QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021
Or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 001-16209
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda
98-0374481
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Waterloo House, Ground Floor
100 Pitts Bay Road,
Pembroke
HM 08,
Bermuda
(441)
278-9250
(Address of principal executive offices)
(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, $0.0011 par value per share
ACGL
NASDAQ
Stock Market
Depositary shares, each representing a 1/1000th interest in a 5.25% Series E preferred share
ACGLP
NASDAQ
Stock Market
Depositary shares, each representing a 1/1000th interest in a 5.45% Series F preferred share
ACGLO
NASDAQ
Stock Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☑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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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 ☑
As of April 30, 2021, there were 403,619,081 common shares, $0.0011 par value per share, of the registrant outstanding.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This report or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of us may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “continue” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature or their negative or variations or similar terminology.
Forward-looking statements involve our current assessment of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements are discussed below and elsewhere in this report and in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and include:
•our ability to successfully implement our business strategy during “soft” as well as “hard” markets;
•acceptance of our business strategy, security and financial condition by rating agencies and regulators, as well as by brokers and our insureds and reinsureds;
•our ability to consummate acquisitions and integrate the business we have acquired or may acquire into our existing operations;
•our ability to maintain or improve our ratings, which may be affected by our ability to raise additional equity or debt financings, by ratings agencies’ existing or new policies and practices, as well as other factors described herein;
•general economic and market conditions (including inflation, interest rates, unemployment, housing prices, foreign currency exchange rates, prevailing credit terms and the depth and duration of a recession, including those resulting from COVID-19) and conditions specific to the reinsurance and insurance markets in which we operate;
•competition, including increased competition, on the basis of pricing, capacity (including alternative sources of capital), coverage terms, or other factors;
•developments in the world’s financial and capital markets and our access to such markets;
•our ability to successfully enhance, integrate and maintain operating procedures (including information technology) to effectively support our current and new business;
•the loss of key personnel;
•material differences between actual and expected assessments for guaranty funds and mandatory pooling arrangements;
•accuracy of those estimates and judgments utilized in the preparation of our financial statements, including those related to revenue recognition, insurance and other reserves, reinsurance recoverables, investment valuations, intangible assets, bad debts, income taxes, contingencies and litigation, and any determination to use the deposit method of accounting;
•greater than expected loss ratios on business written by us and adverse development on claim and/or claim expense liabilities related to business written by our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries;
•the adequacy of the Company’s loss reserves;
•severity and/or frequency of losses;
•greater frequency or severity of unpredictable natural and man-made catastrophic events;
•claims for natural or man-made catastrophic events or severe economic events in our insurance, reinsurance and mortgage businesses could cause large losses and substantial volatility in our results of operations;
•the effect of climate change on our business;
•the effect of contagious disease (including COVID-19) on our business;
•acts of terrorism, political unrest and other hostilities or other unforecasted and unpredictable events;
•availability to us of reinsurance to manage our gross and net exposures and the cost of such reinsurance;
•the failure of reinsurers, managing general agents, third party administrators or others to meet their obligations to us;
•the timing of loss payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being slower than anticipated by us;
•our investment performance, including legislative or regulatory developments that may adversely affect the fair value of our investments;
•changes in general economic conditions, including sovereign debt concerns or downgrades of U.S. securities by credit rating agencies, which could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations;
•changes in the method for determining the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the potential replacement of LIBOR;
•the volatility of our shareholders’ equity from foreign currency fluctuations, which could increase due to us not matching portions of our projected liabilities in foreign currencies with investments in the same currencies;
•changes in accounting principles or policies or in our application of such accounting principles or policies;
•changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business;
•a disruption caused by cyber-attacks or other technology breaches or failures on us or our business partners and service providers, which could negatively impact our business and/or expose us to litigation;
•statutory or regulatory developments, including as to tax matters and insurance and other regulatory matters such as the adoption of proposed legislation that would affect Bermuda-headquartered companies and/or Bermuda-based insurers or reinsurers and/or changes in regulations or tax laws applicable to us, our subsidiaries, brokers or customers, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017; and
•the other matters set forth under Item 1A “Risk Factors”, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as well as the other factors set forth in our other documents on file with the SEC, and management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Arch Capital Group Ltd.
Results of Review of Interim Financial Statements
We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Arch Capital Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2021, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial statements”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 26, 2021, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
Basis for Review Results
These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $18,447,720 and $18,143,305; net of allowance for credit losses: $3,830 and $2,397 )
$
18,723,035
$
18,717,825
Short-term investments available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,269,312 and $1,924,292; net of allowance for credit losses: $0 and $0)
1,269,631
1,924,922
Collateral received under securities lending, at fair value (amortized cost: $143,886 and $301,089)
143,894
301,096
Equity securities, at fair value
1,532,906
1,444,830
Other investments (portion measured at fair value: $3,935,354 and $3,824,796)
4,435,354
4,324,796
Investments accounted for using the equity method
2,256,327
2,047,889
Total investments
28,361,147
28,761,358
Cash
941,951
906,448
Accrued investment income
101,108
103,299
Securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value (amortized cost: $142,129 and $294,493)
140,949
294,912
Investment in operating affiliates
739,783
129,291
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for credit losses: $36,111 and $37,781)
2,618,175
2,064,586
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (net of allowance for credit losses: $10,872 and $11,636)
4,041,076
4,500,802
Contractholder receivables (net of allowance for credit losses: $5,853 and $8,638)
1,919,655
1,986,924
Ceded unearned premiums
1,406,489
1,234,075
Deferred acquisition costs
919,740
790,708
Receivable for securities sold
199,424
92,743
Goodwill and intangible assets
679,509
692,863
Other assets
2,135,261
1,724,288
Total assets
$
44,204,267
$
43,282,297
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
16,443,952
$
16,513,929
Unearned premiums
5,549,127
4,838,965
Reinsurance balances payable
919,125
683,263
Contractholder payables
1,925,508
1,995,562
Collateral held for insured obligations
222,245
215,581
Senior notes
2,861,417
2,861,113
Revolving credit agreement borrowings
155,687
155,687
Securities lending payable
143,886
301,089
Payable for securities purchased
386,453
218,779
Other liabilities
1,565,861
1,510,888
Total liabilities
30,173,261
29,294,856
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
57,670
58,548
Shareholders' Equity
Non-cumulative preferred shares
780,000
780,000
Common shares ($0.0011 par, shares issued: 581,226,408 and 579,000,841)
645
643
Additional paid-in capital
2,014,741
1,977,794
Retained earnings
12,790,216
12,362,463
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax
205,827
488,895
Common shares held in treasury, at cost (shares: 177,913,031 and 172,280,199)
(2,694,957)
(2,503,909)
Total shareholders' equity available to Arch
13,096,472
13,105,886
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests
876,864
823,007
Total shareholders' equity
13,973,336
13,928,893
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
General
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“Arch Capital”) is a public listed Bermuda exempted company which provides insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As used herein, the “Company” means Arch Capital and its subsidiaries. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the results of Watford Holdings Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Watford”). Watford is a multi-line Bermuda reinsurance company. Watford’s own management and board of directors are responsible for its results and profitability. See note 11.
Basis of Presentation
The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normally recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of results on an interim basis. The results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year or any future periods.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted; however, management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (“2020 Form 10-K”), including the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes.
The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior year information to conform to the current presentation, including the correct presentation of ‘income (loss) from operating affiliates’ on its consolidated statements of income for all periods presented to reclass such item from ‘other income (loss)’. The Company also changed its presentation of ‘investment in operating affiliates’ on its consolidated
balance sheet for all periods presented to reclass such item from ‘other assets’. Such reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s net income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity or cash flows. Management views the impact of the prior period misclassification as not material to the financial statements on a quantitative and qualitative basis. See note 7. Tabular amounts are in U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Adopted
The Company adopted ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This ASU eliminates certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intraperiod tax allocations and calculating income taxes in interim periods. The ASU also clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
For information regarding additional accounting standards that the Company has not yet adopted, see note 3(r), “Significant Accounting Policies—Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K.
2. Share Transactions
Share-Based Compensation
During the 2021 first quarter, the Company granted 1,218,465 stock options, 685,104 performance share awards (“PSAs”) and units (“PSUs”) and 1,168,577 restricted shares and units to certain employees. The stock options were valued at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the stock options, PSAs/PSUs and restricted shares and units granted during the 2021 first quarter were approximately $9.20, $37.38 and $35.82 per share, respectively. Such values are being amortized over the respective substantive vesting period.
During the 2020 first quarter, the Company granted 1,116,073 stock options, 557,204 PSAs and PSUs and 910,879 restricted shares and units to certain employees. The stock options were valued at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the stock options, PSAs/PSUs and restricted shares and units granted during the 2020 first quarter were approximately $8.14, $44.17 and $42.36 per share, respectively. Such values are being amortized over the respective substantive vesting period.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Share Repurchases
The board of directors of Arch Capital has authorized the investment in Arch Capital’s common shares through a share repurchase program. Since the inception of the share repurchase program, Arch Capital has repurchased 394.5 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $4.23 billion. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Arch Capital repurchased 5.3 million shares under the share repurchase program with an aggregate purchase price of $179.3 million. Arch Capital repurchased 2.6 million shares
under the share repurchase program with an aggregate purchase price of $75.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021, $737.3 million of share repurchases were available under the program, which may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 31, 2021. The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under this program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations.
3. Earnings Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Numerator:
Net income (loss)
$
475,708
$
(88,674)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
(37,552)
232,791
Net income (loss) available to Arch
438,156
144,117
Preferred dividends
(10,403)
(10,403)
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
427,753
$
133,714
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding — basic
400,807,895
403,892,161
Effect of dilutive common share equivalents:
Nonvested restricted shares
2,230,794
2,275,473
Stock options (1)
6,184,564
7,865,936
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding — diluted
409,223,253
414,033,570
Earnings per common share:
Basic
$
1.07
$
0.33
Diluted
$
1.05
$
0.32
(1) Certain stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share where the exercise price of the stock options exceeded the average market price and would have been anti-dilutive or where, when applying the treasury stock method to in-the-money options, the sum of the proceeds, including unrecognized compensation, exceeded the average market price and would have been anti-dilutive. For the 2021 first quarter and 2020 first quarter, the number of stock options excluded were 2,400,082 and 1,155,088, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. Segment Information
The Company classifies its businesses into three underwriting segments — insurance, reinsurance and mortgage — and two other operating segments — ‘other’ and corporate (non-underwriting). The Company determined its reportable segments using the management approach described in accounting guidance regarding disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Intersegment business is allocated to the segment accountable for the underwriting results.
The Company’s insurance, reinsurance and mortgage segments each have managers who are responsible for the overall profitability of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to the Company’s chief operating decision makers, the Chief Executive Officer of Arch Capital, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Arch Capital and the President and Chief Underwriting Officer of Arch Capital. The chief operating decision makers do not assess performance, measure return on equity or make resource allocation decisions on a line of business basis. Management measures segment performance for its three underwriting segments based on underwriting income or loss. The Company does not manage its assets by underwriting segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangible assets, and, accordingly, investment income is not allocated to each underwriting segment.
The insurance segment consists of the Company’s insurance underwriting units which offer specialty product lines on a worldwide basis. Product lines include: construction and national accounts; excess and surplus casualty; lenders products; professional lines; programs; property, energy, marine and aviation; travel, accident and health; and other (consisting of alternative markets, excess workers' compensation and surety business).
The reinsurance segment consists of the Company’s reinsurance underwriting units which offer specialty product lines on a worldwide basis. Product lines include: casualty; marine and aviation; other specialty; property catastrophe; property excluding property catastrophe (losses on a single risk, both excess of loss and pro rata); and other (consisting of life reinsurance, casualty clash and other).
The mortgage segment includes the Company’s U.S. and international mortgage insurance and reinsurance operations as well as government sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) credit-risk sharing transactions. Arch Mortgage Insurance Company and United Guaranty Residential Insurance Company (combined “Arch MI U.S.”) are approved as eligible mortgage insurers by Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), each a GSE. Arch MI U.S. also includes Arch Mortgage Guaranty Company, which is not a GSE-approved entity.
The corporate (non-underwriting) segment results include net investment income, other income (loss), corporate expenses, transaction costs and other, interest expense, items related to the Company’s non-cumulative preferred shares, net realized gains or losses (which includes changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and net impairment losses recognized in earnings), equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses, income or loss from operating affiliates and income taxes. Such amounts exclude the results of the ‘other’ segment.
The ‘other’ segment includes the results of Watford (see note 11). For the ‘other’ segment, performance is measured based on net income or loss.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following tables summarize the Company’s underwriting income or loss by segment, together with a reconciliation of underwriting income or loss to net income available to Arch common shareholders:
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
Insurance
Reinsurance
Mortgage
Sub-Total
Other
Total
Gross premiums written (1)
$
1,415,886
$
1,471,060
$
391,246
$
3,277,293
$
216,523
$
3,397,206
Premiums ceded
(421,047)
(471,948)
(56,051)
(948,147)
(37,212)
(888,749)
Net premiums written
994,839
999,112
335,195
2,329,146
179,311
2,508,457
Change in unearned premiums
(175,365)
(354,212)
1,122
(528,455)
(31,580)
(560,035)
Net premiums earned
819,474
644,900
336,317
1,800,691
147,731
1,948,422
Other underwriting income (loss)
—
(1,198)
6,897
5,699
411
6,110
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(535,747)
(484,870)
(63,689)
(1,084,306)
(118,794)
(1,203,100)
Acquisition expenses
(128,222)
(118,025)
(30,082)
(276,329)
(28,152)
(304,481)
Other operating expenses
(137,113)
(60,514)
(49,131)
(246,758)
(14,275)
(261,033)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
18,392
$
(19,707)
$
200,312
198,997
(13,079)
185,918
Net investment income
78,729
20,127
98,856
Net realized gains (losses)
101,336
41,125
142,461
Equity in net income (loss) of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
71,686
—
71,686
Other income (loss)
(1,741)
—
(1,741)
Corporate expenses (2)
(23,468)
—
(23,468)
Transaction costs and other (2)
(1,201)
(715)
(1,916)
Amortization of intangible assets
(14,402)
—
(14,402)
Interest expense
(34,197)
(4,149)
(38,346)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
21,505
(1,442)
20,063
Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) from operating affiliates
397,244
41,867
439,111
Income tax (expense) benefit
(38,852)
(8)
(38,860)
Income (loss) from operating affiliates
75,457
—
75,457
Net income (loss)
433,849
41,859
475,708
Amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
117
(972)
(855)
Amounts attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
—
(36,697)
(36,697)
Net income (loss) available to Arch
433,966
4,190
438,156
Preferred dividends
(10,403)
—
(10,403)
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
423,563
$
4,190
$
427,753
Underwriting Ratios
Loss ratio
65.4
%
75.2
%
18.9
%
60.2
%
80.4
%
61.7
%
Acquisition expense ratio
15.6
%
18.3
%
8.9
%
15.3
%
19.1
%
15.6
%
Other operating expense ratio
16.7
%
9.4
%
14.6
%
13.7
%
9.7
%
13.4
%
Combined ratio
97.7
%
102.9
%
42.4
%
89.2
%
109.2
%
90.7
%
Goodwill and intangible assets
$
276,211
$
17,807
$
377,841
$
671,859
$
7,650
$
679,509
(1) Certain amounts included in the gross premiums written of each segment are related to intersegment transactions. Accordingly, the sum of gross premiums written for each segment does not agree to the total gross premiums written as shown in the table above due to the elimination of intersegment transactions in the total.
(2) Certain expenses have been excluded from ‘corporate expenses’ and reflected in ‘transaction costs and other.’
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
Insurance
Reinsurance
Mortgage
Sub-Total
Other
Total
Gross premiums written (1)
$
1,207,645
$
1,122,519
$
368,945
$
2,698,537
$
234,902
$
2,832,830
Premiums ceded
(378,897)
(325,339)
(44,327)
(747,991)
(48,202)
(695,584)
Net premiums written
828,748
797,180
324,618
1,950,546
186,700
2,137,246
Change in unearned premiums
(112,829)
(253,720)
20,408
(346,141)
(46,661)
(392,802)
Net premiums earned
715,919
543,460
345,026
1,604,405
140,039
1,744,444
Other underwriting income (loss)
—
2,120
4,599
6,719
133
6,852
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(507,108)
(430,069)
(67,566)
(1,004,743)
(110,676)
(1,115,419)
Acquisition expenses
(107,337)
(79,606)
(38,536)
(225,479)
(21,804)
(247,283)
Other operating expenses
(129,649)
(45,297)
(45,896)
(220,842)
(13,702)
(234,544)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
(28,175)
$
(9,392)
$
197,627
160,060
(6,010)
154,050
Net investment income
113,028
32,125
145,153
Net realized gains (losses)
(72,109)
(294,851)
(366,960)
Equity in net income (loss) of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
(4,209)
—
(4,209)
Other income (loss)
32
—
32
Corporate expenses (2)
(18,201)
—
(18,201)
Transaction costs and other (2)
(2,595)
—
(2,595)
Amortization of intangible assets
(16,631)
—
(16,631)
Interest expense
(25,245)
(7,310)
(32,555)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
63,307
9,364
72,671
Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) from operating affiliates
197,437
(266,682)
(69,245)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(27,945)
—
(27,945)
Income (loss) from operating affiliates
8,516
—
8,516
Net income (loss)
178,008
(266,682)
(88,674)
Amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
(57)
(1,096)
(1,153)
Amounts attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
—
233,944
233,944
Net income (loss) available to Arch
177,951
(33,834)
144,117
Preferred dividends
(10,403)
—
(10,403)
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
167,548
$
(33,834)
$
133,714
Underwriting Ratios
Loss ratio
70.8
%
79.1
%
19.6
%
62.6
%
79.0
%
63.9
%
Acquisition expense ratio
15.0
%
14.6
%
11.2
%
14.1
%
15.6
%
14.2
%
Other operating expense ratio
18.1
%
8.3
%
13.3
%
13.8
%
9.8
%
13.4
%
Combined ratio
103.9
%
102.0
%
44.1
%
90.5
%
104.4
%
91.5
%
Goodwill and intangible assets
$
268,296
$
2,516
$
426,988
$
697,800
$
7,650
$
705,450
(1) Certain amounts included in the gross premiums written of each segment are related to intersegment transactions. Accordingly, the sum of gross premiums written for each segment does not agree to the total gross premiums written as shown in the table above due to the elimination of intersegment transactions in the total.
(2) Certain expenses have been excluded from ‘corporate expenses’ and reflected in ‘transaction costs and other.’
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
5. Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The following table represents an analysis of losses and loss adjustment expenses and a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at beginning of period
$
16,513,929
$
13,891,842
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable
4,314,855
4,082,650
Net reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at beginning of period
12,199,074
9,809,192
Net incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses relating to losses occurring in:
Current year
1,244,772
1,134,442
Prior years
(41,672)
(19,023)
Total net incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
1,203,100
1,115,419
Retroactive reinsurance transactions (1)
(183,893)
60,635
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses
(46,877)
(142,573)
Net paid losses and loss adjustment expenses relating to losses occurring in:
Current year
(58,984)
(41,260)
Prior years
(585,118)
(561,947)
Total net paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
(644,102)
(603,207)
Net reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at end of period
12,527,302
10,239,466
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable
3,916,650
4,070,114
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at end of period
$
16,443,952
$
14,309,580
(1) During 2021 first quarter, the Company entered into a reinsurance to close and other related agreements with Premia Managing Agency Limited (“Premia”), in connection with the 2018 and prior years of account related to the acquisition of Barbican Group Holdings Limited (“Barbican”). During the 2020 first quarter, the Company entered into a reinsurance to close agreement of the 2017 and prior years of account previously covered by a third party arrangement.
Development on Prior Year Loss Reserves
2021 First Quarter
During the 2021 first quarter, the Company recorded net favorable development on prior year loss reserves of $41.7 million, which consisted of $4.1 million favorable development from the insurance segment, $26.8 million from the reinsurance segment and $10.9 million from the mortgage segment, partially offset by $0.1 million unfavorable from the ‘other’ segment.
The insurance segment’s net favorable development of $4.1 million, or 0.5 loss ratio points, for the 2021 first quarter consisted of $25.0 million of net favorable development in short-tailed and $20.9 million of net adverse development in medium-tailed lines. Net favorable development in short-tailed lines reflected $14.6 million of favorable development from property (excluding marine), primarily from the 2019 and 2020 accident years (i.e., the year in which a loss occurred), $8.0 million of favorable development in lenders products, primarily from the 2020 accident year, and $2.5
million of favorable development in travel and accident, primarily from the 2020 accident year. Net adverse development in medium-tailed lines included $10.8 million of adverse development in program business, primarily from the 2016 to 2020 accident years, $6.0 million of adverse development in professional liability business, primarily from the 2019 accident year, and $5.0 million of adverse development in surety, primarily from the 2019 accident year.
The reinsurance segment’s net favorable development of $26.8 million, or 4.2 loss ratio points, for the 2021 first quarter consisted of net favorable development in short-tailed, medium-tailed and long-tailed lines. Net favorable development of $17.5 million in short-tailed lines reflected $23.3 million of favorable development related to property other than property catastrophe business, primarily from the 2016 to 2019 underwriting years (i.e., all premiums and losses attributable to contracts having an inception or renewal date within the given twelve-month period), and $16.6 million of favorable development from other specialty,
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
primarily from the 2018 and 2019 underwriting years, partially offset by $22.5 million of net adverse development related to property catastrophe, primarily from the 2020 underwriting year. Net favorable development of $9.3 million in medium and long-tailed lines reflected favorable development in casualty across most underwriting years.
The mortgage segment’s net favorable development was $10.9 million, or 3.2 loss ratio points, for the 2021 first quarter, primarily driven by favorable development in the credit risk transfer and international portfolios. Subrogation recoveries on second lien and student loan business also contributed.
2020 First Quarter
During the 2020 first quarter, the Company recorded net favorable development on prior year loss reserves of $19.0 million, which consisted of $1.1 million from the insurance segment, $11.6 million from the reinsurance segment, $6.1 million from the mortgage segment and $0.2 million from the ‘other’ segment.
The insurance segment’s net favorable development of $1.1 million, or 0.2 loss ratio points, for the 2020 first quarter consisted of $3.9 million of net favorable development in short-tailed lines, $7.9 million of net adverse development in medium-tailed lines and $5.2 million of net favorable development in long-tailed lines. Net favorable development in short-tailed lines primarily resulted from lenders products and property (including special risk other than marine) reserves across 2018 and prior accident years. Net adverse development in medium-tailed lines included $13.2 million of adverse development in contract binding business across most accident years, partially offset by $5.1 million of favorable development in professional liability business. Net favorable development in longer-tailed lines primarily related to construction business driven by the 2017 accident year.
The reinsurance segment’s net favorable development of $11.6 million, or 2.1 loss ratio points, for the 2020 first quarter consisted of $21.5 million of net favorable development in short-tailed and medium-tailed lines and net adverse development of $9.9 million in long-tailed lines. Net favorable development in short-tailed and medium-tailed lines reflected $11.9 million of favorable development in other specialty lines across most underwriting years and $10.5 million of favorable development from property catastrophe business, primarily from the 2015 to 2019 underwriting years. Such amounts were partially offset by $4.3 million of adverse development in property other than property catastrophe business, driven by the 2018 underwriting year. Adverse development in long-tailed lines reflected an increase in casualty reserves from various underwriting years.
The mortgage segment’s net favorable development was $6.1 million, or 1.8 loss ratio points, for the 2020 first quarter. The 2020 first quarter development was primarily driven by subrogation recoveries on second lien and student loan business.
6. Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
Premiums Receivable
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for expected credit losses of the Company’s premium receivables:
Premium Receivables, Net of Allowance
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
March 31, 2021
Balance at beginning of period
$
2,064,586
$
37,781
Change for provision of expected credit losses (1)
(1,670)
Balance at end of period
$
2,618,175
$
36,111
December 31, 2020
Balance at beginning of period
$
1,778,717
$
21,003
Cumulative effect of accounting change (2)
6,539
Change for provision of expected credit losses (1)
10,239
Balance at end of period
$
2,064,586
$
37,781
(1)Amounts deemed uncollectible are written-off in operating expenses. For the March 31, 2021 and as of December 31, 2020, amounts written off were $0.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes the Company’s reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses (not including ceded unearned premiums):
March 31,
December 31
2021
2020
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
4,041,076
$
4,500,802
% due from carriers with A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better
64.5
%
63.9
%
% due from all other carriers with no A.M. Best rating (1)
35.5
%
36.1
%
Largest balance due from any one carrier as % of total shareholders’ equity
1.7
%
1.8
%
(1) At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 over 92% and 94% of such amount were collateralized through reinsurance trusts, funds withheld arrangements, letters of credit or other, respectively.
Contractholder Receivables
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for expected credit losses of the Company’s contractholder receivables:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
7. Investment Information
At March 31, 2021, total investable assets of $29.1 billion included $26.3 billion held by the Company and $2.7 billion attributable to Watford.
Available For Sale Investments
The following table summarizes the fair value and cost or amortized cost of the Company’s securities classified as available for sale:
Estimated Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses (2)
Cost or Amortized Cost
March 31, 2021
Fixed maturities (1):
Corporate bonds
$
8,072,883
$
242,832
$
(83,961)
$
(2,569)
$
7,916,581
Mortgage backed securities
571,071
7,066
(11,165)
(325)
575,495
Municipal bonds
457,329
19,942
(4,814)
(2)
442,203
Commercial mortgage backed securities
255,373
2,755
(1,721)
(5)
254,344
U.S. government and government agencies
5,042,208
15,102
(30,545)
—
5,057,651
Non-U.S. government securities
2,425,882
127,886
(19,267)
(51)
2,317,314
Asset backed securities
2,028,441
18,817
(4,962)
(878)
2,015,464
Total
18,853,187
434,400
(156,435)
(3,830)
18,579,052
Short-term investments
1,269,631
920
(601)
—
1,269,312
Total
$
20,122,818
$
435,320
$
(157,036)
$
(3,830)
$
19,848,364
December 31, 2020
Fixed maturities (1):
Corporate bonds
$
7,856,571
$
414,247
$
(34,388)
$
(896)
$
7,477,608
Mortgage backed securities
630,001
8,939
(5,028)
(278)
626,368
Municipal bonds
494,522
27,291
(3,835)
(11)
471,077
Commercial mortgage backed securities
389,900
8,722
(2,954)
(122)
384,254
U.S. government and government agencies
5,557,077
22,612
(12,611)
—
5,547,076
Non-U.S. government securities
2,433,733
153,891
(8,060)
—
2,287,902
Asset backed securities
1,634,804
19,225
(10,715)
(1,090)
1,627,384
Total
18,996,608
654,927
(77,591)
(2,397)
18,421,669
Short-term investments
1,924,922
2,693
(2,063)
—
1,924,292
Total
$
20,921,530
$
657,620
$
(79,654)
$
(2,397)
$
20,345,961
(1) In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received under securities lending, at fair value and included the securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value. See “—Securities Lending Agreements.”
(2) Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 and as a result any credit impairment losses on the Company’s available-for-sale investments are recorded as an allowance, subject to reversal.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes, for all available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has been in a continual unrealized loss position:
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Estimated Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
March 31, 2021
Fixed maturities (1):
Corporate bonds
$
3,253,030
$
(82,735)
$
15,894
$
(1,226)
$
3,268,924
$
(83,961)
Mortgage backed securities
383,760
(10,271)
20,648
(894)
404,408
(11,165)
Municipal bonds
90,634
(4,737)
1,827
(77)
92,461
(4,814)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
39,863
(759)
23,421
(962)
63,284
(1,721)
U.S. government and government agencies
3,920,377
(30,545)
—
—
3,920,377
(30,545)
Non-U.S. government securities
911,609
(18,433)
16,841
(834)
928,450
(19,267)
Asset backed securities
502,300
(2,391)
142,331
(2,571)
644,631
(4,962)
Total
9,101,573
(149,871)
220,962
(6,564)
9,322,535
(156,435)
Short-term investments
95,579
(601)
—
—
95,579
(601)
Total
$
9,197,152
$
(150,472)
$
220,962
$
(6,564)
$
9,418,114
$
(157,036)
December 31, 2020
Fixed maturities (1):
Corporate bonds
$
747,442
$
(33,086)
$
3,934
$
(1,302)
$
751,376
$
(34,388)
Mortgage backed securities
284,619
(4,788)
3,637
(240)
288,256
(5,028)
Municipal bonds
67,937
(3,835)
—
—
67,937
(3,835)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
126,624
(2,916)
2,655
(38)
129,279
(2,954)
U.S. government and government agencies
1,285,907
(12,611)
—
—
1,285,907
(12,611)
Non-U.S. government securities
543,844
(7,658)
2,441
(402)
546,285
(8,060)
Asset backed securities
634,470
(9,110)
57,737
(1,605)
692,207
(10,715)
Total
3,690,843
(74,004)
70,404
(3,587)
3,761,247
(77,591)
Short-term investments
97,920
(2,063)
—
—
97,920
(2,063)
Total
$
3,788,763
$
(76,067)
$
70,404
$
(3,587)
$
3,859,167
$
(79,654)
(1) In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received under securities lending, at fair value and included the securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value. See “—Securities Lending Agreements.”
At March 31, 2021, on a lot level basis, approximately 4,610 security lots out of a total of approximately 11,360 security lots were in an unrealized loss position and the largest single unrealized loss from a single lot in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was $1.1 million. At December 31, 2020, on a lot level basis, approximately 2,320 security lots out of a total of approximately 11,180 security lots were in an unrealized loss position and the largest single unrealized loss from a single lot in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was $0.9 million.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The contractual maturities of the Company’s fixed maturities are shown in the following table. Expected maturities, which are management’s best estimates, will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Maturity
Estimated Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Estimated Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less
$
381,212
$
370,798
$
348,200
$
339,951
Due after one year through five years
11,124,344
10,918,279
10,629,959
10,340,819
Due after five years through 10 years
4,052,472
4,008,520
4,881,564
4,654,754
Due after 10 years
440,274
436,152
482,180
448,139
15,998,302
15,733,749
16,341,903
15,783,663
Mortgage backed securities
571,071
575,495
630,001
626,368
Commercial mortgage backed securities
255,373
254,344
389,900
384,254
Asset backed securities
2,028,441
2,015,464
1,634,804
1,627,384
Total (1)
$
18,853,187
$
18,579,052
$
18,996,608
$
18,421,669
(1) In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received under securities lending, at fair value and included the securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value. See “—Securities Lending Agreements.”
Securities Lending Agreements
The Company enters into securities lending agreements with financial institutions to enhance investment income whereby it loans certain of its securities to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms, for short periods of time through a lending agent. The Company maintains legal control over the securities it lends (shown as ‘Securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value’ on the Company’s balance sheet), retains the earnings and cash flows associated with the loaned securities and receives a fee from the borrower for the temporary use of the securities. An indemnification agreement with the lending agent protects the Company in the event a borrower becomes insolvent or fails to return any of the securities on loan from the Company.
The Company receives collateral (shown as ‘Collateral received under securities lending, at fair value’ on the Company’s balance sheet) in the form of cash or U.S. government and government agency securities. At March 31, 2021, the fair value of the cash collateral received on securities lending was nil and the fair value of security collateral received was $143.9 million. At December 31, 2020, the fair value of the cash collateral received on securities lending was nil, and the fair value of security collateral received was $301.1 million.
The carrying value of collateral held under the Company’s securities lending transactions by significant investment category and remaining contractual maturity of the underlying agreements is as follows:
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Overnight and Continuous
Less than 30 Days
30-90 Days
90 Days or More
Total
March 31, 2021
U.S. government and government agencies
$
16,397
$
—
$
102,743
$
—
$
119,140
Corporate bonds
13,724
—
—
—
13,724
Equity securities
11,022
—
—
—
11,022
Total
$
41,143
$
—
$
102,743
$
—
$
143,886
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending in offsetting disclosure in note 9
$
—
Amounts related to securities lending not included in offsetting disclosure in note 9
$
143,886
December 31, 2020
U.S. government and government agencies
$
142,317
$
—
$
139,290
$
—
$
281,607
Corporate bonds
3,021
—
—
—
3,021
Equity securities
16,461
—
—
—
16,461
Total
$
161,799
$
—
$
139,290
$
—
$
301,089
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending in offsetting disclosure in note 9
$
—
Amounts related to securities lending not included in offsetting disclosure in note 9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Equity Securities, at Fair Value
At March 31, 2021, the Company held $1.5 billion of equity securities, at fair value, compared to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2020. Such holdings include publicly traded common stocks primarily in the consumer cyclical and non-cyclical, technology, communication and financial sectors and exchange-traded funds in fixed income, equity and other sectors.
Other Investments
The following table summarizes the Company’s other investments and other investable assets:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Fixed maturities
$
900,304
$
843,354
Other investments
2,318,185
2,331,885
Short-term investments
623,930
557,008
Equity securities
92,935
92,549
Investments accounted for using the fair value option
$
3,935,354
$
3,824,796
Other investable assets (1)
500,000
500,000
Total other investments
$
4,435,354
$
4,324,796
(1) Participation interests in a receivable of a reverse repurchase agreement.
The following table summarizes the Company’s other investments, as detailed in the previous table, by strategy:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Term loan investments
$
1,187,752
$
1,231,731
Lending
606,207
572,636
Credit related funds
79,355
90,780
Energy
78,500
65,813
Investment grade fixed income
142,630
138,646
Infrastructure
152,352
165,516
Private equity
52,064
48,750
Real estate
19,325
18,013
Total
$
2,318,185
$
2,331,885
Investments Accounted For Using the Equity Method
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments accounted for using the equity method, by strategy:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Credit related funds
$
818,344
$
740,060
Equities
357,641
343,058
Real estate
292,424
258,518
Lending
199,913
179,629
Private equity
288,657
235,289
Infrastructure
179,225
175,882
Energy
120,123
115,453
Total
$
2,256,327
$
2,047,889
Certain of the Company’s other investments are in investment funds for which the Company has the option to redeem at agreed upon values as described in each investment fund’s subscription agreement. Depending on the terms of the various subscription agreements, investments in investment funds may be redeemed daily, monthly, quarterly or on other terms. Two common redemption restrictions which may impact the Company’s ability to redeem these investment 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 investment 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. If the investment funds are eligible to be redeemed, the time to redeem such fund can take weeks or months following the notification.
Limited Partnership Interests
In the normal course of its activities, the Company invests in limited partnerships as part of its overall investment strategy. Such amounts are included in ‘investments accounted for using the equity method’ and ‘investments accounted for using the fair value option.’ The Company has determined that it is not required to consolidate these investments because it is not the primary beneficiary of the funds. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and any unfunded commitment.
The following table summarizes investments in limited partnership interests where the Company has a variable interest by balance sheet line item:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Investments accounted for using the equity method (1)
2,256,327
2,047,889
Investments accounted for using the fair value option (2)
196,087
184,720
Total
$
2,452,414
$
2,232,609
(1) Aggregate unfunded commitments were $2.0 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2020.
(2) Aggregate unfunded commitments were $36.1 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $35.6 million at December 31, 2020.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
March 31,
2021
2020
Three Months Ended
Fixed maturities
$
90,626
$
114,847
Term loans
14,728
23,170
Equity securities
5,650
6,007
Short-term investments
607
4,896
Other (1)
14,355
19,406
Gross investment income
125,966
168,326
Investment expenses
(27,110)
(23,173)
Net investment income
$
98,856
$
145,153
(1) Includes income distributions from investment funds and other items.
Net Realized Gains (Losses)
Net realized gains (losses), which include changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and net impairment losses recognized in earnings were as follows:
March 31,
2021
2020
Three Months Ended
Available for sale securities:
Gross gains on investment sales
$
65,002
$
178,200
Gross losses on investment sales
(62,998)
(31,968)
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option:
Fixed maturities
16,553
(127,666)
Other investments
46,855
(307,800)
Equity securities
2,065
(4,909)
Short-term investments
736
(8,681)
Equity securities, at fair value:
Net realized gains (losses) on sales during the period
37,849
(539)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities still held at reporting date
19,708
(175,566)
Allowance for credit losses:
Investments related
(1,648)
(9,320)
Underwriting related
5,268
(3,270)
Net impairment losses
—
(533)
Derivative instruments (1)
36,116
127,189
Other
(23,045)
(2,097)
Net realized gains (losses)
$
142,461
$
(366,960)
(1) See note 9 for information on the Company’s derivative instruments.
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Investment Funds Accounted for Using the Equity Method
The Company recorded $71.7 million of equity in net income related to investment funds accounted for using the equity method in the 2021 first quarter, compared to loss of $4.2 million for the 2020 first quarter. In applying the equity method, investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on the Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of the funds (which include changes in the market value of the underlying securities in the funds). Such investments are generally recorded on a one to three month lag based on the availability of reports from the investment funds.
Investments in Operating Affiliates
Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies are classified as ‘investments in operating affiliates’ on the Company’s balance sheets and are accounted for under the equity method. Such investments primarily include the Company’s investment in Coface and Premia Holdings Ltd. (“Premia”) and are generally recorded on a three month lag.
In 2021, the Company completed the share purchase agreement with Natixis to purchase 29.5% of the common equity of Coface, a France-based leader in the global trade credit insurance market. The consideration paid was €9.95 per share, or an aggregate €453 million (approximately $546 million) including related fees. Income (loss) from operating affiliates reflected a one-time gain of $74.5 million realized from the acquisition. As a result of equity method accounting rules, approximately $36 million of additional gain was deferred and will generally be recognized over the next five years. At March 31, 2021 the Company’s carrying value in Coface was $604.6 million.
The Company is required to maintain assets on deposit, which primarily consist of fixed maturities, with various regulatory authorities to support its underwriting operations. The Company’s subsidiaries maintain assets in trust accounts as collateral for transactions with affiliated companies and also have investments in segregated portfolios primarily to provide collateral or guarantees for letters of credit to third parties. See note 18, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K.
The following table details the value of the Company’s restricted assets:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Assets used for collateral or guarantees:
Affiliated transactions
$
4,815,120
$
4,643,334
Third party agreements
3,366,016
3,083,324
Deposits with U.S. regulatory authorities
819,444
827,552
Deposits with non-U.S. regulatory authorities
330,197
179,099
Total restricted assets
$
9,330,777
$
8,733,309
In addition, Watford maintains secured credit facilities to provide borrowing capacity for investment purposes and a total return swap agreement and maintains assets pledged as collateral for such purposes. The Company does not guarantee or provide credit support for Watford, and the Company’s financial exposure to Watford is limited to its investment in Watford’s senior notes, common and preferred shares and counterparty credit risk (mitigated by collateral) arising from reinsurance transactions. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, Watford held $1.0 billion and $954.6 million, respectively, in pledged assets to collateralize the credit facility mentioned above.
Reconciliation of Cash and Restricted Cash
The following table details reconciliation of cash and restricted cash within the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
8. Fair Value
Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. 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 (Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority).
The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
Level 2:
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument
Level 3:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for securities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such securities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. The Company reviews its securities measured at fair value and discusses the proper classification of such investments with investment advisers and others.
The Company determines the existence of an active market based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the financial instrument occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. The Company uses quoted values and other data provided by nationally recognized independent pricing sources as inputs into its process for determining fair values of its fixed maturity investments. To validate the techniques or models used by pricing sources, the Company's review process includes, but
is not limited to: (i) quantitative analysis (e.g., comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated); (ii) a review of the average number of prices obtained in the pricing process and the range of resulting fair values; (iii) initial and ongoing evaluation of methodologies used by outside parties to calculate fair value; (iv) a comparison of the fair value estimates to the Company’s knowledge of the current market; (v) a comparison of the pricing services' fair values to other pricing services' fair values for the same investments; and (vi) periodic back-testing, which includes randomly selecting purchased or sold securities and comparing the executed prices to the fair value estimates from the pricing service. A price source hierarchy was maintained in order to determine which price source would be used (i.e., a price obtained from a pricing service with more seniority in the hierarchy will be used over a less senior one in all cases). The hierarchy prioritizes pricing services based on availability and reliability and assigns the highest priority to index providers. Based on the above review, the Company will challenge any prices for a security or portfolio which are considered not to be representative of fair value. The Company did not adjust any of the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources at March 31, 2021.
In certain circumstances, when fair values are unavailable from these independent pricing sources, quotes are obtained directly from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets. Such quotes are subject to the validation procedures noted above. Where quotes are unavailable, fair value is determined by the Investment Manager using quantitative and qualitative assessments such as internally modeled values. Of the $25.9 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at March 31, 2021, approximately $146.9 million, or 0.6%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes or modeled valuations. Of the $26.5 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2020, approximately $150.1 million, or 0.6%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes or modeled valuations.
Fixed maturities
The Company uses the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value of its fixed maturity securities, when possible. The market approach includes obtaining prices from independent pricing services, such as index providers and pricing vendors, as well as to a lesser extent quotes from broker-dealers. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Each source has its own proprietary method for determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded. In general, these methods involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing source uses observable market inputs
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
including, but not limited to, investment yields, credit risks and spreads, benchmarking of like securities, broker-dealer quotes, reported trades and sector groupings to determine a reasonable fair value.
The following describes the significant inputs generally used to determine the fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities by asset class:
•U.S. government and government agencies — valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided through index providers and pricing vendors. The Company determined that all U.S. Treasuries would be classified as Level 1 securities due to observed levels of trading activity, the high number of strongly correlated pricing quotes received on U.S. Treasuries and other factors. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are classified within Level 2.
•Corporate bonds — valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. 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 from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2. A small number of securities are included in Level 3 due to a low level of transparency on the inputs used in the pricing process.
•Mortgage-backed securities — valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through pricing vendors and index providers with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models (including Option Adjusted Spread) which use spreads to determine the expected average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for mortgage-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2. A small number of securities are included in Level 3 due to a low level of transparency on the inputs used in the pricing process.
•Municipal bonds — valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided
through index providers and pricing vendors. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using spreads obtained from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for municipal bonds are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•Commercial mortgage-backed securities — valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models which use spreads to determine the appropriate average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for commercial mortgage-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•Non-U.S. government securities — valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided through index providers and pricing vendors. The fair values of these securities are generally based on international indices or valuation models which include daily observed yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads and country credit spreads. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for non-U.S. government securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
•Asset-backed securities — valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models (including Option Adjusted Spread) which use spreads to determine the appropriate average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for asset-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2. A small number of securities are included in Level 3 due to a low level of transparency on the inputs used in the pricing process.
Equity securities
The Company determined that exchange-traded equity securities would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. Certain
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
equity securities are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy as the significant inputs used in the pricing process for such securities are observable market inputs. Other equity securities are included in Level 3 due to the lack of an available independent price source for such securities. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are unobservable, the fair value of such securities are classified as Level 3.
Other investments
The Company’s other investments include term loan investments for which fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of term loan investments with similar characteristics, pricing models or matrix pricing. Such investments are generally classified within Level 2. The fair values for certain of the Company’s other investments are determined using net asset values as advised by external fund managers. The net asset value is based on the fund manager’s valuation of the underlying holdings in accordance with the fund’s governing documents. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. A small number of securities are included in Level 3 due to the lack of an available independent price source for such securities.
Derivative instruments
The Company’s futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and other derivatives trade in the over-the-counter derivative market. The Company uses the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value for these derivatives 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 in the pricing process for these derivative instruments are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
Short-term investments
The Company determined that certain of its short-term investments held in highly liquid money market-type funds, Treasury bills and commercial paper would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. The fair values of other short-term investments are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve and are classified within Level 2.
Residential mortgage loans
The Company’s residential mortgage loans (included in ‘other assets’ in the consolidated balance sheets) include amounts related to the Company’s whole mortgage loan purchase and sell program. Fair values of residential mortgage loans are generally determined based on market prices. As significant inputs used in pricing process for these residential mortgage loans are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within level 2.
Contingent consideration liabilities
Contingent consideration liabilities (included in ‘other liabilities’ in the consolidated balance sheets) include amounts related to various Company’s acquisitions. Such amounts are remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date with changes in fair value recognized in ‘net realized gains (losses).’ To determine the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, the Company estimates future payments using an income approach based on modeled inputs which include a weighted average cost of capital. The Company determined that contingent consideration liabilities would be included within Level 3.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at March 31, 2021:
Estimated Fair Value Measurements Using:
Estimated Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value (1):
Available for sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds
$
8,072,883
$
—
$
8,072,870
$
13
Mortgage backed securities
571,071
—
571,071
—
Municipal bonds
457,329
—
457,329
—
Commercial mortgage backed securities
255,373
—
255,373
—
U.S. government and government agencies
5,042,208
4,949,217
92,991
—
Non-U.S. government securities
2,425,882
—
2,425,882
—
Asset backed securities
2,028,441
—
2,024,969
3,472
Total
18,853,187
4,949,217
13,900,485
3,485
Short-term investments
1,269,631
1,252,535
17,096
—
Equity securities, at fair value
1,543,703
1,476,504
24,087
43,112
Derivative instruments (4)
156,160
—
156,160
—
Residential mortgage loans
5,693
—
5,693
—
Fair value option:
Corporate bonds
724,316
—
723,327
989
Non-U.S. government bonds
23,996
—
23,996
—
Mortgage backed securities
2,828
—
2,828
—
Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,225
—
1,225
—
Asset backed securities
147,666
—
147,666
—
U.S. government and government agencies
273
164
109
—
Short-term investments
623,930
482,869
141,061
—
Equity securities
92,935
21,512
247
71,176
Other investments
1,078,505
31,268
979,307
67,930
Other investments measured at net asset value (2)
1,239,680
Total
3,935,354
535,813
2,019,766
140,095
Total assets measured at fair value
$
25,763,728
$
8,214,069
$
16,123,287
$
186,692
Liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration liabilities
$
(465)
$
—
$
—
$
(465)
Securities sold but not yet purchased (3)
(34,097)
—
(34,097)
—
Derivative instruments (4)
(98,103)
—
(98,103)
—
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
(132,665)
$
—
$
(132,200)
$
(465)
(1) In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the securities pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received under securities lending, at fair value and included the securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value. See note 7, “—Securities Lending Agreements.”
(2) In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3) Represents the Company’s obligations to deliver securities that it did not own at the time of sale. Such amounts are included in “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at December 31, 2020:
Estimated Fair Value Measurements Using:
Estimated Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value (1):
Available for sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds
$
7,856,571
$
—
$
7,856,558
$
13
Mortgage backed securities
630,001
—
630,001
—
Municipal bonds
494,522
—
494,522
—
Commercial mortgage backed securities
389,900
—
389,900
—
U.S. government and government agencies
5,557,077
5,463,356
93,721
—
Non-U.S. government securities
2,433,733
—
2,433,733
—
Asset backed securities
1,634,804
—
1,631,378
3,426
Total
18,996,608
5,463,356
13,529,813
3,439
Short-term investments
1,924,922
1,920,565
4,357
—
Equity securities, at fair value
1,460,959
1,401,653
17,291
42,015
Derivative instruments (4)
177,383
—
177,383
—
Fair value option:
Corporate bonds
651,294
—
650,309
985
Non-U.S. government bonds
35,263
—
35,263
—
Mortgage backed securities
3,282
—
3,282
—
Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,090
—
1,090
—
Asset backed securities
152,151
—
152,151
—
U.S. government and government agencies
274
164
110
—
Short-term investments
557,008
420,131
136,877
—
Equity securities
92,549
23,373
188
68,988
Other investments
1,134,229
51,149
1,015,977
67,103
Other investments measured at net asset value (2)
1,197,656
Total
3,824,796
494,817
1,995,247
137,076
Total assets measured at fair value
$
26,384,668
$
9,280,391
$
15,724,091
$
182,530
Liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration liabilities
$
(461)
$
—
$
—
$
(461)
Securities sold but not yet purchased (3)
(21,679)
—
(21,679)
—
Derivative instruments (4)
(108,705)
—
(108,705)
—
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
(130,845)
$
—
$
(130,384)
$
(461)
(1) In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the securities pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received under securities lending, at fair value and included the securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value. See note 7, “—Securities Lending Agreements.”
(2) In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3) Represents the Company’s obligations to deliver securities that it did not own at the time of sale. Such amounts are included in “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs:
Assets
Liabilities
s
Available For Sale
Fair Value Option
Fair Value
Structured Securities (1)
Corporate Bonds
Corporate Bonds
Other Investments
Equity Securities
Equity Securities
Contingent Consideration Liabilities
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Balance at beginning of period
$
3,426
$
13
$
985
$
67,103
$
68,988
$
42,015
$
(461)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (2)
(68)
—
4
248
2,188
904
—
Included in other comprehensive income
114
—
—
—
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases
—
—
—
7,365
—
193
—
Issuances
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Sales
—
—
—
(6,786)
—
—
—
Settlements
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balance at end of period
$
3,472
$
13
$
989
$
67,930
$
71,176
$
43,112
$
(465)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Balance at beginning of period
$
5,216
$
8,851
$
932
$
68,817
$
58,094
$
55,889
$
(7,998)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (2)
9
7
—
(27)
1,921
(3,721)
(54)
Included in other comprehensive income
(22)
(5,416)
—
—
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases
—
—
33
21
—
3,464
—
Issuances
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Sales
—
—
—
(17,175)
—
—
—
Settlements
(1,357)
(1,462)
—
—
—
—
85
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—
—
—
2,984
—
—
—
Balance at end of period
$
3,846
$
1,980
$
965
$
54,620
$
60,015
$
55,632
$
(7,967)
(1) Includes asset backed securities, mortgage backed securities and commercial mortgage backed securities.
(2) Gains or losses were included in net realized gains (losses).
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value
The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The carrying values of cash, accrued investment income, receivable for securities sold, certain other assets, payable for securities purchased and certain other liabilities approximated their fair values at March 31, 2021, due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their respective fair values are classified within Level 2.
At March 31, 2021, the Company’s senior notes were carried at their cost, net of debt issuance costs, of $2.9 billion and had a fair value of $3.4 billion. At December 31, 2020, the Company’s senior notes were carried at their cost, net of debt issuance costs, of $2.9 billion and had a fair value of $3.7 billion. The fair values of the senior notes were obtained from a third party pricing service and are based on observable market inputs. As such, the fair values of the senior notes are classified within Level 2.
9. Derivative Instruments
The Company’s investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company utilizes exchange traded U.S. Treasury note, Eurodollar and other futures contracts and commodity futures to manage portfolio duration or replicate investment positions in its portfolios and the Company routinely utilizes foreign currency forward contracts, currency options, index futures contracts and other derivatives as part of its total return objective. In addition, certain of the Company’s investments are managed in portfolios which incorporate the use of foreign currency forward contracts which are intended to provide an economic hedge against foreign currency movements.
In addition, the Company purchases to-be-announced mortgage backed securities (“TBAs”) as part of its investment strategy. TBAs represent commitments to purchase a future issuance of agency mortgage backed
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
securities. For the period between purchase of a TBA and issuance of the underlying security, the Company’s position is accounted for as a derivative. The Company purchases TBAs in both long and short positions to enhance investment performance and as part of its overall investment strategy.
The following table summarizes information on the fair values and notional values of the Company’s derivative instruments:
Estimated Fair Value
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Notional Value (1)
March 31, 2021
Futures contracts (2)
$
85,379
$
(54,615)
$
7,116,745
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)
17,898
(29,887)
2,190,031
TBAs (3)
—
—
—
Other (2)
52,883
(13,601)
6,324,926
Total
$
156,160
$
(98,103)
December 31, 2020
Futures contracts (2)
$
11,046
$
(4,496)
$
3,099,796
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)
52,716
(6,202)
1,656,729
TBAs (3)
—
—
—
Other (2)
113,621
(98,007)
5,763,919
Total
$
177,383
$
(108,705)
(1) Represents the absolute notional value of all outstanding contracts, consisting of long and short positions.
(2) The fair value of asset derivatives are included in ‘other assets’ and the fair value of liability derivatives are included in ‘other liabilities.’
(3) The fair value of TBAs are included in ‘fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value.’
The Company did not hold any derivatives which were designated as hedging instruments at March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.
The Company’s derivative instruments can be traded under master netting agreements, which establish terms that apply to all derivative transactions with a counterparty. In the event of a bankruptcy or other stipulated event of default, such agreements provide that the non-defaulting party may elect to terminate all outstanding derivative transactions, in which case all individual derivative positions (loss or gain) with a counterparty are closed out and netted and replaced with a single amount, usually referred to as the termination amount, which is expressed in a single currency. The resulting single net amount, where positive, is payable to the party “in-the-money” regardless of whether or not it is the defaulting party, unless the parties have agreed that only the non-defaulting party is entitled to receive a termination payment where the net amount is positive and is in its favor. Contractual close-out netting reduces derivatives credit exposure from gross to net exposure.
At March 31, 2021, asset derivatives and liability derivatives of $148.4 million and $98.1 million, respectively, were subject to a master netting agreement, compared to $138.8 million and $93.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020. The remaining derivatives included in the preceding table were not subject to a master netting agreement.
Realized and unrealized contract gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments are reflected in ‘net realized gains (losses)’ in the consolidated statements of income, as summarized in the following table:
Derivatives not designated as
March 31,
hedging instruments:
2021
2020
Three Months Ended
Net realized gains (losses):
Futures contracts
$
47,438
$
95,944
Foreign currency forward contracts
(22,071)
(10,870)
TBAs
—
745
Other (1)
10,749
41,370
Total
$
36,116
$
127,189
(1) Includes realized gains and losses on swaps, options and other derivatives contracts.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Investment Commitments
The Company’s investment commitments, which are primarily related to agreements entered into by the Company to invest in funds and separately managed accounts when called upon, were approximately $2.3 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $2.1 billion at December 31, 2020.
Interest Paid
Interest paid on the Company’s senior notes and other borrowings were $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $6.6 million for the 2020 period.
11. Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests
Watford
In March 2014, the Company invested $100.0 million and acquired 2,500,000 common shares, approximately 11% of Watford’s outstanding common equity. Watford’s common shares are listed on the Nasdaq Select Global Market under the ticker symbol “WTRE”. As of March 31, 2021, the Company owns approximately 10.3% of Watford’s outstanding common equity. The Company also owns $35.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Watford
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Holdings Ltd’s 6.5% senior notes, due July 2, 2029 and approximately 6.6% of Watford’s preference shares.
Watford is considered a VIE and the Company concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of Watford. As such, the results of Watford are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company does not guarantee or provide credit support for Watford, and the Company’s financial exposure to Watford is limited to its investment in Watford’s senior notes, common and preferred shares and counterparty credit risk (mitigated by collateral) arising from reinsurance transactions.
In the 2020 fourth quarter, Arch Capital, Watford Holdings Ltd. and Greysbridge Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arch Capital, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Arch Capital agreed to acquire all of the common shares of Watford Holdings Ltd. not owned by Arch for a cash purchase price of $35.00 per common share. Arch Capital has assigned its rights under the Merger Agreement to Greysbridge Holdings Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arch Capital (“Greysbridge”). The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021 and remains subject to customary closing conditions. Shareholder approval has been obtained and regulatory approvals are ongoing. Upon closing of the transaction, Watford will be wholly owned by Greysbridge and Greysbridge will be owned 40% by Arch Re Bermuda, 30% by certain investment funds managed by Kelso & Company and 30% by certain investment funds managed by Warburg Pincus LLC.
The following table provides the carrying amount and balance sheet caption in which the assets and liabilities of Watford are reported:
March 31,
December 31,
2021
2020
Assets
Investments accounted for using the fair value option (1)
$
1,880,768
$
1,790,385
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
627,387
655,249
Equity securities, at fair value
62,314
52,410
Cash
236,164
211,451
Accrued investment income
14,325
14,679
Premiums receivable
252,523
224,377
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and LAE
291,485
286,590
Ceded unearned premiums
113,180
122,339
Deferred acquisition costs
62,224
53,705
Receivable for securities sold
68,076
37,423
Goodwill and intangible assets
7,650
7,650
Other assets
87,358
75,801
Total assets of consolidated VIE
$
3,703,454
$
3,532,059
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
1,568,243
$
1,519,583
Unearned premiums
426,975
407,714
Reinsurance balances payable
77,041
63,269
Revolving credit agreement borrowings
155,687
155,687
Senior notes
172,757
172,689
Payable for securities purchased
59,230
25,881
Other liabilities
214,103
193,494
Total liabilities of consolidated VIE
$
2,674,036
$
2,538,317
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
$
52,421
$
52,398
(1) Includes in “other investments” on the Company’s balance sheet.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Watford generated $7.0 million of cash provided by operating activities, $21.4 million of cash provided by investing activities and $1.0 million of cash used for financing activities, compared to $24.6 million of cash provided by operating activities, $35.7 million of cash used for investing activities and $12.3 million of cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests
The Company accounts for the portion of Watford’s common equity attributable to third party investors in the shareholders’ equity section of its consolidated balance sheets. The noncontrolling ownership in Watford’s common shares was approximately 90% at March 31, 2021. The portion of Watford’s income or loss attributable to third party investors is recorded in the consolidated statements of income in ‘net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.’
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth activity in the non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
March 31,
2021
2020
Three Months Ended
Balance, beginning of period
$
823,007
$
762,777
Additional paid in capital attributable to noncontrolling interests
21,730
(123)
Repurchases attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests (1)
—
(2,867)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
36,697
(233,944)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(4,570)
(33,058)
Balance, end of period
$
876,864
$
492,785
(1) During 2020, Watford’s board of directors authorized the investment in Watford’s common shares through a share repurchase program.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
The Company accounts for redeemable noncontrolling interests in the mezzanine section of its consolidated balance sheets in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Such redeemable noncontrolling interests primarily relate to the Watford Preference Shares issued in late March 2014 with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The Watford Preference Shares were issued at a discounted amount of $24.50 per share. Preferred dividends, including the accretion of the discount and issuance costs, are included in ‘net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests’ in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The following table sets forth activity in the redeemable non-controlling interests:
March 31,
2021
2020
Three Months Ended
Balance, beginning of period
$
58,548
$
55,404
Accretion of preference share issuance costs
23
23
Other
(901)
(51)
Balance, end of period
$
57,670
$
55,376
The portion of income or loss attributable to third party investors, recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of income in ‘net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests,’ are summarized in the table below:
March 31,
2021
2020
Three Months Ended
Amounts attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests
$
(36,697)
$
233,944
Amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
(855)
(1,153)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Bellemeade Re
The Company has entered into various aggregate excess of loss mortgage reinsurance agreements with various special purpose reinsurance companies domiciled in Bermuda (the “Bellemeade Agreements”). At the time the Bellemeade Agreements were entered into, the applicability of the accounting guidance that addresses VIEs was evaluated. As a result of the evaluation of the Bellemeade Agreements, the Company concluded that these entities are VIEs. However, given that the ceding insurers do not have the unilateral power to direct those activities that are significant to their economic performance, the Company does not consolidate such entities in its consolidated financial statements.
The following table presents the total assets of the Bellemeade entities, as well as the Company’s maximum exposure to loss associated with these VIEs, calculated as the maximum historical observable spread between the benchmark index for each respective transaction and short term invested trust asset yields. The benchmark index for agreements effective prior to 2021 is based on one-month LIBOR, while the 2021 agreement benchmark index is based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions.
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Maximum Exposure to Loss
Maximum Exposure to Loss
Bellemeade Entities (Issue Date)
Total VIE Assets
On-Balance Sheet (Asset) Liability
Off-Balance Sheet
Total
Total VIE Assets
On-Balance Sheet (Asset) Liability
Off-Balance Sheet
Total
Bellemeade 2017-1 Ltd. (Oct-17)
$
145,573
$
(306)
$
1,152
$
846
$
145,573
$
(245)
$
844
$
599
Bellemeade 2018-1 Ltd. (Apr-18)
250,095
(1,081)
2,885
1,804
250,095
(903)
2,245
1,342
Bellemeade 2018-2 Ltd. (Aug-18)
66,747
(32)
62
30
108,395
(138)
280
142
Bellemeade 2018-3 Ltd. (Oct-18)
302,563
(1,604)
4,277
2,673
302,563
(1,320)
3,262
1,942
Bellemeade 2019-1 Ltd. (Mar-19)
219,256
(1,117)
7,991
6,874
219,256
(1,361)
8,461
7,100
Bellemeade 2019-2 Ltd. (Apr-19)
398,316
(780)
6,577
5,797
398,316
(730)
5,201
4,471
Bellemeade 2019-3 Ltd. (Jul-19)
528,084
(898)
6,047
5,149
528,084
(861)
5,079
4,218
Bellemeade 2019-4 Ltd. (Oct-19)
468,737
(908)
8,034
7,126
468,737
(890)
6,676
5,786
Bellemeade 2020-1 Ltd. (Jun-20) (1)
132,881
(58)
294
236
275,068
(178)
1,012
834
Bellemeade 2020-2 Ltd. (Sep-20) (2)
368,797
(370)
6,077
5,707
423,420
(556)
6,839
6,283
Bellemeade 2020-3 Ltd. (Nov-20) (3)
418,158
(433)
9,527
9,094
418,158
(631)
9,605
8,974
Bellemeade 2020-4 Ltd. (Dec-20) (4)
321,393
(23)
5,969
5,946
321,393
(156)
6,816
6,660
Bellemeade 2021-1 Ltd. (Mar-21) (5)
579,717
—
4,767
4,767
—
—
—
—
Total
$
4,200,317
$
(7,610)
$
63,659
$
56,049
$
3,859,058
$
(7,969)
$
56,320
$
48,351
(1) An additional $79 million capacity was provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers and is not reflected in this table.
(2) An additional $26 million capacity was provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers and is not reflected in this table.
(3) An additional $34 million capacity was provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers and is not reflected in this table.
(4) An additional $16 million capacity was provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers and is not reflected in this table.
(5) An additional $64 million capacity was provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers and is not reflected in this table.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
12. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables present details about amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss):
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
Consolidated Statement of Income
Three Months Ended
Details About
Line Item That Includes
March 31,
AOCI Components
Reclassification
2021
2020
Unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale investments
Net realized gains (losses)
$
2,004
$
146,232
Provision for credit losses
(1,647)
(9,320)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
—
(533)
Total before tax
357
136,379
Income tax (expense) benefit
(3,054)
(15,150)
Net of tax
$
(2,697)
$
121,229
Before Tax Amount
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net of Tax Amount
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
$
(294,360)
$
(32,610)
$
(261,750)
Less reclassification of net realized gains (losses) included in net income
357
3,054
(2,697)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(28,415)
169
(28,584)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(323,132)
$
(35,495)
$
(287,637)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
$
(63,451)
$
(6,164)
$
(57,287)
Less reclassification of net realized gains (losses) included in net income
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
13. Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax provision on income before income taxes, including income (loss) from operating affiliates, resulted in an effective tax rate of 7.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to (46.0%) for the 2020 period. The Company’s prior year effective tax rate was impacted by significant portion of realized losses generated in lower tax jurisdictions.
The Company’s effective tax rate, which is based upon the expected annual effective tax rate, may fluctuate from period to period based on the relative mix of income or loss reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction.
The Company had a net deferred tax asset of $48.1 million at March 31, 2021, compared to a net deferred tax asset of $15.7 million at December 31, 2020. The change is primarily a result of market value fluctuations in the investment portfolio. In addition, the Company paid $7.1 million and $7.4 million of income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
14. Legal Proceedings
The Company, in common with the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of its business. As of March 31, 2021, the Company was not a party to any litigation or arbitration which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.
15. Transactions with Related Parties
In the 2019 fourth quarter, Barbican, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into certain reinsurance and related transactions with Premia pursuant to which Premia assumed a transfer of liability for the 2018 and prior years of account of Barbican as of July 1, 2019. Barbicanrecorded reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and funds held liability of nil and $275.0 million, respectively, at March 31, 2021, compared to $199.8 million and $149.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020.
In the 2021 first quarter, as part of the Company’s acquisition of Barbican, the Company entered into an agreement with Premia Managing Agency Limited for the reinsurance to close of Syndicate 1955’s 2018 underwriting year of account into Premia Syndicate 1884’s 2021 underwriting year of account. The reinsurance to close covers legacy business underwritten by Syndicate 1955 on the underwriting 2018 and prior years of account and under the agreement, approximately $380 million of net liabilities was transferred to Syndicate 1884, with an effective date of January 1, 2021.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations. This should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this report and also our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (“2020 Form 10-K”). In addition, readers should review “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A of Part I of our 2020 Form 10-K and “ITEM 1A—Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q. Tabular amounts are in U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted.
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“Arch Capital” and, together with its subsidiaries, “Arch”, “we” or “us”) is a publicly listed Bermuda exempted company with approximately $15.8 billion in capital at March 31, 2021 and, through operations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong, writes insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis.
CURRENT OUTLOOK
Our three primary areas of focus for 2021 are to continue our growth in the sectors where rates allow for returns that are substantially more than our cost of capital, to optimize our mortgage insurance book as it transitions from forbearance to recovery on its way back to normalcy in the next few quarters, and to actively manage our investments and capital to enhance our returns over the long run.
From an operating perspective, the 2021 first quarter reflected the benefits of attractive pricing in almost all of our insurance markets. As a result, we currently expect the next several quarters to continue to show improved underwriting margins, partially due to the compounding of rate-on-rate increases and the rebalancing of our mix. Importantly, the market is showing discipline in maintaining its momentum and the recent catastrophic losses are likely to keep upward pressure on rates.
Consequently, these rate improvements have enabled us to continue to expand writings in our property casualty segments. In the insurance segment, our rate increases for the first quarter averaged over 11%, representing the fifth consecutive quarter of rate increases in excess of loss cost trends. In reinsurance, we estimate that our effective rate change was roughly 8%. We continue to write a portion of our overall book in catastrophe-exposed business, which has the potential to increase the volatility of our operating results.
The extent to which COVID-19 continues to impact our business, results of operations and financial results depends on numerous evolving factors including, but not limited to the duration of COVID-19, the extent to which it will impact macroeconomic conditions, the speed of the anticipated recovery and governmental, business and individual reactions to the pandemic. During the first quarter of 2021, we did not make any significant changes to our 2020 COVID-19 related loss reserves.
For our U.S. primary mortgage operations, reported delinquencies were 3.86% at March 31, 2021, compared to 4.19% at December 31, 2020. Delinquencies continue to be better than our expectations at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic but delinquency rates remain at elevated levels, reflecting the impact of the recession and forbearance programs under the CARES Act to borrowers experiencing a hardship. Forbearance allows for mortgage payments to be suspended for up to 360 days or longer along with a suspension of foreclosures and evictions. See “Results of Operations—Mortgage Segment” for further details on our mortgage operations.
In the first quarter, our U.S. primary mortgage operations saw new insurance written of $27 billion, around 60% above the same period last year. The refinancing boom that began last year has resulted in significant turnover in our insurance in force and lower persistency. However, if mortgage rates continue to rise, we would expect persistency to gradually return to the longer-term range of 75%. Outside of the U.S., we increased our writings in Australia as the housing market remains strong there. We like the long-term opportunity in Australia as demonstrated by our announcement in March to acquire Westpac's LMI business. The agreement allows us to free up capital even as we build our Australian presence and diversify our earning streams at attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We remain committed to providing solutions across many offerings as the marketplace evolves, including the mortgage credit risk transfer programs initiated by government sponsored enterprises, or “GSEs.” In addition, we enter into aggregate excess of loss mortgage reinsurance agreements with various special purpose reinsurance companies domiciled in Bermuda and issue mortgage insurance linked notes, increasing our protection for mortgage tail risk. The Bellemeade structures provide approximately $4.3 billion of aggregate reinsurance coverage at March 31, 2021.
Management uses the following three key financial indicators in evaluating our performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for Arch Capital’s common shareholders:
Book Value per Share
Book value per share represents total common shareholders’ equity available to Arch divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Management uses growth in book value per share as a key measure of the value generated for our common shareholders each period and believes that book value per share is the key driver of Arch Capital’s share price over time. Book value per share is impacted by, among other factors, our underwriting results, investment returns and share repurchase activity, which has an accretive or dilutive impact on book value per share depending on the purchase price.
Book value per share was $30.54 at March 31, 2021, compared to $30.31 at December 31, 2020 and $26.10 at March 31, 2020. The 0.8% increase in book value per share for the 2021 first quarter reflected the impact of a high level of catastrophic loss activity and the impact of rising interest rates on our fixed income portfolio. Results for the 2021 first quarter reflected a one-time gain of $74.5 million realized from the Company’s recent acquisition of a 29.5% stake in Coface, a global trade credit insurer. The 17.0% increase in book value per share over the trailing twelve months reflected strong underwriting results and investment returns.
Operating Return on Average Common Equity
Operating return on average common equity (“Operating ROAE”) represents annualized after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders divided by the average of beginning and ending common shareholders’ equity available to Arch during the period. After-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders, a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Regulation G, represents net income available to Arch common shareholders, excluding net realized gains or losses (which includes changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and net impairment losses recognized in earnings) equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses, transaction costs and other and income taxes. Management uses Operating ROAE as a key measure of the return generated to common shareholders. See “Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Our Operating ROAE was 7.8% for the 2021 first quarter, compared to 7.1% for the 2020 first quarter. The ratios for
both periods reflected the impact of a high level of catastrophic loss activity and low yields on investments.
Total Return on Investments
Total return on investments includes investment income, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net realized gains and losses (excluding changes in the allowance for credit losses on non-investment related financial assets) and the change in unrealized gains and losses generated by Arch’s investment portfolio. Total return is calculated on a pre-tax basis and before investment expenses, excludes amounts reflected in the ‘other’ segment, and reflects the effect of financial market conditions along with foreign currency fluctuations. In addition, total return incorporates the timing of investment returns during the periods. The following table summarizes our total return compared to the benchmark return against which we measured our portfolio during the periods. See “Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Arch Portfolio
Benchmark Return
Pre-tax total return (before investment expenses):
2021 First Quarter
(0.18)
%
(0.51)
%
2020 First Quarter
(0.86)
%
(4.55)
%
Total return for the 2021 first quarter reflected the impact of rising interest rates on our fixed income portfolio. We continue to maintain a short duration on our portfolio of 2.71 years at March 31, 2021.
The benchmark return index is a customized combination of indices intended to approximate a target portfolio by asset mix and average credit quality while also matching the approximate estimated duration and currency mix of our insurance and reinsurance liabilities. Although the estimated duration and average credit quality of this index will move as the duration and rating of its constituent securities change, generally we do not adjust the composition of the benchmark return index except to incorporate changes to the mix of liability currencies and durations noted above. The benchmark return index should not be interpreted as expressing a preference for or aversion to any particular sector or sector weight. The index is intended solely to provide, unlike many master indices that change based on the size of their constituent indices, a relatively stable basket of investable indices. At March 31, 2021, the benchmark return index had an average credit quality of “Aa1” by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), and an estimated duration of 3.14 years.
Throughout this filing, we present our operations in the way we believe will be the most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information in evaluating the performance of our company. This presentation includes the use of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders, which is defined as net income available to Arch common shareholders, excluding net realized gains or losses (which includes changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and net impairment losses recognized in earnings), equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses, transaction costs and other and income taxes, and the use of annualized operating return on average common equity. The presentation of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders and annualized operating return on average common equity are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measures to net income available to Arch common shareholders and annualized return on average common equity (the most directly comparable
GAAP financial measures) in accordance with Regulation G is included under “Results of Operations” below.
We believe that net realized gains or losses, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses and transaction costs and other in any particular period are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, our business. Although net realized gains or losses, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses are an integral part of our operations, the decision to realize investment gains or losses, the recognition of the change in the carrying value of investments accounted for using the fair value option in net realized gains or losses, the recognition of net impairment losses, the recognition of equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and the recognition of foreign exchange gains or losses are independent of the insurance underwriting process and result, in large part, from general economic and financial market conditions. Furthermore, certain users of our financial information believe that, for many companies, the timing of the realization of investment gains or losses is largely opportunistic. In addition, changes in the allowance for credit losses and net impairment losses recognized in earnings on the Company’s investments represent other-than-temporary declines in expected recovery values on securities without actual realization. The use of the equity method on certain of our investments in certain funds that invest in fixed maturity securities is driven by the ownership structure of such funds (either limited partnerships or limited liability companies). In applying the equity method, these investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on our proportionate share of the net income or loss of the funds (which include changes in the market value of the underlying securities in the funds). This method of accounting is different from the way we account for our other fixed maturity securities and the timing of the recognition of equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method may differ from gains or losses in the future upon sale or maturity of such investments. Transaction costs and other include advisory, financing, legal, severance, incentive compensation and other transaction costs related to acquisitions. We believe that transaction costs and other, due to their non-recurring nature, are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, our business performance. Due to these reasons, we exclude net realized gains or losses, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses and transaction costs and other from the calculation of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders.
We believe that showing net income available to Arch common shareholders exclusive of the items referred to above reflects the underlying fundamentals of our business
since we evaluate the performance of and manage our business to produce an underwriting profit. In addition to presenting net income available to Arch common shareholders, we believe that this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze our performance in a manner similar to how management analyzes performance. We also believe that this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, allows the users of financial information to compare our performance with our industry peer group. We believe that the equity analysts and certain rating agencies which follow us and the insurance industry as a whole generally exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons.
Our segment information includes the presentation of consolidated underwriting income or loss and a subtotal of underwriting income or loss before the contribution from the ‘other’ segment. Such measures represent the pre-tax profitability of our underwriting operations and include net premiums earned plus other underwriting income, less losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and other operating expenses. Other operating expenses include those operating expenses that are incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations. Underwriting income or loss does not incorporate items included in our corporate (non-underwriting) segment. While these measures are presented in note 4, “Segment Information,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements, they are considered non-GAAP financial measures when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis. The reconciliations of underwriting income or loss to income before income taxes (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) on a consolidated basis and a subtotal before the contribution from the ‘other’ segment, in accordance with Regulation G, is shown in note 4, “Segment Information” to our consolidated financial statements.
We measure segment performance for our three underwriting segments based on underwriting income or loss. We do not manage our assets by underwriting segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangibles and, accordingly, investment income and other non-underwriting related items are not allocated to each underwriting segment. For the ‘other’ segment, performance is measured based on net income or loss.
Along with consolidated underwriting income, we provide a subtotal of underwriting income or loss before the contribution from the ‘other’ segment. The ‘other’ segment includes the results of Watford Holdings Ltd. Watford Holdings Ltd. is the parent of Watford Re Ltd., a multi-line Bermuda reinsurance company (together with Watford Holdings Ltd., “Watford”). Pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles, Watford is considered a variable
interest entity and we concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of Watford. As such, we consolidate the results of Watford in our consolidated financial statements, although we only own approximately 10% of Watford’s common equity. Watford’s own management and board of directors are responsible for its results and profitability. In addition, we do not guarantee or provide credit support for Watford. Since Watford is an independent company, the assets of Watford can be used only to settle obligations of Watford and Watford is solely responsible for its own liabilities and commitments. Our financial exposure to Watford is limited to our investment in Watford’s senior notes, common and preferred shares and counterparty credit risk (mitigated by collateral) arising from the reinsurance transactions. We believe that presenting certain information excluding the ‘other’ segment enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze our performance in a manner similar to how our management analyzes performance.
Our presentation of segment information includes the use of a current year loss ratio which excludes favorable or adverse development in prior year loss reserves. This ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measure to the loss ratio (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) in accordance with Regulation G is shown on the individual segment pages. Management utilizes the current year loss ratio in its analysis of the underwriting performance of each of our underwriting segments.
Total return on investments includes investment income, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net realized gains and losses (excluding changes in the allowance for credit losses on non-investment related financial assets) and the change in unrealized gains and losses generated by Arch’s investment portfolio. Total return is calculated on a pre-tax basis and before investment expenses, excludes amounts reflected in the ‘other’ segment, and reflects the effect of financial market conditions along with foreign currency fluctuations. In addition, total return incorporates the timing of investment returns during the periods. There is no directly comparable GAAP financial measure for total return. Management uses total return on investments as a key measure of the return generated to Arch common shareholders, and compares the return generated by our investment portfolio against benchmark returns during the periods.
The following table summarizes our consolidated financial data, including a reconciliation of net income or loss available to Arch common shareholders to after-tax operating income or loss available to Arch common shareholders. Each line item reflects the impact of our percentage ownership of Watford’s common equity during such period.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Net income available to Arch common shareholders
$
427,753
$
133,714
Net realized (gains) losses
(105,551)
109,364
Equity in net (income) loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
(71,686)
4,209
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses
(21,332)
(64,491)
Transaction costs and other
1,274
2,595
Income tax expense (1)
9,311
4,365
After-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders
$
239,769
$
189,756
Beginning common shareholders’ equity
$
12,325,886
$
10,717,371
Ending common shareholders’ equity
12,316,472
10,587,244
Average common shareholders’ equity
$
12,321,179
$
10,652,308
Annualized return on average common equity %
13.9
5.0
Annualized operating return on average common equity %
7.8
7.1
(1) Income tax expense on net realized gains or losses, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses and transaction costs and other reflects the relative mix reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction.
Segment Information
We classify our businesses into three underwriting segments — insurance, reinsurance and mortgage — and two other operating segments — corporate (non-underwriting) and ‘other.’ Our insurance, reinsurance and mortgage segments each have managers who are responsible for the overall profitability of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to our chief operating decision makers, the Chief Executive Officer of Arch Capital, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Arch Capital and the President and Chief Underwriting Officer of Arch Capital. The chief operating decision makers do not assess performance, measure return on equity or make resource allocation decisions on a line of business basis. Management measures segment performance for our three underwriting segments based on underwriting income or loss. We do not manage our assets by underwriting segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangible assets, and, accordingly, investment income is not allocated to each underwriting segment.
We determined our reportable segments using the management approach described in accounting guidance
regarding disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Intersegment business is allocated to the segment accountable for the underwriting results.
Insurance Segment
The following tables set forth our insurance segment’s underwriting results:
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
1,415,886
$
1,207,645
17.2
Premiums ceded
(421,047)
(378,897)
Net premiums written
994,839
828,748
20.0
Change in unearned premiums
(175,365)
(112,829)
Net premiums earned
819,474
715,919
14.5
Other underwriting income (loss)
—
—
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(535,747)
(507,108)
Acquisition expenses
(128,222)
(107,337)
Other operating expenses
(137,113)
(129,649)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
18,392
$
(28,175)
165.3
Underwriting Ratios
% Point Change
Loss ratio
65.4
%
70.8
%
(5.4)
Acquisition expense ratio
15.6
%
15.0
%
0.6
Other operating expense ratio
16.7
%
18.1
%
(1.4)
Combined ratio
97.7
%
103.9
%
(6.2)
The insurance segment consists of our insurance underwriting units which offer specialty product lines on a worldwide basis. Product lines include:
•Construction and national accounts: primary and excess casualty coverages to middle and large accounts in the construction industry and a wide range of products for middle and large national accounts, specializing in loss sensitive primary casualty insurance programs (including large deductible, self-insured retention and retrospectively rated programs).
•Excess and surplus casualty: primary and excess casualty insurance coverages, including middle market energy business, and contract binding, which primarily provides casualty coverage through a network of appointed agents to small and medium risks.
•Lenders products: collateral protection, debt cancellation and service contract reimbursement products to banks, credit unions, automotive dealerships and original equipment manufacturers and other specialty programs that pertain to automotive lending and leasing.
•Professional lines: directors’ and officers’ liability, errors and omissions liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, crime, professional indemnity and other financial related coverages for corporate, private equity, venture capital, real estate investment trust, limited partnership, financial institution and not-for-profit clients of all sizes and medical professional and general liability insurance coverages for the healthcare industry. The business is predominately written on a claims-made basis.
•Programs: primarily package policies, underwriting workers’ compensation and umbrella liability business in support of desirable package programs, targeting program managers with unique expertise and niche products offering general liability, commercial automobile, inland marine and property business with minimal catastrophe exposure.
•Property, energy, marine and aviation: primary and excess general property insurance coverages, including catastrophe-exposed property coverage, for commercial clients. Coverages for marine include hull, war, specie and liability. Aviation and standalone terrorism are also offered.
•Travel, accident and health: specialty travel and accident and related insurance products for individual, group travelers, travel agents and suppliers, as well as accident and health, which provides accident, disability and medical plan insurance coverages for employer groups, medical plan members, students and other participant groups.
•Other: includes alternative market risks (including captive insurance programs), excess workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance coverages for qualified self-insured groups, associations and trusts, and contract and commercial surety coverages, including contract bonds (payment and performance bonds) primarily for medium and large contractors and commercial surety bonds for Fortune 1,000 companies and smaller transaction business programs.
Premiums Written.
The following tables set forth our insurance segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Property, energy, marine and aviation
$
170,498
17.1
$
127,585
15.4
Professional lines
238,246
23.9
169,118
20.4
Programs
158,401
15.9
112,532
13.6
Construction and national accounts
134,792
13.5
115,999
14.0
Excess and surplus casualty
85,593
8.6
65,419
7.9
Travel, accident and health
92,306
9.3
126,046
15.2
Lenders products
34,860
3.5
33,292
4.0
Other
80,143
8.1
78,757
9.5
Total
$
994,839
100.0
$
828,748
100.0
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. Gross premiums written by the insurance segment in the 2021 first quarter were 17.2% higher than in the 2020 first quarter, while net premiums written were 20.0% higher. The higher level of net premiums written reflected increases across most lines of business, due in part to new business opportunities, rate increases and growth in existing accounts, partially offset by a decrease in travel business, reflecting the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Net Premiums Earned.
The following tables set forth our insurance segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
Net premiums written are primarily earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies for all products, usually 12 months. Net premiums earned in the 2021 first quarter were 14.5% higher than in the 2020 first quarter. Net premiums earned reflect changes in net premiums written over the previous five quarters.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
The table below shows the components of the insurance segment’s loss ratio:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Current year
65.9
%
71.0
%
Prior period reserve development
(0.5)
%
(0.2)
%
Loss ratio
65.4
%
70.8
%
Current Year Loss Ratio.
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. The insurance segment’s current year loss ratio in the 2021 first quarter was 5.1 points lower than in the 2020 first quarter. The 2021 first quarter loss ratio reflected 5.1 points of current year catastrophic activity, primarily from winter storms Uri and Viola, compared to 6.9 points of catastrophic activity for the 2020 first quarter, which included 5.0 points for exposure to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Prior Period Reserve Development.
The insurance segment’s net favorable development was $4.1 million, or 0.5 points, for the 2021 first quarter, compared to $1.1 million, or 0.2 points, for the 2020 first quarter. See note 5, “Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses,” to our consolidated financial statements for information about the insurance segment’s prior year reserve development.
Underwriting Expenses.
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. The insurance segment’s underwriting expense ratio was 32.3% in the 2021 first quarter, compared to 33.1% in the 2020 first quarter, with the decrease primarily due to growth in net premiums earned.
Reinsurance Segment
The following tables set forth our reinsurance segment’s underwriting results:
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
1,471,060
$
1,122,519
31.0
Premiums ceded
(471,948)
(325,339)
Net premiums written
999,112
797,180
25.3
Change in unearned premiums
(354,212)
(253,720)
Net premiums earned
644,900
543,460
18.7
Other underwriting income (loss)
(1,198)
2,120
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(484,870)
(430,069)
Acquisition expenses
(118,025)
(79,606)
Other operating expenses
(60,514)
(45,297)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
(19,707)
$
(9,392)
(109.8)
Underwriting Ratios
% Point Change
Loss ratio
75.2
%
79.1
%
(3.9)
Acquisition expense ratio
18.3
%
14.6
%
3.7
Other operating expense ratio
9.4
%
8.3
%
1.1
Combined ratio
102.9
%
102.0
%
0.9
The reinsurance segment consists of our reinsurance underwriting units which offer specialty product lines on a worldwide basis. Product lines include:
•Casualty: provides coverage to ceding company clients on third party liability and workers’ compensation exposures from ceding company clients, primarily on a treaty basis. Exposures include, among others, executive assurance, professional liability, workers’ compensation, excess and umbrella liability, excess motor and healthcare business.
•Marine and aviation: provides coverage for energy, hull, cargo, specie, liability and transit, and aviation business, including airline and general aviation risks. Business written may also include space business, which includes coverages for satellite assembly, launch and operation for commercial space programs.
•Other specialty: provides coverage to ceding company clients for proportional motor and other lines, including surety, accident and health, workers’ compensation catastrophe, agriculture, trade credit and political risk.
•Property catastrophe: provides protection for most catastrophic losses that are covered in the underlying policies written by reinsureds, including hurricane, earthquake, flood, tornado, hail and fire, and coverage for other perils on a case-by-case basis. Property catastrophe reinsurance provides coverage on an excess of loss basis when aggregate losses and loss adjustment expense from a single occurrence or aggregation of losses from a covered peril exceed the retention specified in the contract.
•Property excluding property catastrophe: provides coverage for both personal lines and commercial property exposures and principally covers buildings, structures, equipment and contents. The primary perils in this business include fire, explosion, collapse, riot, vandalism, wind, tornado, flood and earthquake. Business is assumed on both a proportional and excess of loss treaty basis and on a facultative basis. In addition, facultative business is written which focuses on commercial property risks on an excess of loss basis.
•Other: includes life reinsurance business on both a proportional and non-proportional basis, casualty clash business and, in limited instances, non-traditional business which is intended to provide insurers with risk management solutions that complement traditional reinsurance.
Premiums Written.
The following tables set forth our reinsurance segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Property excluding property catastrophe
$
292,833
29.3
$
158,924
19.9
Property catastrophe
117,207
11.7
89,092
11.2
Other specialty
284,331
28.5
284,952
35.7
Casualty
218,256
21.8
190,880
23.9
Marine and aviation
61,638
6.2
49,785
6.2
Other
24,847
2.5
23,547
3.0
Total
$
999,112
100.0
$
797,180
100.0
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. Gross premiums written by the reinsurance segment in the 2021 first quarter were 31.0% higher than in the 2020 first quarter, while net premiums written were 25.3% higher. Premiums written for the reinsurance segment in the 2020 first quarter were affected by the presence of an $88 million loss portfolio transfer contract, written and fully earned in the period in the other specialty line of business. Absent this transaction, gross and net premiums written would have been higher than in the 2020 first quarter by 42.2% and 40.8%, respectively. The growth in net premiums written reflected increases in most lines of business, mainly due to rate increases and new business.
Net Premiums Earned.
The following tables set forth our reinsurance segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Property excluding property catastrophe
$
187,782
29.1
$
112,652
20.7
Property catastrophe
88,011
13.6
53,000
9.8
Other specialty
163,898
25.4
203,385
37.4
Casualty
149,031
23.1
135,071
24.9
Marine and aviation
40,108
6.2
24,858
4.6
Other
16,070
2.5
14,494
2.7
Total
$
644,900
100.0
$
543,460
100.0
Net premiums written, irrespective of the class of business, are generally earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies or reinsurance contracts. Excluding the loss portfolio transfer contract, net premiums earned by the reinsurance segment in the 2021 first quarter were 41.5% higher than in the 2020 first quarter, and reflect changes in net premiums written over the previous five quarters.
Other Underwriting Income (Loss).
Other underwriting income for the 2021 first quarter was a loss of $1.2 million, compared to a gain of $2.1 million for the 2020 first quarter.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
The table below shows the components of the reinsurance segment’s loss ratio:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Current year
79.4
%
81.2
%
Prior period reserve development
(4.2)
%
(2.1)
%
Loss ratio
75.2
%
79.1
%
Current Year Loss Ratio.
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. The reinsurance segment’s current year loss ratio in the 2021 first quarter was 1.8 points lower than in the 2020 first quarter. The 2021 first quarter loss ratio reflected 24.7 points of current year catastrophic activity, including winter storms Uri and Viola as well as other minor global events. The 2020 first quarter included 12.7 points of catastrophic activity, included 9.3 points for exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reinsurance segment’s net favorable development was $26.8 million, or 4.2 points, for the 2021 first quarter, compared to $11.6 million, or 2.1 points, for the 2020 first quarter. See note 5, “Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses,” to our consolidated financial statements for information about the reinsurance segment’s prior year reserve development.
Underwriting Expenses.
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. The underwriting expense ratio for the reinsurance segment was 27.7% in the 2021 first quarter, compared to 22.9% in the 2020 first quarter. The 2020 first quarter ratio reflected a 4.4 point benefit related to the loss portfolio transfer contract and changes in mix of business.
Mortgage Segment
Our mortgage operations include U.S. and international mortgage insurance and reinsurance operations as well as participation in GSE credit risk-sharing transactions. Our mortgage group includes direct mortgage insurance in the U.S. primarily through Arch Mortgage Insurance Company, United Guaranty Residential Insurance Company and Arch Mortgage Guaranty Company (together, “Arch MI U.S.”); mortgage reinsurance by Arch Reinsurance Ltd. (“Arch Re Bermuda”) to mortgage insurers on both a proportional and non-proportional basis globally; direct mortgage insurance in Europe through Arch Insurance (EU) Designated Activity Company (“Arch Insurance EU”); in Hong Kong through Arch MI Asia Limited (“Arch MI Asia”); in Australia through Arch LMI Pty Ltd (“Arch LMI”) and participation in various GSE credit risk-sharing products primarily through Arch Re Bermuda.
The following tables set forth our mortgage segment’s underwriting results.
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
391,246
$
368,945
6.0
Premiums ceded
(56,051)
(44,327)
Net premiums written
335,195
324,618
3.3
Change in unearned premiums
1,122
20,408
Net premiums earned
336,317
345,026
(2.5)
Other underwriting income
6,897
4,599
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(63,689)
(67,566)
Acquisition expenses
(30,082)
(38,536)
Other operating expenses
(49,131)
(45,896)
Underwriting income
$
200,312
$
197,627
1.4
Underwriting Ratios
% Point Change
Loss ratio
18.9
%
19.6
%
(0.7)
Acquisition expense ratio
8.9
%
11.2
%
(2.3)
Other operating expense ratio
14.6
%
13.3
%
1.3
Combined ratio
42.4
%
44.1
%
(1.7)
Premiums Written.
The following tables set forth our mortgage segment’s net premiums written by underwriting location (i.e., where the business is underwritten):
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Underwriting location:
United States
$
247,529
73.8
$
264,108
81.4
Other
87,666
26.2
60,510
18.6
Total
$
335,195
100.0
$
324,618
100.0
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. Gross premiums written by the mortgage segment in the 2021 first quarter were 6.0% higher than in the 2020 first quarter, while net premiums written were 3.3% higher, primarily reflecting growth in Australian single premium mortgage insurance, partially offset by a lower level of U.S. primary mortgage insurance in force on monthly premium policies.
The persistency rate, which represents the percentage of mortgage insurance in force at the beginning of a 12-month period that remains in force at the end of such period, was 54.1% for the Arch MI U.S. portfolio of mortgage insurance policies at March 31, 2021, reflecting the higher level of mortgage refinancing activity, compared to 58.7% at December 31, 2020.
The following tables provide details on the new insurance written (“NIW”) generated by Arch MI U.S. NIW represents the original principal balance of all loans that received coverage during the period.
(U.S. Dollars in millions)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Total new insurance written (NIW) (1)
$
27,019
$
16,778
Credit quality (FICO):
>=740
$
17,818
65.9
$
10,069
60.0
680-739
8,418
31.2
5,787
34.5
620-679
783
2.9
922
5.5
Total
$
27,019
100.0
$
16,778
100.0
Loan-to-value (LTV):
95.01% and above
$
1,608
6.0
$
1,668
9.9
90.01% to 95.00%
12,288
45.5
7,199
42.9
85.01% to 90.00%
8,312
30.8
5,329
31.8
85.00% and below
4,811
17.8
2,582
15.4
Total
$
27,019
100.0
$
16,778
100.0
Monthly vs. single:
Monthly
$
24,989
92.5
$
15,692
93.5
Single
2,030
7.5
1,086
6.5
Total
$
27,019
100.0
$
16,778
100.0
Purchase vs. refinance:
Purchase
$
20,505
75.9
$
12,299
73.3
Refinance
6,514
24.1
4,479
26.7
Total
$
27,019
100.0
$
16,778
100.0
(1)Represents the original principal balance of all loans that received coverage during the period.
Net Premiums Earned.
The following tables set forth our mortgage segment’s net premiums earned by underwriting location:
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Underwriting location:
United States
$
262,550
78.1
$
289,162
83.8
Other
73,767
21.9
55,864
16.2
Total
$
336,317
100.0
$
345,026
100.0
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. Net premiums earned for the 2021 first quarter were 2.5% lower than in the 2020 first quarter, and reflected a decrease in U.S. primary mortgage insurance in force, partially offset by an increase in earnings from Australian single premium policy terminations.
Other Underwriting Income.
Other underwriting income, which is primarily related to GSE credit risk-sharing transactions was $6.9 million for the 2021 first quarter, compared to $4.6 million for the 2020 first quarter.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
The table below shows the components of the mortgage segment’s loss ratio:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Current year
22.1
%
21.4
%
Prior period reserve development
(3.2)
%
(1.8)
%
Loss ratio
18.9
%
19.6
%
Current Year Loss Ratio.
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. The mortgage segment’s current year loss ratio was 0.7 points higher in the 2021 first quarter than in the 2020 first quarter. The 2021 first quarter loss ratio reflected continued elevated new delinquency rates, primarily due to financial stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For both the 2021 and 2020 periods, incurred losses were due, in part, to financial stress from the COVID-19 pandemic. Segregating estimated losses due to COVID-19 from the overall mortgage segment estimated losses would require knowledge of the number of delinquencies specifically attributable to COVID-19. As this analysis cannot be performed accurately, the Company is not reporting COVID-19 provisions separately from its overall loss provisions.
Prior Period Reserve Development.
The mortgage segment’s net favorable development was $10.9 million, or 3.2 points, for the 2021 first quarter, compared to $6.1 million, or 1.8 points, for the 2020 first quarter. See note 5, “Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses,” to our consolidated financial statements for information about the mortgage segment’s prior year reserve development.
Underwriting Expenses.
2021 First Quarter versus 2020 Period. The underwriting expense ratio for the mortgage segment was 23.5% in the 2021 first quarter, compared to 24.5% in the 2020 first quarter, with the decrease reflecting lower acquisition expenses on U.S. primary mortgage insurance and to a lesser extent international business.
Corporate (Non-Underwriting) Segment
The corporate (non-underwriting) segment results include net investment income, other income (loss), corporate expenses, transaction costs and other, amortization of intangible assets, interest expense, items related to our non-cumulative preferred shares, net realized gains or losses (which includes changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets
and net impairment losses recognized in earnings), equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses, income or loss from operating affiliates and income taxes. Such amounts exclude the results of the ‘other’ segment. See note 1, “Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” to our consolidated financial statements for information about the change in presentation of income or loss from operating affiliates.
Net Investment Income.
The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Fixed maturities
$
79,017
$
101,763
Equity securities
5,650
5,630
Short-term investments
644
3,385
Other (1)
15,559
20,479
Gross investment income
100,870
131,257
Investment expenses (2)
(22,141)
(18,229)
Net investment income
$
78,729
$
113,028
(1) Amounts include dividends and other distributions on investment funds, term loan investments, funds held balances, cash balances and other items.
(2) Investment expenses were approximately 0.35% of average invested assets for the 2021 first quarter, consistent with 0.35% for the 2020 first quarter.
The lower level of net investment income for the 2021 first quarter primarily related to lower yields available in the financial market. The pre-tax investment income yield, calculated based on amortized cost and on an annualized basis, was 1.31% for the 2021 first quarter, compared to 2.20% for the 2020 first quarter.
Corporate Expenses.
Corporate expenses were $23.5 million for the 2021 first quarter, compared to $18.2 million for the 2020 first quarter. The increase in corporate expenses was primarily due to higher incentive compensation costs.
Transaction Costs and Other.
Transaction costs and other were $1.2 million for the 2021 first quarter, compared to $2.6 million for the 2020 first quarter. Amounts in the 2021 and 2020 periods are primarily related to acquisitions activity for the respective period.
Amortization of Intangible Assets.
Amortization of intangible assets for the 2021 first quarter was $14.4 million, compared to $16.6 million for the 2020 first quarter. Amounts in 2021 and 2020 primarily related to
amortization of finite-lived intangible assets. See the consolidated financial statements contained in our 2020 Form 10-K for disclosures on our amortization pattern.
Interest Expense.
Interest expense was $34.2 million for the 2021 first quarter, compared to the $25.2 million for the 2020 first quarter. The higher level of interest expense mainly resulted from the issuance of $1.0 billion of 3.635% senior notes in June 2020.
Net Realized Gains or Losses.
We recorded net realized gains of $101.3 million for the 2021 first quarter, compared to net realized losses of $72.1 million for the 2020 first quarter. Currently, our portfolio is actively managed to maximize total return within certain guidelines. The effect of financial market movements on the investment portfolio will directly impact net realized gains and losses as the portfolio is adjusted and rebalanced. Net realized gains or losses from the sale of fixed maturities primarily results from our decisions to reduce credit exposure, to change duration targets, to rebalance our portfolios or due to relative value determinations.
Net realized gains or losses also include realized and unrealized contract gains and losses on our derivative instruments, changes in the fair value of assets accounted for using the fair value option and in the fair value of equities, along with changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and net impairment losses recognized in earnings. See note 7, “Investment Information—Net Realized Gains (Losses),” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. See note 7, “Investment Information—Allowance for Credit Losses,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Investment Funds Accounted for Using the Equity Method.
We recorded $71.7 million of equity in net income related to investment funds accounted for using the equity method in the 2021 first quarter, compared to a loss of $4.2 million for the 2020 first quarter. Such investments are generally recorded on a one to three month lag based on the availability of reports from the investment funds. Investment funds accounted for using the equity method totaled $2.3 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $2.0 billion at December 31, 2020. See note 7, “Investment Information—Investments Accounted For Using the Equity Method,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Net Foreign Exchange Gains or Losses.
Net foreign exchange gains for the 2021 first quarter were $21.5 million, compared to net foreign exchange gains for the 2020 first quarter of $63.3 million. Amounts in both periods
were primarily unrealized and resulted from the effects of revaluing our net insurance liabilities required to be settled in foreign currencies at each balance sheet date.
Income Tax Expense.
Our income tax provision on income (loss) before income taxes, including income (loss) from operating affiliates, resulted in an expense of 8.2% for the 2021 first quarter, compared to 13.6% for the 2020 first quarter. Such amounts exclude the results of the ‘other’ segment. Our effective tax rate, which is based upon the expected annual effective tax rate, may fluctuate from period to period based on the relative mix of income or loss reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction.
Income (loss) from operating affiliates.
We recorded $75.5 million of net income from our operating affiliates in the 2021 first quarter, compared to $8.5 million for the 2020 first quarter. Results for the 2021 first quarter reflected a one-time gain of $74.5 million realized from the Company’s acquisition of 29.5% of the common equity in Coface, a global trade credit insurer. As a result of equity method accounting rules, approximately $36 million of additional gain was deferred and will generally be recognized over the next five years.
Other Segment
The ‘other’ segment includes the results of Watford. Pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles, Watford is considered a variable interest entity and we concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of Watford. As such, we consolidate the results of Watford in our consolidated financial statements, although we only own approximately 10% of Watford’s common equity. See note 11, “Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests,” and note 4, “Segment Information,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on Watford.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES,
ESTIMATES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Critical accounting policies, estimates and recent accounting pronouncements are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2020 Form 10-K, updated where applicable in the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements, including note 1, “Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements.”
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investable Assets
At March 31, 2021, total investable assets held by Arch were $26.3 billion, excluding the $2.7 billion included in the ‘other’ segment (i.e., attributable to Watford).
Investable Assets Held by Arch
The following table summarizes the fair value of the investable assets held by Arch:
Investable assets (1):
Estimated Fair Value
% of Total
March 31, 2021
Fixed maturities (2)
$
18,627,372
70.7
Short-term investments (2)
1,409,960
5.4
Cash
705,787
2.7
Equity securities (2)
1,507,029
5.7
Other investments (2)
1,527,999
5.8
Other investable assets (3)
500,000
1.9
Investments accounted for using the equity method
2,256,327
8.6
Securities transactions entered into but not settled at the balance sheet date
(195,875)
(0.7)
Total investable assets held by Arch
$
26,338,599
100.0
Average effective duration (in years)
2.71
Average S&P/Moody’s credit ratings (4)
AA-/Aa3
Embedded book yield (5)
1.59
%
December 31, 2020
Fixed maturities (2)
$
18,771,296
69.9
Short-term investments (2)
2,063,240
7.7
Cash
694,997
2.6
Equity securities (2)
1,436,104
5.3
Other investments (2)
1,480,347
5.5
Other investable assets (3)
500,000
1.9
Investments accounted for using the equity method
2,047,889
7.6
Securities transactions entered into but not settled at the balance sheet date
(137,578)
(0.5)
Total investable assets held by Arch
$
26,856,295
100.0
Average effective duration (in years)
3.01
Average S&P/Moody’s credit ratings (4)
AA/Aa2
Embedded book yield (5)
1.56
%
(1)In securities lending transactions, we receive collateral in excess of the fair value of the securities pledged. For purposes of this table, we have excluded the collateral received under securities lending, at fair value and included the securities pledged under securities lending, at fair value.
(2)Includes investments carried as available for sale, at fair value and at fair value under the fair value option.
(3)Represents participation interests in a receivable of a reverse repurchase agreement.
(4)Average credit ratings on our investment portfolio on securities with ratings by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”).
At March 31, 2021, approximately $18.1 billion, or 68.8%, of total investable assets held by Arch were internally managed, compared to $19.2 billion, or 71.4%, at December 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes our fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (“Fixed Maturities”) by type:
Estimated Fair Value
% of Total
March 31, 2021
Corporate bonds
$
8,233,771
44.2
Residential mortgage backed securities
558,584
3.0
Municipal bonds
455,550
2.4
Commercial mortgage backed securities
256,598
1.4
U.S. government and government agencies
4,876,796
26.2
Non-U.S. government securities
2,287,921
12.3
Asset backed securities
1,958,152
10.5
Total
$
18,627,372
100.0
December 31, 2020
Corporate bonds
$
8,039,745
42.8
Residential mortgage backed securities
616,619
3.3
Municipal bonds
492,734
2.6
Commercial mortgage backed securities
390,990
2.1
U.S. government and government agencies
5,354,863
28.5
Non-U.S. government securities
2,310,157
12.3
Asset backed securities
1,566,188
8.3
Total
$
18,771,296
100.0
The following table provides the credit quality distribution of our Fixed Maturities. For individual fixed maturities, S&P ratings are used. In the absence of an S&P rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch Ratings.
Estimated Fair Value
% of Total
March 31, 2021
U.S. government and gov’t agencies (1)
$
5,432,191
29.2
AAA
3,145,642
16.9
AA
2,069,764
11.1
A
3,878,113
20.8
BBB
2,829,202
15.2
BB
622,448
3.3
B
331,144
1.8
Lower than B
57,659
0.3
Not rated
261,209
1.4
Total
$
18,627,372
100.0
December 31, 2020
U.S. government and gov’t agencies (1)
$
5,963,758
31.8
AAA
3,117,046
16.6
AA
2,063,738
11.0
A
3,760,280
20.0
BBB
2,699,201
14.4
BB
574,189
3.1
B
268,095
1.4
Lower than B
54,795
0.3
Not rated
270,194
1.4
Total
$
18,771,296
100.0
(1)Includes U.S. government-sponsored agency residential mortgage-backed securities and agency commercial mortgage-backed securities.
The following table provides information on the severity of the unrealized loss position as a percentage of amortized cost for all Fixed Maturities which were in an unrealized loss position:
The following table summarizes our top ten exposures to fixed income corporate issuers by fair value at March 31, 2021, excluding guaranteed amounts and covered bonds:
Estimated Fair Value
Credit Rating (1)
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
$
389,799
A-/A2
Bank of America Corporation
312,603
A-/A2
Wells Fargo & Company
237,410
BBB+/A2
Citigroup Inc.
231,573
BBB+/A3
Morgan Stanley
214,190
BBB+/A1
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
174,407
BBB+/A2
Nestlé S.A.
158,152
AA-/Aa3
Apple Inc.
131,135
AA+/Aa1
Chevron Corporation
110,767
AA-/Aa2
AT&T Inc.
103,918
BBB/Baa2
Total
$
2,063,954
(1)Average credit ratings as assigned by S&P and Moody’s, respectively.
The following table provides information on our structured securities, which includes residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”):
Agencies
Investment Grade
Below Investment Grade
Total
Mar 31, 2021
RMBS
$
525,144
$
1,627
$
31,813
$
558,584
CMBS
30,251
201,132
25,215
256,598
ABS
—
1,765,074
193,078
1,958,152
Total
$
555,395
$
1,967,833
$
250,106
$
2,773,334
Dec 31, 2020
RMBS
$
584,499
$
4,102
$
28,018
$
616,619
CMBS
24,396
342,491
24,103
390,990
ABS
—
1,403,137
163,051
1,566,188
Total
$
608,895
$
1,749,730
$
215,172
$
2,573,797
The following table summarizes our equity securities, which include investments in exchange traded funds:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Equities (1)
$
782,747
$
676,437
Exchange traded funds
Fixed income (2)
235,606
341,139
Equity and other (3)
488,676
418,528
Total
$
1,507,029
$
1,436,104
(1)Primarily in consumer non-cyclical, consumer cyclical, technology, communications and financial stocks at March 31, 2021.
(2)Primarily in corporate, MBS and municipal strategies at March 31, 2021.
(3)Primarily in utilities, large cap stocks and foreign equities at March 31, 2021.
The following table summarizes our other investments and other investable assets:
Our investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments. We utilize various derivative instruments such as futures contracts to enhance investment performance, replicate investment positions or manage market exposures and duration risk that would be allowed under our investment guidelines if implemented in other ways. See note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to derivatives.
Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. See note 8, “Fair Value,” to our consolidated financial statements for a summary of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value, segregated by level in the fair value hierarchy.
Investable assets in the ‘other’ segment are managed by Watford. The board of directors of Watford establishes its investment policies and guidelines. A significant amount of Watford’s investments are accounted for using the fair value option with changes in the carrying value of such investments recorded in net realized gains or losses.
The following table summarizes investable assets in the ‘other’ segment:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Investments accounted for using the fair value option:
Other investments
$
790,186
$
851,538
Fixed maturities
539,688
455,163
Short-term investments
483,601
418,690
Equity securities
67,295
64,994
Total
1,880,770
1,790,385
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
586,431
613,503
Equity securities, at fair value
62,314
52,410
Cash
236,164
211,451
Securities sold but not yet purchased
(34,097)
(21,679)
Securities transactions entered into but not settled at the balance sheet date
8,846
11,542
Total investable assets included in ‘other’ segment
$
2,740,428
$
2,657,612
Reinsurance
The effects of reinsurance on written and earned premiums and losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) with unaffiliated reinsurers were as follows:
We have entered into various aggregate excess of loss mortgage reinsurance agreements with various special purpose reinsurance companies domiciled in Bermuda (the “Bellemeade Agreements”). For the respective coverage periods, we will retain the first layer of the respective aggregate losses and the special purpose reinsurance companies will provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding coverage amount. We will then retain losses in excess of the outstanding coverage limit. The aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage generally decreases over a ten-year period as the underlying covered mortgages amortize, unless provisional call options embedded within certain of the Bellemeade Agreements are executed or if pre-defined delinquency triggering events occur.
The following table summarizes the respective coverages and retentions at March 31, 2021:
March 31, 2021
Initial Coverage at Issuance
Current Coverage
Remaining Retention, Net
Bellemeade 2017-1 Ltd. (1)
$
368,114
$
145,573
$
124,281
Bellemeade 2018-1 Ltd. (2)
374,460
250,095
121,963
Bellemeade 2018-2 Ltd. (3)
653,278
66,747
303,766
Bellemeade 2018-3 Ltd. (4)
506,110
302,563
125,226
Bellemeade 2019-1 Ltd. (5)
341,790
219,256
104,221
Bellemeade 2019-2 Ltd. (6)
621,022
398,316
158,732
Bellemeade 2019-3 Ltd. (7)
700,920
528,084
178,241
Bellemeade 2019-4 Ltd. (8)
577,267
468,737
114,325
Bellemeade 2020-1 Ltd. (9)
528,540
141,262
750,797
Bellemeade 2020-2 Ltd. (10)
449,167
380,888
235,372
Bellemeade 2020-3 Ltd. (11)
451,816
451,816
167,556
Bellemeade 2020-4 Ltd. (12)
337,013
337,013
142,435
Bellemeade 2021-1 Ltd. (13)
643,577
643,577
169,634
Total
$
6,553,074
$
4,333,927
$
2,696,549
(1) Issued in October 2017, covering in-force policies issued between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017.
(2) Issued in April 2018, covering in-force policies issued between July 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.
(3) Issued in August 2018, covering in-force policies issued between April 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015.
(4) Issued in October 2018, covering in-force policies issued between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2018.
(5) Issued in March 2019, covering in-force policies primarily issued between 2005-2008 under United Guaranty Residential Insurance Company (“UGRIC”); as well as policies issued through 2015 under both UGRIC and Arch Mortgage Insurance Company.
(6) Issued in April 2019, covering in-force policies issued between July 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018.
(7) Issued in July 2019, covering in-force policies issued in 2016.
(8) Issued in October 2019, covering in-force policies issued between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2019.
(9) Issued in June 2020, covering in-force policies issued between July 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. $450 million was directly funded by Bellemeade 2020-1 Ltd. with an additional $79 million of capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
(10) Issued in September 2020, covering in-force policies issued between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. $423 million was directly funded by Bellemeade 2020-2 Ltd. with an additional $26 million of capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
(11) Issued in November 2020, covering in-force policies issued between June 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020. $418 million was directly funded by Bellemeade 2020-3 Ltd. with an additional $34 million of capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
(12) Issued in December 2020, covering in-force policies issued between July 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. $321 million was directly funded by Bellemeade 2020-4 Ltd. with an additional $16 million of capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
(13) Issued in March 2021, covering in-force policies issued between September 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020. $580 million was directly funded by Bellemeade Re 2021-1 Ltd. with an additional $64 million capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
We establish reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“Loss Reserves”) which represent estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections, at a given point in time, of our expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of losses incurred. Estimating Loss Reserves is inherently difficult. We utilize actuarial models as well as available historical insurance industry loss ratio experience and loss development patterns to assist in the establishment of Loss Reserves. Actual losses and loss adjustment expenses paid will deviate, perhaps substantially, from the reserve estimates reflected in our financial statements.
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our Loss Reserves, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, by type and by operating segment were as follows:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Insurance segment:
Case reserves
$
1,998,483
$
2,051,640
IBNR reserves
4,036,207
3,889,823
Total net reserves
6,034,690
5,941,463
Reinsurance segment:
Case reserves
1,503,315
1,560,523
Additional case reserves
368,458
280,472
IBNR reserves
2,351,015
2,253,953
Total net reserves
4,222,788
4,094,948
Mortgage segment:
Case reserves
688,005
631,921
IBNR reserves
277,739
271,702
Total net reserves
965,744
903,623
Other segment:
Case reserves
588,036
566,587
Additional case reserves
39,312
32,321
IBNR reserves
676,732
660,132
Total net reserves
1,304,080
1,259,040
Total:
Case reserves
4,777,839
4,810,671
Additional case reserves
407,770
312,793
IBNR reserves
7,341,693
7,075,610
Total net reserves
$
12,527,302
$
12,199,074
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the insurance segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Insurance segment:
Professional lines (1)
$
1,457,723
$
1,482,820
Construction and national accounts
1,433,994
1,395,067
Excess and surplus casualty (2)
833,272
816,495
Programs
733,193
699,354
Property, energy, marine and aviation
506,565
517,692
Travel, accident and health
86,135
98,910
Lenders products
56,964
48,946
Other (3)
926,844
882,179
Total net reserves
$
6,034,690
$
5,941,463
(1)Includes professional liability, executive assurance and healthcare business.
(2)Includes casualty and contract binding business.
(3)Includes alternative markets, excess workers’ compensation and surety business.
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the reinsurance segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Reinsurance segment:
Casualty (1)
$
1,937,311
$
1,995,849
Other specialty (2)
942,302
917,178
Property excluding property catastrophe
628,305
594,033
Marine and aviation
201,813
204,205
Property catastrophe
396,878
268,858
Other (3)
116,179
114,825
Total net reserves
$
4,222,788
$
4,094,948
(1)Includes executive assurance, professional liability, workers’ compensation, excess motor, healthcare and other.
(2)Includes non-excess motor, surety, accident and health, workers’ compensation catastrophe, agriculture, trade credit and other.
(3)Includes life, casualty clash and other.
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the mortgage segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
U.S. primary mortgage insurance (1)
$
700,169
$
649,748
Other
265,575
253,875
Total net reserves
$
965,744
$
903,623
(1) At March 31, 2021, 29.1% represents policy years 2011 and prior and the remainder from later policy years. At December 31, 2020 , 28.3% of total net reserves represent policy years 2011 and prior and the remainder from later policy years.
Mortgage Operations Supplemental Information
The mortgage segment’s insurance in force (“IIF”) and risk in force (“RIF”) were as follows at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
(U.S. Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Insurance In Force (IIF) (1):
U.S. primary mortgage insurance
$
276,179
64.7
$
280,579
66.2
Mortgage reinsurance
31,699
7.4
31,220
7.4
Other (2)
119,138
27.9
111,740
26.4
Total
$
427,016
100.0
$
423,539
100.0
Risk In Force (RIF) (3):
U.S. primary mortgage insurance
$
69,234
89.9
$
70,522
90.5
Mortgage reinsurance
2,214
2.9
2,226
2.9
Other (2)
5,573
7.2
5,146
6.6
Total
$
77,021
100.0
$
77,894
100.0
(1)Represents the aggregate dollar amount of each insured mortgage loan’s current principal balance.
(2)Includes GSE credit risk-sharing transactions and international insurance business.
(3)Represents the aggregate dollar amount of each insured mortgage loan’s current principal balance multiplied by the insurance coverage percentage specified in the policy for insurance policies issued and after contract limits and/or loss ratio caps for credit risk-sharing or reinsurance transactions.
The IIF and RIF for our U.S. primary mortgage insurance business by policy year were as follows at March 31, 2021:
(U.S. Dollars in millions)
IIF
RIF
Delinquency
Amount
%
Amount
%
Rate (1)
Policy year:
2011 and prior
$
13,569
4.9
$
3,086
4.5
11.16
%
2012
2,769
1.0
734
1.1
3.17
%
2013
6,522
2.4
1,817
2.6
3.17
%
2014
7,250
2.6
1,993
2.9
3.96
%
2015
12,971
4.7
3,495
5.0
3.64
%
2016
21,354
7.7
5,718
8.3
4.66
%
2017
20,826
7.5
5,413
7.8
5.46
%
2018
22,856
8.3
5,794
8.4
6.98
%
2019
40,743
14.8
10,157
14.7
4.72
%
2020
100,435
36.4
24,460
35.3
0.91
%
2021
26,884
9.7
6,567
9.5
0.03
%
Total
$
276,179
100.0
$
69,234
100.0
3.86
%
(1)Represents the ending percentage of loans in default.
The IIF and RIF for our U.S. primary mortgage insurance business by policy year were as follows at December 31, 2020:
(U.S. Dollars in millions)
IIF
RIF
Delinquency
Amount
%
Amount
%
Rate (1)
Policy year:
2011 and prior
$
14,588
5.2
$
3,327
4.7
11.36
%
2012
3,651
1.3
992
1.4
2.98
%
2013
7,546
2.7
2,107
3.0
3.30
%
2014
8,261
2.9
2,273
3.2
4.06
%
2015
15,032
5.4
4,048
5.7
3.72
%
2016
24,958
8.9
6,648
9.4
4.77
%
2017
24,748
8.8
6,413
9.1
5.52
%
2018
27,304
9.7
6,918
9.8
6.76
%
2019
48,304
17.2
12,001
17.0
4.61
%
2020
106,187
37.8
25,795
36.6
0.76
%
Total
$
280,579
100.0
$
70,522
100.0
4.19
%
(1)Represents the ending percentage of loans in default.
The following tables provide supplemental disclosures on risk in force for our U.S. primary mortgage insurance business at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
(U.S. Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Credit quality (FICO):
>=740
$
40,230
58.1
$
40,774
57.8
680-739
24,006
34.7
24,498
34.7
620-679
4,607
6.7
4,837
6.9
<620
391
0.6
413
0.6
Total
$
69,234
100.0
$
70,522
100.0
Weighted average FICO score
744
743
Loan-to-value (LTV):
95.01% and above
$
8,310
12.0
$
8,643
12.3
90.01% to 95.00%
37,193
53.7
37,877
53.7
85.01% to 90.00%
19,648
28.4
20,013
28.4
85.00% and below
4,083
5.9
3,989
5.7
Total
$
69,234
100.0
$
70,522
100.0
Weighted average LTV
92.8
%
92.8
%
Total RIF, net of external reinsurance
$
55,503
$
56,658
(U.S. Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Amount
%
Amount
%
Total RIF by State:
Texas
$
5,569
8.0
$
5,636
8.0
California
5,343
7.7
5,261
7.5
Florida
3,544
5.1
3,632
5.2
Georgia
2,929
4.2
2,959
4.2
Illinois
2,728
3.9
2,762
3.9
North Carolina
2,610
3.8
2,622
3.7
Virginia
2,458
3.6
2,526
3.6
Minnesota
2,452
3.5
2,520
3.6
Massachusetts
2,434
3.5
2,464
3.5
Washington
2,154
3.1
2,220
3.1
Other
37,013
53.5
37,920
53.8
Total
$
69,234
100.0
$
70,522
100.0
The following table provides supplemental disclosures for our U.S. primary mortgage insurance business related to insured loans and loss metrics:
(U.S. Dollars in thousands, except policy, loan and claim count)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Roll-forward of insured loans in default:
Beginning delinquent number of loans
52,234
20,163
New notices
10,990
9,419
Cures
(16,131)
(10,541)
Paid claims
(179)
(627)
Ending delinquent number of loans (1)
46,914
18,414
Ending number of policies in force (1)
1,214,245
1,293,799
Delinquency rate (1)
3.86
%
1.42
%
Losses:
Number of claims paid
179
627
Total paid claims
$
6,882
$
26,038
Average per claim
$
38.4
$
41.5
Severity (2)
82.0
%
92.8
%
Average case reserve per default (in thousands)
$
15.2
$
14.4
(1)Includes first lien primary and pool policies.
(2)Represents total paid claims divided by RIF of loans for which claims were paid.
The risk to capital ratio, which represents total current (non-delinquent) risk in force, net of reinsurance, divided by total statutory capital, for Arch MI U.S. was approximately 8.7 to 1 at March 31, 2021, compared to 9.3 to 1 at December 31, 2020.
The following table presents the calculation of book value per share:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Total shareholders’ equity available to Arch
$
13,096,472
$
13,105,886
Less preferred shareholders’ equity
780,000
780,000
Common shareholders’ equity available to Arch
$
12,316,472
$
12,325,886
Common shares and common share equivalents outstanding, net of treasury shares (1)
403,313,377
406,720,642
Book value per share
$
30.54
$
30.31
(1)Excludes the effects of 18,608,462 and 17,839,333 stock options and 1,015,055 and 1,153,784 restricted stock units outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
LIQUIDITY
This section does not include information specific to Watford. We do not guarantee or provide credit support for Watford, and our financial exposure to Watford is limited to our investment in Watford’s senior notes, common and preferred shares and counterparty credit risk (mitigated by collateral) arising from reinsurance transactions with Watford.
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to access sufficient cash flows to meet the short-term and long-term cash requirements of our business operations.
Arch Capital is a holding company whose assets primarily consist of the shares in its subsidiaries. Generally, Arch Capital depends on its available cash resources, liquid investments and dividends or other distributions from its subsidiaries to make payments, including the payment of debt service obligations and operating expenses it may incur and any dividends or liquidation amounts with respect to our preferred and common shares.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Arch Capital received dividends of $207.9 million from Arch Re Bermuda, our Bermuda-based reinsurer and insurer, which can pay approximately $3.5 billion to Arch Capital during the remainder of 2021 without providing an affidavit to the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”).
We expect that our liquidity needs, including our anticipated (re)insurance obligations and operating and capital expenditure needs, for the next twelve months, will be met by funds generated from underwriting activities and investment income, as well as by our balance of cash, short-term
investments, proceeds on the sale or maturity of our investments, and our credit facilities.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, excluding amounts related to the ‘other’ segment (i.e., Watford). See note 11, “Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests,” for cash flows related to Watford.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Total cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities
$
755,928
$
585,956
Investing activities
(498,658)
(242,766)
Financing activities
(201,625)
(146,856)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
(3,387)
(23,738)
Increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash
$
52,258
$
172,596
•Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 reflected a higher level of premiums collected than in the 2020 period.
•Cash used for investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was higher than in the 2020 period. Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 reflected our $546.3 million purchase of a 29.5% interest in Coface.
•Cash used for financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was higher than cash used in the 2020 period, reflecting $179.3 million of repurchases under our share repurchase program, compared to $75.5 million of repurchases in the 2020 period.
This section does not include information specific to Watford. We do not guarantee or provide credit support for Watford, and our financial exposure to Watford is limited to our investment in Watford’s senior notes, common and preferred shares and counterparty credit risk (mitigated by collateral) arising from reinsurance transactions with Watford.
The following table provides an analysis of our capital structure:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
Mar 31, 2021
Dec 31, 2020
Senior notes
$
2,723,660
$
2,723,423
Shareholders’ equity available to Arch:
Series E non-cumulative preferred shares
$
450,000
$
450,000
Series F non-cumulative preferred shares
330,000
330,000
Common shareholders’ equity
12,316,472
12,325,886
Total
$
13,096,472
$
13,105,886
Total capital available to Arch
$
15,820,132
$
15,829,309
Debt to total capital (%)
17.2
17.2
Preferred to total capital (%)
4.9
4.9
Debt and preferred to total capital (%)
22.1
22.1
Arch MI U.S. is required to maintain compliance with the GSEs requirements, known as the Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility Requirements or “PMIERs.” The financial requirements require an eligible mortgage insurer’s available assets, which generally include only the most liquid assets of an insurer, to meet or exceed “minimum required assets” as of each quarter end. Minimum required assets are calculated from PMIERs tables with several risk dimensions (including origination year, original loan-to-value and original credit score of performing loans, and the delinquency status of non-performing loans) and are subject to a minimum amount. Arch MI U.S. satisfied the PMIERs’ financial requirements as of March 31, 2021 with an estimated PMIER sufficiency ratio of 190%, compared to 173% at December 31, 2020.
Arch Capital, through its subsidiaries, provides financial support to certain of its insurance subsidiaries and affiliates, through certain reinsurance arrangements beneficial to the ratings of such subsidiaries. Historically, our insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance subsidiaries have entered into separate reinsurance arrangements with Arch Re Bermuda covering individual lines of business. The
reinsurance agreements between our U.S.-based property casualty insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries and Arch Re Bermuda were canceled on a cutoff basis as of January 1, 2018. In 2019, certain reinsurance agreements between our insurance subsidiaries and Arch Re Bermuda were reinstated.
GUARANTOR INFORMATION
The below table provides a description of our senior notes payable at March 31, 2021, excluding amounts attributable to the ‘other’ segment (i.e., Watford):
Interest
Principal
Carrying
Issuer/Due
(Fixed)
Amount
Amount
Arch Capital:
May 1, 2034
7.350
%
$
300,000
$
297,396
June 30, 2050
3.635
%
1,000,000
988,554
Arch-U.S.:
Nov. 1, 2043 (1)
5.144
%
500,000
494,973
Arch Finance:
Dec. 15, 2026 (1)
4.011
%
500,000
497,314
Dec. 15, 2046 (1)
5.031
%
450,000
445,423
Total
$
2,750,000
$
2,723,660
(1)Fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Arch Capital.
Our senior notes were issued by Arch Capital, Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. (“Arch-U.S.”) and Arch Capital Finance LLC (“Arch Finance”). Arch-U.S. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arch Capital and Arch Finance is a wholly-owned finance subsidiary of Arch-U.S. Our 2034 senior notes and 2050 senior notes issued by Arch Capital are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Arch Capital and ranked equally with all of its existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The 2043 senior notes issued by Arch-U.S. are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Arch-U.S. and Arch Capital and rank equally and ratably with the other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Arch-U.S. and Arch Capital. The 2026 senior notes and 2046 senior notes issued by Arch Finance are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Arch Finance and Arch Capital and rank equally and ratably with the other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Arch Finance and Arch Capital.
Arch-U.S. and Arch Finance depend on their available cash resources, liquid investments and dividends or other distributions from their subsidiaries or affiliates to make payments, including the payment of debt service obligations and operating expenses they may incur.
The board of directors of Arch Capital has authorized the investment in Arch Capital’s common shares through a share repurchase program. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Arch Capital repurchased 5.3 million shares under the share repurchase program with an aggregate purchase price of $179.3 million. Since the inception of the share repurchase program through March 31, 2021, Arch Capital has repurchased 394.5 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $4.23 billion. At March 31, 2021, approximately $737.3 million of share repurchases were available under the program, which may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 31, 2021. The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under this program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations.
CATASTROPHIC EVENTS AND SEVERE ECONOMIC EVENTS
We have large aggregate exposures to natural and man-made catastrophic events, pandemic events like COVID-19 and severe economic events. Natural catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, floods, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, tornadoes, explosions, severe winter weather, fires, droughts and other natural disasters. Man-made catastrophic events may include acts of war, acts of terrorism and political instability. Catastrophes can also cause losses in non-property business such as mortgage insurance, workers’ compensation or general liability. In addition to the nature of property business, we believe that economic and geographic trends affecting insured property, including inflation, property value appreciation and geographic concentration, tend to generally increase the size of losses from catastrophic events over time.
Our models employ both proprietary and vendor-based systems and include cross-line correlations for property, marine, offshore energy, aviation, workers compensation and personal accident. We seek to limit the probable maximum pre-tax loss to a specific level for severe catastrophic events. Currently, we seek to limit our 1-in-250 year return period net probable maximum loss from a severe catastrophic event in any geographic zone to approximately 25% of tangible shareholders’ equity available to Arch (total shareholders’ equity available to Arch less goodwill and intangible assets). We reserve the right to change this threshold at any time.
Based on in-force exposure estimated as of April 1, 2021, our modeled peak zone catastrophe exposure was a windstorm affecting the Northeastern U.S., with a net probable maximum pre-tax loss of $778 million, followed by windstorms affecting the Florida Tri-County and the Gulf of
Mexico regions with net probable maximum pre-tax losses of $765 and $702 million, respectively. Our exposures to other perils, such as U.S. earthquake and international events, were less than the exposures arising from U.S. windstorms and hurricanes. As of April 1, 2021, our modeled peak zone earthquake exposure (San Francisco earthquake) represented approximately 76% of our peak zone catastrophe exposure, and our modeled peak zone international exposure (UK windstorm) was substantially less than both our peak zone windstorm and earthquake exposures.
Effective January 1, 2021, our insurance operations had in effect a reinsurance program which provided coverage for certain property-catastrophe related losses equal to $276 million in excess of various retentions per occurrence.
We also have significant exposure to losses due to mortgage defaults resulting from severe economic events in the future. For our U.S. mortgage insurance business, we have developed a proprietary risk model (“Realistic Disaster Scenario” or “RDS”) that simulates the maximum loss resulting from a severe economic downturn impacting the housing market. The RDS models the collective impact of adverse conditions for key economic indicators, the most significant of which is a decline in home prices. The RDS model projects paths of future home prices, unemployment rates, income levels and interest rates and assumes correlation across states and geographic regions. The resulting future performance of our in-force portfolio is then estimated under the economic stress scenario, reflecting loan and borrower information.
Currently, we seek to limit our modeled RDS loss from a severe economic event to approximately 25% of tangible shareholders’ equity available to Arch. We reserve the right to change this threshold at any time. Based on in-force exposure estimated as of April 1, 2021, our modeled RDS loss was approximately 6% of tangible shareholders’ equity available to Arch.
Net probable maximum loss estimates are net of expected reinsurance recoveries, before income tax and before excess reinsurance reinstatement premiums. RDS loss estimates are net of expected reinsurance recoveries and before income tax. Catastrophe loss estimates are reflective of the zone indicated and not the entire portfolio. Since hurricanes and windstorms can affect more than one zone and make multiple landfalls, our catastrophe loss estimates include clash estimates from other zones. Our catastrophe loss estimates and RDS loss estimates do not represent our maximum exposures and it is highly likely that our actual incurred losses would vary materially from the modeled estimates. There can be no assurances that we will not suffer pre-tax losses greater than 25% of our tangible shareholders’ equity from one or more catastrophic events or severe economic events due to several factors. These factors include the inherent uncertainties in
estimating the frequency and severity of such events and the margin of error in making such determinations resulting from potential inaccuracies and inadequacies in the data provided by clients and brokers, the modeling techniques and the application of such techniques or as a result of a decision to change the percentage of shareholders' equity exposed to a single catastrophic event or severe economic event. In addition, actual losses may increase if our reinsurers fail to meet their obligations to us or the reinsurance protections purchased by us are exhausted or are otherwise unavailable. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Industry” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Catastrophic Events and Severe Economic Events” in our 2020 Form 10-K.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Off-balance sheet arrangements are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2020 Form 10-K.
MARKET SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
In accordance with the SEC’s Financial Reporting Release No. 48, we performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market risk exposures could have on the future earnings, fair values or cash flows of our financial instruments as of March 31, 2021. Market risk represents the risk of changes in the fair value of a financial instrument and is comprised of several components, including liquidity, basis and price risks. We have not included Watford in the following analyses as we do not guarantee or provide credit support for Watford, and our financial exposure to Watford is limited to our investment in Watford’s senior notes, common and preferred shares and counterparty credit risk (mitigated by collateral) arising from reinsurance transactions.
An analysis of material changes in market risk exposures at March 31, 2021 that affect the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented in our 2020 Form 10-K (see section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management”) were as follows:
Investment Market Risk
Fixed Income Securities. We invest in interest rate sensitive securities, primarily debt securities. We consider the effect of interest rate movements on the fair value of our fixed maturities, fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements, short-term investments and certain of our other investments, equity securities and investment funds
accounted for using the equity method which invest in fixed income securities (collectively, “Fixed Income Securities”) and the corresponding change in unrealized appreciation. As interest rates rise, the fair value of our Fixed Income Securities falls, and the converse is also true. Based on historical observations, there is a low probability that all interest rate yield curves would shift in the same direction at the same time. Furthermore, at times interest rate movements in certain credit sectors exhibit a much lower correlation to changes in U.S. Treasury yields. Accordingly, the actual effect of interest rate movements may differ materially from the amounts set forth in the following tables.
The following table summarizes the effect that an immediate, parallel shift in the interest rate yield curve would have had on our Fixed Income Securities:
(U.S. dollars in billions)
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
-100
-50
—
+50
+100
Mar 31, 2021
Total fair value
$
24.99
$
24.68
$
24.36
$
24.04
$
23.73
Change from base
2.6
%
1.3
%
(1.3)
%
(2.6)
%
Change in unrealized value
$
0.63
$
0.32
$
(0.32)
$
(0.63)
Dec 31, 2020
Total fair value
$
25.82
$
25.44
$
25.07
$
24.69
$
24.31
Change from base
3.0
%
1.5
%
(1.5)
%
(3.0)
%
Change in unrealized value
$
0.75
$
0.38
$
(0.38)
$
(0.75)
In addition, we consider the effect of credit spread movements on the market value of our Fixed Income Securities and the corresponding change in unrealized value. As credit spreads widen, the fair value of our Fixed Income Securities falls, and the converse is also true. In periods where the spreads on our Fixed Income Securities are much higher than their historical average due to short-term market dislocations, a parallel shift in credit spread levels would result in a much more pronounced change in unrealized value.
The following table summarizes the effect that an immediate, parallel shift in credit spreads in a static interest rate environment would have had on our Fixed Income Securities:
(U.S. dollars in billions)
Credit Spread Shift in Percentage Points
-100
-50
—
+50
+100
Mar 31, 2021
Total fair value
$
24.87
$
24.61
$
24.36
$
24.12
$
23.85
Change from base
2.1
%
1.0
%
(1.0)
%
(2.1)
%
Change in unrealized value
$
0.51
$
0.24
$
(0.24)
$
(0.51)
Dec 31, 2020
Total fair value
$
25.54
$
25.32
$
25.07
$
24.82
$
24.59
Change from base
1.9
%
1.0
%
(1.0)
%
(1.9)
%
Change in unrealized value
$
0.48
$
0.25
$
(0.25)
$
(0.48)
Another method that attempts to measure portfolio risk is Value-at-Risk (“VaR”). VaR measures the worst expected loss under normal market conditions over a specific time interval at a given confidence level. The 1-year 95th percentile parametric VaR reported herein estimates that 95% of the time, the portfolio loss in a one-year horizon would be less than or equal to the calculated number, stated as a percentage of the measured portfolio’s initial value. The VaR is a variance-covariance based estimate, based on linear sensitivities of a portfolio to a broad set of systematic market risk factors and idiosyncratic risk factors mapped to the portfolio exposures. The relationships between the risk factors are estimated using historical data, and the most recent data points are generally given more weight. As of March 31, 2021, our portfolio’s VaR was estimated to be 3.9% compared to an estimated 4.3% at December 31, 2020. In periods where the volatility of the risk factors mapped to our portfolio’s exposures is higher due to market conditions, the resulting VaR is higher than in other periods.
Equity Securities. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of our investments in equity securities (excluding securities included in Fixed Income Securities above) totaled $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. These investments are exposed to price risk, which is the potential loss arising from decreases in fair value. An immediate hypothetical 10% decline in the value of each position would reduce the fair value of such investments by approximately $127.1 million and $109.5 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and would have decreased book value per share by approximately $0.32 and $0.27, respectively. An immediate hypothetical 10% increase in the value of each position would increase the fair value of such investments by approximately $127.1 million and $109.5 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and would have increased book value per share by approximately $0.32 and $0.27, respectively.
Investment-Related Derivatives. At March 31, 2021, the notional value of all derivative instruments (excluding to-be-announced mortgage backed securities which are included in the fixed income securities analysis above and foreign currency forward contracts which are included in the foreign currency exchange risk analysis below) was $13.1 billion, compared to $8.6 billion at December 31, 2020. If the underlying exposure of each investment-related derivative held at March 31, 2021 depreciated by 100 basis points, it would have resulted in a reduction in net income of approximately $131.4 million, and a decrease in book value per share of approximately $0.33 per share, compared to $85.7 million and $0.21 per share, respectively, on investment-related derivatives held at December 31, 2020. If the underlying exposure of each investment-related derivative held at March 31, 2021 appreciated by 100 basis points, it would have resulted in an increase in net income of approximately $131.4 million, and an increase in book value per share of approximately $0.33 per share, compared to $85.7 million and $0.21 per share, respectively, on investment-related derivatives held at December 31, 2020. See note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures concerning derivatives.
For further discussion on investment activity, please refer to “Financial Condition—Investable Assets.”
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Foreign currency rate risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Through our subsidiaries and branches located in various foreign countries, we conduct our insurance and reinsurance operations in a variety of local currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. We generally hold investments in foreign currencies which are intended to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in our net insurance liabilities. We may also utilize foreign currency forward contracts and currency options as part of our investment strategy. See note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
The following table provides a summary of our net foreign currency exchange exposures, as well as foreign currency derivatives in place to manage these exposures:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
March 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Net assets (liabilities), denominated in foreign currencies, excluding shareholders’ equity and derivatives
$
(30,221)
$
(309,968)
Shareholders’ equity denominated in foreign currencies (1)
704,173
695,355
Net foreign currency forward contracts outstanding (2)
477,734
1,108,161
Net exposures denominated in foreign currencies
$
1,151,686
$
1,493,548
Pre-tax impact of a hypothetical 10% appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies:
Shareholders’ equity
$
(115,169)
$
(149,355)
Book value per share
$
(0.29)
$
(0.37)
Pre-tax impact of a hypothetical 10% decline of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies:
Shareholders’ equity
$
115,169
$
149,355
Book value per share
$
0.29
$
0.37
(1) Represents capital contributions held in the foreign currencies of our operating units.
(2) Represents the net notional value of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts.
Although we generally attempt to match the currency of our projected liabilities with investments in the same currencies, from time to time we may elect to over or underweight one or more currencies, which could increase our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and increase the volatility of our shareholders’ equity. Historical observations indicate a low probability that all foreign currency exchange rates would shift against the U.S. Dollar in the same direction and at the same time and, accordingly, the actual effect of foreign currency rate movements may differ materially from the amounts set forth above. For further discussion on foreign exchange activity, please refer to “Results of Operations.”
Effects of Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, except insofar as inflation may affect our reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses and interest rates. The potential exists, after a catastrophe loss or pandemic events like COVID-19, for the development of inflationary pressures in a local economy. The anticipated effects of inflation on us are considered in our catastrophe loss models. The actual effects of inflation on our results cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled.
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021 have been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the registrant's independent public accountants, whose report is included as an exhibit to this filing. The report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for their report on the unaudited financial information because that report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Reference is made to the information appearing above under the subheading “Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In connection with the filing of this Form 10-Q, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to applicable Exchange Act Rules as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of and during the period covered by this report with respect to information being recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and with respect to timely communication to them and other members of management responsible for preparing periodic reports of all material information required to be disclosed in this report as it relates to Arch Capital and its consolidated subsidiaries.
We continue to enhance our operating procedures and internal controls to effectively support our business and our
regulatory and reporting requirements. Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. As a result of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by collusion of two or more people. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. As a result of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatement due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the disclosure controls and procedures are met.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting. We have not experienced any material impact to our internal controls over financial reporting despite the fact that most of our employees are working remotely due to the COVID-19. We are continually monitoring and assessing COVID-19 situation on our internal controls to minimize the impact on their design and operating effectiveness.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We, in common with the insurance industry in general, are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of our business. As of March 31, 2021, we were not a party to any litigation or arbitration which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table summarizes our purchases of common shares for the 2021 first quarter:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs (2)
1/1/2021 - 1/31/2021
714,177
$
32.50
—
$
893,591
2/1/2021 - 2/28/2021
4,107,493
33.81
—
$
761,583
3/1/2021 - 3/31/2021
811,162
35.73
—
$
737,262
Total
5,632,832
$
33.92
—
(1)Represents repurchases by Arch Capital of shares, from time to time, from employees in order to facilitate the payment of withholding taxes on restricted shares granted and the exercise of stock appreciation rights. We purchased these shares at their fair value, as determined by reference to the closing price of our common shares on the day the restricted shares vested or the stock appreciation rights were exercised.
(2)Remaining amount available at March 31, 2021 under Arch Capital’s share repurchase authorization, under which repurchases may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 31, 2021.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
In accordance with Section 10a(i)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we are responsible for disclosing non-audit services to be provided by our independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which are approved by the Audit Committee of our board of directors. During the 2021 first quarter, the Audit Committee approved engagements of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for permitted non-audit services, which consisted of tax consulting services, tax compliance services and other accounting consulting services.
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.
