, or if we experienced delays or failures to obtain permits for a number of our professional staff, our operations could be disrupted and our financial performance could be adversely affected as a result.

The determination of impairments taken is highly subjective and could materially impact our financial position or results of operations.

The determination of impairments taken on our investments, investments in other ventures, goodwill and other intangible assets and loans varies by type of asset and is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Management updates its evaluations regularly and reflects impairments in operations as such evaluations are revised. There can be no assurance that our management has accurately assessed the level of impairments taken in our financial statements. Furthermore, additional impairments may need to be taken in the future, which could materially impact our financial position or results of operations. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments.

Retrocessional reinsurance may become unavailable on acceptable terms, or may not provide the coverage we intended to obtain.

As part of our risk management, we buy reinsurance for our own account, which is known as “retrocessional reinsurance.” From time to time, market conditions have limited or prevented insurers and reinsurers from obtaining retrocessional reinsurance. Accordingly, we may not be able to obtain our desired amounts of retrocessional reinsurance. In addition, even if we are able to obtain such retrocessional reinsurance, we may not be able to negotiate favorable terms. This could limit the amount of business we are willing to write, or decrease the protection available to us as a result of large loss events.

When we purchase reinsurance or retrocessional reinsurance for our own account, the insolvency of any of our reinsurers, or inability or reluctance of any of our reinsurers to make timely payments to us under the terms of our reinsurance agreements could have a material adverse effect on us. Generally, we believe that the “willingness to pay” of some reinsurers and retrocessionaires is declining. This risk may be more significant to us at present than at many times in the past. Complex coverage issues or coverage disputes may impede our ability to collect amounts we believe we are owed. A large portion of our reinsurance protection is concentrated with a relatively small number of reinsurers. The risk of such concentration of retrocessional coverage may be increased by recent and future consolidation within the industry.

 

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We may be adversely impacted by inflation.

We monitor the risk that the principal markets in which we operate could experience increased inflationary conditions, which would, among other things, cause loss costs to increase, and impact the performance of our investment portfolio. The onset, duration and severity of an inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

We depend on the policies, procedures and expertise of ceding companies, who may fail to accurately assess the risks they underwrite, which exposes us to operational and financial risks.

Like other reinsurers, we do not separately evaluate each primary risk assumed under our reinsurance contracts. Accordingly, we are heavily dependent on the original underwriting decisions made by our ceding companies and are therefore subject to the risk that our customers may not have adequately evaluated the risks to be reinsured, or that the premiums ceded to us will not adequately compensate us for the risks we assume, perhaps materially so. To the extent we continue to increase the relative amount of proportional coverages we offer, we will increase our aggregate exposure to risks of this nature.

Operational risks, including systems or human failures, are inherent in business, including ours.

We are subject to operational risks including fraud, employee errors, failure to document transactions properly or to obtain proper internal authorization, failure to comply with regulatory requirements or obligations under our agreements, failure of our service providers, such as investment custodians, actuaries, information technology providers, etc., to comply with our service agreements, or information technology failures. Losses from these risks may occur from time to time and may be significant.

We are exposed to risks in connection with our management of capital on behalf of investors in joint ventures or other entities we manage.

Our operating subsidiaries owe certain legal duties and obligations (including reporting obligations) to third party investors and are subject to a variety of complex laws and regulations relating to the management of third party capital. Complying with these obligations, laws and regulations requires significant management time and attention. Although we continually monitor our compliance policies and procedures, faulty judgments, simple errors or mistakes, or the failure of our personnel to adhere to established policies and procedures, could result in our failure to comply with applicable obligations, laws or regulations, which could result in significant liabilities, penalties or other losses to us and seriously harm our business and results of operations.

In addition, in furtherance of our goal of matching well-structured risk with capital whose owners would find the risk-return trade-off attractive, we may invest capital in new and complex ventures with which we do not have a significant amount of experience, which may increase our exposure to legal, regulatory and reputational risks.

In addition to the foregoing, our third party capital providers may redeem their interests in our joint ventures, which could materially impact the financial condition of such joint ventures, and could in turn materially impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Certain of our joint venture capital providers provide significant capital investment and other forms of capital support in respect of our joint ventures. The loss, or alternation in a negative manner, of any of this capital support could be detrimental to our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, we can provide no assurance that we may be able to attract and raise additional third party capital for our existing joint ventures or for potential new joint ventures and therefore we may forego existing and/or potentially attractive fee income and other income generating opportunities.

We may be adversely affected by foreign currency fluctuations.

We routinely transact business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our financial reporting currency. Moreover, we maintain a portion of our cash and investments in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Although we generally seek to hedge significant non-U.S. dollar positions, we may, from time to time, experience losses resulting solely from fluctuations in the values of these foreign currencies, which could cause our consolidated earnings to decrease. In addition, failure to manage our foreign currency exposures could cause our results of operations to be more volatile. Adverse, unforeseen or rapidly shifting currency valuations in our key markets, such as the Eurozone jurisdictions or Japan, may magnify these risks over time.

 

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We may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available or may only be available on unfavorable terms.

To the extent that our existing capital is insufficient to support our future operating requirements, we may need to raise additional funds through financings or limit our growth. While our current capital position is strong, our operations are subject to significant volatility in capital due to our exposure to potentially significant catastrophic events. Any further equity or debt financings, or capacity needed for letters of credit, if available at all, may be on terms that are unfavorable to us. Our ability to raise such capital successfully would depend upon the facts and circumstances at the time, including our financial position and operating results, market conditions, and applicable legal issues. If we are unable to obtain adequate capital when needed, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be adversely affected.

During 2015, approximately one-third of our total capital was provided by our managed joint ventures and other private alternative investment vehicles. In the future we may be unable to raise new capital for our managed joint ventures and other private alternative investment vehicles, which would reduce our future fee income and market capacity and thus negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The covenants in our debt agreements limit our financial and operational flexibility, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

We have incurred indebtedness, and may incur additional indebtedness in the future. Our indebtedness primarily consists of publicly traded notes, letters of credit and a revolving credit facility. For more details on our indebtedness, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Capital Resources.”

The agreements governing our indebtedness contain covenants that limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to borrow money, make particular types of investments or other restricted payments, sell or place a lien on our or their respective assets, merge or consolidate. Certain of these agreements also require us or our subsidiaries to maintain specific financial ratios. If we or our subsidiaries fail to comply with these covenants or meet these financial ratios, the noteholders or the lenders could declare a default and demand immediate repayment of all amounts owed to them or, where applicable, cancel their commitments to lend or issue letters of credit or, where the reimbursement obligations are secured, require us to pledge additional or a different type of collateral.

The regulatory systems under which we operate and potential changes thereto could restrict our ability to operate, increase our costs, or otherwise adversely impact us.

Certain of our operating subsidiaries are not licensed or admitted in any jurisdiction except Bermuda, conduct business only from their principal offices in Bermuda and do not maintain offices in the U.S. The insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework continues to be subject to increased scrutiny in many jurisdictions, including the U.S. and Europe. If our Bermuda insurance or reinsurance operations become subject to the insurance laws of any state in the U.S., jurisdictions in the EU, or elsewhere, we could face inquiries or challenges to the future operations of these companies.

Moreover, we, and certain of our operating subsidiaries, could be put at a competitive disadvantage in the future with respect to competitors that are licensed and admitted in U.S. jurisdictions. Among other things, jurisdictions in the U.S. do not permit insurance companies to take credit for reinsurance obtained from unlicensed or non-admitted insurers on their statutory financial statements unless security is posted. Our contracts generally require us to post a letter of credit or provide other security (e.g., through a multi-beneficiary reinsurance trust) after a reinsured reports a claim. In order to post these letters of credit, issuing banks generally require collateral. It is possible that the EU or other countries might adopt a similar regime in the future, or that U.S. or EU regulations could be altered in a way that treats Bermuda-based companies disparately. It is possible that individual jurisdiction or cross border regulatory developments could adversely differentiate Bermuda, the jurisdiction in which we are subject to group supervision, or could make available to other jurisdictions benefits such as market access, mutual recognition or reciprocal rights from which Bermuda-based companies are excluded, which could adversely impact us, perhaps significantly. Any such development, or our inability to post security in the form of letters of credit or trust funds when required, could significantly and negatively affect our operations.

RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks is a Bermuda-domiciled excess and surplus lines insurance company that is listed on the NAIC International Insurance Department’s Quarterly List of Alien Insurers as an eligible

 

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surplus lines insurer. However, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks is not admitted or licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction and only conducts business from Bermuda. Accordingly, the scope of RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks’ activities in the U.S. is limited, which could adversely affect its ability to compete. Although surplus lines business is generally less regulated than the admitted market, the regulation of surplus lines insurance may undergo changes in the future. Federal and/or state measures may be introduced and promulgated that could result in increased oversight and regulation of surplus lines insurance.

Renaissance Reinsurance U.S., which we acquired in connection with the acquisition of Platinum, is a Maryland-domiciled reinsurance company regulated by the Maryland Insurance Administration and we are subject to the laws and regulations applicable to its operations. Among other things, the Maryland Insurance Administration may impose requirements in respect of the capital, operations or liquidity of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. and we are required to obtain regulatory approval of certain inter-company agreements involving Renaissance Re U.S. Complying with the regulations and requirements imposed by the Maryland Insurance Administration, as well as any changes or amendments to such regulations, will result in increased costs or burdens for RenaissanceRe.

Our current or future business strategy could cause one or more of our currently unregulated subsidiaries to become subject to some form of regulation. Any failure to comply with applicable laws could result in the imposition of significant restrictions on our ability to do business, and could also result in fines and other sanctions, any or all of which could adversely affect our financial results and operations.

We could be required to allocate considerable time and resources to comply with any new or additional regulatory requirements, and any such requirements may impact the operations of our insurance and/or non-insurance subsidiaries and ultimately could impact our financial condition. In addition, we could be adversely affected if a regulatory authority believed we had failed to comply with applicable law or regulations.

We could face losses from terrorism, political unrest and war.

We have exposure to losses resulting from acts of terrorism, political unrest and acts of war. It is difficult to predict the occurrence of these events or to estimate the amount of loss an occurrence will generate. Accordingly, it is possible that actual losses from such acts will exceed our probable maximum loss estimate and that these acts will have a material adverse effect on us.

We closely monitor the amount and types of coverage we provide for terrorism risk under reinsurance and insurance treaties. If we think we can reasonably evaluate the risk of loss and charge an appropriate premium for such risk we will write some terrorism exposure on a stand-alone basis. We generally seek to exclude terrorism from non-terrorism treaties. If we cannot exclude terrorism, we will evaluate the risk of loss and attempt to charge an appropriate premium for such risk. Even in cases where we have deliberately sought to exclude coverage, we may not be able to completely eliminate our exposure to terrorist acts.

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 was amended and extended by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act of 2005 and amended and extended again by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (“TRIPRA”). TRIPRA expired on December 31, 2014 and was amended and renewed on January 12, 2015 for a six year period. TRIPRA provides a federal backstop to all U.S. based property and casualty insurers for insurance related losses resulting from any act of terrorism on U.S. soil or against certain U.S. air carriers, vessels or foreign missions. We benefit from TRIPRA as this protection generally inures to our benefit under our reinsurance treaties where terrorism is not excluded.

Because we are a holding company, we are dependent on dividends and payments from our subsidiaries.

As a holding company with no direct operations, we rely on our investment income, as well as cash dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries to make principal and interest payments on our debt and to pay dividends to our shareholders and from time to time may not have significant liquid assets. Regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends under Bermuda law and various U.S. insurance regulations may limit the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends. If our subsidiaries are restricted from paying dividends to us, we may be unable to pay dividends to our shareholders or to repay our indebtedness.

 

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Acquisitions or strategic investments we have made or may make could turn out to be unsuccessful.

As part of our strategy, we frequently monitor and analyze opportunities to acquire or make a strategic investment in new or other businesses we believe will not detract from our core operations. The negotiation of potential acquisitions or strategic investments as well as the integration of an acquired business or new personnel, such as our acquisition and integration of Platinum, could result in a substantial diversion of management resources.

The acquisition of Platinum accelerated the growth of our U.S. specialty and casualty reinsurance platform. These business lines traditionally produce lower returns than catastrophe reinsurance. If we are not successful in managing the growth of our U.S. specialty and casualty reinsurance platform, or if this platform fails to produce the anticipated returns, our operating results would be negatively affected.

Future acquisitions could likewise involve numerous additional risks such as potential losses from unanticipated litigation or levels of claims and inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset acquisition costs. As we pursue or consummate a strategic transaction or investment, we may value the acquired or funded company or operations incorrectly, fail to integrate the acquired operations appropriately into our own operations, fail to successfully manage our operations as our product and geographical diversity increases, expend unforeseen costs during the acquisition or integration process, or encounter other unanticipated risks or challenges. If we succeed in consummating a strategic investment, we may fail to value it accurately or divest it or otherwise realize the value which we originally invested or have subsequently reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Any failure by us to effectively limit such risks or implement our acquisitions or strategic investment strategies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks and may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those risks.

We depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology platform, including communications and data processing systems, in operating our business. These systems include proprietary software programs that are integral to the efficient operation of our business, including our proprietary pricing and exposure management system. We are also required to effect electronic transmissions with third parties including brokers, clients, vendors and others with whom we do business, and to facilitate the oversight conducted by our Board of Directors. We have established security measures, controls and procedures to safeguard our information technology systems and to prevent unauthorized access to such systems and any data processed or stored in such systems, and we periodically evaluate and test the adequacy of such systems, measures, controls and procedures; however, there can be no guarantee that such systems, measures, controls and procedures will be effective. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of our information, litigation and potential liability. In addition, cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy or other proper functioning of these systems could have a significant impact on our operations, and potentially on our results. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyberattacks. A significant cyber incident, including system failure, security breach, disruption by malware or other damage could interrupt or delay our operations, result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers or give rise to monetary fines and other penalties, which could be significant. See “Part I, Item 1. Business, Information Technology”.

Some aspects of our corporate structure may discourage third party takeovers and other transactions or prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management.

Some provisions of our Amended and Restated Bye-Laws may discourage third parties from making unsolicited takeover bids or prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management. In particular, our Bye-Laws prohibit transfers of our capital shares if the transfer would result in a person owning or controlling shares that constitute 9.9% or more of any class or series of our shares. In addition, our Bye-Laws reduce the total voting power of any shareholder owning, directly or indirectly, beneficially or otherwise, more than 9.9% of RenaissanceRe Common Shares to not more than 9.9% of the total voting power of our capital stock unless otherwise waived at the discretion of the Board. The primary purpose of these provisions is to reduce the likelihood we will be deemed a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code for U.S. federal tax purposes. However, these provisions may also

 

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have the effect of deterring purchases of large blocks of RenaissanceRe Common Shares or proposals to acquire us, even if some or a majority of our shareholders might deem these purchases or acquisition proposals to be in their best interests.

In addition, our Bye-Laws provide for, among other things:

 

•

a classified Board, whose size is fixed and whose members may be removed by the shareholders only for cause upon a 66 2/3% vote;

 

•

restrictions on the ability of shareholders to nominate persons to serve as directors, submit resolutions to a shareholder vote and requisition special general meetings;

 

•

a large number of authorized but unissued shares which may be issued by the Board without further shareholder action; and

 

•

a 66 2/3% shareholder vote to amend, repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with several provisions of the Bye-Laws.

These Bye-Law provisions make it more difficult to acquire control of us by means of a tender offer, open market purchase, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate with our directors, which we believe would generally best serve the interests of our shareholders. However, these provisions could have the effect of discouraging a prospective acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. In addition, these Bye-Law provisions could prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management. To the extent these provisions discourage takeover attempts, they could deprive shareholders of opportunities to realize takeover premiums for their shares or could depress the market price of the shares.

Maryland law also requires prior notice and Maryland Insurance Administration approval of changes in control of a Maryland-domestic insurer or its holding company. Any purchaser of 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of an insurance company or its holding company is presumed to have acquired control, unless the presumption is rebutted. Therefore, any investor who intends to acquire 10% or more of RenaissanceRe’s outstanding voting securities would need to comply with these laws and would be required to file notices and reports with the Maryland Insurance Administration before such acquisition.

In respect of our ownership of RSML, our Lloyd’s managing agent, the PRA and FCA regulate the acquisition of control of any Lloyd’s managing agent which is authorized under the FSMA. Any company or individual that, together with its or his associates, directly or indirectly acquires 10% or more of the shares in a Lloyd’s managing agent or its parent company, or is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of 10% or more of the voting power in such Lloyd’s managing agent or its parent company, would be considered to have acquired control for the purposes of the relevant legislation, as would a person who has significant influence over the management of such Lloyd’s managing agent or its parent company by virtue of its or his shareholding or voting power in either. Lloyd’s approval is also required before any person can acquire control (using the same definition as for the PRA and FCA) of a Lloyd’s managing agent or Lloyd’s corporate member.

Investors may have difficulty in serving process or enforcing judgments against us in the U.S.

We are a Bermuda company. In addition, certain of our officers and directors reside in countries outside the U.S. All or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of these officers and directors are or may be located outside the U.S. Investors may have difficulty effecting service of process within the U.S. on our directors and officers who reside outside the U.S. or recovering against us or these directors and officers on judgments of U.S. courts based on civil liabilities provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws whether or not we appoint an agent in the U.S. to receive service of process.

Risks Related to Our Industry

The reinsurance and insurance businesses are historically cyclical and the pricing and terms for our products may decline, which would affect our profitability.

The reinsurance and insurance industries have historically been cyclical, characterized by periods of decreasing prices followed by periods of increasing prices. Reinsurers have experienced significant fluctuations in their results of operations due to numerous factors, including the frequency and severity of catastrophic events, perceptions of risk, levels of capacity, general economic conditions and underwriting

 

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results of other insurers and reinsurers. All of these factors may contribute to price declines generally in the reinsurance and insurance industries. Following an increase in capital in our industry after the 2005 catastrophe events and the subsequent period of substantial dislocation in the financial markets, the reinsurance and insurance markets have experienced a prolonged period of generally softening markets.

The catastrophe-exposed lines in which we are a market leader are affected significantly by volatile and unpredictable developments, including natural and man-made disasters. The occurrence, or nonoccurrence, of catastrophic events, the frequency and severity of which are inherently unpredictable, affects both industry results and consequently prevailing market prices of our products.

We expect premium rates and other terms and conditions of trade to vary in the future. If demand for our products falls or the supply of competing capacity rises, our prospects for potential growth, due in part to our disciplined approach to underwriting, may be adversely affected. In particular, we might lose existing customers or suffer a decline in business, which we might not regain when industry conditions improve.

Recent or future legislation may decrease the demand for our property catastrophe reinsurance products and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Legislation adversely impacting the private markets could be enacted on a state, regional or federal level. For example, in the past, federal bills have been proposed in Congress which would, if enacted, create a federal reinsurance backstop or guarantee mechanism for catastrophic risks, including those we currently insure and reinsure in the private markets. We believe that such legislation, if enacted, could contribute to growth, inception or alteration of state insurance entities in a manner that would be adverse to us. If enacted, bills of this nature would likely further erode the role of private market catastrophe reinsurers and could adversely impact our financial results, perhaps materially. Moreover, numerous modeled potential catastrophes could exceed the actual or politically acceptable bonded capacity of Citizens and of the FHCF, which could lead either to a severe dislocation or the necessity of federal intervention in the Florida market, either of which would adversely impact the private insurance and reinsurance industry.

In 2007, the state of Florida enacted legislation to expand the FHCF’s provision of below-market rate reinsurance to up to $28.0 billion per season (the “2007 Florida Bill”). Because we are one of the largest providers of catastrophe-exposed coverage globally and in Florida, the 2007 Florida Bill and the weakened financial position of Florida insurers may have a greater adverse impact on us than it would on other reinsurance market participants. In addition, it is possible that other regulatory or legislative changes that impact Florida could affect our ability to sell certain of our products and have a material adverse effect on our operations.

In June 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2012 (the “Biggert-Waters Bill”), which provided for a five-year renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program (the “NFIP”) and effected substantial reforms in the program, including limits on the rate of premium increases, new flood insurance rate maps and minimum deductibles for flood claims. Many market participants anticipated that these reforms could increase the role of private risk-bearing capital in respect of U.S. flood perils, a coverage we provide globally, perhaps significantly. However, In March 2014, Congress passed a bill entitled the “Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014” (the “the Grimm-Waters Act”), which amends, delays or defers some of the provisions of Biggert-Waters Bill, as summarized in more detail in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Current Outlook, Legislative and Regulatory Update”. We believe that the passage of the Grimm-Waters Act has had an adverse impact on near term prospects for increased U.S. private flood insurance demand, the stability of the NFIP and the primary insurers that produce policies for the NFIP or offer private coverages, and it is possible that additional adverse legislation or rulemaking will be enacted at the federal or state level.

Internationally, many countries with fast growing economies, such as China and India, continue to impose significant restrictions on the writing of reinsurance by foreign companies. In addition, in the wake of recent large natural catastrophes, a number of proposals have been introduced to alter the financing of natural catastrophes in several of the markets in which we operate. For example, the Thailand government has announced it is studying proposals for a natural catastrophe fund, under which the government would provide coverage for natural disasters in excess of an industry retention and below a certain limit, after which private reinsurers would continue to participate. The government of the Philippines has announced that it is considering similar proposals. Indonesia’s financial services authority has announced a proposal to

 

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increase the amount of insurance business placed with domestic reinsurers. A range of proposals from varying stakeholders have been reported to have been made to alter the current regimes for insuring flood risk in the U.K., flood risk in Australia and earthquake risk in New Zealand. If these proposals are enacted and reduce market opportunities for our clients or for the reinsurance industry, we could be adversely impacted. See “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Current Outlook, Legislative and Regulatory Update” for further information.

Other political, regulatory and industry initiatives could adversely affect our business.

The insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework is subject to heavy scrutiny by the U.S. and individual state governments, as well as an increasing number of international authorities, and we believe it is likely there will be increased regulatory intervention in our industry in the future. For example, the U.S. federal government has increased its scrutiny of the insurance regulatory framework in recent years (including as specifically addressed in the Dodd-Frank Act), and some state legislators have considered or enacted laws that will alter and likely increase state regulation of insurance and reinsurance companies and holding companies. Moreover, the NAIC, which is an association of the insurance commissioners of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and state insurance regulators regularly reexamine existing laws and regulations. Due to this increased legislative and regulatory scrutiny of the reinsurance industry, our cost of compliance with applicable laws may increase, which could result in a decrease to both our profitability and the amount of time that our senior management allocates to running the day-to-day operations of the Company.

For example, we could be adversely affected by proposals or enacted legislation to:

 

•

expand the scope of coverage under existing policies for perils such as hurricanes or earthquakes or for a pandemic disease outbreak;

 

•

increasingly mandate the terms of insurance and reinsurance policies;

 

•

expand the proposed scope of the FIO or establish a new federal insurance regulator;

 

•

revise laws, regulations, or contracts under which we operate;

 

•

disproportionately benefit the companies of one country over those of another; or

 

•

repeal or diminish the insurance company antitrust exemption from the McCarran Ferguson Act.

Compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations will result in additional costs, which may adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Although we do not expect these costs to be material to us as a whole, we cannot assure you this expectation will prove accurate or that the Dodd-Frank Act or other legislation will not impact our business more adversely than we currently estimate.

The EU directive covering the capital adequacy, risk management and regulatory reporting for insurers, known as Solvency II, came into effect on January 1, 2016. The EC has assessed the regulatory regime in Bermuda as “equivalent” in all three areas of Solvency II: (i) solvency calculation, (ii) group supervision, and (iii) reinsurance. Official confirmation of Bermuda’s equivalence is expected in 2016 following a three month review by the European Parliament and Council. If Bermuda is not officially confirmed as equivalent to Solvency II, our Bermuda reinsurance companies may be required to post collateral in respect of any reinsurance of European Economic Area cedants. Further, the RenaissanceRe group could be subject to group supervision on the basis of Solvency II principles by the appropriate EU regulator (which would likely be the Central Bank of Ireland) unless the relevant regulator agreed to alternative measures to exercise group supervision in relation to the EU insurance carriers within the group. The U.S. currently has only been granted provisional equivalence with regard to group solvency calculations (but not group supervision and reinsurance) for a period of 10 years. Our U.S. reinsurance companies who provide reinsurance to cedants headquartered in the European Economic Area may be required to post collateral in respect of any such reinsurance, which could have an adverse impact on our operations.

The implementation of Solvency II requires us to utilize a significant amount of resources to ensure compliance. Our implementation plans are based on our current understanding of the Solvency II requirements and any material changes thereto could have an adverse effect on our business. The principles, standards and requirements of Solvency II may also, directly or indirectly, impact the future supervision of our operating subsidiaries.

 

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We are incorporated in Bermuda and are therefore subject to changes in Bermuda law and regulation that may have an adverse impact on our operations, such as the imposition of tax liability, increased regulatory supervision or changes in regulation. In addition, we are subject to changes in the political environment in Bermuda, which could make it difficult to operate in, or attract talent to, Bermuda. The Bermuda insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework recently has become subject to increased scrutiny in many jurisdictions, including in the U.S. and in various states within the U.S. We are unable to predict the future impact on our operations of changes in the laws and regulations to which we are or may become subject. Moreover, our exposure to potential regulatory initiatives could be heightened by the fact that most of our current operating companies are domiciled in, and operate exclusively from, Bermuda. For example, Bermuda, a small jurisdiction, may be disadvantaged in participating in global or cross border regulatory matters as compared with larger jurisdictions such as the U.S. or the leading EU and Asian countries. In addition, Bermuda, which is currently an overseas territory of the U.K., may consider changes to its relationship with the U.K. in the future. These changes could adversely affect Bermuda or the international reinsurance market focused there, either of which could adversely impact us commercially. Further, as we continue to expand our business operations to different regions of the world outside of Bermuda, we are increasingly subject to new and additional regulations with respect to our operations, including, for example, laws relating to anti-corruption and anti-bribery which have received increased scrutiny in recent years.

We operate in a highly competitive environment.

The reinsurance industry is highly competitive. We compete, and will continue to compete, with major U.S. and non-U.S. insurers and property catastrophe reinsurers, including other Bermuda-based reinsurers. Many of our competitors have greater financial, marketing and management resources than we do. Historically, periods of increased capacity levels in our industry have led to increased competition, and decreased prices for our products.

In recent years, hedge funds, pension funds, endowments, investment banks, investment mangers, exchanges and other capital markets participants have been increasingly active in the reinsurance market and markets for related risks, either through the formation of reinsurance companies or the use of other financial products intended to complete with traditional reinsurance. We expect competition from these sources and others to continue to increase over time. It is possible that such new or alternative capital could cause reductions in prices of our products, or reduce the duration or amplitude of attractive portions of the historical market cycles. New entrants or existing competitors may attempt to replicate all or part of our business model and provide further competition in the markets in which we participate. Moreover, government-backed entities increasingly represent competition for the coverages we provide directly or for the business of our customers, reducing the potential amount of third party private protection our clients might need or desire. To the extent that industry pricing of our products does not meet our hurdle rate, we would generally expect to reduce our future underwriting activities, thus resulting in reduced premiums and a reduction in expected earnings. We are unable to predict the extent to which the foregoing or other new, proposed or potential initiatives may affect the demand for our products or the risks for which we seek to provide coverage.

Consolidation in the (re)insurance industry could adversely impact us.

The (re)insurance industry has been consolidating. Should the market continue to consolidate, there can be no assurance we would remain a leading insurer and property catastrophe reinsurer. These consolidated client and competitor enterprises may try to use their enhanced market power to negotiate price reductions for our products and services and/or obtain a larger market share through increased line sizes. If competitive pressures reduce our prices, we would generally expect to reduce our future underwriting activities thus resulting in reduced premiums and a reduction in expected earnings. As the insurance industry consolidates, competition for customers will become more intense and the importance of sourcing and properly servicing each customer will become greater. We could incur greater expenses relating to customer acquisition and retention, further reducing our operating margins. In addition, insurance companies that merge may be able to spread their risks across a consolidated, larger capital base so that they require less reinsurance. The number of companies offering retrocessional reinsurance may decline. Reinsurance intermediaries could also continue to consolidate, potentially adversely impacting our ability to access business and distribute our products. We could also experience more robust competition from larger, better capitalized competitors. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business or our results of operation.

 

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The OECD and the EU may pursue measures that might increase our taxes and reduce our net income.

The OECD has published reports and launched a global dialog among member and non-member countries on measures to limit harmful tax competition. These measures are largely directed at counteracting the effects of jurisdictions perceived by the OECD to be tax havens or offering preferential tax regimes. The OECD has not listed Bermuda as an uncooperative tax haven jurisdiction because Bermuda has committed to eliminating harmful tax practices and to embracing international tax standards for transparency, exchange of information and the elimination of any aspects of the regimes for financial and other services that attract business with no substantial domestic activity. We are not able to predict what changes will arise from the commitment or whether such changes will subject us to additional taxes.

In addition, on July 19, 2013, the OECD published its Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting in an attempt to coordinate multilateral action on international tax rules. The proposed actions include an examination of the definition of a “permanent establishment” and the rules for attributing profit to a permanent establishment. The final package of reports was published on October 5, 2015 (the “BEPS Reports”). Any changes in the tax law of an OECD member state in response to the BEPS Reports and recommendations could subject us to additional taxes.

Regulatory regimes and changes to accounting rules may adversely impact financial results irrespective of business operations.

Accounting standards and regulatory changes may require modifications to our accounting principles, both prospectively and for prior periods, and such changes could have an adverse impact on our financial results. In particular, the SEC continues to discuss the potential to either converge or transition to an international set of accounting standards that would be applied to financial statements filed with the SEC. Such changes, if ultimately adopted, could have a significant impact on our financial reporting. In addition, the International Accounting Standards Board is considering adopting accounting standards that would require all reinsurance and insurance contracts to be accounted for under a new measurement basis, which standards are considered to be more closely related to fair value than the current measurement basis and the FASB is contemplating new disclosure requirements related to reinsurance and insurance accounting. We are evaluating how the above initiatives will impact us. Required modification of our existing principles, and new disclosure requirements, either with respect to these issues or other issues in the future, could have an impact on our results of operations and increase our expenses in order to implement and comply with any new requirements.

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make many estimates and judgments.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make many estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities (including claims and claim expense reserves), shareholders’ equity, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to premiums written and earned, our net claims and claim expenses, investment valuations, income taxes and those estimates used in our risk transfer analysis for reinsurance transactions. We base our estimates on historical experience, where possible, and on various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, which form the basis for our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our judgments and estimates may not reflect our actual results. We utilize actuarial models as well as historical insurance industry loss development patterns to establish our claims and claim expense reserves. Actual claims and claim expenses paid may deviate, perhaps materially, from the estimates reflected in our financial statements. For more details on our estimates and judgments, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Critical Accounting Estimates.”

 

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ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

We lease office space in Bermuda, which houses our executive offices and operations for our Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments. Our U.S. based subsidiaries lease office space in a number of U.S. locations, including New York, New York, Stamford, Connecticut, Chicago, Illinois and Raleigh, North Carolina. We also lease office space in London, England (U.K.), principally for our Lloyd’s segment, and in Dublin, Ireland and Singapore. While we believe that our current office space is sufficient for us to conduct our operations, we may expand into additional facilities and new locations to accommodate future growth. To date, the cost of acquiring and maintaining our office space has not been material to us as a whole.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on reinsurance treaties or contracts or direct surplus lines insurance policies. This category of business litigation may involve allegations of underwriting or claims-handling errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory actions or disputes arising from our business ventures. Our operating subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving, among other things, disputed interpretations of policy coverages. Generally, our direct surplus lines insurance operations are subject to greater frequency and diversity of claims and claims-related litigation than our reinsurance operations and, in some jurisdictions, may be subject to direct actions by allegedly injured persons or entities seeking damages from policyholders. These lawsuits involving claims on policies issued by our subsidiaries, which are typical to the insurance industry in general and in the normal course of business, are considered in our loss and loss expense reserves which are discussed in its loss reserves discussion. In addition, we may from time to time engage in litigation or arbitration related to claims for payment in respect of ceded reinsurance, including disputes that challenge our ability to enforce our underwriting intent. Such matters could result, directly or indirectly, in providers of protection not meeting their obligations to us or not doing so on a timely basis. We may also be subject to other disputes from time to time, relating to operational or other matters distinct from insurance or reinsurance claims. Any litigation, arbitration or regulatory process contains an element of uncertainty, and, accordingly, the value of an exposure or a gain contingency related to a dispute is difficult to estimate. Currently, we believe that no individual litigation or arbitration to which we are presently a party is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business or operations.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET INFORMATION AND NUMBER OF HOLDERS

Our common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “RNR.”

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low prices per share of our common shares as reported in composite NYSE trading:

 

		Price Range of Common Shares
		High				Low
2015
First Quarter		$	104.72			$	93.89
Second Quarter			105.96				99.20
Third Quarter			108.79				99.35
Fourth Quarter			116.10				104.78
2014
First Quarter		$	98.00			$	89.64
Second Quarter			107.51				95.90
Third Quarter			108.99				95.93
Fourth Quarter			103.57				94.24

On February 18, 2016, the last reported sale price for our common shares was $114.33 per share and there were 136 holders of record of our common shares.

 

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative return on our common shares, including reinvestment of our dividends on our common shares, to such return for the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index (“S&P 500”) and S&P’s Property-Casualty Industry Group Stock Price Index (“S&P P/C”), for the five-year period commencing December 31, 2010 and ending December 31, 2015, assuming $100 was invested on December 31, 2010. Each measurement point on the graph below represents the cumulative shareholder return as measured by the last sale price at the end of each calendar year during the period from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2015. As depicted in the graph below, during this period, the cumulative return was (1) 89.6% on our common shares; (2) 80.7% for the S&P 500; and (3) 110.0% for the S&P P&C.

COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

Since our initial public offering, we have paid dividends on our common shares every quarter and have increased our dividend each year. The Board of Directors declared regular quarterly dividends of $0.30 per common share to shareholders of record on March 13, June 15, September 15 and December 15, 2015, respectively. The Board of Directors declared regular quarterly dividends of $0.29 per common share to shareholders of record on March 14, June 13, September 15 and December 15, 2014, respectively. On February 19, 2016, RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors approved an increased dividend of $0.31 per common share, payable on March 31, 2016, to shareholders of record on March 15, 2016. The declaration and payment of dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board and depend on, among other things, our financial condition, general business conditions, legal, contractual and regulatory restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by us and our subsidiaries and other factors which the Board may in the future consider to be relevant.

 

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The laws of the various jurisdictions in which we and our subsidiaries are organized restrict the ability of RenaissanceRe to pay dividends to its shareholders and of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to RenaissanceRe. Refer to “Part II, Item 1. Business, Regulation”, “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Financial Condition” and “Note 19. Statutory Requirements” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our share repurchase program may be effected from time to time, depending on market conditions and other factors, through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. On February 19, 2016 RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors approved a renewal of the authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when we have repurchased the full value of the shares authorized. The table below details the repurchases that were made under the program during the three months ended December 31, 2015, and also includes other shares purchased, which represents withholdings from employees surrendered in respect of withholding tax obligations on the vesting of restricted stock or in lieu of cash payments for the exercise price of employee stock options.

 

		Total shares purchased								Other shares purchased								Shares purchased under   repurchase program								Dollar amount still available under   repurchase   program
		Shares   purchased				Average   price per   share				Shares   purchased				Average   price per   share				Shares   purchased				Average   price per   share
																										(in millions)
Beginning dollar amount available to be repurchased																										$	313.1
October 1 - 31, 2015			286,144			$	107.11				—			$	—				286,144			$	107.11				(30.6)
November 1 - 13, 2015			1,091			$	110.66				1,091			$	110.66				—			$	—				—
November 13, 2015 - renewal of authorized share repurchase program of $500.0 million																											217.5
Dollar amount available to be repurchased																											500.0
November 14 - 30, 2015			1,895			$	110.57				1,895			$	110.57				—			$	—				—
December 1 - 31, 2015			160,497			$	110.51				—			$	—				160,497			$	110.51				(17.7)
Total			449,627			$	108.35				2,986			$	110.60				446,641			$	108.33			$	482.3

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we repurchased an aggregate of 2.5 million common shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $259.9 million and at an average share price of $105.10. In the future, we may authorize additional purchase activities under the currently authorized share repurchase program, increase the amount authorized under the share repurchase program, or adopt additional trading plans.

Subsequent to December 31, 2015 and through the period ended February 18, 2016, we repurchased 717 thousand common shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $79.3 million and at an average share price of $110.57.

 

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ITEM 6.   SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial data and other financial information at the end of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2015. The results of Platinum are included in our consolidated financial data from March 2, 2015. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K.

 

Year ended December 31,		2015					2014					2013					2012					2011
(in thousands, except share and per share data and percentages)
Statements of Operations Data:
Gross premiums written			$	2,011,310				$	1,550,572				$	1,605,412				$	1,551,591				$	1,434,976
Net premiums written				1,416,183					1,068,236					1,203,947					1,102,657					1,012,773
Net premiums earned				1,400,551					1,062,416					1,114,626					1,069,355					951,049
Net investment income				152,567					124,316					208,028					165,725					146,871
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments				(68,918)					41,433					35,076					163,121					43,956
Net claims and claim expenses incurred				448,238					197,947					171,287					325,211					861,179
Acquisition expenses				238,592					144,476					125,501					113,542					97,376
Operational expenses				219,112					190,639					191,105					179,151					169,661
Underwriting income (loss)				494,609					529,354					626,733					451,451					(177,167)
Income (loss) from continuing operations				542,242					686,256					839,346					765,425					(38,833)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations				—					—					2,422					(16,476)					(51,559)
Net income (loss)				542,242					686,256					841,768					748,949					(90,392)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders				408,811					510,337					665,676					566,014					(92,235)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted				9.28					12.60					14.82					11.56					(0.82)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted				9.28					12.60					14.87					11.23					(1.84)
Dividends per common share				1.20					1.16					1.12					1.08					1.04
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted				43,526					39,968					44,128					49,603					50,747
Return on average common equity				9.8%					14.9%					20.5%					17.7%					(3.0)%
Combined ratio				64.7%					50.2%					43.8%					57.8%					118.6 %
At December 31,		2015					2014					2013					2012					2011
Balance Sheet Data:
Total investments			$	8,999,068				$	6,743,750				$	6,821,712				$	6,355,394				$	6,202,001
Total assets				11,560,871					8,203,550					8,179,131					7,928,628					7,744,912
Reserve for claims and claim expenses				2,767,045					1,412,510					1,563,730					1,879,377					1,992,354
Unearned premiums				889,102					512,386					477,888					399,517					347,655
Debt				966,079					249,522					249,430					349,339					349,247
Capital leases				26,463					26,817					27,138					27,428					25,366
Preferred shares				400,000					400,000					400,000					400,000					550,000
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe				4,732,184					3,865,715					3,904,384					3,503,065					3,605,193
Common shares outstanding				43,701					38,442					43,646					45,542					51,543
Book value per common share			$	99.13				$	90.15				$	80.29				$	68.14				$	59.27
Accumulated dividends				15.48					14.28					13.12					12.00					10.92
Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends			$	114.61				$	104.43				$	93.41				$	80.14				$	70.19
Change in book value per common share plus change in accumulated dividends				11.3%					13.7%					19.5%					16.8%					(3.6)%

 

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ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for 2015, compared to 2014, and 2014, compared to 2013, respectively. The following also includes a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources at December 31, 2015. The results of Platinum are included in our results of operations from March 2, 2015. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this filing. This filing contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results described or implied by these forward-looking statements. See “Note on Forward-Looking Statements.”

OVERVIEW

RenaissanceRe was established in 1993 and is a leading global provider of reinsurance and insurance coverages and related services. Our aspiration is to be the world’s best underwriter by matching well-structured risks with efficient sources of capital. Through our operating subsidiaries, we seek to produce superior returns for our shareholders by being a trusted, long-term partner to our customers for assessing and managing risk, and by delivering responsive solutions. We accomplish this by leveraging our core capabilities of risk assessment and information management, by investing in our capabilities to serve our customers across the cycles that have historically characterized our markets and by keeping our promises. Overall, our strategy focuses on superior risk selection, superior customer relationships and superior capital management. We provide value to our customers and joint venture partners in the form of financial security, innovative products, and responsive service. We are known as a leader in paying valid reinsurance claims promptly. We principally measure our financial success through long-term growth in tangible book value per common share plus the change in accumulated dividends, which we believe is the most appropriate measure of our financial performance, and believe we have delivered superior performance in respect of this measure over time.

Our core products include property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance risks written through our wholly owned operating subsidiaries, joint ventures and Syndicate 1458; and certain insurance products primarily written through Syndicate 1458. We believe we are one of the world’s leading providers of property catastrophe reinsurance. We also believe we have a strong position in certain specialty reinsurance lines of business and a growing presence in the Lloyd’s marketplace. Our reinsurance and insurance products are principally distributed through intermediaries, with whom we seek to cultivate strong long-term relationships. We continually explore appropriate and efficient ways to address the risk needs of our clients. We have created and managed, and continue to manage, multiple capital vehicles and may create additional risk bearing vehicles in the future. As our product and geographical diversity increases, we may be exposed to new risks, uncertainties and sources of volatility.

Since a meaningful portion of the reinsurance and insurance we write provides protection from damages relating to natural and man-made catastrophes, our results depend to a large extent on the frequency and severity of such catastrophic events, and the coverages we offer to customers affected by these events. We are exposed to significant losses from these catastrophic events and other exposures we cover. Accordingly, we expect a significant degree of volatility in our financial results and our financial results may vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and from year-to-year, based on the level of insured catastrophic losses occurring around the world. Our acquisition of Platinum accelerated the growth of our U.S. platform by expanding our client base and enhancing our U.S. market presence in our casualty and specialty reinsurance lines of business. Accordingly, in the future, these lines of business may represent a greater proportion of our premiums and claims and claim expenses, and generate a higher percentage of our returns.

Our revenues are principally derived from three sources: (1) net premiums earned from the reinsurance and insurance policies we sell; (2) net investment income and realized and unrealized gains from the investment of our capital funds and the investment of the cash we receive on the policies which we sell; and (3) other income received from our joint ventures, advisory services and various other items.

Our expenses primarily consist of: (1) net claims and claim expenses incurred on the policies of reinsurance and insurance we sell; (2) acquisition costs which typically represent a percentage of the premiums we write; (3) operating expenses which primarily consist of personnel expenses, rent and other operating expenses; (4) corporate expenses which include certain executive, legal and consulting

 

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expenses, costs for research and development, transaction and integration-related expenses, and other miscellaneous costs, including those associated with operating as a publicly traded company; (5) redeemable noncontrolling interests, which represent the interests of third parties with respect to the net income of DaVinciRe and Medici; and (6) interest and dividend costs related to our debt and preference shares. We are also subject to taxes in certain jurisdictions in which we operate. Since the majority of our income is currently earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, the tax impact to our operations has historically been minimal, however, in the future, our net tax exposure may increase as our operations expand geographically.

The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are discussed frequently by reference to its net claims and claim expense ratio, underwriting expense ratio, and combined ratio. The net claims and claim expense ratio is calculated by dividing net claims and claim expenses incurred by net premiums earned. The underwriting expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses (acquisition expenses and operational expenses) by net premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the net claims and claim expense ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% generally indicates profitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates unprofitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. We also discuss our net claims and claim expense ratio on an accident year basis. This ratio is calculated by taking net claims and claim expenses, excluding development on net claims and claim expenses from events that took place in prior fiscal years, divided by net premiums earned.

Our business consists of the following reportable segments: (1) Catastrophe Reinsurance, which includes catastrophe reinsurance and certain property catastrophe joint ventures managed by our ventures unit; (2) Specialty Reinsurance, which includes specialty reinsurance and certain specialty joint ventures managed by our ventures unit; and (3) Lloyd’s, which includes reinsurance and insurance business written through Syndicate 1458. In addition, our Other category primarily includes our strategic investments, investments unit, corporate expenses, capital servicing costs, noncontrolling interests, certain expenses related to the acquisition of Platinum, results of our discontinued operations, and the remnants of our Bermuda-based insurance operations.

Acquisition of Platinum

On March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe acquired Platinum pursuant to a definitive merger agreement entered into on November 23, 2014. As a result of the acquisition of Platinum, Platinum and its operating subsidiaries became wholly owned subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe. In connection with an intercompany restructuring, effective July 1, 2015, Platinum was merged with RenaissanceRe, with RenaissanceRe continuing as the surviving company. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources, Impact of Platinum Acquisition on Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information with respect to the acquisition of Platinum.

New Business

From time to time we consider diversification into new ventures, either through organic growth, the formation of new joint ventures, or the acquisition of or the investment in other companies or books of business of other companies. For information related to new business, refer to “Part I, Item 1. Business, New Business.”

Risk Management

We seek to develop and effectively utilize sophisticated computer models and other analytical tools to assess and manage the risks we underwrite and attempt to optimize our portfolio of reinsurance and insurance contracts and other financial risks. Our policies, procedures, tools and resources to monitor and assess our operational risks companywide, as well as our global enterprise-wide risk management practices, are overseen by our Chief Risk Officer, who reports directly to our President and Chief Executive Officer.

Since 1993, we have developed and continuously seek to improve our proprietary, computer-based pricing and exposure management system, REMS^©. We believe that REMS^©, as updated from time to time, is a

 

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more robust underwriting and risk management system than is currently commercially available elsewhere in the reinsurance industry and offers us a significant competitive advantage. For information related to Risk Management, refer to “Part I, Item 1. Business, Underwriting and Enterprise Risk Management.”

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Claims and Claim Expense Reserves

General Description

We believe the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and claim expense reserves. Claims and claim expense reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for unpaid claims and claim expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts we sell. We establish our claims and claim expense reserves by taking claims reported to us by insureds and ceding companies, but which have not yet been paid (“case reserves”), adding the costs for additional case reserves (“additional case reserves”) which represent our estimates for claims related to specific contracts previously reported to us which we believe may not be adequately estimated by the client as of that date, and adding estimates for the anticipated cost of IBNR.

On March 2, 2015 we acquired Platinum and the transaction was accounted under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations. Total consideration paid was allocated among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values, including Platinum’s claims and claim expense reserves, which totaled $1.4 billion at March 2, 2015, and consisted of $117.4 million and $1.3 billion included in our Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments, respectively. These claims and claim expense reserves are subject to the reserving methodologies for each respective line of business as described below.

The following table summarizes our claims and claim expense reserves by line of business, split between case reserves, additional case reserves and IBNR:

 

At December 31, 2015		Case       Reserves				Additional   Case Reserves				IBNR				Total
(in thousands)
Catastrophe Reinsurance		$	237,345			$	146,969			$	179,947			$	564,261
Specialty Reinsurance			529,952				126,650				1,148,015				1,804,617
Lloyd’s			84,964				22,085				263,440				370,489
Other			2,071				—				25,607				27,678
Total		$	854,332			$	295,704			$	1,617,009			$	2,767,045
At December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Catastrophe Reinsurance		$	253,431			$	150,825			$	138,411			$	542,667
Specialty Reinsurance			106,293				79,457				357,960				543,710
Lloyd’s			65,295				14,168				204,984				284,447
Other			5,212				2,354				34,120				41,686
Total		$	430,231			$	246,804			$	735,475			$	1,412,510

 

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Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses is summarized as follows:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Net reserves as of January 1		$	1,345,816			$	1,462,705			$	1,686,865
Net incurred related to:
Current year			610,685				341,745				315,241
Prior years			(162,447)				(143,798)				(143,954)
Total net incurred			448,238				197,947				171,287
Net paid related to:
Current year			95,747				39,830				32,212
Prior years			459,905				275,006				363,235
Total net paid			555,652				314,836				395,447
Amounts acquired (1)			1,394,117				—				—
Net reserves as of December 31			2,632,519				1,345,816				1,462,705
Reinsurance recoverable as of December 31			134,526				66,694				101,025
Gross reserves as of December 31		$	2,767,045			$	1,412,510			$	1,563,730

 

(1)	Represents the fair value of Platinum’s reserve for claims and claim expenses and reinsurance recoverable acquired at March 2, 2015.

Our reserving methodology for each line of business uses a loss reserving process that calculates a point estimate for our ultimate settlement and administration costs for claims and claim expenses. We do not calculate a range of estimates. We use this point estimate, along with paid claims and case reserves, to record our best estimate of additional case reserves and IBNR in our consolidated financial statements. Under GAAP, we are not permitted to establish estimates for catastrophe claims and claim expense reserves until an event occurs that gives rise to a loss.

Reserving for our reinsurance claims involves other uncertainties, such as the dependence on information from ceding companies, which among other matters, includes the time lag inherent in reporting information from the primary insurer to us or to our ceding companies and differing reserving practices among ceding companies. The information received from ceding companies is typically in the form of bordereaux, broker notifications of loss and/or discussions with ceding companies or their brokers. This information may be received on a monthly, quarterly or transactional basis and normally includes paid claims and estimates of case reserves. We sometimes also receive an estimate or provision for IBNR. This information is often updated and adjusted from time to time during the loss settlement period as new data or facts in respect of initial claims, client accounts, industry or event trends may be reported or emerge in addition to changes in applicable statutory and case laws.

Our estimates of losses from large events are based on factors including currently available information derived from our claims information from certain customers and brokers, industry assessments of losses from the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of our contracts. The uncertainty of our estimates for large events is also impacted by the preliminary nature of the information available, the magnitude and relative infrequency of the events, the expected duration of the respective claims development period, inadequacies in the data provided to the relevant date by industry participants and the potential for further reporting lags or insufficiencies; and in certain large events, significant uncertainty as to the form of the claims and legal issues, under the relevant terms of insurance and reinsurance contracts. In addition, a significant portion of the net claims and claim expenses associated with certain large events can be concentrated with a few large clients and therefore the loss estimates for these events may vary significantly based on the claims experience of those clients. Loss reserve estimation in respect of our retrocessional contracts poses further challenges compared to directly assumed reinsurance. The contingent nature of business interruption and other exposures will also impact losses in a meaningful way, which we believe may give rise to significant complexity in respect of claims handling, claims adjustment and other coverage issues, over time. Given the magnitude of certain events, there can be meaningful uncertainty regarding total covered losses for the insurance industry and, accordingly, several of the key

 

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assumptions underlying our loss estimates. In addition, our actual net losses from these events may increase if our reinsurers or other obligors fail to meet their obligations.

Because of the inherent uncertainties discussed above, we have developed a reserving philosophy which attempts to incorporate prudent assumptions and estimates, and we have generally experienced favorable net development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses in the last several years. However, there is no assurance that this favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses will occur in future periods.

Prior Year Development of Reserve for Net Claims and Claim Expenses

Our estimates of claims and claim expense reserves are not precise in that, among other matters, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends and other variable factors. Some, but not all, of our reserves are further subject to the uncertainty inherent in actuarial methodologies and estimates. Because a reserve estimate is simply an insurer’s estimate at a point in time of its ultimate liability, and because there are numerous factors which affect reserves and claims payments that cannot be determined with certainty in advance, our ultimate payments will vary, perhaps materially, from our estimates of reserves. If we determine in a subsequent period that adjustments to our previously established reserves are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified.

As detailed in the table and discussed in further detail below, changes to prior year estimated claims reserves increased our net income by $162.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, (2014 - $143.8 million, 2013 - $144.0 million), excluding the consideration of changes in reinstatement premium, profit commissions, redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe, equity in net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re and income tax.

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Catastrophe		$	(70,377)			$	(65,511)			$	(102,037)
Specialty			(91,912)				(55,909)				(34,111)
Lloyd’s			340				(16,241)				(8,256)
Other			(498)				(6,137)				450
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(162,447)			$	(143,798)			$	(143,954)

Our reserving techniques, assumptions and processes differ between our Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments. Following is a discussion of the risks we insure and reinsure, the reserving techniques, assumptions and processes we follow to estimate our claims and claim expense reserves, our current estimates versus our initial estimates of our claims reserves, and the sensitivity analysis we apply with respect to our key reserving judgments for each of our segments.

Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment

Within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment, we principally write property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes. Under these contracts, we indemnify an insurer or reinsurer when its aggregate paid claims and claim expenses from a single occurrence of a covered peril exceed the attachment point specified in the contract, up to an amount per loss specified in the contract. Our most significant exposure is to losses from earthquakes and hurricanes and other windstorms, although we are also exposed to claims arising from other catastrophes, such as tsunamis, freezes, floods, fires, tornadoes, explosions and acts of terrorism. Our predominant exposure under such coverage is to property damage. However, other risks, including business interruption and other non-property losses, may also be covered under our property catastrophe reinsurance contracts when arising from a covered peril. Our coverages are offered on either a worldwide basis or are limited to selected geographic areas.

Coverage can also vary from “all property” perils to limited coverage on selected perils, such as “earthquake only” coverage. We also enter into retrocessional contracts that provide property catastrophe coverage to

 

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other reinsurers or retrocedants. This coverage is generally in the form of excess of loss retrocessional contracts and may cover all perils and exposures on a worldwide basis or be limited in scope to selected geographic areas, perils and/or exposures. The exposures we assume from retrocessional business can change within a contract term as the underwriters of a retrocedant may alter their book of business after the retrocessional coverage has been bound. We also offer dual trigger reinsurance contracts which require us to pay claims based on claims incurred by insurers and reinsurers in addition to the estimate of insured industry losses as reported by referenced statistical reporting agencies.

Our property catastrophe reinsurance business is generally characterized by loss events of low frequency and high severity. Initial reporting of paid and incurred claims in general, tends to be relatively prompt. We consider this business “short-tail” as compared to the reporting of claims for “long-tail” products, which tends to be slower. However, the timing of claims payment and reporting also varies depending on various factors, including: whether the claims arise under reinsurance of primary insurance companies or reinsurance of other reinsurance companies; the nature of the events (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes or terrorism); the geographic area involved; post-event inflation which may cause the cost to repair damaged property to increase significantly from current estimates, or for property claims to remain open for a longer period of time, due to limitations on the supply of building materials, labor and other resources; complex policy coverage and other legal issues; and the quality of each client’s claims management and reserving practices. Management’s judgments regarding these factors are reflected in our reserve for claims and claim expenses.

Reserving for most of our property catastrophe reinsurance business does not involve the use of traditional actuarial techniques. Rather, claims and claim expense reserves are estimated by management after a catastrophe occurs by completing an in-depth analysis of the individual contracts which may potentially be impacted by the catastrophic event. The in-depth analysis generally involves: 1) estimating the size of insured industry losses from the catastrophic event; 2) reviewing our portfolio of reinsurance contracts to identify those contracts which are exposed to the catastrophic event; 3) reviewing information reported by customers and brokers; 4) discussing the event with our customers and brokers; and 5) estimating the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims and administrative costs arising from the catastrophic event on a contract-by-contract basis and in aggregate for the event. Once an event has occurred, during the then current reporting period we record our best estimate of the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims arising from the event. Our estimate of claims and claim expense reserves is then determined by deducting cumulative paid losses from our estimate of the ultimate expected loss for an event and our estimate of IBNR is determined by deducting cumulative paid losses, case reserves and additional case reserves from our estimate of the ultimate expected loss for an event. Once we receive a notice of loss or payment request under a catastrophe reinsurance contract, we are generally able to process and pay such claims promptly.

Because the events from which claims arise under policies written by our property catastrophe reinsurance business are typically prominent, public occurrences such as hurricanes and earthquakes, we are often able to use independent reports as part of our loss reserve estimation process. We also review catastrophe bulletins published by various statistical reporting agencies to assist us in determining the size of the industry loss, although these reports may not be available for some time after an event. In addition to the loss information and estimates communicated by cedants and brokers, we also use industry information which we gather and retain in our REMS© modeling system. The information stored in our REMS© modeling system enables us to analyze each of our policies in relation to a loss and compare our estimate of the loss with those reported by our policyholders. The REMS© modeling system also allows us to compare and analyze individual losses reported by policyholders affected by the same loss event. Although the REMS© modeling system assists with the analysis of the underlying loss and provides us with the information and ability to perform increased analysis, the estimation of claims resulting from catastrophic events is inherently difficult because of the variability and uncertainty associated with property catastrophe claims and the unique characteristics of each loss.

For smaller events including localized severe weather events such as windstorms, hail, ice, snow, flooding, freezing and tornadoes, which are not necessarily prominent, public occurrences, we initially place greater reliance on catastrophe bulletins published by statistical reporting agencies to assist us in determining what events occurred during the reporting period than we do for large events. This includes reviewing catastrophe bulletins published by Property Claim Services (“PCS”) for U.S. catastrophes. We set our initial estimates of reserves for claims and claim expenses for these smaller events based on a combination of

 

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our historical market share for these types of losses and the estimate of the total insured industry property losses as reported by statistical reporting agencies, although we may make significant adjustments based on our current exposure to the geographic region involved as well as the size of the loss and the peril involved. This approach supplements our approach for estimating losses for larger catastrophes, which as discussed above, includes discussions with brokers and ceding companies, reviewing individual contracts impacted by the event, and modeling the loss in our REMS^© system. Approximately one year from the date of loss for these small events, we typically estimate IBNR for these events by using the paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method. The loss development factors for the paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method are selected based on a review of our historical experience and these factors are reviewed at least annually. There were no significant changes to our paid loss development factors over the last three years.

In general, our property catastrophe reinsurance reserves for our more recent reinsured catastrophic events are subject to greater uncertainty and, therefore, greater potential variability, and are likely to experience material changes from one period to the next. This is due to the uncertainty as to the size of the industry losses from the event, uncertainty as to which contracts have been exposed to the catastrophic event, uncertainty due to complex legal and coverage issues that can arise out of large or complex catastrophic events such as the events of September 11, 2001, Hurricane Katrina and Storm Sandy, and uncertainty as to the magnitude of claims incurred by our customers. As our property catastrophe reinsurance claims age, more information becomes available and we believe our estimates become more certain, although there is no assurance this trend will continue in the future.

Prior Year Development of Reserve for Net Claims and Claim Expenses

Within our property catastrophe reinsurance business, we seek to review substantially all of our claims and claim expense reserves quarterly. Our quarterly review procedures include identifying events that have occurred up to the latest balance sheet date, determining our best estimate of the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims and administrative costs associated with those new events which have arisen during the reporting period, reviewing the ultimate expected cost to settle claims and administrative costs associated with those events which occurred during previous periods, and considering new estimation techniques, such as additional actuarial methods or other statistical techniques, that can assist us in developing a best estimate. This process is judgmental in that it involves reviewing changes in paid and reported losses each period and adjusting our estimates of the ultimate expected losses for each event if there are developments that are different from our previous expectations. If we determine that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified. As noted above, the level of our claims and claim expenses associated with certain catastrophes can be very large. As a result, small percentage changes in the estimated ultimate claims from large catastrophe events can significantly impact our reserves for claims and claim expenses in subsequent periods.

 

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The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for the Catastrophe Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

Year ended December 31, 2015		Catastrophe   Reinsurance   Segment
(in thousands)		(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Thailand Floods (2011)		$	(18,823)
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)			(5,314)
New Zealand Earthquake (2011)			22,754
2011 International Events			(1,383)
Storm Sandy (2012)			(10,436)
April and May U.S. Tornadoes (2011)			(10,189)
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008)			(4,673)
New Zealand Earthquake (2010)			769
Other			(5,686)
Total large catastrophe events			(31,598)
Small catastrophe events
2014 U.S. Winter Storms and Wind and Thunderstorm Events			(28,042)
European Floods (2013)			(2,272)
Other			(8,465)
Total small catastrophe events			(38,779)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(70,377)

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2015 of $70.4 million was comprised of $31.6 million and $38.8 million related to large and small catastrophe events, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophe events was $10.4 million related to Storm Sandy, $10.2 million related to the April and May 2011 U.S. Tornadoes and $4.7 million related to the 2008 Hurricanes (Gustav and Ike), each principally the result of changes in our estimated ultimate loss for each respective event. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to small catastrophe events was $28.0 million related to 2014 U.S. winter storms and wind and thunderstorm events, each principally the result of changes in our estimated ultimate loss for each respective event. In addition, we experienced $17.0 million of favorable development related to a number of other large and small catastrophe events. Net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake, the 2011 Thailand Floods and the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (collectively the “2011 International Events”) was $1.4 million and included reductions in reported losses on the 2011 Thailand Floods and Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, offset by a net increase in reported losses on the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake, with each respective movement principally driven by the same counterparties re-allocating losses between the 2011 International Events.

 

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The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for the Catastrophe Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2014:

 

Year ended December 31, 2014		Catastrophe   Reinsurance   Segment
(in thousands)		(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Storm Sandy (2012)		$	(20,104)
April and May U.S. Tornadoes (2011)			(13,939)
Thailand Floods (2011)			(9,254)
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008)			(6,647)
Hurricane Irene (2011)			(4,506)
Windstorm Kyrill (2007)			(3,615)
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)			(3,489)
New Zealand Earthquake (2010)			24,692
Other			(10,644)
Total large catastrophe events			(47,506)
Small catastrophe events
European Floods (2013)			(7,552)
U.S. PCS 24 Wind and Thunderstorm (2013)			(6,712)
U.S. PCS 70 and 73 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			13,362
Other			(17,103)
Total small catastrophe events			(18,005)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(65,511)

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2014 of $65.5 million was comprised of $47.5 million and $18.0 million related to large and small catastrophe events, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophe events was $20.1 million, $13.9 million, $9.3 million and $6.6 million related to Storm Sandy, the 2011 April and May U.S. Tornadoes, the 2011 Thailand Floods and the 2008 Hurricanes (Gustav and Ike), partially offset by adverse development of $24.7 million related to the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, each principally the result of changes in estimated ultimate losses for each respective event. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to small catastrophe events was $7.6 million and $6.7 million related to the 2013 European Floods and a 2013 U.S. wind and thunderstorm event, respectively, partially offset by adverse development of $13.4 million related to certain 2012 U.S. wind and thunderstorm events, each principally the result of changes in estimated ultimate losses for each respective event.

 

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The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for the Catastrophe Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2013:

 

Year ended December 31, 2013		Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment
(in thousands)		(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Storm Sandy (2012)		$	(44,460)
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)			(18,033)
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008)			(16,261)
New Zealand Earthquake (2011)			(10,944)
Windstorm Kyrill (2007)			(8,244)
Hurricane Isaac (2012)			2,610
New Zealand Earthquake (2010)			11,040
Other			(776)
Total large catastrophe events			(85,068)
Small catastrophe events
U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			(3,500)
U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			(300)
U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			8,225
Other			(21,394)
Total small catastrophe events			(16,969)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(102,037)

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2013 of $102.0 million was primarily due to $44.5 million, $18.0 million, $16.3 million and $10.9 million of favorable development related to reductions in the expected ultimate net loss for Storm Sandy, the Tohoku Earthquake, the 2008 Hurricanes (Gustav and Ike) and the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake, respectively, as reported claims came in better than expected, and $34.2 million of net favorable development related to a number of other catastrophes principally the result of reported claims coming in less than expected, resulting in decreases to the ultimate claims for these events through the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology. Partially offsetting the reductions noted above was adverse development on the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, U.S. PCS 70 and Hurricane Isaac of $11.0 million,$8.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, associated with an increase in reported gross ultimate losses.

Actual Results vs. Initial Estimates

The table below summarizes our initial assumptions and changes in those assumptions for claims and claim expense reserves within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment. As discussed above, the key assumption in estimating reserves for our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment is our estimate of ultimate claims and claim expenses. The table shows our initial estimates of ultimate claims and claim expenses for each accident year and how these initial estimates have developed over time. The initial estimate of accident year claims and claim expenses represents our estimate of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for claims incurred from catastrophic events occurring during a particular accident year, and as reported as of December 31 of that year. The re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, represent our revised estimates as reported as of those dates. The cumulative favorable (adverse) development shows how our most recent estimates as reported at December 31, 2015 differ from our initial accident year estimates. Favorable development implies that our current estimates are lower than our initial estimates while adverse development implies that our current estimates are higher

 

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than our original estimates. Total reserves as of December 31, 2015 reflect the unpaid portion of our estimates of gross ultimate claims and claim expenses. The table is presented on a gross basis and therefore does not include the benefit of reinsurance recoveries. It also does not consider the impact of loss related premium or redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe.

Actual vs. Initial Estimated Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Analysis

 

(in thousands, except percentages)						Re-estimated Claims and Claim Expenses as of December 31,
Accident  Year		Initial Estimate of Accident Year  Claims and  Claim Expenses				2013				2014				2015				Cumulative Favorable (Adverse)  Development				% Decrease  (Increase) from Initial Ultimate				Claims and  Claim Expense Reserves as of December 31, 2015				% of Claims and Claim Expenses  Unpaid as  of December 31, 2015
1994		$	100,816			$	137,093			$	137,074			$	136,960			$	(36,144)				(35.9)%			$	72				0.1%
1995			72,561				61,404				61,394				61,401				11,160				15.4 %				11				—%
1996			67,671				45,217				45,206				45,207				22,464				33.2 %				1				—%
1997			43,050				9,041				9,039				9,038				34,012				79.0 %				2				—%
1998			129,171				152,016				151,818				151,623				(22,452)				(17.4) %				291				0.2%
1999			267,981				197,703				197,692				197,692				70,289				26.2 %				197				0.1%
2000			54,600				17,747				17,767				17,767				36,833				67.5 %				23				0.1%
2001			257,285				200,558				198,556				196,415				60,870				23.7 %				2,801				1.4%
2002			155,573				65,008				64,867				64,867				90,706				58.3 %				20				—%
2003			126,121				67,398				68,449				68,528				57,593				45.7 %				103				0.2%
2004			762,810				814,704				814,742				814,995				(52,185)				(6.8) %				383				—%
2005			1,474,995				1,260,825				1,260,219				1,261,135				213,860				14.5 %				994				0.1%
2006			121,816				57,456				56,536				56,340				65,476				53.7%				56				0.1%
2007			246,119				107,872				102,824				100,871				145,248				59.0 %				1,633				1.6%
2008			600,723				436,055				426,337				421,430				179,293				29.8 %				1,779				0.4%
2009			91,802				40,905				39,728				39,760				52,042				56.7 %				1,118				2.8%
2010			428,965				332,845				361,340				396,108				32,857				7.7 %				155,938				39.4%
2011			1,278,962				1,218,178				1,175,774				1,176,825				102,137				8.0 %				132,292				11.2%
2012			352,635				284,279				262,639				250,142				102,493				29.1 %				69,532				27.8%
2013			143,609				133,187				107,602				100,797				42,812				29.8 %				40,466				40.1%
2014			105,739				—				89,034				71,000				34,739				32.9 %				25,078				35.3%
2015			201,892				—				—				201,892				—				—  %				131,471				65.1%
		$	7,084,896			$	5,639,491			$	5,648,637			$	5,840,793			$	1,244,103				18.1 %			$	564,261				9.7%

As previously noted, we recorded $1.4 billion of claims and claim expense reserves on March 2, 2015 as a result of the Platinum acquisition, of which $117.4 million is included in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment with the remaining balance included in our Specialty Reinsurance segment. The $117.4 million is included in the Initial Estimate of Accident Year Claims and Claim Expenses column and is allocated to each individual accident year based on the year in which the underlying catastrophe loss event took place. The Cumulative Favorable (Adverse) Development column includes favorable or adverse development on the acquired Platinum claims and claim expense reserves since the date of acquisition.

As quantified in the table above, since our inception in 1993, while we have experienced adverse development from time to time, on a cumulative basis we have experienced $1.2 billion of net favorable development on the run-off of our gross reserves within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment. This represents 18.1% of our initial estimated gross claims and claim expenses for accident years 2014 and prior of $6.9 billion and is calculated based on our estimates of claims and claim expense reserves as of December 31, 2015, compared to our initial estimates of ultimate claims and claim expenses, as of the end of each accident year. As described above, given the complexity in reserving for claims and claims expenses associated with catastrophe losses for property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts, we have experienced development, both favorable and unfavorable, in any given accident year. For example, our 2005 accident year developed favorably by $213.9 million, which is 14.5% better than our

 

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initial estimates of claims and claim expenses for the 2005 accident year as estimated as of December 31, 2005, while our 2004 accident year developed unfavorably by $52.2 million, or negative 6.8%. On a net basis, our cumulative favorable or unfavorable development is generally reduced by offsetting changes in our reinsurance recoverables, as well as changes to loss related premiums such as reinstatement premiums, and redeemable noncontrolling interest for changes in claims and claim expenses that impact DaVinciRe, all of which generally move in the opposite direction to changes in our ultimate claims and claim expenses.

The percentage of claims unpaid at December 31, 2015 for each accident year reflects both the speed at which claims and claim expenses for each accident year have been paid and our estimate of claims and claim expenses for that accident year. As seen above, claims and claim expenses for the 2009 and prior accident years have generally been paid. This is driven in part by the mix of our business, which primarily included property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance for personal lines property coverage, rather than commercial property coverage or retrocessional coverage, and the speed of the settlement and payment of claims by our underlying cedants. In contrast, the 2010 accident year includes losses from the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, among other events, which have complex issues associated with establishing our estimate of ultimate claims and claim expenses, including the magnitude and relative infrequency of the events, the expected duration of the respective claims development period, inadequacies in the data provided to the relevant date by industry participants and the potential for further reporting lags or insufficiencies, and as a result the unpaid net claims and claim expenses as a percentage of re-estimated claims and claim expenses as of December 31, 2015 remains relatively high at 39.4% for the 2010 accident year. In addition, as noted in the table above, the percentage of claims and claims expenses unpaid as of December 31, 2015 related to more recent years, such as 2010 through 2015, range from 11.2% to 65.1%, with higher percentages driven by the recency of these accident years, combined with the complexity surrounding claims of our underlying cedants and the nature of the events, such as the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, the 2010 and 2011 New Zealand Earthquakes and Storm Sandy.

Sensitivity Analysis

The table below shows the impact on our ultimate claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 of reasonably likely changes to our estimates of ultimate losses for claims and claim expenses incurred from catastrophic events within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment. The reasonably likely changes are based on an historical analysis of the period-to-period variability of our ultimate costs to settle claims from catastrophic events, giving due consideration to changes in our reserving practices over time. In general, our claim reserves for our more recent catastrophic events are subject to greater uncertainty and, therefore, greater variability and are likely to experience material changes from one period to the next. This is due to the uncertainty as to the size of the industry losses from the event, uncertainty as to which contracts have been exposed to the catastrophic event, and uncertainty as to the magnitude of claims incurred by our clients. As our claims age, more information becomes available and we believe our estimates become more certain, although there is no assurance this trend will continue in the future. As a result, the sensitivity analysis below is based on the age of each accident year, our current estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses for the catastrophic events occurring in each accident year, and the reasonably likely variability of our current estimates of claims and claim expenses by accident year. The impact on net income and shareholders’ equity assumes no increase or decrease in reinsurance recoveries, loss related premium or redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe.

 

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Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Sensitivity Analysis

 

(in thousands, except percentages)		Ultimate Claims  and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				$ Impact of Change on Ultimate Claims and Claim Expenses at  December 31,  2015				% Impact of Change  on Reserve for  Claims and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				% Impact of  Change on Net  Income for  the Year Ended  December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Shareholders’ Equity at  December 31,  2015
Higher		$	6,157,069			$	316,276				11.4 %				(58.3)%				(6.7)%
Recorded			5,840,793				—				— %				— %				— %
Lower		$	5,524,517			$	(316,276)				(11.4)%				58.3 %				6.7 %

We believe the changes we made to our estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses represent reasonably likely outcomes based on our experience to date and our future expectations. While we believe these are reasonably likely outcomes, we do not believe the reader should consider the above sensitivity analysis an actuarial reserve range. In addition, the sensitivity analysis only reflects reasonably likely changes in our underlying assumptions. It is possible that our estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses could be significantly higher or lower than the sensitivity analysis described above. For example, we could be liable for events for which we have not estimated claims and claim expenses or for exposures we do not currently believe are covered under our policies. These changes could result in significantly larger changes to our estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity than those noted above. We also caution the reader that the above sensitivity analysis is not used by management in developing our reserve estimates and is also not used by management in managing the business.

Specialty Reinsurance Segment

Within our Specialty Reinsurance segment, we write various classes of casualty business, such as automobile liability, casualty clash, catastrophe exposed workers’ compensation, cyber liability, directors and officers liability, environmental liability, general liability, medical malpractice and professional indemnity, and other specialty lines of reinsurance such as accident and health, agriculture, aviation, financial guaranty, marine and energy, mortgage guaranty, multi-line regional, political risk, terrorism and trade credit, which we collectively refer to as specialty reinsurance. We offer our specialty reinsurance products principally on an excess of loss basis, as described above with respect to our property catastrophe reinsurance products, and we also provide proportional coverage, which we expect to grow on an absolute or relative basis within this segment in the future. In a proportional reinsurance arrangement (also referred to as quota share reinsurance or pro rata reinsurance), the reinsurer shares a proportional part of the original premiums and losses of the reinsured. We offer our specialty reinsurance products to insurance and reinsurance companies and provide coverage for specific geographic regions or on a worldwide basis. Historically, our Specialty Reinsurance segment has been characterized as providing coverage for low frequency and high severity losses, similar to our property catastrophe reinsurance business. As with our property catastrophe reinsurance business, our specialty reinsurance contracts frequently provide coverage for relatively large limits or exposures. As a result of the foregoing, our specialty reinsurance business is subject to significant claims volatility. In periods of low claims frequency or severity, our results will generally be favorably impacted while in periods of high claims frequency or severity our results will generally be negatively impacted.

More recently, we have positioned RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. to accept a wider range of quota share or proportional risks, facilitating our efforts to expand trading relationships with core clients via separate, highly-rated balance sheets. In addition, on March 2, 2015 we acquired Platinum and recorded $1.4 billion of claims and claim expense reserves related to the acquisition, of which $1.3 billion was recorded in our Specialty Reinsurance segment, with the balance recorded in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment. While we remain focused on underwriting discipline, and are seeking to remain focused on opportunities amenable to stochastic representation and supported by strong data and analytics, our expanded product suite through RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. and the addition of the claims and claim expense reserves acquired through the Platinum transaction, may pose new, unmodelled or unforeseen risks for which we may not be adequately

 

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compensated and may also result in a higher level of attritional claims and claim expenses and the potential for reserve development, either adverse or favorable.

Our processes and methodologies in respect of loss estimation for the coverages we offer through our specialty reinsurance operation differ from those used for our property catastrophe-oriented coverages. For example, our specialty reinsurance coverages are more likely to be impacted by factors such as long-term inflation and changes in the social and legal environment, which we believe gives rise to greater uncertainty in our claims reserves. Moreover, in many lines of business we do not have the benefit of a significant amount of our own historical experience and may have little or no related corporate reserving history in many of our newer or growing lines of business. We believe this makes our Specialty Reinsurance segment reserving subject to greater uncertainty than our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment.

We calculate multiple point estimates for claims and claim expense reserves using a variety of actuarial reserving techniques for many, but not all, of our classes of business for each underwriting year within our Specialty Reinsurance segment. We do not believe that these multiple point estimates are, or should be considered a range. We consider each class of business and determine the most appropriate point estimate for each underwriting year based on the characteristics of the particular class including: (1) loss development patterns derived from historical data; (2) the credibility of the selected loss development pattern; (3) the stability of the loss development patterns; (4) how developed the underwriting year is; and (5) the observed loss development of other underwriting years for the same class. We also consider other relevant factors, including: (1) historical ultimate loss ratios; (2) the presence of individual large losses; and (3) known occurrences that have not yet resulted in reported losses. We make determinations of the most appropriate point estimate of loss for each class based on an evaluation of relevant information and do not ascribe any particular portion of the estimate to a particular factor or consideration. In addition, we believe that a review of individual contract information improves the loss estimates for some classes of business.

When developing our claims and claims expense reserves for our Specialty Reinsurance segment, we consider several actuarial techniques such as the expected loss ratio method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method and the paid and reported chain ladder actuarial method. For classes of business where we lack significant historical claims experience, we principally use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method. This method allows for greater weight to be applied to expected results in periods where little or no actual experience is available, and, hence, is less susceptible to the potential pitfall of being excessively swayed by one year or one quarter of actual paid and/or reported loss data. This method uses initial expected loss ratio expectations to the extent that the expected paid or reported losses are zero, and it assumes that past experience is not fully representative of the future. As our reserves for claims and claim expenses age, and actual claims experience becomes available, this method places less weight on expected experience and places more weight on actual experience. This experience, which represents the difference between expected reported claims and actual reported claims, is reflected in the respective reporting period as a change in estimate.

The utilization of the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method requires us to estimate an expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratio and select an expected loss reporting pattern. We select our estimates of the expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and expected loss reporting patterns by reviewing industry results for similar business and adjusting for the terms of the coverages we offer. The estimated expected claims and claim expense ratio may be modified to the extent that reported losses at a given point in time differ from what would be expected based on the selected loss reporting pattern. Our estimate of IBNR is the product of the premium we have earned, the initial expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratio and the percentage of estimated unreported losses. Similar to the utilization of the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method, if we elect to use the additional actuarial methods noted above, we will be required to estimate loss ratios as well as paid and reported loss development patterns, and these actuarial assumptions would likely be based on historical paid and reported claims experience by line of business.

For classes of business where we have significant historical claims experience, estimates of ultimate losses that are not related to a specific event are generally initially determined based on the loss ratio method applied to each underwriting year and to each class of business. The selected ultimate losses are determined by multiplying the initial expected loss ratio by the earned premium. The initial expected loss ratios are key inputs that involve management judgment and are based on a variety of factors, including: (1) contract by contract expected loss ratios developed during our pricing process; and (2) our historical loss ratios and combined ratios adjusted for rate change and trend. These judgments take into account

 

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management’s view of past, current and future factors that may influence ultimate losses, including: (1) market conditions; (2) changes in the business underwritten; (3) changes in timing of the emergence of claims; and (4) other factors that may influence ultimate loss ratios and losses.

The determination of when reported losses are sufficient and credible to warrant selection of an ultimate loss ratio different from the initial expected loss ratios also requires judgment. We generally make adjustments for reported loss experience indicating unfavorable variances from initial expected loss ratios sooner than reported loss experience indicating favorable variances. This is because the reporting of losses in excess of expectations tends to have greater credibility than an absence or lower than expected level of reported losses. Over time, as a greater number of claims are reported and the credibility of reported losses improves, actuarial estimates of IBNR are based on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method, as discussed above, and the reported chain ladder actuarial method.

The reported chain ladder actuarial method utilizes actual reported losses and a loss development pattern to determine an estimate of ultimate losses that is independent of the initial expected ultimate loss ratio and earned premium. We believe this technique is most appropriate when there are a large number of reported losses with significant statistical credibility and a relatively stable loss development pattern. Loss development patterns are determined utilizing actuarial analysis, including management’s judgment, and are based on historical patterns of paid losses and reporting of case reserves to us, as well as industry loss development patterns. Information that may cause future loss development patterns to differ from historical loss development patterns is considered and reflected in our selected loss development patterns as appropriate. For certain reinsurance contracts, historical loss development patterns may be developed from ceding company data or other sources.

In addition, certain of our specialty reinsurance coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. We estimate claim reserves for these losses after the event giving rise to these losses occurs, following a process that is similar to our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment described above.

Prior Year Development of Reserve for Net Claims and Claim Expenses

Within our specialty reinsurance business, we seek to review substantially all of our claims and claim expense reserves quarterly. Typically, our quarterly review procedures include reviewing paid and reported claims in the most recent reporting period, reviewing the development of paid and reported claims from prior periods, and reviewing our overall experience by underwriting year and in the aggregate. We monitor our expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and expected loss reporting assumptions on a quarterly basis and compare them to our actual experience. Our actuarial assumptions are generally reviewed annually, based on input from our actuaries, underwriters, claims personnel and finance professionals, although adjustments may be made more frequently if needed. Assumption changes are made to adjust for changes in the pricing and terms of coverage we provide, changes in industry results for similar business, as well as our actual experience, to the extent we have enough data to rely on our own experience. If we determine that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified.

 

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The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for our Specialty Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31, 2015		Specialty   Reinsurance   Segment
(in thousands)		(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Deepwater Horizon (2010)		$	(8,116)
Storm Sandy (2012)			(2,088)
New Zealand Earthquake (2010)			326
Subprime (2007)			8,459
Other			(343)
Total large catastrophe events			(1,762)
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			(1,762)
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Actuarial methods - actual reported claims less than expected claims			(94,944)
Actuarial assumption changes			4,794
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses			(90,150)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(91,912)

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2015 of $91.9 million was comprised of $90.2 million and $1.8 million related to attritional net claims and claim expenses and large catastrophe events, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses of $91.9 million in 2015 was $94.9 million related to attritional net claims and claim expenses reported coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events and $8.1 million related to reductions in estimated ultimate losses related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in 2010, partially offset by adverse development of $8.5 million related to the sub-prime related casualty losses from 2007 driven by reported claims from a number of cedants and adverse development of $4.8 million associated with actuarial assumption changes.

 

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The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for our Specialty Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31, 2014		Specialty   Reinsurance   Segment
(in thousands)		(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
LIBOR (2011 and 2012)		$	(10,500)
Thailand Floods (2011)			(2,500)
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)			(1,642)
Subprime (2007)			5,049
Other			(1,826)
Total large catastrophe events			(11,419)
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			(11,419)
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims			(44,490)
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses			(44,490)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(55,909)

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2014 of $55.9 million was comprised of $11.4 million and $44.5 million related to large catastrophe events and attritional net claims and claim expenses, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophe events was a $10.5 million reduction in estimated ultimate losses with respect to potential exposure to LIBOR related claims from prior accident years, partially offset by adverse development of $5.0 million from subprime related events from 2007 driven by reported claims from a number of cedants. Favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses of $44.5 million related to attritional net claims and claim expenses was driven by the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology. There were no actuarial reserving assumption changes during 2014.

 

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The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for our Specialty Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31, 2013		Specialty   Reinsurance   Segment
(in thousands)		(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)		$	(1,000)
New Zealand Earthquake (2010)			300
Other			(1,763)
Total large catastrophe events			(2,463)
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			(2,463)
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims			(21,216)
Actuarial assumption changes			(10,432)
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses			(31,648)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(34,111)

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2014 of $34.1 million was primarily driven by $10.4 million associated with actuarial assumption changes in the first quarter of 2013, principally in our casualty clash and casualty risk lines of business, and primarily as a result of revised initial expected claims ratios and claim development factors due to actual experience coming in better than expected, and $23.7 million related to actual reported loss activity coming in better than expected, as a result of the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology.

Actual Results vs. Initial Estimates

The table below summarizes our key actuarial assumptions in reserving for our Specialty Reinsurance segment. As noted above, the key actuarial assumptions include the estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and the estimated loss reporting patterns. The table shows our initial estimates of the ultimate claims and claim expense ratio by underwriting year. The table shows how our initial estimates of these ratios have developed over time, with the re-estimated ratios reflecting a combination of the amount and timing of paid and reported losses compared to our initial estimates. The initial estimate is based on the actuarial assumptions that were in place at the end of that year. A decrease in the ultimate claims and claim expense ratio implies that our current estimates are lower than our initial estimates while an increase in the ultimate claims and claim expense ratio implies that our current estimates are higher than our initial estimates. The result would be a corresponding favorable impact on shareholders’ equity and net income or a corresponding unfavorable impact on shareholders’ equity and net income, respectively. The table also shows how our initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios have changed from one underwriting year to the next. The table below reflects a summary of the weighted average assumptions for all classes of business written within our Specialty Reinsurance segment. The table is presented on a gross loss basis and therefore does not include the benefit of reinsurance recoveries or loss related premium.

 

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Actual vs. Initial Estimated Specialty Reinsurance Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Analysis – Estimated Ultimate Claims and Claim Expense Ratio

 

The table above shows our initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios for attritional losses for each new underwriting year within our Specialty Reinsurance segment. Until 2007, our initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios remained relatively constant between 76.6% in 2006 and 78.2% in 2004 and 2005. This reflects the fact that management had not made significant changes to its initial estimates of expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratios from one underwriting year to the next. The decrease in the initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratio from 2006 and prior, to 2007 through 2015, reflects assumption changes made for certain classes of business where our experience, and the industry experience in general, has been better than expected and, as a result, we decreased our initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratio for these classes of business.

As each underwriting year has developed, our re-estimated expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratios have changed. In particular, our re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios decreased significantly from the initial estimates for the 2002 through 2006 underwriting years. This was principally due to our 2005 reserve review. During our 2005 reserve review, we further segmented the specialty business with the aim of grouping risks into more homogeneous categories which respond to the evolution of actual exposures. This became possible as the volume of this business increased over the three preceding years. This further segmentation required the selection of loss reporting patterns to be applied to these new groups. We also updated our assumptions for our original loss reporting patterns based on a combination of new industry information and actual experience accumulated over the three preceding years. The assumptions for the new loss reporting patterns were applied to all prior underwriting years. In addition, we made explicit allowances for commuted contracts whereas previously these were considered in the overall reserving assumptions. We also reviewed substantially all of our case reserves and additional case reserves. The result of the foregoing was a decrease in our specialty reinsurance re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expense reserves in 2005. Subsequent to this reserve review, the results of our specialty book of business have been mixed. The 2006 underwriting year includes favorable development as actual paid and reported losses during 2006 have overall been less than expected, which has resulted in a reduction in our expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratio for this year. However, the 2008 underwriting year has performed worse than expected and our current estimates are higher than our initial estimates. This is due in part to the losses in our casualty clash line of business in 2008, associated with exposure to the deterioration of the credit and capital markets in 2008 as well as the Madoff matter discovered in the fourth quarter of 2008. In comparison, our 2009 through 2014 underwriting years have performed better than expected and our current estimates are lower than our initial estimates. The 2010, 2011 and 2012 underwriting years were impacted by a number of relatively large catastrophe events,

 

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including in 2010 the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, in 2011 the 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku Earthquakes, the Australian Floods, losses arising from certain aggregate contracts and the Thailand Floods, and in 2012 Storm Sandy, all which initially resulted in increases in the re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratio. As recent as 2015, we re-estimated our ultimate claims and claim expense ratios for certain large events included in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 underwriting years based on available data, including but not limited to industry loss estimates and actual claims from cedants, resulting in decreases to the re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratio. The re-estimated loss ratio for the 2015 underwriting year as of December 31, 2015 is higher than the initial estimate as actual paid and reported losses during 2015 were greater than expected, driven in part by large losses associated with wildfires in California and the Tianjin Explosion.

As noted above, some of our specialty reinsurance contracts are exposed to net claims and claim expenses from large natural and man-made catastrophes. Net claims and claim expenses from these large catastrophes are reserved for after the events which gave rise to the claims in a manner which is consistent with our property catastrophe reinsurance reserving practices as discussed above. The large catastrophes occurring during the period from 2002 to 2015 impacting our Specialty Reinsurance segment principally include Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, which occurred in 2005. Our estimate of ultimate net claims and claim expenses from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, within our Specialty Reinsurance segment, net of reinsurance recoveries and assumed and ceded loss related premium, totaled $48.2 million at December 31, 2015 (2014 - $48.3 million, 2013 - $48.3 million).

Sensitivity Analysis

The table below quantifies the impact on our reserves for claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 of reasonably likely changes to the actuarial assumptions used to estimate our December 31, 2015 claims and claim expense reserves within our Specialty Reinsurance segment. The table quantifies reasonably likely changes in our initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and estimated loss reporting patterns. The changes to the initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios represent percentage increases or decreases to our current estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios. The change to the reporting patterns represent claims reporting that is both faster and slower than our current estimated claims reporting patterns. The impact on net income and shareholders’ equity assumes no increase or decrease in reinsurance recoveries, loss related premium or redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe.

 

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Specialty Reinsurance Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Sensitivity Analysis

 

(in thousands, except percentages)		Estimated Loss Reporting Pattern		$ Impact of Change on Reserves for Claims and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Net Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Shareholders’ Equity at December 31, 2015
Increase expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Slower reporting		$	297,615				10.8 %				(54.9)%				(6.3)%
Increase expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Expected reporting			130,408				4.7 %				(24.0)%				(2.8)%
Increase expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Faster reporting			(12,776	)			(0.5)%				2.4 %				0.3 %
Expected claims and claim expense ratio		Slower reporting			134,973				4.9 %				(24.9)%				(2.9)%
Expected claims and claim expense ratio		Expected reporting			—				— %				— %				— %
Expected claims and claim expense ratio		Faster reporting			(124,933	)			(4.5)%				23.0 %				2.6 %
Decrease expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Slower reporting			(16,498	)			(0.6)%				3.0 %				0.3 %
Decrease expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Expected reporting			(137,731	)			(5.0)%				25.4 %				2.9 %
Decrease expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Faster reporting			(247,852	)			(9.0)%				45.7 %				5.2 %

We believe that ultimate claims and claim expense ratios 10.0 percentage points above or below our estimated assumptions constitute reasonably likely outcomes based on our experience to date and our future expectations. In addition, we believe that the adjustments we made to speed up or slow down our estimated loss reporting patterns are reasonably likely changes. While we believe these are reasonably likely changes, we do not believe the reader should consider the above sensitivity analysis an actuarial reserve range. In addition, we caution the reader that the above sensitivity analysis only reflects reasonably likely changes. It is possible that our initial estimated claims and claim expense ratios and loss reporting patterns could be significantly different from the sensitivity analysis described above. For example, we could be liable for events which we have not estimated reserves for or for exposures we do not currently think are covered under our contracts. These changes could result in significantly larger changes to reserves for claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity than those noted above. We also caution the reader that the above sensitivity analysis is not used by management in developing our reserve estimates and is also not used by management in managing the business.

Lloyd’s Segment

Within our Lloyd’s segment, we write property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, and write a number of specialty reinsurance lines, insurance policies and quota share reinsurance that involves understanding the characteristics of the underlying insurance policy.

We principally use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method to estimate claims and claim expenses within our Lloyd’s segment for our specialty reinsurance and insurance lines of business. The comments discussed above relating to our reserving techniques and processes for our Specialty Reinsurance segment apply to the specialty reinsurance and insurance lines of business within our Lloyd’s segment. In addition, certain of our coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. We estimate claim reserves for these losses after the event giving rise to these losses occurs, following a process that is similar to our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment as noted above.

 

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Prior Year Development of Reserve for Net Claims and Claim Expenses

The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for our Lloyd’s segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

		Lloyd’s
Year ended December 31, 2015		Segment
(in thousands)			(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Small catastrophe events
Other		$	1,566
Total small catastrophe events			1,566
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			1,566
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims			309
Actuarial assumption changes			(1,535)
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses			(1,226)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	340

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Lloyd’s segment of $0.3 million was comprised of adverse development of $1.6 million and favorable development of $1.2 million related to small catastrophe events and attritional net claims and claim expenses, respectively. Included in attritional net claims and claim expenses was $1.5 million of favorable development associated with actuarial assumption changes.

The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for our Lloyd’s segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31, 2014		Lloyd’s Segment
(in thousands)			(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Storm Sandy (2012)		$	(4,128)
LIBOR (2011 and 2012)			(1,250)
Other			(1,234)
Total large catastrophe events			(6,612)
Small catastrophe events
Other			(2,687)
Total small catastrophe events			(2,687)
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			(9,299)
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims			(6,942)
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses			(6,942)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(16,241)

 

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The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Lloyd’s segment of $16.2 million was comprised of $6.6 million, $2.7 million and $6.9 million related to large catastrophe events, small catastrophe events and attritional net claims and claim expenses, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses is a $4.1 million reduction in the estimated ultimate loss related to Storm Sandy included in large catastrophe events, with the $6.9 million favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to attritional net claims and claim expenses principally due to reported claims activity coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events. There were no actuarial reserving assumption changes during 2014.

The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for our Lloyd’s segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31, 2013		Lloyd’s Segment
(in thousands)			(Favorable) adverse development
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Storm Sandy (2012)		$	(3,825)
Other			(1,442)
Total large catastrophe events			(5,267)
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			(5,267)
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims			(3,263)
Actuarial assumption changes			274
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses			(2,989)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(8,256)

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Lloyd’s segment of $8.3 million during 2013 was principally driven by a $5.3 million decrease in the estimated ultimate net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophes, including $3.8 million related to Storm Sandy, and $3.3 million related to reported claims coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events as a result of the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology and partially offset by adverse development of $0.3 million related to assumption changes.

Actual Results vs. Initial Estimates

The table below summarizes our initial assumptions and changes in those assumptions for catastrophe claims and claim expense reserves associated with our property catastrophe reinsurance business within our Lloyd’s segment. Similar to our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment, the key assumption in estimating reserves for property catastrophe reinsurance losses in our Lloyd’s segment is our estimate of the ultimate claims and claim expenses. The table shows our initial estimates of ultimate claims and claim expenses for each accident year and how these initial estimates have developed over time. The initial estimate of accident year claims and claim expenses represents our estimate of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for claims incurred from catastrophic events occurring during a particular accident year, and as reported as of December 31 of that year. The re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses represent our revised estimates as reported as at the respective year end. The cumulative favorable (adverse) development shows how our most recent estimates as reported at December 31, 2015 differ from our initial accident year estimates. Favorable development implies that our current estimates are lower than our initial estimates while adverse development implies that our current estimates are higher than our original estimates. Total reserves as of December 31, 2015 reflect the unpaid portion of our estimates of

 

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ultimate claims and claim expenses. The table is presented on a gross basis and therefore does not include the benefit of reinsurance recoveries or loss related premium such as reinstatement premium.

Actual vs. Initial Estimated Lloyd’s Segment Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Analysis for Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Business

 

As quantified in the table above, since our Lloyd’s segment commenced writing business in mid-2009, we have experienced $15.8 million of net favorable development on our gross reserves related to catastrophe events for our property catastrophe reinsurance business within our Lloyd’s segment. As described above and similar to our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment, given the complexity in reserving for claims and claims expenses associated with catastrophe losses for property catastrophe reinsurance business, we have experienced development, both favorable and unfavorable, in any given accident year. For example, our 2013 accident year has developed favorably by $3.1 million, which is 52.7% better than our initial estimates of claims and claim expenses for the 2013 accident year as estimated as of December 31, 2013, while our 2010 accident year has only developed favorably by $0.1 million, or 2.5%. On a net basis, our cumulative favorable or unfavorable development is generally reduced by offsetting changes in our reinsurance recoverables, as well as changes to loss related premiums such as reinstatement premiums, all of which generally move in the opposite direction to changes in our ultimate claims and claim expenses.

The percentage of claims unpaid at December 31, 2015 for each accident year reflects both the speed at which claims and claim expenses for each accident year have been paid and our estimate of claims and claim expenses for that accident year. This is driven in part by the mix of our business and the speed of the settlement and payment of claims by our underlying cedants.

Actual vs. Initial Estimated Lloyd’s Segment Attritional Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Analysis – Estimated Ultimate Claims and Claim Expense Ratio

The table below summarizes our key actuarial assumptions in reserving for attritional losses for our specialty reinsurance and insurance lines of business in our Lloyd’s segment. As noted above, the key actuarial assumptions include the estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and the estimated loss reporting patterns. The table shows our initial estimates of the ultimate claims and claim expense ratio by underwriting year. The initial estimate is based on the actuarial assumptions that were in place at the end of that year. A decrease in the ultimate claims and claim expense ratio implies that our current estimates are lower than our initial estimates while an increase in the ultimate claims and claim expense ratio implies that our current estimates are higher than our initial estimates. The result would be a corresponding favorable impact on shareholders’ equity and net income or a corresponding unfavorable impact on shareholders’ equity and net income, respectively. The table below reflects a summary of the weighted average assumptions for all classes of specialty reinsurance and insurance business in our Lloyd’s segment for which we reserve for attritional losses using the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method. The table is presented on a gross loss basis and therefore does not include the benefit of reinsurance recoveries or loss related premium such as reinstatement premium.

 

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		Estimated Ultimate Claims and Claim Expenses Ratio
				Re-estimate at
Underwriting Year		Initial Estimate		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2015
2010		63.3%		50.2%		50.5%		48.9%
2011		66.0%		55.1%		52.6%		56.5%
2012		58.4%		69.5%		64.3%		62.3%
2013		60.6%		67.9%		62.2%		60.1%
2014		60.6%		—%		79.8%		69.1%
2015		59.8%		—%		—%		71.9%

The table above shows our initial estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios for attritional losses for each new underwriting year within specialty insurance and reinsurance in our Lloyd’s segment. The principal reason for changes from one underwriting year to the next is changes in the mix and relative volume of business.

As each underwriting year has developed, our re-estimated expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratios have changed. In particular, our re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratios decreased from the initial estimates for the 2010, 2011 and 2013 underwriting years and increased for the 2012, 2014 and 2015 underwriting years. The decrease in the re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratio for the 2010 and 2011 underwriting years at December 31, 2015 was principally due to the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology with the reductions being due to actual paid and reported claim activity being more favorable to date than what was originally anticipated when setting the initial reserves combined with reductions to estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses on certain large events. However, the increase in the re-estimated ultimate claims and claim expense ratio for the 2012, 2014 and 2015 underwriting years at December 31, 2015 was the result of those underwriting years performing worse than expected, due in part to experiencing claims and claim expenses related to large property losses, including Storm Sandy in 2012, and a number of smaller property-related loss events in 2014 and 2015. As noted above, our specialty reinsurance and insurance lines of business are in general characterized by events of low frequency and high severity which results in actual experience that can be significantly better or worse than long-term trends or industry results for similar business may imply.

Sensitivity Analysis

The table below shows the impact on our ultimate claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 of reasonably likely changes to our estimates of ultimate losses for claims and claim expenses incurred from catastrophic events associated with property catastrophe reinsurance business within our Lloyd’s segment. The reasonably likely changes are based on a historical analysis of the period-to-period variability of our ultimate costs to settle claims from catastrophic events, giving due consideration to changes in our reserving practices over time. In general, our claim reserves for our more recent catastrophic events are subject to greater uncertainty and, therefore, greater variability and are likely to experience material changes from one period to the next. This is due to the uncertainty as to the size of the industry losses from the event, uncertainty as to which contracts have been exposed to the catastrophic event, and uncertainty as to the magnitude of claims incurred by our clients. As our claims age, more information becomes available and we believe our estimates become more certain, although there is no assurance this trend will continue in the future. As a result, the sensitivity analysis below is based on the age of each accident year, our current estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses for the catastrophic events occurring in each accident year, and the reasonably likely variability of our current estimates of claims and claim expenses by accident year.

 

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Lloyd’s Segment Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Sensitivity Analysis

 

(in thousands, except percentages)		Ultimate Claims and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				$ Impact of Change on Ultimate Claims and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Net Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Shareholders’ Equity at December 31, 2015
Higher		$	47,140			$	5,354				0.2 %				(1.0)%				(0.1)%
Recorded			41,786				—				— %				— %				— %
Lower		$	36,432			$	(5,354)				(0.2)%				1.0 %				0.1 %

We believe the changes we made to our estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses represent reasonably likely outcomes based on our experience to date and our future expectations. While we believe these are reasonably likely outcomes, we do not believe the reader should consider the above sensitivity analysis an actuarial reserve range. In addition, the sensitivity analysis only reflects reasonably likely changes in our underlying assumptions. It is possible that our estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses could be significantly higher or lower than the sensitivity analysis described above. For example, we could be liable for events for which we have not estimated claims and claim expenses or for exposures we do not currently believe are covered under our policies. These changes could result in significantly larger changes to our estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity than those noted above. We also caution the reader that the above sensitivity analysis is not used by management in developing our reserve estimates and is also not used by management in managing the business.

Lloyd’s Segment Attritional Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Sensitivity Analysis

 

(in thousands,except percentages)		Estimated Loss Reporting Pattern		$ Impact of Change on Reserves for Claims and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Reserves for Claims and Claim Expenses at December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Net Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2015				% Impact of Change on Shareholders’ Equity at December 31, 2015
Increase expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Slower reporting		$	72,548				2.6 %				(13.4)%				(1.5)%
Increase expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Expected reporting			26,964				1.0 %				(5.0)%				(0.6)%
Increase expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Faster reporting			(19,725)				(0.7)%				3.6 %				0.4 %
Expected claims and claim expense ratio		Slower reporting			41,440				1.5 %				(7.6)%				(0.9)%
Expected claims and claim expense ratio		Expected reporting			—				— %				— %				— %
Expected claims and claim expense ratio		Faster reporting			(42,444)				(1.5) %				7.8 %				0.9 %
Decrease expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Slower reporting			10,332				0.4 %				(1.9)%				(0.2)%
Decrease expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Expected reporting			(26,964)				(1.0)%				5.0 %				0.6 %
Decrease expected claims and claim expense ratio by 10%		Faster reporting			(65,164)				(2.4)%				12.0 %				1.4 %

We believe that ultimate claims and claim expense ratios 10.0 percentage points above or below our estimated assumptions constitute reasonably likely outcomes based on our experience to date and our

 

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future expectations. In addition, we believe that the adjustments we made to speed up or slow down our estimated loss reporting patterns are reasonably likely changes. While we believe these are reasonably likely changes, we do not believe the reader should consider the above sensitivity analysis an actuarial reserve range. In addition, we caution the reader that the above sensitivity analysis only reflects reasonably likely changes. It is possible that our initial estimated claims and claim expense ratios and loss reporting patterns could be significantly different from the sensitivity analysis described above. For example, we could be liable for events which we have not estimated reserves for or for exposures we do not currently think are covered under our contracts. These changes could result in significantly larger changes to reserves for claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity than those noted above. We also caution the reader that the above sensitivity analysis is not used by management in developing our reserve estimates and is also not used by management in managing the business.

Other

Included in the Other category are the remnants of our Bermuda-based insurance operations. These operations are in run-off and no new business is being underwritten. Our outstanding claims and claim expense reserves for these operations include insurance policies and quota share reinsurance with respect to risks including: 1) commercial property, which principally included catastrophe-exposed commercial property products; 2) commercial multi-line, which included commercial property and liability coverage, such as general liability, automobile liability and physical damage, building and contents, professional liability and various specialty products; and 3) personal lines property, which principally included homeowners personal lines property coverage and catastrophe exposed personal lines property coverage and totaled $27.7 million at December 31, 2015 (2014 - $41.7 million).

We use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method to estimate claims and claim expenses within the Other category for our property and casualty insurance and quota share reinsurance business. The comments discussed above relating to our reserving techniques and processes for our Specialty Reinsurance segment also apply to our Other category. In addition, certain of our coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. We estimate claim reserves for these losses after the event giving rise to these losses occurs, following a process that is similar to our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment.

Development of Prior Year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses

The following table details the development of our liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for our Other category split between large catastrophe events and attritional claims and claim expenses:

 

At December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Attritional claims and claim expenses		$	120			$	(6,137)			$	2,179
Catastrophe events			(618)				—				(1,729)
Total (favorable) adverse development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(498)			$	(6,137)			$	450

The net favorable development on prior accident years of $0.5 million for 2015 within our Other category was principally the result of a reduction in the estimated ultimate losses on a number of catastrophe events in our former Insurance segment.

The net favorable development on prior accident years of $6.1 million for 2014 within our Other category was principally the result of a reduction in the estimated ultimate losses on a proportional property contract in our former Insurance segment.

The net adverse development on prior accident years of $0.5 million for 2013 within our Other category was principally the result of $2.2 million related to the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology with the increases being due to actual paid and reported claim activity coming in higher than what was originally anticipated when setting the initial reserves; partially offset by favorable development of $1.7 million related to prior period large catastrophe events.

 

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Premiums and Related Expenses

Premiums are recognized as income, net of any applicable reinsurance or retrocessional coverage purchased, over the terms of the related contracts and policies. Premiums written are based on contract and policy terms and include estimates based on information received from both insureds and ceding companies. Unearned premiums represents the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired terms of contracts and policies in force. Amounts are computed by pro rata methods based on statistical data or reports received from ceding companies. Reinstatement premiums are estimated after the occurrence of a significant loss and are recorded in accordance with the contract terms based upon paid losses and case reserves. Reinstatement premiums are earned when written.

Due to the nature of reinsurance, ceding companies routinely report and remit premiums to us subsequent to the contract coverage period. Consequently, premiums written and receivable include amounts reported by the ceding companies, supplemented by our estimates of premiums that are written but not reported. The estimation of written premiums may be affected by early cancellation, election of contract provisions for cut-off and return of unearned premiums or other contract disruptions. The time lag involved in the process of reporting premiums is shorter than the lag in reporting losses.In addition to estimating premiums written, we estimate the earned portion of premiums written which is subject to judgment and uncertainty. Any adjustments to written and earned premiums, and the related losses and acquisition expenses, are accounted for as changes in estimates and are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they are made.

Lines of business that are similar in both the nature of their business and estimation process may be grouped for purposes of estimating premiums. Premiums are estimated based on ceding company estimates and our own judgment after considering factors such as: (1) the ceding company’s historical premium versus projected premium, (2) the ceding company’s history of providing accurate estimates, (3) anticipated changes in the marketplace and the ceding company’s competitive position therein, (4) reported premiums to date and (5) the anticipated impact of proposed underwriting changes. Estimates of premiums written and earned are based on the selected ultimate premium estimate, the terms and conditions of the reinsurance contracts and the remaining exposure from the underlying policies. We evaluate the appropriateness of these estimates in light of the actual premium reported by the ceding companies, information obtained during audits and other information received from ceding companies.

Reinsurance Recoverables

We enter into reinsurance agreements in order to help reduce our exposure to large losses and to help manage our risk portfolio. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claims and claim expense reserves associated with the related assumed reinsurance. For multi-year retrospectively rated contracts, we accrue amounts (either assets or liabilities) that are due to or from our retrocessionaires based on estimated contract experience. If we determine that adjustments to earlier estimates are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are determined.

The estimate of reinsurance recoverables can be more subjective than estimating the underlying claims and claim expense reserves as discussed under the heading “Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” above. In particular, reinsurance recoverables may be affected by deemed inuring reinsurance, industry losses reported by various statistical reporting services, and other factors. Reinsurance recoverables on dual trigger reinsurance contracts require us to estimate our ultimate losses applicable to these contracts as well as estimate the ultimate amount of insured industry losses that will be reported by the applicable statistical reporting agency, as per the contract terms. In addition, the level of our additional case reserves and IBNR reserves has a significant impact on reinsurance recoverables. These factors can impact the amount and timing of the reinsurance recoverables to be recorded.

The majority of the balance we have accrued as recoverable will not be due for collection until some point in the future. The amounts recoverable ultimately collected are open to uncertainty due to the ultimate ability and willingness of reinsurers to pay our claims, for reasons including insolvency and elective run-off, contractual dispute and various other reasons. In addition, because the majority of the balances recoverable will not be collected for some time, economic conditions as well as the financial and operational performance of a particular reinsurer may change, and these changes may affect the reinsurer’s willingness and ability to meet their contractual obligations to us. To reflect these uncertainties, we estimate and record

 

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a valuation allowance for potential uncollectible reinsurance recoverables which reduces reinsurance recoverables and net income (loss).

We estimate our valuation allowance by applying specific percentages against each reinsurance recoverable based on our counterparty’s credit rating. The percentages applied are based on historical industry default statistics developed by major rating agencies and are then adjusted by us based on industry knowledge and our judgment and estimates. We also apply case-specific valuation allowances against certain recoveries we deem unlikely to be collected in full. We then evaluate the overall adequacy of the valuation allowance based on other qualitative and judgmental factors. The valuation allowance recorded against reinsurance recoverable was $1.6 million at December 31, 2015 (2014 - $1.0 million). The reinsurers with the three largest balances accounted for 21.5%, 13.8% and 13.1%, respectively, of our reinsurance recoverable balance at December 31, 2015 (2014 - 35.4%, 14.9% and 7%, respectively). The three largest company-specific components of the valuation allowance represented 22.7%, 8.3% and 3.2%, respectively, of our total valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 (2014 - 17.9%, 4.0% and 2.9%, respectively).

Fair Value Measurements and Impairments

Fair Value

The use of fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities with resulting unrealized gains or losses is pervasive within our consolidated financial statements. Fair value is defined under accounting guidance currently applicable to us to be the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. We recognize the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in our consolidated statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on our fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.

FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the respective valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to valuation techniques that use at least one significant input that is unobservable (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

•

Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets for identical assets or liabilities for which we have access. The fair value is determined by multiplying the quoted price by the quantity held by us;

 

•

Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals, broker quotes and certain pricing indices; and

 

•

Level 3 inputs are based all or in part on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In these cases, significant management assumptions can be used to establish management’s best estimate of the assumptions used by other market participants in determining the fair value of the asset or liability.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and we consider factors specific to the asset or liability.

In order to determine if a market is active or inactive for a security, we consider a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the spread between what a seller is asking for a security and what a buyer is bidding for the same security, the volume of trading activity for the security in question, the price of the security compared to its par value (for fixed maturity investments), and other factors that may be indicative of market activity.

 

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Other than the transaction noted below, there have been no material changes in our valuation techniques, nor have there been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and 3 during the period represented by these consolidated financial statements. We transferred our investment in the common shares of Trupanion, a company that provides insurance for a variety of veterinarian costs, from Level 3 to Level 1, effective July 18, 2014, the date on which Trupanion became a publicly traded company on the NYSE. The fair value transferred from Level 3 to Level 1 was $24.6 million. Refer to “Note 7. Fair Value Measurements in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information with respect to Trupanion.

On March 2, 2015 we acquired Platinum and the transaction was accounted under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations. Total consideration paid was allocated among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values, including Platinum’s investments of $2.7 billion, which included fixed maturity investments trading of $1.8 billion and short term investments of $883.5 million. These assets are subject to the same fair value measurement methodology outlined herein.

 

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Below is a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and also represents the carrying amount of such assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets:

 

At December 31, 2015		Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(in thousands)
Fixed maturity investments
U.S. treasuries		$	2,064,944			$	2,064,944			$	—			$	—
Agencies			137,976				—				137,976				—
Municipal			583,282				—				583,282				—
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)			334,981				—				334,981				—
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate			138,994				—				138,994				—
Corporate			2,055,323				—				2,047,705				7,618
Agency mortgage-backed			504,518				—				504,518				—
Non-agency mortgage-backed			270,763				—				270,763				—
Commercial mortgage-backed			561,496				—				561,496				—
Asset-backed			130,541				—				130,541				—
Total fixed maturity investments			6,782,818				2,064,944				4,710,256				7,618
Short term investments			1,208,401				—				1,208,401				—
Equity investments trading			393,877				393,877				—				—
Other investments
Catastrophe bonds			241,253				—				241,253				—
Private equity partnerships			214,848				—				—				214,848
Senior secured bank loan fund			23,231				—				—				23,231
Hedge funds			2,289				—				—				2,289
Total other investments			481,621				—				241,253				240,368
Other assets and (liabilities)
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts (1)			(5,899)				—				—				(5,899	)
Derivatives (2)			1,486				(1,234)				2,720				—
Other			(12,320)				—				(12,320)				—
Total other assets and (liabilities)			(16,733)				(1,234)				(9,600)				(5,899)
		$	8,849,984			$	2,457,587			$	6,150,310			$	242,087

 

(1)	Included in assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts at December 31, 2015 are $3.5 million and $9.4 million of other assets and other liabilities, respectively.

 

(2)	See “Note 20. Derivative Instruments in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives we entered into.

At December 31, 2015, we classified $251.4 million and $9.4 million of our assets and liabilities, respectively, at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. This represented 2.2% and 0.2% of our total assets and liabilities, respectively. Level 3 fair value measurements are based on valuation techniques that use at least one significant input that is unobservable. These measurements are made under circumstances in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. We use valuation models or other pricing techniques that require a variety of inputs including contractual terms, market prices and rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment rates and correlations of such inputs, some of which may be unobservable, to value these Level 3 assets and liabilities. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment. In making the assessment, we considered factors specific to the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs

 

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used to measure fair value of an asset or a liability may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety is classified is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.

Refer to “Note 7. Fair Value Measurements in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information about fair value measurements.

Impairments

The amount and timing of asset impairment is subject to significant estimation techniques and asset impairment is a critical accounting estimate for us. The more significant impairment reviews we complete are for our equity method investments, goodwill and other intangible assets, and fixed maturity investments available for sale, as described in more detail below.

Investments in Other Ventures, Under Equity Method

Investments in which we have significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are classified as investments in other ventures, under equity method, and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, we record our proportionate share of income or loss from such investments in our results for the period. Any decline in the value of investments in other ventures, under equity method, including goodwill and other intangible assets arising upon acquisition of the investee, considered by management to be other-than-temporary, is reflected in our consolidated statements of operations in the period in which it is determined. As of December 31, 2015, we had $132.4 million (2014 - $120.7 million) in investments in other ventures, under equity method on our consolidated balance sheets, including $7.8 million of goodwill and $15.3 million of other intangible assets (2014 – $12.3 million and $12.9 million). The carrying value of our investments in other ventures, under equity method, individually or in the aggregate, may, and likely will, differ from the realized value we may ultimately attain, perhaps significantly so.

In determining whether an equity method investment is impaired, we take into consideration a variety of factors including the operating and financial performance of the investee, the investee’s future business plans and projections, recent transactions and market valuations of publicly traded companies where available, discussions with the investee’s management, and our intent and ability to hold the investment until it recovers in value. In doing this, we make assumptions and estimates in assessing whether an impairment has occurred and if, in the future, our assumptions and estimates made in assessing the fair value of these investments change, this could result in a material decrease in the carrying value of these investments. This would cause us to write-down the carrying value of these investments and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period the impairment charge is taken. We do not have any current plans to dispose of these investments, and cannot assure you we will in the future consummate transactions in which we realize the value at which these holdings are reflected in our financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded $5.6 million (2014 - $Nil, 2013 - $Nil) of other-than-temporary impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets associated with our investments in other ventures, under the equity method. Refer to “Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired are initially recorded at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, finite lived other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life, subject to impairment, and goodwill and indefinite lived other intangible assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, they are written down to their estimated fair values with a corresponding expense reflected in our consolidated statements of operations.

On March 2, 2015 we acquired Platinum and the transaction was accounted under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations. Total consideration paid was allocated among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values. In connection with the acquisition of Platinum we recognized identifiable finite lived intangible assets of $75.2 million, which will be amortized over a weighted average period of 8 years, identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of $8.4 million, and certain other adjustments to the fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and

 

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shareholders’ equity of Platinum at March 2, 2015 as summarized in “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”. Intangible assets with definite lives will be amortized over their estimated useful lives. In addition, we recognized goodwill of $191.7 million primarily attributable to Platinum’s workforce and synergies expected to result upon the integration of Platinum into our operations. There were no other adjustments to carried goodwill during the period ended December 31, 2015 reflected on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015. Goodwill resulting from the acquisition of Platinum will not be amortized but instead will be tested for impairment at least annually, as outlined below (more frequently if certain indicators are present).

We test goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For purposes of the annual impairment evaluation, goodwill is assigned to the applicable reporting unit of the acquired entities giving rise to the goodwill and other intangible assets and is tested based on the cash flows they produce. There are generally many assumptions and estimates underlying the fair value calculation. Principally, we identify the reporting unit or business entity that the goodwill or other intangible asset is attributed to, and review historical and forecasted operating and financial performance and other underlying factors affecting such analysis, including market conditions. Other assumptions used could produce significantly different results which may result in a change in the value of goodwill or our other intangible assets and a related charge in our consolidated statements of operations. An impairment charge could be recognized in the event of a significant decline in the implied fair value of those operations where the goodwill or other intangible assets are applicable. In the event we determine that the value of goodwill has become impaired, an accounting charge will be taken in the fiscal quarter in which such determination is made. As at December 31, 2015, excluding the amounts recorded in investments in other ventures, under the equity method, as noted above, our consolidated balance sheets include $197.6 million of goodwill (2014 - $5.9 million) and $67.6 million of other intangible assets (2014 - $2.0 million). Impairment charges related to these balances were $Nil during the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 - $Nil, 2013 - $Nil). In the future it is possible we will hold more goodwill, which would increase the degree of judgment and uncertainty embedded in our financial statements, and potentially increase the volatility of our reported results.

Fixed Maturity Investments Available For Sale

At December 31, 2015, we had $17.8 million (2014 - $26.9 million) of fixed maturity investments available for sale on our consolidated balance sheet. Included in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2015 was $1.9 million of gross unrealized gains (2014 - $3.1 million) and $Nil of gross unrealized losses (2014 - $3 thousand), related to our portfolio of fixed maturity investments available for sale. Our quarterly process for assessing whether declines in the fair value of our fixed maturity investments available for sale represent impairments that are other-than-temporary includes reviewing each fixed maturity investment available for sale that is impaired and determining: (i) if we have the intent to sell the debt security or (ii) if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery; and (iii) whether a credit loss exists, that is, where we expect that the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security are less than the amortized cost basis of the security. For the year ended December 31, 2015 we recognized $Nil (2014 - $Nil, 2013 - $Nil) of net other-than-temporary impairments in our consolidated statements of operations related to our portfolio of fixed maturity investments available for sale.

Income Taxes

Income taxes have been provided in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Such temporary differences are primarily due to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting differences relating to reserves for claims and claim expenses, deferred interest expense, accrued expenses, unearned premiums, deferred underwriting results, deferred acquisition expenses, amortization and depreciation and investments. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded if it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the benefits related to deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

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On March 2, 2015 we acquired Platinum and the transaction was accounted under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations. Total consideration paid was allocated among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values, including Platinum’s net deferred tax asset which totaled $12.9 million at March 2, 2015.

At December 31, 2015, our net deferred tax asset (prior to our valuation allowance) and valuation allowance were $96.2 million (2014 - $61.9 million) and $17.9 million (2014 - $61.7 million), respectively (see “Note 16. Taxation in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information). At each balance sheet date, we assess the need to establish a valuation allowance that reduces the net deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance assessment is based on all available information including projections of future GAAP taxable income from each tax-paying component in each tax jurisdiction. Losses incurred within our U.S. tax-paying subsidiaries in the fourth quarter of 2011 were significant enough to result in a cumulative GAAP taxable loss at the U.S. tax-paying subsidiaries for the three year period ended December 31, 2011. We reassess our valuation allowance on a quarterly basis and commencing with our reassessment effective December 31, 2011, we determined that it is more likely than not that we would not be able to recover our U.S. net deferred tax asset and as a result, recognized a full valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2011. We concluded that a valuation allowance was required from 2011 through the period ended December 31, 2014 as we remained in a cumulative GAAP taxable loss position for this period, among other facts. At December 31, 2014, the U.S. valuation allowance was $48.5 million. In the first quarter of 2015, as a result of expected profits in our U.S.-based operations due principally to the acquisition of Platinum, we determined it was more likely than not we would be able to recover a substantial portion of the U.S. net deferred tax asset and thus reduced the U.S. valuation allowance from $48.5 million to $1.0 million. Factors that led to this determination included the combined cumulative GAAP taxable income position of our U.S.-based operations (including the entities acquired) along with the long term expected profits of the combined operations. A valuation allowance continues to be provided against deferred tax assets in the majority of our Ireland, U.K., and Singapore operations as these operations have produced historical GAAP taxable losses, among other facts.

We have unrecognized tax benefits of $Nil as of December 31, 2015 (2014 - $Nil). Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, would be recognized in income tax expense. At December 31, 2015, interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits were $Nil (2014 - $Nil). Income tax returns filed for tax years 2009 through 2014, 2011 through 2014, 2014, and 2012 through 2014, are open for examination by the IRS, Irish tax authorities, U.K. tax authorities, and Singapore tax authorities, respectively. We do not expect the resolution of these open years to have a significant impact on our consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

 

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SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)
Statements of operations highlights
Gross premiums written		$	2,011,310			$	1,550,572			$	1,605,412
Net premiums written		$	1,416,183			$	1,068,236			$	1,203,947
Net premiums earned		$	1,400,551			$	1,062,416			$	1,114,626
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			448,238				197,947				171,287
Acquisition expenses			238,592				144,476				125,501
Operational expenses			219,112				190,639				191,105
Underwriting income		$	494,609			$	529,354			$	626,733
Net investment income		$	152,567			$	124,316			$	208,028
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments			(68,918)				41,433				35,076
Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale			(1,243)				(855)				(8,029)
Total investment result		$	82,406			$	164,894			$	235,075
Income from continuing operations		$	542,242			$	686,256			$	839,346
Income from discontinued operations		$	—			$	—			$	2,422
Net income		$	542,242			$	686,256			$	841,768
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders		$	408,811			$	510,337			$	665,676
Income from continuing operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted		$	9.28			$	12.60			$	14.82
Income from discontinued operations per common share – diluted			—				—				0.05
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted		$	9.28			$	12.60			$	14.87
Dividends per common share		$	1.20			$	1.16			$	1.12
Key ratios
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year			43.6 %				32.2 %				28.3 %
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years			(11.6)%				(13.6)%				(12.9)%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year			32.0 %				18.6 %				15.4 %
Underwriting expense ratio			32.7 %				31.6 %				28.4 %
Combined ratio			64.7 %				50.2 %				43.8 %
Return on average common equity			9.8 %				14.9 %				20.5 %
Book value		December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
Book value per common share		$	99.13			$	90.15			$	80.29
Accumulated dividends per common share			15.48				14.28				13.12
Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends		$	114.61			$	104.43			$	93.41
Change in book value per common share plus change in accumulated dividends			11.3 %				13.7 %				19.5 %
Balance sheet highlights		December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
Total assets		$	11,560,871			$	8,203,550			$	8,179,131
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe		$	4,732,184			$	3,865,715			$	3,904,384

 

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Below is a discussion of the results of operations for 2015 compared to 2014.

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $408.8 million in 2015, compared to $510.3 million in 2014, a decrease of $101.5 million. As a result of our net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders in 2015, we generated an annualized return on average common equity of 9.8% and our book value per common share increased from $90.15 at December 31, 2014 to $99.13 at December 31, 2015, an 11.3% increase, after considering the change in accumulated dividends paid to our common shareholders.

The most significant events affecting our financial performance during 2015, on a comparative basis to 2014, include:

 

•

Lower Total Investment Result - our total investment result, which includes the sum of net investment income, net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments, and the change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale, was $82.4 million in 2015 compared to $164.9 million in 2014, a decrease of $82.5 million. The decrease in the total investment result was primarily due to net unrealized losses in our portfolio of fixed maturity investments trading, principally as a result of an upward shift in the yield curve driven by the rising interest rate environment, combined with unrealized losses in our portfolio of equity investments trading and lower net investment income from private equity investments. Offsetting these items was an increase in net investment income in the Company’s portfolio of fixed maturity investments primarily driven by an increase in average invested assets, which was principally due to the acquisition of Platinum, and net realized and unrealized gains on investments-related derivatives due to the increasing interest rate environment.

 

•

Lower Underwriting Income - we generated underwriting income of $494.6 million and a combined ratio of 64.7% in 2015, compared to $529.4 million and 50.2%, respectively, in 2014. The $34.7 million decrease in underwriting income was primarily driven by a $268.9 million increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses and a $94.1 million increase in acquisition expenses, partially offset by a $338.1 million increase in net premiums earned. The increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses was primarily driven by our Specialty Reinsurance and Catastrophe Reinsurance segments, while the increase in acquisition expenses and net premiums earned are principally driven by our Specialty Reinsurance segment; and

 

•

Higher Corporate Expenses - our corporate expenses increased $54.1 million to $77.1 million in 2015, compared to $23.0 million in 2014, primarily due to $53.5 million of corporate expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of Platinum; partially offset by

 

•

Income Tax Benefit - we recognized an income tax benefit of $45.9 million in 2015, compared to an income tax expense of $608 thousand in 2014, primarily as a result of a reduction in our U.S.-based deferred tax asset valuation allowance from $48.5 million to $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of expected profits in our U.S.-based operations due principally to the acquisition of Platinum; and

 

•

Lower Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests - net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $111.1 million in 2015, compared to $153.5 million in 2014, a decrease of $42.5 million, principally due to a decrease in the profitability of DaVinciRe. Our ownership in DaVinciRe was 26.3% at December 31, 2015, compared to 23.4% at December 31, 2014.

Below is a discussion of the results of operations for 2014 compared to 2013.

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $510.3 million in 2014, compared to $665.7 million in 2013, a decrease of $155.3 million. As a result of our net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders in 2014, we generated an annualized return on average common equity of 14.9% and our book value per common share increased from $80.29 at December 31, 2013 to $90.15 at December 31, 2014, a 13.7% increase, after considering the change in accumulated dividends paid to our common shareholders.

The most significant events affecting our financial performance during 2014, on a comparative basis to 2013, include:

 

•

Lower Underwriting Results - our underwriting income of $529.4 million in 2014 decreased $97.4 million from $626.7 million in 2013. The decrease in underwriting income was primarily driven by a $52.2 million decrease in net premiums earned due to a combination of lower gross premiums written during

 

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the preceding twelve months and an increase in ceded premiums written principally within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment, a $19.0 million increase in acquisition expenses principally within our Specialty Reinsurance segment, and a $26.5 million increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses. The increase in acquisition expenses and current accident year net claims and claim expenses was principally driven by the growth in our Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments;

 

•

Lower Gross Premiums Written - our gross premiums written of $1,550.6 million decreased $54.8 million, or 3.4%, in 2014, compared to 2013, with the decrease principally driven by our Catastrophe segment which experienced a decrease of $186.4 million or 16.6%, partially offset by increases in our Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments’ gross premiums written of $87.1 million or 33.6%, and $43.1 million or 19.0%, respectively; and

 

•

Lower Total Investment Result - our total investment result was $164.9 million in 2014, which includes the sum of net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains on investments, and the change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale, compared to $235.1 million in 2013. The decrease in total investment result was primarily driven by our investment in Essent, which resulted in $6.7 million of net realized and unrealized gains in 2014, compared to $92.4 million of net unrealized gains in 2013, a decrease of $85.7 million.

Underwriting Results by Segment

Catastrophe Reinsurance

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands, except percentages)
Gross premiums written		$	868,631			$	933,969			$	1,120,379
Net premiums written		$	557,369			$	541,608			$	753,078
Net premiums earned		$	622,714			$	590,845			$	723,705
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			75,574				1,757				7,908
Acquisition expenses			47,264				43,161				49,161
Operational expenses			93,494				95,851				108,130
Underwriting income		$	406,382			$	450,076			$	558,506
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year		$	145,951			$	67,268			$	109,945
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years			(70,377)				(65,511)				(102,037)
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total		$	75,574			$	1,757			$	7,908
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year			23.4 %				11.4 %				15.2 %
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years			(11.3)%				(11.1)%				(14.1)%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year			12.1 %				0.3 %				1.1 %
Underwriting expense ratio			22.6 %				23.5 %				21.7 %
Combined ratio			34.7 %				23.8 %				22.8 %

Catastrophe Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In 2015, our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment gross premiums written decreased by $65.3 million, or 7.0%, to $868.6 million, compared to $934.0 million in 2014. Market conditions remained challenging during 2015, and we continued to exercise underwriting discipline given prevailing terms and conditions, resulting in decreased gross premiums written on certain programs and transactions, offset in part by increased demand and growth in certain areas, including some new programs which provided opportunities we believed to be attractive. These new programs included the

 

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FHCF risk transfer program which we are a substantial participant in, and market opportunities arising as a result of the assumption of risk by domestic Florida private insurance companies from Citizens, which in general increases the amount of ultimate private reinsurance protection purchased in connection with the underlying individual risk.

In 2014, our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment gross premiums written decreased by $186.4 million, or 16.6%, to $934.0 million, compared to $1,120.4 million in 2013, primarily driven by the continued softening of market conditions, including reduced risk-adjusted pricing for the January and June renewals, our underwriting discipline given prevailing terms and conditions, and reduced participation on certain quota share deals. Excluding the impact of $3.9 million and $24.1 million of net negative reinstatement premiums written in 2014 and 2013, respectively, both due to net reductions in net claims and claim expenses and related reinstatement premiums with respect to a number of large loss events, gross premiums written in the Catastrophe Reinsurance segment decreased $206.6 million, or 18.1%. In addition, gross premiums written in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2014 were impacted by a decrease of $32.7 million in gross premiums written related to one quota share deal and a $27.0 million multi-year transaction that occurred during 2013, and did not reoccur in 2014.

Our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment gross premiums written continue to be characterized by a large percentage of U.S. and Caribbean premium, as we have found business derived from exposures in Europe, Asia and the rest of the world to be, in general, less attractive on a risk-adjusted basis during recent periods. A significant amount of our U.S. and Caribbean premium provides coverage against windstorms, notably including U.S. Atlantic windstorms, as well as earthquakes and other natural and man-made catastrophes.

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Ceded premiums written - Catastrophe Reinsurance segment		$	311,262			$	392,361			$	367,301

Catastrophe Reinsurance Ceded Premiums Written – Ceded premiums written in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment decreased $81.1 million, to $311.3 million in 2015, compared to $392.4 million in 2014, primarily reflecting a reduction in purchases of retrocessional reinsurance driven by reduced gross premiums written, as noted above, a reduction in premiums ceded to company-sponsored third party capital vehicles to $32.9 million in 2015, compared to $65.5 million 2014, and lower premiums paid for retrocessional reinsurance purchases.

Ceded premiums written in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment increased $25.1 million to $392.4 million in 2014, compared to $367.3 million in 2013, primarily reflecting additional purchases of retrocessional reinsurance, including coverage specific to U.S. windstorms in the state of Florida, given the softening retrocessional marketplace in 2014, compared to 2013, and $65.5 million of ceded premiums written through company-sponsored third party capital vehicles in 2014, compared to $37.5 million in 2013, partially offset by reduced participation on a ceded reinsurance proportional program driven in part by lower gross premiums written in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment, as noted above.

Due to the potential volatility of the property catastrophe reinsurance contracts which we sell, we purchase reinsurance to reduce our exposure to large losses and to help manage our risk portfolio. We use our REMS^© modeling system to evaluate how each purchase interacts with our portfolio of reinsurance contracts we write, and with the other ceded reinsurance contracts we purchase, to determine the appropriateness of the pricing of each contract and whether or not it helps us to balance our portfolio of risks.

To the extent that appropriately priced coverage is available, we anticipate continued use of reinsurance to reduce the impact of large losses on our financial results and to manage our portfolio of risk; however, the buying of ceded reinsurance in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment is based on market opportunities and is not based on placing a specific reinsurance program each year. In addition, in future periods we may utilize the growing market for insurance-linked securities to expand our ceded reinsurance buying if we find the pricing and terms of such coverages attractive.

 

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Catastrophe Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment generated underwriting income of $406.4 million in 2015, compared to $450.1 million in 2014, a decrease of $43.7 million. In 2015, our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 12.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 22.6% and a combined ratio of 34.7%, compared to 0.3%, 23.5% and 23.8%, respectively, in 2014.

The $43.7 million decrease in underwriting income in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2015, compared to 2014, was primarily driven by a $73.8 million increase in net claims and claim expenses, comprised of a $78.7 million increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses, due to higher catastrophe losses in 2015, partially offset by a $31.9 million increase in net premiums earned, which was driven by lower ceded premiums earned due to the reduction in ceded premiums written, noted above. Included in current accident year net claims and claim expenses is $27.3 million related to a number of U.S. winter storms, $21.6 million related to the Tianjin Explosion and $21.2 million related to a U.S. wind and thunderstorm event, with the remainder due to a number of other smaller catastrophe events. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we recognized a recovery and corresponding reduction to acquisition expenses in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment of $7.7 million associated with the December 2015 decision by the IRS to revoke its position that the excise tax applies on foreign to foreign retrocessions.

During 2015, we experienced $70.4 million of favorable development on prior year reserves within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment, compared to $65.5 million in 2014. The favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses in 2015 was principally driven by $28.0 million related to 2014 U.S. winter storms and wind and thunderstorm events, $10.4 million related to Storm Sandy, $10.2 million related to the April and May 2011 U.S. Tornadoes, $4.7 million related to the 2008 Hurricanes (Gustav and Ike) and $17.0 million related to a number of other catastrophe events, each principally the result of changes in our estimated ultimate loss for each respective event. Net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to the 2011 International Events was $1.4 million and included reductions in reported losses on the 2011 Thailand Floods and Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, offset by a net increase in reported losses on the 2011 New Zealand Earthquakes, with each respective movement principally driven by the same counterparties re-allocating losses between the 2011 International Events.

Our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment generated underwriting income of $450.1 million in 2014, compared to $558.5 million in 2013, a decrease of $108.4 million. In 2014, our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 0.3%, an underwriting expense ratio of 23.5% and a combined ratio of 23.8%, compared to 1.1%, 21.7% and 22.8%, respectively, in 2013. The $108.4 million decrease in underwriting income in our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2014, compared to 2013, was primarily driven by a $132.9 million decrease in net premiums earned as a result of the decrease in gross premiums written, combined with an increase of $41.2 million in ceded premiums earned as a result of the increase in ceded premiums written.

Our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment experienced a relatively low level of insured catastrophe loss activity in 2014, resulting in current accident year net claims and claim expenses of $67.3 million, compared to $109.9 million in 2013, primarily attributable to a number of relatively small U.S. wind and thunderstorm events.

During 2014, we experienced $65.5 million of favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment, compared to $102.0 million in 2013. The favorable development in 2014 was principally comprised of favorable development of $20.1 million, $13.9 million, $9.3 million, $7.6 million, $6.7 million and $6.6 million related to Storm Sandy, the 2011 April and May U.S. Tornadoes, the 2011 Thailand Floods, the 2013 Eastern European Floods, a 2013 U.S. wind and thunderstorm event and the 2008 Hurricanes (Gustav and Ike), respectively, offset by adverse development of $24.7 million related to the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, each principally the result of changes in estimated ultimate losses for each respective event, with the remainder due to net favorable development on a number of other events.

See “Part II, Item 7. Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” for additional discussion of our reserving techniques and prior year development of net claims and claim expenses.

 

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During periods in which we experience relatively low levels of property catastrophe loss activity, such as 2015 and 2014, we have the potential to produce a low level of losses and a related increase in underwriting income. As described herein, we believe there is likely to be an increase in the severity, and possibly the frequency, of weather related natural disasters and catastrophes relative to the historical experience over the past 100 years, including the frequency and severity of hurricanes that have the potential to make landfall in the U.S., potentially as a result of decadal ocean water temperature cyclical trends, changes in expected sea levels and a longer-term trend towards global warming.

We have entered into joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions of our book of business. In accordance with the joint venture and quota share agreements, we are entitled to certain profit commissions and fee income. We record these profit commissions and fees as a reduction in acquisition and operating expenses and, accordingly, these profit commissions and fees have reduced our underwriting expense ratios. These profit commissions and fees totaled $70.6 million, $86.8 million and $86.0 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and resulted in a corresponding decrease to the Catastrophe Reinsurance segment underwriting expense ratio of 11.4%, 14.7% and 11.9%, respectively. In addition, we are entitled to certain fee income and profit commissions from DaVinci. Because the results of DaVinci, and its parent DaVinciRe, are consolidated in our results of operations, these fees and profit commissions are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements and are principally reflected in redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe. The net impact of all fees and profit commissions related to these joint ventures and specialized quota share cessions within our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment was $115.5 million, $141.7 million and $145.9 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Specialty Reinsurance

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Specialty Reinsurance segment:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands, except percentages)
Gross premiums written		$	766,051			$	346,638			$	259,489
Net premiums written		$	582,909			$	295,855			$	248,562
Net premiums earned		$	548,810			$	253,537			$	214,306
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			244,495				88,502				67,236
Acquisition expenses			135,811				60,936				41,538
Operational expenses			70,525				43,370				31,780
Underwriting income		$	97,979			$	60,729			$	73,752
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year		$	336,407			$	144,411			$	101,347
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years			(91,912)				(55,909)				(34,111)
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total		$	244,495			$	88,502			$	67,236
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year			61.3 %				57.0 %				47.3 %
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years			(16.7)%				(22.1)%				(15.9)%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year			44.6 %				34.9 %				31.4 %
Underwriting expense ratio			37.5 %				41.1 %				34.2 %
Combined ratio			82.1 %				76.0 %				65.6 %

Specialty Reinsurance Gross Premiums Written – In 2015, our Specialty Reinsurance segment gross premiums written increased $419.4 million, or 121.0%, to $766.1 million, compared to $346.6 million in 2014, driven primarily by the acquisition of Platinum and increases in certain casualty and credit related lines of business, while we continued to exercise underwriting discipline given prevailing terms and conditions.

 

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In 2014, our Specialty Reinsurance segment gross premiums written increased $87.1 million, or 33.6%, to $346.6 million, compared to $259.5 million in 2013, driven primarily by increases in certain financial liability and casualty related lines of business.

During 2015 and 2014, we experienced growth in a number of our specialty lines of business and will continue to seek to expand our specialty reinsurance operations through this platform, although we cannot assure you we will do so. Our specialty reinsurance premiums are prone to significant volatility as this business can be influenced by a small number of relatively large transactions.

Our Specialty Reinsurance segment gross premiums written in force at December 31, 2015 reflected a relatively larger proportion of quota share, or proportional, reinsurance compared to excess of loss reinsurance than in many of our comparative periods. Our relative mix of business between quota share, or proportional business, and excess of loss business has fluctuated in the past and will likely vary in the future. Quota share business typically has relatively higher premiums per unit of expected underwriting income, together with a higher combined ratio, than traditional excess of loss reinsurance. In addition, quota share coverage tends to be exposed to relatively more attritional, and frequent, losses while subject to less expected severity. Moreover, market conditions for our Specialty Reinsurance segment have been impacted by a trend towards increased ceding commissions on our assumed quota share reinsurance.

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Ceded premiums written - Specialty Reinsurance segment		$	183,142			$	50,783			$	10,927

Specialty Reinsurance Ceded Premiums Written – Ceded premiums written in our Specialty Reinsurance segment increased $132.4 million to $183.1 million in 2015, compared to $50.8 million in 2014, primarily reflecting an increase in the purchase of retrocessional reinsurance driven by the increased gross premiums written, as noted above.

Our Specialty Reinsurance segment ceded premiums written increased $39.9 million to $50.8 million in 2014, compared to $10.9 million in 2013, primarily reflecting an increase in the purchase of retrocessional reinsurance driven by the increased gross premiums written, as noted above.

Specialty Reinsurance Underwriting Results – Our Specialty Reinsurance segment generated underwriting income of $98.0 million in 2015, compared to $60.7 million in 2014. In 2015, our Specialty Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 44.6%, an underwriting expense ratio of 37.5% and a combined ratio of 82.1%, compared to 34.9%, 41.1% and 76.0%, respectively, in 2014.

The $37.3 million increase in underwriting income in our Specialty Reinsurance segment for 2015, compared to 2014, was principally driven by a $36.0 million increase in favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses. In addition, our Specialty Reinsurance segment experienced a $295.3 million increase in net premiums earned as a result of higher net premiums written during the preceding twelve months, partially offset by a $192.0 million increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses and a $102.0 million increase in underwriting expenses. The increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses was principally due to a higher level of attritional losses primarily as a result of the increase in net premiums earned. Operational expenses in our Specialty Reinsurance segment have increased to support the growth in this segment.

The Specialty Reinsurance segment experienced $91.9 million of favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses in 2015, compared to $55.9 million in 2014. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses of $91.9 million in 2015 was $94.9 million related to attritional net claims and claim expenses reported coming in better than expected on prior accident years events and $8.1 million related to reductions in estimated ultimate losses related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in 2010, partially offset by adverse development of $8.5 million related to the sub-prime related casualty losses from 2007 driven by reported claims from a number of cedants and adverse development of $4.8 million associated to actuarial assumption changes.

Our Specialty Reinsurance segment generated underwriting income of $60.7 million in 2014, compared to $73.8 million in 2013. In 2014, our Specialty Reinsurance segment generated a net claims and claim

 

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expense ratio of 34.9%, an underwriting expense ratio of 41.1% and a combined ratio of 76.0%, compared to 31.4%, 34.2% and 65.6%, respectively, in 2013.

The $13.0 million decrease in our Specialty Reinsurance segment’s underwriting income during 2014, compared to 2013, was principally driven by a $43.1 million increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses and a $31.0 million increase in underwriting expenses, partially offset by a $39.2 million increase in net premiums earned due to the increase in gross premiums written, as noted above. The $43.1 million increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses is principally driven by attritional losses arising from the increase in net premiums earned during 2014, compared to 2013, combined with a number of large losses. The $31.0 million increase in underwriting expenses is primarily driven by the increase in net premiums earned, combined with the relative increase in the percentage of quota share reinsurance, compared to excess of loss reinsurance, as a percentage of gross premiums written within the Specialty Reinsurance segment, as quota share reinsurance typically carries a higher acquisition expense ratio, compared to excess of loss reinsurance. In addition, operational expenses in our Specialty Reinsurance segment have increased to support the growth in this segment.

The favorable development of $55.9 million in 2014 was primarily driven by reported claims coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events, as a result of the application of our formulaic actuarial reserving methodology and a $10.5 million reduction in estimated ultimate losses with respect to potential exposure to LIBOR related claims from prior accident years.

See “Part II, Item 7. Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” for additional discussion of our reserving techniques and prior year development of net claims and claim expenses.

Lloyd’s Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Lloyd’s segment:

 

Lloyd’s Segment Overview
Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands, except percentages)
Gross premiums written		$	376,718			$	269,656			$	226,532
Net premiums written		$	275,953			$	230,429			$	201,697
Net premiums earned		$	229,075			$	217,666			$	176,029
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			128,667				113,825				95,693
Acquisition expenses			55,269				46,927				34,823
Operational expenses			54,827				51,115				50,540
Underwriting (loss) income		$	(9,688)			$	5,799			$	(5,027)
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year		$	128,327			$	130,066			$	103,949
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years			340				(16,241)				(8,256)
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total		$	128,667			$	113,825			$	95,693
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year			56.0 %				59.8 %				59.1 %
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years			0.2 %				(7.5)%				(4.7)%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year			56.2 %				52.3 %				54.4 %
Underwriting expense ratio			48.0 %				45.0 %				48.5 %
Combined ratio			104.2 %				97.3 %				102.9 %

Lloyd’s Gross Premiums Written – Gross premiums written in our Lloyd’s segment increased $107.1 million, or 39.7%, to $376.7 million in 2015, compared to $269.7 million in 2014, primarily due to Syndicate 1458

 

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continuing to grow organically in the Lloyd’s marketplace, principally in its casualty and property lines of business, notwithstanding challenging market conditions.

Gross premiums written in our Lloyd’s segment increased $43.1 million, or 19.0%, to $269.7 million in 2014, compared to $226.5 million in 2013, primarily due to Syndicate 1458 continuing to grow organically in the Lloyd’s marketplace, principally in its property and casualty lines of business, notwithstanding challenging market conditions.

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Ceded premiums written - Lloyd’s segment		$	100,765			$	39,227			$	24,835

Lloyd’s Ceded Premiums Written – Ceded premiums written in our Lloyd’s segment increased $61.5 million to $100.8 million in 2015, compared to $39.2 million in 2014, primarily reflecting the inception of a ceded casualty quota share contract and certain purchases of retrocessional reinsurance for the property other lines of business.

Our Lloyd’s segment ceded premiums written increased $14.4 million to $39.2 million in 2014, compared to $24.8 million in 2013, primarily reflecting an increase in the purchase of retrocessional reinsurance driven by the increased gross premiums written, as noted above.

Lloyd’s Underwriting Results – Our Lloyd’s segment incurred an underwriting loss of $9.7 million and a combined ratio of 104.2% in 2015, compared to generating underwriting income of $5.8 million and a combined ratio of 97.3%, respectively, in 2014. Impacting the underwriting loss in the Lloyd’s segment was a $16.6 million decrease in favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses and a $12.1 million increase in underwriting expenses, partially offset by an $11.4 million increase in net premiums earned.

The $12.1 million increase in underwriting expenses in our Lloyd’s segment in 2015, compared to 2014, was primarily driven by increased acquisition expenses as a result of the higher level of net premiums earned, as well as the increased proportion of quota share and delegated authority business written, which generally carry higher acquisition expenses, compared to non-proportional business.

The adverse development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Lloyd’s segment of $0.3 million during 2015, compared to $16.2 million of favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses during 2014, was principally driven by an increase in net claims and claim expenses related to small catastrophe events of $1.6 million, partially offset by $1.5 million of favorable development associated with actuarial assumption changes.

Our Lloyd’s segment generated underwriting income of $5.8 million and a combined ratio of 97.3% in 2014, compared to an underwriting loss of $5.0 million and a combined ratio of 102.9% in 2013. Impacting the underwriting result of our Lloyd’s segment is a $41.6 million increase in net premiums earned principally driven by the increase in gross premiums written, noted above, partially offset by a $26.1 million increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses, and a $12.7 million increase in underwriting expenses, each as discussed below.

Our Lloyd’s segment experienced current accident year net claims and claim expenses of $130.1 million and a current accident year net claims and claim expense ratio of 59.8% in 2014, compared to $103.9 million and 59.1% in 2013, respectively, with the $26.1 million increase in current accident year net claims and claim expenses principally due to attritional loss activity driven by the increase in net premiums earned noted above.

Our Lloyd’s segment incurred underwriting expenses of $98.0 million and an underwriting expense ratio of 45.0% in 2014, compared to $85.4 million and 48.5% in 2013, respectively, with the $12.7 million increase in underwriting expenses primarily driven by increased acquisition expenses as a result of the increased proportion of quota share and delegated authority business written, which generally carry higher acquisition expenses, compared to non-proportional business. Operating expenses of $51.1 million in 2014 were relatively flat compared to $50.5 million in 2013.

 

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The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within our Lloyd’s segment of $16.2 million during 2014 was principally due to reported claims activity coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events and 2014 was also impacted by a $4.1 million reduction in the estimated ultimate loss related to Storm Sandy.

See “Part II, Item 7. Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” for additional discussion of our reserving techniques and prior year development of net claims and claim expenses.

Other Underwriting (Loss) Income

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Underwriting (loss) income		$	(64)			$	12,750			$	(498)

Included in our Other category are primarily the underwriting results related to the remnants of our Bermuda-based insurance operations. Included in our Other category was an underwriting loss of $0.1 million in 2015.

Included in our Other category was underwriting income of $12.8 million in 2014, primarily due to the release of $6.7 million of profit commissions as a result of the commutation of several quota share agreements and a reduction in the estimated ultimate losses on a proportional property contract of $6.1 million, each related to our former Insurance segment.

Net Investment Income

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Fixed maturity investments		$	134,800			$	100,855			$	95,907
Short term investments			1,227				944				1,698
Equity investments trading			8,346				3,450				2,295
Other investments
Private equity investments			9,455				18,974				45,767
Other			12,472				11,037				73,735
Cash and cash equivalents			467				395				191
			166,767				135,655				219,593
Investment expenses			(14,200)				(11,339)				(11,565)
Net investment income		$	152,567			$	124,316			$	208,028

Net investment income was $152.6 million in 2015, compared to $124.3 million in 2014, an increase of $28.3 million. Impacting our net investment income for 2015 was higher net investment income in our portfolio of fixed maturity investments primarily driven by higher average invested assets, in part due to the acquisition of Platinum, partially offset by lower returns in our portfolio of private equity investments as a result of the weaker returns in the broader equity markets.

Low interest rates in recent years have lowered the yields at which we invest our assets relative to historical levels, and combined with the current composition of our investment portfolio and other factors, we expect these developments to constrain investment income growth for the near term. The private equity and other investment portfolios are accounted for at fair value with the change in fair value recorded in net investment income, which included net unrealized losses of $13.5 million in 2015, compared to unrealized losses of $1.4 million in 2014.

Net investment income was $124.3 million in 2014, compared to $208.0 million in 2013, a decrease of $83.7 million, principally due to lower returns in our portfolio of private equity investments, driven by weaker returns in the public equity markets, and due to unrealized gains of $56.9 million included in net investment income in 2013 related to our investment in Essent.

 

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At June 30, 2014, we had a corporate fixed maturity investment of $30.2 million in the convertible preferred equity of Trupanion, for which we measured the fair value using Level 3 inputs. On July 18, 2014, Trupanion common stock began publicly trading on the NYSE. Effective immediately prior to the closing of the IPO of Trupanion, our investment in the convertible preferred equity of Trupanion was converted into 2.5 million common shares of Trupanion. Trupanion common shares began publicly trading on the NYSE on July 18, 2014 at a share price of $10.00, resulting in a fair value of $24.6 million. Following the IPO, we transferred our investment in Trupanion from corporate fixed maturity investments to our portfolio of equity investments trading on our consolidated balance sheet and any realized and unrealized gains or losses related to Trupanion from the IPO price are included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments on our consolidated statements of operations. Included in equity investments trading at December 31, 2014 is $17.1 million related to our investment in Trupanion.

Net Realized and Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Investments

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Gross realized gains		$	50,488			$	45,568			$	72,492
Gross realized losses			(53,630)				(14,868)				(50,206)
Net realized (losses) gains on fixed maturity investments			(3,142)				30,700				22,286
Net unrealized (losses) gains on fixed maturity investments trading			(64,908)				19,680				(87,827)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments-related derivatives			5,443				(30,931)				31,058
Net realized gains on equity investments trading			16,348				10,908				26,650
Net unrealized (losses) gains on equity investments trading			(22,659)				11,076				42,909
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments		$	(68,918)			$	41,433			$	35,076

Our investment portfolio strategy seeks to preserve capital and provide us with a high level of liquidity. A large majority of our investments are invested in the fixed income markets and, therefore, our realized and unrealized holding gains and losses on investments are highly correlated to fluctuations in interest rates. Therefore, as interest rates decline, we will tend to have realized and unrealized gains from our investment portfolio, and as interest rates rise, we will tend to have realized and unrealized losses from our investment portfolio.

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments were $68.9 million in 2015, compared to net realized and unrealized gains on investments of $41.4 million in 2014, a decrease of $110.4 million. Impacting our net realized and unrealized losses on investments was:

 

•

net unrealized losses on our fixed maturity investments trading of $64.9 million in 2015, compared to gains of $19.7 million in 2014, which was negatively impacted by an upward shift in the yield curve, driven by the increasing interest rate environment during 2015, partially offset by a corresponding improvement of $36.4 million in net realized and unrealized gains on investments-related derivatives to a gain of $5.4 million; and

 

•

net unrealized losses on equity investments trading of $22.7 million in 2015, compared to net unrealized gains of $11.1 million in 2014, driven by the broad downturn in equity markets during 2015, partially offset by an increase in net realized gains on equity investments trading of $5.4 million to gains of $16.3 million in 2015, compared to 2014, principally driven by exiting a number of profitable positions during the year.

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $41.4 million in 2014, compared to gains of $35.1 million in 2013, an improvement of $6.4 million. Included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments are the following components:

 

•

net unrealized gains on our fixed maturity investments trading improved $107.5 million, to $19.7 million in 2014, from net unrealized losses of $87.8 million in 2013, and was positively impacted by

 

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a reshaping of the yield curve which experienced decreasing rates in longer dated maturities, as compared to short and intermediate term maturities during 2014, compared to the significant steepening of the yield curve that occurred in 2013. This was partially offset by a decrease of $62.0 million in net realized and unrealized losses on investments-related derivatives, to a loss of $30.9 million in 2014, from a gain of $31.1 million in 2013, which was conversely impacted by the factors noted above in 2014, compared to 2013; and

 

•

a decrease in net unrealized gains on equity investments trading of $31.8 million, and a decrease in net realized gains on equity investments trading of $15.7 million in 2014, compared to 2013, principally driven by weaker returns in the public equity markets during 2014, compared to 2013. Also impacting net unrealized and realized gains on investments was our investment in Essent, which resulted in net realized and unrealized gains of $6.7 million during 2014, compared to $35.5 million of unrealized gains during 2013.

Equity in Earnings of Other Ventures

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Tower Hill Companies		$	13,116			$	18,376			$	10,270
Top Layer Re			8,026				10,411				13,836
Other			(661)				(2,712)				(912)
Total equity in earnings of other ventures		$	20,481			$	26,075			$	23,194

Equity in earnings of other ventures primarily represents our pro-rata share of the net income from our investments in the Tower Hill Companies and Top Layer Re, and, except for Top Layer Re, is recorded one quarter in arrears.

Equity in earnings of other ventures was $20.5 million in 2015, compared to $26.1 million in 2014, with the decrease driven by lower profitability in the Tower Hill Companies and Top Layer Re.

Equity in earnings of other ventures was $26.1 million in 2014, compared to $23.2 million in 2013, with the increase principally driven by improved earnings in the Tower Hill Companies primarily as a result of stronger underwriting results, and partially offset by decreased earnings in Top Layer Re primarily driven by weaker underwriting results as a result of lower renewal rates during January 2014 for the high-layer business entered into by Top Layer Re.

The carrying value of these investments on our consolidated balance sheets, individually or in the aggregate, may differ from the realized value we may ultimately attain, perhaps significantly so.

Other Income (Loss)

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits		$	12,534			$	1,321			$	(2,517)
Other			938				(1,744)				158
Total other income (loss)		$	13,472			$	(423)			$	(2,359)

In 2015, we generated other income of $13.5 million, compared to an other loss of $0.4 million in 2014, with the increase driven by our assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits.

In 2014, we incurred an other loss of $0.4 million, compared to $2.4 million in 2013. The reduction in other loss was principally the result of the increase in fair value of our assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives.

 

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Corporate Expenses

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Total corporate expenses		$	77,114			$	22,987			$	33,622

Corporate expenses include certain executive, director, legal and consulting expenses, costs for research and development, transaction and integration-related expenses, impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets, and other miscellaneous costs, including those associated with operating as a publicly traded company. Corporate expenses increased $54.1 million to $77.1 million in 2015, compared to $23.0 million in 2014, primarily due to $53.5 million of expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of Platinum, comprised of $11.8 million of transaction-related expenses, $5.4 million of integration-related expenses and $36.3 million of compensation-related expenses. Also included in corporate expenses in 2015 was a $5.6 million charge associated with the impairment of the goodwill and other intangible assets of an investment in other ventures, recorded under the equity method.

Corporate expenses decreased $10.6 million to $23.0 million in 2014, compared to $33.6 million in 2013, primarily due to costs associated with senior management transitions in 2013 that did not reoccur, partially offset by $6.7 million of expenses incurred during the fourth quarter of 2014 related to the acquisition of Platinum, which was announced on November 24, 2014.

Interest Expense and Preferred Share Dividends

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Interest expense
$250 million Series B 7.50% Senior Notes due 2017		$	15,625			$	—			$	—
$250 million 5.75% Senior Notes due 2020			14,375				14,375				14,375
$300 million 3.700% Senior Notes due 2025			8,586				—				—
$150 million 4.750% Senior Notes due 2025 (DaVinciRe)			4,774				—				—
Other			(7,690)				2,789				3,554
Total interest expense			35,670				17,164				17,929
Preferred share dividends
$125 million 6.08% Series C Preference Shares			7,600				7,600				11,317
$150 million 6.60% Series D Preference Shares			—				—				13,631
$275 million 5.375% Series E Preference Shares			14,781				14,781				8,786
Total preferred share dividends			22,381				22,381				33,734
Total interest expense and preferred share dividends		$	58,051			$	39,545			$	51,663

Interest expense increased $18.5 million to $35.7 million in 2015, compared to $17.2 million in 2014, primarily driven by:

 

•

interest expense of $15.6 million related to the acquisition of $250.0 million Series B 7.50% Notes due June 1, 2017, in connection with acquisition of Platinum;

 

•

the issuance on March 24, 2015 of $300.0 million of 3.700% Senior Notes due April 1, 2025, resulting in interest expense of $8.6 million; and

 

•

the issuance on May 4, 2015 of $150.0 million of DaVinciRe’s 4.750% Senior Notes due May 1, 2025, resulting in interest expense of $4.8 million; partially offset by

 

•

net fair value adjustments of $10.7 million, included in the other category in the table above, which reduced our interest expense and were recognized in connection with the acquisition of Platinum and its $250.0 million Series B 7.50% Notes due June 1, 2017. See “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information with respect to the acquisition of Platinum and the related fair value adjustments.

 

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Preferred share dividends were flat at $22.4 million in 2015, compared to $22.4 million in 2014.

Interest expense was relatively flat at $17.2 million in 2014, compared to $17.9 million in 2013. Our preferred share dividends in 2014 were $22.4 million, compared to $24.9 million in 2013, with the $2.6 million decrease driven by our outstanding 5.375% Series E Preference Shares having a lower coupon rate than the coupon rate on the previously outstanding $150.0 million of 6.60% Series D Preference Shares and $125.0 million of 6.08% Series C Preference Shares, which we redeemed in May 2013.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Income tax benefit (expense)		$	45,866			$	(608)			$	(1,692)

We are subject to income taxes in certain jurisdictions in which we operate; however, since the majority of our income is currently earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, the tax impact to our operations has historically been minimal. However, we recognized an income tax benefit of $45.9 million in 2015, compared to an income tax expense of $608 thousand in 2014, primarily the result of a reduction in our U.S. valuation allowance from $48.5 million to $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of expected profits in our U.S.-based operations due principally to the acquisition of Platinum.

At December 31, 2015, our U.S. tax-paying subsidiaries had a net deferred tax asset (after valuation allowance) of $78.1 million. Our Ireland, U.K. and Singapore operations have historically produced GAAP taxable losses and we currently do not believe it is more likely than not that we will be able to recover the predominant amount of our net deferred tax assets in these jurisdictions. Our valuation allowance totaled $17.9 million and $61.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Our effective income tax rate, which we calculate as income tax expense divided by income before taxes, may fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the geographic distribution of pre-tax income in any given period between different jurisdictions with comparatively higher tax rates and those with comparatively lower tax rates. The geographic distribution of pre-tax income can vary significantly between periods due to, but not limited to, the following factors: the business mix of net premiums written and earned; the size and nature of net claims and claim expenses incurred; the amount and geographic location of operating expenses, net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments; outstanding debt and related interest expense; and the amount of specific adjustments to determine the income tax basis in each of our operating jurisdictions. In addition, a significant portion of our gross and net premiums are currently written and earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, including the majority of our catastrophe business, which can result in significant volatility to our pre-tax income (loss) in any given period. We expect our consolidated effective tax rate to increase in the future, as our global operations outside of Bermuda expand, including in connection with the acquisition of Platinum. In addition, it is possible we could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws, regulation, or enforcement, any of which could increase our effective tax rate more rapidly or steeply than we currently anticipate.

The preponderance of our revenue and pre-tax income is generated by our domestic operations (i.e., Bermuda) in the form of underwriting income and net investment income, when compared to our foreign operations. The geographic distribution of pre-tax income can vary significantly between periods due to, but not limited to, the following factors: the business mix of net premiums written and earned; the size and nature of net claims and claim expenses incurred; the amount and geographic location of operating expenses, net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments; and the amount of specific adjustments to determine the income tax basis in each of our operating jurisdictions. Pre-tax income for our domestic operations (i.e., Bermuda) was higher compared to our foreign operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 primarily as a result of the more volatile catastrophe business underwritten in our Bermuda operations during these periods being relatively free of catastrophe losses and thus generating higher levels of net underwriting income than our foreign operations, which underwrite primarily less volatile business with higher attritional net claims and claim expenses and as a result produce lower levels of net underwriting income in benign loss years.

 

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Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	(111,050)			$	(153,538)			$	(151,144)

Our net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $111.1 million in 2015, compared to $153.5 million in 2014. The $42.5 million decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was principally due to a decrease in the profitability of DaVinciRe. Our ownership in DaVinciRe was 26.3% at December 31, 2015, compared to 23.4% at December 31, 2014.

Our net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $153.5 million in 2014, compared to $151.1 million in 2013. The $2.4 million increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is principally due to a decrease in our ownership in DaVinciRe to 23.4% at December 31, 2014, compared to 27.3% at December 31, 2013, resulting in an increase in the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, partially offset by a decrease in the profitability of DaVinciRe.

We expect our noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financial Condition

RenaissanceRe is a holding company, and we therefore rely on dividends from our subsidiaries and investment income to make principal and interest payments on our debt and to make dividend payments to our preference and common shareholders.

The payment of dividends by our subsidiaries is, under certain circumstances, limited under statutory regulations and insurance law, which require our insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. During the year ended December 31, 2015, RenaissanceRe’s principal operating subsidiaries returned capital, which included dividends declared and return of capital, net of capital contributions received, of $1.2 billion (2014 - $472.8 million).

In the aggregate, our operating subsidiaries have historically produced sufficient cash flows to meet their expected claims payments and operational expenses and to provide dividend payments to us. Our subsidiaries also maintain a concentration of investments in high quality liquid securities, which management believes will provide additional liquidity for extraordinary claims payments should the need arise. See “Capital Resources” section below.

Bermuda Subsidiaries

Bermuda regulations require approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) for any reduction of capital in excess of 15% of statutory capital, as defined in the Insurance Act 1978 and related regulations (collectively, the “Insurance Act”). The Insurance Act also requires the Bermuda insurance subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. At December 31, 2015, the statutory capital and surplus of our Bermuda insurance subsidiaries was $4.9 billion (2014 - $3.4 billion) and exceeded the minimum amount required to be maintained under Bermuda law of $686.9 million (2014 - $479.3 million).

As a result of the acquisition of Platinum and the potential for organizational and capital changes, Renaissance Reinsurance and RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and its subsidiaries each received a request from the BMA, on February 24, 2015 and March 27, 2015, respectively, to obtain written approval prior to paying dividends or returning capital to RenaissanceRe during 2015. Subsequent to these requests and through December 31, 2015, Renaissance Reinsurance and RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks returned capital, which included dividends declared and return of capital, of $245.0 million and $680.0 million, respectively.

Under the Insurance Act, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. are defined as Class 3B insurers, and Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and Platinum Bermuda are classified as Class 4 insurers, and therefore must maintain capital at a level equal to an enhanced capital requirement

 

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(“ECR”) which is established by reference to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (“BSCR”) model. The BSCR is a risk-based capital model designed to give the BMA more advanced methods for determining an insurer’s capital adequacy. Underlying the BSCR is the belief that all insurers should operate on an ongoing basis with a view to maintaining their capital at a prudent level in excess of the minimum solvency margin (“MSM”) otherwise prescribed under the Insurance Act. Alternatively, under the Insurance Act, insurers may, subject to the terms of the Insurance Act and to the BMA’s oversight, elect to utilize an approved internal capital model to determine regulatory capital. In either case, the ECR shall at all times equal or exceed the respective Class 3B and Class 4 insurer’s MSM and may be adjusted in circumstances where the BMA concludes that the insurer’s risk profile deviates significantly from the assumptions underlying its ECR or the insurer’s assessment of its risk management policies and practices used to calculate the ECR applicable to it. While not specifically referred to in the Insurance Act, the BMA has also established a target capital level (“TCL”) for each Class 3B and Class 4 insurer equal to 120% of its respective ECR. While a Class 3B or Class 4 insurer is not currently required to maintain its statutory capital and surplus at this level, the TCL serves as an early warning tool for the BMA and failure to maintain statutory capital at least equal to the TCL will likely result in increased BMA regulatory oversight. The 2015 BSCR for Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., DaVinci and Platinum Bermuda must be filed with the BMA before April 30, 2016; at this time, we believe each company will exceed its respective target level of required capital. In addition, audited annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for each of Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., DaVinci and Platinum Bermuda are filed prior to April 30 of each year with the BMA and are available free of charge on the BMA’s website.

U.K. Subsidiaries

RenaissanceRe CCL and Syndicate 1458 are subject to oversight by the Council of Lloyd’s. RSML is subject to regulation by the U.K.’s Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority, under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended by the Financial Services Act 2012. Underwriting capacity, or stamp capacity, of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which are referred to as Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”). This amount is determined by Lloyd’s and is based on Syndicate 1458’s solvency and capital requirement as calculated through its internal model. In addition, if the FAL are not sufficient to cover all losses, the Lloyd’s Central Fund provides an additional level of security for policyholders. At December 31, 2015, the stamp capacity approved by Lloyd’s for Syndicate 1458 was £293.3 million based on its business plan originally approved in November 2015 (December 31, 2014 - £211.8 million based on its business plan originally approved in November 2014). At December 31, 2015, the FAL required to support the underwriting activities at Lloyd’s through Syndicate 1458 was £308.9 million (December 31, 2014 - £239.8 million). Actual FAL posted for Syndicate 1458 at December 31, 2015 by RenaissanceRe CCL is $360.0 million and £85.0 million supported 100% by letters of credit (December 31, 2014 - $300.0 million and £70.0 million).

U.S. Subsidiaries

The NAIC uses a risk-based capital (“RBC”) model to monitor and regulate the solvency of licensed life, health, and property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies. Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is domiciled in Maryland, which has adopted the NAIC’s model law. The RBC calculation is used to measure an insurer’s capital adequacy with respect to: the risk characteristics of the insurer’s premiums written and net claims and claim expenses, rate of growth and quality of assets, among other measures. Depending on the results of the RBC calculation, insurers may be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action depending upon the level of their capital inadequacy.

Laws and regulations in the U.S. establish minimum capital adequacy levels and grant regulators the authority to take specific actions based on the level of impairment. For Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. this amount is the Company Action Level (“CAL”) based on the RBC model of the NAIC and represents the first level at which regulatory action is triggered. At December 31, 2015, the statutory capital and surplus of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. was estimated to be $521.5 million (December 31, 2014 - $531.4 million) and exceeded the CAL required to be maintained under U.S. law.

Under Maryland insurance law, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. must notify the Maryland Insurance Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) within five business days after the declaration of any dividend or

 

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distribution, other than an extraordinary dividend or extraordinary distribution, and notify the Commissioner at least ten days prior to the payment or distribution thereof. The Commissioner has the right to prevent payment of such a dividend or such a distribution if the Commissioner determines, in the Commissioner’s discretion, that after the payment thereof, the policyholders’ surplus of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. would be inadequate or could cause Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. to be in a hazardous financial condition. Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. must give at least 30 days prior notice to the Commissioner before paying an extraordinary dividend or making an extraordinary distribution from other than earned surplus. Extraordinary dividends and extraordinary distributions are dividends or distributions which, together with any other dividends and distributions paid during the immediately preceding twelve-month period, would exceed the lesser of:

 

•

10% of the insurer’s statutory policyholders’ surplus (as determined under statutory accounting principles) as of December 31 of the prior year; or

 

•

the insurer’s net investment income excluding realized capital gains (as determined under statutory accounting principles) for the twelve-month period ending on December 31 of the prior year and pro rata distributions of any class of the insurer’s securities, plus any amounts of net investment income (subject to the foregoing exclusions) in the three calendar years prior to the preceding year which have not been distributed.

During 2016, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. has an ordinary dividend capacity of $26.0 million (2015 - $27.2 million).

State insurance laws and regulations require Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. to file statutory basis financial statements with insurance regulators in each state where it is licensed, authorized or accredited to do business. The operations of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. are subject to examination by those state insurance regulators at any time. The 2014 statutory basis financial statements for Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. were filed in advance of the March 1, 2015 deadline and we expect to file the 2015 statutory basis financial statements for Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. in advance of the March 1, 2016 deadline.

Singapore Branches

Branches of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci based in the Republic of Singapore (the “Singapore Branches”) have each received a license to carry on insurance business as a general reinsurer. The activities of the Singapore Branches are primarily regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore pursuant to Singapore’s Insurance Act. Additionally, the Singapore Branches are regulated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (“ACRA”) as foreign companies pursuant to Singapore’s Companies Act. The activities and regulatory requirements of the Singapore Branches are not considered to be material to us. Renaissance Services of Asia Pte. Ltd., our Singapore-based service company, is registered with the ACRA and subject to Singapore’s Companies Act.

Top Layer Re

As discussed in the “Capital Resources” section below, Renaissance Reinsurance is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level.

Refer to “Note 19. Statutory Requirements in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information with respect to our statutory requirements.

Liquidity and Cash Flows

Holding Company Liquidity

As a Bermuda-domiciled holding company, RenaissanceRe has limited operations of its own and its assets consist primarily of investments in subsidiaries, and, to a degree, cash and securities in amounts which fluctuate over time. Accordingly, RenaissanceRe’s future cash flows largely depend on the availability of dividends or other statutorily permissible payments from its subsidiaries. The ability to pay such dividends is limited by the applicable laws and regulations of the various countries and states in which these subsidiaries operate, including, among others, Bermuda, the U.S., Ireland, and the U.K. Refer to “Item 2.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Financial Condition” for further discussion and details regarding dividend capacity of our major operating subsidiaries.

RenaissanceRe’s principal uses of liquidity are: (1) common share related transactions including dividend payments to holders of its common shareholders as well as common share repurchases from time to time; (2) preference share related transactions including dividend payments to its preference shareholders as well as preference share redemptions from time to time; (3) interest and principal payments on debt; (4) capital investments in its subsidiaries; (5) acquisition of new or existing companies or businesses, such as our acquisition of Platinum; and (6) certain corporate and operating expenses.

We attempt to structure our organization such that it facilitates efficient capital movements between RenaissanceRe and its operating subsidiaries and to ensure that adequate liquidity is available when required, giving consideration to applicable laws and regulations, and the domiciliary location of sources of liquidity and related obligations.

Sources of Liquidity

Historically, cash receipts from operations, consisting of premiums and investment income, generally have provided sufficient funds to pay losses as well as operating expenses of our subsidiaries and to fund dividends to RenaissanceRe. The premiums received by our operating subsidiaries are generally received months or even years before losses are paid under the policies related to such premiums. Premiums and acquisition expenses are settled based on terms of trade as stipulated by an underwriting contract, and generally are received within the first two years of inception of a contract when the premium is written. Operating expenses are generally paid within a year of being incurred. Claims and claims expenses generally take a much longer time before they are reported and ultimately settled, requiring the establishment of reserves for claims and claim expenses. Therefore, the amount of claims paid in any one year is not necessarily related to the amount of net claims incurred in that year, as reported in the consolidated statement of operations.

As a result of the combination of current market conditions, lower investment yields, and the nature of our business where a large portion of the coverages we provide can produce losses of high severity and low frequency, it is not possible to accurately predict our future cash flows from operating activities. As a consequence, cash flows from operating activities may fluctuate, perhaps significantly, between individual quarters and years. Due to the magnitude and complexity of certain large loss events, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events and our actual ultimate net losses from these events may vary from preliminary estimates, perhaps materially. As a result, our cash flows from operations would be impacted accordingly.

We are a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined by the rules promulgated under the Securities Act, and we maintain a “shelf” Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act and are eligible to file additional automatically effective Registration Statements on Form S-3 in the future for the potential offering and sale of an unlimited amount of debt and equity securities. The Shelf Registration Statement allows for various types of securities to be offered, including, but not limited to, common shares, preference shares and debt securities.

In addition, we maintain letter of credit facilities which provide liquidity. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Capital Resources” for details of these facilities.

 

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Cash Flows

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	414,737			$	660,657			$	795,721
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities			(339,039)				141,653				(315,515)
Net cash used in financing activities			(83,665)				(694,678)				(398,955)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash			(10,732)				9,920				1,423
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(18,699)				117,552				82,674
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations			—				—				21,213
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			525,584				408,032				304,145
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	506,885			$	525,584			$	408,032

During 2015, our cash and cash equivalents decreased $18.7 million, to $506.9 million at December 31, 2015, compared to $525.6 million at December 31, 2014.

Cash flows provided by operating activities.   Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2015 were $414.7 million, compared to $660.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2015 were primarily the result of certain adjustments to reconcile our net income of $542.2 million to net cash provided by operating activities, including:

 

•

an increase in unearned premiums of $144.0 million due to an increase in our gross premiums written; and

 

•

a $64.9 million and $128.4 million increase in reinsurance balances payable and prepaid reinsurance premiums, respectively, due to the increase in gross premiums ceded and the timing of our payments of gross premiums ceded;

 

•

an increase in premiums receivable and deferred acquisition costs of $105.3 million and $89.2 million, respectively, due to the increase in our gross premiums written;

 

•

a decrease in our reserve for claims and claim expenses of $43.3 million as a result of claims payments of $588.3 million, partially offset by claims and claims expenses incurred of $545.0 million; and

 

•

a $64.1 million increase in reinsurance recoverable.

Cash flows used in investing activities.   During the year ended December 31, 2015, our cash flows used in investing activities were $339.0 million, principally reflecting the net cash consideration paid for Platinum of $678.2 million, which was comprised of gross cash outflows of $904.4 million, net of cash acquired of $226.3 million; net purchases of fixed maturity investments of $192.6 million; and net purchases of equity investments trading of $147.6 million. Partially offsetting these net outflows were our net sales of short term investments of $669.1 million. Refer to “Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources, Impact of Platinum Acquisition on Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information with respect to the acquisition of Platinum.

Cash flows used in financing activities.   Our cash flows used in financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2015 were $83.7 million, and were principally the result of net outflows related to the settlement of $259.9 million of common share repurchases, net outflows of $193.0 million related to a net return of capital to third party shareholders, principally in DaVinciRe, and $54.0 million and $22.4 million of dividends paid on our common and preferred shares, respectively, partially offset by the issuance of $300.0 million of our 3.700% Senior Notes due 2025, net of expenses, of $297.8 million, and the issuance of $150.0 million of DaVinciRe’s 4.750% Senior Notes due 2025, net of expenses, of $147.8 million.

 

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During 2014, our cash and cash equivalents increased $117.6 million, to $525.6 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $408.0 million at December 31, 2013.

Cash flows provided by operating activities.   Cash flows provided by operating activities during 2014 were $660.7 million, compared to $795.7 million during 2013. Cash flows provided by operating activities during 2014 were primarily the result of certain adjustments to reconcile our net income of $686.3 million to net cash provided by operating activities, including:

 

•

a $161.6 million increase in reinsurance balances payable due to the increase and timing of our premiums ceded;

 

•

an increase in unearned premiums of $34.5 million due to the timing of our gross premiums written;

 

•

a decrease in premiums receivable of $34.1 million due to the decrease in gross premiums written and a decrease in reinsurance balances recoverable of $34.3 million driven principally by cash receipts of certain recoverables;

 

•

a decrease in net claims and claim expenses of $151.2 million as a result of $379.8 million in paid claims offset by $228.6 million of net incurred claims and claim expenses;

 

•

an increase of $28.7 million in our prepaid reinsurance premiums due to the increase and timing of our gross premiums ceded; and

 

•

an increase in deferred acquisition costs of $28.4 million, due to the relative increase in the percentage of quota share reinsurance, compared to excess of loss reinsurance, as a percentage of total gross premiums written within the Specialty Reinsurance segment, as quota share reinsurance typically carries a higher acquisition expense ratio, compared to excess of loss reinsurance.

Cash flows provided by investing activities.   During 2014, our cash flows provided by investing activities were $141.7 million, principally reflecting our net sales of other investments, net sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments and net sales of short term investments of $59.1 million, $50.5 million and $45.0 million, respectively.

Cash flows used in financing activities.   Our cash flows used in financing activities in 2014 were $694.7 million, and were principally the result of the settlement of $514.7 million of common share repurchases; net outflows of $111.7 million related to net capital changes to third party shareholders in DaVinciRe and Medici; and $45.9 million and $22.4 million of dividends paid on our common and preference shares, respectively.

Impact of Platinum Acquisition on Liquidity and Capital Resources

On March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe completed the acquisition of Platinum. Refer to “Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary Results of Operations” and “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information with respect to the acquisition of Platinum.

The aggregate consideration for the transaction was $1.93 billion, comprised of the Special Dividend of $253.2 million paid by Platinum, the issuance of 7.4 million RenaissanceRe common shares valued at $761.8 million, and cash consideration of $904.4 million. As discussed in “Capital Resources” below, RenaissanceRe used a short term bridge loan to fund $300.0 million of the cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe and on March 24, 2015, issued $300.0 million of its 3.700% Senior Notes due 2025 (together with cash on hand) to replace the short term bridge loan used to fund part of the cash consideration. The remaining $604.4 million of cash consideration was funded through RenaissanceRe available funds.

We incurred $53.5 million of corporate expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of Platinum in the year ended December 31, 2015. We expect to incur some additional costs and expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of Platinum in 2016.

Following the close of the acquisition of Platinum and execution of the actions noted above, we believe RenaissanceRe and its operating subsidiaries have adequate capital resources in the aggregate, and the

 

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ability to produce sufficient cash flows to meet their expected claims payments and operational expenses and to provide dividend payments to RenaissanceRe. In turn, we anticipate RenaissanceRe will have adequate capital resources, or access to capital resources, as discussed in “Capital Resources” below, to meet its obligations, including but not limited to dividend payments to its common and preferred shareholders, interest payments on its senior notes and other liabilities as they come due.

Capital Resources

Our total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe and debt is as follows:

 

		At December 31, 2015				At December 31, 2014				Change
(in thousands)
Common shareholders’ equity		$	4,332,184			$	3,465,715			$	866,469
Preference shares			400,000				400,000				—
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe			4,732,184				3,865,715				866,469
3.700% Senior Notes due 2025			299,445				—				299,445
5.75% Senior Notes due 2020			249,614				249,522				92
Series B 7.50% Senior Notes due 2017			268,196				—				268,196
4.750% Senior Notes due 2025 (DaVinciRe)			148,824				—				148,824
RenaissanceRe revolving credit facility – unborrowed			250,000				250,000				—
Total debt			1,216,079				499,522				716,557
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe and debt		$	5,948,263			$	4,365,237			$	1,583,026

During the year ended December 31, 2015, our total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe and debt increased by $1.6 billion, to $5.9 billion.

Our shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe increased $866.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 principally as a result of:

 

•

the issuance of 7.4 million common shares valued at $761.8 million in connection with the acquisition of Platinum;

 

•

our comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $429.9 million; partially offset by

 

•

an aggregate repurchase of 2.5 million shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $259.9 million, and at an average share price of $105.10; and

 

•

$54.0 million and $22.4 million of dividends on our common and preference shares, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, our debt increased $716.6 million, driven by the following transactions:

 

•

In connection with the acquisition of Platinum, RenaissanceRe became an additional guarantor of Platinum Finance’s obligations under the Platinum Finance Notes and the Platinum Finance indenture. Pursuant to the Platinum Finance indenture, Platinum Finance previously issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Series B 7.50% Notes due June 1, 2017, which is recorded on our consolidated balance sheet at $268.2 million at December 31, 2015;

 

•

On March 24, 2015, RenaissanceRe Finance issued $300.0 million of 3.700% Senior Notes due April 1, 2025, with interest on the notes payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Through a series of intercompany transactions (including a loan from RenaissanceRe Finance to RenaissanceRe), the net proceeds from the offering of the notes (together with cash on hand) were used by RenaissanceRe to repay in full a $300.0 million bridge loan that Barclays Bank PLC provided to RenaissanceRe on February 26, 2015 in order to finance a portion of the cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe in connection with the acquisition of Platinum. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional

 

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information related to the cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe in connection with the acquisition of Platinum; and

 

•

On May 4, 2015, DaVinciRe issued $150.0 million of 4.750% Senior Notes due May 1, 2025, with interest on the notes payable on May 1 and November 1, commencing with November 1, 2015. The net proceeds from this offering were used to repay, in full, $100.0 million outstanding under a loan agreement, dated as of March 30, 2011, between DaVinciRe and RenaissanceRe, and the remainder of the net proceeds may be used to repurchase DaVinciRe shares or for general corporate purposes.

Credit Facilities

We maintain a $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility and have the right, subject to satisfying certain conditions, to increase the size of the facility to $350.0 million. The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants and the credit facility matures on May 15, 2020.

In the normal course of our operations, we enter into agreements with financial institutions to obtain letter of credit facilities for the benefit of our operating subsidiaries in their reinsurance and insurance business. The outstanding amounts drawn under each of our significant credit facilities is set forth below:

 

At December 31, 2015		Issued or Drawn
(in thousands)
RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility		$	—
Uncommitted Standby Letter of Credit Facility with Wells Fargo			163,264
Uncommitted Standby Letter of Credit Facility with NAB			—
Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility with Citibank Europe			180,001
Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities with Citibank Europe
Renaissance Reinsurance			360,000
RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks			8,861
Total credit facilities in U.S. dollars		$	712,126
Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities		£	85,000
Total credit facilities in pound sterling		£	85,000

Renaissance Reinsurance is party to a collateralized letter of credit and reimbursement agreement in the amount of $37.5 million that supports the Company’s Top Layer Re joint venture. Renaissance Reinsurance is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level.

Refer to “Note 10. Debt and Credit Facilities in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to our debt and credit facilities and “Note 13. Shareholders’ Equity in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to our common and preference shares.

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trusts

Effective March 15, 2011, each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci was approved as a Trusteed Reinsurer in the state of New York and established a multi-beneficiary reinsurance trust (“MBRT”) to collateralize its respective (re)insurance liabilities associated with U.S. domiciled cedants. The MBRTs are subject to the rules and regulations of the state of New York and the respective deed of trust, including but not limited to certain minimum capital funding requirements, investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and regulatory reporting requirements. Following the initial approval in the state of New York, Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci have submitted applications to all U.S. states to become Trusteed Reinsurers. As of December 31, 2015, Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci are approved in 52 and 51 U.S. states and territories, respectively. We expect, over time, to transition cedants with existing

 

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outstanding letters of credit to the appropriate MBRT as determined by cedant state of domicile, thereby reducing our absolute and relative reliance on letters of credit. Accordingly, it is our intention to seek to have new business incepting with cedants domiciled in approved states collateralized using a MBRT. Cedants collateralized with a MBRT will be eligible for automatic reinsurance credit in their respective U.S. regulatory filings. Assets held under trust at December 31, 2015 with respect to the MBRTs totaled $505.0 million and $135.3 million for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, respectively, compared to the minimum amount required under U.S. state regulations of $378.8 million and $100.1 million, respectively.

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trusts

Effective December 31, 2012, each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci has been approved as an “eligible reinsurer” in the state of Florida, and are authorized to provide reduced collateral equal to 20% and 50%, respectively, of their net outstanding insurance liabilities to Florida-domiciled insurers. Each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci has established a multi-beneficiary reduced collateral reinsurance trust (“RCT”) to collateralize its (re)insurance liabilities associated with Florida-domiciled cedants. Because the RCTs were established in New York, they are subject to the rules and regulations of the state of New York including but not limited to certain minimum capital funding requirements, investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and regulatory reporting requirements. Assets held under trust at December 31, 2015 with respect to the RCTs totaled $41.7 million and $18.9 million for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, respectively, compared to the minimum amount required under U.S. state regulations of $15.2 million and $10.4 million, respectively.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe shareholders are party to a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) which provides DaVinciRe shareholders, excluding us, with certain redemption rights that enable each shareholder to notify DaVinciRe of such shareholder’s desire for DaVinciRe to repurchase up to half of such shareholder’s aggregate number of shares held, subject to certain limitations, such as limiting the aggregate of all share repurchase requests to 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital in any given year and satisfying all applicable regulatory requirements. If total shareholder requests exceed 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital, the number of shares repurchased will be reduced among the requesting shareholders pro-rata, based on the amounts desired to be repurchased. Shareholders desiring to have DaVinciRe repurchase their shares must notify DaVinciRe before March 1 of each year. The repurchase price will be based on GAAP book value as of the end of the year in which the shareholder notice is given, and the repurchase will be effective as of January 1 of the following year. Payment will be made by April 1, following delivery of the audited financial statements for the year in which the repurchase was effective. The repurchase price is generally subject to a true-up for development on outstanding loss reserves after settlement of all claims relating to the applicable years.

During January 2015, DaVinciRe redeemed a portion of its outstanding shares from certain existing DaVinciRe shareholders, including RenaissanceRe. The net redemption as a result of these transactions was $225.0 million. In connection with the redemption, DaVinciRe retained a $22.5 million holdback. Our noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to these transactions was 26.3%, effective January 1, 2015.

During January 2016, DaVinciRe redeemed a portion of its outstanding shares from certain existing DaVinciRe shareholders, including RenaissanceRe, while new DaVinciRe shareholders purchased shares in DaVinciRe from RenaissanceRe. The net redemption as a result of these transactions was $100.0 million. In connection with the redemption, DaVinciRe retained a $20.0 million holdback. Our noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to these transactions was 24.0%, effective January 1, 2016.

Refer to “Note 11. Noncontrolling Interests in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe.

Ratings

Financial strength ratings are an important factor in respect of the competitive position of reinsurance and insurance companies. Rating organizations continually review the financial positions of our reinsurers and insurers. We continue to receive high claims-paying and financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, S&P,

 

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Moody’s and Fitch. These ratings represent independent opinions of an insurer’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet policyholder obligations, and are not an evaluation directed toward the protection of investors or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any of our securities.

Presented below are the ratings of our principal operating subsidiaries and joint ventures by segment and the ERM rating of RenaissanceRe as of February 18, 2016.

 

		A.M. Best		S&P		Moody’s		Fitch
Renaissance Reinsurance (1)		A+		AA-		A1		A+
DaVinci (1)		A		AA-		A3		—
Platinum Bermuda (1)		A		A-		—		—
Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.		A		A+		—		—
RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks (1)		A		A+		—		—
RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. (1)		A		A+		—		—
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe (1)		A+		AA-		—		—
Top Layer Re (1)		A+		AA		—		—
Syndicate 1458		—		—		—		—
Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating (2)		A		A+		—		AA-
RenaissanceRe (3)		—		Very Strong		—		—

 

(1)	The A.M. Best, S&P, Moody’s and Fitch ratings for these companies reflect the insurer’s financial strength rating and in addition, the S&P ratings also reflect the insurer’s issuer credit rating.

(2)	The A.M. Best, S&P and Fitch ratings for the Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating represent its financial strength rating.

(3)	The S&P rating for RenaissanceRe represents rating on its Enterprise Risk Management practices.

A.M. Best. “A+” is the second highest designation of A.M. Best’s sixteen rating levels. “A+” rated insurance companies are defined as “Superior” companies and are considered by A.M. Best to have a very strong ability to meet their obligations to policyholders. “A” is the third highest designation assigned by A.M. Best, representing A.M. Best’s opinion that the insurer has an “Excellent” ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders.

On November 25, 2014, following our announcement of RenaissanceRe’s intention to acquire Platinum, A.M. Best affirmed its ratings of RenaissanceRe and RenaissanceRe’s operating subsidiaries. However, A.M. Best placed the ratings under review, with negative implications. Following the acquisition of Platinum, A.M. Best evaluated its negative implications, and on April 16, 2015, A.M. Best removed from under review with negative implications and affirmed the financial strength rating (“FSR”) of “A+” (Superior) for each of Renaissance Reinsurance and Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, with an outlook of negative. A.M. Best also removed from under review with negative implications and affirmed the FSR of “A” (Excellent) for each of DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., with an outlook of stable. Furthermore, A.M. Best removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the FSR of “A” (Excellent) for each of Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”) and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S., with an outlook of stable. In addition, A.M. Best affirmed its issuer credit rating (“ICR”) of “a-” (Excellent) and all debt ratings of RenaissanceRe.

On June 12, 2013, A.M. Best affirmed the FSR of “A+” (Superior) of Top Layer Re.

S&P. The “AA” range (“AA+”, “AA”, “AA-”), which has been assigned by S&P to Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe and Top Layer Re, is the second highest rating assigned by S&P, and indicates that S&P believes the insurers have very strong financial security characteristics, differing only slightly from those rated higher. S&P assigns an ICR to an entity which is an opinion on the creditworthiness of the obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation.

On December 14, 2015, S&P affirmed the FSRs of RenaissanceRe’s subsidiaries, as shown in the table above, the ICR of RenaissanceRe of “A” and ERM rating of RenaissanceRe of “Very Strong”. The outlook for these ratings is stable.

 

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On October 12, 2015, S&P affirmed Top Layer Re’s FSR and ICR of “AA”. The outlook for this rating is stable.

On July 13, 2015, S&P raised the FSR and ICR of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. to “A+” from “A-” and removed the ratings from credit watch. S&P also affirmed the FSR and ICR of Platinum Bermuda of “A-” and removed the ratings from credit watch positive. At the same time, S&P assigned a FSR and ICR to RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. of “A+”. In addition, S&P affirmed the FSR and ICR of RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks of “A+”. The outlook for these ratings is stable. S&P also affirmed its ICR of “A” on RenaissanceRe and its “A” senior debt rating on our senior unsecured notes.

On November 24, 2014, following our announcement of RenaissanceRe’s intention to acquire Platinum, S&P affirmed the FCR and ICR ratings of RenaissanceRe and RenaissanceRe’s operating subsidiaries.

In addition, S&P assesses companies’ ERM practices, which is an opinion on the many critical dimensions of risk management that determine overall creditworthiness. RenaissanceRe has been assigned an ERM rating of “Very Strong”, which is the highest rating assigned by S&P, and indicates that S&P believes RenaissanceRe has extremely strong capabilities to consistently identify, measure, and manage risk exposures and losses within RenaissanceRe’s predetermined tolerance guidelines.

Moody’s.   Moody’s Insurance Financial Strength Ratings represent its opinions of the ability of insurance companies to pay punctually policyholder claims and obligations and senior unsecured debt instruments. Moody’s believes that insurance companies rated “A1”, such as Renaissance Reinsurance, and companies rated “A3”, such as DaVinci, offer good financial security.

On November 25, 2014, following our announcement of RenaissanceRe’s intention to acquire Platinum, Moody’s affirmed its ratings of RenaissanceRe and RenaissanceRe’s operating subsidiaries. However, Moody’s changed its outlook to negative, from stable. The negative outlook reflected Moody’s opinion of the uncertain benefits and higher financial leverage of the combined entity. Following the acquisition of Platinum, Moody’s evaluated its negative outlook and on November 25, 2015, Moody’s affirmed its ratings of RenaissanceRe and RenaissanceRe’s operating subsidiaries and changed its to stable, from negative. The stable outlook reflects Moody’s more positive view of the acquisition of Platinum, although concerns linger about reinsurance sector fundamentals.

Fitch.   Fitch’s Issuer Financial Strength (“IFS”) ratings provide an assessment of the financial strength of an insurance organization. Fitch believes that insurance companies rated “A+”, such as Renaissance Reinsurance, have “Strong” capacity to meet policyholders and contract obligations on a timely basis with a low expectation of ceased or interrupted payments.

On February 9, 2016, Fitch affirmed the IFS rating of Renaissance Reinsurance at “A+”. The outlook for this rating is stable.

On November 25, 2014, following our announcement of RenaissanceRe’s intention to acquire Platinum, Fitch affirmed its ratings of RenaissanceRe and RenaissanceRe’s operating subsidiaries. The outlook is stable for these ratings.

Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating

A.M. Best, S&P and Fitch have each assigned an FSR to the Lloyd’s overall market. The financial risks to policy holders of syndicates within the Lloyd’s market are partially mutualized through the Lloyd’s Central Fund, to which all underwriting members contribute. Because of the presence of the Lloyd’s Central Fund, and the current legal and regulatory structure of the Lloyd’s market, FSRs on individual syndicates would not be particularly meaningful and in any event would not be lower than the FSR of the Lloyd’s overall market.

While the ratings of our principal operating subsidiaries and joint ventures remain among the highest in our business, adverse ratings actions could have a negative effect on our ability to fully realize current or future market opportunities. In addition, it is common for our reinsurance contracts to contain provisions permitting our customers to cancel coverage pro rata if our relevant operating subsidiary is downgraded below a certain rating level. Whether a client would exercise this right would depend, among other factors, on the reason for such a downgrade, the extent of the downgrade, the prevailing market conditions and the pricing and availability of replacement reinsurance coverage. Therefore, in the event of a downgrade, it is not possible to predict the extent to which this cancellation right would be exercised, if at all, or what effect such

 

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cancellations would have on our financial condition or future operations, but such effect potentially could be material. To date, we are not aware that we have experienced such a cancellation. Our ratings are subject to periodic review and may be revised or revoked by the agencies which issue them.

Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses

We believe the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and claim expense reserves. Claims and claim expense reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for unpaid claims and claim expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts we sell. We establish our claims and claim expense reserves by taking claims reported to us by insureds and ceding companies, but which have not yet been paid (“case reserves”), adding the costs for additional case reserves (“additional case reserves”) which represent our estimates for claims related to specific contracts previously reported to us which we believe may not be adequately estimated by the client as of that date, and adding estimates for the anticipated cost of IBNR.

On March 2, 2015 we acquired Platinum and the transaction was accounted under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations. Total consideration paid was allocated among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values, including Platinum’s claims and claim expense reserves, which totaled $1.4 billion at March 2, 2015 and consisted of $117.4 million and $1.3 billion included in our Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments, respectively. These claims and claim expense reserves are subject to the reserving methodologies for each respective line of business as described below.

The following table summarizes our claims and claim expense reserves by line of business, split between case reserves, additional case reserves and IBNR:

 

At December 31, 2015		Case Reserves				Additional Case Reserves				IBNR				Total
(in thousands)
Catastrophe Reinsurance		$	237,345			$	146,969			$	179,947			$	564,261
Specialty Reinsurance			529,952				126,650				1,148,015				1,804,617
Lloyd’s			84,964				22,085				263,440				370,489
Other			2,071				—				25,607				27,678
Total		$	854,332			$	295,704			$	1,617,009			$	2,767,045
At December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Catastrophe Reinsurance		$	253,431			$	150,825			$	138,411			$	542,667
Specialty Reinsurance			106,293				79,457				357,960				543,710
Lloyd’s			65,295				14,168				204,984				284,447
Other			5,212				2,354				34,120				41,686
Total		$	430,231			$	246,804			$	735,475			$	1,412,510

Our estimates of claims and claim expense reserves are not precise in that, among other matters, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends and other variable factors. Some, but not all, of our reserves are further subject to the uncertainty inherent in actuarial methodologies and estimates. Because a reserve estimate is simply an insurer’s estimate at a point in time of its ultimate liability, and because there are numerous factors which affect reserves and claims payments that cannot be determined with certainty in advance, our ultimate payments will vary, perhaps materially, from our estimates of reserves. If we determine in a subsequent period that adjustments to our previously established reserves are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified. Because of the inherent uncertainties discussed below, we have developed a reserving philosophy which attempts to incorporate prudent assumptions and estimates, and we have generally experienced favorable net development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses in the last several years. However, there is no assurance that this will occur in future periods. During the year ended December 31, 2015, changes to prior year estimated claims reserves increased our net income by $162.4

 

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million (2014 - $143.8 million, 2013 - $144.0 million), excluding the consideration of changes in reinstatement premium, profit commissions, redeemable noncontrolling interest, equity in net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re and income tax.

Our reserving techniques, assumptions and processes differ between our Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” for more information on the risks we insure and reinsure, the reserving techniques, assumptions and processes we follow to estimate our claims and claim expense reserves, and our current estimates versus our initial estimates of our claims reserves, for each of these units.

Investments

The table below shows our invested assets:

 

		December 31, 2015								December 31, 2014								Change
(in thousands, except percentages)
U.S. treasuries		$	2,064,944				23.0%			$	1,671,471				24.8%			$	393,473
Agencies			137,976				1.5%				96,208				1.4%				41,768
Municipal			583,282				6.5%				—				—%				583,282
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)			334,981				3.7%				280,651				4.2%				54,330
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate			138,994				1.5%				146,467				2.2%				(7,473)
Corporate			2,055,323				22.9%				1,610,442				23.9%				444,881
Agency mortgage-backed			504,518				5.6%				316,620				4.7%				187,898
Non-agency mortgage-backed			270,763				3.0%				253,050				3.7%				17,713
Commercial mortgage-backed			561,496				6.2%				381,051				5.7%				180,445
Asset-backed			130,541				1.4%				27,610				0.4%				102,931
Total fixed maturity investments, at fair value			6,782,818				75.3%				4,783,570				71.0%				1,999,248
Short term investments, at fair value			1,208,401				13.4%				1,013,222				15.0%				195,179
Equity investments trading, at fair value			393,877				4.4%				322,098				4.8%				71,779
Other investments, at fair value			481,621				5.4%				504,147				7.5%				(22,526)
Total managed investment portfolio			8,866,717				98.5%				6,623,037				98.3%				2,243,680
Investments in other ventures, under equity method			132,351				1.5%				120,713				1.7%				11,638
Total investments		$	8,999,068				100.0%			$	6,743,750				100.0%			$	2,255,318

At December 31, 2015, we held investments totaling $9.0 billion, compared to $6.7 billion at December 31, 2014, with net unrealized appreciation included in accumulated other comprehensive income of $2.1 million at December 31, 2015, compared to $3.4 million at December 31, 2014. In connection with the acquisition of Platinum, we acquired $2.7 billion of investments, including $1.8 billion of fixed maturity investments trading and $883.5 million of short term investments. Our investment guidelines stress preservation of capital, market liquidity, and diversification of risk. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our investments are subject to market-wide risks and fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular securities. Refer to “Note 7. Fair Value Measurements in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the fair value of measurement of our investments.

As the reinsurance coverages we sell include substantial protection for damages resulting from natural and man-made catastrophes, we expect from time to time to become liable for substantial claim payments on short notice. Accordingly, our investment portfolio as a whole is structured to seek to preserve capital and provide a high level of liquidity which means that the large majority of our investment portfolio consists of highly rated fixed income securities, including U.S. treasuries, agencies, municipals, highly rated sovereign and supranational securities, high-grade corporate securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed

 

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securities. We also have an allocation to publicly traded equities reflected on our consolidated balance sheet as equity investments trading and an allocation to other investments (including catastrophe bonds, private equity partnerships, a senior secured bank loan fund, hedge funds and other investments). At December 31, 2015, our portfolio of equity investments trading totaled $393.9 million, or 4.4%, of our total investments (December 31, 2014 - $322.1 million or 4.8%) inclusive of our investment in Essent Group Ltd. of $102.1 million (December 31, 2014 - $120.0 million), and our portfolio of other investments totaled $481.6 million, or 5.4%, of our total investments (December 31, 2014 - $504.1 million or 7.5%).

The following table summarizes the composition of our investment portfolio, including the amortized cost and fair value of our investment portfolio and the ratings as assigned by S&P, or Moody’s and/or other rating agencies when S&P ratings were not available, and the respective effective yield.

 

																		Credit Rating (1)
December 31, 2015		Amortized Cost				Fair Value				% of Total Investment Portfolio				Weighted Average Effective Yield				AAA				AA				A				BBB				Non- Investment Grade				Not Rated
(in thousands, except percentages)
Short term investments		$	1,208,401			$	1,208,401				13.4%				0.4%			$	1,120,904			$	86,247			$	—			$	1,150			$	—			$	100
							100.0%												92.8%				7.1%				—%				0.1%				—%				—%
Fixed maturity investments
U.S. treasuries			2,071,287				2,064,944				23.0%				1.3%				—				2,064,944				—				—				—				—
Agencies			138,724				137,976				1.5%				1.7%				—				137,976				—				—				—				—
Municipal			580,670				583,282				6.5%				2.0%				153,367				331,927				89,299				7,564				1,125				—
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)			344,901				334,981				3.7%				1.4%				197,667				107,330				19,108				10,876				—				—
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate			142,715				138,994				1.5%				1.3%				77,626				58,428				783				2,157				—				—
Corporate			2,100,277				2,055,323				22.9%				3.8%				35,943				140,831				635,660				717,100				505,437				20,352
Agency mortgage-backed			508,283				504,518				5.6%				2.7%				—				504,518				—				—				—				—
Non-agency mortgage-backed			258,851				270,763				3.0%				4.4%				11,131				31,532				11,022				20,552				178,457				18,069
Commercial mortgage-backed			565,060				561,496				6.2%				2.9%				416,013				113,814				23,765				7,739				165				—
Asset-backed			131,052				130,541				1.4%				2.1%				125,946				4,595				—				—				—				—
Total fixed maturity investments			6,841,820				6,782,818				75.3%				2.5%				1,017,693				3,495,895				779,637				765,988				685,184				38,421
							100.0%												15.0%				51.5%				11.5%				11.3%				10.1%				0.6%
Equity investments trading							393,877				4.4%								—				—				—				—				—				393,877
							100.0%												—%				—%				—%				—%				—%				100.0%
Other investments
Catastrophe bonds							241,253				2.7%								—				—				—				—				241,253				—
Private equity partnerships							214,848				2.4%								—				—				—				—				—				214,848
Senior secured bank loan fund							23,231				0.3%								—				—				—				—				—				23,231
Hedge funds							2,289				—%								—				—				—				—				—				2,289
Total other investments							481,621				5.4%								—				—				—				—				241,253				240,368
							100.0%												—%				—%				—%				—%				50.1%				49.9%
Investments in other ventures							132,351				1.5%								—				—				—				—				—				132,351
							100.0%												—%				—%				—%				—%				—%				100.0%
Total investment portfolio						$	8,999,068				100.0%							$	2,138,597			$	3,582,142			$	779,637			$	767,138			$	926,437			$	805,117
							100.0%												23.8%				39.8%				8.7%				8.5%				10.3%				8.9%

 

(1)

The credit ratings included in this table are those assigned by S&P. When ratings provided by S&P were not available, ratings from other nationally recognized rating agencies were used. We have grouped short term investments with an A-1+ and A-1 short term issue credit rating as AAA, short term investments with A-2 short term issue credit rating as AA and short term investments with an A-3 short term issue credit rating as A.

 

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Fixed Maturity Investments and Short Term Investments

At December 31, 2015, our fixed maturity investments and short term investment portfolio had a dollar-weighted average credit quality rating of AA (2014 – AA) and a weighted average effective yield of 2.2% (2014 – 1.7%).At December 31, 2015, our non-investment grade and not rated fixed maturity investments totaled $723.6 million or 10.7% of our fixed maturity investments (2014 - $543.8 million or 11.4%, respectively). In addition, within our other investments category we have funds that invest in non-investment grade and not rated fixed income securities and non-investment grade cat-linked securities. At December 31, 2015, the funds that invest in non-investment grade and not rated fixed income securities and non-investment grade cat-linked securities totaled $264.5 million (2014 – $219.6 million).

At December 31, 2015, we had $1,208.4 million of short term investments (2014 – $1,013.2 million). Short term investments are managed as part of our investment portfolio and have a maturity of one year or less when purchased. Short term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

The duration of our fixed maturity investments and short term investments at December 31, 2015 was 2.3 years (2014 – 2.1 years). From time to time, we may reevaluate the duration of our portfolio in light of the duration of our liabilities and market conditions.

As with other fixed income investments, the value of our fixed maturity investments will fluctuate with changes in the interest rate environment and when changes occur in the overall investment market and in overall economic conditions. Additionally, our differing asset classes expose us to other risks which could cause a reduction in the value of our investments. Examples of some of these risks include:

 

•

Changes in the overall interest rate environment can expose us to “prepayment risk” on our mortgage- backed investments. When interest rates decline, consumers will generally make prepayments on their mortgages and, as a result, our investments in mortgage-backed securities will be repaid to us more quickly than we might have originally anticipated. When we receive these prepayments, our opportunities to reinvest these proceeds back into the investment markets will likely be at reduced interest rates. Conversely, when interest rates increase, consumers will generally make fewer prepayments on their mortgages and, as a result, our investments in mortgage-backed securities will be repaid to us less quickly than we might have originally anticipated. This will increase the duration of our portfolio, which is disadvantageous to us in a rising interest rate environment.

 

•

Our investments in mortgage-backed securities are also subject to default risk. This risk is due in part to defaults on the underlying securitized mortgages, which would decrease the fair value of the investment and be disadvantageous to us. Similar risks apply to other asset-backed securities in which we may invest from time to time.

 

•

Our investments in debt securities of other corporations are exposed to losses from insolvencies of these corporations, and our investment portfolio can also deteriorate based on reduced credit quality of these corporations. We are also exposed to the impact of widening credit spreads even if specific securities are not downgraded.

 

•

Our investments in asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risks, as noted above, and to the structural risks of these securities. The structural risks primarily emanate from the priority of each security in the issuer’s overall capital structure. We are also exposed to the impact of widening credit spreads.

 

•

Within our other investments category, we have funds that invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities as well as securities denominated in foreign currencies. These investments expose us to losses from insolvencies and other credit-related issues. We are also exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates that may result in realized losses to us if our exposures are not hedged or if our hedging strategies are not effective and also to widening of credit spreads.

 

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The following table summarizes the fair value by contractual maturity of our fixed maturity investment portfolio at the dates indicated. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalty.

 

At December 31,		2015								2014
(in thousands, except percentages)
Due in less than one year		$	252,257				3.7%			$	151,803				3.2%
Due after one through five years			3,833,261				56.5%				2,969,828				62.1%
Due after five through ten years			1,011,132				14.9%				537,636				11.2%
Due after ten years			218,850				3.3%				145,972				3.0%
Mortgage-backed			1,336,777				19.7%				950,721				19.9%
Asset-backed			130,541				1.9%				27,610				0.6%
Total fixed maturity investments, at fair value		$	6,782,818				100.0%			$	4,783,570				100.0%

The following table summarizes the composition of the fair value of the fixed maturity investments and short term investments of our top ten corporate issuers at the date indicated.

 

At December 31, 2015
(in thousands)
Issuer		Total				Short term investments				Fixed maturity investments
Goldman Sachs Group Inc.		$	61,784			$	—			$	61,784
Bank of America Corp.			59,273				—				59,273
JP Morgan Chase & Co.			55,433				—				55,433
Morgan Stanley			50,517				—				50,517
HSBC Holdings PLC			32,003				—				32,003
Wells Fargo & Co.			27,070				—				27,070
Verizon Communications Inc.			24,390				—				24,390
Ford Motor Co.			23,467				—				23,467
Royal Bank of Canada			23,197				—				23,197
Credit Suisse Group AG			19,301				—				19,301
Total (1)		$	376,435			$	—			$	376,435

 

(1)	Excludes non-U.S. government-backed corporate fixed maturity investments, reverse repurchase agreements and commercial paper, at fair value.

Equity Investments Trading

We have a public equity securities mandate with a third party investment manager which currently comprises the majority of our investments included in equity investments trading. In addition, the financial category of our equity investments trading at December 31, 2015 includes $102.1 million (2014 - $120.0 million) related to our investment in Essent and $26.9 million (2014 - $17.1 million) related to our investment in Trupanion. It is possible our equity allocation will increase in the future, although we do not expect it to represent a material portion of our invested assets or to have a material effect on our financial results for the reasonably foreseeable future.

 

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The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:

 

At December 31,		2015				2014				Change
(in thousands)
Financials		$	193,716			$	222,190			$	(28,474)
Communications and technology			65,833				31,376				34,457
Industrial, utilities and energy			51,168				28,859				22,309
Consumer			40,918				19,522				21,396
Healthcare			36,148				16,582				19,566
Basic materials			6,094				3,569				2,525
Total		$	393,877			$	322,098			$	71,779

Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments:

 

At December 31,		2015				2014				Change
(in thousands)
Catastrophe bonds		$	241,253			$	200,329			$	40,924
Private equity partnerships			214,848				281,932				(67,084)
Senior secured bank loan funds			23,231				19,316				3,915
Hedge funds			2,289				2,570				(281)
Total other investments		$	481,621			$	504,147			$	(22,526)

We account for our other investments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments. The fair value of certain of our fund investments, which principally include private equity funds, a senior secured bank loan fund and hedge funds, is recorded on our balance sheet in other investments, and is generally established on the basis of the net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments, if applicable. The net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments is established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments. Many of our fund investments are subject to restrictions on redemptions and sales which are determined by the governing documents and limit our ability to liquidate these investments in the short term. Certain of our fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of our current reporting date. The typical reporting lag experienced by us to receive a final net asset value report is one month for hedge funds and senior secured bank loan funds and three months for private equity funds, although, in the past, in respect of certain of our private equity funds, we have on occasion experienced delays of up to six months at year end, as the private equity funds typically complete their respective year-end audits before releasing their final net asset value statements.

In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the reporting date of the latest fund valuation, we estimate the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month or quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or distributions, as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which we estimate the return for the current period, all information available to us is utilized. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported to us by our fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to us with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which we have obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from our estimates and these differences are recorded in our consolidated statement of operations in the period in which they are reported to us as a change in estimate. Included in net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2015 is a loss of $2.5 million (2014 - loss of $0.6 million) representing the change in estimate during the period related to the difference between our

 

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estimated net investment income due to the lag in reporting discussed above and the actual amount as reported in the final net asset values provided by our fund managers.

Our estimate of the fair value of catastrophe bonds is based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications.

Refer to “Note 7. Fair Value Measurements in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the fair value measurement of our investments.

Interest income, income distributions and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on other investments are included in net investment income and resulted in $21.9 million of net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 - $30.0 million). Of this amount, $13.5 million related to net unrealized losses (2014 - unrealized losses of $1.4 million).

We have committed capital to private equity partnerships and other investments of $724.5 million, of which $528.8 million has been contributed at December 31, 2015. Our remaining commitments to these investments at December 31, 2015 totaled $204.5 million. In the future, we may enter into additional commitments in respect of private equity partnerships or individual portfolio company investment opportunities.

Investments in Other Ventures, under Equity Method

The table below shows our investments in other ventures, under equity method:

 

At December 31,		2015												2014
(in thousands, except percentages)		Investment				Ownership %				Carrying Value				Investment				Ownership %				Carrying Value
THIG		$	50,000				25.0%			$	19,155			$	50,000				25.0%			$	20,811
Tower Hill			10,000				31.3%				19,981				10,000				30.3%				18,991
Tower Hill Re			4,250				25.0%				4,136				4,250				25.0%				5,162
Tower Hill Signature			500				25.0%				7,315				500				25.0%				5,692
Total Tower Hill Companies			64,750								50,587				64,750								50,656
Top Layer Re			65,375				50.0%				68,936				65,375				50.0%				60,911
Other			23,607				43.5%				12,828				13,507				36.3%				9,146
Total investments in other ventures, under equity method		$	153,732							$	132,351			$	143,632							$	120,713

Except for Top Layer Re, the equity in earnings of the Tower Hill Companies, Angus and our other category of investments in other ventures are reported one quarter in arrears.

The carrying value of our investments in other ventures, under equity method, individually or in the aggregate may, and likely will, differ from the realized value we may ultimately attain, perhaps significantly so.

Effects of Inflation

The potential exists, after a catastrophe loss, for the development of inflationary pressures in a local economy. The anticipated effects on us are considered in our catastrophe loss models. Our estimates of the potential effects of inflation are also considered in pricing and in estimating reserves for unpaid claims and claim expenses. In addition, it is possible that the risk of general economic inflation has increased which could, among other things, cause claims and claim expenses to increase and also impact the performance of our investment portfolio. The actual effects of this potential increase in inflation on our results cannot be accurately known until, among other items, claims are ultimately settled. The onset, duration and severity of an inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

Off-Balance Sheet and Special Purpose Entity Arrangements

At December 31, 2015, we had not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

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Contractual Obligations

In the normal course of our business, we are a party to a variety of contractual obligations and these are considered by us when assessing our liquidity requirements.

The table below shows our contractual obligations:

 

At December 31, 2015		Total				Less than 1 year				1-3 years				3-5 years				More than 5 years
(in thousands)
Long term debt obligations (1)
3.700% Senior Notes due 2025		$	402,664			$	11,100			$	22,200			$	22,200			$	347,164
5.75% Senior Notes due 2020			310,418				14,375				28,750				267,293				—
Series B 7.50% Senior Notes due 2017			276,550				18,750				257,800				—				—
4.750% Senior Notes due 2025 (DaVinciRe)			217,089				7,125				14,250				14,250				181,464
Total long term debt obligations			1,206,721				51,350				323,000				303,743				528,628
Private equity and investment commitments (2)			204,525				204,525				—				—				—
Operating lease obligations			44,036				8,018				14,624				11,563				9,831
Capital lease obligations			33,253				3,017				4,956				5,322				19,958
Payable for investments purchased			391,378				391,378				—				—				—
Reserve for claims and claim expenses (3)			2,767,045				679,237				841,432				475,958				770,418
Total contractual obligations		$	4,646,958			$	1,337,525			$	1,184,012			$	796,586			$	1,328,835

 

(1)	Includes contractual interest payments.

 

(2)	The private equity and investment commitments do not have a defined contractual commitment date and we have therefore included them in the less than one year category.

 

(3)

We caution the reader that the information provided above related to estimated future payment dates of our reserves for claims and claim expenses is not prepared or utilized for internal purposes and we currently do not estimate the future payment dates of claims and claim expenses. Because of the nature of the coverages we provide, the amount and timing of the cash flows associated with our policy liabilities will fluctuate, perhaps significantly, and therefore are highly uncertain. We have based our estimates of future claim payments upon benchmark industry payment patterns, drawing upon available relevant sources of loss and allocated loss adjustment expense development data. These benchmarks are revised periodically as new trends emerge. We believe that it is likely that this benchmark data will not be predictive of our future claim payments and that material fluctuations can occur due to the nature of the losses which we insure and the coverages which we provide.

In certain circumstances, many of our contractual obligations may be accelerated to dates other than those reflected in the table, due to defaults under the agreements governing those obligations (including pursuant to cross-default provisions in such agreements) or in connection with certain changes in control of the Company, if applicable. In addition, in connection with any such default under the agreement governing these obligations, in certain circumstances, these obligations may bear an increased interest rate or be subject to penalties as a result of such a default.

CURRENT OUTLOOK

Acquisition of Platinum

On March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe completed its acquisition of Platinum. We believe that the acquisition of Platinum has benefited our combined companies’ clients through, among other things, an expanded product offering and enhanced broker relationships. In addition, the acquisition has supported the growth in our U.S. specialty and casualty reinsurance platform. Taken together with our organic growth initiatives, the acquisition meaningfully increased the contribution of specialty and casualty business to us on a consolidated basis, in terms of both total gross premiums written and limits exposed, and on both an absolute and relative basis. Nonetheless, however, we continue to expect that our expected returns, as well as our regulatory and underwriting capital, will be driven by our portfolio of catastrophe-exposed business. As our longer-tail business grows, both absolutely and in proportion to our shorter tail business, we expect to be more exposed to developments such as inflation, interest rate risk, and the risk of

 

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unforeseen claims or tort law developments. Our reserve for claims and claim expenses also grew meaningfully as a result of the acquisition, and our future results will be impacted by the potential for adverse or favorable development on prior accident years claims and claim expenses from the business written prior to the closing by both of our companies. In addition, as a result of the acquisition, the face value of our indebtedness increased by $550.0 million, consisting of $250.0 million of publicly traded notes previously issued by a subsidiary of Platinum, which remain outstanding, and $300.0 million of new senior public notes issued by RenaissanceRe Finance.

Catastrophe Exposed Market Developments

Notwithstanding the severe global catastrophic losses during 2011, the advent in late 2012 of Storm Sandy, one of the most significant insured losses on record, and the increased frequency of severe weather events during these periods in many high-insurance-penetration regions, from 2013 through 2015 the global insurance and reinsurance markets have manifested growing, and ultimately record, levels of industry wide capital held. At the same time, reinsurance demand for many coverages and solutions has not grown at the pace of this growth in available capital, and for some, coverages in respect of certain regions fell. Demand for other products or coverages grew at slower rates than that of supply, or was flat. During the January 2016 reinsurance renewal season, we believe that supply, principally from traditional market participants and increasingly complemented by alternative capital providers, more than offset market demand, resulting in a continued reduction of overall market pricing on a risk-adjusted basis, except for, in general, loss impacted treaties and contracts and partially offset by capital return initiatives. While we believe that reinsurance demand for U.S. southeastern windstorm coverage did grow in 2015, as a result of factors including the launch of the FHCF’s risk transfer program, growth of the Citizens’ risk transfer program, and the continuation of private market acceptance of policies previously written by Citizens, available supply of capital more than offset the new demand in the market. We continue to expect the supply of capital to outpace any growth of demand and accordingly, we do not expect market developments to shift more favorably in the near term, absent unusually large, or unforeseen, contingent events.

Although our in-force book of business remains attractive to us, with our continuing focus on underwriting discipline, absent changed conditions, we do not expect to maintain the size of our aggregate book of property-exposed reinsurance business; and while we will strive to maintain a high level of net portfolio quality, we cannot assure you we will succeed in doing so. In addition, we believe that many of the key markets we serve are increasingly characterized by large, increasingly sophisticated cedants who are able to manage large retentions, can access risk transfer capital in expanding forms, and may seek to focus their reinsurance relationships on a core group of well-capitalized, highly-rated reinsurers who can provide a complete product suite as well as value added service. In addition to pricing, market conditions are increasingly impacted by an erosion of terms and conditions, for which we believe the reinsurance market is being undercompensated or in some instances uncompensated. It is possible that an increasing portion of the business ceded to the reinsurance market will be priced below levels, or will be characterized by contractual terms and conditions, we do not find to be acceptable, absent the advent of significant new developments. As a result of these developments, our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $65.3 million, or 7.0%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. Moreover, our net in-force property reinsurance portfolio declined as of January 1, 2016, and we currently expect this trend to continue through the coming 2016 renewals. While we believe we are well positioned to compete for business we find attractive, these dynamics may introduce or exacerbate challenges in our markets. We may also purchase additional retrocessional protection to maintain an appropriate risk adjusted level of exposure, although we cannot assure you we will do so. In recent periods, we believe that the supply of attractively priced catastrophe-exposed retrocessional coverage has declined. Accordingly, we may find fewer opportunities to cede risk on attractive terms, or pursue alternative opportunities to purchase forms of protection with different structures.

Specialty Exposed Market Developments

In the markets in which our Specialty Reinsurance segment operates, we continue to expect casualty insurance and reinsurance capacity to remain abundant during 2016. Accordingly, we believe that the potential for overall improvement in risk adjusted rates prevailing in the market will be limited. We believe that prevailing terms and conditions in the casualty market are such that many programs and treaties do not meet our pricing standards. We believe our combined operations following the acquisition of Platinum are

 

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strongly positioned to compete for business we do find attractive, with strong ratings, an expanded product offering, and an expanded U.S. market presence. However, we intend to seek to maintain strong underwriting discipline and in light of prevailing market conditions cannot provide assurance we will succeed in growing or maintaining our current combined in-force book of business.

General Economic Conditions

We believe that uncertainty continues regarding the strength and health of the overall U.S. economy, as well as that of certain significant economies in the E.U. and other key markets. For example, global economic markets, including many of the key markets which we serve, may continue to be adversely impacted by the financial and fiscal instability of several European jurisdictions and certain large developing economies, potentially including the impacts of political instability in the Middle East, Ukraine and Russia; and economic uncertainty in Greece and potentially other jurisdictions. Accordingly, we continue to believe that meaningful risk remains for continued uncertainty or adverse disruptions in general economic and financial market conditions. Moreover, future economic growth may be only at a comparably suppressed rate for a relatively extended period of time. Declining or weak economic conditions could reduce demand for the products sold by us or our customers, or could weaken our overall ability to write business at risk-adequate rates. In addition, persistent low levels of economic activity could adversely impact other areas of our financial performance, such as by contributing to unforeseen premium adjustments, mid-term policy cancellations or commutations, or asset devaluation. Any of the foregoing or other outcomes of a prolonged period of economic uncertainty could adversely impact our financial position or results of operations. In addition, during a period of extended economic weakness, we believe our consolidated credit risk, reflecting our counterparty dealings with customers, agents, brokers, retrocessionaires, capital providers and parties associated with our investment portfolio, among others, is likely to be increased. Several of these risks could materialize, and our financial results could be negatively impacted, even after the end of any period of economic weakness.

Moreover, we continue to monitor the risk that our principal markets will experience increased inflationary conditions, which would, among other things, cause costs related to our claims and claim expenses to increase, and impact the performance of our investment portfolio. The onset, duration and severity of an inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

These economic conditions impact the risk-adjusted attractiveness and absolute returns and yields of our investment portfolio. In addition, our underwriting activities can be impacted, in particular our specialty and casualty reinsurance and Lloyd’s portfolios, each of which can be exposed to risks arising from the ongoing economic weakness or dislocations, including with respect to a potential increase of claims in directors and officers, errors and omissions, surety, casualty clash and other lines of business.

The sustained and continuing environment of low interest rates, as compared to past periods, has lowered the yields at which we invest our assets. At this time we expect these developments, combined with the current composition of our investment portfolio and other factors, to continue to constrain investment income growth for the near term. In addition to impacting our reported net income, potential future losses on our investment portfolio, including potential future mark-to-market results, would adversely impact our equity capital. Moreover, as we invest cash from new premiums written or reinvest the proceeds of invested assets that mature or that we choose to sell, the yield on our portfolio is impacted by the prevailing environment of comparably low yields. While the decline in current prevailing interest rates can contribute to higher realized and unrealized gains in the near term, as we re-invest our assets or invest new cash proceeds at lower rates our future yields can be adversely impacted. While it is possible yields will improve in future periods, we currently expect the uncertain economic conditions to generally persist and we are unable to predict with certainty when conditions will substantially improve, or the pace of any such improvement.

Market Conditions

Leading global intermediaries and other sources have generally reported that the U.S. casualty reinsurance market reflects a soft pricing environment, although we believe that pockets of niche or specialty casualty lines may provide more attractive opportunities for stronger or well-positioned reinsurers. While we believe that these dynamics have supported our recent specialty and casualty growth, we cannot assure you that

 

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any overall market increase in demand will indeed materialize or we will continue to be successful in consummating new or expanded transactions.

Specific renewal terms vary widely by insured account and our ability to shape our portfolio to improve its risk and return characteristics as estimated by us is subject to a range of competitive and commercial factors. While we believe that our strong relationships, and track record of superior claims-paying ability and other client services will enable us to compete for the business we find attractive, we may not succeed in doing so; moreover, our relationships in emerging markets are not as developed as they are in our current core markets.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

On November 26, 2015, the BMA was granted full Solvency II equivalence for an unlimited period by the EC based on an assessment conducted by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. Official confirmation of Bermuda’s equivalence is expected in 2016 following a three month review by the European Parliament and Council. If Bermuda is not officially confirmed as equivalent to Solvency II, our Bermuda reinsurance companies may be required to post collateral in respect of any reinsurance of European Economic Area cedants.

In prior Congressional sessions, including in 2015, Congress has considered the Homeowners’ Defense Act which would, if enacted, provide for the creation of (i) a federal reinsurance catastrophe fund; (ii) a federal consortium to facilitate qualifying state residual markets and catastrophe funds in securing reinsurance; and (iii) a federal bond guarantee program for state catastrophe funds in qualifying state residual markets. It is possible that new bills will be introduced this Congressional session to create a federal catastrophe reinsurance program to back up state insurance or reinsurance programs, or to establish other similar or analogous funding mechanisms or structures.

If enacted, any of these bills, or legislation similar to these proposals, would, we believe, likely contribute to the growth of state entities offering below market priced insurance and reinsurance in a manner adverse to us and market participants more generally. While none of this legislation has been enacted to date, and although we believe such legislation will continue to be vigorously opposed, if adopted these bills would likely diminish the role of private market catastrophe reinsurers and could adversely impact our financial results, perhaps materially.

In June 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Bill, which provided for a five-year renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program (the “NFIP”) and effected substantial reforms in the program. Among other things, pursuant to this statute, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) was explicitly authorized to carry out initiatives to determine the capacity of private insurers, reinsurers, and financial markets to assume a greater portion of the flood risk exposure in the U.S., and to assess the capacity of the private reinsurance market to assume some of the program’s risk. The bill also provided for increasing the annual limitation on program premium increases from 10% to 20% of the average of the risk premium rates for certain properties concerned; established a four-year phase-in, after the first year, in annual 20% increments, of full actuarial rates for a newly mapped risk premium rate area; instructed FEMA to establish new flood insurance rate maps; allowed multi-family properties to purchase NFIP policies; and introduced minimum deductibles for flood claims. In March 2014, the U.S. Congress passed the Grimm-Waters Act, which amends, delays or defers some of the provisions of Biggert-Waters Bill. Among other things, the Grimm-Waters Act reverts back to exempting “grandfathered” policies from rate increases that might otherwise have been applied upon the approval of updated flood maps, introduces certain caps on the rate of premium increases even where actuarially indicated; eliminates certain provisions which provided for accelerated rate adequacy on the sale of covered properties; and introduces policy surcharges of $25 for residences and $250 for commercial properties near-term. We believe that the passage of the Grimm-Waters Act has had an adverse impact on near term prospects for increased U.S. private flood insurance demand, the stability of the NFIP and the primary insurers that produce policies for the NFIP or offer private coverages. However, the Grimm-Waters Act did not amend certain features of the Biggert-Waters Bill which could, over time, support the growth of such demand, albeit at a slower pace and with greater uncertainty, such as the continuation, subject to annual limits, of some potential premium increases and the potential continuation of certain reforms relating to commercial properties and to homes that are not primary residences. However, we cannot assure you that the provisions of the Biggert-Waters Bill will not be superseded by additional new legislation or will otherwise ultimately be implemented by the NFIP or that, if

 

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implemented, will materially benefit private carriers, or we will succeed in participating in any positive market developments that may transpire.

In 2007, the state of Florida enhanced the authority of the FHCF to offer coverage at below-market rates and expanded the ability of the state-sponsored insurer, Citizens, to compete with private insurance companies, and other companies that cede business to us. This legislation reduced the role of the private insurance and reinsurance markets in Florida, a key target market of ours. In succeeding years, Florida legislation has allowed Citizens to increase rates and cut back support for FHCF. The rate increases and cut back on coverage by FHCF and Citizens have supported, over this period, a relatively increased role for private insurers in Florida, a market in which we have established substantial market share. However, we cannot assure you that this increased role will continue or be maintained, or that adverse new legislation will not be passed.

Internationally, in the wake of the large natural catastrophes in 2011, a number of proposals have been introduced to alter the financing of natural catastrophes in several of the markets in which we operate. For example, the Thailand government has announced it is studying proposals for a natural catastrophe fund, under which the government would provide coverage for natural disasters in excess of an industry retention and below a certain limit, after which private reinsurers would continue to participate. The government of the Philippines has announced that it is considering similar proposals. Indonesia’s financial services authority has announced a proposal to increase the amount of insurance business placed with domestic reinsurers. A range of proposals from varying stakeholders have been reported to have been made to alter the current regimes for insuring flood risk in the U.K. and Australia, and earthquake risk in New Zealand. A number of these jurisdictions constitute large current or potential future markets for catastrophic coverage. If these proposals are enacted and reduce market opportunities for our clients or for the reinsurance industry, we could be adversely impacted.

Over the past few years, and again in February 2016, the Obama administration has proposed and the U.S. Congress has considered legislation which, if passed, would limit or deny U.S. insurers and reinsurers the deduction for reinsurance placed with non-U.S. affiliates. We believe that the passage of such legislation could adversely affect the reinsurance market broadly and potentially impact our own current or future operations in particular.

In July 2014, the Senate Finance Committee conducted hearings in respect of transactions in which U.S.-based companies merge with or acquire foreign companies in structures referred to as inversions. In September 2014 the IRS and the Treasury Department issued a notice describing issued regulations that the government intends to issue to eliminate certain of the tax benefits of corporate inversions, which regulations would apply to any inversion transaction closing on or after September 22, 2014. In November 2015 the IRS and the Treasury Department supplemented the 2014 notice with another notice describing further regulations that the government intends to issue in connection with corporate inversion transactions, which generally apply to any inversion transaction closing on or after November 19, 2015. These regulations could negatively impact us, including our ability to acquire U.S. companies using our common shares as acquisition consideration.

In February 2016, the Obama Administration released its proposed budget which included tax proposals that, if adopted, would affect significant change to the U.S. taxation of international business and capital flows. Among other things, these proposals would disallow the deduction for certain reinsurance premiums paid to affiliates and tighten the anti-inversion rules. We cannot predict whether Congress will adopt any of these proposals and what, if adopted, the potential impact of any such changes could be to us, our clients or the market generally.

In 2014, then House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp proposed amendments to the PFIC rules contemplated by Section 3703 of the Code. This proposal would create a new three-part test of active insurance income, providing that an insurer’s income would be excluded from the definition of passive income if: (1) the insurer would be subject to a tax as an insurer if it were a US business; (2) more than 50% of its gross receipts for the taxable year consist of premiums; and (3) its applicable insurance liabilities exceed an amount equal to 35% of its total assets as reported in its applicable financial statement for the year. Also in 2014, then Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden wrote to the IRS urging examination and new rulemaking in respect of certain practices attributed to hedge funds in respect of non-U.S. reinsurance company structures. In April 2015, the IRS issued proposed new regulations in respect of these matters. The regulations, if adopted as drafted, would provide that “passive income” for purposes of

 

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these rules would not include any income that is derived in the “active conduct” of an insurance business by a corporation which is predominantly engaged in an “insurance business.” The proposed regulations also provide a definition for “active conduct” in the course of an insurance trade or business, as well as the term “insurance business.” In addition, Senator Wyden introduced the “Offshore Reinsurance Tax Fairness Act” on June 25, 2015 that, if enacted, would characterize certain non-U.S. insurance companies with insurance liabilities of 25% or less of each such company’s assets as a PFIC and each such company with insurance liabilities of less than 10% of its assets as a PFIC. We are reviewing the proposed regulations and legislation and at this time cannot predict the likelihood of their enactment or finalization; and the scope, nature, or impact of the proposed regulations on us, should they be formally adopted or enacted. Accordingly, we cannot reliably estimate what the potential impact of any such changes could be to us, our sources of capital, our investors or the market generally. Among other things, it is possible that these IRS actions, or new legislation or rulemaking, could adversely impact the tax attributes to certain U.S. investors of participating in our managed joint ventures, even inadvertently in light of the perceived need for reforms.

On July 24, 2013, the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “DFS”) issued an Insurance Circular Letter No. 6 (2013) (the “Circular”) to all Accredited Reinsurers writing business in New York State. Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci are Accredited Reinsurers in New York. As described in the Circular, the DFS is seeking information concerning Accredited Reinsurers’ compliance with the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (the “IFCPA”), which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2012 and which became effective on July 1, 2013. The Accredited Reinsurers to whom the Circular applies do business in New York and are all based outside the United States. The DFS is responsible for the regulation of insurers doing business in New York State. We intend to cooperate with the DFS in its request for information in this regard. We believe our existing risk-based compliance program is responsive to the IFCPA and we are not aware of any non-compliance with the IFCPA. While we believe that this request for information by the DFS will not have a material adverse impact on our operations, it is possible that our industry could see increased scrutiny and perhaps additional enforcement of sanction laws and regulations. We cannot assure you that increased enforcement of sanction laws and regulations will not impact our business more adversely than we currently estimate.

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The following risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from sensitivities presented are forward-looking statements of market risk assuming certain market conditions occur. Actual results in the future may differ materially from these estimated results due to, among other things, actual developments in the global financial markets and changes in the composition of our investment portfolio, derivatives and product offerings. The results of analysis used by us to assess and mitigate risk should not be considered projections of future events or losses. See “Note On Forward-Looking Statements” for additional discussion regarding forward-looking statements included herein.

We are principally exposed to four types of market risk: interest rate risk; foreign currency risk; credit risk; and equity price risk. Our policies to address these risks in 2015 were not materially different than those used in 2014.

Our guidelines permit investments in derivative instruments such as futures, forward contracts, options, swap agreements and other derivative contracts which may be used to assume risk or for hedging purposes. Refer to “Note 20. Derivative Instruments in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to derivatives we have entered into.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the price sensitivity of a security to changes in interest rates. Our investment portfolio includes fixed maturity investments and short term investments, whose fair values will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. We attempt to maintain adequate liquidity in our fixed maturity investments portfolio to fund operations, pay reinsurance and insurance liabilities and claims and provide funding for unexpected events. We seek to manage our interest rate risk in part by monitoring the duration and structure of our investment portfolio.

The following tables summarize the aggregate hypothetical increase (decrease) in fair value from an immediate parallel shift in the treasury yield curve, assuming credit spreads remain constant, reflecting the

 

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use of an immediate time horizon since this presents the worst-case scenario, in our fixed maturity investment and short term investments portfolio for the years indicated:

 

			Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
At December 31, 2015			-100				-50				Base				50				100
(in thousands, except percentages)
Fair value of fixed maturity and short term investments		$	8,213,329			$	8,101,697			$	7,991,219			$	7,881,894			$	7,773,723
Net increase (decrease) in fair value		$	222,110			$	110,478			$	—			$	(109,325)			$	(217,496)
Percentage change in fair value			2.8%				1.4%				—%				(1.4)%				(2.7)%

 

			Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
At December 31, 2014			-100				-50				Base				50				100
(in thousands, except percentages)
Fair value of fixed maturity and short term investments		$	5,949,710			$	5,872,782			$	5,796,792			$	5,721,739			$	5,647,625
Net increase (decrease) in fair value		$	152,918			$	75,990			$	—			$	(75,053)			$	(149,167)
Percentage change in fair value			2.6%				1.3%				—%				(1.3)%				(2.6)%

We use interest rate futures within our portfolio of fixed maturity investments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk, which can include increasing or decreasing our exposure to this risk. At December 31, 2015, we had $1,012.5 million of notional long positions and $1,115.9 million of notional short positions of primarily U.S. Treasury and non-U.S. dollar futures contracts (2014 - $587.0 million and $617.4 million, respectively). Refer to “Note 20. Derivative Instruments in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to interest rate futures entered into by us. The aggregate hypothetical loss generated from an immediate upward parallel shift in the treasury yield curve of 100 basis points would cause an increase in the market value of our net position in these derivatives of approximately $28.4 million at December 31, 2015. Conversely, the aggregate hypothetical loss generated from an immediate downward parallel shift in the treasury yield curve of 100 basis points would cause a decrease in the market value of our net position in these derivatives of approximately $31.6 million at December 31, 2015. The foregoing reflects the use of an immediate time horizon, since this presents the worst-case scenario. Credit spreads are assumed to remain constant in these hypothetical examples.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. We routinely write a portion of our business in currencies other than U.S. dollars and may, from time to time, experience foreign exchange gains and losses in our consolidated financial statements. All changes in exchange rates, with the exception of non-U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available for sale, are recognized currently in our consolidated statements of operations. We are primarily impacted by the foreign currency risk exposures noted below, and may, from time to time, enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities. Refer to “Note 20. Derivative Instruments in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to foreign currency forward and option contracts we have entered into. We may determine to not match a portion of our projected liabilities in foreign currencies with investments in the same currencies, which would increase our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and increase the volatility of our results of operations.

 

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Underwriting Operations

Our foreign currency policy with regard to our underwriting operations is generally to hold foreign currency assets, including cash, investments and receivables that approximate the foreign currency liabilities, including claims and claim expense reserves and reinsurance balances payable. When necessary, we may use foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities associated with our underwriting operations.

Investment Portfolio

Our investment operations are exposed to currency fluctuations through our investments in non-U.S. dollar fixed maturity investments, short term investments and other investments. The principal currencies creating foreign exchange risk for us are the British pound sterling, the euro, the yen and the Canadian dollar. To economically hedge our exposure to currency fluctuations from these investments, we have entered into foreign currency forward contracts. In certain instances, we may assume foreign exchange risk as part of our investment strategy. Unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses arising from non-U.S. dollar investments classified as available for sale are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized foreign exchange gains or losses from the sale of our non-U.S. dollar fixed maturity investments available for sale, realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses from the sale of our non-U.S. dollar fixed maturity investments trading and other investments, and foreign exchange gains or losses associated with our hedging of these non-U.S. dollar investments are recorded in net foreign exchange gains (losses) in our consolidated statements of operations. In the future, we may choose to increase our exposure to non-U.S. dollar investments.

The following tables summarize our net foreign currency exposures and the impact of a hypothetical 10% change in our net foreign currency exposure, keeping all other variables constant, as of the dates indicated:

 

At December 31, 2015		AUD				CAD				EUR				GBP				JPY				NZD				Other				Total
(in thousands, except for percentages)
Net assets denominated in foreign currencies		$	19,707			$	20,885			$	(2,861)			$	27,450			$	(1,789)			$	(59,223)			$	(9,000)			$	(4,831)
Net foreign currency derivatives notional amounts			(34,766)				(18,583)				(9,659)				(37,107)				(83)				54,150				4,963				(41,085)
Total net foreign currency exposure		$	(15,059)			$	2,302			$	(12,520)			$	(9,657)			$	(1,872)			$	(5,073)			$	(4,037)			$	(45,916)
Net foreign currency exposure as a percentage of total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe			(0.3)%				—%				(0.3)%				(0.2)%				—%				(0.1)%				(0.1)%				(1.0)%
Impact of a hypothetical 10% change in total net foreign currency exposure		$	1,506			$	(230)			$	1,252			$	966			$	187			$	507			$	404			$	4,592

 

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At December 31, 2014		AUD				CAD				EUR				GBP				JPY				NZD				Other				Total
(in thousands, except for percentages)
Net assets denominated in foreign currencies		$	25,891			$	22,497			$	14,321			$	93,304			$	11,494			$	(68,436)			$	742			$	99,813
Net foreign currency derivatives notional amounts			(32,063)				(15,612)				(5,418)				(82,083)				(15,740)				65,973				(6,112)				(91,055)
Total net foreign currency exposure		$	(6,172)			$	6,885			$	8,903			$	11,221			$	(4,246)			$	(2,463)			$	(5,370)			$	8,758
Net foreign currency exposure as a percentage of total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe			(0.2)%				0.2%				0.2%				0.3%				(0.1)%				(0.1)%				(0.1)%				0.2%
Impact of a hypothetical 10% change in total net foreign currency exposure		$	617			$	(689)			$	(890)			$	(1,122)			$	425			$	246			$	537			$	(876)

Credit Risk

Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of a counterparty’s ability to make timely payments in accordance with contractual terms of the instrument or contract. We are exposed to direct credit risk within our portfolios of fixed maturity and short term investments, and through customers and reinsurers in the form of premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables, respectively, as discussed below.

Fixed Maturity Investments and Short Term Investments

Credit risk related to our fixed maturity investments and short term investments is the exposure to adverse changes in the creditworthiness of individual investment holdings, issuers, groups of issuers, industries and countries. We manage credit risk in our fixed maturity investments and short term investments through the credit research performed primarily by the investment management service providers and our evaluation of these investment managers adherence to investment mandates provided to them. The management of credit risk in the investment portfolio is integrated in our credit risk management governance framework and the management of credit exposures and concentrations within the investment portfolio are carried out in accordance with our risk policies, limits and risk concentrations as overseen by the Investment and Risk Management Committee of our Board of Directors. In the investment portfolio, we review on a regular basis our asset concentration, credit quality and adherence to credit limit guidelines. At December 31, 2015, our invested asset portfolio had a dollar weighted average rating of AA (2014 - AA). In addition, we limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution and, except for U.S. Government securities, none of our investments exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2015.

 

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The following table summarizes the ratings of our fixed maturity investments and short term investments (using ratings assigned by S&P, or Moody’s and/or other rating agencies when S&P ratings were not available) as a percentage of total fixed maturity investments and short term investments as of the dates indicated:

 

At December 31,		2015				2014
AAA			26.7%				26.7%
AA			44.8%				43.6%
A			9.8%				12.6%
BBB			9.6%				7.7%
Non-investment grade			8.6%				8.7%
Not rated			0.5%				0.7%
Total			100.0%				100.0%

We consider the impact of credit spread movements on the fair value of our fixed maturity and short term investments portfolio. As credit spreads widen, the fair value of our fixed maturity and short term investments decreases, and vice versa.

The following tables summarize the aggregate hypothetical increase (decrease) in fair value from an immediate parallel shift in credit spreads, assuming the treasury yield curve remains constant, reflecting the use of an immediate time horizon since this presents the worst-case scenario, in our fixed maturity investments and short term investments portfolio for the years indicated:

 

		Credit Spread Shift in Basis Points
At December 31, 2015		-100				-50				Base				50				100
(in thousands, except percentages)
Fair value of fixed income and short term investments		$	8,164,940			$	8,078,079			$	7,991,219			$	7,904,359			$	7,817,498
Net increase (decrease) in fair value		$	173,721			$	86,860			$	—			$	(86,860)			$	(173,721)
Percentage change in fair value			2.2%				1.1%				—%				(1.1)%				(2.2)%

 

		Credit Spread Shift in Basis Points
At December 31, 2014		-100				-50				Base				50				100
(in thousands, except percentages)
Fair value of fixed income and short term investments		$	5,911,396			$	5,854,094			$	5,796,792			$	5,739,490			$	5,682,188
Net increase (decrease) in fair value		$	114,604			$	57,302			$	—			$	(57,302)			$	(114,604)
Percentage change in fair value			2.0%				1.0%				—%				(1.0)%				(2.0)%

 

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We also employ credit derivatives in our investment portfolio to either assume credit risk or hedge our credit exposure. At December 31, 2015, we had outstanding credit derivatives of $Nil in notional long positions and $46.1 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2014 - $4.6 million and $19.4 million, respectively). Refer to “Note 20. Derivative Instruments in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to credit derivatives entered into by us. The aggregate hypothetical market value change generated from an immediate upward shift in credit spreads of 100 basis points would cause a decrease in the market value of our net position in these derivatives of approximately $2.4 million at December 31, 2015. Conversely, the aggregate hypothetical market value change generated from an immediate downward shift in credit spreads of 100 basis points would cause an increase in the market value of our net position in these derivatives of approximately $1.0 million at December 31, 2015. The foregoing reflects the use of an immediate time horizon, since this presents the worst-case scenario.

Premiums Receivable and Reinsurance Recoverable

Premiums receivable from ceding companies are subject to credit risk. To mitigate credit risk related to reinsurance premiums receivable, we have established standards for ceding companies and, in most cases, have a contractual right of offset allowing us to settle claims net of any reinsurance premiums receivable. We also have reinsurance recoverable amounts from our reinsurers. To mitigate credit risk related to our reinsurance recoverable amounts, we consider the financial strength of our reinsurers when determining whether to purchase coverage from them. We generally obtain reinsurance coverage from companies rated “A-” or better by S&P unless the obligations are collateralized. We routinely monitor the financial performance and rating status of all material reinsurers. Refer to “Part II, Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Reinsurance Recoverables” for additional information with respect to reinsurance recoverable.

Equity Price Risk

Equity price risk is the potential loss arising from changes in the market value of equities. As detailed in the table below, we are directly exposed to this risk through our investment in equity investments trading which are traded on nationally recognized stock exchanges; and indirectly exposed to this risk through our investments in: private equity partnerships whose exit strategies often depend on the equity markets; certain hedge funds that have net long equity positions; and other ventures, under equity method. The following table summarizes a hypothetical 10% increase and decline in the carrying value of our equity investments trading, private equity partnerships, hedge funds and investments in other ventures, holding all other factors constant, at the dates indicated:

 

At December 31,		2015				2014
(in thousands, except for percentages)
Equity investments trading, at fair value		$	393,877			$	322,098
Private equity investments, at fair value			214,848				281,932
Hedge funds, at fair value			2,289				2,570
Investments in other ventures, under equity method			132,351				120,713
Total carrying value of investments exposed to equity price risk		$	743,365			$	727,313
Impact of a hypothetical 10% increase in the carrying value of investments exposed to equity price risk		$	74,337			$	72,731
Impact of a hypothetical 10% decrease in the carrying value of investments exposed to equity price risk		$	(74,337)			$	(72,731)

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Reference is made to Item 15(a) of this Report for the Consolidated Financial Statements of RenaissanceRe and the Notes thereto, as well as the Schedules to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls:  We have designed various disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), to help ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic Exchange Act reports, such as this Form 10-K, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely and accurate basis. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the issuer; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls:  Our Board of Directors and management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. Controls, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the controls are met. Further, we believe that the design of prudent controls must reflect appropriate resource constraints, such that the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all controls, there can be no absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, applicable to us have been or will be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some individuals, by collusion of more than one person, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Evaluation:  Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, at December 31, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by our independent registered public accounting firm as stated in its report. This report appears on page F-4. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item relating to our directors, executive officers and corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference to information found in our Proxy Statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2016 (our “Proxy Statement”). We intend to file our Proxy Statement no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

We have adopted a Code of Ethics within the meaning of Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act that applies to all of our directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer and all of our employees performing financial or accounting functions. The Code of Ethics is available free of charge on our website www.renre.com. We will also provide a printed version of the Code of Ethics to any shareholder who requests it. We intend to disclose any amendments to our Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website. As outlined in the Code of Ethics, any waivers of our Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and other executive officers who perform similar functions will be disclosed by filing a Form 8-K.

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item relating to executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference to information included in our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to information included in our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item relating to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is incorporated herein by reference to information included in our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item relating to principal accountant fees and services is incorporated herein by reference to information included in our Proxy Statement.

PART IV

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and related Notes thereto are listed in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and are filed as part of this Form 10-K.

Financial Statement Schedules

The Schedules to the Consolidated Financial Statements of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. are listed in the accompanying Index to Schedules to Consolidated Financial Statements and are filed as a part of this Form 10-K.

Exhibits

See the Exhibit Index immediately following the Schedules to Consolidated Financial Statements of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. in this Form 10-K.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Hamilton, Bermuda on February 19, 2016.

 

Date: February 19, 2016						RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
						/s/ Kevin J. O’Donnell
						Kevin J. O’Donnell
						Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature		Title		Date
/s/ Kevin J. O’Donnell		Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal   Executive Officer)		February 19, 2016
Kevin J. O’Donnell
/s/ Jeffrey D. Kelly		Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and		February 19, 2016
Jeffrey D. Kelly		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Mark A. Wilcox		Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and		February 19, 2016
Mark A. Wilcox		Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Ralph B. Levy		Chair of the Board of Directors		February 19, 2016
Ralph B. Levy
/s/ David C. Bushnell		Director		February 19, 2016
David C. Bushnell
/s/ James L. Gibbons		Director		February 19, 2016
James L. Gibbons
/s/ Brian G. J. Gray		Director		February 19, 2016
Brian G. J. Gray
/s/ William F. Hagerty IV		Director		February 19, 2016
William F. Hagerty IV
/s/ Jean D. Hamilton		Director		February 19, 2016
Jean D. Hamilton
/s/ Henry Klehm, III		Director		February 19, 2016
Henry Klehm, III
/s/ Anthony M. Santomero		Director		February 19, 2016
Anthony M. Santomero
/s/ Nicholas L. Trivisonno		Director		February 19, 2016
Nicholas L. Trivisonno
/s/ Edward J. Zore		Director		February 19, 2016
Edward J. Zore

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

		Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting			F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm			F-3
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm			F-4
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014			F-5
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013			F-6
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013			F-7
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013			F-8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013			F-9
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements			F-10

 

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management at RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. RenaissanceRe’s internal control over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect management’s judgments and estimates concerning effects of events and transactions that are accounted for or disclosed. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any controls. Controls, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that its objectives are met. No evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within RenaissanceRe have been detected.

Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). We have excluded from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting an assessment of the internal control over financial reporting of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, which were acquired on March 2, 2015. As a result, 4% and 28% of our total assets and total liabilities, respectively, as of December 31, 2015, and 22% of our total revenue for the year then ended, were excluded from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting. Based on this assessment, which excluded an assessment of internal control over financial reporting of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, management believes that RenaissanceRe maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.

RenaissanceRe’s effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, has been audited by Ernst & Young Ltd., the Independent Registered Public Accountants who also audited RenaissanceRe’s consolidated financial statements. Ernst & Young Ltd.’s attestation report on the effectiveness of RenaissanceRe’s internal control over financial reporting appears on page F-4.

 

F-2

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated February 19, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young Ltd.

Hamilton, Bermuda

February 19, 2016

 

F-3

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

We have audited RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (the COSO criteria). RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal control over financial reporting of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries from the date of acquisition, which are included in the 2015 consolidated financial statements of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries. As a result, 4% and 28% of total assets and total liabilities, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and 22% of total revenue for the year then ended, of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries was excluded from management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

In our opinion, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries and our report dated February 19, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young Ltd.

Hamilton, Bermuda

February 19, 2016

 

F-4

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Table of Contents

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands of United States Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

		December 31,   2015				December 31,   2014
Assets
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $6,825,877 and $4,749,613 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively) (Notes 6 and 7)		$	6,765,005			$	4,756,685
Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost $15,943 and $23,772 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively) (Notes 6 and 7)			17,813				26,885
Short term investments, at fair value (Notes 6 and 7)			1,208,401				1,013,222
Equity investments trading, at fair value (Notes 6 and 7)			393,877				322,098
Other investments, at fair value (Notes 6 and 7)			481,621				504,147
Investments in other ventures, under equity method (Note 6)			132,351				120,713
Total investments			8,999,068				6,743,750
Cash and cash equivalents			506,885				525,584
Premiums receivable			778,009				440,007
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Note 8)			230,671				94,810
Reinsurance recoverable (Notes 8 and 9)			134,526				66,694
Accrued investment income			39,749				26,509
Deferred acquisition costs			199,380				110,059
Receivable for investments sold			220,834				52,390
Other assets			186,595				135,845
Goodwill and other intangible assets (Notes 3 and 5)			265,154				7,902
Total assets		$	11,560,871			$	8,203,550
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses (Note 9)		$	2,767,045			$	1,412,510
Unearned premiums			889,102				512,386
Debt (Note 10)			966,079				249,522
Reinsurance balances payable			523,974				454,580
Payable for investments purchased			391,378				203,021
Other liabilities			245,145				374,108
Total liabilities			5,782,723				3,206,127
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 21)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 11)			1,045,964				1,131,708
Shareholders’ Equity (Note 13)
Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 16,000,000)			400,000				400,000
Common shares: $1.00 par value – 43,701,064 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 38,441,972)			43,701				38,442
Additional paid-in capital			507,674				—
Accumulated other comprehensive income			2,108				3,416
Retained earnings			3,778,701				3,423,857
Total shareholders’ equity			4,732,184				3,865,715
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity		$	11,560,871			$	8,203,550

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

F-5

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

(in thousands of United States Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

		2015				2014				2013
Revenues
Gross premiums written		$	2,011,310			$	1,550,572			$	1,605,412
Net premiums written (Note 8)		$	1,416,183			$	1,068,236			$	1,203,947
Increase in unearned premiums			(15,632)				(5,820)				(89,321)
Net premiums earned (Note 8)			1,400,551				1,062,416				1,114,626
Net investment income (Note 6)			152,567				124,316				208,028
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains			(3,051)				6,260				1,917
Equity in earnings of other ventures (Note 6)			20,481				26,075				23,194
Other income (loss)			13,472				(423)				(2,359)
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments (Note 6)			(68,918)				41,433				35,076
Total revenues			1,515,102				1,260,077				1,380,482
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred (Notes 8 and 9)			448,238				197,947				171,287
Acquisition expenses			238,592				144,476				125,501
Operational expenses			219,112				190,639				191,105
Corporate expenses			77,114				22,987				33,622
Interest expense (Note 10)			35,670				17,164				17,929
Total expenses			1,018,726				573,213				539,444
Income from continuing operations before taxes			496,376				686,864				841,038
Income tax benefit (expense) (Note 16)			45,866				(608)				(1,692)
Income from continuing operations			542,242				686,256				839,346
Income from discontinued operations (Note 4)			—				—				2,422
Net income			542,242				686,256				841,768
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 11)			(111,050)				(153,538)				(151,144)
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe			431,192				532,718				690,624
Dividends on preference shares (Note 13)			(22,381)				(22,381)				(24,948)
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders		$	408,811			$	510,337			$	665,676
Income from continuing operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic		$	9.36			$	12.77			$	15.08
Income from discontinued operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic			—				—				0.06
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic (Note 14)		$	9.36			$	12.77			$	15.14
Income from continuing operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted		$	9.28			$	12.60			$	14.82
Income from discontinued operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted			—				—				0.05
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted (Note 14)		$	9.28			$	12.60			$	14.87
Dividends per common share (Note 13)		$	1.20			$	1.16			$	1.12

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

		2015				2014				2013
Comprehensive income
Net income		$	542,242			$	686,256			$	841,768
Change in net unrealized gains on investments			(1,308)				(715)				(9,491)
Comprehensive income			540,934				685,541				832,277
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(111,050)				(153,538)				(151,144)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(111,050)				(153,538)				(151,144)
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe		$	429,884			$	532,003			$	681,133
Disclosure regarding net unrealized gains
Total net realized and unrealized holding (losses) gains on investments		$	(982)			$	(715)			$	(1,943)
Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale			(326)				—				(7,548)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments		$	(1,308)			$	(715)			$	(9,491)

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

		2015				2014				2013
Preference shares
Balance – January 1		$	400,000			$	400,000			$	400,000
Issuance of shares			—				—				275,000
Repurchase of shares			—				—				(275,000)
Balance – December 31			400,000				400,000				400,000
Common shares
Balance – January 1			38,442				43,646				45,542
Issuance of shares			7,435				—				—
Repurchase of shares			(2,473)				(5,355)				(2,451)
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards (Notes 13 and 18)			297				151				555
Balance – December 31			43,701				38,442				43,646
Additional paid-in capital
Balance – January 1			—				—				—
Issuance of shares			754,384				—				—
Repurchase of shares			(257,401)				(11,702)				(1,702)
Offering expenses			—				—				(9,144)
Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest			(762)				1,274				318
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards (Notes 13 and 18)			11,453				10,428				10,528
Balance – December 31			507,674				—				—
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance – January 1			3,416				4,131				13,622
Change in net unrealized gains on investments			(1,308)				(715)				(9,491)
Balance – December 31			2,108				3,416				4,131
Retained earnings
Balance – January 1			3,423,857				3,456,607				3,043,901
Net income			542,242				686,256				841,768
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 11)			(111,050)				(153,538)				(151,144)
Repurchase of shares			—				(497,175)				(203,703)
Dividends on common shares			(53,967)				(45,912)				(49,267)
Dividends on preference shares			(22,381)				(22,381)				(24,948)
Balance – December 31			3,778,701				3,423,857				3,456,607
Total shareholders’ equity		$	4,732,184			$	3,865,715			$	3,904,384

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(in thousands of United States Dollars)

 

		2015				2014				2013
Cash flows provided by operating activities
Net income		$	542,242			$	686,256			$	841,768
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Amortization, accretion and depreciation			18,179				47,771				51,596
Equity in undistributed earnings of other ventures			(10,087)				(19,990)				(15,450)
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments			68,918				(41,433)				(35,058)
Net unrealized losses (gains) included in net investment income			13,549				1,393				(75,789)
Net unrealized losses included in other income (loss)			426				1,612				12,782
Change in:
Premiums receivable			(105,281)				34,080				17,278
Prepaid reinsurance premiums			(128,410)				(28,678)				10,950
Reinsurance recoverable			(64,104)				34,331				91,487
Deferred acquisition costs			(89,241)				(28,375)				(29,062)
Reserve for claims and claim expenses			(43,310)				(151,220)				(315,647)
Unearned premiums			144,040				34,498				78,371
Reinsurance balances payable			64,924				161,558				2,603
Other			2,892				(71,146)				159,892
Net cash provided by operating activities			414,737				660,657				795,721
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading			9,481,742				7,682,573				8,251,405
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading			(9,683,068)				(7,639,178)				(8,466,467)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale			8,688				7,088				45,178
Net purchases of equity investments trading			(147,558)				(20,003)				(33,055)
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments			669,116				45,023				(246,971)
Net sales of other investments			15,843				59,120				76,214
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures			(10,150)				1,030				(4,000)
Net sales of other assets			4,500				6,000				2,181
Net proceeds related to sale of discontinued operations			—				—				60,000
Net purchase of Platinum			(678,152)				—				—
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities			(339,039)				141,653				(315,515)
Cash flows used in financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares			(53,967)				(45,912)				(49,267)
Dividends paid – preference shares			(22,381)				(22,381)				(24,948)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases			(259,874)				(514,678)				(207,410)
Issuance of debt			445,589				—				—
Repayment of debt			—				—				(102,436)
Redemption of 6.08% Series C preference shares			—				—				(125,000)
Redemption of 6.60% Series D preference shares			—				—				(150,000)
Issuance of 5.375% Series E preference shares, net of expenses			—				—				265,856
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions			(193,032)				(111,707)				(5,750)
Net cash used in financing activities			(83,665)				(694,678)				(398,955)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash			(10,732)				9,920				1,423
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(18,699)				117,552				82,674
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations			—				—				21,213
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year			525,584				408,032				304,145
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year		$	506,885			$	525,584			$	408,032

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2015

(unless otherwise noted, amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States (“U.S.”) dollars, except per share

amounts and percentages)

NOTE 1.  ORGANIZATION

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe”) was formed under the laws of Bermuda on June 7, 1993. Together with its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and DaVinciRe (as defined below), which are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”, RenaissanceRe provides reinsurance and insurance coverages and related services to a broad range of customers.

 

•

On March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe completed its acquisition of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum”). As a result of the acquisition, Platinum and its subsidiaries became wholly owned subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe, including Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”) and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc., formerly known as Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.”). The Company accounted for the acquisition of Platinum under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic Business Combinations and the Company’s consolidated results of operations include those of Platinum from March 2, 2015. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum” for more information.

 

•

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (“Renaissance Reinsurance”), the Company’s principal reinsurance subsidiary, provides property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance coverages to insurers and reinsurers on a worldwide basis.

 

•

Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is a reinsurance company domiciled in the state of Maryland that provides property and casualty reinsurance coverages to insurers and reinsurers, primarily in the Americas.

 

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RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks”) is a Bermuda-domiciled excess and surplus lines insurance company that is listed on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ International Insurance Department’s Quarterly List of Alien Insurers as an eligible surplus lines insurer. RenaissanceRe Underwriting Managers U.S. LLC, a specialty reinsurance agency domiciled in the state of Connecticut, provides specialty treaty reinsurance solutions on both a quota share and excess of loss basis; and writes business on behalf of RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.”), a Bermuda-domiciled reinsurer, which operates subject to U.S. federal income tax, and RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458 (“Syndicate 1458”).

 

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Syndicate 1458 is the Company’s Lloyd’s syndicate. RenaissanceRe Corporate Capital (UK) Limited (“RenaissanceRe CCL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is Syndicate 1458’s sole corporate member and RenaissanceRe Syndicate Management Ltd. (“RSML”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is the managing agent for Syndicate 1458.

 

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The Company also manages property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance business written on behalf of joint ventures, which principally include Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd. (“Top Layer Re”), recorded under the equity method of accounting, and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. (“DaVinci”). Because the Company owns a noncontrolling equity interest in, but controls a majority of the outstanding voting power of DaVinci’s parent, DaVinciRe Holdings Ltd. (“DaVinciRe”), the results of DaVinci and DaVinciRe are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. Redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe represents the interests of external parties with respect to the net income and shareholders’ equity of DaVinciRe. Renaissance Underwriting Managers, Ltd. (“RUM”), a wholly owned subsidiary, acts as exclusive underwriting manager for these joint ventures in return for fee-based income and profit participation.

 

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RenaissanceRe Medici Fund Ltd. (“Medici”) is an exempted fund, incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. Medici’s objective is to seek to invest substantially all of its assets in various insurance based investment instruments that have returns primarily tied to property catastrophe risk. Third party investors have subscribed for a portion of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici.

 

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Because the Company owns a noncontrolling equity interest in, but controls a majority of the outstanding voting power of, Medici’s parent, RenaissanceRe Fund Holdings Ltd. (“Fund Holdings”), the results of Medici and Fund Holdings are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici represents the interests of external parties with respect to the net income and shareholders’ equity of Medici.

 

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Effective January 1, 2013, the Company formed and launched a managed joint venture, Upsilon RFO Re Ltd., formerly known as Upsilon Reinsurance II Ltd. (“Upsilon RFO”), a Bermuda domiciled special purpose insurer (“SPI”), to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence primary and retrocessional property catastrophe excess of loss market. Upsilon RFO is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. As a result, Upsilon RFO is consolidated by the Company and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated.

 

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Effective November 13, 2014, the Company incorporated RenaissanceRe Upsilon Fund Ltd. (“Upsilon Fund”), an exempted Bermuda limited segregated accounts company. Upsilon Fund was formed to provide a fund structure through which third party investors can invest in reinsurance risk managed by the Company. As a segregated accounts company, Upsilon Fund is permitted to establish segregated accounts to invest in and hold identified pools of assets and liabilities. Each pool of assets and liabilities in each segregated account is structured to be ring-fenced from any claims from the creditors of Upsilon Fund’s general account and from the creditors of other segregated accounts within Upsilon Fund. Third party investors purchase redeemable, non-voting preference shares linked to specific segregated accounts of Upsilon Fund and own 100% of these shares. Upsilon Fund is an investment company and is considered a VIE. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of Upsilon Fund and as a result Upsilon Fund is not consolidated by the Company.

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from these statements. Except as discussed in “Note 4. Discontinued Operations,” and unless otherwise noted, the notes to the consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s continuing operations.

Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

USE OF ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The major estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the reserve for claims and claim expenses; reinsurance recoverables, including allowances for reinsurance recoverables deemed uncollectible; estimates of written and earned premiums; fair value, including the fair value of investments, financial instruments and derivatives; impairment charges; and the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The results of operations of REAL (as defined herein), the Company’s former U.S.-based weather and weather-related energy risk management unit, which was sold to an unaffiliated third party, is classified as held for sale and reported as discontinued operations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Discontinued Operations. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are presented excluding the operations and cash flows of the discontinued operations from the continuing operations of the Company since the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations after the sale. The financial position and results of operations of discontinued operations are presented as single line items on

 

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the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, respectively. Refer to “Note 4. Discontinued Operations” for more information.

PREMIUMS AND RELATED EXPENSES

Premiums are recognized as income, net of any applicable reinsurance or retrocessional coverage purchased, over the terms of the related contracts and policies. Premiums written are based on contract and policy terms and include estimates based on information received from both insureds and ceding companies. Subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired terms of contracts and policies in force. Amounts are computed by pro rata methods based on statistical data or reports received from ceding companies. Reinstatement premiums are estimated after the occurrence of a significant loss and are recorded in accordance with the contract terms based upon paid losses and case reserves. Reinstatement premiums are earned when written.

Acquisition costs are incurred when a contract or policy is issued and only the costs directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal contract or policies are deferred and amortized over the same period in which the related premiums are earned. Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions and profit commissions earned on ceded reinsurance, and consist principally of commissions, brokerage and premium tax expenses incurred at the time a contract or policy is issued. Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums. Anticipated claims and claim expenses, based on historical and current experience, and anticipated investment income related to those premiums are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs.

CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES

The reserve for claims and claim expenses includes estimates for unpaid claims and claim expenses on reported losses as well as an estimate of losses incurred but not reported. The reserve is based on individual claims, case reserves and other reserve estimates reported by insureds and ceding companies as well as management estimates of ultimate losses. Inherent in the estimates of ultimate losses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which could vary significantly as claims are settled. Also, during the past few years, the Company has increased its specialty reinsurance and Lloyd’s businesses, but does not have the benefit of a significant amount of its own historical experience in certain of these lines of business. Accordingly, the setting and reserving for incurred losses in these lines of business could be subject to greater variability.

Ultimate losses may vary materially from the amounts provided in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which they become known and are accounted for as changes in estimates.

REINSURANCE

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. For multi-year retrospectively rated contracts, the Company accrues amounts (either assets or liabilities) that are due to or from assuming companies based on estimated contract experience. If the Company determines that adjustments to earlier estimates are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Reinsurance recoverables on dual trigger reinsurance contracts require the Company to estimate its ultimate losses applicable to these contracts as well as estimate the ultimate amount of insured industry losses that will be reported by the applicable statistical reporting agency, as per the contract terms. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are recorded net of a valuation allowance for estimated uncollectible recoveries.

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts that lack a significant transfer of risk are treated as deposits.

Certain assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts that do not meet all of the criteria to be accounted for as reinsurance in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance have been accounted for at fair value under the fair value option in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments.

 

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INVESTMENTS, CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Fixed Maturity Investments

Investments in fixed maturities are classified as available for sale or trading and are reported at fair value. Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date with balances pending settlement reflected in the balance sheet as a receivable for investments sold or a payable for investments purchased. Net investment income includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts and is net of investment management and custody fees. The amortization of premium and accretion of discount for fixed maturity securities is computed using the effective yield method. For mortgage-backed securities and other holdings for which there is prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated quarterly and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments. Fair values of investments are based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications and/or internal pricing valuation techniques. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on fixed maturity investments available for sale is included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on fixed maturity investments trading is included in net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method and, for fixed maturity investments available for sale, include adjustments to the cost basis of investments for declines in value that are considered to be other-than-temporary.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairments in earnings for its impaired fixed maturity securities available for sale (i) for which the Company has the intent to sell the security or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery and (iii) for those securities which have a credit loss. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, the Company compares the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. In instances in which a determination is made that an impairment exists but the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into (i) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss and (ii) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. In periods after the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments on the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale, the Company accounts for such securities as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. For debt securities in which other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be amortized into net investment income.

Short Term Investments

Short term investments, which are managed as part of the Company’s investment portfolio and have a maturity of one year or less when purchased, are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on short term investments is included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.

Equity Investments, Classified as Trading

Equity investments are accounted for at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments. Fair values are primarily priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. Net investment income includes dividend income and the net realized and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on equity investments is included in net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

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Other Investments

The Company accounts for its other investments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments. The fair value of certain of the Company’s fund investments, which principally include private equity funds, a senior secured bank loan fund and hedge funds, is recorded on its balance sheet in other investments, and is generally established on the basis of the net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments, if applicable. The net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments is established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments. Certain of the Company’s fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of the Company’s current reporting date. The typical reporting lag experienced by the Company to receive a final net asset value report is one month for hedge funds and senior secured bank loan funds and three months for private equity funds, although, in the past, in respect of certain of the Company’s private equity funds, the Company has on occasion experienced delays of up to six months at year end, as the private equity funds typically complete their respective year-end audits before releasing their final net asset value statements.

In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the reporting date of the latest fund valuation, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month or quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or distributions, as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, all information available to the Company is utilized. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported to the Company by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from the Company’s estimates and these differences are recorded in the Company’s statement of operations in the period in which they are reported to the Company as a change in estimate.

The Company’s other investments also include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair value and the fair value is based on broker or underwriter bid indications.

Investments in Other Ventures

Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are classified as investments in other ventures, under equity method, and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss from such investments in its results for the period. Any decline in value of investments in other ventures, under equity method considered by management to be other-than-temporary is charged to income in the period in which it is determined.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include money market instruments with a maturity of ninety days or less when purchased.

STOCK INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

The Company is authorized to issue restricted stock awards and units, performance shares, stock options and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The fair value of the compensation cost is measured at the grant date and expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award.

In addition, the Company is authorized to issue cash settled restricted stock units (“CSRSU”) to its employees. The fair value of CSRSUs is determined using the fair market value of RenaissanceRe common shares at the end of each reporting period and is expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The fair value of these awards is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a liability as it is expensed and until the point payment is made to the employee.

 

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Forfeiture benefits are estimated on a quarterly basis and incorporated in the determination of stock-based compensation.

DERIVATIVES

The Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative contracts in order to manage its foreign currency exposure, obtain exposure to a particular financial market, for yield enhancement, or for trading and speculation. The Company accounts for its derivatives in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all derivatives to be recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, depending on their rights or obligations, with changes in fair value reflected in current earnings. The Company does not currently apply hedge accounting. The fair value of the Company’s derivatives is estimated by reference to quoted prices or broker quotes, where available, or in the absence of quoted prices or broker quotes, the use of industry or internal valuation models.

FAIR VALUE

The Company accounts for certain of its assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in its statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on its fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations, and goodwill and other intangible assets that arise from business combinations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. A purchase price that is in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired arising from a business combination is recorded as goodwill, and is not amortized. Other intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized.

Goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Finite life intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, and tested for impairment if appropriate. For purposes of the annual impairment evaluation, goodwill is assigned to the applicable reporting unit of the acquired entities giving rise to the goodwill. Goodwill and other intangible assets recorded in connection with investments accounted for under the equity method, are recorded as “Investments in other ventures, under equity method” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company has established the beginning of the fourth quarter as the date for performing its annual impairment tests.

The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this option, the Company would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the Company determines, based on its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, they are written down to their estimated fair value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

The Company accounts for noncontrolling interests in the shareholders’ equity section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Consolidations, and presents such noncontrolling shareholders’ interest in the net assets of the subsidiary. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

In addition, the Company accounts for redeemable noncontrolling interest in DaVinciRe in the mezzanine section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance which is applicable to SEC registrants. The SEC guidance requires shares, not required to be accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing

 

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Liabilities from Equity, and having redemption features that are not solely within the control of the issuer, to be classified outside of permanent equity in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet. Because the share classes related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest portion of DaVinciRe are not considered liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and have redemption features that are not solely within the control of DaVinciRe, the redeemable noncontrolling interest in DaVinciRe is presented in the mezzanine section on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with the SEC guidance noted above. The SEC guidance does not impact the accounting for redeemable noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations; therefore, the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Consolidation with respect to the consolidated statements of operations still apply.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Company accounts for VIEs in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Consolidation, which requires the consolidation of all VIEs by the primary beneficiary, that being the investor that has the power to direct the activities of the VIE and that will absorb a portion of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing an analysis that principally considers: (i) the VIE’s purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders; (ii) the VIE’s capital structure; (iii) the terms between the VIE and its variable interest holders and other parties involved with the VIE; (iv) which variable interest holders have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; (v) which variable interest holders have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE; and (vi) related party relationships. The Company reassesses its initial determination of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon changes in facts and circumstances that could potentially alter the Company’s assessment.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share are based on weighted average common shares and exclude any dilutive effects of options and restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of all dilutive stock options and restricted stock grants.

The two-class method is used to determine earnings per share based on dividends declared on common shares and participating securities (i.e., distributed earnings) and participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. Each unvested restricted share granted by the Company to its employees is considered a participating security and the Company uses the two-class method to calculate its net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic and diluted.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, which may result in the recognition of exchange gains or losses which are included in the determination of net income (loss).

TAXATION

Income taxes have been provided for in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Such temporary differences are primarily due to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting differences relating to interest expense, underwriting results, accrued expenses and investments. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded if it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the benefits related to deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

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Uncertain tax positions are also accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes. Uncertain tax positions must meet a more likely than not recognition threshold to be recognized.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 provides comprehensive guidance on the recognition of revenue from customers arising from the transfer of goods and services. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also provides guidance on accounting for certain contract costs and will also require new disclosures. ASU 2014-09 was to be effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however in July 2015, the FASB decided to defer by one year the effective dates of ASU 2014-09, and as a result, ASU 2014-09 will be effective for public business entities in annual and interim period beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. 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 statements of operations and financial position.

Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). The objective of ASU 2014-12 is to resolve the diverse accounting treatment of share-based payment awards in situations where an employee would be eligible to vest in the award regardless of whether the employee is rendering service on the date the performance target is achieved. For example, if an employee is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target could be achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award. ASU 2014-12 will resolve if and when the performance target is achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for all entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. 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 statements of operations and financial position.

Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 will affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under ASU 2015-02. ASU 2015-02 set forth amendments: modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs; eliminating the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; affecting the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangement and related party relationships; and providing a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. 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 statements of operations and financial position.

Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). The objective of ASU 2015-03 is to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The

 

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recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-03 provides for retroactive application, and upon transition, applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle would be provided, including the transition method, a description of the prior period information that has been retroactively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the applicable financial statement line items. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.

Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (“ASU 2015-09”). ASU 2015-09 requires insurance entities to disclose for annual reporting periods additional information about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including: (1) incurred and paid claims development information by accident year, on a net basis, for the number of years for which claims incurred typically remain outstanding, not exceeding 10 years; (2) a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development information to the aggregate carry amount of the liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses, with separate disclosure of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims for each period presented in the statement of financial position; (3) for each accident year presented of incurred claims development information, the total of incurred but not reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims including in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, accompanied by a description of the reserving methodologies; (4) for each accident year presented of incurred claims development information, quantitative information about claim frequency accompanied by a qualitative description of methodologies used for determining claim frequency information; and (5) for all claims, the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age for the same number of accident years presented in (3) and (4) above. ASU 2015-09 also requires insurance entities to disclose information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including the reasons for the change and the effects on the financial statements. In addition, ASU 2015-09 requires insurance entities to disclose for annual and interim reporting periods a rollforward of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. ASU 2015-09 is effective for public business entities in annual periods beginning after December 31, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 31, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-09 should be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented, except for those requirements that apply only to the current period. As this guidance is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (“ASU 2015-07”). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. ASU 2015-07 also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. ASU 2015-07 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. A reporting entity should apply the amendments retrospectively to all periods presented. The retrospective approach requires that an investment for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient be removed from the fair value hierarchy in all periods presented in an entity’s financial statements. Earlier application is permitted. As this guidance is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s statements of operations and financial position.

Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2015-16 removes the requirement to retrospectively account for

 

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adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. Rather, those adjustments are to be recognized by the acquirer in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. A reporting entity is also required to disclose, in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are recorded, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, as a result of the change to provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. In addition, the reporting entity would present on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the amounts that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-16 should be applied prospectively to adjustments for provisional amounts that occur after the effective date, with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. 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 statements of operations and financial position.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in the consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost, requires the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation in other comprehensive income of the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the organization has elected to measure the liabilities in accordance with the fair value option, requires the separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and for form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements and clarifies that the reporting organization should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the organization’s other deferred tax assets. ASU 2016-01 is effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier adoption in generally not permitted, except for certain specific provisions of ASU 2016-01. 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 statements of operations and financial position.

NOTE 3. ACQUISITION OF PLATINUM

Overview

On March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Platinum for $76 per Platinum common share, or aggregate consideration of $1.93 billion. In connection with an intercompany restructuring, effective July 1, 2015, Platinum was merged with RenaissanceRe, with RenaissanceRe continuing as the surviving company.

Prior to the closing of the acquisition of Platinum, Platinum was a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and headquartered in Bermuda. Platinum, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provided property and casualty reinsurance coverage through reinsurance brokers to insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis. The Company believes the acquisition of Platinum has benefited the combined companies’ clients through an expanded product offering and enhanced broker relationships and it has also accelerated the growth of the Company’s U.S. specialty and casualty reinsurance platform.

The aggregate consideration for the transaction consisted of the issuance of 7.435 million RenaissanceRe common shares valued at $761.8 million (based on the share price as of March 2, 2015) and $1.16 billion of cash. The cash consideration was partially funded through a pre-closing dividend from Platinum of $10.00 per share, or $253.2 million (the “Special Dividend”), RenaissanceRe available funds of $604.4 million and a short term bridge loan of $300.0 million. On March 24, 2015, RenaissanceRe Finance Inc. (“RenaissanceRe Finance”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, issued $300.0 million of its 3.700% Senior Notes due 2025 (together with cash on hand) to replace the short term bridge loan used to

 

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fund part of the cash consideration. Refer to “Note 10. Debt and Credit Facilities” for additional information related to the 3.700% Senior Notes due 2025.

In connection with the acquisition of Platinum, RenaissanceRe incurred transaction and other-related expenses of $53.5 million during 2015, which includes $11.8 million related to transaction costs, including due diligence, legal, accounting and investment banking fees and expenses, $5.4 million of costs related to the integration of Platinum within the RenaissanceRe organization, and $36.3 million of compensation-related costs associated with terminating employees of Platinum. In the fourth quarter of 2014, RenaissanceRe also incurred $6.7 million of transaction-related expenses. These expenses have all been reported as a component of corporate expenses.

Purchase Price

The Company’s total purchase price for Platinum at March 2, 2015 was calculated as follows:

 

Special Dividend
Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum			25,320,312
Special Dividend per outstanding common share of Platinum and Platinum equity award		$	10.00
Special Dividend paid to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards						$	253,203
RenaissanceRe common shares
Common shares issued by RenaissanceRe			7,434,561
Common share price of RenaissanceRe as of March 2, 2015		$	102.47
Market value of RenaissanceRe common shares issued by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards							761,819
Platinum common shares
Fair value of Platinum common shares owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum							12,950
Cash consideration
Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum			25,320,312
Platinum common shares owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum			(169,220)
Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum excluding those owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum			25,151,092
Agreed cash price paid to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards		$	35.96
Cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards							904,433
Total purchase price							1,932,405
Less: Special Dividend paid by Platinum							(253,203)
Net purchase price						$	1,679,202

Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of Platinum based on estimated fair values on March 2, 2015, the date the transaction closed, as detailed below. The Company recognized goodwill of $191.7 million primarily attributable to Platinum’s assembled workforce and synergies expected to result upon integration of Platinum into the Company’s operations. There were no other adjustments to carried goodwill during the period ended December 31, 2015 reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015. The Company recognized identifiable finite lived intangible assets

 

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of $75.2 million, which are being amortized over a weighted average period of eight years, identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of $8.4 million, and certain other adjustments to the fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and shareholders’ equity of Platinum at March 2, 2015 as summarized in the table below:

 

Shareholders’ equity of Platinum prior to Special Dividend		$	1,737,278
Cash and cash equivalents (Special Dividend on Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards)			(253,203)
Adjusted shareholders’ equity of Platinum at March 2, 2015			1,484,075
Adjustments for fair value, by applicable balance sheet caption:
Deferred acquisition costs			(44,486)
Debt			(28,899)
Reserve for claims and claim expenses			(21,725)
Other assets - deferred debt issuance costs			(1,046)
Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption before tax impact			(96,156)
Other assets - net deferred tax asset related to fair value adjustments			29,069
Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption			(67,087)
Adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets:
Identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets (insurance licenses)			8,400
Identifiable finite lived intangible assets (non-contractual relationships, renewal rights, value of business acquired, trade name, internally developed and used computer software and covenants not to compete)			75,200
Identifiable intangible assets before tax impact			83,600
Other liabilities - deferred tax liability on identifiable intangible assets			(13,115)
Total adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets			70,485
Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption and identifiable intangible assets			3,398
Shareholders’ equity of Platinum at fair value			1,487,473
Total net purchase price paid by RenaissanceRe			1,679,202
Excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired assigned to goodwill		$	191,729

An explanation of the significant fair value adjustments is as follows:

 

•

Deferred acquisition costs - to eliminate Platinum’s deferred acquisition costs;

 

•

Debt - to reflect Platinum’s existing senior notes at fair value using indicative market pricing obtained from third-party service providers;

 

•

Reserve for claims and claim expenses - to reflect an increase in net claims and claim expenses due to the addition of a market based risk margin which represents the cost of capital required by a market participant to assume the net claims and claim expenses of Platinum, partially offset by a deduction which represents the discount due to the present value calculation of the unpaid claims and claim expenses based on the expected payout of the net unpaid claims and claim expenses;

 

•

Other assets - to eliminate deferred debt issuance costs related to Platinum’s existing senior notes and to reflect net deferred tax assets related to fair value adjustments;

 

•

Identifiable indefinite lived and finite lived intangible assets - to establish the fair value of identifiable intangible assets related to the acquisition of Platinum described in detail below; and

 

•

Other liabilities - to reflect the deferred tax liability on identifiable intangible assets.

 

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Identifiable intangible assets at March 2, 2015 and at December 31, 2015, consisted of the following, and are included in goodwill and other intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:

 

		Amount				Economic     Useful Life
Key non-contractual relationships		$	30,400			10 years
Value of business acquired			20,200			2 years
Renewal rights			15,800			15 years
Insurance licenses			8,400			Indefinite
Internally developed and used computer software			3,500			2 years
Other non-contractual relationships			2,300			3 years
Non-compete agreements			1,900			2.5 years
Trade name			1,100			6 months
Identifiable intangible assets, before amortization, at March 2, 2015			83,600
Amortization (from March 2, 2015 through December 31, 2015)			(17,905)
Net identifiable intangible assets at December 31, 2015 related to the acquisition of Platinum		$	65,695

An explanation of the identifiable intangible assets is as follows:

 

•

Key non-contractual relationships - these relationships included Platinum’s top four brokers (Aon plc, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Willis Group Holdings plc. and Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc.) and consideration was given to the expectation of the renewal of these relationships and the associated expenses;

 

•

Value of business acquired (“VOBA”) - the expected future losses and expenses associated with the policies that were in-force as of the closing date of the transaction were estimated and compared to the future premium remaining expected to be earned. The difference between the risk-adjusted future loss and expenses, discounted to present value and the unearned premium reserve, was estimated to be the VOBA;

 

•

Renewal rights - the value of policy renewal rights taking into consideration written premium on assumed retention ratios and the insurance cash flows and the associated equity cash flows from these renewal policies over the expected life of the renewals;

 

•

Insurance licenses - the value of insurance licenses acquired providing the ability to write reinsurance in all 50 states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia;

 

•

Internally developed and used computer software - represents the value of internally developed and used computer software to be utilized by the Company;

 

•

Other non-contractual relationships - these relationships consisted of Platinum’s brokers with the exception of those previously listed above as key non-contractual relationships and consideration was given to the expectation of the renewal of these relationships and the associated expenses;

 

•

Non-compete agreements - represent non-compete agreements with key employees of Platinum; and

 

•

Trade name - represents the value of the Platinum brand acquired.

As part of the allocation of the purchase price, included in the adjustment to other assets in the table above is a deferred tax asset of $29.1 million related to certain other adjustments to the fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and shareholders’ equity, summarized in the table above, which was partially offset by a deferred tax liability of $13.1 million related to the estimated fair value of the intangible assets recorded. Other net deferred tax assets recorded primarily relate to differences between financial reporting and tax basis of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date, March 2, 2015. The Company estimates that none of the goodwill that was recorded will be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

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Financial Results

FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations prescribes disclosure of the amounts of revenue and earnings of the acquiree since the acquisition date included in the consolidated statement of operations for the reporting period. However, the Company believes this disclosure has become impracticable given the acquired subsidiaries of Platinum have been fully integrated into the Company’s organizational structure through an internal reorganization, resulting in capital and assets being reallocated throughout the organization. In addition, reinsurance contracts have been renewed using both previously existing and acquired subsidiaries and the Company does not discretely manage the Platinum subsidiaries acquired, thereby rendering it impracticable to accurately estimate the amounts of revenue and earnings of Platinum since March 2, 2015 included in the consolidated statement of operations for the reporting period.

Supplemental Pro Forma Information

Platinum’s results have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from March 2, 2015 to December 31, 2015. The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and assumes the acquisition of Platinum occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily, and should not be assumed to be, an indication of the results that would have been achieved had the transaction been completed as of January 1, 2014 or that may be achieved in the future. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not give consideration to the impact of possible revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies, synergies or asset dispositions that may result from the acquisition of Platinum. In addition, unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not include the effects of costs associated with any restructuring or integration activities resulting from the acquisition of Platinum, as they are nonrecurring.

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014
Total revenues		$	1,593,735			$  1,872,612
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders			423,768			685,735

Among other adjustments, and in addition to the fair value adjustments and recognition of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets noted above, other material nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the acquisition of Platinum principally included certain adjustments to recognize transaction related costs, align accounting policies, amortize fair value adjustments, amortize identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets and recognize related tax impacts.

NOTE 4.   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

REAL

On August 30, 2013, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with Munich-American Holding Corporation (together with applicable affiliates, “Munich”) to sell its U.S.-based weather and weather-related energy risk management unit, which included RenRe Commodity Advisors LLC, Renaissance Trading Ltd. and RenRe Energy Advisors Ltd. (collectively referred to as “REAL”) and, on October 1, 2013, the Company closed the sale of REAL to Munich. In the third quarter of 2013, the Company classified the assets and liabilities associated with this transaction as held for sale and the financial results are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as “discontinued operations.”

Consideration for the transaction was $60.0 million, paid in cash at closing, subject to post-closing adjustments for certain tax and other items. The Company recorded a loss on sale of $8.8 million in conjunction with the sale, including related direct expenses.

Except as explicitly described as held for sale or as discontinued operations, and unless otherwise noted, all discussions and amounts presented herein relate to the Company’s continuing operations. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to this form of presentation.

The Company did not have any assets, liabilities or shareholders’ equity of discontinued operations held for sale related to REAL at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

 

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The Company did not have any income (loss) from discontinued operations held for sale for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Details of the income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

Year ended December 31, 2013		REAL
Revenues
Net investment income		$	1,150
Net foreign exchange gains			849
Other income			701
Net realized and unrealized losses on investments			(18)
Total revenues			2,682
Expenses
Operational expenses			89
Corporate expenses			104
Total expenses			193
Income before taxes			2,489
Income tax expense			(67)
Income from discontinued operations		$	2,422

NOTE 5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets:

 

		Goodwill and other intangible assets
		Goodwill				Other       intangible       assets				Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Gross amount		$	8,160			$	12,999			$	21,159
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization			(2,299)				(10,749)				(13,048)
			5,861				2,250				8,111
Amortization			—				(209)				(209)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
Gross amount			8,160				12,999				21,159
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization			(2,299)				(10,958)				(13,257)
			5,861				2,041				7,902
Acquired during the year			191,729				83,600				275,329
Amortization			—				(18,077)				(18,077)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
Gross amount			199,889				96,599				296,488
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization			(2,299)				(29,035)				(31,334)
		$	197,590			$	67,564			$	265,154

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company recognized goodwill of $191.7 million primarily attributable to Platinum’s assembled workforce and synergies expected to result upon integration of Platinum into the Company’s operations. There were no other adjustments to carried goodwill reflected in the above table during the period ended December 31, 2015. Also during 2015, the Company recognized identifiable finite lived intangible assets of $75.2 million and identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of $8.4 million. See “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum” for additional information related to the Company’s acquisition of Platinum and other intangible assets acquired.

 

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The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets included in investments in other ventures, under equity method:

 

		Goodwill and other intangible assets included in investments in other ventures, under equity method
		Goodwill				Other     intangible     assets				Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Gross amount		$	12,545			$	45,478			$	58,023
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization			—				(28,811)				(28,811)
			12,545				16,667				29,212
Adjustments to gross amount			(227)				(78)				(305)
Amortization			—				(3,655)				(3,655)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
Gross amount			12,318				45,400				57,718
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization			—				(32,466)				(32,466)
			12,318				12,934				25,252
Acquired during the year			—				6,396				6,396
Amortization			—				(2,900)				(2,900)
Impairment losses			(4,500)				(1,094)				(5,594)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
Gross amount			12,318				51,796				64,114
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization			(4,500)				(36,460)				(40,960)
		$	7,818			$	15,336			$	23,154

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recognized impairment losses in corporate expenses of $4.5 million and $1.1 million related to goodwill and other intangible assets, respectively, associated with its investment in a commodity related risk management company. The other intangible assets primarily related to customer lists. In accordance with the Company’s established accounting policy, the beginning of the fourth quarter was used as the date for performing the annual impairment test. The Company first assessed qualitative factors to determine whether it was necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. Based on its qualitative assessment, the Company determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of the goodwill and other intangible assets in question were less than their respective carrying amounts. The qualitative assessment included the following factors which the Company determined had significantly deteriorated given specific facts and circumstances: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market conditions; costs factors; and overall financial performance. In light of the qualitative assessment, the Company performed a quantitative analysis using a discounted cash flow model and concluded that the full amount of the goodwill and other intangible assets associated with this equity method investment were impaired.

 

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The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by major category of other intangible assets is shown below:

 

		Other intangible assets
At December 31, 2015		Gross carrying value				Accumulated amortization and impairment losses				Total
Customer relationships and customer lists		$	95,458			$	(33,294)			$	62,164
Value of business acquired			20,200				(13,467)				6,733
Licenses			10,267				—				10,267
Software			12,230				(10,188)				2,042
Patents and intellectual property			4,500				(4,500)				—
Covenants not-to-compete			4,030				(2,763)				1,267
Trademarks and trade names			1,710				(1,283)				427
		$	148,395			$	(65,495)			$	82,900

 

		Other intangible assets
At December 31, 2014		Gross carrying value				Accumulated amortization and impairment losses				Total
Customer relationships and customer lists		$	40,562			$	(28,057)			$	12,505
Software			8,730				(8,730)				—
Patents and intellectual property			4,500				(4,500)				—
Covenants not-to-compete			2,130				(1,978)				152
Licenses			1,867				—				1,867
Trademarks and trade names			610				(159)				451
		$	58,399			$	(43,424)			$	14,975

The useful life of intangible assets with finite lives ranges from one to 25 years, with a weighted-average amortization period of 8.1 years. Expected amortization of the other intangible assets, including other intangible assets recorded in investments in other ventures, under equity method, is shown below:

 

		Other intangibles				Other intangible assets included in investments in other ventures, under equity method				Total
2016		$	13,968			$	3,349			$	17,317
2017			8,041				2,971				11,012
2018			5,727				2,632				8,359
2019			5,446				2,463				7,909
2020			5,237				1,582				6,819
2021 and thereafter			18,878				2,339				21,217
Total remaining amortization expense		$	57,297			$	15,336			$	72,633
Indefinite lived			10,267				—				10,267
Total		$	67,564			$	15,336			$	82,900

 

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NOTE 6.   INVESTMENTS

Fixed Maturity Investments Trading

The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed maturity investments trading:

 

		December 31,   2015				December 31,   2014
U.S. treasuries		$	2,064,944			$	1,671,471
Agencies			137,976				96,208
Municipal			583,282				—
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)			334,981				280,651
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate			138,994				146,467
Corporate			2,055,323				1,610,442
Agency mortgage-backed			504,368				312,333
Non-agency mortgage-backed			262,235				241,590
Commercial mortgage-backed			554,625				373,117
Asset-backed			128,277				24,406
Total fixed maturity investments trading		$	6,765,005			$	4,756,685

Fixed Maturity Investments Available For Sale

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value and related unrealized gains and losses and non-credit other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturity investments available for sale:

 

						Included in Accumulated   Other Comprehensive Income
At December 31, 2015		Amortized   Cost				Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Non-Credit Other-Than- Temporary   Impairments   (1)
Agency mortgage-backed		$	143			$	7			$	—			$	150			$	—
Non-agency mortgage-backed			7,005				1,523				—				8,528				550
Commercial mortgage-backed			6,578				293				—				6,871				—
Asset-backed			2,217				47				—				2,264				—
Total fixed maturity investments available for sale		$	15,943			$	1,870			$	—			$	17,813			$	550

 

						Included in Accumulated   Other Comprehensive Income
At December 31, 2014		Amortized   Cost				Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Non-Credit Other-Than- Temporary   Impairments   (1)
Agency mortgage-backed		$	3,928			$	359			$	—			$	4,287			$	—
Non-agency mortgage-backed			9,478				1,985				(3)				11,460				656
Commercial mortgage-backed			7,291				643				—				7,934				—
Asset-backed			3,075				129				—				3,204				—
Total fixed maturity investments available for sale		$	23,772			$	3,116			$	(3)			$	26,885			$	656

 

(1)	Represents the non-credit component of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

 

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Contractual maturities of fixed maturity investments are described in the following table. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

																		Total Fixed Maturity
		Trading								Available for Sale								Investments
At December 31, 2015		Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value
Due in less than one year		$	253,700			$	252,257			$	—			$	—			$	253,700			$	252,257
Due after one through five years			3,872,756				3,833,261				—				—				3,872,756				3,833,261
Due after five through ten years			1,031,351				1,011,132				—				—				1,031,351				1,011,132
Due after ten years			220,768				218,850				—				—				220,768				218,850
Mortgage-backed			1,318,468				1,321,228				13,726				15,549				1,332,194				1,336,777
Asset-backed			128,834				128,277				2,217				2,264				131,051				130,541
Total		$	6,825,877			$	6,765,005			$	15,943			$	17,813			$	6,841,820			$	6,782,818

Equity Investments Trading

The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:

 

		December 31,   2015				December 31,   2014
Financials		$	193,716			$	222,190
Communications and technology			65,833				31,376
Industrial, utilities and energy			51,168				28,859
Consumer			40,918				19,522
Healthcare			36,148				16,582
Basic materials			6,094				3,569
Total		$	393,877			$	322,098

Pledged Investments

At December 31, 2015, $2.5 billion of cash and investments at fair value were on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, various counterparties, including with respect to the Company’s standby letter of credit facility and bilateral letter of credit facility (2014 - $2.4 billion). Of this amount, $664.6 million is on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, U.S. state regulatory authorities (2014 - $691.9 million).

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

At December 31, 2015, the Company held $26.2 million (2014 - $49.3 million) of reverse repurchase agreements. These loans are fully collateralized, are generally outstanding for a short period of time and are presented on a gross basis as part of short term investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The required collateral for these loans typically include high-quality, readily marketable instruments at a minimum amount of 102% of the loan principal. Upon maturity, the Company receives principal and interest income.

 

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Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income are as follows:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Fixed maturity investments		$	134,800			$	100,855			$	95,907
Short term investments			1,227				944				1,698
Equity investments			8,346				3,450				2,295
Other investments
Private equity investments			9,455				18,974				45,767
Other			12,472				11,037				73,735
Cash and cash equivalents			467				395				191
			166,767				135,655				219,593
Investment expenses			(14,200)				(11,339)				(11,565)
Net investment income		$	152,567			$	124,316			$	208,028

Net Realized and Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Investments

Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments are as follows:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Gross realized gains		$	50,488			$	45,568			$	72,492
Gross realized losses			(53,630)				(14,868)				(50,206)
Net realized (losses) gains on fixed maturity investments			(3,142)				30,700				22,286
Net unrealized (losses) gains on fixed maturity investments trading			(64,908)				19,680				(87,827)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments-related derivatives			5,443				(30,931)				31,058
Net realized gains on equity investments trading			16,348				10,908				26,650
Net unrealized (losses) gains on equity investments trading			(22,659)				11,076				42,909
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments		$	(68,918)			$	41,433			$	35,076

 

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The following table provides an analysis of the components of other comprehensive income and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

		Year ended December 31, 2015
		Investments in other ventures				Fixed maturity investments available for sale				Total
Beginning balance		$	303			$	3,113			$	3,416
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(65)				(917)				(982)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by statement of operations line item:
Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments			—				(326)				(326)
Net current-period other comprehensive loss			(65)				(1,243)				(1,308)
Ending balance		$	238			$	1,870			$	2,108

 

		Year ended December 31, 2014
		Investments in other ventures				Fixed maturity investments available for sale				Total
Beginning balance		$	163			$	3,968			$	4,131
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			140				(855)				(715)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by statement of operations line item:
Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments			—				—				—
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			140				(855)				(715)
Ending balance		$	303			$	3,113			$	3,416

The Company did not have any fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2015. The following tables provide an analysis of the length of time the Company’s fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized loss have been in a continual unrealized loss position.

 

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Greater

Total

At December 31, 2015

Fair Value

Unrealized     Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized     Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized     Losses

Total

$

—

$

—

$

—

$

—

$

—

$

—

 

		Less than 12 Months								12 Months or Greater								Total
At December 31, 2014		Fair Value				Unrealized     Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized     Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized     Losses
Non-agency mortgage-backed		$	—			$	—			$	69			$	(3)			$	69			$	(3)
Total		$	—			$	—			$	69			$	(3)			$	69			$	(3)

At December 31, 2015, the Company held zero fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position (2014 - two), and therefore zero fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater (2014 - two). The Company does not intend to sell securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be

 

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required to sell securities before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis. The Company performed reviews of its fixed maturity investments available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in order to determine whether declines in the fair value below the amortized cost basis were considered other-than-temporary in accordance with the applicable guidance, as discussed below.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Process

The Company’s process for assessing whether declines in the fair value of its fixed maturity investments available for sale represent impairments that are other-than-temporary includes reviewing each fixed maturity investment available for sale that is impaired and determining: (i) if the Company has the intent to sell the debt security or (ii) if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery; and (iii) whether a credit loss exists, that is, where the Company expects that the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security is less than the amortized cost basis of the security.

During 2015, the Company recognized $Nil of other-than-temporary impairments which were recognized in earnings and $Nil related to other factors which were recognized in other comprehensive income (2014 – $Nil and $Nil, respectively, 2013 – $Nil and $Nil, respectively).

The following table provides a rollforward of the amount of other-than-temporary impairments related to credit losses recognized in earnings for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:

 

		2015				2014
Balance – January 1		$	498			$	561
Reductions:
Securities sold during the period			(81)				(63)
Balance – December 31		$	417			$	498

Other Investments

The table below shows the fair value of the Company’s portfolio of other investments:

 

At December 31,		2015				2014
Catastrophe bonds		$	241,253			$	200,329
Private equity partnerships			214,848				281,932
Senior secured bank loan fund			23,231				19,316
Hedge funds			2,289				2,570
Total other investments		$	481,621			$	504,147

Interest income, income distributions and net realized and unrealized gains on other investments are included in net investment income and totaled $21.9 million (2014 – $30.0 million, 2013 – $119.5 million) of which $13.5 million related to net unrealized losses (2014 – losses of $1.4 million, 2013 – gains of $75.8 million). Included in net investment income for 2015 is a loss of $2.5 million (2014 - $0.6 million, 2013 - $3.7 million) representing the change in estimate during the period related to the difference between the Company’s estimated fair value due to the lag in reporting, as discussed in “Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies,” and the actual amount as reported in the final net asset values provided by the Company’s fund managers.

The Company has committed capital to private equity partnerships and other entities of $724.5 million, of which $528.8 million has been contributed at December 31, 2015. The Company’s remaining commitments to these funds at December 31, 2015 totaled $204.5 million. In the future, the Company may enter into additional commitments in respect of private equity partnerships or individual portfolio company investment opportunities.

 

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Investments in Other Ventures, under Equity Method

The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of investments in other ventures, under equity method:

 

		2015												2014
At December 31,		Investment				Ownership   %				Carrying         Value				Investment				Ownership   %				Carrying     Value
THIG		$	50,000				25.0	%		$	19,155			$	50,000				25.0	%		$	20,811
Tower Hill			10,000				31.3	%			19,981				10,000				30.3	%			18,991
Tower Hill Re			4,250				25.0	%			4,136				4,250				25.0	%			5,162
Tower Hill Signature			500				25.0	%			7,315				500				25.0	%			5,692
Total Tower Hill Companies			64,750								50,587				64,750								50,656
Top Layer Re			65,375				50.0	%			68,936				65,375				50.0	%			60,911
Other			23,607				43.5	%			12,828				13,507				36.3	%			9,146
Total investments in other ventures, under equity method		$	153,732							$	132,351			$	143,632							$	120,713

On July 1, 2008, the Company invested $50.0 million in Tower Hill Insurance Group, LLC (“THIG”) representing a 25.0% equity ownership. Included in the purchase price was $40.0 million of other intangibles and $7.8 million of goodwill, which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded as “Investments in other ventures, under equity method” rather than “Goodwill and other intangibles” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

The Company originally invested $13.1 million in Top Layer Re, representing a 50.0% ownership. In December 2010, March 2011 and December 2011, primarily as a result of net claims and claim expenses incurred by Top Layer Re with respect to the September 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, the February 2011 New Zealand Earthquake and the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, respectively, the Company invested an additional $13.8 million, $20.5 million and $18.0 million, respectively, in Top Layer Re, maintaining the Company’s 50% ownership interest.

The table below shows the Company’s equity in earnings of other ventures, under equity method:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Tower Hill Companies		$	13,116			$	18,376			$	10,270
Top Layer Re			8,026				10,411				13,836
Other			(661)				(2,712)				(912)
Total equity in earnings of other ventures		$	20,481			$	26,075			$	23,194

Undistributed earnings in the Company’s investments in other ventures, under equity method were $10.1 million at December 31, 2015 (2014 - $20.0 million). During 2015, the Company received $13.3 million of dividends from its investments in other ventures, under equity method (2014 – $10.3 million, 2013 – $9.9 million). Except for Top Layer Re, the equity in earnings of the Company’s investments in other ventures are reported one quarter in arrears.

 

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NOTE 7.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The use of fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities with resulting unrealized gains or losses is pervasive within the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Fair value is defined under accounting guidance currently applicable to the Company to be the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in its consolidated statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on its fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.

FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the respective valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to valuation techniques that use at least one significant input that is unobservable (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

•

Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets for identical assets or liabilities for which the Company has access. The fair value is determined by multiplying the quoted price by the quantity held by the Company;

 

•

Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals, broker quotes and certain pricing indices; and

 

•

Level 3 inputs are based all or in part on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In these cases, significant management assumptions can be used to establish management’s best estimate of the assumptions used by other market participants in determining the fair value of the asset or liability.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and the Company considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

In order to determine if a market is active or inactive for a security, the Company considers a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the spread between what a seller is asking for a security and what a buyer is bidding for the same security, the volume of trading activity for the security in question, the price of the security compared to its par value (for fixed maturity investments), and other factors that may be indicative of market activity.

Other than the transaction noted below, there have been no material changes in the Company’s valuation techniques, nor have there been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 3 during the period represented by these consolidated financial statements. As discussed in greater detail below, the Company transferred its investment in the common shares of Trupanion, Inc. (“Trupanion”), a company that provides insurance for a variety of veterinarian costs, from Level 3 to Level 1, effective July 18, 2014, the date on which Trupanion became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The fair value transferred from Level 3 to Level 1 was $24.6 million.

 

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Below is a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and also represents the carrying amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:

 

At December 31, 2015		Total				Quoted Prices in Active   Markets for   Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other   Observable   Inputs (Level 2)				Significant   Unobservable   Inputs (Level 3)
Fixed maturity investments
U.S. treasuries		$	2,064,944			$	2,064,944			$	—			$	—
Agencies			137,976				—				137,976				—
Municipal			583,282				—				583,282				—
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)			334,981				—				334,981				—
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate			138,994				—				138,994				—
Corporate			2,055,323				—				2,047,705				7,618
Agency mortgage-backed			504,518				—				504,518				—
Non-agency mortgage-backed			270,763				—				270,763				—
Commercial mortgage-backed			561,496				—				561,496				—
Asset-backed			130,541				—				130,541				—
Total fixed maturity investments			6,782,818				2,064,944				4,710,256				7,618
Short term investments			1,208,401				—				1,208,401				—
Equity investments trading			393,877				393,877				—				—
Other investments
Catastrophe bonds			241,253				—				241,253				—
Private equity partnerships			214,848				—				—				214,848
Senior secured bank loan fund			23,231				—				—				23,231
Hedge funds			2,289				—				—				2,289
Total other investments			481,621				—				241,253				240,368
Other assets and (liabilities)
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts (1)			(5,899	)			—				—				(5,899	)
Derivatives (2)			1,486				(1,234	)			2,720				—
Other			(12,320)				—				(12,320)				—
Total other assets and (liabilities)			(16,733)				(1,234)				(9,600)				(5,899)
		$	8,849,984			$	2,457,587			$	6,150,310			$	242,087

 

(1)	Included in assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts at December 31, 2015 are $3.5 million and $9.4 million of other assets and other liabilities, respectively.

 

(2)	See “Note 20. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.

 

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At December 31, 2014		Total				Quoted Prices in Active   Markets for   Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant   Other   Observable   Inputs (Level 2)				Significant   Unobservable   Inputs (Level 3)
Fixed maturity investments
U.S. treasuries		$	1,671,471			$	1,671,471			$	—			$	—
Agencies			96,208				—				96,208				—
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)			280,651				—				280,651				—
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate			146,467				—				146,467				—
Corporate			1,610,442				—				1,594,782				15,660
Agency mortgage-backed			316,620				—				316,620				—
Non-agency mortgage-backed			253,050				—				253,050				—
Commercial mortgage-backed			381,051				—				381,051				—
Asset-backed			27,610				—				27,610				—
Total fixed maturity investments			4,783,570				1,671,471				3,096,439				15,660
Short term investments			1,013,222				—				1,013,222				—
Equity investments trading			322,098				322,098				—				—
Other investments
Private equity partnerships			281,932				—				—				281,932
Catastrophe bonds			200,329				—				200,329				—
Senior secured bank loan fund			19,316				—				—				19,316
Hedge funds			2,570				—				—				2,570
Total other investments			504,147				—				200,329				303,818
Other assets and (liabilities)
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts (1)			(8,744)				—				—				(8,744)
Derivatives (2)			6,345				(569)				7,104				(190)
Other			(11,509)				—				(11,509)				—
Total other assets and (liabilities)			(13,908)				(569)				(4,405)				(8,934)
		$	6,609,129			$	1,993,000			$	4,305,585			$	310,544

 

(1)	Included in assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts at December 31, 2014 are $5.7 million and $14.6 million of other assets and other liabilities, respectively.

 

(2)	See “Note 20. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.

Level 1 and Level 2 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Fixed Maturity Investments

Fixed maturity investments included in Level 1 consist of the Company’s investments in U.S. treasuries. Fixed maturity investments included in Level 2 are agencies, municipal, non-U.S. government, non-U.S. government-backed corporate, corporate, agency mortgage-backed, non-agency mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and asset-backed.

The Company’s fixed maturity investments are primarily priced using pricing services, such as index providers and pricing vendors, as well as broker quotations. In general, the pricing vendors provide pricing for a high volume of liquid securities that are actively traded. For securities that do not trade on an exchange, the pricing services generally utilize market data and other observable inputs in matrix pricing models to determine month end prices. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events. Index pricing generally relies on market traders as the primary source for pricing, however models are also utilized

 

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to provide prices for all index eligible securities. The models use a variety of observable inputs such as benchmark yields, transactional data, dealer runs, broker-dealer quotes and corporate actions. Prices are generally verified using third party data. Securities which are priced by an index provider are generally included in the index.

In general, broker-dealers value securities through their trading desks based on observable inputs. The methodologies include mapping securities based on trade data, bids or offers, observed spreads, and performance on newly issued securities. Broker-dealers also determine valuations by observing secondary trading of similar securities. Prices obtained from broker quotations are considered non-binding, however they are based on observable inputs and by observing secondary trading of similar securities obtained from active, non-distressed markets.

The Company considers these Level 2 inputs as they are corroborated with other market observable inputs. The techniques generally used to determine the fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity investments are detailed below by asset class.

U.S. treasuries

Level 1 - At December 31, 2015, the Company’s U.S. treasuries fixed maturity investments were primarily priced by pricing services and had a weighted average effective yield of 1.3% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2014 - 1.0% and AA, respectively). When pricing these securities, the pricing services utilize daily data from many real time market sources, including active broker dealers. Certain data sources are regularly reviewed for accuracy to attempt to ensure the most reliable price source is used for each issue and maturity date.

Agencies

Level 2 - At December 31, 2015, the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 1.7% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2014 - 1.2% and AA, respectively). The issuers of the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments primarily consist of the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other agencies. Fixed maturity investments included in agencies are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources and integrate other observations from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The fair value of each security is individually computed using analytical models which incorporate option adjusted spreads and other daily interest rate data.

Municipal

Level 2 - In connection with the acquisition of Platinum, the Company acquired a portfolio of municipal fixed maturity investments. At December 31, 2015, the Company’s municipal fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 2.0% and a weighted average credit quality of AA. At December 31, 2014, the Company did not have an allocation to municipal fixed maturity investments. The Company’s municipal fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information regarding the security from third party sources such as trustees, paying agents or issuers. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services also consider the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk. In certain instances, securities are individually evaluated using a spread over widely accepted market benchmarks.

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)

Level 2 - At December 31, 2015, the Company’s non-U.S. government fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 1.4% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2014 - 1.1% and AA, respectively). The issuers of securities in this sector are non-U.S. governments and their respective agencies as well as supranational organizations. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services that employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high

 

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issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing services utilize data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets.

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

Level 2 - At December 31, 2015, the Company’s non-U.S. government-backed corporate fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 1.3% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2014 - 1.1% and AAA, respectively). Non-U.S. government-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services that employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread to the respective curve for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing services utilize data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets.

Corporate

Level 2 - At December 31, 2015, the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments principally consisted of U.S. and international corporations and had a weighted average effective yield of 3.8% and a weighted average credit quality of BBB (2014-3.2% and BBB, respectively). The Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security and obtain credit data, as well as other observations, from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services also consider the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk. In certain instances, securities are individually evaluated using a spread which is added to the U.S. treasury curve or a security specific swap curve as appropriate.

Agency mortgage-backed

Level 2 - At December 31, 2015, the Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments included agency residential mortgage-backed securities with a weighted average effective yield of 2.7%, a weighted average credit quality of AA and a weighted average life of 6.1 years (2014 - 2.3%, AA and 5.6 years, respectively). The Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services using a mortgage pool specific model which utilizes daily inputs from the active to be announced market which is very liquid, as well as the U.S. treasury market. The model also utilizes additional information, such as the weighted average maturity, weighted average coupon and other available pool level data which is provided by the sponsoring agency. Valuations are also corroborated with daily active market quotes.

Non-agency mortgage-backed

Level 2 - The Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments include non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed and non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments. The Company has no fixed maturity investments classified as sub-prime held in its fixed maturity investments portfolio. At December 31, 2015, the Company’s non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 3.8%, a weighted average credit quality of non-investment grade, and a weighted average life of 4.3 years (2014 - 3.4%, non-investment grade and 4.1 years, respectively). The Company’s non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments held at December 31, 2015 had a weighted average effective yield of 4.7%, a weighted average credit quality of non-investment grade and a weighted average life of 5.4 years (2014 - 4.3%, BBB and 5.0 years, respectively). Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services using an option adjusted spread model or other relevant models, which principally utilize inputs including benchmark yields, available trade information or broker quotes, and issuer spreads. The pricing services also review collateral prepayment speeds, loss severity and delinquencies among other collateral performance indicators for the securities valuation, when applicable.

 

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Commercial mortgage-backed

Level 2 - At December 31, 2015, the Company’s commercial mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 2.9%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA, and a weighted average life of 3.7 years (2014 - 2.1%, AAA and 3.5 years, respectively). Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bids and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing services discount the expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using a spread adjusted benchmark yield based on the characteristics of the security.

Asset-backed

Level 2 - At December 31, 2015, the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 2.1%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 2.5 years (2014 - 1.5%, AAA and 2.5 years, respectively). The underlying collateral for the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments primarily consists of student loans, credit card receivables, auto loans and other receivables. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bids and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing services determine the expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using historical prepayment and default projections for the underlying collateral and current market data. In addition, a spread is applied to the relevant benchmark and used to discount the cash flows noted above to determine the fair value of the securities held in this sector.

Short Term Investments

Level 2 - The fair value of the Company’s portfolio of short term investments is generally determined using amortized cost which approximates fair value and, in certain cases, in a manner similar to the Company’s fixed maturity investments noted above.

Equity Investments, Classified as Trading

Level 1 - The fair value of the Company’s portfolio of equity investments, classified as trading is primarily priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. When pricing these securities, the pricing services utilize daily data from many real time market sources, including applicable securities exchanges. All data sources are regularly reviewed for accuracy to attempt to ensure the most reliable price source was used for each security.

At June 30, 2014, the Company had a corporate fixed maturity investment of $30.2 million in the convertible preferred equity of Trupanion, for which the Company measured the fair value using Level 3 inputs. On July 18, 2014, Trupanion common stock began publicly trading on the NYSE. Effective immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, the Company’s investment in the convertible preferred equity of Trupanion was converted into 2.5 million common shares of Trupanion. Trupanion common shares began publicly trading on the NYSE on July 18, 2014 at a share price of $10.00, resulting in a fair value of $24.6 million. Following the IPO, the Company transferred its investment in Trupanion from corporate fixed maturity investments to its portfolio of equity investments trading on its consolidated balance sheet and any realized and unrealized gains or losses related to Trupanion from the IPO price are included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Included in equity investments trading at December 31, 2015 is $26.9 million related to the Company’s investment in Trupanion.

Other investments

Catastrophe bonds

Level 2 - The Company’s other investments include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair value based on broker or underwriter bid indications.

 

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Other assets and liabilities

Derivatives

Level 1 and Level 2 - Other assets and liabilities include certain derivatives entered into by the Company. The fair value of these transactions includes certain exchange traded foreign currency forward contracts which are considered Level 1, and certain credit derivatives, determined using standard industry valuation models and considered Level 2, as the inputs to the valuation model are based on observable market inputs, including credit spreads, credit ratings of the underlying referenced security, the risk free rate and the contract term.

Other

Level 2 - The liabilities measured at fair value and included in Level 2 at December 31, 2015 of $12.3 million are comprised of cash settled restricted stock units (“CSRSU”) that form part of the Company’s compensation program. The fair value of the Company’s CSRSUs is determined using observable exchange traded prices for the Company’s common shares.

 

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Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Below is a summary of quantitative information regarding the significant observable and unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

December 31, 2015

Fair Value (Level 3)

Valuation Technique

Unobservable (U) and Observable (O) Inputs

Low

High

Weighted Average or Actual

Fixed maturity investments

Corporate

$

7,618

Discounted cash flow

Credit spread (U)

n/a

n/a

2.9%

Liquidity discount (U)

n/a

n/a

1.0%

Risk-free rate (O)

n/a

n/a

0.5%

Dividend rate (O)

n/a

n/a

6.7%

Total fixed maturity investments

7,618

Other investments

Private equity partnerships

214,848

Net asset valuation

Estimated performance (U)

(24.6)%

39.0%

0.5%

Senior secured bank loan fund

23,231

Net asset valuation

Estimated performance (U)

n/a

n/a

0.9%

Hedge funds

2,289

Net asset valuation

Estimated performance (U)

0.0 %

0.0%

0.0%

Total other investments

240,368

Other assets and (liabilities)

Assumed and ceded (re) insurance contracts

(1,270)

Internal valuation model

Bond price (U)

$

93.24

$

99.86

$

96.63

Liquidity discount (U)

n/a

n/a

1.3%

Assumed and ceded (re) insurance contracts

(4,629)

Internal valuation model

Net undiscounted cash flows (U)

n/a

n/a

$

(10,228)

Expected loss ratio (U)

n/a

n/a

18.0%

Net acquisition

expense ratio (O)

n/a

n/a

17.0%

Contract period (O)

0.5 years

3.0 years

2.3 years

Discount rate (U)

n/a

n/a

1.3%

Total assumed and ceded (re) insurance contracts

(5,899)

Total other assets and (liabilities)

(5,899)

$

242,087

Fixed Maturity Investments

Corporate

Level 3 - Included in the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments is an investment in the preferred equity of an insurance holding company with a fair value of $7.6 million at December 31, 2015. The Company measures the fair value of this investment using a discounted cash flows (“DCF”) model and seeks to incorporate all relevant information reasonably available. The Company considers the contractual agreement which stipulates the methodology for calculating a dividend rate to be paid upon liquidation, conversion or redemption. At December 31, 2015, the dividend rate was 6.7%. In addition, the Company has estimated a liquidity discount of 1.0%, a risk-free rate of 0.5% and a credit spread of 2.9%. To ensure the estimate for fair value determined using the DCF model is reasonable, the Company reviews private market comparables of similar investments, if available, and in particular, credit ratings of other private market comparables for similar investments to determine the appropriateness of its estimate of fair value using a DCF model. The fair value of the Company’s investment in this corporate fixed maturity investment

 

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determined by the DCF model is positively correlated to the dividend rate, and inversely correlated to the credit spread, liquidity discount and the risk-free rate.

Other investments

Private equity partnerships

Level 3 - Included in the Company’s $214.8 million of investments in private equity partnerships at December 31, 2015 were alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; and oil, gas and power. The fair value of private equity partnership investments is based on current estimated net asset values established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments and is obtained from the investment manager or general partner of the respective entity. The type of underlying investments held by the investee which form the basis of the net asset valuation include assets such as private business ventures, for which the Company does not have access to financial information. As a result, the Company is unable to corroborate the fair value measurement of the underlying investments of the private equity partnership and therefore requires significant management judgment to determine the fair value of the private equity partnership. In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the reporting date of the latest fund valuation, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or distributions, as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period.

In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, all relevant information reasonably available to the Company is utilized. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported to the Company by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. The range of such current estimated periodic returns for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was negative 24.6% to positive 39.0% with a weighted average of positive 0.5%. The fair value of the Company’s investment in private equity partnerships is positively correlated to the estimated periodic rate of return. The Company also considers factors such as recent financial information, the value of capital transactions with the partnership and management’s judgment regarding whether any adjustments should be made to the net asset value. For each respective private equity partnership, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the investment manager or general partner and the latest audited annual financial statements to attempt to ensure that the investment partnership is following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value of each limited partner’s interest.

Senior secured bank loan fund

Level 3 - At December 31, 2015 the Company had $23.2 million invested in a closed end fund which invests primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in this fund. The Company’s investment in this fund is valued using the estimated monthly net asset valuation received from the investment manager. The lock up provisions in this fund result in a lack of current observable market transactions between the fund participants and the fund, and therefore, the Company considers the fair value of its investment in this fund to be determined using Level 3 inputs. The Company obtains and reviews the latest audited annual financial statements to attempt to ensure that the fund is following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value. The fair value of the Company’s investment in the senior secured bank loan fund is positively correlated to the estimated monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager.

Hedge funds

Level 3 - At December 31, 2015 the Company had $2.3 million of hedge fund investments that are invested in so called “side pockets” or illiquid investments. In these instances, the Company generally does not have the right to redeem its interest, and as such, the Company classifies this portion of its investment as Level

 

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3.  The fair value of these illiquid investments is determined by adjusting the previous periods’ reported net asset value (generally one month in arrears) for an estimated periodic rate of return obtained from the respective investment manager.

For each hedge fund investment, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the investment manager and the latest audited annual financial statements to attempt to ensure that the hedge fund investment is following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value.

Other assets and liabilities

Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts

Level 3 - At December 31, 2015 the Company had a $1.3 million liability related to an assumed reinsurance contract accounted for at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the use of an internal valuation model. The inputs to the internal valuation model are principally based on indicative pricing obtained from independent brokers and pricing vendors for similarly structured marketable securities. The most significant unobservable inputs include prices for similar marketable securities and a liquidity premium. The Company considers the prices for similar securities to be unobservable, as there is little, if any market activity for these similar assets. In addition, the Company has estimated a liquidity premium that would be required if the Company attempted to effectively exit its position by executing a short sale of these securities. Generally, an increase in the prices for similar marketable securities or a decrease in the liquidity premium would result in an increase in the expected profit and ultimate fair value of this assumed reinsurance contract.

Level 3 - At December 31, 2015 the Company had a $4.6 million net liability related to assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts accounted for at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the use of an internal valuation model. The inputs to the internal valuation model are principally based on proprietary data as observable market inputs are generally not available. The most significant unobservable inputs include the assumed and ceded expected net cash flows related to the contracts, including the expected premium, acquisition expenses and losses; the expected loss ratio and the relevant discount rate used to present value the net cash flows. The contract period and acquisition expense ratio are considered observable inputs as each is defined in the contract. Generally, an increase in the net expected cash flows and expected term of the contract and a decrease in the discount rate, expected loss ratio or acquisition expense ratio, would result in an increase in the expected profit and ultimate fair value of these assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts.

 

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Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, for the periods shown, of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Interest and dividend income are included in net investment income and are excluded from the reconciliation.

 

		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Fixed maturity investments trading				Other investments				Other assets and (liabilities)				Total
Balance - January 1, 2014		$	27,580			$	344,248			$	(2,490)			$	369,338
Total unrealized gains (losses)
Included in net investment income			12,724				1,045				1,455				15,224
Total realized (losses) gains
Included in other income (loss)			—				—				1,262				1,262
Total foreign exchange losses			—				(3,279)				(21)				(3,300)
Purchases			—				43,130				(9,140)				33,990
Settlements			—				(81,326)				—				(81,326)
Net transfers out of Level 3			(24,644)				—				—				(24,644)
Balance - December 31, 2014		$	15,660			$	303,818			$	(8,934)			$	310,544
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income		$	(66)			$	1,045			$	1,455			$	2,434

 

		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Fixed maturity investments trading				Other investments				Other assets and (liabilities)				Total
Balance - January 1, 2015		$	15,660			$	303,818			$	(8,934)			$	310,544
Total unrealized (losses) gains
Included in net investment income			(542)				(12,992)				183				(13,351)
Included in other income (loss)			—				—				(426)				(426)
Total realized gains
Included in other income (loss)			—				—				6,628				6,628
Total foreign exchange gains			—				(2,181)				7				(2,174)
Purchases			—				24,446				80,996				105,442
Sales			—				—				(84,353)				(84,353)
Settlements			(7,500)				(72,723)				—				(80,223)
Balance - December 31, 2015		$	7,618			$	240,368			$	(5,899)			$	242,087
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income		$	(359)			$	(12,992)			$	—			$	(13,351)
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other loss		$	—			$	—			$	(426)			$	(426)

Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, at Fair Value

The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The Company’s insurance contracts are excluded from the fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance, unless the Company elects the fair value option, and therefore, are not included in the amounts discussed herein. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, receivables for investments sold, certain other assets, payables for investments purchased, certain other liabilities, and other financial instruments not included herein approximated their fair values.

 

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Senior Notes

Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015 were debt obligations of $966.1 million (December 31, 2014 - $249.5 million). At December 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was $973.3 million (December 31, 2014 – $279.0 million).

The fair value of the Company’s debt obligations is determined using indicative market pricing obtained from third-party service providers, which the Company considers Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. There have been no changes during the period in the Company’s valuation technique used to determine the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations. Refer to “Note 10. Debt and Credit Facilities” for additional information related to the Company’s debt obligations.

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

The Company has elected to account for certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value using the guidance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments as the Company believes it represents the most meaningful measurement basis for these assets and liabilities. Below is a summary of the balances the Company has elected to account for at fair value:

 

		2015				2014
Other investments		$	481,621			$	504,147
Other assets		$	3,463			$	5,664
Other liabilities		$	9,362			$	14,408

Included in net investment income for 2015 was net unrealized losses of $13.5 million related to the changes in fair value of other investments (2014 – losses of $1.4 million, 2013 – gains of $75.8 million). Net unrealized losses related to the changes in the fair value of other assets and liabilities recorded in other income (loss) was $0.4 million for 2015 (2014 – $Nil, 2013 – $Nil).

Measuring the Fair Value of Other Investments Using Net Asset Valuations

The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of other investments measured using net asset valuations:

 

At December 31, 2015

Fair Value

Unfunded Commitments

Redemption Frequency

Redemption Notice Period (Minimum Days)

Redemption Notice Period (Maximum Days)

Private equity partnerships

$

214,848

$

202,050

See below

See below

See below

Senior secured bank loan fund

23,231

2,475

See below

See below

See below

Hedge funds

2,289

—

See below

See below

See below

Total other investments measured using net asset valuations

$

240,368

$

204,525

Private equity partnerships – Included in the Company’s investments in private equity partnerships were alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; and oil, gas and power. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated in respect of the net asset value of the investments, as discussed in detail above. The Company generally has no right to redeem its interest in any of these private equity partnerships in advance of dissolution of the applicable private equity partnership. Instead, the nature of these investments is that distributions are received by the Company in connection with the liquidation of the underlying assets of the respective private equity partnership. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships would liquidate over 7 to 10 years from inception of the respective limited partnership.

Senior secured bank loan fund – At December 31, 2015 the Company had $23.2 million invested in a closed end fund which invests primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in this fund. The Company’s investment in this fund is valued using the estimated monthly net asset valuation

 

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received from the investment manager, as discussed in detail above. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets in this closed end fund would liquidate over 4 to 5 years from inception of the fund.

Hedge funds – The Company invests in hedge funds that pursue multiple strategies. The fair values of the investments in this category are estimated using the net asset value per share of the funds, as discussed in detail above. The Company’s investments in hedge funds at December 31, 2015 were $2.3 million of so called “side pocket” investments which are not redeemable at the option of the shareholder. The Company will retain its interest in the side pocket investments, referred to above, until the underlying investments attributable to such side pockets are liquidated, realized or deemed realized at the discretion of the fund manager.

NOTE 8.  REINSURANCE

The Company purchases reinsurance and other protection to manage its risk portfolio and to reduce its exposure to large losses. The Company currently has in place contracts that provide for recovery of a portion of certain claims and claim expenses, generally in excess of various retentions or on a proportional basis. In addition to loss recoveries, certain of the Company’s ceded reinsurance contracts provide for recoveries of additional premiums, for reinstatement premiums and for lost no-claims bonuses, which are incurred when losses are ceded to other reinsurance contracts. The Company remains liable to the extent that any reinsurance company fails to meet its obligations.

The following table sets forth the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional activity on premiums written and earned and on net claims and claim expenses incurred:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Premiums written
Direct		$	130,681			$	76,511			$	54,334
Assumed			1,880,629				1,474,061				1,551,078
Ceded			(595,127)				(482,336)				(401,465)
Net premiums written		$	1,416,183			$	1,068,236			$	1,203,947
Premiums earned
Direct		$	98,182			$	66,027			$	44,530
Assumed			1,769,088				1,450,047				1,482,511
Ceded			(466,719)				(453,658)				(412,415)
Net premiums earned		$	1,400,551			$	1,062,416			$	1,114,626
Claims and claim expenses
Gross claims and claim expenses incurred		$	544,972			$	228,581			$	185,139
Claims and claim expenses recovered			(96,734)				(30,634)				(13,852)
Net claims and claim expenses incurred		$	448,238			$	197,947			$	171,287

The reinsurers with the three largest balances accounted for 21.5%, 13.8% and 13.1%, respectively, of the Company’s reinsurance recoverable balance at December 31, 2015 (2014 - 35.4%, 14.9% and 7.0%, respectively). The valuation allowance recorded against reinsurance recoverable was $1.6 million at December 31, 2015 (2014 - $1.0 million). The three largest company-specific components of the valuation allowance represented 22.7%, 8.3% and 3.2%, respectively, of the Company’s total valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 (2014 - 17.9%, 4.0% and 2.9%, respectively).

 

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NOTE 9.  RESERVE FOR CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES

The Company uses statistical and actuarial methods to estimate ultimate expected claims and claim expenses. The period of time from the reporting of a claim to the Company and the settlement of the Company’s liability may be many years. During this period, additional facts and trends will be revealed. As these factors become apparent, case reserves will be adjusted, sometimes requiring an increase or decrease in the overall reserve for claims and claim expenses of the Company, and at other times requiring a reallocation of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves to specific case reserves or additional case reserves. These estimates are reviewed regularly, and such adjustments, if any, are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they become known and are accounted for as changes in estimates. Adjustments to the Company’s reserve for claims and claim expenses can impact current year net income (loss) by decreasing net income or increasing net loss if the estimates of prior years claims and claim expense reserves prove to be insufficient or by increasing net income or decreasing net loss if the estimates of prior years claims and claim expense reserves prove to be overstated.

The Company’s estimates of claims and claim expenses are also based in part upon the estimation of claims resulting from natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, winter storms, terrorist attacks and other catastrophic events. Estimation by the Company of claims resulting from catastrophic events is inherently difficult because of the potential severity of property catastrophe claims. Additionally, the Company has recently increased its specialty reinsurance business but does not have the benefit of a significant amount of its own historical experience in certain of these lines of business. Therefore, the Company uses both proprietary and commercially available models, as well as historical (re)insurance industry claims experience, for purposes of evaluating future trends and providing an estimate of ultimate claims costs.

Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses is summarized as follows:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Net reserves as of January 1		$	1,345,816			$	1,462,705			$	1,686,865
Net incurred related to:
Current year			610,685				341,745				315,241
Prior years			(162,447)				(143,798)				(143,954)
Total net incurred			448,238				197,947				171,287
Net paid related to:
Current year			95,747				39,830				32,212
Prior years			459,905				275,006				363,235
Total net paid			555,652				314,836				395,447
Amounts acquired (1)			1,394,117				—				—
Net reserves as of December 31			2,632,519				1,345,816				1,462,705
Reinsurance recoverable as of December 31			134,526				66,694				101,025
Gross reserves as of December 31		$	2,767,045			$	1,412,510			$	1,563,730

 

(1)	Represents the fair value of Platinum’s reserve for claims and claim expenses and reinsurance recoverable acquired at March 2, 2015.

The following table details the Company’s prior year development by segment of its liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Catastrophe Reinsurance		$	(70,377)			$	(65,511)			$	(102,037)
Specialty Reinsurance			(91,912)				(55,909)				(34,111)
Lloyd’s			340				(16,241)				(8,256)
Other			(498)				(6,137)				450
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(162,447)			$	(143,798)			$	(143,954)

 

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Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment

The Company reviews substantially all of its catastrophe reinsurance claims and claim expense reserves quarterly. The Company’s quarterly review procedures include identifying events that have occurred up to the latest balance sheet date, determining the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims and administrative costs associated with those new events which have arisen during the reporting period, reviewing the ultimate expected cost to settle claims and administrative costs associated with those events which occurred during previous periods, and considering new estimation techniques, such as additional actuarial methods or other statistical techniques, that can assist the Company in developing its best estimate. This process is judgmental in that it involves reviewing changes in paid and reported claims each period and adjusting the Company’s estimates of the ultimate expected claims for each event where there are developments that are different from the Company’s previous expectations. If the Company determines that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified. The level of the Company’s claims associated with certain catastrophes can be very large. As a result, small percentage changes in the estimated ultimate claims of large catastrophic events can significantly impact the Company’s reserves for claims and claim expenses in subsequent periods.

Specialty Reinsurance Segment

When developing the Company’s claims and claims expense reserves for its Specialty Reinsurance segment, the Company considers several actuarial techniques such as the expected loss ratio method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method and the paid and reported chain ladder actuarial method. For classes of business where the Company lacks significant historical claims experience, it principally uses the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method. This method allows for greater weight to be applied to expected results in periods where little or no actual experience is available, and, hence, is less susceptible to the potential pitfall of being excessively swayed by one year or one quarter of actual paid and/or reported loss data. This method uses initial expected loss ratio expectations to the extent that the expected paid or reported losses are zero, and it assumes that past experience is not fully representative of the future. As the Company’s reserves for claims and claim expenses age, and actual claims experience becomes available, this method places less weight on expected experience and places more weight on actual experience. This experience, which represents the difference between expected reported claims and actual reported claims is reflected in the respective reporting period as a change in estimate.

For classes of business where the Company has significant historical claims experience, estimates of ultimate losses that are not related to a specific event are generally initially determined based on the loss ratio method applied to each underwriting year and to each class of business. The selected ultimate losses are determined by multiplying the initial expected loss ratio by the earned premium. The initial expected loss ratios are key inputs that involve management judgment and are based on a variety of factors, including: (1) contract by contract expected loss ratios developed during the Company’s pricing process; and (2) the Company’s historical loss ratios and combined ratios adjusted for rate change and trend. These judgments take into account management’s view of past, current and future factors that may influence ultimate losses, including: (1) market conditions; (2) changes in the business underwritten; (3) changes in timing of the emergence of claims; and (4) other factors that may influence ultimate loss ratios and losses.

The determination of when reported losses are sufficient and credible to warrant selection of an ultimate loss ratio different from the initial expected loss ratios also requires judgment. The Company generally makes adjustments for reported loss experience indicating unfavorable variances from initial expected loss ratios sooner than reported loss experience indicating favorable variances. This is because the reporting of losses in excess of expectations tends to have greater credibility than an absence or lower than expected level of reported losses. Over time, as a greater number of claims are reported and the credibility of reported losses improves, actuarial estimates of IBNR are based on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method, as discussed above, and the reported chain ladder actuarial method.

The reported chain ladder actuarial method utilizes actual reported losses and a loss development pattern to determine an estimate of ultimate losses that is independent of the initial expected ultimate loss ratio and earned premium. The Company believes this technique is most appropriate when there are a large number of reported losses with significant statistical credibility and a relatively stable loss development pattern. Loss development patterns are determined utilizing actuarial analysis, including management’s judgment,

 

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and are based on historical patterns of paid losses and reporting of case reserves to us, as well as industry loss development patterns. Information that may cause future loss development patterns to differ from historical loss development patterns is considered and reflected in our selected loss development patterns as appropriate. For certain reinsurance contracts, historical loss development patterns may be developed from ceding company data or other sources.

In addition, certain of our specialty reinsurance coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. We estimate claim reserves for these losses after the event giving rise to these losses occurs, following a process that is similar to our Catastrophe Reinsurance segment described above.

The Company reevaluates its actuarial reserving techniques on a periodic basis and reviews substantially all of its specialty reinsurance claims and claim expense reserves quarterly. Typically, the quarterly review procedures include reviewing paid and reported claims in the most recent reporting period, reviewing the development of paid and reported claims from prior periods, and reviewing the Company’s overall experience by underwriting year and in the aggregate. The Company monitors its expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and expected claims reporting assumptions on a quarterly basis and compares them to its actual experience. These actuarial assumptions are generally reviewed annually, based on input from the Company’s actuaries, underwriters, claims personnel and finance professionals, although adjustments may be made more frequently if needed. Assumption changes are made to adjust for changes in the pricing and terms of coverage the Company provides, changes in industry results for similar business, as well as its actual experience, to the extent the Company has enough data to rely on its own experience. If the Company determines that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified.

Lloyd’s Segment

The Company principally uses the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method to estimate claims and claim expenses within its Lloyd’s segment for its property and casualty (re)insurance contracts and quota share reinsurance business as it lacks significant historical claims information for this business. The comments discussed above relating to the Company’s reserving techniques and processes for the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment also apply to the Company’s Lloyd’s segment. In addition, certain of the Company’s coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. The Company estimates claim reserves for these claims after the event giving rise to these claims occurs, following a process that is similar to the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment discussed above.

Other Category

The Company uses the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method, as discussed above, to estimate claims and claim expenses within its Other category for its property and casualty insurance contracts and quota share reinsurance business. The comments discussed above relating to the Company’s reserving techniques and processes for the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment also apply to the Company’s Other category. In addition, certain of the Company’s coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. The Company estimates claim reserves for these claims after the event giving rise to these claims occurs, following a process that is similar to the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment discussed above.

 

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Development of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses

The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for 2015 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31, 2015		Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment				Specialty Reinsurance Segment				Lloyd’s Segment				Other				Total
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			(Favorable) adverse development
Large catastrophe events
Thailand Floods (2011)		$	(18,823)			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(18,823)
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)			(5,314)				—				—				—				(5,314)
New Zealand Earthquake (2011)			22,754				—				—				—				22,754
2011 International Events			(1,383)				—				—				—				(1,383)
Storm Sandy (2012)			(10,436)				(2,088)				—				—				(12,524)
April and May U.S. Tornadoes (2011)			(10,189)				—				—				—				(10,189)
Deepwater Horizon (2010)			—				(8,116)				—				—				(8,116)
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008)			(4,673)				—				—				—				(4,673)
New Zealand Earthquake (2010)			769				326				—				—				1,095
Subprime (2007)			—				8,459				—				—				8,459
Other			(5,686)				(343)				—				(618)				(6,647)
Total large catastrophe events			(31,598)				(1,762)				—				(618)				(33,978)
Small catastrophe events
2014 U.S. Winter Storms and Wind and Thunderstorm Events			(28,042)				—				—				—				(28,042)
European Floods (2013)			(2,272)				—				—				—				(2,272)
Other			(8,465)				—				1,566				—				(6,899)
Total small catastrophe events			(38,779)				—				1,566				—				(37,213)
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			(70,377)				(1,762)				1,566				(618)				(71,191)
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Actuarial methods - actual reported claims less than expected claims			—				(94,944)				309				120				(94,515)
Actuarial assumption changes			—				4,794				(1,535)				—				3,259
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses			—				(90,150)				(1,226)				120				(91,256)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(70,377)			$	(91,912)			$	340			$	(498)			$	(162,447)

Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2015 of $70.4 million was comprised of $31.6 million and $38.8 million related to large and small catastrophe events, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophe events was $10.4 million related to Storm Sandy, $10.2 million related to the April and May 2011 U.S. Tornadoes and $4.7 million

 

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related to the 2008 Hurricanes (Gustav and Ike), each principally the result of changes in our estimated ultimate loss for each respective event. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to small catastrophe events was $28.0 million related to 2014 U.S. winter storms and wind and thunderstorm events, each principally the result of changes in our estimated ultimate loss for each respective event. In addition, the Company experienced $17.0 million of favorable development related to a number of other large and small catastrophe events. Net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake, the 2011 Thailand Floods and the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (collectively the “2011 International Events”) was $1.4 million and included reductions in reported losses on the 2011 Thailand Floods and Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, offset by a net increase in reported losses on the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake, with each respective movement principally driven by the same counterparties re-allocating losses between the 2011 International Events.

Specialty Reinsurance Segment

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2015 of $91.9 million was comprised of $1.8 million and $90.2 million related to large catastrophe events and attritional net claims and claim expenses, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses of $91.9 million in 2015 was $94.9 million related to attritional net claims and claim expenses reported coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events and $8.1 million related to reductions in estimated ultimate losses related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in 2010, partially offset by adverse development of $8.5 million related to the sub-prime related casualty losses from 2007 driven by reported claims from a number of cedants and adverse development of $4.8 million associated to actuarial assumption changes.

Lloyd’s Segment

The adverse development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Lloyd’s segment in 2015 of $0.3 million was comprised of adverse development of $1.6 million and favorable development of $1.2 million related to small catastrophe events and attritional net claims and claim expenses, respectively. Included in attritional net claims and claim expenses was $1.5 million of favorable development associated with actuarial assumption changes.

Other Category

The net favorable development on prior accident years of $0.5 million for 2015 within the Company’s Other category was principally the result of a reduction in the estimated ultimate losses on a number of catastrophe events.

 

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The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for 2014 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31, 2014		Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment				Specialty Reinsurance Segment				Lloyd’s Segment				Other				Total
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Storm Sandy (2012)		$	(20,104)			$	—			$	(4,128)			$	—			$	(24,232)
April and May U.S. Tornadoes (2011)			(13,939)				—				—				—				(13,939)
Thailand Floods (2011)			(9,254)				(2,500)				—				—				(11,754)
LIBOR (2011 and 2012)			—				(10,500)				(1,250)				—				(11,750)
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008)			(6,647)				—				—				—				(6,647)
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)			(3,489)				(1,642)				—				—				(5,131)
Hurricane Irene (2011)			(4,506)				—				—				—				(4,506)
Windstorm Kyrill (2007)			(3,615)				—				—				—				(3,615)
Subprime (2007)			—				5,049				—				—				5,049
New Zealand Earthquake (2010)			24,692				—				—				—				24,692
Other			(10,644)				(1,826)				(1,234)				—				(13,704)
Total large catastrophe events			(47,506)				(11,419)				(6,612)				—				(65,537)
Small catastrophe events
European Floods (2013)			(7,552)				—				—				—				(7,552)
U.S. PCS 24 Wind and Thunderstorm (2013)			(6,712)				—				—				—				(6,712)
U.S. PCS 73 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			3,737				—				—				—				3,737
U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			9,625				—				—				—				9,625
Other			(17,103)				—				(2,687)				(6,137)				(25,927)
Total small catastrophe events			(18,005)				—				(2,687)				(6,137)				(26,829)
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses			(65,511)				(11,419)				(9,299)				(6,137)				(92,366)
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method -actual reported claims less than expected claims			—				(44,490)				(6,942)				—				(51,432)
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses			—				(44,490)				(6,942)				—				(51,432)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(65,511)			$	(55,909)			$	(16,241)			$	(6,137)			$	(143,798)

 

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Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2014 of $65.5 million was comprised of $47.5 million and $18.0 million related to large and small catastrophe events, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophe events was $20.1 million, $13.9 million, $9.3 million and $6.6 million related to Storm Sandy, the 2011 April and May U.S. Tornadoes, the 2011 Thailand Floods and the 2008 Hurricanes (Gustav and Ike), partially offset by adverse development of $24.7 million related to the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, each principally the result of changes in estimated ultimate losses for each respective event. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to small catastrophe events was $7.6 million and $6.7 million related to the 2013 European Floods and a 2013 U.S. wind and thunderstorm event, partially offset by adverse development of $13.4 million related certain 2012 U.S. wind and thunderstorm events, each principally the result of changes in estimated ultimate losses for each respective event.

Specialty Reinsurance Segment

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2015 of $55.9 million was comprised of $11.4 million and $44.5 million related to large catastrophe events and attritional net claims and claim expenses, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophe events was a $10.5 million reduction in estimated ultimate losses with respect to potential exposure to LIBOR related claims from prior accident years, partially offset by adverse development of $5.0 million from subprime related events from 2007 driven by reported claims from a number of cedants. Favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses of $44.5 million related to attritional net claims and claim expenses was driven by the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology. There were no actuarial reserving assumption changes during 2014.

Lloyd’s Segment

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Lloyd’s segment in 2015 of $16.2 million was comprised of $6.6 million, $2.7 million and $6.9 million related to large catastrophe events, small catastrophe events and attritional net claims and claim expenses, respectively. Included in the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses is a $4.1 million reduction in the estimated ultimate loss related to Storm Sandy included in large catastrophe events, with the $6.9 million favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses related to attritional net claims and claim expenses principally due to reported claims activity coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events. There were no actuarial reserving assumption changes during 2014.

Other Category

The net favorable development on prior accident years of $6.1 million for 2014 within the Company’s Other category was principally the result of a reduction in the estimated ultimate losses on a proportional property contract.

 

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The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for the 2013 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:

 

Year ended December 31, 2013		Catastrophe   Reinsurance   Segment				Specialty   Reinsurance   Segment				Lloyd’s   Segment				Other				Total
Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
Large catastrophe events
Storm Sandy (2012)		$	(44,460)			$	—			$	(3,825)			$	—			$	(48,285)
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)			(18,033)				(1,000)				—				—				(19,033)
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (2008)			(16,261)				—				—				(404)				(16,665)
New Zealand Earthquake (2011)			(10,944)				—				—				—				(10,944)
Windstorm Kyrill (2007)			(8,244)				—				—				—				(8,244)
Hurricane Isaac (2012)			2,610				—				—				—				2,610
New Zealand Earthquake (2010)			11,040				300				—				—				11,340
Other			(776)				(1,763)				(1,442)				(1,325)				(5,306)
Total large catastrophe events			(85,068)				(2,463)				(5,267)				(1,729)				(94,527)
Small catastrophe events
U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			(3,500)				—				—				—				(3,500)
U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			(300)				—				—				—				(300)
U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)			8,225				—				—				—				8,225
Other			(21,394)				—				—				—				(21,394)
Total small catastrophe events			(16,969)				—				—				—				(16,969)
Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses		$	(102,037)			$	(2,463)			$	(5,267)			$	(1,729)			$	(111,496)
Attritional net claims and claim expenses
Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims		$	—			$	(21,216)			$	(3,263)			$	2,179			$	(22,300)
Actuarial assumption changes			—				(10,432)				274				—				(10,158)
Total attritional net claims and claim expenses		$	—			$	(31,648)			$	(2,989)			$	2,179			$	(32,458)
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses		$	(102,037)			$	(34,111)			$	(8,256)			$	450			$	(143,954)

Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2013 of $102.0 million was primarily due to $44.5 million, $18.0 million, $16.3 million and $10.9 million of favorable development related to reductions in the expected ultimate net loss for Storm Sandy, the Tohoku Earthquake, the 2008 Hurricanes (Gustav and Ike) and the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake, respectively, as reported claims came in better than expected, and $34.2 million of net favorable development related to a number of other catastrophes principally the result of reported claims coming in less than expected, resulting in decreases to the ultimate claims for these events through the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology. Partially offsetting the

 

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reductions noted above was adverse development on the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, U.S. PSC 70 and Hurricane Isaac of $11.0 million, $8.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, associated with an increase in reported gross ultimate losses.

Specialty Reinsurance Segment

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2013 of $34.1 million was primarily driven by $10.4 million associated with actuarial assumption changes, principally in the Company’s casualty clash and casualty risk lines of business, and primarily as a result of revised claim development factors based on actual loss experience, and $23.7 million due to reported claims coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events, as a result of the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology.

Lloyd’s Segment

The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Lloyd’s segment of $8.3 million during 2013 was principally driven by a $5.3 million decrease in the estimated ultimate net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophes, including $3.8 million related to Storm Sandy, and $3.3 million related to reported claims coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events as a result of the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology and partially offset by adverse development of $0.3 million related to assumption changes.

Other Category

The net adverse development on prior accident years of $0.5 million for 2013 within the Company’s Other category was principally the result of $2.2 million related to the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology with the increases being due to actual paid and reported claim activity coming in higher than what was originally anticipated when setting the initial reserves; partially offset by favorable development of $1.7 million related to large catastrophe events.

Assumed Reinsurance Contracts Classified As Deposit Contracts

Net claims and claim expenses incurred were reduced by $0.3 million during 2015 (2014 – $0.3 million, 2013 – $0.4 million) related to income earned on assumed reinsurance contracts that were classified as deposit contracts with underwriting risk only. Other income was increased by $6.2 million during 2015 (2014 – other loss decreased by $0.1 million, 2013 – other loss decreased by $0.1 million) related to premiums and losses incurred on assumed reinsurance contracts that were classified as deposit contracts with timing risk only. Aggregate deposit liabilities of $32.3 million are included in reinsurance balances payable at December 31, 2015 (2014 – $39.0 million) and aggregate deposit assets of $Nil are included in other assets at December 31, 2015 (2014 – $Nil) associated with these contracts.

NOTE 10.  DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES

Debt Obligations

A summary of the Company’s debt obligations on its consolidated balance sheets is set forth below:

 

		December 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Fair Value				Carrying Value				Fair Value				Carrying Value
3.700% Senior Notes due 2025		$	287,100			$	299,445			$	—			$	—
5.75% Senior Notes due 2020			270,000				249,614				279,000				249,522
Series B 7.50% Senior Notes due 2017			267,500				268,196				—				—
4.750% Senior Notes due 2025 (DaVinciRe)			148,742				148,824				—				—
		$	973,342			$	966,079			$	279,000			$	249,522

 

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3.700% Senior Notes due 2025 of RenaissanceRe Finance

On March 24, 2015, RenaissanceRe Finance issued $300.0 million of its 3.700% Senior Notes due April 1, 2025, with interest on the notes payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and may be redeemed by RenaissanceRe Finance prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium if the notes are redeemed prior to January 1, 2025. The notes contain various covenants, including limitations on mergers and consolidations, and restrictions as to the disposition of, and the placing of liens on, stock of designated subsidiaries.

The net proceeds from the offering of the notes (together with cash on hand) were applied by RenaissanceRe to repay in full a $300.0 million bridge loan that Barclays Bank PLC provided to RenaissanceRe on February 25, 2015 in order to finance a portion of the cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe in connection with the acquisition of Platinum. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum” for additional information related to the cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe in connection with the acquisition of Platinum.

5.75% Senior Notes due 2020 of RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (“RRNAH”) and RenaissanceRe Finance

On March 17, 2010, RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (“RRNAH”) issued $250.0 million of its 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020 (the “RRNAH Notes”), with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year. RenaissanceRe Finance became a co-obligor of the notes as of July 3, 2015. The notes, which are senior obligations, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and may be redeemed prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium. The notes contain various covenants, including limitations on mergers and consolidations, and restrictions as to the disposition of, and the placing of liens on, stock of designated subsidiaries.

Series B 7.50% Notes due 2017 of Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc.

On November 2, 2005, Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (“Platinum Finance”) issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Series B 7.50% Notes due June 1, 2017 (the “Platinum Finance Notes”).

Interest on the Platinum Finance Notes is payable on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Platinum Finance Notes, which are senior obligations, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by RenaissanceRe, and may be redeemed by Platinum Finance prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium. The Platinum Finance Notes contain various covenants, including limitations on mergers and consolidations, and restrictions as to the disposition of, and the placing of liens on, the stock of designated subsidiaries.

DaVinciRe Senior Notes

On May 4, 2015, DaVinciRe issued $150.0 million of its 4.750% Senior Notes due May 1, 2025, with interest on the notes payable on May 1 and November 1, commencing with November 1, 2015 (the “DaVinciRe Senior Notes”). The DaVinciRe Senior Notes, which are senior obligations, may be redeemed prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium if the notes are redeemed before February 1, 2025. The DaVinciRe Senior Notes contain various covenants including restrictions as to the disposition of, and the placing of liens on, the stock of designated subsidiaries, limitations on mergers, amalgamations and consolidations, limitations on third party investor redemptions, a leverage covenant and a covenant to maintain certain ratings. The net proceeds from this offering were used to repay, in full, $100.0 million outstanding under the loan agreement, dated as of March 30, 2011, between DaVinciRe and RenaissanceRe, and the remainder of the net proceeds may be used to repurchase DaVinciRe shares or for general corporate purposes.

 

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Credit Facilities

A summary of the Company’s credit facilities is set forth below:

 

At December 31, 2015		Issued or Drawn
RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility		$	—
Uncommitted Standby Letter of Credit Facility with Wells Fargo			163,264
Uncommitted Standby Letter of Credit Facility with NAB			—
Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility with Citibank Europe			180,001
Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities with Citibank Europe
Renaissance Reinsurance			360,000
RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks			8,861
Total credit facilities in U.S. dollars		$	712,126
Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities
Renaissance Reinsurance Master Reimbursement Agreement		£	85,000
Total credit facilities in pound sterling		£	85,000

RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility

On May 15, 2015, RenaissanceRe entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) with various banks, financial institutions and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) as administrative agent, which amended and restated the credit agreement, dated as of May 17, 2012, as amended. The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a revolving commitment to RenaissanceRe of $250.0 million. RenaissanceRe has the right, subject to satisfying certain conditions, to increase the size of the facility to $350.0 million. Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate selected by RenaissanceRe equal to the Base Rate or LIBOR (each as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus a margin, as more fully set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2015, RenaissanceRe had $Nil outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

The Revolving Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants customary for bank loan facilities of this type, including limits on the ability of RenaissanceRe and its subsidiaries to merge, consolidate, sell a substantial amount of assets, incur liens and declare or pay dividends under certain circumstances. The Revolving Credit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants which generally provide that the ratio of consolidated debt to capital shall not exceed 0.35:1 and that the consolidated net worth of RenaissanceRe shall equal or exceed approximately $2.9 billion. The net worth requirement is recalculated effective as of the end of each fiscal year.

In case of certain events of default, in certain circumstances the lenders’ obligations to make loans may be terminated and the outstanding obligations of RenaissanceRe under the Revolving Credit Agreement may be accelerated. The scheduled commitment maturity date of the Revolving Credit Agreement is May 15, 2020.

RRNAH, RenaissanceRe Finance, and Platinum Finance guarantee RenaissanceRe’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Subject to certain exceptions, additional subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe are required to become guarantors if such subsidiaries issue or incur certain types of indebtedness.

Uncommitted Standby Letter of Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, DaVinci, Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. (collectively, the “Applicants”) and RenaissanceRe are parties to a Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, as amended (the “Standby Letter of Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo which provides for a secured, uncommitted facility under which letters of credit may be issued from time to time for the respective accounts of the Applicants. RenaissanceRe has unconditionally guaranteed the payment obligations of the Applicants, other than DaVinci.

 

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The Standby Letter of Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities of this type. At all times during which it is a party to the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, each Applicant is required to pledge to Wells Fargo eligible collateral having a value (determined as provided in such agreement) that equals or exceeds the aggregate face amount of the outstanding letters of credit issued for its account plus all of such Applicant’s payment and reimbursement obligations in respect of such letters of credit. In the case of an event of default, Wells Fargo may exercise certain remedies, including conversion of collateral of a defaulting Applicant into cash.

On May 15, 2015, all amounts outstanding under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2014, among Platinum, the subsidiaries of Platinum party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo, as administrative agent were repaid and satisfied in full, the facility was terminated and all letters of credit that were issued and outstanding under the facility were transferred over to, and are now governed by the terms and conditions of, the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement.

At December 31, 2015, the Applicants had $163.3 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement.

National Australia Bank Limited Standby Letter of Credit Agreement

Effective as of May 19, 2015, Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, DaVinci and Platinum Bermuda (collectively, the “NAB Facility Applicants”) and RenaissanceRe entered into a Standby Letter of Credit Agreement (the “NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement”) with National Australia Bank Limited (“NAB”). The NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement provides for a secured, uncommitted facility under which letters of credit may be issued from time to time for the respective accounts of the NAB Facility Applicants in multiple currencies. RenaissanceRe has unconditionally guaranteed the payment obligations of the NAB Facility Applicants, other than DaVinci.

The NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities of this type. At all times during which it is a party to the NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, each NAB Facility Applicant is required to pledge to NAB eligible collateral having a value (determined as provided in such agreement) that equals or exceeds the aggregate stated amount of the letters of credit issued thereunder for its account, plus all of its reimbursement and payment obligations under the NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement. In the case of an event of default under the NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, NAB may exercise certain remedies, including conversion of collateral of a defaulting NAB Facility Applicant into cash.

Concurrently with the effectiveness of the NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, all amounts outstanding under the Facility Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2012, among Platinum Bermuda, Platinum, the lenders party thereto and NAB, as agent for the finance parties were repaid and satisfied in full, the facility was terminated and all letters of credit that were issued and outstanding under the facility were transferred over to, and are now governed by the terms and conditions of, the NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement.

At December 31, 2015, the NAB Facility Applicants had $Nil outstanding under the NAB Standby Letter of Credit Agreement.

Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility with Citibank Europe

Pursuant to the facility letter, dated September 17, 2010, as amended, among Citibank Europe plc (“CEP”) and certain subsidiaries and affiliates of RenaissanceRe (the “Facility Letter”), CEP has established a letter of credit facility (the “Bilateral Facility”) under which CEP provides a commitment to issue letters of credit for the account of one or more of the Bilateral Facility Participants (as defined below) and their respective subsidiaries in multiple currencies. The “Bilateral Facility Participants” include Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. The aggregate commitment amount is $300.0 million, subject to a combined sublimit of $25.0 million for letters of credit issued for the accounts of Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.

Effective March 31, 2015, the principal agreements evidencing the bilateral letter of credit facility that had previously been in place among CEP, Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. (the “Platinum/CEP Bilateral Facility”) were terminated. In addition, effective March 31, 2015, certain letters of credit issued on behalf of Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. under the Platinum/CEP

 

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Bilateral Facility are deemed to be letters of credit issued under, and governed by the terms of, the Bilateral Facility.

The Bilateral Facility is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2017. At all times during which it is a party to the Bilateral Facility, each Bilateral Facility Participant is obligated to pledge to CEP securities with a value (determined as provided in such facility) that equals or exceeds the aggregate face amount of its then-outstanding letters of credit. In the case of an event of default under the Bilateral Facility with respect to a Bilateral Facility Participant, CEP may exercise certain remedies, including terminating its commitment to such Bilateral Facility Participant and taking certain actions with respect to the collateral pledged by such Bilateral Facility Participant (including the sale thereof). In the Facility Letter, each Bilateral Facility Participant makes representations and warranties that are customary for facilities of this type and agrees that it will comply with certain informational and other undertakings, including those regarding the delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements.

At December 31, 2015, $180.0 million aggregate face amount of letters of credit was outstanding and, subject to the sublimits described above, $120.0 million remained unused and available to the Bilateral Facility Participants under the Bilateral Facility.

Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities

Effective November 23, 2015, Renaissance Reinsurance entered into a letter of credit facility with Bank of Montreal (“BMO”), CEP and ING Bank N.V. (“ING”) as lenders (the “Renaissance Reinsurance FAL Facility”), evidenced by a letter of credit reimbursement agreement (the “Reimbursement Agreement”), which provides for the issuance by the lenders of two letters of credit to support the business written by Syndicate 1458. The letters of credit have stated amounts of $360.0 million and £85.0 million, respectively. The Renaissance Reinsurance FAL Facility and the letters of credit issued thereunder replaced the letter of credit facility established to support Syndicate 1458 by Renaissance Reinsurance with CEP on April 29, 2009, pursuant to an Insurance Letters of Credit Master Agreement and related agreements, and the two letters of credit previously issued thereunder.

At all times during the term of the Renaissance Reinsurance FAL Facility, Renaissance Reinsurance is obligated to pledge to the lenders certain eligible securities with a collateral value (determined as provided in the Reimbursement Agreement) that, until a Full Collateralization Event (as defined in the Reimbursement Agreement) occurs, equals or exceeds, at Renaissance Reinsurance’s election, either (i) 100% of the aggregate amount of its then-outstanding letters of credit or (ii) greater than or equal to 60% but less than 100% of the aggregate amount of its then-outstanding letters of credit. Upon the occurrence of a Full Collateralization Event, Renaissance Reinsurance is obligated to collateralize the Renaissance Reinsurance FAL Facility at 100%.

In the Reimbursement Agreement, Renaissance Reinsurance makes representations and warranties that are customary for facilities of this type and agrees that it will comply with certain informational undertakings and other covenants, including maintaining a minimum net worth. In the case of an event of default under the Renaissance Reinsurance FAL Facility, the lenders may exercise certain remedies, including declaring all outstanding obligations of Renaissance Reinsurance under the Reimbursement Agreement and related credit documents due and payable and taking certain actions with respect to the collateral pledged by Renaissance Reinsurance (including the sale thereof).

At December 31, 2015, letters of credit issued by CEP under the Renaissance Reinsurance FAL Facility were outstanding in the face amount of $360.0 million and £85.0 million, respectively.

Effective November 24, 2014, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and CEP entered into a letter of credit facility (the “Specialty Risks FAL Facility”), evidenced by a Master Agreement (the “Specialty Risks Master Agreement”), and a related Pledge Agreement (the “Specialty Risks Pledge Agreement”), which provide for the issuance and renewal by CEP for the account of RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks of letters of credit that are used to support business written by Syndicate 1458. At all times during the term of the Specialty Risks FAL Facility, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks has agreed to pledge to CEP certain qualifying securities with a value (determined as provided in the Specialty Risks Pledge Agreement) equal to the aggregate face amount of the then-outstanding letters of credit. The Specialty Risks Master Agreement and the Specialty Risks Pledge Agreement contain representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities

 

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of this type. At December 31, 2015, letters of credit issued by CEP under the Specialty Risks FAL Facility were outstanding in the face amount of $8.9 million.

Top Layer Re

Renaissance Reinsurance is party to a collateralized letter of credit and reimbursement agreement in the amount of $37.5 million that supports the Company’s Top Layer Re joint venture. Renaissance Reinsurance is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level.

Interest Paid and Scheduled Debt Maturity

Interest paid on the Company’s debt totaled $40.8 million for 2015 (2014 – $17.2 million, 2013 – $20.1 million).

The following table sets forth the scheduled maturity of the Company’s aggregate amount of its debt obligation reflected on its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015:

 

2016		$	—
2017			250,000
2018			—
2019			—
2020			250,000
After 2020			450,000
Unamortized fair value adjustments			18,196
Unamortized discount on debt issuance			(2,117)
		$	966,079

NOTE 11.  NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated balance sheets is set forth below:

 

		2015				2014
Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe		$	930,955			$	1,037,306
Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici			115,009				94,402
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		$	1,045,964			$	1,131,708

A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated statements of operations is set forth below:

 

		2015				2014				2013
Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe		$	106,399			$	149,817			$	150,581
Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici			4,651				3,721				617
Noncontrolling interest - Angus Fund			—				—				(54)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	111,050			$	153,538			$	151,144

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe

In October 2001, the Company formed DaVinciRe and DaVinci with other equity investors. RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in DaVinciRe; however, because RenaissanceRe controls a majority of DaVinciRe’s outstanding voting rights, the consolidated financial statements of DaVinciRe are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of DaVinciRe’s earnings owned by third parties is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe was 26.3% at December 31, 2015 (2014 - 23.4%).

 

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DaVinciRe shareholders are party to a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) which provides DaVinciRe shareholders, excluding RenaissanceRe, with certain redemption rights that enable each shareholder to notify DaVinciRe of such shareholder’s desire for DaVinciRe to repurchase up to half of such shareholder’s initial aggregate number of shares held, subject to certain limitations, such as limiting the aggregate of all share repurchase requests to 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital in any given year and satisfying all applicable regulatory requirements. If total shareholder requests exceed 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital, the number of shares repurchased will be reduced among the requesting shareholders pro-rata, based on the amounts desired to be repurchased. Shareholders desiring to have DaVinci repurchase their shares must notify DaVinciRe before March 1 of each year. The repurchase price will be based on GAAP book value as of the end of the year in which the shareholder notice is given, and the repurchase will be effective as of January 1 of the following year. Payment will be made by April 1, following delivery of the audited financial statements for the year in which the repurchase was effective. The repurchase price is generally subject to a true-up for development on outstanding loss reserves after settlement of all claims relating to the applicable years.

2014

During January 2014, DaVinciRe redeemed a portion of its outstanding shares from all existing DaVinciRe shareholders, including RenaissanceRe, while a new DaVinciRe shareholder purchased shares in DaVinciRe from the Company. The net redemption as a result of this transactions was $300.0 million. In connection with the redemption, DaVinciRe retained a $30.0 million holdback. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to this transactions was 26.5%, effective January 1, 2014.

Effective July 1, 2014, RenaissanceRe sold a portion of its shares of DaVinciRe to an existing third party shareholder for $38.9 million. The Company’s ownership in DaVinciRe was 26.5% at June 30, 2014 and subsequent to the above transaction, its ownership interest in DaVinciRe decreased to 23.4% effective July 1, 2014.

2015

During January 2015, DaVinciRe redeemed a portion of its outstanding shares from certain existing DaVinciRe shareholders, including the Company. The net redemption as a result of these transactions was $225.0 million. In connection with the redemption, DaVinciRe retained a $22.5 million holdback. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to these transactions was 26.3%, effective January 1, 2015.

See “Note 24. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to DaVinciRe shareholder transactions which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2015.

The Company expects its noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time.

The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe is detailed in the table below:

 

		2015				2014
Balance – January 1		$	1,037,306			$	1,063,368
Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest			(212,750)				(224,455)
Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interest			—				48,576
Comprehensive income:
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest			106,399				149,817
Balance – December 31		$	930,955			$	1,037,306

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Medici

Medici is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and its objective is to seek to invest substantially all of its assets in various insurance-based investment instruments that have returns primarily tied to property catastrophe risk. RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in Medici; however, because RenaissanceRe controls all of Medici’s outstanding voting rights, the financial

 

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statements of Medici are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of Medici’s earnings owned by third parties is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Any shareholder may redeem all or any portion of its shares as of the last day of any calendar month, upon at least 30 calendar days’ prior irrevocable written notice to Medici. As the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici have redemption features which are outside the control of the issuer, the portion related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in Medici is recorded in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets of the Company.

2014

During 2014, third-party investors subscribed for and redeemed an aggregate of $57.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of these net subscriptions, the Company’s economic ownership in Medici decreased to 53.2%, effective December 31, 2014.

2015

During 2015, third-party investors subscribed for and redeemed an aggregate of $36.1 million and $20.1 million, respectively, of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of these net subscriptions, the Company’s economic ownership in Medici was 46.1%, effective December 31, 2015.

See “Note 24. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to Medici transactions which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2015.

The Company expects its ownership in Medici to fluctuate over time.

The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – Medici is detailed in the table below:

 

		2015				2014
Balance – January 1		$	94,402			$	36,492
Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest			(20,117)				(3,075)
Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interest			36,073				57,264
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest			4,651				3,721
Balance – December 31		$	115,009			$	94,402

NOTE 12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Upsilon Fund

Effective November 13, 2014, the Company incorporated Upsilon Fund, an exempted Bermuda limited segregated accounts company. Upsilon Fund was formed to provide a fund structure through which third party investors can invest in reinsurance risk managed by the Company. As a segregated accounts company, Upsilon Fund is permitted to establish segregated accounts to invest in and hold identified pools of assets and liabilities. Each pool of assets and liabilities in each segregated account is structured to be ring-fenced from any claims from the creditors of Upsilon Fund’s general account and from the creditors of other segregated accounts within Upsilon Fund. Third party investors purchase redeemable, non-voting preference shares linked to specific segregated accounts of Upsilon Fund and own 100% of these shares. Upsilon Fund is managed by RenaissanceRe Fund Management Ltd. in return for an expense override and profit commission. During 2015, the Company received an expense override and profit commission from Upsilon Fund of $1.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively (2014 - $Nil and $Nil, respectively).

Upsilon Fund is considered a VIE as the voting rights of the equity investors are not proportionate with the respective obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected residual returns. The Company does not have the obligation to absorb the losses, nor the right to receive the benefits, in accordance with the accounting guidance, that could be significant to Upsilon Fund. However, the Company does have the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Upsilon Fund. Since the Company does not meet both criteria noted above, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Upsilon Fund, and accordingly, does not consolidate Upsilon Fund. The Company

 

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has not provided any financial or other support to Upsilon Fund that it was not contractually required to provide.

Upsilon RFO

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company formed and launched Upsilon RFO, a managed joint venture, and a Bermuda domiciled SPI, to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence retrocessional property catastrophe excess of loss market.

The shareholders (other than the Class A shareholder) participate in substantially all of the profits or losses of Upsilon RFO while their shares remain outstanding. The shareholders (other than the Class A shareholder) indemnify Upsilon RFO against losses relating to insurance risk and therefore these shares have been accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance.

Upsilon RFO is considered a VIE as it has insufficient equity capital to finance its activities without additional financial support. The Company is the primary beneficiary of Upsilon RFO as it: (i) has the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Upsilon RFO and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits, in accordance with the accounting guidance, that could be significant to Upsilon RFO. As a result, the Company consolidates Upsilon RFO and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. Other than its equity investment in Upsilon RFO, the Company has not provided financial or other support to Upsilon RFO that it was not contractually required to provide.

2014

In conjunction with risks incepting during the first quarter of 2014, $172.4 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were issued to unaffiliated third-party investors. Additionally, $109.7 million of the non-voting preference shares were issued to the Company, representing a 38.9% participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO incepting during the first quarter of 2014. In addition, another third party investor supplied $15.0 million of capital through an insurance contract with the Company related to Upsilon RFO’s reinsurance portfolio. Inclusive of the insurance contract, the Company had a 33.6% participation in the original risks assumed by Upsilon RFO in conjunction with risks incepting during the first quarter of 2014.

In conjunction with risks incepting during the second quarter of 2014, $43.1 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were issued to unaffiliated third-party investors. Additionally, $13.5 million of the non-voting preference shares were issued to the Company, representing a 23.9% participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO incepting during the second quarter of 2014. In addition, another third party investor supplied $5.0 million of capital through an insurance contract with the Company related to Upsilon RFO’s reinsurance portfolio. Inclusive of the insurance contract, the Company had a 15.0% participation in the original risks assumed by Upsilon RFO in conjunction with risks incepting during the second quarter of 2014.

2015

During 2015, Upsilon RFO returned capital to all of the investors who participated in risks incepting during 2014, including the Company. The total amount of capital agreed to be returned was $420.2 million, including $132.3 million related to the Company, with $418.5 million of this having been repaid to date, including $131.6 million related to the Company.

In conjunction with risks incepting during 2015, $153.7 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were issued to unaffiliated third-party investors through their investment in Upsilon Fund. Additionally, $42.5 million of the non-voting preference shares were issued to the Company, representing a 21.7% participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO incepting during 2015.

At December 31, 2015, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included total assets and total liabilities of Upsilon RFO of $250.6 million and $250.5 million, respectively (2014 - $621.3 million and $621.3 million, respectively). At December 31, 2014, the Company’s consolidated total assets included $135.7 million of capital raised from third party investors and received by Upsilon RFO prior to December 31, 2014 for risks incepted during the first quarter of 2015.

 

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See “Note 24. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to Upsilon RFO transactions which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2015.

Mona Lisa Re Ltd. (“Mona Lisa Re”)

On March 14, 2013, Mona Lisa Re was licensed as a Bermuda domiciled SPI to provide reinsurance capacity to subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe, namely Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, through reinsurance agreements which will be collateralized and funded by Mona Lisa Re through the issuance of one or more series of principal-at-risk variable rate notes to third-party investors.

Upon issuance of a series of notes by Mona Lisa Re, all of the proceeds from the issuance are expected to be deposited into collateral accounts, separated by series, to fund any potential obligation under the reinsurance agreements entered into with Renaissance Reinsurance and/or DaVinci underlying such series of notes. The outstanding principal amount of each series of notes generally will be returned to holders of such notes upon the expiration of the risk period underlying such notes, unless an event occurs which causes a loss under the applicable series of notes, in which case the amount returned will be reduced by such noteholder’s pro rata share of such loss, as specified in the applicable governing documents of such notes. In addition, holders of such notes are generally entitled to interest payments, payable quarterly, as determined by the applicable governing documents of each series of notes.

The Company concluded that Mona Lisa Re meets the definition of a VIE as it does not have sufficient equity capital to finance its activities. Therefore, the Company evaluated its relationship with Mona Lisa Re and concluded it does not have a variable interest in Mona Lisa Re. As a result, the financial position and results of operations of Mona Lisa Re are not consolidated by the Company. At December 31, 2015, the total assets and total liabilities of Mona Lisa Re were $184.0 million and $184.0 million, respectively (2014 - $184.0 million and $184.0 million, respectively).

The only transactions related to Mona Lisa Re that are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are the ceded reinsurance agreements entered into by Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci which are accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance. Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci have together entered into ceded reinsurance contracts with Mona Lisa Re with gross premiums ceded of $7.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively, during 2015 (2014 - $7.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively). In addition, Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci recognized ceded premiums earned related to the ceded reinsurance contracts with Mona Lisa Re of $7.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively, during 2015 (2014 - $8.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively).

NOTE 13.   SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Authorized Capital

The aggregate authorized capital of RenaissanceRe is 325 million shares consisting of 225 million common shares and 100 million preference shares. The following table is a summary of changes in common shares issued and outstanding:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(thousands of shares)
Issued and outstanding shares – January 1			38,442				43,646				45,542
Issuance of shares			7,435				—				—
Repurchase of shares			(2,473)				(5,355)				(2,451)
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards			297				151				555
Issued and outstanding shares – December 31			43,701				38,442				43,646

Dividends

The Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe declared, and RenaissanceRe paid, a dividend of $0.30 per common share to shareholders of record on March 13, June 15, September 15 and December 15, 2015, respectively. Dividends declared and paid on common shares amounted to $1.20 per common share for 2015 (2014 - $1.16, 2013 - $1.12), or $54.0 million on all common shares outstanding (2014 - $45.9 million,

 

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2013 - $49.3 million). During 2015, RenaissanceRe declared and paid $22.4 million in preference share dividends (2014 - $22.4 million, 2013 - $24.9 million).

Share Repurchases

The Company’s share repurchase program may be effected from time to time, depending on market conditions and other factors, through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. On November 13, 2015, RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors approved a renewal of the authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full value of the shares authorized. The Company’s decision to repurchase common shares will depend on, among other matters, the market price of the common shares and the capital requirements of the Company. During 2015, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 2.5 million shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $259.9 million, and at an average share price of $105.10. At December 31, 2015, $482.3 million remained available for repurchase under the Board authorized share repurchase program. See “Note 24. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to share repurchases subsequent to December 31, 2015 and an increase in the Company’s authorized share repurchase program.

Preference Shares

In March 2004, RenaissanceRe raised $250.0 million through the issuance of 10 million Series C Preference Shares at $25 per share; in December 2006, RenaissanceRe raised $300.0 million through the issuance of 12 million Series D Preference Shares at $25 per share; and in May 2013, RenaissanceRe raised $275.0 million through the issuance of 11 million Series E Preference Shares at $25 per share. Offering expenses of $9.1 million related to the issuance of the Series E Preference Shares have been included in additional paid in capital on the Company’s consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity. On December 27, 2012, the Company redeemed 6 million Series D Preference Shares for $150.0 million plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Following the redemption, 6 million Series D Preference Shares remained outstanding. The proceeds of the issuance of the Series E Preference Shares were used to redeem the remaining 6 million outstanding Series D Preference Shares and 5 million of the outstanding Series C Preference Shares, as discussed below.

The Series E Preference Shares and the remaining Series C Preference Shares may be redeemed at $25 per share plus certain dividends at RenaissanceRe’s option on or after June 1, 2018 and March 23, 2009, respectively. Dividends on the Series C Preference Shares are cumulative from the date of original issuance and are payable quarterly in arrears at 6.08% per annum, when, if, and as declared by the Board of Directors. Dividends on the Series E Preference Shares will be payable from the date of original issuance on a non-cumulative basis, only when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears at 5.375% per annum. Unless certain dividend payments are made on the preference shares, RenaissanceRe will be restricted from paying any dividends on its common shares. The preference shares have no stated maturity and are not convertible into any other securities of RenaissanceRe. Generally, the preference shares have no voting rights. Whenever dividends payable on the preference shares are in arrears (whether or not such dividends have been earned or declared) in an amount equivalent to dividends for six full dividend periods (whether or not consecutive), the holders of the preference shares, voting as a single class regardless of class or series, will have the right to elect two directors to the Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe.

In May 2013, RenaissanceRe announced a mandatory redemption of the remaining 6 million of its outstanding Series D Preference Shares and on June 27, 2013 RenaissanceRe redeemed the remaining 6 million Series D Preference Shares called for redemption for $150.0 million million plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Following the redemption, no Series D Preference Shares remain outstanding. In addition, in May 2013, RenaissanceRe announced a mandatory partial redemption of 5 million of its outstanding Series C Preference Shares. The partial redemption was allocated by random lottery in accordance with the Depository Trust Company’s rules and procedures and on June 27, 2013 RenaissanceRe redeemed the 5 million Series C Preference Shares called for redemption for $125.0 million plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Following the redemption, 5 million Series C Preference Shares remain outstanding.

 

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NOTE 14.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
(thousands of shares)
Numerator:
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders		$	408,811			$	510,337			$	665,676
Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)			(4,721)				(6,760)				(9,520)
Net income allocated to RenaissanceRe common shareholders		$	404,090			$	503,577			$	656,156
Denominator:
Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share - weighted average common shares			43,157				39,425				43,349
Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares			369				543				779
Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share - adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions			43,526				39,968				44,128
Basic income per RenaissanceRe common share		$	9.36			$	12.77			$	15.14
Diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share		$	9.28			$	12.60			$	14.87

 

(1)	Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and the Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

NOTE 15.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The Company has equity interests in the Tower Hill Companies as described in “Note 6. Investments”. The Company has entered into reinsurance agreements with certain subsidiaries and affiliates of Tower Hill and has also entered into reinsurance agreements with respect to business produced by the Tower Hill Companies. For 2015, the Company recorded $32.2 million (2014 - $40.0 million, 2013 - $46.7 million) of gross premium written assumed from Tower Hill and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Gross premiums earned totaled $35.8 million (2014 - $41.9 million, 2013 - $44.9 million) and expenses incurred were $4.1 million (2014 - $4.7 million, 2013 - $5.3 million) for 2015. The Company had a net related outstanding receivable balance of $14.3 million as of December 31, 2015 (2014 - $18.3 million). During 2015, the Company assumed net claims and claim expenses of $1.6 million (2014 - $3.6 million, 2013 - $4.1 million) and, as of December 31, 2015, had a net reserve for claims and claim expenses of $38.2 million (2014 - $40.3 million). In addition, the Company received distributions of $13.1 million from THIG during 2015 (2014 - $10.0 million).

The Company has a 40.4% equity interest in Angus, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Angus primarily provides commodity related risk management products to third party customers. For 2015, the Company generated other income of $Nil (2014 - $Nil, 2013 - $5.0 million) associated with Angus related transactions.

During 2015, the Company received distributions from Top Layer Re of $Nil (2014 - $Nil, 2013 - $Nil), and recorded a management fee of $2.6 million (2014 - $2.8 million, 2013 - $3.8 million). The management fee reimburses the Company for services it provides to Top Layer Re.

During 2015, the Company received 81.5% of its gross premiums written (2014 - 87.2%, 2013 - 85.3%) from three brokers. Subsidiaries and affiliates of AON, Marsh, and Willis Towers Watson accounted for approximately 48.1%, 21.7% and 11.7%, respectively, of gross premiums written in 2015 (2014 - 51.5%, 21.5% and 14.2%, respectively, 2013 - 45.3%, 22.9% and 17.1%, respectively).

 

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NOTE 16.   TAXATION

Under current Bermuda law, RenaissanceRe and its Bermuda subsidiaries are not subject to any income or capital gains taxes. In the event that such taxes are imposed, RenaissanceRe and its Bermuda subsidiaries would be exempted from any such tax until March 2035 pursuant to the Bermuda Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966, and Amended Acts of 1987 and 2011, respectively.

RenaissanceRe Finance and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes imposed by U.S. federal and state authorities and file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Should the U.S. subsidiaries pay a dividend to RenaissanceRe, withholding taxes would apply to the extent of current year or accumulated earnings and profits. The Company also has operations in Ireland, the U.K., and Singapore which are subject to income taxes imposed by the respective jurisdictions in which they operate.

The Company is not subject to income taxation other than as stated above. There can be no assurance that there will not be changes in applicable laws, regulations or treaties, which might require the Company to change the way it operates or become subject to taxation.

The following is a summary of the Company’s income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes allocated between domestic and foreign operations:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Domestic
Bermuda		$	511,114			$	701,476			$	873,103
Foreign
United Kingdom			(22,712)				(3,166)				(12,678)
U.S.			12,523				(10,977)				(20,019)
Ireland			188				1,549				1,855
Singapore			(4,737)				(2,018)				(1,223)
Income from continuing operations before taxes		$	496,376			$	686,864			$	841,038

Income tax (expense) benefit is comprised as follows:

 

Year ended December 31, 2015		Current				Deferred				Total
Total income tax (expense) benefit		$	(3,471)			$	49,337			$	45,866
Year ended December 31, 2014
Total income tax (expense) benefit		$	(699)			$	91			$	(608)
Year ended December 31, 2013
Total income tax (expense) benefit		$	(2,005)			$	313			$	(1,692)

The Company’s expected income tax provision computed on pre-tax income at the weighted average tax rate has been calculated as the sum of the pre-tax income in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate. Statutory tax rates of 0.0%, 35.0%, 12.5%, 20.2% and 17.0% have been used for Bermuda, the U.S., Ireland, the U.K. and Singapore, respectively.

The Company’s effective income tax rate, which it calculates as income tax expense divided by net income before taxes, may fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the geographic distribution of pre-tax net income in any given period between different jurisdictions with comparatively higher tax rates and those with comparatively lower tax rates. The geographic distribution of pre-tax income (loss) can vary significantly between periods due to, but not limited to, the following factors: the business mix of net premiums written and earned; the geographic location, the size and the nature of net claims and claim expenses incurred; the amount and geographic location of operating expenses, net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments; outstanding debt and related interest expense; and the amount of specific adjustments to determine the income tax basis in each of the Company’s operating jurisdictions. In addition, a significant portion of the Company’s gross and net premiums are currently written and earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, including the majority of the

 

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Company’s catastrophe business, which can result in significant volatility to its pre-tax income (loss) in any given period.

A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate is as follows:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Expected income tax benefit		$	1,011			$	4,725			$	9,930
Change in valuation allowance			43,808				(5,554)				(8,574)
Tax exempt income			4,939				671				129
Transaction costs			3,654				—				—
Non-taxable foreign exchange (losses) gains			(1,897)				885				(88)
Withholding tax			(3,036)				(327)				(1,717)
Other			(2,613)				(1,008)				(1,372)
Income tax benefit (expense)		$	45,866			$	(608)			$	(1,692)

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

 

At December 31,		2015				2014
Deferred tax assets
Tax loss and credit carryforwards		$	40,512			$	37,933
Reserve for claims and claim expenses			29,833				301
Deferred interest expense			18,901				17,066
Accrued expenses			15,730				3,680
Unearned premiums			8,946				892
Deferred underwriting results			421				1,586
Amortization and depreciation			—				1,686
Investments			—				290
			114,343				63,434
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred acquisition expenses			(10,741)				(1,460)
Amortization and depreciation			(5,899)				(54)
Investments			(1,479)				—
			(18,119)				(1,514)
Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance			96,224				61,920
Valuation allowance			(17,852)				(61,660)
Net deferred tax asset		$	78,372			$	260

During 2015, the Company recorded a net decrease to the valuation allowance of $43.8 million (2014 – increase of $5.6 million, 2013 – increase of $21.0 million). The Company’s net deferred tax asset primarily relates to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting differences relating to reserves for claims and claim expenses, deferred interest expense, accrued expenses, unearned premiums, deferred underwriting results, deferred acquisition expenses, amortization and depreciation and investments. The Company’s valuation allowance assessment is based on all available information including projections of future GAAP taxable income from each tax-paying component in each tax jurisdiction. Losses incurred within the U.S. tax-paying subsidiaries in the fourth quarter of 2011 were significant enough to result in a cumulative GAAP taxable loss at the U.S. tax-paying subsidiaries for the three year period ended December 31, 2011. The Company concluded that a valuation allowance was required from 2011 through the period ended December 31, 2014 as the Company remained in a cumulative GAAP taxable loss position for this period, among other facts. As of December 31, 2014, the U.S. valuation allowance was $48.5 million. In the first quarter of 2015, as a result of expected profits in the U.S. based operations due principally to the Platinum acquisition, the Company determined it was more

 

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likely than not it would be able to recover a substantial portion of the U.S. net deferred tax asset and thus reduced the U.S. valuation allowance from $48.5 million to $1.0 million. Factors that led to this determination included the combined cumulative GAAP taxable income position of the Company’s U.S.-based operations (including the entities acquired) along with the future expected profits of the combined operations.

A valuation allowance has been provided against deferred tax assets in Ireland, the U.K., and Singapore. These deferred tax assets relate primarily to net operating loss carryforwards.

In the U.S., the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $66.1 million. Under applicable law, the U.S. net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2031. In Ireland, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $11.0 million. In the U.K., the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $59.3 million. In Singapore, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $6.5 million. Under applicable law, the Irish, U.K. and Singapore net operating losses can be carried forward for an indefinite period.

The Company had a net payment for U.S. federal, Irish, U.K. and Singapore income taxes of $10.3 million for the year ended 2015 (2014 – net payment of $1.1 million, 2013 – net payment of $1.2 million).

The Company has unrecognized tax benefits of $Nil as of December 31, 2015 (2014 – $Nil). Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits would be recognized in income tax expense. At December 31, 2015, interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits were $Nil (2014 – $Nil). Income tax returns filed for tax years 2009 through 2014, 2011 through 2014, 2014 and 2012 through 2014, are open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service, Irish tax authorities, U.K. tax authorities, and Singapore tax authorities, respectively. The Company does not expect the resolution of these open years to have a significant impact on its results from operations and financial condition.

NOTE 17.    SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has the following reportable segments: (1) Catastrophe Reinsurance, which includes catastrophe reinsurance and certain property catastrophe joint ventures managed by the Company’s ventures unit; (2) Specialty Reinsurance, which includes specialty reinsurance and certain specialty joint ventures managed by the Company’s ventures unit; and (3) Lloyd’s, which includes reinsurance and insurance business written through Syndicate 1458. RenaissanceRe CCL, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is the sole corporate member of Syndicate 1458.

The underwriting results of Platinum are included in the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments from March 2, 2015.

The financial results of the Company’s strategic investments, former Insurance segment, discontinued operations related to REAL and current noncontrolling interests are included in the Other category of the Company’s segment results. Also included in the Other category of the Company’s segment results are the Company’s investments in other ventures, investments unit, corporate expenses, capital servicing costs and certain expenses related to the acquisition of Platinum.

The Company does not manage its assets by segment; accordingly, net investment income and total assets are not allocated to the segments.

 

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A summary of the significant components of the Company’s revenues and expenses is as follows:

 

Year ended December 31, 2015		Catastrophe  Reinsurance				Specialty  Reinsurance				Lloyd’s				Other				Total
Gross premiums written (1)		$	868,631			$	766,051			$	376,718			$	(90)			$	2,011,310
Net premiums written		$	557,369			$	582,909			$	275,953			$	(48)			$	1,416,183
Net premiums earned		$	622,714			$	548,810			$	229,075			$	(48)			$	1,400,551
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			75,574				244,495				128,667				(498)				448,238
Acquisition expenses			47,264				135,811				55,269				248				238,592
Operational expenses			93,494				70,525				54,827				266				219,112
Underwriting income (loss)		$	406,382			$	97,979			$	(9,688)			$	(64)				494,609
Net investment income															152,567				152,567
Net foreign exchange losses															(3,051)				(3,051)
Equity in earnings of other ventures															20,481				20,481
Other income															13,472				13,472
Net realized and unrealized losses on investments															(68,918)				(68,918)
Corporate expenses															(77,114)				(77,114)
Interest expense															(35,670)				(35,670)
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests																			496,376
Income tax benefit															45,866				45,866
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests															(111,050)				(111,050)
Dividends on preference shares															(22,381)				(22,381)
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders																		$	408,811
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year		$	145,951			$	336,407			$	128,327			$	—			$	610,685
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years			(70,377)				(91,912)				340				(498)				(162,447)
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total		$	75,574			$	244,495			$	128,667			$	(498)			$	448,238
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year			23.4%				61.3%				56.0%								43.6%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years			(11.3)%				(16.7)%				0.2%								(11.6)%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year			12.1%				44.6%				56.2%								32.0%
Underwriting expense ratio			22.6%				37.5%				48.0%								32.7%
Combined ratio			34.7%				82.1%				104.2%								64.7%

 

(1)	Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million.

 

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Year ended December 31, 2014		Catastrophe Reinsurance				Specialty Reinsurance				Lloyd’s				Other				Total
Gross premiums written (1)		$	933,969			$	346,638			$	269,656			$	309			$	1,550,572
Net premiums written		$	541,608			$	295,855			$	230,429			$	344			$	1,068,236
Net premiums earned		$	590,845			$	253,537			$	217,666			$	368			$	1,062,416
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			1,757				88,502				113,825				(6,137)				197,947
Acquisition expenses			43,161				60,936				46,927				(6,548)				144,476
Operational expenses			95,851				43,370				51,115				303				190,639
Underwriting income		$	450,076			$	60,729			$	5,799			$	12,750				529,354
Net investment income															124,316				124,316
Net foreign exchange gains															6,260				6,260
Equity in earnings of other ventures															26,075				26,075
Other loss															(423)				(423)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments															41,433				41,433
Corporate expenses															(22,987)				(22,987)
Interest expense															(17,164)				(17,164)
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests																			686,864
Income tax expense															(608)				(608)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests															(153,538)				(153,538)
Dividends on preference shares															(22,381)				(22,381)
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders																		$	510,337
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year		$	67,268			$	144,411			$	130,066			$	—			$	341,745
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years			(65,511)				(55,909)				(16,241)				(6,137)				(143,798)
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total		$	1,757			$	88,502			$	113,825			$	(6,137)			$	197,947
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year			11.4 %				57.0 %				59.8 %								32.2 %
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years			(11.1)%				(22.1)%				(7.5)%								(13.6)%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year			0.3 %				34.9 %				52.3 %								18.6 %
Underwriting expense ratio			23.5 %				41.1 %				45.0 %								31.6 %
Combined ratio			23.8 %				76.0 %				97.3 %								50.2 %

(1)  Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.3 million.

 

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Year ended December 31, 2013		Catastrophe Reinsurance				Specialty Reinsurance				Lloyd’s				Other				Total
Gross premiums written (1)		$	1,120,379			$	259,489			$	226,532			$	(988)			$	1,605,412
Net premiums written		$	753,078			$	248,562			$	201,697			$	610			$	1,203,947
Net premiums earned		$	723,705			$	214,306			$	176,029			$	586			$	1,114,626
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			7,908				67,236				95,693				450				171,287
Acquisition expenses			49,161				41,538				34,823				(21)				125,501
Operational expenses			108,130				31,780				50,540				655				191,105
Underwriting income (loss)		$	558,506			$	73,752			$	(5,027)			$	(498)				626,733
Net investment income															208,028				208,028
Net foreign exchange gains															1,917				1,917
Equity in earnings of other ventures															23,194				23,194
Other loss															(2,359)				(2,359)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments															35,076				35,076
Corporate expenses															(33,622)				(33,622)
Interest expense															(17,929)				(17,929)
Income from continuing operations before taxes and noncontrolling interests																			841,038
Income tax expense															(1,692)				(1,692)
Income from discontinued operations															2,422				2,422
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests															(151,144)				(151,144)
Dividends on preference shares															(24,948)				(24,948)
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders																		$	665,676
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year		$	109,945			$	101,347			$	103,949			$	—			$	315,241
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years			(102,037)				(34,111)				(8,256)				450				(143,954)
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total		$	7,908			$	67,236			$	95,693			$	450			$	171,287
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year			15.2 %				47.3 %				59.1 %								28.3 %
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years			(14.1)%				(15.9)%				(4.7)%								(12.9) %
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year			1.1 %				31.4 %				54.4 %								15.4 %
Underwriting expense ratio			21.7 %				34.2 %				48.5 %								28.4 %
Combined ratio			22.8 %				65.6 %				102.9 %								43.8 %

(1)  Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.

 

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The following is a summary of the Company’s gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure:

 

Year ended December 31,		2015				2014				2013
Catastrophe Reinsurance
U.S. and Caribbean		$	565,115			$	573,696			$	782,211
Worldwide			168,447				157,674				99,179
Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)			65,390				123,476				146,048
Japan			29,959				31,484				39,060
Europe			17,625				25,353				25,659
Australia and New Zealand			15,185				20,807				22,460
Other			6,910				1,479				5,762
Total Catastrophe Reinsurance			868,631				933,969				1,120,379
Specialty Reinsurance
U.S. and Caribbean			475,447				169,045				91,203
Worldwide			200,693				161,329				151,879
Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)			83,681				7,506				1,661
Europe			3,362				460				2,612
Australia and New Zealand			1,145				6,898				12,068
Other			1,723				1,400				66
Total Specialty Reinsurance			766,051				346,638				259,489
Lloyd’s
Worldwide			186,113				118,190				104,249
U.S. and Caribbean			154,104				120,066				88,535
Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)			14,896				13,655				8,071
Europe			12,922				7,609				14,763
Japan			2,432				2,695				1,907
Australia and New Zealand			1,166				2,907				2,948
Other			5,085				4,534				6,059
Total Lloyd’s			376,718				269,656				226,532
Other category (2)			(90)				309				(988)
Total gross premiums written		$	2,011,310			$	1,550,572			$	1,605,412

 

(1)	The category “Worldwide (excluding U.S.)” consists of contracts that cover more than one geographic region (other than the U.S.).

 

(2)	The Other category consists of contracts that are primarily exposed to U.S. risks and includes inter-segment gross premiums written of $(0.1) million for 2015 (2014 - $0.3 million, 2013 - $(1.0) million).

NOTE 18.   STOCK INCENTIVE COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

2001 Stock Incentive Plan and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan

The Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2001 Stock Incentive Plan”), which expired on February 6, 2016, had 5,400,000 shares reserved for issuance and permitted the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards and other share-based awards to employees of RenaissanceRe and its subsidiaries. The Company has also established a Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan under which 1,050,000 shares were reserved for issuance. Pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan, the Company may issue stock options and restricted stock awards to RenaissanceRe’s non-employee directors. Stock options granted pursuant to the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan allow for the purchase of RenaissanceRe common shares at a price that is equal to, or not less than, the fair market value of RenaissanceRe common shares as of the effective grant date. Stock options granted periodically by the Board of Directors, generally vested over four years and expire 10 years from the date of grant. We have not granted stock options since 2008. Restricted stock

 

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awards granted periodically by the Board of Directors under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan generally vest ratably over a four year period. Restricted stock awards granted under the Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan generally vest ratably over a three year period. For purposes of determining the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, shares tendered to or withheld by the Company in connection with certain option exercises were again available for issuance.

Premium Option Plan

RenaissanceRe’s 2004 Stock Option Incentive Plan (the “Premium Option Plan”), under which 6,000,000 common shares were reserved for issuance, was terminated on August 15, 2007 with respect to future option grants. Options outstanding at the time of the termination remained outstanding and unmodified until they expired. The Premium Option Plan expired on May 20, 2014 and at December 31, 2014 and 2015, there were no options outstanding under the Premium Option Plan.

2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan

In 2010, the Company instituted a cash settled restricted stock unit plan (the “2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan”). The 2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan allows for the issuance of equity awards in the form of CSRSUs which vest ratably over four years. CSRSUs are liability awards with fair value measurement based on the fair market value of RenaissanceRe common shares at the end of each reporting period. CSRSUs are granted periodically by the Board of Directors.

2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan

In May 2010, RenaissanceRe’s shareholders approved the 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan (“2010 Performance Plan”) under which 750,000 shares have been reserved (the “Performance Shares”). Performance Share awards have been made periodically to certain of the Company’s executive officers pursuant to the 2010 Performance Plan. These awards are subject to vesting conditions based on both continued service and the attainment of pre-established performance goals. If performance goals are achieved, the Performance Shares will vest up to a maximum of 250% of target. Grants under this plan generally cliff vest at the end of a three year vesting period based on the attainment of annual performance goals over the vesting period. The Performance Shares have a market condition which is the Company’s total shareholder return relative to its peer group. Total shareholder return is based on the average closing share price over the 20 trading days preceding and including the start and end of the annual performance period.

In 2012 and 2013, the Chief Executive Officer received certain special equity awards relating to promotions. The special equity awards were issued in the form of restricted stock awards and Performance Shares. The conditions attached to these awards are identical to the conditions under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2010 Performance Plan except that the awards vest over a period of four years.

Valuation Assumptions

Performance Shares

The fair value of the Performance Shares is measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model which requires certain of the same inputs underlying the Black-Scholes methodology, that being: share price; expected volatility; expected term; expected dividend yield; and risk-free interest rates. The following are the weighted average-assumptions used to estimate the fair value for all Performance Shares issued in each respective year.

 

		Performance Shares
Year ended December 31,		2015		2014
Expected volatility (1)		14.3% - 14.4%		14.5% - 18.6%
Expected term (in years)		n/a		n/a
Expected dividend yield		n/a		n/a
Risk-free interest rate (1)		0.07% -1.02%		0.08% -1.65%

 

(1)	The expected volatility and risk-free interest rate applied are specific to each tranche of Performance Shares.

 

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Expected volatility:   The expected volatility is estimated by the Company based on RenaissanceRe’s historical stock volatility.

Expected term:   The expected term is not applicable as the length of the performance periods are fixed and not subject to future employee behavior. Each tranche of the Performance Shares has a one year period during which performance is measured.

Expected dividend yield:   The expected dividend yield is not applicable to Performance Shares as dividends are paid at the end of the vesting period and do not affect the value of the Performance Shares.

Risk-free interest rate: The risk free rate is estimated based on the yield on a U.S. treasury zero-coupon issued with a remaining term equal to the vesting period of the Performance Shares.

The total cost of the Performance Shares is determined on the grant date based on the fair value calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation model. The Company recognizes cost equal to fair value per Performance Share multiplied by the target number of Performance Shares on the grant date. The cost is then amortized as an expense over the requisite service period net of estimated service-based forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, the Company considers its historical forfeitures as well as expectations about employee behavior. For 2015, the Company used a 0% forfeiture rate for performance shares (2014 - 0%).

Restricted Stock Awards

The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the fair market value of RenaissanceRe common shares on the grant date. The estimated fair value of restricted stock awards, net of estimated forfeitures, is amortized as an expense over the requisite service period net of estimated service-based forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, the Company considers its historical forfeitures as well as expectations about employee behavior. For 2015, the Company used a 0% forfeiture rate for restricted stock awards (2014 - 2%).

Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units

CSRSUs are revalued at the end of each quarterly reporting period based on the then fair market value of RenaissanceRe’s common shares. The total cost is adjusted each quarter for unvested CSRSUs to reflect the current share price, and this total cost is amortized as an expense over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, the Company considers its historical forfeitures as well as expectations about employee behavior. For 2015, the Company used a 13% forfeiture rate for its CSRSUs (2014 - 11%).

 

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Summary of Stock Compensation Activity

The following is a summary of activity under the Company’s existing stock compensation plans.

2001 Stock Incentive and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plans

 

		Weighted options outstanding				Weighted average exercise price				Weighted average remaining contractual life				Aggregate intrinsic value				Range of exercise prices
Balance, December 31, 2012			1,732,639			$	47.61				3.7			$	58,305			$	37.51 - $59.66
Options granted			—				—												—
Options forfeited			—				—
Options expired			—				—
Options exercised			(904,547	)			46.55							$	36,800
Balance, December 31, 2013			828,092			$	48.77				2.9			$	40,221			$	37.51 - $59.66
Options granted			—				—												—
Options forfeited			—				—
Options expired			—				—
Options exercised			(60,262	)			49.52							$	2,900
Balance, December 31, 2014			767,830			$	48.71				2.0			$	37,246			$	37.51 - $59.66
Options granted			—				—												—
Options forfeited			—				—
Options expired			—				—
Options exercised			(359,618	)		$	45.09							$	21,205
Balance, December 31, 2015			408,212			$	51.90				1.6			$	25,020			$	42.66 - $59.66
Total options exercisable at December 31, 2015			408,212			$	51.90				1.6			$	25,020			$	42.66 - $59.66

Premium Option Plan

 

		Weighted options outstanding				Weighted average exercise price				Weighted average remaining contractual life				Aggregate intrinsic value				Range of exercise prices
Balance, December 31, 2012			842,000			$	73.82							$	6,265			$	73.06 - $74.24
Options granted			—				—
Options forfeited			—				—
Options expired			—				—
Options exercised			(270,000	)			74.24								4,921
Balance, December 31, 2013			572,000			$	73.62							$	13,567			$	73.06 - $74.24
Options granted			—				—
Options forfeited			—				—
Options expired			—				—
Options exercised			(572,000	)			73.62								13,414
Balance, December 31, 2014			—			$	—							$	—			$	—
Options granted			—				—
Options forfeited			—				—
Options expired			—				—
Options exercised			—				—								—
Balance, December 31, 2015			—			$	—				0.0			$	—			$	—
Total options exercisable at December 31, 2015			—			$	—				0.0			$	—			$	—

 

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2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan and 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan

 

		Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units				Performance Shares (1)
		Number of shares				Number of shares				Weighted average grant-date fair value
Nonvested at December 31, 2012			493,556				359,520			$	29.46
Awards granted			149,760				134,358			$	33.46
Awards vested			(176,265	)			(24,606	)
Awards forfeited			(72,906	)			(109,729	)
Nonvested at December 31, 2013			394,145				359,543			$	30.55
Awards granted			119,382				102,668			$	46.45
Awards vested			(159,094	)			—
Awards forfeited			(16,110	)			(213,639	)
Nonvested at December 31, 2014			338,323				248,572			$	39.62
Awards granted			160,817				103,024			$	44.98
Awards vested			(144,440	)			—
Awards forfeited			(28,622	)			(121,325	)
Nonvested at December 31, 2015			326,078				230,271			$	41.40

(1) For Performance Shares, the number of shares is stated at the maximum number that can be attained if the performance conditions are fully met. Forfeitures represent shares forfeited due to vesting below the maximum attainable as a result of the Company not fully meeting the performance conditions.

Restricted Stock Awards

 

		Employee restricted stock awards								Non-employee director restricted stock awards								Total restricted stock awards
		Number of shares				Weighted average grant date fair value				Number of shares				Weighted average grant date fair value				Number of shares				Weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested at December 31, 2012			646,748			$	61.63				35,923			$	66.83				682,671			$	61.90
Awards granted			241,071				87.85				17,162				87.40				258,233				87.82
Awards vested			(311,334	)			55.63				(21,599	)			66.06				(332,933	)			56.31
Awards forfeited			(6,993	)			58.14				—				—				(6,993	)			58.14
Nonvested at December 31, 2013			569,492			$	76.11				31,486			$	78.57				600,978			$	76.24
Awards granted			215,054				95.79				14,455				95.06				229,509				95.74
Awards vested			(332,725	)			73.74				(15,886	)			74.96				(348,611	)			73.79
Awards forfeited			(99	)			55.80				—				—				(99	)			55.80
Nonvested at December 31, 2014			451,722			$	87.29				30,055			$	88.41				481,777			$	87.36
Awards granted			195,337				102.17				14,575				102.90				209,912				102.22
Awards vested			(168,019	)			82.75				(17,744	)			86.37				(185,763	)			83.10
Awards forfeited			—				—				—				—				—				—
Nonvested at December 31, 2015			479,040			$	94.95				26,886			$	97.61				505,926			$	95.09

Shares available for issuance under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan and 2010 Performance Share Plan totaled 3.0 million in the aggregate at December 31, 2015. The total fair value of shares and share units vested during 2015 was $34.0 million

 

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(2014 – $48.7 million, 2013 – $47.0 million). Cash in the amount of $0.1 million was received from employees as a result of employee stock option exercises during 2015 (2014 – $0.5 million, 2013 – $1.6 million). In connection with share vestings and option exercises, there was no excess windfall tax benefit realized by the Company due to its net operating loss position in the taxable jurisdictions in which it operates. RenaissanceRe issues new shares upon the exercise of an option.

The total stock compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations during 2015 was $38.3 million (2014 – $37.6 million, 2013 – $43.4 million). As of December 31, 2015, there was $34.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards, $24.6 million related to CSRSUs and $5.0 million related to performance shares, which will be recognized, on a weighted average basis, during the next 1.7, 1.7 and 1.7 years, respectively.

All of the Company’s employees are eligible for defined contribution pension plans. Contributions are primarily based upon a percentage of eligible compensation. The Company contributed $4.3 million to its defined contribution pension plans in 2015 (2014 – $3.6 million, 2013 – $3.5 million).

NOTE 19.   STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

The Company’s (re)insurance operations are subject to insurance laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, the most significant of which currently include Bermuda, the U.S. and the U.K. These regulations include certain restrictions on the amount of dividends or other distributions, such as loans or cash advances, available to shareholders without prior approval of the respective regulatory authorities.

Group Supervision

The Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) is the group supervisor of the Company. Under the Insurance Act 1978, amendments thereto and related regulations of Bermuda (collectively, the “Insurance Act”), the Company shall maintain capital at a level equal to its enhanced capital requirement (“ECR”) which is established by reference to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (the “BSCR”) model. The BSCR is a mathematical model designed to give the BMA robust methods for determining an insurer’s capital adequacy. Underlying the BSCR is the belief that all insurers should operate on an ongoing basis with a view to maintaining their capital at a prudent level in excess of the minimum solvency margin otherwise prescribed under the Insurance Act. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s ECR is 70% of the amount calculated using the group standardized risk-based capital model of the BMA. The Company is also subject to an early-warning level based on 120% of the ECR which may trigger additional reporting requirements or other enhanced oversight. The Company is currently completing its 2015 group BSCR, which must be filed with the BMA on or before April 30, 2016, and at this time, the Company believes it will exceed the target level of required statutory capital.

The actual statutory capital and surplus, required statutory capital and surplus and restricted net assets of the Company’s regulated insurance operations in its most significant regulatory jurisdictions are detailed below:

 

		Bermuda								U.S.								U.K. (1) (2)
At December 31,		2015				2014				2015				2014				2015				2014
Actual statutory capital and surplus		$	4,879,154			$	3,375,317			$	521,522			$	—			$	485,256			$	409,046
Required statutory capital and surplus			686,854				479,346				219,164				—				485,256				409,046
Restricted net assets			838,633				1,018,878				321,362				—				—				—

 

(1)

With respect to actual and required statutory capital and surplus, and as described below, underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which are referred to as Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”). FAL is determined by Lloyd’s and is based on Syndicate 1458’s solvency and capital requirements as calculated through its internal model.

 

(2)

Syndicate 1458 is capitalized by its FAL, with the related assets not held on its balance sheet. As such, restricted net assets is not applicable to Syndicate 1458; however, the Company can make an application to obtain approval from Lloyd’s to have funds released to RenaissanceRe from Syndicate 1458, subject to passing a Lloyd’s release test.

 

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Statutory net income of the Company’s regulated insurance operations in its most significant regulatory jurisdictions are detailed below:

 

		Statutory Net Income
		Bermuda				U.S.				U.K.
Year ended December 31, 2015		$	355,132			$	58,752			$	1,627
Year ended December 31, 2014			623,931				—				24,433
Year ended December 31, 2013			712,820				—				7,745

The difference between statutory financial statements and statements prepared in accordance with GAAP vary by jurisdiction; however, the primary difference is that for the Company’s regulated entities the statutory financial statements do not reflect deferred acquisition costs or goodwill and intangible assets. Also, in the U.S., fixed maturity investments are generally recorded at amortized cost and deferred income tax is charged directly to equity. None of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries used permitted practices that prevented the trigger of a regulatory event during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Dividend Restrictions of RenaissanceRe

As a Bermuda-domiciled holding company, RenaissanceRe has limited operations of its own and its assets consist primarily of investments in subsidiaries, and to a degree, cash and securities. Accordingly, RenaissanceRe’s future cash flows largely depend on the availability of dividends or other statutorily permissible payments from subsidiaries. The ability to pay such dividends is limited by the applicable laws and regulations of the various countries and states in which these subsidiaries operate, including, among others, Bermuda, the U.S., the U.K. and Ireland. RenaissanceRe’s ability to pay dividends and distribute capital to shareholders is limited by the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, insofar as after the payment, RenaissanceRe must still be able to pay its liabilities as they come due and the realizable value of its assets must be greater than its liabilities. At December 31, 2015, $705.0 million of RenaissanceRe’s retained earnings would be unrestricted and available for payment of dividends or distribution to shareholders of RenaissanceRe.

Bermuda-Based Insurance Entities

Under the Insurance Act, certain subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe are required to prepare statutory financial statements and to file in Bermuda a statutory financial return. The Insurance Act also requires these Bermuda insurance subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity.

Class 3B and Class 4 Insurers

Under the Insurance Act, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. are defined as Class 3B insurers, and Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and Platinum Bermuda are classified as Class 4 insurers, and therefore must maintain capital at a level equal to its ECR which is established by reference to the BSCR.

Class 3B and Class 4 insurers are prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends if in breach of the required minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio (the “Relevant Margins”) or if the declaration or payment of such dividend would cause the insurer to fail to meet the Relevant Margins. Where an insurer fails to meet its Relevant Margins on the last day of any financial year, it is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends during the next financial year without the prior approval of the BMA. Further, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers are prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year’s statutory balance sheet) unless it files (at least seven days before payment of such dividends) with the BMA an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet its Relevant Margins. Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must obtain the BMA’s prior approval for a reduction by 15% or more of the total statutory capital as set forth in its previous year’s financial statements. These restrictions on declaring or paying dividends and distributions under the Insurance Act are in addition to the solvency requirements under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981 which apply to all Bermuda companies. In addition, an insurer engaged in general business is also required to maintain the value of its relevant assets at not less than 75% of the amount of its relevant liabilities.

 

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The Company is currently completing its 2015 Bermuda-based statutory filings for Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, Platinum Bermuda, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., which must be filed with the BMA on or before April 30, 2016, and at this time, the Company believes each of Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. will exceed the target level of required statutory capital.

As a result of the acquisition of Platinum and the potential for organizational and capital changes, Renaissance Reinsurance and RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and its subsidiaries each received a request from the BMA, on February 24, 2015 and March 27, 2015, respectively, to obtain written approval prior to paying dividends or returning capital to RenaissanceRe during 2015. Subsequent to these requests and through December 31, 2015, Renaissance Reinsurance and RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks returned capital, which included dividends declared and return of capital, of $245.0 million and $680.0 million, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, Renaissance Reinsurance submitted applications to the BMA, and received approval, to exempt it from recording and recognizing certain third party guarantees as statutory liabilities and corresponding reductions of statutory capital and surplus for purposes of filing its statutory financial statements. The maximum monetary impact of including the third party guarantees in Renaissance Reinsurance’s statutory financial statements at December 31, 2015 would be an increase to statutory liabilities of $390.4 million (2014 - $468.6 million), and a corresponding decrease to statutory capital and surplus. If these amounts were to be included in Renaissance Reinsurance’s statutory financial statements, Renaissance Reinsurance would still exceed the required measures of solvency and liquidity, and the target level of required statutory capital, as discussed above.

In addition, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks is also eligible as an excess and surplus lines insurer in a number of states in the U.S. and under the various capital and surplus requirements in these states is required to maintain a minimum amount of capital and surplus. In this regard, the declaration of dividends from retained earnings and distributions from additional paid-in capital may be limited to the extent that the applicable above requirements are not met. The Company does not consider these requirements to be material.

SPIs

Under the Insurance Act, Upsilon RFO is considered an SPI. See “Note 12. Variable Interest Entities” for additional information related to Upsilon RFO. Unlike other (re)insurers, such as the Class 3B and Class 4 insurers discussed above, SPIs are fully funded to meet their (re)insurance obligations and are not exposed to insolvency, therefore the application and supervision processes are streamlined to facilitate the transparent structure. Further, SPIs are currently not required to file annual loss reserve specialist opinions and the BMA has the discretion to modify such insurer’s reporting requirements under the Insurance Act. Like other (re)insurers, the principal representative of an SPI has a duty to inform the BMA in relation to solvency matters, where applicable. Upsilon RFO applied for and received a direction from the BMA, which, subject to specified conditions, exempts it from filing requirements in respect of statutory financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015.

U.S.-Based Insurance Entities

The Company has a U.S. based insurance subsidiary, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S., which was acquired on March 2, 2015 and is subject to statutory accounting principles as defined by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”). The NAIC uses a risk-based capital (“RBC”) model to monitor and regulate the solvency of licensed life, health, and property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies. Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is domiciled in Maryland, which has adopted the NAIC’s model law.

Laws and regulations in the U.S. establish minimum capital adequacy levels and grant regulators the authority to take specific actions based on the level of impairment. For Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. this amount is the Company Action Level (“CAL”) based on the RBC model of the NAIC and represents the first level at which regulatory action is triggered.

Under Maryland insurance law, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. must notify the Maryland Insurance Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) within five business days after the declaration of any dividend or distribution, other than an extraordinary dividend or extraordinary distribution, and notify the Commissioner

 

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at least ten days prior to the payment or distribution thereof. The Commissioner has the right to prevent payment of such a dividend or such a distribution if the Commissioner determines, in the Commissioner’s discretion, that after the payment thereof, the policyholders’ surplus of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. would be inadequate or could cause Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. to be in a hazardous financial condition. Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. must give at least 30 days prior notice to the Commissioner before paying an extraordinary dividend or making an extraordinary distribution from other than earned surplus. Extraordinary dividends and extraordinary distributions are dividends or distributions which, together with any other dividends and distributions paid during the immediately preceding twelve-month period, would exceed the lesser of:

 

•

10% of the insurer’s statutory policyholders’ surplus (as determined under statutory accounting principles) as of December 31 of the prior year; or

 

•

the insurer’s net investment income excluding realized capital gains (as determined under statutory accounting principles) for the twelve-month period ending on December 31 of the prior year and pro rata distributions of any class of the insurer’s securities, plus any amounts of net investment income (subject to the foregoing exclusions) in the three calendar years prior to the preceding year which have not been distributed.

During 2016, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. has an ordinary dividend capacity of $26.0 million (2015 - $27.2 million).

State insurance laws and regulations require Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. to file statutory basis financial statements with insurance regulators in each state where it is licensed, authorized or accredited to do business. The operations of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. are subject to examination by those state insurance regulators at any time. The Company is currently completing the 2015 statutory basis financial statements for Renaissance Reinsurance U.S., which must be filed with the NAIC, on or before March 1, 2016. At this time, the Company believes Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. will exceed the CAL.

During 2015, the Maryland Insurance Administration concluded its examination of the statutory basis financial statements of RenaissanceRe U.S. as of December 31, 2013. The examination report noted no findings or recommendations.

U.K.-Based Syndicate 1458

RenaissanceRe CCL and Syndicate 1458 are subject to oversight by the Council of Lloyd’s. RSML is authorized by the U.K.’s Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which are referred to as FAL. This amount is determined by Lloyd’s and is based on Syndicate 1458’s solvency and capital requirement as calculated through its internal model. In addition, if the FAL are not sufficient to cover all losses, the Lloyd’s Central Fund provides an additional level of security for policyholders.

Singapore-Based Entities

Branches of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci based in the Republic of Singapore (the “Singapore Branches”) have each received a license to carry on insurance business as a general reinsurer. The activities of the Singapore Branches are primarily regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore pursuant to Singapore’s Insurance Act. Additionally, the Singapore Branches are regulated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority as a foreign company pursuant to Singapore’s Companies Act. Prior to the establishment of the Singapore Branches, Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci had maintained representative offices in Singapore since April 2012. The activities and regulatory requirements of the Singapore Branches are not considered to be material to the Company.

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trusts

Effective March 15, 2011, each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci was approved as a Trusteed Reinsurer in the state of New York and established a multi-beneficiary reinsurance trust (“MBRT”) to collateralize its (re)insurance liabilities associated with U.S. domiciled cedants. The MBRTs are subject to the rules and regulations of the state of New York and the respective deed of trust, including but not limited to certain minimum capital funding requirements, investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and

 

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regulatory reporting requirements. Assets held under trust at December 31, 2015 with respect to the MBRTs totaled $505.0 million and $135.3 million for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, respectively (2014 – $508.6 million and $173.7 million, respectively), compared to the minimum amount required under U.S. state regulations of $378.8 million and $100.1 million, respectively (2014 – $409.9 million and $105.7 million, respectively).

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trusts

Effective December 31, 2012, each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci has been approved as an “eligible reinsurer” in the state of Florida, and are authorized to provide reduced collateral equal to 20% and 50%, respectively, of their net outstanding insurance liabilities to Florida-domiciled insurers. Each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci has established a multi-beneficiary reduced collateral reinsurance trust (“RCT”) to collateralize its (re)insurance liabilities associated with Florida-domiciled cedants. Because the RCTs were established in New York, they are subject to the rules and regulations of the state of New York including but not limited to certain minimum capital funding requirements, investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and regulatory reporting requirements. Assets held under trust at December 31, 2015 with respect to the RCTs totaled $41.7 million and $18.9 million for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, respectively (2014 - $43.2 million and $18.8 million, respectively), compared to the minimum amount required under U.S. state regulations of $15.2 million and $10.4 million, respectively (2014 - $17.5 million and $10.3 million, respectively).

NOTE 20.   DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative contracts primarily to manage its foreign currency exposure, obtain exposure to a particular financial market, for yield enhancement, or for trading and speculation. The Company accounts for its derivatives in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all derivatives to be recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, depending on the rights or obligations of the derivatives, with changes in fair value reflected in current earnings. The Company does not currently apply hedge accounting in respect of any positions reflected in its consolidated financial statements. The Company’s derivative instruments are generally traded under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreements, which establish the terms of the transactions entered into with the Company’s derivative counterparties. In the event one party becomes insolvent or otherwise defaults on its obligations, a master agreement generally permits the non-defaulting party to accelerate and terminate all outstanding transactions and net the transactions’ marked-to-market values so that a single sum in a single currency will be owed by, or owed to, the non-defaulting party. Effectively, this contractual close-out netting reduces credit exposure from gross to net exposure. Where the Company has entered into master netting agreements with counterparties, or the Company has the legal and contractual right to offset positions, the derivative positions are generally netted by counterparty and are reported accordingly in other assets and other liabilities.

 

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The tables below show the gross and net amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, including the location on the consolidated balance sheets and fair value of the Company’s principal derivative instruments:

 

		Derivative Assets
At December 31, 2015		Gross Amounts of   Recognized   Assets				Gross Amounts   Offset in the   Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Assets   Presented in   the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet   Location		Collateral				Net Amount
Interest rate futures		$	1,059				937			$	122			Other assets		$	—			$	122
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)			4,645				82				4,563			Other assets			—				4,563
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)			1,007				599				408			Other assets			—				408
Credit default swaps			257				44				213			Other assets			—				213
Total		$	6,968			$	1,662			$	5,306					$	—			$	5,306
		Derivative Liabilities
At December 31, 2015		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location		Collateral Pledged				Net Amount
Interest rate futures		$	2,293				937			$	1,356			Other liabilities		$	1,356			$	—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)			1,891				81				1,810			Other liabilities			—				1,810
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)			806				599				207			Other liabilities			—				207
Credit default swaps			491				44				447			Other liabilities			447				—
Total		$	5,481			$	1,661			$	3,820					$	1,803			$	2,017

 

(1)	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.

(2)	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

 

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		Derivative Assets
At December 31, 2014		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location		Collateral				Net Amount
Interest rate futures		$	468				468			$	—			Other assets		$	—			$	—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)			5,740				1,737				4,003			Other assets			—				4,003
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)			3,959				648				3,311			Other assets			—				3,311
Credit default swaps			468				88				380			Other assets			310				70
Total		$	10,635			$	2,941			$	7,694					$	310			$	7,384
		Derivative Liabilities
At December 31, 2014		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location		Collateral Pledged				Net Amount
Interest rate futures		$	1,037				468			$	569			Other liabilities		$	569			$	—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)			1,319				967				352			Other liabilities			—				352
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)			724				649				75			Other liabilities			—				75
Credit default swaps			251				88				163			Other liabilities			—				163
Weather contract			190				—				190			Other liabilities			190				—
Total		$	3,521			$	2,172			$	1,349					$	759			$	590

 

(1)	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.

(2)	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

Refer to “Note 6. Investments” for information on reverse repurchase agreements.

 

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The location and amount of the gain (loss) recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations related to its principal derivative instruments are shown in the following table:

 

		Location of gain (loss)         recognized on derivatives		Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives
Year ended December 31,				2015				2014				2013
Interest rate futures		Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments		$	5,573			$	(32,713)			$	29,695
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)		Net foreign exchange (losses) gains			(1,943)				4,457				889
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)		Net foreign exchange (losses) gains			8,862				12,623				(3,015)
Credit default swaps		Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments			(313)				328				1,363
Weather contract		Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments			183				1,454				(1,331)
Total				$	12,362			$	(13,851)			$	27,601

 

(1)	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.

(2)	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

The Company is not aware of the existence of any credit-risk related contingent features that it believes would be triggered in its derivative instruments that are in a net liability position at December 31, 2015.

Interest Rate Futures

The Company uses interest rate futures within its portfolio of fixed maturity investments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, which can include increasing or decreasing its exposure to this risk. At December 31, 2015, the Company had $1,012.5 million of notional long positions and $1,115.9 million of notional short positions of primarily Eurodollar, U.S. treasury and non-U.S. dollar futures contracts (2014 – $587.0 million and $617.4 million, respectively). The fair value of these derivatives is determined using exchange traded prices.

Foreign Currency Derivatives

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company writes a portion of its business in currencies other than U.S. dollars and may, from time to time, experience foreign exchange gains and losses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. All changes in exchange rates, with the exception of non-monetary assets and liabilities, are recognized currently in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Underwriting Operations Related Foreign Currency Contracts

The Company’s foreign currency policy with regard to its underwriting operations is generally to hold foreign currency assets, including cash, investments and receivables that approximate the foreign currency liabilities, including claims and claim expense reserves and reinsurance balances payable. When necessary, the Company may use foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities associated with its underwriting operations. The fair value of the Company’s underwriting operations related foreign currency contracts is determined using indicative pricing obtained from counterparties or broker quotes. At December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding underwriting related foreign currency contracts of $172.4 million in notional long positions and $101.5 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2014 – $144.8 million and $121.6 million, respectively).

 

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Investment Portfolio Related Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The Company’s investment operations are exposed to currency fluctuations through its investments in non-U.S. dollar fixed maturity investments, short term investments and other investments. From time to time, the Company may employ foreign currency contracts in its investment portfolio to either assume foreign currency risk or to economically hedge its exposure to currency fluctuations from these investments. The fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio related foreign currency forward contracts is determined using an interpolated rate based on closing forward market rates. At December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding investment portfolio related foreign currency contracts of $31.3 million in notional long positions and $143.4 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2014 – $35.8 million and $150.1 million, respectively).

Credit Derivatives

The Company’s exposure to credit risk is primarily due to its fixed maturity investments, short term investments, premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverable. From time to time, the Company purchases credit derivatives to hedge its exposures in the insurance industry, and to assist in managing the credit risk associated with ceded reinsurance. The Company also employs credit derivatives in its investment portfolio to either assume credit risk or hedge its credit exposure. The fair value of the credit derivatives is determined using industry valuation models, broker bid indications or internal pricing valuation techniques. The fair value of these credit derivatives can change based on a variety of factors including changes in credit spreads, default rates and recovery rates, the correlation of credit risk between the referenced credit and the counterparty, and market rate inputs such as interest rates. At December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding credit derivatives of $Nil in notional long positions and $46.1 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2014 – $4.6 million and $19.4 million, respectively).

Weather Contract

The Company, from time to time, transacts in certain derivative-based risk management products that address weather-related risks. The fair value of these contracts is determined through the use of an internal valuation model with the inputs to the internal valuation model based on proprietary data as observable market inputs are not available. The most significant unobservable input is the potential payment that would become due to a counterparty following the occurrence of a triggering event as reported by an external agency. Generally, the Company’s portfolio of such derivatives is relatively small and such derivatives are frequently seasonal in nature. During 2015, the Company settled an outstanding weather contract with an insurance company and at December 31, 2015 did not have any outstanding weather contract positions (2014 - notional short position of $2.2 million).

NOTE 21.  COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER ITEMS

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

Instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of investments, including the Company’s equity method investments, cash, premiums receivable and reinsurance balances. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution and, except for U.S. Government securities, none of the Company’s investments exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2015. See “Note 8. Reinsurance”, for information with respect to reinsurance recoverable.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

The Board of Directors has authorized the execution of employment agreements between the Company and certain officers. These agreements provide for, among other things, severance payments under certain circumstances, as well as accelerated vesting of options and restricted stock grants, upon a change in control, as defined therein and under the terms of the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, Premium Option Plan and 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan.

 

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LETTERS OF CREDIT AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

At December 31, 2015, the Company’s banks have issued letters of credit of approximately $837.4 million in favor of certain ceding companies, including the Renaissance Reinsurance FAL Facility with CEP noted below. In connection with the Company’s Top Layer Re joint venture, Renaissance Reinsurance has committed $37.5 million of collateral to support a letter of credit and is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital and surplus below a specified level. The letters of credit are secured by cash and investments of similar amounts. The Company’s standby letter of credit facility contains certain financial covenants.

At December 31, 2015, letters of credit in the amounts of $360.0 million and £85.0 million were issued pursuant to the Renaissance Reinsurance FAL Facility.

See “Note 10. Debt and Credit Facilities” for additional information related to the Company’s debt and credit facilities.

PRIVATE EQUITY AND INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS

The Company has committed capital to private equity partnerships and other entities of $724.5 million, of which $528.8 million has been contributed at December 31, 2015. The Company’s remaining commitments to these funds at December 31, 2015 totaled $204.5 million. These commitments do not have a defined contractual commitment date.

INDEMNIFICATIONS AND WARRANTIES

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company may enter into contracts or agreements that contain indemnifications or warranties. Future events could occur that lead to the execution of these provisions against the Company. Based on past experience, management currently believes that the likelihood of such an event is remote.

OPERATING AND CAPITAL LEASES

The Company leases office space under operating leases which expire at various dates through 2023. Future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases are expected to be as follows:

 

		Minimum lease payments
2016		$	8,018
2017			7,448
2018			7,176
2019			6,545
2020			5,018
After 2020			9,831
Future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases		$	44,036

 

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The Company’s capital leases primarily relate to office space in Bermuda with an initial lease term of 20 years, ending in 2028, and a bargain renewal option for an additional 30 years. The future minimum lease payments of the Company’s capital leases are detailed below, and relate principally to the transaction noted above, excluding the bargain renewal option.

 

		Minimum lease payments
2016		$	3,017
2017			2,417
2018			2,539
2019			2,661
2020			2,661
After 2020			19,958
Future minimum lease payments under existing capital leases		$	33,253

FOREIGN TO FOREIGN RETROCESSIONS

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recognized a recovery and corresponding reduction to acquisition expenses in its Catastrophe Reinsurance segment of $7.7 million associated with the December 2015 decision by the IRS to revoke its position that federal excise tax applies on foreign to foreign retrocessions.

LITIGATION

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on reinsurance treaties or contracts or direct surplus lines insurance policies. This category of business litigation may involve allegations of underwriting or claims-handling errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory actions or disputes arising from the Company’s business ventures. The Company’s operating subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving, among other things, disputed interpretations of policy coverages. Generally, the Company’s direct surplus lines insurance operations are subject to greater frequency and diversity of claims and claims-related litigation than its reinsurance operations and, in some jurisdictions, may be subject to direct actions by allegedly injured persons or entities seeking damages from policyholders. These lawsuits, involving claims on policies issued by the Company’s subsidiaries which are typical to the insurance industry in general and in the normal course of business, are considered in its claims and claim expense reserves which are discussed in “Note 9. Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses”. In addition, the Company may from time to time engage in litigation or arbitration related to its claims for payment in respect of ceded reinsurance, including disputes that challenge the Company’s ability to enforce its underwriting intent. Such matters could result, directly or indirectly, in providers of protection not meeting their obligations to the Company or not doing so on a timely basis. The Company may also be subject to other disputes from time to time, relating to operational or other matters distinct from insurance or reinsurance claims. Any litigation or arbitration, or regulatory process, contains an element of uncertainty, and the value of an exposure or a gain contingency related to a dispute is difficult to estimate accordingly. Currently, the Company believes that no individual litigation or arbitration to which it is presently a party is likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, business or operations.

 

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NOTE 22.   QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

 

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NOTE 23.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH OUTSTANDING DEBT OF SUBSIDIARIES

The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, condensed consolidating statements of operations, condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Each of RRNAH, Platinum Finance and RenaissanceRe Finance is a 100% owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe. Refer to “Note 10. Debt and Credit Facilities” for information related to the Company’s debt obligations.

In the third quarter of 2015, and in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Platinum, the Company undertook a corporate reorganization of its entities under common control in order to optimize its operations. Under FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations, a reorganization of entities under common control, where the entity is considered a business, is required to be accounted for as a transfer of net assets at book value and reflected retroactively, with retrospective adjustment to prior period financial statements. As such, the comparative information included in “Note 23. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided in Connection with Outstanding Debt of Subsidiaries” has been reclassified to conform to the current organizational structure from the earliest period presented.

There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and statements of cash flows presented herein.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				Consolidating Adjustments (2)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Assets
Total investments		$	349,892			$	127,087			$	205,777			$	—			$	8,316,312			$	—			$	8,999,068
Cash and cash equivalents			10,185				5,908				7,103				677				483,012				—				506,885
Investments in subsidiaries			3,902,519				48,754				867,909				1,185,736				—				(6,004,918)				—
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates			81,282				69,739				—				—				—				(151,021)				—
Premiums receivable			—				—				—				—				778,009				—				778,009
Prepaid reinsurance premiums			—				—				—				—				230,671				—				230,671
Reinsurance recoverable			—				—				—				—				134,526				—				134,526
Accrued investment income			1,253				169				348				—				37,979				—				39,749
Deferred acquisition costs			—				—				—				—				199,380				—				199,380
Receivable for investments sold			26				1				68,537				—				152,270				—				220,834
Other assets			390,302				29,532				12,852				119,328				125,927				(491,346)				186,595
Goodwill and other intangible assets			137,064				—				—				—				128,090				—				265,154
Total assets		$	4,872,523			$	281,190			$	1,162,526			$	1,305,741			$	10,586,176			$	(6,647,285)			$	11,560,871
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	2,767,045			$	—			$	2,767,045
Unearned premiums			—				—				—				—				889,102				—				889,102
Debt			117,000				—				268,196				549,059				148,824				(117,000)				966,079
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates			2,641				202				204				68,204				—				(71,251)				—
Reinsurance balances payable			—				—				—				—				523,974				—				523,974
Payable for investments purchased			999				6				25				—				390,348				—				391,378
Other liabilities			19,699				1,148				6,620				—				222,320				(4,642)				245,145
Total liabilities			140,339				1,356				275,045				617,263				4,941,613				(192,893)				5,782,723
Redeemable noncontrolling interest			—				—				—				—				1,045,964				—				1,045,964
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity			4,732,184				279,834				887,481				688,478				4,598,599				(6,454,392)				4,732,184
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity		$	4,872,523			$	281,190			$	1,162,526			$	1,305,741			$	10,586,176			$	(6,647,285)			$	11,560,871

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

(2)	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				Consolidating Adjustments (2)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Assets
Total investments		$	137,006			$	88,150			$	6,518,594			$	—			$	6,743,750
Cash and cash equivalents			5,986				1,033				518,565				—				525,584
Investments in subsidiaries			3,509,974				51,812				—				(3,561,786)				—
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates			126,548				23				—				(126,571)				—
Premiums receivable			—				—				440,007				—				440,007
Prepaid reinsurance premiums			—				—				94,810				—				94,810
Reinsurance recoverable			—				—				66,694				—				66,694
Accrued investment income			—				121				26,388				—				26,509
Deferred acquisition costs			—				—				110,059				—				110,059
Receivable for investments sold			10				—				52,380				—				52,390
Other assets			112,400				1,242				123,661				(101,458)				135,845
Goodwill and other intangible assets			—				—				7,902				—				7,902
Total assets		$	3,891,924			$	142,381			$	7,959,060			$	(3,789,815)			$	8,203,550
Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses		$	—			$	—			$	1,412,510			$	—			$	1,412,510
Unearned premiums			—				—				512,386				—				512,386
Debt			—				249,522				—				—				249,522
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates			6,000				49,015				—				(55,015)				—
Reinsurance balances payable			—				—				454,580				—				454,580
Payable for investments purchased			—				—				203,021				—				203,021
Other liabilities			20,209				4,013				351,344				(1,458)				374,108
Total liabilities			26,209				302,550				2,933,841				(56,473)				3,206,127
Redeemable noncontrolling interest			—				—				1,131,708				—				1,131,708
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity			3,865,715				(160,169)				3,893,511				(3,733,342)				3,865,715
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity		$	3,891,924			$	142,381			$	7,959,060			$	(3,789,815)			$	8,203,550

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

(2)	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				Consolidating Adjustments (2)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Revenues
Net premiums earned		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	1,400,551			$	—			$	1,400,551
Net investment income			15,391				1,251				4,063				996				144,642				(13,776)				152,567
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)			4				—				—				—				(3,055)				—				(3,051)
Equity in earnings of other ventures			—				—				—				—				20,481				—				20,481
Other income			663				—				—				—				13,472				(663)				13,472
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments			(2,080)				566				(2,600)				—				(64,804)				—				(68,918)
Total revenues			13,978				1,817				1,463				996				1,511,287				(14,439)				1,515,102
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			—				—				—				—				448,238				—				448,238
Acquisition expenses			—				—				—				—				238,592				—				238,592
Operational expenses			4,249				4,561				3				2,503				207,802				(6)				219,112
Corporate expenses			40,808				312				3				360				35,631				—				77,114
Interest expense			1,255				7,233				4,922				15,819				7,437				(996)				35,670
Total expenses			46,312				12,106				4,928				18,682				937,700				(1,002)				1,018,726
(Loss) income before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes			(32,334)				(10,289)				(3,465)				(17,686)				573,587				(13,437)				496,376
Equity in net income of subsidiaries			463,526				5,493				35,329				72,925				—				(577,273)				—
Income (loss) before taxes			431,192				(4,796)				31,864				55,239				573,587				(590,710)				496,376
Income tax benefit (expense)			—				32,005				1,985				6,190				5,686				—				45,866
Net income			431,192				27,209				33,849				61,429				579,273				(590,710)				542,242
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				—				—				(111,050)				—				(111,050)
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe			431,192				27,209				33,849				61,429				468,223				(590,710)				431,192
Dividends on preference shares			(22,381)				—				—				—				—				—				(22,381)
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders		$	408,811			$	27,209			$	33,849			$	61,429			$	468,223			$	(590,710)			$	408,811

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

(2)	Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2015		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				Consolidating Adjustments (2)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Comprehensive income
Net income		$	431,192			$	27,209			$	33,849			$	61,429			$	579,273			$	(590,710)			$	542,242
Change in net unrealized gains on investments			—				—				—				—				(1,308)				—				(1,308)
Comprehensive income			431,192				27,209				33,849				61,429				577,965				(590,710)				540,934
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				—				—				(111,050)				—				(111,050)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				—				—				(111,050)				—				(111,050)
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe		$	431,192			$	27,209			$	33,849			$	61,429			$	466,915			$	(590,710)			$	429,884

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

(2)	Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				Consolidating Adjustments (2)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Revenues
Net premiums earned		$	—			$	—			$	1,062,416			$	—			$	1,062,416
Net investment income			2,706				1,765				123,582				(3,737)				124,316
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains			(13)				—				6,273				—				6,260
Equity in earnings of other ventures			—				—				26,075				—				26,075
Other loss			—				(7)				(416)				—				(423)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments			83				9,069				32,281				—				41,433
Total revenues			2,776				10,827				1,250,211				(3,737)				1,260,077
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			—				—				197,947				—				197,947
Acquisition expenses			—				—				144,476				—				144,476
Operational expenses			(4,890)				7,004				188,857				(332)				190,639
Corporate expenses			20,787				238				1,962				—				22,987
Interest expense			—				14,467				2,697				—				17,164
Total expenses			15,897				21,709				535,939				(332)				573,213
(Loss) income before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes			(13,121)				(10,882)				714,272				(3,405)				686,864
Equity in net income of subsidiaries			545,839				6,491				—				(552,330)				—
Income tax benefit (expense)			—				4,064				(4,672)				—				(608)
Net income (loss)			532,718				(327)				709,600				(555,735)				686,256
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest			—				—				(153,538)				—				(153,538)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe			532,718				(327)				556,062				(555,735)				532,718
Dividends on preference shares			(22,381)				—				—				—				(22,381)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders		$	510,337			$	(327)			$	556,062			$	(555,735)			$	510,337

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

(2)	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2014		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				Consolidating Adjustments (2)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)		$	532,718			$	(327)			$	709,600			$	(555,735)			$	686,256
Change in net unrealized gains on investments			—				—				(715)				—				(715)
Comprehensive income (loss)			532,718				(327)				708,885				(555,735)				685,541
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				(153,538)				—				(153,538)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				(153,538)				—				(153,538)
Comprehensive income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe		$	532,718			$	(327)			$	555,347			$	(555,735)			$	532,003

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

(2)	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				Consolidating Adjustments (2)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Revenues
Net premiums earned		$	—			$	—			$	1,114,626			$	—			$	1,114,626
Net investment income			4,213				488				209,105				(5,778)				208,028
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains			(7)				(2)				1,926				—				1,917
Equity in earnings of other ventures			—				—				23,194				—				23,194
Other income (loss)			106				(1,647)				(818)				—				(2,359)
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments			(483)				1,196				34,363				—				35,076
Total revenues			3,829				35				1,382,396				(5,778)				1,380,482
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred			—				—				171,287				—				171,287
Acquisition expenses			—				—				125,501				—				125,501
Operational expenses			(4,962)				7,566				189,117				(616)				191,105
Corporate expenses			31,264				338				2,020				—				33,622
Interest expense			734				14,467				2,728				—				17,929
Total expenses			27,036				22,371				490,653				(616)				539,444
(Loss) income before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries and taxes			(23,207)				(22,336)				891,743				(5,162)				841,038
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries			713,831				41				—				(713,872)				—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes			690,624				(22,295)				891,743				(719,034)				841,038
Income tax expense			—				(1,558)				(134)				—				(1,692)
Income (loss) from continuing operations			690,624				(23,853)				891,609				(719,034)				839,346
Income from discontinued operations			—				—				2,422				—				2,422
Net income (loss)			690,624				(23,853)				894,031				(719,034)				841,768
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest			—				—				(151,144)				—				(151,144)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe			690,624				(23,853)				742,887				(719,034)				690,624
Dividends on preference shares			(24,948)				—				—				—				(24,948)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders		$	665,676			$	(23,853)			$	742,887			$	(719,034)			$	665,676

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

(2)	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				Consolidating Adjustments (2)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)		$	690,624			$	(23,853	)		$	894,031			$	(719,034	)		$	841,768
Change in net unrealized gains on investments			—				—				(9,491	)			—				(9,491	)
Comprehensive income (loss)			690,624				(23,853	)			884,540				(719,034	)			832,277
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				(151,144	)			—				(151,144	)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				(151,144	)			—				(151,144	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe		$	690,624			$	(23,853)			$	733,396			$	(719,034)			$	681,133

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

(2)	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2015		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		$	(39,213)			$	(9,201)			$	(6,830)			$	(17,871)			$	487,852			$	414,737
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading			63,824				49,807				45,087				—				9,323,024				9,481,742
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading			(161,183)				(59,040)				—				—				(9,462,845)				(9,683,068)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale			—				—				—				—				8,688				8,688
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading			—				33,693				(269,244)				—				87,993				(147,558)
Net (purchases) sales of short term investments			(116,461)				(63,305)				238,177				—				610,705				669,116
Net sales of other investments			—				—				—				—				15,843				15,843
Net purchases of investments in other ventures			—				—				—				—				(10,150)				(10,150)
Net sales of other assets			—				—				—				—				4,500				4,500
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries			1,584,624				180,000				65,000				87,553				(1,917,177)				—
Contributions to subsidiaries			(294,733)				(8,550)				(66,753)				(185,000)				555,036				—
Due to (from) subsidiary			207,996				(118,529)				129				(183,405)				93,809				—
Net purchase of Platinum			(904,433)				—				1,537				—				224,744				(678,152)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			379,634				14,076				13,933				(280,852)				(465,830)				(339,039)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares			(53,967)				—				—				—				—				(53,967)
Dividends paid – preference shares			(22,381)				—				—				—				—				(22,381)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases			(259,874)				—				—				—				—				(259,874)
Issuance of debt			—				—				—				299,400				146,189				445,589
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions			—				—				—				—				(193,032)				(193,032)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities			(336,222)				—				—				299,400				(46,843)				(83,665)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash			—				—				—				—				(10,732)				(10,732)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			4,199				4,875				7,103				677				(35,553)				(18,699)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			5,986				1,033				—				—				518,565				525,584
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	10,185			$	5,908			$	7,103			$	677			$	483,012			$	506,885

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2014		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	429			$	(18,114)			$	678,342			$	660,657
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading			88,273				20,487				7,573,813				7,682,573
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading			(88,341)				(14,969)				(7,535,868)				(7,639,178)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale			—				—				7,088				7,088
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading			—				13,761				(33,764)				(20,003)
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments			73,717				225				(28,919)				45,023
Net sales of other investments			—				—				59,120				59,120
Net sales of investments in other ventures			—				—				1,030				1,030
Net sales of other assets			—				—				6,000				6,000
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries			1,259,224				11,204				(1,270,428)				—
Contributions to subsidiaries			(759,456)				(1,949)				761,405				—
Due to (from) subsidiaries			6,315				(13,639)				7,324				—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			579,732				15,120				(453,199)				141,653
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares			(45,912)				—				—				(45,912)
Dividends paid – preference shares			(22,381)				—				—				(22,381)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases			(514,678)				—				—				(514,678)
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions			—				—				(111,707)				(111,707)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities			(582,971)				—				(111,707)				(694,678)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash			—				—				9,920				9,920
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(2,810)				(2,994)				123,356				117,552
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			8,796				4,027				395,209				408,032
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	5,986			$	1,033			$	518,565			$	525,584

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)				RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)				Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries and Eliminations (Non-guarantor Subsidiaries) (1)				RenaissanceRe Consolidated
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(36,508)			$	(9,025)			$	841,254			$	795,721
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading			880,749				185,143				7,185,513				8,251,405
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading			(491,768)				(160,422)				(7,814,277)				(8,466,467)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale			—				—				45,178				45,178
Net purchases of equity investments trading			—				(81,437)				48,382				(33,055)
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments			21,217				9,399				(277,587)				(246,971)
Net sales of other investments			—				—				76,214				76,214
Net purchases of investments in other ventures			—				—				(4,000)				(4,000)
Net sales of other assets			—				—				2,181				2,181
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries			504,241				10,302				(514,543)				—
Contributions to subsidiaries			(500,652)				(23,821)				524,473				—
Due (from) to subsidiary			15,988				57,155				(73,143)				—
Net payments related to sale of discontinued operations			—				—				60,000				60,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			429,775				(3,681)				(741,609)				(315,515)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares			(49,267)				—				—				(49,267)
Dividends paid – preference shares			(24,948)				—				—				(24,948)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases			(207,410)				—				—				(207,410)
Net repayment of debt			(100,000)				—				(2,436)				(102,436)
Redemption of 6.08% Series C preference shares			(125,000)				—				—				(125,000)
Redemption of 6.60% Series D preference shares			(150,000)				—				—				(150,000)
Issuance of 5.375% Series E preference shares, net of expenses			265,856				—				—				265,856
Contribution of capital from parent			—				15,205				(15,205)				—
Third party investment in noncontrolling interest			—				—				(5,750)				(5,750)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities			(390,769)				15,205				(23,391)				(398,955)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash			—				—				1,423				1,423
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			2,498				2,499				77,677				82,674
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations			—				—				21,213				21,213
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year			6,298				1,528				296,319				304,145
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year		$	8,796			$	4,027			$	395,209			$	408,032

 

(1)	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

 

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NOTE 24.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

During January 2016, DaVinciRe redeemed a portion of its outstanding shares from certain existing DaVinciRe shareholders, including RenaissanceRe, while new DaVinciRe shareholders purchased shares in DaVinciRe from RenaissanceRe. The net redemption as a result of these transactions was $100.0 million. In connection with the redemption, DaVinciRe retained a $20.0 million holdback. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to these transactions was 24.0%, effective January 1, 2016.

Effective January 1, 2016, Upsilon RFO returned capital to all of the investors who participated in risks incepting on January 1, 2015 and expiring on December 31, 2015, including the Company. The total amount of capital available to be returned was $200.5 million, including $41.3 million related to the Company. In conjunction with risks incepting January 1, 2016, $62.5 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were issued to unaffiliated third-party investors through their investment in Upsilon Fund. Additionally, $25.3 million of the non-voting preference shares were issued to the Company, representing a 28.3% participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO. As a result of these transactions, the net amount to be returned to unaffiliated third-party investors and the Company was $96.7 million and $16.0 million, respectively.

Subsequent to December 31, 2015 and through the period ended February 18, 2016, third-party investors subscribed for and redeemed an aggregate of $20.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of these net subscriptions, the Company’s economic ownership in Medici was 42.3%, effective February 1, 2016.

Subsequent to December 31, 2015 and through the period ended February 18, 2016, the Company repurchased 717 thousand common shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $79.3 million and at an average share price of $110.57.

On February 19, 2016, RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors approved an increase in the authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full value of the shares authorized.

 

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RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO SCHEDULES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

				Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Schedules					S-2
I .		Summary of Investments other than Investments in Related Parties			S-3
II .		Condensed Financial Information of Registrant			S-4
III		Supplementary Insurance Information			S-7
IV		Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums			S-8
VI		Supplementary Insurance Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations			S-8
Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable.

 

S-1

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, and have issued our report thereon dated February 19, 2016 (included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. These schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.

In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young Ltd.

Hamilton, Bermuda

February 19, 2016

 

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SCHEDULE I

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS

OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES

(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

		December 31, 2015
		Amortized     Cost				Market Value				Amount at which shown in the  Balance Sheet
Type of investment:
Fixed maturity investments
U.S. treasuries		$	2,071,287			$	2,064,944			$	2,064,944
Agencies			138,724				137,976				137,976
Municipal			580,670				583,282				583,282
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)			344,901				334,981				334,981
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate			142,715				138,994				138,994
Corporate			2,100,277				2,055,323				2,055,323
Agency mortgage-backed			508,283				504,518				504,518
Non-agency mortgage-backed			258,851				270,763				270,763
Commercial mortgage-backed			565,060				561,496				561,496
Asset-backed			131,052				130,541				130,541
Total fixed maturity investments		$	6,841,820				6,782,818				6,782,818
Short term investments							1,208,401				1,208,401
Equity investments							393,877				393,877
Other investments							481,621				481,621
Investments in other ventures, under equity method							132,351				132,351
Total investments						$	8,999,068			$	8,999,068

 

S-3

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SCHEDULE II

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

BALANCE SHEETS

AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014

(PARENT COMPANY)

(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

		At December 31,
		2015				2014
Assets
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $96,957 and $Nil at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)		$	96,441			$	—
Short term investments, at fair value			253,451				137,006
Cash and cash equivalents			10,185				5,986
Investments in subsidiaries			3,902,519				3,509,974
Due from subsidiaries			19,168				10,164
Dividends due from subsidiaries			62,114				116,384
Accrued investment income			1,253				—
Receivable for investments sold			26				10
Other assets			390,302				112,400
Goodwill and other intangible assets			137,064				—
Total Assets		$	4,872,523			$	3,891,924
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Notes and bank loans payable		$	117,000			$	—
Due to subsidiaries			2,641				6,000
Payable for investments purchased			999				—
Other liabilities			19,699				20,209
Total Liabilities			140,339				26,209
Shareholders’ Equity
Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 16,000,000)			400,000				400,000
Common shares: $1.00 par value – 43,701,064 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 38,441,972)			43,701				38,442
Additional paid-in capital			507,674				—
Accumulated other comprehensive income			2,108				3,416
Retained earnings			3,778,701				3,423,857
Total Shareholders’ Equity			4,732,184				3,865,715
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity		$	4,872,523			$	3,891,924

 

S-4

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SCHEDULE II

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT – CONTINUED

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013

(PARENT COMPANY)

(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

		Year ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Revenues
Net investment income		$	15,391			$	2,706			$	4,213
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)			4				(13)				(7)
Other income			663				—				106
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments			(2,080)				83				(483)
Total revenues			13,978				2,776				3,829
Expenses
Interest expense			1,255				—				734
Operational expenses			4,249				(4,890)				(4,962)
Corporate expenses			40,808				20,787				31,264
Total expenses			46,312				15,897				27,036
Loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries			(32,334)				(13,121)				(23,207)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries			463,526				545,839				713,831
Net income			431,192				532,718				690,624
Dividends on preference shares			(22,381)				(22,381)				(24,948)
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders		$	408,811			$	510,337			$	665,676

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013

(PARENT COMPANY)

(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

		Year ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Comprehensive income
Net income		$	431,192			$	532,718			$	690,624
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe		$	431,192			$	532,718			$	690,624

 

S-5

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SCHEDULE II

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT – CONTINUED

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013

(PARENT COMPANY)

(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

		Year ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2013
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net income		$	431,192			$	532,718			$	690,624
Less: equity in net income of subsidiaries			(463,526)				(545,839)				(713,831)
			(32,334)				(13,121)				(23,207)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Net unrealized gains included in other income			—				—				(20)
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments			2,080				(83)				483
Other			(8,959)				13,633				(13,764)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities			(39,213)				429				(36,508)
Cash flows provided by investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities and sales of fixed maturity investments trading			63,824				88,273				880,749
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading			(161,183)				(88,341)				(491,768)
Net (purchases) sales of short term investments			(116,461)				73,717				21,217
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries			1,584,624				1,259,224				504,241
Contributions to subsidiaries			(294,733)				(759,456)				(500,652)
Due to (from) subsidiary			207,996				6,315				15,988
Net purchase of Platinum			(904,433)				—				—
Net cash provided by investing activities			379,634				579,732				429,775
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares			(53,967)				(45,912)				(49,267)
Dividends paid – preference shares			(22,381)				(22,381)				(24,948)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases			(259,874)				(514,678)				(207,410)
Redemption of 6.08% Series C preference shares			—				—				(125,000)
Redemption of 6.60% Series D preference shares			—				—				(150,000)
Issuance of 5.375% Series E preference share, net of expenses			—				—				265,856
Repayment of debt			—				—				(100,000)
Net cash used in financing activities			(336,222)				(582,971)				(390,769)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			4,199				(2,810)				2,498
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year			5,986				8,796				6,298
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year		$	10,185			$	5,986			$	8,796

 

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SCHEDULE III

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

		December 31, 2015												Year ended December 31, 2015
		Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses				Unearned Premiums				Premium Revenue				Net Investment Income				Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses				Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				Other Operating Expenses				Net Written Premiums
Catastrophe
Reinsurance		$	23,289			$	564,261			$	202,952			$	622,714			$	—			$	75,574			$	47,264			$	93,494			$	557,369
Specialty
Reinsurance			134,593				1,804,617				506,936				548,810				—				244,495				135,811				70,525				582,909
Lloyd’s			41,498				370,489				179,214				229,075				—				128,667				55,269				54,827				275,953
Other			—				27,678				—				(48)				152,567				(498)				248				266				(48)
Total		$	199,380			$	2,767,045			$	889,102			$	1,400,551			$	152,567			$	448,238			$	238,592			$	219,112			$	1,416,183
		December 31, 2014												Year ended December 31, 2014
		Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses				Unearned Premiums				Premium Revenue				Net Investment Income				Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses				Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				Other Operating Expenses				Net Written Premiums
Catastrophe
Reinsurance		$	28,057			$	542,667			$	222,864			$	590,845			$	—			$	1,757			$	43,161			$	95,851			$	541,608
Specialty
Reinsurance			58,758				543,710				184,054				253,537				—				88,502				60,936				43,370				295,855
Lloyd’s			23,244				284,447				105,468				217,666				—				113,825				46,927				51,115				230,429
Other			—				41,686				—				368				124,316				(6,137)				(6,548)				303				344
Total		$	110,059			$	1,412,510			$	512,386			$	1,062,416			$	124,316			$	197,947			$	144,476			$	190,639			$	1,068,236
		December 31, 2013												Year ended December 31, 2013
		Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses				Unearned Premiums				Premium Revenue				Net Investment Income				Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses				Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				Other Operating Expenses				Net Written Premiums
Catastrophe
Reinsurance		$	37,889			$	780,987			$	279,465			$	723,705			$	—			$	7,908			$	49,161			$	108,130			$	753,078
Specialty
Reinsurance			26,727				506,268				115,278				214,306				—				67,236				41,538				31,780				248,562
Lloyd’s			17,068				218,367				83,145				176,029				—				95,693				34,823				50,540				201,697
Other			—				58,108				—				586				208,028				450				(21)				655				610
Total		$	81,684			$	1,563,730			$	477,888			$	1,114,626			$	208,028			$	171,287			$	125,501			$	191,105			$	1,203,947

 

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SCHEDULE IV

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF REINSURANCE PREMIUMS

(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

		Gross Amounts				Ceded to Other Companies				Assumed From Other Companies				Net Amount				Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net
Year ended December 31, 2015
Property and liability premiums earned		$	98,182			$	466,719			$	1,769,088			$	1,400,551				126%
Year ended December 31, 2014
Property and liability premiums earned		$	66,027			$	453,658			$	1,450,047			$	1,062,416				136%
Year ended December 31, 2013
Property and liability premiums earned		$	44,530			$	412,415			$	1,482,511			$	1,114,626				133%

SCHEDULE VI

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION CONCERNING

PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS

(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

Affiliation with Registrant		Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses				Discount, if any, Deducted				Unearned Premiums				Earned Premiums				Net Investment Income
Consolidated Subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 2015		$	199,380			$	2,767,045			$	—			$	889,102			$	1,400,551			$	152,567
Year ended December 31, 2014		$	110,059			$	1,412,510			$	—			$	512,386			$	1,062,416			$	124,316
Year ended December 31, 2013		$	81,684			$	1,563,730			$	—			$	477,888			$	1,114,626			$	208,028
		Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to								Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses				Net Premiums Written
Affiliation with Registrant		Current Year				Prior Year
Consolidated Subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 2015		$	610,685			$	(162,447)			$	238,592			$	555,652			$	1,416,183
Year ended December 31, 2014		$	341,745			$	(143,798)			$	144,476			$	314,836			$	1,068,236
Year ended December 31, 2013		$	315,241			$	(143,954)			$	125,501			$	395,447			$	1,203,947

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number		Description
2.1		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 23, 2014, by and among RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Port Holdings Ltd. and Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., including the exhibits thereto. (34)
3.1		Memorandum of Association. (1)
3.2		Amended and Restated Bye-Laws. (2)
3.3		Memorandum of Increase in Share Capital of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (3)
3.4		Specimen Common Share certificate. (1)
4.1		Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of 6.08% Series C Preference Shares. (4)
4.2		Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of 5.375% Series E Preference Shares. (5)
4.2(a)		Form of Stock Certificate Evidencing the 5.375% Series E Preference Shares. (5)
4.3		Senior Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010, among RenRe North America Holdings Inc., as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Companies America, as trustee. (6)
4.3(a)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010, among RenRe North America Holdings Inc., as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Companies America, as trustee. (6)
4.3(b)		Senior Debt Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2010, between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Companies America, as guarantee trustee. (6)
4.3(c)		Waiver Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2011, by and among RenRe North America Holdings Inc., RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. (7)
4.3(d)		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 3, 2015, among RenRe North America Holdings, Inc., as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., as co-obligor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Companies America, as trustee. (40)
4.4		Indenture, dated as of May 26, 2005, among Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc., as issuer, Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., as guarantor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as trustee. (43)
4.4(a)		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2005, among Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc., as issuer, Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., as guarantor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as trustee. (44)
4.4(b)		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 3, 2015, among Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc., as issuer, Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., as guarantor, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as parent guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company (as successor in interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee. (37)
4.4(c)		Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, among Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc., as issuer, Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., as guarantor, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as parent guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company (as successor in interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee. (40)
4.4(d)		Guarantee, dated as of March 3, 2015, executed by RenaissanceRe for the benefit of the holders of Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc.’s Series B 7.50% Notes due June 1, 2017. (37)
4.4(e)		Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 26, 2005, among Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (43)
4.5		Senior Indenture, dated as of March 24, 2015, among RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. (38)

 

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4.5(a)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 24, 2015, among RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. (38)
4.5(b)		Senior Debt Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2015, between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as guarantee trustee. (38)
10.1*		Further Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2013, by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Kevin J. O’Donnell. (12)
10.2*		Form of Further Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Named Executive Officers (other than our Chief Executive Officer). (8)
10.3*		Employment Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2013, by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Jeffrey D. Kelly. (13)
10.4*		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (17)
10.4(a)*		Amendment No. 1 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (18)
10.4(b)*		Amendment No. 2 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (18)
10.4(c)*		Amendment No. 3 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (9)
10.4(d)*		Amendment No. 4 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (15)
10.4(e)*		Amendment No. 5 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (19)
10.4(f)*		Amendment No. 6 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (13)
10.4(g)*		UK Schedule to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (9)
10.4(h)*		UK Sub-Plan to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (9)
10.4(i)*		Form of Option Grant Notice and Agreement pursuant to which option grants are made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (21)
10.4(j)*		Form of Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Agreement pursuant to which restricted stock grants are made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (21)
10.4(k)*		Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Agreement pursuant to which performance-based restricted stock grants are made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.5*		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2004 Stock Option Incentive Plan. (22)
10.5(a)*		Amendment No. 1 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2004 Stock Option Incentive Plan. (23)
10.5(b)*		Form of Option Agreement pursuant to which option grants are made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2004 Stock Option Incentive Plan to executive officers. (22)
10.6*		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Restricted Stock Unit Plan. (16)
10.6(a)*		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, pursuant to which restricted stock unit grants are made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Restricted Stock Unit Plan. (16)
10.7*		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan. (15)
10.7(a)*		Amendment No. 1 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan. (35)
10.7(b)*		Form of Letter Agreement with the Named Executive Officers Regarding Performance Share Awards. (20)
10.7(c)*		Form of Letter Agreement with Neill A. Currie Regarding Performance Share Awards. (20)
10.7(d)*		Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Agreement pursuant to which performance-based restricted stock awards are made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan. (35)
10.7(e)*		Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Agreement under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan, dated June 9, 2010, between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Neill A. Currie. (24)
10.8*		Form of Tax Reimbursement Waiver Letter with the Named Executive Officers. (25)

 

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10.9*		Form of Agreement Regarding Use of Aircraft Interest by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Certain Executive Officers of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (14)
10.10*		Form of Director Retention Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2002, entered into by each of the non-employee directors of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (26)
10.11*		Amended and Restated RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. (27)
10.11(a)*		Amendment No. 1 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. (28)
10.11(b)*		Amendment No. 2 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. (29)
10.11(c)*		Amendment No. 3 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. (30)
10.11(d)*		Form of Director Shares Grant Notice and Agreement pursuant to which restricted stock grants are made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. (31)
10.11(e)*		Form of Option Grant Notice and Agreement pursuant to which option grants are made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. (31)
10.12*		Separation, Consulting, and Release Agreement by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Peter C. Durhager, dated November 13, 2014. (32)
10.13		Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2014, among Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc., Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, ING Bank N.V. and National Australian Bank Limited, as Documentation Agents, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. (45)
10.13(a)		Consent and Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2015, by and among Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., certain subsidiaries of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. (37)
10.13(b)		Guaranty, dated as of March 2, 2015, entered into by RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. for the benefit of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the other lenders referred to therein. (37)
10.14		Credit Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2015, by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as borrower, and Barclays Bank PLC, as lender. (36)
10.15		Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated July 2, 2013, relating to a Facility Agreement dated July 31, 2012 for Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. made between Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd., National Australia Bank Limited and ING Bank N.V. (46)
10.15(a)		Consent and Amendment to Facility Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2015, by and among Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., National Australia Bank Limited, as agent, security agent and a lender, and ING Bank, N.V., as a lender. (37)
10.15(b)		Guaranty, dated as of March 2, 2015, entered into by RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. for the benefit of National Australia Bank Limited, as agent, security agent and a lender, and ING Bank, N.V., as a lender. (37)
10.16		Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2015, among RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as borrower, various financial institutions parties thereto, as lenders, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the lenders, Citibank, N.A., as syndication agent, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint lead bookrunners. (39)
10.16(a)		Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2015, by and among RenRe North America Holdings Inc., RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. (39)
10.17		Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2014, by and among Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. (33)

 

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10.17(a)		First Amendment to Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2015, by and among Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc., Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. (39)
10.18		Facility Letter, dated September 17, 2010, from Citibank Europe PLC to Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. and Glencoe Insurance Ltd. (10)
10.18(a)		Amendment to Facility Letter, dated October 1, 2013, by and among Citibank Europe PLC, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. (11)
10.18(b)		Amendment to Facility Letter, dated December 23, 2014, by and among Citibank Europe PLC, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd.
10.18(c)		Amendment to Facility Letter, dated March 31, 2015, by and among Citibank Europe PLC, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. and Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc.
10.18(d)		Amendment to Facility Letter, dated December 30, 2015, by and among Citibank Europe PLC, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. (42)
10.18(e)		Amendment to Facility Letter, dated January 14, 2016, by and among Citibank Europe PLC, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc.
10.18(f)		Insurance Letters of Credit - Master Agreement, dated September 17, 2010, between Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and Citibank Europe PLC. DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., Glencoe Insurance Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, Renaissance Specialty U.S. Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. have each entered into an agreement with Citibank Europe PLC that is identical to the foregoing agreement, except with respect to party names and dates. (10)
10.19		Master Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2014, by and between RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd. and Citibank Europe PLC. (35)
10.19(a)		Pledge Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2014 by and among RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd. and Citibank Europe PLC. (35)
10.20		Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2015, by and among Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., as Borrower, various lenders, Bank of Montreal, as Documentation Agent, Citibank Europe plc, as Collateral Agent, and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, as Letter of Credit Agent. (41)
10.20(a)		First Amendment to Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2015, among Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., as Borrower, various lenders party to the Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement dated as of November 23, 2015, Bank of Montreal, as Documentation Agent, Citibank Europe PLC, as Collateral Agent, and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, as Letter of Credit Agent.
10.21		Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2015, by and among National Australia Bank Limited, New York Branch, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. and RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as Guarantor. (39)
21.1		List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1		Consent of Ernst & Young Ltd.
31.1		Certification of Kevin J. O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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31.2		Certification of Jeffrey D. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1		Certification of Kevin J. O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2		Certification of Jeffrey D. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*		Items denoted with an asterisk represent management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
(1)		Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Registration No. 33-70008) which was declared effective by the SEC on July 26, 1995.
(2)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2002.
(3)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 1998, filed with the SEC on May 14, 1998 (SEC File Number 000-26512).
(4)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 18, 2004.
(5)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 28, 2013.
(6)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 18, 2010.
(7)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 24, 2011.
(8)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 24, 2013.
(9)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2009.
(10)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 23, 2010.
(11)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 4, 2013.
(12)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 16, 2013.
(13)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2013, filed with the SEC on November 6, 2013.
(14)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2013.
(15)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.‘s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on April 8, 2010.
(16)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on February 19, 2010.

 

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(17)		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-90758) dated June 19, 2002.
(18)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on May 2, 2007.
(19)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 13, 2010.
(20)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on April 29, 2010.
(21)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2004.
(22)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 2, 2004.
(23)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2005 (SEC File Number 001-14428).
(24)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 11, 2010.
(25)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2012.
(26)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2003 (SEC File Number 001-14428).
(27)		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-90758) dated June 19, 2002.
(28)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on May 2, 2007.
(29)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on October 30, 2008.
(30)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on February 20, 2009.
(31)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2006.
(32)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2014.
(33)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on December 30, 2014.
(34)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 26, 2014.
(35)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015.
(36)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2015.
(37)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2015.
(38)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 25, 2015.
(39)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 21, 2015.
(40)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 8, 2015.

 

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(41)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 25, 2015.
(42)		Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on December 31, 2015.
(43)		Incorporated by reference from Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2005.
(44)		Incorporated by reference from Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 3, 2005.
(45)		Incorporated by reference from Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 10, 2014.
(46)		Incorporated by reference from Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 3, 2013.

 

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Office Locations		Executive Committee
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries		RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Bermuda Headquarters Renaissance House 12 Crow Lane Pembroke HM 19 Bermuda Tel: +1 441 295 4513   London 125 Old Broad Street London, EC2N 1AR United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7283 2646   Dublin 4th and 5th Floors Hardwicke House Upper Hatch Street Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 1 678 7388   Singapore 50 Collyer Quay OUE Bayfront #12-02 Singapore 049321 Tel: +65 6572 8866   USA                                                    New York 140 Broadway, Suite 4200 New York, New York 10005 Tel: +1 212 238 9600   Chicago 1901 N. Roselle Rd. Suite 340 Schaumburg, IL 60195 Tel: +1 847 310 5960   Connecticut Two Stamford Plaza 281 Tresser Blvd., 15th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 Tel: +1 203 900 1200   North Carolina WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. 3128 Highwoods Boulevard Suite 230 Raleigh, NC 27604 Tel: +1 919 876 3633   Rhode Island WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. 26 South County Commons Way Unit A7 South Kingstown, RI 02879 Tel: +1 401 788 9031		Kevin J. O’Donnell President and Chief Executive Officer RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   Jeffrey D. Kelly Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   Ian D. Branagan Senior Vice President and Group Chief Risk Officer RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   Ross A. Curtis Senior Vice President and Group Chief Underwriting Officer RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   Aditya K. Dutt President Renaissance Underwriting Managers, Ltd. Senior Vice President RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   Todd R. Fonner Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.		David E. Marra Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer – Casualty & Specialty RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. President Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc.   Justin D. O’Keefe Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer – Property RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   Jonathan D. A. Paradine Principal Officer Singapore Branch Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd.   Stephen H. Weinstein Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, Group General Counsel and Secretary RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   Mark A. Wilcox Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Renaissance House

12 Crow Lane

Pembroke HM 19

Bermuda

Tel: +1 441 295 4513

renre.com