☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-31721
AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
98-0395986
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
92 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, BermudaHM 08
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(441) 496-2600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common shares, par value $0.0125 per share
AXS
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a 5.50% Series E preferred share
AXS PRE
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
At April 26, 2024, there were 84,659,970 common shares outstanding, $0.0125 par value per share, of the registrant.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this report, including statements regarding our estimates, beliefs, expectations, intentions, strategies or projections are forward-looking statements. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the United States ("U.S.") federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "plan", "believe", "predict", "potential", "intend" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond management's control.
Forward-looking statements contained in this report may include, but are not limited to, information regarding our estimates for losses and loss expenses, measurements of potential losses in the fair value of our investment portfolio and derivative contracts, our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, the outcome of our strategic initiatives, our expectations regarding pricing, and other market and economic conditions including the liquidity of financial markets, developments in the commercial real estate market, inflation, our growth prospects, and valuations of the potential impact of movements in interest rates, credit spreads, equity securities' prices, and foreign currency exchange rates.
Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements.
We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
In this Form 10-Q, references to "AXIS Capital" refer to AXIS Capital Holdings Limited and references to "we", "us", "our", "AXIS", the "Group" or the "Company" refer to AXIS Capital Holdings Limited and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and branches.
Summary of Risk Factors
Investing in our common stock involves substantial risks, and our ability to successfully operate our business is subject to numerous risks, including those that are generally associated with operating in the insurance and reinsurance industry. Some of the more significant material challenges and risks include the following:
Insurance Risk
•the cyclical nature of insurance and reinsurance business leading to periods with excess underwriting capacity and unfavorable premium rates;
•the occurrence and magnitude of natural and man-made disasters, including the potential increase of our exposure to natural catastrophe losses due to climate change and the potential for inherently unpredictable losses from man-made catastrophes, such as cyber-attacks;
•the effects of emerging claims, systemic risks, and coverage and regulatory issues, including increasing litigation and uncertainty related to coverage definitions, limits, terms and conditions;
•actual claims exceeding reserves for losses and loss expenses;
•losses related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the associated conflict in the Red Sea, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, terrorism and political unrest, or other unanticipated losses;
•the adverse impact of social and economic inflation;
•the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ;
•the failure of our cedants to adequately evaluate risks;
Strategic Risk
•increased competition and consolidation in the insurance and reinsurance industry;
•changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business;
•the loss of business provided to us by major brokers;
•increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from investors, customers, regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders regarding environmental, social and governance matters;
•the adverse impact of contagious diseases (including COVID-19) on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity;
Credit and Market Risk
•the inability to purchase reinsurance or collect amounts due to us from reinsurance we have purchased;
•the failure of our policyholders or intermediaries to pay premiums;
•general economic, capital and credit market conditions, including banking and commercial real estate sector instability, financial market illiquidity and fluctuations in interest rates, credit spreads, equity securities' prices, and/or foreign currency exchange rates;
•breaches by third parties in our program business of their obligations to us;
Liquidity Risk
•the inability to access sufficient cash to meet our obligations when they are due;
Operational Risk
•changes in accounting policies or practices;
•the use of industry models and changes to these models;
•difficulties with technology and/or data security;
•the failure of the processes, people or systems that we rely on to maintain our operations and manage the operational risks inherent to our business, including those outsourced to third parties;
Regulatory Risk
•changes in governmental regulations and potential government intervention in our industry;
•inadvertent failure to comply with certain laws and regulations relating to sanctions, foreign corrupt practices, data protection and privacy; and
Risks Related to Taxation
•changes in tax laws.
Readers should carefully consider the risks noted above together with other factors including but not limited to those described under Item 1A, 'Risk Factors' in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as those factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic and other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Website and Social Media Disclosure
We use our website (www.axiscapital.com) and our corporate LinkedIn (AXIS Capital) and X Corp. (@AXIS_Capital) accounts as channels of distribution of Company information. The information we post through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, e-mail alerts and other information about AXIS Capital may be received by those enrolled in our "E-mail Alerts" program, which can be found in the Investor Information section of our website (www.axiscapital.com). The contents of our website and social media channels are not part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 AND 2023
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid (refund)
$
6,796
$
(2,403)
Interest paid
$
17,504
$
17,110
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
In 2024,$48 million related to a loan advanced to Monarch Point Re (ISA 2023) Ltd. ("Monarch Point Re") was repaid and was treated as a non-cash activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. In addition, $46 million related to reinsurance balances payables due to Monarch Point Re under the retrocession agreement and $4 million related to ceded losses and loss expenses due from Monarch Point Re under the retrocession agreement were settled and both were treated as a non-cash activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Further, $6 million related to interest on the loan advanced to Monarch Point Re was received in advance and was treated as a non-cash activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
In 2024, $25 million related to a loan advanced to a third party reinsurer was repaid and $25 million related to reinsurance balances payables due to the third party reinsurer under the retrocession agreement was settled and both were treated as non-cash activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows (refer to Note 10 'Debt').
In 2023, $31 million related to a loan advanced to a third party reinsurer was repaid and was treated as a non-cash activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. In addition, $31 million related to reinsurance balances payables due to the third party reinsurer under the retrocession agreement and $5 million related to ceded losses and loss expenses due from the party reinsurer under the retrocession agreement were settled and both were treated as a non-cash activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
These unaudited consolidated financial statements (the "financial statements") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and include AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in AXIS Capital's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC.
In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations for the periods presented.
The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
To facilitate comparison of information across periods, certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year's presentation. At March 31, 2024, the Company presented loan advances made in 2023 separately in the consolidated statements of cash flows. These loan advances made were previously included in insurance and reinsurance balances payable in the consolidated statements of cash flows. This presentation was adopted to facilitate comparison to loan advances made in 2024. This reclassification did not impact results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Tabular dollar and share amounts are in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts. All amounts are reported in U.S. dollars.
Significant Accounting Policies
There were no notable changes to the Company's significant accounting policies subsequent to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
2. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company's underwriting operations are organized around its global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Re. The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments, insurance and reinsurance. The Company does not allocate its assets by segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangible assets.
Insurance
The Company's insurance segment offers specialty insurance products to a variety of niche markets on a worldwide basis. The product lines in this segment are professional lines, property, liability, cyber, marine and aviation, accident and health, and credit and political risk.
Reinsurance
The Company's reinsurance segment provides treaty reinsurance to insurance companies on a worldwide basis. The product lines in this segment are liability, accident and health, professional lines, credit and surety, motor, agriculture, marine and aviation, and run-off lines which include catastrophe and property lines of business that the Company placed into run-off in 2022 and engineering lines of business that the Company placed into run-off in 2020.
The following tables present the underwriting results of the Company's reportable segments, as well as the carrying amounts of allocated goodwill and intangible assets:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
Contractual Maturities
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
The table below provides the contractual maturities of fixed maturities classified as available for sale:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
Gross Unrealized Losses
The following table summarizes fixed maturities, available for sale in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
12 months or greater
Less than 12 months
Total
Fair
value
Unrealized
losses
Fair
value
Unrealized
losses
Fair
value
Unrealized
losses
At March 31, 2024
Fixed maturities, available for sale
U.S. government and agency
$
657,958
$
(40,409)
$
1,669,439
$
(17,059)
$
2,327,397
$
(57,468)
Non-U.S. government
224,688
(20,529)
274,043
(3,269)
498,731
(23,798)
Corporate debt
2,337,348
(202,913)
862,666
(9,979)
3,200,014
(212,892)
Agency RMBS
810,334
(96,973)
414,071
(6,549)
1,224,405
(103,522)
CMBS
665,150
(47,233)
86,723
(3,352)
751,873
(50,585)
Non-agency RMBS
86,352
(12,562)
15,966
(88)
102,318
(12,650)
ABS
447,941
(19,575)
343,163
(1,300)
791,104
(20,875)
Municipals
124,038
(10,203)
7,081
(397)
131,119
(10,600)
Total fixed maturities, available for sale
$
5,353,809
$
(450,397)
$
3,673,152
$
(41,993)
$
9,026,961
$
(492,390)
At December 31, 2023
Fixed maturities, available for sale
U.S. government and agency
$
846,503
$
(42,465)
$
867,733
$
(12,663)
$
1,714,236
$
(55,128)
Non-U.S. government
233,038
(18,178)
115,112
(683)
348,150
(18,861)
Corporate debt
2,623,304
(210,512)
240,813
(5,966)
2,864,117
(216,478)
Agency RMBS
778,656
(80,070)
218,606
(2,968)
997,262
(83,038)
CMBS
703,411
(54,856)
75,242
(3,552)
778,653
(58,408)
Non-agency RMBS
98,483
(13,013)
10,017
(20)
108,500
(13,033)
ABS
879,743
(24,747)
83,582
(274)
963,325
(25,021)
Municipals
129,969
(10,156)
6,238
(392)
136,207
(10,548)
Total fixed maturities, available for sale
$
6,293,107
$
(453,997)
$
1,617,343
$
(26,518)
$
7,910,450
$
(480,515)
At March 31, 2024, 4,138 fixed maturities (2023: 3,535) were in an unrealized loss position of $492 million (2023: $481 million), of which $11 million (2023: $13 million) was related to securities below investment grade or not rated.
At March 31, 2024, 3,004 fixed maturities (2023: 3,212) had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and had a fair value of $5,354 million (2023: $6,293 million).
The unrealized losses of $492 million (2023: $481 million) were due to non-credit factors and were expected to be recovered as the related securities approach maturity.
At March 31, 2024, the Company did not intend to sell the securities in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of their amortized costs.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
b) Fixed Maturities, Held to Maturity
The following table provides the amortized cost and fair values of the Company's fixed maturities classified as held to maturity:
Amortized
cost
Allowance for expected credit losses
Net carrying value
Gross unrealized gains
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair
value
At March 31, 2024
Held to maturity
Corporate debt
$
100,217
$
—
$
100,217
$
177
$
(9,360)
$
91,034
ABS(1)
592,825
—
592,825
270
(403)
592,692
Total fixed maturities, held to maturity
$
693,042
$
—
$
693,042
$
447
$
(9,763)
$
683,726
At December 31, 2023
Held to maturity
Corporate debt
$
95,200
$
—
$
95,200
$
298
$
(8,827)
$
86,671
ABS(1)
591,096
—
591,096
5
(1,921)
589,180
Total fixed maturities, held to maturity
$
686,296
$
—
$
686,296
$
303
$
(10,748)
$
675,851
(1)Asset-backed securities ("ABS") include debt tranched securities collateralized primarily by collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs").
At March 31, 2024, fixed maturities, held to maturity of $693 million (2023: $686 million) were presented net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $nil (2023: $nil).
The Company's ABS, held to maturity consist of CLO debt tranched securities. The Company uses a scenario-based approach to review its CLO debt portfolio and reviews subordination levels of these securities to determine their ability to absorb credit losses of the underlying collateral. If losses are forecast to be below the subordination level for a tranche held by the Company, the security is determined not to have a credit loss. At March 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses expected to be recognized over the life of the Company's ABS, held to maturity was $nil.
To estimate expected credit losses for corporate debt securities, held to maturity, the Company's projected cash flows are primarily driven by assumptions regarding the severity of loss, which is a function of the probability of default and projected recovery rates. The Company's default and recovery rates are based on credit ratings, credit analysis and macroeconomic forecasts. At March 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses expected to be recognized over the life of the Company's corporate debt, held to maturity was $nil.
Contractual Maturities
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. ABS classified as held to maturity had a carrying value of $593 million (2023: $591 million).
Corporate debt classified as held to maturity with a net carrying value of $17 million (2023: $nil) is due between 1 year and 3 years and corporate debt classified as held to maturity with a net carrying value of $83 million (2023: $95 million) is due between 3 years and 10 years.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
c) Equity Securities
The following table provides the cost and fair values of the Company's equity securities:
Cost
Gross
unrealized
gains
Gross
unrealized
losses
Fair
value
At March 31, 2024
Equity securities
Common stocks
$
2,843
$
25
$
(416)
$
2,452
Preferred stocks
5,654
161
(113)
5,702
Exchange-traded funds
188,548
99,734
(1,116)
287,166
Bond mutual funds
348,493
2,327
(63,962)
286,858
Total equity securities
$
545,538
$
102,247
$
(65,607)
$
582,178
At December 31, 2023
Equity securities
Common stocks
$
2,843
$
101
$
(398)
$
2,546
Preferred stocks
5,496
218
(113)
5,601
Exchange-traded funds
182,989
105,858
(1,572)
287,275
Bond mutual funds
352,505
4,119
(63,535)
293,089
Total equity securities
$
543,833
$
110,296
$
(65,618)
$
588,511
d) Mortgage Loans
The following table provides details of the Company's mortgage loans, held for investment:
March 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Carrying value
% of Total
Carrying value
% of Total
Mortgage loans, held for investment:
Commercial
$
617,817
101
%
$
616,368
101
%
Allowance for expected credit losses
(8,113)
(1
%)
(6,220)
(1)
%
Total mortgage loans, held for investment
$
609,704
100
%
$
610,148
100
%
The primary credit quality indicators for commercial mortgage loans are the debt service coverage ratio which compares a property’s net operating income to amounts needed to service the principal and interest due under the loan, (generally, the lower the debt service coverage ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss) and the loan-to-value ratio which compares the unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral (generally, the higher the loan-to-value ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss). The debt service coverage ratio and loan-to-value ratio, as well as the values utilized in calculating these ratios, are updated quarterly.
The Company has a high quality mortgage loan portfolio with a weighted average debt service coverage ratio of 1.9x (2023: 1.9x) and a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 71% (2023: 71%). At March 31, 2024, and 2023 there were no past due amounts associated with the commercial mortgage loans held by the Company.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
On a quarterly basis, collateral dependent mortgage loans (e.g., when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, including when foreclosure is reasonably possible or probable) are evaluated individually for credit losses. The allowance for expected credit losses for a collateral dependent loan is established as the excess of amortized cost over the estimated fair value of the loan's underlying collateral, less selling cost when foreclosure is probable. Accordingly, the change in the estimated fair value of collateral dependent loans, which are evaluated individually for credit losses, is recognized as a change in the allowance for expected credit losses which is recorded in net investment gains (losses).
At March 31, 2024, there are three collateral dependent loans with estimated loan-to-value ratios in excess of 100%, resulting in an allowance for expected credit loss of $8 million (2023: $6 million).
e) Other Investments
The following table provides a summary of the Company's other investments, together with additional information relating to the liquidity of each category:
Fair value
Redemption frequency
(if currently eligible)
Redemption
notice period
At March 31, 2024
Multi-strategy funds
$
24,950
3
%
Quarterly
60-90 days
Direct lending funds
168,987
18
%
Quarterly(1)
90 days
Private equity funds
309,399
33
%
n/a
n/a
Real estate funds
309,545
33
%
Quarterly(2), Annually(3)
45-90 days
CLO-Equities
4,986
—
%
n/a
n/a
Other privately held investments
116,857
13
%
n/a
n/a
Total other investments
$
934,724
100
%
At December 31, 2023
Multi-strategy funds
$
24,619
3
%
Quarterly
60-90 days
Direct lending funds
192,270
20
%
Quarterly(1)
90 days
Private equity funds
301,712
32
%
n/a
n/a
Real estate funds
317,325
33
%
Quarterly(2), Annually(3)
45-90 days
CLO-Equities
5,300
1
%
n/a
n/a
Other privately held investments
108,187
11
%
n/a
n/a
Total other investments
$
949,413
100
%
n/a - not applicable
(1) Applies to one fund with a fair value of $13 million (2023: $17 million).
(2) Applies to one fund with a fair value of $64 million (2023: $66 million).
(3) Applies to one fund with a fair value of $24 million (2023: $25 million).
Two common redemption restrictions which may impact the Company's ability to redeem multi-strategy funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the fund's net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager's ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, neither of these restrictions impacted the Company's redemption requests. At March 31, 2024, there were no multi-strategy fund holdings (2023: $nil) where the Company is still within the lockup period.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
At March 31, 2024, the Company had $28 million (2023: $28 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in multi-strategy hedge funds. Once the full amount of committed capital has been called by the General Partner of each of these funds, the assets will not be fully returned until after the completion of the funds' investment term. These funds have investment terms ranging from two years to the dissolution of the underlying fund.
At March 31, 2024, the Company had $190 million (2023: $192 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in direct lending funds. Once the full amount of committed capital has been called by the General Partner of each of these funds, the assets will not be fully returned until the completion of the fund's investment term. These funds have investment terms ranging from four to ten years and the General Partners of certain funds have the option to extend the term by up to three years.
At March 31, 2024, the Company had $134 million (2023: $145 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in private equity funds. The life of the funds is subject to the dissolution of the underlying funds. The Company expects the overall holding period to be over six years.
At March 31, 2024, the Company had $105 million (2023: $107 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in real estate funds. These funds include an open-ended fund and funds with investment terms ranging from two years to the dissolution of the underlying fund.
At March 31, 2024, the Company had $23 million (2023: $30 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in three private company investment funds focusing on financial services technology companies with an emphasis on insurance technology companies ("private company investment funds"). Two of these funds have investment terms of 5 years and one fund has an investment term of 10 years.
f) Equity Method Investments
During 2023, the Company paid $22 million to acquire 18% of the common equity of Monarch Point Re (ISAC) Ltd. and Monarch Point Re (ISA 2023) Ltd., a collateralized reinsurance company formed under the laws of Bermuda as an incorporated segregated accounts company under the Incorporated Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2019, as amended (the "ISAC Act"). During 2024, the Company paid $7 million to acquire 18% of the common equity of Monarch Point Re (ISA 2024) Ltd., (Monarch Point Re (ISAC) Ltd., Monarch Point Re (ISA 2023) Ltd. and Monarch Point Re (ISA 2024) Ltd., individually or collectively "Monarch Point Re").
Monarch Point Re is an independent reinsurer jointly sponsored by the Company and Stone Point Credit, LLC ("Stone Point").
The Company retrocedes a diversified portfolio of casualty reinsurance business to Monarch Point Re and Stone Point serves as its investment manager. As an investor, the Company expects to benefit from underwriting fees generated by Monarch Point Re and the income and capital appreciation Stone Point seeks to deliver through its investment management services.
Monarch Point Re is not a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") that is required to be included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in Monarch Point Re under the equity method of accounting.
During 2016, the Company paid $108 million including direct transaction costs to acquire 19% of the common equity of Harrington Reinsurance Holdings Limited ("Harrington"), the parent company of Harrington Re Ltd. ("Harrington Re"), an independent reinsurance company jointly sponsored by the Company and The Blackstone Group L.P. ("Blackstone").
Through long-term service agreements, the Company serves as Harrington Re's reinsurance underwriting manager and Blackstone serves as exclusive investment management service provider. As an investor, the Company expects to benefit from underwriting profit generated by Harrington Re and the income and capital appreciation Blackstone seeks to deliver through its investment management services. In addition, the Company has entered into an arrangement with Blackstone under which underwriting and investment related fees will be shared equally.
Harrington is not a VIE that is required to be included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in Harrington under the equity method of accounting. The Company's proportionate share of the underlying equity in net assets resulted in a basis difference of $5 million which represents initial transactions costs.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
g) Variable Interest Entities
In the normal course of investing activities, the Company actively manages allocations to non-controlling tranches of structured securities which are variable interests issued by VIEs. These structured securities include RMBS, CMBS and ABS.
The Company also invests in limited partnerships which represent 74% of the Company's other investments. The investments in limited partnerships include multi-strategy funds, direct lending funds, private equity funds, real estate funds and CLO equity tranched securities, which are variable interests issued by VIEs (refer to Note 3(e) 'Other Investments').
The Company does not have the power to direct the activities that are most significant to the economic performance of these VIEs. Therefore, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. The maximum exposure to loss on these interests is limited to the amount of commitment made by the Company. The Company has not provided financial or other support to these structured securities other than the original investment.
h) Net Investment Income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
i) Net Investment Gains (Losses)
The following table provides an analysis of net investment gains (losses):
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Gross realized investment gains
Fixed maturities and short-term investments
$
14,399
$
12,370
Equity securities
30,626
1,517
Gross realized investment gains
45,025
13,887
Gross realized investment losses
Fixed maturities and short-term investments
(43,932)
(53,649)
Equity securities
(7,712)
(396)
Gross realized investment losses
(51,644)
(54,045)
(Increase) decrease in allowance for expected credit losses, fixed maturities, available for sale
6,522
(911)
(Increase) decrease in allowance for expected credit losses, mortgage loans
(1,858)
(1,900)
Impairment losses(1)
(8)
—
Change in fair value of investment derivatives(2)
795
(947)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities
(8,039)
23,726
Net investment losses
$
(9,207)
$
(20,190)
(1) Related to instances where the Company intends to sell securities or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell securities before their anticipated recovery.
(2) Refer to Note 5 'Derivative Instruments'.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the allowance for expected credit losses on fixed maturities classified as available for sale:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Balance at beginning of period
$
10,759
$
11,733
Expected credit losses on securities where credit losses were not previously recognized
31
613
Additions (reductions) for expected credit losses on securities where credit losses were previously recognized
(1,553)
919
Impairments of securities which the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell
—
—
Securities sold/redeemed/matured
(5,000)
(620)
Balance at end of period
$
4,237
$
12,645
j) Reverse Repurchase Agreements
At March 31, 2024, the Company held $53 million (2023: $12 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 cash and cash equivalents in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The required collateral for these loans is either cash or U.S. Treasuries at a minimum rate of 102% of the loan principal. Upon maturity, the Company receives principal and interest income. The Company monitors the estimated fair value of the securities loaned and borrowed on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained as necessary throughout the duration of the transaction.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair Value Hierarchy
Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability (i.e., the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants. U.S. GAAP prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels as follows:
•Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.
•Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or for which significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.
•Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company's judgments about assumptions that market participants might use.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment.
Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments categorized as Level 3. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many financial instruments. This may lead the Company to change the selection of valuation technique (from market to cash flow approach) or may cause the Company to use multiple valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. This circumstance could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels within the fair value hierarchy.
Valuation Techniques
The valuation techniques, including significant inputs and assumptions generally used to determine the fair values of the Company's financial instruments as well as the classification of the fair values of its financial instruments in the fair value hierarchy are described in detail below.
Fixed Maturities
At each valuation date, the Company uses the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value of its fixed maturities portfolio, where possible. The market approach includes, but is not limited to, prices obtained from third-party pricing services for identical or comparable securities and the use of "pricing matrix models" using observable market inputs such as yield curves, credit risks and spreads, measures of volatility, and prepayment speeds. Pricing from third-party pricing services is sourced from multiple vendors, where available, and the Company maintains a vendor hierarchy by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. Where prices are unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets. The valuation techniques including significant inputs and assumptions generally used to determine the fair values of the Company's fixed maturities by asset class as well as the classifications of the fair values of these securities in the fair value hierarchy are described in detail below.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)
U.S. Government and Agency
U.S. government and agency securities consist primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and mortgage pass-through agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association. As the fair values of U.S. Treasury securities are based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 1. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are classified as Level 2.
Non-U.S. Government
Non-U.S. government securities include bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and their agencies along with supranational organizations (collectively also known as sovereign debt securities). The fair values of these securities are based on prices obtained from international indices or valuation models that include inputs such as interest rate yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads and country credit spreads for structures similar to the sovereign bond in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of non-U.S. government securities are classified as Level 2.
Corporate Debt
Corporate debt securities consist primarily of investment grade debt of a wide variety of corporate issuers and industries. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate debt securities are generally classified as Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. In this event, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 3.
Agency RMBS
Agency RMBS consist of bonds issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association. The fair values of these securities are priced using a mortgage pool specific model which uses daily inputs from the active to be announced market and the spread associated with each mortgage pool based on vintage. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of Agency RMBS are classified as Level 2.
CMBS
CMBS mainly include investment grade bonds originated by non-agencies. The fair values of these securities are determined using a pricing model which uses dealer quotes and other available trade information along with security level characteristics to determine deal specific spreads. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of CMBS are generally classified as Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. In this event, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 3.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)
Non-agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS mainly include investment grade bonds originated by non-agencies. The fair values of these securities are determined using an option adjusted spread model or other relevant models, which use inputs including available trade information or broker quotes, prepayment and default projections based on historical statistics of the underlying collateral and current market data. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of non-agency RMBS are generally classified as Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. In this event, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 3.
ABS
ABS mainly include investment grade bonds backed by pools of loans with a variety of underlying collateral, including auto loans, student loans, credit card receivables and collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs"), originated by a variety of financial institutions. The fair values of these securities are determined using a model which uses prepayment speeds and spreads sourced primarily from the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of ABS are generally classified as Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. In this event, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 3.
Municipals
Municipals comprise revenue bonds and general obligation bonds issued by U.S. domiciled state and municipal entities. The fair values of these securities are determined using spreads obtained from the new issue market, trade prices and broker-dealers quotes. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of municipals are classified as Level 2.
Equity Securities
Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, exchange-traded funds and bond mutual funds. As the fair values of common stocks and exchange-traded funds are based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 1. As the significant inputs used to price preferred stocks are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified as Level 2. As bond mutual funds have daily liquidity, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 2.
Other Investments
The fair value of an indirect investment in CLO-Equities is estimated using an income approach valuation technique, specifically an externally developed discounted cash flow model due to the lack of observable and relevant trades in secondary markets. As the significant inputs used to price this security are unobservable, the fair value of the indirect investment in CLO-Equities is classified as Level 3.
Other privately held investments include common shares, preferred shares, private company investment funds, investments in limited partnerships, convertible notes, convertible preferred shares, and a variable yield security. These investments are initially valued at cost, which approximates fair value. In subsequent measurement periods, the fair values of these investments are generally derived from one or a combination of valuation methodologies which consider factors including recent capital raises by the investee companies, comparable precedent transaction multiples, comparable publicly traded multiples, third-party valuations, discounted cash-flow models, and other techniques that consider the industry and development stage of each investee company. The fair value of the variable yield security is determined using an externally developed discounted cash flow model. In order to assess the reasonableness of the information received from investee companies, the Company maintains an understanding of current market conditions, historical results, and emerging trends that may impact the results of operations, financial condition or liquidity of these companies. In addition, the Company engages in regular communication with management at investee companies. As the significant inputs used to price these investments are unobservable, the fair values of other privately held investments are classified as Level 3. The fair values of private company investment funds are estimated using NAVs as advised by external fund managers or third-party administrators.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments primarily comprise highly liquid securities with maturities greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. These securities are typically not actively traded due to their approaching maturity, therefore their amortized cost approximates fair value. The fair values of short-term investments are classified as Level 2.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments include foreign exchange forward contracts that are customized to the Company's economic hedging strategies and trade in the over-the-counter derivative market. The fair values of these derivatives are determined using a market approach valuation technique based on significant observable market inputs from third-party pricing vendors, non-binding broker-dealer quotes and/or recent trading activity. As the significant inputs used to price these derivatives are observable market inputs, the fair values of these derivatives are classified as Level 2.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following table quantifies the significant unobservable inputs used in estimating fair values at March 31, 2024 of investments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
Asset fair value
Valuation technique
Unobservable input
Amount / Range
Weighted
average
Other investments - CLO-Equities
$
4,986
Discounted cash flow
Default rate
4.5%
4.5%
Loss severity rate
50.0%
50.0%
Collateral spread
3.0%
3.0%
Estimated maturity date
4 years
4 years
Other investments - Other privately held investments
$
18,728
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
6.0%
6.0%
Default rate
0.5%
0.5%
Loss absorption yield
1.0%
1.0%
Estimated maturity date
0-2 years
1 year
Note: Fixed maturities of $126 million that are classified as Level 3 are excluded from the above table as these securities are priced using broker-dealer quotes. In addition, other privately held investments of $78 million that are classified as Level 3 are excluded from the above table as these investments are priced using capital statements received from investee companies.
Other Investments - CLO-Equities
The CLO-Equities market continues to be relatively inactive with only a small number of transactions being observed, particularly related to transactions involving CLO-Equities held by the Company. Accordingly, the fair value of the Company's indirect investment in CLO-Equities is determined using a discounted cash flow model prepared by an external investment manager.
The default and loss severity rates are the most judgmental unobservable market inputs to the discounted cash flow model to which the valuation of the Company's indirect investment in CLO-Equities is most sensitive. A significant increase (decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in a lower (higher) fair value estimate for the investment in CLO-Equities and, in general, a change in default rate assumptions would be accompanied by a directionally similar change in loss severity rate assumptions. Collateral spreads and estimated maturity dates are less judgmental inputs as they are based on the historical average of actual spreads and the weighted average life of the current underlying portfolios, respectively. A significant increase (decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in a higher (lower) fair value estimate for the investment in CLO-Equities. In general, these inputs have no significant interrelationship with each other or with default and loss severity rates.
On a quarterly basis, the Company's valuation process for its indirect investment in CLO-Equities includes a review of the underlying cash flows and key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model. The above significant unobservable inputs are reviewed and updated based on information obtained from secondary markets, including information received from the managers of the Company's CLO-Equities investment. In order to assess the reasonableness of the inputs the Company uses in the discounted cash flow model, the Company maintains an understanding of current market conditions, historical results, and emerging trends that may impact future cash flows. In addition, the assumptions the Company uses in its models are updated through regular communication with industry participants and ongoing monitoring of the deals in which the Company participates.
Other Investments - Other Privately Held Securities
Other privately held securities are initially valued at cost which approximates fair value. In subsequent measurement periods, the fair value of the variable yield security was determined using an externally developed discounted cash flow model. This model includes inputs that are specific to that investment. The inputs used in the fair value measurement include an appropriate discount rate, default rate, loss absorption rate and estimated maturity date. The selection of an appropriate discount rate is judgmental and is the most significant unobservable input used in the valuation of this investment. A significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation could result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement for this investment. In order to assess the reasonableness of the inputs the Company uses in the discounted cash flow model, the Company maintains an understanding of current market conditions, historical results, as well as investee specific information that may impact future cash flows.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following table presents changes in Level 3 for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Opening
balance
Transfers
into
Level 3
Transfers
out of
Level 3
Included
in net income(1)
Included
in OCI (2)
Purchases
Sales
Settlements/
distributions
Closing
balance
Change in
unrealized
gains/(losses) (3)
Three months ended March 31, 2024
Fixed maturities, available for sale
Corporate debt
$
135,753
$
—
$
—
$
(834)
$
(495)
$
4,231
$
—
$
(12,180)
$
126,475
$
—
135,753
—
—
(834)
(495)
4,231
—
(12,180)
126,475
—
Other investments
CLO-Equities
5,300
—
—
—
—
—
—
(314)
4,986
—
Other privately held investments
87,289
—
—
1,728
—
7,238
—
—
96,255
1,728
92,589
—
—
1,728
—
7,238
—
(314)
101,241
1,728
Total assets
$
228,342
$
—
$
—
$
894
$
(495)
$
11,469
$
—
$
(12,494)
$
227,716
$
1,728
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Fixed maturities, available for sale
Corporate debt
$
119,104
$
—
$
—
$
(7)
$
1,183
$
18,910
$
—
$
(8,763)
$
130,427
$
—
119,104
—
—
(7)
1,183
18,910
—
(8,763)
130,427
—
Other investments
CLO-Equities
5,016
—
—
411
—
—
—
(408)
5,019
411
Other privately held investments
136,158
—
—
336
—
4,459
—
—
140,953
336
141,174
—
—
747
—
4,459
—
(408)
145,972
747
Total assets
$
260,278
$
—
$
—
$
740
$
1,183
$
23,369
$
—
$
(9,171)
$
276,399
$
747
(1) Realized gains (losses) on fixed maturities and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on other assets and other liabilities included in net income are included in net investment gains (losses). Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on other investments included in net income are included in net investment income.
(2) Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities are included in other comprehensive income ("OCI").
(3) Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities held at the reporting date.
Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2
There were no transfers into Level 3 from Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2
There were no transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)
Measuring the Fair Value of Other Investments Using Net Asset Valuations
The fair values of multi-strategy funds, direct lending funds, private equity funds, real estate funds and private company investment funds are estimated using net asset valuations ("NAVs") as advised by external fund managers or third-party administrators. For these funds, NAVs are based on the manager's or administrator's valuation of the underlying holdings in accordance with the fund's governing documents and in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
For multi-strategy funds, direct lending funds, private equity funds, real estate funds and private company investment funds, valuation statements are typically released on a reporting lag. Therefore, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the most recent fund valuations and adjusting for capital calls, redemptions, drawdowns and distributions. Return estimates are not available from the relevant fund managers for these funds, therefore the Company typically has a reporting lag in its fair value measurements of these funds. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 all funds measured at fair value using NAVs are reported generally on a one quarter lag.
The Company often does not have access to financial information relating to the underlying securities held within the funds, therefore, management is unable to corroborate the fair values placed on the securities underlying the asset valuations provided by fund managers or fund administrators. In order to assess the reasonableness of the NAVs, the Company performs a number of monitoring procedures on a quarterly basis, to assess the quality of the information provided by fund managers and fund administrators. These procedures include, but are not limited to, regular review and discussion of each fund's performance with its manager, regular evaluation of fund performance against applicable benchmarks and the backtesting of the Company's fair value estimates against subsequently received NAVs. Backtesting involves comparing the Company's previously reported fair values for each fund against NAVs per audited financial statements (for year-end values) and final NAVs from fund managers and fund administrators (for interim values).
The fair values of multi-strategy funds, direct lending funds, private equity funds, real estate funds and private company investment funds, are measured using the NAV practical expedient, therefore the fair values of these funds have not been categorized within the fair value hierarchy.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, at Fair Value
The fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance also applies to financial instruments disclosed, but not carried, at fair value, except for certain financial instruments, including insurance contracts.
At March 31, 2024, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents including restricted amounts, accrued investment income, receivable for investments sold, certain other assets, payable for investments purchased and certain other liabilities approximated fair values due to their short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their fair values are classified as Level 2.
At March 31, 2024, the Company's fixed maturities, held to maturity, were recorded at amortized cost with a carrying value of $693 million (2023: $686 million) and a fair value of $684 million (2023: $676 million). The fair values of these securities are determined using a model which uses prepayment speeds and spreads sourced primarily from the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, their fair values are classified as Level 2.
At March 31, 2024, the carrying value of mortgage loans, held for investment, approximated fair value. The fair values of mortgage loans are primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar mortgage loans with similar credit risk or are determined from pricing for similar loans. As mortgage loans are not actively traded, their fair values are classified as Level 3.
At March 31, 2024, the Company's debt was recorded at amortized cost with a carrying value of $1,314 million (2023: $1,314 million) and a fair value of $1,204 million (2023: $1,198 million). The fair value of the Company's debt is based on prices obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads are observable market inputs, the fair value of this debt is classified as Level 2.
At March 31, 2024, Federal Home Loan Bank advances were recorded at amortized cost with a carrying value of $86 million (2023: $86 million) and a fair value of $86 million (2023: $86 million). As these advances are not actively traded, their fair values are classified as Level 2.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The following table provides the balance sheet classifications of derivatives recorded at fair value:
March 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Derivative
notional
amount
Derivative
asset
fair
value(1)
Derivative
liability
fair
value(1)
Derivative
notional
amount
Derivative
asset
fair
value(1)
Derivative
liability
fair
value(1)
Relating to investment portfolio:
Foreign exchange forward contracts
$
110,733
$
204
$
2
$
49,307
$
66
$
274
Relating to underwriting portfolio:
Foreign exchange forward contracts
1,547,244
1,028
2,280
1,347,559
4,358
9,891
Total derivatives
$
1,232
$
2,282
$
4,424
$
10,165
(1)Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are classified within other assets and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
The notional amounts of derivative contracts represent the basis on which amounts paid or received are calculated and are presented in the above table to quantify the volume of the Company's derivative activities. Notional amounts are not reflective of credit risk.
None of the Company's derivative instruments are designated as hedges.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
The Company's derivative instruments are generally traded under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements which establish terms that apply to all transactions. In the event of a bankruptcy or other stipulated event, master netting agreements provide that individual positions be replaced with a new amount, usually referred to as the termination amount, determined by taking into account market prices and converting into a single currency. Effectively, this contractual close-out netting reduces credit exposure from gross to net exposure.
The following table provides a reconciliation of gross derivative assets and liabilities to the net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets, with the difference being attributable to the impact of master netting agreements:
March 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Gross amounts
Gross amounts offset
Net
amounts(1)
Gross amounts
Gross amounts offset
Net
amounts(1)
Derivative assets
$
4,516
$
(3,284)
$
1,232
$
8,708
$
(4,284)
$
4,424
Derivative liabilities
$
5,566
$
(3,284)
$
2,282
$
14,449
$
(4,284)
$
10,165
(1)Net asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Refer to Note 3 'Investments' for information on reverse repurchase agreements.
a) Relating to Investment Portfolio
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company's investment portfolio is exposed to foreign currency risk. Therefore, the fair values of its investments are partially influenced by changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage the effect of this foreign currency risk. These foreign currency hedging activities are not designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
b) Relating to Underwriting Portfolio
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries and branches operate in various countries. Some of its business is written in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, therefore the underwriting portfolio is exposed to significant foreign currency risk. The Company manages foreign currency risk by seeking to match its foreign-denominated net liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts with cash and investments that are denominated in the same currencies. The Company uses derivative instruments, specifically, forward contracts to economically hedge foreign currency exposures.
The following table provides the total unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in net income (loss) for derivatives not designated as hedges:
Consolidated statement of operations line item that includes gain (loss) recognized in net income (loss)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
6. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES
Reserve Roll-Forward
The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company's beginning and ending gross reserve for losses and loss expenses and net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period
$
16,434,018
$
15,168,863
Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, beginning of period
(6,323,083)
(5,831,172)
Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, beginning of period
10,110,935
9,337,691
Net incurred losses and loss expenses related to:
Current year
728,671
724,680
Prior years
—
(4,038)
728,671
720,642
Net paid losses and loss expenses related to:
Current year
(50,724)
(38,662)
Prior years
(612,571)
(574,538)
(663,295)
(613,200)
Foreign exchange and other
(48,602)
46,094
Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, end of period
10,127,709
9,491,227
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, end of period
6,503,188
5,823,417
Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period
$
16,630,897
$
15,314,644
Estimates for Significant Catastrophe Events
At March 31, 2024, net reserves for losses and loss expenses included estimated amounts for numerous catastrophe events. The magnitude and complexity of losses arising from certain of these events inherently increase the level of uncertainty and, therefore, the level of management judgment involved in arriving at estimated net reserves for losses and loss expenses. These events include Hurricane Ian, Winter Storm Elliot, June European Convective Storms, the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 which occurred in 2022. As a result, actual losses for these events may ultimately differ materially from current estimates. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company recognized catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, of $20 million (2023: $38 million).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
6. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (CONTINUED)
Prior Year Reserve Development
The Company's net prior year reserve development arises from changes to estimates of losses and loss expenses related to loss events that occurred in previous calendar years. The following table presents net prior year reserve development by segment:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Favorable (Adverse)
Favorable (Adverse)
Insurance
$
—
$
1,041
Reinsurance
—
2,997
Total
$
—
$
4,038
The following sections provide further details on net prior year reserve development by segment, line of business and accident year:
Insurance Segment:
Prior year reserve development by line of business was as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Favorable (Adverse)
Favorable (Adverse)
Property
$
8,011
$
5,900
Accident and health
—
(304)
Marine and aviation
(8,011)
13,221
Cyber
—
8,452
Professional lines
—
(12,594)
Credit and political risk
—
4,519
Liability
—
(18,153)
Total
$
—
$
1,041
2024
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net prior year reserve development of $nil was recognized, the principal components of which were:
•$8 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on property business primarily due to better than expected loss emergence mainly related to the 2021 and 2022 accident years.
•$8 million of net adverse prior year reserve development on marine and aviation business primarily due to an increase in the loss estimate attributable to a specific large claim related to the 2019 accident year.
2023
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $1 million of net favorable prior year reserve development, the principal components of which were:
•$13 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on marine and aviation business primarily due to better than expected loss emergence mainly related to the 2021 and 2022 accident years.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
6. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (CONTINUED)
•$8 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on cyber business primarily due to better than expected loss emergence mainly related to 2019 and older accident years.
•$6 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on property business primarily due to better than expected loss emergence attributable to 2018 and older accident years, partially offset by reserve strengthening related to the 2021 accident year.
•$5 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on credit and political risk business primarily due to a decrease in the loss estimate attributable to a specific large claim related to the 2020 accident year and better than expected loss emergence attributable to the Lloyds book of business related to several accident years.
•$18 million of net adverse prior year reserve development on liability business primarily due to reserve strengthening within the U.S. primary casualty book of business mainly related to the 2015, 2018 and 2021 accident years.
•$13 million of net adverse prior year reserve development on professional lines business primarily due to reserve strengthening within the U.S. commercial management solutions book of business related to several accident years and U.S. financial institutions book of business mainly related to the 2018 accident year.
Reinsurance Segment:
Prior year reserve development by line of business was as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Favorable (Adverse)
Favorable (Adverse)
Accident and health
$
—
$
6,988
Agriculture
—
11,891
Marine and aviation
—
(250)
Professional lines
—
(3,225)
Credit and surety
—
(546)
Motor
—
(17,122)
Liability
—
(32,853)
Run-off lines
Catastrophe
—
31,058
Property
—
6,883
Engineering
—
173
Total run-off lines
—
38,114
Total
$
—
$
2,997
2024
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net prior year reserve development of $nil was recognized.
2023
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $3 million of net favorable prior year reserve development, the principal components of which were:
•$12 million of net favorable development on agriculture business primarily due to better than expected loss emergence mainly related to the 2022 accident year.
•$7 million of net favorable development on accident and health business primarily due to better than expected loss emergence mainly related to the 2022 accident year.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
6. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (CONTINUED)
•$33 million of net adverse development on liability business primarily due to reserve strengthening to reflect increased estimates of future loss trend due to inflation, increases in loss estimates attributable to one large claim within the European book of business related to the 2021 accident year and reserve strengthening within the U.S. proportional book of business related to 2019 and older accident years.
•$17 million of net adverse development on motor business primarily due to reserve strengthening to reflect increased estimates of future loss trend due to inflation.
Run-off lines
•$31 million of net favorable development on catastrophe business primarily due to better than expected loss emergence mainly related to the 2022 accident year.
•$7 million of net favorable development on property business primarily due to better than expected loss emergence attributable to 2022 catastrophe events.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
7. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The following table presents a comparison of earnings per common share and earnings per diluted common share:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Earnings per common share
Net income
$
395,459
$
180,097
Less: Preferred share dividends
7,563
7,563
Net income available to common shareholders
$
387,896
$
172,534
Weighted average common shares outstanding
84,879
84,864
Earnings per common share
$
4.57
$
2.03
Earnings per diluted common share
Net income available to common shareholders
$
387,896
$
172,534
Weighted average common shares outstanding
84,879
84,864
Share-based compensation plans
814
989
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
85,693
85,853
Earnings per diluted common share
$
4.53
$
2.01
Weighted average anti-dilutive shares excluded from the dilutive computation
748
805
8. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Performance Restricted Stock Units
Performance Restricted Stock Units granted in 2024 with a market condition
Certain share-settled performance restricted stock units granted in 2024 include a market condition which is the Company’s total shareholder return relative to its peer group ("Relative TSR") over the performance period. Relative TSR is calculated in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement. If performance goals are achieved, these awards will cliff vest at the end of a three-year performance period within a range of 0% to 200% of target.
Performance Restricted Stock Units granted in 2024 with a performance condition
Certain share-settled performance restricted stock units granted in 2024 include a performance condition which is the Company’s average annual growth in book value per diluted common share, plus accumulated dividends over the performance period, adjusted to exclude unrealized investment gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, and share repurchases during the performance period ("Adjusted DBVPS"). Adjusted DBVPS is calculated in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement. If performance goals are achieved, these awards will cliff vest at the end of a three-year performance period within a range of 0% to 200% of target.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
8. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)
Valuation assumptions
Performance Restricted Stock Units granted in 2024 and 2023 with a market condition
The fair value of these performance restricted stock units was measured on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
The following table provides details of the significant inputs used in the Monte Carlo simulation model:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023 (1)
2023 (2)
Expected volatility
26.00%
36.24%
29.30%
Expected term (in years)
3.0
3.0
1.0
Expected dividend yield
n/a
n/a
n/a
Risk-free interest rate
4.06%
3.79%
4.61%
n/a - not applicable
(1) Performance restricted stock units granted in the ordinary course of business
(2) Performance restricted stock units granted in the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 in relation to senior leadership transition
Beginning share price, Ending share price and Expected term
Performance restricted stock units granted in 2024
The beginning share price for awards was based on the average closing share price over the 30 trading days preceding and including the start of the performance period. The ending share price was based on the average projected closing share price over the 30 trading days preceding and including the end of the performance period. Performance for these awards is measured from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026.
Performance restricted stock units granted in 2023 and performance restricted stock units granted in the three months ended March 31, 2023 in relation to senior leadership transition
The beginning share price for awards was based on the average closing share price over the 10 trading days preceding and including the start of the performance period. The ending share price was based on the projected average closing share price over the 10 trading days preceding and including the end of the performance period. Performance for awards granted in 2023 is generally measured from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, with performance for awards granted to one senior leader being measured from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
Expected volatility
The expected volatility is estimated based on the Company's historical share price volatility.
Expected dividend yield
The expected dividend yield is not applicable to the performance restricted stock units as dividends are paid at the end of the vesting period and do not affect the value of the performance restricted stock units.
Risk-free interest rate
The risk-free rate is estimated based on the yield on a U.S. treasury zero-coupon bond issued with a remaining term equal to the vesting period of the performance restricted stock units.
Compensation expense associated with performance restricted stock units granted in 2024 and 2023 is determined on the grant date based on the fair value calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation model, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the transition in our senior leadership resulted in a modification of the previously existing vesting terms of the outstanding restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units granted in 2022 and earlier of one senior leader, and a modification of the performance period of that leader's performance restricted stock units granted in 2022. The modifications did not result in incremental compensation expense.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
8. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)
Performance Restricted Stock Units granted in 2024 with a performance condition
The fair value of these performance restricted stock units was determined based on the closing price of the Company's common shares on the grant date, and compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, and is subject to periodic adjustment based on the achievement of established performance criteria during the performance period.
The following table provides an activity summary of the Company's share-settled restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2024:
Share-Settled Performance Restricted Stock Units
Share-Settled Service Restricted Stock Units
Number of
restricted
stock units
Weighted average grant date fair value
Number of
restricted
stock units
Weighted average grant date fair value
Non-vested restricted stock units - beginning of period
144
$
65.69
1,855
$
55.21
Granted
104
65.77
696
59.34
Vested
—
—
(682)
54.67
Forfeited
—
—
(78)
55.29
Non-vested restricted stock units - end of period
248
$
65.73
1,791
$
57.02
The following table provides additional information related to share-based compensation:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Share-based compensation expense
$
13,671
$
12,526
Tax benefits associated with share-based compensation expense
$
2,763
$
2,647
Fair value of restricted stock units vested(1)
$
41,156
$
50,714
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense
$
92,556
$
108,882
Expected weighted average period associated with the recognition of unrecognized share-based compensation expense
2.9 years
2.8 years
(1) Fair value is based on the closing price of the Company's common shares on the vest date.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
9. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The following table presents changes in common shares issued and outstanding:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Shares issued, balance at beginning of period
176,580
176,580
Shares issued
—
—
Total shares issued at end of period
176,580
176,580
Treasury shares, balance at beginning of period
(91,294)
(91,912)
Shares repurchased
(1,281)
(262)
Shares reissued
682
777
Total treasury shares at end of period
(91,893)
(91,397)
Total shares outstanding
84,687
85,183
Treasury Shares
The following table presents common shares repurchased from shares held in Treasury:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
In the open market:(1)
Total shares
1,048
—
Total cost
$
61,607
$
—
Average price per share(2)
$
58.79
$
—
From employees:(3)
Total shares
233
262
Total cost
$
14,121
$
15,945
Average price per share(2)
$
60.70
$
60.82
Total shares repurchased:
Total shares
1,281
262
Total cost
$
75,728
$
15,945
Average price per share(2)
$
59.13
$
60.82
(1) Shares are repurchased pursuant to the Company's Board-authorized share repurchase program announced in December 2023, effective January 1, 2024 through
to December 31, 2024.
(2) Calculated using whole numbers.
(3) Shares are repurchased from employees to satisfy personal withholding tax liabilities that arise on the vesting of share-settled restricted stock units.
Dividends
The following table presents dividends declared and paid related to the Company's common and preferred shares:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
10. DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Loan Advances made to a Third Party Reinsurer
At March 31, 2024, loan advances of $25 million (2023: $82 million) were repaid and were treated as a non-cash activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The loan balance receivable at March 31, 2024, of $55 million (2023: $80 million) is included in loan advances made in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2023, the Company had committed to advance a further $26 million to the third party reinsurer.During 2024, the third party reinsurer advised the Company that this advance was no longer required.
Letter of Credit Facility
On March 26, 2024, the $500 million Facility was amended to reduce the committed utilization capacity available under the Facility to $300 million, enter into an uncommitted secured letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc, extend the tenors of issuable letters of credit to March 31, 2026 and make certain updates to the facility's collateral and fee arrangements.
11. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES
The Company's subsidiaries, AXIS Insurance Company and AXIS Surplus Insurance Company, are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago ("FHLB").
At March 31, 2024, the companies had admitted assets of approximately $3 billion (2023: $3 billion) which provides borrowing capacity of up to approximately $759 million (2023: $759 million).
At March 31, 2024, the Company had $86 million(2023: $86 million) of borrowings under the FHLB program, with maturities in 2024 and 2025 and interest payable at interest rates between 5.6% and 5.7% (2023: 5.6% and 5.9%). The Company incurred interest expense of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The borrowings under the FHLB program are secured by investments with a fair value of $90 million (2023: $95 million).
12. COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitrations, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against the Company in the ordinary course of its insurance or reinsurance operations. Estimated amounts payable related to these proceedings are included in the reserve for losses and loss expenses in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
The Company is not party to any material legal proceedings arising outside the ordinary course of business.
Investments
Refer to Note 3 - 'Investments' for information on the Company's unfunded investment commitments related to the Company's other investment portfolio.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During 2018, the Company entered into a quota share retrocessional agreement with Harrington Re which was deemed to have met the established criteria for retroactive reinsurance accounting. During 2024, the Company entered into a reinsurer novation and replacement agreement with Harrington Re and a third party reinsurer with respect to this quota share retrocession contract.
15. REORGANIZATION EXPENSES
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, reorganization expenses were $12 million (2023: $nil) primarily related to severance costs mainly attributable to the Company's "How We Work" program which is focused on simplifying the Company’s operating structure.
16. INCOME TAXES
On December 27, 2023, the Government of Bermuda enacted the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 (the "Act") which will apply a corporate income tax of 15% for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The Act includes a provision referred to as the economic transition adjustment, which is intended to provide a fair and equitable transition into the tax regime. Pursuant to the Act and subsequently issued guidance, the Company recorded a net deferred tax asset of $163 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 which it expects to utilize mainly over a 10-year period. The Company expects to incur increased taxes in Bermuda beginning in 2025.
The following table provides an analysis of income tax expense (benefit):
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
16. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The following table presents the distribution of income before income taxes between domestic and foreign jurisdictions and a reconciliation of the actual income tax rate to the amount computed by applying the effective tax rate of 0% under Bermuda law to income before income taxes:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Income before income taxes
Bermuda (domestic)
$
83,231
$
106,604
Foreign
187,574
89,388
Total income before income taxes
$
270,805
$
195,992
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes)
ITEM 2. 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 the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and our financial condition at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. This should be read in conjunction with Item 1 Consolidated Financial Statements of this report and our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Unless otherwise noted, tabular dollars are in thousands, except per share amounts. Amounts in tables may not reconcile due to rounding differences.
First Quarter 2024 Consolidated Results of Operations
•Net income available to common shareholders of $388 million, or $4.57 per common share, and $4.53 per diluted common share
•Operating income(1) of $220 million, or $2.57 per diluted common share(1)
•Gross premiums written of $2.7 billion
•Net premiums written of $1.7 billion
•Net premiums earned of $1.3 billion
•Pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance, of $20 million ($17 million, after-tax), (Insurance: $19 million; Reinsurance: $1 million), or 1.5 points attributable to weather-related events.
•Underwriting income(2) of $146 million and combined ratio of 91.1%
•Net investment income of $167 million
•Net investment losses of $9 million
•Foreign exchange gains of $24 million
•Reorganization expenses of $12 million
•Income tax benefit of $125 million, inclusive of a net deferred tax benefit of $163 million attributable to Bermuda's Corporate Income Tax Act 2023. Refer to 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview – Recent Developments – Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 for further details.
First Quarter 2024 Consolidated Financial Condition
•Total cash and investments of $16.8 billion; fixed maturities, short-term investments, and cash and cash equivalents comprise 89% of total cash and investments and have an average credit rating of AA-
•Total assets of $31.8 billion
•Reserve for losses and loss expenses of $16.6 billion and reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss expenses of $7.0 billion
•Debt of $1.3 billion and debt to total capital ratio(3) of 19.3%
•Total common shares repurchased were 1.3 million shares for a total of $76 million, including $62 million repurchased pursuant to our Board-authorized share repurchase program and $14 million from employees to satisfy personal withholding tax liabilities that arise on the vesting of share-settled restricted stock units
•Common shareholders’ equity of $5.0 billion; book value per diluted common share of $57.13
(1)Operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) per diluted common share are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders and earnings (loss) per diluted common share, respectively, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items are provided in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation'.
(2)Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, net income (loss), is presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Consolidated Results of Operations', and a discussion of the rationale for its presentation is provided in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation'.
(3)The debt to total capital ratio is calculated by dividing debt by total capital. Total capital represents the sum of total shareholders’ equity and debt.
AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global specialty underwriter and provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions with operations in Bermuda, the U.S., Europe, Singapore and Canada. Our underwriting operations are organized around our global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Re.
We provide our clients and distribution partners with a broad range of risk transfer products and services, and strong capacity, backed by excellent financial strength. We manage our portfolio holistically, aiming to construct the optimum portfolio of risks, consistent with our risk appetite and the development of our franchise. We nurture an ethical, entrepreneurial, disciplined and diverse culture that promotes outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking, operating efficiency, corporate citizenship and the achievement of superior risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders. We believe that the achievement of our objectives will position us as a global leader in specialty risks. The execution of our business strategy for the first three months of 2024 included the following:
•growing in a number of attractive specialty insurance and reinsurance markets including U.S. excess and surplus lines and Lloyd's specialty insurance business;
•re-balancing our portfolio towards less volatile lines of business, that carry attractive returns while deploying capital within risk limit tolerance, diversification criteria and risk management strategy;
•investing in attractive growth markets and advancing capabilities to address more transactional specialist business targeting the lower middle market with our key distribution partners;
•leveraging our global platform to introduce our products and services to new regions including the expansion of our London specialty lines to North America markets;
•continuing the implementation of a more focused distribution strategy while building mutually beneficial relationships with clients and partners;
•improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our operating platforms and processes through our "How We Work" program;
•investing in data and technology capabilities, and tools to empower our underwriters and enhance the service that we provide to our customers;
•utilizing reinsurance markets and third-party capital relationships;
•fostering a positive workplace environment that enables us to attract, retain and develop top talent; and
•growing our corporate citizenship program to give back to our communities and help contribute to a more sustainable future.
We are committed to leadership in specialty insurance and reinsurance. We believe our market positioning, specialty underwriting acumen, global platform, claims management capabilities and deep relationships with our distributors and clients, supported by a conservative and well performing investment portfolio, will provide opportunities for increased profitability.
Across the majority of our business lines, we view pricing to be attractive and we anticipate rate movement to remain slightly positive and above loss cost trends. Pricing momentum is expected to slow across many lines but the ability to access well-priced new business should remain. We expect dislocations in the admitted market to continue to drive additional risk types into the U.S. Wholesale channel.
Pricing momentum in non-proportional reinsurance continues to be strong while our proportional reinsurance business is benefiting from rate increases in the underlying business. We expect these market conditions to persist in the near term. We continue to focus on underwriting discipline to drive targeted profitable growth among the specialty and casualty reinsurance lines that we offer.
Across the business, we will continue to pursue targeted growth opportunities by employing a disciplined underwriting strategy and appetite. Where prices continue to deliver adequate profitability, we will look to grow within our risk and volatility guidelines. With a strengthened book of business, and a growing footprint in the specialty markets that are seeing the most favorable conditions, we believe AXIS is well positioned to drive profitable growth within the current environment.
Recent Developments
How We Work Program
Reorganization expenses of $12 million primarily relate to severance costs mainly attributable to our "How We Work" program which is focused on simplifying the operating structure.
Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act 2023
On December 27, 2023, the Government of Bermuda enacted the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 (the "Act") which will apply a corporate income tax of 15% for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The Act includes a provision referred to as the economic transition adjustment, which is intended to provide a fair and equitable transition into the tax regime. Pursuant to the Act and subsequently issued guidance, we recorded a net deferred tax asset of $163 million in the first quarter of 2024 which we expect to utilize mainly over a 10-year period. We expect to incur increased taxes in Bermuda beginning in 2025. The Bermuda net deferred tax benefit is excluded from operating income (loss).
Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses(1)
(137,793)
(2%)
(140,395)
Underwriting income (2)
145,663
139,366
Net investment income
167,383
25%
133,771
Net investment gains (losses)
(9,207)
(54%)
(20,190)
Corporate expenses(1)
(25,580)
(3%)
(26,416)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains
23,552
nm
(8,710)
Interest expense and financing costs
(17,147)
1%
(16,894)
Reorganization expenses
(12,299)
nm
—
Amortization of intangible assets
(2,729)
—%
(2,729)
Income before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments
269,636
198,198
Income tax (expense) benefit
124,654
nm
(15,896)
Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments
1,169
nm
(2,205)
Net income
395,459
180,097
Preferred share dividends
(7,563)
—%
(7,563)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
387,896
$
172,534
nm – not meaningful is defined as a variance greater than +/-100%
(1)Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included corporate expenses of $26 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Refer to 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Other Expenses (Revenues), Net' for further details on corporate expenses. Refer also to 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' for further details.
(2)Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the table above. Refer also to 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' for further details.
Refer to 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results by Segment' for further details on underwriting revenues.
Combined Ratio
The components of the combined ratio were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
% Point
Change
2023
Current accident year loss ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses
56.4
%
0.6
55.8
%
Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio
1.5
%
(1.6)
3.1
%
Current accident year loss ratio
57.9
%
(1.0)
58.9
%
Prior year reserve development ratio
—
%
0.3
(0.3
%)
Net losses and loss expenses ratio
57.9
%
(0.7)
58.6
%
Acquisition cost ratio
20.2
%
1.5
18.7
%
General and administrative expense ratio(1)
13.0
%
(0.6)
13.6
%
Combined ratio
91.1
%
0.2
90.9
%
(1) The general and administrative expense ratio included corporate expenses not allocated to underwriting segments of 2.0% and 2.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Refer to 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Other Expenses (Revenues), Net' for further details.
Refer to 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results by Segment' for further details on underwriting expenses.
Gross premiums written by line of business were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
% Change
Professional lines
$
236,665
15
%
$
221,615
16
%
7%
Property
478,835
30
%
381,339
27
%
26%
Liability
287,705
18
%
284,026
20
%
1%
Cyber
132,936
8
%
152,788
11
%
(13%)
Marine and aviation
262,010
17
%
233,424
16
%
12%
Accident and health
104,606
7
%
79,384
6
%
32%
Credit and political risk
71,748
5
%
63,036
4
%
14%
Total
$
1,574,505
100
%
$
1,415,612
100
%
11%
Gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $159 million, or 11%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to property, marine and aviation, accident and health, professional lines, and credit and political risk lines, partially offset by a decrease in cyber lines.
The increases in property, and marine and aviation lines were due to new business and favorable rate changes. The increases in accident and health, professional lines, and credit and political risk lines were mainly driven by new business.
The decrease in cyber lines was attributable to premium adjustments in the three months ended March 31, 2024, related to business written on a line slip basis, and a decrease in premiums associated with two significant programs, partially offset by new business.
Ceded Premiums Written
Ceded premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $552 million, or 35%, of gross premiums written, compared to $533 million, or 38%, of gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in ceded premiums written of $19 million, or 4%, was primarily driven by increases in property, and marine and aviation lines, partially offset by decreases in cyber, and professional lines.
The increase in property lines reflected the increase in gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in marine and aviation lines was attributable to reinstatement premiums associated with losses and loss expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decreases in cyber, and professional lines were due to the restructuring of significant existing quota share treaties.
The decrease in cyber lines also reflected the decrease in gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Net premiums earned by line of business were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
%
Change
Professional lines
$
196,581
21
%
$
188,953
23
%
4%
Property
253,593
28
%
197,268
25
%
29%
Liability
124,639
14
%
124,854
15
%
—%
Cyber
82,858
9
%
81,820
10
%
1%
Marine and aviation
139,290
15
%
125,330
15
%
11%
Accident and health
84,257
9
%
64,543
8
%
31%
Credit and political risk
36,728
4
%
33,688
4
%
9%
Total
$
917,946
100
%
$
816,456
100
%
12%
Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $101 million, or 12% ($103 million, or 13%, on a constant currency basis(1)), compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The increase was primarily driven by increases in gross premiums earned in property, marine and aviation, and accident and health lines, together with a decrease in ceded premiums earned in professional lines. These amounts were partially offset by increases in ceded premiums earned in property, and marine and aviation lines, together with a decrease in gross premiums earned in professional lines.
Loss Ratio
The components of the loss ratio were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
% Point Change
2023
Current accident year loss ratio
54.1
%
(1.1)
55.2
%
Prior year reserve development ratio
—
%
0.1
(0.1
%)
Loss ratio
54.1
%
(1.0)
55.1
%
Current Accident Year Loss Ratio
The current accident year loss ratio decreased to 54.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 55.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, was impacted by a lower level of catastrophe and weather-related losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, catastrophe and weather-related losses, were $19 million, or 2.1 points, attributable to weather-related events. Comparatively, during the three months ended March 31, 2023, catastrophe and weather-related losses, were $24 million, or 3.0 points, primarily attributable to New Zealand floods, Cyclone Gabrielle, and other weather-related events.
Adjusting for the impact of the catastrophe and weather-related losses, the current accident year loss ratio decreased to 52.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 52.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was principally due to changes in business mix associated with the increase in property lines and the decrease in liability lines business written in recent periods.
(1) Amounts presented on a constant currency basis are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Item 10 (e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The constant currency basis is calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate from the current year to the prior year balance.
Refer to Item 1, Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Reserve for losses and loss expenses' for details on the lines of business and prior year reserve development.
Acquisition Cost Ratio
The acquisition cost ratio increased to 19.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 18.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily related to changes in business mix driven by an increase in property, and accident and health lines of business written in recent periods, together with a decrease in ceding commission mainly in professional lines and cyber lines.
Underwriting-Related General and Administrative Expense Ratio
The underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio decreased to 13.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 14.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, mainly driven by an increase in net premiums earned, partially offset by increases in performance-related compensation costs and personnel costs.
Gross premiums written by line of business were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
%
Change
Liability
$
218,175
20
%
$
198,861
21
%
10%
Accident and health
310,792
29
%
295,985
31
%
5%
Professional lines
146,832
14
%
136,201
14
%
8%
Credit and surety
164,043
15
%
115,237
12
%
42%
Motor
152,145
14
%
140,115
14
%
9%
Agriculture
39,501
4
%
22,399
2
%
76%
Marine and aviation
46,134
4
%
30,531
3
%
51%
Run-off lines
Catastrophe
1,423
—
%
16,301
2
%
(91%)
Property
(156)
—
%
9,605
1
%
nm
Engineering
1,033
—
%
1,129
—
%
(9%)
Total run-off lines
2,300
—
%
27,035
3
%
(91%)
Total
$
1,079,922
100
%
$
966,364
100
%
12%
nm – not meaningful
Gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased by $114 million, or 12% ($102 million, or 11%, on a constant currency basis), compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to credit and surety, liability, agriculture, marine and aviation, accident and health, motor, and professional lines, partially offset by decreases in catastrophe and property lines.
The increase in credit and surety lines was driven by new business, increased line sizes on surety contracts, the timing of renewals of several credit and surety contracts and positive premium adjustments in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to negative premium adjustments in the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The increase in liability lines was related to new business, an increased line size on a significant contract and the timing of renewals of significant contracts, partially offset by non-renewals and decreased line sizes on several contracts, and a lower level of premium adjustments in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The increase in agriculture lines was due to new business and the timing of the renewal of a significant contract, partially offset by negative premium adjustments.
The increase in marine and aviation lines was driven by new marine business.
The increase in accident and health lines was related to positive premium adjustments in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the negative premium adjustments in the three months ended March 31, 2023, and new business, partially offset by decreased line sizes on several contracts.
The increase in motor lines was due to the timing of the renewal of a significant contract and new business, partially offset by non-renewals and decreased line sizes on several contracts associated with repositioning the portfolio.
The increase in professional lines was attributable to new business and an increased line size on a significant contract, partially offset by negative premium adjustments associated with unfavorable market conditions in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to positive premium adjustments related to favorable market conditions in three months ended March 31, 2023, and the timing of the renewal of a significant contract.
The decreases in catastrophe and property lines were associated with the exit from these lines of business in June 2022.
Ceded premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $380 million, or 35%, of gross premiums written, compared to $241 million, or 25%, of gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2023.The increase in ceded premiums written of $140 million, or 58%, was primarily driven by increases in credit and surety, liability, accident and health, professional lines, motor, and marine and aviation lines, partially offset by a decrease in catastrophe lines.
The increases in credit and surety, liability, accident and health, professional lines and motor lines were primarily attributable to premiums ceded to a quota share retrocession agreement entered into with Monarch Point Re (ISA 2024) Ltd. on January 1, 2024 compared to premiums ceded to a quota share retrocession agreement entered into with Monarch Point Re (ISA 2023) Ltd. on September 22, 2023 with an effective date of January 1, 2023.
The increase in credit and surety lines was also due to an increase in gross premiums written in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the restructuring of a significant quota share retrocession treaty with a strategic capital partner, partially offset by the non-renewal of a significant quota share retrocession treaty.
The increases in liability lines and professional lines were also due to the restructuring of a significant quota share retrocession treaty with a strategic capital partner, partially offset by the restructuring of another significant quota share retrocession treaty with a strategic capital partner.
The increase in motor lines was partially offset by the restructuring of a significant quota share retrocession treaty with a strategic capital partner.
The increase in marine and aviation lines was attributable to an increase in gross premiums written in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the restructuring of a significant quota share retrocessional treaty with a strategic capital partner.
The decrease in catastrophe lines was due to the decrease in gross premiums written in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 following the exit from this line of business in June 2022.
Net Premium Earned
Net premiums earned by line of business were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
% Change
Liability
$
84,419
25
%
$
102,441
25
%
(18%)
Accident and health
81,014
24
%
83,184
20
%
(3%)
Professional lines
36,895
11
%
57,011
14
%
(35%)
Credit and surety
55,797
16
%
54,013
13
%
3%
Motor
31,824
9
%
38,835
9
%
(18%)
Agriculture
23,485
7
%
25,632
6
%
(8%)
Marine and aviation
18,900
6
%
16,273
4
%
16%
Run-off lines
Catastrophe
3,484
1
%
13,361
4
%
(74%)
Property
3,116
1
%
18,609
4
%
(83%)
Engineering
1,161
—
%
4,384
1
%
(74%)
Total run-off lines
7,761
2
%
36,354
9
%
(79%)
Total
$
340,095
100
%
$
413,743
100
%
(18%)
Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased by $74 million, or 18% ($70 million, or 17%, on a constant currency basis), compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The decrease was primarily driven by decreases in gross premiums earned in catastrophe, property and professional lines, together with increases in ceded premiums earned in liability, professional lines, and motor lines. These amounts were partially offset by an increase in gross premiums earned in liability lines, together with a decrease in ceded premiums earned in catastrophe lines.
Other Insurance Related Income (Loss)
Other insurance related income of $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to other insurance related income of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was primarily associated with an increase in fees related to arrangements with strategic capital partners.
Loss Ratio
The components of the loss ratio were as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
% Point Change
2023
Current accident year loss ratio
68.2
%
1.9
66.3
%
Prior year reserve development ratio
—
%
0.8
(0.8
%)
Loss ratio
68.2
%
2.7
65.5
%
Current Accident Year Loss Ratio
The current accident year loss ratio increased to 68.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 66.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The current accident year loss ratio for three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, was impacted by a lower level of catastrophe and weather-related losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, catastrophe and weather-related losses, were $1 million, or 0.2 point, attributable to weather-related events. Comparatively, during the three months ended March 31, 2023, catastrophe and weather-related losses,were $13 million, or 3.3 points, primarily attributable to New Zealand floods, and other weather-related events.
Adjusting for the impact of the catastrophe and weather-related losses, the current accident year loss ratio increased to 68.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 63.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was principally due to elevated loss experience in marine and aviation lines and changes in business mix associated with the exit from catastrophe and property lines of business.
Prior Year Reserve Development
Refer to Item 1, Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Reserve for losses and loss expenses' for details on the lines of business and prior year reserve development.
Acquisition Cost Ratio
The acquisition cost ratio increased to 23.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 20.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily related to adjustments attributable to loss-sensitive features driven by improved loss performance mainly in liability, credit and surety, and accident and health lines, and higher costs associated with changes in business mix driven by increases in credit and surety, accident and health, and liability lines of business written in recent periods, together with decreases in catastrophe and property lines of business written in recent periods, partially offset by the impact of retrocessional contracts on credit and surety, accident and health, and liability lines
Underwriting-Related General and Administrative Expense Ratio
The underwriting-related general and administrative expense decreased to 4.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 5.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, mainly driven by an increase in fees related to arrangements with strategic capital partners and a decrease in personnel costs, partially offset by a decrease in net premiums earned.
NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)
Net Investment Income
Net investment income from our cash and investment portfolio by major asset class was as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
% Change
2023
Fixed maturities
$
139,396
18%
$
118,262
Other investments
5,673
nm
486
Equity securities
2,762
13%
2,455
Mortgage loans
9,130
9%
8,386
Cash and cash equivalents
13,661
36%
10,012
Short-term investments
3,463
nm
1,660
Gross investment income
174,085
23%
141,261
Investment expense
(6,702)
(11%)
(7,490)
Net investment income
$
167,383
25%
$
133,771
Pre-tax yield:(1)
Fixed maturities
4.2
%
3.7
%
(1) Pre-tax yield is calculated by dividing annualized net investment income by the average month-end amortized cost balances.
Fixed Maturities
Net investment income attributable to fixed maturities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased to $139 million, compared to net investment income of $118 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, due to an increase in yields.
Other Investments
Net investment income from other investments was as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Multi-strategy, direct lending, private equity and real estate funds
$
3,335
$
(448)
Other privately held investments
2,338
500
CLO-Equities
—
434
Total net investment income from other investments
$
5,673
$
486
Pre-tax return on other investments(1)
0.6
%
—
%
(1)The pre-tax return on other investments is calculated by dividing total net investment income from other investments by the average month-end fair value balances held for the periods indicated.
Net investment income attributable to other investments for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased to $6 million, compared to net investment income of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily related to higher returns from private equity funds and other privately held investments.
(Increase) decrease in allowance for expected credit losses, fixed maturities, available for sale
6,522
(911)
(Increase) decrease in allowance for expected credit losses, mortgage loans
(1,858)
(1,900)
Impairment losses (1)
(8)
—
Change in fair value of investment derivatives
795
(947)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities
(8,039)
23,726
Net investment gains (losses)
$
(9,207)
$
(20,190)
(1)Related to instances where we intend to sell securities, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell securities before their anticipated recovery.
On Sale of Investments and Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Equity Securities
Generally, sales of individual securities occur when there are changes in the relative value, credit quality, or duration of a particular issue. We may also sell securities to re-balance our investment portfolio in order to change exposure to particular asset classes or sectors.
Net investment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were $9 million, compared to net investment losses of $20 million or the three months ended March 31, 2023.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the net investment losses were primarily due to net realized losses on the sale of corporate debt and U.S. government securities and net unrealized losses on equity securities, partially offset by net realized gains on the sale of equity securities. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the net investment losses were primarily due to net realized losses on the sale of corporate debt and Non-U.S. government securities, partially offset by net unrealized gains on equity securities.
(Increase) decrease in allowance for expected credit losses, fixed maturities, available for sale
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the allowance for expected credit losses decreased by $7 million, primarily related to the sale of securities. Refer to Note 3(i) to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Investments'.
(Increase) decrease in allowance for expected credit losses, mortgage loans
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the allowance for expected credit losses increased by $2 million, primarily related to one collateral dependent mortgage loans. Refer to Note 3(d) to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Investments'.
We economically hedge foreign exchange exposure with derivative contracts.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, foreign exchange hedges resulted in net gains of $1 million, primarily attributable to securities denominated in euro and pound sterling. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, foreign exchange hedges resulted in $1 million of net losses primarily attributable to securities denominated in euro and pound sterling.
Total Return
Total return on cash and investments was as follows:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Net investment income
$
167,383
$
133,771
Net investments gains (losses)
(9,207)
(20,190)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities (1)
(51,963)
212,922
Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments
1,169
(2,205)
Total
$
107,382
$
324,298
Average cash and investments(2)
$
16,822,621
$
15,832,861
Total return on average cash and investments, pre-tax:
Including investment related foreign exchange movements
0.6
%
2.0
%
Excluding investment related foreign exchange movements(3)
0.8
%
1.9
%
(1)Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities is calculated by taking net unrealized gains (losses) at period end less net unrealized gains (losses) at the prior period end.
(2)The average cash and investments balance is calculated by taking the average of the monthly fair value balances.
(3)Pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to pre-tax total return on cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, included foreign exchange (losses) gains of $(25) million and $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following table provides a summary of other expenses (revenues), net:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
% Change
2023
Corporate expenses
$
25,580
(3%)
$
26,416
Foreign exchange losses (gains)
(23,552)
nm
8,710
Interest expense and financing costs
17,147
1%
16,894
Income tax expense (benefit)
(124,654)
nm
15,896
Total
$
(105,479)
$
67,916
nm – not meaningful
Corporate Expenses
Corporate expenses include holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide insurance and reinsurance operations and costs associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.
As a percentage of net premiums earned, corporate expenses decreased to 2.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from to 2.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 mainly driven by decreases in performance-related compensation costs and information technology costs, largely offset by increases in personnel costs and professional fees.
Foreign Exchange Losses (Gains)
Some of our business is written in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Foreign exchange gains of $24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were mainly driven by the impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities denominated in euro, Canadian dollar and pound sterling.
Foreign exchange losses of $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were mainly driven by the impact of the weakening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities denominated in euro, partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities denominated in Turkish lira.
Interest Expense and Financing Costs
Interest expense and financing costs are related to interest due onthe 5.150% senior unsecured notes ("5.150% Senior Notes") issued in 2014, the 4.000% senior unsecured notes ("4.000% Senior Notes") issued in 2017, the 3.900% senior unsecured notes ("3.900% Senior Notes"), the 4.900% fixed-rate reset junior subordinated notes ("Junior Subordinated Notes") issued in 2019, and the Federal Home Loan advances ("FHLB advances") received in 2022 and 2023.
Interest expense and financing costs were $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Income tax expense (benefit) primarily results from income (loss) generated by our foreign operations in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. Our effective tax rate which is calculated as income tax expense (benefit) divided by income (loss) before tax including interest in income (loss) of equity method investments was (46.0)% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 8.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, respectively. This effective rate can vary between periods depending on the distribution of net income (loss) among tax jurisdictions, as well as other factors.
The income tax benefit of $125 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was principally due to the recognition of an income tax benefit of $163 million related to a future Bermuda corporate income tax rate of 15%, pursuant to the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023, partially offset by income tax expense associated with the generation of pre-tax income in our U.S. and U.K. operations.
The income tax expense of $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was principally due to the generation of pre-tax income in our U.S., U.K and European operations, partially offset by a decrease in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets in Europe.
We believe the following financial indicators are important in evaluating performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for common shareholders:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2023
Annualized return on average common equity(1)
32.1
%
16.2
%
Annualized operating return on average common equity(2)
18.2
%
18.8
%
Book value per diluted common share(3)
$
57.13
$
50.31
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.44
$
0.44
Increase (decrease) in book value per diluted common share adjusted for dividends
$
3.51
$
3.80
(1)Annualized return on average common equity ("ROACE") is calculated by dividing annualized net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders for the period by the average common shareholders' equity determined using the common shareholders' equity balances at the beginning and end of the period.
(2)Annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE") is a non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, annualized ROACE, and a discussion of the rationale for its presentation is provided in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation'.
(3)Book value per diluted common share represents total common shareholders’ equity divided by the number of diluted common share outstanding, determined using the treasury stock method.
Return on Average Common Equity
Our objective is to generate superior returns on capital that appropriately reward common shareholders for the risks we assume and to grow revenue only when we expect the returns will meet or exceed our requirements. We recognize that the nature of underwriting cycles and the frequency or severity of large loss events in any one year may challenge the ability to achieve a profitability target in any specific period.
ROACE reflects the impact of net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, including net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses, interest in income (loss) of equity method investments and Bermuda net deferred tax asset.
The increase in ROACE for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was primarily driven by an income tax benefit, an increase in net investment income and underwriting income, foreign exchange gains and a decrease in net investment losses, partially offset by increases in average common shareholders' equity and reorganization expenses.
Operating ROACE excludes the impact of net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses, interest in income (loss) of equity method investments and Bermuda net deferred tax asset.
The decrease in operating ROACE for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was primarily driven by an increase in average common shareholders' equity, partially offset by an increase in net investment income and underwriting income.
We consider book value per diluted common share to be an appropriate measure of returns to common shareholders, as we believe growth in book value on a diluted basis will ultimately translate into appreciation of our stock price.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, book value per diluted common share increased by 5.7% due to net income for the period, partially offset by net unrealized investment losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and common dividends declared.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, book value per diluted common share increased by 7% due to net income for the period, and a decrease in net unrealized investment losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by common dividends declared.
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share
We believe in returning excess capital to shareholders by way of dividends and share repurchases. Accordingly, dividend policy is an integral part of the value we create for shareholders. Our Board of Directors has approved quarterly common share dividends for twenty-one consecutive years.
Book Value per Diluted Common Share Adjusted for Dividends
Taken together, we believe that growth in book value per diluted common share and common share dividends declared represent the total value created for common shareholders. As companies in the insurance industry have differing dividend payout policies, we believe investors use the book value per diluted common share adjusted for dividends metric to measure comparable performance across the industry.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the increase in total value of $3.51, or 6%, was driven by net income for the period, partially offset by net unrealized investment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the increase in total value of $3.80, or 8%, was driven by net income for the period, and a decrease in net unrealized investment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Interest in (income) loss of equity method investments
(1,169)
2,205
Bermuda net deferred tax asset(1)
(162,705)
—
Income tax benefit(2)
(1,814)
(3,585)
Operating income
$
220,162
$
200,054
Earnings per diluted common share
$
4.53
$
2.01
Net investment (gains) losses
0.11
0.24
Foreign exchange losses (gains)
(0.27)
0.10
Reorganization expenses
0.14
—
Interest in (income) loss of equity method investments
(0.01)
0.03
Bermuda net deferred tax asset
(1.90)
—
Income tax benefit
(0.03)
(0.05)
Operating income per diluted common share
$
2.57
$
2.33
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding(3)
85,693
85,853
Average common shareholders' equity
$
4,834,176
$
4,250,070
Annualized return on average common equity
32.1
%
16.2
%
Annualized operating return on average common equity(4)
18.2
%
18.8
%
(1)Net deferred tax benefit due to the recognition of deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities related to a future Bermuda corporate income tax rate of 15%, pursuant to the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023.
(2)Tax expense (benefit) associated with the adjustments to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.
(3)Refer to Item 1, Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements 'Earnings per Common Share' for further details.
(4)Annualized operating ROACE is a non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, annualized ROACE, is presented above, and a discussion of the rationale for its presentation is provided below.
Rationale for the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We present our results of operations in a way we believe will be meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information to evaluate our performance. Some of the measurements we use are considered non-GAAP financial measures under SEC rules and regulations. In this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A"), we present underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, consolidated underwriting income (loss), operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis), annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE"), amounts presented on a constant currency basis and pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements, which are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, which may be defined and calculated differently by other companies, help explain and enhance the understanding of our results of operations. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
Underwriting-Related General and Administrative Expenses
Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses include those general and administrative expenses that are incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations. While this measure is presented in Item 1, Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Segment Information', it is considered a non-GAAP financial measure when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis.
Corporate expenses include holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide insurance and reinsurance operations and costs associated with operating as a publicly-traded company. As these costs are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations, these costs are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, and therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss). General and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure to underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, also includes corporate expenses.
The reconciliation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Consolidated Results of Operations'.
Consolidated Underwriting Income (Loss)
Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a pre-tax measure of underwriting profitability that takes into account net premiums earned and other insurance related income (loss) as revenues and net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and underwriting-related general and administrative expenses as expenses. While this measure is presented in Item 1, Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Segment Information', it is considered a non-GAAP financial measure when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis.
We evaluate our underwriting results separately from the performance of our investment portfolio. As a result, we believe it is appropriate to exclude net investment income and net investment gains (losses) from our underwriting profitability measure.
Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations primarily relate to the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on our net insurance-related liabilities. However, we manage our investment portfolio in such a way that unrealized and realized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our investment portfolio, including unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities, and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized on the sale of our available for sale investments and equity securities recognized in net investment gains (losses), and unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available for sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss), generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders' equity. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations in isolation are not a meaningful contributor to our underwriting performance. Therefore, foreign exchange losses (gains) are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Interest expense and financing costs primarily relate to interest payable on our debt and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. As these expenses are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations, these expenses are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and, therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Reorganization expenses in 2024 primarily relate to severance costs mainly attributable to our "How We Work" program which is focused on simplifying our operating structure. Reorganization expenses are primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, these expenses are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Amortization of intangible assets arose from business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, these expenses are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
We believe that the presentation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and consolidated underwriting income (loss) provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations, by highlighting the underlying pre-tax profitability of our underwriting activities. The reconciliation of consolidated underwriting income (loss) to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Consolidated Results of Operations'.
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income (loss) represents after-tax operational results exclusive of net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses, interest in income (loss) of equity method investments and Bermuda net deferred tax asset.
Although the investment of premiums to generate income and investment gains (losses) is an integral part of our operations, the determination to realize investment gains (losses) is independent of the underwriting process and is heavily influenced by the availability of market opportunities. Furthermore, many users believe that the timing of the realization of investment gains (losses) is somewhat opportunistic for many companies.
Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations primarily relate to the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on net insurance-related liabilities. However, we manage our investment portfolio in such a way that unrealized and realized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our investment portfolio, including unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized on the sale of our available for sale investments and equity securities recognized in net investment gains (losses) and unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available for sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss), generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders' equity. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations in isolation are not a meaningful contributor to the performance of our business. Therefore, foreign exchange losses (gains) are excluded from operating income (loss).
Reorganization expenses in 2024 primarily relate to severance costs mainly attributable to our "How We Work" program which is focused on simplifying our operating structure. Reorganization expenses are primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, these expenses are excluded from operating income (loss).
Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments is primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, this income (loss) is excluded from operating income (loss).
Bermuda net deferred tax asset is due to the recognition of deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities related to a future Bermuda corporate income tax rate of 15%, pursuant to the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The Bermuda net deferred tax asset is not related to the underwriting process. Therefore, this income is excluded from operating income (loss).
Certain users of our financial statements evaluate performance exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses, interest in income (loss) of equity method investments and Bermuda net deferred tax asset in order to understand the profitability of recurring sources of income.
We believe that showing net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses, interest in income (loss) of equity method investments and Bermuda net deferred tax asset reflects the underlying fundamentals of our business. In addition, we believe that this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze performance in a manner similar to how our management analyzes the underlying business performance. We also believe this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, facilitates comparison of our performance with our peer group. We believe that equity analysts and certain rating agencies that follow us, and the insurance industry as a whole, generally exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons. The reconciliation of operating income (loss) to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented above.
We also present operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized operating ROACE, which are derived from the operating income (loss) measure and are reconciled above to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, earnings (loss) per diluted common share and annualized return on average common equity ("ROACE"), respectively.
Constant Currency Basis
We present gross premiums written and net premiums earned on a constant currency basis in this MD&A. The amounts presented on a constant currency basis are calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate from the current year to the prior year amounts. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze growth in gross premiums written and net premiums earned on a constant basis. The reconciliation to gross premiums written and net premiums earned on a GAAP basis is presented in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results by Segment'.
Pre-Tax Total Return on Cash and Investments excluding Foreign Exchange Movements
Pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements measures net investment income (loss), net investments gains (losses), interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, and change in unrealized gains (losses) generated by average cash and investment balances. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze the performance of our investment portfolio. The reconciliation of pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements to pre-tax total return on cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Net Investment Income and Net Investment Gains (Losses)'.
The fair value of total investments increased by $88 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024, driven by the reinvestment of interest income and cashflows from operations.
An analysis of our investment portfolio by asset class is detailed below:
Fixed Maturities
Details of our fixed maturities portfolio are as follows:
March 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Fair Value
% of Total
Fair Value
% of Total
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government and agency
$
2,593,717
20
%
$
3,007,528
23
%
Non-U.S. government
738,198
6
%
723,959
6
%
Corporate debt
5,006,972
39
%
4,560,843
35
%
Agency RMBS
1,585,620
12
%
1,634,661
13
%
CMBS
820,393
6
%
839,696
7
%
Non-agency RMBS
139,992
1
%
153,396
1
%
ABS
1,910,597
15
%
1,832,151
14
%
Municipals(1)
157,547
1
%
158,359
1
%
Total
$
12,953,036
100
%
$
12,910,593
100
%
Credit ratings:
U.S. government and agency
$
2,593,717
20
%
$
3,007,528
23
%
AAA(2)
2,810,599
22
%
2,745,192
21
%
AA
2,641,746
20
%
2,646,798
21
%
A
2,081,113
16
%
2,044,683
16
%
BBB
1,497,935
12
%
1,416,552
11
%
Below BBB(3)
1,327,926
10
%
1,049,840
8
%
Total
$
12,953,036
100
%
$
12,910,593
100
%
(1)Includes bonds issued by states, municipalities, and political subdivisions.
(2)Includes U.S. government-sponsored agencies, residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") and commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS").
(3)Non-investment grade and non-rated securities.
At March 31, 2024, fixed maturities had a weighted average credit rating of A+ (2023: AA-), a book yield of 4.3% (2023: 4.2%), and an average duration of 3.0 years (2023: 3.0 years). At March 31, 2024, fixed maturities together with short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents (i.e. total investments of $14.9 billion) had an average credit rating of AA- (2023: AA-) and an average duration of 2.8 years (2023: 2.7 years).
At March 31, 2024, net unrealized losses on fixed maturities were $445 million, compared to net unrealized losses of $400 million at December 31, 2023, an increase of $45 million due to a decline in market values, partially offset by realized losses associated with sales in the period.
Equity Securities
At March 31, 2024, net unrealized gains on equity securities were $37 million, compared to $45 million at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $8 million driven by realized gains associated with sales in the period.
At March 31, 2024, investment in commercial mortgage loans was $610 million, compared to $610 million at December 31, 2023. The commercial mortgage loans are high quality, and collateralized by a variety of commercial properties and diversified geographically throughout the U.S. and by property type to reduce the risk of concentration. At March 31, 2024, there are three collateral dependent loans with estimated loan-to-value ratios in excess of 100%, resulting in an allowance for credit losses of $8 million.
Other Investments
Details of our other investments portfolio are as follows:
March 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Fair Value
% of Total
Fair Value
% of Total
Multi-strategy funds
$
24,950
3
%
$
24,619
3
%
Direct lending funds
168,987
18
%
192,270
20
%
Private equity funds
309,399
33
%
301,712
32
%
Real estate funds
309,545
33
%
317,325
33
%
Total multi-strategy, direct lending, private equity and real estate funds
812,881
87
%
835,926
88
%
CLO-Equities
4,986
—
%
5,300
1
%
Other privately held investments
116,857
13
%
108,187
11
%
Total other investments
$
934,724
100
%
$
949,413
100
%
Refer to Note 3(e) to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Investments'.
Equity Method Investments
Our ownership interests in Harrington Reinsurance Holdings Limited ("Harrington") and Monarch Point Re (ISAC) Ltd., Monarch Point Re (ISA 2023) Ltd. and Monarch Point Re (ISA 2024) Ltd. (individually or collectively "Monarch Point Re") are reported in interest in income (loss) of equity method investments. Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments was $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $(2) million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 attributable to these ownership interests.
Refer to the ‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’ section included in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a general discussion of liquidity and capital resources.
The following table summarizes consolidated capital:
March 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Debt
$
1,314,074
$
1,313,714
Preferred shares
550,000
550,000
Common equity
4,955,155
4,713,196
Shareholders’ equity
5,505,155
5,263,196
Total capital
$
6,819,229
$
6,576,910
Ratio of debt to total capital
19.3
%
20.0
%
We finance operations with a combination of debt and equity capital. The debt to total capital ratio provides an indication of our capital structure, along with some insight into our financial strength. We believe that our financial flexibility remains strong, and adjustments will be made if there are developments that differ from our expectations.
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
The Company's subsidiaries, AXIS Insurance Company and AXIS Surplus Insurance Company, are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago ("FHLB").
At March 31, 2024, the Company had $86 million of borrowings under the FHLB program, with maturities in 2024 and 2025 and interest payable at interest rates between 5.6% and 5.7%. The Company incurred interest expense of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The borrowings under the FHLB program are secured by investments with a fair value of $90 million.
Line of credit
On March 26, 2024, the $500 million Facility was amended to reduce the committed utilization capacity available under the Facility to $300 million, enter into an uncommitted secured letter credit facility with Citibank Europe plc, and extend the tenors of issuable letters of credit to March 31, 2026 and make certain updates to the facility's collateral and fee arrangements.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, common equity increased by $242 million. The following table reconciles opening and closing common equity positions:
Three months ended March 31,
2024
Common equity - opening
$
4,713,196
Share-based compensation expense
11,426
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale investments, net of tax
(37,062)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(8,951)
Net income
395,459
Preferred share dividends
(7,563)
Common share dividends
(37,866)
Treasury shares repurchased
(75,728)
Treasury shares reissued
2,244
Common equity - closing
$
4,955,155
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we repurchased 1.3 million common shares for a total of $76 million, including $62 million repurchased pursuant to our Board-authorized share repurchase program and $14 million from employees to satisfy personal withholding tax liabilities that arise on the vesting of share-settled restricted stock units granted under our 2017 Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan.
During April 2024, we repurchased 40,000 common shares for a total of $2 million pursuant to our Board-authorized share repurchase program. At April 26, 2024, we had $36 million of remaining authorization under our Board-authorized share repurchase program for common share repurchases through December 31, 2024 (refer to Part II, Item 2 'Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds' for further details).
We expect cash flows generated from operations, combined with liquidity provided by our investment portfolio, will be sufficient to cover cash outflows and other contractual commitments through the foreseeable future.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The consolidated financial statements include certain amounts that are inherently uncertain and judgmental in nature. As a result, we are required to make assumptions and best estimates in order to determine the reported values. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) it requires that significant assumptions be made in order to deal with uncertainties and (2) changes in the estimate could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
We believe the material items requiring such subjective and complex estimates are:
•reserves for losses and loss expenses;
•reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, including the allowance for expected credit losses;
•gross premiums written and net premiums earned;
•fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities; and
•the allowance for expected credit losses associated with fixed maturities, available for sale.
We believe that the critical accounting estimates discussion in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, continues to describe the significant estimates and judgments included in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
At March 31, 2024, there were no recently issued accounting pronouncements that we have not yet adopted that we expect could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Refer to Item 7A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. There have been no material changes to this item since December 31, 2023, with the exception of the changes in exposure to foreign currency risk presented below.
Foreign Currency Risk
The table below provides a sensitivity analysis of total net foreign currency exposures:
AUD
CAD
EUR
GBP
JPY
Other
Total
At March 31, 2024
Net managed assets (liabilities), excluding derivatives
$
73,505
$
436,321
$
(287,374)
$
(32,939)
$
(35,413)
$
84,830
$
238,930
Foreign currency derivatives, net
(60,972)
(441,220)
304,779
(49,722)
38,825
(119,632)
(327,942)
Net managed foreign currency exposure
12,533
(4,899)
17,405
(82,661)
3,412
(34,802)
(89,012)
Other net foreign currency exposure
—
185
(136)
237
—
—
286
Total net foreign currency exposure
$
12,533
$
(4,714)
$
17,269
$
(82,424)
$
3,412
$
(34,802)
$
(88,726)
Net foreign currency exposure as a percentage of total shareholders’ equity
0.2
%
(0.1
%)
0.3
%
(1.5
%)
0.1
%
(0.6
%)
(1.6
%)
Pre-tax impact of net foreign currency exposure on shareholders’ equity given a hypothetical 10% rate movement(1)
$
1,253
$
(471)
$
1,727
$
(8,242)
$
341
$
(3,480)
$
(8,873)
(1)Assumes 10% appreciation in underlying currencies relative to the U.S. dollar.
Total Net Foreign Currency Exposure
At March 31, 2024, total net foreign currency liabilities were $89 million primarily driven by exposures to the pound sterling, other non-core currencies primarily the Indian rupee, Swiss Franc, Brazilian Real, and Canadian dollar. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the change in total net foreign currency exposure was primarily due to new business written in the period.
The Company’s management has performed an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) at March 31, 2024. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, at March 31, 2024, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management has performed an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Based upon that evaluation, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitrations, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against us in the ordinary course of our insurance or reinsurance operations. Estimated amounts payable related to these proceedings are included in the reserve for losses and loss expenses in our consolidated balance sheets.
We are not party to any material legal proceedings arising outside the ordinary course of business.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table shows information regarding the number of common shares repurchased in the quarter ended March 31, 2024:
Period
Total number
of shares
purchased (a)(b)
Average
price paid
per share
Total number of shares purchased as part of
publicly announced
programs (a)
Maximum number (or approximate
dollar value) of shares that may yet be
purchased under the announced programs (c)
January 1-31, 2024
3
$55.37
48
$97 million
February 1-29, 2024
6
$57.16
848
$48 million
March 1-31, 2024
224
$60.86
152
$38 million
Total
233
1,048
$38 million
(a) In thousands.
(b) Includes shares repurchased from employees to satisfy personal withholding tax liabilities that arise on the vesting of share-settled restricted stock units.
(c) On December 7, 2023, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $100 million of our common shares, effective January 1, 2024 through to December 31, 2024. Share repurchases may be effected from time to time in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Disclosure of Certain Activities Under Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires issuers to disclose in their annual and quarterly reports whether they or any of their affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities with Iran or with individuals or entities that are subject to certain sanctions under U.S. law. Issuers are required to provide this disclosure even where the activities, transactions or dealings are conducted outside of the U.S. in compliance with applicable law.
As and when allowed by the applicable law and regulations, certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries provide treaty reinsurance coverage to non-U.S. insurers on a worldwide basis, including insurers of liability, marine, aviation and energy risks, and as a result, these underlying insurance and reinsurance portfolios may have some exposure to Iran. In addition, we provide insurance and facultative reinsurance on a global basis to non-U.S. insureds and insurers, including for liability, marine, aviation and energy risks. Coverage provided to non-Iranian business may indirectly cover an exposure in Iran. For example, certain of our operations underwrite global marine hull war and cargo policies that provide coverage for vessels navigating into and out of ports worldwide, including Iran. For the quarter ended March 31, 2024, there has been no material amount of premium allocated or apportioned to activities relating to Iran. We intend for our non-U.S. subsidiaries to continue to provide such coverage only to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Insider Trading Arrangements and Policies
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted, terminated or is currently party to a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Rule 2.7 Announcement, dated July 5, 2017 in connection with acquisition of Novae Group plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2017).
Rule 2.7 Announcement, dated August 24, 2017 in connection with acquisition of Novae Group plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2017).
Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1(Amendment No. 1) (No. 333-103620) filed on April 16, 2003).
Specimen Common Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Amendment No. 3) (No. 333-103620) filed on June 10, 2003).
Certificate of Designations establishing the specific rights, preferences, limitations and other terms of the Series E Preferred Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2016).
Amendment and Restatement Agreement dated March 26, 2024, by and among AXIS Specialty Limited, AXIS Re SE, AXIS Specialty Europe SE, AXIS Insurance Company, AXIS Reinsurance Company, AXIS Surplus Insurance Company and Citibank Europe plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2024).
Amendment to Master Agreement dated March 26, 2024, by and among AXIS Specialty Limited, AXIS Re SE, AXIS Specialty Europe SE, AXIS Insurance Company, AXIS Reinsurance Company, AXIS Surplus Insurance Company and Citibank Europe plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2024).
Amended and Restated Committed Letter of Credit Facility Letter dated March 26, 2024, by and among AXIS Specialty Limited, AXIS Re SE, AXIS Specialty Europe SE, AXIS Insurance Company, AXIS Reinsurance Company, AXIS Surplus Insurance Company and Citibank Europe plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2024).
Uncommitted Facility Letter for Issuance of Credits dated March 26, 2024, by and among AXIS Specialty Limited, AXIS Re SE, AXIS Specialty Europe SE, AXIS Insurance Company, AXIS Reinsurance Company, AXIS Surplus Insurance Company and Citibank Europe plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2024).
Amended and Restated Long-Term Equity Compensation Program effective February 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2024).
Amended and Restated Executive Annual Incentive Plan effective February 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2024).
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Three Year - Performance Vesting based on relative total shareholder return and absolute diluted book value per share) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2024).
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
†101
The following financial information from AXIS Capital Holdings Limited’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail.
†104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
† Filed herewith.
The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.
Pursuant to the requirements 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.